Administration

Mrs. Chelsea Smith

Email: smithchels@pcsb.org

Phone: (727) 588-3573

Ponce Parents and Families,

Welcome to Ponce de Leon Elementary School, where we are committed to fostering academic excellence and personal growth in every student. As Principal, I am dedicated to supporting our school community and ensuring a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment.

At Ponce, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. I am privileged to work alongside our exceptional teachers and staff to uphold high educational standards and cultivate a culture of respect and collaboration among students, parents, and educators.

My goal is to contribute to the holistic development of our students by promoting their academic achievements, nurturing their social-emotional well-being, and encouraging their involvement in educational experiences. I am committed to fostering a positive school climate where every student can thrive.

I am honored to serve as Principal, and I look forward to partnering with you to ensure the success of every student at Ponce de Leon Elementary School!

Mrs. Chelsea Smith

Principal

 

 

Ms. Brooke Johannessen

Email: Johannessenb@pcsb.org

Phone: (727) 588-3573

Ponce Parents,

I am excited and honored to serve as the Assistant Principal at Ponce de Leon Elementary! Prior to coming here, I’ve worked as an assistant principal, a literacy coach, and a teacher in Pinellas County. These experiences helped shape me into the instructional leader I am today. I am a product of Pinellas County Schools and believe this is the best place to live and work. 

I bring a strong commitment to innovation, continuous growth, and scholar success. I look forward to working collaboratively with our staff, scholars, and families to foster a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

As Nelson Mandela wisely said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” At Ponce, we are preparing the next generation of changemakers each day through our rigorous and enriching curriculum. By teaching the whole child, we cultivate not only academic excellence but also critical thinking, communication, and character through meaningful collaboration and rich academic discourse that empower our scholars to become confident, lifelong learners.

I value open communication and strong partnerships, and I welcome your ideas, feedback, and collaboration. Please do not hesitate to reach out—I look forward to working together to make this an exceptional year for our school community.

Ms. Brooke Johannessen

Assistant Principal