August 3, 2023 – Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 is proud to welcome back 2003 graduate Ms. Jennifer Root-Smith as an assistant principal at Collinsville High School for the 2023-24 school year.
Ms. Root-Smith grew up in Maryville, Illinois, and continues to live there today. She has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, as well as principal and learning behavior specialist endorsements from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has been a 4th grade teacher, instructional coach and administrator. The 2023-24 school year will be Ms. Root-Smith’s 17th year in education.
“I am passionate about building relationships with students and partnering with all stakeholders for the success of our students,” says Root-Smith, “All students can achieve with guidance, support and even a little love.
“I have high hopes for this school year. Together, we will learn new things and discover strengths and skills that we didn’t know we had. By challenging ourselves and working together we will experience success. It is my hope that we can partner together every step of the way to provide a rigorous, high quality education for ALL CHS students. I am excited about the possibilities that this school year will bring and elated to be a Kahok again!”
Ms. Root-Smith is married to her high school sweetheart. They enjoy exploring fun things to do in and around the St. Louis area. The couple’s five-year-old son will attend Maryville Elementary School in fall 2023. The family has two dogs, a Shiba Inu named Kota, and an English Black Labrador named Dixie.
“I am beyond excited to return to my alma mater and work in the district where I live and where my son will attend school,” proclaims Root-smith, “Besides, everything is better in purple!”