Administrators
Phone: 573-214-3230
Email: mewalker@cpsk12.org
Dr. Melita Walker
I am absolutely honored and delighted to be a part of the West community this year! As the principal of West Middle School, I welcome the opportunity to partner with you to create a learning environment that is engaging, challenging, supportive and meets the needs of our diverse learners.
I have been in education for over twenty years and over the course of my career, I have been very fortunate to have had a variety of professional opportunities that have prepared me for this amazing leadership opportunity. Although I have spent much of my educational career teaching English and Reading at the high school level, I also spent four years at the middle school level as a Language Arts teacher, Reading Interventionist, and Literacy Coach. Most recently, I served as an assistant principal at Battle High School for the last three years. To prepare for these roles, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree at Lindenwood University, Master of Arts degree at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and Educational Specialist and Doctorate degrees at Ball State University.
I hope you are as eager for this year to begin as I am! I look forward to continuing the legacy of excellence that has been established at West Middle School and partnering with our parents, students and community stakeholders to support our efforts to make West the Best! I am committed to ensuring that every West Middle School student receives the very best education possible, and that all students and their families feel valued and supported.
Please know that I welcome feedback and that my door is always open! Feel free to stop in, call, or email with any concerns, suggestions, or ideas to help make this year the best year yet!
Sincerely,
Dr. Melita Walker
Phone: 573-214-3230
Email: coulewis@cpsk12.org
Mrs. Courtney Lewis
I’m excited for another year at West Middle School, serving as your assistant principal. My passion for education and supporting the success of all students has been shaped by my time as an elementary school teacher with Columbia Public Schools. However, education wasn’t my first career. I graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Management, continued my career with the Buckle as a manager, and eventually became an area manager for the company. During this time, I was married and had three amazing kids who all attend(ed) Columbia Public Schools. It wasn’t long after my oldest went to school that I realized that I was an educator, at heart. Therefore, I went back to school and earned my teaching certification at Columbia College. After I began my teaching career, I also earned my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Columbia College.
I look forward to getting to know all students and families of West Middle School this year. An excellent education is only possible when parents, students, and staff work together with a shared vision. I am eager to work with my West Family to support every student in our building and continue the tradition of successes at West Middle School. I’m excited for an amazing year ahead! Please feel free to contact me with any questions and ideas that you would like to discuss. West is truly Best!
“Children are not distractions from more important work. They are the most important work.” - C.S. Lewis
Phone: 573-214-3230
Email: ctyus@cpsk12.org
Dr. Crystal Tyus