Roma Morris, Administrator of the Year

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Dr. Morris, Principal of Simpson Central School, was selected as the Administrator of the Year for the Simpson County School District by her administrative peers. Dr. Morris said, “It is an honor to be selected by my peers as the Administrator of the Year for the district, and I take much pride in being an effective principal for my students, for my teachers, and for my parents who expect the best for their child. I believe that believing in your teachers and students is extremely important. Forming relationships built on support, trust, encouragement, and honesty, as well as feeling comfortable sharing ideas with a sense of appreciation for everyone’s input is critical to taking steps forward within each school year. Effective administrators have “hard calls” to make in ensuring the school year is successful/improving. Everyone must do their best for each child each day. When or if this does not happen, the administrator must take steps for effectiveness in the classroom to take place, speak with parents, and/or speak with the student. Everyone must be on board and working toward achievement and appropriate behaviors. Parental support is a huge piece of the success puzzle. Parents must know the school is offering their very best and that they are listened to when they have a concern. When parents support education, read daily with their child, ensure their child completes, understands, and turns in their homework, and keep in touch with the classroom teacher as to concerns and progress of their child throughout the school year, students are more likely to take their education seriously and do their best. Every area of the operations of a school must work together to create a good school year for all.”

Dr. Morris has served Simpson Central School for the past three years. During this time, Simpson Central has earned the highest level of accreditation by the State Department of Education, Level A Status. The school has also been awarded the Preps Award in English/Language Arts and Math for the past two years and also been awarded The Champions of Change Award for the past two years. During these three years, the school has also created an archery team that has earned the State Championship Titles for all 3 years at both the elementary and middle school division. Most recently 25 members of the Simpson Central Archery Team competed in Kentucky at the National Tournament. Simpson Central came in 34^th competing against 201 middle school teams. The school has also had teachers to volunteer to serve as sponsors for the new Tigerettes Dance Team. The Dance Team has performed in local parades and are looking for new ideas for next year. The school has also received the National Beta School of Distinction Award for the past 2 years. SCS has also been awarded the Fit Friendly School Gold Achievement Award from the American Heart Association. SCS has much to be proud of but Morris said, “Everyone has a job to do at SCS and everyone is responsible. It shows in all that they do and I am so proud of the entire staff at SCS!”

Dr. Morris is a graduate of Jones County Junior College where she graduated with an Associates Degree in Elementary Education. Continuing her education at the University of Southern Mississippi, Morris earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. She continued on to William Carey University where she earned a double masters in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership. Morris, later in 2003, pursued her doctorate degree from Mississippi State University and graduated in 2005, publishing her dissertation of a ten year data study on the effects of arts integration in elementary schools and earning a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.  Morris is in her twenty-fifth year in education serving as an administrator for the past twenty years. Prior to this, Morris taught fourth Grade at Magee Elementary, kindergarten and fourth grade at Simpson Central and fifth and sixth grades at Rawls Springs Elementary. Morris has also worked six years teaching doctoral, specialist, and masters level classes for Delta State University.

Dr. Morris is a life-long resident of Simpson County living in Magee. She began first grade at Magee Elementary and graduated from Magee High School. She has one daughter, Whitney Frasier, living in Alabama with her husband, Brett, and their two boys, James Fleet and Caleb. Morris is the daughter of Doris Windham Smith and the late Romeo Raymond Windham.