Hometown Rankin - October & November 2016

Richland
Have you ever been in a situation where you don’t know
anyone? This year, my students and I found ourselves in that very
position. Usually when someone is new, it takes a while to
acclimate and meet new friends. That’s’ what makes Richland
Upper Elementary School a place like no other. From the moment
someone walks into our school, whether student or teacher, they
are a member of a special family.
In a time where schools are composed of predominantly
testing and data, Richland Upper Elementary is a breath of fresh
air. Each morning, when our precious students walk in, we greet
them as one would greet a friend. Why? It’s because they are our
friends. Every child who comes into a classroom is automatically a
part of a small, tight-knit family.
Oakdale
As a K-6 feeder school to Northwest Rankin Middle School
and home to over 600 students in the Brandon/Reservoir area,
Oakdale has a proven track record and rich tradition of excellence
in instruction and student achievement. As part of a progressive
district moving Rankin County from great to best, Oakdale offers
a variety of academic programs and extracurricular opportunities
to engage students in deeper learning and social/physical growth,
such as Jr. Beta Club, Cougar Choir, Archery Team, Band,
Principal’s Book Club, Critical Thinking Through Chess Initiative,
and numerous others.
A sense of belonging is an essential component in making up
the essence of Richland Upper. Teachers at RUES not only focus
on the academic portion of teaching a child, they also focus on the
character and talents of our students. In order to instill a sense of
character and citizenship, our fearless leader, Principal Toby Price,
suggests that we begin the year by enforcing the Essential 55 by
Ron Clark. Teachers strive to integrate this amazing program into
our daily instruction. Through this program, our students are
showing the necessary skills to becoming successful adults.
Every morning a child wakes up either excited to go to school
or dreading school. At Richland Upper, it’s our mission to create a
place where kids want to be and where teachers want to teach. At
our school, we are taking Rankin County School District from Great
to Best one student at a time. It’s a great day to be a Ranger!
A point of school pride is how Oakdale is constantly tapping
into the pulse of the digital age by using technology to enhance
teachers’ instruction and students’ learning. This year Oakdale
was the only elementary school in the district selected to participate
in the state’s CS4MS pilot, a computer science initiative for
our 6th grade students. Students will also be engaged in extended
learning through virtual field trips this year via Google Expeditions.
The school also offers 6th grade and 4th/5th Venture students
Spanish language learning through Rosetta Stone and guided
teacher instruction. According to Principal Dr. Lynnette McNeil,
three things make Oakdale such a wonderful school. First, the
high expectations teachers have for all students as they work to
foster their academic and social/emotional growth. Second, the
outstanding work going on in classrooms everyday with teachers
and students–as teachers are consistently engaged in collaborative
growth and learning to provide the best education for
students. Third, the strong relationships with students, parents,
community, and each other.