NewsLine                     September 2014
 
Welcome Back!

 

Dear MSD Family and Friends,

 

Thank you for giving me a year to serve as your superintendent. How time flies. It is my hope that you've witnessed my genuine and endless commitment to providing quality educational experiences for the children of the McComb School District. As we enter our second year together, my commitment has never been stronger.

 

Over the past year, we have created incredible momentum. Momentum is the force that makes things that are moving continue to move. It's essential that we build upon this momentum in the days, weeks and months ahead. I invite you to join us as we take bold and brave steps to accelerate student achievement for every student we serve. Our GOAL is to remain vigilant in our quest to create a "World Class System" striving for excellence in all that we do.

 

There will be no drastic changes during the coming school year. Instead, we will maintain our "Community Conversations" to strengthen transparency and stakeholders trust in the McComb School District. Your trust is critical because our schools are the cornerstone of McComb City's success.   Your trust is critical as we embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Your role in helping us to continue advancing the "World Class" commitment to our community and children will be invaluable.

 

Thank you for welcoming me and my family to this great city. We are constantly amazed by the unbelievable support shown by this community. As we look forward to the future, let's keep the faith and recognize the best days for the McComb School District are yet to come.

 

Educationally yours,

Cederick L. Ellis, Sr,. Ph.D.

 


McComb School District
Strategic Plan Initiative
 
The McComb School District has embarked upon a journey to develop a world-class school system. This is a laudable and exciting goal. To assist in this journey, Dr. Cederick Ellis with the support of the Board of Trustees engaged P3 Strategies, LLC, to facilitate the strategic planning initiative. This strategic planning process is foundational to the goal of achieving a world class school system.  

 "I am thrilled about the participation and engagement of our stakeholders during the development of frameworks that will define the behaviors that will drive world-class education for the McComb School District community," said McComb Superintendent Cederick Ellis. "Collaborating with the entire school community throughout the strategic planning process, has allowed us to clearly understand multiple perspectives in our pursuit to create a world-class education(al) system.  It is my belief that this will be a long- term investment that will ensure the success of our students in a rapidly changing world." 

The strategic plan working group is made up of 38 business, religious and civic leaders, parent and student leaders, teachers and school-based administrators and representatives from higher education. The work groups were divided into three working teams (12 - to 13 persons each) and were convened into three 3 hour working sessions with a P3 Partner facilitating the discussions and recommendations development. The District hosted a Community Conversation to allow members of the general public an opportunity to share their ideas and facilitators also met with 28 additional business leaders to insure that the voice of the business community was heard. A survey was developed and administered to stakeholders and nearly 600 persons responded online.
 
The work groups completed their sessions on Thursday, September 18, P3 Strategies will analyze and compile all data to be presented in October and implemented over a three- to five-year period.

 

To learn more about the Strategic Plan Initiative visit our website

 


Back to School News You Can Use
 
Who to Contact and How
 
Administrative Offices - Phone:  601-684-4661  Fax: 249-4732

Superintendent: Dr. Cederick Ellis - Ext. 13

Executive Secretary:  Kim Mabile -  Ext. 14

Finance: Cathy Jones - Ext. 11

Payroll:  Deloras Young - Ext. 25

Purchasing: Angela Ashley - Ext. 24

Accounts Payable:  Janice Stewart - Ext. 17 

Human Resources: Jonathan McLendon - Ext. 19

Administrative Assistant:  Sheeree Samuels - Ext. 18

Receptionist: JoAnne Jackson- Ext. 10
 

School Community Relations:  Monique Gilmore - Ext. 12

Administrative Assistant:  Lisa Barnes - Ext. 53

Activity Coordinator:  Cornelia Gayden - Ext. 64

Curriculum/Federal Programs: Betty Wilson-McSwain - Ext. 26

Administrative Assistant: Myra Tobias - Ext. 15

21st CCLC (Before and After School): Rusty Whittington - Ext. 46


Technology: Sue Jarvis - Ext. 32

Administrative Assistant:  Keitha Newton - Ext. 31

Network Administrator: Derrick Woodall - Ext. 33

Tech Support/Trainer: Keith Burkett - Ext. 50

Webmaster:  Frank Tillery - Ext. 16

Support Services:  Ruby Husband - Ext. 48

Administrative Assistant :  Rosetta Barnes -  Ext. 21

Case Manager: Beth Herrin - Ext.  27

Robin Magee: Psychomerist - Ext. 51

Delicia Haynes:  Psychomerist  -  Ext. 28

Tim Leonard:Child Advocate - Ext. 47

Safety Director: Greg Gilmore - 601-248-5181

Athletic Director:  Malcolm Jones - 601-249-4765

Health Services Director:  Margaret Hart - 601-249-5135


Child Nutrition Director: Sue Ellen Codding - Ext. 62

Administrative Assistant: Cookie Doucette - Ext. 61


Kennedy Early Childhood Center

Phone:  601-684-2889    Fax: 601-249-4739


Principal:  Katrina Hines

Assistant Principal: Winona Dykes

School Nurse: 601-249-5135

Cafeteria:  601-684-6906

Family Nurturing Center - 601 - 250-5437

Director: Travonda Morris


Otken Elementary School

Phone:  601- 684-3749   Fax: 601-249-8304

Principal:  Camita Dillon

Assistant Principal:  Janice Isaac-Gooden

Assistant Principal:  Felicia Thomas

Counselor:  Glendon Felton

School Nurse: 601-250-5119
 


Higgins Middle School

Phone:  601-684-2038   Fax: 601-249-4734

Principal: Kelli Little

Assistant Principal:  Dr. Alisa Walker

Assistant Principal:  LaKya Washington

Counselor:  Roberta Walker

School Nurse:  601-249-5138

Cafeteria:  601-684-1268


Denman Jr. High School

Phone:  601-684-2387    Fax: 601-249-3564
 
Principal:  James Brown

Assistant Principal:  Cynthia Lamkin

Counselor: Cindy Newman

School Nurse: 601-684-3759

Cafeteria: 601-684-1566
 

McComb High School

Phone:  601-684-5678    Fax: 601-249-4737

Principal:  Robert Lamkin

Assistant Principal:  Rose Clark

Assistant Principal:  Krispen Williams

Assistant Principal:  Michael Jeanson

Counselor:  Juanita Steptoe - 601-684-3466 

Counselor:  Karman Butler - 601-684-3466

School Nurse: 601-249-2031

Cafeteria: 601-684-2228

Band Room: 601-684-1979

Football Stadium:  601-684-1355

Field House: 601-684-4839

Gym: 601-684-4014

Baseball Field: 601-249-2094

JROTC: Major Oliver Smith - 601-684-2010

Life Skills Center: 601-249-5134
 

Business and Technology Complex

Phone:  601-684-5288  Fax: 601-249-2454

Director:  Robert Biggs

Counselor: Ethel King 


 
Tiger Activity Complex/Alternative School

Phone:  601-249-4765    Fax:  249-4766

Director:  Malcolm Jones

Secretary: Laticely Bryant


Vehicle Services Center

Phone:  601-684-8260   Fax:  601-249-5141

Director:  Jonathan McLendon

Custodial/Maintenance Supervisor: Barbara Horton

Transportation/Grounds Supervisor: Pat Dillon
 


 


 

School Schedules 

 

Start Time and Dismissal 

 

Kennedy Early Childhood Center

7:00 am  - Breakfast Begins

7:30 am - Students can report to homeroom

7:55 am - Breakfast ends

7:55 am - First Bell

8:00 am - Tardy Bell

2:35 pm - Dismissal for kindergarten walkers and car pick-up

2:40 pm - Dismissal for bus riders

4:00 pm - Dismissal for Pre-K and daycare (Students must be picked up by 4:00 pm)


 Otken Elementary School

7:00 am  Breakfast Begins

7:55 am - First Bell

8:00 am - Tardy Bell

2:30 pm - Dismissal Bell


 Higgins Middle School

7:00 am  - Breakfast Begins

7:45 am - Students can report to homeroom

7:50 am - Breakfast ends

8:00 am - Tardy bell/homeroom begins

3:00 pm - Dismissal begins


 Denman Jr. High School

7:00 am - Accepting students on camps/ breakfast begins

7:45 am - Office open for students

7:55 am - Homeroom

3:18 pm - Dismissal

***Any student arriving on campus after 7:55 am is tardy to school, and must be signed in by a parent or guardian.****

 

McComb High School

7:00 am - Accepting students on campus/ breakfast begins

7:40 am - Students can enter the building

7:50 am - Homeroom

3:21 pm - Dismissal

***Any student arriving on campus after 7:50 am is tardy to school, and must be signed in by a parent or guardian.****

 


 

 

Mississippi Literacy-Based Promotion Act
 

The Mississippi Literacy-Based Promotion Act will help ensure that every student reads at or above grade level by the end of 3rd grade. The act is part of a statewide effort called Strong Readers = Strong Leaders to improve literacy among all school children.

 

Prevention is key. Reading instruction must be a major focus of Kindergar­ten through 3rd grade, as 3rd grade is the year that students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Students need strong reading skills in order to learn in all other school subjects, such as science, history, writing, and even math. 
 

 Being a good reader is critical if a student is going to be successful in school. In 2013, the Mississippi Legislature passed the Literacy-Based Promotion Act to ensure that students exit 3rd grade reading at or above grade level. In accordance with this law, and as a means of better informing classroom instruction, a set of K-3 assessments known as the Mississippi K-3 Assessment Support System (MKAS2) will be given to students across the state. These assessments will identify students who need intensive reading instruction and intervention and will also provide useful information to help teachers tailor instruction to meet individual student needs.
 


 

     All 3rd grade students will take a test at the end of the year to determine promotion to 4th grade. If your child is reading below grade level at the end of 3rd grade, you will be informed in writing that your child will not be promoted to 4th grade unless he/she qualifies for an exemption. You will receive reports from your child's school about his/her progress.


 

     If you have any questions, please feel free to see your child's principal and teacher.


 3rd Grade Reading Standards FAQ 


 
Common Core State Standards

 

What Parents Need to Know

You may have already noticed that your children's homework is getting tougher. They are expected to learn in new ways and educators are expected to teach more in depth. Mississippi's students and teachers can meet the challenge of these higher standards but they need your support to succeed.

If you notice your child is struggling in a certain area, talk with your child's teacher to identify strategies and resources that may be helpful. You are empowered to find ways to make sure your child reaches his/her full potential under these new standards.

What will Mississippi Common Core State Standards (CCSS) mean to students and parents?

  • With the CCSS, parents will know exactly what their children should learn by the end of each grade level. 
  • The new standards are more rigorous and students will be learning important concepts in earlier grades.
  • The Common Core shifts instruction from high school completion to college- and career-readiness for every student.
  • When the standards are fully implemented, parents will see that each grade covers fewer topics, but teaches content in much greater depth.
  • Curriculum and assessments are evolving to align with the Common Core.
  • With the Common Core, parents can be assured that their students are learning to the same high-quality standards as other students across the country.
  • New tests will measure learning under CCSS. These tests will be more difficult, which will mean that scores will be lower initially.

More About Common Core State Standards 


 

Community Eligibility Program 


 
McComb School District has implemented a new option available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for School Year 2014-2015.


 

What does this mean for you and your children?

 

All enrolled students of McComb School District are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge to your household each day of the 2014-2015 school year. No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit an application.

 

The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) provides an alternative approach for offering school meals to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools in low income areas, instead of collecting individual applications for free and reduced price meals.

 

The CEP allows schools that predominantly serve low-income children to offer free, nutritious school meals to all students through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. The CEP uses information from other programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance Program for Needy Families (TANF) instead of traditional paper applications.


 


  

 October is School Bus Safety  Awareness Month

school_bus.jpg

 

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS


 

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY TIPS FOR STUDENTS


 


 


 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION 

BREAK THE CYCLE - CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
 


 
 

 

  

High School Football


  
 
McComb High School
9th Annual Hall of Fame Gala

 

  

 It  is with great pleasure that we invite you to the 9th Annual McComb High School Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Gala.

We are recognizing individuals for their outstanding accomplishments and exemplary citizenship during and following their time at McComb High School.

We would be pleased and honored to have you join us.
 

McComb High School

Hall of Fame

Thursday, October 9, 2014

McComb High School


 
Inductees:

Dr. Jarrold Harrell MHS Class of 1999
Dr. Lauren Brock Jones MHS Class of 1997
Patrick Henry Jackson MHS Class of 1976
Lorraine Banks Gayden Burglund Class of 1965
Dr. Alana Gifford Gabler MHS Class of 1997

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE -   Thomas Magee "Mac" Hart
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT - David Varnell


EVENT INFORMATION:


DATE:   Thursday, October 9, 2014

McComb High School

TIME:   Entertainment and Meet & Greet      5:00pm

Dinner Served                                                      6:00pm

Induction Ceremony                                           7:00pm


 

PRICES:

Table of Eight $250.00

Individual Seating $35.00


 

For more information, contact Cornelia Gayden, Hall of Fame Coordinator, at 601-730-0731


 

Reservation Form 


 


 


 


October 10, 2014
 
2014 Homecoming Court
 
Freshman Maids
Shadavia Felder
Chardonay Williams
 
Sophomore Maids
Ma'neka Marsalis
Creshona Kenny
 
Junior Maids
Diamond Isaac
Abria Gayden
 
Senior Maids
Katie Kalusche
Erica Spurlock
Jasmyn Adams
Daizha Kelly
 
 
  


FROM OUR PARTNERS

 

Recycling Pike County

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here for more information about Recycling in Pike County

 

 

McComb Recreation Department


 

Coach Vann Studemann's Mississippi State Softball Team will be partnering with the City of McComb for a "Tour de Miss" - Exhibition Game with Alabama Southern.  A FREE Softball Clinic (3rd grade to seniors) will follow the game.


 

Date:  Saturday, September 27, 2014


 

Time:  Game - 2 pm and Clinic - 30 minutes after the end of the game


 

Location:  McComb Sports Park at 701 South Magnolia St.


 

Admission:  FREE

 

 

 

 

 




 


 



 


 

 


 


 





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