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Dear Parents and Guardians:
Per the message below, I have accepted a promotion to Executive Principal in Region 1. Serving as Principal of Westfield High School is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs of my life. The work we have done in the school and community has given me the opportunity to lead, collaborate, and help others grow and develop. I am truly thankful for the support you have shown me throughout my principalship, and I will miss this engaged and committed community and the work we have done and continue to do to make Westfield a great place for our students to learn.
I have committed to remaining principal of Westfield High School through the selection process for a new school leader. I will share more personal thoughts and reflections of my time as principal before I transition to my new role in FCPS; nevertheless, please know I will be as committed to Westfield over the next several weeks as I have been for the past five years.
Stay healthy; be safe; GO BULLDOGS!
Anthony E. Copeland, PhD
Principal
Sent on Behalf of Douglas A. Tyson, Assistant Superintendent, Region 1
It gives me great pleasure to announce that Dr. Anthony Copeland has been selected to serve as the new Executive Principal for Region 1. He is currently the Principal at Westfield High School.
We are thrilled that Dr. Copeland will bring his skillset, knowledge, and expertise to the Region 1 community of learners. The new principal search process for Westfield High School will begin very soon. Dr. Copeland loves and respects the Westfield community and has graciously consented to remain in his post until his successor is selected. At the same time, Dr. Copeland is eager and excited to begin working alongside the leaders in Region 1 and thus will begin his transition to Region 1 on January 25, 2021.
After retiring with 20 years of service in the U.S. Army, Dr. Copeland has dedicated himself to education. He is a leader known for his positive practices and influence. He has served as a mentor-coach who has facilitated the career advancement of several K-12 aspiring leaders in FCPS. He is especially supportive of school leaders in the largest FCPS pyramid (Westfield), which includes eight elementary schools.
Dr. Copeland values building relationships with teachers, parents, and students as well as other community stakeholders. He is a collaborative instructional leader who led initiatives to improve instruction and student achievement. He is a strategic organizer who has implemented programs to support student growth and promote a more inclusive culture.
As Principal of Westfield High School, Dr. Copeland launched the AVID program, which led to an increase in student enrollment in advanced academic courses, improved student achievement, and resulted in more than one million dollars in scholarships being awarded to students in 2020. Under his leadership, chronic absenteeism rates declined, and mathematics achievement increased, which eliminated all cautionary areas of school accreditation.
Dr. Copeland initiated a girls group (GRACE) and revamped two other student support programs (Young Men’s Leadership Group and HACE) which led to improved student achievement outcomes, decreased student discipline incidents, and an increase in students pursuing a college education.
Dr. Copeland increased the number of business partnerships for the school. He conceived and initiated the Westfield Cares program. It is a collaborative effort with the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, Westfield Business Owners Association, Westfields Marriott, PTSA, and other business partners that helps more than 200 high school students learn the about the dangers of substance abuse and promotes support for those with mental health issues.
Dr. Copeland refocused the Westfield SGA on leadership, leadership development, and community service within the school community. He supported and promoted Westfield Live – a YouTube based school news program and increased community outreach. He successfully used Twitter as a means of sharing information about school events, teams, clubs, and celebrating school successes.
Dr. Copeland began his career in Fairfax County Public Schools as a sub school principal at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Dr. Copeland began his career in education in Stafford County Public Schools, where he worked as math teacher. He was quickly promoted to assistant principal.
Dr. Copeland earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He earned a Master of Education from Old Dominion University and a doctorate from the College of William and Mary.
Please join in welcoming Dr. Copeland to Region 1 where he will join our team of exceptional administrators and school leaders.
Douglas A. Tyson
Assistant Superintendent
Region 1
Pilar Oishi
Executive Administrative Assistant to the
Assistant Superintendent of Region 1
Fairfax County Public Schools
8115 Gatehouse Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
571-423-1110
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