Principal's Corner

Dear Garnet-Patterson S.T.A.Y. Family,
My name is DeWayne Little, and I am honored to serve as the Principal of Garnet-Patterson S.T.A.Y. Opportunity Academy. I am committed to ensuring that each scholar has a dynamic, personalized learning experience within a supportive and loving environment. At Garnet-Patterson S.T.A.Y., we empower students to take ownership of their learning and STAY READY.
For students to STAY READY, they must:
  • S: Subscribe to a social responsibility to respect adults, their peers, and most importantly, themselves.
  • T: Tackle their goals and submit to excellence as they demonstrate grit and perseverance.
  • A: Acknowledge their strength in pursuit of academic excellence.
  • Y: Yield to owning their learning and becoming greater than their current circumstances.
As we continue to build a thriving school community, we are grounded in our core values, which guide our approach to education and our interactions with one another:
  • Wellness: We prioritize the mental, physical, and emotional health of our students and staff to build a strong foundation for growth and success.
  • Empathy: We encourage understanding and compassion in our relationships, helping us to create a supportive and caring environment.
  • Student Voice: We empower our students to express themselves, take ownership of their learning, and actively contribute to the school community.
  • Empowerment: We equip students with the tools and confidence they need to take charge of their futures and become leaders in their own lives.
  • Respect: We honor the unique experiences, perspectives, and dignity of every individual in our community, fostering an inclusive environment.
  • Vision: We inspire our students to dream big and set ambitious goals, supporting them every step of the way as they work to achieve their potential.
  • Equity: We are committed to providing every student with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, ensuring fairness and justice for all.
At Garnet-Patterson S.T.A.Y., we also embrace the principles of Ubuntu—a philosophy that teaches "I am because we are." Ubuntu reminds us that our success is interconnected. When we uplift one another and work together, we create a stronger and more unified community. This principle is vital to our work as we strive to foster an environment of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared growth.
As we partner together to make this year a success, I look forward to engaging with you through our PTO, Local School Advisory Team, and principal coffee and conversation opportunities. Together, we can make Garnet-Patterson S.T.A.Y. the premier school of choice and opportunity.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Dewayne.Little@k12.dc.gov.
Navigator Strong,
Principal Little