Administration
Principal
Dr. Casey Nice
Contact: cnice@kgcs.k12.va.us
Welcome to King George Middle School!
Hello KGMS Families,
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! It's hard to believe, but we are just a few short weeks away from the beginning of another new school year - and I can't wait! The beginning of a new school year is always such an exciting time and full of fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and make lasting memories together.
Each year, we choose a theme to help guide our school culture. This year, our focus is:
Be The Coffee Bean – Transform Your Environment
This idea is inspired by a short book called The Coffee Bean. The premise is simple: when faced with the "boiling water" of difficult environments, pressures, or challenges, things respond in different ways. For example:
A carrot is hard when it enters boiling water, but becomes soft and weak.
An egg is fragile when it enters boiling water, but becomes hardened inside.
But a coffee bean is different. It doesn’t let the boiling water change it. Instead, the coffee bean changes the water, transforming it into something rich, warm, and inviting.
Middle school can sometimes feel a bit like that boiling water. This is a time of massive transition, growth, and sometimes social pressure for our students. Therefore, our goal this year is to empower our students to realize they don't have to let external pressures change who they are. Instead, they have the power to transform their environment for the better. A kind word, a helpful action, or a positive attitude can change the entire energy of a classroom, a cafeteria, or a school bus.
We are eager to partner with you to reinforce this message of personal leadership and resilience at home and at school. Together, we can help our scholars "be the coffee bean" and become positive changemakers.
To help everyone be prepared for the upcoming school year, I plan to send regular communications over the next several weeks. These messages will include reminders, updates, and tips so the entire KGMS community knows what to expect when our scholars return in August. Please be on the lookout for these messages and please discuss the relevant topics with your student(s). Thank you in advance for your continued partnership and support!
It’s another great day to be a Fox!
-Dr. Nice
Assistant Principal
Dan Styer
Contact: dstyer@kgcs.k12.va.us
As an assistant principal, I believe that middle school is a transformative time where every single student has the capacity to learn, mature, and thrive academically. Achieving that potential takes a whole-community effort. My approach to leadership is rooted in open communication and genuine collaboration with teachers, staff, and families. Parents are foundational members of our school team, and building strong bridges between home and school is central to everything we do. As both an educator and a parent actively engaged in our local community, I am deeply invested in making King George Middle School a place where every student feels valued, challenged, and supported.
Assistant Principal:
Claire Taylor
Contact: ctaylor2@kgcs.k12.va.us
Hello Everyone and welcome to King George Middle School! My name is Claire Taylor and I am incredibly proud to be a part of our amazing community of students, staff, and families.
I am originally from Connecticut and graduated from Hopkins Grammar School in 2002. I attended Boston University, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education. In 2010, I earned my Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Simmons University and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Most recently, I received a second Master’s degree from the College of William and Mary in Educational Leadership.
I began my teaching career in Lawrence, MA as a middle school special education teacher and supported students in grades 5-8 for seven years. After moving to Virginia in 2013, I continued my career in special education as a low incidence teacher for Riverbend High School. I then transitioned to the role of autism specialist at a public separate setting. Prior to joining the KGCS community, I was a coordinator for the Office of Student Support Services in Spotsylvania County.
I firmly believe that every student can learn, and I am committed to providing them with the support they need to reach their full potential. I am looking forward to a safe, collaborative, and engaging school year. Go Foxes !
Assistant Principal:
Elena Wood
Contact: ewood@kgcs.k12.va.us
I am very excited to be a part of the King George Middle School leadership team. I am honored to be joining such a dedicated staff and community that make King George Middle School a great place for students to learn and grow.
Allow me to share a little bit about myself. I have previous experience in teaching special education at both the elementary and secondary level. I have a strong passion for academic excellence, social and emotional learning, and creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.
My education journey includes a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Special Education, General Curriculum from Liberty University. Most recently I received my certification in Administration and Supervision from Longwood University. Before entering the educational community, I also worked as a Therapeutic Day Treatment Counselor as well as an Intensive In Home Counselor, experiences that continue to shape my approach to supporting the whole child.
My decision to become an administrator came from my desire to have a positive impact on the students we serve. I look forward to working collaboratively with our administrative team to carry out the mission and vision of King George Middle School, while striving to ensure that every student has access to a safe and enriching learning experience.
I believe "it takes a village" to ensure student success and hope to promote successful collaboration for the needs of our students. I am a life-long learner and expect that I will continue to learn from our staff, students and community. I am excited to bring my experience, passion, and creativity to the team and hope to learn your strengths and passions as well.