Greetings, Coal Miners!

I am Debbie McGonigle, your principal at J.B. Watkins Elementary School. Here is a little information to help you get to know me. I look forward to building wonderful relationships with all of you this year!

I began my teaching career in Chesterfield County at Bensley Elementary. During my eighteen years in the classroom, I taught Junior Kindergarten, First and Third Grade at Bensley and Evergreen Elementary. From there, I spent three years as Assistant Principal at Watkins Elementary. My first principal job was at C.C. Wells Elementary where I served for three years. Then, I had the opportunity to return to Watkins seven years ago as Principal. It was so exciting to come back home to Coal Miner country!

I attended Chesterfield County Public Schools and graduated from Midlothian High School. Then, I received my Bachelor’s degree from Longwood College and my Master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

In my free time, I enjoy being a mom to my wonderful children Casey and Hunter, Mimi to my granddaughter Eleanor, spending time at the beach in Duck N.C., reading and shopping. I’m an avid runner and enjoy participating in half marathons.  My family and I enjoy watching football and cheering for the New York Yankees. 

I am so excited to meet the parents and students of this wonderful community and look forward to a great school year. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions, comments and concerns. Through our collaborative relationship, I know that exciting things are ahead this year for our students!

Hello Coal Miners!

I love being part of the J.B. Watkins Admin Team! Our students, staff and community are simply the best. I joined the team in the 2018-19 school year and here is a little more about me. I grew up about 40 minutes north of Boston in southern New Hampshire. There I earned a dual degree in Elementary Education and Special Education at Notre Dame College. From there, I taught students with Learning Disabilities and then third grade while completing my Master’s Degree program from the University of Virginia.

I have been fortunate to serve as Assistant Principal at WW Gordon Elementary and Clover Hill Elementary for the past 11 years. My passions are building positive classroom communities and student leadership.

Personally, I have awesome 17 year old twin boys and a five year old rescue dog named Jack! We are very busy with Eagle Scouts, sports and traveling. We also love camping as a family!

I love being a Coal Miner and I know you will too!