Meet the new elementary school principals for Greenville County Schools

Editor's note: This is one of three articles profiling new principals at the elementary, middle school and high school levels of Greenville County Schools. In case you missed the other two articles, here are the links.

More:Meet the new high school principals for Greenville County Schools

More:Meet the 4 new Greenville County middle school principals

The Greenville News asked Greenville County's four new elementary school principals to tell us a little bit about themselves.

What we found out, among other things, is one has a passion for kickboxing, another's passion is spending the summer canning food, one leader is a self-described introvert, and another occasionally engages students with his musical talents.

Following are their profiles in their own words.

Name and title: Mimi Melehes, principal, Augusta Circle Elementary

Previous job: Principal of Ellen Woodside Elementary

What makes your school unique? Augusta Circle Elementary is the focal point of the community and is rich in the tradition and the history of the city. Augusta Circle is known for academic excellence. 

What are some of its biggest challenges? The biggest challenge of coming to a new school is getting to know all of the staff, students, and parents. 

What’s your leadership style? Servant leadership.

Principals wear many hats. What’s the most important role of a principal? The most important role of a principal is building strong relationships with staff, students, parents and community members.

What would people be surprised to know about you? I love to kickbox at 9 Round!

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Name and title: Shawn McCain, principal, Ellen Woodside Elementary

Previous job: Physical education, 13 years; assistant principal, three years at Ellen Woodside Elementary and three years at Plain Elementary

What makes your school unique? Our school is unique because of the community and family feel. We truly are a family and you can feel that when you walk into the building. We have a wonderful mentor program with over 75 community members and Michelin volunteers that support our students.

What are some of its biggest challenges? The biggest challenge for me is to continue to grow all the wonderful things happening at Ellen Woodside. The school has had tremendous leadership from former principals Stephanie Reese and Mimi Melehes. I want to continue to grow that leadership.

What’s your leadership style?  I am a servant leader. I believe that the greatest reward of a leader is to serve others.  The joy from serving is incredible.  I have three words that I live by. They are to serve, love, and support all stakeholders.

Principals wear many hats. What’s the most important role of a principal? I believe the most important role other than safety and instructional leadership is building relationships. Students and staff do not care how much you know until they know how much you care!

What would people be surprised to know about you? I am an actual introvert and dealing with this as a school leader is actually interesting.

Name and title: Stephanie Reese, principal, Fountain Inn Elementary School

Previous job: Principal for Columbia County Schools in Evans, Georgia 

What makes your school unique?. Fountain Inn Elementary School is a small community school that is nestled in the small town of Fountain Inn. The school is a community effort that thrives with the vested interest and support of our citizens, businesses, churches, civic organizations, and local government agencies.  Additionally, we are in the process of becoming a STEAM school (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) that uses the Engineering Process to teach students to think critically, solve problems, work collaboratively, and to communicate effectively.

What are some of its biggest challenges?  We are faced with a world that is rapidly changing as a result of advances in technology, increased globalization, with social and environmental issues. The workforce is also rapidly changing requiring innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving. It is a challenge to prepare and equip our students for life and citizenship in this rapidly changing environment.

What’s your leadership style?. Student-Centered, Students First

Principals wear many hats. What’s the most important role of a principal?  Ensuring the academic success of all students.

What would people be surprised to know about you? I love to garden and I spend my summers canning food using my grandmother's old pressure cooker and canning pot. 

Name and title:  Joseph J. Stowe, principal of Grove Elementary School

Previous job: Assistant principal at Taylors Elementary

What makes your school unique? Many schools focus on achievement, but Team Grove models for students and embraces the whole child. Our efforts are sought through the “Capturing Kids Hearts” program, as the school's educational community teaches effective skills that help learners. It is through innovative techniques such as social contracts, relationship building, mentoring and individual goal setting that the whole child is impacted long term. With a diverse population, Grove Elementary also offers academic opportunities appealing to every type of student – through student-centered engagement opportunities extended beyond the classroom. 

What are some of its biggest challenges?  A major difficulty involves seeing many students leave the school during the school year to transfer to another location, only to return to the school later in the school year. It is the teachers' actionable plan to create bonds with our students and develop a family-like atmosphere. However, though done well, the transient student enters the roster and there is an ongoing adjustment period. Other challenges include the outside influences that impact the students. Despite obstacles, teachers and students face them and work together to overcome them every day.

What’s your leadership style?  As a strategizing transformational leader, I lead by example while thinking outside of the box and initiating change only when necessary. It is key that I make every effort to walk the walk and consistently use creativity to help drive the instructional program and make school an enjoyable environment where teaching and learning consistently take place.    

Principals wear many hats. What’s the most important role of a principal?  The most important role of the principal is hiring staff that will help grow children, ultimately achieving schoolwide goals.  Before, during, and after the hiring process, the role of a principal is to provide strategic direction in the school system and collaboratively guide and provide instructional support in a safe environment conducive for teaching and learning.

What would people be surprised to know about you?  Since the age of 5 years old, their principal wanted to be an artist. He served as an art teacher for seven years and has an art business. Long ago, he decided that it would be great to DJ when he retired from a career in education. However, when the opportunity presented itself, he moved that timeline and began DJ-ing while serving as an educator.  Every so often, including the first day of school, you can catch him using his musical talents to engage the student population!

This is a part of an ongoing series of stories leading up to the first day of classes, which for most schools in the area is next week. Follow online at GreenvilleNews.com on Monday, Aug. 20, for coverage of the first day.

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