Woodgrove welcomed a new Assistant Principal, Mr. Mathew Swartz, in late February after Mr. Timothy Panogos’ retirement. Swartz now rounds out the administrative team and joins the ranks of Woodgrove leadership that includes principal, Dr. William Shipp and assistant principals, Mrs. Christina Thompson and Mrs. Ebony Jackson. This is the second year in a row that Woodgrove completed the search for an assistant principal, with Jackson joining the staff at the beginning of the 2022 – 2023 school year. 

Swartz has almost two decades of administrative and teaching experience in Loudoun County. The 18 years of experience consist of being a grade-level dean at Harper Park Middle School, assistant principal at Mercer Middle School, and history teacher at both Heritage High School and Riverside High School. Swartz attended James Madison University and received his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary social studies and a masters in education. Additionally, he received an endorsement from George Washington University in K-12 administration. 

Swartz has been involved in the Woodgrove community since its opening in 2010. He was the school’s first freshman basketball coach and has lived in the area. Swartz explained, “I am most excited about joining a school community that I am a part of outside of school.” He currently lives in Round Hill and is eager to become further involved in the community. 

With the new addition, the responsibilities and duties of the assistant principal have shifted. Swartz will now be responsible for students with last names Gre-O.  He will also oversee the Social Sciences, Health and PE, World Languages and Cultures, English Language Learners, and Science departments. Swartz will now be the assistant principal who leads emergency and safety drills, parking, staff duty assignments, as well as supporting the custodial staff and athletic department. Duties are divided equally between assistant principals to help Woodgrove run efficiently. 

While Panagos will be greatly missed and will alway be part of the Wolverine family, Swartz is eager to find his place at Woodgrove. Be on the lookout for him and make sure to introduce yourself as you see him in the hallways, cafeteria, and office to help him settle into his role as Woodgrove’s newest assistant principal.