SCSD Administrator Receives Scholarship to Advocate for Child Nutrition
Dr. Derricka Thomas

Dr. Derricka Thomas, Director of Child Nutrition for Simpson County School District, is the recent recipient of a competitive scholarship awarded to industry professionals who advocate for the education, safety and nutrition needs of students and child nutrition programs across the country.

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SCSD Scholar Nathaniel Little Becomes Published Author
Nathaniel Little

“What’s intriguing is that my faith in God allowed my writings to become a published book to share with the world. It obviously is a miracle of God,” writes Simpson County School District’s newest author, Nathaniel Little. 

Little, an eighth-grade student at Simpson Central School (SCS), recently released his first book titled “God Writes Through Me: Inspirational Messages of Love, Hope and Joy.” A collection of inspirational stories, thoughts and messages written for teenagers, Little said he felt compelled to write this particular book to lead more teens — and people of all ages — to God.

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SCSD Educator to Offer Expertise on National Level
Lashauna Ayers

A Simpson County School District educator has recently been selected to offer her input and expertise on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum learned by millions of students across the United States.

Lashauna Ayers, an eighth-grade science teacher at Mendenhall Jr. High School (MJH), was chosen to serve on the Customer Advisory Board (CAB) for Accelerate Learning — a trusted leader in research-based educational and professional development resources in STEM education. She is one of 37 members from across the country selected to join the CAB 2024 team. As an advisor, she will collaborate with other educators and users of Accelerate Learning’s curriculum and its developers to consider ways to improve and innovate current educational materials.

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Mendenhall Elementary Announces Winners of Sixth Annual Bookmark Contest
Kindergarten Winners

Mendenhall Elementary School (MES) is pleased to announce the winners of its Sixth Annual Bookmark Contest, hosted by the school’s library.

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Mendenhall High Student Accepts Sizable Scholarship as New Enlistee
Martasia Hollins

Mendenhall High School is proud to recognize senior Martasia Hollins, who recently accepted a sizable scholarship as a new enlistee of the United States Armed Forces — the first in her family to join the military.

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Hudson Named Band Director of the Year for Second Time
Mark Hudson

Mendenhall High School educator Mark Hudson was recently recognized as Band Director of the Year for the 2023-2024 School Year by the Southwest Mississippi Band Directors Association.

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Mendenhall High School Student Cheers in Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
Destney Hicks

Mendenhall High School senior and student-athlete Destney Hicks recently got an opportunity of a lifetime while performing in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

Hicks, who is an All-American Cheerleader, was invited to perform in the pre-game performance with more than 700 other trophy-winner cheerleaders from various cheer associations. The cheerleaders performed in front of 60,000 fans at this popular college football game in the Camping World Stadium, in Orlando, on New Year’s Day.

The Citrus Bowl has been a college football tradition since 1947. The game gives cheerleaders and dancers the opportunity to perform at the seventh oldest collegiate bowl in the country, as well as the opportunity to visit Universal Studios Orlando.

SCSD 1 of 2 Finalists Selected for MDE’s Council of Promise Award
SCSD 1of 2 Finalists Selected for MDE’s Council of Promise Award

Simpson County School District (SCSD) has been selected as a finalist for the Mississippi Community Engagement Council of Promise Award – an award that recognizes the district for implementing strategies and/or practices that result in improved outcomes for its learners.

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SCSD Students Compete in Districtwide Reading Fair
Simpson County School District Reading Fair

From Charlotte’s Web, to Goosebumps, and George Washington Our 1st President, students had a wonderful time showcasing their favorite books at the Simpson County School District (SCSD) Reading Fair — the first reading fair to be held by the district since 2018. 

On Nov. 15, more than 60 students from across the district gathered at the Magee Elementary School Gymnasium to participate in the SCSD Reading Fair and to showcase their favorite book. Students presented on a fictional, nonfiction narrative, or informational book by way of storyboard or digital media display to be observed by a group of judges. The students were able to complete the projects individually, in a group, or with the help of family. 

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Three Magee Middle School Cheerleaders Travel to Disney World for Thanksgiving Performance
Magee Middle School Cheerleaders

During the Thanksgiving break, three Magee Middle School Cheerleaders had an opportunity to perform with the Varsity Spirit All-Americans in a one-of-a-kind performance through Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park on Thanksgiving Day.

Kamryn Draughn, Kaylee Durr and Kaylyn Durr join more than 800 elementary, junior high and high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the country to represent Varsity Spirit in the 2023 Thanksgiving Tour at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

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SCSD Recognizes 2023-2024 District-Level Parent, Teacher and Administrator of the Year
SCSD Parent of the Year

Simpson County School District (SCSD) is proud to announce its District-Level Parent of the Year, Teacher of the Year and Administrator of the Year for the 2023-2024 School Year.

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SCSD Board of Education Recognized at State Leadership Conference
Simpson County School District Board of Education

The Simpson County School District (SCSD) Board of Education was recently awarded a Board of Merit from the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA).

Awarded during the MSBA 2023 Fall Leadership Conference, the Board of Merit distinguishes the SCSD Board of Education as having members who have been diligent in accessing opportunities to refine their school governance skills through continuing education training. During the 2022-23 school year, the Board of Education earned a combined 120.25 training hours provided by the MSBA.

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Simpson County School District Announces 2023-2024 Parents of the Year
SCSD Parents of the Year

Simpson County School District (SCSD) is proud to announce its 2023-2024 Parents of the Year.

These parents have been recognized by their respective schools' administrators and staff for their ongoing engagement and support of students and educators, inside and outside the classroom. Of the seven honorees, only one will be determined as the next District Parent of the Year

Congratulations to SCSD's newest Parents of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year:

  • Magee Elementary School - Heather McKenzie
  • Magee Middle School - Alexis Robinson
  • Magee High School - Stacy Chapin
  • Mendenhall Elementary School - Sasha Butler
  • Mendenhall Junior High School - Anitrus Robinson
  • Mendenhall High School - Carmen Grubbs
  • Simpson Central School - Latoya Banks
SCSD Employee Awarded Nearly $1,000 Grant from Mississippi Professional Educators
Katie Rutland

Simpson County School District (SCSD) employee and dyslexia therapist Katie Rutland is the newest recipient of a competitive grant awarded annually by the Mississippi Professional Educators (MPE), a statewide professional organization of teachers, administrators and non-certified staff from kindergarten to graduate school level.

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Mendenhall Jr. High Announces School Reading Fair Winners
Mendenhall Jr. High Reading Fair Winners

Mendenhall Jr. High School (MJH) is pleased to announce the winners of its School Reading Fair, held on Oct. 12.

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SCSD Superintendent Speaks to Local Pastors at Prayer Breakfast
Dr. Paul Lawrence

Simpson County School District’s (SCSD) superintendent, Dr. Paul Lawrence, was recently the guest speaker at a prayer breakfast held at the Disciples of Christ Fellowship Center in Mendenhall. The breakfast was sponsored by the SCSD Board of Education.

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SCS Recognizes High-Performing Students at Best and Brights Awards Program
Simpson Central School Best and Brightest

High-performing students at Simpson Central School (SCS) were recently recognized for outstanding test scores during the school’s annual Best and Brightest Awards program.

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SCSD Announces 2023-2024 Teachers of the Year
SCSD 2023-2024 Teachers of the Year

Simpson County School District (SCSD) is proud to announce its 2023-2024 Teachers of the Year.

These educators were selected among their peers as an outstanding teacher to best represent their respective school. Each honoree will soon participate in an interview process to determine the next District Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations to SCSD's newest Teachers of the ​Year for the 2023-2024 school year:

  • Magee Elementary School - Kristen Teater
  • Magee Middle School - Donna Meloling
  • Magee High School - Kimberly McCann
  • Mendenhall Elementary School - Dene Miller
  • Mendenhall Junior High School - Noah Hinkley
  • Mendenhall High School - Jack Jinkins
  • Simpson Central School - Casey Harlan
  • Simpson County Achievement Center - Dr. Allison Moffett
  • Simpson County Technical Center - Kenyatta Durr
Lane Named Assistant Principal of Magee Elementary
Drew Lane

Simpson County School District (SCSD) has named Drew Lane as its new assistant principal for Magee Elementary School, effective Aug. 11.

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Mendenhall Elementary Hosts School Reading Fair
Mendenhall Elementary School Reading Fair Winners

On Oct. 16, Mendenhall Elementary School (MES) hosted a School Reading Fair, with participation from students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

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Simpson County’s Own to Take Helm at Two Magee Schools
Cindy Allbritton

On July 13, 2023, the Simpson County School District (SCSD) Board of Education approved the hiring of two of Simpson County’s own to take the helm as principals of Magee Elementary School and of Magee High School.

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SCSD Names New Principal for Simpson Central School
Image of Edward Peckinpaugh

Simpson County School District (SCSD) is pleased to name Edward Peckinpaugh as the new principal for Simpson Central School. Peckinpaugh was approved by the SCSD Board of Education on June 29 during a special called meeting.

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Mendenhall Elementary Hosts Proficiency Awards in Honor of Top Performing Students
MES Proficiency Awards Program

On Sept. 21, Mendenhall Elementary School (MES) hosted its Proficiency Awards program in celebration of students who scored well on the 2022-2023 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP).

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Mendenhall High School Announces 2023-2024 Homecoming Court
Mendenhall High School Announces 2023-2024 Homecoming Court

Mendenhall High School is pleased to announce its 2023-2024 Homecoming Court. The court will be presented during the school's homecoming game against Morton, Oct. 6, 7 p.m., at the Mendenhall High School Tiger Stadium.

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Magee High School Announces 2023-2024 Homecoming Court
Magee High School Homecoming Court

Magee High School is pleased to announce its 2023-2024 Homecoming Court. The court will be presented during the school's homecoming game against Taylorsville, Sept. 22, 7 p.m., at the Magee High School Trojan Stadium.

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Simpson Central School Announces 2023-2024 Homecoming Court
Simpson Central School 2023-2024 Homecoming Court

Simpson Central School is pleased to announce its 2023-2024 Homecoming Court. The court will be presented during the school's homecoming game against Topeka, Sept. 28, 5 p.m., at the Mendenhall High School Tiger Stadium.

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SCSD Makes Steady Progression with Almost 2% Growth in Accountability Score
Accountability Grades

On Thursday, Sept. 27, the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) released accountability grades for Mississippi public schools for the 2022-23 school year.

According to the newly released data, Simpson County School District grew by 1.75 percent, maintaining a grade of “C.” This is the second consecutive year, since COVID, the district has maintained a Level C status, going from an overall accountability rating of 573 to 583. This 10-point increase makes the district only 16 points away from achieving a Level B status.

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