Peveler Named Principal of Highland Elementary

Leslie Peveler has been named principal of Highland Elementary School following a unanimous vote of the HES Site-Based Decision Making Council on Tuesday,  April 10. 

Peveler, who has served as assistant principal at Highland since 2009, will begin her responsibilities on July 1. She replaces Anita Newman, who is retiring at the conclusion of the 2011-12 school year. 

As part of her application and interview process, Peveler referred to the HES motto: “Success for All – Whatever It Takes.” “I am committed to sharing my skills with others, supporting colleagues in their growth, and building an environment where kids are the primary focus of all that is considered,” she said. 

She also expressed her appreciation for the outstanding support demonstrated by parents and families of Highland students. “I have confidence in our community and their commitment to supporting Highland in all its endeavors,” she said. “It is my mission to create an environment where students are safe, engaged and committed to their own success.” 

Before being named assistant principal, Peveler served Highland as staff developer, Gifted and Talented coordinator, writing cluster leader and Extended School Services building coordinator from 2005-09. She was certified as a Talents Unlimited national trainer in 1999. 

She began her career as a primary teacher at Burns Elementary School in 1993 and taught at Condor Elementary School (Morongo Unified School District, California) in 1994-95. She returned to DCPS in 1995, teaching at Highland before moving to Deer Park in 1997, remaining there until she returned to HES in 2005. 

Peveler earned her Rank I in school administration (Level 2) from Western Kentucky University, where she also received a master of arts degree in education/elementary school counseling and a bachelor of science degree in science/elementary education. 

DCPS Interim Superintendent Mike Gray said, “Leslie brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this position and we are confident that her leadership will continue the strong tradition of excellence that has been the hallmark of Highland Elementary School.”