Ms. Jessica Appleyard, Principal

It is truly a gift to be a part the Pitner Community!  Our Patriots are Respectful. Responsible. Empowered.  We have an amazing PTSA that supports the school with resources and family engagement, and our staff is dedicated and excited about each and every day at school.  

This will be my twenty-seventh year in education and my seventeenth year as an administrator.  I am a product of Cobb County Schools and hold degrees from the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at Jessica.Appleyard@cobbk12.org .  I am committed to leading Pitner through all that the year holds and I am hopeful that this year's theme: Pitner Celebrates CommUNITY! holds opportunities for collaboration and community-building!

Dr. Katrina Shirley, Assistant Principal 

Hello! My name is Katrina Shirley. I am excited to continue serving as one of your Assistant Principals this school year! What a blessing to be a part of the amazing community of students, staff, parents, and administrators at Pitner! 

I began my teaching career in the Cobb County School District seventeen years ago. I hold degrees from the University of West Georgia, Berry College, and Kennesaw State University. I recently received my doctorate degree from KSU in the area of educational leadership. This is my 7th year in an administration role in the Cobb School District. 

As an educational leader, I have many beliefs about education. First and foremost, I believe all students can learn.  If a student does not learn the way in which they are taught, they must be taught the content in a different way, a way in which they can learn.  I also believe that building relationships is the most important thing educators and educational leaders can do to promote student success. When a student knows they are valued and loved, they will work to their full potential. Finally, I believe in the power of pursuing growth, not perfection. Practice makes perfect PROGRESS! I look forward to working with your family this school year as your child learns and grows! Please reach out anytime! Katrina.Shirley@cobbk12.org 

Ms. Lashonda Smith, Assistant Principal

Greetings Pitner Patriots!

My name is Lashonda Smith, and I am excited to join Pitner Elementary as one of your child’s Assistant Principals starting this July. I began working in the Cobb County School District in 2008 and have served in a variety of roles at the district and local school levels. I am entering my fifth year serving in an administrative role. I earned my B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University, Ed. S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University and am currently working on my Ed. D. in Educational Leadership at the American College of Education. 

I am driven by my why which is rooted in my strong belief in the power of the village. I believe students can reach their highest potential when their academic, social, emotional, and physical needs are met. I also believe that every child is unique and has diverse needs which we must embrace, support, and celebrate. As a leader, it is my priority to ensure we use our collective resources to ensure each student’s growth and success. The Pitner learning community is strong and has a vision that supports a lifetime of learning. I am committed to pouring into our students, staff, and commUNITY and am honored to work alongside each of you this year. Please feel free to contact me anytime! 

Lashonda.Smith@cobbk12.org