Allatoona Elementary School Principal Jennifer Suárez will soon take on a new leadership role as principal of Red Top Middle School following the retirement of Dr. Wes Dickey.
For Suárez, the move feels less like leaving and more like continuing a shared journey with many of the same students and families she has served at Allatoona Elementary School.
“While I will greatly miss my students and staff at Allatoona Elementary, I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving our students as they transition into middle school,” said Suárez. “It is incredibly meaningful to continue supporting many of the same students and families in the next stage of their educational journey.”
The strong ties between the two schools makes the transition even more meaningful.
“It truly feels like I am just moving right up the road,” Suárez said. “The connection between Allatoona Elementary and Red Top Middle is strong, and I look forward to continuing to build those relationships with students, families, and staff.”
Suárez said she is honored to join a school community known for its tradition of excellence.
“Red Top Middle School has a long history of outstanding students, dedicated educators, and a supportive school community,” she said. “I am honored to join a school with such a strong tradition and commitment to student success.”
As principal, Suárez says her priorities will center on strong instruction, student engagement, and relationships.
“My goal is to support excellent classroom instruction while ensuring students have access to enriching extracurricular opportunities that make them excited to come to school,” she said. “Equally important is building positive relationships with our staff, students, and families. When relationships are strong, learning thrives.”
Suárez brings 17 years of educational experience to the role, including five years with the Bartow County School System and 12 years of service with the Cobb County School District and Kennesaw State University.
“Twelve of my years in education have focused on ESOL, English Language Arts, Reading, and World Languages,” said Suárez. “During that time, I have served in a variety of roles across elementary, middle, and high school settings including tutor, classroom teacher, co-teacher, and department chair.”
She also emphasized her passion for supporting all learners and developing teacher leaders.
“I am passionate about supporting all learners and growing teacher leaders,” Suárez said. “I am excited about building mentorship opportunities for students and continuing to strengthen partnerships within the community.”
Suárez also pointed to the recent accomplishments of both schools as a foundation for continued success.
“In 2025, both Allatoona Elementary and Red Top Middle School were recognized as Title I Reward Schools and showed strong progress in math collaboration team achievement and attendance,” she said. “Those accomplishments reflect the dedication of the staff and the hard work of the students. I look forward to continuing that momentum by focusing on learning, collaboration, and results.”
Outside of school, Suárez enjoys cheering on students beyond the classroom.
“If you cannot find me in a classroom, you will likely find me on the soccer field or basketball court cheering on our students or at Friday night football games supporting the Woodland Wildcats and Cass Colonels that many Red Top students will one day join,” she said.
She also enjoys spending time outdoors near Lake Allatoona hiking, kayaking, and camping, and at church and events in the Acworth area with her husband Germán and their children, Isabella, Andrés, and Nicolás.
“I truly believe schools thrive when the community comes together to support all students,” said Suárez. “I am excited to become part of the Red Top Middle School family and look forward to the great work ahead.”