May 29, 2024
Its rating on the South Carolina Report Card has jumped two levels – from “Unsatisfactory” to
“Average.” Out-of-school suspensions have decreased while staff retention and satisfaction has
increased.
This progress has happened under the leadership of Roger Michael, and in recognition of his
work, the South Carolina Alliance of Black Educators has named Roger its Middle School
Principal of the Year.
“This prestigious recognition is a testament to your exceptional leadership, dedication, and
contributions to the field of education,” said Eric Jeffcoat, president of the Alliance of Black
School Educators. “Your exemplary service continues to inspire and uplift the educational
community.”
Roger moved to Meeting Street – Brentwood in May 2022 with nearly a decade of teaching and
leadership experience in Arkansas, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. He honed his
leadership skills as a principal, principal in resident, assistant principal and dean of students for
charter schools, and he also worked as a teacher and coach.
“Roger has been able to produce these types of results by focusing on building a strong school
culture and setting the bar of excellence high for students and families,” said Nikki Opoulos
Dickens, chief operating officer for Meeting Street Schools. “He leads his teams and school
community with intentionality, clarity, and a never-wavering commitment to doing what’s best for
his students.”
At Meeting Street – Brentwood, feedback from students and families on Roger’s leadership has
been heightened. More students feel confident in their ability to achieve while more parents feel
as if the school is helping their children learn, according to survey results.
Roger said he’s humbled to have been recognized and credited the entire school’s staff for
working together to foster a better culture that leads to better student outcomes.
“My focus is on supporting our teachers and staff to ensure our students achieve at the highest
levels,” he said. “I’m proud of what we’ve built together, and we will continue working as a team
to grow and be better for our students and families.”
Meeting Street – Brentwood is part of Meeting Street Schools, an innovative, non-profit network
of five schools dedicated to offering exceptional educational opportunities to all students. The
network includes one private school, two charter schools and two traditional neighborhood
public schools.
Join a community of incredible, passionate people working to change the lives of our students. Our compensation and benefits are a cut above the rest: the most competitive total compensation in the region.
Start Your Career!Meeting Street Schools (MSS) is an innovative non-profit where schools, families, and the community collaborate to create environments where all children can achieve their full potential. With a network of schools across South Carolina, including MSA-Charleston (Charleston, SC), MSA-Spartanburg (Spartanburg, SC), MS-Brentwood (North Charleston, SC), MS-Burns (North Charleston, SC), we are committed to providing students with the rigorous education they deserve.
Founded on the principle that every child deserves an excellent education regardless of their socio-economic background, Meeting Street Schools has been a beacon of hope and a testament to what's possible in education. Our schools are driven by a strong focus on student achievement, evidence-based instruction, and relentless support of our students and their families.
While united by our shared mission, each MSS campus, is unique in its character, tapping into the local spirit of the communities they serve. Explore each of our schools and discover how they're creating a brighter future for students in South Carolina.
Nestled in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, MSA Charleston is more than just a school—it’s a hub for innovative learning and community engagement. As part of the Meeting Street Schools network, MSA Charleston embodies a commitment to excellence through its rigorous academic programs, inclusive culture, and focus on developing the whole child. With a curriculum that emphasizes both academic and personal growth, MSA Charleston prepares students to be curious learners and active citizens of their community.
Meeting Street Academy – Spartanburg is as a pillar of educational innovation in the Spartanburg community. The school’s dedicated educators and supportive learning environment ensure that each child receives a high-quality, personalized education with exceptional faculty and teachers. The Academy is distinguished by its emphasis on community partnership, fostering relationships that extend beyond the classroom to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Meeting Street – Brentwood is a place where education meets opportunity. Serving the Brentwood area, this neighborhood Public School of Innovation is a testament to the transformative power of education. With a student-centered approach that celebrates diversity and encourages excellence, Meeting Street – Brentwood is dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Meeting Street – Brentwood also serves as a hub for the Brentwood community to access educational and wellness services. The school’s commitment to innovation, coupled with a warm, welcoming environment, makes it a standout in the Meeting Street Schools network.
Located in a community rich with history and culture, Meeting Street – Burns is renowned for its dynamic educational approach that intertwines traditional learning with modern teaching techniques. The school’s focus on experiential learning ensures that students at Meeting Street – Burns are not only recipients of knowledge but also active participants in their educational journey. The school exists to spark an educational revolution for the students and families in the Dorchester-Waylyn Neighborhood in North Charleston. With a commitment to creating a supportive and challenging academic environment, Meeting Street – Burns is forging a new path in public education.
“We come into work everyday truly believing that our students are capable of achieving anything that is put in front of them. Here at MSS, students are provided the opportunity to achieve success through the facilitation of well-educated teachers, resources, and a responsive classroom school environment.”
“MSA is a family. Once you’re in, you’re in. They said they would follow our kids from K-3 to college and they actually lived up to what they said they would do. Not only did MSA challenge my daughter academically but it also exposed her to new things that she probably wouldn’t have been exposed to at our previous neighborhood school. Our journey at MSA was exciting and rewarding. They actually walk the walk.”
Meeting Street Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, or national or ethnic in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships or loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
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