Polar Bear Post
October 6th, 2025
Message from the Principal
Dear Pleasantville Elementary School Community,
It is with great pride and excitement that I introduce myself as the new principal of Pleasantville Elementary School. I am honored to be joining our school family.
The 2025-2026 school year will mark my 23rd year in education, all of which have been with the Colonial School District. I started as a teacher at Castle Hills and then Wilbur. I taught both regular and special education for thirteen years. It is here that I found my passion for social and emotional learning and wanted an even greater impact. Because of this, I transitioned to a school counselor role right here at Pleasantville. I served the Pleasantville school community for three years before moving to a leadership role. I have been an administrator for the past six years, most recently as an assistant principal of Gunning Bedford Middle School.
I am passionate about education and strongly value the social emotional growth of our students as much as high academic expectations for all.
Not only am I an educator but also a wife and a mother. My husband, Randy, and I live in Landenberg, PA, and have two children; Jake, 14, and Riley, 11.
I value the importance of strong communication and positive relationships. As we begin our journey together, my goal is to immediately begin working to get to know the students, staff, families and community of Pleasantville. You can expect a family update from me at the start of each week.
Together, we can create a vibrant and thriving school community where every student can achieve their full potential.
With Polar Bear Pride,
Mrs. Nowell
Monday, October 6 is a spirit day. Wear blue to show your support for World Day of Bullying Prevention.
Our Curriculum Night scheduled for October 8 is postponed. Information about the new date will be shared as soon as possible.
Families are still invited to come shopping at our Scholastic Book Fair on either Tuesday or Wednesday after school. Please note that our regularly scheduled dismissal is still occurring. Safety is our top priority. For any car riders that want to come and shop, they must be picked up as normally in their car, then go and park in the parking lot and will be let into the building AFTER dismissal at 4pm. Thanks again to all for your flexibility.
At Pleasantville Elementary School, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and joyful community where every student feels valued, included, and empowered to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Our mission is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and character they need to succeed in school and in life, helping them become curious thinkers, resilient problem-solvers, and compassionate friends who are prepared for the challenges ahead.
Through strong academic instruction in reading, math, and writing, science and social studies as well as intentional teaching of empathy, respect, and responsibility, we nurture the whole child. We build a learning environment that feels like home, sounds kind and respectful, and looks joyful and engaging, where students and staff support one another and celebrate diversity.
Together with our families and community, we foster a school culture where every student is encouraged to take risks, ask for help, and persevere through challenges. At Pleasantville, we believe learning should be meaningful, kindness should lead the way, and every child should leave knowing they are capable of living happy, safe, and productive lives—ready to make a positive difference in the world.