Principal's Page
Dear Brookhaven Elementary School Students, Families, and Community Partners:
Since 2017, I have had the privilege to be the Principal of Brookhaven Elementary School, THE GREATEST SCHOOL in MCPS. Prior to that, I served as the assistant principal here for 4 years. Brookhaven has become my second home and this community has become family.
In addition to being an assistant principal here at Brookhaven ES, I have held a variety of positions in MCPS, since my start in 2000. I have been a team leader as a fourth grade teacher and fifth grade teacher, taught a year of third grade, been a math content coach, a technology trainer for MCPS staff, and student mentor program director.
As principal, my mission is to create a school environment where every student can receive a rigorous, engaging and high-quality educational experience, where families feel confident that their children are in the best hands, and where every teacher is equipped with the tools and support to provide students with a strong, rich and rewarding learning experience that will result in their academic success. As an anti-racist leader, I will also strive to make sure no student, family member, or staff member is mistreated or at a disadvantage, as a result of who they are.
On a personal note, I am originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and am the son of a high school principal (my mother). In my spare time, I enjoy golfing, trying new foods, and traveling. I am married to my amazing wife Berna and share the joy in raising our 4 children. As a parent, I recognize the importance of a strong home/school connection. Parents and guardians are every child’s first teacher. I believe that if we partner together, we will build a positive parent-teacher relationship that contributes to your child’s academic, social, and emotional needs being met in their school learning community.
The success of each child will always be Brookhaven’s main priority under my leadership. This success can only be achieved through a collaborative environment. The strong foundation of excellence that exists at Brookhaven Elementary School is one that I know first-hand and one that I consider a great privilege to be trusted to build upon.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Brookhaven Bobcats family in this capacity. I encourage you to stop in and introduce yourself, as my door is always open and I am here to support you in any way possible.
Sincerely,
Xavier Kimber
Principal
Assistant Principal
Dear Brookhaven Community, Students, and Staff
It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the assistant principal of Brookhaven Elementary School. I am thrilled to join the Brookhaven family and look forward to working with staff and families to provide each and every student with a high-quality educational experience that promotes strong academic and social-emotional outcomes. I firmly believe in Brookhaven’s vision and mission as they directly align with my own core values: to lead with courage, cultivate collaboration, and prioritize learning. These core values will guide my work in ensuring our community of learners are supported in a safe and affirming environment where the strength of our diversity is valued.
My professional background includes experience as an elementary classroom teacher, math focus teacher, staff development teacher, and the last five years as an assistant principal of another Title I school in our cluster. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education, master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and two graduate certificates in Equity and Excellence in Education and Bilingual Special Education. While all of these experiences have prepared me to serve our community, as a lifelong learner, I am committed to engage in continued opportunities for professional growth.
On a personal note, I grew up very close to Brookhaven and my love for this community has brought me back to raise my own children. I live in Rockville with my husband of 15 years, our two children Sean (12) and Olivia (11), and my mother. As a family, we enjoy visiting national and state parks, spending time at the beach, and playing with our pets (dog, cockatiel, and chickens).
Please feel free to reach out, stop by, or say hello! I look forward to serving Brookhaven ES as your assistant principal!
Denise J. Fleet