Ruffner School
Home of the Bulldogs
Administration
Ms. Kathryn Caple, Principal
It is with honor and great pleasure that I greet you as the new Principal of Ruffner School. I believe that both success and improved academic performance are grounded in hard work and dedication. All of us-including school staff, parents, community members, and students- share critical roles in leading the way to excellence.
I have been privileged to have spent 21 wonderful years as an educator working with students at the elementary level. The first 8 years were as a 5th grade teacher in Illinois. The last 13 years have been as a teacher and administrator here in Norfolk Public Schools, including service as Principal of Norview Elementary School.
As an instructional leader, I embrace the task of ensuring that our students are prepared with the necessary tools to be productive citizens as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
Mrs. Kenyetta Alexander, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Alexander serves as the Middle School Assistant Principal at Compass Academy. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Columbus State University and both a Master of Education and an Education Specialist degree from Old Dominion University. Throughout her career, she has served students in a variety of educational leadership roles, including science teacher at Norview Middle and Norview High School, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal at Norview Middle School.
Committed to fostering academic excellence and positive school culture, Mrs. Alexander is passionate about helping every student discover their potential and become the best version of themselves. She believes in building meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff while creating an environment where all learners feel supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed.
Mrs. Alexander lives by the mantra, "Whatever you do, don't do it for the income; do it for the outcome." This guiding principle inspires her to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and make a lasting impact on the lives of the students and communities she serves.
Mr. Peter Cenzalli, Elementary Assistant Principal
Peter Cenzalli is an assistant principal with more than 12 years of experience in elementary and middle school education. A graduate of Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University, he is passionate about building positive school cultures where students, staff, families, and the community feel connected and empowered.
Throughout his career, he has served as an MTSS Coach, PLC Chair, and School Leadership Team member while leading a boys’ mentoring program focused on leadership, character, and personal growth. Mr. Cenzalli has also presented at professional learning conferences, sharing his message of “Leading from Where You Are” to inspire educators to lead with purpose regardless of their title.
He is a proud father of three and the author of Feelings in the Garden, a children’s book promoting social-emotional learning and emotional well-being. As an administrator, Mr. Cenzalli leads with integrity, transparency, and heart, believing that every child deserves someone who believes in them. His philosophy is simple: “If it feels like home, follow its path.” By building meaningful relationships and fostering a true sense of belonging, he strives to help every student and educator discover their potential while enjoying the journey together.
Ms. Ashleigh Goodman-Jackson, Dean of Students
Ms. Ashleigh Goodman-Jackson has served as Dean of Students for Grade 8 students over the past two years, where she coordinated several culminating activities including the 8th Grade Moving On Ceremony and the popular 8th Grade Sneaker Ball. With prior experience in Special Education at Suffolk Public Schools, Ms. Goodman-Jackson maintains excellent relationships with both students and parents. Known for her patience, positivity, and dedication, she also serves as a mentor for middle school girls, guiding them with care and support.
Ms. Trendee Bostick, Dean of Students
Ms. Trendee Bostick is a highly experienced mathematics educator who:
- taught at Ruffner School during the 2025-2026 school year,
- taught in Virginia Beach Public Schools and in the North Carolina public school system, and
- has experience as a mathematics research assistant in the field of seismology.
Known for being a problem solver while building caring, positive relationships with leaders, colleagues and students, Ms. Bostick is dedicated to supporting our academic community. Building on this strong foundation, she will continue her commitment to student success as she serves as a Dean of Students for the 2026-2027 school year.
Mr. Kenneth Abrom, Dean of Students
Mr. Kenneth Abrom is an experienced History & Social Sciences Instructor and athletics coach who has taught students grades 6, 7, and 8. As the youngest individual to earn Teacher of the Year in the Norfolk Public Schools district, Mr. Abrom was named 2027 Teacher of the Year at Ruffner School. A dedicated team coach for fall, winter, and spring sports and co-sponsor of the Athletic Etiquette student organization, he is a committed leader who fosters relationships built on respect and trust. Mr. Abrom promotes excellence in all he does and will serve as a Dean of Students for the 2026-2027 school year.
Ms. Narquita Snowden, Administrative Associate
Ms. Narquita Snowden is an educational leader with expertise in instructional coaching, and mathematics education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Minor in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Mathematics Education from Norfolk State University, along with an Education Leadership Endorsement from Longwood University.
With over 16 years of experience as a high school Mathematics and Computer Science teacher, Ms. Snowden has served students in Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, and Charlotte. Her diverse experiences in teaching, instructional coaching, and educational leadership have strengthened her commitment to improving instruction and student achievement.
At Ruffner School, she has served as an instructional coach, teacher mentor, United Way Summer LEAP Site Coordinator, Attendance Recovery Program lead, Junior Achievement liaison, and administrative support for schoolwide initiatives.
Ms. Snowden is committed to building teacher capacity, fostering student success, and creating a positive school culture through collaboration, innovation, and strong community partnerships. Outside of education, she enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with her family and friends.
Mr. Theodore R. Lunsford II, Program Coordinator
Born in Surry, Virginia, Mr. Theodore R. Lunsford II has dedicated his career to supporting students, educators, parents, and academic stakeholders in Portsmouth and Norfolk. He earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Richmond and holds Virginia teaching certifications in Science, Math (K–8), and Gifted Instruction (College of William & Mary). After 18 years in the classroom and completing a master’s degree in K–12 Administration from Regent University, Mr. Lunsford served for five years as an assistant principal in Portsmouth Public Schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
He now continues his commitment to education in his fourth year as Program Coordinator at Ruffner School. Married and passionate about lifelong learning, he enjoys coding, podcasts, hands-on projects, great food, and science fiction. One of his favorite guiding principles comes from a Dakota proverb: "We will be known forever by the tracks we leave."