As the Simpson County School Board held their regularly scheduled meeting on November 10 they celebrated student and faculty achievements.
They highlighted the Mendenhall High School Tiger Pride Marching Band, which received All Superior ratings and was invited to compete in the MHSAA State Marching Band Competition, where they placed 15th.
Innovative Teacher Awards were announced. Superintendent Dr. Toriano Holloway explained that innovative teachers were those who encourage students to think outside of the box. These teachers encouraged students to explore, research, and use all tools available to them to uncover something new.
The six teachers receiving the award were Kristy Thurman, Lauren Veal, Casey Harlan, Brooke Jones, Keyuna Floyd-Draughn and Gladys Hicks. Thurman led her students to create quadratic catapults and Barbie bungees. Lauren Veal utilized flip grid to help her students create tiktoks featuring original poetry. Casey Harlan and her students created instructional videos on Flip Grid. Brooke Jones taught her students shapes by opening a pizzeria in her classroom. After the students created pizzas using shapes, Jones made a pizza for the students to enjoy in class. Keyuna Floyd-Draughn and Gladys Hicks transformed their classroom into an underwater scene to help students review for an upcoming exam. These teachers were celebrated for their innovative thinking and ability to get students excited about learning.
During board comments, member Stan Bulger spoke highly of the Veterans Day Program he attended at Magee Elementary School. Bulger said, “It was a true tribute to veterans and there were quite a few veterans there. I commend them for that program.”
The board congratulated Lillie Hardy and Ralph Walker on winning their elections, and resigning member Patrice Boykin was thanked for her service to the Simpson County School District.
Minutes were approved for the October 13 and October 20 meetings. The board reviewed their student policy. Hardy reminded the board that they have the ability to change policies as needed.
She said, “We can implement any policy for Simpson County School District. It’s our responsibility to add and revise what we have to fit the need of the district.”
The board discussed the dress code and possibly implementing uniforms. Before concluding the review Hardy emphasized that the training program for substitute teachers be enforced. She said that everyone who is allowed to teach in Simpson County Schools should understand the vision the school is working toward.
The consent agenda, finance report, claims docket, and human resources report were approved.
Judith Jones, head nurse for the district, presented a health and wellness update. She stated that the district walked out of cold season into the flu and that the flu and a stomach virus have been circulating throughout the schools. Flu shots were offered to staff and students to help mitigate the possibility of catching the virus. She spoke briefly of mental health options available to students in school. Telehealth is available to elementary school students. If behavioral signs are shown this will prompt a visit. Hardy asked if there is a referral process for students with discipline issues. Jones explained that social workers and counselors in the school are available to all students and she would do more research into the referral procedures.
Jeffery Walker gave an update on all construction in the district. Walker said quick progress is being made at Simpson Central. Walker said during construction a 4x20 concrete tank was found under the cafeteria in Simpson Central and it has been filled in and sealed. He said things are progressing at Mendenhall Elementary and a new foreman has been assigned to the project. Walker said the building specification will remain the same and he is looking forward to seeing bricks on walls and window panes in the near future. The project’s original completion date was May 22. Since falling behind the contractor has a $300 a day obligation to the Simpson County School District. Walker also spoke about the hiring of two new bus drivers to help with driver shortage and working with the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office to develop a tabletop plan.
Board president Danny Cowart said these projects represent the impact of how the ESSRR funds were used. He explained that 8.4 million dollars were used for Simpson Central, 2.4 million for Mendenhall Elementary fifth grade building, and approximately one million dollars for the cafeteria. Cowart said the public should know how these projects are positively impacting our children and these projects cost Simpson County taxpayers nothing.
Cowart said, “I appreciate what is being done to improve our educational process.”
During the Superintendent Report Dr. Holloway asked Counselor Kristie Richardson to speak on the new virtual calming room being offered to students at Magee Middle School. Richardson demonstrated how to access and use the calming room via the Magee Middle School website. According to the website the virtual calming room is a place for students, families, and staff to find strategies for managing emotions and feelings in positive ways while building resilience. The virtual calming room provides resources and tools to help you find new ways to manage life, explore new problem-solving opportunities, and develop coping skills. The features include relaxing sounds, visual relaxation, live animals, puzzles, guided meditation, and other options.
Richardson said there is also a calming room established at the school that students can use. She said it is used to help students self-regulate and self-calm. The room is also available to the teachers. Richardson said students are given about 15 minutes to gather themselves before she interacts with them as a counselor.
During his report, Dr. Holloway spoke on the Portrait of a Graduate program and the paradigm shift that is taking place in Simpson County Schools. He explained how the schools are getting away from old programs and moving into the future.
Dr. Holloway said, “We have been graduating kids who are well schooled, but poorly educated.” He spoke on preparing students to enter the next phase of life through the four exit strategies of enrollment, enlistment, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Following the Superintendent Report the meeting was adjourned.
