Our educators celebrate each student's strengths, tailoring instruction to their needs. We promote respect, open dialogue, and student expression, fostering learning from one another. Through collaboration, our students develop empathy, cultural competence, and the ability to thrive in a diverse world.

Our vision is to create an educational experience that prepares our students not only for academic success but also for a future where they can confidently navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and make meaningful differences in their lives and the lives of others.

Welcome Back!! I hope that you all have had a great summer break and enjoyed your time off with your students. The Newland staff is truly energized about the new school year and are eager to provide a high-quality education for all students. As the principal, I am also very excited about the opportunity to get to know our students, staff, families and community partners.

A great deal of time, effort and thought has gone into the process of student placement for the 2023-2024 school year. Careful consideration was given to input from staff and families as well as student learning styles. Classrooms have been balanced academically and socially. Our class lists are structured to provide equitable class sizes at each grade level. Moving students is difficult without causing imbalances and inequities.

Thank you so much for being positive with your student and helping him or her understand that it is impossible to place all students with a preferred best friend or teacher. ALL of our staff works hard to make school a positive experience for ALL students. Newland Elementary is eagerly looking forward to enriching your students' life. Thank you for understanding that it can take a few weeks for a child to acclimate to a new grade, peer group and teachers.

I look forward to greeting students and families again. It remains an honor and privilege to serve as your principal. Please stop by and say hello. Together, I know we will make this school year one of growth and achievement for all children.

~Ms. Presnell

Megan Byrd~Kindergarten

Melinda Bennett~3rd Grade

Madison Cummings~Exceptional Children's Teacher

Carrie Greene~4th Grade ELA/Social Studies

Tiffany Reece~4th Grade Math/Science

Mary Katherine Laws~1st Grade Instructional Assistant

Donna Clark~EC Instructional Assistant

Olivia Gearhart~Art Teacher

Taylor Polson~ML (ESL) Teacher

Jeff Smith~School Resource Officer

August 7~Faculty and Staff Return

August 8~Avery County School Board Meeting

August 10~OPEN HOUSE at Newland~4:00-6:00

August 14~Students Return~Doors open at 7:25~Students are tardy after 7:50

Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding as you are visiting the school. Below is a video on our Raptor Identification System and how it works. If you have questions, please feel free to call the front office. Thank you for helping us keep Newland safe!

Did you know NEWLAND ELEMENTARY School receives financial assistance from the Federal Government because we are a Title 1 School?

What is Title 1?

Title I is a federal program that provides financial assistance through State educational agencies (SEAs) to local educational agencies (LEAs) and public schools with high numbers or percentages of low-income children to help ensure that all children meet challenging State academic content and student academic achievement standards.

LEAs target the Title I funds they receive to schools with the highest percentages of children from low-income families. Schools enrolling at least 40 percent of students from low-income families are eligible to use Title I funds for school wide programs that serve all children in the school. All elementary and middle schools in Avery County Schools receive Title 1 funds and have school wide programs, which means all students within the schools are served.

Both school wide and targeted assistance programs must be based on effective means of improving student achievement and include strategies to support parental involvement.

What do Title I programs offer?

• Title I programs generally offer:
• Smaller classes or special instructional spaces
• Additional teachers and aides
• Opportunities for professional development for school staff
• Extra time for teaching Title I students the skills they need
• A variety of supplementary teaching methods
• An individualized program for students
• Additional teaching materials which supplement a student’s regular instruction

Finally, Title I schools:

• Identify the students at their school who need the most educational assistance based on the criteria that school has chosen. Students do NOT have to be from low-income families to receive Title I services.
• Set goals for improving the skills of educationally disadvantaged students at their school.
• Measure student progress to determine the success of the Title I program for each student.
• Develop programs for each individual student in order to support/supplement regular classroom instruction.

How can I get involved?

Complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Form online or get a copy from Newland Elementary. It is important that you do these every year and/or anytime during the year when a change occurs in your household that may affect your qualification status.

If you still feel like you are missing out on anything, please call me (733-4911 ext. 2501) or email me (tamarapresnell@averyschools.net) anytime!

Thank you for your continued support,

~Ms. Presnell