Bel Air Principal Heather Skopak Cited As Local Hero: Here’s Why

BEL AIR, MD — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Gracemarie Garlen who nominated Heather Skopak of Bel Air.

Local hero’s full name

Heather Skopak

Local hero’s home state

Maryland

Local hero’s Patch

Bel Air

How do you know the local hero?

She is the principal of my child's school

What does the local hero do?

Elementary school principal

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Ms. Skopak goes above and beyond for her students, families and staff members every day. She cares so much about our school community; her leadership has been pivotal during the pandemic and today. I can personally say that the way she brought our school community together during the hardest of times when schools were closed is what got my family through those tough days. She held virtual spirit events that made kids feel more connected and she made sure to check in on everyone no matter how many hours in a week it took. Now that school is back in session, she has continued to carry us on her shoulders, working tirelessly to meet each family's needs with her primary focus on mental health and helping kids to catch up on skills that they lost during the pandemic. She seeks out every opportunity to get her families the help and support that they need while wearing a smile that puts everyone at ease. Ms. Skopak often says what a proud principal she is, but I think I speak for many when I say that we are so proud to have her leading our school community every day.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

Heather Skopak is such a positive and upbeat person. That type of attitude is contagious in the school setting and it is exactly what kids need to see right now. She communicates with parents regularly with a weekly phone call and email. We get to see all of the fun that the kids are having at school through the pictures that she shares on her school Instagram page. She supports all of the school's PTA events and gets so excited to invite families to these events and connect with them outside of school hours. Ms. Skopak is also is very approachable with an unassuming presence. My kids look forward to sharing stories with her and parents feel comfortable coming to her with their worries, concerns and suggestions because they know that she will take interest and find a solution in a nonjudgmental way. It is not uncommon to get an email reply from her over the weekend or later in the evening. She even makes time to visit classrooms to congratulate kids on their latest achievements or to play games with the class. She has implemented several initiatives this school year that focus on positive reinforcement using tickets and rewards to recognize students for making good choices and trying their best. I have also seen the way she values and empowers her staff members, taking every opportunity to thank them and support them that she can from teacher luncheons to staff shoutouts. Parents and staff members often tell me how lucky feel to have a principal who put student safety and well being first and who know how to reprioritize as new situations arise. Through all of this, no matter how much is on her plate at one time, she will always make time for you and gives you her full attention.

Thank you for all you do, Heather Skopak!

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