2024 Principal Month Features

At Murray-LaSaine Montessori School, Principal Meredith Wallace has created a culture where teachers give it their all and students strive to make her proud. In her ninth year at the school, Wallace has been instrumental in leading the transition from a traditional elementary school to a full Montessori program, serving students from 3 years old through grade 8 (primary through adolescents), where James Island families are proud to send their scholars.

Wallace describes Murray-LaSaine as a sweet school where she pours everything into it.

“As the years have unfolded, I have realized this was right where I was supposed to be,” said Wallace. “This school and this community feel like home.”

Wallace said that working with her staff, families, and stakeholders is a joy, bringing her back to her commitment to educating students.

Wallace said she was a child who loved school and was lucky to have administrators and teachers who were excellent role models. She is determined to leave that same mark at Murray-LaSaine and in the hearts of her students.

According to music teacher Lindsay Linderman, Wallace ensures every student feels valued.

“She knows every student by name; she is always visible and interacts,” said Linderman. “She attends their sporting events and extracurricular activities. That is meaningful because the kids know she will be there and they look for her in the stands and in the audience.”

Colleague Bill Carson, a literacy interventionist, has spent over a decade at Murray-LaSaine, partly because of Wallace’s leadership.

“She inspires me to continue investing in our scholars and this school,” said Carson. “She sets a great example of how to take responsibility.”

A unique learning environment

Children as young as three years old through eighth grade can attend Murray-LaSaine. Wallace gets to watch these children grow in all aspects of their lives.

“At Murray-LaSaine, we foster an environment where students can grow into who they are and who they are meant to be,” said Wallace. “My children attended Murray-LaSaine, so I truly believe in this.”

Linderman said that Wallace promotes and supports her students’ musical performances.

“She is very intentional in ensuring student accomplishments are celebrated,” said Linderman.

Another vital approach to Wallace is exposing students to a well-rounded educational experience.

“When we take chances, we better ourselves,” said Wallace. “I encourage our staff to expand the activities they are using to teach the curriculum. We have to try new things. School might be the only place they can see and experience things outside of their everyday life. Dynamic experiences are what the kids will remember when they look back on their time here.”

“Her value of the work we do inspires all of the educators in this building to go above and beyond,” said Linderman. “Ms. Wallace supports our ideas outside the general unit. I am always met with a positive response to a new idea and a critical eye in how she can help.”

Linderman added that knowing she has that kind of support is reassuring.

“Our ultimate goal is to enrich the lives of our students, and we do that through experiences,” said Linderman.

Making a connection

“Education and Montessori are about community,” explained Wallace. “None of us exist alone. We keep returning to things we love when we have support. I know first-hand that making bonds with the students, results in high-level academic results. Year after year, we’ve seen academic success and that is why we intentionally form deep connections with our students and each other.”

Wallace does many things to thank supporters, and one of those is her “Thank the Mentor” program. She asks her staff to name one person who greatly supports and inspires them. Throughout the year, Wallace reaches out to those people identified by her staff and thanks them for being mentors, confidants, and leaders.

“None of us get to where we are and stay healthy in that place without someone loving us and helping us,” Wallace said.

The support within the building is also essential. Wallace believes the work can’t get done without her trusted team.

“I connect with my colleagues personally and professionally,” said Wallace. “We have to have fun and laugh, but we also challenge each other to grow and do new things. We do a lot of that through teamwork.”

Wallace is a visible leader to students and families, too. Carson believes heer visibility contributes to student outcomes.

“The kids know her, and it helps them to feel like they belong here,” said Carson. “They feel like they are seen and belong to a community. Most importantly, Ms. Wallace sees that the whole child's needs are met, not just the academics. That’s essential to Montessori education. That kind of ‘out-in-front’ leadership assures everyone that Ms. Wallace has everyone’s best interest at heart.”

Elyssa Logan has been a student at Murray-LaSaine since she was three years old. She has come to know Principal Wallace as someone she trusts and can go to with anything.

“If I ask her for help, she will have the academic and emotional resources,” said Logan. “She connected with my parents years ago and knows me and my family. We’re all lucky that she has made Murray-LaSaine into a healthy and happy environment so that we can be the best we can be.

Linderman believes Wallace’s behind-the-scenes leadership and support should not go unnoticed.

“While she doesn't boast about anything she does, Ms. Wallace takes the time and goes out of her way to support others without any fanfare,” added Linderman. “There is no limit to her generosity or her kindness.”

Carson added that Wallace encourages staff to prioritize taking care of themselves and the ones they love to care for their students better.

“It’s humbling and reminds me of my purpose and meaning,” added Carson. “Ms. Wallace reminds me of the impact I can make.”

 

C.E. Williams Middle School - South Campus holds a special place in Principal Kevin Smith’s heart. He is deeply connected to the school because he attended C.E. Williams and grew up in West Ashley. Smith is proud to be a product of Charleston County School District (CCSD) and is honored that all 23 of his years as an educator have been with the district.

Smith rose quickly through the ranks of CCSD because of his innovative, laser-focused strategies around educating kids.

“I have always tried to be the adult I needed and wanted as an adolescent,” said Smith. “I am fortunate to lead this school, and to know I had a hand in doing something that will last decades to come is very important to me.”

Smith’s longevity as a school leader and community member has allowed him to sit at many tables. District leaders and community organizations trust him to advocate for his students, staff, and families. Smith has been a part of several district initiatives and committees including the Strategic Planning Committee, Charleston Shared Future, The Title 1 Parental Advisory Committee, and the Principal’s Cabinet.

“People trust me to work on behalf of our community,” said Smith. “I know so many of our families at school and in West Ashley, and those connections have made me remember my sense of responsibility.”

The veteran leader said it is a privilege and an honor to be asked to serve.

“It’s really about making a difference,” said Smith. “I often think back to who I thought I would be when I grew up, and I look at where I am today and take it very seriously because it is an opportunity to make a difference, and I can make a difference.”

Helping students navigate middle school

The middle school years can be a difficult time for students as they navigate young adulthood, test their interests, and find their place among their peers. Principal Smith recognizes that, and his goal at C.E. Williams South is to make the middle school experience the best it can be.

Eighth-grader Sophia Gianoukos said Principal Smith gives her the confidence she needs.

“He’s not just my principal; he is someone I can go to,” said Gianoukos. “I can go to him when I need him. I trust him because he can relate to the experiences I’ve had. He’s like a second parent in a way.”

“We are mindful of their changes from childhood into young adulthood,” said Smith. “Students want to have a sense of belonging. They want to see where they fit in. They want to explore things of interest. Our philosophy is that all students will see and experience opportunities and have access to what interests them.”

Most importantly, Smith has intentionally created an atmosphere where students feel like they belong, and they know they are in the presence of caring adults who are there to support them. With input from staff, an entire vision statement was written around that idea.

“A sense of belonging is so important,” said Smith. “We’re nurturing an inclusive environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered.”

Smith explained that C.E. Williams South is known as a place of opportunity. He said educators there serve a diverse population and Smith’s goal is to make sure every student can find their place. ]

“Whether it is through a club, a sport, or a teacher, we set all of our students on a trajectory for success by giving them opportunities so they can be the best they can be,” said Smith.

“Where the rubber meets the road”

“School is where a person sees the convergence of society,” said Smith. “Through those societal interactions, a person can be set on a path where they are able to say they made a difference. That’s why education is where the rubber meets the road. Education is all about people and their lives and that’s what matters.”

In that vein, Smith is not only concerned with meeting the needs of children, but his staff as well. He often thinks back to what he needed as a young educator and determined that was support, guidance, and someone to hold him to high standards.

“My goal is to make them understand that they are making a difference in the lives of our students,” said Smith. “I remind them that if we remember our ‘why’ then our ‘whats’ don’t hurt as much. As educators, we can change a child’s trajectory no matter their situation because we see these students for who they are and what they can be. As far as we’re concerned, they all have a bright future.”

Gianoukos appreciates that mindset.

“The roots have been planted already so that we can grow, thanks to Mr. Smith,” Gianoukos added.

Smith knows all too well that teaching isn’t easy. He said however, at the end of the day, it is worth it.

“Our educators are truly nurturing the future,” said Smith. “I don’t want them to ever lose sight of that.”

Seventh-grade social studies teacher and the school’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year Nick Chiappone has worked with Smith for years and appreciates the tools and strategies made available to him.

“Mr. Smith has so much experience serving the kids that we serve, and he understands what they need and how to meet them where they are,” said Chiappone. “His ‘it’s our job’ philosophy guides us in everything we do here as educators.”

Chiappone is a team lead and said he models all of Smith’s leadership strategies, such as positive feedback, keeping the team engaged, and showing up daily for the students.

“There are also procedural types of things that Smith has in place that work from the top down,” explained Chiappone.

Smith said his role as principal has been the most impactful experience of his life.

“It has been such a joy,” Smith added. “I am so glad I get to sit in this seat. I never dreamed I would be here, but I am so glad I am.”

 

 

 

Steve Larson has a love and passion for working with “his kids.” It’s pretty clear from the heart he pours into the students at R.B. Stall High School. 

Larson is in his third year at R.B. Stall High School and he has organically transformed the atmosphere there. It’s clear to all: kindness comes first at Stall. Larson’s philosophy is that humans are more likely to succeed when they feel loved and valued. Larson leaned into his nearly 30 year experience of being an educator to build a community at Stall where students want to come and learn.

The Oregon native was a seasoned educator in that state and was ready for new challenges. His family chose Charleston to start their next chapter. Larson has held many positions as an educator (teacher, elementary and middle school principal, bilingual school principal, director of schools at the central office level, and even assistant superintendent), but he had never been a high school principal. He was honored when he was named as the principal of St. John’s High School in 2016. He describes it as walking into a gift.

“I didn’t know that I could be this fulfilled, personally and professionally,” said Larson. “I was able to take everything I learned, from instruction to leadership, and put it into practice. I became ingrained in the community and felt I was part of the fabric.”

Larson was inspired by the opportunity to transition to Stall three years ago, which is over six times the size of St. John’s, his previous high school. While Larson misses his Islanders, he says he loves being a Warrior, through and through.

Larson said that part of what makes Stall an amazing place for students is the teachers and staff.

“Stall has a reputation of having some of the very best teachers in our district and we’re proud of that,” said Larson. “They are among the hardest working. They know it takes a community to do the job. They rely on each other every day for support, ideas, and different instructional strategies. The fact that they are so committed to our students here is what makes it so special.”

There are over 200 staff members at Stall and their number one job is to make a kid feel great every single day. The number two job is teaching the content, and number three, having a great time doing it. 

Allison Cox is in her sixth year at Stall and is the lead teacher for the athletic department. She describes the environment at Stall as a family.

“Mr. Larson is a transformational leader,” said Cox. “His initiative about being kind to all of the students and building relationships is something I appreciate. He has taught us that in order to be effective in the classroom you have to let the students know that you care about them. The students have to be emotionally supported in order for them to be academically successful with that teacher. The students feel like they are part of the family.”

That wouldn’t be possible without the support Larson gives to faculty and staff.

“The level of support we receive from the administration is unprecedented for me,” said Cox. “The last three years of my career have been the best I’ve ever had and I attribute that to Mr. Larson because his beliefs and his level of professionalism are transferred into his administrators. He builds people up with the strategies that he knows will make teachers successful.”

Melting pot of cultures

Over 1,000 students speak a language other than English at Stall. Larson said he has always been drawn to working with students from diverse communities. He has spent his whole life learning how to speak Spanish, and he is now practicing Portuguese. 

“For many of our students, their journey has been a struggle,” said Larson. “If the one thing I can do for them is to connect with them through language, then we’ve overcome one hurdle. It is an eye-opening experience for the student to learn that we’re alike in some way. That makes a world of difference.”

Jacqueline Cruz is a senior and was surprised by this one evening during a parent/teacher night.

“I am used to translating for my mother since I am a Mexican immigrant,” said Cruz. “I was translating for my mom and he overheard us and he just came over and started speaking Spanish. That meant a lot.”

Cox said Larson is intentional in celebrating each individual culture through enriching activities, events, and more.

“Everyone in the building is a participant in each cultural celebration,” said Cox. “Mr. Larson allows us to explore music, and host festivals, and bring in food trucks. Mr. Larson does a wonderful job of helping everyone mix and mingle within those different cultures so that everyone learns about each other.”

Stall is fortunate to be home to the district’s first Newcomer Center, which is designed to welcome students new to the country. 

“It is a place for the students to incubate a little,” said Larson. “It is designed as a place for the students to be loved on and recognized for what they bring to our country and to let them know that we are glad they’re here. It’s a place where they can be assured we will take care of everything for them.”

The Newcomer Center offers comprehensive services but Larson said the primary responsibility is to make sure students are learning English as quickly as possible so they can earn the credits needed to graduate.

“It’s also that outreach to the community that says we know what to do, we know how to help you because we’ve been doing it for years,” added Larson.

Some of Stall’s Hispanic students have received full scholarships to nearby Charleston Southern University.

“A lot of our students might feel discouraged that there is not an opportunity for them post-high school,” said Larson. “Our relationships and our connection can get students full-ride scholarships if they put in the work. The opportunities are there. It is a little more complicated but we know how to do this work and we’re proud that we’re doing it.”

Stall boasts students from all over the world and it presents many opportunities to bring cultures together.

“It is the perfect social environment where kids from all different cultures and backgrounds can come together,” said Larson. “The most important thing we do is teach our students how to care for one another and how to interact with each other. We push our students to interact in class and it allows students to see the assets that they have in each other in this school and by doing that I think we’ve really created something special.”

Larson said he’s fortunate to have landed at Stall at this stage in his career.

“I’d say everything I’ve done has prepared me for this point in my life,” Larson added. “Every single experience I’ve had, positive, challenging, all of the opportunities I’ve had, all led me here to this school, and to make an impact on these 2,000 kids is a pretty special thing.”

As a principal who challenges himself to learn every student’s name, Larson is loved by the students.

Cruz said she could not have picked a better principal. 

“I can’t explain enough how much he has done for this school and how much he has done for us,” added Cruz. “He goes above and beyond to make sure we have what we need and he never wants anyone to feel like they’re excluded.”

Larson is humbled by the appreciation.

“I look back on my nearly 30-year career and think what a ride,’” said Larson. “I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m completely fulfilled.”

Principals across the nation work hard to provide the best education and leadership possible, and this month Charleston County School District will recognize four principals from across the district as we celebrate National Principals Month, which is an opportunity to celebrate and honor our incredible school principals for their visionary leadership and tireless pursuit of success for each student.

Principal Natasha Jones is known to “bring the energy” at W.B. Goodwin Elementary School and there is not a student, parent, staff member, or educator on campus who hasn’t benefited from it.

Jones has been in education for 27 years and is in her seventh year at Goodwin. She has served across the district in various capacities and is proud to have been raised on Edisto Island and honored to be a product of Charleston County School District (CCSD).

“I am a proud example of CCSD’s commitment to building leaders,” said Jones. “I have, in turn, been able to serve my community and give back, which has humbled me tremendously. I am now able to pour into other people just as many did for me.”

This “full of life” educator intentionally radiates positivity so others feel it, too.

“I am full of happy energy because I enjoy what I do,” said Jones “I am proud to serve this school and this community.”

Jones's “village” mindset has allowed her to lean on her connections and community resources to best serve students and families.

Jones prefers to omit her title when introducing herself because, at the end of the day, she believes that it’s about doing the work, not the name recognition. At Goodwin, the work involves building strategic and meaningful relationships with all families and bridging the community gap.

“Families have bought into the village mindset because they recognize that this is how we get our students and the school to the next level,” said Jones.

Jones’ approach has helped bridge gaps, and parents feel they have a connection with her. She’s hosted many events, after-school meetings, and celebrations through the years, and by word of mouth, attendance has grown exponentially.

“Additionally we created a parent leadership group which has blossomed into families inviting me into their homes, to their events, and to their celebrations,” said Jones. “It means the world to these families that I participate, and it is very meaningful to me.”

Under her leadership, Goodwin has seen significant gains. Two years ago, for the first time ever, a student earned a perfect score on SC READY. Between 2022 and 2023, Goodwin improved 13 percentage points on the SC READY ELA exam and moved from “Below Average” to “Average” on the State Report Card ratings.

Jones said they are also slowly decreasing the chronic absenteeism rate, and increasing parental involvement through shared decision-making to ensure stakeholders have a voice that’s valued and heard.

“Without the amazing relationships and connections we have built, that would not have been possible,” said Jones. “It means everything to me to see the progress we are making.”

“Her personality breaks down barriers”

Fifth grader Katherine Villasenor has gotten to know Jones over the last five years and describes her principal as someone who enjoys making students happy.

“She likes to have fun and we can connect with her,” said Villasenor. “We talk about things we have in common. She acts silly with us but also treats us like we are maturing young adults.”

While academic gains are important, Jones explained that growth in a person is the real goal.

“At Goodwin, we celebrate day-to-day successes,” said Jones. “I give a shout-out to the students for everything they do. This builds their self-esteem and their passion to work hard.”

Villasenor said it’s the energy that Jones gives off that makes students want to work hard and stay motivated.

“Principal Jones lifts our spirits and calms us down when we need it,” Villasenor added. “She makes me feel so happy every time I see her. I just can’t explain it.”

Alysia Lambert is the general music teacher at Goodwin and said that if Jones sees an open door (opportunity), she won’t just walk through it, she’ll jump through it.

“Her personality breaks down barriers and endears herself to students and community partners,” said Lambert. “She will do anything in her power to turn a child’s day around and she sets the tone for the rest of us.”

According to Lambert, Jones’ contagious energy has resulted in a loving, warm, safe space for kids.

“They come ready to learn,” said Lambert.

Fourth-grade student RJ White said that Jones has made school a fun and exciting place, which makes it easier for him to learn.

“She likes to have fun, she makes us laugh, and she treats us very well,” said White. “She also comes to my basketball games and she seems interested in the things I like and it makes me feel like she cares. Most of all she brings the energy.”

Academic success

Jones said she and her team are committed to sustaining the school’s academic success.

“It’s more than just me making this work,” said Jones. “I surround myself with like-minded people - people who see the vision. We pour into our scholars wherever and however,” said Jones. “I have faith in every single student in this building.”

Villasenor is grateful for that.

“I have become a better student and improved every year because she gives teachers what they need so that they can give us what we need,” Villasenor added.

Jones prioritizes people and does not let numbers dictate her decisions.

“We know that we matter,” said Lambert. “Every single person is welcomed and valued here and Goodwin is a place that offers opportunities to learn and grow.”

The school’s slogan, “We will own, monitor, and adjust our strategies to ensure we are doing the best for and by our scholars,” guides each decision at Goodwin.

“That has resulted in gains but the biggest accomplishment is the environment Mrs. Jones has created at Goodwin,” said Lambert. “It is more than a school. Goodwin is a happy place to come and learn. To make academic gains you have to have students in the building and she makes Goodwin a great place to come to school.”

“At Goodwin, we are making every hour, minute, second of each day count,” Jones added.