McGruder returns to Canton with a passion for education

By Inesha Jackson

Newly appointed assistant principal Dr. Shelethia Manning McGruder says she is excited to be back home at Canton High School for this school year. Dr. McGruder graduated from Canton High School in 1991. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Mississippi Valley State University. Afterward, she earned a Master of Arts, Educational Specialist, and Doctorate degrees in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College. Dr. McGruder has worked in the field of education for over twenty years, sixteen of which have been dedicated to the Canton Public School District. She has served as a middle and high school English teacher, coached cheerleading, softball and track, and served as assistant principal for Nichols Middle School. In May of 2021, Dr. McGruder was appointed to serve as an assistant principal for Canton High School. 

“There were few adjustments to be made in the transition from middle school assistant principal to high school assistant principal. I am elated to have the opportunity to return to where I started my career in the Canton Public School District. This high school is home for me. Since most of my teaching experience was at the high school level, I am accustomed to interacting with high school scholars and teachers, and I look forward to serving in this new role to help our district reach its goals,” McGruder said.

“One of the things I believe teachers, staff and students can learn from me is patience and perseverance. We have all been forced outside of our comfort zones, and we all have to switch gears to readjust . . .We have to persevere if we want to realize the end goal, and that is producing scholars that will ultimately leave a positive footprint on this school, community and society. Our district motto states, ‘Perseverance Conquers All,’ and, with us all working together, we can accomplish the goals we desire to achieve,” McGruder said.

Dr. McGruder, a product of the Canton community, says she is committed to serving students and assisting them in academic and personal growth.
“Things are off to an amazing start here at Canton High School. Returning students came eager to get reacquainted with staff and reconnect with friends they have not socialized with since the pandemic. New students came filled with curiosity and ready to meet their new teachers and step into their first experience of high school. Our staff came determined to ensure that the transition from virtual learning to in-person learning was seamless as possible,” McGruder said. 

Some of her goals are to assist scholars with readjusting to in-person learning, to make sure that students and staff are safe and healthy, and to assist in filling in any gaps that may have occurred during virtual learning. To achieve these goals, the administration has hosted parent and student grade level meetings to keep everyone updated on the procedures and expectations for this school year. To keep everyone safe from the virus, students and staff are following CDC guidelines for in-person learning. COVID-19 vaccinations are also available on campus.

“The expectations for students and staff this year are the same as they have always been. Our scholars are expected to commit to doing their part to make sure that they receive a quality education from some of the most gifted teachers in our state and they are expected to focus on making academic gains despite the issues we all are facing because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” McGruder said. 

“The advice I want to give students for this school year is to believe that you can, then work to make it happen. I would encourage students to stay focused, stay positive, seek guidance from those who are invested in enhancing and uplifting them. Do not wallow in negativity. Seek the positive. Prepare for greatness. Contribute positively to someone else’s life, and reap blessings from the Lord,” McGruder said.