As the district grows to include the new Virtual Academy, new roles are necessary. We are pleased to announce Dr. Palmer Quarrels will be the virtual academy principal. Quarrels has been with the district for 37 years, beginning as a teacher and coach at Wonder Jr. High School. She served as assistant principal at West Memphis High School for 11 years and at Wonder Jr. for 7 years. In addition to the virtual academy, she will lead the Alternative Learning Environment (ALE). Quarrels says “I am excited about the change. It will allow me to grow in a different leadership role and reach more kids and parents.” The next steps will be to hire a few staff members to teach and support students. “I love Wonder and its bittersweet to leave but I also love a challenge. This chance to develop another learning experience for our students, is just the challenge I will gladly take on,” Quarrels concludes.
Leeman Brown will be the next principal at Wonder Jr. High School. Brown has been with the district for 27 years starting as a 6th grade math teacher. From there he became a math coach, basketball and football assistant coach, assistant principal at Maddux Elementary and principal at Wonder Elementary. For the past six years, he has served as principal at Jackson-Wonder Elementary. Brown is excited to become the principal at Wonder Jr. saying, “this a great opportunity to work in a learning community that cultivates the whole child. I am looking forward to working with parents, a great staff, meeting new students and supporting all students.”
Joyce Smith will replace Brown as principal at Jackson-Wonder Elementary School. Smith is starting her 25th year with the district. Her first role was a 6th grade teacher at L.R. Jackson Elementary School. Prior to becoming assistant principal at Jackson-Wonder, she served as a math coach. Smith says, “I am honored to become principal at the school where my educational journey began. This is a full circle moment, and I look forward to working with the staff and our excellent students to uphold the Jackson-Wonder legacy.”
We wish them much success on their new journeys. Their previous leadership roles have prepared them for these next steps. Congratulations to each of you.