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Principal Michael De Jong and his staff are literally turning things around for students who attend Turning Point Academy, a Charleston County School District (CCSD) alternative program for students with behavioral and academic challenges. They are fully committed to helping students get back on track, reminding them that their mistakes and choices don’t have to define them.

Students who come to Turning Point range from straight ‘A' students who made a poor choice to students who struggle with social and emotional obstacles.

“Our job is to show them we care about them and we are here to provide them with substance, academic, emotional, and mental support,” explained De Jong. “We see growth in these students during their time with us, and we build on that with assistance from the students’ home schools so that they can go back and thrive.”

Education is De Jong’s second career. He initially worked in hospitality and tourism, owning several of his own companies. It allowed him plenty of free time to volunteer in his children’s schools, getting to know the staff very well. One day, a teacher named Kim Jackson (now the principal at Mount Pleasant Academy) suggested that he pursue a career in education. The next day, a national advertisement came on television promoting a program for professionals like De Jong to earn their teaching certificate.

“In my mind, it was meant to be,” said De Jong. “It is by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done.”

This is De Jong’s seventeenth year in education. He started at Daniel Jenkins, teaching science, and moved to Garrett Academy the following year, where he began serving as the athletic director while teaching chemistry. It was a perfect fit for someone who has always held leadership roles. While teaching, he earned his administrative degree and was chosen to serve as assistant principal at Baptist Hill. When asked to serve at Turning Point, he jumped at the chance, knowing the program was something he could build into what he thought it should be, with guidance from the district.

“It’s a unique program, and it works,” said De Jong. “Students and families know the prerequisites that they must meet, and they also know that we are right alongside them, building them up and making them better people. The staff here give of themselves beyond measure, and often is the case, neither student nor staff wants to leave the program.”

Victoria Douglas, a middle school teacher in the program, said De Jong’s approachable and friendly demeanor sets the tone for the atmosphere at Turning Point.

“The comfortable atmosphere he has created is exactly what this unique environment needs,” said Douglas. “It enables us to build relationships with each other and our students. Relationships are critical in this environment. The students who come to us come from across the district and for a variety of reasons. They need to know that they are safe here.”

Turning Point has the highest scores in the district for culture and environment. That makes Lead Teacher Jennifer Croucher proud.

 

“He is the vision of what we do here,” said Croucher. “Mr. De Jong is the definition of a servant leader. There are, of course, non-negotiables, but we as a staff are all involved in all of the decisions, and that makes all the difference in the world. That leads to honesty and transparency.”

 

For many of the students who arrive at Turning Point, it is the first time they have ever received necessary support in their lives, De Jong explained.

 

“The support starts the minute a student arrives at Turning Point,” said De Jong. “We begin to establish a trusting relationship right away. We make ourselves available around the clock. It takes a special person to understand the unique needs of our students, and that is why we are all here.”

Douglas said that De Jong embodies everything that Turning Point is.

“He makes teachers and staff feel like this is where we belong,” said Douglas. “He makes sure there are a lot of celebrations, so that everyone feels a sense of accomplishment. He often jokes with the students so they know he is approachable. It’s a very welcoming atmosphere, thanks to Principal De Jong.”

Princess Deas, a junior in high school, said she knows De Jong is there for her should she need him.

“He sets boundaries and high expectations for us, but he is sweet and genuine,” said Deas. “He wants us to succeed. Most importantly, he does not focus on our mistakes. He looks forward to our futures. He sees us as humans, not delinquents. He makes me feel normal and that my mistake does not define me.”

Parents are required to be part of the restoration process. In some cases, the process retrains the parent. To do that, the staff provides parents with consistent positive feedback about their student via in-person, personal phone calls, and emails, and they hear from Principal DeJong himself weekly. 

The most rewarding part of the work is when a student finally cracks that first smile, De Jong said. He said it may take a few days or a week for the student to understand the climate and culture, but once they do, students settle in and know they belong.

“I have always been one to say I work for the school, the students, and the staff,” said De Jong. I consider myself the support staff. Anyone can come to me for any reason. I will always support the betterment of the school and our students.”

Deas said she knows Principal De Jong loves her.

“From all the support to all of the early morning jokes, I know that Mr. De Jong is working hard to help us recover and rebound,” said Deas.

Croucher said that Turning Point can deliver because De Jong models and embodies the vision.

“He truly believes in his heart that it is his job to make our job easier,” explained Croucher.

De Jong’s passion for serving students is evident in all he does.

“This role is so rewarding,” said De Jong. “There are days when it is difficult, but I never want to leave to do anything else. I just don’t want to give it up. I enjoy doing for others. That is my reward. We get to send them back to their homeschools a better person.”

 

A native of Mount Pleasant, Kim Jackson, principal of Mount Pleasant Academy (MPA), always had a goal of coming back home and serving families as an educator in her own hometown. She did just that, and for the last nine years, specifically at Mount Pleasant Academy.

“For so long, we as a society have spent so much time looking at schools in one way,” said Jackson. “It was important to me to be part of the service and leadership in East Cooper schools. For me, it was making sure that in the Mount Pleasant area, people saw leadership that looked like me. I grew up in a time when there were very few, if any, African American leaders in my schools. It was really important to me for kids to see schools that look like them and like me.”

Jackson said that this was important to her because everyone has something to give and something to be a part of.

“It is important for every child and everyone in our community to feel represented,” explained Jackson. I wanted to mirror the community.”

Jackson has a passion for educating elementary-aged children. She spent 18 years teaching third graders. What continues to drive her is to see the growth in students. 

“It is the breadth of work that we get to see with kids that I love,” Jackson added.

What drew Jackson to the MPA community is the love the students, staff, and families have for each other. She said the diversity at the school is special.

“Being able to see people who are different but still love each other is what keeps me here,” said Jackson. “The kindness that grows from the type of culture makes me want to develop it even more.”

DeVeaux Carter, a veteran kindergarten teacher at MPA, acknowledged that Jackson had big shoes to fill when she stepped into the role as principal. Carter said she has connected to the school community beautifully.

“Mrs. Jackson walked right in with loving arms, and I will never forget her telling us that it was her dream to be a principal of a school like Mount Pleasant Academy,” said Carter. “When she walked into that first faculty meeting, we all just stood up and clapped for her because we knew she was going to be awesome. The first thing she asked us was, ‘What can I do for you? What can I do to make you successful? What can I do to make this whole school successful?’ If you need something, all you have to do is go ask Mrs. Jackson for it. She has got your back, and that is important.”

Servant leadership trickles down from the top, and that’s why Jackson believes in being on the front lines. You can find her in the bus loop, working the front office, or taking a lunchroom duty shift.

“When I am part of the work, it brings us together as a staff, and therefore helps us to do the best work,” said Jackson. “We have to keep moving and make sure to support all students. Our students come to us with such a wide range of experiences and knowledge that we have to make sure we continue to push those kids. We make sure every student has exactly what they need, every day.”

Carter said Jackson regularly checks in with students and staff to assess her own performance. She seeks feedback and constructive criticism.

“I love that because we’re all constantly learning,” said Carter. “She motivates the staff by setting goals and expectations high. She knows we are doing our job, and what that does for me as a teacher is it gives me the confidence to do my job to the best of my ability, also knowing she is always there to help. No question is too big or small. That makes for a very stress-free environment.”

For Jackson, the reward of being a school leader is the hugs and the kind words from the students.

“It is the best thing in the absolute world,” Jackson said. “Having kids who actually want to speak to me and not walk by is huge.”

Elizabeth Espitiader is a fifth grader who adores her principal.

“She is kind and she really cares about us,” Espitiader explained. “She tries to understand how kids are feeling or what they’re going through. She is a good communicator, too.”

Graham Quirin, also a fifth grader, has been at MPA since kindergarten and knows Jackson well. He described her as a fun principal who does a great job.

“Mrs. Jackson is very nice and funny,” said Quirin. “It is very fun to have her as a principal. She hosts fun activities before big tests. I also get to hang out with her after school because my mom is a teacher here, and I have enjoyed getting to know her. She also helps our student council make good decisions for our school. I cound’y imagine MPA without her. Everybody just appreciates her so much.”

This year's theme at MPA is “Anchored in Excellence,” and Jackson firmly believes that every child possesses excellence within them.

“Our goal is to find that and to help them cultivate that,” she added. “We do it through the content standards and rules, but the truth is I am trying to help and child find out who they are and help them refine that. That’s how we get through life - being the best version of ourselves every day. Not just knowing our times tables. That’s my goal every single day.”

Carter appreciates Jackson’s leadership and admires her connection with students.

“If anyone in the community needs anything, she is there to give it to them,” said Carter. “She makes sure that all students from all academic levels are poured into. She wants to ensure that each child is reached at their level and pushed to reach their potential, regardless of what it takes. To me, that’s the mark of a wonderful principal. These kids love her, and they know she wants the best for them.”

Jackson said she couldn’t do it without her amazing staff.

“They are tough and strong and dedicated to these kids,” said Jackson. “When they challenge me, it is because it is right for children. Everything we do is about what is right for these kids, and we have an amazing team of teachers that bring that out of me and each other, every single day.”

Carter said Mrs. Jackson is the whole package.

“She just has it,” explained Carter. “She is loving and caring to not just the students, but to the staff. She cares. She is there when we need her, and she has created and loving atmosphere, and she takes pride in that. As she should.”

 

A native of the Lowcountry, LaCarma McMillan knew she wanted to be a teacher since she was in fifth grade. Her teacher that year at St. James-Santee Elementary School (now St. James-Santee Elementary-Middle School), where she is now the principal, was Mrs. Randolph. McMillan said she cared for and nurtured her scholars so well that she was encouraged to be just like her. Fast forward to high school at Lincoln in McClellanville, McMillan was part of the first Teacher Cadet program there, led by Barbara Singleton. It was a full-circle moment for her to be a teacher cadet in the elementary school where her passion was first ignited.

After graduating from South Carolina State University, McMillan worked in Richland and Orangeburg Counties before returning to Charleston in 2005 as an assistant principal at the former Brentwood Middle School; then transitioned to an assistant principal at West Ashley Middle.  In 2011, she was offered the principal position at the former West Ashley Middle School.

Leaving the classroom was a tough choice, but McMillan wanted an opportunity to work side by side with strong leaders.

“Knowing that education requires people who know and value students and can look at the big picture for the outcome,” explained McMillian. “I wanted to make an even bigger impact on students' lives.”

It was a significant moment for McMillan when she was named principal at St. James-Santee.

“My heart is full and I am grateful for the opportunity,” said McMillan. “Serving the community that reared me means so much to me”.

There has been tremendous growth in student achievement and proficiency at St. James-Santee.

“The growth in academic performance has been life-changing,” said McMillan. “We are not only making an academic shift with children and their trajectory for the future, but we are teaching them life skills and ensuring that they know they matter. Every voice matters in our building. Every voice matters in our community. We want every student to know that they can do anything in life and that they will be successful.”

Heather Simon, the music teacher at St. James-Santee, has worked with McMillan for the last four years. She immediately saw that the students felt comfortable around the principal and knew they could talk to her and go to her with anything.

“Students here are taught to advocate for themselves, and they know they can email her and petition for things they want,” said Simon. “It is incredible to let the students have some valuable input. Seeing her work with the kids that way is so nice.”

Schools are the cornerstone of rural communities, and St. James-Santee is no different. According to McMillan, St. James-Santee means everything to their community.

“St. James-Santee, just like Lincoln High School, means the world to the individuals that live here,” said McMillan. “We have a very close-knit bond with the schools in our area. We serve the children of former scholars who went to St. James-Santee.”\

Sheldon Lamar Thompson, a seventh grader, said his principal tries her best to keep students in line and in order so that they stay on good behavior, and she works hard to provide students with what is best.

“She wants us to learn, and she helps our teachers help us when we struggle,” said Thompson. 

Cassidi White is a sixth grader who has attended the school for many years.

“She just does her job well and ensures everything gets done,” said White. “She keeps everything in order, makes sure we are fed, makes sure we are here, and makes sure everything is organized.”

Thompson also thinks it is remarkable that McMillan is from the area and is the principal of the very school she attended.

“It makes me feel like I can accomplish something great too,” said Thompson. “If she accomplished being the school's principal, I think I can grow up and accomplish things like being a theoretical physicist.”

White enjoys being at St. James-Santee. She describes it as a place where learning is fun and easy to make friends.

White said she appreciates that McMillian is from the area, because it enables her to know the families and each student individually.

“She can help kids with studying and understands why they get the grades they get because she knows us all,” added White. “Being here is the best experience I have ever had, and it is because of the teachers and our principal.”

Having served in the classroom and been an integral part of the community, McMillan knows she must invest in her staff so that they can serve children effectively.

“It is a collaborative approach,” said McMillain. “We all value each other’s jobs and what they bring to the table, and we work to empower teachers to do just that in their classrooms. They need to know who their students are, where they are performing, and to push them further.”

Simon said that McMillan’s relationship with the community is vital.

“Mrs. McMillan definitely has the community's respect, and it is wonderful to see that,” Simon added. “If we need something, Mrs. McMillan is always willing to work with the community to get what we need here in our school.”

Even after 28 years, McMillan has no plans of slowing down.

“It is the drive to be better,” said McMillan. “We really want to strive for excellence. Our building has great students and teachers, so we just want to push. I just want to keep pushing our children. We are seeing gains, and it is exciting.”

Simons said McMillan works hard to get the right teachers at St. James-Santee.

“These are the hardest working teachers; these are the best teachers in the county, in my opinion,” said Simons. “She really gives us the chance to do what we need to do to get our scholars to the next level. Having that autonomy to work and do what is best for the students.”

According to Simon, the school’s academic growth validates the work and leadership of McMillan.

“Her leadership style allows us as teachers to help these scholars grow daily,” said Simons.

McMillan said the children are seeing it too.

“When they have that aha moment or look at their test scores, it is really enlightening,” she added. “I do believe that our school is very unique. We value all; every scholar matters. We let our scholars know that, too. It is up to us to make the difference, and we are here to make it.”

Thompson said he appreciates how teachers work with not only students who are strong academically, but also students who are struggling in certain areas. He attributes that to McMillan.

“All students are provided with necessary help,” Thompson added.

That culminates in a family-style atmosphere at the school, which is felt by students and staff alike.

“Larger schools don’t have that opportunity like we do, and we are blessed to have that type of leadership to have that family feel here at St. James-Santee,” Simon added. 

Students like Thompson feel welcome at St. James-Santee.

“She makes me feel like I am supposed to be here, and I am pretty sure other students feel that way as well,” said Thompson.

 

LaToya Smith is in her third year as principal of North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary School, but she is a seasoned educator with 25 years under her belt. The Beaufort native came to Charleston in 2008 and was placed just down the road at North Charleston Elementary School. Smith considers it an honor and a privilege to serve in an administrative role in the same area where she began her educational journey with Charleston County School District (CCSD). 

“Since 2008, I have held various positions within CCSD, and each one of those experiences has shaped me and prepared me for the principalship at North Charleston Creative,” said Smith. “Becoming an administrator has always been my goal.”

Since coming to North Charleston Creative Arts in 2023, Smith and her staff have seen significant gains in student performance and proficiency. The school was also thrust into the spotlight when McKenna Clemens, a K-2 resource teacher at the school, was named the district's Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024.

“It’s exciting moments like those that enabled us to really share our school on a broader spectrum,” said Smith. “It gave our school significant momentum to continue to expose the great things happening here.”

Smith is proud of the continued increase in students’ scores, but even more proud of the climate and culture at North Charleston Creative Arts.

Kaine Vanderhorst is a fifth-grader; he loves the school and Principal Smith.

“Principal Smith is nice, but she doesn’t play,” said Vanderhorst. “She has high expectations because she cares. She pushed us to our potential, and she’s setting us up for our future.”

“We work very hard to make sure students have a sense of belonging, and that they are seen and heard,” said Smith. “The Ron Clark House System that we implemented has also created a dynamic vibe, and there is a great sense of community here.”

Fifth grader Marina Smith agrees and appreciates the energy and Joy Principal Smith brings to learning.

“It is nice to know she believes we can achieve,” said Marina. “She really cares - everyone does. There are more students doing better since she got here. There are more students in SAIL (the school’s gifted and talented program), and she should get a lot of credit for that.”

Lacey Bates is the school’s dance teacher and appreciates how Smith balances high expectations with trust.

“Mrs. Smith gives us the creative freedom to do what is best,” said Bates. “She’s created a family-friendly atmosphere here where we are all supportive of each other. She contributes to that by advocating for us and addressing concerns. That trickles down to the students who get to learn in a warm, inviting atmosphere.”

The teachers at North Charleston Creative Arts are “all in.” They understand that Smith implements high-level strategies to stay the course, and the gains that students are making are just the validation that teachers need to know their hard work and grind do matter, Smith explained.

“These gains are what drive teachers to continue offering high-quality instruction,” said Smith. “It’s sometimes a productive struggle, but we keep pressing forward because in reality, if you keep expectations high, students will rise.”

Megan Norvell has known Smith for years because she served as the assistant principal at her children’s school.

“I was excited to work alongside her,” said Norvell. “You feel her presence every day. She says “hello” to everyone and checks in on staff every day at some point. But, most importantly, she knows the importance of a life/work balance. You can go to her with anything. The community that she has built knows she is here for them.”

Smith’s philosophy or approach is that she wants her teachers and staff to see her as a leader who is supportive, open, and encouraging. My goal each day is simple: To show up as the kind of leader and person I would want my own children to have as a principal.

“It is important to me that they know I will give them whatever tools they need to deliver and provide high-quality instruction,” said Smith. “Relationships are the most important piece. We have to build trust with each other in order to have hard conversations. I always like to think from a teacher's perspective. I am here to support whatever they need so that their students can and will rise to the occasion.”

Ukeisha Gilmore teaches fourth grade ELA and Social Studies at North Charleston Creative Arts. She met Smith through professional development, and there was an instant connection because Gilmore saw someone in leadership who looked like her.

“Everything we do here is with love,” said Gilmore. “We are all driven and goal-oriented, and Mrs. Smith made it clear that we will be challenged as educators, and she will push us. The model works. The students and staff know the expectations are non-negotiable because the children need that discipline and structure. However, she trusts us to make learning fun, and we do.”

Norvell said she feels trusted, which is comforting.

“We are all here to do what’s best for children,” added Norvell. “We as teachers know the expectations, and we move along with them. We know what is possible, and every day we are working toward that. She has empowered us, and it shows with the scores. And we are not going to stop.”

Gilmore added that the improvements and the thriving school community are confirmation that she is in the right place.

“Under her leadership, we are all thriving,” said Gilmore.

“The work we do every day as educators is very rewarding, ” Smith added. “As a servant leader, education is my passion, and I have really enjoyed watching the growth at this special school. We truly do elevate learning through the arts. The arts give students another way to express their learning and shine in ways that traditional instruction sometimes can’t. Every child has strengths worth celebrating, and the arts allow them to tap into their other strengths, deepening their learning and understanding.”