Experience RePublic: Our Voice, Our Story, Our Connection
At RePublic Schools, it is essential to uplift the voices of our scholars and staff, share the stories that change lives, and highlight the connection that allows us to advance our mission of love, achievement, and anti-racism. In the Our Voice, Our Story, Our Connection series, you will hear from scholars, staff, and school leaders about why they continue to choose RePublic each day.
We caught up with Ms. D’Erica Morgan, Assistant Principal of Scholar Experience at Smilow Collegiate to hear her story and how she actively makes a lasting impact on our scholars’ lives.
Ms. Morgan, please tell us a little about your background with RePublic Schools.
My name is D’Erica Morgan. I am a native of Greenville, Mississippi, a small town in the heart of the delta. I relocated to Jackson, Mississippi, where I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. I’ve always had a vision of excellence for scholars in low-income areas. I began my journey with RePublic Schools in 2015. I am a founding elementary teacher who has served in many capacities within RePublic’s organization. I was successfully promoted to leadership after displaying several leadership competencies as a teacher during the 2017 school year under the leadership of Charles Stanley and Kia Prude. I am thrilled to continue my journey as an assistant principal for the organization.
Our Voice
How do you believe your voice contributes to the collective voice of our school network, and why is it important to be heard?
As a leader, I desire to advocate for the scholars in our organization to ensure they receive the access and resources needed for their future careers. My vision aligns with the network’s mission, which contributes to the success of our collaborative work. Additionally, I am known for my compassion as a leader and for being the voice for change. I am committed to continuing the work to address generational patterns that do not promote academic success.
Our Story
Can you share a memorable moment or experience that exemplifies the spirit of our school network? How did this moment impact you personally?
During the 2023-2024 academic year, I led the “Scholar Experience” at Smilow Collegiate. I observed that many Hispanic students were struggling with a sense of belonging due to their race and cultural background. In September, I took the initiative to create a stronger sense of belonging for our Hispanic population. I achieved this by delivering daily messages over the intercom and organizing the reciting of the pledge in Spanish. Although these actions may seem small, the impact was intentional and meaningful. Seeing the joy on the students’ faces confirmed the success of our efforts to create a sense of belonging. This is a memorable and proud moment for me.
How does understanding and sharing our collective stories help to strengthen our community and culture within the school network?
Sharing our collective stories will provide impactful ideas that would help us build our community in ways that strengthen our organizations in both regions.
Our Connection
How do you foster meaningful connections with scholars, fellow team members, and the broader community? How do these connections support our shared goals and values?
I highly prioritize establishing long-term relationships with students, families, and staff in our community. I believe that when families and schools collaborate, it greatly benefits the overall well-being of students. Research has shown that when parents are actively involved in their children’s education, it can have a positive impact on the child’s mental health, social and emotional development, and academic performance. I am committed to making sure that everyone feels valued and that their voices are heard.
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