Email Dr. Shamika Johnson

I am Dr. Shamika Johnson and I am excited to be the new Principal at Newburg Middle School. I am ecstatic about the opportunity to lead a school that is rich in tradition for educating the whole child and is supported by its neighborhood community members. In collaboration with staff, students, parents and the community I look to ensure that all students have access to a rigorous and meaningful curriculum that addresses their individual needs, improves student achievement and allows for an equitable, student-driven, real-world education.

I bring 17 years of Education experience to Newburg Middle School. I was a MST teacher for 8 years at duPont Manual High School before taking on the role of Assistant Principal at Iroquois High School and Seneca High School. I hold a Doctorate of Education degree from Spalding University, a Masters of Science in Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Indiana University Southeast. My love for learning pushed me to earn my Principal Certification.

I look forward to moving Newburg Middle School forward with an awesome administrative team, teachers, staff and community. Collaboration is pivotal to ensure student-centered decisions are made to increase school-wide success.

Thank you for all the continued support. Let's have a great school year!

Sixth-Grade Assistant Principal

Email Ross Carroll

Welcome to Newburg Middle School. As the sixth-grade assistant principal, I will be working with your child to successfully transition from elementary to middle school. Students will find that sixth grade provides a variety of changes that may be challenging, such as multiple teachers, many class changes, homework, and lockers. Along with the challenges, students will also find numerous opportunities to make new friends throughout day during collaborative group work and a variety of related arts classes, including band, orchestra, and chorus. A wide range of after-school clubs and activities are also available to all interested students.

Whether your child is tackling a challenge or enjoying social growth, our teachers and staff are here to support his or her growth and achievements. Please feel free to contact me at 502-485-8306 if you have any questions.

Seventh-Grade Assistant Principal

Email Kelli Garr

What does Newburg’s Vision of Student Success mean to me?

As you and your child prepare for the “7th Grade Experience”, it is important to be mindful of all of the physical, emotional, behavior, and social changes that your child may undergo this school year. Ms. Reynolds, the 7th Grade Counselor and I work together to help support not only your student but also our parents during this time of transition. We want your child to be successful not only at school but also in life. I ask that your partner with us, and your child’s teachers to ensure that your child is successful.

This school year, your 7th Grade student will be blossoming into a young adult, please continue to work with them on living a life of integrity. Often times, middle school aged students will push the envelope see what type of response the adults in their lives will give. They are counting on us to help them develop into healthy, stable, and productive adults. In order to help them to mature, I am sure that you are allowing them to try new things, experience new levels of freedom, and make more guided choices for themselves. One of the things that I often discuss with students is that if your parents cannot trust you, they will not allow you to do things without them. You need to always tell the truth even when you are wrong.

"Greg Smalley, author of Bound by Honor shares his insight with us on building the important character trait of honesty and integrity into our children." As parents, we must help them understand that integrity is a process and not a quick fix. Three important steps are needed to develop integrity.

1. Continue to teach your child how to stay within the boundaries of the rules that have been set at home and at school.

2. Continue to teach them to be aware of the choices they are making. Remind them often that the choices we make today dictate the life we will lead in the future.

3. Be diligent in holding your child accountable for their behavior, choices, and words.

In conclusion, as we partner together to ensure the success of your child, if you need to reach me please feel free to email me or call me at 502-485-8306. If you need to speak with me in person, please call me to schedule an appointment.

Eighth-Grade Assistant Principal

Email Kimberlee Washington

I am Kimberlee Washington, the new 8th Grade Assistant Principal at Newburg Middle School. For the past 16 years, I have been an educator in JCPS. My pathway to education began as a preferred substitute teacher right here at Newburg Middle School. Now that I am back "home", my profession has come full circle. I have served as a middle school English/Language Arts teacher at Olmsted Academy South and W.E.B. DuBois Academy. I hold a degree in Administration from Georgetown College, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Bellarmine University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Kentucky.

In my role as assistant principal, I look forward to teaching, learning, and growing alongside my students and colleagues. I believe in supporting our students holistically through their academics, behavior, social & emotional well-being, athleticism, and creative outlets. Building positive relationships with my students, their families, and all of our stakeholders is vital to me, as I am a firm believer that it still takes a village to raise a child. When we work together to wrap around our youth, we can push them beyond their potential and their capabilities.

I will be working closely with our 8th Grade Counselor, Ms. Evans, as we prepare our 8th graders for their journey to high school. Feel free to reach out to me anytime through email or by phone at (502) 485-8306.