I am Michelle Corless, and it is an honor and privilege to serve as principal of Sand Hill Elementary.  This will be my third year as principal, and my 28th year as an educator. I have been married for 24 years to my husband John, and we have twin boys, Johnathan and Graham, who attend Georgia Southern University. 

I began teaching elementary music at Claxton Elementary and J.D. Dickerson Primary School in Vidalia, Georgia.  My family moved to Effingham County in 2007 where I taught first and fourth grades at Rincon Elementary, and I served as the Instructional Supervisor/Assistant Principal before coming to Sand Hill.  My Bachelor's degree is in Music Education, and I also have a certificate in Early Childhood Education.  I have a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia Southern University, and a Specialist's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University.  I completed the Effingham County Aspiring Leaders Program in 2011 and the Aspiring Principals Program in 2016.

I love Sand Hill Elementary!  Our school has accomplished some amazing things in the last few years.  We have been recognized as a Title I Reward school for two straight years in a row.  In addition, we have received certification as a Certified Visible Learning School. There are only two schools with this distinction in the state of Georgia.  We believe that learning should be visible in every classroom.  Our teachers teach with clarity and our students know what it takes to be a good learner.  It is exciting to see the success of our students and how they embrace learning.

Sand Hill Elementary students and staff will continue to focus on the dispositions of a good learner for the 2023-2024 school year.  Sand Hill Hornets.....STING!  These behaviors will ensure that our students are prepared for a lifetime of learning.  

S ~ Self-Motivated
T ~ Take Time to Reflect
I  ~ Innovative
N ~ Never Give Up, We Persevere
G ~ Goal Setters

My goal as principal at Sand Hill Elementary is to continue the academic improvements and success of our students while involving the community in these efforts.  All staff members work diligently to prepare our students academically and socially.  This is more important than ever before in our community and our district.  

I look forward to a wonderful year at Sand Hill Elementary.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns at lcorless@effingham.k12.ga.us.

Our Vision:  Engaging learners for future success.
Our Mission:  Make every moment count, because every student matters.

My name is Mrs. Nicole Hildebrandt and I am honored to begin my second year as Assistant Principal at Sand Hill Elementary.  I was born and raised in Effingham County and I am a proud graduate of Effingham County High School.  I received a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Armstrong Atlantic State University and an M.Ed. in Teaching of Reading from Nova Southeastern University.  I taught kindergarten for 18 years at Ebenezer Elementary and served as Literacy Coach for 2 years.  During that time, I earned a Coaching Endorsement, Reading Endorsement, and GT Endorsement.  I was fortunate to be chosen to participate in Effingham County's Aspiring Leaders Program and also served as Teacher of the Year for Ebenezer Elementary School in 2019.  

I am married to Benji Hildebrandt and, together, we have two children, Bailee and Brock.  Bailee graduated from ECHS last May and is pursuing a nursing degree at Columbus State University, where she is a member of the CSU Women's Soccer team.  Go Cougs!!!!  Brock is entering 11th grade at ECHS.  He is a member of the Rebel Football team.  Go Rebels!!  When we aren't at the football field or soccer field, our family enjoys camping and boating at the lake.  We also enjoy spoiling our two Boston Terriers, Shiloh and Aiyah.  

I am looking forward to another wonderful year at Sand Hill Elementary.  The teachers, students, and families at Sand Hill are near and dear to my heart and, together, we will continue to achieve greatness!!  Go Hornets!!!!

Contact Information

(912) 728-5112
nhildebrandt@effingham.k12.ga.us

Waring Harvey is the incoming Assistant Principal of Sandhill Elementary School. A proud Effingham County native, Mr. Harvey began his career in education as a paraprofessional within the district.

He later served as a dedicated school counselor, supporting students’ academic, emotional, and social growth. Now, he is excited to step into his new leadership role and continue serving the Effingham community with the same commitment and passion that have defined his career.