Versatile Educator Arcinko G. Smith Brings Extensive Knowledge and Experience to Principal Position
Somerville, Tennessee (July 11, 2024) – Superintendent Dr. Versie R. Hamlett is delighted to announce the selection of Mrs. Arcinko G. Smith as the new Principal of LaGrange-Moscow Elementary. Mrs. Smith has held several roles in Fayette County Public Schools, including District Numeracy Coordinator and Assistant Principal of Oakland Elementary and BuckleyCarpenter. Her appointment as Principal of LaGrange-Moscow is particularly significant as it reflects her early home community in Tunica, MS, highlighting her exceptional ability to forge bonds and build relationships.
Mrs. Smith began her educational career over 30 years ago at Tipton County Schools Rosa Fort Elementary as a special education teacher assistant in 1994. That same year, she became a middle school teacher at Tunica Junior High School. Mrs. Smith joined Memphis City Schools in 1996 as a Dewitt-Wallace Pathways to Teaching Scholar. As a legacy MCS educator, she served in various roles, including classroom teacher, lead teacher/administrator, summer school coordinator, assistant principal, and principal. Her career has taken her through charter, public, rural, tribal, and urban schools. Among her most rewarding experiences are being the closing principal of her alma mater, Coro Lake Elementary, in 2012, serving as Choctaw Tribal Schools Elementary Math Consultant through The Kirkland Group in 2016, and Fayette County Public Schools receiving the Math Implementation Support Grant in 2022.
After graduating from Memphis City Schools Westwood High School in 1988, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Fitness Management from Memphis State University. She earned a Master of Science in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, became a member of the Memphis Leadership Fellows Elite 11, and received her certification in Administration and Supervision from the University of Memphis in 1997. Mrs. Smith comes from a family with an accomplished educational background, as both her parents were educators in Tennessee and Mississippi. She is married to Sergeant Qadeer Smith of the Memphis Police Department and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. They have five children: Enrique (Alexandria), a U.S. Army Corporal; Shelby, Mahogany, and India, all residing in Texas. They also have three fur babies: Biscuit Jr., Boo, and Boxer.
At LaGrange-Moscow Elementary, Mrs. Smith has two main focuses: continuing the school’s upward trajectory of achievement and growth by improving teachers and enhancing school safety.
“I am proud to have Mrs. Smith leading LaGrange-Moscow Elementary. Her extensive experience and genuine passion for students will guide LMES students and staff along a continued path of growth and achievement. I eagerly anticipate the great things she will accomplish at LaGrange-Moscow,” said Dr. Versie Hamlett.
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