When school starts Aug. 8 at Pepperell Elementary, many students will recognize a familiar face in Shelly Bell, the school’s new principal.

Previously, Bell served as the assistant principal at McHenry Primary for one year. The K-3rd grade school funnels fourth-graders to Pepperell.

“I’m very passionate about the education and I guess was already in Pepperell area,” said Bell. “I’ll know the students who are coming over with me. They’re going to be so shocked to see me.”

Bell has been teaching in Floyd County schools since 1997. She has worked at Pepperell Middle and Coosa Middle in various roles — as a sixth grade teacher of math, science, reading and English language arts — and also at Garden Lakes Elementary as an administrator.

She grew up in the Coosa area and credited her sixth grade teacher Patty McReynolds from Coosa Middle for inspiring her to become an educator.

“You have that teacher that put the spark in you,” said Bell. “She gave me the spark.”

Settling into her new job as principal at Pepperell Elementary, Bell said she’s looking forward to working with teachers and students on common core standards.

“It’s been a great transition,” said Bell. “The teachers here have been very friendly and welcoming. It’s been very smooth.”