Full Name: Monica Smith

Campus: RYPSA

How many years have you served as a DeSoto ISD principal? 2

What are you enjoying most as a leader of a DeSoto ISD campus?

My team is amazing.

A principal wears many hats, what is the primary hat that you wear as you lead your campus community and why?

Instructional and emotional leader. The goal of education is to ensure that we provide our students with the best, well-rounded educational experience as possible. This includes meeting needs of the whole child, both educational and emotional.

What does it mean to fly and how does this definition guide your daily practice?

Eagles don't fly in packs...they SOAR. Simply put, my campus will be the best by leading the way. We strive every day for the goal of perfection, excellence, and brilliance.

Please share an impactful moment as a school administrator and how it fuels your daily actions.

When a student says "thank you." "Thank you for helping me", "Thank you for listening to me," or "Thank you for being here," or "Ms. Smith, I missed I didn't see you yesterday," etc...

It provides the confirmation that I am making a small impact on my students.

As a principal, how does leadership impact student experience and achievement and in what way do you maintain a pulse on your campus to ensure student success?

Relationships are important. As a leader, I have to develop meaningful relationships with not only my students, but with staff, parents and the entire school community. I also have to be able to set and maintain high expectations and direction for the campus. I also have to be able to provide support and build capacity of the teachers and staff on my campus to fully support and ensure teaching and learning is taking place everyday. Finally, I also have to be empathetic to the needs of the staff, students, parents and school community.

Please share a word of advice for aspiring campus leaders.

Campus leadership is a ministry. Something that you must be passionate about. This allows you to push through the challenges times as the rewards are much greater than the very few challenging experiences.

Send a word of appreciation to RYPSA Principal Monica Smith

Email address: monica.smith@desotoisd.org