Principal

Principal Information

Pam Neves, Principal

A Message from the Principal

We are winners at Joe M. Pirtle because “...We think like winners, prepare like winners, perform like winners, and expect to be winners!” (Zig Ziglar)

Welcome to Joe M. Pirtle Elementary School! In this website is all of the information you will need to get to know Joe M. Pirtle and all that makes this such a special place to learn!

My name is Pam Neves, and I am proud and excited to serve as the Principal of Joe M. Pirtle. This is my first year at Joe M. Pirtle and my eighth year in administration. I joyfully served as principal at Leon Heights Elementary in Belton for five years prior to accepting this position. My teaching experience includes eleven years of classroom experience ranging from third grade to middle school in Temple and Belton ISD.

Belton is my home away from home. I was born in the small east Texas town of Douglass, thus the east Texas accent! I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where I also played basketball. I earned my Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Tarleton State University.

Joe M. Pirtle Elementary is a community. There is no one person who can take credit for the success of our school. The staff is creative, energetic and hard-working. They work together as a team focusing on three big ideas based on Rebecca and Richard DuFour’s and Robert Eaker’s work! These big ideas are: 1) Ensuring that every student learns and receives whatever additional support he or she needs. 2) Creating a culture in which teachers work together to analyze and improve their classroom practice. Teachers at Joe M. Pirtle understand that they must work together to achieve learning for all! 3) Focusing on results based on identifying the current level of student achievement and establishing goals for improvement! Our teachers are constantly sharing and learning. Parents are actively involved on our campus. They stand behind all that we do, and their support is invaluable. Everyone works together in the best interest of the children, and this spirit can be seen throughout the school!

Joe M. Pirtle is a great place to learn! Our teachers spend a great deal of time getting to know each child to better meet their social and academic needs. Evidence of student work can be seen throughout the hallways and classrooms. We rejoice in every success story, because each small victory is a big step down the road toward a child’s dreams and ambitions, which can lead anywhere in the world!

Joe M. Pirtle makes you feel good! Our school is a place that puts a smile on my face as I come to work each day. The children are enthusiastic, and they love to learn! They are eager to share their ideas and writing, discuss books, and tell stories about the exciting things that they have done and their hopes for the future. They are, indeed, joyful learners!

My goal is to continue building strong school and family partnerships that thrive on communication, dedication, and hard work. Will you become our partner as we strive to provide a quality learning experience for EVERY CHILD at Joe M. Pirtle Elementary School?

My hope is that you will feel our “Pirtle Pride” every time that you join us on campus!

Sincerely, Pam Neves

Proud Principal

Mrs. Atmar

Sandra Atmar, Assistant Principal

Hello, my name is Sandra Atmar.

I am filled with Pirtle Pride to be continuing my ‘Tiger’ tradition as your child’s assistant principal. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor and my master’s degree from Tarleton State University. My educational experience includes being a math and science middle school teacher and an elementary/middle school curriculum facilitator.

My husband, Robert, and I have two children at Belton High School. Our son is a varsity football player/powerlifter and our daughter is a cheerleader/member of the Marching 100 Drum Line.

I would like to thank all of our parents for the part you play in raising such great students and supporting our school, teachers, and staff.

Belton is a great place to be and we are all happy to be ‘Tigers’.

Rochelle Oldham, Instructional Facilitator

My name is Rochelle Oldham. I began teaching in 1977. I received my bachelor degree from West Texas State University in 1976 and my master degree from Tarleton State University in 2006. I have two children, Kable and Kendy. I also have three wonderful grandsons, Brandon, Kyler and Kaden. The boss of my house is Lucy, our miniature Dachund. She even likes to go boating with the family. When I am not working or enjoying family outings, I like to read mystery novels.