Beaverdam Elementary Administration

  • Valencia McCoy, Principal

    Mrs. McCoy

    It is with great excitement and deep honor that I introduce myself as the new principal of Beaverdam Elementary School! I am beyond thrilled to join this incredible school community and cannot wait to work alongside each of you to create an environment where every student shines academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, we will build a vibrant, supportive atmosphere that will empower our students to reach their fullest potential.

    With 17 years of experience in education across K-12, I have had the privilege of serving as a 3rd, 5th, and 6th-grade teacher, reading interventionist, instructional resource teacher, instructional coach, virtual high school dean, and middle school assistant principal. Most recently, I spent nearly 8 years as Assistant Principal at East Garner Magnet Middle School, where I forged lasting relationships with students, staff, and families. While I’ll always carry East Garner close to my heart, I am absolutely thrilled for the exciting new chapter ahead with all of you here at Beaverdam! 

    On a personal note, family is at the heart of everything I do—it is my WHY. Born and raised in Henderson, NC, surrounded by a loving, close-knit family, I understand deeply the power of support, connection, and community. As a proud mother of two sons, a wife, daughter, sister, and aunt, I know how crucial familial engagement is in shaping the educational journey of our children. My own family experiences have shaped my unwavering belief that every child deserves a space where they feel valued, challenged, and empowered. I firmly believe that setting high expectations is key to helping every child thrive, and I am committed to making that belief a core focus of our work at Beaverdam.

    As I step into this exciting role, my top priority is to listen, learn, and build meaningful connections with all of you. I am eager to work hand-in-hand with our staff, students, and families to ensure we create an atmosphere of open communication and collaboration that will truly make a difference in the lives of our students. Your partnership is essential in helping our children reach their highest potential, and I encourage you to reach out with any ideas, concerns, or suggestions. Together, we will make Beaverdam a place where every child can thrive and succeed! 

    I’m also incredibly excited to foster a PAWSITIVE culture here, where kindness, collaboration, and growth are the foundation of everything we do. Thank you to all of those already actively involved in the PTSA and volunteer efforts—your contributions are making a lasting impact! For those who haven’t yet had the chance to get involved, I wholeheartedly encourage you to join us in any way you can. Your support strengthens the foundation we’re building, and together, we can create a welcoming, inspiring, and safe environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to be their best self.

    I can’t wait to meet each of you, get to know your children, and dive into what promises to be an exciting and successful year ahead. Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of serving as your principal. Let’s work together to make this year truly unforgettable for our students!

     

  • Jeffrey Henry, 

    Asst. Principal

    Jeffrey Henry

     

    I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new assistant principal at Beaverdam Elementary School. It is with great enthusiasm that I join this esteemed educational community and embark on this journey of collaboration, growth, and academic excellence. I am honored to be part of a team that fosters a positive and nurturing environment for our students. With 13 years of experience in education and a passion for student success, I am committed to supporting the mission and vision of Beaverdam Elementary. My background includes a strong focus on curriculum and academic achievement, student engagement, and being an advocate for students and educators. I believe in the power of open communication and collaboration between educators, students, and parents. My favorite quote is, “Education, then, beyond all other divides of human origin, is a great equalizer.” (Horace Mann) Together we can create a supportive and enriching learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. I am originally from Buffalo, NY, and do not miss the snow. After high school, I joined the United States Marine Corps and fell in love with North Carolina. After leaving the Marines, I received my degree in criminal justice and worked in the Department of Corrections for two years. This experience solidified my passion for education and I returned to school to earn my Bachelor in Elementary Education from East Carolina University. After graduation, I worked as a 2nd and 5th-grade teacher at Cleveland Elementary School in Johnston County. I returned to school through the NELA program and received my Master's in school administration from North Carolina State University. I have spent the last five years as an Assistant Principal at Benson Middle School. I am currently completing my doctoral degree in School Supervision and Administration.

    On a personal note, I enjoy volunteering at the ASPCA, where I recently picked up my best friend Milo. Spending time with my friends and family, riding my motorcycle, going on vacations, and learning about new cultures. 

    I am excited to get to know every one of you and look forward to a great school year.

    Email Mr Henry

  • Mrs. Donita Felton, Beaverdam Elementary School Assistant Principal
    I am honored to serve as assistant principal at Beaverdam Elementary School! 
    A native of Edenton, North Carolina — proudly known as “the prettiest small town in the South” 
    — I bring two decades of experience in education to this vibrant school community.
    I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Elizabeth City State University and a Master of 
    School Administration in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at 
    Chapel Hill. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats in K–12 education, including roles as an 
    exceptional children teacher at both the elementary and middle school levels, MTSS facilitator, 
    test coordinator, assistant principal at the middle and high school levels, middle school principal, 
    and human resources director.
    Outside of work, I cherish spending time with family and enjoy cooking, traveling, exploring 
    new restaurants, attending concerts and sporting events, staying active, and taking walks to 
    unwind and reflect.
    Why I'm Excited to Serve Beaverdam Elementary:
    • Beaverdam has a strong commitment to academic excellence, community connection, 
    and student-centered learning — values that align with my own educational philosophy.
    • I’m passionate about building strong relationships with students, staff, and families, and I 
    look forward to contributing to a positive and supportive school culture.
    • My diverse background in instruction, leadership, and human resources gives me a 
    unique lens to help foster both student growth and staff development.
    • Most of all, I’m excited to be part of a team that is committed to making every child feel 
    seen, heard, and inspired to achieve their best

  • Ms. Alexis Best, Beaverdam Elementary School Assistant Principal 
    It is with great excitement and gratitude that I join the Beaverdam Elementary School family as
    an Assistant Principal. As a proud native of Raleigh, North Carolina, and a product of the Wake 
    County Public School System, this role feels both like a homecoming and a tremendous 
    opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape me.
    I bring with me 11 years of educational experience, having served as a teacher across the 
    elementary, middle, and high school levels. Throughout my career, I’ve also taken on roles such 
    as department chair, team leader, coach, and math interventionist, to name a few. One of the most 
    meaningful chapters of my journey was returning to serve at my alma mater, Southeast Raleigh 
    Magnet High School, where I spent the last three years. It was a full-circle moment to give back 
    to the very place that helped shape my foundation, and I will carry Bulldog Pride with me in all 
    that I do.
    I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in Organisms, Ecology, and 
    Biodiversity from Hampton University, a Master’s of Secondary Education degree from Grand 
    Canyon University, and a Master’s of School Administration degree from the University of North 
    Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a proud North Carolina Principal Fellow, I recently completed my 
    Administrative Internship at Moore Square Magnet Middle School under the guidance of an 
    incredible Principal Mentor who challenged and supported me as I grew in my leadership 
    capacity.
    My educational philosophy is grounded in equity, relationships, excellence, and purpose. I am 
    passionate about working alongside a committed team to improve achievement and outcomes for 
    every student—especially by challenging and dismantling the systems that allow achievement to 
    be predicted by race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. I believe that strong relationships are the 
    foundation of a thriving school community, and I work each day to foster meaningful 
    connections with students, families, staff, and the broader community. I believe firmly that every 
    child deserves access to high-quality instruction, strong relationships, and a supportive learning 
    environment.