Middle School Principals

Mr. Kenneth Patterson

Born and raised in Waynesburg, Mr. Patterson attended Waynesburg University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, Social Studies.  Mr. Patterson’s public teaching career began in Westmoreland County, Virginia schools.  While teaching in Virginia, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University and obtained a master's degree in Administration and Supervision.  In 2005, he returned to Pennsylvania and started his administrative career at Class Academy, an alternative education program, in Beaver County.  

Two years later, Mr. Patterson continued his administrative journey at Washington School District in Washington, PA.  During his 7½ years at Washington, he worked at the Washington Park Elementary and Washington Junior/Senior High School.  During his time in Washington, he completed his Superintendent Letter of Eligibility at California University of PA.  In 2015, he took on the role of principal at Neil Armstrong Middle School in the Bethel Park School District.  

Mr. Patterson and his wife reside in Canonsburg with their two children, a sophomore and a senior at Canon Mac High School.  He enjoys traveling with his family and playing golf when he gets time .  “Family is at the core of education.  Communication and building relationships between home and school make all the difference in the success of our students.  I’m excited to start this new journey at Ringgold Middle School and look forward to becoming part of the Ram family,” Mr. Patterson stated.

Mrs. Jessica Sapsara, Assistant Principal

Dr. Jessica Sapsara began her teaching career at Pittsburgh’s Career Connection Charter High School where she quickly acquired leadership opportunities holding titles of Director of Title 1 Services, Assessment Coordinator and Director of Curriculum and Assessment.  She then transitioned to a middle school mathematics teaching position at the Shaler Area Middle School.  Dr. Sapsara upheld her teaching position as well as maintained leadership roles as Grade Level Leaders and Department Chair.  She then transitioned into assistant principal roles at North Hills School District serving at both the elementary and middle school levels.

Dr. Sapsara has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Urban Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  She continued to develop her teaching craft with a master’s degree also from IUP in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education.  After securing leadership roles in various districts, Dr Sapsara obtained her principal certification from California University of Pennsylvania in 2011.  Dr. Sapsara received a Doctorate of Education from Duquesne University in Educational leadership.

Wesley Yeater

Mr. Yeater is very excited to be part of the Ringgold Middle School Community.  Mr. Yeater began his teaching career in Cincinnati, OH, teaching there and in Cleveland for 5 years.  Upon moving back to the Pittsburgh area in 2004, he accepted a position at City Charter High School where he has been for the past 18 years teaching Social Studies as part of the Cultural Literacy team.  Mr. Yeater also participated in City High's Leadership Team and helped to create and sponsor the school Student Council.  In addition to his teaching role, he served as a student advisor and was part of various activities clubs during his time there.

Mr. Yeater obtained his bachelor's degree in Secondary Education (Social Studies) at West Liberty University in 1999 and a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Principal Certification at California University in 2009.  He lives with his wife, daughter, son and two cats.  He enjoys being in the outdoors, watching sports, coaching youth sports, and is an avid WV Mountaineer fan.