Meet Our School Administrator
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Kristen Sides (Principal)
About Mrs. Sides
My name is Kristen Sides and I am honored to join the New Salem community and school family. I am a proud mom of
two boys, Maksen (11) and Jett (6), and wife of Dustin, whom I have been happily married to for 13 years.
I graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2005, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in Math and Science. I started teaching middle school in Rowan County in 2005. In 2008, I moved to Stanly County where I served as a middle school teacher, coach, and athletic director until I graduated in 2017, from Gardner-Webb with a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership Studies. From there, I obtained a position as an Assistant Principal and Principal at South Stanly Middle School until 2022.
I have a passion for education and collaborating with families to address the instructional, social, and emotional needs of students. I look forward to working with the staff, students, and all stakeholders of the New Salem Community, to develop meaningful relationships that are student-centered and focused on the success of all kids.
Contact Ms. Sides
- Email: kristen.sides@ucps.k12.nc.us
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Brittany Marshall (Assistant Principal)
About Mrs. Marshall
I am a native of Marshville, NC. I attended New Salem Elementary for Kindergarten, but then moved and attended Marshville Elementary, East Union Middle, and Forest Hills High. I currently live in Monroe with my husband, TJ, and our three daughters, Aria, Chandler, & Scarlett. I enjoy going to the beach, reading, watching the Tar Heels, and spending time with friends and family.
Educational Philosophy
School had such a positive influence on my life, so I became an educator in hopes of doing the same for others. I am passionate about helping others become the best version of themselves. I believe that positive relationships, rigor, and high expectations allow students and teachers to optimize their potential and success for themselves, the school, and the community.
Educational Background
For undergrad, I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Teaching Fellow. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Math, Science, and Technology. For graduate school, I received my Masters in Educational Leadership from High Point University as part of the High Point Leadership Academy (Principal Fellows).
Educational Work History
I taught at Rocky River Elementary in UCPS from 2014-2021 teaching 3rd and 5th grade. I also served as Lighthouse Coordinator for our Leader in Me Program and helped the school achieve Lighthouse Certification in 2019 and re-certification in 2021.
For the 2021-2022 school year, I completed my administrative internship at Forest Hills High School and served as the interim 6th-grade assistant principal for a short period of time at the Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle School.
I am excited to join the New Salem family and look forward to a successful year helping our students THRIVE!
Contact Mrs. Marshall