The John Kerr Elementary School (JKES) Cardinal family is proud to introduce new Assistant Principal Dr. Elanyna Clokes. Dr. Clokes comes to Winchester Public Schools (WPS) from Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) with over 20 years of experience in the classroom and in leadership roles. Dr. Gail Brady, Principal of JKES, is ready to welcome Dr. Clokes to the team:
“Dr. Clokes will bring a fresh perspective to her leadership role, as she is leaving the classroom with extensive training and experience in curriculum and instruction. I look forward to a true partnership as we work hand-in-hand on behalf of our students, staff, and families.”
After obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Old Dominion University and Master of Science in Elementary Education from Nova Southeastern University (FL), Dr. Clokes became a classroom teacher in Florida. She moved to LCPS in 2009 to teach at Sully Elementary School and then at Hamilton Elementary School where she remained until her move to WPS.
With a proven commitment to equity and instructional excellence, Dr. Clokes entered into several leadership roles while obtaining her Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Nova Southeastern University (FL). She has been a Cooperating Educator for Field Experience since 2009, the Lead Mentor for her school since 2016, and a Site-Based Equity Lead for the LCPS Department of Equity since 2016.
Finally, Dr. Clokes obtained her Post Masters Certification in Education Leadership and Administration from George Washington University and served as the Summer School Principal at Horizon Elementary School in 2018. She looks forward to bringing collaborative leadership and support to the JKES community:
"I am honored to have been selected as the new Assistant Principal at John Kerr Elementary School. A skillful and innovative educator, I am thrilled to join the team of phenomenal educators at JKES and within Winchester Public Schools. I strive to use my professional knowledge, passion for curriculum and instruction, and my life experiences to build rapport and connections with students, colleagues, and others within our diverse community. Fervently, I seek to facilitate an inclusive curriculum that is intentionally rigorous and purposefully scaffolded to promote deeper learning for all learners. It is my heart-felt desire to collaborate with and to serve as a resource for novice and experienced educators working to increase their capacity as teachers and leaders in the field of education, ultimately creating a positive impact among generations of students and future leaders [...]"
Dr. Clokes joins WPS on July 1 following the transition of former Assistant Principal Rachel Levi to Project Specialist for WPS.
The Little Judges at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School (VACDES) are excited to welcome Ms. Alexandra Hoxton as their new Assistant Principal. Ms. Hoxton has worked in Special Education as a teacher and diagnostician since 2016, most recently with Winchester Public Schools (WPS).
Ms. Hoxton earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from James Madison University and her Master’s degree in Special Education from West Virginia University. She began her career in Special Education at Frederick County Public Schools where she taught for three years.
In 2019, Ms. Hoxton moved to Winchester Public Schools to become a Special Education Teacher 5/6 (Autism Specialist) until July 2022 when she moved into the role of Individual Service Plan Coordinator and Educational Diagnostician K-8. Ms. Hoxton completed her Educational Leadership Certification at James Madison University in May 2023 and anticipates an impactful first year as Assistant Principal:
“As a former student, Winchester Public schools holds a very special place in my heart. I am thrilled to begin my role as Assistant Principal at Virginia Avenue Charlotte Dehart Elementary School. I look forward to continuing to grow as a leader alongside so many wonderful staff, students, and families at VACDES!”
Dr. Lisa Pluska, Principal of VACDES, has seen Ms. Hoxton’s work firsthand and appreciates her focus on student success:
“We are so excited to have Ali Hoxton join us as Assistant Principal. She has been in our school this past year and with her prior experiences will be able to seamlessly move to this role. She is committed to VACDES, WPS, and most importantly the students!”
Ms. Hoxton begins her new role on July 1 following the transition of former Assistant Principal Wendy Perkins to Beginning Teacher Specialist for WPS.