My name is Poldi Moreno, and I am excited to serve as your assistant principal. I have been in education for 24 years. Before coming to Westside, I began teaching Spanish and was an athletic director in Portsmouth Public Schools. After that I moved to Appomattox County Public Schools and served as an assistant principal and principal. As an educational leader I believe that every decision we make must have a positive impact on students. I also believe that all students can learn and achieve.

I am a lifelong learner and I believe that no one ever stops their learning journey. I earned my B.A degree in Spanish from Longwood College. Later, I completed my master’s degree (M.Ed.) in school administration at Regent University and I earned my doctorate (Ed. D.) in leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University.

I live with my teenage son and our dog Eevee. We are a huge soccer fans and we enjoy watching it as often as we can. We also love to travel and learn about new places.

I am looking forward to an awesome 2023-2024 school year at Westside where I believe we will all learn and achieve together.

#EaglePRIDE #BetterTogether

Dear Eagle Families,

My name is Krystal Paitsel, and I am honored to serve as one of the Assistant Principals at Westside Elementary School. Now in my fourth year with this incredible school and my 14th year in education, I am more inspired than ever by the dedication of our students, families, and staff. I hold a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Mary Baldwin University, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Virginia Tech. I am also a licensed elementary and special education teacher.

At Westside, we believe that education is a collaborative journey between school, home, and community. Our mission is to create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I am committed to supporting our amazing educators and ensuring that every student feels valued, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential.

We are passionate about fostering a love for learning through engaging, student-centered instruction that meets the diverse needs of our learners. Our goal is to help every Eagle SOAR with confidence, curiosity, and compassion.

Communication is key to a strong partnership. I encourage you to reach out with any questions, ideas, or concerns. My door is always open, and I welcome the opportunity to connect with you. You can also stay informed through our school website, newsletters, and social media platforms.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. I look forward to a year filled with growth, joy, and success. Let’s SOAR into a fantastic school year together!

With Eagle PRIDE!