Morgantown Elementary School » Meet the Administration

Meet the Administration

MartinI am thrilled to return to Morgantown Elementary as your principal for the 2024-2025 school year! It is a privilege to work alongside our dedicated team of educators to ensure a year filled with growth, learning, and success.
 
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dr. Toni Lyn Martin, and I have been a passionate educator with the Natchez-Adams School District for over 22 years. I am a proud 1987 graduate of South Natchez. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, both from Alcorn State University, as well as a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. My journey in education
has included roles as a fifth-grade math and science teacher, librarian, MTSS and testing coordinator, and assistant principal. My early years in education began here at Morgantown Elementary, where I discovered my love for inspiring young minds and fostering a nurturing learning environment. My path in education has earned me several recognitions, including Hall of Fame, Copiah -Lincoln Community College and 2014 Teacher of the Year, Frazier
Elementary School.
 
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, listening to music, fishing, and gardening. My husband, David Martin, and I have been married for 31 years and are blessed with 5 children and 14 grandchildren, ranging in age from 20 to 5. I am also an active member of my church, where I find great joy and fulfillment in being part of our faith community. My involvement in church activities helps me stay grounded and provides a strong moral foundation that I bring into my role as principal. These activities give me a well-rounded perspective and help me connect with our students and community on a deeper level.
 
At Morgantown Elementary, our mission is to create a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This year, we are excited to introduce several new initiatives aimed at enhancing student engagement, promoting wellness, and integrating technology to support innovative learning. Communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of our success. I encourage you to stay involved in your child's education, participate in school events, and feel free to reach out to me with any questions or
concerns. Together, we can make this school year a remarkable and rewarding experience for all. This year, we are Going for the Gold: Further, Stronger, Higher—Together! Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. I look forward to an incredible year ahead filled with learning, laughter, and lasting memories.
 
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela
 
Dr. Toni L. Martin
Principal 
Morgantown Elementary School
WhiteI am excited to return home to Morgantown Elementary to serve as your Interim Assistant Principal for the 2024-2025 school year! There is no place like home!
 
Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Ms. Shalanda M. White and I am a proud 1994 graduate of Natchez High School. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Law/Political Science and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Alcorn State University. Additionally, I have completed over 60 doctoral hours in Educational/Organizational Leadership (2006) from Nova Southeastern University.
 
With over 20 passionate years of service in the Natchez-Adams School District, I have served in various capacities, including ELA, Social Studies, and Oral Communication teacher, Lead Teacher, Assistant Principal, MTSS Coordinator. I also served as Instructional Coach in Jefferson County for two years. I have also been an active contributor to several district and state committees, such as the school Leadership Team, MTSS/RTI, Curriculum Writing, Questar Item Writing, MS State Writing Institute, and the Questar Standard Setting Committee. Additionally, I have served as the sponsor of the Junior Beta Club for over 15 years.
 
My dedication and excellence in education have been recognized with several awards, including the Vance Fellow Award for Faculty from the Natchez Literary and Cinema Festival - Co-Lin (2021), Teacher of the Year in (2006, 2014) at Morgantown Elementary and College Prep, and Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year in Natchez (2006), and completed the Administrative Program from Mississippi Department of Education and Natchez Adams. I am an active member of the Mississippi Association of Educators, Mississippi Professional Educators, and the National Education Association.
 
When I am not working, I am a committed member and active member of the Natchez Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and the Krewe of MER. I am also a member of the Zion Hill Baptist Church where I serve in several capacities.I also love spending time with family and friends. I am the proud mother of one son, Malachi MarKez, who is a senior at Natchez Early College at Copiah-Lincoln, Natchez Campus, and a sophomore at Co-Lin this fall. He is a member of the Natchez High
Football team, Senior Beta Club, and the Robotics Club.
 
I bring a belief that students are at the center of all school-related decisions. I am eager to unite my experience, my openness to learn, and my child-centered approach, to support our students. Because the relationships between families and the school are vital to the success of our students, I encourage you to become involved in every way possible. I look forward to an amazing year with you and your children!
 
Shalanda M. White
Assistant Principal (Interim)
Morgantown Elementary School