A Note From The Principal's Desk

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...

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 classmates. From kindergarten to high sch...

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 navigating a difficult season or leading th...

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 child's life—not just academically, ...

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 rise of early exposure to sexual c...

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 emotional weight of supporting chi...

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 left in the school year, now is the ti...

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 fairness. Whether you're a parent, ...

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 education? Tune in to explore the ro...

March Madness isn’t just for basketball—it’s also crunch time for students preparing for end-of-year assessments! In this episode, Dr. Shepard shares practical, time-tested study habits to help students stay focused, organized, and ready for success. From creating dedicated study spaces to developing effective note-taking techniques, these strategies are designed to support parents in reinforcing learning at home. Tune in for exper...

Education is the foundation of success, and keeping the main thing—the main thing—means prioritizing instruction. In this episode, we dive into valuable academic resources that parents can use to support their children at home. Whether your child isn’t bringing home homework or you just want to reinforce learning, these tools will help bridge the gap between school and home. With a firm belief that academics drive success in an inc...

Education isn’t just about grades and test scores—it’s about nurturing the whole child. In this episode, we explore the critical role of social-emotional learning (SEL) in supporting students beyond academics, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With increased trauma and emotional challenges, schools have been called to invest more deeply in SEL programs to meet scholars where they are. How do we balance academic rigor...

Is there a difference between babysitting and educating? Absolutely. Yet, many in the education field feel undervalued, underpaid, and unrecognized for their expertise and dedication. In this episode, we unpack the distinction between caregivers and trained educators—those who have spent years earning degrees, certifications, and specialized knowledge to shape the minds of the next generation. Why are teachers often treated as glor...

Education is often seen as a neutral ground, but the truth is, it's one of the most politically driven arenas. In this episode, we dive into the intersection of politics and education, focusing on Project 2025 and its implications for the future of schooling. With discussions on the proposed dismantling of the Department of Education, we explore why it's crucial to stay informed and elect leaders who align with your educational val...

Divorce and separation are tough, but for children—especially middle and high schoolers—the impact runs deep. As a middle school principal, I see firsthand how family dynamics shape a child’s behavior, emotions, and academic success. In this episode, we discuss the importance of co-parenting with unity, the signs that your child may be struggling, and practical ways to ensure that, no matter your situation, your child feels support...

Testing season is here, and for many scholars, that means more than just answering questions—it means battling anxiety. As educators, we see the signs: sweating, fidgeting, panic, even complete shutdowns. In this episode, we break down the symptoms of test anxiety and, more importantly, share proven strategies to help scholars manage stress and perform at their best. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, this episode offers...

Just because your child has a friend at school doesn’t mean you know what’s happening in their home. As an educator, I’ve heard the Monday morning stories—the things kids experience over the weekend that no parent would ever want for their child. From unsafe environments to traumatic experiences, sleepovers can expose children to risks that parents never see coming. This podcast is a wake-up call to vet the families, ask the hard q...

Parents, it’s time to wake up. The digital world is exposing our children to things we never imagined, and as a principal, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when their phones get confiscated. From secret group chats to hidden social media interactions, the things lurking behind those screens are shocking. This podcast is your guide to staying one step ahead—how to monitor, what to look for, and why being involved in your child’s onl...

(Throw back episode) In today’s world, the challenges facing our children are more heartbreaking and disturbing than ever. As parents, we often start strong—showing up for elementary school events—only to step back during the crucial middle school years, assuming we can pick back up in high school. But what happens in that gap? What dangers, influences, and experiences are shaping our kids when we’re not looking?

Join us as we dive ...