f feature to issue a statewide request for proposals for new ELCs. In November 2016, the State Board of Education approved four additional ELC sites in the Canton, Greenwood, Grenada, and Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated school districts. Between them, the four new ELCs are expected to serve 460 children. Those currently participating in ELCs testify to the benefits of being part of the program. “The collaborative allowed us to get a common curriculum and make sure no child is left unserved,” Donald said. “It gave our collaborative efforts a boost and ensures kids
Left to right: Pre-k students Mari Brooke Couch and E’laysia Pickens work on computers during class at the Clarke County Early Learning Partnership.
get the same opportunities no matter which early learning site they attend. It’s really raised the overall level of achievement.” Educators agree Mississippi stands to reap big dividends down the road from its investment in early childhood education. “We know that the earlier we expose children to education, the better they will do down the road,” Thomas noted. “The more we invest on the front end, the less likely we’ll have to invest on the back end.”
Left to right: Radricus Gaines, Aubree Sanderson, and William Allen work on learning their letters at the Clarke County Early Learning Partnership.
GREENVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT LIBRARIAN HONORED Matty Akin Elementary School librarian Barbara Rodgers in the Greenville School District received the Peggy May Award from the Mississippi Library Association (MLA) at the recent MLA Conference in Vicksburg. During Rodgers’ tenure as Matty Akin Elementary School’s librarian she has tirelessly promoted reading among students in the Greenville School District. She tutors students in reading and has worked to procure thousands of books, which she gives to students at various school functions. She is also the school’s Reading Fair coordinator. The Peggy May Award was created to memorialize May’s professional accomplishments and to recognize individuals who exemplify her outstanding achievement in library development and/or recruitment of personnel to the library field. Nominations are submitted to the MLA awards committee, and the award is presented during the association’s annual conference. School Focus
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Winter 2017