Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Pontotoc Progress • pontotoc-progress.com
WELCOM E
Thousands of students will be heading back to school August 3 & 6 This section contains what you need to know to get prepared.
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Page 6B Pontotoc
Progress • pontotoc-progress.com
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Welcome To Our Campus Career Center
Pontotoc City
Patricia Ellison, Director
Wow! What a different and unique year we ALL experienced this past school year. The staff of Pontotoc Ridge Career & Technology Center met these unprecedented changes head-on with innovative teaching methods and sheer determination to continue instruction no matter the climate or environment. We feel strongly that the challenges faced this past year have contributed to the growth and professional development of our staff. After a much needed break, we are eager to begin
the 2021-2022 school year with our heads held high, a positive attitude and determination to train our students for the “real world”. We are excited to announce that we will be offering two new programs, Advanced Manufacturing and Information Technology. These two programs will replace our Furniture and Industrial Maintenance programs. We are excited about
the growth and development of these programs and feel confident that our students will enjoy being enrolled in them. We embrace the challenges of the future while we continue to cherish and celebrate the traditions of our past. Our remarkable staff, involved parents and committed students come together to make Pontotoc Ridge Career & Technolo-
Dr. Michelle Bivens, Superintendent gy Center a wonderful and unique place. Parents and students can stay informed about all things PRCTC by subscribing to Remind, a one-way text messaging service. To join, send the text @prctc21 to 81010. Facebook users can also like and follow our page. You can also visit our website at www.pcsd.ms and click on the Pontotoc Ridge Career & Technology page. Please stop by and say hello. Together, I know we will make this school year one of growth for all students.
North & South Pontotoc Brock Puckett, Superintendent
What a crazy past 18 months. It amazes me how the world has changed and all the experiences that we all have encountered as a result of the Covid pandemic. Everyone certainly pivoted and adjusted and did what we had to do to make it. I don’t suppose that should be a surprise, that is what we do in Pontotoc County. We take what we have and we make the absolute best of the situation or circumstance. I have never seen that spirit more at work than in the last 18 months. Students, parents, teachers, school staff, administrators, our state board of education, our state legislature, and our national government all pulled together to give our kids in Pontotoc County the best educational opportunities we could provide despite the uncertainties, interruptions, sicknesses, and guidelines put in place to limit the
spread of the virus. Many resources were made available to help our students each have their own computer. We were very close to this in pre-pandemic, but the resources made available allowed us to ensure every child had a device and we replaced many of the devices that we had that were at the end of their life and use. I want to personally thank each of the aforementioned groups that played such a huge role in us being able to have school in person when many kids across our country never had the opportunity to come into their classroom and learn with their teachers and friends. Personally, I am so grateful that my girls had the opportunity to learn in person this year and have the social
interactions that are so vitally important to their social and emotional health as well as their academic progress. The lionshare of the credit goes to the teachers and the students who were so resilient and took each quarantine, missed events and ballgames, wearing mask, social distancing, temperature check and Covid test in stride and absolutely made the best out of a less than ideal situation. I am so proud of you and glad that you guys had the grit and resilience to do what many other schools around the country could not or would not do. With that being said, welcome to the 2021-22 school year! It is a great pleasure to welcome both our returning families and those who are new to our system. We are excited that you have chosen to allow us in the Pontotoc County School District to teach and care for your child. We consider it our greatest honor to serve you and your child. I cannot express the excitement we here at PCSD have about the upcoming opportunity we will have to develop a community of lifelong learners that supports one another for the betterment of Pontotoc County. August is a very exciting time for those of us involved in education because it allows us to develop new goals, build new relationships and embark upon new challenges. And the challenges coming our way this year will be greater than ever before, but let me assure you, our staff will rise to meet them and give your
child the best education possible. Our Systemwide Goals this year highlight academic, social, and emotional learning. While improving student achievement is an important part of our mission, we know it is essential to focus on the social and emotional needs of our students as well. As parents, you can “help us help you” develop your student into the most well rounded person they can possibly be with equal attention given to their academic and social development. One of the most important parts of my job is to be in the schools on a regular basis connecting with teachers and students. I also look forward to engaging with parents in the coming year. Our Teacher Advisory Committee members will again join me to hold meetings each month over the course of the year to provide feedback on how we can improve our schools. We also hope to reestablish our Student Advisory Board and create a Parental Advisory Board. We welcome the chance to both share our opportunities and challenges and to address any questions or concerns that you may have. We believe in transparency and addressing the needs of all of our stakeholders. I would also like to let you know that we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the creation of North and South Pontotoc this year and invite you to share in the planned activities we will have to celebrate this great milestone in our schools’ histories. Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve you and we excitedly look forward to a great school year, in which we will “relentlessly pursue the exceptional”!
Why does summer move so much more quickly than all of the other seasons? I always laugh when people ask if we work in the summer. Wow, do we ever! While our students and their families have been enjoying some later mornings and more leisurely days, our Pontotoc City School District employees, on campus and at home, have been busy preparing for students to return for the 20212022 school year. However, I am not complaining. This year, I have enjoyed seeing more faces coming in and out of our buildings and our summer feeling more “business as usual” after last year’s early release and difficult work of planning to return to school amid a pandemic, all the time not knowing if or how long school as we knew it might last. Now, the people who do work on campuses during the summer leave in the afternoons feeling tired but grateful—grateful for completing needed tasks, for knowing a nearer-normal, and for the opportunity to provide more this year than last year for all our students. I am looking forward to this year with an anticipation last year couldn’t offer, and I hear the same feeling in our administrators, teachers, and families. We have reviewed last year’s re-entry plan and made changes based on CDC guidelines and our Warrior family’s needs. Masks will no longer be required, although anyone who feels more comfortable wearing one may certainly do so. We are happy to be able to transition to a later start time. PHS will implement a new digital technology career academy program for students interested in graphic design and video production as a career field. As the year progresses, students on each campus will see changes to the appearance of learning areas, with upgrades to ventilation, flooring, and other facility needs. As always, we welcome new faces and talents to our staff in all of our buildings and to our administrative team. Although some things will be different during the 20212022 school year, some at Pontotoc City will never change. Student safety is always our priority, so we continue to keep in mind that Covid-19 is still a reality for our community and our campuses. The district’s commitment to the social-emotional needs of our students will never change. We recognize that students’ needs and stress levels following such a hard year are different now, too, and
through partnerships with private and public institutions, we will be able to more fully address their needs in the coming year. The long-standing tradition of showcasing our students’ talents in academics, activities, and athletics will continue, as we celebrate a strong showing with state tests during an extremely difficult year and our 8th consecutive 4A All-Sports Award. School spirit and community pride in the opportunities we offer will always be my answer when asked what makes Pontotoc City distinct, and nothing has, or will, change those because those qualities live in our people. More than anything, the resilience our employees, students, and community members showed last year, along with the grace we all learned to more freely offer one another will continue, as well. The difficult year taught us many things, and as the administrative team wrote and reflected on their lessons, they unanimously agreed while the year wasn’t one anyone wanted to re-do, the lessons from it were definitely worth keeping in mind! Each year, a word comes—a word I always think will have a significant meaning for the year. It always does, and typically in ways I didn’t expect. Last year, before we knew about Covid, I had started talking about the word “nimble.” We saw how nimble we all had to be last year and will have to do so to some extent this year as we continue to meet CDC and Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) guidelines. However, this year the word “intentional” has been finding its way into my reading, conversations with others in the schools, and my quiet time. I don’t know entirely in what ways intent will show itself this year, but I do know that all we do in the Pontotoc City School District from summer planning, fall beginnings, winter pushes, and spring celebrations are to provide our students and teachers with a safe, welcoming place to showcase their talents and build those talents into skills that will help them flourish as leaders in their community and their work fields. Yes, I’m excited about the 2021-2022 school year, so enjoy the sunshine a little more, relax a little longer than usual, and get those school supplies ready because we’ve been here all summer preparing, and we can’t wait for you to come back to us for your best year ever!
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
County School County cafeteria staff 2021-2022 • Sylvia Massey Food Service Director • Amanda New Food Service Secretary
North Pontotoc
• Melissa Scott Manager • Ambee Villarreal Assistant Manager • Karen Angle • Flo Berry •Janet Brown • Donna Davis • Diane Dillard • Wanda Dixon • Georgie Fallin • Shawanda Green Satellite Manager • Anita McMillen • Katherine Scott • Melissa Stahl • Kayla Swords • Tammy Tutor
South Pontotoc
• Kristen Stegall Manager • Melissa Hester Assistant Manager • Donece Bland Satellite Manager • Sylvia Cobb • Marilyn Foote • Cherrylyn Hantz • Sylvia Henderson • Angie Stacy • Kim Smith • Melinda Smith • Michelle Stuto • Teresa Taylor • Wanda Taylor
Pontotoc Progress • pontotoc-progress.com
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Information Pontotoc county schools returning to in classroom traditional learning
The Pontotoc County School District, in collaboration with parents, teachers, principals, district leaders, state and local health officials, and other state officials, has developed guidance in determining plans and protocols for reopening schools for the 2021-2022 school year. The district has provided a tiered approach with clear steps for students and staff to return to school buildings and guidance throughout the school year. These plans and strategies are to ensure and prioritize the health and safety of all students and teachers for teaching and learning.
Pontotoc County School District focuses on the health and physical requirements, and necessary cleanliness protocol for reopening school buildings. We will continue to provide communication, support, and guidance as we navigate through the school year. The District has the authority and flexibility to close school buildings and utilize distance/ remote learning as needed. Revisions to these plans are possible and will be posted on the district website to reflect any changes. Students will not be required to wear face masks unless we are under a state mandate to do so.
We will communicate with local and state health officials and post sineage in our schools communicating Covid 19 symptoms as well as specific school guidelines. There will be protocol for students and staff who experience symptoms and ways to accommodate needs of students, staff and teachers whose families are at a higher risk will be outlined. While our community is at low or no spread these are the guidelines for the different areas of school.
Buses
Students who ride the buses will have hand sanitizer available on the bus.
You may wear a mask if you wish, but are not required to. Buses will be cleaned every day and aired out when not in use.
Cafeteria
Breakfast meals will be available at pick up locations and eaten in the classrooms at South Pontotoc Elementary, North Pontotoc Elementary, North Upper Elementary and North Middle School. Breakfast will be served traditionally for all other schools. Lunch will be served traditionally and all students will eat in the cafeteria at each location.
Teaching and learning
Additional instructional support will be provided to students at risk of not graduating, students with disabilities, English Language Learners and other students identified by teachers as being academically behind A distance/remote learning option will be available for students by parent choice in grades 2nd-12th for students that meet all of the district requirements and sign up by the established deadlines. If cases tick up and these guidelines change they will be posted on the Pontotoc City School District Website or Facebook.
Pontotoc County School District Central Office Staff 2021-2022 • Brock Puckett Superintendent
• Kristin Spears- Federal Programs Secretary
• Tami Harrell -Student Services Director
• Lisa Roye MSIS Coordinator/Technology Secretary
• Staci Lewis -Business Manager
• Heather Corder - Curriculum Coordinator
• Lawanda Raines – Student Services Assistant
• Jeffrey Farris- North Pontotoc Tech Support
• Sheila Pannell - Personnel/ Payroll
• Ashley Coleman-Assistant Curriculum Director
• Ellen Hill - Assistant Student Services Director
• Lee Williams - South Pontotoc Tech Support
• Mellanie Williams – Superintendent Secretary
• Marylyn Roberts Curriculum Assistant
• Lindsey Abbott Psychometrist
• Jason Ritchie Instructional Technologist
• Marylyn Roberts – Assistant Teacher
• Kathie Barnett – Business Manager Assistant
• Jimmy Flake-Testing
• Ashley Pfahler - Behavior Therapist
• Sylvia Massey-Food Service Director
• Regina Austin – Student Services Teacher
• John Garrett-Technology Coordinator
• Amanda New – Food Service Secretary
• Leslie Riddle - Truancy office
• Lynnice Carter – Federal Programs Director
• Dan Bailey –Safety /504 Coordinator/Maintenance Supervisor
• Travis Little – Transportation Director
Alternative School
• Wilson Speck -Aldernative Director • Steven Newell – Teacher
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Wednesday, July 28, 2021
North Pontotoc North Pontotoc Upper Elementary Staff 2021-22 English Language Arts Teachers
• Kayla Brown, 6th grade • Melissa Terry, 5th grade • Harley Gonzales, 5th & 6th grade Interventionist and Virtual • Morgan Baird, 5th grade • Amy Fooshee, 5th grade • Donna Brown, Librarian and 5th/6th grades ELA interventionist
Math Teachers
• Jennifer Tutor, 6th grade • Taylor Kelly, 5th grade • Theresa Carter, 6th grade • Katelyn Hester, 5th grade • Abigail McMillen, 5th/6th grade Virtual, Interventionist, Testing Coordinator
Science Teachers
• Kelsey Weeden, 6th grade • Kelsey McCluskey, 5th grade • Lindsey Barnett, 6th grade • Joey Baird, 6th grade • Melissa Hill, 5th grade assistant
Support Teachers
• Smith Bonds, 6th grade Inclusion
• Angela Brown, 5th grade Inclusion • Aleana Homan, 5th/6th grades Special Education Self-Contained • Amber Richardson, 5th & 6th grades Intellectually gifted • Jason Terry, 5th & 6th grade Academic Facilitator, Math Interventionist, PE • Ronda Osterhout, 6th grade Academic Facilitator • Jeannie Hill, Special Education Assistant • Dianne Todd, 5th grade Inclusion • Tracey Harden, EL Student Service
Office Staff
• Libby Young, Principal • Dawn Cooper, Counselor • Jennifer Horton, Secretary • Roger Houpt, Custodian
North Pontotoc Elementary Staff 2021-22 Elementary Principal
• Dr. Loretta Hartfield
Elementary Assistant Principal • Mr. Brad Parker
Secretary
• Sherl Rogers
Kindergarten
• Tera Spears • Katlyn Thomas • Angie McDonald • Veronica Minier • Amanda Simmons • Brandy Hamilton • Heather Mitchell
Assistants
• Sinnamon Lopez • Donna Bailey • Jan Robbins • Ashley Self • Kim Stokes • Mellanie McWhirter • Bridgett Moses
1st Grade
• Brittany Boisseau • Leticia Jackson • Mallory Moss • Emily Russell • Shelly Rogers • Selena McGreger • Becky Malone Assistant • Vickey Gray
2nd Grade
• Jennifer Murphy • Heather Parman • Brittany McGreger • Katie Beth Tallant • Pam SImmons • Kaley Lytal • Beth Panes
Assistants
• Taylor Brown • Mary Troupe
3rd Grade
• Keedah Hayles • Evelyn Ferguson • Summer Colthrop • Nia Brown • Carol Jaggers • Kristy McCord
Assistant
• Ashley Sappington • Sharon Townsend • Regina Porter • Charles Eldridge
Assistants
• Aleshia McCord • Michelle Herring
Speech Therapist
• Melissa Cox • Kristin Lauderdale • Julie Morris
Talented and Gifted • Gaye Ellis
• Tisha Wallace • Heather Peeples • Brooklyn Jones
• Cathy Warner
BHME
• Kim Wilson
PE
• Brandon Murphree • Ginnell Scott
Reading Coaches
Instructional Coaches
Elementary Librarian
Special Education
Character Education
Assistant
4th Grade
Assistant
Art
• Crystal Matthews
• Debra Sappington • Reta Reeder • Lolita Dalton
• Cristina Hernandez
• Charlene Tallant
• Thea Davis
• Susan Russell • Letty Ruiz
EL
• Karen Anderson • Lisa Kidd • Amanda Little • Martina Moore • Nikki Yarbrough • Marcia Russell • Kimberly Ball • Laken Hearn
Computer Lab/STEAM
• Traci McCord
• Delisa White • Karen Sheffield • Vicki Varnon • Tasha Long
Guidance Counselor
Academic Coaches
• Michelle Bailey
School Nurse • Shelia Snyder
ISS/Substitute • Ashley Hess
Music
• Tonya Graham • Emily Jackson • Behavior Coach • Neva Graves
Custodian
• Linda Scott • Toni Frazier
• Nita Caldwell
Welcome Back To School!
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Pontotoc Progress • pontotoc-progress.com
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North Pontotoc North Pontotoc Middle School Staff 2021-22 ELA
TECH
• Mary Margaret Carnes • Dena Holley • Gina Bramlitt • Kelly Oakes
• Bob Rainer • John Harlow • April Lindsey • Matt Rayburn
History
PE
• Dustin Baldwin • Bob Rainer • John Harlow
Math
• Chasey Guerin • Kyle Robbins • Ashley Stubblefield • Lisa Nichols
Science
• Ann Adams • Hannah Weatherly • Brandy Stubblefield
• Dr. Beth Coghlan
EL
• Sheila Snyder, RN • Brittney Ward
• Jim Matthews, Principal
SLP
SRO Officer
• Eric Brown
• Melissa Cox • Kristin Lauderdale
• Shermila McKinney
SLT
• Cindy Corley
Librarian
• Beth McCuller
Band
• Cheryl Frazier, LPN • Lori Mize, FNP
• Nickie Sanders, MSIS Clerk • SuAnna Smith, Business Manager • Grace Hooper, Records Clerk • Becky Sullivan, NPM Secretary
• Emily Fields, Biology
AP Physics
• Alysha Fletcher, English II
• Elizabeth Medlin, Earth Science/AP Biology
• Trae Smith, NPM Athletic Director • Chelsea Parker, Assistant
• Julie Morris
BHME
• Jeannie Thompson
• Lewis Harrell
Student Services • Nicole Carter • Catherine Moxley • Michelle Farley • Kelsea Epting
• Cody Roberts, Director • Caleb Mooneyham • Taylor Riley
Acc. Health
ISS
Counselor Office
Custodial Staff Coaching Staff
• Shayne Adams - Basketball (G) • Andrew Aldridge Football • Brad Brown - Basketball (B) • Ivan Collier - Football, Baseball • John Harlow - Baseball • Matt Lindsey Powerlifting • Travis Little - Soccer (B) • Jeremy Lyta - Tennis • Caleb Mooneyham - Band
• Catherine Moxley eSports • Kelly Oakes - Cheer • Chelsea Parker - Volleyball • Chris Parman - Golf • Bob Raine - Football • Dana Rhea - Softball • Taylor Riley - Band • Kyle Robbin - Softball, Soccer (G) • Cody Roberts Band - Director • Trae Smith - NPM Athletic Director • Caleb Todd - Football, Baseball • Hannah Weatherly - Cross Country • Bob Wingo - Bowling • Clint Young - Archery
North Pontotoc High School Staff 2021-22
• Shayne Adams, Biology I/ MS Basketball
• Mandy Carr, ECS/ AP Comp. Science
• Andrew Aldridge, Alg. Found/Alg. I/Alg. 3/ Football/AP Cal
• Cee Cee Cavenaugh, Family Dynamics Child Development
• Chad Anthony, HS Assistant Principal/AD/ Baseball
• Laura Chism, English I, II
• Joe Bergeron, Special Services
• Ivan Collier, Drivers Education/Football/Baseball
• Brad Brown, Special Services
• Cindy Corley, ISS
• Beth Coglin, ELL
• Andy Crotwell, Adv. World Geo, Football
• Paula Ruiz, English I / Spanish I
• Haley Trantham, Special Services
• Marley Russell, Algebra II/Geometry
• Heather Uithoven, Counselor • Kim Waldrop, U.S. History/AP History
• Matt Lindsey,PE/ Psychology/Powerlifting/ Football
• Caleb Mooneyham, Music/Band
• Christopher Stevens English IV/Essn. English • Brian Sutton, 9th-12th Principal
• Chris Parman, Health/ Basketball/Drivers Ed
• Michelle Sutton, English III
• Kimberly Lott, ESSEN. Math/Algebra I
• Taylor Riley, Band/HS Gen Music/MS Ban
• Cynthia Swords, Teacher Assistant
• Cody Roberts, Band/ General Music
• Jeannie Thompson Librarian
• Dana Rhea, CCR/Health/ Softball
• Caleb Todd, Govt/ Economics/Football/ Baseball
• Felicia Haulcomb, Biblical History • Ashley Hendrix, Special Services
• Rob Browning, Debate/ Communications/Girls Basketball
• Rich Dilling, Chemistry
• Jeremy Lytal, World History/Govt./Economics/ Tennis
• Ali Carnes, Special Services
• Shani Earnest, US Hist./ World History
• Kelly Matthews, Geometry/ Physics/
• Martha Middlebrooks, Teacher Assistant
• Anne Wells, A&P/Physical Science • Amy Wilkins, Algebra I/ Algebra II • Bob Wingo, ECS/CCR/ Finance • Christy Wise, Art • Clint Young, Archery Coach
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Wednesday, July 28, 2021
South Pontotoc South Pontotoc High School Staff 2021-22
• Courtney Allen - English 4, Debate, Creative Writing
• Paul Austin - Art, Ceramics
• Michael Holcomb Biblical History of the Ancient Middle East
• Andrea Brown - Geometry
• Laura Howard - U.S. History
• Bryan Buckner - World Hist., Gov’t, Econ
• Mary Hudson - English 2, Theatre, Spanish
• Lisa Buckner - English 2, Oral Communications
• Jacob Kidd - ECS, Personal Finance, Business Law
• Cynthia Chambers Biology, A&P • Brandy Clingan - Library
• Mackenzie Lane English 1 • Cheryl Malone - CCR
• Sheree Collins - Algebra 2, Algebra 3, Adv. Math Plus, Calculus
• Sarah Manning - Student Services
• Rod Cook - SREB/Essen Math, Dr. Ed, PE
• Lisa McDonald - Student Services
• Ethan Donaldson Student Services
• Cage Mills - U.S. History, World History
• Katie Donaldson - Student Services
• Adam Patterson - Drivers Ed, Health, PE
• Amanda Fliflet - Band, Music
• Martin Rodgers - English 3, AP English Russell, Bill PE
• James Franks - Biology, AP Biology • Megan Franks - Student Services • Barrett Gray - Band, Guitar • Jeff Harmon - Govt, Econ, PE • Brandy Higgason Algebra 1
• Sharon Schaefer Chemistry, Physics, AP Physics • Chris Vandiver Foundations of Algebra, Algebra 2 • Matt Waldrop - Gov’t, Economics, MS Studies, World Geo
• Leslie Warren - Student Services
• Jeremy White - Algebra 2, Earth Science, Foundations of Biology • Jessica Nix - Bookkeeper • Lori Parker - MSIS • Melinda Shield - Records • Annie Bost - Study Hall
South Pontotoc Elementary Staff 2021-22 Principal
• Emily Speck
Assistant Principal • Doug Gentry
Elementary Secretary • Becky Wages
Bookeeper
• Darla Grubbs
MSIS Secretary • Lori Parker
• Helen Bowen - Student Services
• Melinda Shields
• Jordan Hall - ISS
Guidance Counselor
• Sherhanda Mosle - Career Center Tech • Loren Lon - Student Services • Tammy Zamarippa Student Services • Steve Henderson Maintenance/Custodial • Brent Austin Maintenance/Custodial • W.C. Vance Maintenance/Custodial • Brant Puckett - Principal • Mark Vandiver - Asst. Principal • Michelle Roye Counselor • Donna Morgan Administrative Assistant
Recordkeeper • Laurie Britt
Kindergarten Teacher • Chanda Ferguson • Brooke Franks • Andria Keith • Nicole Walls • Stephanie Ward • Kara Beth Winter
Kindergarten Assistant • Tammy Austin • Laci Bain • Joni Finley • Missy Hoing • Jean Mathews • Lisa Turpin
First Grade Teacher • Stephanie Austin • Amber Bagwell • Patricia Fernandez • Katie McKnight • Crystal Stapleton • Amy Stone
First Grade Assistant • Chelsea Brazil • Elizabeth Crawford • Denise Rackley
Second Grade Teacher • Holly Brown • Katie Dodson • Brittany Finn
• Johnie Franks • Ashley Moore • Deana Tryon
• Jacee Hopkins
Second Grade Assistant
• Melissa Kitchens
• Heather Hall • Kristin Shields
Third Grade Teacher • Johnna Flake • Kayleigh Hodum • Hailey Holcomb • Gina Morgan • Lori Pennington • Christie Smith
Third Grade Assistant • Jennifer Duncan • Kim Robertson
Fourth Grade Teacher
Music
STEAM
Physical Education
• Collin McGregor • Reese Duncan - Assistant
Librarian
• Meaghan Owen
ELL Teacher
• Jennifer Wright • Chasity Love - Assistant
Gifted Teacher • Mary Harmon • Amanda Hays
• Ashley Allen • Shunda Gillespie • Lori Harriso • Merilee Jaggers • Monica Ross • Janet Sartin
• Tiffany Hollingsworth • Gary Peak
Fourth Grade Assistant
• Sharon Fauver
• Jamie Heath • Gloria Phillips
Fifth Grade Teacher • Deirdre Brown • Jessica Cox • Faith Johnson • Susan Kimmett • April Phillips • Destiny Wade
Fifth Grade Assistant • Natasha Collums • Stephanie Price
Art
• Lisa Bost
Physical Education Assistant • Natasha Collums
Bible
Custodian
Parent Center/ ISS Assistant Academic Coach • Anita Bailey • Angie Kitchens • Terrena Kyle • Christi Cowsert
Special Services Teacher
• Tracey Bailey • Leigh Barnett • Tiffany Bowen • Sherrye Irby • Anna Grace Onsby • Valerie Pilcher • Autumn Ritchie • Tonya Smith
Speech
• Lisa Ivy • Paige Roye • Corrtney Stieffel
• Michael Holcomb • Mae Treloar
South Pontotoc Middle School Staff 2021-22 Teachers
• Burt Ashley - Social Studies/Tech • Tara Austin - Science • Cassie Brentner - ELA Marcy Brown - Tech. • Stephanie Burnett - ELA • Lance Carter - PE • Jeff Cook - PE - 7th Science • Bret Freeman - Social Studies • Mandy Gaspard - Math • Mackinsey Gillespie ELA/Math • Dana Gray - Director MS Band • Missy Griggs - 6th Grade • Amanda Grubbs - ELA
• Kristi Gann - ELA • Regina Hall - Science • Dawn Hester - Gifted • Vickie Kitchens - Science/ School Testing Coordinator • Blake Lovell - Math • Mason Luther - Social Studies • Kelly McClain - 8th Grade • McKinley Nickels Inclusion • Paige Roye - Speech • Maegan Smith - Math • Tammy Swords - 7th Grade • Chris Vineyard - Science 8th Grade • Jonathan Weeks - Math • Chris Walls - Social Studies/Tech
Administration & Staff
• Ben Moore - Principal • Jason Varnon - Assistant Principal/Assistant School Testing Coordinator • Lisa Taylor - Secretary • Holly Morgan - Counselor • Kasi Giompoletti Custodian • Tracie Martin - Custodian • Naomi Neff - Assist. Teacher • Sherry Chapman - Assistant Teacher • Sandra Ward - ELA Interventionist • Debbie Stepp - Math Interventionist
Dates completed for county school calendar Each year the Pontotoc Progress publishes a school calendar for the upcoming school year. This year, at the time of publication for the 20212022 School Calendar, some
dates for Pontotoc County School District had not be determined. Below are the completed dates. - September 7: Progress Reports
- September 29 - October 1: Nine Weeks Exams - October 13: Report Cards - November 15: Progress Reports - January 10: Report Cards - February 2: Progress Reports - March 2-4: Nine Weeks Exams - March 10: Report Cards - April 12: Progress Reports - May 16-17: Senior Exams - May 17: Last Day for Seniors You can find the 20212022 School Calendar inserted in this paper.
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
City School
Pontotoc Progress • pontotoc-progress.com
Information
Pontotoc City School Back to school plan Pontotoc City School district plans to re-enter school as normal as possible with extra precautions in place to keep spread as minimal as possible. As of July 23, Pontotoc City School District will be mask friendly for 2021-2022 school year. Masks will not be required since no mask mandates have been issued. The Mississippi Department of Health does recommend to parents that masks should be worn indoors at school by all individuals who are not fully vaccinated. If you have any Covid-19 questions of the school district they should be emailed to covidinfo@pontotoc.k12. ms.us Here are the guidelines for re-entry into school from various departments.
Athletics
Athletes will ride the bus as normal to events. Students are encouraged to ride home with a parent/guardian from the game. Sports/Activities that sell concessions will be required to clean the facility after each contest. School custodians will disinfect after the facility has been cleaned. All facilities will be cleaned using a disinfectant spray after each contest.
Communication
All PCSD employees will receive training and professional development to teach and reinforce good hygiene measures and social distancing to slow the spread of the illness. Updates will be shared in the regular weekly district newsletter. Emails from building level administrators will be sent to all employees for regular weekly communication and COVID-19 updates as needed. Group text messages to communicate quickly and directly to employees will be used. Signage will be used throughout the district concerning COVID-19. FAQ updates will be sent via email to all district employees. Communication with parents will be done in a timely manner: employees should check and respond to emails within 2 days. If employees do not know the answer to a question, they should consult their building administrator for how to respond. PCSD will communicate with parents/guardians the daily procedures that will be taking place in all schools to ensure minimal exposure. PCSD will send out regular weekly newsletters and updates on the district website.
Local news outlets will receive press releases as needed (WTVA, WLOV,North Mississippi Daily Journal, Pontotoc Progress, etc.) FAQ will be updated as needed on the district website. A pandemic-specific email address is available for communication and concerns. It is listed in the second paragraph of this article. Infographics will be created to share proactive measures.
Cafeteria
“Grab and Go” breakfasts will be offered at all campuses. Students will eat lunch in the cafeteria with their classmates and teachers. Students will sit with the same students they sit with in the classroom.
Instructional
Group work will continue with no shared supplies to the extent possible and cleaning of supplies that must be shared (calculators, devices). No more than 4 students per group is suggested; however, this number will be dictated by space. Building-level administrators will plan for pull-out groups to meet the needs of their specific building. Teachers will plan 2 weeks in advance. PHS courses will require a syllabus with major assignments listed on Day 1 Teachers will develop lessons with a digital shift in mind. Teachers will incorporate lessons in which students must login, download materials, view feedback, view grades, and practice general troubleshooting at least weekly (grades 2-12). Administrators and grade-level chairs will identify and ensure priority standards (foundational skills) are taught and assessed according to building administrator guidance. It is suggested priority standards be taught by the end of first semester, if possible. A course syllabus is suggested beginning Day 1. This may be required by the building administrator (required for ALL PHS courses). District will follow social distancing protocols set by the CDC. Visitors to campuses and classrooms will be limited.
Virtual Choice Class Guidance
District will provide training for teachers on maximizing the use of selected learning management systems and online educational tools. District will provide training for parents and students, as requested, on the use of
selected learning management systems and online educational tools. District pacing will be followed. Lessons may differ, with the exception of major projects and benchmarks but must provide equitable learning experiences as faceto-face instruction. Teachers will provide a minimum of 2 graded assignments/teacher feedback per week. Information from grade or content planning meetings will be shared with the virtual teacher, for that area, as a means of keeping virtual and traditional instruction aligned. Administrators will assign proctors for assessments. Assessments may be paper/pencil or digital. Students and teachers will follow social distancing protocol during the face-to-face appointment.
Safety and Health
Clean/disinfect frequently touched surfaces frequently and shared objects after each use. Nurse office and medical equipment will be disinfected after every patient visit using approved Covid cleaner. Staff will be required to disinfect desks, doorknobs, and any frequently touched surface in classroom between each class change. Additional time will be allowed between class changes to allow for cleaning. This task will not be carried out by students. Students will be encouraged to bring their own refillable water bottle from home. Yeti-type cups are prohibited for students. Signage will be posted throughout the buildings to communicate how to stop the spread. COVID-19 symptoms, preventative measures, good hygiene, and school/ district specific protocols. District maintenance personnel will ensure ventilation systems are working properly and increase circulation of outdoor air to the greatest extent possible.
Parent Information
Do not send your child to school sick. Students will be screened each day upon arrival. Update all phone numbers
Pontotoc City School District Central Office Staff 2021-22
• Dr. Michelle A. Bivens, Superintendent of Education
• Dianne Newsom, Food Services Director
• Jay Hughes, Assistant Superintendent
• Dr. Felicia Pollard, Academic Technology Coordinator
• Courtney Beard, Student Services Director • Jayme Bennett, Assistant Technology Coordinator • Tracye Crane, Federal Programs Director/Media • Jessie Jones, Technology Coordinator • Annie McGregor, Assistant Athletic Director/District Test Coordinator
Page 11B
• Dr. Angie Quinn, Director of Instruction
• Wally Windham, Transportation and Maintenance Director
• Jennifer Mansfield, Accounts Payable Clerk/ Athletics • Michelle Martin, Superintendent Secretary/ Board Clerk
• Christy Suggs, Alternative School Principal, MTSS Director
• Kim Moore, Payroll Clerk
• Phil Webb, Athletic Director/CTE
• Michelle Russell, Special Populations Secretary • Beverly Williams, Business Manager
and SAMS information. Parents will be required to pick up students when contacted due to signs/symptoms of COVID. If a child is not picked up within 1 hour, the school nurse will contact the school resource officer who will work with the family to find someone who can pick up the child. Signs/Symptoms of COVID will be shared with parents. Parents are encouraged to notify the school if your child has symptoms of COVID, is awaiting COVID testing results, tested positive for COVID or has been exposed to COVID. Protocol for students presenting with signs and symptoms of Covid at school will be shared with parents. School check-out procedures will be shared with parents by building administrators. Precautions will be taken to minimize Covid exposure at school, but risk will still exist.
Quarantine if needed
Staff/students will be excluded from school if he/she tests positive OR is awaiting test results OR exhibits fever of 100.4 OR higher. Nurses will evaluate staff/ students who exhibit two or more of the following symptoms of Covid 19 to determine if exclusion is warranted. (Cough, low grade fever, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, nau-
sea, sore throat, “sinus”, diarrhea , loss of smell or taste, new rash and fatigue). The school nurse will make the determination when symptoms are present. Staff/students who test positive for Covid will require a doctor’s note for re-entry to school. School nurses will document receipt of the note. Staff/Students will be treated as COVID-19 positive while awaiting test results. Staff/students will be quarantined based on most up to date CDC guidance if any member of their household is diagnosed as COVID positive. The first day of quarantine is the date the test occurred. Staff/students who have close contact with an individual who later tests positive for COVID-19 will be quarantined based on most up to date CDC guidance. Staff/students who have signs/symptoms of Covid and are NOT tested will be admitted back to school after 14 days if symptom free and no fever (without use of fever reducing meds) for at least 24 hours. When a PCSD staff/student tests positive for Covid, parents of students in contact with that staff/student member will be notified via form letter of Covid occurrence. The letter will not contain the location of contact, nor the name of the individual diagnosed with COVID.
City schools 20212022 cafeteria staff • Diane NewsomDirector • LaJean Heatherly -Float
Elementary Staff
• Jennifer Hannah • Ranae Montgomery • Michelle Gates • Willie Herron • Sidira Townsend • Jonathan Butler • Andy Topp
D.T. Cox Staff
• Pat McGowan • Twila Butler • Rachel Stewart • Paula White • Brenda Johnson
Middle and Jr. High Staff • Dee Stewart • Trish Edwards • Steve Carnes • Angie Bunch • Crystal Davis • Marty Collins
High School Staff • Nefrita Quince • Irinda Collier • Jackie Price • Barbara Watkins • Paula Harkness • Jennifer Williams
Page 12B Pontotoc
Progress • pontotoc-progress.com
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Pontotoc City Pontotoc Middle School Staff 2021-22 Principal
• Marshal Johnson
Assistant Principal • Suzanne Owens
Academic Advisor • Haley Franks
Counselor
• Betsy Ritchie
Nurse
• Ashley Dowdy
5th ELA
SPED
• Lauren Collier • Alison Corley • Amanda Glover • Debra Vaughn • Drew Bass
Intervention/ Elective
• Kourtney Mathews
ELL/ Bible/STEM • Taylor Corder
5th Math
• Matt Strickland
6th Science
• Angel Borland • Charlotte Whitworth
6th Math
• Hope Wingo • Monica Lorick • Courtney Mason
Counselor
• Penny Kidd
Secretary
• Lynette Sappington
SRO
• Dan Treadaway
Nurse Pre-K
6th Gifted/UFO/Art
6th ELA
• Janet Barefoot
Library/Media
5th Science
• Sonja Hobson • Rebecca Ross • Austin Anderson
Assistant Principal
• Sonya Holcomb
5th Gifted/UFO
• Kim Brumley • Kyle Bramlett • Beth Wooley
Principal
• Marsha Hillhouse
• Conlee Walker
• Avery Lorick • Brittany Scott • Tonya Wilbanks • Lori Hitt • Laverne Richardson
Pontotoc Elementary School Staff 2021-22
• Lori Johnson
• Monica Baldwin
Music/Chorus ISS
• Kim Hall
PE/ Health
• Kim Koon • Jonathan Beard
Administrative Assistant • Milena Nesbit
Custodian
• Steve Smith
• Krista McCreight Kelli White - Assistant
Kindergarten Teachers • Bethany Aaron • Maurie Cother • Diana Fuqua • Ashley Heatherly • Leslie Hilliard • Mandy Maffett • Melissa Parmer
• Haley Peterson • Penny Spears
Assistants
• Stephanie Ball • Tammy Browning • Christie Gory • Katelyn Park • Amelia Robbins • Temeca Shepard • Kawana Wade • Millicyn Westmoreland • Regan Wright
1st Grade
• Jill Buchanan • Presley Goolsby • Anna Claire Pittman • Kellon Shackelford • Jessica Steele • Lorena Tucker • Anna Wallace • Ana Grace Warren • Lauren Whitenton
Assistants
• Melina Randolph • Whitney Robbins
2nd Grade
• Cindy Calvert • Kim Homan • Summer Jensen • Jessica Nichols • Christian McRaney • April Pettit • Jordan Redmon • Alex Buckner Reeder • Charity Tedford
Assistants
• Paige Enis • Rita Farr
Special Services and Activities
• Tiffany Ashcraft, Computer Lab (paraprofessional) • Amelia Bailey, 2nd grade SPED • Evelyn Biffle, Speech • Angela Cooley, 1st grade SPED • Sherry Donaldson, Art • Ruby Fitzpatrick, Custodian • Courtney Foster, UFO • Alex Henry, Speech • Meghan Hickey, Music
• Neal Hobson, Adaptive PE • Ashley Jarrett, SPED • Jessica Kelly, K SPED • Gaby Martinez, ELL • Reed McRaney, STEM • Belinda Montgomery, Custodian • Veronica Palmer, Speech • Michelle Purdon, PE (paraprofessional) • Mallory Ragon, Speech • Tiffany Russell, Media Specialist • Raven Traylor, Lifecore Counselor • Charquita Stalnaker, Reading Interventionist Assistant • Kayla Tucker, SPED Assistant • Glenda Tzib, ELL Assistant • Mirna Lizette Tzib, ELL Assistant • Emily Vandiver, Reading Inverventionist • Lauren Whitworth, SPED • Kim Wilson, Bible • Beth Wray, SPED • Ramona Zamarripa, SPED Assistant
D.T. Cox Staff 2021-22
3rd Grade ELA
4th Grade ELA
• Aubree Cortes • Sarah McLaughlin • Rebecca Ray • Kacey Rowland
• Jordan Owen • Ty Spicer • Kaitlyn Witthun • Anah Lewis
3rd Grade Math
4th Grade Math
• LaShae Collums • Sarah Burrell • Jessica Luther • Katie Marquis
• Karen Foster • Ginger Heatherly • Emma Harris • Allison Clingan
SPED
• Kathy Laughery- 4th Grade Resource • Haylee Collums- 3rd Grade Resource • Tasha Guin - 3rd Grade Inclusion • Lisa McDonald- 4th Grade
Inclusion • Kelley Holliday- Self Contained • Nan Anderson- Self Contained Assistant • Dee Franklin- Speech • Alex Henry- Speech • Lesia HolleyInterventionist • Nancy SimmonsInterventionist
Gifted
• Jenna Patterson- 3rd Grade Gifted • Misty Vineyard- 4th Grade Gifted
ELL
• Rachel Chrestman
Activities
• Laurie Bishop- PE • Kristy Dowdy- Library • Brandy Ball- Digital Citizenship/Typing • Kalista Stanford- Art • Susan Brown- Music • Anna Holmes- STEM • Nathan Bailey- Bible
Office
• Brandi Chrestman- Nurse • Sandy Williams- Secretary • LaToya Kinnard- Counselor • Sherron Horton- Asst. Principal • Kassi Mask- Principal • Felisha Pegues- Custodian • Marcus Hurd- Custodian • Patty Cruse- LifeCore
Updated Covid-19 guidance for school year Friday, July 16 Mississippi Department of Health updated Public Health Guidance for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 in Mississippi K-12 settings for the 2021-2022 school year – consistent with CDC guidelines. Here is the new guidance. All eligible students, teachers, and staff 12 years of age and older should receive COVID-19 vaccination. Masks should be worn indoors in school settings by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated.
Schools should maintain at least three feet of physical distance between students within classrooms, combined with indoor mask wearing by people who are not fully vaccinated, to reduce transmission risk. Routine screening testing of asymptomatic unvaccinated students, teachers and staff is recommended as an additional measure to prevent further transmission. Schools should continue to isolate COVID-19 infected students, teachers, and staff and continue contact tracing to identify exposed individuals for quarantine
and exclusion from the school setting. All students, teachers and staff who have symptoms of any infectious illness, regardless of vaccination status, should stay home from school and be evaluated by their healthcare provider. As a reminder, fully vaccinated students, teachers and staff: Do not have to wear a mask when indoors; Do not have to quarantine or be excluded from the school setting if they have COVID-19 exposure; and Do not have to be tested unless symptomatic.
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Pontotoc Progress • pontotoc-progress.com
Page 13B
Pontotoc City Pontotoc Junior Pontotoc High School Staff 2021-22 High School Staff 2021-22 Administration
• Dustin Payne - Principal
• Dorothy Thomas - Assistant Principal
Principal
• Phil Webb - Athletic Director
Assistant Principal
• Allison Armstrong - Lead Teacher
Counselor
• Kevin Rodgers - School Resource Officer
• Niki Peel • Josh Dowdy
• Kelsie Cruse
Administrative Staff
Librarian
• Blair Cullum - Counselor
Secretary
• Jennifer Dale - Career Coach
• Cassie Cooper • Nicole Robinson
Nurse
• Ashley Dowdy
Science
• Jen Alexander • Kaitlyn Anderson • Zach Gory • Tyler Orman
Math
• Chelsea Butler • Jullianna Fulghum • Kelsey Russell • Katy Witt
English
• Justin Jensen - Government, Economics, Girls Soccer
• Gary Dixon - College Career Readiness, Basketball • Delaney Edmondson - ELL, Spanish 1 • Kristen Fortenberry Foundations of Algebra, Algebra 1 • Adam Gentry - World History, A. P. World History, Football
Technology
• Heather Howell Receptionist
• Hannah Gersh - Art 1, Art 2, Yearbook
• Mitzi Russell - Nurse
• Angie Gillen - In School Detention
• Amy Holladay • Teresa Keys • Kyle Walker
SRO
• Shad Long
Speech
• Joanna Manning
Physical Education • Brian Morgan
Social Studies
• Matthew Strickland
• Jessie Clayton Grace Kimbrell • Jessica Moore • Hillary Parrish • Kirsten Sloan • Lori Wilson
• Samuel Collier Government, Economics, Baseball
• Ginger Ethridge - Secretary
• Wanda Hatcher
• Bre Hamblin • Keith Morgan
Special Education
• Alyce Jennings - Special Education
Health/ Girls’ Basketball
• Dr. Tina Fitts • Carley Forester • Hali-Ana Harvey • Shelbie McKnight • Richie Chrestman • Jordan Thompson • Jordan Watts • Jared Wilson
• Michelle Clark - ELL, Spanish 2
• Tonya Smith - Secretary • Kelli Warren - Counselor
Teachers
• Corey Armstrong - P. E. , Driver’s Education, Football • Tyler Arnold - Chemistry, A. P. Chemistry, Physics
• Missy Griffith - Family Dynamics, Child Development • Bre’Lyn Hamblin - Band • Charles Hamblin - Special Education Inclusion
• Amanda Kelly - English 4, SREB Literature • Audrey Little - Special Education Inclusion
• Zach Matkins - World History, Mississippi Studies, World • Annie McGregor - Skills Lab, Assistant Athletic Director • Abby Moore - Special Education Inclusion • Keith Morgan - Band • Colleen Parman - English Composition 1, Dual Credit English • Melinda Pittman - Problems in American Democracy, U.S. • Cullen Pollard - Anatomy & Physiology, Soccer • Catherine Robinson Algebra 2
• Mike Bain - Cross Country
• Allison Haynes - English 2, Creative Writing, MS Writers
• Camille Rodgers - Librarian
Music
• Rhandi Ball - Foundations of Biology, Biology 1
• Kyle Heard - P. E., Basketball
• Nikki Roe - Accelerated English 2, English 2
Art
• James Barnes - Special Education
• Kate Hester - Foundations of Algebra, Algebra 1
• Jessica Smith - Geometry, ACT Prep
Bible
• Jennifer Bass - SREB Math, ACT WorkKeys Prep
• Renea Hinton - Special Education
• Rachel Sneed - Physical Science
EL/Spanish
• Melanie Bean - Algebra 2, Algebra 3, A. P. Calculus
• Teresa Hugya - Special Education
• Matt Strickland - Choir
Custodian
• Rachel Boothe - Biology 1, A. P. Biology
• LaRose Hunter - Special Education Inclusion
• Allison Bramlett - English 1, Creative Writing, MS Writers
• Kayla Hutcheson Accelerated English 1, English 1
• Becky Butts - SpeechLanguage
• Sam James - Geometry, College Algebra
Band
• Tessa Morrison Ruth • Jared Wilson • Walker Winter • LaTonya White
We Hope Everyone Has A SAFE SCHOOL YEAR
• Chloe Sullivan - English 3, A. P. Language • Rolanda Tipler - College Career Readiness, Basketball • Sarah Todd - Band • Matt Turner - Health, Drug Education, Safety Education
• Justin Varnon - U.S. History, Law, Local Culture, Personal • Tina Wanner - Exploring Computer Science, A. P.
• Logan Wilbanks - Earth and Space Science, Geology • Michael Wildmon - Driver’s Education, Softball • Nita Wilgus - Foundations of Biology, Earth and Space • Jared Wilson - Bible
Custodian
• Jason Collins • Steve Johnson • Johnny Moore
Academic Support
• Jeff Carter - Head Football Coach, PASS Teacher • Lori Hamill - PASS General and Special Education Teacher • Alyce Jennings - PASS General and Special Education Teacher • Mickey Mapp - Assistant Football Coach, PASS Teacher • Christy Murray - PASS Teacher • Heather Sparks - PASS Teacher Assistant • Leeanna Walker - PASS Teacher • Christy Suggs - Director of Intervention Services, PASS Principal
Maintenance & Transportation
• Jason Chrestman • Mike Gregory • Jerry Parmer • Chuck Patrick • Ben Russell
Career Center Pontotoc Ridge Career & Technology Center Staff 2021-22 • Patricia Ellison, Director • Heather Crotwell, Counselor • Jay Allen, Law and Public Safety • Amanda Bray, Business Manager
• Greyson Campbell, Construction/Carpentry • Jaimee Childs, Engineering • Justin Dorris, Information Technology
• Dale Faulk, Maintenance • Dionne Gunter, Teacher Academy • Sonya Russell, Health Sciences II • Mary Martin, Maintenance
• Matt Powell, Ag Power and Machinery
• Dana Roberts, Student Services Coordinator
• Shelly Varnon, Health Sciences I
• Barry Reeder, Architecture/Drafting
• Bridget Robinson, Early Childhood Development
• Tony Shields, Welding
• Phillip Robbins, Advanced Manufacturing
• Leslie Timmons, Administrative Assistant
• Amanda Wood, Career Pathway Coach • Clint Young, Agricultural Science