Wednesday’s Woman: Kim McDermon

Kim McDermon, principal of Centerville Elementary, says she didn’t always see herself in this role.

For fifteen years, McDermon was a classroom teacher.  Born in Albany, Kentucky, her husband was in the military, and so they lived in several different places. Her travels led her to teach in many different places and settings.  

“Every time my husband was transferred it was something new,” said McDermon.

A mentor and principal where she worked recognized McDermon's potential and recommended she pursue a career path with more leadership potential.  

"I never really considered leaving my classroom until she made that suggestion,” said McDermon.

She and her family, which includes a husband and two sons, moved to the Centerville community of Snellville from Nashville, Tenn., in 1999.

"I love Snellville,” said McDermon.  “It’s got such a sense of community.”

Many children who went to Centerville Elementary as children now enroll their own children there. 

"It’s just a great place to raise a family," she added.

Upon arriving in Snellville, McDermon first went to work as a substitute for Gwinnett County Schools. In 2006 she was assigned as assistant principal at Norcross Elementary and then was made principal of Centerville Elementary in July, 2009.

She is very passionate about what she does and who she serves.  

“Shiloh is a great cluster," she said. "It’s wonderful to see kids from these schools going off the best schools in Georgia and around the nation."

One of McDermon's favorite things about the community are the great volunteers at the school. Many are not even parents of children at the school.

Anyone who wants to mentor to a child is encouraged to get involved.

McDermon says the school truly lives by its motto, which is that “every child, every day should be better for having spent the day at Centerville Elementary.”

"Teachers here are unbelievable,” said McDermon. “They are some of the finest educators I have ever worked with. They are truly committed to making a difference.”

The school recently held their Back to School Bash on Friday night. On Aug. 23, they will hold their First Curriculum Night for grades 3-5.  On Aug. 30, they will hold it for K-2nd grade. Both nights will begin at 6:30.

First Curriculum Night is a time when parents and other supportive adults can come and see what the kids will learn this year. It’s a time to keep face-to-face communication going.

“It takes everybody to educate a child,” said McDermon. “It is so important to make that kid reach their potential and beyond.”

McDermon says her favorite part about her job is just being with the kids.

“It’s about making a difference one child at a time," she said.

If you are interested in volunteering at Centerville Elementary, call the school at 770-972-2220.