Principal Stone's Pledge to the Lexington Middle School Families:

At Lexington Middle School, we believe in putting students first, building strong relationships, and finishing the work. As your principal, I make the following commitments to our students, staff, families, and community.

I Will Put Students First

Every decision I make will be guided by one question: What is best for students? Our purpose is to create opportunities, remove barriers, and ensure that every student has the support, encouragement, and high expectations needed to succeed. Students are the heart of everything we do.

I Will Be Present and Visible

You will see me in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, athletic events, performances, and school activities. Relationships matter, and I believe leadership begins with being present. I want our students, staff, and families to know that my door is open and that I am actively engaged in the daily life of our school.

I Will Partner with Families and Our Community

Education is a team effort. Our families and community partners play a vital role in the success of our students. I am committed to strengthening those partnerships through open communication, meaningful engagement opportunities, and a shared commitment to helping every student reach their full potential.

I Will Communicate with Honesty and Transparency

I will be clear about our goals, expectations, successes, and challenges. Whether we are celebrating accomplishments or addressing areas for growth, I will communicate openly and directly. Trust is built through honest conversations and consistent actions.

I Will Empower Others to Lead

Great schools are built by great people working together. I believe in developing leaders at every level—students, teachers, support staff, and families. I will encourage innovation, recognize excellence, and create opportunities for others to grow and lead. The strongest teams are those where everyone contributes.

I Will Make Decisions That Serve Our Mission

Leadership requires courage. At times, difficult decisions must be made. When they are, I will make them based on what is best for students and the long-term success of Lexington Middle School. I will listen to different perspectives, consider the facts, and act with integrity.

I Will Focus on the Whole Child

Academic achievement is important, and we will continue striving for excellence and growth. However, our mission extends beyond test scores. We are preparing students to be responsible citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and compassionate leaders. Some of the most valuable lessons learned in middle school cannot be measured by a test.

I Will Hold Myself Accountable

I believe leadership begins with accountability. I will celebrate our successes, learn from our setbacks, and own my mistakes when they occur. I will never ask others to do something I am unwilling to do myself. Continuous improvement is not just an expectation for our students and staff—it is an expectation I hold for myself.

Together, We Will Finish the Work

Lexington Middle School is a special place because of the people who make up our school family. By working together, supporting one another, and staying focused on our mission, we will continue building a culture where every student feels valued, challenged, and inspired to succeed.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. It is an honor to serve as your principal, and I look forward to another outstanding year in The HIVE.

Mr. Joseph W. Stone
Principal, Lexington Middle School

Lexington Middle School
100 West Hemstead Street
Lexington, NC 27292
Phone: 336.242.1567
Fax:     336.242.1372
E-Mail: jstone@lexcs.org

Email: AP- Mr. Hairston

Greeting Lexington Middle School Family.,

As a native of Lexington, NC and  a graduate of Lexington Senior High School, I am proud to be a member of the Administrative Team where I once attended school. I am  looking forward to the many collaborations that will take place during the 2024-2025 school year that will ensure that our students have a safe and nurturing learning environment that will foster positive life-long relationships.

I received my undergraduate degree from North Carolina Agricultural  and Technical State University in Computer Technology. I later received a graduate's degree, also from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, in Industrial Technology, while completing the requirements for my initial teaching licensure. I later completed the requirements to receive an add-on licensure in the area of Executive Leadership in Education, for Garner-Webb University. 

My journey as an educator began here, at Lexington Middle School , almost 22 years ago, where I began as a lateral entry math teacher. I served as an 8th grade math teacher for 17 years. During the past 4 years, I have served as the  6th, 7th and 8th grade assistant principal. All of my years of experience have occurred at this one location. 

I am optimistic about the direction that we are heading at Lexington Middle School and I look forward to helping to lead the way to ensure that we help provide a limitless future for all of our students.

At Jacket Academy, efforts are made to work with students during a critical stage of their development. Middle school is a time of tremendous growth and change as students transition into adolescence. During this period, many students are learning how to navigate complex emotions, relationships, and challenges. The goal is to help students develop critical thinking skills, emotional awareness, self-management strategies, and conflict-resolution techniques that will support them both inside and outside the classroom.

As a division of Lexington City Schools, Jacket Academy is committed to working collaboratively with students, families, educators, and community partners to support the whole child. We strive to create a strong web of support that helps students succeed during their time in Jacket Academy and equips them for a successful transition back to their traditional school setting.

We firmly believe that every student has the potential to succeed when provided with the right support, guidance, and opportunities. Through meaningful relationships, restorative practices, and individualized support, We are committed to helping our students build the confidence, resilience, and skills they need to thrive both now and in the future.

Jacket Academy Director & School Administrator

336-242-1567 ext 3008