The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word capacity as “a space to hold something, the ability to hold, receive, and absorb.” Capacity has its origin in an Indo-European root

“kap-“ meaning “to grasp.” Capacity is one of Crown Point Junior Music Academy Principal Sakeenah Smith’s favorite words.

“Building capacity” was the theme of Smith’s conversation about her school, CPJMA. She knows the more capacity you build in students the more students can absorb and in turn develop even more capacity. Smith became principal at Crown Point in August 2021. “I am now starting my second year at Crown Point and loving it,” she said.

Smith’s undergraduate degree is from Grand Canyon University in Arizona. Her first master’s degree is from Northern Arizona University. In addition, she earned a second master’s from Arizona State University.

Before landing in San Diego, Smith was a successful teacher and administrator in Arizona. In 2011, Smith was one of eight recipients of the Rodel Teaching Award for the State of Arizona. The Rodel is an annual award presented to outstanding teachers. The achievement of their classroom students, their use of effective classroom practices, and their potential to be mentors for future teachers are the attributes of Rodel recipients.

“I felt honored to be awarded the Rodel,” Smith said. “But the best part of the award was being able to work with college students enrolled in teacher education programs. I was honored to be assigned student teachers. To mentor and guide them early in their career. I was able to build their capacity as future educators. That is the real honor of the Rodel.”

When asked what stands out about her move from Arizona? “Two things,” she said. “First, the interview process. I had to successfully pass four interviews before I was assigned to Crown Point. Second, the size of the school. Coming from a school of 1,100 students to Crown Point was an adjustment. Current enrollment at Crown Point is just under 300. Here I am much closer to each and every student and I have the opportunity to be so much more for our kids.”

Smith finds that her students “amaze her every day. The parents and staff at Crown Point will step up in every way and to any challenge.”

Crown Point has 100 students enrolled in Suzuki violin classes. “We also have a general music teacher and provide opportunities in choral music, dance, ukulele, and guitar. At Crown Point we continue to look for and explore outside partnerships to enhance and broaden our students’ opportunities in music and across the curriculum,” Smith said.

When asked what her goal for Crown Point was during the current school year, the word capacity rises to the top again. “To build capacity in our students so they are empowered to think critically, to problem solve, and to be relentlessly creative in their quest to reach their full potential,” she said.

Fun facts about Smith: 1.) Smith loves to dance, any type, salsa, ballroom, you name it. 2.) Smith has two children, Sienna in eighth grade and Maxwell in third grade. 3.) The Smith family will soon be welcoming a dog into their home, either a French bulldog or a doodle mix. 4.) Her favorite book is “Matilda” by Roald Dahl.