NAES AND NAHS TO HAVE NEW ADMINISTRATORS
The New Albany School Board has approved several personnel changes in the school district. Lance Evans was named Principal of New Albany High School and Jamey Wright was named Principal of New Albany Elementary School. The board approved Talina Knight to serve as a Principal Intern in the district.
Lance Evans replaces Jay Foster as Principal of NAHS. Foster recently resigned his position to become Principal of South Panola High School in Batesville. Evans has been in the district since 2006. He first served at NAHS as assistant principal for the 2006-2007 school year and has served as Principal at NAES since 2007. Prior to coming to New Albany, he served as Elementary School Principal and High School Athletic Director at Tremont School in Itawamba County. Evans began his career in education at Oxford High School where he taught social studies and coached football and powerlifting. He received his Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education from Mississippi State University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi.
NAES Assistant Principal Jamey Wright, will replace Evans as Principal of New Albany Elementary School. Wright has served NAES as Assistant Principal for the past year. Before serving in an administrative capacity, Wright was an elementary school teacher at West Union Attendance Center and NAES. Wright is a graduate of Blue Mountain College with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi.
Talina Knight will serve as Principal Intern at NAES for the first semester and NAHS for the second semester. Knight holds a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Mississippi State University, is a National Board Certified Teacher, and is currently a part of the University of Mississippi’s Principal Corps. She has taught language arts at Tupelo Middle School for the past fourteen years. Knight has also served as a statewide educational consultant for the Mississippi’s Department of Transportation’s RIDES (Roadways Into Developing Elementary Students) program.
“We are pleased to be able to fill these positions with these outstanding educators and administrators,” said Charles Garrett, Superintendent of New Albany Schools. “We are confident that the administrative changes we have made will allow our school district to continue leading the way for excellence in education.”
REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS TO NASD
Students who will be a new student to the New Albany School District for the 2010-2011 school year are encouraged to complete registration prior to the first day of school.
Students should pick up a registration packet at their respective school site and return the following documents to that school:
· Completed Registration Packet
· Withdrawal Form and transcript from previous school
· Copy of Social Security Card
· Copy of Birth Certificate
· Mississippi Immunization Form (Form 121)
· Two Proofs of Residency
One proof of residency must be a current light bill and the other may be utility bill, water bill, trash bill, rental agreement/payment receipt, mortgage document, driver’s license, or proof of insurance. All proofs must have current dates, include the student’s current physical address, and have the legal parent/guardian’s name listed.
All registration information must be complete and returned to the school office before a student can receive a schedule or teacher assignment.
For further information, please contact NAES at 534-1840; NAMS at 534-1820; or NAHS at 534-1805.
New Albany High School Receives Outstanding Agriculture Program Award
The agriculture program at New Albany High School Career and Technical Education Center has been selected as the 2010 Mississippi Outstanding Middle/Secondary School Agricultural Education Program. Damon Ladner serves as instructor for the program.
This award, given by the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE), recognizes the nation’s most successful agricultural education programs by highlighting the local programs and teachers that achieve success. Winners are educators who have developed an outstanding agricultural education program at either the middle school or high school level. Applicants are judged on a variety of criteria, including teaching philosophy, effective classroom and experiential instruction, development of partnerships, and professional growth.
New Albany High School will compete against Outstanding Middle/Secondary School Ag Ed Program Award winners from surrounding states for the opportunity to be named the 2010 NAAE Outstanding Middle/Secondary School Ag Ed Program for Region V. Regional winners will receive a plaque and an expense paid trip to attend the 2010 NAAE convention in Las Vegas.
The Outstanding Middle/Secondary School Ag Ed Program Award is sponsored by the National FFA Alumni Association as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. NAAE is the professional association for agricultural educators.
The mission of NAAE is “professionals providing agricultural education for the global community through visionary leadership, advocacy and service.” The NAAE office is located in Lexington, Kentucky.
NASD Hosts Annual Administrators Retreat
Pictured above: Kelly Coltharp, Bob Rainer, and Lisa Mitchell make a presentation related to the book "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High". Administrators read this book in preparation for the Administrators' Retreat and were assigned a particular chapter of the book to present to the entire group. Presentations included discussion, role play, PowerPoint presentations, and videos.
The New Albany School District held its Administrators’ Retreat on June 21-22 at the Magnolia Civic Center. The retreat’s theme, “Step It Up”, reflected the expectations for administrators, teachers, and students for the coming school year.
Phil Nanney, Executive Director of the Union County Development Association, welcomed the group of administrators to the Magnolia Civic Center and encouraged them to continually measure up and evaluate their performance. Nanney reminded the administrators that educators have more control of what will happen to the future of our community than any other group.
Dr. Charles Garrett, Superintendent of Schools, welcomed the administrators to the retreat and to a new school year. “I feel that our district is ready to ‘step it up’ more than any other time since I have been in New Albany,” Garrett stated. “We have the right people in the right place and a School Board that is ready to lead and support us.”
Garrett discussed some of the changes that had occurred in the district over the past year and how these were specific examples of how the district was “Stepping It Up!” The required summer reading assignments for grades 3-12 is a huge step in increasing awareness for the importance of reading in our school district. The revised exam exemption policy sends a great message to students that academics are important and we want them to be ready for comprehensive tests and college. A longer school day will provide additional minutes in the day for accelerated reading, health education, tutoring, and remediation.
Jackie Ford, Assistant Superintendent, gave an overview of the new on-line teacher certification renewal process offered through the Mississippi Department of Education. Lecia Stubblefield, Director of Curriculum, Federal Programs, and Transportation, discussed the Federal Programs from which the district was receiving funds including Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, and the Carol M. White Physical Education Program Grant. She also discussed the possibility of receiving funds from the Even Start and 21st Century Grants.
During the afternoon session on June 21, each administrator worked and gave a fifteen-minute presentation about their specific area of responsibility and the specific goals they would be working toward in the coming school year.
A book entitled Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High was assigned to the group of administrators in early June. Their assignment included reading the book and each administrator was asked to give a presentation on a specific chapter. These presentations included PowerPoint presentations, videos, role-play, and discussions.
“The New Albany School District Administrators’ Retreat provided us uninterrupted time to discuss the district’s goals and how everyone is revenant in meeting those goals,” said Kelly Coltharp, Director of Special Services. “The best part about the time together was seeing everyone dedicated to making New Albany Schools the best district in the state, no matter what obstacles the future holds. We have a group of creative, loyal, hardworking, and intelligent people who want the best for New Albany's children and families and I am thrilled to be a part of this excelling group.”
Those attending the Administrators’ Retreat were: Dr. Charles Garrett, Superintendent; Jackie Ford, Assistant Superintendent; Lecia Stubblefield, Director of Curriculum, Federal Programs, & Transportation; Jamey Wright, NAES Principal; Kristen Richey, NAES Assistant Principal; Lisa Mitchell, NAMS Principal; Bob Rainer, NAMS Assistant Principal; Lance Evans, NAHS Principal; John Ferrell, NAHS Assistant Principal; Earl Richard, NAHS Assistant Principal; Minerva Graham, Director of NASTUC; Kelly Coltharp, Director of Special Services; Larry Pannell, Assistant Director of Transportation; Melanie Shannon, Media Relations; Shane Sanderson, Athletic Director; Terry Stidham, Director of Maintenance; Margaret Floyd, Director of Child Nutrition; Suzanne Hill, Business Manager; Les Sumner, Network Administrator; Heather Linville, Administrator Intern; and Talina Knight, Administrator Intern.
Pictured below: Jackie Ford, Assistant Superintendent; Heather Linville; Dr. Charles Garrett, Superintendent; and Talina Knight. Linville and Knight are associated with the University of Mississippi's Principal Corp and will serve as Principal Interns this school year. Knight will be serving at NAES first semester and NAHS second semester. Linville will be serving at NAES second semester. Knight and Linville attended the first day's session of the Administrators' Retreat.
N.A. Students: Required Summer Reading Assignment Due August 11
Students in grades 3-12 in the New Albany School District have summer reading requirements that are due on the second day of school. Assignments were explained and reading packets were issued to students before school dismissed for the summer.
Letters have been mailed to parents of New Albany Middle School and New Albany High School students explaining the summer reading program and requirements. A list of reading requirements and assignments have been posted on the school district’s website since May.
Books should be available at the local public library and area bookstores. In addition, books that are selections for students at New Albany Middle School can be purchased at the school.
Summer reading assignments are available on the school’s website at www.newalbanyschools.us or may be picked up at your child’s school. For more information, call New Albany Elementary School at 534-1840, New Albany Middle School at 534-1820, or New Albany High School at 534-1805.
Creekmore Receives Taylor Moore Scholarship at NAHS
Callie Creekmore was awarded the Taylor Moore Memorial Scholarship at the New Albany High School graduation ceremony on May 28, 2010. The $5000 competitive scholarship is given each year to a deserving NAHS student who plans to attend college in Mississippi. The scholarship selection process includes review of applicants’ honors and essays by a selection committee followed by interviews of the top five applicants.
Callie is the daughter of Sam and Warner Creekmore. She is a member of First United Methodist Church where she is an active member of the youth choir and the youth group. Callie plans to attend Millsaps College in the fall to major in Biology.
An honor graduate, Creekmore was selected to the 2010 Hall of Fame. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Anchor Club, Spanish Club, and Students Against Destructive Decisions.
During her senior year, Creekmore served as Student Body President, received the DAR Good Citizen Award, and was a Homecoming Maid. She was also on the journalism staff where she served as editor of videos.
A three-sport athlete, Creekmore lettered in tennis, soccer, and cross-country. She is a four-time Scholar Athlete Award recipient. She received the prestigious Bulldog Award at the Athletic Banquet held in May.
During the spring semester, she received several awards including the MSPA Broadcast Award, Oral & Electronic Communications Subject Area Award, Journalism Leadership Broadcast Award, ACT Award, Principal’s Leadership Award, and Millsaps College Scholarship.
The Taylor Moore Scholarship was established by Bobby and Minerva Moore in memory of their son who died in 2000. Taylor Moore was a 1988 honor graduate of W.P. Daniel High School. He was Mr. DHS, Most Popular, Most Dignified, and Class Favorite and was active in student government. Moore played first base for the DHS baseball team, and received numerous academic honors. He went on to receive his bachelors and masters degrees in business administration from Mississippi State University.
The scholarship established in his memory has been awarded for six years to outstanding graduates of New Albany High School. Past recipients of the Taylor Moore Scholarship are Stacy Stepp, Darden Holmes, Kyle Kimbrough, Ivy Lauren Williams, and Kyle Hickey.
Where Are They Now? Jon Mark Nail, Award Winning Writer/Director, Regent University
Pictured above: Jon Mark Nail, a New Albany native, is an award winning film student at Regent University.
Jon Mark Nail, a 2004 graduate of New Albany High School, is currently attending Graduate School at Regent University in Virginia where he is pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Directing. He is the son of Mark and Carol Anne Parks Nail.
Nail graduated from Delta State University in 2008 with a degree in Criminal Justice and took some film classes as a student there. One of the films he wrote was entered into the Delta International Film Festival. Although that particular film did not win any awards, the excitement and encouragement he received during the festival determined his future of pursuing an advanced degree in film.
He will graduate from Regent University in 2011 with a Masters of Fine Arts in Directing. Nail has written and directed four films during his time at Regent, three of which have received awards.
His first film, The Gravedigger, won two awards: “Best Redemptive Film” at the Regent MFA Showcase and a Gold Remi at Worldfest Houston. “The faculty at Regent decided to submit The Gravedigger to Worldfest Houston, which is a film festival that takes place in Houston, Texas,” explained Nail. “My first film made it to Houston, won a Gold Remi, and touched people. To say it is an honor doesn't begin to explain what I felt then.”
Nail’s third film, Sad Sarajevo, was awarded “Third Best Film” at the Otis Film Festival. His most recent film, The Walk, won an “Excellence in Writing” award at Regent University’s Film School Showcase. The Showcase featured 15 films from the students at Regent University.
“All four films that I have made are set in the Deep South and have a distinct Southern voice,” he explained. “My hope is that I can continue telling stories set in the Deep South as I feel that many films set here seem to enjoy exaggerating a negative view of Southern culture and our way of life.”
Nail gives much credit to the English Department for his success. He is especially grateful to Joan Smith who taught him a “Mississippi Writers” course while he was a student at NAHS. “Mrs. Smith gave me the tools and encouragement to do what I am doing now,” he said. “She always reminded me to write what I know, think, and feel. That is a lesson I have taken with me through college.”
Below: Jon Mark Nail (right) works to produce an award winning film at Regent University.
New Albany Schools and UCDA to Establish Mary V. Golding Math Chair
The New Albany School District (NASD) in partnership with the Union County Development Association (UCDA) has announced the creation of the Mary V. Golding Math Chair at New Albany High School (NAHS). Upon appointment, this outstanding math teacher will teach a variety of math classes, serve as the chairperson of the math department at NAHS and as lead teacher in the department. UCDA and former students of Mrs. Golding will supplement the selected chairperson’s yearly salary in the amount of $10,000 for three years.
The late Mary V. Golding invested her entire career teaching high school mathematics in New Albany and preparing her students to use math in higher education and in their careers. She has long been respected by her students as an outstanding mathematics teacher.
“One of the main purposes of establishing the Mary V. Golding Math Chairperson is to insure that the math programs and instruction are staying current by attending workshops and national conferences,” said Lance Evans, Principal of NAHS. “Our goal is to continue leading the way for excellence in education and be among the top mathematics departments in the state.” Evans added that the Chairperson will work with the department to improve mathematics scores on the ACT and subject area tests.
The Chairperson will work with administration during the summer to help plan and prepare for the coming year. In addition, the Chairperson will give detailed progress reports regarding student data to school administration during the school year.
Other duties of the Chairperson includes planning professional development for mathematics teachers, researching math instruction at all levels, and assisting in progress monitoring of all math students. The Chairperson will also observe other mathematics teachers and assist administration in providing feedback to improve specific teach skills.
Because of the high expectations of this position and added responsibilities to their regular teaching duties, a $10,000 supplement will be paid to the Chairperson. This money will be funded by former students of Golding and be distributed through UCDA.
“The establishment of the Mary V. Golding Chairperson for Mathematics at New Albany High School is the beginning of a new wave of community involvement in and support for our schools in New Albany,” said Phil Nanney, Executive Director of UCDA. “This effort will place additional academic tools in the hands of our faculty so that they will be able to provide our students the best mathematics education possible.”
Dr. Charles Garrett, Superintendent of New Albany Schools, says the district has currently opened this position up to math teachers within the district to see if there is interest. The NASD will also advertise the position and hopes to have the Chairperson in place before the start of school in August.
Preppin’ for the Future
Camp Freshman at NAHS will prepare you to be your best!
Camp Freshman, New Albany High School
Tuesday, August 3 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Upcoming freshmen will learn about school policies such as dress code, attendance, grades and drug testing. They will have a chance to meet their teachers, learn study skills, get fall schedule, find their locker and learn to open it!
Students will have a chance to meet with counselors from colleges and complete an online interest inventory. There will be games, prizes, lunch and free t-shirts for those who were pre-registered by May 27. Students whose forms were turned in after the last day of school will be allowed to attend but will not receive a t-shirt.
Small groups will be led by Class of 2011 Senior Mentors who will show students around the school and campus. Every upcoming freshman is strongly encouraged to attend this fun day. This will help to make the first day of school a little less intimidating and allows students to get off to the best school year ever!
Students are to be dropped off at the NAHS auditorium doors at 9:00 a.m. and should be picked up promptly at 1:00 p.m. Students will be required to dress and behave appropriately at this school event. If your child did not pre-register but would still like to attend, please call the NAHS school office at 534-1805 before July 1.
New Albany Middle School Awards Ceremony
The following students received honors and awards at the Awards Ceremony held at Memorial Gym on Friday, May 21:
6TH GRADE AWARDS:
Subject Area: Austin Gafford-Intellectually Gifted; Daniel Wiseman-Intellectually Gifted; Katie Davis-Reading, Social Studies; Raahina Malik-Science, Reading, English, Math II, Social Studies; Shelby Cook-Art; Isaac Estrada-Art; Christopher Watson-English; Clay Wanner-Reading; Lindsay Sappington-Social Studies; Meghan Van-Creative Writing, Science; Jack Whiteside-Math I
Perfect Attendance: Eddie Barry, Denaje Collins, Tashiunna Cook, Oceana Finley, Austin Gafford, Aliyha Green, Dorian King, Anderson Parks, Hunt Parks, Brittany Prince, Yesenia Rivera, Zachary Simmons, Sam Tucker
All A Honor Roll for 2009-2010: Katie Davis, Austin Gafford, Alyvia Jeter, Michael Lankin, Lindsay Laurderdale, Raahina Malik, Peyton Neal, Lindsay Sappington, Harris Robbins Shaw, Gray Spencer, Daniel Thompson, Hayes Trexler, Meghan Van, Clayton Wanner, Christopher Watson, Daniel Wiseman
A/B Honor Roll for 2009-2010: Carrington Barry, Hayley Boone, Rush Butler, Anslie Childers, Millie Chism, Laura Suzanne Creekmore, Miller Dunnam, Isaac Estrada, Eduardo Fernandez, Oceana Finley, Michelle Flores, Guillermo Garcia, Jessica Gillon, Aliyha Green, Austin Hartfield, Alexia Hayes, Jordan Kirk, Lindsay Lauderdale, Seth Male, Garrett Meggs, Mallory Neal, Hunt Parks, Payton Richey, Yesenia Rivera, Zachary Simmons, Rachel Surles, Lilly Swilley, Jacov Verrell, Jackson Whiteside
7TH GRADE AWARDS:
Subject Area: Cadie Mills-Intellectually Gifted; Kristen Olson-English, Science, ICT I, Pre-Algebra, Social Studies; Jonathan Stacy-Social Studies, ICT I; Reese Neely-Social Studies, ICT I, Pre-Algebra; Brooke Roberts-Math; Wesley Massey-Math; Anna Frances Stroud-Art; Kurt Hickey-Art; Anna Claire Yates-English; David Kavistan-Science
Perfect Attendance: Martha Vance Alef, Quinlan Amos, Jariel Boles, Cedric Buford, Tristan Estrada, Christopher Farr, Dorian Gaston, Wesley Massey, Jasmine Mosley, Nicole Stewart, Tanner Hardy, William Ball, Octavious Rutherford
All A Honor Roll for 2009-2010: Tristan Estrada, Austin Heard, Jack Hickey, Reese Neely, Kirsten Olson, Leeta Ann Prater, Abby Jo Roaton, Anna Claire Yates
A/B Honor Roll for 2009-2010: Bailey Adams, Martha Vance Alef, Quinlan Amos, Emily Baldridge, Levi Bramlett, Sasha Briggs, Cedric Buford, Bryce Collins, Jessica Crumpon, Victoria Duncan, Julia May Edmondson, Aravia Foote, Caryn Gillean, Kurt Hickey, Damian Hurd, David Kavistan, Tori Kwasinski, Rometta Lombard, Jack Mason, Jacov McDonald, Zachary McDonald, Armonti McNeese, Cadie Mills, Caroline Mueller, Parker Nail, Brianna Page, Logan Raines, Brooke Roaten, Brandin Robisnon, Lenzi Sanderson, Summer Scott, Abby Clair Spencer, Jonathan Stacy, Brandon Stanford Nicole Stewart, Anna Frances Stroud, Bethany Teague, Mary Kate Thompson, Elijah Tyra, Mary Scott Waldrop, Emma Wilson, Lexis Wimberly, Adam Wise, Michael Wood
8TH GRADE AWARDS:
Subject Area: Ken Phillips-Intellectually Gifted; Avery Campbell-English; Atziri Ortiz-Social Studies, Woodmen of the World Award; Jamie Crow, ICT II, Art, Young Writers’ Workshop, Accelerated English, Algebra I, Science; Ashley Coffey-Advanced Technology, Transition to Algebra; Emmanuell Isom-Art; Halley Holtzlander-Young Writers’ Workshop, U.S. History; Lauren Cavender-NAMS Reporter, ICT II; Cole McGinnis-English; Clarisa Rojas-Spanish; Kirsten Greer-Pre Algebra; Rebecca Willis-Science
Perfect Attendance: Luis Avila, Marshanike Biggs, Christopher Brown, Lauren Cavender, Kenton Collier, Cheyenne Coltharp, Cecilia Cook, Devae Dolley, Hannah Graham, Jacob Hall, Patrick Hall, Akeem High, Christina Jeffries, Destini Knox, Javarious Mosley, Jonathan Owen, Abbey Parks, Luis Ramirez, Jose Rivera, Clarisa Rojas, Brandon Smith, Vantorious Stewart, Chandler White, Rebecca Willis, Chelsee Ezell, Colt Smith, Keon Hampton, Allie Owen
All A Honor Roll for 2009-2010: Jamie Crow, Jacob Hall, Atziri Ortiz
A/B Honor Roll for 2009-2010: Hannah Anderson, Erin Michael Carter, Lauren Cavender, Ashley Coffey, Cecilia Cook, William Golding, Hannah Graham, Kirsten Greer, Eli Hamblin, Harrison Harding, Halley Holtzlander, Rachel Lenoir, Timothy McGinnis, Darby Mills, Andrew Oettl, Ali Owen, Cole Owen, Ken Phillips, Hayden Poer, Will Robbins, Ben Rossell, Dylan Simmons, Farrah Speck, Hanna Spencer, Isaac Turner, Shaun Vaughn, Von Watson, Lori Beth Watts, J.T. Wiggins, Brooke Wilder, Rebecca Willis
Twitter Feed
- naschoolupdates: In order to pick up a schedule: bring 2 proofs of residency to update files & be prepared to pay any unpaid fees from last school year. July 29, 2010
- naschoolupdates: Class schedules for Sophomores/Freshmen can be picked up today (7/29) from 8:30-3:30 @ NAHS. Schedule changes will be made at this time July 29, 2010
- naschoolupdates: The 2010-2011 School Supply List for NAMS is now available online at www.namiddleschool.com July 28, 2010
- naschoolupdates: In order to pick up a schedule: bring 2 proofs of residency to update files & be prepared to pay any unpaid fees from last school year. July 28, 2010
- naschoolupdates: Class schedules for Seniors/Juniors can be picked up today (7/28/10) from 8:30-3:30 @ NAHS. Schedule changes will be made at this time. July 28, 2010
Recent Posts
- NAES AND NAHS TO HAVE NEW ADMINISTRATORS
- REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS TO NASD
- New Albany High School Receives Outstanding Agriculture Program Award
- NASD Hosts Annual Administrators Retreat
- N.A. Students: Required Summer Reading Assignment Due August 11