Jefferson County Public Schools

Helm, a longtime JCPS employee, said she is thrilled to continue working with J.F. Kennedy’s special community of students, staff, and families.

“I'm excited to become the newest principal at J.F. Kennedy and looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with all stakeholders to promote a learning environment in which students feel a sense of belonging and know they're loved in a safe, diverse, and caring way,” Helm said.

Helm joined JCPS in 1998 as a teacher at Coleridge-Taylor Montessori Elementary and worked there until 2012, when she left to serve as a resource teacher at Audubon and Carter Traditional Elementary schools. From 2013 to 2021, Helm worked as an academic instructional coach at Audubon before taking the assistant principal job at J.F. Kennedy. 

Dr. Nate Meyer, assistant superintendent of Accelerated Improvement Schools, touted Helm’s ability to connect with all stakeholders and her student-centered approach to instructional leadership.

“Ms. Helm has brought a strong instructional background to the school and has demonstrated that she is a strong organizational leader,” Meyer said. “She has a deep passion to improve student outcomes and to build the capacity of herself and those around her.”

Helm earned her Rank I and a master’s degree in education from the University of Indiana Southwest. She also has a bachelor’s degree in early elementary education.

As assistant principal, Helm provided instructional leadership and served in various capacities to help improve school-wide systems and culture. As principal, Helm said she is excited to oversee implementation of new district-wide math and English language arts curriculums.

“I’m looking forward to building academic success with students using our new curriculums,” she said. “I will continue to create a school climate and culture that builds meaningful relationships conducive to student learning and development.”