FRANKLIN
Dr. Sherie Davis, the new principal at S.P. Morton Elementary School, intends to not only empower students, but also the faculty and staff, helping everyone have the confidence they need to succeed.

“I hope to bring my positivity and wealth of knowledge to everybody here at Franklin City Public Schools,” Davis said. “I want to empower the students and the staff, and inspire them to want to learn. I am a strong believer that everybody can learn.”

Something that Davis really wants to improve at S.P. Morton is literacy, as she is making this a school-wide initiative.

“I want the students to be excited about coming to school to learn and literacy is something that is a big thing across the board,” she said.

Davis also feels that it is important to have a positive school environment and making sure that everyone feels welcomed. She wants the students to feel comfortable learning and the teachers to feel comfortable teaching. She added that school should be a safe, conducive place for all.

Davis is bringing a new lesson as well.

“Something new we are going to be concentrating on is teaching the students to be respective, responsible and productive,” she continued. “I really want to focus on that and teach them to carry it out in their lives past S.P. Morton.”

Davis also noted that it takes everyone for the students to succeed in and out of school, including the teachers, parents and the community, which is why she has planned a Meet the Principal Day to help open up the road between S.P. Morton, herself and the community.

“This is going to be my opener to meet the community and the S.P. Morton family,” she said. “There are going to be bounce houses, hot dogs, popcorn and we are going to be giving out books to students.”

This event will take place at the school on Tuesday, Aug. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m.

“I’m just really excited to be here and so thankful for this opportunity,” Davis continued. “The reason I’m here is for the kids and I want to help them improve and to be successful. I love to see those light bulb moments and see how proud they are of themselves when they get something.

“I also believe the staff here is a great staff,” she added. “Everyone has been so welcoming. I have great confidence we will be very successful.”

Davis is a Boykins native who graduated from Southampton High in 1999.

She attended Virginia State University where she received her degree in computer science and math in 2003.

Her first job was at Franklin High School. She received her master’s degree in 2009 from Regent University and her doctorate from Grand Canyon University 2013.

Davis has also taught in North Carolina and at Lakeland High School for 11 years, where she was also the cheerleading coach. Most recently she served as the assistant principal at Southampton Middle School.

Davis is the daughter of Richard Sr. and Earline Davis of Boykins and is the oldest of four children.