Principal Petrey

 

Dear Southampton Elementary School Students, Families, and Community, 

It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I write to introduce myself as the Interim Principal of Southampton Elementary School for the upcoming school year.  I am guided by the belief teaching and leading is a practice and not just a job.  I work daily to put the reflect, change, improve cycle into practice so that I am the best support for my students and colleagues.

For the past six years, I have had the pleasure of serving as an assistant principal at Broad Rock Elementary School.  While at Broad Rock I have led numerous initiatives and built lasting relationships aimed at improving student engagement, enhancing academic performance, and fostering a positive school culture.  As the incoming principal at Southampton, I look forward to focusing on working with you to create a supportive and inclusive environment, ensuring that every teacher and student feels valued and empowered to be and do their best. 

I believe that at the heart of a thriving school are the relationships we build with one another. By prioritizing open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration, I aim to create an environment where every member of our community feels supported and included. This commitment to a positive school culture is rooted in the understanding that when we all work together, we can achieve extraordinary outcomes.

I hold a Bachelor of Music from Longwood University and a Masters in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University.  I began teaching Band in 2003 and have been with RPS since 2006 as a Band Director, General Music Teacher, and Assistant Principal. Outside of school, my hobbies include outdoor activities such as white water rafting and canoeing, camping, performing on the clarinet, and attending live music concerts.  At home, I am encouraged daily by my husband (a high school art teacher), daughter, and a very supportive extended family. 

I am excited to join the Southampton Elementary School Community and look forward to the positive impact we can achieve together. 

Best,

Rebecca Petrey

Interim Principal

Southampton Elementary School

Assistant Principal Smith

Mrs. Smith hails from Richmond and is a true hometown hero of Richmond Public Schools. She brings over 26 years of educational awesomeness to our team. Her journey through RPS has seen her shine as a substitute teacher, third-grade teacher, curriculum writer, Title 1 Math teacher, and now, our Amazing Assistant Principal. Let's not forget her accolades – RPS Teacher of the Year in 2009 and recipient of the prestigious REB Award in 2017. 

Mrs. Smith isn't just about the degrees (though she has those too – a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and a Leadership and Supervision certificate from the University of Richmond). She's a student advocate extraordinaire, a font of wisdom when it comes to all things instruction, and, above all, a downright fantastic human being.