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Melissa Daniell named principal of East Newton Elementary School
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Staff Report
Published: Nov 16, 2018, 12:17 PM

COVINGTON, Ga. - Newton County School System is pleased to announce Melissa Daniell, current assistant principal at Live Oak Elementary School, has been named the new principal of East Newton Elementary School, effective Dec. 3. Ms. Daniell will replace Dr. Kim Coady, who announced her retirement earlier this fall. 

Daniell earned a bachelor of music from Shorter College and pursued graduate studies at the University of Georgia. She received her master’s in educational leadership from NOVA Southeastern University in 2008 and an education specialist degree from Valdosta State University in 2016. 

Daniell began her career in education in the NCSS as a paraprofessional at Livingston Elementary School in 1987. She later served as a music specialist at Livingston, Porterdale Elementary, Fairview Elementary and Mansfield Elementary. After a one-year stint in advertising sales for a publishing company, Daniell returned to the classroom as a kindergarten EIP teacher at Middle Ridge Elementary School. After two years, she transferred to Fairview Elementary School, where she taught third grade and third grade EIP for six years. She then served one year as a third grade EIP teacher at Live Oak Elementary School before her promotion to assistant principal in 2010. 

“I am thrilled at the opportunity to work with the staff, students, and parents of East Newton,” Daniell said. “I truly believe in the mission of our school system of providing educational excellence for all students.

“I would like to thank Dr. Coady for building a tradition of excellence and I look forward to building on that tradition with the East Newton community. I anticipate great things as we prepare every student at East Newton for an exciting and successful future of being college and career ready."

“Mrs. Daniell has been an integral part of the Live Oak Elementary team and has been instrumental in facilitating a culture of high expectations,”  Samantha Fuhrey, NCSS superintendent, said. “She is looking forward to the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and families that make up the East Newton Elementary School community, and I am confident that Mrs. Daniell’s enthusiasm, knowledge, care, and commitment will lead to continued student and staff success.”
Taylor Moody Named Finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year
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Taylor Moody (center) was surprised with the news in her classroom Tuesday morning. (L:R): Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods, Assistant Principal of Instruction Darrell Daniel, Assistant Principal of Business Engagement Linsey Shockley, Principal Chad Walker. Photo courtesy of the Georgia Department of Education
Staff Report
Updated: Mar 4, 2025, 8:49 PM
Published: Mar 4, 2025, 8:27 PM

Newton County Schools (NCS) announced Tuesday that Taylor Moody, an English Language Arts teacher at Newton College & Career Academy and the 2025 NCS Teacher of the Year, has been named a finalist for the Georgia Teacher of the Year award. 

Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods made a special visit to Newton College & Career Academy Tuesday morning to surprise Moody and her students with the exciting news.

“Being named a finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year with only four years of experience is truly shocking and humbling,” Moody said in an NCS press release. “I’m just grateful for the students who trust me, the colleagues who challenge and support me and the community that believes in the power of education. This honor isn’t just about me—it’s about all of us who show up every day, committed to making a difference. I’m proud to represent the incredible educators and students who make this work so meaningful.”

Moody has been a formative part of the NCS community since beginning her teaching career in 2020. She currently teaches World Literature and Composition, Multicultural Literature and Composition and Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition. 

Moody’s impact was recognized by The Covington News previously when four of her students – Nevaeh Craven, Layla Crayon, Hulet Neely and Shania Stewart – were honored as the 2024 VISIONS Youth of the Year for their creation of the Quick Save CPR mat. These students were state finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, all due to an idea sparked by a project in Moody’s class.

Moody holds both a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Teaching English Education from the University of Georgia. She is furthering her expertise by pursuing an Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership at Valdosta State University.

Chad Walker, principal of Newton College & Career Academy, expressed his pride in Moody’s achievement. 

"Ms. Moody is an exceptional educator who brings passion and creativity to her classroom every single day,” Walker said. “She has a profound impact on her students, challenging them to think critically and grow as learners. Her contributions to our school make her truly deserving of this honor. We are so proud to have her as part of the NCCA [Newton College & Career Academy] family."

The Georgia Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding educators who exemplify excellence in teaching and leadership. As a finalist, Moody will compete with other top educators from across the state for the title of 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year.

Newton County Schools Superintendent Duke Bradley congratulated Moody on the recognition.

 “We are absolutely thrilled that Ms. Moody has been named a finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year,” Bradley said. “She represents the excellence we strive for in Newton County Schools, and this recognition highlights the impact she has on her students and colleagues. We are excited for her to take this next step at the state level and wish her the very best in the next phase of the program."