KEY COMMUNICATOR | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022
The schools and offices of Jackson Public Schools will be closed March 14-18, 2022, for Spring Break.
In JPS, we celebrated Black History Month with a series of video presentations of Black history facts and poems. Superintendent Dr. Errick L. Greene introduces us to the late American author Richard Wright. Much of the Mississippi native’s literature concerns racial themes related to the plight of African Americans during the late 19th to mid-20th centuries suffering discrimination and violence.

Enjoy this playlist created by the JPS ITV team!
Are you surviving or thriving? In other words, are you just maintaining and existing or prospering and flourishing? Hear more from Superintendent Dr. Errick L. Greene in the March edition of the Superintendent’s Monthly Minute.

To watch, click the link above!

Subscribe to our YouTube page @JPSITV to view this and other JPS videos.
In this month’s edition of the Superintendent’s Monthly Minute, our lead educator talks about G.R.I.T (Growth, Resilience, Initiative, Tenacity).
Although it can be difficult to hang in there at times, it is imperative to keep working towards your goals. Superintendent Dr. Errick L. Greene explains how important it is to surround yourself with people who can help you reach those goals.

To watch, click the link above!

Subscribe to our YouTube page @JPSITV to view other JPS videos.
DR. ERRICK L. GREENE EXTENDS WORDS OF COMFORT TO THE JACKSON COMMUNITY

As the Jackson community continues to mourn the tragic passing of a JPS high school scholar, Superintendent Dr. Errick L. Greene extends words of comfort to the Jackson community and encouragement to scholars in need of assistance.
Despite being a leading cause of death, there is little hard evidence to explain why some people attempt suicide. Research has shown that some of the reasons for death by suicide are mental illness, depression, substance abuse, stressful events, loss of health/jobs, divorce, and separation. Be aware of the warning signs of a person that may be at risk of attempting suicide. Some of these signs include complaining of hopelessness, having episodes of rage and anger, inflicting self-injury/harm, and becoming more withdrawn. 
 
There are also ways that you can help someone who is suicidal. A few suggestions are listed below.
  1. Take It Seriously- You cannot assume that because you feel something is not worth being suicidal about, the person you are with feels the same way. It is not how bad the problem is, but how badly it's hurting the person who has it.
  2. Remember: suicidal behavior is a cry for help.  The fact that a person is still alive is sufficient proof that part of him wants to remain active. The part that wants to live tells another I feel suicidal.
  3. Be willing to give and get help sooner rather than later.  Suicide prevention is not a last-minute activity.  It would be best to do everything to reduce pain rather than increase or prolong it. Constructively involving yourself on the side of life as early as possible will reduce the risk of suicide.
  4. Listen.  Give the person every opportunity to unburden his troubles and ventilate his feelings. You don't need to say much, and there are no magic words.  Avoid arguments and advice-giving.
  5.  Ask: Are you having thoughts of suicide?  Myth: Talking about it may give someone the idea.  People already have the vision; suicide is constantly in the news media.  If you ask a despairing person this question, you are doing a good thing for them: you are showing him that you care about him, take him seriously, and are willing to let him share his pain with you.
  6. Urge professional help.  Let the person know you care and want to maintain contact in any referral situation.

UPCOMING EVENTS
DISTRICT NEWS
Casey Elementary Counselor Named 2022 JPS Counselor of...

Tiffany Johnson During National Counseling Week, February 7-11, the Office of Climate and Wellness saluted several JPS counselors for their dedication to the core values of equity, excellence, growth mindset, relationships, and relevance. Tiffany ...

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Jequireon Johnson of Callaway High School Named 2022...

Jequireon Johnson JROTC Cadet Jequireon Johnson is the 2021-2022 JPS Cadet of the Year. Johnson has been promoted to the rank of Cadet Colonel and will serve as the JPS JROTC Brigade Commander for the 2022-2023 school year. A junior at Callaway...

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www.jackson.k12.ms.us
JPS Receives Top Honors in the Mississippi Association...

The Mississippi Association of Partners in Education (MAPE) announced the 2022 Governor's Awards for Mississippi's top school-community partnerships. Several JPS partnerships will be among those recognized during a virtual ceremony scheduled for...

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JPS Celebrates Read Across America Day Districtwide

March 4, 2022 - Jackson Public Schools celebrated Read Across America Day (RAAD) on Wednesday, March 2.

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Murrah Scholar Athlete Selected to 2022 U.S. Youth...

March 1, 2022 - Murrah High Scholar-Athlete Kendarius Smith, a 10th-grade soccer team captain, was recently selected as a U.S. Youth Soccer All-American and will represent JPS and the state in the ...

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JPS Recognizes February's Administrators of the Month

Dr. Eric Cook LaShunna McInnis Linda Murray Dr. Lynn Horton Congratulations to our Administrators of the Month for February! These 4 individuals are dedicated leaders who strive for excellence in all they do, and we appreciate their service to...

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Dr. Samecia Stokes Named JPS Executive Director of...

February 16, 2022 - Dr. Samecia Stokes was recently named as the executive director of innovative strategy.

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School Board Member Recognition Week, February 13-19, 2022

February 15, 2022 - Jackson Public Schools join districts across the state to thank the JPS board of trustees during School Board Member Recognition Week, February 13-19, for their leadership and ...

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Wells APAC Scholars Chosen as National Finalists in the...

Left to right: Griffin Ballard, Alexis Gypson, and Simms Powell Ari Perkins Four Ida B. Wells APAC scholars have been selected as national finalists in the SC Johnson Happy Hands Design Contest. Wells APAC had the highest number of national...

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JPS JROTC Cadets and Scholars Attend West Point's...

Nearly 100 Jackson Public Schools JROTC Cadets, along with 30 JPS scholars from Powell Middle School, participated in the West Point Society of Jackson's Leadership, Ethics, and Diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics...

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JPS Hosts a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Forest Hill High...

Jackson Public Schools hosted its first of several ribbon-cutting ceremonies on February 8, at Forest Hill High School. The event was held to celebrate the completion of several projects on the grounds. The net worth of the projects cost an...

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Dads from Across the District Turn Out to Lend Their...

Almost 300 dads or father figures responded to the call from Jackson Public Schools to attend the Dads' Summit on February 5 th. The theme of the event was A Dad's Health is a School's Wealth'. At the event, dads discussed fatherhood, challenges...

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JPS Launches Campaign to Honor Proud Alumnus

February 7, 2022 - Jackson Public Schools is proud to launch a campaign called #JPSProud to honor JPS alumni who have achieved success professionally.

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JPS Principal Receives Prestigious Award

February 7, 2022 - Terrance Hill, principal of Green Elementary, recently received The Key of the Community Award at the Best of Mississippi Awards.

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Murrah Wins 36 Writing Awards at Scholastic Art and...

Murrah High scholars brought home 36 writing awards at this year's Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Youth Artists and Writers. Among the honors include two American Voices Winners, who will go on to compete...

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