Principal Badia's dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment has not gone unnoticed. Her innovative approach to education, coupled with a genuine passion for student success, has set her apart as a true leader in the field. This award not only acknowledges her outstanding efforts but also reflects the collective achievements of our entire school community.

Annandale Terrace has a diverse student life and community with over 20 different languages spoken in our school. Leading a diverse school can have many challenges, including language barriers. However, Principal Badia has taken on this challenge with enthusiasm.  Laura Hibdon, an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher, had this to say of Principal Badia, “Ms. Badia's commitment to ATES comes from her heart. Ms. Badia has shared that ATES is a very special place to her. Having grown up in Puerto Rico and identifying as bilingual and bicultural, she sees a reflection of her younger self in our students. She views bilingual and bicultural skills as a gift, and wants the same positive representation and validation of those traits for our students. For this reason, being a principal is not a job, it is a mission. She seeks to empower students through a solid educational foundation and promotes equity and inclusion to all children and staff. She works tirelessly to find strategies to support the academic and social learning of all students regardless of their backgrounds or needs.”

Among other challenges principals across the nation have been dealt with is the growing shortage of substitutes. Principal Badia came up with creative solutions for Annandale Terrace. ESOL teacher, Jennifer Tran wrote for her reference letter, “When the substitute shortage was causing specialists to be pulled from their roles, she rolled up her sleeves to think of creative ways for class coverage, even covering them herself from time to time. Ms. Badia makes herself visible to students and staff, always walking the hallways and popping into rooms, just to say ‘Hi.’”

Even with all of the challenges that come with being a leader, Principal Badia has demonstrated her incredible qualities and gifts, including the most valuable of all, patience. 

“Ms. Badia also possesses the most important quality that I look for in a leader.  She is even-keeled, a duck on the water.  No matter what is happening under the surface and how hard her feet are charging she is smooth on the surface.  She shields the stress she experiences as an administrator from her students, staff, and families.  I have seen her on more than one occasion move from handling a crisis to switching gears to lead a meeting of instructional leaders.  As a staff, we do not have to worry about catching Ms. Badia at a bad time, she always waves you into her office with a smile on her face,” Instructional Coach Lauren Blackburn writes. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Principal Ingrid Badia for this well-deserved honor. Under her guidance, Annandale Terrace Elementary School continues to thrive as a hub of learning and growth. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and inspiring leader at the helm.

As we celebrate this achievement, let us take a moment to appreciate the positive impact Principal Badia has had on our students, staff, and families. Her vision for excellence and commitment to creating a nurturing educational environment have undoubtedly contributed to the success of our school.

Join us in congratulating Principal Ingrid Badia on this outstanding accomplishment. We look forward to celebrating Principal Ingrid Badia along with 5 other Outstanding Principal Region winners in FCPS Honors Ceremony in June 2024 where a finalist winner will be chosen as 2024 FCPS Outstanding Principal. Here's to a bright future for Annandale Terrace Elementary School!