DeSoto Independent School District, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) are proud to celebrate National Principals Month! NASSP’s 2023 theme is “Elevating Principals, Transforming Schools,” a nod to the importance of investing in principal leadership to positively impact and advance schools through instructional coaching, teacher support, and student achievement.
“Principals have such a vital role in the success and support of students, staff, and families,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers. “As a former principal, I take great joy in honoring and expressing gratitude for the effort and leadership of our campus principals.”
“Every day, principals in DeSoto ISD go above the call of duty to fully and holistically serve their students and staff members,” said Rodgers. “Our district principals not only are fierce instructional leaders, but they are also professional coaches and counselors, culture builders, pace-setters, and the fuel that propels success and progress in our schools.”
Principals in DeSoto ISD remain committed to student achievement, creating a positive and inclusive campus culture; and college and career access and readiness.
“It’s our honor to celebrate school leaders for their unwavering efforts to foster the well-being and growth of the students and staff under their care,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Principals set the academic tone for their schools. Their vision, dedication, and determination catalyze student success. I hope we all take time this October to #ThankAPrincipal for leading, innovating, and advocating for their students and staff.”
“The responsibilities of school leaders have expanded significantly in recent years well beyond the traditional role. The importance of school leadership has grown considering the changing needs of their students and staff, and how principals can meet these ever-evolving challenges,” said NAESP Executive Director Dr. L. Earl Franks, CAE.
DeSoto ISD Chief Academic Officer Stephanie McCloud works alongside Rodgers and the district’s Executive Director of School Leadership Dr. Rashida Hobbs-Jones to provide the support, connectedness, and coaching district principals need to be aligned, informed, and proactive.
“Our principals are some of the most dedicated and hard-working members of our school community,” said McCloud. “I am honored to support their efforts and see the significant impact they are spearheading for students and staff on their campuses.”
National Principals Month is a widely-recognized celebration of principalship, marked by resolutions supporting the observance and acknowledgments from government officials. However, the most important National Principals Month celebrations are the ones that take place in schools and communities across the country.
National Principals Month is a collaboration between the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA). Additional information about National Principals Month can be found at the website www.principalsmonth.org.
This month, DeSoto ISD will spotlight various campus principals in the district’s upcoming principal recognition series.
Join DeSoto ISD in its efforts to #thankaprincipal by recognizing the following campus leaders:
Jasen Campbell, DeSoto High School
Leon Darden, DeSoto High School Ninth Grade Center
Homer Webb III, DeSoto Alternative Education Program
Metric Manning, DeSoto West Middle School
Melvlyn Lowe, Cockrell Hill Elementary
Dr. Kelli McWashington, Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School
Dr. Michelle Neely, Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
Monica Smith, Ruby Young Personalized STEAM Academy
Dina Jammer, The Meadows Elementary
Demitree Tatum, Woodridge Elementary
Angela Robinson, Frank D. Moates Elementary
Keishla Coleman, Amber Terrace Early Childhood Learning Center