by Jackie Nunnery
Principal Heather Evans will be leading Lancaster Middle School this year along with assistant principal Jennifer Eddy, who was interim principal at Lancaster High School last year.
Many new faces will greet the 390 students enrolled at LMS for the 2019-20 academic session.
Evans has had a busy summer filling open teacher and staff positions. New teachers will include Katie Andrews, special education; Kimberly Moore, fourth grade math and science; Colton Hayden, fifth grade reading and science; Zabrina Webster, sixth grade reading and math; Matthew Richardson, eighth grade civics; Angela Vaughn, eighth grade reading. They are still in need of an eighth grade math teacher.
With this new team onboard, Evans has goals for the new year, namely increasing “the number of students passing state assessments in all content areas, retaining qualified staff and increasing parental and community involvement.”
Evans said she hopes to achieve these goals by creating “a positive, trusting and engaging environment full of rigorous lessons where students are involved in hands-on learning that is interactive and relevant to their lives.”
For staff, she hopes for “an environment where qualified staff will have the resources and skills necessary,” said Evans.
She will work toward “raising the expectations for every student. As a team, we will support students and provide an exemplary education to every student and ensure that every student works up to his or her potential,” she said.
“It is going to be an amazing year as we continue to provide academic experiences for our students that are rigorous as well as relevant and help them build relationships while making real-world connections,” said Evans. “As principal, it is vital to me that everyone who steps through our doors whether students, parents or teachers are enthusiastic about being there. My door is always open and I welcome your input. Please feel free to call or email me to discuss any concerns you might have throughout the school year.”