In this powerful episode of A Note From the Principal’s Desk, Dr. Shepard sits down with Assistant Principals Tyler Jones and Leo Heath for an authentic and transformative discussion about being young Black leaders in education. Together, they share their journeys, challenges, and victories—from navigating doubt and building trust with families to addressing race and culture with scholars in meaningful ways.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• The realities of leading while young and Black and breaking through stereotypes.
• Strategies for engaging students and families around race, history, and cultural unity.
• The importance of mental health, balance, and preparation in leadership roles.
• Practical advice for aspiring educators and future administrators on positioning themselves for success.

This episode is rich with truth, inspiration, and actionable wisdom for educators, leaders, and families alike. Tune in and be reminded: leadership takes sacrifice, intentionality, and a heart for the work—but the impact lasts for generations.

Join Dr. Shepard as she tackles one of the most pressing concerns in education: How do individuals with troubling histories keep getting hired in schools?

From gaps in background checks to weak inter-district communication, Dr. Shepard breaks down how this happens — and what can be done to stop it.

🎙️ Don’t miss this important conversation.

🔍 Let's shine a light on hiring practices in education.

This week, I want to open a conversation that matters deeply to many of our families and educators alike: Should children who take medication for focus be given a break when they’re not in controlled or academic environments?

We often speak about giving kids space to just be kids—to explore, imagine, and unwind. But for students who rely on medication to stay focused during school hours, what happens when that structure ends? Should they continue their regimen on weekends, during holidays, or in creative or social settings?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but it’s worth asking: 🔹 Are we honoring the whole child? 🔹 Are we supporting their development both inside and outside the classroom? 🔹 And how can we partner with families to ensure balance, empathy, and informed choices?

Let’s keep this dialogue open—with compassion, science, and each student’s well-being at the center. 💬❤️

#PrincipalPerspective #WholeChildApproach #MentalHealthMatters #FocusAndFreedom #ParentPartnership

Summer is a time for fun, growth, and making memories—but keeping kids engaged without spending a fortune can be a challenge. In this episode, we’re diving into 15 creative, no-cost activities that will keep your child or children entertained, learning, and active all summer long.

From backyard adventures and community events to DIY crafts and educational games, we’ll explore a variety of ideas that fit any schedule or lifestyle. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or caregiver, this episode will equip you with practical and fun ways to make the most of summer—without opening your wallet.

Tune in for tips, inspiration, and simple strategies to turn an ordinary summer into an unforgettable one—all for free!

In this gripping and emotional episode of A Note From the Principal’s Desk, Dr. Shepard delivers a raw and urgent message to parents: Know where your children are, who they’re with, and what they’re doing this summer.

From BB gun “drive-bys” to fighting in the streets, vaping, drug use, and senseless acts of violence — the stakes have never been higher. She challenges parents to break the cycle, stop making excuses, and start taking full accountability for what happens outside their presence.

This episode is more than a warning — it’s a call to action to search the book bags, install the cameras, ask the hard questions, and bring the village back. Because silence and assumption will not protect your child. Awareness and action will.

In this powerful and practical episode of A Note From the Principal’s Desk, Dr. Shepard shares real, relatable strategies to help parents keep their children academically engaged during the summer. From setting routines to choosing the right books, incorporating math and science, and even creating cozy reading corners at home—she covers it all.

Dr. Shepard also reminds us of the importance of writing, emotional connection, and breaking generational habits, all while encouraging parents to be intentional, even in the busiest seasons. Whether you have 10 minutes or a full day, you can make a difference this summer.

Bonus: A list of must-have apps and free resources to jumpstart your child’s summer learning journey.

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Shepard sounds the alarm on two disturbing trends affecting today’s youth: the misuse of “Honey Packs” (Viagra) and the rise of vape-style breath mints. These aren’t just internet fads—they’re reaching our schools, our scholars, and even our youngest students. Dr. Shepard breaks down what these terms mean, how they’re being accessed, and why parents, caregivers, and educators must act fast. This is your call to check in, have real conversations, and stay alert—because the more we know, the better we protect our children.

#YourFavoriteSchoolLeader

In this gripping episode of A Note From the Principal’s Desk, Dr. Shepard breaks down a dangerous new TikTok trend that’s setting more than just devices on fire — it’s igniting real consequences. Scholars are inserting metal objects into Chromebook charging ports, causing explosions, smoke, and injury — all in the name of social media fame.

But this episode isn’t just about fire safety — it’s a full call to action. Dr. Shepard urges parents, educators, and community leaders to monitor digital behavior, educate children about the dangers of trends, and stop passing the blame to schools. If we want change, we all must get involved — now.

#YourFavoriteSchoolLeader

In this important note from the principal’s desk, Dr. Shepard sheds light on the dangers of a new website called "Hentai," which children might access thinking it's harmless anime content. Unfortunately, it’s a site where explicit pornography is disguised as cartoons. Dr. Shepard urges parents to take action by monitoring their children's devices, checking apps, and keeping track of what they're exposed to online. With the rise of clever ways children are accessing inappropriate material, Dr. Shepard emphasizes the need for parental involvement, setting up parental controls, and having open conversations about sensitive topics. This episode aims to help keep kids safe in an increasingly digital world.

#YourFavoriteSchoolLeader

In this powerful episode of A Note From the Principal’s Desk, Dr. Shepard tackles the often-hidden reality of student homelessness — and the stigma surrounding it. She breaks down what it truly means to be homeless under federal education law and challenges educators, parents, and communities to shift their lens from judgment to compassion.

From misunderstood situations to the impact on a child’s behavior and academics, this episode is a passionate call to action. Dr. Shepard not only names the issue — she offers real, tangible ways families, churches, and businesses can help. Because no child should have to choose between survival and school.

#YourFavoriteSchoolLeader