Meet the Principal
Welcome families and friends. My name is Brad Edwards, principal at Emma L. Smith Elementary School. This will be my 19th year in education, all here in Stockbridge Community Schools. I began my career at Stockbridge in 2003, teaching computer applications and technology at the middle school level. In 2011, I became the Middle School Principal and served in that role for two years. I started at Smith Elementary at the beginning of the 2013-14 school year and this will be my seventh year as principal. I live in Howell with my wife, Robin, and our four children. We have a 16 year-old son named Sam, 15 year-old son named Caleb, 12 year-old son named Nathan, and a nine year-old son named Josh. Yes, four boys. It’s crazy but very fun. Even though I didn’t graduate from the University of Michigan, but as many of your students will tell you, I am a huge Michigan fan.
We have many points of pride here at Smith, and it all stems from the hard work our entire staff and students put in each and every day. We root ourselves and take pride in our Multi-tier System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavior Intervention Supports programs (PBIS). Our MTSS process allows us to evaluate each and every student academically throughout the school year to create an individual plan of supports (focus groups) that students attend four times per week. Through our PBIS program called "Panther Pride," it is our goal to create a safe learning environment for each and every student. A few times each year, students are taught what it means to "Be Safe, Responsible and Respectful" in all areas of the school and in areas of their social lives with friends and family. Students earn Panther Paws and class paws throughout the day when they exhibit this behavior and are rewarded for making Panther Pride decisions. These programs can only be successful with a positive school-to-home relationship, and that is a main goal of all our staff here at Smith Elementary.
Our staff is eager to work with you. I am always available to discuss school issues with you. I can be reached via email, voicemail or by setting up an appointment. We’re excited about the learning opportunities ahead! We welcome your involvement and your participation in making Smith Elementary the best place for your children to spend their days!
