It’s time to look back and step forward as Parents for Public Schools’ Starkville Chapter presents Jacket Jam, Monday April 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The casual event, held on the Greensboro Center’s front lawn will allow the Starkville community the opportunity to celebrate the numerous student and faculty achievements of the 2011-2012 school year and to welcome our newest Yellow Jacket, Dr. Lewis Holloway.
We can collectively show him we’re pledging our support as he begins his tenure here as the Starkville School District superintendent. Our partners in Jacket Jam, the Starkville PTA Council and the Starkville Foundation for Public Education invite you to meet Dr. Holloway, enjoy tasty barbecue dinners (free to all), and take in all the sights and sounds of the district.
The family event will feature two “bounce” houses for the younger crowd, a soccer demonstration from Mississippi’s Class 5A champs boys soccer team, music from the upcoming SHS production of “Footloose” and the AMS production of “Grease,” a performance by the SHS Jazz Band, and many others. Art work from the nationally recognized Starkville High School art department will be on display including work from some of our recent Gold Key Scholastic recipients.
Dedicated to increasing parental involvement and promoting the important role that public education plays in the success of our communities, Parents for Public Schools is a national organization consisting of community-based chapters located across the United States. The Starkville chapter is entering into its 20th year of supporting the positive impact that parents and community members can make when they work together to improve, sustain, and recognize the quality of public education.
As the community becomes an integral and working piece of the school district landscape, there is a renewed sense of ownership and pride. In our community, we know that there are many organizations and individuals who contribute significantly, and the Starkville Chapter of Parents for Public Schools would like to recognize their efforts. With that in mind, we are announcing the creation of the Roy Pollard Spirit of Service award which will be presented during Monday night’s Jacket Jam. As one of the founders of PPS Starkville, Mr. Pollard has given his time over the years to this district. He served as co-chair of the most successful school bond issue in city history, was a member of the 1995 bond issue steering committee, has served as a PTA president, and vice president of the SHS football boosters as well as the business representative for the Starkville Public School’s Tech Prep Initiative. During his tenure as a member of the national board of directors for Parents for Public Schools, Mr. Pollard was instrumental in expanding the PPS model to chapters across the country. He embodies what this award is all about.
Imagine how encouraged Dr. Holloway will be to see the Greensboro Center lawn filled Monday night with people who represent every part of the Starkville and MSU community. Let’s show him we’re ready to work!
Go Jackets,
Anne Buffington
The writer is president of the Starkville chapter of Parents for Public Schools.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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