Principal

Welcome to our school community! Leading our school is Ms. Amanda Baxter, a dedicated, warm, and student-centered leader who is deeply committed to the success and well-being of every child.

 

Ms. Baxter’s core educational vision is to foster a positive environment where every single child can thrive. She firmly believes that the elementary years are the most important in a child’s educational journey, as they help shape not only academic success but also confidence, character, and a lifelong love of learning. She is genuinely excited to work alongside families, staff, and community members to ensure a school environment where students feel supported, challenged, and valued every single day.

 

Ms. Baxter’s journey in education began right in the classroom, where her passion for student growth was ignited. She first taught 5th grade in Cleveland County, North Carolina, and later moved to Fairfax County, Virginia, where she taught 4th grade. Those foundational years in the classroom solidified her belief that great schools are built on strong relationships, curiosity, and a deep belief in what children can achieve. Transitioning into administration allowed her to scale that impact, bringing her extensive experience as a building leader first in Fairfax County and then for almost ten years as a principal within the Elizabethtown Area School District. Today, she remains just as passionate about cultivating thriving school cultures as she was on her very first day of teaching. 

 

As a lifelong learner in the power of continuous growth, Ms. Baxter models lifelong learning for her students through her own academic background. She earned Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education and Psychology from Elmira College, followed by a Masters of Education in Educational Transformation from George Mason University. To further her leadership skills, she went on to complete her principal certification through the University of Virginia. Never stopping her pursuit of knowledge, Ms. Baxter is currently working towards her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration and Leadership from Pennsylvania Western University, with an anticipated completion date of Summer 2027.

 

When she is not at school supporting students and staff, Ms. Baxter loves filling her time with the people and places that bring her joy. She cherishes spending quality time with her friends and family, relaxing at the beach, traveling to explore new places, and rooting for her favorite teams (Penn State, Buffalo Bills, and the Washington Capitals).

Ms. Baxter is incredibly honored to serve as the principal of Pleasant View and looks forward to the future filled with growth, laughter, and learning.