Email: Principal-J. Stone
Welcome, Lexington Middle School Jackets as we swarm into 2024-2025 school year. I am indeed excited about the opportunity to lead, serve, and learn from the Lexington Middle School Yellow Jacket family. I hold this assignment in high regard and want nothing less than to be beneficial to the community, our school families, and most importantly, our students.
I am a veteran school leader with more than 20 years of service devoted towards education. I began my career as an Exceptional Children’s teacher and as a multi- sport coach. Prior to my leadership roles with Lexington City School, I was fortunate enough to serve as an Assistant Athletic Director, assistant principal, Elementary and Alternative school principal as well as the school administrator for a juvenile detention facility.
Prior to doing the work, I received an undergraduate degree from Liberty University, where I was fortunate enough to be a Division 1 Scholarship Athlete. Upon being hired to teach, I enlisted in the Piedmont Alternative Licensure program at Greensboro College and received certification to teach Special Education. I received a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and have begun post-graduate studies toward an advanced degree of Educational Specialist.
My wife, Olivia, serves as a school administrator as well, and we are the proud parents of 16-year-old fraternal twin boys, Aiden and Jaden. My hobbies include shuttling the boys to different sporting events, fishing, reading, doing yard work and just hanging out with the family.
I am looking forward to putting all of my strengths and talents to use as we grow together and foster a spirit of excellence for every Yellow Jacket and to inspire them to take advantage of every opportunity to “Be Somebody”!
A Principal's Pledge
I will put students first
As a school, we are a service business. I’ll always remember why I chose education, to be part of a cause bigger than myself and to have a positive impact on our future. Creating opportunities for kids has been and will continue to be my top priority.
I will be visible
I will be in the hallways, classrooms, and at events as much as my schedule allows. I will make it a point to get to know staff, students, and parents and to be accessible to them. While my work does require me to be out of building at one point or another, I will make the most of the time I am at school.
I will engage our community
Parents are vital partners to our work. I will do my part to build relationships with our families through community partnerships
I will be direct
I will articulate my views or values so that everyone knows my perspective. I will communicate regularly so people will know who I am and what I am about.
I will empower
To be a leader, you must build the leadership capacity of others. I will work members of the staff to push beyond their comfort zone to further own development. I will trust staff members to be professionals, and will not hesitate to praise good work.
I will make tough decisions
I realize that some hard calls will need to be made and pledge to make my decisions based on what will help the students most. I will be open about thought process and willing to share why I make the choices I will make. I will also have difficult conversations with students, staff, and parents when necessary.
My vision will extend beyond standardized tests
As a school, we must meet or exceed state requirements. While I will take this seriously as a leader and as a professional, I will remember that our goal is learning and growth for all of our students, and that many of the important lessons we teach are “not on the test.”
I will be accountable
As a servant leader, I commit to making tough decisions, listen and be direct but also realize that I will make mistakes. When they happen, I will take the responsibility and improve. I will not ask anyone to do anything I am not willing to do myself, including coming out of my comfort zone to learn and grow.
