The Jackson-Madison County School System Board of Education celebrated student achievements during Thursday's meeting.¶
Those achievements included all four JMCSS schools that participated in the Greenpower USA Regional Talladega Competition that took place earlier this month placing in the top five, with one school winning overall.¶
These four schools were Rose Hill School which placed first, followed by Jackson Academic STEAM Academy in second, North Parkway Middle School in third, and Community Montessori School in fifth.¶
They ranked in the top five out of more than 50 teams that competed. “What is unique is that all of our schools placed in this,” said superintendent Marlon D. King. “We’re really excited that all of our schools did an exceptional job in this event.”¶
The Regional Talladega Competition consists of a series of Greenpower races where students must work together and shift from teacher direction.¶
Greenpower USA is a foundation that aims to advance the understanding of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) topics by offering hands-on learning experience for students and young people through designing, building, and racing electric-powered vehicles.¶
Greenpower provided the schools with car-building kits a few months prior to the event.¶
Jackson-Madison Prepares for Districtwide Play¶
This isn’t the only event the school board celebrated.JMCSS students, faculty, and families are preparing for the premier of the districtwide stage play “Annie Jr.” The play will be a comedy-drama musical and will premiere on May 16 at 7 p.m. at Liberty Technology High School.¶
The play will feature nearly 40 student actors from grades K-8 and will mark the second consecutive year of JMCSS sponsoring a districtwide play to increase support and community awareness for the fine arts.¶
“The Board is incredibly pleased with the progress our district is making in the arts. From our high school theaters and bands to our K-8 art and music classes, we’re getting better. They play an important part in the overall development of high-achieving scholars and successful schools,” said board member Jason Compton.¶
Additional shows will take place on May 17 at 7 p.m. and May 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.¶
“There is so much research on the importance of arts and how kids involved in the arts see test scores soar among all subjects, not just reading and writing. There’s also a fluency component. It’s a beneficial process that will help the students and our schools tenfold,” said Superintendent Dr. Marlon King.¶
