District News

Professional Development V Schedule

Notice of Special Called Board Meeting

On Monday, Nov. 19, the Wayne County High School War Eagle Band performed the National Anthem before the start of the New Orleans Pelicans game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The Pelicans beat the Spurs in the NBA contest.

The Wayne County School District was given a $500 Walmart Community Grant for Mrs. Deone Kebodeaux's Household Management Class at Wayne County High School. The grant will used to purchase outside equipment such as benches, patio chair swings and a tetherball. "We really appreciate Mr. Jonathan Smith, the manager of the Waynesboro Walmart for helping with the project. Our students enjoy being outside during their breaks, and now they will have some activities to look forward to," said Mrs. Kebodeaux. 

Players and Cheerleaders hold up signs with "250" on it after Friday night’s win over West Harrison. The 43-24 victory was the 250th in school history as the War Eagles reached another milestone in its football history. The signs players were holding up were provided by the WCHS Cheerleaders.

Six Wayne County High School students of Mr. Whiston Ramsey Art classes had their work selected for the Hattiesburg Arts Council’s Annual Emerging Artist Exhibition. The opening reception for the exhibition will be held at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center on Saturday, November 10th from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Front Row:  Chloe Davis, Kerrington Kittrell, Briana Bankston. Back Row: (L-R) Desmond Winborn, Zydarrius Bumpers and Alce Banks.

Notice of Special Called Board Meeting 

Professional Development Schedule IV

When students in Ashley Burnet Smith’s strength and conditioning classes at Wayne County High School want to give up, she has quite an example to fall back on to encourage students to continue training.

That’s because Smith herself has overcome some challenges to remain in her fitness regimen, with the results paying off recently during the American Open Series 3 in Las Vegas, Nev. With more than 1,650 athletes at the event — including Olympic lifters — Smith ranked 51st out of 156 competitors in the Senior 71kg weight division. Weight lifting is one of the original Olympic sports. It is designed to test the human limits of explosive strength and power by using a weighted barbell as resistance while traveling through a greater range of motion than any other strength movements during execution. These limits are displayed using two skills-based competition lifts — the “Snatch and Clean” and the “Jerk.” During competition, each athlete has three attempts at the “Snatch,” followed by three at­tempts at the “Jerk.” The combined total of the highest successful attempt of each lift determines the overall winner in a body weight category.  Smith, a 146-pounder, was successful in five of her six lifts as she declared her highest total of 146 kg or 321.2 pounds.

Notice of Work Session

Drawing title: "Figure by a Window"

Artist: Whitson Ramsey

Whitson Ramsey’s drawing was one of 92 chosen out of over 1100 to be included in the Brand Library and Art Center's 46th Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper in Glendale, CA. Mr. Ramsey flew to Los Angeles to attend the opening reception of this show where he got to speak with juror, art critic, and talk-show host, Edward Goldman about his work and artistic career. Mr. Ramsey also got to meet several other great artists from around the country who he was thrilled to share a gallery with. Mr. Ramsey’s  trip to Los Angeles also included visits to several museums so that he could study works from some of his favorite artists throughout history. The exhibition will be on view through October 26th.

Notice of Special Called Board Meeting

Book Fair Family Night

Special Called Board Meeting 

2018 WCHS Athletics Schedules

Staff ID Picture Schedule

Teacher Professional Development I, II, III

Tre Williamson (L) and Rod Watkins (R) both signed baseball scholarships with Coahoma Community College. Williamson led the War Eagles in home runs with six while Watkins was the leading hitter.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL CALLED SCHOOL BOARD MEETING 6/4/18

Second graders at Buckatunna Elementary celebrated "Teach Children to Save Day" on Tuesday, March 27th.

DD Class Participates in Special Olympics, April 6th @ JCJC

Clara Students Participate in Get Ready to Run Program

Buckatunna's Beta Club recently attended the state Beta Convention in Biloxi, MS. Several members brought home awards. 

NOTICE OF SPECIAL CALLED SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Special Called Board Meeting 4/4/18

Special Called School Board Meeting 3/1918

Clara School won the annual County Wide Math Meet held at Wayne County High School.

Clark Oil made donations of $500 each to the math and science programs at each Wayne County schools as part of ExxonMobil’s Educational Alliance Program. The program awards grants each year to schools in order to help enhance math and science education across the United States. This is the 17th consecutive year for the program.

The New Stage Theatre recently presented an in-school performance of Julius Caesar, the tale of the fall of the greatest leader of the Roman Empire, to Wayne County High School freshmen and sophomores, thanks to a grant provided from the Mississippi Arts Commission. New Stage is a professional not-for-profit theatre. Sponsors of New Stage Theatre are Entergy Mississippi and The Shelby and Richard McRae Foundation.

WCSD Teacher of the Year Mrs. Lauren Leggett

WCHS is compiling scholarships for the Senior Class of 2018.  Anyone interested in participating in offering a scholarship will need to contact Anna Mills before February 28th.  Mrs. Mills may be contacted at the high school office at 601.735.2851 or by email millsa@wcsdms.com

Demarius McFadden (center) of Buckatunna School was presented the District’s Administrator of the Year Award during the January meeting of the Wayne County Board of Education. Pictured with McFadden are Board President Al Smith (left) and Superintendent of Education Bobby Jones (right).

Waynesboro Riverview School will hold a mandatory meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria for parents of students in grades 3-8. Please be sure to attend this very important meeting.

Professional Development Jan 2nd Schedule

Head Coach is Jamie Powell (Clarion-Ledger Coach of the Year), and assistant coach Stevie Holyfield.

Players: Brook Jordan (PRCC), Katie Cheeks (Hinds), Shalishana Hundley(Meridian) and Paige Powe ( Meridian)

War Eagles have had 17 players sign the last six seasons.

South State 5-A Champions and State Runnerup in 5-A this past year.

The community project for the month of October at Star Academy was to collect socks to donate to the residents of Pine View Health and Rehabilitation Center.  The students at Star Academy donated more than 75 pairs of socks to Pine View.  

ELLISVILLE – Some of the top teams coming into the 2017 Jones County Junior College Bobcat Math League’s playoff competition were quickly picked off and sent home, stunning the eventual 2017 “Super Bowl” Champions, the Wayne County War Eagles, who had to fend off the 2016 Champions, the Oak Grove Warriors in the final round of the playoffs. This is the first time since the creation of the Bobcat Math League in 2012 for Wayne County to claim the title. Additionally, the War Eagle team took home a total of $2,900 in cash prizes for winning four-regular season matches, and for being a regular season wild card team and victorious in competition.  Oak Grove received a total of $1,950 in cash prizes for their second-place finish, as well as for being a regular season division winner, and winning five-regular season matches.

The Wayne County School District Child Nutrition staff attended the 48th Annual Mississippi School Nutrition Association Conference in Biloxi, MS on November 3-5, 2017.  Attendees are pictured with Jackie Henry, President of the Mississippi School Nutrition Association and CN Director of the Wayne County School District.

Students scoring advanced on state tests during the 2016-17 school year were rewarded recently with a bowling trip and lunch in Laurel. Congratulations to these students for their great accomplishment.

The Wayne County High School baseball team helped First Baptist Church of Waynesboro with their annual Operation Christmas Child shoe box project that supplies Christmas surprises to children around the world.

During halftime at the Homecoming football game, WCHS Supervising Principal Bubba Hathorn recognizes his faculty and staff for a job well done during the 2016-17 school year. This is the third year in a row that WCHS has been given a grade of B by the Mississippi Department of Education. It is a great day to be a War Eagle.

The Future Health Professionals, formerly known as Healh Occupations Students of America (HOSA), held its 3rd annual officer induction ceremony. The ceremony took place at Boonedock Eddie’s on October 17, 2017 at 6:00 pm. The 2017-2018 HOSA officers took their oath of office with family and friends in attendance.

Pictured:  Kneeling- Tynasia Terrell, Chaplain, and Jaycelyn Gray, Historian

Standing L to R- Lori Roberts, Reporter, Amber McLain, Treasurer, Lekisha Powe, Instructor and HOSA Advisor, Shakira Hall, State HOSA President, Jaquerius Howard, President, and Curlexis Arrington, Secretary.

Not pictured- Shalishana Hundley, Vice President 

The Wayne County High School marching band will host 15 bands at the War Eagle Marching Band Classic Competition Saturday, October 21, at War Eagle Stadium. The classic prepares the marching bands for state competition. The bands will be judged and evaluated, with WCHS not being part of the evaluations. Wayne County will perform at 7:45 p.m. in a special performance.

Professional Development Schedule Oct 9th

Senior Night/Pink Out Night

Wayne County High School will be hosting Senior Night and Pink Out Night when the War Eagles host top-ranked Hattiesburg on Friday, October 13, at War Eagle Stadium. Senior Night will begin at 6:25 p.m.

A Breast Cancer Survivors Celebration will be held before the game from 5:00-6:30 in the Star Academy building. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Breast cancer survivors will be recognized on the field at 6:40 p.m. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

WCHS Homecoming

The Wayne County High School Homecoming game is set for Friday, October 27, at 7 p.m. when the War Eagles host West Harrison.

The Homecoming parade will be held on Thursday, October 26, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Homecoming festivities will begin Friday night at 6:20 p.m. at the football field. The WCHS pep rally will start at 8:15 a.m. Friday in the War Eagle Gym.

The Wayne County High School FCA participates in the "See You at the Pole" on September 27. Students pray for national, state and local leaders. The students want to be a shining light for other students at WCHS during this global week of student prayer.  The WCHS FCA sponsor is Ian Sharp.

A Wayne County High School Junior is shown giving a unit of blood at the Beta Club blood drive.  After the daylong event, 60 units of blood were transported immediately to Texas to help with a critical shortage in that area.  The United Blood Services of Hattiesburg sponsored the blood drive. The next Beta Club blood drive will be on January 18. Amy Pruitt is the Beta Club sponsor.

The Wayne County High School Quiz Bowl team defeated Northeast Jones, 50-44, last week in their first competition of the year.  The War Eagle squad will travel across town to take on the Wayne Academy Jaguars on October 2 in their next action.The next home action is hosting Heidelberg on Oct. 16 at 4:30 in the WCHS Library. The team's sponsor is Shay Clark.

Wayne County High School has a new sport in volleyball. The Lady War Eagles are improving each week in their inaugural season.  The girls' will host South Jones in their next contests on Monday, September 11. The JV squad plays at 5 followed by the varsity at 6:30 p.m. Come out and support these girls and be part of this historic season. 

Wayne County senior Kalisha Carter was honored with the highest honor of excellence award at the Mississippi Governor’s School at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. Carter was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. While on campus, Carter participated in volunteer work and performed in the talent show that was part of the fun during her three-week stay. Former Mississippi Governor William Winter established the school in 1981. The school is a residential honors program and is designed to provide academic, creative and leadership experiences for a select number of rising juniors and seniors who have demonstrated exceptional ability and achievement in their studies.

The Wayne County Career and Technical Educational Center culinary arts students Darren Hartley and Philliscia Henry helped prepare and serve at the ribbon cutting ceremonies for the new Star Academy. Sara Waller is the culinary arts teacher, and the Director of the Center is Mr. Rex Buckhaults. 

Wayne County Superintendent of Education Mr. Bobby Jones cuts the ribbon on the new Star Academy across from Wayne County High School. Also pictured with Mr. Jones are members of the WCSD School Board, state representatives, Deputy Superintendent Tyrone Marshall, Curriculum Coordinator Crystal Bates and Star Academy Principal Dr. Sherrell Gilmore.

Wayne County War Eagle football season tickets will go on sale Thursday, August 3. Tickets can be purchased at the high school from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Season tickets are $60 for the six games with a parking pass available for additional cost of $25. Timber Bowl tickets to both the Wayne Academy and Wayne County games are included in the season ticket package.

The War Eagles will have some of the best football teams in Mississippi coming to War Eagle Stadium as West Jones (Aug. 18), Jefferson Davis County (Sept. 1), Picayune (Sept. 22), Hattiesburg (Oct. 13, and West Harrison (Oct. 27) visit War Eagle Stadium. All games will begin at 7 p.m. except for the Timber Bowl on August 18. Wayne County will play West Jones at 8 p.m. after the Wayne Academy-South Choctaw contest that begins at 6 p.m.

ID Card Picture Schedule

August PD Schedule 

A reception was held recently to honor recipients of the Wayne General Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship. Haley Clark, Ali Rigney, Kaitlyn Walley, and Chloe White were honored from Wayne County High School. Each received a $1,500 scholarship.Pictured (L-R): Chloe White, Haley Clark, and Kaitlyn Walley.

Wayne County High School honored 109 juniors with a picnic recently for scoring at least a 17 on the mandated Mississippi State  ACT test for Juniors. Wayne County High School honored 109 juniors with a picnic recently for scoring at least a 17 on the mandated Mississippi State  ACT test for Juniors. 

Demographic Chart of New Schools

The 2017 Top 10 Seniors at WCHS

(L-R) Mallory Pitts, Reagan Skinner, Jocelyn Davis, Alexandria Rigney, Breanna Walters, Bailey Porter, Mollie Singleterry, Courtlyn Clanton, Reagan Revon, and Chelesa Everett.

Two Wayne County Lady War Eagles signed with Southwest Community College. Point guard Rashondria Rankin and forward Nia Henderson inked with the Lady Bears this week. (Pictured: (L-R) Coach Danielle Haney, Rankin, Henderson, Head Coach Gina Skelton, and Coach Anna Ford.

The faculty, staff, and student body of Buckatunna School honored local law officers in the school’s second annual “Coffee with Cops.” The students served the officers a delicious breakfast, and several of the officers then read to the students in the classrooms.

Wayne County High School’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets recently had the opportunity of a lifetime by flying on a C130 Hurricane Hunter. The students traveled to Keesler Air Force Base where the students boarded the Air Force plane. The pilot surprised the students by flying over Wayne County High School where they were able to capture photos of the school from the sky.

Members of Wayne County High School Orange Sensations Showchoir  presented Supervising Principal Robert Hathorn with trophies won during their 2017 competition season.  The group is under the direction of Mrs. Amy Pruitt.  The group won two third place trophies, one second place trophies and two Grand Champion trophies.

Two Clara students were presented awards by Governor Phil Bryant for DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) essays. Noah Hillman won 1st place and Kyle Carney won 3rd place statewide for their essays. Congratulations to these two young men.

The Wayne County High School  Cheerleaders, baseball and softball players helped celebrate Dr. Seuss week at Beat Four School on March 3. This is the 20th year for 'Read Across America" and each cheerleader, baseball and softball player took turns reading to a different class in the elementary school.

Wayne County High School Beta Club was well represented at the Mississippi Senior Beta Convention in Biloxi.  Twenty-five students and four sponsors attended convention this year. Our students competed in numerous academic and visual arts categories.  

WCHS Senior President Tyler Packer placed first in the Speech competition.  Packer is now eligible to compete at the National Convention in June. Maddie Walker placed fourth in Poetry competition. 

Wayne County received two awards at this year's convention.  They are a gold key club and selected as a School of Merit.  

The War Eagle  sponsors   Mrs. DeWanda Nelson judged Scrapbooks while Mrs. Amy Pruitt was in charge of Group Talent preliminaries and finals and also judged Campaign Skits.

The WCHS Beta Club also lit a candle in the Memorial Service in memory of Mrs. Pruitt's mother, who was a Beta Sponsor at Buckatunna for many years.

Clark Oil Company of Waynesboro recently made a $7,000 donation to the Wayne County Schools. The monies will go to each of the math and science programs at the local schools as part of the Exxon Mobil’s Education Alliance Program. This is the 12^th consecutive year for the program. Clark Oil Company Inc. operates over 50 convenience stores, 11 Subway Restaurants, one Church’s Chicken and one Huddle House.Wayne County Superintendent of Education Bobby Jones applauded the program. “We appreciate Clark Oil and Exxon Mobil for their great support of our schools,” stated Jones. Standing (L-R): Kayla Jordan of Clark Oil, Superintendent Bobby Jones, Wayne Longmire (WES), Robert Hathorn (WCHS), Tommy Branch (Beat Four), Rex Buckhaults (Wayne County Career and Technology) Center seated: (L-R) Shronda Turner (WMS), Donna Hopkins (Clara) and Lynn Revette (Buckatunna).

Wayne County High School ROTC cadet Jaylne Davis was nominated to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum to be held this summer in Washington, D.C.  Davis, a tenth grader, will learn about national security careers in her six-day stay in the nation's capital.

The forum will help Jaylne to set personal goals and be better prepared to make decisions about her next step as a college student, military officer, or national security professional. She can also apply for college credit through George Mason University.  She will take a guided tour of the United States Capitol building, visit historic Ford's Theater, explore the National Harbor, and visit some of Washington's famous memorials at dusk

Josh Curry (L), and Juandarius Roberts (R) were honored at the Wayne County School Board Meeting this month. Wayne County Superintendent of Education Bobby Jones (C) honored these two young men for their Band accomplishments. Curry was named to the 2017 Mississippi Lions All-State Band. Roberts was named U.S. Army All-American and also was named to the Drum Corp International.

Teacher of the year Kimberly Ford

Administrator of the year Donna Hopkins

The featured speaker at the 12th Annual Wayne County High School Black History Program was NASA scientist Clyde Dease, Jr. His message focused on the value of an education. Pictured on the front row are: Carrie Turbyfill, Dahlia Jordan, Mr. Dease, Patricia Jordan, and Amy Brown. Back Row: Eric Smith, Marvin Chapman, Robert Hathorn, Wilma Taylor, and Alvin Smith.

In response to the devastating tornado that struck Petal, the Wayne County School District organized a relief drive to help those affected. Beat Four School students and staff generously contributed non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, baby supplies, school supplies and household goods to aid in the relief project. Pictured with Beat Four’s donations are BFS kindergarten teacher Jennifer Stevener and BFS Gifted & Talented teacher Jada D. Doherty.

Wayne County defensive back Jamarcus Fisher (5-11, 175) signed a football scholarship with East Central Community College. Pictured with Fisher are Coach Kevin Gandy, mother LaTonja Fisher, Aunt Margret Wash, Fisher and Coach Todd Mangum.  

The Wayne County School District collected supplies for the tornado victims in the Petal School District. The money and items collected will be distributed by the Petal School District to the families affected in their area.  The WCHS Student Council thanks all the Wayne County schools for their help!

Wayne County head basketball coach Kendrick Davis was named head coach of the South All-Stars in this year's Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star game. 

The Wayne County War Eagle baseball team donated their time to help Waynesboro's First Baptist Church with their annual Operation Christmas Child. The players helped fill shoe boxes for the children.

United States Senator Roger Wicker posed with Wayne County High School students who are dual enrolled at JCJC while visiting the JCJC Wayne County Center. Comp 1 and College Algebra students are pictured.

Wayne County Superintendent of Education Bobby Jones rewarded 24 students with exceptional state test scores  in English II and Algebra I with a bowling outing at Hub Lanes in Hattiesburg recently.

Wayne County High School senior Juandarius Roberts has been selected to the U.S. Army All-American Band. Roberts will perform with the band made up of the best 125 high school band musicians on January 7, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas, at the U.S. Army All-American Football Bowl. Roberts and the All-American band will perform at halftime of the premier high school sporting event in America. Roberts is the War Eagles' Drum Major for 2016.

The Mississippi High School Athletic Association released All-Star selections for the upcoming Bernard Blackwell All-Star Classic to be played in Gulfport on December 17 at 11:30 a.m.

Wayne County’s Chris Cooley, a 5-9, 215-lb senior running back, has been named to the South team for the 68^th annual Blackwell contest.  Cooley is currently the leading rusher for the War Eagles. “Chris is a great young man and player who is very deserving of this honor," said WCHS head football coach Todd Mangum. “He is a hard-nosed, physical player who is very coachable. Every time we need a big play, he seems to make it,” added Mangum.

Wayne County High School will be well represented in the 30th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic set for Dec. 10 at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama.

WCHS head coach Todd Mangum has been named the head coach. Mangum led Wayne County to the Class 5-A state football championship in 2015.

Mississippi won the 2015 Classic 28-21 at the University of Southern Mississippi’s M.M. Roberts Stadium, the first time the all-star game had been played outside Alabama.The victory snapped a seven-game winning streak by Alabama.

The game will kick off at noon and will be televised.

Pink Out Night at Wayne County High School was a success last Friday night when the War Eagles hosted the West Jones Mustangs. Shown are a WCHS War Eagle cheerleader and a couple of future WCHS cheerleaders getting ready for the ball game.

The Wayne County School District Child Nutrition Managers from each of the area schools attended a Culinary Skills Training recently in Ridgeland. The training was hosted by the Mississippi Department of Child Nutrition and nationally renowned Chef Cyndie Story, K-12 Culinary Solution Team. The local managers of the WCSD were provided training in food production, recipe development, and food safety. The focus of the training was to improve schools' meal programs. Representing the WCSD were Sherrie Parnell (Beat 4), Meshell Lofton (WES), Maxine Blackwell (Buckatunna), Terri Shoemaker (Clara), Shawanna Sibley (WCHS), Chris Stevens (WMS).

The Wayne County High School Quiz Bowl team is taking part in the Jones County Junior College Math League. Pictured are (L-R) Stevonta Mayfield, Jared Powe, Layne Boykin, Lexi Sumrall, Mona Heng, Bryce Herring and Dakota Brewer.

The School Nutrition Association in their national publication recently recognized Wayne County School District Food Service Director Jackie Henry.

Two members of Buckatunna Junior High's Dance Team recently performed during a halftime performance at the University of Southern Mississippi. Keyonia Singleton and Morgan Guy performed along with other dancers and cheerleaders from across the state as a part of the UCA/UDA Spirit Day. 

Juandarius Roberts of Wayne County High School has been selected as a 2017 U.S. Army All-American, joining an elite group who will perform during halftime at the U.S. Army All- American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

“Being a successful band member not only requires great skill, but also a commitment to teamwork,” said Mark S. Davis, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for marketing. “And similar to all Army Soldiers, these students have proven to be incredibly versatile and mentally and physically nimble. We are proud to honor all of our talented 2017 U.S. Army All- American Marching Band members and commend each of them on their selection to this elite group.”

The U.S. Army All-American Marching Band recognizes the top 125 high school senior marching musicians and color guard members from across the country, showcasing their talents during the largest celebration of high school football in America, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, televised live on NBC at noon (CST) on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017.

For 17 years, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been the nation’s premier high school football game, serving as the preeminent launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars. Former Wayne County player Jerrell Powe played in the 2005 game. Andrew Luck, Odell Beckham Jr., Patrick Peterson, Adrian Peterson and Christian McCaffrey made their national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans. A total of 330 U.S. Army All-American Bowl alumni have been selected in NFL Drafts. The 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl drew a crowd of 39,121 to the Alamodome.

Each year the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour visits the high school of each All-American player and band member to officially recognize and announce their selection to the Bowl. Roberts will be honored on Thursday, October 13, at WCHS.

Wayne County School District is hosting a district wide mandatory information meeting for all third grade students’ parents and/or guardians.  This meeting will explain the requirements of promotion to the next grade level contained in the Literacy Based Promotion Act (LBPA) and what is expected of all third graders to meet these requirements.  Parents will also receive information on the Third Grade Reading Gate Summative Assessment at this meeting.

The meeting will be held at Waynesboro Elementary School in the storm shelter on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, beginning at 5:30 P.M.  The meeting should not last more than an hour.  Parents will be presented the necessary information and then a question/answer session will be held.

The LBPA requires that all students perform on or above grade level on a summative (end of course) assessment at the end of the third grade year.  If a student does not perform on or above grade level, he/she will not promote to fourth grade.  The administrators of the Wayne County School District would like for our parents to be familiar with the LBPA and know how to help our students prepare for the Third Grade Reading Gate Summative Assessment.  Please make plans to attend this meeting so that you will understand the urgency the district faces as we ensure that every student can read on or above the third grade reading level by the end of the third grade year.  If parents are unable to attend this meeting, they will be required to meet with the school principal regarding this information at another time.

If you have any questions, contact your school principal or Belinda Walley, WCSD Literacy Coach at 601-735-4894 or walleyb@wcsdms.com.

Wayne County High School is planning several football related special events this coming football season.

The first WCHS band reunion is planned for the night of Homecoming on September 23 when Jackson Wingfield comes to War Eagle Stadium. Former band members are welcome to perform at the football game that night. Some instruments will be provided, but when you register online at www.waynecountyband.com please indicate your need for an instrument on the registration form. The cost is $10, which includes a T-Shirt. Time to meet: 5:00 p.m. Place to meet: WCHS Band Hall. What to wear: Jeans and T-Shirt (provided)

The undefeated Beat Four High School Tiger football team of 1976 will be honored on October 7 when the War Eagles play host to West Jones.

On Senior Night, October 21, the War Eagles will host Jackson Provine. The 1964 undefeated Waynesboro Central football team will be honored.

The 2006 WCHS state champs (15-0) will be honored on November 4 when the War Eagles host Laurel.

All players, coaches, and cheerleaders are welcome back for all the football team reunions. For all three of these games, there will be a meet-and-greet in the WCHS Library at 5:30 p.m. For more information on the any of these events, contact Dale McKee at WCHS (601-735-2851).

Please help us spread the word about these special events.

Wayne County Schools opened their doors Wednesday night (August 3) for pray time. The community was able to come to each school in the community to walk through and pray for the safety and success of the students and faculty for the school year.

In an effort to become more efficient with bus routing the Wayne County School District will re-route several buses within the Waynesboro city limits this school year.

Administrators are asking for pa­tience from the public, students and parents during this transition period as adjustments are made to fine-tune the schedules and the process of transport­ing students.

Click here to open the Back to School PD schedule.

Wayne County School District student registration will begin Monday July,18th at Beat Four and Buckatunna Schools. Click the read more button to see all Schools registration dates and times.

This dress code outlines the only acceptable form of attire approved to be worn by students in this district.  Any deviations, however slight, are disallowed.

Click here to see the full 2016-17 student dress code.

Wayne County High School has announced its registration schedule for the upcoming school year. Parents are asked to come to the high school and fill out all necessary registration forms at these times:

Tuesday,   July 26,  9 - 6 p.m. at WCHS Cafeteria

Thursday,  July 28,  9 - 3 p.m. at WCHS Cafeteria

Students must have a parent or guardian present to register for the upcoming school year. Students will not be able to register without either their guardian or parent. 

The Wayne County School System solicits written contributions for program improvement for its FY 2016/2017 Federal Consolidated Projects Application (Title I, Title II, and Title VI) and 2016/2017 IDEA Part B and Preschool Budget (programs for children ages 3-21 with disabilities defined by P.L. 104-476) to be submitted for approval by the State Department of Education.

Parents and/or interested individuals living within the school district wishing to make suggestions or address needs concerning the programs should do so in writing by June 15, 2016.

Retirees (years of experience) Front Row: (L-R) Sandra Sullivan (36), Jana Pitts (30), Sandra Waller (40), and Kathy Kirkland (16). Back Row: (L-R) Dale Waller (28), Butch Davis (12), and Arlen Walker (25)  Not Pictured: Deana Burns (30).

The first ever Wayne County Schools Teacher Appreciation Picnic was held at Maynor Creek Park last Wednesday. The Picnic was a way for the WCSD administration to show their appreciation for the fine job that the teachers and staff of the school district do throughout the school year.

Awards were given to teacher with the highest scores, growth and for perfect attendance. Follow the link to see all of the awardees.

Members of the Wayne County War Eagles football team were honored this week by the Mississippi Legislature. The War Eagles claimed the Class 5-A MHSAA State Football Championship back in December with a heart pumping 45-41 win over Oxford at Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium. The House of Representatives read a proclamation praising the team and their accomplishments. They were hosted by Shane Barnett of Waynesboro and Dennis DeBar, Jr of Leakesville.

Waynesboro Middle School recently hosted their annual Career Day. The purpose of the day is to educate students about various career choices. Several guests from the community presented information to the students on careers that may interest them as they continue through junior high, high school, and college. Each presenter focused on his or her specific career. They each informed students of preparations and educational requirements that may be necessary in order to pursue a certain career. The presenters shared with the students their regular daily schedule that are part of their profession. Pictured: Wayne County Sheriff Jody Ashley, WCSD Deputy Marsha Brewer Jordan, State Line Chief of Police Jessica Blakely, Courtney Clinton of the WPD, WPD assistant chief Kenny Meadors, WMS Principal Shronda Turner, Leo Turner of Turner Funeral Home, and Wal-Mart manager Jonathan Smith.

The Wayne County Career and Technical Education Health Science students competed in the 2016 Health Occupations Students of America, HOSA, State Leadership Conference March 21-23, 2016. The following students placed in the top 5 of their chosen competitive events

The Wayne County School District will run a 60 percent day schedule due to the predicted inclement weather. The buses will depart from Wayne County High School at 12:20 PM. Outlying schools will need to adjust their schedule accordingly.

Clark Oil Company of Waynesboro made a $7,000 donation to the Wayne County Schools recently.  The monies will go to each of the Math and Science programs at the local schools as part of the Exxon Mobil’s Education Alliance Program.  

The Wayne County Board of Education will meet in a Special Called meeting on February 9, 2016 at 10:00 AM.

Wayne County High School All State Defensive Lineman, Benito Jones signed with the University of Mississippi earlier this month.  Benito becomes a “Rebel” after leading the War Eagles to the 5A State Championship and participating  in both the Mississippi/Alabama All Star game and the Under Armor High School All Star game in Orlando, Florida.  An earlier graduate, Benito is set the enroll at Ole Miss later this month.

Wayne County High School will be represented well in the 2015 – 2016 Mississippi North/South All Star Games. The Lady War Eagles will send 6’ 5” post player Jadona Davis and the War Eagles will be represented by David Gaines, Jr. Both players are juniors. The Games will be played Friday, March 25 at Mississippi College in Clinton, MS.

Click on the Link below to purchase a DVD of the Wayne County War Eagle victory over Oxford HS for the 5A State Championship.

Buy DVD

At this point click on "DVD get DVD"

Congratulations Wayne County War Eagles on winning the MHSAA 5A State Championship!  Attached is a clip of Congressman Palazzo congratulating the team on the House Floor in Washington DC. yesterday.

Wayne County High School will honor former Waynesboro-Central football coach Larry Easterling coaching era this Friday night. A reception will be held Friday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the school library. All former players, coaches and cheerleaders are invited.

Senior Night will be on October 30 against South Jones beginning at 6:30 p.m. Kickoff at 7 p.m.

The Bureau of Parent Engagement and Support is conducting a series of parent trainings this school year to help parents of students with disabilities be informed and active members of the school community.

One Team One Voice Parent Training flyer

Several teachers from each school participated in an ELL training on Wednesday, August 26th.  The teachers discussed how to identify ELL students and how to meet the needs of ELL students.  They also discussed Classroom Strategies that Work with ELL (tools).  The AEC company provided different hands on activities and strategies that could be used with every student.  Thanks WES for hosting the workshop.

WCSD Community Night

Wayne County School District is hosting a district wide mandatory information meeting for all third grade students’ parents and/or guardians.  This meeting will explain the requirements of promotion to the next grade level contained in the Literacy Based Promotion Act (LBPA) and what is expected of all third graders to meet these requirements.  Parents will also receive information on the Third Grade Reading Gate Summative Assessment at this meeting.

WCSD Technology PD Day August 3, 2015 (Morning)

2015-2016 District Calendar

Dear Parents or Guardians,

 Our School District recently had a state audit through the Office of the State Auditor. One of the resulting requirements of this audit is that beginning the 2015-2016 school year all parents or guardians in the Wayne County School District must provide two current proofs of residency at the time of student registration each year regardless of whether or not parents or guardians have lived in the same residence for previous years. Click here for more info

In a recent meeting of the Wayne County School Board, teachers who were selected as Teacher of the Year from district schools were recognized for their accomplishment.  These teachers were chosen by the faculty and staff of each school to represent them in the selection of the Wayne County School District Teacher of the Year. Each nominee completed an extensive application in which his/her educational history, professional biography, community involvement, and the philosophy of education were detailed.  

Robert (Bubba) Hathorn was recently honored by the WCSD School Board for being selected as the WCSD Administrator of the Year.  Mr. Hathorn is assistant principal at Wayne County High School.  He was selected from a group of nominees based on his educational philosophy, his ability to inspire teachers, and his contributions to the Wayne County community.  According to one of his colleagues, Mr. Hathorn exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional administrator by treating students and teachers with compassion, dignity, and respect.  He also shows a great commitment to making Wayne County High School successful in educating our youth.  

Mr. Hathorn has 27 years of total educational experience with 12 of those being in administration.  He is married to Cassie Hathorn, and they have one daughter, Taylor.

Doll Swindle was recognized at a recent school board meeting for being selected as the Wayne County School District Parent of the Year.  She was nominated by the faculty and staff of Waynesboro Middle School.  Mrs. Swindle was then selected as the WCSD Parent of the Year from a group of parents nominated by district schools.  She was chosen on the basis of her support and contributions to her children’s schools.  Mrs. Swindle is married to Christopher Swindle.  They have 3 daughters, Christian (Waynesboro Middle School), Gracie (Waynesboro Elementary School), and Trinity (Bridgeway Preschool).

Stephanie Hodo was recently honored at a Wayne County School Board meeting for being selected as Wayne County’s Teacher of the Year.  Mrs. Hodo was chosen on the basis of her ability to inspire students, her leadership capabilities, and her contributions to the school and community.  

Mrs. Hodo has taught English II at Wayne County High School for 10 years. She is married to Alan Hodo, and they have two sons, David and Will.   

The Wayne County High School baseball and softball teams will be hosting reunions for all former War Eagle players this month. 

The Lady War Eagles will host their reunion night on Friday, March 27, at 6 p.m. against Petal. The baseball guys will get together the next afternoon on Saturday, March 28, at  2 p.m. before the baseball team hosts Greene County. 

There will be a signup tent welcoming back all former players and coaches at each game. Former players and coaches are urged to contact their past teammates. For more information, contact Zack Bost or Dale McKee at the high school (601-735-2851). 

Several hundred parents and students attended a Wayne County High School 8th Grade Parent/Student Night last week at War Eagle Gym.  Parents were welcomed by ninth grade Principal Eric Smith who gave a short talk on the high school’s 9th grade Academy setup along with attendance and behavior requirements expected of all WCHS students. Supervising Principal of the High School Dr. Cathy Davis went over the graduation requirements that are mandated by the state department of education and the WCSD. Counselor Anna Mills went over the high school’s vast curriculum and freshman class offerings. She also went over iCAPs for each student’s individual success along with pathways to graduation. Colonel Alfred Donald spoke about the JRTOC program and its success rate. Wayne County head football coach Todd Mangum went over all the numerous sports and extracurricular activities offered at the high school. Mangum who is also associate Athletic Director also spoke on NCAA Eligibility Requirements expected of the 2019 graduates. For more information contact Anna Mills at 601-735-2851.

After waiting for over two years, the faculty, staff, students and the Community of Clara opened the doors of the new Clara School.  The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony took place February 2, 2015 as member of the Wayne County Board of Education, Superintendent of Education Ben Graves along with many community leaders, elected officials, faculty members, staff, students, parents and former students and teachers looked on.  The Rev. Jesse Long opened the ceremonies with prayer followed by Principal Donna Hopkins who welcomed everyone and read a letter from the First Lady of Mississippi, Deborah Bryant.  Ben Graves and Robert Dean also spoke and thanked everyone for their patience and support over the last two years to make this day possible.  An Open House was held after the ceremony as hundreds toured the new Clara School.  Click on "Read More" to view the First Lady's Letter.

Some of the WCSD Kindergarten and third grade teachers had the opportunity to participate in Literacy Essentials for the Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training on October 30-31, 2014on the campus of USM.  LETRS training is offered to every K-3 teacher in Mississippi by the Mississippi Department of Education to ensure that all teachers are high quality literacy educators.  LETRS provides the deep foundational knowledge necessary to understand how students learn to read, write, and spell—and why some of them struggle.  Throughout the course of this year, WCSD is allowing all K-3 teachers to attend this training.

Please see the following letter from the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Compulsory School Attendance concerning the importance of school attendance for children. 

Attendance Guide for Parents

The WCSD School Board presented Carmen Heathcock with the Parent of the Year Award for the 2013-2014 school year at the board meeting on April 7, 2014.  Carmen Heathcok is married to Kirby Heathcock.  They have two children, Kirby Lishman and Carolina.  Carmen has been very active in the school system for several years.  She is very active in the WES PTO where she has served as treasurer and president.  Since her son is now at Waynesboro Middle School, she is involved with those activities as well. Dr. Herring presented Carmen's accolades and achievements to the board and other members of the community that were in attendance at the board meeting.  

MDE is offering a discount on Weight Watchers for Teachers and School Employees. Click Here for the Flyer or contact Tina Harrison at Federal Programs.

The WCHS band represented Wayne County High School and Wayne County with an outstanding performance at the MHSAA State Marching Contest at East Mississippi Community College in Scoob on Saturday, October 12^th.

The Band received the highest rating of All-Superior and was one of only 12 5A Bands in the state to do so.  This was also the 8^th year in a row for the Band to earn All-Superior Rating.

The Band is scheduled to complete at the West Harrison Classic in Gulfport on Saturday the 19^th and the Deep South Marching Championship on October 26^th at Theodore High School in Theodore, Ala.

The new War Eagle Stadium PressBox gets lifted and placed.

Click the link for more images.

 Local schools report many accomplishments from the current school year as school closes out.  Click on the title to read more.

 On Monday, April 29, at 6:00 P.M. in the Clara School Cafeteria there will be a Community Meeting concerning the new construction that will begin soon.  Joey Henderson of the JPHM Architectural Firm will be at the meeting to discuss plans for the rebuilding of Clara School.  Clara community members are encouraged to attend this meeting to give their input and to ask questions and to hear the latest information about the status of the new construction.  Donna Hopkins, principal at Clara School, will conduct this meeting.

The Wayne County School District is partnering with the Mississippi Head Start Program to begin a Head Start Pre-K Blended Program at Waynesboro Elementary School and Buckatunna Elementary School.  These classes will be held on those campuses for Head Start eligible children age 4.  The certified teachers will be Wayne County School District employees and will adhere to both Wayne County School District policies and Mississippi Head Start guidelines and procedures including the Head Start curriculum.  The applications and position announcements may be found under Quick Links>Employment Opportunities on the Wayne County School District homepage.

      Click Here

At the school board meeting on Monday, March 4, Donna Hopkins, supervising principal at Clara School, was recognized as Administrator of the Year in the Wayne County School District.  Miss Hopkins' name has also been submitted for consideration as State Administrator of the Year.

At the school board meeting on Thursday, February 28, each school board member and the school board attorney were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his or her service to the Wayne County School District. These certificates were presented in conjunction with School Board Member Recognition Week.

JBHM Architectural Firm (the firm that will be doing the Clara School Reconstruction) is currently in consultation with the insurance company that represents our school district to consider all necessary codes and regulations and upgrades in order to arrive at an acceptable dollar amount for this reconstruction project.  Once all necessary information has been submitted and evaluated and a dollar amount agreed upon then JBHM Architects will proceed with formulating a specific plan for reconstruction based upon recommendations and involvement from school leaders, the school board, and the community.  I appreciate the patience of all concerned as this project moves forward.

School Board Member Recognition Week is set in Mississippi for February 17-23.  During this week and this month different activities have been planned to recognize our school board members and all that they do in their service in the Wayne County School District.  We do appreciate very much District 5 Board Member and President Terry Graham, District 4 Board Member Al Smith, District 3 Board Member George Alsworth, District 2 Board Member Fred Andrews,  District 1 Board Member Leah Parson, Board Attorney Marcus Evans, and Board Clerk Sheila Brewer.

William Gaines, Jr., signed a basketball scholarship with Jones County Junior College. Gaines is a 6-foot-4 swingman that played in the Mississippi High School Coaches Association All-Star basketball game this past summer. Gaines follows his father to JCJC. David Gaines played at JCJC during the 1985-86 season. Pictured with William is his family and coaches Kendrick Davis and John Stafford.

Long time school educator Alvin Smith was recently elected to the Mississippi School Board School Association as a member of their twelve-person board. Smith has been the representative since 2013 on the Wayne County School District School Board representing Beat Four.

Tickets will go on sale at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Wayne County High School. Tickets are $12.00 each. Wayne County encourages football fans to buy tickets from the school. For more information call 601-735-2851.  Fans may also purchase a seat on a school bus to travel to the game.  Seats are $10, and the buses will leave WCHS at 11AM Saturday.  See Mrs. Stokley in the front office to reserve your seat.  

 I, along with the staff of the the Superintendent's Office, would like to wish parents, teachers, students, all school employees, and all people of the community a very merry Christmas and a very blessed new year.  Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season!

The Wayne County School District has reviewed the performance captured on the State Performance captured the State Performance Plan (SPP)/Annual Performance Report (APR) for the Federal Fiscal Year 2012 as published in May 2014 (see attached SPP/APR District Performance Report, FFY 2012 (School Year 2012-2013)). Upon a careful review of the published data, areas have been identified of success and areas of need in the various results and compliance indicators. Click the link for more info.

Mr. Ben Graves, Superintendent of the Wayne County School District, presented each WCSD School Board member and the School Board Attorney with a certificate of appreciation in honor of School Board Appreciation Month. 

WCHS LipDub

The Wayne County Culinary Arts students competed in the Family, Career, Community Leaders of America Competition on March 2nd-4th. The students competed in several events and attended leadership classes while at the competition. The students brought home the following awards:

Montana Loper -1st place in cake decorating

Tyson Spencer -3rd place in restaurant service

Jadazia Land -short order

Barbara Harris, Kobresha Clarke, Breanna Taylor -2nd place in the Culinary Arts STAR event.

Congratulations students!

With a win of 55-27 over Laurel, the Wayne County War Eagles claim the South State Championship.  The War Eagles will travel to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on  December 5 to play Oxford in the
5A State Championship. 

The WCSD Parent Center is a resource center for families and schools provided by the Wayne County School District.  The main purpose of this resource center is to provide skills, resources, and knowledge that will enable families to support the student in his education. 

Ashley Phillips, a former instructor at Wayne County High School, returned to the campus last week to conduct a Common Core and SATP Training session for seventh through twelfth grade math teachers in the school district. Phillips covered various topics related to Common Core and SATP, and approximately 25 teachers were in attendance for the program.

Strategic Plan Survey

The Wayne County School District is requesting that all parents, students, faculty and staff respond to the Wayne County Strategic Plan survey concerning the school(s) with which you and your child(ren) are associated.  The data collection will provide information needed in the development of a strategic plan to better serve the students of Wayne County.  The purpose of the survey is to obtain individual opinions of our local schools.  The questionnaire will ask your opinion concerning personnel, finances, facilities, and curriculum and instruction.   Data and information will be collected from students, teachers, parents, support staff members, school and district administrators, and business and community leaders. This data will be analyzed to determine needs and opinions of all stakeholders of the Wayne County School District.  This information will be presented to the Wayne County School District Administration and the Wayne County School Board to assist in the development of a strategic plan for the Wayne County School District.  The link to the survey can be found here.  

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2G2PC3R

Wayne County Lady War Eagles slow-pitch softball honored their four seniors recently at their annual awards banquet. Pictured are (l-r) Hali Harvey, Mollie Singleterry, Haley Clark and Chantice Watts.

In 2012, Teacher Academy was added to the curriculum at Wayne County Career and Technical Center to try and recruit high school students into the field of education.  As part of this program, and through our state organization Educator’s Rising, our students are given the opportunity to compete at a state level, and advance to national competition if they place at state.  This year, for the first time, three students from Wayne County Career and Technical Center placed on the state level.  We had a first place winner in Children’s Literature, Tamia Eiland; a third place winner in Science Lesson Plan and Delivery, Laken Freeman; and a fourth place winner in Social Studies Lesson Plan and Delivery, Ashton Bailey.  The students’ excitement could barely be contained when winners were announced.  Each of the young ladies who placed, qualified to advance on to the national competition which will be held in Boston, Massachusetts, in June.  “This is an accomplishment that we are proud to announce,” stated Instructor Tonda Farrior.  

On September 23, the Wayne County School District held their annual Community Night.   This year was a real success with 43 vendors and several community members and parents in attendance.  The Wayne County School District would like to thank each vendor for the door prizes they donated.  We would also like to thank Mrs. Sara Waller and her culinary students for providing the refreshments for this event.  Everything was decorated and beautiful and we look forward to making this event even bigger next year.  

Food Play brought a message of healthy eating to all K-2 students in the Wayne County School District recently. The Massachusetts owned company was sponsored by the Wayne County Office of Child Nutrition. They performed skits that featured both healthy eating and life style habits. Jackie Henry is the director of the WCSD Office of Child Nutrition.

The Skills USA classes from the Wayne County Career and Technical Education Center competed at the state level March 1-2.  The classes that represented the career center were Construction, Information Technology, Law & Public Safety, and Welding.  The following students competed and/or observed.  The first place winners will now advance to national competition in Louisville, Kentucky.

 The Wayne County School District has received an environmental stewardship award from Cenergistic, Inc., for saving enough energy in 13 months to effectively plant more then 24,730 trees and to take 135 cars off the road.  This Award recognizes our District's efforts, under the leadership of Mr. Prince Staten, the Energy Specialist for our district, to implement an innovative organizational behavior-based energy conservation and management program.  Mr. Staten works hard to motivate everyone in our district to use energy wisely, keep classrooms comfortable, and practice smart energy strategies.  Congratulations to Mr. Prince Staten and to the Wayne County School District on this award.

Wayne County senior Jadona Davis signed a basketball scholarship with Middle Tennessee on November 11. Pictured are (front row, l-r) her sister Ja’Da Davis, Jadona, and her mother, Robin, (back row, l-r) Head Coach Gina Skelton and Assistant Coach Danielle Haney.

Students and teachers at Waynesboro Elementary School recognized the month of February as Black History month.  The student body joined third and fourth grade students as dialogue of successful African Americans was recited.

Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month, is observed annually during the month of February in the United States and Canada.  The schools of Wayne County are encouraged to join in this annual observance through education, recognition, and celebration.

Wayne County High School observed Veterans Day on November 11. The guest speaker was Mississippi State Senator Dennis DeBar of Leakesville. DeBar also holds the rank of Lt. Col. in the Mississippi Air Guard.  Pictured are (l-r)- Eric Smith (Principal), Colonel Alfred Donald (ROTC), Robert Hathorn (Supervising Principal), DeBar, Pam Cleary (WC Veterans Office), Carrie Turbyfill (Principal) and Bobby Jones (Wayne County Superintendent of Education).

Tina Harrison Wayne County Administrator of the Year. Click below to see all of the nominations and winners.

Wayne County School District Superintendent Bobby Jones and nationally recognized motivational speaker Riney Jordan of Hamilton, Texas, shown after Jordan recently presented a two-hour program to the Wayne County School District employees. Jordan shared stories with staff and incorporated humor with a serious message to the teachers. “I believe to establish a caring and heartfelt relationship with your students is so important. Teaching is a gift, and for students to learn, they must know we care about them,” stated Jordan.