Hempstead ISD is excited to announce that Dr. Rhonda Smith has been appointed as the new Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Coordinator. Dr. Smith currently serves as the Hempstead Middle School principal. In this role, Dr. Smith will have an even greater opportunity to positively impact the educational experiences of students across the district.
The MTSS Coordinator manages a Multi-Tiered System of Supports to ensure every student achieves their personal and academic potential. This role involves identifying students’ needs early, providing targeted interventions at varying levels of support, and ensuring consistent and effective application across the entire district.
Dr. Smith will oversee several key areas including:
Coordinating and Implementing Effective Interventions: Ensure that both academic and behavioral interventions meet the diverse needs of our students, enhancing our ability to provide high-quality instruction.
Integrating Social and Emotional Learning: Work with counseling teams to coordinate the implementation of SEL interventions, promoting students’ well-being and social development.
HB 1416 Compliance: Manage the district’s compliance with House Bill 1416, overseeing the documentation and implementation of accelerated learning requirements. This includes coordinating summer school programs for students needing acceleration, and ensuring that the district exceeds state mandates.
Training and Coaching: Establish comprehensive training and ongoing coaching for all staff on the MTSS framework and procedures. This initiative is designed to ensure that every member of our educational community is equipped to identify and respond to student needs promptly and effectively.
Her leadership will play a crucial role in making sure everyone involved understands their role in supporting each student’s educational journey.
"We have been given the opportunity to make a positive impact on every student of Hempstead ISD,” Dr. Smith said. Each student has the potential to be their very best. Our role is to guide and empower them so they may discover their very best selves."
Dr. Smith’s extensive experience and her previous successes as a principal provide her with a unique perspective that will be invaluable in this new capacity. Hempstead ISD is excited about the potential for her to extend her impact through innovative practices and a systematic approach to education.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Rhonda Smith on her new role and offering her full support as she takes on these exciting new challenges.