The Region 4 Office is pleased to announce that Dr. Pamela Simpkins, assistant principal at William Halley Elementary School, has been selected as the new principal of Silverbrook Elementary School effective December 14, 2020. Dr. Simpkins and acting principal, Mr. Travis Thomason, will work side-by-side to ensure a smooth transition.

Dr. Simpkins began her career as a special education teacher with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) at Rolling Valley Elementary School. She later served as assistant principal at Hybla Valley Elementary School from 2007-2013 where she implemented an afterschool program successful in assisting to close achievement gaps. Dr. Simpkins later served as principal at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School where she was instrumental in implementing a Local Level IV Advanced Academics Program.  During her principalship, she also recognized the need for and successfully implemented Spanish as a foreign language.  Most recently, she has been serving as assistant principal at William Halley Elementary School since 2016.  While at Halley Elementary, Dr. Simpkins supported Tier I instructional practices, collaborated on differentiating strategies for all students, and coordinated school intervention programs to support students in literacy and numeracy.

Dr. Simpkins has experience working in diverse school communities. She is passionate about inclusive practices and success for students with special needs. She understands the importance of working collaboratively with stakeholders to cultivate a nurturing and inclusive environment for all students. Dr. Simpkins has led professional development opportunities and presented at conferences about differentiation of instruction.   Dr. Simpkins has recent experience with the implementation of online instruction as well as previous models with the Office of School Support at Halley Elementary.   She is familiar with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) which implements targeted and tiered interventions for the academic, behavioral and wellness needs of students.

Dr. Simpkins is excited to stay in the South County Pyramid and honored to serve as principal of Silverbrook Elementary. She looks forward to maintaining and advancing the academic success as well as embracing the community’s commitments to equity and education. She is an active member of the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Community and director of her church’s women’s fellowship ministry.  As the mother of four adult children, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and taking walks.  Dr. Simpkins previously served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps.  She loves learning new things and seeing children learn and be their best selves. 

Dr. Simpkins holds the following degrees from George Mason University: a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, a Master of Education degree in Special Education, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education.