A Message from our New Assistant Principal, Donna Cress

I call Ocala home as my family has lived here since 1974.  I attended Marion County Public Schools; Fessenden Elementary, Howard Middle and Vanguard High School. I have received both my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and my Masters degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida with High Honors.  Go GATORS!!!

As a child, I always knew that I wanted to teach and become an administrator for the Marion County Public School System.  My teachers and administrators made such a positive impact on my life, and as a result I wanted to give back to the Ocala community.  I enjoy working with our teachers, students, and parents. 

I began my teaching career 16 years ago at Oakcrest Elementary School where I taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Third Grade.  I then transferred to South Ocala Elementary School where I team taught 5^th grade with Mrs. Riedl.   A few years later, I was afforded the amazing opportunity of being the Dean and the Literacy Coordinator.  From 2003 to 2009, I served as the Assistant Principal at Shady Hill Elementary. 

I am blessed with a beautiful family.  My husband and I have two terrific children.  Our daughter is a graduate from Vanguard’s IB program and is a senior at the University of Florida majoring in International Business.  She’ll be applying to law school in the spring.  Our son is currently an outstanding fifth grader at Shady Hill and loves baseball!

I look forward to getting to know all of you and working with my colleagues again at South Ocala!  I have an open door policy and promise to work hard for you.  If I can be of any help, please feel free to contact me.  I’ll see you in August!

Sincerely,

Donna Cress

Assistant Principal

South Ocala Elementary