Dear River Eves Parents and Guardians,
I am honored to serve as the principal of River Eves Elementary School. Since 2011, I have had the privilege of working with the incredible students, families, and staff of this community, and I am proud to continue that journey in this leadership role.
My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Notre Dame College in Manchester, New Hampshire, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Georgia Southern University, and a leadership certificate from Georgia State University. Over the years, I’ve served in various roles—teacher, RTI Specialist, Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and now Principal—each one deepening my commitment to student success. Before joining River Eves, I taught students from Pre-K through 8th grade in both general and special education settings.
Although I’m not originally from Georgia, I’ve called Fulton County home for the past 17 years. My husband is a proud graduate of Fulton County Schools, and all three of our children are alumni as well. This community holds a special place in my heart, both personally and professionally.
I am deeply passionate about public education because I believe every child deserves a meaningful, high-quality education in a nurturing environment. At River Eves, we strive to create a space where students feel safe, included, understood, and empowered to succeed. When children know they are supported and valued, they are more likely to take academic risks and reach their full potential. I believe all students have the ability and desire to learn—it’s our role as educators and parents to help them discover their strengths, embrace their unique learning styles, and grow in every aspect of their development.
When you walk through the doors of River Eves, you’ll immediately feel the positive and collaborative spirit that defines our school. I am committed to building on the strong foundation already in place and am grateful to work alongside such a dedicated and caring community.
As we embark on a new school year, our theme—"Navigating the Future"—reflects our shared commitment to preparing students for a rapidly changing world. This theme aligns closely with our ongoing pursuit of Georgia State STEM certification, a journey that emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving across all grade levels.
Through hands-on learning experiences, cross-curricular projects, and community partnerships, we are equipping our students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Whether they are coding, designing experiments, exploring environmental challenges, or collaborating on creative solutions, our students are learning to think like scientists, engineers, and global citizens.
"Navigating the Future" is more than a theme—it’s a mindset. It represents our belief that every child can be a leader, a thinker, and a change-maker. Together, with your support, we will continue to foster a culture of curiosity, resilience, and excellence.
I look forward to partnering with you to ensure your child’s experience at River Eves is both enriching and rewarding.
Susan Gowin
Principal
