Representatives from Sale Elementary International Studies Magnet School and Mississippi University for Women’s College of Education and Human Sciences Wednesday will accept an award from Gov. Phil Bryant for their partnership in the “Kids ‘n College” program.
The program began in 2009, when 85 students from Sale came to the MUW campus for academic enrichment. Last fall, Sale students completed their sixth consecutive semester of the partnership program. Administrators at both schools say the program has been a positive experience, especially for the elementary school students and student teachers.
“The bonds between elementary students and teacher candidates have been immediate and strong, teaching all of them much about what matters between teachers and students,” said MUW Dean of Education Dr. Sue Jolly-Smith.
She said the college’s faculty and administrators have become close to the Sale students over the past few semesters and the Sale students seem to have a sense of pride in their affiliation with the college.
Additionally, State accountability scores have risen and Sale currently is ranked as a high-performing school, by the Mississippi Department of Education.
MUW and Sale’s shared passion for excellence resulted in “a truly remarkable working partnership,” said Columbus Municipal School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell.
“This partnership has enhanced the lives and education of Sale students and MUW teacher candidates,” Liddell said. “I congratulate them both on receiving the Governor’s Award and for their strong belief in children.”
Sale Principal Nancy Bragg noted receiving the award is an honor for the school.
“Our partnership with MUW is one that our entire school takes great pride in, knowing we have built an exceptional program and relationship with MUW,” Bragg said. “We share a common goal to expand the students’ learning experiences, outside the walls of their elementary school, by bringing them to the university campus for the enrichment experiences.”
The partnerships provide resources and funding at a time when schools are struggling financially, said Debbie Anglin, president of the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education and director of communications for the Pascagoula School District.
“In the face of mounting budget cuts in public education, partnerships continue providing the resources that schools need to offer creative, high-quality learning opportunities that benefit students, teachers, parents and communities,” Anglin said.
The award will be presented Wednesday at the Hilton Hotel in Jackson.
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