PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MAY 18, 2023
Contact: Dr. Andrea Pastchal-Smith
Aberdeen School District announces new principals at Aberdeen Elementary School and
Belle-Shivers Middle School
Dr. Natasha Cheeks to lead Aberdeen Elementary School. Ms. Kristen Fondren to lead Belle-
Shivers Middle School.
(ABERDEEN, Miss.) May 17, 2023 - Aberdeen School District announces new principals for
Aberdeen Elementary School and Belle-Shivers Middle School, effective the 2023 - 2024 school
year.
Dr. Natasha Cheeks will now serve as principal of Aberdeen Elementary School. The Columbus
native has more than 10 years of experience working in education, and most recently served as
the assistant principal at the school.
Ms. Kristen Fondren will move from Aberdeen Elementary School to Belle-Shivers Middle
School, where she will now lead the district’s fifth through eighth graders. She also boasts more
than ten years of experience in public education.
Dr. Cheeks says, “My goal for next year is to focus on proficiency for third and fourth grade, along with growth for our upcoming fourth graders. Throughout the
building, we will be focusing on data-driven instruction, foundational skills, and making sure we are understanding our standards and scaffolding documents so that we can make sure ALL of our students are successful.”
These administrative moves come as the district approved retaining fourth graders at Aberdeen Elementary School for academic and social development. Along with new principals, teachers and students at both Belle-Shivers and Aberdeen Elementary School will experience learning environments that are more fulfilling to their specific different age groups, falling right in line with Dr. Cheeks’ vision for next school year.
“I am very excited to be the next principal of Belle-Shivers Middle School,” says Ms. Fondren, as she prepares to take on her new role. “There is great potential within the building, and I can’t wait to work alongside the teachers to grow us into a high-performing building. I know many of the students already from their days at AES, and I look forward to building upon those previous relationships.”
"I am confident that both Ms. Fondren and Dr. Cheeks will continue leading our schools to new heights," says Dr. Andrea Pastchal-Smith, Superintendent of Aberdeen School District. "As veterans on the administrative staff in our school district, I am sure that both leaders will make the transition from elementary to middle school, and beyond, both easy and comfortable for our students."
For questions or more information, visit Aberdeen School District’s website: http://asdms.us./