It’s only the first week of the new school year, but Abel Elementary is already soaring high—thanks in large part to its new principal, Ashley Terry, who’s returned to where her Florida teaching journey began.
For Principal Terry, stepping into her new role at Abel Elementary feels like coming home. An Indiana native, Mrs. Terry began her teaching career in the Midwest, but it was at Abel Elementary where she held her very first teaching position in Florida. Years later, she’s back in the building she once called home, now leading it as principal.
“Abel Elementary is such a special place in my heart,” she said. “I have been blown away by such a dedicated staff who celebrate individual student success in a safe and positive learning environment.”
Many of those staff members were once Terry’s colleagues in the classroom, including head custodian Gloria Velez, who is celebrating her 20th year at the school. That milestone became a family affair on Friday when her brother, Rober, visited the school in his role as the district’s pest control technician. In fact, working in the district runs in the family—both siblings’ spouses are district employees as well.
On the fifth day of school, Principal Terry walked the halls with purpose and pride. She stopped in to chat with PE teacher Joseph Giardina, a former chiropractor who found his true calling in education. In the front office, she shared a laugh with two young girls dropping off dollar bills for “Favorite Outfit Day”—a fundraiser that added a splash of color to the campus. “My dress is pink like Barbie!” one student exclaimed with delight.
In five different classrooms, Terry observed students actively engaged—discussing school safety, building literacy skills, and diving into math lessons. Her vision for Abel Elementary is already taking shape.
“We have high expectations for all students,” she said. “And we believe that ALL students can and will learn.”
As she settles into her new role, Principal Terry is setting the bar high for herself, too. Her goal? To visit every classroom weekly and be a visible, supportive leader for both students and staff.
From her first Florida classroom to the principal’s office, Ashley Terry’s journey is a true Abel story—one that proves once an Abel Eagle, always an Abel Eagle.