4CornersA Publication of Lauderdale County School District

Volume II Issue 8 March 2015

LCSD Prepared for Online Testing Challenges

The week of state testing has typically been a stressful time of year for all. This year with testing being spread out over multi- ple weeks and with the addition of a Performance-Based assess-ment, stress levels have been at an all time high. However, in look- ing at what we have accomplished so far, I am very pleased.While other districts are struggling with major technology issues and major issues surrounding scheduling, Lauderdale County Schools is once again leading the way. We knew going in, this

Randy Hodges, Superintendent

first round would be the most difficult. Sure, there have been minor issues, which probably felt major at times. But, because of our level of preparedness and the hard work of our testing coordi- nators and technology department we are getting the job done. In addition, we have learned many important lessons from this experience. Thank you for your patience.

Our assessment teams are working diligently to keep you up-to-date and prepared. However, information coming to us has not always been timely or even accurate. Most of what we know and have learned has come from our own trial and error. As a result, our technology and testing departments are in communication daily to problem solve and trouble-shoot in an attempt to head off future issues.It is our goal to further refine the process prior to heading in to the End-of-Year assessment.

As we enter this final nine weeks of the 2014-2015 school year, I encourage you all to keep things in perspective. Take time to focus on the things that matter most. Continue to push stu- dents to deliver their best daily. And above

all, remember you are the most important person in a child’s life while they are in your classroom.

Clarkdale High School2014-2015 Who’s Who:

Most Likely to Succeed: Skylar Vance & Noah Mathis Most School Spirit: Anna Marie Saulters & Cade Davidson Most Courteous: Madeline Anderson & Stanley Murphy Favorite Twins: Dalton & Gibson HorneMost Unique: Katie Barrett & Jamal NealMost Intellectual: Leah Potate & Brandon Mitchell Friendliest: Victoria Emerson & Blake McMillan Most Athletic: Ashley McLeod & Jerome Adkins Class Clown: Anna Guin & Chase StephensMouth of the South: Taylor Blackwell & Clay Boman

Womanless Beauty PageantToni Buchanan and FFA hosted a womanless beauty pageant on Friday, March the 6th. Emcees were none

other than Dr. Roy McNeill and his esteemed colleague Ken Hardy. Judges for the event were Michelle Pearsonwith Guide One Insurance and Lauderdale County 4H Agent

Emily Pace. The winner of the pageant was freshman Hunter Vick, and sophomore Hayden Null was chosen as first alternate. Mr. Floyd Evans, 2014 Faculty Most Beautiful, was on hand to crown the boys. Special thanks to FFA parents Melissa Strickland and Connie Agent who organized the event.

Vick in red high heels Ken Hardy, Floyd Evans & Roy McNeill Hayden Null, Emily Pace & Hunter Vick

2015-2016 High School Cheerleaders:Lexie Rawson Paxton Myers Rosalie

DohertyErin Gibson Natalie Jadzinski Falon JayOlivia Randall Blaise Booker Tori PeelerSavannah Pope Marlee Martin Baylie

HarbourDarcie Smith

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Leah Potate Skylar Vance

Clarkdale Middle School Kayla Weir’s Homeroom

For the fourth year in a row, Mrs. Kayla Weir’s homeroom has raised the most money among the middle school classes to benefit Pennies for Patients. This class collected over $300 and will be rewarded with a pasta party later this month.

Erin Gibson and Jesse Harrison

2015-2016 Jr. High Cheerleaders:

Jodee Crane Star Scott Nealy Gilmore

Karsyn Thomas Audrey Anderson

Emma Grace ClarkRalie Boles

Brianna Bane Natalie Wakefield

Raegan Jay Peyton Rigdon Amber Fant

Hannah Beech Maggie Freeman

Students in 5th and 6th grade Quest classes traveled to Memphis last month. They visited the Memphis Zoo, the Peabody Hotel and attended The Lion King play.

Jr. High Who’s Who

Best Personality: Nealy Gilmore & Kaleb Walters Most Intellectual: Lexie Rawson & Brady SuttlesMost Likely to Drive Teachers Crazy: Marquisha Johnson & Harvey GriffinMost Courteous: Hannah Beech & Cole Castle Class Clown: Allie Redmond & Tripp Freeman Most Athletic: Rae Rae Wilson & Gemarcus Brown

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Clarkdale ElementarySpring Book Fair

Mrs. Felton with Alana Nixon, Paisley Ivey & Anyston Vance H. S. Principal Cheryl Thomas browsing the fair

Mrs. Faye Williams with granddaughter Lily Pigott Gabe Hall and Kaden Thompson shopping with their grandma

Math ChallengeClarkdale Elementary is having a banner year for the Math Challenge. We have had 274 students pass so far. Each student

who passes successfully receives a Math Challenge water bottle containing Star Burst (math stars!) candies and a Math Challenge certificate, and he or she is allowed to attend a pizza celebration with other students. We are on track to have at least 92% of our grades 1-4 students pass the MC, which will put us ahead of last year's pace.

So far the two most successful grades have been fourth and second grades. Fourth grade has had 83% of their students pass, while second grade has had 80%. Additionally, one class, Ms. Queen's first grade, has already had every student pass, and that is exceptional.

When students pass, we tell them that they have accomplished something great. No one is required to take this challenge.Rather, students make the decision to learn the objectives on their own, and that is a key to success in life. A person must be willing to take on challenges and pass them, regardless of what others do. We are thankful for the commitment these students have made andcommend them all.

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John Lisenbe,

Elementary Principal

Northeast High SchoolFebruary Top Trojans & Teachers

The NHS Top Trojans for March are as follows:

12th: Abigail Cline, Samantha Ivey & Nathaniel Pierce 11th: Bailey Swearingen & Noel Vicencio10th: Madison McElroy & Luke Harper9th: Brooks Culpepper & McKenzie Rigdon

NHS congratulates our own Lexie Harper for being named Lauder- dale County's Distinguished Young Woman 2016!

Teachers Conduct ACT Workshop and Practice TestTeachers Cynthia Taylor and Nicole Wright spent two Saturdays helping NHS students prepare for the schoolwide ACT which was administered to all NHS Juniors March 3rd. Students were given the opportu- nity to participate in this workshop at no cost and were provided information on test taking strategies and a practice test to help them prepare for the ACT. NHS Students Aaliyah Hickmon, Hunter Pearsell, and LeI- saac Darden were student workers at the workshop also. The workshop had a Mardi Gras theme, complete with beads and king cakes for door prizes. Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Wright considered the event a great suc- cess.

“Physical” ScienceMrs. Cynthia Taylor's Anatomy and Physiology classes practiced good posture with

the skeletal system, as well as creating and performing muscle songs for the muscular system!

NHS HOSA Happenings

HOSA Sponsor Jan Trawick and several NHS students were at the State HOSA Competition March 18-20. Pictured: Pride of Chapters - Logan Runyon and Abigail Cline

NHS Teachers Visit San Antonio

English teachers Laura Crocker and Nicole Wright and Asst. Principal Emily Lee attended an RTI at Work conference in San Antonio, Texas March 18-20. The purpose of this conference was to learn more about using professional learning communities to implement academic and behavior interventions when needed to help improve student performance and success.EMCC Recruiter Visits NHS SeniorsLia Hill, recruiter from EMCC, spoke to Ms. Godwin's senior English class Monday, Mar. 16th. She shared information on the college's academic, vocational, athletic, and social opportunities as well as encouraged students to get financial aid and other college paperwork taken care of as quickly as possible. She did a great job interacting with the students and get- ting them on the right path to the next step in their educational journey.

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Northeast Middle School8th Graders Attend PAC Expo

A group of 40 eighth grade Technology Foundations students at- tended the Pass- port to Careers (PAC) Expo in Jackson on March 4. Stu- dents were able to meet with representatives from commer- cial construc- tion, manufac- turing, indus- trial, mainte-nance, and energy industries to learn about careers in these fields.

Students were given safety briefings and equipment and saw first-hand how dangerous working around power lines can be if safety precau- tions are not followed. In addition, they wore goggles to simulate the vision of drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol, practiced using ham- mers and electric drills, learned about the many various jobs in each career field, and were able to view part of the Skills USA/MCEF State Championship at the Trade Mart, where they saw high school and com- munity college students compete in carpentry, welding, and electrical events.

Technology Students Learn About Careers in Health Care

ICT I and Technol- ogy Foundations stu- dents learned about the numerous careers associated with the health care field when Anderson’s Hospital sent several representatives from different departments

to talk to students re- cently. Students were treated with learning about health care in vari- ous ways, such as playing the Anderson’s version of “Who Wants to be

a Millionaire?” (Who Wants to Win Anderson’s Stuff?) and putting on

protective equip- ment such as gloves, masks, etc. in the cor- rect way to pre- vent the spread of germs. This is the second year that Ander- son’s has visited NEMS and we hope they con- tinue this tradi-tion for many years to come!

NEMS Golden Apple Winner Kathy Moody Named Middle School Teacher of the Year

7th grade math teacher Kathy Moody, a previous Golden Ap- ple Winner, was named Lauderdale County Middle School Teacher of the Year at the March 29 Board meeting. Con- gratulations and thank you for all of your hard work, Mrs.Moody!

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Northeast Elementary

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Kindergarten students celebrated Dr. Seuss's Birthday on March 2. Monday they dressed as their favorite character from the Dr. Seuss books. Topsy Turvy Tuesday they dressed with their clothes inside out and

backwards. On Wacky Wednesday they wore crazy socks. Thing Thursday they were dressed as Thing 1 and Thing 2. On Food Friday they wore their pajamas and ate green eggs and ham.

Students who brought $1 were allowed to dress in Green for St. Patrick's Day. Money raised went towards our Mississippi Whole Schools Art Grant. It was a huge success and we raised over $500!

Southeast High SchoolFebruary students of the month are: (9th) Kashley Mabry & Andres Alonso, (10th)Mariah Tureaud & Brandon Harkins, (11th) Madison Irby & Dakota Frasier, and (12th) Darren Larkin & Jasmine Lawson (accidental error - Jasmine is in 11th grade). The TOM for Febru- ary is Mrs. Lori Keller. Mrs. Keller is a science instruc- tor, co-sponsor of the Beta Club, co-sponsor of theMath & Science Team, and a Freshman Sponsor.

Southeast High's own Coach Mike Thomas was named the Soccer Coach of the Year recently by the Clarion Ledger Newspaper. This prestigious honor is a first for SHS Soccer. Coach Thomas is in his 29th year of coaching high school soccer in Mississippi. We are incredibly proud of Coach Thomas! Congratulations! SHS's Chase Hughes was also named Honorable Mention to the All State Soccer Team.

SHS Freshman Andrew Shelton has been chosen to attend the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Boston, MA on June 24-26, 2015. The Congress is an honors-only pro- gram for high school students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). The purpose of the event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to achieve in one of these four fields.

. SHS Junior Alec Marlow has been selected for the Electric Power Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. this summer. The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has brought high school students to Washington, D.C. every June since the late 1950s. Students ap- ply and are selected forthis program by their local electric cooperative. They believe that students should see their nation’s capital up close, learn about the political process and interact with their elected officials.

SHS Senior Kaitlin Hollister recently won the title of Miss Hospitality of Meridian. She competed against other girls in the area in February and was chosen based on public speaking/interview skills, evening gown competition, and a 20 second on- stage commercial presentation designed to highlight Meridian. She won a full scholarship to MCC, and she competes for the statewide title in July. Good luck, Kaitlin! We are so proud of you.

SHS Senior Hannah Rogers was named Star Student for 2015, with an ACT score of 33. She has chosen Scott Kratzer, her band director since 8th grade, as her Star Teacher.

A new club has been chartered at SHS. The Junior Civitan Club, sponsored by the Meridian First Ladies Civitan Club, will host an induction on March 24th at 10:00 a.m. The club is a service club, tailored for training young people to become “Builders of Good Citizenship” in the home, school, community, and nation. 2015 Officers are Kaitlin Hollister (Pres.), Larkin Gray (VP), Anna Santil- lano (Sec), Majesti Scott (Tres.) and Dori Timms (Chaplain). Club advisers are Cheryl Santillano and Leigha Tate.

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Southeast Middle School

Twenty-five (25) SEMS 8th graders toured the Passport to Careers Expo held at the Fordice Equine Center in Jackson, MS. The P2C Expo is held in conjunction with the 2015 MCEF/Skills USA State Championship. Students attended a safety briefing and then began the tour on the arena floor. The Expo included vendors using skills in construction, manufacturing, and energy industries. Students had hands- on experience including hammering nails, virtual welding, using a safety harness, and riding a lift used in construction. This field trip also included a walk through the Skills USA competition site where competitors were competing in various trades such as welding, heating & cooling, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and masonry. Brendaysia Wallace says that her most memorable experiences were the interactive activities such as riding the lift and seeing that there are many careers open to women that she hadn’t thought about before. All the SEMS students had a wonderful learning experience, which made the day a success! Pictured are the students standing on the scaffold on the arena floor.

Claire Sullivan, a 5th Grade student at Southeast

Middle School won 1st

place in the RegionalReading Fair at the

Mississippi School for the deaf!

Mrs. McDonald held an informative parent meeting on the PARQQ assessment. Parents were informed of important details about testing, while also given the opportunity to ask questions.

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Southeast Elementary

It was an exciting day at Southeast Elementary School for all the kindergartners be- cause it was Dr. Seuss’ birthday! Mr. Powell read a book by this amazing author to all the kindergarten students. They all listened as the principal read each word off the page to re- mind them of how important it is to read, explore, learn, and have fun!

March 19th at 6:00 the first grade students put on an amazing spring musical! The students were each dressed as ants, ducks, and flowers. They all did an outstanding job getting us excited about about the upcoming season of spring!

Our new playground is here! The students and their families have worked very hard for several years to raise money for a new playground. They raised $20,000 in the past and set it aside for this project. The PTO set a goal of completing the fundraising for the playground this fall and raised the rest of the money! The Lauderdale County School Board also gave us $10,000. Several volunteers gathered at SEE on a freezing cold Feb- ruary Friday morning to help assemble the play-ground and worked all day long. Volunteers came back Saturday morning to pour the con- crete to hold the equipment steady. We are wait- ing for the protective ground chips to come in and we will be ready to play! A merry-go-all will be added later also. A special shout out goes to the volunteers who gave their time and expertise on a cold, cold day to assemble the equipment.

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West Lauderdale HighThe West Lauderdale Chorus, under the direction of Twyla Hurst, will be in con- cert on May 5, 2015 at 7:00 at Meridian Community College in the McCain Theatre. We will be joining the MCC Chorus and the Meridian High School Chorus. The joined choirs will present three songs together. Admission is free.

On March 28th the History Club will take a field trip to the World War Two Museum in New Or-

leans and enjoy a taste of Creole cuisine for lunch. And, as required by Federal Law, they will also pay a visit to Cafe' Du Monde.

WLHS senior Erin Johnson has been accepted into the early entry pharmacy program at Ole Miss. This means she was admitted directly into the School of Pharmacy’s professional degree program, thus avoiding the competitive selection process she would otherwise endure. Early entry students are assured a position in the first year professional pharmacy class if certain requirements are met. They are eligible for School of Pharmacy scholarships three years earlier than other pharmacy stu- dents. Early entry students are able to participate in professional student organizations & leadership programs.

Selection for early entry students is based on academic ability & aptitude for pharmacy. ACT score & GPA are primary factors. Extra-curricular activities and performance during the campus interview are also considered.

Congratulations, Erin! The WLHS family is proud of you.

West Lauderdale High SchoolSTAR Student & Star Teacher

West Lauderdale High School is pleased to announce their STAR student for 2015 is Miss Erin Bratu. She earned this distinction with a 35 on her ACT. Erin is the daughter of Jerry & Cyndy Bratu of Collins- ville and has attended West Lauderdale for thirteen years. She served as Drum Major for the Mighty Knight marching band, color guard squad leader for three years, and president of History Club for three years. Erin is a National Merit Scholar, Presidential Scholars Candidate, & Division II Math & Science Quiz Bowl winner. She placed in the top 10% in mathematics & biology at the Mississippi Math & Sci- ence competition held at Mississippi College. She has received the following awards: AP Calculus, AP Biology, and AP U.S. History. Erin plans to attend the University of Mississippi and major in electrical engineering.

As her STAR Teacher this year Erin chose Mrs. Sandy Reid.

Sandy Reid teaches at West Lauderdale High School. She currently teaches Advanced Placement English IV and English IV. She has been teaching for nine- teen years. She obtained her national Board Certification in 2002.Mrs. Reid has a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Secondary Education, English. She has a Master’s Degree of Science in School Counseling.

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West Lauderdale MiddleWLMS Beauty and Beau Pageant Winners

West Lauderdale Middle School held its annual Beauty and Beau Pageant February 28, 2015 at Faith Baptist Church. All of the contest- ants did a wonderful job displaying poise and confidence on the stage. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Ms. Joan Grimes. Entertain- ment was provided by Laynie Laird, a 7th grade student at WLMS.

Beauty: AnnaKate Shows 1st Alt. Beauty: Sarah McCoy 2nd Alt. Beauty: Sarah McCoy 3rd Alt. Beauty: Lily CollinsBeau: Larson Lewis 1st Alt. Beau: Jacob Kinard 2 nd Alt. Beau: Jacob Kinard

4th Alt. Beauty: Karlee Spivey

4th Alt. Beauty: Reagan Bohl4th Alt. Beau: Luke Lott

3rd Alt. Beauty: Maurin Dooley3rd Alt. Beau: Bradley House

2nd Alt. Beauty: Kaitlyn Livingston2nd Alt. Beau: Bradley Crawford

1st Alt. Beauty: Destiny Adams1st Alt. Beau: Hayden Michel

Most Beautiful: Karson CookMost Handsome: Hays Perkins

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West Lauderdale Elementary

1st grade students got a lesson on good Dental Hy-‐ giene from MCC

Dental Hygiene Stu-‐ dents.

Mrs. McEntyre’s Kindergarten Class was able to fill their jar with marbles for the great teamwork they were displaying incenter >me. They receive a party every >me they get the jar

full.

2015 Mississippi National Geographic State Bee Sponsored by Google and Plum Creek

Local Student Named Mississippi National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist by National Geographic Society

Student’s Name: Alyse WilsonParents’ Names: Jeffrey and Melissa WilsonSchool Name and Address: West Lauderdale Elementary School, 10350 HWY 494, Meridian, MSGrade Level: 4th

The above-named student has been notified by theNational Geographic Society that she is one of the semifinalistseligible to compete in the 2015 Mississippi National Geographic State Bee, sponsored by Google and Plum Creek. The contest will be held at the Clyde Muse Center in Pearl on Friday, March 27, 2015.

This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, which is now in its 27th year. School Bees were held in schools with fourth- through eighth-grade students throughout the state to determine each school champion. School champions then took a qualifying test, which they submitted to the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society has invited up to 100 of the top-scoring students in each of the 50 states, District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territo- ries to compete in the state Bees.

Each state champion will receive $100, the “National Geographic Atlas of the World, 10th Edition,” a medal, and a trip to Washing- ton, D.C., to represent their state in the National Geographic Bee Championship to be held at National Geographic Society headquar- ters, May 11-13, 2015. The national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the Society.The national champion will also travel (along with one parent or guardian), all expenses paid, to the Galápagos Islands, where he/she will experience geography firsthand through up-close encounters with the islands’ unique wildlife and landscapes. Travel for the trip is provided by Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic.

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Keeping Kids Safe...

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Lauderdale County Gifted Exhibit!

We have been working hard all year and it is time to show off!!

Please join us Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at NorthPark Church for an exhibit showcasing the many projects completed by the students

of the Lauderdale County Intellectually Gifted Program. Every student has something on display.

Students, parents, family, and community members may view the display anytime from 10:00a.m until 6:00p.m.

While you are there, please take time to stop by the district table and complete an on-line survey about our gifted program. Your

feedback is important to us!

NorthPark Church

Southeast Elementary ReceivesChampions of Change Award

Southeast Elementary has been recognized as a Title I Distin- guished School under the Champions of Change Program. The Distinguished School status is awarded to the top 20 Title I schools across Mississippi for academic performance, in Read- ing, Language Arts, and Math for two or more consecutive years while effectively closing the achievement gap between the black and white subgroups. Congratulations to Southeast Ele- mentary on this outstanding accomplishment!

Easter Break - Friday, April 3, 2015School will be open Monday, April 6, 2015

7770 Highway 39 NMeridian, MS 39305

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LAST CALL for RAPUNZEL tickets!!MAY 19th: We have 300 seats left for the 9:30 AM show!800 seats left for the NOON show!Get your reservation form and check/P.O. in QUICKLY!!!* See the GREAT study guide at http://msurileycenter.com.gowest4.gowest hosting.com/msurc/cache/file/9832690D-1 55D-0225-1322C00EC473A8AA.pdf.

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410 CONSTITUTION AVENUE | P.O. BOX 5498 | MERIDIAN, MS 39302-5498

Departments

• 16th Section - Mrs. Dale Burcham• Career and Technical Education - Ms. Dana

Huffman• Child Nutrition Director - Mrs. Kaye Mayatt• Curriculum and Instruction - Ms. Dana

Huffman and Mrs. Teri Edwards• Federal Programs/iNOW/MSIS - Dr. DeShannon

Davis• Finance - Mrs. Charlotte Parker• Personnel /Assistant Superintendent - Mr. Ed

Mosley• School Nurses - Dr. DeShannon Davis• Special Services - Ms. Karen Rhodes• Student Assessment - Mrs. Teri Edwards• Superintendent - Mr. Randy Hodges• Technology - Mrs. Kaycee C. Crane

Our Special Thanks to our School PR Representatives for making 4 Corners possible:

Clarkdale - Debbie Fant

Northeast Elementary - Elizabeth Anderson

Northeast Middle School - Mary Pierce

Northeast High School - Casey Clarke

Southeast Elementary - Angela Myers

Southeast Middle School - Brittney Chaney

Southeast High School - Kimberly Davis

West Lauderdale Elementary - Leitia Banks

West Lauderdale Middle School - Kim Barber

West Lauderdale High School - David Dewease

Lauderdale County Schools - Mandy Goldman

"It is the policy of the Lauderdale County School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability in its educational programs or employment policies. Any persons having inquiries concerning the LCSD's compliance with Title II, Title IV, Title VI, Title IX, and/or Section 504, may con- tact the Assistant Superintendent or the Director of Special Services at 601-693-1683."

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