Administration
Scott Belako
Principal
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year at Nelson Middle School. I am excited to begin serving as principal for this outstanding school and community! Prior to joining the Nelson Middle School Team, I served as middle school principal and Director of Transportation in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. I also served as a principal and assistant principal in Caroline County, Virginia and taught for nine years in Stafford County, Virginia. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I earned my Master’s Degree from the University of Mary Washington, and I completed coursework as a newly appointed administrator at Virginia Tech. My family and I have lived in Virginia for the past twenty-two years. My wife is in education and two of my three children are Nelson County Public School students.
Our mission here at Nelson Middle School is to equip all of our Mustangs with the essential 21st Century Skills to prepare them for a smooth transition to high school and to be successful in their future endeavors. Students will be challenged daily and engaged with hands-on learning that is differentiated to meet their individual learning needs. Students are encouraged to be active learners and leaders inside and outside of the classroom.
A successful school community requires communication and collaboration amongst students, teachers, staff, and parents. I encourage all families to be actively involved here at Nelson Middle School. Please take time to join the Nelson PTO and volunteer to assist within the school community. I look forward to working with each of you this school year.
Jessica Shifflett,
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Shifflett earned her B.A. from Longwood University in 2007, her M.A. from The Ohio State University in 2009, and her endorsement in Educational Leadership from Longwood University in 2017. She is dedicated to inspiring, challenging, and guiding students to become committed, engaged citizens of the 21st century, contributing meaningfully to local and global communities for the betterment of themselves and others. Mrs. Shifflett's mission is to provide meaningful learning opportunities in every discipline by fostering strong relationships between students, parents, faculty and staff, and community members. Prior to her appointment as Nelson Middle School Assistant Principal, she was an English teacher and athletic coach at Nelson County High School for 10 years.She is honored to continue serving the division in this new capacity and is proud to be a Nelson Middle School Mustang.
