Meet our Principal, Kevin Klein
Kevin Klein graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelors of Art degree in Psychology. He then attended graduate school at the same school and earned his Masters of Science of Education with an emphasis in Guidance and Counseling. He moved from Illinois to the central Florida area in 1997 and began his career as a guidance counselor for an elementary school. While there he was encouraged to pursue a leadership degree. He was able to acquire his Educational Leadership degree from the University of South Florida and became an assistant principal for an elementary school. He moved to SJCSD in 2003 when was hired as the Assistant Principal for Switzerland Point Middle School in 2003. He became the Assistant Principal at Wards Creek Elementary beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. He became the Principal for the 2021-2022 school year.
Mr. Klein is extremely excited about being part of the Wards Creek Warrior family. Mr. Klein’s favorite part of the day is watching the students arrive at school with such excitement for what the new day will bring. He will often tell the students he receives his energy from their smiles. So, it’s not unusual to see a student make sure he sees them smile so he can have a great day. If a child gives someone a “thumbs up,” they may have learned that from Mr. Klein, as that’s often the way he lets the students know he is proud of their effort.
Mr. Klein is an avid collector of quotes. One of his favorites comes from Abraham Lincoln, who once said “No man stands so tall as to when he stoops to help a child.”
Julie Haynes, AP
Mrs. Haynes is incredibly grateful and excited to be part of the Warrior Family! She looks forward to working in partnership with Mr. Klein, Mrs. Baker, and the staff - to continue to ensure achievement, learning, and leadership for all. Prior to joining WCE, she was a classroom teacher for 19 years in Florida and Virginia. She is a graduate of the University of North Florida and University of West Florida. Her joy comes from the students and seeing them learn and grow throughout the year. She looks forward to celebrating all the Warrior successes.
Dr. Jessica Hamelin, AP
Dr. Jessica Hamelin is thrilled to join the administration team at Wards Creek Elementary. Dr. Hamelin earned her Bachelor of Education Degree as well as Masters Degree from Jacksonville University. She also earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from University of North Florida. She has served in various roles in St. Johns County School District. Those roles included teacher, instructional literacy coach, assistant principal, and most recently a program specialist at the district level. Dr. Hamelin brings a wealth of knowledge around MTSS, the PLC process, curriculum and instruction, and exceptional student education. She is passionate about collaborative learning, highly effective instructional practices, curriculum support, community involvement, and servant leadership. She is proud to be a Warrior!