Sandy Gillenwater

Director of Family & Community Engagement,Fredericksburg City Public Schools

As an educator for over 30 years, my mission has been to provide a foundational, safe, and motivational learning experience that builds skills for the young people of our community in order to become productive, innovative, caring citizens in the future. I grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, received a BA in Elementary Education from Emory and Henry College, continued my educational journey through East Tennessee State University, University of Alaska in Fairbanks, and Nova University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  I received my Masters of Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.  I have lived in Fredericksburg, Virginia for 31 years with my husband who retired from the military yet still works for the government, a parent of two children (33 and 35 who attended Fredericksburg City Public Schools) , an elementary school teacher, an assistant principal, director at central office, and soon to be a grandmother of three.  Currently, I am part of the communication department that collaborate to connect the community with the schools and to support specific needs, requests and events for students, families, schools, and the division.  By building our partnerships and strengthening our relationships we can increase student achievement and global awareness while maintain excellence in education.