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 2025–2026 school year! We’re thrilled to have you as part of our vibrant school community. At Chris Yung Elementary, we believe that learning should be joyful, meaningful, and shared—and that starts with strong partnerships between home and school.

We look forward to rolling out exciting family engagement events designed to bring us together, build knowledge of academic standards, celebrate our students, and create lasting connections. We’d also love to see you at our PTO and Parent Advisory meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m., both in person and on Zoom. Your voice matters, and everyone is welcome!

To keep you in the loop, I’ll be sending out the Chris Yung Update every week through our School Status messaging platform. Please keep an eye out for it—it’s a great way to stay informed about upcoming events, school news, and important reminders.

Every day, our team is focused on helping your child thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. We’re guided by the Prince William County Strategic Plan, which centers on:

· Learning and Achievement for All

· Positive Climate and Culture

· Family and Community Engagement

You can explore these commitments in more detail by visiting the PWCS Strategic Plan.

If you ever have questions, ideas, or just want to connect, I’m here for you. Feel free to call the school office at 571-598-3500 or email me directly at [email protected]. I can’t wait to get to know each of our amazing STEAM engine families and make this year one to remember.

Let’s make it a fantastic year at Chris Yung Elementary!

Warmly,

Stephanie Downey, Principal