And on Wednesday, that goal was recognized as politicians, educators and education specialists from around the U.S. took part in a conversation session to recognize the city’s Excel by 5 program and other early education programs.
Spearheaded by the National League of Cities, City of Petal, Petal School District and Excel by 5 officials were among the attendees at the day-long event at the Petal Civic Center.
“One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is ‘this is hard work’ and ‘occasionally you need to stop and celebrate,'” said Excel by 5 Executive Director Nadine Coleman.
Coleman, who was instrumental in Petal’s push for early childhood development, told the 105 attendees that it was an honor for the city to be chosen as a prototype of a community with a successful program.
She added she also was excited to learn what other larger cities are doing build successful programs.
“We stand to learn so much potentially from other cities, and we are delighted to share the successes we have had,” she said.
Petal along with Seattle, San Antonio and Richmond, Va., were chosen to be models of what works when it comes to providing the tools and opportunities for young children to achieve academic success – before ever stepping into kindergarten.
“(It’s our mission) to ensure all students are reading successfully by the end of the third-grade. If this is going to happen, we know conclusively now that you can’t wait for them to enter the (school’s) door at age 5,” Coleman said.
“When a child enters school with delays, you simply aren’t going to catch them up. Sadly, they are behind on their first day of school, and they will more than likely be behind on their last day of school.”
With Petal’s goal to make sure all young children are healthy and prepared for kindergarten and beyond, the involvement of the city coupled with tax funding has been key to the program’s success.
“In talking with some of the National League of Cities folks, what we’re finding out is that the relationship we have with our city is different from rest of the United States,” Petal Superintendent John Buchanan said.
Panel members agreed that having a solid relationship with city leaders leads to better opportunities for early childhood education.
“I was really impressed with the dedication I heard from the mayor and the superintendent,” said Joan Lombardi, deputy assistant secretary and interdepartmental liaison for Early Childhood Development for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
She added she had the opportunity to attend any of the other cities but chose Petal.
“I chose to come to this one because I think you have so much to say to other communities,” Lombardi said.
“We are always hearing of big cities, but the country is made up of cities like this one.
“I think what’s happening here in Petal is setting the bar very high for other communities.”