Argyle Principal, James Allrich, is MCPS Finalist For WaPo’s Principal of the Year

James Allrich, principal at Argyle Middle School, is the MCPS finalist for The Washington Post Principal of the Year. Additional information on Allrich below, per MCPS:

In the six years James Allrich has been principal at Argyle Middle School, he has been recognized as a student-centered leader, a fierce social-emotional advocate, a visionary on equitable and anti-racist practices and a community builder. Students are always at the forefront of his decision-making. He often reminds them: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

He has worked to instill a culture and climate that focuses on strong relationships and emotional intelligence. By focusing on restorative practices, he has emphasized an approach built on not just listening, but on hearing one another. Allrich has provided staff with training related to restorative practices, which has been instrumental in the success of the school’s daily advisory period for students. This period gives students a chance to participate in peace circles, discuss current events, set academic goals and build community. The structure of the period ensures that students have a trusted adult in the building with whom they can connect on a personal level.

In 2019, he was named the MCPS English Language Development (ELD) Principal of the Year. In 2022, he was given the Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision, and earlier this year, he was honored as Principal of the Year by the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals.