🏫 Principal

Dr. Patrina Jenkins
📧 pljenkins@hampton.k12.va.us

Dr. Jenkins brings a wealth of experience and a passion for student success to Syms Middle School! She joins us from Captain John Smith Elementary School, where she served for the past four years. Before that, Dr. Jenkins supported students and staff as an assistant principal at Hampton High School, Bethel High School, Jones Magnet Middle School, Spratley Middle School, and Barron Elementary School.

Her journey in education began in Newport News City Public Schools, where she spent 14 years inspiring middle school students in the classroom. Dr. Jenkins holds a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University, a master’s degree in education from Regent University, an Ed.S. in leadership and supervision from The George Washington University, and a doctorate in leadership and administration from Nova Southeastern University. We are excited to have her leadership guiding our Syms community!

🔬 Assistant Principal – 6th Grade

Mr. Andrew Perry
📧 aperry1@hampton.k12.va.us

Mr. Perry is thrilled to be back home at Syms Middle School! From 2012–2016, he proudly served Syms students as a science teacher, 21st Century tutor, and PBIS team leader. He returns to us from Newport News Public Schools, where he spent the last five years as a middle school science teacher and instructional team leader.

In addition to his classroom expertise, Mr. Perry has chaired the superintendent’s teacher advisory committee and earned the honor of 2019–2020 NNPS Teacher of the Year. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from George Mason University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Old Dominion University. His enthusiasm and dedication make him a fantastic leader for our 6th graders!

📘 Assistant Principal – 7th Grade

Mr. Maurice Horton
📧 mhorton@hampton.k12.va.us

Mr. Horton joined Hampton City Schools in 2019 and has been making a positive impact ever since. He has served as a special education teacher at Bethel High School and previously worked in Newport News City Schools as both an instructional assistant and special education teacher at the elementary and middle school levels.

Mr. Horton’s leadership experience includes serving as interim dean of students at Bethel High School, lead facilitator for the HCS math collaborative learning team, induction mentor, and leader of the Boys 2 Men Mentorship Program. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mount Olive, his master’s in special education from Grand Canyon University, and his administration and leadership certification from the Virginia Department of Education.

✨ Assistant Principal – 8th Grade

Ms. Ogelynn Taloute
📧 otaloute@hampton.k12.va.us

Ms. Taloute joins the Syms family from Franklin City Public Schools, where she most recently served as a curriculum specialist. Her educational career began in Newport News City Public Schools as a high school and middle school English teacher. She has also taught in Suffolk Public Schools and served as a homebound instructor and school testing lead.

Ms. Taloute earned her bachelor’s degree in English and her master’s degree in secondary education from Hampton University. She also holds an Ed.S. in educational leadership and administration from The George Washington University. Her passion for curriculum, literacy, and student achievement makes her a wonderful leader for our 8th grade students.