Dear M. Agnes Jones Community,

I am so excited to start the 2024-2025 school year serving as the Interim Principal of M. Agnes Jones Elementary School. It is an honor to lead and be a member of such a phenomenal school community full of rich traditions, joy, and a legacy of excellence. I intend to honor that legacy by working diligently with all stakeholders toward the common goal of improving educational outcomes for all M. Agnes Jones students. Through this united vision, M. Agnes Jones will continue to be the premier STEM/STEAM elementary school in Atlanta Public Schools.

This will be my 26th year in education, working with students in Kindergarten through 8th grades. Although I am a teacher at heart, it is in my positions as instructional coach and administrator where I have been most fulfilled in my life’s work. I started my formal education earning both my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Master's degree in Reading from Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, I earned a Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision at Lincoln Memorial University and my Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership from Kennesaw State University.

I have served in Atlanta Public Schools for 13 years and have had the pleasure of working in the capacity of elementary teacher, technology teacher, and STEM Program Specialist. For the past 7 years I have worked in the Washington Cluster. I have held the role of Literacy Coach and most recently I have served as the Assistant Principal at M. Agnes Jones for the past 4 years. This interim principalship will provide me with the opportunity to work collaboratively with the M. Agnes Jones teachers and staff, while also remaining connected to young students learning and growing in the classroom. I firmly believe in a collaborative relationship with teachers, students, parents, and the community to continually foster the vision of creating critical thinkers that problem solve and engage in the arts.

In my spare time, I spend time with my three wonderful children, grandson Aiden, and traveling the globe. Please accept this letter as both an introduction and invitation. An official Meet and Greet has been scheduled for July 16 from 3pm – 5pm. I invite you to stop by the school and say hello, to bring your innovative ideas and commit to a collective goal for student academic success and personal growth.

Sincerely,

Dr. Shelante’ Patton

Interim  Principal