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! The 2024 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.”
The impact of a principal spreads far and wide and their leadership has a deep-seated impact on the very heart of education and influences all facets of a school significantly impacting student outcomes and the engagement of their campus community.
“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 are committed to student achievement, creating a positive and inclusive campus culture and ensuring postsecondary access and readiness.
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.”
While the nation is collectively celebrating National Principals Month, the most meaningful celebrations are the ones that take place in schools and communities across the country. This month, DeSoto ISD will spotlight various campus principals in the its upcoming recognition series aimed to support and uplift a cornerstone of our educational system—school principals.
Join DeSoto ISD in its efforts to #thankaprincipal by recognizing the following campus leaders:
- Jasen Campbell, DeSoto High School
- Leon Darden, DeSoto Collegiate Programs Center
- Homer Webb III, DeSoto Alternative Education Program
- Charles Thomas, DeSoto West Middle School
- Melvlyn Lowe, Cockrell Hill Elementary
- Nicole Lyons, Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School
- Dr. Michelle Neely, Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
- Dr. Xavier Lewis, Ruby Young Talented and Gifted Academy
- Shauntai Hicks, The Meadows Elementary
- Demitree Tatum, Woodridge Elementary
- Angela Robinson, Frank D. Moates Elementary
- Keishla Coleman, Amber Terrace Early Childhood Learning Center
National Principals Month is a widely-recognized celebration of principalship, marked by resolutions supporting the observance and acknowledgments from government officials that occurs annually on October. This month of recognition 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.