Discovering Purpose and Performance at Katherine Smith Elementary

Founded in 1954, Katherine Smith Elementary was named in honor of Katherine Hoyt Smith (1876–1970), a pioneer in education who dedicated 40 years of her life to teaching at the White Oak Community School nearby. 

Today, the campus carries forward her commitment to student learning as a proud New Education System (NES) and Dual Language campus.

Principal Melinda Daugherty leads a team focused on ensuring students find their confidence in two languages.

"We are a dual language campus, and we are super proud of the work we have done here," says Principal Daugherty. "We have students who are confident in both English and Spanish."

Legacy of Connection

At the heart of the culture at Smith are the deep connections between its staff. Reading teacher Amy Carroll has been with the school for over 20 years.

"We have long-standing relationships here," Carroll says. "We really are a family."

It is common to find staff members who have served for decades, many of whom are now teaching the children of their former students. This generational connection creates a unique bond that keeps the spirit of the school alive year after year.

Student Spotlight: Carlos’s Journey

Fifth-grader Carlos Montufar is an example of the school’s mission. When Carlos started at Smith, he spoke only Spanish. Today, he’s now bilingual and thrives on a challenge.

"I like questions that are difficult," he says. "I want to solve it. It gives me more excitement." 

As he prepares for middle school, Carlos is most excited about gaining even more knowledge and spreading kindness to his peers. 

Special Education teacher Ana Garcia believes this success is inevitable when the environment is right.

"This is a happy school,” she says. “I truly believe that when kids are happy, when everyone is happy... learning happens."

Rhythm, Voice, and Determination

Walking through the halls of Smith, you don’t just see the activity—you hear it. The vibrant energy of the campus is perhaps best captured when the rhythmic chants of the cheer team echo through the walls of the piano lab. 

Under the guidance of Coach Amie Johnson, the cheerleaders aren't just learning routines; they are finding their voices. For fifth-grade captains Charlotte Honore and Khyara Lagos, the experience has helped shape their confidence.

"Being a cheerleader here is just a really great experience," Charlotte reflects. "I’ve learned how to project my voice and how not to be stage shy."

Khyara recalls a time when the volume of the chants felt like a hurdle. 

"Saying the loud stuff... it was pretty hard for me, but then I got the confidence to do it," she says. "That’s how I got to be captain."

Inside the dance room the music of Selena fills the air, and the students—decked out in their K Smith Sweetheart shirts, dance shoes, and signature red lipstick—perfectly emulate the energy of the late singer. For teacher Alyssa Vela, it is important that the dance room serves as a safe space for students to channel their energy. 

“I always encourage them to express,” Vela says. “If you’re mad, show it to me in a dance. If you’re sad, I want to see it in a dance.”

While the dance room is about emotional expression through music, the Piano Club uses music to build a different kind of strength: focus. 

About 60 fourth and fifth graders work under the direction of teacher Tri Ibarra. During a recent practice, the room was filled with the sound of students learning to play "Jingle Bells." To guide them through the melody, Ibarra called out numbers to help the students hit the right keys and maintain their rhythm. This level of concentration is what makes the elective so popular. Romel Murillo, a fourth grader in the club, notes that success comes down to focus and "doing what the teacher told you to do."

Whether they are finding the right notes at the piano, projecting their voices during cheers, or dancing to the beat, these students are developing skills that will carry them through life. 

Campus Close-Up: Katherine Smith Elementary 

Check out our Campus Close-Up: Katherine Smith Elementary playlist below to see students and staff bring purpose and performance to life every single day.