Back To School 20110728 by Journal Inc

JULY 28, 2011

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

Crews prepare the grounds of what will become Smithville School’s temporary campus this year. The new campus will have 22 mobile classrooms plus a cafeteria, library and administrative office buildings. Students and teachers said that it will be meaningful to have school again in their hometown.

Smithville readies for emotional return BY CHRIS KIEFFER DAILY JOURNAL

SMITHVILLE – The opening of a new school year usually sparks several emotions. But the usual first-day jitters or excitement that will be felt by many students across Northeast Mississippi are nothing compared to the feelings that will be reverberating in Smithville on Aug. 15. Less than four months after a tornado ripped through the Monroe County town, killing 17 people and destroying more than two-thirds of its buildings, students will attend classes in Smithville for the first time since the tragedy. “I think it will be very different this year,” said senior Megan Whitehead, 17. “We’re all back again. We’re all with each other and still supporting each other.” Smithville students did return to school six days after the tornado struck, but those classes were held in nearby Becker at the Monroe County Advanced Learning Center. This time, the new school year will begin in the town where most of the 600 students live. “That will play a major role in the morale of the community,” said Smithville Principal Chad O’Brian. “We will have a Smithville campus. That will go

a long way toward giving us the normalcy we need.” The school’s campus, which was within the tornado’s path, remains badly damaged. As O’Brian toured it in mid-July, he watched cleanup crews haul away steel beams where the band hall used to be, looked at the pile of rubble where the gymnasium once stood and walked through hallways with pools of standing water. However, the Monroe County School District made the decision to locate 44 portable classrooms on a county-owned plot of land near Industrial Street. That will allow school to return to Smithville while efforts to rebuild the school’s permanent campus continue. “As long as we are back in Smithville it will be great,” said U.S. history teacher Jeremy Duke. “Having everyone travel around the county to go to the Advanced Learning Center was pretty difficult. “School here is the heartbeat of the community.” This summer has been a unique one for O’Brian. On this summer tour of campus, he walked through classrooms trying to determine which ones had textbooks and which ones didn’t. The storm had disrupted the school’s normal year-end textbook turn-in, and officials weren’t even sure which educa-

tional materials they had available. “Those are Algebra I text books,” he said upon seeing a pile of books in a classroom that didn’t normally host Algebra I students. “That’s good. That’s a state-tested subject.” Because dirt work hadn’t yet begun on the school’s temporary classroom – awaiting the results of an environmental study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency – O’Brian was using the trunk of his car as an office. He said he’s working hard to ensure the teachers will have everything they need to begin teaching on the first day of school and noted that the donations the school has received have been tremendous. “I don’t even know where to begin to say thank you,” he said. On the days when O’Brian needed to make phone calls, check emails, or interview new teachers, he’d used an office at Hatley. “The biggest thing without having a campus is that a lot of days are frustrating or slow,” he said. “It is hard to feel like you have accomplished a lot.” Soon he will have that office, and the students will return to classes in Smithville. Some say the summer has given them time to adjust to the tragedy

Smithville School’s campus was destroyed in April by the tornado that damaged much of the town. Students finished the school year at the Monroe County Advanced Learning Center in Becker. They’ll be on a temporary campus in Smithville this year, while their original campus is being repaired. that hit during the final weeks of school. “It has helped,” Duke said. “Everything was out of order. Getting out for the summer was a big help. The new year will be a fresh start for everyone.” Whitehead and her family have been living with relatives while they rebuild a home that was destroyed. “What has made it more dis-

tant is that we have been busy rebuilding and getting back to normal,” she said. It will be a unique year, Whitehead notes. She said she is anxious to see everyone but also nostalgic that she won’t be on her old campus. Whitehead’s younger sister, eighth-grader Mandi Whitehead, will be among those who will get to see the new campus

when the construction project is completed. So will freshman Ashtyn Hensley. “It will be like, ‘Wow,’” Hensley said. “I can’t wait to see the new stuff we are getting. I have pictures of what it used to be and will compare them to what it looks like. I think it will be a bigger and better school.” chris.kieffer@journalinc.com

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Back to school

BACK TO SCHOOL

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

Get a healthy start

A good day at school starts at home BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

quently the kids complaining admit they skipped breakfast. “The kids can’t concentrate because they have no fuel for the brain.” Breakfast doesn’t have to be elaborate to be healthy and sustaining. Cereal, fruit, oatmeal or even a sandwich washed down with a glass of milk or juice are great choices. If there’s no time at home, breakfast is available at public schools, and most districts time their bus routes so students can take advantage of the cafeteria’s offerings.

Kids need more than pencils and paper to be ready to tackle a day at school. A good night’s sleep and a sustaining breakfast are two of the most important school supplies parents can provide. What happens at home really matters. “Too many children don’t eat breakfast and don’t get enough sleep, and they don’t perform well,” West Point pediatrician Dr. Keith Watson said. “Kids need 8 to 10 hours a night.” Plantersville School Nurse Linda Shack often sees the reWHEN THEY GET SICK sults of insufficient breakfast in Inevitably, most kids are going her office. to get sick during the school “I see a lot of headaches,” year. Shack said, adding that freWhen that happens, the best

thing for them and their classmates is for the sick student to stay home and recover, Shack said. If kids have fever, vomiting and diarrhea, they need to stay home until the illness has been resolved for 24 hours. Certain infectious diseases THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL like pink eye require a note that the child has been under a doc- Channing Hooper, 4 and big brother, Christopher, 7, get a strong tor’s care and is no longer con- start to the day with breakfast at their Saltillo home. School health advocates say breakfast is vitally important so students have the tagious. fuel they need to learn.

PAPERWORK

FIGHT GERMS

There are reams of paperwork required at the beginning of the year. It’s vitally important not to skimp on the medical history and emergency contacts. It’s important to fill it out completely even if they ask for it on multiple forms. Some forms

stay with teachers; other forms go to the school nurse or administrators “We want those before there’s an emergency,” Shack said. Those forms are vitally important for kids with asthma, diabetes, seizures and serious

allergies who need action plans in place so staff members know what needs to be done even if the nurse isn’t available. “We will use those forms to start action plans,” Shack said. michaela.morris@journalinc.com

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Scrub up for as long as it takes to sing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” twice through. • Get a flu shot when they become available. The NMMC Live Well Health Fair, where free shots are given, is set for Nov. 8. • If soap and water aren’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitize. • Sneeze or cough into a tissue or sleeve, not your hand. • Don’t drink or eat after other people • If you are sick with fever, chills and other flu symptoms, stay home and contact your health care provider. Keep kids at home until they are free of fever – without aid of fever reducers – for 24 hours. Warning: Don’t give children and teens aspirin or medicines containing aspirin if they have flulike symptoms. It increases the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

Officials tout buses as safe means of transport BY CHRIS KIEFFER DAILY JOURNAL

A new school year is just around the corner, and school buses will soon populate a street near you. Education officials insist that school buses, with their multiple safety features, remain a very safe way of transporting children to and from school. Since they do carry children, however, accidents can become more tragic. Last year, Northeast Mississippi was shocked when an Ackerman High School bus collided head on with a tractor-trailer on Feb. 8. Three people were killed: bus driver Steven Moss, truck driver Gary Bailey and teacher C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL Phyllis Graham, who sat directly behind Moss on the bus. It was Students load buses after school at Mooreville High School. Lee County Transportation Director Ralph just one of several serious acci- Capps and Tupelo Director of Transportation Kenneth Roberts each said the most dangerous accidents involving school buses that dents involving school buses occur when students enter and exit buses. occurred in Mississippi during the year. “That bus took an extremely What makes them a safer form built with several features deThirteen students and one hard hit and none of the kids of travel, he said, is the amount of signed to make them safer. teacher were treated for injuries were hurt,” Capps said. training that drivers are required The high seats and narrow from the Ackerman bus accident “Your bus is still considered the to take and the way the vehicles aisles are intended to keep riders that occurred near the intersec- safest vehicle on the road. The are built. in compartments. tion of Highways 8 and 9 in Cal- way it’s reinforced with the floor, All Mississippi bus drivers atIn an accident, riders would houn City. None of those student side walls and top, it can with- tend an eight-hour recertification most likely be thrown into the injuries were life-threatening. stand impact.” course every other year and must cushioned seat in front of them In fact, Ralph Capps, transLeonard Swilley, transportation take four hours of training every or onto the seat next to them. portation director for the Lee director for Mississippi Depart- year. Individual districts also may They are less likely to be thrown a County School District, said that ment of Education, said 450,000 add their own training require- great distance. the accident actually proved how Mississippi students ride school ments. “The back of the seat is almost safe school buses can be. buses every day. Meanwhile, school buses are like an air bag,” said Kenneth

BUS SAFETY

Roberts, director of transportation for the Tupelo Public School District. “It is as safe, to me, as an air bag.” The bus’ curved roof is intended to force it to turn onto its side if it were to roll over. The vehicle’s frame also is reinforced so it can better withstand a collision. It has emergency features, such as windows or roof vents that can be removed for an escape. Although some people have advocated for seat belts on school buses, Roberts, Capps and Swilley do not believe seat belts would make them any safer. In fact, they argue, they could make it worse. Some students might use them as a weapon in a fight. Also, in the event of an accident with young students, they might be trapped in their seat belts if the driver is unable to release them. Instead, the three men worry more about what could happen to students before or after they ride a bus. The greatest danger, they say, is that a passing motorist would ignore a stopped bus and hit a student who is boarding or unloading from the bus. All three urge drivers to be careful around school buses. “Outside the bus is where the most concern is,” Capps said. chris.kieffer@journalinc.com

Lee County Transportation Director Ralph Capps and Tupelo Director of Transportation Kenneth Roberts each said the most dangerous accidents involving school buses occur when students enter and exit those buses. They offered several tips to make loading and unloading safer. • Drivers should be extra careful around school buses. Cars on both sides of the road need to stop when the school bus stops and its stop sign is extended. • Drivers should be particularly aware of students who must cross a road to enter or exit a bus. • Students should not horseplay while waiting for buses in the morning. There is a danger that someone could be pushed into oncoming traffic. • If possible, parents should accompany children to wait for their bus in the morning. • Children should wear brightly-colored clothing so they can be seen better. • Once they are on the bus, students are safest when they are sitting and are quiet.

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DAILY JOURNAL

BACK TO SCHOOL

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011 |

ABERDEEN Aug. 8: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 17: Parent-Teacher conferences Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-Jan. 3: Christmas Jan. 4: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: President’s Day March 12-16: Spring holiday March 19: Parent-Teacher conferences April 6-9: East holiday May 24: Last day for students May 27: Graduation

ALCORN COUNTY Aug. 4: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10: No students Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-30: Christmas Jan. 2: No students Jan. 3: Students return Jan. 16: No students Feb. 20: No students March 12-16: Spring break April 6: Good Friday April 9: No students May 25: Last day for students

AMORY Aug. 3: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-30: Christmas Jan. 3: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day March 12-16: Spring break April 6: Good Friday April 13: Railroad Festival May 15: Last day for students; graduation BALDWYN Aug. 4: Registration, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Aug. 8: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10: Columbus Day Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 21-Jan. 2: Christmas Jan. 4: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: President’s Day March 12-16: Spring break April 6 and 9: Easter May 18: Graduation May 24: Last day for students BOONEVILLE Aug. 8: First day for students

CALENDARS

Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10: Columbus Day Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 21: Christmas holiday begins Jan. 9: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: President’s Day March 12-16: Spring break April 6: Good Friday May 18: Graduation May 23: Last day for students

CALHOUN COUNTY Aug. 3: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10-11: No students Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-30: Christmas Jan. 3: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: No students March 12-16: Spring break April 6-9: Easter May 18: Last day for students; graduation CHICKASAW COUNTY Aug. 4: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 17: Holiday

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Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-30: Christmas Jan. 4: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: President’s Day March 12-16: Spring break April 5: Prom April 6-9: Easter May 24: Last day for students May 25: Graduation

CLAY COUNTY Aug. 8: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 17: No students Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 21-Jan. 3: Christmas Jan. 4: No students Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day March 12-16: Spring break April 6: Good Friday April 9: Easter Monday May 18: Graduation for K and 6th May 21: Last day for students CORINTH Aug. 8: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-Jan. 2: Christmas

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DAILY JOURNAL

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Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: President’s Day March 12-16: Spring break April 6: Good Friday April 9: Good Monday May 21-24: Exams May 25: Graduation

HOUSTON Aug. 8: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 17: No students Oct. 18: No students Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-30: Christmas Jan. 2: No students Jan. 3: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 17: No students Feb. 20: President’s Day March 12-16: Spring break April 6-9: Easter May 24: Last day for students; graduation ITAWAMBA COUNTY Aug. 5: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 17: No students Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 22-Jan. 3: Christmas Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: No students March 12-16: Spring break April 6-9: Easter May 18: Last day for students May 19: Graduation LAFAYETTE COUNTY Aug. 4: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10: Fall break Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 16-Jan. 2: Christmas Jan. 4: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: No students

March 12-16: Spring break April 6: Good Friday April 9: Easter May 18: Graduation May 21: Last day for students

LEE COUNTY Aug. 4: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10: Columbus Day Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-Jan. 2: Christmas Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: President’s Day March 12-16: Spring break April 6: Good Friday April 9: Easter Monday May 19: Graduation May 22: Last day for students MONROE COUNTY Aug. 15: First day for students Nov. 23-27: Thanksgiving Dec. 22-Jan. 4: Christmas Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: Professional development March 12-16: Spring break April 6: Good Friday April 13: Professional development May 17: Hatley graduation; Smithville graduation May 18: Hamilton graduation May 22: Last day for students NETTLETON Aug. 4: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10: Columbus Day Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-Jan. 2: Christmas Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: President’s Day March 12-16: Spring break April 6: Good Friday April 9: Good Monday May 24: Last day; graduation

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BACK TO SCHOOL |

NEW ALBANY Aug. 9: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10: Columbus Day Nov. 19-27: Thanksgiving Dec. 17-Jan. 1: Christmas Jan. 3: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: President’s Day March 10-18: Spring break April 6: Good Friday April 9: No students May 24: Last day for students May 25: Graduation NORTH TIPPAH Aug. 4: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10: No students Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-Jan. 1: Christmas Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 23: No students Feb. 20: President’s Day March 12-16: Spring break April 5: No students April 6: Good Friday May 24: Graduation, Falkner High May 25: Graduation, Walnut High OKOLONA Aug. 8: First day for students

Sept. 5: Holiday Nov. 21-25: Holiday Dec. 19-Jan. 2: Holiday Jan. 16: Holiday March 12-16: Holiday April 6-9: Holiday May 16: Last day for seniors May 18: Last day; graduation

CALENDARS

March 12-16: Spring break April 6-9: Easter May 18: Graduation May 22: Last day for students

OXFORD Aug. 4: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10: Columbus Day Oct. 17: Fall break Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-30: Christmas Jan. 3: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day March 12-16: Spring break April 6-9: Easter May 18: Last day for students May 19: Graduation PONTOTOC CITY Aug. 6: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 7 and 10: Fall break Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 21: Begin Christmas break Jan. 5: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 13: No students

PONTOTOC COUNTY Aug. 8: First day for middle and high schools Aug. 9: First day for Elementary Aug. 10: All students report Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10: Columbus Day Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-30: Christmas Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: President’s Day March 12-16: Spring break April 6: Good Friday April 9: Holiday May 16: Last day for seniors May 22: Last day for students May 24: Graduation, north May 25: Graduation, south PRENTISS COUNTY Aug. 8: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10: Columbus Day Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 22: Christmas begins

Jan. 9: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: President’s Day March 12-16: Spring break April 6: Good Friday May 25: Last day for students

SOUTH TIPPAH Aug. 4: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10: No students Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-30: Christmas Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 23: No students Feb. 20: President’s Day March 12-16: Spring break April 5: No students April 6: Good Friday May 24: Last day for students May 25: Graduation STARKVILLE Aug. 8: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 19: No students Oct. 20: Fall break Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 22-Jan. 6: Christmas Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

March 12-16: Spring break April 6 and 9: Easter May 23: Last day for students May 25: Graduation

March 12-16: Spring break April 6 and 9: Holiday May 18: Last day; graduation

TISHOMINGO Aug. 4: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10 and 11: Fall break Oct. 17: No students Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 19-30: Christmas Jan. 4: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: President’s Day March 12-16: Spring break April 6: Good Friday April 9: Easter Monday May 22: Belmont graduation May 24: Last day; TCHS graduation TUPELO Aug. 4: First day for students Sept. 5: Holiday Oct. 10: Holiday Nov. 21-25: Holiday Dec. 19-30: Holiday Jan. 3: Students return Jan. 16: Holiday Feb. 20: Holiday

UNION COUNTY Aug. 9: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 10: Columbus Day Nov. 19-27: Thanksgiving Dec. 17-Jan. 1: Christmas Jan. 3: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 20: President’s Day March 10-19: Spring break April 6: Good Friday April 9: No students May 24: Last day; graduation WEST POINT Aug. 8: First day for students Sept. 5: Labor Day Oct. 17: Student holiday Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving Dec. 21-Jan. 3: Christmas Jan. 5: Students return Jan. 16: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day March 12-16: Spring break April 6-9: Easter holiday May 21: Last day for students May 24: Graduation (tentative)

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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

Karaoke, “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth-Grade Teacher?” trivia and other games you will never play at school. Admission will be free that day. Teachers will be eligible for hourly door prizes. For more information, call (662) 377-5437 or visit www.healthworkskids.org

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DAILY JOURNAL

BACK TO SCHOOL

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

Don’t forget the shots

DAILY JOURNAL

Before they head to school and day care, students need to be upto-date on required vaccinations. No one likes to get shots, but the pain is fleeting especially when compared to the devastation of polio and the other childhood diseases. “It’s so important in terms of protection against deadly diseases,” said Dr. Paul Byers, inByers terim state epidemiologist with the Mississippi State Department of Health. Polio has largely been eradicated, but the measles, Watson mumps and pertussis still pop up. “These illness are not like catching a cold,” said West Point Pediatrician Dr. Keith Watson. “There’s a significant chance of fatality or developing a long

standing problem like brain damage. … Even chickenpox carries potentially serious complications.” Vaccinations directly protect the children who receive them, but they also help protect those who can’t get vaccinations, Byers said. For example, pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is usually mild in older children and teens, but can be deadly for infants who are too young for the vaccine. If your children have been immunized in Mississippi, your health care provider can access their information in the state’s immunization registry. They can see what shots children have received, what they need and even forecast a timeline of what they will need down the road. “It’s a great tool,” Byers said. The majority of the shot schedule is focused before the age of 3. Children can receive the boosters required for kindergarten entrance any time after they turn 4. “They don’t have to wait,” until the weeks before kindergarten starts, Byers said. To make the process go more smoothly, Watson suggests telling children the shots are

coming before they get to the doctors office. “Avoid springing it on them,” Watson said, and reassure them that it will be over quickly.

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• Free childhood immunizations Where: Antone Tannehill Good Samaritan Free Clinic, Magazine Street, Tupelo When: 5 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays Who: Those who do not have public or private health insurance that covers the shots. Slots are limited for each clinic. Call: (662) 844-3733 • Low cost immunizations Where: County Health Departments Cost: Fee typically is $10 per shot Call (866) 458-4948 or county health departments for more information. • Expanded hours Where: The Children’s Clinic of West Point When: Immunizations only by appointments are available 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 6, and 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 11 and 25. Cost: The clinic will file private insurance and Medicaid; if the child’s shots are not covered by insurance, the fee is $10 per shot.

For tweens and teens, there are no further immunizations required for public schools, but there are recommended vaccines. The HPV vaccine is now recommended for boys, as well as girls, starting at age 9, Watson said. The vaccine is a series of three shots. It guards against strains of the HPV virus that can cause cervical cancer in girls and genital warts and anal cancer in both sexes. Between ages 11 and 12, a C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL | PHOTO ILLUSTRATION booster that includes protection against tetanus and pertussis is It’s important to keep kids up to date on immunizations, and it is recommended along with a vac- a requirement for admission into school. cine against meningitis. Some universities require a | | meningitis vaccine for students who will be living in dormitories. Living in communal setHib: Protects against Haemophilus inpox. Recommended schedule: 2 tings raises the risk for the Tdap: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. Recfluenzae, bacteria which causes doses between 1 and 5 years. disease that affects the brain ommended schedule: 5 doses bemeningitis. Recommended schedand central nervous system. tween ages 2 months and 6 years. ule: 4 doses between 2 months and For childcare Polio: Recommended schedule: 4 15 months. Pneumococcal: Protects against inmichaela.morris@journalinc.com doses between 2 months and 6 MMR: Protects against measles, vasive Pneumococcal disease, inyears. mumps and rubella. Recommended cluding meningitis. Recommended Visit us to see our extensive selection of Hepatitis B: Recommended schedule: schedule: 2 doses between ages 1 schedule: 4 doses between 2 and Kawai Pianos and keyboards, and 3 doses between birth and 18 year and 6 years. 18 months. Yamaha digital pianos and keyboards months. Varicella: Protects against chicken-

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BACK TO SCHOOL

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

Schools have busy summer with construction BY CAIN MADDEN DAILY JOURNAL

SMITHVILLE – When school lets out for the summer, No. 2 pencils, notepads and backpacks make way for paintbrushes, hammers and nails. Some of the biggest construction projects in Northeast Mississippi include Smithville, Tupelo and Alcorn County. In Smithville, the main hope with the construction is to return the children to normalcy as soon as possible. Monroe County School District Superintendent Scott Cantrell said rebuilding the school would be an 18-month project costing a minimum of $3 million, which includes the cost of leasing the modular units. “It will be as normal as we can make it, for the mom, dad, guardians and the kids too, that is important,” Cantrell said.“It is important to be able to go to school in your home town.” Cantrell said it was a huge investment to provide the students with the temporary mobile site, but it is something they wanted to do. Other than some multimedia projectors, students can expect the much of the same, including a music room, physical education facilities and four computer labs. “It’ll be connected with sidewalks and covered walkways,” Cantrell said.“It’ll look like a normal school campus. It will just be with temporary units.” To comply with FEMA, the school plans to have some of the 18-month renovation and rebuilding done by the start of this

school year, including the sports facilities, the cafeteria and the high school. At a cost of approximately $750,000, the district plans to have the football and softball fields ready for August, and work on the baseball field will soon be started. Cantrell said there is nothing they can do to get the gymnasium ready for basketball in time for the regular season, but that it could be ready by Christmas of 2012, at a cost of approximately $1.5 million. “I think it is huge for the kids that participate in extra curricular, athletic, cheerleading or band to get back to it as soon as possible,” Cantrell said. “It gets back to the sense of normalcy, you have to do all you can to make it like it was before. “It is a way to show our support, and get the kids involved in something good.” The cafeteria is mostly still intact, but it needs some roofing work to become operational. The district decided to pursue opening the old cafeteria instead of leasing equipment they already owned, which still worked, for approximately $300,000 to use in the temporary cafeteria. The district will bus food to the temporary site. The reroofing will cost approximately $80,000. The high and middle school will be renovated to comply with emergency management laws. During inclement weather, they will bus students over. It will cost approximately $130,000. “We would put the kids in the

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

Workers begin loading equipment after finishing work on the administration building and several other buildings on the Tupelo High School campus this summer. hallway of the brick and mortar building,” Cantrell said. “This is just like we would do at the regular campus, only we would bus them over.” Funding is coming from insurance and FEMA. While the Tupelo School District is doing many projects around the district, the main brunt of the $2.5 million in construction projects is happening at the high school. Executive Director Julie Hinds said the district is adding 6,500 square feet to the band hall, and there will be renovations at the fine arts center and the ninth-grade locker room. The renovations will allow the high school band to take on the growing number of students. “Our band has always been successful in competitions,” assistant communication di-

rector Marisa Martin said. “That can garner more interest, plus, arts have always been big in Tupelo.” Communications director Kay Bishop added that the school is a Whole Arts School, and the district introduces the arts at an early age. The work will also allow the culinary program to move on campus. “The response to the culinary program was overwhelming from students and so successful that more students signed up this year,” Bishop said. The high school project cost $2.4 million, and was funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act construction bonds, which could be spent only on construction.

“The Tupelo Public School District has always been committed to promoting a number of advancements, including facilities for staff, students and the community,” Hinds said. “These projects support Tupelo’s mission, which is preparing students for a global society, and facilities play a big role in that.” Alcorn County School District is going through a districtwide effort to become greener, including installing solar panels to generate power. The bulk of the $3.3 million project, however, has been renovating the buildings to make them more energy efficient. A total of $1.1 million will be reimbursed by TVA and ARRA, which includes the solar unit. “The solar ray is going to attract a lot of people to us, like field trips,” said Assistant Superintendent Wayne Henry. “It is also going to help us generate power, and also to turn around and sell power, so we’ll make a little bit of money off it.” For the renovations, which included reroofing, replacing old air conditioning units and rewiring the electrical system for more control, the district is guaranteed to save about $300,000 a year on its energy bill, which would pay off in approximately eight years. Henry said Johnson Control would cut a check if they did not save that much. cain.madden@journalinc.com

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION Oxford School District New High School, $31 million. Addition of classrooms and a new gymnasium at Oxford Middle School, $3 million. Addition of classrooms at Della Davidson, $1 million. Amory School District Interior renovation and addition of classrooms at East Amory Elementary, $1.1 million. Painting and electronic whiteboards at West Amory Elementary, $850,000. Heating and cooling upgrade and building a soccer field house at Amory High School, $50,000. Corinth School District Carpet renovation at high school, $140,000. Roof and window renovation at the middle school, $145,000. Roof and interior renovation at the middle school band hall, $134,000. Monroe County Roof work at Hamilton, Hatley and at the vocational center, $1 million. Marshall County Sportsplex at Potts Camp School, $1 million. Additions and renovations at all schools, $2 million Pontotoc County Dining facilities at South Pontotoc Middle, cost TBA. These are several school construction projects in Mississippi this summer.

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DAILY JOURNAL

BACK TO SCHOOL

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

Many Northeast Mississippi districts see changes at the top BY CHRIS KIEFFER

Seven of Northeast Mississippi’s 32 school districts will have new superintendents this fall. That total does not count a number of other districts whose leaders could change in upcoming elections. Tupelo: * David Meadows, replaces Randy Shaver (early release from contract) Oxford: * Brian Harvey, replaces Kim Stasny (deceased) Starkville: * Beth Sewell (no photo), replaces Judy Couey (resigned for health reasons) Baldwyn: Ronnie Hill, replaces Harvey Brooks (retired) Booneville: Todd English, replaces Rickey Neaves (retired) West Point: Burnell McDonald, replaces Steve Montgomery (retired) Pontotoc: Karen Tutor, replaces Adam Pugh (left to become next superintendent in Lafayette County) Note: Pugh will replace Lafayette County superintendent Mike Foster in January, after Foster retires. * Denotes interim superintendent

English

Meadows

Harvey

CHRIS KIEFFER | DAILY JOURNAL | FILE

New Baldwyn superintendent Ronnie Hill, right, dismisses students on one of his last days as Baldwyn High School principal last spring. Hill replaced retiring superintendent Harvey Brooks on July 1. May after then-superintendent Kim Stasny died when surgery to remove a tumor from her brain was not successful. It was a sudden transition for Harvey. “We all pulled together,” he said. “We have good people in the office and in our buildings. That is what made it bearable and possible. Everyone started

pulling a little extra weight.” Starkville also got a new leader as a result of an illness, as Judy Couey resigned on April 27 because of health reasons. Assistant superintendent Beth Sewell was named the interim superintendent. Tupelo’s David Meadows became that district’s interim superintendent after Randy

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Shaver asked for and was granted a release from the final two years of his contract in April. A retired educator with 40 years of experience, Meadows was working part-time as Tupelo’s chief accountability officer when he received his new appointment. He has previously served as assistant superintendent in Tupelo, was the district’s interim leader for six months in 2002 and was superintendent in Quitman for 3.5 years. During his time as interim leader, Meadows’ focus has been on restoring public trust and confidence, he has said on multiple occasions. His“Moving Forward Together Plan,” which outlines his vision for the district’s future, calls for safe and healthy schools, reconfirming administrators and teachers as front-line educators and focusing on student achievement

Pugh

Tutor

and the district’s recent curriculum audit. Meanwhile, new superintendents in Baldwyn, Booneville and West Point followed the retirements of the previous superintendents. Ronnie Hill takes over in Baldwyn for Harvey Brooks, and Todd English follows Rickey Neaves in Booneville. In West Point, Burnell McDonald replaces Steve Montgomery. McDonald had been the principal of South Side Elementary in West Point. Hill, who is in his 33rd year as an educator, had served as Baldwyn High School’s principal. He’s been an administrator for 21 years, including stops in Mooreville, Water Valley and Mantachie. English spent two years as Booneville Middle School principal after seven years as the

McDonald

Booneville High School assistant principal. He said he planned to meet with business and industry leaders and groups throughout the community to get their input on what Booneville must do “to be an exemplary school district.” Pugh, a former Lafayette principal, returns to that district after having served as Pontotoc superintendent for the past two years. He has already returned to the district, where he is serving as assistant superintendent until Foster retires at the end of December. He’s being replaced in Pontotoc by Karen Tutor, who has 27 years of experience and had been serving as the district’s assistant superintendent. Tutor has also worked in Calhoun City, Natchez, Oxford and Franklin County. “I had an opportunity to come in two years ago with Dr. Pugh, and I feel like we laid a good foundation for moving forward and focusing on student achievement and reaching those high levels of learning,” she said. chris.kieffer@journalinc.com

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This summer has been a busy one for several Northeast Mississippi educators who are preparing to lead school districts for the first time. Seven of the region’s 32 school districts have new superintendents this fall. That total includes interim superintendents in Oxford, Tupelo and Starkville but does not include a number of other districts whose leaders could change in upcoming elections. In addition, Lafayette County will have a new leader in January when Adam Pugh replaces retiring Mike Foster. Most of those leaders are firsttime superintendents, although a few have led other districts. Nonetheless, all have been using the past couple of months to get prepared for a new position. “We’ve had so much going on with planning for a new high school and other construction projects,” said Brian Harvey, Oxford’s interim superintendent. “There is a lot going on this summer on top of the things you normally do to get ready for the next school year... “People think it is a slow time for schools, but for administrators, it couldn’t be any busier.” In addition to the three interim superintendents, Baldwyn, Booneville, Pontotoc and West Point also welcome new superintendents this year. Harvey has been in the Oxford School District for 16 years and had been serving as assistant superintendent. He became interim superintendent in

NEW SUPERINTENDENTS

DAILY JOURNAL

BACK TO SCHOOL

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

Tupelo schools see several principal changes |

BY CHRIS KIEFFER DAILY JOURNAL

TUPELO – With different principals at eight of its 11 schools, the Tupelo Public School District may need to print programs to keep track of its administrators this year. All eight leaders are familiar to the district, however, having worked in some role within the TPSD during the previous school year. Four of them were principals at other Tupelo schools last year. The administrative shuffle was created when four Tupelo principals retired at the end of last year. Other positions came open when Tupelo principals were reassigned to other positions within the district, including those created by the retirements. The moves created new opportunities for Kristy Luse, Paul Moton, Brock English and Kimberly Foster, who will each be serving as principals for the first time this year. Luse, English and Foster were each assistant principals last year, while Moton was the lead teacher of the district’s high school advancement academy. Moton, who has 13.5 years of teaching experience, has also taught in the Cleveland and Leland School Districts. He will be the school’s fourth principal in the past four years. “There has been so much change in the past couple of years,” he said. “What parents can come to expect this year is a solid foundation being built where we will be focusing on academic achievement for students... “Rankin is already a good school. I’m not going to rock the boat. A lot of the same things they had will still be in place.” One thing he will add is a new phrase he’s coined. “I’m going to talk about the Rankin experience, and that is what I’m looking for kids to enjoy,” he said. “They are going to enjoy the Rankin experience.” While Foster moves from Rankin to become Joyner’s

NEW TUPELO PRINCIPALS

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL

Principal Paul Moton speaks with fourth-grade teacher Rainy Carr as she readies her room for the fall semester at Rankin Elementary School. English

Harbin

Foster

Harris

principal, both Luse and English will now lead the school where they served as an assistant principal last year. Luse takes over at Tupelo Middle School, while English will lead Lawndale. Luse replaces the retired Linda Clifton, while English takes over for Terry Harbin, who became principal at Carver. “I’m excited that I got to stay at Lawndale, and it has been a seamless transition since I already knew the school and the staff,” English said. English, who has spent his entire 10-year teaching career in Tupelo, said he has been meeting with different departments to discuss which programs worked well last year and which didn’t. Mostly, he will maintain the system set up by Harbin. “It is a new beginning for me, but I will continue most of the

Guntharp

policies and programs Dr. H a r b i n started,” English said. “Anything I learned, I learned from him. Luse “That is why it is such a seamless transition.When I was assistant principal under him, it was a shared leadership style, and he gave me responsibilities and duties that prepared me for the position I earned this summer.” Harbin is among four experienced Tupelo principals who find themselves in new schools this year. At Carver, he will replace Brenda Robinson, who retired. Kay Collins moved from Church Street Elementary to Thomas Street, to replace the retired Debbie Davis, and Anna Guntharp went from Rankin to Parkway to replace Joan Dozier, who also retired. Church Street Elementary will not have a new principal this year, as the school was merged with Carver Elementary, where the kindergarten and first-grade students of both schools will be housed. The sec-

ond graders from Church Street and Carver Elementary Schools will go to Lawhon this year. Collins said it has been an interesting transition for her after spending the past 17 years as a teacher and principal at Church Street. She has been preparing to continue the school’s art’s integration program and learning the systems already in place, including the dismissal procedure that she said she will continue. “They have things there very similar to what we had,” Collins said. “We might tweak a few things, but we’ll still do what they’ve done. They have a very active, fabulous Parent-Teacher Association, and I’m very excited about working with them.”

Meanwhile, Joyner Principal Jason Harris moves to Tupelo High School, where he will replace Lee Stratton, who was reassigned as the district’s executive director of athletics and extracurricular activities. Harris will have the challenge of leading the district’s showcase school and of being that school’s fourth leader in less than three years. Having previously worked as a teacher and administrator at the high school level, he’s keen for that task. “Being a high school principal is not just a job, it’s a passion,” Harris said after being appointed to the position on June 28.

In addition to the eight Tupelo Schools with new principals, several other Northeast Mississippi schools will have new leaders this fall. Those new principals include: Booneville School District • Brad Mixon, Booneville Middle School Baldwyn School District • Adam Lindsey, Baldwyn High School • Diane McCreary, Baldwyn Elementary Lafayette County School District • Patrick Robinson, Lafayette High • Bonnie Owen, Lafayette Elementary Lee County School District • Lee Bruce, Mooreville Middle School Monroe County School District • Chris Kidd, Hatley Elementary • Tim Dickerson, Hamilton High • Steve Cantrell, Vocational Center • Billy Loague, Advanced Learning Center Nettleton School District • Melissa Thomas, Nettleton Junior High • Robert Black, Nettleton Upper Elementary Oxford School District • Suzanne Ryals, Bramlett Elementary • Jeff Clay, Oxford Middle School Pontotoc City School District • Mitzi Moore, Pontotoc Middle • Cedric Graham, Pontotoc Junior High Pontotoc County School District • Scott Haley, North Pontotoc Elementary

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NEW PRINCIPALS

The TPSD will have a new principal at eight of its 11 schools this year. Each of the new leaders worked in the district last year, and four of them were principals at other TPSD schools. Principal New School Previous job Kimberly Foster Joyner Rankin assistant principal Terry Harbin Carver Lawndale principal Kay Collins Thomas St. Church Street principal Anna Guntharp Parkway Rankin principal Paul Moton Rankin HSAA lead teacher* Brock English Lawndale Lawndale assistant principal Kristy Luse Tupelo Middle TMS assistant principal Jason Harris Tupelo High Joyner principal *HSAA is high school advancement academy

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DAILY JOURNAL

BACK TO SCHOOL

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

Superintendent spots up for grabs BY CHRIS KIEFFER DAILY JOURNAL

Many Northeast Mississippi educators will have more than education on their minds as the new school year begins next month. Thirteen county school districts are holding elections this year to determine their superintendent of education. The primary election will be Aug. 2, with the general election following on Nov. 8. Eight incumbents face opposition as they try to maintain their current positions. Three races feature no incumbents, meaning that Chickasaw, Itawamba and Marshall counties will each see new superintendents. Lee County’s race will be a hotly-contested one. Incumbent Mike Scott is the lone Democrat in the race after John McGaugh announced he would cease his campaign. McGaugh’s

name will remain on the ballot, however, since he announced his intentions after the ballot had been printed. The Republican primary features Assistant Superintendent Jimmy Weeks and Shannon High School Principal Robert Smith. Other notable races include Alcorn County and Itawamba County. In Alcorn County, incumbent Democrat Stacy Suggs will be challenged in a four-candidate field that includes Democrats Bo Seago and Gina Rogers Smith and Republican Rivers Stroup. Itawamba County Superintendent Teresa McNeece is not seeking reelection, but four candidates are vying to win that job. They are Democrats Michael Cates, Billy Loague and Michael Nanney and Republican Millie Wood. Listed at right is a rundown of all of this fall’s superintendent races.

ALCORN COUNTY Bo Seago, D Gina Rogers Smith, D Rivers Stroup, R Stacy Suggs (i), D BENTON COUNTY Jack Gadd, D Patrick Washington, D (i) CALHOUN COUNTY Mike Moore, D (i) Jeff Patton, D Scotty Collins, R CHICKASAW COUNTY Betsy A. Collums, D CLAY COUNTY Mae W. Brewer, D (i) Sherell Griffin Drake, D ITAWAMBA COUNTY Michael Cates, D Billy Loague, D Michael Nanney, D Millie Wood, R LEE COUNTY * John McGaugh, D Mike Scott (i), D Robert Smith, R Jimmy Weeks, R

Tips for packing healthful school lunches

* McGaugh has announced that he will withdraw from the campaign, but his name will remain on the ballot, which had already been printed.

MARSHALL COUNTY Felicia Anderson Harvell, D Michael E. “Mike” Hamblin, D Jerry Moore, D Marketta Liggins Steward, D MONROE COUNTY Jimmy Wigginton, D Scott Cantrell, D (i) OKTIBBEHA COUNTY James R. Covington Jr., D (i) PONTOTOC COUNTY Kenneth Roye, D (i) John Alan Simmons, D PRENTISS COUNTY Randle Downs (i), D Billy D. Stroupe, D UNION COUNTY Ken Basil, D (i)

DAILY JOURNAL

STATEPOINT

The rush of getting the kids out the door in the morning can make packing a healthful lunch seem like an impossible burden. The typical parent will pack around 200 school lunches yearly, and planning them all requires some serious nutritional skills. Not only do parents need to know how to choose healthful fare, but they need to know how to pick foods their kids will actually eat. • GET CREATIVE WITH PROTEIN. Nuts and beans provide more fiber and less saturated fat than traditional proteins, like meat, cheese, and eggs. Try making a bean dip from chickpeas or pinto beans and pairing it with crunchy vegetables, like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or wholewheat pita triangles. • PACK EDIBLE ABCS. Fresh fruits and nuts are a fun way for kids to get much-needed vitamins, from A to zinc.

A nutritious lunch doesn’t have to be boring. • PORTION CONTROL MATTERS. Little bellies require smaller portions. While kids love opening crinkly bags of chips, the serving size may be too large and unhealthful. Instead, look for small portion packs, like .75ounce bags of healthful nut blends. • DRINKS ARE AS IMPORTANT AS FOODS. Once you’ve gone to all that trouble to choose nutritious foods, don’t ruin your efforts by tossing soda into your child’s lunchbox.

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ELEMENTARY READING & MATH SECONDARY LANGUAGE ARTS READING PROGRAMS FOR DYSLEXIA ASSESSMENT FOR DYSLEXIA

TUTORING AVAILABLE FOR SECONDARY ALGEBRA 1 & 11 COLLEGE ALGEBRA Call for more details.....844-7327

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“Laying the Foundation for Life Long Success”

Opt for unflavored low-fat milk, water or 100 percent fruit juice. Many juice products only have small amounts of real fruit juice, so read labels carefully. • MAKE VEGGIES SPECIAL. Add extra flavor and crunch to salads with apple slices, nuts and dried cranberries. Or mix in pre-packaged nut blends or seasoned nuts. For young children, consider blends combining tree nuts with dried fruit, like pomegranate.

WE REVOLVE AROUND YOU

3725 Cliff Gookin Blvd Tupelo, MS 38801

Established 1992

STATEPOINT

WEST MAIN SHOPPING CENTER • TUPELO, MS

West Main Shopping Center • Tupelo • 844-8400

THEUNIVERSEHASAPPLE.COM

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

A C H R I S T I A N A RTS C E N T E R ! Time to register for Fall Classes! Ballet, Tap, Jazz & Tumbling ★ Ages 2+ Piano, Voice, Guitar, Violin & Drums

Open House • Tue. & Thu. • 4 – 6 2394 McCullough Blvd. • Tupelo, MS 38801

Christian Music - Modest Costuming

COLOR MY WORLD CHILD CARE ACADEMY

“Where it’s Okay for Your Child to Color Outside the Lines”

2045 McCULLOUGH BLVD. • TUPELO

844-0830

Open Mon-Fri: 6am-6pm 6 WEEKS TO 12 YEARS

TUPELO & SALTILLO • Before and After School Care & Transportation • Preschool Programs and Educational Field Trips for Ages 2-5 Years • Experienced and Qualified Staff • Computer Classes Available • Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snack • Loving and Happy Atmosphere

New After School Building

• Soccer • Wii • Basketball • Inflatables and more Limited Space • ENROLL NOW!!

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BACK TO SCHOOL

DAILY JOURNAL

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

Pressure from peers can help alleviate bullying THE DAILY JOURNAL

GUNTOWN – Anna Claire Lyle, 12, of Saltillo, doesn’t like bullying. “Being an active Christian, I’ve learned that bullying is just plain wrong,” Lyle said. “We should all try to live by the Golden Rule and treat others as we want to be treated.” Lyle knows, however, the Golden Rule will not always be used, and with the help of her class, her teacher and principal, the bully court of Guntown Middle School was created to help curb bullying. While the bully court has not tried any cases because their sponsor has not ruled any cases as severe enough to drag an alleged bully in front of his or her peers, Lyle said it has helped because bullies find the idea of going in front of peers more difficult than going in front of teachers. “Our court has helped a lot in kids’ school lives because bullies were too afraid of being turned into our court and didn’t want to be embarrassed in front of their peers,” Lyle said.“So bullying was less of a problem at our school.” Shortly after the court formed, Principal Steven Havens said he thought it was a good idea, because the Department of Education’s number one way to stop bullying is peer pressure. “If peers say that it is not OK to bully, then it stops,” Havens said in October. “The problem is putting that in practice without putting someone in jeopardy.” Lyle and her friends got the idea after hearing a tale from one of their fellow students. “Our very first victim was being made fun of because of his weight,” Lyle said. “It was sad, and I know it really hurt his feelings.” When Pat Brannon was in middle school, she said she too was made fun of for her weight and never reported it. Now, Brannon, who once taught in Amory, preaches against bullying in schools and has written a

book on the subject. Brannon said the bully was a family friend, who was in high school at the time.The boy made fun of her every day on the bus. “He was bigger than me, and I did not want to draw attention,” Brannon said.“Every single day, I dreaded getting on the bus. “The driver would have stopped it, had I told, but I did not tell.” While a bully may instantly forget what he or she said to their victim, Brannon said it will stick with the victim for life. “My mother was bullied in school, and she still remembers it to this day,” said Brannon, who is a grandmother.“The old adage of sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you is wrong.” Brannon said if you or a friend is being bullied, you should not hesitate to report it. “Don’t let it go – if the bully gets away with it the first time, they are going to keep doing it,” Brannon said. “There is no reason why you should have to live, day after day, like that.” If a friend is being bullied,

SPEAKER

TO SCHEDULE PAT BRANNON to speak at a school, call her at (662) 305-5251.

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL | PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

Being bullied is something that can stick with a person his or her entire life. Brannon said you should talk to that friend about reporting it, but if the friend won’t, you should report it yourself. “I would have to report it, not to be dishonest to my friend, but trying to be helpful,” Brannon said. “I could not stand by and watch.” Reporting it is the better option, rather than trying to handle it yourself. “If you defend yourself, more

than likely, I (as the teacher) will turn around just in time to see you defending yourself,” Brannon said. “Not knowing the situation before, it will be you that I actually see fighting.” Also, Brannon added, there is

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For More Information About Our Services or To Become A Student Contact: Telicia Braddock @ 840.3131 or Kathy Tollison, Owner/Instructor @ cac_inc@bellsouth.net

Kathy Tollison is also owner & instructor of the Award Winning Corinth Academy of Cosmetology.

Wildwood

We will be picking up children at T.C.P.S. & King Street Early Childhood Intervention Program

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NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Daytime Hours: Tue. - Fri. 12:00 - 4:30pm & Sat. 8:00am - 3:00pm Evening Hours: Tue. & Thu. 5:00 - 9:30pm

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no telling how far the bully will go to get the upper hand, and it is better to have a responsible adult in your corner. “If you are bullied, you should go to a parent, a teacher or the principal – any adult you have

confidence in,” Brannon said. “I feel that most of the time the bully continues with the bad behavior because no one has called them on it.” As a parent, if you feel like your child is being bullied, Brannon said you should talk to your child, but if you can’t get any info, you shouldn’t hesitate to go to the school. Brannon said she challenges people bullying others to stop. “No one looks up to a bully,” Brannon said. “It is not cool, or fun. I challenge you to take that energy and channel it into something positive.”

Helping Train Today’s Children To Live In Tomorrow’s World

Open 6:30 am to 6:00 pm Accepting 6 Weeks to 12 Years

Celebrating 15 Years of Teaching & Caring for Children • Preschool Programs

• Qualified and Caring Staff

• Computer and Gymnastics

• Summer Program For After School Children

• Large Gym For Before & After School Care With Organized Activities

• Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Snacks

2224 West Jackson St. • 844-9040 Hope Hilliard

owner/director

Cumi Keith

owner/director

Martha Hudson asst. director

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BY CAIN MADDEN

| THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

DAILY JOURNAL

Proudly Brought To You By The Following Business Sponsors . . . Our friendly and concerned neighborhood service providers and merchants have joined together to bring you these important safety tips. Have a happy, healthy and safe 2011 - 2012 school year.

IF you miss the bus, call a parent or guardian to drive you to school. Never ask a stranger!

CUSTOMER SERVICE COMPANIES

FAYE’S PLAYHOUSE & LEARNING CENTER

5038 Raymond St. Verona, MS 38879 • (662) 566-1104 Mr. & Mrs. Harold Northington Owners

BE aware of the street traffic around you. Avoid wearing headphones while walking.

BANK OF OKOLONA

JAYWALKING is dangerous. Cross the street at crosswalks.

DR. FRED MURPHREE 842-7154

KEEP a safe distance between you and the bus while waiting for it to stop.

P.O. Box 306, Okolona, MS 38860

447-5403

CROSS in front of the bus, and make sure the driver sees you pass.

CHILD CARE ACADEMY

Downtown Hamilton Alabama (888) 452-3530 www.motorsportssuperstore.com

DON’T play in the street while waiting for the bus. Stay on the sidewalk.

TBill Benson Chancery Clerk Prompt • Efficient • Courteous 662-841-9100

Sonny T’s Plumbing

24-Hour Service • (662) 871-5693 842-3774

ENTER and exit the bus in a single-file line, letting younger students go first.

TROY LUNCEFORD Master Plumber/Owner

1800 1/2 Hwy 15 N.

Ripley, MS • 837-9263

GET to your bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

MCH Transportation

Attorney at Law

OBEY your bus driver’s rules and regulations, so he or she can get you to school quickly and safely.

NORTH MISSISSIPPI PEDIATRICS, P.A.

662-844-9885 1573 MEDICAL PARK CIRCLE TUPELO, MS

108 CR 713 • SHANNON, MS 38868

903 VARSITY DRIVE TUPELO 662.842.1292

X MARKS railroad tracks. Be silent when a bus comes to a railroad crossing, so the driver can hear if a train is coming.

City of Nettleton 662-963-2605

3609 West Jackson Tupelo, MS

662-844-8411

staggs@selectconnect.net

662-767-3845

HOLD onto the handrail when you are entering and exiting the bus.

WAIT for a signal from the bus driver before you cross the street.

662-869-1611 104 DESERT COVE SALTILLO, MS

PRACTICE good behavior on and off the bus. Don’t get talked into breaking the rules!

QUICKLY go to your seat when you enter the bus, and keep your feet and belongings out of the aisle.

YOUNG children should be walked to the bus stop by their parents or an older sibling.

840-8010

Zzzz. Get a good night of sleep, so you can start each school day feeling refreshed.

Commercial and Residential

(662) 534-9611

Family

662-844-4530

218 N. Spring St. • Tupelo 662-842-5051 • Toll Free 888-537-5051 jdougsh@bellsouth.net

TUP ELO, M IS S IS S IPPI FACE forward and remain seated throughout the entire bus ride.

Jason L. Shelton

VACANT lots and buildings should be avoided on your walk to the bus stop.

Member of

Senior Citizen, Military, & Law Enforcement Discount!

NEVER throw things on the bus or out the bus window, and always keep your hands and arms inside.

USE emergency exits only in emergencies, and make sure not to block them.

(662) 842-0136

662-842-3240 MAKE sure to keep your hands to yourself at all times while riding on the bus.

STAY on the sidewalk, at least 10 feet from the road, while waiting for the bus.

TALK quietly on the bus, so you don’t distract or annoy the driver.

844-1852 LOOSE drawstrings and objects should be secured, so they don’t get caught on the handrail or door of the bus.

COLOR MY WORLD

2045 McCullough Blvd. • Tupelo, MS • 844-0830 Sherrie & Larry Hearn - Owners

662-680-4106 ALWAYS use the sidewalk when walking to and from school. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.

REMEMBER to look to the right before you step off the bus. Careless drivers in a hurry may sometimes try to pass on the right.

662.842.7305 • Tupelo, MS

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