John Close, Principal

Mr. John Close is extremely honored to be serving as the principal of Jolliff Middle School. He has previously served as an assistant principal at Western Branch High School from 2013-2022 and as the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Grassfield High School from 2022-2023. Prior to moving into school administration, Mr. Close was an English teacher at Great Bridge Middle School and Grassfield High School for twelve years. Mr. Close has earned his Bachelors of Arts in English from Bluefield College, a Masters of Arts in English Literature from Old Dominion University, a Masters of Divinity from Columbia International University, and a Masters of Education in School Administration from Regent University. As a lifelong learner, he is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Regent University.

Mr. Close is a native of Chesapeake and a 1995 graduate of Oscar Smith High School. He continues to reside in Chesapeake with his wife, Christina, and their two daughters. When not at school, Mr. Close enjoys running, playing tennis, writing, attending live music concerts, watching movies, and watching his daughters pursue their passions in sports, music, and life.

Mr. Close is committed to ensuring all students have rich experiences that stir their interest in learning on a daily basis. It is a top priority for Mr. Close to provide a safe and welcoming school environment where teachers and students are able to be innovative and creative, where all students are invited to engage in the school community, and where we are all being stretched to reach our individual and collective potential.

Brena Daniels, Assistant Principal

Ms. Brena C. Daniels is known for being a breeder of leaders, an idea hatcher, and an inspirer of people. Education is definitely her JAM, and her goal is to always make others feel seen, heard, and highly valued. Ms. Daniels was raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, and in 1998, she graduated with honors from Oscar Smith High School where she was crowned Miss Oscar Smith ’98. She could not be more ecstatic to return to her hometown to serve alongside the Jolliff Middle School Jaguars Team!

With a bountiful career in the field of education for over 20 years as a Middle School Science Teacher, a High School Biotechnology Teacher, a STEM Administrator, an Assistant Principal, a district-wide Curriculum and Instruction Administrator for Elementary and Secondary Science, a K-12 Principal, a Biology Adjunct Professor, and a Private School Founder and Owner, Ms. Daniels is well-versed in the intricacies of academics and how to systemically lead academic teams to new levels of achievement. She continues to stay well-informed of advancements in the field of education around the world and loves to share her passion for learning with fellow educators and students. It’s no wonder that Ms. Daniels refers to herself as a techie-nerdy-disruptor of edu-norms because she is a Maker-Tech/STEM, future-ready connoisseur!

Ms. Daniels earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology (Pre-Med) from Norfolk State University as a DNIMAS Scholar in 2001. From there, she pursued a doctorate degree in Biomedical Sciences from Eastern Virginia Medical School, and later, earned a Master’s in Education from Norfolk State University. She continued her graduate studies at Virginia Tech earning an Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S) in Education Leadership and Policy in 2011. Currently, she is beginning her journey to complete a doctorate in education. Although Ms. Daniels has worn many hats throughout her life, she is most proud of her role as a mom! She is the supercool mama of two amazing, grown children who are pursuing degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Neuroscience. When they’re both home, the fun and laughs never stop! During her free time, Ms. Daniels enjoys collecting and listening to vinyl records, exercising, reading, decorating, traveling, cooking, hosting shindigs, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Serene Fletchall, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Serene Fletchall (previously Cherian) is delighted to be a part of the Jaguar family. She received her Bachelors Degree from Virginia Tech (Go HOKIES!). She then went on to earn her Master of Arts in the Teaching of Languages from the University of Southern Mississippi and a post-master’s endorsement in administration from Regent University. She has a passion for learning and is currently working on her dissertation with a focus on students who are English language learners.

Before joining Jolliff Middle School, Mrs. Fletchall was the Assistant Principal at Grassfield Elementary School. Prior to that, she was a Spanish teacher and has experience in both the middle and high school levels. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Fletchall served as supervisor of the WBHS Student Council Association and facilitated middle school clubs providing students with the opportunity to learn about other cultures and languages. She previously taught at Western Branch High School and is eager to be back in the same community.

When not at school, Mrs. Fletchall enjoys listening to audiobooks, trying out new restaurants, running, hiking and spending quality time with her family, friends and fur babies. She prioritizes building relationships with her students, staff and parents. Mrs. Fletchall believes in an educational experience that allows students to thrive in a continuously changing world and encourages students to take pride in their learning. She is excited to get to know her students and to build positive relationships with members of the JMS community.

Stephanie Horton Assistant Principal

Ms. Horton is a proud product of Chesapeake Public Schools having graduated from Western Branch High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies/Elementary Education from Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, served on the Longwood Judicial Board, and mentored incoming freshmen. While at Longwood, Ms. Horton was recognized for academic excellence and for being a citizen leader. She earned her Master of Science in Education degree in K-12 Administration and Supervision from Old Dominion University. Ms. Horton began her career in education as a teacher at Western Branch Middle School in August of 2000. This position holds a special place in her heart as she began her teaching career working amongst teachers whom had made an impact on her life when she was one of the students sitting in their classrooms when it was a junior high school.

Ms. Horton then had the opportunity to be an original member of the Jaguar family having served as a teacher for seven years at Jolliff Middle School. She then served as a Staff Development Specialist and Staff Development Administrator at the School Administration Building where she coordinated and provided training for teachers, administrators, and classified personnel. Following her time in central office, Ms. Horton served as an assistant principal at Hugo A. Owens Middle School.  Her other professional experiences include serving as the South Hampton Roads Teacher Coordinator for People to People Student Ambassadors. While serving as a teacher leader, she was fortunate to have the opportunity to explore educational experiences in Australia, New Zealand, China, France, Italy, England, Belgium, Monaco, Malta, and the Netherlands.

Ms. Horton believes that all students can learn and enjoys working collaboratively with students, teachers, and parents to ensure that our students are provided with the tools necessary to foster a path to success! She is excited to return to JMS as a member of the administrative team!