School news from Marion County Public Schools
175 Years And Growing
At 175 years young, Marion County celebrated its milestone birthday with help from our school district. Marion County Public Schools set up a tent showcasing local artifacts and tools from the late 1800s. The “pioneer school” setting featured East Marion Elementary students and teachers in costume and involved classroom tours and games. The district also displayed a mobile version of Marion County’s Black History Museum for attendees to enjoy.
Sending Wishes From Afar
Cadets in North Marion High’s JROTC program created 100 original birthday cards to send to Emil Valentine, a World War II veteran in New York. Valentine told media all he wanted for his centennial celebration was 100 birthday cards. No doubt he received those and thousands more from students and schools across the nation. Students at other schools, including Emerald Shores and Fort McCoy, also sent birthday greetings.
Superintendent’s Literacy Festival
“Travelling Through Time” was the theme of this year’s Superintendent’s Literacy Festival. Hundreds of youngsters, their parents and school employees enjoyed a beautiful Saturday morning at Citizens’ Circle bringing books and characters to life. From dinosaurs to fairy tales, kids of all ages celebrated reading for enjoyment.
All For The Babies
Honor Society members from Dr. NH Jones Elementary took part in the March of Dimes walk and raised $2,571 in the process, far beyond their $300 goal! They definitely proved they are #MCPSstrong in helping premature babies in our community. Thanks to team captain Kimberly Dunn and Jessica Larroque for guiding these young donors in their quest to help others.
Pinwheels For Peace
Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks’ campus was spinning with peace thanks to hundreds of pinwheels urging us all to remember the Holocaust and never allow it to happen again. Students created the pinwheels by hand then planted them around campus for everyone to see—from the carline to the flagpole, front walk to the center courtyard. The student exercise also fostered more in-depth discussions at higher grade levels about the Holocaust.
Top Reader Over Spring Break
While some students stayed away from books over spring break, Riley Coyle, a third-grader at Emerald Shores Elementary, read 2,556 minutes online—over 42-hours and enough to make him the winner of the March Madness Reading Challenge. For his efforts, Riley walked away with a new basketball, Michael Jordon biography, $75 in gift cards and bragging rights across the entire county!
