Immunization Requirement For 7th Grade Entry in 2013-2014 School Year
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) requires the Tdap vaccination for all students entering 7th grade each fall. This requirement began during the 2012-2013 school year.
The Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) had previously been a recommended vaccination for this age group since 2006. However at this time Mississippi, along with 41 other states require it.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has increased in frequency across the country in recent years, as protection from the childhood pertussis vaccine has become weaker over time in the adolescent population.
”By vaccinating our adolescents, we can decrease illness in this group and reduce exposure and illness in infants,” said State Health Officer Dr. Mary Currier. “Pertussis can be particularly deadly for newborns, and it is essential to limit their exposure to the disease since they are too young to receive a vaccine against it.”
Additional recommended vaccinations for preteens include those against meningococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), and a second dose of varicella (chicken pox) vaccine for those who have not received one at an earlier age.
“We still strongly recommend the Tdap vaccine for all adolescents, however it is only required for those entering seventh grade,” said Dr. Currier.
“I would encourage the parents of incoming seventh graders to adhere to this law to avoid delays in school registration this fall,” said Jackie Ford, Superintendent of New Albany Schools.
The required Tdap vaccination and other recommended vaccinations are available at the health department, clinics, and through all Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers.
To help parents comply more easily with the vaccine requirement, the Union County Health Department will be giving FREE vaccines for children 18 years of age and under during the week of April 22-26. If the child’s immunizations are not already entered into the health department data base, parents will need to provide a copy of the current shot record.
After the required Tdap is given, parents will be given a new Immunization Form 121 that is marked “Complete for School”. This new updated form must be on file at the school before your child can attend 7th grade in fall 2013. To avoid a rush for parents at the end of the summer, it is strongly encouraged that the updated Immunization Form 121 be provided to the school before the close of this school year in May.
The Union County Health Department’s special immunization hours for the free immunization week (April 22-26) are 8:00am – 10:30am, 1:00pm – 3:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
NAMS Seventh Grade Students Complete “WAIT Training” Abstinence Only Course
Tammie Reeder, Health Services Coordinator for New Albany Schools and an abstinence only education instructor, presents a "WAIT Training" lesson to a group of seventh grade boys.
The New Albany School District adopted an abstinence-only education curriculum in May 2012 to comply with the requirements of the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). However, the New Albany Schools already have a well-established program and method of teaching in place.
For the past fifteen years, all seventh grade students at New Albany Middle School (NAMS) have had the opportunity to participate in the annual abstinence education course in a safe, positive setting. Boys and girls are separated during the week-long course and are taught by school nurses in the district.
The abstinence-only program at NAMS has grown over the years and experienced minimal changes. The program started as a partnership between the school and Junior Auxiliary of New Albany and has evolved into the school district taking over the project and receiving funding from various grants and local funds. “Sex Respect” is the curriculum that has been utilized until this year when a change was made to the “WAIT Training” program, one of the MDE approved curriculums for an abstinence-only program.
The course is not required but is strongly encouraged and only taught with parental permission. The course focuses on refraining from sexual contact until marriage, and birth control is not taught as an option. Students also learn of the many risks associated with premarital sex including the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual effects. Abstinence before marriage is the only absolute way to avoid these risks.
“Over the years, I have received lots of positive feedback from the parents of students who have taken the class, as well as the students as they have gotten older,” said Tammie Reeder, Health Services Coordinator for New Albany Schools and one of the instructors of the abstinence only program. Jill Robbins, high school nurse, is also an instructor. Reeder added that it is wonderful that New Albany Schools had a program in place long before mandates came from the state department of education.
Sports Physical Screening Event Scheduled for May 2
School personnel from the New Albany and Union County School Districts are once again working with local physicians, physical and occupational therapists, and athletic trainers to make preparations for the upcoming pre-participation sports physical screening event to be held on Thursday, May 2nd. For the sixth consecutive year, the physicians of Creekmore Clinic will allow the use of their office for this event. However, Creekmore Clinic is not responsible for required follow-ups.
The Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) requires all students who will participate in any MHSAA sanctioned event to have a pre-participation physical assessment. This includes all students in grades 7-12 who will participate in any sport, including cheerleading, band, and chorus. This evaluation must take place every year in which a child participates in an activity.
We will continue to require that students entering the 9th grade (current 8th graders) be seen by their personal physician for their physical evaluation in their physician’s office and not during the screening event. The MHSAA physical form for 2013-2014 9th grade students will be given to all current 8th graders and will also be available in all local physician/nurse practitioner offices. School officials and health care professionals encourage all parents with a child entering the 9th grade for the 2013-2014 school year to call and schedule their child for a wellness exam with his or her personal physician as soon as possible. All completed physical forms should be turned in at the school before the end of this school year in order for the students to begin practices as scheduled.
“We feel that the past several years’ physical screening events have been very successful for students, parents, and schools and we will continue with the same process this year,” stated Dr. Brad Scott.
All students who plan to participate in an MHSAA sanctioned activity will soon be receiving a copy of a personal medical history form that MUST be completed, signed, and returned to the child’s school prior to May 2nd. Each school will determine when these forms are due. If a child does not have his or her form completed and signed by a parent, he/she will not be eligible to participate in the health-screening event.
School administrators appreciate the continued community support for extracurricular activities in the schools. “Students who participate in these activities generally perform better in the classroom, have fewer discipline issues, and are less likely to drop out of school,” according to Jackie Ford, Superintendent of New Albany Schools.
“Our schools are fortunate to be a part of a community where physicians, healthcare professionals, and so many others are willing to donate their time so that our students are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities” said Tammie Reeder, Health Services Coordinator for New Albany Schools.
Any parent with questions about this year’s pre-participation screening should contact the child’s school.
New Albany Schools Named as Value Added Schools in Mississippi
Quality of Distribution Index Awards for New Albany Elementary School and New Albany High School
Pictured l-r: Dr. Richard Blackburn, Dean, College of Education, Mississippi State University; Windy Faulkner, Principal, NAES; Lisa Mitchell, Special Projects, NASD; Lecia Stubblefield, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, NASD; Lee Childress, Superintendent, Corinth School District & PREPS Board of Directors; and Jackie Ford, Superintendent, NASD.
MCT2 Mathematics Award for New Albany Elementary School
Pictured l-r: Dr. Richard Blackburn, Dean, College of Education, Mississippi State University; Windy Faulkner, Principal, NAES; Lee Childress, Superintendent, Corinth School District & PREPS Board of Directors; and Jackie Ford, Superintendent, NASD.
MCT2 Language Arts Award for New Albany Elementary School
Pictured l-r: Dr. Richard Blackburn, Dean, College of Education, Mississippi State University; Windy Faulkner, Principal, NAES; Jackie Ford, Superintendent, NASD; and Lee Childress, Superintendent, Corinth School District & PREPS Board of Directors.
SATP2 Algebra I Award for New Albany Middle School
Pictured l-r: Dr. Richard Blackburn, Dean, College of Education, Mississippi State University; Lisa Mitchell, Special Projects, NASD; Jackie Ford, Superintendent, NASD; and Lee Childress, Superintendent, Corinth School District & PREPS Board of Directors.
MISSISSIPPI STATE, Miss— Schools in the New Albany School District (NASD) have been recognized at the recent statewide conference of the Program of Research and Evaluation of Public Schools (PREPS) for being named as a Value Added School. Over 1,000 Mississippi schools’ assessment results were recorded on the Mississippi Statewide Accountability System for 2011-2012. The PREPS value-added analysis resulted in 479 schools (364 for assessment results and 115 for QDI) statewide designated as value-added schools. Of these schools, 391 are members of PREPS, and these 391 are the 2012* PREPS Value Added Award recipients.
The awards were presented during the 2013 PREPS/MAPE Conference, February 20-21, 2013, at the Hilton Hotel in Jackson, MS. Over 500 educators and business leaders were present at the Value Added and Special Awards Ceremony.
The following schools in NASD were recognized for
*New Albany Elementary School: MCT2 Language Arts, MCT2 Mathematics, and Quality of Distribution Index
*New Albany Middle School: SATP2 Algebra I:
*New Albany High School: Quality of Distribution Index
PREPS Value Added analysis began in June 1997. PREPS Value Added analysis allows for comparisons of educational performance among Mississippi Schools, taking into account (or holding constant) the impact of differences in the socioeconomic background of the students considered in the research. The model is used in the PREPS Value Added Awards Program to identify high performing schools among Mississippi districts. Schools which are adding value are those which are considered to be performing significantly better than other schools with comparable socioeconomic circumstances. The Value Added analysis produces a band of predicted score performance and recognizes those schools which are performing above the predicted band. Using MCT2 and SATP2 school level scale score average for 2011-2012 assessments or the numerical QDI score (for new QDI awards) reported by the Mississippi Department of Education under the Mississippi Assessment and Accountability Reporting System (MAARS) and the school socioeconomic indicator (percent of students on free or reduced lunch), PREPS has performed Value Added analysis at the elementary through high school levels.
PREPS is a private non-profit consortium of school districts whose purpose is to develop and implement educational products and services that help manage and support districts' efforts to demonstrate improvement in their instructional programs. PREPS is supported by the College of Education at Mississippi State University and is housed in the Center for Educational Partnerships, the service division of the college. Collaboration among member districts enables each district to benefit from the development of products and services that no single district is capable of developing alone.
*2012 denotes the assessment/accountability data analysis is based upon.
NAMS Exceptional Students Form Partnership
NAMS students Angel, Jake, and Tucker play a game together. Students in Tracy Vainisi's EXCEL class created and produced games to help students with academic and social skills.
What began as a unit of study centered on diversity last fall for Tracy Vainisi and her sixth grade EXCEL students, a wonderful partnership has formed. The partnership is between Vainisi’s students and the students in Mrs. Nancy Hudson’s life skills class at New Albany Middle School (NAMS).
Back in the fall, Vainisi and her students brainstormed the many populations that make up NAMS. After identifying the populations, the students determined which population might offer a mutually beneficial relationship. The gifted students decided on the Hudson’s students.
“We could help them socially and academically and in turn they could help us to gain an understanding of the special needs population in our school which would translate out into the community, in high school, in college, and in their future careers,” said Vainisi.
“I enjoy helping them with different activities and playing games with the students in Mrs. Hudson’s class,” said sixth grade gifted student Tucker Owens. “I like seeing their smiles while we work with them.”
“The students from Mrs. Vainisi’s class have been great with my students,” said Hudson. They have been leaders and great role models.” Hudson added that her students have really enjoyed spending time with students from the EXCEL class and it has given her students a sense of belonging.
Since the partnership formed, the sixth grade students have worked with students in Hudson’s class one time per week. The students have planted flowers in the NAMS garden. They have worked together on hands-on activities and arts and crafts. In addition, Vainisi’s students have created and played games designed to help them with both academic and life skills.
Currently the students are working together on a theater production of Aesop’s Fables Deluxe. The gifted students will assist with the set design as well as be on stage to perform with students from Hudson’s class.
NAMS students Jason, Joshua, and Kate work on a bridge building activity.
New Albany Middle School Hosts RIDES Media Blitz
Pictured L-R: New Albany Middle School Principal, Damon Ladner; MDOT/AASHTO RIDES Implementation Coordinator, Linda Clifton; New Albany 6th Grade Teacher, Tracy Vainisi
New Albany Middle School hosted a media blitz on January 31 to promote Roadways Into Developing Elementary Students (RIDES), which is a math and science based curriculum that meets the state’s core standards and introduces children to areas of transportation. RIDES Media Blitzes provide an opportunity for schools to showcase how their RIDES teachers are implementing the program in the classroom and to show how students are interacting with the hands-on activities.
Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) representatives and local media came to New Albany Middle School and witnessed first-hand the excitement students have while participating in the program.
Travis Wampler, District One LPA Coordinator, addressed students and told them the program was about making sure Mississippi’s students have a wide range of educational and career opportunities, particularly related to math and science. “This program really makes learning fun and encourages our youth to seek out transportation related careers in the future,” said Wampler. “I would like to thank all the teachers who currently participate in the program and I would also like to encourage all math and science teachers in the state of Mississippi to jump on board.”
RIDES was developed in Mississippi by MDOT, who is now partnered with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) to take the program nationwide. “Not only are other states asking for it but other countries are asking for it now,” said Linda Clifton, AASHTO/MDOT RIDES Implementation Coordinator. “We are excited about a program that was born in Mississippi traveling to other countries as well as other states.” The media blitzes held across the state will continue to increase awareness about the program with the hopes to see more teachers and students using RIDES in their classrooms.
NASD Welcomes New Administrators
The New Albany School District welcomes two new administrators for the 2012-2013 school year. Windy Faulkner will serve as Principal of New Albany Elementary School (NAES) and Jane Hubbard will serve as Assistant Principal of New Albany Middle School (NAMS).
Windy Faulkner
Faulkner has been in education for ten years. Before coming to NAES, she worked in the Union County schools as both a teacher and an administrator. She received her Bachelor of Science from Blue Mountain College, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and a Specialist in Educational Leadership both from the University of Mississippi. Faulkner is a native of Union County and a graduate of West Union. She is married to Bart Faulkner who is a pharmacist in New Albany. They have three children: Calub, age 13; Olen, age 5; and Lorabell, age 1.
Jane Hubbard
Hubbard has been an educator for thirty years. Before coming to NAMS, she served as Headmaster at Marshall Academy in Holly Springs for eight years. She also served as Headmaster at Simpson Academy in Mendenhall. She has sixteen years of classroom teaching experience in the Aberdeen and Pearl Public School Systems. Hubbard holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Mississippi; a Masters in Education from the Mississippi University for Women, and a Specialist in Educational Leadership from Mississippi State University. Hubbard is married to Bubba Hubbard who serves as the Director of Strawberry Plains Audubon Center in Holly Springs. The Hubbards have three grown children: Drew, Jill, and Kate. Maggi, their granddaughter, will be in the third grade at NAES.
“We are pleased to have these two outstanding educators and administrators as a part of our district,” said Jackie Ford, Interim Superintendent of New Albany Schools. “We are confident that these administrators will help our school district to continue to lead the way for excellence in education.”
Sports Physical Screening Event Scheduled for May 17
School personnel from the New Albany and Union County School Districts are once again working with local physicians, physical and occupational therapists, and athletic trainers to make preparations for the upcoming pre-participation sports physical screening event to be held on Thursday, May 17th. For the fifth consecutive year, the physicians of Creekmore Clinic will allow the use of their office for this event. However, Creekmore Clinic is not responsible for required follow-ups.
The Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) requires all students who will participate in any MHSAA sanctioned event to have a pre-participation physical assessment. This includes all students in grades 7-12 who will participate in any sport, including cheerleading, band, and chorus. This evaluation must take place every year in which a child participates in an activity.
We will continue to require that students entering the 9th grade (current 8th graders) be seen by their personal physician for their physical evaluation in their physician’s office and not during the screening event. The MHSAA physical form for 2012-2013 9th grade students will be given to all current 8th graders and will also be available in all local physician/nurse practitioner offices. School officials and health care professionals encourage all parents with a child entering the 9th grade for the 2012-2013 school year to call and schedule their child for a wellness exam with his or her personal physician as soon as possible. All completed physical forms should be turned in at the school before the end of this school year in order for the students to begin practices as scheduled.
“We feel that the past several years’ physical screening events have been very successful for students, parents, and schools and we will continue with the same process this year,” stated Dr. Jason Dees.
All students who plan to participate in an MHSAA sanctioned activity will soon be receiving a copy of a personal medical history form that MUST be completed, signed, and returned to the child’s school prior to May 17th. Each school will determine when these forms are due. If a child does not have his or her form completed and signed by a parent, he/she will not be eligible to participate in the health-screening event.
School administrators appreciate the continued community support for extracurricular activities in the schools. “Students who participate in these activities generally perform better in the classroom, have fewer discipline issues, and are less likely to drop out of school,” according to Ken Basil, Superintendent of Union County Schools.
“Our schools are fortunate to be a part of a community where physicians, healthcare professionals, and so many others are willing to donate their time so that our students are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities” said Dr. Charles Garrett, Superintendent of New Albany Schools.
Any parent with questions about this year’s pre-participation screening should contact the child’s school.
New Albany Schools Committed to Bully Free Schools
First Grade Student Mayes Prescott works on a lesson during Integrity Time.
National Bullying Prevention Month was observed in October giving the New Albany School District (NASD) an opportunity to share what administrators, counselors, teachers, and school nurses are doing throughout the school year to help prevent bullying within the schools.
According to experts, schools with organized anti-bullying programming are more likely to prevent bullying from occurring on school campuses and at school events. Anti-bullying programming in the NASD includes: staff training, bullying message lines, guest speakers, and a “bully-free” curriculum.
Administrators, counselors, and teachers received extensive training last spring and summer. This training provided them with information to equip them for developing “bully-free” classrooms and school campuses.
The NASD implemented the Bullying Message Lines in August at New Albany Elementary School (NAES), New Albany Middle School (NAMS), and New Albany High School (NAHS). The Bullying Message Line can be used by parents or students to report bullying incidents that occur at school. The phones are equipped to take voice mails and/or text messages regarding these incidents. It is important to include as much information as possible about the incidents when reporting information. These messages are kept in strict confidence.
In September, Dr. Allan Beane spoke to students in each of the three schools on how to recognize bullying behavior and how to prevent bullying from occurring in schools. Beane is an internationally recognized expert and speaker on bullying and is the author of The Bully Free Program. The student presentations by Dr. Beane were funded by the SHAPE Up!-Carol M. White Physical Education Grant.
Students at NAES use the Integrity Time Curriculum to teach character education, which includes bully-prevention during their weekly rotation. NAMS students receive two lessons per week regarding good character and anti-bullying. These lessons are a combination of “The Bully Free Program” curriculum, videos, and school nurse presentations in classrooms. Students at NAHS participate in a bully-free lesson every three weeks. These lessons are a part of The Bully Free Program written by Dr. Beane and are coordinated by NAHS Assistant Principal John Ferrell.
“Safety is our primary concern. We want our students to be in a safe, positive learning environment,” said Ferrell, who serves as the Bullying Prevention Coordinator for the school district. “Our administrators, teachers, and staff are committed to prevent and to stop bullying in our schools.”
Aim For Success Program Presented in NASD
Pictured Above: Marilyn Morris, President & Founder of Aim For Success, plays a game and interacts with 6th graders during one of her presentations at New Albany Middle School.
Students, parents, and teachers in the New Albany School District (NASD) had the unique opportunity to hear a powerful message from Marilyn Morris on September 22-23. Morris, President and Founder of Aim For Success, Inc. presented its nationally acclaimed program that shares the advantages of saving sex for marriage. The presentations were made possible through funding from New Albany Middle School’s (NAMS) “Building Healthy Families for the Future” grant.
The Aim For Success Abstinence Only programs addressed the problems of teen pregnancies, the escalating STD epidemic and the emotional pain often associated with teen sexual activity. The program clearly demonstrated to the students that saving sex for marriage provides FREEDOM from these problems while giving them the FREEDOM to fulfill their dreams and goals!
The Parent Program was presented at Memorial Gym on Thursday, September 22 and was held in conjunction with New Albany Middle School’s Open House. The Parent Program provided a preview of the student program and equipped parents with creative ideas to help their children avoid sexual activity until marriage.
Student programs were presented on Friday, September 23. A program for 7th and 8th graders was presented at 7:45 a.m., followed by a special program for 6th graders. The program was presented for the student body at New Albany High School at 10:45 a.m.
On Friday afternoon, Morris presented a Professional Development session to the faculty and staff of the NASD.
“We are happy to have had Mrs. Morris in our school district to share a wonderful program that included her powerful life-changing story,” said Tammie Reeder, Grant Program Director. “What a great opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to hear the same message that abstinence only is the healthiest choice for our students.”
Aim For Success, Inc. has educated over two million teens, parents and educators across America during the past 18 years with their motivational presentations.
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