Peter Manson
Students at Russell Elementary School will be going back to school with a new principal and construction complete.
Peter A. Manson was named principal in the spring. A Powder Springs resident, he and his wife, Kimberly, have three daughters. He is a graduate of Lassiter High School and Kennesaw State University where he completed the Specialist in Educational Leadership this summer. He began his teaching career in Smyrna at Brown Elementary School where he was named Teacher of the Year. He has been in administrative roles at Dowell and Kemp Elementary Schools.
“Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Dipetrillo, Russell Elementary School has an outstanding reputation in the Cobb County School District as being a school of excellence and innovation,” he said. “As principal, I plan to continue this rich tradition by ensuring that our school is on the cutting edge with the implementation of new technologies and research-based instructional strategies.”
Another new face in the front office is Tammy Watson, assistant principal, who comes from Clarkdale Elementary.
As students return to classes they will notice new sprinkler systems and new ceiling tiles in all the hallways and Media Center. A new courtyard has been constructed in between buildings. And, there’s also a new playground for third, fourth and fifth graders.
Manson expects just under 700 students when school opens.
“Blast off to excellence,” is the theme for the new school year, which builds on the home Russell’s continuing space shuttle program, which stresses math and science. “Our students stand out in those fields,” Manson said.
Continuing its tradition of being innovative with technology, classrooms at Russell each have a classroom interactive white board and at least three computers.
“We have a solid foundation of excellent,” Manson said. He also commended the work of parents, the community, PTA, the Dad’s Club and the school’s Partners in Education.
“We can’t wait to see our students,” he said. “It’s going to be an amazing year. We will be rolling out the red carpet for students opening day.”
From the August 2012 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton and Austell, GA.
