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Students meet AR challenge, enjoy 'Popcorn Bar'

The "20 books in 20 days" challenge at Holly Springs Primary School was successful. “We had over 100 students to meet their end of year district literacy requirement, and some have exceeded with reading almost 100 books,” said principal Casshaunda Davis. Students in each grade have already met their 20 books EOY goals. Twenty books in 20 days is the school’s Accelerated Reader challenge with students having to read their assigned grade leveled books and pass their AR tests. AR testing is to only be completed during school hours with the classroom teacher, she said, as this ensures integrity is maintained. Each student was pinned and received access to the “Popcorn Bar” with all the toppings. “The students were proud of themselves and that's what matters most,” Davis said. “They're so proud to wear their pins.”

Principal speaks to Rotarians

Casshaunda Davis, principal of Holly Springs Primary School, was the guest speaker for the Holly Springs Rotary Club meeting on January 15. She said the mission at the school is to extend a helping hand to all children and encourage them to do their best every day. She said Holly Springs Primary School educators, administrators and staff want to make a difference in the lives of their students. “We want to give confidence and lay a strong foundation for each student to build upon,” Davis said. “When we see lightbulbs go off as they learn new things, it keeps us motivated.” For the school year 2023-24, both Holly Springs Primary School and Holly Springs School District as a whole achieved A-Ratings for the first time in history. “It’s a team effort in the entire school district,” she said. “We want to meet the needs of all students who enter our doors. We’re unified.” Davis said the goal is to be an “A school” for many years to come. “It’s a mindset,” she said, “and we believe we can do it.”

Advanced achievers

Holly Springs Primary School Principal Casshaunda Davis lived up to her promise. On Thursday, Oct. 24, she presented cash awards to third grade students from the 2023-2024 school year who scored advanced on state tests. The students, now fourth graders at Holly Springs Intermediate School, are (from left) Jakahari Johnson, $200 (reading and math); Abel Davis, $100 (reading); Jasleigh Brisco, $100 (reading); Octavis Bowen, $100 (reading); Peyton Thomas, $100 (reading); Sarenity Scales, $100 (reading); Alyssa Manning, $100 (reading); Traliyah Kirkwood, $200 (reading and math); and Andre Rankins, $200 (reading and math). Principal Davis challenged all students to take the state tests seriously, give their all and perform their best. “The fourth graders didn’t let me forget about the challenge I made to them,” she said. “When they saw me, they always reminded me.”

Lessons on gardening

The Mississippi Roses (MS) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated conducted a gardening activity with third grade ambassadors at Holly Springs Primary School on Thursday, Sept. 26, as part of the Ambassadors for Health program. The Mississippi Roses partnered with the Mississippi State University Extension Office in Marshall County and Chulahoma’s Garden. Tony and Delorise Jones, with Chulahoma’s Garden, presented lessons on gardening and the importance of healthy eating and living. “Growing your own food is healthier,” Delorise Jones said. “It helps to keep your body strong.” Students were given milk cartons, potting soil and lettuce seeds, and they received guidance and assistance with planting their own individual gardens. They will also help take care of their gardens as the plants grow. Lemon Phelps, Extension agent, helped with the project. Members of the Mississippi Roses assisting were Cynthia Cole, Eileen Dowsing and Irene Walton Turnage. The Ambassadors for Health Program is a Childhood Obesity Prevention Program that promotes healthy activities and empowers students to become ambassadors for living healthy lifestyles.

Pre-K End of the Year Program

Holly Springs Primary School held its Pre-K End of the Year Program on Tuesday, May 21. Pre-K teacher is Mrs. Campbell, and teacher assistant is Ms. McGraw. The theme for this year was “Making Small Miracles a Great Success.” The program included the Pledge of Allegiance, a poem, songs, presentation of certificates, and special recognition awards. Mrs. Campbell, Ms. McGraw and Principal Davis thanked the parents for their support and encouraged them to continue to support their children as they move on up.

Kindergarten graduation 2024

Holly Springs Primary School held its 2024 Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony on Friday, May 17. Sixty-nine children were awarded certificates and promoted to first grade for the next school year. Each of the three classes entertained with a song – Mrs. Anderson’s and Mrs. Moore’s class, Ms. Brooks’ and Ms. Aldridge’s class, and Mrs. Martin’s and Ms. Washington’s class. Special class awards were presented, and students who excelled on the state kindergarten assessments were recognized. Principal Casshaunda Davis congratulated all the graduates on their achievements and thanked parents for their support.

Spring gardens

The Mississippi Roses (MS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated planted spring gardens with second grade students at Holly Springs Primary School. The spring garden planting is part of the third Ambassadors for Health program completed by the organization. Two five-year programs were completed in the past where the organization worked with the same group of students monthly from second through sixth grade. Students planted vegetables in the raised beds and will monitor and harvest the vegetables in the future. To leverage community resources, the Mississippi Roses partnered with Mississippi State University Extension Office in Marshall County and Chulahoma’s Garden. Donating plants, their time, and expertise were the owners of Chulahoma’s Garden, Tony and Delorise Jones. The Ambassadors of Health is a Childhood Obesity Prevention Program that promotes healthy activities and empowers students to become ambassadors for living healthy lifestyles. Members of the Mississippi Roses present for the spring planting were Fannie Lampley, Wanda Pegues, Tiffani Garrett, Sandra McCarty, Irene Walton Turnage, and Eileen Dowsing.

Celebrating academic achievement

On Friday, March 22, Holly Springs Primary School rewarded students who met their class growth goals on their STAR tests for Pre-K thru second grade, and in third grade those students who met their Proficient and Pass goals on their Performance Matters tests. This time, HSPS wanted to reward students for growth in both Reading and Math to ensure student performance reflects them being on grade level in both areas because both areas are equally important. Students had a “Pizza Party in the Park” with bouncers and an obstacle course to celebrate their academic achievement. “We believe in rewarding our students for their efforts because they’ve worked hard to deserve the fun,” principal Casshaunda Davis said.

Reward for outstanding behavior

Ms. Tatum Brown, a second grade teacher at Holly Springs Primary School, treated her students to a picnic March 21 as a special reward for their outstanding behavior. “We had such a blast enjoying the sunshine and delicious snacks together,” Ms. Brown said. “They were so excited to choose their reward beforehand - and they chose wisely. They've been working hard to fill up their star jar, and today, they reached their goal.” Now, they're all set to enjoy their class incentive. “I am so proud of my students' dedication and good behavior,” she said. “Here's to many more fun adventures together in the classroom.”

Black History Program

Holly Springs Primary School held its Black History Program on Thursday, Feb. 29. Songs performed, under the direction of music teacher Deandra Jones, included “Kumbaya, My Lord” by Pre-K students; “We Are the World” by kindergarten students; “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” by first graders; “I’ll Rise Up” by second grade girls; “Man in the Mirror” by second grade boys; and “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around” and “Wade in the Water” by third grade students.

1. To sign into the Chromebook:

Login -Your child's first name initial, last name initial, lunch number (ex. js123456)
Password -The date your child was born (not the month and year)+ lunch number (ex. 05123456)

2. From the school website's home page (this is where you are right now), click the staff circle icon located below.

3. Locate your child's teacher's name and click the box with the arrow after the teacher's name. This will take you to the teacher's page.

4. Click the link that directs you to join the Google meeting (google meet link).

5. Click the microphone icon at the bottom to be placed on mute. All students should mute before joining class. Students may unmute to ask a question or type the question in the chat box.

Five (5) Helpful Hints for Parents

1. The hotspot from most phones can be used for internet access. Please check the impact it will have on your data package.

2. Parents should call the phone or internet carrier in their areas and see if carriers will give the temporary internet access or internet access at a lowered price to allow students to complete their work.

3 . Family Members may have internet packages that can be used with permission. Please check impact it will have on data package.

4. Parents and Students may use their personal laptops to access assigned school programs if the laptop has internet access.

5. Some community businesses may have free hotspots that allow the public to access their internet at no cost.

Monthly teacher, staff and parent recognition

We "Crushed" our first month of school!

"A Good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning"- Brad Henry Love

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Library Link

http://primary.hssdk12.org/library