Ms. Thomas has always loved working with children of all ages—their curiosity, resilience, and energy inspire her every day. Ms. Thomas believes her most important responsibility is to ensure that every student and staff member feels safe, seen and valued. When people feel a sense of belonging, they can thrive.
Equally important is building a school culture grounded in strong, high-quality instruction. Ms. Thomas is deeply committed to creating a learning environment where academic excellence goes hand in hand with compassion, creativity and equity.
Public education is one of our greatest collective gifts. It brings together people from all walks of life to learn, grow, face challenges and collaborate. It’s in these shared experiences that we build stronger communities and brighter futures.
Ms. Thomas truly believes all children can achieve great things. They each bring their own unique strengths and stories, and it’s our job as educators to help them discover their potential and celebrate every milestone along the way.
Mrs. Carla Parnell is honored to serve as the assistant principal at Rock Rest Elementary School, where she is dedicated to supporting students, staff and families in creating a positive and engaging learning environment. With over 20 years of experience in education, Mrs. Parnell has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and curriculum specialist before stepping into school leadership. Mrs. Parnell holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Gardner-Webb University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Clemson University. She believes strong relationships, high expectations and a love of learning are the foundation of student success.
