Welcoming students on the first day of school is something principal Natalie Reeves is used to, but this year may be a little different.
For one, students will be much taller. As she begins her first year at the high school, it will be a lot easier to meet her students eye-to-eye.

“I am extremely excited about being at the high school,” Mrs. Reeves said. “Although the ages are very different between elementary and high school, many things are the same. Students want to be respected, feel loved and cared for, and have someone to listen to them.”

Mrs. Reeves earned her bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Arkansas, and she proceeded to get her master’s and her certification of administration at Texas A&M University in Texarkana. After teaching second grade for two years and third grade for three years, Mrs. Reeves moved up to assistant principal in 2020. She then moved to principal of the elementary school in 2021.

“One of the things I am most excited about is being with the students I previously taught in second and third grade,” she said. “Watching my previous students grow into young men and women gives a full circle moment.”

As she gets settled into her new position, her vision is to continue building upon the positive culture at the high school campus.

“I also want to continue being the “Best in State” in all areas including extra curricular activities and academically,” she said.

Though her new role allows for her to make changes within the school, Mrs. Reeves has not shown interest in changing anything right away.

“My plan is to not walk in and start changing things,” she said. “I want to listen to all stakeholders and determine what areas need to be addressed in order to ensure high levels of learning for all.”