(RUTHERFORD COUNTY) Smyrna Primary returned from fall break with a new principal leading the pack of young Huskies. Jason Eaton is the new principal for the school, and he comes to the position with 14 years of experience in education.  

Eaton also comes with a vision not only for the future, but to preserve the culture Smyrna Primary has built since it opened in 1963.

“I want to make sure I respect the foundation of this school and what is already laid here that’s successful,” said Eaton. “It’s important to me I hear the voices of all the teachers. There are some which are already in place that make Smyrna Primary successful, and I’ve already begun meeting with every teacher one-on-one.”

Former principal Felicia James announced her resignation before fall break to pursue other opportunities.

Smyrna Primary utilizes a house system which sorts students and staff into four teams which compete throughout the year through academic competitions. Angeline Hale, assistant principal, has been a Smyrna Husky since 2003.

“I’ve been here my whole career and it’s a hard-working group of people. It’s about connections, you know? Here’s a teacher mentor, here’s your team. We try to make those connections for kids and staff,” said Hale. “Here is your house and here are your people. We’re competing every nine weeks for who has the most house points.” 

Even Principal Eaton, on his first day, was quickly sorted into the blue house. He joins a group of students and teachers, including Mrs. Hale, for the challenges the rest of the year will provide.

“The students keep me moving,” Eatons said. “I plan to be in classrooms. I plan to be very visible. We talked this morning about arrival, dismissal, and different responsibilities, and I will be there for students and families in front of the building, welcoming kids in when they’re getting off the bus and saying farewell at the end of the day.” 

Connection is something that Smyrna Primary has engrained in its culture. Whether its families, students, or staff – everyone is tasked with connecting to their fellow Husky. Eaton has taken that part of Smyrna Primary culture seriously.  

“I don’t want to be seen as the principal in their office, and you only see them when something bad happens. I want to be invited to classrooms. When there are kindergartners learning to read, I want to go down and be a part of them reading. I want to hear the fifth graders read their monologues when they finish a unit. I plan to be an active part of the school,” Eaton said.  

This also includes, according to Eaton, dressing up every day during Spirit Week.  

Another part of this connection building has been inviting parents to meet the new principal personally. An open meet-and-greet has been scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 18.

“I might be a face on social media, or there may be an article about me, but I want parents to come and meet me personally. I want parents to know that safety is my #1 priority, and that when kids are at my school, they’re safe when they’re here,” said Eaton.  

Smyrna Primary has already undergone many changes over the years but has retained its sense of family and connection across the community. Students are held to high expectations yet remain supported by a positive and unified team of educators.  

“I know culture is definitely something teachers want to protect because they’ve worked really hard on it over the last couple of years,” said Hale. “But I think they’re going to take some of the change well, I think that’s a good thing. We’re all excited for the direction Mr. Eaton is going to take us.”