ARES Families,

This is a message that has not been easy to write and send to you because I share it with mixed emotions. I have been offered the opportunity to serve our school system at a different grade band, and have accepted the honor to serve as the next principal of Westside Middle School, starting with the 2026-2027 school year.

I hope you know how much I love our Rockets. I will forever cherish the moments we’ve shared and celebrated together. I am incredibly proud of what we have built together! ARES will always be part of who I am as a leader and as a person. It brings me great joy and comfort to know I will be transitioning to WMS with several of our 5th graders and continuing their educational journey from Rockets to Huskies to Wildcats.

My career in education began in middle school—at Westside Middle School. I later taught at Haymon-Morris Middle School before moving into leadership roles at Auburn Elementary and Austin Road Elementary. Returning to WMS feels like a meaningful full-circle moment and provides an opportunity for me to bring the experiences I’ve gained in elementary leadership back to the middle school level.

Thank you for your trust, support, and partnership. I look forward to the successes we will share during the remainder of this school year.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,
Principal Hodges