Greetings TJES Patriot Families and Friends,
Welcome to the home of the Proud Patriots!
One of my favorite quotes is “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” by John C. Maxwell, an author of leadership books. At TJES, we choose growth! With my return to TJ as the principal in 2019, we are already making some changes to further grow the opportunities for our students and their families. In fact, we have adopted a new mission statement that will focus our work and decision making: We will guide our students along their unique path to individual success.
This mission is simple and clear: It is our job to help our students find their own way, or path, to future success. Each child’s journey will be unique, but we are here to provide them with the supports--academically, socially, physically, emotionally-- that they will need to continue on their path. Each of our students will have the opportunity to explore and experience the skills they will need for the future, the 5 C’s of 21st century learning: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Citizenship, Creativity, and Communication. Not only will these be integrated into their daily classroom experiences, but we will set aside time each week for students to work on developing these life-long skills.
We also know that we cannot accomplish this mission alone. We welcome your involvement in your child’s education and our school. Please let us know if you have ideas, concerns, or want to volunteer. Only by working together can we ensure that our students’ are receiving the best education possible. Please feel free to email, call, or come to visit and talk. You can also follow our progress on Facebook, in newsletters, and our school website.
To reintroduce myself to the TJES community, I was the principal at TJES from 2005 until 2011. I came home in 2019! I am so excited to have returned to this fantastic staff, students, and families! I have been in education for 38 years: 15 years as an elementary and middle school teacher, 6 years as assistant principal at JES, 6 years as principal at TJES, 8 years at Central Office as Director of Elementary Education, and now 4 years as principal at TJES.
My undergraduate degree is from Virginia Tech in Elementary/Middle School Education. My graduate degree in Administration and Supervision is from VCU. My family and I relocated from Henrico County in 2002 to Louisa County and have made it our permanent home. My husband and I have one daughter--our one and only. I enjoy reading, shopping, traveling and spending time with my family and friends.
I am looking forward to this school year and watching our children’s paths develop!
Mr. Jesse Cleaver - Assistant Principal
Greetings TJ Families!
I'm excited to start my 5th year as the Assistant Principal at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. Before coming to TJ, I taught Mathematics for 12 years at Louisa County High School where I also served as an assistant football coach and in various leadership roles. I received my B.S. in Mathematics Education from Juniata College and my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from George Mason University.
I'm originally from a small rural town in Pennsylvania but have been a resident of Louisa County for the past 17 years and am proud to call it home. My wife, Jessica, is a teacher in the county and my 3 kids, Cole, Ava, and Ty are LCPS students with Cole in 6th grade, Ava in 4th grade and Ty in 1st grade. When I'm not at school you may find me on a local baseball or softball field watching my kids play or coaching.
I look forward to partnering with you to provide your Patriot with a world class education. Please don't hesitate to contact me via phone or email ([email protected]) if I can be of assistance.
Together, We Are TJES!
Jesse Cleaver, M.Ed.
Ms. Yolanda Speed, Administrative Intern
Greetings TJ Families!
I'm excited to start my 2nd year as an Admin Intern at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School and my 10th year with Louisa County Public Schools. Before coming to TJ, I was a Special Education Teacher for 8 years at Louisa County High School. I also served as Special Education Department Chair, Destined Daughters Club sponsor, and in other leadership roles. I have an Education Specialist Degree from Liberty University and am currently working on a doctoral degree.
I hail from a rural county in central North Carolina. As a Navy veteran's wife, I have traveled all over the globe, but I live in Albemarle County. My husband Stanley and I have three adult children, Stanley Jr, Mylz, and Amoree. We also have two grand canines, Beanz and Bombay. My favorite pastimes are being with family, relaxing, and "courting the world".
I look forward to collaborating with you to make the 2022-2023 school year memorable.
Please contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. My phone number is (540) 967-0492 ext. 3013. You can also email me at [email protected].