Greetings Oberlin Families, 

It is with much excitement and enthusiasm that I share this introductory letter with you. Tonight,  the WCPSS School Board approved my appointment as the new principal of Oberlin Magnet  Middle School effective January 4, 2021. I am very much looking forward to being a part of a  diverse and innovative school community. I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Dave Gaudet for  his years of dedicated leadership and service to Oberlin along with Dr. Diann Kearney who has  been a great fit as our interim principal. 

I have truly enjoyed learning about Oberlin’s rich history and the legacies that influenced the  naming of this school. I look forward to supporting this community as we collectively plan for  how we celebrate this new name and live up to the expectations of such a proud namesake. 

I am a proud graduate of Wake County Public Schools, and I had the opportunity to complete  my undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For  ten years, I taught in the Spanish / English Dual Immersion program in Chapel Hill - Carrboro  City Schools. After returning to Wake County, I served as assistant principal at A.B. Combs  Leadership Magnet Elementary School, and I have served as principal of Hunter GT / AIG  Basics Magnet Elementary for the last eight years. I am very excited that my educational  journey is continuing to Oberlin! 

My family lives in Raleigh, and we stay quite busy with our three children. My sons are 8 and 6,  and my daughter is 3. When the weather is pretty, you will find us outside hiking, biking, or just  enjoying family time outside. 

As I transition to Oberlin, it is a priority for me to take this opportunity to connect with families  and the community. To help prepare, I have reviewed the feedback given in the parent input  sessions to better understand the essential qualities that you are looking for in a new school  

leader. It was clear that parents want a school leader who has a clear vision for the school,  especially as it pertains to the magnet theme, and a principal who maintains strong, positive  relationships with the school community, and looks to ensure a strong educational experience  for all students. These priorities are commitments that I hold myself accountable to each day,  and I am committed to prioritizing these values within my work at Oberlin. 

In coming weeks, I look forward to sharing information around informal parent / principal virtual  chats so that I can begin to connect with our Oberlin families. These informal meetings will  allow me to connect with families and community members, learn more about our school, and  give parents an opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and network with other Oberlin  families. Although Covid presents some challenges, please know that we will find safe, creative ways to connect with one another. 

I feel confident that through our future collaboration, we will continue to build upon the strong  legacy of excellence and high expectations for the Oberlin community. 

Warmly, 

Briana Pelton