Bates News

It was a morning filled with gratitude, reflection, and a shared sense of purpose as Jackson Public Schools honored its community partners during the 2025–2026 Highlight Awards Celebration.

In recognition of the importance of literacy and culturally relevant reading, the JPS Office of Library Services and Teaching and Learning team recommends a curated list of literary works for scholars, educators, families, and community members to explore during Black History Month.

The two-day event highlighted innovation, creativity, and academic excellence from scholars across the district.

Jackson Public Schools proudly celebrates Black history by uplifting the people and stories that paved the way for our district’s growth and strength, shaping JPS into a thriving educational community at the heart of Mississippi.

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustaining a strong and compliant School Nutrition Program, this notice is to inform you that, effective March 1, 2026, adult meal prices will increase.

Dorothy Fyke, a 6th grader at Bailey APAC Middle School, claimed first place, and Avery Dantzler, a 4th grader at Obama Magnet Elementary School, earned second place.

The annual award honors advancing student literacy and includes a school library makeover for Shirley Elementary.

Thomas most recently served as the Executive Director of Climate and Wellness for Jackson Public Schools, overseeing the nursing department and counseling services.

Madison currently serves as Chair of the Wells APAC Theatre Department within Jackson Public Schools, where he teaches acting, technical theatre, and career development across elementary, middle, and high school.

Through its partnerships with teachers and artists, the organization works to enhance learning and expand access to arts education across Jackson Public Schools.

The Supper Meal Program reflects Jackson Public Schools’ ongoing commitment to addressing the whole child, ensuring that every scholar has access to the nourishment needed to learn, grow, and thrive.

This transformative investment will enable the district to replace aging Class 6 and Class 7 diesel school buses with modern, zero-emission electric buses, significantly reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality for scholars and the broader Jackson community.

The Jackson Public School District maintained its “C” rating for the 2024 – 2025 school year, according to the Mississippi Department of Education accountability model.

The project will expand opportunities for environmental education by creating a dedicated outdoor classroom space that integrates core curricula and provides hands-on learning for scholars and the broader Jackson community.

The PSLA is a yearlong program designed to prepare potential candidates for superintendent positions in Mississippi’s public schools.