A new principal will be seen around the Clarkdale Elementary campus beginning in July. With Dr. Liss Maynard’s retirement, the Cardinals needed a new leader and found just the right one in Principal Dwan Jones.

Principal Jones is a long-time education veteran with 23 years of experience. She has been with Cobb Schools for the last 18 years. She began as a teacher at Birney Elementary and currently serves as an assistant principal at Eastvalley ES in Marietta. Principal Jones is looking forward to her new role and is anxious to get started.

“As Clarkdale’s principal, I am dedicated to continuing and amplifying its reputation for celebrating student successes, building robust community partnerships, and utilizing engaging educational strategies to reach all learners,” she said. “All students learn best in a positive, supportive, and engaging environment.”

In the following Q&A, Principal Jones further describes her leadership philosophy and her educational goals for Clarkdale Elementary.

Question: Why are you excited about joining the Clarkdale Elementary community? 

Answer: I am truly honored to serve as principal at Clarkdale Elementary School! It has the reputation of being equipped with extraordinary teachers who serve exemplary students and an engaged community. I look forward to working with the Cardinal family as we continuously provide excellent educational experiences for our students. 

Q: What impresses you most about the Clarkdale ES students, and what can the school community expect to see under your leadership? 

A: I was privileged to visit Clarkdale’s campus and meet with a few students and teachers. The high-yield instructional strategies and student-focused learning were a joy to witness. Additionally, I am impressed to learn that Clarkdale is working diligently to earn its STEAM certification. I am eager to join the team and help to accomplish this goal for our learning community!

The school community can expect to see a leader who is passionate about student learning and understands the power of collaboration! Within a collaborative leadership model, it is vital to consider the voices of all stakeholders when making decisions that promote student success. 

Q: What does student success look like to you? 

A: As educators, we are responsible for creating an environment where students feel supported so they can reach their maximum potential. Forming strong partnerships is essential in our learning community to increase student success. These collaborative relationships are necessary to equip students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Each student is unique; therefore, success is different for each student. When students track and monitor progress toward their goals, it helps them to recognize their accomplishments and build self-confidence. Ultimately, students succeed when we develop a foundation to promote curious, lifelong learners.

Q: What do you like most about being an educator/principal, and what is your favorite memory as an educator? 

A: It is a rewarding experience to serve in a profession that carries a legacy of encouragement, motivation, and engagement to sharpen young minds! The ability to witness students excel in their talents and achieve their personal goals defines why I am passionate and dedicated to making a positive difference for students and their families.  

I have numerous fond memories as an educator. One year that resonates with me was when I taught students displaced from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. I vividly recall how families were concerned about their students taking Georgia’s End-of-Year Standardized Assessment (CRCT) due to the trauma they endured. I remember speaking to a mother on the phone to share the great news of her son’s passing scores. She immediately screamed and cried (tears of joy) over the phone. After school, the mother came to the front office with a bouquet of flowers and said, “Mrs. Jones, my son now loves school because of you. He believes in himself because of you!” At that moment, I realized the value of an educator’s influence on the lives of students and families. 

Q: Outside school, where might students, parents, or staff members run into you? 

A: I enjoy spending time with my husband, three sons, daughter-in-law, and new grandson! We LOVE attending sporting events, traveling, playing board games, and trying new restaurants. Recently, we have been spending lots of time bowling. You may run into us at a local bowling center! 

Welcome to Clarkdale, Principal Jones. We look forward to what lies ahead and your leadership of the school. We know the Cardinals and the entire Clarkdale community are in great hands!