Principal's Message

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! At Daniel Morgan Middle School, we are committed to empowering students through a dynamic and supportive learning environment. Our mission is to prepare every student for life beyond middle school by embedding essential skills and dispositions into our curriculum. We believe in fostering an innovative, equitable, and safe community where all students can thrive.

This year, we will continue to focus on personalized learning and Project-Based Learning (PBL) to create engaging, student-centered educational experiences. Our instructional practices are designed to meet individual academic needs, spark curiosity, and build on student strengths and interests. Beyond the classroom, we encourage students to explore extracurricular opportunities that connect with their passions and help build well-rounded experiences.

We’re also excited to continue our PRIDE PBIS program, which promotes a positive school culture by encouraging students to show PRIDE in themselves and their school every day. Alongside academic success, we prioritize students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being—helping them learn to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and make thoughtful decisions.

As always, I’m here to support you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of help in any way. I value our partnership and look forward to working together to ensure that all of our students are equipped for success both in the classroom and beyond.

Ms. O'Donnell
(540) 667-7171
(540) 431-1415

Experience & Education

Ms. O’Donnell has enjoyed the field of education for 20 years. She began her career in Louisa County teaching 5th grade. Following a move to Northern Virginia, she taught in gifted centers in Fairfax County for 4 years, at both the 4th and 5th grade level. 

After relocating back to Winchester, her hometown, she taught at both Daniel Morgan Middle School and John Kerr Elementary School. Previously, she served as the Lead Teacher at John Kerr before moving on to an Instructional Coaching position in Frederick County Public Schools.  From January 2016 until June 2019, Ms. O'Donnell served as the Assistant Principal at John Kerr Elementary School.  Ms. O'Donnell then served as the Principal at John Kerr Elementary School from 2019-2022.  This will be her fourth year as the principal at Daniel Morgan Middle School.  

Ms. O'Donnell earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in History from Randolph-Macon College in 2006, a Master’s of Arts in Teaching from George Mason University in 2011, and a certificate in Administration and Leadership from James Madison University in 2015. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.  She resides in Winchester with her husband, Joe, and eight-year-old twins, Joseph and Chandler.