Ms. Danna Johnson

🎉 Welcome to the 2025–26 School Year! 🎉

We’re so excited to kick off another amazing year at Mary F. Williams Elementary School (MWES)—our 22nd year of learning, growing, and Panther Cub pride! Since opening in 2004, MWES has been a place where students are nurtured, challenged, and celebrated. I’m thrilled to continue serving as the fourth principal of this incredible school community!

This year, we’re going Back to Basics—focusing on the core skills that help students thrive. Aligned with the Prince William County Public Schools’ Strategic Plan, Vision 2025, our goal is to make sure every Panther Cub is on track to graduate on time, ready to take on the world with confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose.

We’re proud to support the four commitments of the Strategic Plan:

• 🧠 Learning and Achievement for All
• 💙 Positive Climate and Culture
• 🤝 Family and Community Engagement
• 🔗 Organizational Coherence

Our classrooms will be buzzing with foundational learning in reading, writing, phonics, comprehension, and math. Students will dive into hands-on science using the 5E model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate—and build civic knowledge through Social Studies. We’re all about sparking curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and helping students express themselves clearly and confidently.

I’m joined by an amazing team, including Assistant Principal Heather Ultsch and our new Administrative Intern Geronda Gillens, along with our dedicated support staff and instructional team. Together, we’re committed to educating the whole child and making MWES a place where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired.

🎖️ We’re also proud to be a two-time Virginia Purple Star School, recognized for our strong support of military-connected students and families.

A Little About Me:
My journey in education started over 30 years ago in Washington, D.C., and I’ve taught grades 1–5 in DC, NC, and VA. I joined PWCS in 2006 and moved into administration in 2015. Since 2018, I’ve had the honor of leading MWES—and it’s truly been the highlight of my career!

I believe in educational equity, the power of relationships, and the magic that happens when students and families are engaged in learning. As Dr. James Comer said, “No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship.” I also love how technology can make learning more personalized, interactive, and fun!

On a Personal Note:
I’m a proud mom of two—my 27-year-old son lives in Brooklyn, NY, and my 24-year-old daughter teaches 3rd grade right here in PWCS! I also have a 37-year-old bonus daughter and son-in-law, and six amazing grand-girls (ages 9, 8, 6, and 1), including two sets of twins! They live in Georgia and bring so much joy to our family.

Our entire MWES team is here for YOU. If you ever need anything, please reach out—we’re here to help and excited to partner with you. Let’s make this year unforgettable!

We are #MWESExcellentTogether—and we can’t wait to help your child launch their thriving future at MWES! 🚀

📱 Stay connected with us on social media for updates and celebrations:

Facebook: Mary Williams ES

Hashtags: #MWESExcellentTogether #5Dens1Pride