New and returning Nighthawk families, welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! This is going to be an exciting year filled with meaningful learning experiences for each of our scholars. I am looking forward to our scholars growing and developing academically and socially. This year, we are continuing with our theme "Building A School of Excellence".

For those new to the Nighthawk family, let me start by sharing a little about myself. I began my career in education at the university level. I later transitioned to the classroom as a fourth and fifth grade teacher in Atlanta, GA. After teaching, I became a school counselor and had the opportunity to work in several school districts in Georgia and South Carolina. In school administration, I've served as an assistant principal, elementary school principal, and this is my second year as principal of New Hampstead K-8. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Management, Master of Education in School Counseling, two Education Specialist degrees - School Counseling and Educational Leadership, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership.

I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with my family. Although I have a sincere passion for education and an undeniable love for my scholars, my true heart and joy are my husband and two children.

Mr. Lyon started his journey through life in Rhode Island, attended Wittenberg University in Ohio, taught in Florida for two years, ran a restaurant on Jekyll Island for two years, and moved to Savannah in 2010. After ten years at Largo-Tibet Elementary School, he served as the assistant principal of the Savannah Chatham E-Learning Academy. Mr. Lyon has taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students during his years in the classroom. Math and writing were his favorite subjects to teach, but it was Mr. Lyon’s love (or slight obsession) with Harry Potter that inspired his students to become life-long leaders and readers.

Outside of work, Mr. Lyon loves to travel. The Blue Ridge Mountains are his “happy place” and Italy is on his bucket list. He enjoys family game nights, playing the piano, volleyball, and baking. His favorite TV show is Stranger Things, his favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast, his favorite singer is Rihanna, and his favorite non-Harry Potter book is Bridge to Terabithia.

Mr. Lyon is very excited to become a Nighthawk and looks forward to an amazing 23-24 school year!

• School begins at 8:40 and ends at 3:40. Students may begin entering the building in the morning at 8:15. If your child is a car rider, please ensure he/she arrives to school on time to start the school day and is picked up by 4:00 p.m. for dismissal. If your child is picked up after 4:00, you must come in the building to sign them out. You must also have your car rider tag with you when signing them out.

• Our enrollment is steadily increasing. We are projected to earn a teacher in a second grade. If you have a second grade scholar, you will receive a notification letter prior to any staffing or student class changes. Additional information will be included in the letter from NHK8 administration.

• This week, we will begin administering the iReady diagnostic assessments in Reading and Math. Please check with your child's teacher regarding specific days for testing and for your child's diagnostic results.

• If your child is celebrating a birthday and you would like to bring items in for the class, please communicate with your child's teacher prior to the celebration date. Food items must be store-bought and sealed in the original packaging. Balloons and gifts are prohibited.

• Backpacks must be clear or mesh. If you need assistance with a school-approved backpack, please call the school.

• Hoodies are not allowed to be worn in the building. Hooded jackets must zip down.

The health and safety of students and staff are our top priority. If your child is not feeling well and/or is experiencing the following symptoms, please keep him/her home and notify your child's teacher of the absence:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Abnormal fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Muscle aches or pains

You are encouraged to seek medical attention when/if you deem it necessary to do so. Please review the SCCPSS COVID-19 guidance below. This information can also be found on the SCCPSS website.

Brandi Brown, Principal

Christopher Lyon, Assistant Principal

Melissa Greene-Bryant, Administrative Secretary

Natasha Jones, Front Office Secretary

Erin Allen, Information Specialist

Janine Robles, Counselor Clerk

Mandy McElveen, Academic Coach (K-5)

Najia Barboa, Academic Coach (6-8)

Jean Shearer, Media Specialist

Patrice Brown, School Counselor (K-4)

Lisa Thomas, School Counselor (5-8)

Email: brandi.brown@sccpss.com
Website: https://spwww.sccpss.com/schools/NHK8/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 1700 Highgate Boulevard, Bloomingdale, GA, USA
Phone: (912) 395-6200