Administration

Courtney Wheeler, Principal

"Meet the Team" photo of Courtney Wheeler.

Mrs. Wheeler is a native Virginian. She was raised in a family of public school educators in Washington, who instilled in her from a very young age the value of receiving an education and the importance of listening, communicating, and understanding the feelings of others.

She received her B.A. degree from the University of Virginia-Wise in 2007. While completing her undergraduate degree, she played collegiate volleyball for two years. She also spent four years on a regional championship and national-qualifying softball team. She completed the qualifications for teacher licensure and embarked on her career with the goal to make a difference in students' educational, emotional, and social wellbeing. Her teaching career began as a 6th grade math teacher at Chancellor Middle School in Spotsylvania Public Schools. Upon completing her 8th year, she came to Fredericksburg City Schools to teach 6th and 7th grade math at Walker-Grant Middle School. During this time, she also completed an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Mrs. Wheeler proved to be a highly effective and compassionate administrator as assistant principal at Lafayette Elementary School, a position she began in 2017. The next year, she was appointed assistant principal at Hugh Mercer Elementary School. During this time, she gained experience, knowledge, and understanding of the educational process for K-5 learners. In 2019, she was appointed the principal of Lafayette Elementary School. 

Mrs. Wheeler’s educational experiences have afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of educators to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and wellbeing. Her educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, and an encouraging community and a supportive family.

Assistant Principals

Pamela Diggs

"Meet the Team" photo of Pamela Diggs.

My favorite course to teach was Modern World History, because I love the content, but I also loved teaching sophomores. They were my favorite group! I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Mary Washington College, and I later earned my Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. Lafayette has an outstanding school community, and I am fortunate to be a part of it. It is my goal to foster a learning environment where students are able to develop academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Along with faculty and staff, I will continue to partner with our families and community to support our students in their efforts to reach their personal goals. Please feel free to call or email me to discuss any concerns you might have throughout the year. In closing, I look forward to working with all of our students and parents this year. Being a part of the Lafayette family is indeed a privilege, and I look forward to serving our students and families!

Tony Lewis

"Meet the Team" photo of Tony Lewis.

Prior to coming to Lafayette, I served as a paraprofessional at Walker-Grant Middle School, a CTE Teacher at James Monroe High School, Student Support Specialist at James Monroe High School, and the Dean of Students at Walker-Grant Middle School. I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola University in Maryland, where I was also on a full basketball scholarship. I returned home and earned my master’s degree in business administration from the University of Mary Washington and went on to receive my Educational Leadership Endorsement from Longwood University. I currently serve on the Board of Directors at the Brisben Center, Rappahannock Goodwill, and am a member of the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club. I don’t look at being an educator as a job, being an educator is my calling. I came across a quote early in my career that helped guide me. “Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story” (Josh Shipp). I want to be the adult that helps our students achieve their success story. I am excited to join an amazing staff at Lafayette where I will continue to learn and grow under the guidance of Mrs. Wheeler and Mrs. Diggs. Whenever I step foot into Lafayette’s building, I can tell it is truly a family, a family that I am now fortunate to be a part of.