Monday, the Poplarville School District recognized the high school’s U.S. History and biology I teachers for their academic achievements in the classroom. The board also approved the acceptance of two classroom learning enhancement grants.
The high school received PREPS value added awards at the 2015 annual conference, Superintendent Carl Merritt said. The awards are based on academic achievements and the educator’s abilities to meet the needs of students, he said.
The board recognized high school biology I teachers Margo Sweet, Kim Jackson and Debbie Burge for their outstanding work in the classroom.
“Last year our students’ biology test scores were in the top five in the state,” High School Principal Jonathan Will said. “I’m proud of the work they’ve done. The student test scores have proven that they’re learning.”
U.S. History teachers Lisa Morgan Benson and Jarrett Windham were also recognized.
During the Christmas season, a group of students took the history test and 100 percent of them passed, Will said.
“There are some great people here at Poplarville High School,” he said.
“There are self-motivated teachers,” Merritt said. “I have gone by their classrooms and it’s nice to know that we have individuals that don’t have to be told to do the extra things that’s not called upon them to do.”
In another matter, the board approved two grants from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation.
The first is a USA test grant, valued at about $3,000, Career and Technology Director Dr. Marlene Cole said. The funds were requested by Student Service Coordinator Ann Bosworth.
The USA test grant funds will be used to purchase a three-year software agreement. The software will assist students with math, language arts and the ACT, Cole said.
The second grant, valued at about $5,000, is the virtual business curriculum classroom grant, Cole said. This program will be implemented by Hope Roberts, the high school’s marketing instructor and DECA advisor. These funds will be used to purchase a 5-year subscription for computer simulation software. Marketing and culinary arts students will learn key business and marketing skills as well as entrepreneurial practices, Cole said.
The school board will meet again on Monday, May 11 at 6 p.m. at their office on Julia Street.