Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Wednesday, May 21
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Schools»Thames excited for new challenges at CMS
    Schools

    Thames excited for new challenges at CMS

    The longtime EP educator begins her new role as middle school principal on July 1
    Isaac KerryBy Isaac KerryJune 14, 20224 Mins Read
    After serving as principal of Prairie View Elementary for five years, Felicia Thames will become principal at Central Middle School on July 1. Photo Courtesy of EP Schools

    Felicia Thames is ready for her next big challenge after a career with the district that has spanned over 16 years and seen her in roles ranging from first grade teacher to Prairie View Elementary principal.

    Starting July 1, she will become the principal of Central Middle School. She takes over from Nate Swenson, who is returning to his hometown to become principal of Little Falls Community Middle School.

    Thames has always been drawn to education. As a child, her next-door neighbor was the high school principal, who encouraged her to serve on various school committees.

    “I feel like I’ve always been the kind of person who feels like I can make a difference,” Thames said. 

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    After teaching first and second grade at Forest Hills for four years, Thames made the switch to being an administrator.

    “I love connecting with kids who are struggling and I feel like I can help move them in a better direction,” she said.

    This focus on helping correct behavioral challenges led her to become dean at Central Middle School, a role she had for four years before becoming associate principal at Prairie View Elementary. 

    Now, after having served as principal at Prairie View for the past five years, Thames is ready and excited for the move to CMS.

    Thames says that middle school “is such a pivotal time in the lives of our students. It can also be a challenging time. I’m really excited to help them make good choices on their educational journey and help them get the most out of their education.” 

    Asked about challenges facing her in the new position, Thames expressed what has become something of a refrain amongst educators at all levels.

    “I think COVID has taken a lot out of everybody, from our students, to our teachers, to our families,” she said.

    Thames stressed that the pandemic’s disruptions hit CMS especially hard since the school was already undergoing the huge change of adding an entirely new grade to the building. 

    “How do we build that cohesive environment where it’s not only about academics, but also focuses on the social/emotional side?” she said. “The challenge is helping create an environment where we recognize that together we are a community and together we need to be supportive of one another.”

    Thames acknowledged that last year was a difficult one at CMS. When asked how she can come in and make a difference as a principal, she said, “I think the key is making it a focus area and a priority for next year. Making sure we have very clear communication with family, students, and staff that this is what we want our community to be.

    “I think we make a lot of assumptions that kids know what to do,” she continued. “And the truth is, they don’t always know what to do. Sometimes we need to be able to teach them and show them, ‘these are the steps we need to take.’”  

    Thames also stressed the importance of finding the time to meet with different groups of students and providing a listening ear.

    “I want to make sure that students, families, and staff are getting everything they need to make next year a successful school year,” she said. 

    This summer, Thames will be preparing by interviewing current staff and reviewing survey results. “I want to look for themes — what’s working well, where can we make adjustments,” she said. “How can we make sure that all our families’ voices are important?”

    Thames feels like her long history with the district has given her the ability to hit the ground running.

    “I think it’s very helpful to have been in the district for so long and to really know the process,” she said. “I already know so many of the students and staff.”

    Her last week at Prairie View was bittersweet. She said there were many tears shed with staff and the families she’s gotten to know over the past nine years.

    “So part of me was so sad to leave Prairie View,” she said. “But at the same time, I like to be challenged. That’s probably why I move positions every four to five years. Even though I know it’s going to be challenging, it’s also what fires me up.”

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticlePhoto gallery: EPHS Class of 2022
    Next Article Weber honored by city for his longtime contributions to the community

    More to READ

    4 Mins Read

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025
    2 Mins Read

    Campus Honor Roll

    May 17, 2025
    5 Mins Read

    Learning beyond walls: Forest Hills students thrive in outdoor spaces

    May 13, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025

    Minnesota legislative session ends, still with a long to-do list

    May 20, 2025

    Former Eden Prairie man sentenced for posting nude images of woman online without her consent

    May 20, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.