Music that Describes Dr. Samantha
Dr. Samantha Francis has been nominated for the LifeChanger of the Year award by an anonymous colleague.
"Excellence happens on purpose" is Dr. Francis' motto, as she genuinely is excellent on purpose. Three words that could describe her (but never fully encompass all she is) include compassionate, dedicated, and empowering.
Dr. Francis is a LifeChanger and difference-maker for a myriad of reasons. She has a school of around 550 students, knows their names, and greets them by name each day. Dr. Francis is a fearless principal who jumps in and teaches when the opportunity arises, returning her to her teaching roots. She is a leader, not a boss; she is on the front line of any school project instead of telling her colleagues what to do from afar. Dr. Francis is always hands-on and motivates others to do the same.
Dr. Francis makes a broader impact by fundraising for local charities, collecting items for her local church's food pantry, and ensuring her students see her outside the office. She puts effort into building relationships and ensuring people know she cares. Dr. Francis gets to school early to complete her work before students arrive to be present with them in the halls or cafeteria or stop in their classrooms to say hello. In addition to arriving early, Dr. Francis is known to stay late, as she does all she can to help strengthen the school's bond. She is a "local celebrity" when she is spotted out and about in the community by her younger students.
Dr. Francis is focused on her school's culture and creating a kind environment for everyone. She takes every opportunity to recognize excellence within her student body. Dr. Francis is always doing professional development for herself or thinking of ways to help improve the overall experience of her school. One superb example of her compassion is her randomly calling students into her office to speak with them and check in.
"In an interview, Dr. Francis described an interaction where she asked one of her students, 'Do you even realize how beautiful you are?' I have never known another principal to set aside time to talk to students in such a way," said the nominator. "Her 'kids' are excited to see her. They view her with respect but also with admiration and appreciation. She is a team-builder and the first person to jump in and help whenever and wherever necessary. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, you could find Dr. Francis masked up, scrubbing down our recess equipment before school so kids could play at recess time."
Another example of her selfless servitude is when the school was short-staffed with maintenance workers, so she suited up and shoveled parking lots to ensure families could safely arrive at school. In addition, when there was not enough help for the after-school program, Dr. Francis filled in. She never stops looking for ways to give her students the very best experience possible.
As mentioned earlier, Dr. Francis' motto is "Excellence happens on purpose." She has developed such a rapport with the entire school community and beyond. Dr. Francis has helped parents in need find childcare. She has provided staff professional development presentations (with refreshments) with her own time and money. Dr. Francis has checked in on teachers who are new or struggling with anything and made sure they felt seen and heard. Dr. Francis goes above and beyond for students, staff, and community members. She spends hours planning special events. Dr. Francis dedicates any extra time to bettering herself and the school community. Dr. Francis is the type of principal that kids could easily slip up and call her "mom" because she cares for them that much. Dr. Francis has laid a foundation of faith, academics, service, and leadership that inspires and brings out the best in all she comes to know! If anyone is a LifeChanger, it has to be Dr. Francis.
I have been associated with St. Thomas More School for many years and have had the opportunity to personally know many of the principals at St. Thomas More School. In those many years, none have stood out as much as Dr. Samantha Francis! Her consistent dedication to the school and most importantly, its students, cannot be measured in mere words, but observe her selfless deeds and your will find volumes. The school motto, " Excellence Happens on Purpose" is something that she not only lives by, but inspires all to follow, as well, whether it be teachers, staff or students, as she knows that all will rise to high standards where much is expected. She is fair, strict (but fun), determined, faith-filled, optimistic, strong and never asks anyone, young or older, to do anything that she would not do herself. She puts the needs and goals of our STMS students above all else and ensures that everything is done to help each student find personal success! Our school has seen a huge jump in enrollment, as well as student success under her tenure and I know that St. Thomas More School has many more milestones to meet under her leadership. I hope that you will consider her for the prestigious Life Changer of the Year award...she has already impacted so many young lives for the good.
Dr.Francis' moto,"Exellence happens on purpose," has made a big impact on my children's lives. With her charisma, enthusiasm, and dedication, she has been a real life changer. My children feel more motivated and inspired to work harder by her example. I feel very comfortable when my kids are at STM because Dr. Francis is a very trustworthy person who cares for every soul in that building.
She is the nicest principal I’ve ever had. She’s done an excellent job.
Dr. Francis is relentless in her support of the students. it is through her never ending work that the school has achieved the blue ribbon status. we can’t thank her enough for all that she does.
Dr. Francis always goes above and beyond, she demonstrates genuine care for students' academic and personal well-being.
My name is Delia Smires and my daughter goes to St. Thomas More. One of the reasons I chose St. Thomas is because of Dr. Francis. As someone who works in HR in the education field I know and understand first hand the importance of having inspiring, dedicated leaders in our schools. Dr. Francis is hands on, honest, and inspires not only students but parents to participate and do their best. We are truly one community. She is a life changer because she motivates my daughter and hundreds of students to be excellent and practice it every day. Thank you Dr. Francis! We are lucky to have you.
When our class found out Dr. Francis was nominated for this award, they were so excited for her! The 17 first graders in my care describe Dr. Francis as - kind, loving, supportive, special, caring, excellent, and "the best". They immediately can't stop saying how they love her. They say that her smile makes their day better, that when she greets them, they feel loved. It's truly so precious to see what an impact Dr. Francis has had on these students, and all of the students at STMS. What a testament? What more could someone want in their principal?
As their teacher - I'm writing this because they were adamant that their opinions be heard. They want so badly for their principal to win this honor. I couldn't agree more.
Dr. Francis has been an inspiration to many of us here at St. Thomas More School. When Dr. Francis first became our principal, she had a vision for our school's future, to build a stronger faith-filled community, as well as to grow academically. All decisions Dr. Francis makes are focused on these two areas, always putting the needs of the students first. Dr. Francis continuously looks for ways to improve the faith and educational lives of our students, parents, and staff. We all benefit from Dr. Francis' presence at St. Thomas More School.
Do you remember the parable about the mustard seed? That is what Dr. Francis's journey reminds me of. As a young girl she attended St. Thomas More School. A seed was planted into young Samantha. Then life goes on. Life offers us many opportunities and challenges, just like the little seed. We can wither and die, try and give up, or decide to make something of our self.
Dr. Francis has followed many different paths in her lifetime. Her last adventurous path led her back to St. Thomas More School. Here she has found a niche that not only allows her to fill her lives passion of education but has given her the opportunity to give back to her roots. She is always searching for ways to improve our school by giving the students encouragement and the use of new tools to be the best that they can be. Every child has a gift that needs to be nurtured and developed.
Samantha Francis, I am sure there are many of your former teachers looking at your accomplishments and are very proud of you. God now has given you the opportunity to plant those "mustard seeds" in each and every student that walks through the doors of St. Thomas More School. STM is celebrating 75 years this year as a school. Let's pray that the next 75 are as fruitful and blossom because of the efforts of educators like you. Remember, EXCELLENCE HAPPENS on PURPOSE!! May God continue to bless you.
In getting to know Dr. Francis I have great respect for her passion and dedication to the students, families, and staff at St. Thomas More. Dr. Francis leads by example, is just and fair, and truly loves her job. Our family appreciates her and we appreciate being a part of St. Thomas More School! We love being involved in school activities. We feel supported in the education and growth of our children and their future through the Blue Ribbon education they are fortunate to receive. Dr. Francis’s leadership and dedication towards our children’s education is recognized through this award.
Reading all these comments about Dr Samantha makes me even prouder to say that she has been a part of my life and my family's since she was in school at STMS. No one deserves this nomination more than she does . I have been witness to the many hours that she devotes to making her school the very best .
Dr. Francis's dedication to her students and staff is inspiring. She goes above and beyond to create a positive and supportive learning environment. I'm appreciative of her contributions to the St Thomas More School community.
Dr. Francis is a blessing disguised as a Catholic School Principal. She’s hardworking, dedicated, caring, and relatable! She’s SO on fire for the Lord and it shines in her eyes when she speaks. I’m very grateful and blessed to work with (for) a leader like her.
Dr. Francis is an incredible leader. She is extremely supportive and dedicated to all her students and staff. She always has a smile on her face and carry’s herself with grace and dignity at all times. She truly is a fantastic principal and I think we are all lucky to have her as ours at St. Thomas More.
Dr. Francis is a leader that you would want to follow. She is dedicated to her work and shows passion. I feel blessed to have her. She leads with the Lord and encourages others to trust and lean on the Lord in all things.
When I started working for her I was praying for a work environment where I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. Shortly after my start date, I realized that the Holy Spirit was encouraged by Dr. Francis. She creates a solid foundation of spirit, professionalism, love, leadership, and high academic performance.
Dr. Francis is a wonderful leader at St. Thomas More. She knows the students names and will often be seen in the hallways or classrooms. She supports the staff/teachers and is always willing to lend a helping hand. We are blessed to have her be our school leader.
Dr. Francis is the most visible principal I have ever worked with. She can be seen at early morning drop off, dismissal, in the hallway, classrooms, cafeteria, fine arts and athletic programs, and various committee meetings. She substitutes when needed and she can be seen shoveling snow. She makes time or her students and staff. She offers a unique once a month program called "Coffee with the Principal. where parents are invited to come to an open forum type setting event to ask questions and of course drink coffee and have a few snacks. She is truly a life changing servant.
As a music teacher, I have worked with many school principals, and I think that Dr. Francis is one of the best. She has the respect of both the teachers and the students and, with loving authority, she guides them to be the best that they can be.
Dr. Samantha Francis has brought excellence to St. Thomas More School in many ways. She extends herself to students and parents/staff and has continually thought of ways towards improvement both spiritually and academically. She has the ability to encourage everyone to do their best for themselves and STMS. That can be life changing for growing minds as they learn anything is possible with hard work and positive attitudes. We have been blessed to have her leading us to self achievements and the continued growth of St. Thomas More School.
Dr. Francis is incredibly supportive. She takes the time to show care and attention to every student and employee. I don't know how she finds the time.
Two years ago, I mentioned to Dr. Zabaneh I was starting a job at St. Toms and he said that Samantha has been doing great things for this school. He said Dr. Francis would be a wonderful boss to work under. Let us fan her flames of success causing an Inferno that can't be extinguished.
Dr. Francis is truly wonderful! Her servant heart and dedicated leadership shine through in all she does.
