To Former Principal Community Says Farewell


Former Tappahannock Elementary School Principal Janet Garland poses with a poster created by some of her former students.

Former Tappahannock Elementary School Principal Janet Garland poses with a poster created by some of her former students.

BY G.C. ROSE

Teachers, students, parents and grandparents gathered at the Essex Little League Complex in Tappahannock on November 3 to say farewell to former Tappahannock Elementary School Principal Janet Garland.

Balloons, hand-crafted signs and gift baskets were presented to Garland who served as the school’s principal since the 2020- 21 academic year until her recent resignation that caused a stir in the TES community.

Thursday’s event occurred six days after about 20 TES employees marched to the Essex County School Board Office to ask “why” Garland was not afforded an opportunity to visit the school for a final farewell.

At last week’s drivethrough parade, Garland did not touch on her departure but voiced appreciation for the support she has received.

“It warms my heart that I still have connections here,” Garland told the Rappahannock Times. “Even though I’m not physically here, I feel like I’m still here and made a difference in my time here, and that’s what I’m proud of.”’

Educators, as well as parents, grandparents and even students who spoke to the Rappahannock Times praised Garland’s work and influence upon her former students.

“Mrs. Garland knew the name of every child who attended Tappahannock Elementary,” said Debbie Emery, a TES paraprofessional. “She loved each and every one of them and all her staff. We are going to miss her so much.”

“She’s a nice and caring person,” said fourth grader Jaden Barksdale.

“She was nice, caring and always funny,” added Jordan Barksdale, also a fourth grader at TES.

“Miss Garland has been an inspiration throughout the entire Tappahannock area,” said Diane Greene. “She gives love and smiles to everyone. She’s going to be missed, but we wish her the best.”

“She’s the best principal I’ve ever worked for,” said TES first grade teacher Jen Winkler who has been with the Essex School System for 15 years. “I’m very sad to see how everything happened.”

Jaime Gomes, a pre-kindergarten teacher at TES, expressed similar sentiments.

“Principal Garland is the best principal I’ve ever worked for,” she told the Rappahannock Times. “She was a great leader and we’re going to miss her so, so much.”

“She was one of the best principals I’ve ever worked with,” added TES educator Michelle Dungee who was the school’s Teacher of the Year in 2019-20. “She cared about her staff and students. It just didn’t stop at school. She checked on us even when she was out on leave. She brought a lot of joy to our school and we’re really going to miss her.”

Jennifer Peters, the dean of students at Essex High School, has been the acting principal at Tappahannock Elementary since Garland sought a leave of absence early last month.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *