Welcome to Manchester Elementary

 July 8, 2021
Dear Manchester Elementary School Panther Families,
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I introduce myself to you as your new principal. I am excited for the opportunity to serve and connect with the students, their families, and the entire Manchester community. As a graduate of Furman High School, I have fond memories as a teenager of moving to Sumter County with my family and connecting with relatives and friends from Sumter and Clarendon Counties. In the few interactions I have had with staff, students, and families thus far, it has been abundantly clear that Manchester Elementary School is a unique and special place. 
Professionally, I have twenty-three years of experience in elementary education in Sumter School District. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Disciplinary Studies with a concentration in elementary education from the University of South Carolina, a Masters of Education from Cambridge College, and a Masters of Education in Supervision and Leadership from the University of South Carolina. I have worked as a teacher and in instructional support roles on the elementary and middle school levels for sixteen years, and as an administrator at the elementary level for seven years. My leadership experiences have afforded me the opportunity to work in schools similar to Manchester that have high levels of academic achievement. Dr. Tye has done an amazing job of establishing a vision and maintaining a standard of excellence. I plan to continue this legacy of success by building strong relationships with students, parents, teachers, and community partners. Together we will ensure that every child has a world-class educational experience.
As a result of my experiences in education, I believe that every learner deserves a champion. I am excited to join a school community where leaders are in pursuit of every child succeeding, achieving, and winning. My goal is to work with all stakeholders to ensure all students are college and career-ready and they achieve success academically, socially, emotionally and physically. As your new principal, I will focus on strengthening our school community by concentrating on the well-being of all students and staff members, and ensuring every scholar is loved, happy, healthy, and safe. 
Again, it is truly an honor to serve as the principal of Manchester Elementary School. I would like to thank Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox, Superintendent, and the Sumter School District Board of Trustees for appointing me to lead this great school. As we prepare for our new school year, we will begin our journey focused on every child, everyday and “Moving Forward: Today. Tomorrow. Together.”
#PantherPride
Maria J. DantzlerMaria J. Dantzler, PrincipalManchester Elementary School