Baltimore Principal Wins Award for Transforming School

Denita Plain helped double enrollment and improve chronic absenteeism at James McHenry Elementary Middle School

Mar. 26, 2026 at 3:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Denita Plain, the principal of James McHenry Elementary Middle School in Baltimore, has been awarded the Heart of the School Award by the Fund for Educational Excellence for her work in transforming the school over the past nine years. When Plain first joined the staff, the school was in danger of closing with only around 300 students enrolled. Under Plain's leadership as principal for the past five years, enrollment has doubled and chronic absenteeism has dropped by more than 20 points. The school has also seen gains in ELA and math scores.

Why it matters

This story highlights the impact a dedicated principal can have in turning around a struggling school. Plain's efforts to create a welcoming, family-oriented environment and provide engaging activities for students have helped revitalize James McHenry Elementary Middle School, which was once at risk of closing. Her success demonstrates the potential for school leadership to drive meaningful change and improve educational outcomes for students.

The details

When Denita Plain first joined the staff of James McHenry Elementary Middle School nine years ago, the school was in danger of closing with only around 300 students enrolled. As principal for the past five years, Plain has helped double enrollment and improve chronic absenteeism by getting kids excited to come to school. From rehearsing for school shows to offering clubs like snowboarding, dance, chess, cooking and horseback riding, Plain has created a vibrant, family-oriented environment. The school has won the Mayor's Attendance Award three times and dropped chronic absenteeism rates by more than 20 points. They are also making gains in ELA and math.

  • Nine years ago, Denita Plain first joined the staff of James McHenry Elementary Middle School.
  • Five years ago, Denita Plain became the principal of James McHenry Elementary Middle School.

The players

Denita Plain

The principal of James McHenry Elementary Middle School in Baltimore who has helped transform the school over the past nine years.

James McHenry Elementary Middle School

A school in Baltimore that was once in danger of closing but has been revitalized under the leadership of Principal Denita Plain.

Fund for Educational Excellence

The organization that awarded Denita Plain the Heart of the School Award for her work in transforming James McHenry Elementary Middle School.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“James McHenry has truly transformed and transcended in the years I've been here, and it starts with mindset.”

— Denita Plain, Principal

“In this building, we have a belief and that belief is that all children can succeed. We want to give them a reason to hop out of bed and get to school.”

— Denita Plain, Principal

“She's like a mother to us and me.”

— Karter Jones, Third grade student

“She takes care of us unconditionally. She does fun activities, like some being monthly attendance goals, and if you have been here for the whole month with no absences, we do fun things.”

— Mason Anderson, Fifth grade student

What’s next

Principal Denita Plain and the other Heart of the School Award winners will be honored at a ceremony at the Hippodrome on May 20.

The takeaway

Denita Plain's success in transforming James McHenry Elementary Middle School demonstrates the powerful impact a dedicated principal can have in revitalizing a struggling school. By creating a welcoming, family-oriented environment and providing engaging activities for students, Plain has helped double enrollment, improve attendance, and boost academic performance - proving that with the right leadership, all children can succeed.