Greetings Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School Families, 

 It is my privilege to lead Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary and the many talented teachers and students. My goal is to continue to provide a supportive climate and culture that is conducive to teaching and learning. By doing so, each individual student and teacher can experience growth to their highest potential. I look forward to interacting with all stakeholders in our school community, and invite you to be a part of the team in promoting student learning and success. It is my pleasure to continue to serve you as principal as I begin my seventeenth year in educational leadership. Prior to becoming principal, I had many leadership experiences, including lead teacher and instructional coach in Aiken County Public Schools.  Even with these amazing experiences, I will always be a teacher at heart. I also have fourteen years of classroom teaching experience in Saluda and Aiken County Schools. By pursuing lifelong learning, I intend to be an example to students and teachers that we should never stop learning. 

I am happily married to Lee, and we are blessed to be the parents of two sons, Matthew and Harrison. I have the same expectations for them as I do for your children, who I love as if they are my own. I want to see them excel and become productive human beings, who have ample opportunity to become whatever they want to be when they grow up. 

We continue to be committed to serving every child and to strive for excellence.

With kind regards,

Callie Herlong

Phone: 839-846-7010

Email: Callie Herlong

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, University of South Carolina - Aiken
Masters Degree in Elementary Education, University of South Carolina - Aiken
Educational Specialist Degree in Leadership, Augusta State University
Elementary School Teacher-14 years
Instructional Coach -2 years
Elementary/Middle Principal-5 years
Elementary Principal-10 years
Read to Succeed Endorsement
National Board Certified Teacher
Past President of the Palmetto State Literacy Association (PSLA)
ACPSD Principal of the Year Nominee

I am honored and proud to be the Assistant Principal at RS-M Elementary. This is my seventh year serving as an assistant principal and my sixteenth in education.
 
I am a product of Aiken County Public Schools, where I attended Redcliffe Elementary, Jackson Middle, and Silver Bluff High. I have a degree in elementary education and middle level mathematics from the University of South Carolina Aiken. I received a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Augusta University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University.
 
I am married to Kristi, who is also a teacher, and we have three children. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, and playing video games with my kids.
 
I am looking forward to working with you and your child this year as we watch him/her grow academically and socially. Please do not hesitate to call me if I can help in any way. Let’s make it a great year! 

Phone: 839-846-7010

Email: Patrick Newsome

Degrees and Certifications:

BA in Elementary Education (USC Aiken)
M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction (Augusta Univ)
M.Ed in Educational Leadership (WGU)
Gifted & Talented Endorsement
Read to Succeed Endorsement
2017-2018 ACPSD Teacher of the Year
2022-2023 ACPSD Assistant Principal of the Year