Rippon Middle School
Rippon Administrators
Principal Kristan Donahue
I am honored to serve as the Principal of Rippon Middle School and to begin another exciting school year with our students, staff, and families. Originally from Long Island, New York, I have dedicated my career to supporting student achievement and fostering positive school communities. I began my journey in Prince William County Schools as a Math teacher and later served as a Reading Specialist at Woodbridge Middle School. During that time, I earned my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from The George Washington University and served as an Administrative Intern at Woodbridge Middle School from 2017–2019. In 2019, I joined the Rippon Middle School family as an Assistant Principal, serving in that role until 2022 before becoming Principal.
As Principal, I am committed to ensuring that every student feels valued, challenged, and supported as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I believe that strong relationships, high expectations, and meaningful collaboration between school and home are the foundation of student success. At Rippon, our dedicated staff works tirelessly to provide engaging learning experiences, foster a positive and inclusive school culture, and prepare students for future opportunities. I am incredibly proud of our school community and the accomplishments of our students and staff. On behalf of the entire Rippon team, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our students and families for the 2026–2027 school year. We look forward to partnering with you for a year filled with learning, growth, and success for every learner.
Elizabeth Parsons, 7th Grade Assistant Principal
Mrs. Elizabeth Parsons serves as an Assistant Principal at Rippon Middle School and is excited to welcome students and families to the 2026-2027 school year. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a Minor in Middle School Mathematics and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. Mrs. Parsons is beginning her 21st year in education and her 6th year in administration, bringing a wealth of experience from elementary, middle, and high school settings. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to creating engaging learning experiences and supporting the academic and personal growth of every student. She is passionate about fostering a school culture where all students feel valued, challenged, and supported as they work toward their goals. Mrs. Parsons believes that strong relationships and high expectations create the foundation for student success.
Mrs. Parsons is committed to partnering with families, students, and staff to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Her leadership focuses on collaboration, continuous improvement, instructional excellence, and creating positive learning experiences for all students. She values the unique strengths that every learner brings to the school community and works to ensure that all students have access to meaningful opportunities for growth and achievement. When she is not at school, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, pursuing professional learning, and exploring innovative approaches to teaching and learning. She is proud to be part of the Rippon Middle School community and looks forward to building lasting relationships with students and families throughout the year. Mrs. Parsons warmly welcomes all students and parents to Rippon and is excited to partner with you for a successful, rewarding, and memorable school year.
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year, Rippon Raiders! We are excited to learn, grow, and achieve together.
Dr. Tom Alexander, 8th Grade Assistant Principal
Dr. Tom Alexander Jr. proudly serves as the 8th Grade Assistant Principal at Rippon Middle School, where he oversees Special Education, Gifted Education, and Elective Programs. With nearly 30 years of leadership experience, Dr. Alexander brings a unique blend of military and educational leadership, having retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel before beginning a career in public education as an English Language Arts teacher and now serving as a school administrator.
Dr. Alexander earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Jackson State University, a Master of Education from Drury University, a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Education from The George Washington University. He is married and the proud father of three sons.
Committed to the success of every student, Dr. Alexander believes in the transformative power of education and is passionate about creating opportunities that help all learners grow academically, socially, and personally.
Ryan Pelkey, 6th Grade Assistant Principal
I am honored to begin another school year serving the Rippon Middle School community as an Assistant Principal. This school year marks my 16th year at Rippon, my 5th year as a school administrator, and my 28th year in education. As a proud Rippon Raider for Life, it is especially meaningful to continue supporting a school community that has played such an important role in my educational journey. I oversee our Science Department, ESOL Program, Security Team, Title I Programs, Title IX compliance, SAC, EVOLV operations, and all sixth-grade student discipline and supports. My passion is building strong relationships with students, staff, and families while creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive.
On a personal note, I live in Warrenton, VA, with my wife, Stacey. I am the proud father of six children and take great pride in being a published author and professional speaker. P.S. I am the biggest Philadelphia Eagles fan this side of Philly.
At Rippon Middle School, we believe that student success is built through collaboration, high expectations, and meaningful support systems. I am committed to ensuring that all students feel valued, challenged, and connected as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Whether working alongside teachers to strengthen instruction, supporting students through challenges, or partnering with families, I strive to lead with integrity, compassion, and a student-centered mindset. I look forward to celebrating the many accomplishments of our Raiders throughout the year and continuing to build a positive school culture where every student can succeed.
To our students and families, welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! We are excited to have you as part of our Raider family and look forward to partnering with you for a year filled with learning, growth, and success. Together, we will make this an outstanding year at Rippon Middle School. Go Raiders!
Chevonne King, Admin. Intern
Hello Rippon Families!
My name is Chevonne King, and I am honored to serve as the Administrative Intern at Rippon Middle School this year. As I begin my 18th year in education, I bring a deep commitment to student success, family engagement, and collaborative partnerships with staff. Throughout my career, I have been guided by a passion for inclusive practices, strong advocacy for all learners, and a belief in the power of teamwork to create meaningful opportunities for growth. I am excited to continue developing as a leader while contributing to the vibrant, student-centered culture that makes Rippon such a special place to learn and thrive.
This year, I am proud to oversee History, Creative Writing, The Arts, Theater, Introductory Foreign Language, Testing, 504 Plans, Homebound Services, and all seventh-grade student supports and discipline. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated educators and to support the incredible students and families who make our school community so strong. I am committed to fostering a safe, supportive environment where every student feels valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential.
I believe that strong relationships are the foundation of student success. Through proactive, relationship-centered approaches, I strive to promote accountability, empathy, resilience, and personal growth. Every challenge presents an opportunity to guide, encourage, and uplift our students as they develop into confident and responsible young people. I proudly embrace our school motto—All In. Every Day. Whatever It Takes.—and look forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to make the 2026–2027 school year one filled with connection, achievement, and success.
Vantross Medina-White, Dean of Students
Mrs. Vantross Medina-White is proud to serve as the Dean of Students at Rippon Middle School for her second year. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Emotional Disabilities/Learning Disabilities Special Education from George Mason University. With more than 25 years of experience in education, she has worked as a special education teacher in elementary and middle schools across Alexandria City, Fairfax County, and Washington, D.C. Mrs. Medina-White is a National Board Certified Teacher in Special Education and has also earned an endorsement in Educational Supervision and Administration PreK-12 from Longwood University. Her passion for education is rooted in helping students achieve academic success while developing the skills and confidence needed to reach their full potential.
Having lived in Prince William County for the past 19 years, Mrs. Medina-White is deeply committed to the students, families, and community she serves. She believes strong partnerships between home and school are essential to student success and looks forward to working closely with families throughout the school year. As Dean of Students, she is focused on promoting a culture of respect, responsibility, and belonging while ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and connected. Mrs. Medina-White is excited to continue building meaningful relationships with students and helping them grow both academically and personally. Welcome to the new school year, Rippon students and families! We are excited to begin this journey together and look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and success.
Dr. Nicole Davis, TOSA, Restorative Practice Coach
My name is Dr. Nicole A. Davis, and I am honored to serve as the Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) at Rippon Middle School. This year marks my 24th year in education, including 20 years serving students in Special Education and as a History teacher. In my current role, I work directly with our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a framework designed to ensure all students receive the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional support they need through data-driven, evidence-based interventions. I also oversee In-School Assistance (ISA), a structured, supervised alternative to out-of-school suspension that allows students to continue learning while reflecting on their choices, developing positive decision-making skills, and maintaining academic progress.
In addition, I support our school’s implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a proactive approach that teaches, reinforces, and recognizes positive behaviors to create a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment. I am committed to partnering with students, families, and staff to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. I look forward to working together to make this school year a successful and rewarding experience for every member of the Rippon Middle School community.