ABOUT THE PRINCIPAL

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Phoebe Lewis

Phoebe Lewis, Principal, has wanted to be an educator as long as she could remember.  Having grown up with a mother and father who were both educators, Phoebe has always known her calling was to help educate young people.  After attending the University of Kansas and earning a B.S. in Reading and Elementary Education, she began her student teaching career in Blue Valley.  She knew from that moment that Blue Valley was her home.  Her first teaching position was sixth grade at Overland Trail Middle School for eight years where she taught every subject except math.  Phoebe earned her Master's Degree from the University of Kansas as a Reading Specialist.   After four years, she then earned her Specialist Degree in Administration from Baker University.  She became the Assistant Principal at Overland Trail Middle School for three years and then the Principal at Overland Trail Middle School for five years.   She came to Pleasant Ridge Middle School in the Fall of 2013 as Principal.   Pleasant Ridge Middle School has become her home. 


When Phoebe is not at school, she enjoys spending time with her family - her husband, Mike, and two daughters, Becca and Amanda.   Her free time is spent in outdoor activities, reading, being with friends and family, and spending time in health related activities. 


Phoebe enjoys middle school and all the students in it.  She was meant to be a middle school educator because she enjoys every minute of these beautiful souls.  She believes​ that middle school educators have the unique opportunity to help young adults deepen their understanding of themselves, their goals and dreams as well as their relationship and importance to the world beyond the walls of the middle school.​


Mrs. Lewis is a very visible principal and she states that the best part of her job is visiting the students in all areas of the school. She gets to know every student and every student gets to know her. Mrs. Lewis' motto is "Stay positive, maintain communication and do the right thing." It is a great day to be a bulldog!​​​

ABOUT THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

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Degrees and Certifications:

Derek Adams

Derek Adams has been in education for over 20 years. After earning degrees in English and Secondary Education from UMKC, Mr. Adams taught high school English in the Shawnee Mission district for thirteen years, coaching both boys and girls soccer, sponsoring the student council, and leading the district’s mentoring program during that time. He also earned a Master’s Degree in both Curriculum and Instruction and Administration from ESU and Baker, respectively. He then made the transition to Blue Valley as an assistant principal at Northwest, West, and BV Middle School before coming to Pleasant Ridge.


Mr. Adams has five children and is married to another educator in Blue Valley. He believes that it takes a village to make a productive, supportive school. All members of the school community, including the students, are vital contributors to each individual child’s experience. His sustained goal is to create an environment that allows for all kids to have their best day.


“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” -Aristotle