Dogwood ES' Cochran Will Retire in July

Robyn Cochran, principal at since 2005 and the , announced Tuesday she will retire in July.

"Dogwood is a school I fell in love with as a teacher and returned to as a principal," Cochran said in an email. "Twelve of my 26 years in FCPS have been dedicated to the incredible students, learning, staff and community at Dogwood."

Cochran sent the below email to families Tuesday:
 
Serving as your principal has been the most rewarding and fulfilling role I have ever had in my career in Fairfax County Public Schools.

At the end of July, I will be retiring from Fairfax County Public Schools after 26 amazing years of working with students, staff, families and colleagues. This decision is bittersweet because I absolutely LOVE being the principal of Dogwood.

Each day has been filled with the joy of watching learning happen and watching staff members and parents support that learning process. We have established highly collaborative teams that have ensured individual needs of students are met.

We have closed achievement gaps and increased opportunities for enrichment. We have increased our outreach to parents and to our community and have built strong relationships with families.

Once under I am very proud of the incredible staff who dedicate each day to learning and to students. Dogwood staff members will continue to reflect on student progress, refine instruction and program planning, and will continue to increase their professional knowledge and skills that will make Dogwood stronger each and every year. 

Before selecting a new principal, Dr. Zuluaga, Cluster VIII Assistant Superintendent, will gather input from the staff and parents. A panel of staff members and parents will be created and highly-qualified candidates will be interviewed for the position.

Prior to my retirement on July 31st, I will prepare for staffing, assign students to classrooms/teachers, and prepare an instructional plan for the new principal. Sustaining Dogwood’s progress as a school is deeply important to me. That goal is shared not only by Dr. Zuluaga, but also with Dr. Dale, our FCPS Superintendent.

Other Reston principals retiring this summer: ; and