A Note From The Principal's Desk

In this heartfelt episode of Another Note from the Principal’s Desk , Dr. Shepard speaks directly to educators, leaders, parents, and caregivers who are carrying far more than they were ever meant to bear. As the semester comes to a close, she offers a powerful reminder: rest is not a reward for finishing everything—it is a biblical command and a necessary act of trust in God. Drawing from Scriptu...

In this final installment of the trauma series, Dr. Shepard invites listeners into an honest, reflective, and deeply necessary conversation about one of the most misunderstood issues in schools, families, and adult relationships: the difference between a trauma response and a “bad attitude.” Drawing from personal experience, school leadership, trauma-informed practice, and faith, Dr. Shepard chall...

In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Dr. Shepard sits at the table with a dynamic panel of Black women in education and leadership to explore the intersection of trauma, identity, and leadership . Together, they trace how childhood wounds, family dynamics, loss, and unspoken expectations shaped the way they show up as principals, teachers, social workers, professors, coaches, and mothers. The w...

In Season 4, Episode 2 of A Note From the Principal’s Desk , Dr. Shepard is joined by three dynamic Black male educators and leaders— Leo Heath. Jr., Dexter Strowman, and Tyler Jones —for a raw, honest roundtable on trauma and Black men , especially those serving in schools and leadership. Together, they unpack: What trauma really looks and feels like for Black men—from childhood bullying and brok...

In this Season 4 opener, Dr. Shepard returns with a powerful and necessary conversation: trauma in children —what it is, how it shows up, and what adults must do differently. Speaking from nearly two decades of school leadership, Dr. Shepard breaks down trauma in simple, accessible language and offers clarity around acute, chronic, and complex trauma. She challenges educators, parents, and communi...

In the final episode of Season 3, Dr. Shepherd tackles a heavy but urgent topic—how societal beauty standards and the images we promote impact the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of our young women. Drawing from personal experiences as a mother, educator, and community leader, she sheds light on the dangers of unrealistic body expectations, the oversexualization of girls, and the devastati...

Tonight’s conversation is nothing short of powerful. Dr. Shepard sits down with the amazing Ms. Tiffany Flowers — an educator, leader, and visionary who, in her 20s, stepped out on faith to start a school dedicated to serving Black and Brown children. From typing out the vision on a road trip, to teaching in cafeterias and hallways, to proving skeptics wrong with a charter school built on excellen...

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 mean...

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 hap...

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 th...

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,...

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 wri...

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, an...

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 f...

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 e...

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...

In this urgent message from The Principal’s Desk , Dr. Shepard addresses a growing concern affecting schools nationwide — the accidental and intentional distribution of THC-infused edibles among students. She calls on parents who use such products to secure them properly, and urges all families to speak with their children about the dangers of accepting unsealed or unfamiliar food items from class...

In this episode of A Note From the Principal’s Desk, Dr. Shepard encourages educators, parents, and school leaders to remain steadfast and focused, even when challenges arise. She shares empowering insights about the importance of staying grounded in your purpose, trusting the process, and remembering that your position is often the preparation ground for the promise ahead. Whether you're navigati...

In this episode, Dr. Shepard, a middle school principal, dives into the topic of peer pressure, particularly as it affects middle school students. She emphasizes the critical role that parents play during these formative years when their children are seeking validation, choosing friends, and shaping their identity. Dr. Shepard shares valuable insights on the importance of staying engaged in your c...

In this episode, Dr. Shepherd, a middle school principal, addresses a crucial yet often uncomfortable topic for parents: talking to your kids about puberty, sexuality, and the pressures they face at an earlier age than many parents realize. Dr. Shepherd stresses the importance of initiating these conversations as early as elementary school, particularly for children in grades 3 through 8. With the...

In this heartfelt and honest episode, Dr. Shepard welcomes a very special guest—her dear friend and longtime educator, Ms. Carletta Lee. With 17+ years of experience, Ms. Lee shares the reality of life as a school social worker, from early mornings and crisis response to building deep, trusted relationships with students and families. Together, they unpack the misconceptions about social work, the...

In this empowering episode of The Principal’s Desk, Dr. Shepard encourages parents to start early when it comes to future planning for their children. From preschoolers with big imaginations to middle schoolers finding their voice, she breaks down how to recognize your child's interests, evaluate school options, and tailor educational choices to each child's unique strengths. With just 40 days lef...

In this eye-opening episode of The Principal’s Desk, Dr. Shepard tackles the tough but necessary topic of bullying—and what really happens behind the scenes when it’s reported. From the importance of evidence to the steps administrators take to investigate and intervene, Dr. Shepard breaks down school protocols, common misconceptions, and the delicate balance of protecting students while ensuring...

In this timely and crucial episode of The Principal’s Desk, Dr. Shepard dives into the impact of federal funding cuts on education and why community involvement is more important than ever. With hiring freezes and layoffs affecting even top educators, schools—especially Title I institutions—are facing unprecedented challenges. How can communities step up to support students and ensure equitable ed...