ADMINISTRATION

Ryan T. Graves, Principal
About Mr. Graves

I am excited to lead Carderock Springs Elementary School, a 2004 National Blue Ribbon School, with a history of outstanding student achievement. I look forward to working with a strong instructional staff and active parent community to support the engagement and achievement of all Carderock Springs’ students. 

Over the past nineteen years, I have served as an elementary school teacher, team leader, staff development teacher, assistant school administrator, assistant principal, and most recently as a principal intern. It was these experiences and those of my own educational journey that taught me the importance of opportunity, integrity, and persistence. I look forward to bringing the knowledge gained from these experiences to the students, staff, and parents/ caregivers of Carderock Springs to ensure everyone is provided opportunities for success, acts with integrity, and persists in all that we do! 

On a personal note, my wife Julie, an elementary school teacher in MCPS, and I have two wonderful daughters, Autumn and Ivy. As a family we love school, athletics, music, playing roblox, getting outdoors, and visiting with friends and family.

If I can ever be of support for any questions or concerns, please reach me at 240-740-0540 or by email at ryan_graves@mcpsmd.org

Education

Master of Science in Educational Leadership, Hood College
Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education, Frostburg State University

Work History

Principal - Carderock Springs Elementary School, MCPS
Principal Intern - Poolesville High School, MCPS
Assistant Principal - Watkins Mill High School, MCPS
Assistant School Administrator - Newport Mill Middle School, MCPS
Staff Development Teacher - Fields Road Elementary School, MCPS
Physical Education Teacher - Fields Road Elementary School, MCPS
Physical Education Teacher - Harmony Hills Elementary School, MCPS
Physical Education Teacher - Ashburton Elementary School, MCPS
Physical Education Teacher - Maryvale Elementary School, MCPS
Physical Education Teacher - Westbrook Elementary School, MCPS

Curt Cairns, Assistant School Administrator
About Mr. Cairns

I am bubbling with excitement to serve the community of Carderock Springs Elementary School as the new Assistant School Administrator. It’s a privilege to be a part of leading a school with such a rich history of academic excellence, family engagement, and a dedicated staff committed to the

achievement of all students. As one of your administrators, my goal is to support and elevate the top-quality education of our scholars by creating a warm, welcoming and safe environment. This is done by remaining mindful of all children, parents & staff, being an anti-racist instructional leader, and showing the Carderock Community that I care about them and their well-being everyday.

This marks my 25th year in education. My journey began in Montgomery County Public Schools at a little school named Rock Creek Valley Elementary where I taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students with a focus on Mathematics until 2013. I then moved to Wood Middle School, where I taught 6th and 8th grade mathematics and decided to pursue my masters of administration and supervision at Hood College. During that time, I moved into curriculum support roles as a math content coach, and most recently as a Staff Development Teacher at Garrett Park Elementary School. My wife and I share three amazing children, ages 22, 19, 16 and two adorable kitties.

Community, equity, fun, and relationships are at the core of my leadership beliefs, and I look forward to meeting and collaborating with all stakeholders.  I am honored to be a part of the Carderock family. 

Sincerely,
Curt Cairns