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 Mrs. Sides

• Email: kristen.sides@ucps.k12.nc.us 

About Ms. Plyler

My name is Kerry Plyler and I am the new Assistant Principal at New Salem Elementary.  I have already felt so welcome here, and I cannot wait to get to know the students, families, and community even more.  I am a Union County native and attended Prospect Elementary, Parkwood Middle, and Parkwood High School.  My husband (James) and I met in the 6^th grade at Parkwood Middle!  We have 2 children, Marley (10) and Fin (8), and the BEST dog in the world, Blue (11).

I graduated from the University of North Carolina–Wilmington with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. I went on to earn my Master’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in School Administration, both from the University of North Carolina–Charlotte. I began my career with UCPS in 2008 as a Teacher Assistant at Sun Valley Elementary School (now, Shiloh Valley Primary School).  I went on to become a teacher and taught 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade at Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts. The last two years, I was an Assistant Principal at East Elementary School.  I am looking forward to a great school year! Go Knights!

Contact Ms. Plyler

• Email: kerry.plyler@ucps.k12.nc.us

• Dr. Candice Boatright
• 704-296-3062, ext. 4073

• Principal: Kristen Sides
• Representative: Natasha Higgins