Honorees from Week 4 of Biloxi Public Schools month (an excerpt from Biloxi Public School’s E-news, The Windtalker)
A pioneering early learning program for pre-schoolers, a 10th grade girls softball player, the top Advanced Reader in first grade at North Bay, and an inspirational school resource officer comprise the wrap-up winners of the first-ever Biloxi Public Schools Month.
Conceived as a way to recognize special achievement while engaging the community, Biloxi Public Schools Month included four weeks of special honors and 5K & 1-Mile downtown road races that attracted more than 850 participants.
“Our final week’s winners collectively mirror the quality of achievement that typified this month-long recognition program throughout our schools,” said Superintendent Arthur McMillan. “Individual accomplishment that inspires others to elevate their performance has been a hallmark of each week’s awards. We are blessed with outstanding teachers, students and programs that provide an environment conducive to excellence.
The final honoree of the final week of Biloxi Public Schools Month is the trailblazing Excel By 5 program, led by Ms. Susan Hunt. This program was the first certified early learning childhood community program in Harrison County, and has provided enormous assistance to students and families in preparation for entering school.
Biloxi’s Excel By 5 program helps prepare students for school through community involvement, parental and family support, early care and education, and health. Since inception in 2010, more than 4,500 pre-school children have used the Interactive Classrooms at the Excel By 5 resource center.
“This program offers special events that engage parents and the community in the important work of preparing children for education,” explained Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janice Wilson. “It has been successful because of the dedication of Ms. Hunt, and the involvement of the community from family members to businesses that support the program.”