The Sylvan Sunday Swoop
Back to School Edition
Welcome to the 2025-2026 School Year!
Greetings Blue Jay Families,
Welcome to a brand-new school year at Sylvan Elementary School! We are so excited to open our doors and hearts once again to your amazing children and to YOU—our incredible school community.
This year, our schoolwide theme is “Building Greatness.”
It’s more than just a slogan—it’s a promise. A promise to build not only strong academic foundations, but also character, confidence, and compassion in every child who walks through our doors.
We believe that greatness is built every day—in the way a teacher listens to a student, in the way classmates support each other, and in the way families and staff work together as partners. Whether we’re learning to read, solving math problems, making new friends, or navigating challenges, each experience is a brick in the foundation of something lasting and meaningful.
As your child’s first teacher, your role in this journey is invaluable. When school and home work hand-in-hand, great things happen. Thank you for trusting us, supporting us, and being part of this team.
Together—brick by brick—we are building greatness in every child, every classroom, every day.
We can’t wait to see all that this year holds. Check out some up to date information below.
With appreciation and excitement,
Mrs. Hamilton
Principal
🧱 Building Greatness Together—One Child at a Time
#BuildingGreatness
#SylvanisourHappyNest
We are so excited that your student will join us in kindergarten this year. Please read the important information below and feel free to call the front office if you have any questions (336) 376-3350. School starts at 7:50 am and ends at 2:35 pm.
Staggered Entry: Each student has been assigned a day to come for Staggered Entry. These days are 8/25, 8/26, or 8/27. Post cards will be mailed out this week with those assigned times. If you do not receive on by the middle of next week, call us at 336-376-3350. ALL Kindergarten Students will report on 8/28 and 8/29.
Kindergarten Meet the Teacher: Kindergarten Meet the Teacher will be on Wednesday, August 27th from 4-6. This is when you can bring in your student’s school supplies and drop them off in their assigned classroom and meet your student’s amazing teacher!
Week 1 Arrival: Your student’s first day of Kindergarten is so exciting and we want to be sure you can enjoy it and feel comfortable when dropping your child off. During the first week of school, you can park in the grass lot across the street and walk your child into the building. You will walk up the sidewalk, up the steps, and follow the brick pathway in the courtyard. Once that pathway ends, you will turn left and walk in through the double glass doors, where one of our outstanding Kindergarten Teachers will greet you and allow you to walk your student to their classroom. (see map below)
Week 2 Arrival: You will still be able to walk your student to the double glass doors, but that will be where you give your student hugs, kisses, and words of affirmation and let our fantastic staff take them to class.
Moving Forward: After Week 2, we ask that you transition your drop-off to the car rider line. There is a map below showing where to go for that.
Imani Small- Assistant Principal
I am excited to join the Sylvan Blue Jays as Assistant Principal! I am an adventurer, lifelong learner, reader, gamer, and servant. As a former tutor, teacher, and instructional coach, I believe every student can learn when they are provided with the right tools and a supportive community. Looking forward to an amazing school year!
Aimee Pettigrew- 5th Grade Teacher
Hello everyone! I’m incredibly excited to join the Sylvan Elementary family as one of the new 5th-grade teachers. It’s truly an honor to become part of such a dedicated and welcoming school community. A little about me—I’ve always had a passion for helping young learners grow both academically and personally. I’ve spent the past twelve years working in education, and I’m excited to be around the curiosity and energy that 5th graders bring to the classroom. I believe in creating a learning environment where students feel seen, supported, and challenged to do their best. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, going on mini adventures, and loving on my sweet kitty Moo Moo. I’m looking forward to a wonderful school year with our students and their families.
Katie Haynes- 5th Grade Teacher
Hello! My name is Katie Haynes, and I am so grateful to be joining the Sylvan family! My husband and I are products of ABSS and alumni of Appalachian State University! We have two fur-babies, Roxy and Lola, and we spend most of our time with our family. I am excited to get to know the families of Sylvan and be a part of your community! I have been teaching in ABSS for 15 years in Sixth and Fourth grade, so I am eager to SOAR with Fifth grade this school year!
Yolanda Mendoza- Part Time Receptionist
My name is Yolanda, and I'm originally from North Carolina, where I've spent most of my life. For the past ten years, I've had the opportunity to work with children ranging from six weeks to middle school age, which has truly deepened my passion for child development and communication. I'm currently working toward a degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and I'm excited about the path ahead. Outside of work and school, I love hiking, baking, and discovering new places. I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you and being a part of this community!
Mary Raymond- School Nurse
Hello! My name is Mary Raymond. I will be your new School Nurse this year. I bring with me 17 years of nursing experience. I graduated from the University of Maine Fort Kent with a BSN. I will be sharing Sylvan Elementary with Graham Middle School this year. I am a community member, and my own children are members of the Blue Jay community. I am so excited to be working with all of you!!! I hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer!
Bethany Murphy- Second Grade Teacher
As a former Sylvan student, I’m excited to return as a 2nd grade teacher. I graduated from Guilford College and have been teaching since 2012, primarily in Guilford County. It’s an honor to give back to the community that helped shape my love for learning.
Katie Wood- School Instructional Specialist K-2
Hi, Blue Jay family! My name is Katie Wood, and I’m thrilled to join Sylvan Elementary as your School Instructional Specialist. Originally from Creedmoor, NC, I’ve proudly called Alamance County home for the past 16 years while working with ABSS. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family — including my two children, who will also become part of the Blue Jay family this year! I look forward to building relationships with Sylvan’s students, staff, and families as we work together to make this a fun and successful school year.
Dani Wilson (Moore)- Pre-K Teacher
Hi y'all! I’m Dani Wilson (though my email will be under Danielle Moore). I worked in ABSS pre-k for ten years at South Graham before transitioning to kindergarten at The Hawbridge School for three years. I’m so excited to be at Sylvan, just a mile down the road from my home, and working with Mrs. Hamilton again. Fun fact: I, a student, taught on her kindergarten team! I love animals, being near the water, Duke basketball, reading, Diet Coke, and my sweet husband, whom I married a few weeks ago. Another fun fact - he went to Sylvan, and I’ll be teaching in the same classroom where he attended 5th grade! When I’m not teaching, you might find me caring for the horses right next door at our friend Penny’s farm!
Ellie Bivins- First Grade Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Ellie Bivins, and I’m so excited to be joining the Sylvan Elementary family as a 1st grade teacher this year! I’m proud to be from Alamance County and an Alamance Scholar. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Elon University and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Innovation there as well. As this is my first year at Sylvan, I’m eager to learn, grow, and make meaningful connections. From the very beginning, Sylvan has felt like a supportive family, and I can't wait to start this journey with our amazing students and staff!
Abby Rimmer- Part-Time Instructional Assistant
I am Abby Rimmer. I have been blessed to be a part-time stay-at-home mom for the past 6 years. I acquired my A.A.S. in Medical Office Administration from Alamance Community College and have 7 years of experience working as an Administrative Specialist with the UNC Chapel Hill, Pediatric Urology. Working in early childhood education has always been a goal of mine, and I am very excited to be able to begin what I hope to be a lasting career.
Marie Lunde- School Counselor
I’m excited to join the Sylvan community as your school counselor. I’m passionate about helping all kids feel valued and capable of success. Originally from Virginia, I’m quickly becoming a UNC fan and loving life here in North Carolina. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending time with my husband and our two kids. I’m looking forward to a great year together!
Carol Espique- School Social Worker
Hello! I am Carol Espique, and I am excited to be back at Sylvan Elementary. I started here in 2021 and fell in love with the community and students. This year I will be split with Sylvan and Southern Middle School, which our Blue Jays feed into so I am blessed to be with these kiddos from Kindergarten to 8th grade. My husband is retired military and works at NC A&T with future Air Force leaders. We have been married for 11 years. Our son Nolan is 9 years old and loves anything yellow or Disney. He and I are Disney fans, and my husband is a good sport. We love to travel, go to concerts, and attend sporting events.
