Expose’Magazine
Of Jackson
Superintendent Dr. Cedric Gray
DISCOVER HIS VISION FOR JPS
December 2012
December 2012
Expose’ Magazine of Jackson Terri Lynn Publisher of Expose’ Magazine of Jackson This is a freely distributed magazine that primarily focuses on the Metro Jackson area. Thank you for choosing Expose’ Magazine of Jackson! Get your free subscription at:
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CONTENTS 06
Dr. Cedric Gray
10
Vanessa Williams
12
Stephanie Donaldson
13
In The Spotlight
14
Market Place Ads
16
Pecan Pie Recipe
Superintendent for Jackson Public Schools
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Learn about secrets revea;ed in her new book. Owner of Silver Gallery in North Jackson. Jennie Sturgis Shannon Brown Marissa Simms Bianca Knight
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Business Card Ads from area businesses. The most delicious and easiest pecan pie recipe ever!
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Magazin in/ ISSUE 01
Genesis Variety Store Where Low Prices Begin!
Rugs, Paintings, Furniture, Decorations, and Much Much More!
339 Meadowbrook Rd. (Next to CVS Pharmacy) 4
601.362.1133
BellsChoirRobesand WorshipAids Choir Robes Clergy Attire Choir Stoles Choir Cassocks Children’s Robes
Worship Aids
3200 Medgar Evers Blvd Jackson, MS 39213
5
601.982.7112
Jackson Schools JPS Public Magazin in/ ISSUE 01
SUPERINTENDENT DR. CEDRIC GRAY
Although Dr. Gray is very busy running Jack-
son Public Schools, he was gracious enough to grant an interview with Expose’ Magazine of Jackson�. EMOJ: Where were you raised and how did you decide to become an educator? 6
Dr. Gray: I was raised in Millington, TN, a suburban city of Memphis. I decided to become an educator for a couple of reasons; divine intervention between me and law school and due to the influence of several teachers that had a definite impact on my educational career as a student. I also reflected on my experience as a substitute teacher as a reason to become a full-time teacher.
EMOJ: Sometimes when I hear you speak, you have so much passion, was there a time when you considered going into the ministry? Dr. Gray: I was blessed to have been called to the preaching ministry in May of 1999. I believe that God calls ministers for several types of ministries. God blessed me with a voice to speak and a passion for those who don’t have a voice.
“ . . . I was instantly bitten by
the “admin bug” and immediately charted my course for school administration.”
EMOJ: At what point did you decide to follow the path of an administrator? Dr. Gray: I decided to follow the path of an administrator at the direction of a mentor principal. Mrs. Myra I. Whitney was my first principal. She needed to be out of the school building one day and asked me to be “acting principal” for the day. It was a wonderful experience. I was instantly bitten by the “admin bug” and immediately charted my course for school administration. Mrs. Whitney encouraged me to pursue an administrative license while also pushing me to join professional organizations that would enrich my experiences as a future school administrator. EMOJ: Can you elaborate on some of the programs you envision to empower students and parents such as “Dads of Destiny”? 7
Dr. Gray: There are 3 programs I would like to highlight. The first, Dads of Destiny, is one that already existed in the district upon my arrival. It is a way to get Dads and father figures to come together and discuss ways to provide positive role models for our students. The second is a way to engage our students. We have commissioned our first official Student Board of Trustees. Each high school principal selected one outstanding senior to represent their student body each month for discussion and action concerning matters important to the students.
Jackson Public Schools Magazin in/ ISSUE 01
Dr. Cedric Gray was credited for the turnaround of several Memphis, Tennessee Schools.
Interview Continued: Dr. Gray: These students have been trained by the MS School Boards Association and will meet with me regularly to discuss issues important to them. The third is an idea in its infancy for Jackson; it’s called Alignment Jackson and it’s a call to the community to strategically support the efforts in the schools. Alignment Jackson will “align” the school district’s strategic plan with resources in our community. EMOJ: I understand that you want to address the dropout rate for JPS by focusing on ages 10 -15, can you tell us about that endeavor? Also, do you believe that a separate academic tract for non-collegebound high school students can be helpful in regards to lessening the dropout rate? 8
Dr. Gray: I actually want to address the graduation rate because if we do that appropriately, we will take care of the drop outs. As we speak, I am conducting a deep “data-dive” that includes a review of key indicators that leverage the success of our students. We are also conducting interviews of our school principals, support personnel and research analyst to obtain context to the issue. After this is completed, we will analyze the information and put together a plan to address this issue. The plan will yield both short-term and long-term results. This work is paramount to the success of the district in providing the education that our students and families deserve.
EMOJ: What is your vision for the future for JPS, where would you like to see the district in the next five years? Dr. Gray: Answering that question would fill a book, however; the abridged version is that I see JPS as the flagship district of the state where innovation and high performance is the standard and accepted practice. The numbers of graduates increase by 10% from where it is today. In five years, we could have Ninth Grade Academies for our incoming high school freshmen located in two parts of the city that will be exclusively for students transitioning from middle school to high school. JPS will become the choice of our families and not just the only option.
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EMOJ: Would you like to add any closing remarks? Dr. Gray: Leading schools should not be about just one person. Like a good football team, the coach is essential but he doesn’t play the game. Providing a high quality education for our children is a collective effort. The team must be focused and driven to accomplish the goal in spite of constant distractions and proverbial noise. We must provide the appropriate educational environment for our children so that they score often and ultimately win in life. EMOJ Staff Writer
Below: Dr. Gray speaks to Jackson Public School Students
V
anessa Williams has written a new book which was co-authored with her mother, entitled: “You Have No Idea�.
In her book she discusses intimate details of her life such as a time when she was sexually molested by a family friend when she was only 10 years old. She also talks about her beauty pageant de-throning and much more.
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Stephanie Donaldson
Meet Stephanie, owner of Silver Gallery located in North Jackson in the same shopping center as Marshalls, and is right next door to Sallys in that Shopping center on County Line Road. Stephanie sells a variety of classy but very affordable jewelry, handbags and more. She also does embroidery too!
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In The Spotlight
Jennie Sturgis
Owner of Noah’s Ark Daycare Center 4755 Mcwillie Dr, Jackson, MS Phone: 601-982-8156
Shannon Brown
Owner of Laces By Lexi 111 Colony Crossing Way Madison, MS
Phone: 601-826-8420
Marissa Simms
Owner of Royal Bleau One University Place, JSU On Cover of EMOJ November 2012 Edition
Business Phone: 601-321-9546
Bianca Night
Olympic Gold Medalist
On Cover of EMOJ October 2012 Edition Metro Jackson Native
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Laura Stubbs, D. C. Doctor of Chiropractic Body In Balance Healthcare 5472 Watkins Drive Jackson, MS 39206 Chiropractic, Rehabilitation, Messages 601.622.2998
601.427.5973
Chiropractic
Easy Pecan Pie Recipe For the Holidays! 1 Cup of Sugar 1 Cup of light Karo Syrup 3 Eggs, beaten 2 T. Butter, melted 1 t. Vanilla 1 Cup of Pecan Halves 1 Unbaked Pie Shell
Mix sugar, eggs, syrup, vanilla and melted butter. Add pecans and blend. Pour into uncooked pie shell and bake at 350 degrees for 50—55 minutes.