Chris Yung Elementary School
Administration
Principal: Mrs. Stephanie Downey - [email protected]
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Monique Watford - [email protected]
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Taryn Geier - [email protected]
School Phone Number: 571-598-3500
School Fax Number: 703-367-9064
Principal, Stephanie Downey
Meet Our Principal: Mrs. Stephanie Downey
In 2022, Mrs. Stephanie Downey proudly joined the Chris Yung Elementary School family, bringing with her a deep passion for education and over nine years of experience as a principal in Winchester, Virginia. Her journey in education has included teaching 4th and 5th grades, serving as a curriculum specialist, instructional coach, and assistant principal.
Mrs. Downey holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater College and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not at school, she enjoys life on her family’s farm in Strasburg, Virginia, with her husband and two children.
A Note from Mrs. Downey
Dear Chris Yung Families,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! We are excited to begin another year of learning, growth, and connection with our Chris Yung community. At Chris Yung Elementary, we know that students thrive when schools and families work together, and we look forward to partnering with you throughout the year to ensure every child feels supported, challenged, and valued.
Our theme for this school year is We Belong. We Believe. We Achieve.
These three simple statements reflect our commitment to creating a school where every student and family feels welcome and connected, where we believe in the limitless potential of every child, and where we work together to achieve success for all learners.
Throughout the year, we will offer a variety of family engagement opportunities designed to strengthen partnerships, celebrate student learning, deepen understanding of academic expectations, and build meaningful connections within our school community. We also encourage you to join us for our PTO and Parent Advisory meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. beginning in October. The meeting dates for this school year are: October 20, November 17, January 19, February 16, March 16 and April 20. Both in-person and Zoom options will be available because your voice and involvement make a difference.
To help keep you informed, I will send out the Chris Yung On Track newsletter each week through our School Status messaging platform. This newsletter will include important school news, upcoming events, student celebrations, and helpful reminders.
Every day, our dedicated staff is committed to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Our work is guided by the Prince William County Public Schools Strategic Plan and its commitments to:
- Learning and Achievement for All
- Positive Climate and Culture
- Family and Community Engagement
You can learn more about these commitments by visiting the PWCS Strategic Plan.
If you have questions, ideas, or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact our school office at 571-598-3500 or email me directly at [email protected]. I am honored to serve as your principal and look forward to getting to know each of our amazing STEAM Engine families.
Together, we will make this a year where every child knows they belong, believes in their potential, and achieves great things.
Warmly,
Stephanie Downey
Principal
Assistant Principal, Monique Watford
Mrs. Monique Watford is proud to begin her fifth year as a Chris Yung Steam Engine, having served the Chris Yung community for the past four years. She is passionate about creating an environment where every student is supported, challenged, and given the opportunity to succeed.
Mrs. Watford believes student success begins with strong teachers who are supported in meeting the individual needs of every learner. She is committed to partnering with staff to create meaningful learning experiences where all students feel valued, capable, and connected.
She also believes that families are essential partners in education. By building strong relationships with parents and caregivers and creating meaningful opportunities for family engagement, schools and families can work together to help children thrive. Mrs. Watford truly believes it takes a village, and she is honored to be part of the Chris Yung village.
She looks forward to another wonderful year of belonging, believing, and achieving together!
Assistant Principal, Taryn Geier
Mrs. Taryn Geier brings 15 years of experience with Prince William County Schools, including 11 years teaching students in grades 3 and 5 and the past 4 years serving as Assistant Principal at Kyle Wilson Elementary School. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to student achievement, staff collaboration, and building positive relationships with families and the community.
Mrs. Geier believes that student success is rooted in meaningful relationships and strong partnerships between home and school. Her dedication to creating supportive learning environments and fostering collaboration among students, staff, and families reflects her commitment to ensuring all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
In addition to her professional experience, Mrs. Geier is a proud resident of Bristow, where she lives with her husband and their 17-month-old son. Their family is also eagerly anticipating the arrival of a second son in August. As both an educator and a parent, she understands the importance of trust, communication, and partnership between schools and families.