Wright Middle School is embarking on a new journey with new dreams for its students this year, and Executive Principal Dr. Sharada Deaton is excited to lead the way.
Starting with the 2024-2025 academic year, Wright Middle has been selected for the U.S. Department of Education’s Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant. As Wright Global Media and Mass Communications Magnet Middle School, the school will now focus on preparing students for success in a globalized world through media and mass communications. The new curriculum emphasizes cross-curricular, project-based learning, integrating technology, critical thinking, and creative expression.
"Students will delve into digital media, journalism, film production, and global communications, preparing them to be informed and responsible global citizens and future leaders in the media industry," Deaton said.
Deaton is enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead at Wright Middle. The MSAP grant has enabled her and her team to enhance academic rigor by integrating more challenging and engaging content across all subjects.
"This year, we will align our curriculum with the school’s theme to deepen students’ understanding of core concepts," she said.
The grant will also facilitate expanded cross-curricular project-based learning, helping students master academic content while developing essential 21st-century skills.
Deaton believes families have compelling reasons to choose Wright Middle. The school offers a diverse array of programs for holistic development, including band, arts, athletics, drama, and even Mariachi, which isn’t available at any other middle school in Tennessee.
"Our magnet focus, combined with the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, provides a solid foundation for students to succeed in college, career, and life," Deaton emphasized.
A Vibrant Community
Wright Middle is a vibrant community committed to fostering academic excellence and holistic child development. With 70 percent of its student body speaking Spanish and originating from various Latin American countries – including Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador – the school is a melting pot of cultures and languages. This year, students at Wright speak 20 different languages, with 60 percent actively learning English at beginner or intermediate levels.
Wright Middle also is committed to family and community engagement. The school has introduced a weekly family engagement event called "Cafecitos con la Directora" (Coffee with the Principal), held on the last Friday of each month. This event invites families to meet with administrators, ask questions, and share concerns and suggestions.
The school also hosts several other events throughout the year, including the popular "Let’s Break Bread" Thanksgiving meal, made possible by dedicated community partners.
Dedicated Educator
Deaton has dedicated two decades to the Metro Nashville Public Schools system, beginning her official tenure in 2004 after a year as a substitute teacher. She started as a certificated English Learners teacher at Antioch High School, transitioning to an EL coach position in 2009 and later taking on administrative roles, including dean of students and Freshman Academy principal. She became Wright Middle’s executive principal in 2017.
Before moving to the United States from India, Deaton earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature, a master’s in Literature and Linguistics, and a post-master’s degree in English Language Teaching from the University of Madras. In the U.S., she completed a doctorate in education from Tennessee State University and an Education Specialist degree from Tennessee Technological University.
Outside of her professional life, Deaton enjoys reading multiple books simultaneously, watching movies and TV shows with her husband, and spending time with her two cats. She also values quality time with her two sons, Gowthum and Vignesh, both MNPS alumni who now work as a mechanical engineer and a software engineer, respectively.