Phone: 770-567-4444
Email: smithm@pike.k12.ga.us
Degrees and Certifications:
Columbus State University- BS.Ed.
University of West Georgia- Ed.S.
University of Georgia- Ed.D.
I am excited to be the principal and lead learner at Pike County Elementary School. I graduated from Columbus State University with a BSEd. in Early Childhood Education in 1993. I immediately pursued and earned my Master’s and Specialist’s degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership from West Georgia State University. I started my first job in Clayton County at Kilpatrick Elementary School where I taught third grade and served as an Early Intervention Teacher for fourteen years. During my years at Kilpatrick Elementary School, I earned my Ed.D. in the field of Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia.
My family moved to Pike County in 2007, and I began work as an Instructional Coach at the elementary school. I served as instructional coach for four years before being named assistant principal. My husband, Ken, is the physical education teacher at Pike County Elementary School and coaches the cross country team for Pike County High School. We have 3 children that attend Pike County Schools. Nicholas is a recent graduate of Pike County High School and will be continuing his education in the fall. He enjoys fishing, hunting and gaming. Lauren will be a 11th grader and enjoys running and basketball. Finally, Kenleigh will be a 9th grader here at Pike County Ninth Grade Academy. She is in the band as a saxophone player and plays basketball.
I am extremely humbled and honored to serve the students, parents, and faculty of such an amazing school. I am a believer in servant leadership and that it takes a strong community to build life-long learners. I can’t wait to see the amazing things your students will accomplish this year!
Phone: 770.567.4444
Email: peaboda@pike.k12.ga.us
Degrees and Certifications:
University of Georgia- BS.Ed.
University of West Georgia- M.Ed.
Lincoln Memorial University- Ed.S.
I love being part of the team at Pike County Elementary School! I graduated from The University of Georgia with a BS Ed. in Early Childhood Education in 1997. I began my teaching career in the Clayton County school system at Kemp Elementary and moved, upon its opening in 1998, to Hawthorne Elementary. During my years with Clayton County Schools, I earned my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from University of West Georgia. After five years, my career took me to the Henry County school system where I taught first and third grade at Mt. Carmel Elementary. While there, I earned my Specialist’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University. In 2008, I joined the team at Pike County Elementary teaching 5th grade ELA before transitioning out of the classroom in 2012 to serve as a Reading Early Intervention teacher. Most recently, I was the Instructional Coach before being appointed as Assistant Principal in 2018.
My family and I made Pike County our home in 2006. Joe, my husband, is a pastor in the United Methodist Church. We have 2 sons who are now both in college which has recently left us as empty nesters. Parker, our oldest, is a junior at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, and is majoring in Biology in preparation for medical school. Ashton attends Clarke University in Dubuque, IA and is a member of the basketball team. Like Parker, Ashton is pursuing a degree in Biology.
Cultivating in children a love of learning, inspiring children to believe they can accomplish new and challenging objectives, and supporting both my colleagues and our students’ families are responsibilities I find rewarding. PCES is a great place to be and I am grateful for the opportunity to have a hand in creating “a school that students love”!
