Ms. Shalon Tate, Principal of Health, Wellness & Environmental Studies

Greeting Health, Wellness and Environmental Studies Parents and Community,

It is my pleasure to serve you as the principal. My name is Shalon Rolly-Tate and this is my first year at HWES. I'm home grown, therefore Jonesboro Public School is very dear to my heart. I trylu bleed Black and Gold!! Prior to becoming principal, I was the assistant principal at Jonesboro Math and Science Elementary School. In which this allowed me hands on experience in administration before actually taking on the role as a principal. I also taught first grade for 8 years, second grade for 5 years and third grade for 2 years. Although leaving the classroom was hard, I knew I could make a grater impact school-wide. My favorite saying "I'm a MOVEMENT by myself, but I'm a FORCE when we're together." My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, a Masters of Science in Education in Reading, a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a certification in Educational Leadership. My goal for HWES is to ensure every student is equipped with tools to be lifelong learners. I want to see everyone of my students excel to become whatever their heart desires! Go CANES!!

Shalon Rolly-Tate, Ed.S
Health, Wellness and Environmental Studies Magnet School Principal

Mrs. Raven Byard, Assistant Principal, School Improvement

Welcome to Health, Wellness and Environmental Studies Magnet School!

Hello! My name is Raven Byard, and I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal of School Improvement at HWES this year. I am passionate about creating a school culture where every student is known, valued, challenged, and supported, and where every educator has the tools and support needed to help students succeed. Throughout my 21-year career in education, I have had the privilege of working alongside teachers and students, with a strong focus on literacy, instructional practices, collaboration, and continuous school improvement. I believe that meaningful growth happens when we work together, celebrate progress, learn from challenges, and never lose sight of what matters most—our students. I believe that school has to be a beautiful distraction and that learning is required! I am proud to be part of the HWES family and look forward to continuing our journey of excellence as we strive to make an even greater impact on our students, our families, and our community.

Ms. Cordie Gardner, Assistant Principal, Student Services

Greetings, Health, Wellness and Environmental Studies Families and Community!

It is an honor and a privilege to serve the students, families, faculty, and community of Health, Wellness and Environmental Studies Magnet School as Vice Principal. I am Cordie Gardner, and I am incredibly excited to be a part of the HWES family and to work alongside our principal, Mrs. Shalon Rolly-Tate, as we continue building a school culture where every child is supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed.

My journey in education has been driven by a belief that all students deserve access to high-quality learning experiences, caring adults, and opportunities that allow them to reach their fullest potential. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to serve students and families in a variety of educational roles. Each experience has strengthened my commitment to student achievement, positive school culture, strong relationships, and ensuring that our schools are places where children feel safe, valued, and excited about learning.

At HWES, my goal is to partner with our students, staff, families, and community to continue moving our school forward and upward. Our theme, **SURGE**, represents a sudden, powerful, forward and upward movement—and that is exactly what I want for every student we serve. I want our students to SURGE academically, socially, and personally while developing the confidence to believe that their possibilities are limitless.
 

I believe the strongest schools are built through partnership. When families, educators, students, and community members work together with a shared purpose, we can accomplish extraordinary things for children. I look forward to building those relationships and supporting our HWES families throughout the school year.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve this wonderful school community, and I am excited about everything we will accomplish together.

Let’s SURGE to new heights! Go CANES!