Newport native Matt Atkins, who attended Newport Independent Schools and graduated from Newport High School in 2000, has been named Principal of Newport Primary School.
Atkins
Atkins was hired as principal by The Newport Primary School Site-Based Decision Making Council (SBDM), which under Kentucky law has the responsibility of selecting the school’s principal.
“I am very proud of the work and success of Newport Primary School,” said Newport Independent Schools Superintendent Kelly Middleton. “Hiring a school principal is one of the most important decisions a school council has to make. Principal Matt Atkins has deep roots in Newport and will provide the necessary leadership to keep the momentum of the school moving forward.”
Atkins pointed out that both he and Newport Primary School Assistant Principal Nikki Hayden are Newport High School graduates.
“I am proud to be a Newport High School graduate leading Newport Primary School,” Atkins said. “It is exciting for two Newport High School graduates to be leading our school.”
Atkins received his Bachelor’s degree in Education with a focus in History from Thomas More College and earned a Masters of Education Administration and Rank I Certificate from Xavier University.
“Becoming a principal at Newport has always been a goal,” he said. “I am excited about the opportunity to work with everyone to have a positive impact on our kids. All students can learn at high levels. As educators, we must set high expectations for all students and continue to push them to reach our standards.”
As principal, Atkins said his main goal is to increase student achievement as the instructional leader of Newport Primary.
“We will continue to focus on developing and implementing plans to ensure our kids are proficient in reading and math,” he said. “In addition, we will continue to focus on creating a positive school culture at NPS. In the end, it is important that our students are not only achieving academically, but we are also teaching them lifelong skills to be successful.”
Atkins was also a standout athlete at Newport High School. After graduation, he attended Thomas More College, where he served as team captain of the football team and was named All-American his junior and senior seasons.
Atkins received his Bachelor’s degree in Education with a focus in History from Thomas More College and earned a Masters of Education Administration and Rank I Certificate from Xavier University.
He has been with the Newport schools for 11 years and has held a variety of positions, including Social Studies teacher, Behavior Intervention teacher, and Assistant Principal. He also coached football for several seasons at Newport High School.
Atkins and his wife, Sarah, are the parents of two young children, Isabelle, 8, and Caleb, 6.
Newport Independent Schools
