Firmly grounded in our Catholic heritage, we help all achieve personal excellence in spirit, mind, and body. Following the example of Christ, we respect the dignity of each person. We inspire lifelong learning in a loving, secure Catholic community.

Principal's Message

It is my honor to welcome you to St. Mary of the Mills. Our school is such a special place.  At St. Mary of the Mills, we work to communicate the truth of God’s love to our students.  We believe that it is our duty to craft instruction that allows students to achieve goals which they may have thought were beyond their grasp. We recognize that Christ did not use a “one size fits all” approach to His ministry.  He met people where they were: at a well, in a tree, and even in the grave.  At St. Mary of the Mills, Christ is our model teacher; His example is taken literally.  We truly live the words of our mission statement and strive to reflect God’s love in all we do.  This year, we are excited to continue to focus on voice and choice for our students as we enter our first year as a STEM certified school.  As principal, I am committed to providing consistent and compassionate leadership, while ensuring academic excellence.  St. Mary’s is my home.  The teachers, students, and parishioners are my family. 

I look forward to welcoming you in person.  In the meantime, we remain focused on inspiring lifelong learning in a loving, secure Catholic community.  

In His service,

Ms. Castaneda

Ms. Jennifer Castaneda - Principal

Greetings St. Mary of the Mills Community!

I am excited to be back and to be a part of an amazing school community! It is an honor to be your principal. For the past 12 years, I have accompanied middle schoolers and more recently, high schoolers on their journeys toward intellectual and personal development. I began this path after I completed my Bachelor's Degree in English and Literature from the University of Maryland, College Park and joined the St. Mary of the Mills school in 2008 working with students, teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and families to support the academic goals of students, and it’s here I feel I found my vocation. During my six years at St. Mary's as the Middle School Language Arts teacher, I developed a passion for working with students who were struggling with reading. I was blessed to have been a part of a strong and dedicated middle school team--and, of course, my former students themselves-- who shaped me to become the educator I am today. 

In 2014, I accepted a new teaching opportunity at a high school. I transitioned to Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School, Takoma Park to become the freshmen English teacher and later became the English Department Chair. When I wasn't in the classroom, in the Academic Support program, or supporting my colleagues, you could find me working with the Latin Dance Club teaching and choreographing Latin dances such as Merengue, Bachata and Salsa to students after school. In May 2017, I obtained my Master's of Education in Reading Specialist from Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD. Later in 2017, I received the Veteran Teacher of the Year Award recognized through the Archdiocese of Washington High School Principals Association. 

During the summer of 2018, a group of 10 students, and two colleagues and I had the privilege to visit Puerto Rico on a mission trip after the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Here we spent an entire week helping rebuild homes and visiting families who were crippled by the emotional damage. Also in 2018, I was fortunate to be given an opportunity to move into an administration position. I became the Assistant Principal of Student Life. I quickly learned the various responsibilities I had to take on from overseeing attendance and discipline, coordinating emergency preparedness plans, supporting teachers in establishing procedures that promote good order in the classroom with the Dean of Academics, arranging special functions and celebrations including spirit week, homecoming, prom, and graduation and overseeing extracurricular activities including clubs, field trips, and fundraisers. In May of 2020, I obtained my Post-Master's Certification in Administration & Supervision from Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore, MD. 

Despite the various hats I have worn throughout my teaching, leadership, and school accomplishments, I believe that teaching is not only conveying knowledge, but also providing resources and encouragement to empower students to be the best versions of themselves both in and out of the classroom. During the pandemic, I worked closely with the Counseling team to promote wellness for students and staff. It has been my mission to support students from the sidelines and to remind them even through challenging times, not to give up. We are in this together. 

Know of my prayers for our St. Mary's community as we continue to navigate these challenging times and help make the best decisions for starting school in the fall. I would also like to express my sincere excitement of becoming part of and contributing to St. Mary's vibrant academic and faith community. 

Sincerely,

Ms. Castaneda   

Check out the Faculty & Staff pages for information about the rest of St. Mary's team.