We are proud to announce Dr. Shantel Summerfield as our new Stough Principal.

We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to her leadership.

Please check back to learn more about her.

Here is Dr. Summerfield's contact information:

Dr. Shantel Summerfield, Principal
Stough Magnet Elementary School
ssummerfield@wcpss.net 
(919) 881-4750

Hello, Stough Community.

Welcome back! Here's to a fantastic year; we're glad you're here.

Our theme is #StallionFirst. This means putting our students first, and the first part is building relationships. Building relationships is vital to having success in a school, not only with students but with all. I look forward to continuing to work and develop those relationships throughout the Stough community. This will help ensure ALL students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Research supports one learns best when one feels heard, valued, supported, loved, and safe. This is what we are striving for at Stough.

I hail from Pennsylvania and have worked for WCPSS for the past 12 years. I bring over 23 years of education/leadership experience to this role. I hold degrees in Early Childhood Development and Elementary Education, Curriculum in Instruction and Assessments, and a K-12 Administrative Leadership - licensure. I genuinely believe in being a lifelong learner.

I always consider myself a teacher first. My experience includes working in Title-I, At-Risk, A.G., and Magnet Schools. I have taught Pre-K through 6 grade, Intervention: Literacy/ Math, Instructional Facilitator/ Literacy Coach, and Assistant Principal. On a personal note, I am married and the mom of 2 silly fur babies. Family, friends, and helping our favorite charities are what you'll find my husband and I doing in our spare time, along with rooting on our favorite sports teams. Once again, I look forward to meeting and working together to positively and successfully navigate our students' journeys. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. My door is always open.

Sincerely,

Ms. Maggie Mariella M.Ed.

I'm #StoughProud because: of everything that makes up Stough. At Stough, our students come first. We see each child as an individual. Our students know that they are seen, valued, and heard. They know they are in an environment where they are loved and safe.

We value our families. Families are appreciated, have a voice, and are engaged and involved. Stough has an amazing P.T.A.

Diversity: Stough is filled with diversity from students to staff. From the moment you walk in or call the office, you'll be greeted with a smile and feel a sense of our diverse community.

Our staff: We have some of the most dynamic, innovative teachers you will ever see. When you ask students, "What was the best part of your day?" students won't say recess or lunch. They will say the names of staff members and say how that person impacted their day. To me, that's priceless.

Our magnet: Stough is a different type of magnet school. Our Mandarin Immersion is unique. Research suggests students in dual-language immersion programs do better academically and cognitively and develop positive attitudes. At Stough, everyone gets Mandarin regardless of 80/20, 50/50, or traditional program. There is a fit for all at Stough.

I always remind myself that I get to come to work at this dynamic school every day. I am genuinely humble and grateful to be Stough's Assistant Principal. It's a position I don't take for granted. 

Ann Coventry has worked for WCPSS for 18 years. She is a British-born native. She attended boarding school near London from the early age of eight to seventeen. Her family lived in Lagos, Nigeria during her early years. She spent her holidays with them in Africa experiencing the traditions and culture of the Hausa and Yoruba tribes. After her graduation at seventeen, Ann trained at the London Cordon Bleu School of Cooking, becoming a Cordon Bleu Chef. With her degree in French cuisine, she began her career at 10 Downing Street, working with Maggie Thatcher, John Majors, various Parliament cabinet members, and a variety of celebrities, including the members of the Monty Python team. Ann has travelled extensively through Europe as well as Mexico, Bahamas, and Canada. She has family living in Singapore and London whom she visits frequently. 

Hi! My name is Serpil Helvaci. I was born in Germany and raised in Turkey. This is my second year at Stough and my first year as a data manager—I couldn’t be more excited! I hold a bachelor’s degree in art education from Turkey and a master’s in design and digital design from NC State University. I am pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity at Wake Tech Community College. Before becoming a mom, I worked as an art teacher in Turkey and the USA for over five years. I now live in Raleigh with my husband, two children, and our Maltese dogs, Casper and Daisy. Outside of school, I love spending time with family and friends, visiting museums (which we especially enjoy), and taking photographic walks in nature. I call myself a “two-season photographer” because Fall and Spring are my favorite times to capture the beauty of the outdoors. North Carolina is one of the best places to witness the leaves quickly transforming into vibrant, warm colors during these seasons!

I'm #StoughProud because: of the staff, students, and families! We are all a great team!

Coming Soon.

Mr. Ryan hails from Springfield, Illinois, and holds a degree in Sociology from Yale University. As a dedicated building substitute teacher, Mr. Ryan plays a vital role in ensuring continuity and support across all classrooms.

Outside of work, Mr. Ryan is a passionate college football fan and enjoys spending time with family. With five children and three pets, life at home is always bustling with activity.

I'm #StoughProud because: Mr. Ryan values the strong sense of community at Stough, where the students and staff make every day rewarding. He is proud to be part of such a wonderful school environment.