 Name & Current Role
· Dr. Vanessa Watkins · Principal · Responsible for ensuring that teaching and learning occur at high levels throughout the school and that parents are provided with opportunities to engage
Experience in Education · 20+ · I have served as a principal at all three levels and taught at the elementary and middle school levels · Some of my greatest achievements as a principal have been working with staff, parents, and students to increase the academic achievement of all student groups and helping to create a positive school environment in which parents, students, and staff feel heard and supported. Additionally, it has been my joy and passion to work with parents and staff members to develop academic and recognition programs that help all students to feel seen and celebrated.
Educational Background · Bachelor of science in Accounting and Business Administration, MBA, Master of Arts in Teaching, Ed.D in Educational Leadership. Both latter degrees were earned from the University of Pittsburgh · Certification in Educational Leadership K-12, Middle grades- English, math, and SS
Why I Do This Work · I enjoy this work because our jobs as educators help to save students’ lives. Our work as educators is essential to providing opportunities to help students hope, dream, and choose the lives they would like and deserve to live. · Middle school students have so much flavor and personality. They are trying to figure out their interests, friends, and themselves and still want and need to be guided by the adults in their lives.
Personal Touch · My hobbies are baking, reading and spending time with my family · Favorite quote- “We can, whenever and wherever we choose, successfully teach all children whose schooling is of interest to us. We already know more than we need to know in order to do that. Whether or not we do it must finally depend on how we feel about the fact we haven’t so far.” Ron Edmonds |
 Name & Current Role · Tida Bruce-Banfield · Assistant Principal · 7th Grade Administrator, Scheduler/ELL/Gifted
Experience in Education · 22 years in Education · Past roles - Elementary teacher, middle school math educator, special education teacher, gifted instructor, and instructional leader. · Notable accomplishment or focus area – Built gifted programs in Title I schools through strategic talent development initiatives. Curriculum and instruction, innovative learning models, technology integration, and STEAM education.
Educational Background · B.S. in Healthcare Administration (St. John’s), an M.S. in Teaching (Mercer), and two Ed.S. degrees in Instructional Technology and Educational Leadership (Berry). Currently pursuing doctorate, graduating in December. · Relevant certifications – Elementary Education, Special Education, ESOL, Gifted, Science, Educational Leadershi
Why I Do This Work · I believe ALL children deserve an academically challenging and engaging education. I do this work because I’m passionate about equity, access, and helping students see and reach their full potential. · Why you love working with middle schoolers - Middle schoolers inspire me with their energy, resilience, and desire to be seen and heard.
Personal Touch · I love reading and cheering for my children at dance and soccer. · I took the stairs—every step built with purpose, passion, an |  Name & Current Role
◦ Dr. Joy Jones ◦ 6th Grade Assistant Principal ◦ Science, 6th Social Studies
Experience in Education ◦ 20 Years in education ◦ 7th Grade Science Teacher, Academic Coach ◦ Evidenced-based Instructional Practices, Restorative Practices
Educational Background ◦ Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership, Education Specialist in Teaching & Learning, Master of Arts in Teaching, Bachelor of Science in Biology ◦ Educational Leadership, Teacher Leadership, Middle Grades Science, Coaching Endorsement, Reading Endorsement, ESOL Endorsement
Why I Do This Work ◦ My commitment to educational advocacy is at the heart of my work. I am an advocate for students, staff, and families and truly believe in the power of collaboration to enhance a community. ◦ I love working with middle schoolers because their enthusiasm, curiosity, and growth make each day dynamic, meaningful, and full of possibility.
Personal Touch ◦ I absolutely love singing and dancing! ◦ I live by the motto, “It takes a village!” | Kasisi Brown - Assistant Principal Name & Current Role Kasisi Brown ◦ 8th Grade Assistant Principal ◦ Duties and Responsibilities · 8th Grade Administrator · Social Studies Evaluator Experience in Education ◦ 22 Years in Education ◦ 6-12 Social Studies Teacher ◦ Assistant Principal
Educational Background • Ed.S. in Secondary Education • M.Ed. in Teaching English Language Learners • Teaching Certifications: Middle Grades Social Studies, Geography 6-12, History 6-12, Political Science -12, Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security, ESOL Endorsement, Gifted Endorsement
Why I Do This Work • I love seeing students reach their fullest potential, especially when they do not yet realize what they are capable of achieving. • I enjoy helping teachers recognize each student’s strengths and supporting them in motivating students to do their very best.
Personal Touch ◦ I have over 100 vinyl records. ◦ I love going on crusies. | Name & Current Role · Dr. Angela Russell · Support and Services Administrator
Experience in Education · 18 Years in Education, 14th year in Cobb • Pre-school Teacher • IRR/SPED Teacher • Program Specialist • Support & Service Administrator (SSA) • Adult Education Instructor • SNP/SPED Paraprofessional
Educational Background • Doctor of Education in School Improvement • Educational Specialist in Special Education • Master of Arts in Special Education • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education • Teacher Leadership
Why I Do This Work · I am committed to ensuring that students, teachers, and families receive the support they need to succeed. I know firsthand how powerful it can be when someone believes in you and provides the right guidance at the right time. Raised by a single mother on the south side of Chicago and growing up on public assistance, I experienced challenges that could have made success feel out of reach. Education changed the course of my life, and now, in this role, I have the opportunity to help remove barriers, strengthen support systems, and create pathways for others to thrive. Personal Touch · My favorite way to recharge is by taking a dance fitness class. I love the energy, the music, and the joy that comes from moving with purpose. I believe positivity is contagious, which is why I start each day with a simple reminder: "Today is a good day to have a great day."
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