Principal's Message

Welcome to all of our families and students. I am so excited about the upcoming school year and our new journey together. Middle school is where I belong, it is all I have ever known and that is exactly how I have always wanted it. I have been a middle school educator in Fauquier County since I graduated from college in 1996. I adore all things middle school, teenage students, craziness, unpredictability and, most specifically, Cedar Lee Middle School. This has been my home away from home, and my work family since I began teaching and coaching here in 2005. I look forward to coming to school every day and love our students, staff and school community.

Over my career I have been asked repeatedly why I chose to teach middle school. My answer has never changed. I chose to teach middle school because I remember how difficult it is to be a middle school student. The age range from eleven to fifteen is the most drastic change any human being undergoes, with the exception of birth to three years old. It is, most simply put, the most daunting transition we go through. I believe it is my purpose to try to make that transition better for my students in any and all ways possible. When I began teaching, it was my mission to make sure my students knew I was someone they could count on. I needed them to know I was always here for them and always truly listening.

When I became the Assistant Principal of CLMS in 2014, I made sure none of those things changed. My role may have changed, but not my mission. When I was honored to be named the Principal for Cedar Lee, my role changed again, but not my purpose. This role is my dream come true. I have worked hard and dedicated myself to continuing to grow as a person, an educator and a Principal. I am as dedicated as ever to helping students, staff, and the school community succeed. This starts with listening, caring, and providing opportunities for individual and community success. The family of faculty and staff of Cedar Lee Middle School share this vision and are dedicated to the continued success of our school community.

My door is always open, and I am always just a phone call, email or text away. I am ready to lead but you will never see me out in front. I will be shoulder to shoulder with our students, staff and community working together to ensure continued success. We have so much to look forward to as we grow this year, and open a new wing and auxiliary gym. The facility is going to be amazing, but the success of our students and community will be the greatest reward.  

Thank you for sharing your children with us and for working with us to help them get through this very important and new time in their lives. As always reach out any time, we are always here.

Leah Shorb

Principal Cedar Lee Middle School