Westside Elementary School

Dr. Justin Purvis is an educational leader with more than a decade of experience serving students, educators, and families in Lowndes County Schools. Throughout his career, he has been committed to building strong relationships, supporting student achievement, and creating positive learning environments where all students can thrive.

Prior to school leadership, Dr. Purvis served as a middle grades teacher, Team Lead, and Content Lead, where he helped strengthen curriculum implementation and instructional practices, contributing to improved student outcomes. Most recently, he served as Assistant Principal at Hahira Middle School, providing leadership for instructional programs, operational systems, student services, and school improvement initiatives. As a member of the school’s leadership team, he contributed to initiatives that helped Hahira Middle School earn recognition as a Georgia Breakout School, a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School, and a Georgia Seal of Preparedness School. He also served on the Lowndes County Schools Strategic Planning Team.

Dr. Purvis earned his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum Leadership from Valdosta State University. His dissertation examined the relationship between school leaders’ beliefs/practices and mathematics outcomes for students with disabilities in rural schools. His professional interests include instructional leadership, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and building systems that support success for every student.

Having worked with many Westside Elementary students as they transitioned into middle school, Dr. Purvis is excited for the opportunity to serve Westside students and families directly. He looks forward to partnering with staff, families, and the community to continue building upon Westside’s tradition of excellence.

Congratulations to Mrs. Smith’s amazing 2nd grade authors for being entered into the National Book Challenge! Your incredible imagination, dedication, and creativity brought every page to life. We are thrilled and so proud of your hard work and the wonderful stories you shared. Keep dreaming big, writing boldly, and believing in the power of your words—you are shining young authors with a bright future ahead!

Summer break is here, but the work of preparing for an outstanding school year never stops!

Our Westside Admin Team and several of our fabulous teachers were hard at work during Data Days, collaborating, planning, and using student data to help ensure a successful year ahead. We are grateful for their commitment to excellence and excited for what’s to come!

Congratulations to our LEIF Award Winners from Westside Elementary School!

Most Improved: Jannat Akram
One Lowndes: Hayden Burton

Summer just started, but it’s never too early to get a jump on school supplies! ✏️📚

Westside Elementary supply lists for the 2026-2027 school year are now available. Let’s get ready for another great year, Vikings! ❤️

Summer meals are back for Summer 2026! ☀️🍎

Lowndes County Schools will offer free breakfast and lunch to children 18 and under at Lowndes High School from June 1 – July 30, Monday through Thursday.

📍Breakfast: 8:00–8:45 a.m.
📍Lunch: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Please note: Meals must be consumed on site.

We are proud to help support our students and families all summer long.