Ms. Tara Parsons
Principal
Tara Parsons, a lifelong resident of Wicomico County, is a dedicated educator and proud member of the Hebron community. A 1991 graduate of Mardela High School, Mrs. Parsons has strong ties to the area, further strengthened by her daughter’s graduation from the same school in 2018.
Mrs. Parsons pursued her undergraduate studies at Washington College in Chestertown, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1995. Her early career in the legal field, working in courtrooms and with families, inspired her to transition to education. She subsequently attended Salisbury University, earning a second Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in December 2001.
In January 2002, Mrs. Parsons began her teaching career at Pemberton Elementary, where she taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades until June 2015. Her dedication to her students and innovative teaching methods earned her the honor of being named Pemberton's Teacher of the Year and a semifinalist for Wicomico Teacher of the Year on three occasions.
From 2015 to 2018, Mrs. Parsons served as a math intervention teacher at Glen Avenue Elementary, working with students in grades 2-5. During her tenure at both Pemberton and Glen Avenue, she embraced numerous leadership roles, paving the way for her advancement to school administration.
In July 2018, Mrs. Parsons became the Assistant Principal at East Salisbury Elementary, a Title 1 school serving a diverse group of students in grades 3-5. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment prepared her for her current role as Principal of Fruitland Intermediate School, a position she has held since 2022.
Outside of her professional life, Mrs. Parsons is pursuing a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. She enjoys spending time at the beach, reading, and traveling with her husband of over 29 years, Danny, who was her high school sweetheart and a fellow Mardela High School graduate.
Mrs. Parsons is passionate about education and dedicated to the success and well-being of every student at Fruitland Intermediate School.
Mrs. Tawanda H. Small
Assistant Principal
Tawanda Hunt-Small grew up in Sharon, Mississippi and graduated from Canton High School. She earned her Associate of Arts in Education degree from Holmes Community College, and her Bachelor of Science degree as well as her Master of Education degree from Belhaven University.
Mrs. Small has 22 years of experience in the education field as a teacher for Kindergarten through Grade 5 in various states including Mississippi, Florida, Delaware, and now Maryland. She is in her seventh year with Wicomico County Public Schools. During her career as an educator, she has been nominated as a Golden Apple Teacher, has been in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, and was recognized as one of the Young Artists of Baltimore’s Outstanding Leaders.
Mrs. Small enjoys spending quality time with her husband of 18 years, who is also her high school sweetheart, and two daughters as well as creating memories for her family.
She believes that all children possess strengths, are unique in their own way, and can flourish when provided the opportunities to display their strengths and uniqueness.
Mrs. Small is thrilled to be a part of the Fruitland Intermediate School family.