Principal
Tamara Poland
Welcome to Swift Creek Elementary in Johnston County. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Swift Creek Elementary, and I am eager to partner with our community in creating a school where excellence is not just an aspiration but a daily reality for our students. Together, we will shape a learning environment that empowers our students, inspires our teachers, and engages our families, ensuring that every child’s educational journey is meaningful, exciting, and successful.
I have been in education for 21 years, nine of which as a school-based administrator. A lifelong learner, I have earned several education degrees and certifications, including a Master of School Administration from North Carolina State University (2017) and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (1997). I am also Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) certified.
I not only bring my experience and love for the community, but I am also a mom to three children who all attended Johnston County Public Schools. My husband, Bill and I live in Wendell with our dog, Mabel and our son, Garrett. My oldest, Taylor graduated from Corinth Holders High School and went on to graduate from Appalachian State University. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy at Lenoir Rhyne University. My middle child, McKenzie, also graduated from Corinth Holders High School and went on to graduate from UNC-CH. My son, Garrett attends NC State University as part of the engineering program. He attended Corinth Holders High his first two years and finished at the NC School of Science and Math.
I love baking, reading, and playing games with friends and family when they come over. There's nothing better than a good card game!
I value our families and appreciate their trust in providing the best education possible in our area. Let's lock arms and get ready for an incredible experience for you and your family at Swift Creek Elementary.
Mrs. Tamara Poland Principal Swift Creek Elementary School
Assistant Principal
EmEm Thompson
Hello Swift Creek Elementary Families!
My name is Dr. Emem Thompson, and I am absolutely thrilled to serve as your Assistant Principal as we open the doors to a brand-new chapter here at Swift Creek Elementary! With 15 years of experience in education—8 years as a kindergarten teacher and 3 years in Pre-K—I bring a heart for early learners and a passion for building strong foundations for lifelong success. This year marks my fourth year as an administrator, and I’m more excited than ever to continue this journey alongside an amazing team of educators, families, and community partners.
I’ve been happily married to my best friend, Tony Thompson, for 13 wonderful years, and together we have four beautiful children who keep life full of energy, joy, and laughter—Kaleo (11), Kyrie (8), Zemira (7), and Kai (3). When I’m not at school, you can usually find me spending quality time with my family, catching a good movie, enjoying the beach, singing my heart out, getting creative with crafts, or finding the perfect item while shopping (sometimes all in one weekend!).
My personal and professional motto is to “Lead with Love in a way that ignites an unwavering passion within others to be the best version of themselves.” I believe in cultivating a school environment where every student is seen, supported, and celebrated—and where families and staff feel like they belong from day one.
Being part of the founding team at Swift Creek Elementary is an honor I don’t take lightly. I am ready to LEAP into this exciting new adventure, and I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our students, families, and community as we lay the foundation for excellence—together.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Warmly,
Dr. Emem Thompson
Assistant Principal
Swift Creek Elementary School