Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
Today, get to know Abigail Martinez, the new principal of Lake Ridge Elementary in Woodbridge. Martinez has been an educator for nearly 20 years and recently served as The Nokesville School's assistant principal for two years.
Why Prince William County, and why Lake Ridge Elementary?Â
How will you bring your experience as [specific experiences here] to your new role as principal in PWCS?ÂPrince William County Public Schools has an excellent Strategic Plan, and the mission, vision, and core values resonate with me and motivate me as an educator. I am proud to be joining the wonderful community of Lake Ridge Elementary with amazing students, a dedicated staff and engaged families. We believe in each other and cheer each other on at Lake Ridge Elementary. Everyone I have met has been so welcoming, not just to me, but to all the new staff members joining us this year.
I have proudly served as a school administrator for 11 years, including time in another division, and most recently as an assistant principal at The Nokesville School in PWCS. I am also a speech-language pathologist who has served students with disabilities, while collaborating with their classroom teachers. I believe every child deserves a champion, and I love leading and working with a team of educators who feel the same way. We are all here to help kids reach their thriving futures!Are there any initiatives you hope to implement in your first year?
My leadership vision for Lake Ridge Elementary this year is: We will serve children, faculty, staff, families and the community by leading a safe and high-achieving school. We will bring a passion for serving in education, strong positive leadership, vision, strong relationships, work ethic, clear communication, humor and compassion. We will foster a strong sense of team and belonging in our school, and we won’t forget to have fun together!
Recent Stories
A strong cold front moving into the region on Tuesday is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for flooding and damaging winds during the afternoon and evening hours.
The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is expanding the impact of its summer musical Next to Normal with a special speaker series designed to connect the themes of the show to real-life mental health experiences in the Fredericksburg region.
All lanes on Sudley Road are back open following an overhead communications wire issue that forced a full road closure earlier today.
Signal Bay Waterpark will now open on Thursday, July 11, city officials announced Friday, marking the latest delay in the park’s summer season.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
