Did you know that October is “National Principals Month” in the United States? It’s an opportunity to stop and recognize all the great work that is done on a daily basis by the women and men that lead our schools.
In Kingsport, we are blessed to have a phenomenally talented group of school leaders guiding our students and staff. They are vital to the success of our schools and shape the educational environments that ensure student success. In fact, research shows that after great teachers, a principal has the greatest effect on student achievement… and KCS has the best of the best!
This week, the Saturday Six takes a look at the team of KCS principals and celebrates all they do for our students, families, and community!
- First, let’s introduce you to the KCS principal team!
- Palmer Early Learning Center – Dr. Amy Doran
- John Adams Elementary – Mrs. Christy Free
- Andrew Jackson Elementary – Dr. Krissy Turner
- Thomas Jefferson Elementary – Mr. Mike Fulkerson
- Andrew Johnson Elementary – Mr. Stacy Edwards
- John F. Kennedy Elementary – Dr. Janice Irvin
- Abraham Lincoln Elementary – Mrs. Suzanne Zahner
- Theodore Roosevelt Elementary – Dr. Kelli Seymour
- George Washington Elementary – Mrs. Heather Wolf
- Ross N. Robinson Middle – Dr. Jim Wernke (interim)
- John Sevier Middle – Dr. Holly Flora
- Dobyns-Bennett – Dr. Chris Hampton
- D-B EXCEL – Mrs. Shanna Hensley
- Cora Cox Academy – Mrs. Julie Malone
- The KCS principals collectively possess hundreds of years of educational experience and training from some of the most respected educational institutions in America. Our principals hold Masters, Educational Specialist, and Doctorate degrees from colleges and universities such as Appalachian State University, Tusculum College, East Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee, Milligan College, Lincoln Memorial University, Cumberland College of Tennessee, Elon College, Johns Hopkins University, Carson-Newman College, Middle Tennessee State University, and Indiana University.
- What do KCS principals love about their job? When asked, the resounding answer is “students and teachers!” To quote one KCS principal, “Each morning, the students energize me and help to get my day started off on a bright note. My favorite place to be is in the classroom, engaged in the learning, with teachers and students. I am so grateful for a wonderful school family!”
- A key role of a school principal is to align the many efforts of a school community to ensure student success. It’s a tireless job that takes great leadership skills, long hours, and an unyielding focus on children. As one KCS principal noted, “I love being a principal because in everything I do, from the tiniest of decisions to strategizing for big goals, I get to be a champion for ALL kids!
- Principals keep their eye on both the little details and the big picture for both students and staff. A principal said it best when she commented, “Our educators are outstanding because they focus on taking care of the ‘whole child’. We have students who are creative, smart, and will one day be leaders in our community. As a principal, I am able to see the tapestry of work and love that comes together to create our student-centered school culture. I’m proud to work alongside our faculty and staff!”
- KCS principals not only excel in their schools, but have also been recognized in Tennessee and across the nation for their work! Robinson Principal Mr. Brian Partin is currently serving as President of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and Sevier Principal Dr. Holly Flora has served as President of the Tennessee Principals Association. Wow!
This week, we pause to celebrate and give a huge “THANK YOU” to the KCS principals that give so much of themselves for the children of Kingsport. You are greatly appreciated!!
Next week in the Saturday Six: KCS may be on Fall Break next week, but the work of the district continues, even when students are away! The Saturday Six will take a look behind the scenes at what goes on across KCS during a scheduled student vacation.
We Are KCS 