New changes and new faces have made their way to the Greenville Public School District.
The district’s new focus and emphasis will be on the 5S Movement, which stands for Safety, Supervision, Scores equals Student Success. The new motto is “It’s A New Day at GPSD.”
For the 2019-2020 school year, GPSD has brought several new staff, including Interim Superintendent Debra Dace; Academic Director Latanya Calhoun; Transportation Director Carlos Thompson; Akin Elementary Principal Kandice Jernigan; Trigg Elementary Principal Deshanda Riley; Weddington Elementary Principal Vanessa Wigfall; Public Relations Specialist Everett Chinn, who has returned to the district; Greenville High School assistant principals Tajuan Johnson, Latasha Rodgers and Patricia Flowers; and Matty Akin Elementary Principal Kristie Nettles.
“Additionally, we have several new teachers, paraprofessionals and support staff in the district in order to better service the children,” Dr. Dace said.
Chinn said district employees are excited about the new school year and their focus will be on academics and ensuring they are doing what’s in the best interest of the children.
“We want our parents, stakeholders and all supporters to know that we’re diligently working to provide the opportunity for all to achieve success. Another initiative that the district is putting out is the Superintendent’s Scholars Breakfast with Dr. Dace along with a push to focus on their school attendance,” Chinn said.
Dr. Dace said GPSD parents need to be aware of the Compulsory Attendance Law, which states students who have reached the age of 6 years and students who have not reached the age of 17 years of age on or before September 1 of the calendar year must attend school, according to the Mississippi Department of Education. Any parent or legal guardian who fails to comply with this law may result in the parent, guardian or custodian being fined up to $1,000 or serve a year in jail or both.
Parents are encouraged to log on to gvillepublicschooldistrict.com or to follow their Facebook page and Twitter account at Greenville Public School District for updates and timely information on school-related programs, events or activities.
