Administration
Mary Harris, Principal
Mary Harris has earned multiple degrees and certifications from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University, and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Her degrees and certifications include the following: Elementary Education, Masters in Counseling, Educational Specialist Degree, Educational Leadership Certification, Reading Specialist Certification, and National Board Certification in Early/Middle Childhood Literacy. Mrs. Harris began her teaching career at St. Joseph’s School where she taught 4 and 5 year old Kindergarten for 12 years. She moved in 2003 to Summer Grove Elementary in Caddo Parish where she taught 4th grade. South Highlands became her new home in 2007 when she accepted the position of Master Teacher. In 2009, she was promoted to the Instructional Coordinator position at Oak Park MicroSociety Elementary. While in Caddo Parish, Mary has been awarded local, state, and national honors. They include: Caddo Parish Teacher of the Year, Louisiana Regional Teacher of the Year, LSUS Distinguished Educator, and the Joyce/Revenna Exemplary Teacher Award. The highlight of her career was being awarded the National Milken Family Foundation Teacher Award and receiving a $25,000 check in a surprise Summer Grove student assembly. Other honors include special recognition by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Senator Sherry Cheek and the Louisiana State Senate for contributions to the field of education. Mary is married to Glenn Keith Harris, who serves as a Battalion Chief on the Shreveport Fire Department and as the Fire Chief for Caddo Parish District 5. Their son, Robbie, graduated from Louisiana Tech in Forestry and works for the Department of Interior as a Forester. Robbie lives with his wife, Heather, in Stuttgart, Arkansas.
Mary Harris has earned multiple degrees and certifications from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University, and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Her degrees and certifications include the following: Elementary Education, Masters in Counseling, Educational Specialist Degree, Educational Leadership Certification, Reading Specialist Certification, and National Board Certification in Early/Middle Childhood Literacy. Mrs. Harris began her teaching career at St. Joseph’s School where she taught 4 and 5 year old Kindergarten for 12 years. She moved in 2003 to Summer Grove Elementary in Caddo Parish where she taught 4th grade. South Highlands became her new home in 2007 when she accepted the position of Master Teacher. In 2009, she was promoted to the Instructional Coordinator position at Oak Park MicroSociety Elementary. While in Caddo Parish, Mary has been awarded local, state, and national honors. They include: Caddo Parish Teacher of the Year, Louisiana Regional Teacher of the Year, LSUS Distinguished Educator, and the Joyce/Revenna Exemplary Teacher Award. The highlight of her career was being awarded the National Milken Family Foundation Teacher Award and receiving a $25,000 check in a surprise Summer Grove student assembly. Other honors include special recognition by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Senator Sherry Cheek and the Louisiana State Senate for contributions to the field of education. Mary is married to Glenn Keith Harris, who serves as a Battalion Chief on the Shreveport Fire Department and as the Fire Chief for Caddo Parish District 5. Their son, Robbie, graduated from Louisiana Tech in Forestry and works for the Department of Interior as a Forester. Robbie lives with his wife, Heather, in Stuttgart, Arkansas.
Belinda Scott, Coordinator
Belinda Scott graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Southern University Baton Rouge and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and Reading from The University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. In December 2004, Belinda received her certification as Supervisor of Instruction from Centenary College. Belinda has taught in the states of Indiana and Texas before coming to Louisiana. Her teaching experience includes serving as a K-2 Reading Specialist, and teaching grades two, through five. Belinda moved to South Highlands Elementary Magnet in 1997, where she began teaching as a fifth grade teacher for 7 years, but is currently serving as part of the South Highlands administrative team as Instructional Coordinator. She has one daughter, Ashley Nicole who is a graduate student in Baton Rouge. Belinda loves to read, watch old movies, garden, and add to her 20 year collection of postcards.
Belinda Scott graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Southern University Baton Rouge and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and Reading from The University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. In December 2004, Belinda received her certification as Supervisor of Instruction from Centenary College. Belinda has taught in the states of Indiana and Texas before coming to Louisiana. Her teaching experience includes serving as a K-2 Reading Specialist, and teaching grades two, through five. Belinda moved to South Highlands Elementary Magnet in 1997, where she began teaching as a fifth grade teacher for 7 years, but is currently serving as part of the South Highlands administrative team as Instructional Coordinator. She has one daughter, Ashley Nicole who is a graduate student in Baton Rouge. Belinda loves to read, watch old movies, garden, and add to her 20 year collection of postcards.
Melissa Williams, Counselor
Melissa Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Counseling, both from Louisiana Tech University. Mrs. Williams began her career as a first grade teacher in Ouachita Parish and a few years later transferred to Bellaire Elementary in Bossier. She began her career as a Professional School Counselor at Walnut Hill in 2003 and has worked as the elementary counselor at North DeSoto PK-2 and Magnolia School of Excellence. In 2006, Mrs. Williams became a National Certified School Counselor and was awarded the Caddo Parish Elementary Counselor of the Year. Mrs. Williams joined the South Highlands family in 2014. Melissa is married to Chris Williams and they have 3 children, Trevor, Ainsley and Emma.
Melissa Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Counseling, both from Louisiana Tech University. Mrs. Williams began her career as a first grade teacher in Ouachita Parish and a few years later transferred to Bellaire Elementary in Bossier. She began her career as a Professional School Counselor at Walnut Hill in 2003 and has worked as the elementary counselor at North DeSoto PK-2 and Magnolia School of Excellence. In 2006, Mrs. Williams became a National Certified School Counselor and was awarded the Caddo Parish Elementary Counselor of the Year. Mrs. Williams joined the South Highlands family in 2014. Melissa is married to Chris Williams and they have 3 children, Trevor, Ainsley and Emma.