The Lauderdale County School District celebrated its academic success by hosting an East Mississippi Business Development Council Business After Hours on Nov. 29 at its new office location on Highway 39 North.  

In the 2016 Mississippi Department of Education Accountability results the district made a “B” grade. LCSD is ranked in the top 22 percent of districts. The four “A” rated schools include West Lauderdale High School, ranked 15th in the state among high schools, Clarkdale Elementary, Northeast Elementary and West Lauderdale Elementary ranked in the top 10 percent of schools in the state. Other significant results include four “B” schools that rank in the top 37 percent of the state, including Clarkdale High, Southeast Elementary, Southeast High and West Lauderdale Middle.

LCSD student ACT scores ranked high among the state with Clarkdale High School’s English scores ranking fifth highest, and West Lauderdale High School students’ scores ranked fifth highest in math, ninth highest in science, and 10th highest in composite score.

Superintendent Randy Hodges credits the commitment of the district’s administrators, teachers, support staff and students when considering areas of improvement. He told the group of business leaders, school personnel, parents and students at the event that the district is working toward accomplishing an “A” rating for 2017 and having more schools in the “A” and “B” levels.

Decatur club aids Newton students

Many children rely on school meals to provide breakfast and lunch during the school year. During breaks, such as weekends and holidays, many of these children go home to little or no meals. 

The Newton County Schools Backpack Buddy program works to fill that gap by providing nutritious, child-friendly food for school children to take home over the weekend. The Decatur Woman’s Progressive Club presented Newton County Elementary School with donations for the Backpack Buddy program.

For more details about the initiative at Newton County Schools, call the Parent Center at 601-635-4902.

Airman completes training

U.S. Air Force Airman Jonathan A. Power graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

Power is the son of Everett and Sheri D. Power of Spartanburg, N.C., and brother of Joel Power of Spartanburg, N.C., Tamra Mosqueda of Augusta, Ga., Hannah Power and Lillian Power of Meridian, Miss., and Daniel Power of Tallahassee, Fla. He is a 2016 graduate of Clarkdale High School, Meridian, Miss.

Suzanne Marshall writes the Neighbors column for The Meridian Star. Submit items to editor@themeridianstar.com.