McWillie News - McWillie Elementary School

JPS Celebrates the Partnerships That Power Our Schools

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.

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Celebrating the Power and Legacy of Black Literature During Black History Month

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.

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Scholars Talents Shine at the JPS 2026 STEAM Expo and District Science & Arts Fair

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

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1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Three young scholars have made progress toward their goal of reading 1000 Books Before Kindergarten! We celebrate their families' commitment to early literacy.

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Black History Month 2026: Celebrating Our Black History

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.

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Continuing Our Commitment to Nutritious Meals: Adult Meal Price Update

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.

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McWillie Opens New STEM Lab

On Wednesday, January 21st, McWillie Elementary held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the school's new STEM Lab.

JPS Scholars Take Top Honors at Hinds County Spelling Bee

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.

Scholastic and the Council of the Great City Schools Select JPS as 2025-2026 Richard M. Robinson Literacy Champion

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

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Amanda Thomas Named New Principal of Key Elementary

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

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Madison Upendo Selected as W.K. Kellogg Foundation Fellow

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.

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Ask for More Jackson Honors JPS 2025 Outstanding Educators

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

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JPS Expands Supper Meal Program to Support Families in Need

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.

District Awarded $4.9 Million EPA Grant to Electrify School Bus Fleet

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.

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JPS Holds C Rating While Looking Ahead to Increased Performance

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