Leadership
KELLY M. CARTER
Mrs. Carter’s 23 year career with Richmond Public Schools has allowed her to serve as Teacher, Department Chair, Coach, Academic Coordinator, Assistant Principal and Deputy Principal. She earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree from Virginia State University and Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her career began as a Business Teacher at John Marshall High School and Elkhardt Middle School, then on to Academic Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Deputy Principal at Armstrong High School. She helps to cultivate and sustain initiatives at Armstrong High School that provide many opportunities and positive outcomes for students. Her focus remains providing the best education for students at Armstrong High
PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME
Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,
Welcome back to Armstrong! We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As summer draws to a close, it's our pleasure to extend a warm and hearty welcome to all our students, both new and returning. We are excited to embark on another year of learning, growth, and discovery together.
I am honored and delighted to introduce myself as the new principal of Armstrong High School. Having previously served as Assistant Principal at Armstrong High School, I am committed to building upon the strong foundation that Armstrong has already established.
I firmly believe in the power of education to transform lives and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential. I am committed to working collaboratively with our exceptional faculty, staff, parents, and students to ensure that Armstrong High School continues to be a place where every learner thrives.
As we embark on this journey together, my primary focus will be on providing a safe and inspiring learning environment that caters to the individual student. We wish to create a Community of Outstanding Learners. C.O.O.L. We are C.O.O.L at Armstrong!
I would like to extend an invitation to all of you to join me for a Back to School Night on Friday, September 6th from 5:00-7pm. This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know each other better, share our thoughts, and discuss the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Here's to a year of inspiration, discovery and success. Let's make it a great one together.
Sincerely,
Kelly M. Carter
Administrative Team:
Our Administrative Team has well over 110 years of experience in Education. They have served in many capacities including:
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Director of Instructional Services
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Principal
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Assistant Principal
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Instructional Coach
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Department Chair
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Academic Coordinator
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Teachers of: History, CTE, SPED, English
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Instructional Compliance Coordinator
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Coaching and Sponsoring
They are well-versed in the dynamics of leading an urban school!
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - KARA LANCASTER-GAY
AP Kara Lancaster-Gay is an alumna of Richmond Public Schools, honored to have served as speech-language pathologist, general and exceptional education classroom teacher, compliance coordinator, reading interventionist, and administrator at the preschool, elementary, middle, and high school levels.
She is passionate about propelling student success through high expectations, high-quality instructional practice, encouragement, and servant leadership. Her enthusiasm is energized by compassion, common vision, community, and commitment to disrupt low expectations with inspiration, motivation, and love shown in every interaction. Her career, faith-based, civic, and organizational interests are all interwoven to be a true champion for children and their bright futures.
#literacy #commUNITY #socialjusticeandadvocacy #urbaneducation #healthequity #HopeDealer #BLM #outreach #excellence #lifelonglearning #WINspiration #teamwork #BlackHistory #honorthelegacyengagethedestiny #growthmindset #workisanounandaverb #buildingandsustainingrelationships #servantleadership #foodie #bereadybetherebeGREAT #strongfaith
mailto:klancast@rvaschools.net
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - Darian Bell
Mr. Darian Bell is in year 33 of educational instruction. Mr. Bell graduated from Elizabeth City State University with a degree in Health and Physical Education. He furthered his studies by receiving a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Cambridge College. Mr. Bell has taught Exceptional Education in Southampton County, Health and Physical Education in Franklin City, Advanced Physical Education in Sussex County and Adaptive Physical Education in Northern Virginia. He has coached Football, Track, Wrestling and Girl’s Basketball. Mr. Bell has gone on to become an Assistant Principal and then a Principal at Southampton Middle School for several years. He is presently an Associate Principal at Armstrong High School. His focus is and always has been to provide a positive fair educational environment for students, teachers and parents.
Interests:
#PE #Education #Football #Track #Wrestling #Basketball #FamilyEngagement
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - DR. TESS SHORT
With 24 years of experience in education, Dr. Tess Short brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her new role as assistant principal. Her extensive career spans rural, urban, and suburban school districts across Virginia, where she has served as a teacher, school counselor, educational manager, and instructional specialist.
Dr. Short previously held the position of Lead School Counselor at Richmond School for the Arts. Her exemplary service has earned her numerous awards, most notably being named School Counselor of the Year in 2016 by both the Virginia School Counselor Association (VSCA) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). This prestigious recognition provided her the honor of meeting Former First Lady Michelle Obama at a celebration at the White House.
Outside of her professional commitments, Dr. Short enjoys traveling, shopping, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is a proud owner of a boxer dog named Maxx. Guided by her favorite quote, "Love what you do and do what you love," Dr. Short is deeply passionate about helping students achieve their full potential. Her unwavering dedication to fostering a positive and supportive educational environment underscores her commitment to making a lasting impact in her new role as assistant principal.
Interests include:
#Education #School Counseling #Traveling #Shopping #Family #Friends #Pets