School Focus Fall 23

School Focus

a glimpse into Mississippi’s K-12 classrooms

FALL 2023 | VOL. 8 | ISSUE 1

Hitting the Right Notes ..................................p. 4

Innovation Expanding Imagination ............................. p. 10

School Focus

Fall 2023 | Vol. 8 | Issue 1

Contributors Editor-in-Chief Dr. Donna Boone

Associate Editor

Designer

Jean Cook

Chris McMillen

Managing Editor

Writers

Pam Stafford

Heather Craig Chance Carden Will Graves Brock Turnipseed Cherie Ward

Editor

page

Heather Craig

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All photos were submitted by the MDE or their respective districts unless otherwise noted.

On the Cover

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School Focus

Mississippi School of the Arts students hone their digital media skills.

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Visit us online at rcu.msstate.edu/schoolfocus

Table of Contents Hitting the Right Notes ������������������������������������������������������ 4 Gautier Band Director Helps Students Uncover Passion for Music

Desoto County High School Students Ace the ACT ������ 7 NWR Students Selected to Senate Youth Program �������� 8 VWSD Elementary Teachers Receive Scholarships ������� 9 Innovation Expanding Imagination ������������������������������� 10 MSA Provides Unique Arts and Collegiate Experiences for Mississippi High Schoolers

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Two Mississippi Students Named 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars �������������������������������������� 14 MDE Educator Shortage Survey: 515 Fewer Vacancies in 2022-23 ������������������������������������ 15 NAMS Science Teacher Gets Crafty �������������������������������� 15 2023 Administrator of the Year �������������������������������������� 16 Dr. Caterria Payton of Pacagoula High

U.S. Department of Education Names Three Mississippi Schools Among National Blue Ribbon Award Winners �������������������������� 18

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2023 Parent of the Year ���������������������������������������������������� 22 Kimberly Walker Nailor

Natchez-Adams School District Starts the School Year With Reading Event........................... 24 Jackson Public Schools Teacher Accepted into Prestigious Nationwide Program ��������������������������� 25 Greenhorn Communicators: Green Elementary School Students Explore Mass Media Opportunities with Podcast �������������������������������������������� 26 Statewide Assessment Results: Student Achievement Reaches All-Time High ���������������������������� 27 Fall 2023

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Hitting the

Right Notes

Gautier Band Director Helps Students Uncover Passion for Music

By Brock Turnipseed

ments as the band director at Gautier

pi Teacher of the Year is she does not

Middle School (GMS) in the Pascagou-

shy away from challenging students to

la-Gautier School District (PGSD).

grow both musically and personally..

Smith teaches band to seventh

She discovered her passion for mu-

and eighth graders at GMS. The stu-

sic in the PGSD as a member of the

dents come to her having one year of

band at Pascagoula High School; how-

experience, and her goal is to refine

ever, she had no intention of pursuing

those skills and continue building con-

a career as a band director.

fidence and a passion for music that

“My mother is Filipino, and I was

will hopefully keep them pursuing

raised with this mentality that I was

band into high school.

going to be a doctor, lawyer or engi-

“I take the skills that they start-

neer,” Smith said. “I was going to LSU

ed in sixth grade, and I want them

to major in biochemistry and go on

All are integral subjects in a stu-

to master them,” Smith said. “I want

to dental school to become an ortho-

dent’s education. Music combines

things to become automatic for them.

dontist.”

those subjects and provides an outlet

I want their thinking processes to be

After attending the Gulf Coast Band

to express emotions, recall memo-

established in seventh grade so that

Directors Association Clinic, she was at

ries, enhance cognitive benefits, build

when they get to eighth grade, it’s all

church and heard a voice tell her she

teamwork and much more.

application. We want to take the skills

would be a band director and major

they know and make them better by

in music at the University of Southern

working in an ensemble.”

Mississippi (USM).

Louise Smith has spent all 21 years of her professional career instilling a love for music in students and teaching

One reason Smith became the

“That was my calling into teach-

them to read music and play instru-

first band director named Mississip-

ing. I listened, and because I did, my

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life has been incredibly blessed,” Smith

having a solid team of band directors

said.

in the district who work together to

She followed that calling to GMS, where she has been ever since. And many students have thrived under her tutelage.

create a fluid path from sixth grade to high school.

Stephanie McArthur, the sixthgrade band director at PGSD’s Sing-

Her students perform at football

ing River Academy, has formed a

games and put on concerts at Christ-

tight-knit bond with Smith for the

mas and in the spring. They also at-

past 10 years. McArthur plants the

tend state concert evaluations to pre-

music seed before sending her stu-

pare them for the next step in high

dents, including her two children, to

school.

grow under Smith.

Nicole Allen, the associate director

“It’s amazing seeing our students

of bands at Pearl High School, became

go from beginners one year and see

friends with Smith at a conductor’s

how much they grow over the course

workshop at USM and has watched

of their middle school careers,” McAr-

Smith’s students flourish under her

thur said. “[Smith] is instrumental in

guidance.

creating a safe space where kids can

“There is significant growth each

grow musically and personally. She is

time I hear them,” Allen said. “She does

instrumental in building a curriculum

not shy away from challenging her

that takes what our beginners learn

students with the literature she choos-

in year one and instills confidence in

es or the performance opportunities

every aspect of the middle school cur-

she provides.”

riculum, creating a highly successful

Smith attributes that growth to

Fall 2023

high school band program.”

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Smith told of a student who read below his grade level. She taught him how to read music, emphasizing that the same skills used to read music are the same ones used in learning to read words, and the time invested in teaching the student to read music helped him grow his reading skills by three grade levels.

Situations like that, or when students come together in an ensemble to

“[Smith] is instrumental in creating a safe space where kids can grow musically and personally. She is instrumental in building a curriculum that takes what our beginners learn in year one and instills confidence in every aspect of the middle school curriculum, creating a highly successful high school band program.

-Stephanie McArthur, sixth-grade band director at Pascagoula-Gautier School District

play a beautiful composition, are when Smith realizes listening to that voice at

“Activities play a vital role in the

team works, we will have spent sev-

education of the whole child. Many

en years with students — nearly half

activities teachers spend more than

their life. We are invested in seeing

advocate for teachers across the state,

one year with their students,” Smith

them succeed.”

especially those who teach activities.

said. “The way our band director

church was the right decision.

Now, as the Mississippi Teacher of the Year, she has the opportunity to

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She hopes to use her platform to Fall 2023

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show how activities can complement the extraordinary work being done by the academic teachers in the state.

“There are wonderful teachers statewide, and to be able to tell about the great things happening in our state in education is humbling and an amazing opportunity,” Smith said.

Desoto County High School Students Ace the ACT

Desoto County High School recently congratulated more than 20 high school students who scored a 30 or higher on the ACT. The students include: Adam Bowling Carson Cardell Sarah Floate Philip Hectorne Chesney Ivy Tyler Jordan Peyton Rials Fall 2023

Jenna Rittman Lillian Rochelle Elijah Rogers Jane Sharp Quincy Silva Rose Stafford Hannah Standard Jackson Stewart Darcy Swift Noel Terrell Joseph Thornhill 7

Alexandra Trigg Jackson Uselton Grace Van Beurden Adam Wiley Peyton Williamson Ethan Witt Joseph Thornhill has already been accepted to the West Point U.S. Military Academy. Ty Jordan has been accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy. Alexandra Trigg received a perfect score of 36.

School Focus

NWR Students Selected to Senate Youth Program Northwest Rankin High School (Rankin County School District) students Joshua Bowman and Nadia Harden were selected to the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) and joined Sen. Roger F. Wicker and Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in representing Mississippi during the 61st Annual USSYP Washington Week in March.

Bowman and Harden are both residents of Brandon and finished their senior year. They were selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104 national student delegation. Each delegate also receives a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study.

The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since inception.

Originally proposed by Senators Kuchel, Mansfield, Dirksen and Humphrey, the Senate leadership of the day, the impetus for the program, as stated in Senate testimony is “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world.”

Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program provides the most outstanding high school students — two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity — with an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment School Focus

Nadia Harden

Joshua Bowman

to public service.

recycling program and canned food drive.

In addition to the program week, The

He also organized STEM exposure events

Hearst Foundations provide each student

for elementary students in his school

with a $10,000 undergraduate college

zone. Bowman plans to pursue a degree in

scholarship with encouragement to con-

chemical engineering, ultimately working

tinue coursework in government, history

in infrastructure or climate policy.

and public affairs. All expenses for Wash-

Harden served as president of both

ington Week are provided by The Hearst

the National French Honor Society and

Foundations; as stipulated in S.Res.324, no

the Model United Nations. She was also

government funds are utilized.

a member of National Honor Society and

Bowman served as the Mu Alpha Theta

National English Honor Society.

(Mathematics High School Honor Society)

Outside of school, Harden is involved

president. Additionally, he served as the

with her church and its service min-

chapter president of Sociedad Honoraria

istries, serving as the leader of the au-

Hispánica, the Student Government exec-

dio-visual team and as one of the overall

utive secretary, the National Honor Society

youth leaders. She helps plan events in

vice president, and the Beta Club secretary.

different programs and volunteers in her

Bowman is a National Merit Semifinalist

church’s monthly food program which

and captained the robotics team.

serves 600 families.

He is an avid trombonist, serving as

Last summer Harden participated in

section leader in his school’s Cougar Bands

a six-week State Department program

and a member of the Mississippi All-State

to study the Korean language in Seoul

Band on tenor trombone. Each year, Bow-

through the National Security Language

man arranged his school’s involvement in

Initiative for Youth scholarship. She plans

the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign,

to pursue a career in the State Department

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as a diplomat and study international relations in college with a minor in foreign language. She then plans to earn a master’s degree in international development.

Ian Underwood of Jackson who attends Jackson Preparatory School and Madelyn Berry of Brandon, who attends Northwest

Rankin High School, were chosen as alternates to the 2023 program.

Delegates and alternates are selected by the state departments of education nationwide and the District of Columbia and Department of Defense Education Activity, after nomination by teachers and princi-

pals. The chief state school officer for each jurisdiction confirms the final selection.

During the program week, the student delegates attend meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a Supreme Court justice and leaders of cabinet agencies, among others.

VWSD Elementary Teachers Receive Scholarships

Five Vicksburg Warren School District Teachers were recently awarded the Black Educators Initiative Scholarship through William Carey University, funded by the National Center for Teacher ResiFall 2023

dencies. The scholarship includes tuition, university fees, testing materials, e-texts and more. Precious Ivy (Sherman Avenue Elementary), Jennifer London (Warrenton Elementary), Arianna Hill (Dana Road 9

Elementary — not pictured), and Essence Evans (Dana Road Elementary) were the recipients. All five teachers will graduate in May 2024 with a master’s degree in Elementary Education.

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Innovation Expanding

Imagination

MSA Provides Unique Arts and Collegiate Experiences for Mississippi High Schoolers across the state. MSA, located in the

public, residential art schools in the

heart of Brookhaven in southwest

nation, the distinct educational jour-

Of Mississippi’s Schools and Dis-

Mississippi, was officially designated

ney MSA offers students is rivaled by

tricts of Innovation, the Mississippi

as a School of Innovation by MDE for

few others.

School of the Arts (MSA) offers a truly

the 2022-23 academic year, though

“Students audition in their tenth-

unique approach to high school ed-

the school was founded through in-

grade year to attend MSA in one of six

ucation for juniors and seniors from

novative ideas. Being one of only nine

arts disciplines: dance, literary, me-

By Chance Carden

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dia/film, theatre, visual art or vocal music,” stated MSA’s Executive Director, Dr. Suzanne Hirsh.

“While arts electives are available at all high schools throughout the state, there are no schools with a minimum of three hours daily of arts instruction. At MSA the arts are not elective, they are core requirements.”

With the arts being the central focus of the school, students acquire a minimum of eight arts Carnegie Units while at MSA. In addition to their art studies, students take academic courses at MSA as well as Brookhaven High School.

“If a student wants a traditional high school experience, they can get that with BHS courses academically and extracurriculars while studying art with MSA,” Hirsh said.

“If a student wants a small environment, they can take their classes at MSA where no class has more than 22 students. If they want a collegiate experience, they can take their classes through Copiah-Lincoln Community College dual credit/enrollment. All students get a conservatory experience in the arts at MSA.” According to the MSA website, the school averages approximately 125 students from 50 counties from around the state, with an average of 60% applicant acceptance rate each year.

As a residential high school, MSA fosters an immersive culture and environment to prepare students for college and career readiness. The school’s student base boasts a 95-99% college attendance rate annually and consistently ranks among the top three in ACT scores in Mississippi. MSA also has a 100% pass rate of the US History state test, a 100% graduation rate, and award-winning programs on state, regional and national levels.

“Our students come to MSA as average students with a 2.5 GPA or better and the potential for greatness,” Fall 2023

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Hirsh explained. “The growth in our students is substantial and many of our programs serve as models for the rest of the state.”

MSA also implemented a Collegiate Academy partnership with Copiah-Lincoln Community College (CoLin). Students who take advantage of the academy can earn an associate degree at no cost to them, though students not in the academy can also take tuition-free dual credit courses through Co-Lin. The model does not come without challenges. Hirsh explained how “the Collegiate Academy requires a great amount of time and will require students to be ready to begin when they arrive at MSA. As a result, there will likely only be 10% of students who can fully participate. With the demands of MSA arts programming on top of a School Focus

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Collegiate Academy, students will have a high level of expectations to meet.”

Despite these challenges, the benefits make the process worth the effort. According to MSA English Teacher, Tobie Lambert, “MSA’s Collegiate Academy impacts our students on many fronts: It effectively transitions students by preparing them for the rigor and expectations of college-level courses, it helps them learn the technological skills necessary to succeed in a collegiate environment, and it sets them on an academic pathway for success that fits their individual plans. Our program provides both academic and financial advantages for our students, giving them the opportunity to finish their degrees sooner and with a much lower price tag. I am so proud to be a part of something that can make such a lasting impact Fall 2023

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on our students and their futures.”

MSA also exposes students to an average of fifteen guest artists annually who are practicing in their fields.

“They stay from 2-10 days, depending upon the residency,” said Hirsh. “[Our] students regularly take trips with their departments to participate in performances, events, and exhibits.

There are partnerships and collaborations with state agencies — film

Fall 2023

studios, museums, Mississippi Public Broadcasting, universities and nonprofit organizations to create opportunities for skill building and exposure to careers in the arts,” she said.

Keeping with the spirit of excellence, MSA students and staff are consistently awarded in festivals and competitions across the state, as well as both nationally and internationally. Depending on their chosen art

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discipline, students also travel across the globe for additional industry experiences and learning opportunities, including locations such as New York City, San Francisco, New Orleans, Italy and many other art hubs.

MSA’s unique and personalized approach to both art and academic instruction continues to be a shining example of innovation for Mississippi education.

School Focus

Two Mississippi Students Named 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars

Leo Mei

Two Mississippi students are among the 59th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education (CTE) fields.

The Mississippi scholars include Madison G. Echols of Hattiesburg, a senior at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, and Leo Mei of Madison, a senior at Madison Central High School.

“I am proud of our Mississippi scholars and congratulate them for earning this national recognition,” said Mike Kent, former interim state superintendent of education. “Their achievement demonstrates how Mississippi’s public schools can help students reach their greatest potential.”

The White House Commission on School Focus

Madison G. Echols

Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,000 candidates qualified for the 2023 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and YoungArts, the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists.

As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young 14

man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen atlarge, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in CTE. Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,000 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in CTE fields.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2023 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.

Fall 2023

MDE Educator Shortage Survey: 515 Fewer Vacancies in 2022-23 Results from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) 202223 Educator Shortage survey showed 515 fewer vacancies among teachers, administrators and school support staff across the state compared to the 2021-22 school year.

MDE’s Office of Teaching and Leading conducted the first such survey in 2021-22, which reflected 5,503 vacancies. The vacancies for 2022-23 fell to 4,988. The survey was conducted from Aug. 18, 2022 to Nov. 14, 2022, and had 100% participation from school districts.

Though teacher vacancies decreased in the majority of subject areas, they did increase in pre-K

and high school science, chemistry, physics, math, geometry, career and technical education, heath/physical education and gifted. Teacher vacancies increased in the northeast part of the state, while slight to significant declines were noted elsewhere.

Vacancies declined among school administrators (principal and assistant principal) and K-12 licensed educators in library/media, counselor and speech/language positions.

The highest overall vacancies were among K-12 support staff for teacher assistants and school bus drivers.

The MDE is evaluating the survey results, along with results from its

October 2022 Teacher Retention survey, to bolster and develop strategies to mitigate vacancies and strengthen the educator workforce statewide.

MDE’s Mississippi Teacher Residency program has proven to be a pathway of professional advancement for teacher assistants and some school bus drivers. Other strategies consist of improving professional development by removing barriers to educator licensure, including access, receipt and renewal of licenses.

MDE will continue to assess opportunities to expand access to its Performance-Based Licensure program per district request.

NAMS Science Teacher Gets Crafty

Natchez Adams Middle School 8th grade science teacher LeTrice Wiley helped her students understand the concept of mitosis by encouraging them to create their own models out of paper plates, yarn and other materials.

Fall 2023

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Administrator 2023

OF THE YEAR Dr. Caterria Payton of Pacagoula High

By Cherie Ward When Pascagoula High School Principal Dr. Caterria Payton was a child, she discovered who she wanted to grow up and be in the place that made her feel normal, safe, and secure — her school.

Dr. Payton grew up in one of the worst housing projects in New Orleans, and she used her school days as an escape.

“If it wasn’t for my teachers and principals, there would not be a Dr. Payton today,” she said. “Without a doubt, I’m where I am today because of my high school principal and my high school teachers.”

Those loyal educators gave her the direction she needed to get out of the environment she was in by way of joining the military.

“I joined the reserves, and I was able to see what the rest of the world looked like,” she said, adding she always knew she’d pay it forward by someday becoming an educator.

And now, Dr. Payton has been tapped as the 2023 Mississippi Administrator of the Year. She was also named the school district’s top administrator in November 2022.

“It was a shock because there were so many great people in the running,” she said. “I’m very overwhelmed yet humbled. I accept the award on behalf of the many teachSchool Focus

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ers, administrators and other school staff who have accompanied me on the journey to creating optimal learning environments for students.”

She’s done a little of everything in her 23 years as an educator. She was an assistant teacher and then a teacher before she landed on the administration side serving as lead teacher and then principal. Most recently, Dr. Payton was selected as assistant superintendent over secondary schools in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District. She’s excited to begin her new post at the start of the next school year.

“I eat, sleep and breathe public education,” she said, adding being a teacher’s kid was something her three children had to endure during their childhood.

“As teacher kids, they were in school all summer,” she said. “They were helping get classrooms together. Helping teachers with their technologies. They lived that teacher kid life.”

Her children are now adults, and they are beyond excited and incredibly proud of their mom. They also think it’s humorous that the teacher kid-life mentality is beginning to trickle downward. Of her four grandchildren, one is in pre-kindergarten and already has people saying, “I know who your grandmother is,” she said laughing. “It’s really a job that never ends.”

And she has former students who seek her out for advice.

“I constantly get emails or text messages wanting advice or support,” she said. “And I love it. This is what I do. Just because they graduate, my job really doesn’t stop. My job does not end with graduation and whether or not they go into education, they can still reach out to me and they know that. They are always going to be one of my kids.”

Fall 2023

Photos are courtesy of Dr. Caterria Payton and the Pascagoula-Gautier School District. This story first appeared on OurMississippiHome.com and is reproduced here with the author’s permission.

When she has former students wanting advice about becoming a teacher, she tells them to be sure they can teach with conviction.

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“It’s going to be difficult at times, but just as difficult as it is, it’s twice as rewarding,” she said. “It’s not something that you will ever regret.”

School Focus

U.S. Department of Education Names Three Mississippi Schools Among National Blue Ribbon Award Winners

Three Mississippi Schools were

National Blue Ribbon Schools Pro-

students master challenging and en-

announced as National Blue Rib-

gram recognizes public and private

gaging content.”

bon Schools Sept. 19 by the U.S. De-

elementary, middle and high schools

Schools honored by the program

partment of Education: Caledonia

based on their overall academic ex-

are given a Blue Ribbon School flag to

High School (CHS; Lowndes Coun-

cellence or their progress in closing

grace their entry or fly in front of their

ty School District), Laurel Magnet

achievement gaps among student

school.

School of the Arts (LMSA; Laurel

subgroups.”

“Our teachers understand the art

School District) and Lewisburg Ele-

They also say the award “affirms

of teaching and place student engage-

mentary School (LES; Desoto County

the hard work of students, educators,

ment at the forefront of their plan-

School District).

families and communities in creating

ning,” CHS’s Principal Brent Huck said

safe and welcoming schools where

at the school’s celebration. CHS was

According to their website, “The School Focus

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Fall 2023

awarded in the category of Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools.

“This marks a history of excellence at LMSA,” former Principal Kiana Pendleton told local news outlet WHPM in September.

“This is such a big deal because of the amount of work put into this. It was very intentional, it was all done with integrity, it was all done with a lot of love, a lot of dedication,” Pendleton said.

In the same story, current principal Heather Jones said she is “very confident the success will continue, simply because LMSA has a lot of people who want to be here…who love Laurel and want to see Laurel succeed.”

LMSA was awarded in the category of Exemplary High Performing Fall 2023

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School Focus

Schools.

Lewisburg Elementary School was also awarded in the category of Exemplary High Performing Schools.

“The Mississippi Department of Education applauds these three schools School Focus

for their outstanding achievements that have earned them this national recognition,” Dr. Ray Morgigno, interim state superintendent of education, stated.

“We thank all educators, staff and 20

community stakeholders whose hard work contributed to successful student outcomes,” he said.

An awards ceremony for the National Blue Ribbon Schools will be held in Washington, D.C., Nov. 16-17.

Fall 2023

2023

NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS 353 schools recognized in 46 states plus DC and DoDEA WA 2 OR**

ID 1

NV*

CO 4

AZ 4

ME*

MN 9

SD 3

WY 2 UT 2

CA 33

ND 3

MT 3

WI 8

NE 4

IA 5

KS 4

MO 8

NM 3

OK 4

IN 11 TN 6

AR 3

TX 29

MI 11

IL 20

LA 9

MS 3

AL 5

VT** NH 3 MA 7 3 RI CT 4 NJ 9 DE 3 MD 6 DC 4

NY 22 OH 19

KY 7

PA 13 WV 3

GA 8

SC 5

VA 10 NC 8

1

FL 14

AK 3 HI 2

313 PUBLIC SCHOOLS

40 NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS

57% with 40% or more disadvantaged students SCHOOL LEVEL

74%

3% K–12

ELEMENTARY

GEOGRAPHIC LOCALE SUBURBAN

44%

SCHOOL LEVEL

9% MIDDLE

14%

2%

HIGH

K–12

SCHOOL TYPE 50%

URBAN OR LARGE CENTRAL CITY

20%

Fall 2023

ELEMENTARY

0%

23%

MIDDLE

HIGH

GEOGRAPHIC LOCALE

AFFILIATION

SUBURBAN OR RURAL OR SMALL CITY/TOWN

70%

TITLE I

90%

CATHOLIC

5%

CHRISTIAN

5%

OTHER

URBAN OR LARGE CENTRAL CITY

RURAL OR SMALL CITY/TOWN

35%

75%

13%

CHOICE

9%

MAGNET

7%

CHARTER

30%

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School Focus

s spotlight

2023

Parent

OF THE YEAR Kimberly Walker Nailor

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) announced this spring the 2023 Mississippi Parent of the Year is Kimberly Walker Nailor, a mother of two students in the Vicksburg-Warren School District.

Nailor was nominated by the school district and is described as a model parent who cares about her community and school district. Because of Nailor’s enthusiasm, passion and dedication to the community and school district, students have been able to have more enriching experiences at school. Nailor is employed as the city attorney of Vicksburg and always finds time to volunteer for the school district and the community.

She has invested in finding solutions to make the Vicksburg–Warren County community a better place for the development of students.

Nailor’s rationale for being active in her children’s education is to maximize their academic and future success. She believes the positive deposits override the negative withdrawals that children face, such as bullying, sickness, frustration with schoolwork and rejection. Being an engaging parent by managing extracurricular ac-

service-oriented activities and orga-

ted to the athletic budget, there was

tivities, homework assignments, par-

nizations has helped make the com-

no money for football players to have

ent meetings, school activities and

munity a better place for student de-

meals without voluntary assistance.

volunteering in the classroom allows

velopment. She assisted financially

In 2021, Nailor joined the Vicksburg

for consistent positive deposits in her

in sponsoring and serving meals for

High School (VHS) Booster Club, and

children’s lives.

football players before games and

they raised tens of thousands of dol-

practices. Due to lack of funding allot-

lars to sustain the athletics program.

Nailor’s participation in various School Focus

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spotlight s

In 2019, she volunteered weekly in a I have to get onto them; they’re boys,” Other doors were opened for speaksixth-grade classroom to assist the she told The Vicksburg Post. “But the ing engagements to classes about the teacher with encouraging students love that they have for me and the field of law. to perform well on the state test. The love that I have for them makes it Through her dedication to the class was successful in passing the easy to be a Parent of the Year. So, it’s community and school district, she benchmark state test. not necessarily the things that I do for has served on the parent committee As first reported by The Vicksburg the school district.” for VHS, as chairperson for the Child Post, Nailor credits her famand Parent Center, as adviily for inspiring her passion sory board member for both to support community inithe West Central United tiatives and volunteerism.

Way and the Randy J. NayMy parents, Ernest and Martha “My parents, Ernest and lor Memorial Foundation Walker — from the time we were and provided book scholarMartha Walker — from the time we were little — were little — were always going to nursing ships to seniors. She is curalways going to nursing homes. We were always volunteering rently the chairperson for homes. We were always the board of advisors of the and doing things in the community,” Warren County Children’s volunteering and doing Nailor said. “If there was a child Shelter and serves as VHS things in the community,” Nailor said. “If there was a that was at risk or just needed some Mock Trial Advisor. child that was at risk or just Research has repeatguidance, they would take kids in needed some guidance, they edly shown that parental so that they can teach them, ‘Hey, would take kids in so that involvement is a critical there’s another way besides the factor in determining the they can teach them, ‘Hey, route that you’re going.’ So, this is academic success of stuthere’s another way besides the route that you’re going.’ something that’s been ingrained dents. As part of the annual So, this is something that’s since I was a child, just knowing that Parent of the Year program, been ingrained since I was MDE asks each school diswe have a greater mission of doing a child, just knowing that trict to select an outstandthe right thing and serving people.. we have a greater mission ing parent who has made a of doing the right thing and significant impact on school -Kimberly Nailor serving people.” improvement efforts in the That service-before-self district. upbringing makes it easy to be inWith a passion to mentor, Nailor The committee reviews numerous volved not only in the schools, but spearheaded weekly sessions from applications and selects a Parent of more importantly as an involved par- 2015-2016 for approximately 30 teen- the Year finalist from each of the four ent in the lives of her sons — Camer- age girls at Warren Central Junior congressional districts. From those on Nailor, 16, and Brandon Nailor, 14.

High School to build self-esteem and four district winners, the 2023 Parent “My kids make it easy. They’re good. encourage proper lifestyle choices. of the Year is determined.

msachieves.mdek12.org @MissDeptEd facebook.com/MissDeptEd Fall 2023

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School Focus

Natchez-Adams School District Starts the School Year With Reading Event

Natchez-Adams School District recently held an Accelerated Reader Kickoff event where Natchez High School and Natchez Early College Academy Royal Court members and Braden Elementary administrators visited Morgantown, Gilmer McLaurin and Susie B. West elementary schools to read to the students. The event — designed to excite young scholars about the prospect of reading both for school and leisure — included dressing up, story times led by the visiting Royal Court members and Braden administrators and general encouragement to students and families to visit local and school libraries for at-home reading.

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Fall 2023

Jackson Public Schools Teacher Accepted into Prestigious Nationwide Program Micah O. Briggs, Sr. has been accepted into Class Three of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network (WKKFCLN) with the Center for Creative Leadership. This dynamic fellowship will connect Briggs to 79 other inspiring leaders from priority places across the United States to connect, grow and lead transformational change toward a more equitable society.

The WKKFCLN website says, “Briggs has dedicated his time, skills and resources as a youth advocate, building engagement and empowerment wherever he teaches. He recently founded Mind Over Barriers LLC, a consulting firm committed to advancing solutions for students, families and communities who are navigating the inequities that traumatize and continually paralyze their progress and quality of life. Previously, Briggs worked as an educator and director of a district-wide education program, addressing the trauma that envelops youth; providing safe spaces flooded with grace, relevance and opportunities; and connecting young people with mental health, academic and vocational resources. Briggs is a proud

Fall 2023

graduate of Jackson State University and John Brown University.”

The 18-month fellowship offers hands-on development, personalized coaching, peer networking and practical experience to expand fellows’ leadership knowledge and skills. Founder Will Keith Kellogg believed local leaders are the best source of the ideas, passion and wisdom required to create long-lasting solutions for thriving chil-

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dren and their families. The Center for Creative Leadership was tapped to lead the program based on its 50-year track record of cutting-edge research, practice and training that develops leaders at all levels to drive sustainable change for the benefit of society.

Visit wkkfcln.org for more information and for updates on what Mr. Briggs and the other fellows are doing and learning.

School Focus

Greenhorn Communicators: Green Elementary School Students Explore Mass Media Opportunities with Podcast

Superintendent Dr. Errick L. Greene was a special guest on a podcast hosted by students at Green Elementary School (Jackson Public School District). The podcast is designed to help young students explore the fields of journalism and communication early in their education journey. Pictured is Greene’s visit with the podcast creators at Green Elementary.

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Fall 2023

Statewide Assessment Results: Student Achievement Reaches All-Time High Percentage of Mississippi Students Scoring Proficient or Advanced Subject

2019

Mathematics Proficient or Advanced

47.4%

English Language Arts (ELA) Proficient or Advanced

41.6%

Science Proficient or Advanced

55.3%

U.S. History Proficient or Advanced

55.5%

2020

No Testing due to COVID-19

2021

2022

2023

Change since 2022

35.1%

47.3%

52.6%

+5.3%

34.9%

42.2%

46.7%

+4.5%

50.0%

55.9%

59.4%

+3.5%

47.0%

69.3%

71.4%

+2.1%

*New version of U.S. History test implemented.

Mississippi Department of Education’s (MDE’s) results from 2022–23 assessments show student achievement reaching an all-time high in mathematics, English Language Arts (ELA), science and U.S. History.

Overall, the percentage of students scoring proficient or advanced is 52.6% in mathematics, 46.7% in ELA, 59.4% in science and 71.4% in U.S. History.

The 2022–23 results show student achievement has resumed the pre-pandemic momentum from 2016 to 2019, during which the percentage of students scoring proficient and advanced increased from 1.8% to 5.6% in ELA and mathematics. Student achievement — both in Mississippi and nationally — dropped in 2021 due to the pandemic, though Mississippi students mostly rebounded by 2022.

“Mississippi students have continued to prove they can achieve at higher and Fall 2023

higher levels,” said Dr. Ray Morgigno, interim state superintendent of education. “I am proud of what our students have accomplished and credit teachers and school leaders statewide for maintaining high standards and dedicating themselves to helping students reach, and exceed, their goals.”

Since 2020, school districts and the state have invested federal pandemic-relief funds in programs and services to overcome pandemic disruptions and accelerate student learning. The additional funds enabled districts to pay for extended learning days, tutorial services and intensive interventions, among other supports. State investments include the Mississippi Connects digital learning initiative, which provided all students with a computer device and services including on-demand tutoring, high-quality digital curriculum subscriptions and digital learning coaches for teachers.

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Mississippi is increasingly recognized as a national leader in education because students have made faster progress than nearly every other state. Several factors contributed to the steady rise in student achievement including the implementation of higher academic standards and statewide support to teachers to help students reach higher standards. Other factors include the effective implementation of several education reform laws and policies that developed or strengthened early childhood education, literacy instruction, school and district accountability and advanced learning opportunities for high school students.

Since 2013, Mississippi’s national Quality Counts ranking for K-12 achievement improved from 50th to 35th, and the state’s overall education grade improved from F to C- (the nation’s grade is C).

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School Focus is a publication of the Mississippi Department of Education and is printed and published by the Mississippi State Research and Curriculum Unit.