Administration

Hello, Allen Jay Family!

My name is Maya Bell and I am beyond excited and truly honored to continue my journey at Allen Jay Elementary as your Principal. It is a blessing to remain part of a school and community that I love so deeply. I look forward to continuing our partnership as we work together to help every scholar reach their fullest potential.

I firmly believe that every child is capable and, with the right support, encouragement, and opportunities, can grow and achieve amazing things. My leadership is rooted in service, relationships, and leading with my heart. I strive to create an environment where students, staff, and families feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

I am originally from New York but moved to North Carolina to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Later moving to the Triad to further my education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and it quickly became my home. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and three amazing children who continually remind me of the importance of family, compassion, and perseverance.

With more than 20 years in education, I remain passionate about inspiring a love of learning in our students while supporting our teachers and partnering with our families. Together, we will continue building a school where every child is known, challenged, celebrated, and loved.

At The Nest, we lead with our hearts. We dream boldly. We believe in ourselves and in one another. We celebrate progress over perfection.

We choose kindness, extend grace, and lift each other up. Together, we create a place where everyone belongs, every voice matters, and every child can achieve.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the Allen Jay community. I cannot wait to see all that we will accomplish together this school year because at Allen Jay, we don't just educate children—we inspire dreams, build confidence, and create opportunities for every scholar to soar.

Dream. Believe. Achieve.  💙💛

 

My name is Megan Putnam and I am honored and excited to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal at Allen Jay Elementary.  Joining The Nest is truly a honor and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve such an amazing school community.

For the past 19 years, I have dedicated my career to supporting students, empowering teachers, and building positive school cultures where every child feels valued, challenged, and inspired to succeed. I believe that strong relationships are the foundation of great schools, and I look forward to partnering with our students, families, staff, and community to help every Jaybird reach their fullest potential.

I earned my bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, my master's degree from East Carolina University, and a Graduate Certificate in School Administration from Appalachian State University. I am also completing my Doctorate in Educational Leadership at High Point University, where my research focuses on creating effective, inclusive learning environments for all students.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, cheering on my children at the dance studio and ball field, traveling anywhere with sunshine and water, and supporting my favorite teams—the Tennessee Volunteers and the North Carolina Tar Heels.  I am also excited to say that that I will be Megan Putnam-Blanco beginning August 28, 2026!

As your Assistant Principal, I am committed to leading with integrity, empathy, collaboration, and a growth mindset. My goal is to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, challenged, and celebrated each day they walk through our doors.

I am beyond excited to be part of the AJE Community and cannot wait to build meaningful relationships with each of you. Together, we will continue to create a school where every Jaybird is encouraged to Dream. Believe. Achieve.

I look forward to an incredible year ahead!

Go Jaybirds! 💙💛