McNeal Elementary students brought joy to the hearts of Madison County Nursing Home residents. The "Star Tones" sang Christmas carols to the delight of residents as they spread holiday cheer. Residents applauded and thanked every student for sharing their love and lifting their spirits. Mrs. Gross, the Star Tones' Director, says it's important to remember to give back and share our gifts of time and talent with our senior citizens who have contributed so much to our community over the course of their lives.  

 School Reading Fair Judges hard at work

                                                  

 Students and parents have worked diligently sharing their love of reading by creating storyboards that make their books come to life. Judges have worked hard reviewing storyboards entered into this year's Reading Fair to make sure they have all of the elements required. The storyboard must have basic elements like plot, characters, setting, and theme among other criteria. Judges say creating these displays help reinforce what students learn in the classroom. The annual Reading Fair encourages students to have a lifelong love of reading. Winners will be announced soon. Only first place winners will advance to the next level of competition. The District Reading Fair will be held in January.

                                                     Mommy and Mea Tea

Dads and Moms of students at Reuben B. Myers Canton School of Arts and Sciences say they thoroughly enjoyed having tea with their children. Over one-hundred parents, grandparents, or guardians made their children a priority and took time out of their busy schedule to visit their school. School leaders say it's important parents stay involved to not only encourage students but to make sure they are setting high expectations for achievement and sending a strong message that they value education. Students says it makes them feel special when their parents show up to support their educational efforts.     

Jennifer Clanton, Director of Finance, (center) awards door prize winners Mrs. Cotton and Ms. Hamlin gift cards.

                                     

    The CPSD Business Office held its annual Procedural Training Workshop to make sure employees understood everything from how to properly complete purchase orders to meeting timelines for payroll. This year employees rotated from various stations set up to handle questions in the areas of: fixed assets, activity funds, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, and risk management. The session was filled with lots of useful information and important updates to help employees stay on track throughout the school year.

                                Spotlight : CPSD Athletic Director Daryl Jones, Sr.

Athletic Director Daryl Jones, Sr. says his 19 years of experience has prepared him to direct  the Canton Public School District's athletic program. Jones says growing up with parents as educators and a father that coached high school and college football laid the foundation for a successful career in education and athletics. Throughout his 19 year teaching, administrative and coaching career, he says he has learned the organization required to operate and manage a successful, productive high school athletic program with limited resources.

Jones says he has a unique set of skills and background to be successful leading the Canton Public School District athletic program. He says among his strengths are:

• Meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of running a successful athletic program. 
• being  influenced by some of the giants in College Football: Cardell Jones (father), W.C. Gorden, James "Big Daddy" Carson
• Well respected among high school and college coaches.
• Coaching background- He grew up on the practice field and learning football; his father coached high school and college football in the State of Mississippi for 34 years. Jones say this gives him a deep understanding and unique insight into coaching theory and practice; as well as relationships with various people of all professions over the State of Mississippi.
• Success as a player- Jones, a 4 year letterman Running Back, was named SWAC Freshman of the Year in 1985 and All SWAC in 1986. He was also selected to JSU Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and the JSU All-Century Team in 2011.
• Team Success- Jones was a part of 4 consecutive SWAC Championship teams from 1985 to 1989 who compiled a 25-1 conference record.
• Media relations- Jones says he has excellent relationships with all media outlets. He fully appreciates the importance of media outlets and says he will represent the Canton Public School District favorably.
• Community & Alumni relations- Jones says he will represent the community and the Canton Public School District well. He says he will be involved and visible in community functions.
• Staff & Team Chemistry- Jones says he will have a close knit staff that supports the mission of the Canton Public School District. He says the student-athletes will learn to love Canton High School and their team mates.
   

Having taken over programs in the past, Jones says he has a full grasp of the issues to be addressed and a comprehensive plan to implement the necessary changes. Jones says, "The process of inheriting a program for me always starts with the following questions: 

• Where are we now?
• Where do we want to go?
• How long do we have to get there?
• How will we get there?
• How will we know we are there?
• How can we sustain efforts?

I will meet with district administrators, officials, alumni and supporters to get honest answers to these questions. Once we have answers to these questions we can develop a strategic plan to hit our targets in a timely manner.

My professional preparation has given me the unique ability to lead The Canton Public Schools Athletic Programs to district and state championships. My ultimate vision for The Canton Public Schools Athletics is to participate in every sport offered by MHSAA and to win the All Sports Award. This award is given yearly to the school with the most successful high school athletic program. I anticipate the opportunity to implement my energetic and strategic leadership approach to the Canton Public School District."

Jones, who holds a Masters of Science in Educational Administration from Alcorn State and a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Technology from Jackson State, has experience as an educator on and off the field. He worked as an assistant principal in the Jackson Public School District, Hinds County School District and Columbus Municipal School District.

Coach Jones is married to his high school sweetheart Mona Lisa. They have been married for 23 years and have two children, Daryl Jr., 19 and Alea, 14.
 

PROFFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2009 to 2014               Jackson Public School District / Callaway High School

                                    Head Football Coach / Assistant Principal, Athletic Director

2008 to 2009               Hinds County School District / Raymond High School

                                    Athletic Director / Assistant Principal

2006 to 2008               Columbus Municipal School District / Columbus High School

                                    Head Football Coach / Assistant Principal

2004 to 2006               Jackson State University

                                    Assistant Football Coach / Quarterbacks

1996 to 2004               Jackson Public School District / Jim Hill High School

                                    Head Football Coach / Assistant Principal

1995 to 1996               Aldine Independent School District / Grantham Middle School

                                    Assistant Football Coach / Teacher

1994 to 1995               Alcorn State University

                                    Graduate Assistant Football Coach / Running Backs

1990 to 1994               Ryko Manufacturing Company / Des Moines, IA

                                    Mechanical Draftsman

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Blitz 16 / Bank Plus Metro Coach of the Year 2002

Blitz 16 / Bank Plus Metro Coach of the Year 2013

Clarion Ledger Metro Coach of the Year 2013

Region 2-5A Coach of the Year 2013

The Sports Zone WJTV Coach of the Year 2013

Team Ranked #9 in Clarion Ledger Super 10 Poll

Team Ranked #3 in Clarion Ledger 5A Poll

Player selected to play in Under Armour All-America Game

Coached 3 Dandy Dozen Players

Coached 5 All State Players

Guest Speaker at Mississippi State Coaching Clinic 2003

Guest Speaker at Mississippi State Coaching Clinic 2011

Guest Speaker at MHSAA Coaching Clinic 2012

                                                      Canton Public School District

                                                  District Online Testing Schedule

                                                         School Year 2014-2015

                                         *All online except Grade 2 LA, Grade 2 Math, US History & Biology

•  December 9    Goodloe Elementary
•  January 13      Canton Elementary
•  February 10    McNeal Elementary
•  March 10         Canton High School
•  April 14           Canton Career Center
•  May 12           Canton Career Center
•  June 9            Canton Career Center

 *Special Called Board Meetings will still be held in the boardroom at the Canton Career Center. 

  
School leaders say it's important parents collaborate with teachers and administrators to ensure their children are mastering skills that will help them succeed in school. Administrators say Parent/ Teacher Conference Days are designed to help keep parents informed of how their children are performing academically and socially. Students' grades are reviewed, strategies to improve performance are shared, and parent concerns are addressed. Working together, parents and teachers produce more high performing students. The next Parent/Teacher Conference Day is slated January 20. Students do not report to school.

Canton Public School District

"Breast Cancer Awareness Week"