Welcome to Argyle Elementary School!

I am honored to serve as the proud principal of Argyle Elementary. Working alongside our amazing teachers and staff has been very rewarding! The partnership between our stakeholders and the school is what makes AES an amazing place to learn and work.

I was a 6th grader teacher whose main love was math and science at Charle E. Bennett Elementary. This love for science and math afforded me the opportunity to become a STEM resource teacher as well. After CEB, I was selected to serve as Assistant Principal at Grove Park, RideOut and then return to Charles E. Bennett. I believe my work at Bennett was most profound as I grew tremendously as a leader at this turnaround school. My desire to see all students achieve high levels of academic success has driven my work as a Clay County educator. 

A part of our school mission is ensure that every student receives instruction that meets their individual academic needs in a safe and supportive environment. Here at Argyle, we take pride in our interactions with students and families. Building positive relationships with all AES students, families and staff is of utmost importance to me. I am available to answer any question or address any concern. Feel free is email or call me. Communication is key!

Speaking of partnerships, it is our job to focus on teaching and learning. We are unable to do that without your support. You can help us by making sure students arrive to school on time, every day. Our school day begins at 8:30 and ends at 2:42. Please make all efforts to schedule any student appointments before or after school to ensure that your child receives a full day of instruction.

We need you! Reach out to your child’s teacher about ways you can support. Our students benefit from reading with you each night. You can ask probing questions about the day’s events. Become a member of our SAC committee. We are also looking for individuals to start a parent led organization on campus. Join us on this educational journey!

As we learn together this year, please make sure to keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teacher. She/he will always be your first contact for any questions or concerns you may have. Parents and teachers working together will increase your child’s success, while also serving as a great model for students as to how to work effectively as a team.

Remember…The way of the Pioneer is ALWAYS through.

Dimitra Marcia Mainer, Principal

It is with great enthusiasm, I write this letter of introduction as your Assistant Principal of Argyle Elementary School. I am incredibly grateful and excited to be a part of the AES Family! I look forward to working in partnership with Ms. Mainer and the entire AES staff, to continue the work of advocating for and providing all students and families with an educational experience where values and diversity are celebrated. My journey in education started from the ground up. I began working as a parent volunteer when my children started school here in Clay County. I loved the dynamic of working with children and being a part of a learning community, so I quickly secured a position as a classroom assistant for several years while I completed my undergraduate studies. Upon graduation, I stepped into the role of a special education teacher where I was privileged to nurture students of varying exceptionalities. I loved working as an inclusion teacher, which allowed me to grow in many different capacities as an educator. Likewise, before exploring a career in education, I served in the U.S. Air Force for 8 years. This is where my passion for leadership and serving others was ignited. 

I am a strong advocate for building a robust climate and culture within the learning community. It is my core belief that positive relationships and partnerships fuel great schools. Likewise, I recognize that great schools are also the result of great teachers, so my primary objective will be to ensure that every student is receiving high-quality instruction from every teacher at Argyle Elementary. I envision a learning community that will prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for the bright future that awaits them. Collectively, we will strive to provide all students with a safe and supportive learning environment. I believe that every child can and will learn if given the right opportunities. Working together as a collaborative team with our staff and parents, I am committed to helping each student achieve their very best. Together we will continue to provide outstanding educational opportunities and a culture of academic excellence for our Argyle Pioneers.

Remember…The way of the Pioneer is ALWAYS through!

Shannon Neese, Assistant Principal

Dear Families and Community Members, 

It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as a new Assistant Principal at Argyle Elementary. My first years of teaching began at Argyle Elementary 17 years ago, and I am happy to be coming home. My passion for education is rooted in my belief that every student deserves to learn something new every day.

Most recently in my position at the district office as the Elementary Science Specialist, I worked to support teachers and students throughout the county in strong and engaging core instruction in science. Prior to going to the district office, I was a classroom teacher at multiple schools across the district having taught all grade levels K-8 in Science, STEM, and Gifted Education. I recently earned my Educational Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Florida, where I also earned a Masters in Educational Leadership and a Bachelors in Elementary Education. 

I am honored to be beginning my 18th year with Clay County School District at Argyle Elementary. I look forward to building relationships with our students, staff, families, and community members.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Casey Leone