With a new school year comes new teachers and, in the case of Unaka Elementary, a new principal.

Larissa Trivette said she was previously a math coach for Carter County Schools as well as assistant principal for Unaka High School before her appointment at the elementary school.

“As a math coach, I was able to talk at K through 5 classrooms,” Trivette said. “Seeing the younger students’ passion and energy for learning, it resonated with me.”

She said this was partially due to currently raising children of her own.

Now, she is preparing to start the school year next Monday, aiming to provide as many opportunities for the student body to succeed as possible.

She said the switch from high school students to elementary school was easier because of her own children.

“It has not been big of an ordeal,” Trivette said.

The majority of her adjustment period featured the structure of the classrooms themselves. Rather than operate in blocks like high school students are, kindergarten through fifth grade students simply have the one or two teachers for the whole year.

She said one of her biggest goals is to create as many positive relationships with the community as she can.

The other day, the school hosted a back-to-school bash of their own, which she said brought in a large turnout and brought her in contact with many parents and churches who donated supplies.

“I grew up in Stoney Creek,” Trivette said. “This is where my heart is.”

She said seeing the kids coming through the doors Monday is one of the most exciting parts of her new job.

“I am excited about being with the kids,” she said. “I have a dream and a passion for providing the best education possible.”

As an administrator, however, just as much of her job will involve the various faculty members as it does the students themselves.

“My door is always open,” Trivette said. “I want to be the person teachers go to.”

She said she embodies the phrase “It takes a village to raise a child.”