Campus Information
Year Open:
Bond Year:
School Mascot: Stallions
School colors: Navy Blue, Columbia Blue, White
Mission Statement:
As a unified community, Dr. John Folks Middle School will provide a safe
and nurturing experience built upon innovative, engaging instruction that
meets the needs of our diverse learners.
It is my passion to help students achieve their potential and create an atmosphere where greatness happens. We grow leaders at Folks Middle School. Our teachers are community members and they take ownership in making our campus the best. Our teachers and students are continually recognized for their achievements in and out of the classroom. Together we create an environment and climate where students thrive. We believe that positive relationships are essential in creating a culture of learning where all students succeed.
I love God, my beautiful wife, 3 spectacular children, serving Folks Middle School, and fishing with family and friends. I enjoy fishing the flats in knee deep water when the sun is just beginning to rise with a Kwiggler or top water. My brother Dr. Scott McKenzie is my mentor and my father is my hero. If I had to pick one genre of music, it would be the 80’s.
It truly is a great day to be alive and be a Folks Stallion.
The Associate Principal also serves as the Campus Behavior Coordinator. They can be reached by email at jennifer.torres@nisd.net or by phone at 210-398-1615.
Jennifer Varela began her career in Northside ISD in 2007 as a science teacher at John Jay High School. In 2018 she moved to Harlan High School and served as a Student Success Advisor. In 2021 she was appointed as an Assistant Principal at Brennan High School, and in December of 2025 Mrs. Varela was named the Associate Principal of Folks Middle School. As the Associate Principal, Mrs. Varela consistently collaborates with parents, staff, and students to ensure a safe educational environment.
Mrs. Varela received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University.
In her free time, Mrs. Varela loves spending time with her family and a rescue pup named Leia.