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    Garlington Pic
     
    Principal
     

    Mr. Ronald Garlington has enthusiastically served as an educator in the Atlanta Public School District since 1992. He is a proud graduate of B.E. Mays High School and long-time resident of Southwest Atlanta.  He is the father of three children, all of which attended school in the Mays Cluster, and a running enthusiast.

    Mr. Garlington’s pursuit and passion for education began at Hampton University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. He later received a Master of Education Degree in School Counseling, as well as his Educational Leadership Certification, both from Georgia State University.

    During his tenure with Atlanta Public Schools, Mr. Garlington has served in various capacities including Student Assistance Program (SAP) Counselor, Liaison Specialist, Guidance Counselor, and most recently as the district’s K-8 Coordinator of Counseling and Section 504 Coordinator before joining the staff of Young Middle School. Mr. Garlington’s favorite quote is, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” In his assignment as an assistant principal, Mr. Garlington is eager and looking forward to utilizing all of his prior experience, training, and skills to help his students make this quote a reality.

     
     
     
    moore-williams
     
    6th Grade Assistant Principal 
     

    Ms. Wanda Moore Williams returns to Jean Childs Young Middle School after serving as an elementary administrator for the past eleven years.  As a native of South Carolina, she and her two sisters were raised to take advantage of every educational opportunity.  Ms. Moore Williams completed her Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Teaching at the University of South Carolina.  She has continued her education at Lincoln Memorial University where she earned an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and is currently seeking a Doctoral Degree in Administration and Leadership.  

    Ms. Moore Williams began her teaching career in South Carolina and transitioned to the Atlanta Public Schools in 2000.  She has served as an educator for 20 years and is a former teacher of Jean Childs Young MS. As a lifelong learner and instructional leader, she believes that awareness is a pivotal component to the success in educating our youth.  It is her belief that once we develop a passion for learning, we never cease to grow.  She is extremely excited to be a part of the #YoungMovement and returning to the Wolf Pack Family.

     
     
     
     rodhis
     
    7th Grade Assistant Principal 
     

    Roderic Hister is an alumnus of Lewis University, Cambridge College and Kennesaw State University.  During his 20+ years of classroom experience, his students’ pledge could be heard echoing throughout the halls, “I am a winner, not a loser. I can succeed, I shall succeed…because I am a winner! I am somebody. I am somebody! I love myself. I respect myself, therefore, I respect others!”

    In his 25+ years of experience in education, Mr. Hister has taught at the high, middle and elementary school levels in Illinois and Georgia.  Since relocating to Georgia, he taught in Dekalb and Muscogee counties before joining the APS family in 2009. He is gifted, reading and teacher-support endorsed and served as an Instructional Coach at Heritage Academy for three years.  As an administrator, Mr. Hister sets high expectations for his students and colleagues.  He takes pride in helping others develop a winning attitude and becoming sound participants of their communities.  As a servant-leader, he aims to show others that when they are willing to work hard and do their best, the sky is the limit. 

    Mr. Hister believes that the world is our classroom and has led student-delegations to more than 20 countries. These experiences provided opportunities for students to experience cultures in different parts of the world that included Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia. His mission is to share his knowledge, experiences, and expertise with others in order to promote their development.

     

             
     
    blackmon
     
    8th Grade Assistant Principal
     

    Mr. Blackmon brings an authentic and innovative perspective to leadership at Jean Childs Young Middle School. Known for countless strategies in uplifting school culture, engaging parents, stakeholders, and increasing student achievement. Prior to becoming an Assistant Principal, Mr. Blackmon served as an Instructional Coach for Social Studies and Economics. In his 18-year tenure, he taught Gifted Language Arts and Social Studies at B.E.S.T. Academy, King Middle School, and in his home state of Florida at Ribault Middle School. 

    In response to his years of service and steadfast dedication, he was awarded countless accolades such as the PBS American Graduate Champion Teacher, APS District- wide Teacher of the Year, Georgia Trend 40 under Forty, and most recently the District-wide Assistant Principal of the Year for Atlanta Public Schools. Mr. Blackmon holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communication and Journalism from Bethune Cookman University and completed his Master of Education from Central Michigan University.

    In addition to being a Servant Leader, he donates his personal time to helping disenfranchised young men, as the Founder of the “Gentlemen’s Project”. His initiative encourages young men to develop a sense of confidence, grooming, chivalry, paths to manhood and reemphasizing the art of brotherhood and scholarship.

    He believes that his mission in education is to assure that all scholars are resolute, knowledgeable, and productive contributors of an ever-changing society.

     

     

     KG

    "The Den" Assistant Principal

    I am so honored and excited to join the Young Middle School team as the Director of the “The Den” this fall.  I can’t wait to embark upon this journey with each of you and the Young community.  As I reflect on my years of service to education and think about this new chapter, I am so humbled and privileged to have the opportunity to work alongside passionate educators and staff who believe in students and their future success.

    Here is a little background information about me you may find interesting.  I was born and raised in St. Andrew, Jamaica, W.I. I am the last and only child of a blended family, both parents have five children on each side from their previous marriages.  In the late 80s, my parents decided to move to the United States; so most of my American educational experience is in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  I attended Florida State University for two years, however, earned my Bachelors of Arts in Education with a TESOL add-on from Florida Atlantic University.  Later, I earned a Masters in Science degree from Nova Southeastern University in Curriculum, Instruction and Technology. I also earned a leadership certification from Georgia State University.   I have over 19 years of educational experience and have worked in various capacities from a classroom teacher, to instructional technology specialist, to a curriculum teacher support staff, to an assistant principal, and principal (placed).  I love working with children, they remind me of how innocent the world can be and how vital it is for me as an educator to provide students with the tools and skills needed to become great human beings.  Every child can become anything they desire; they just need adults to believe in them and never give up on their potential.