Chickasaw students headed back to school Wednesday with a slate of new programs spanning every grade level, from pre-K through high school, along with major additions to the district’s physical campus.
Superintendent David Wofford said the district’s goal across all its new offerings is preparing students for life after graduation.
College Readiness and Career Skills
At Chickasaw Middle and High School, Principal Arnold Cox said the emphasis this year is on advanced course options, including dual enrollment with Bishop State Community College, the A-Plus College Ready curriculum and International Baccalaureate programs. The school is also rolling out career-inspired electives, among them a program called Life Changers in which students use 3D printers to produce prosthetic limbs on campus for amputees in developing countries.
Younger students have new initiatives of their own. Elementary principal Christy Amick said the school is bringing in a character education speaker to help set values-focused themes for the year. The pre-K program’s “crayons to careers” approach introduces children to different professions early through play-based learning, according to program director Jodie McPherson.
Campus Growth
The district is also expanding its facilities. The former John Dotson Park site has become the school system’s first football stadium, and construction is underway on a 12-classroom elementary wing.
The first bell rang Wednesday at 7:45 a.m. for elementary students and 7:25 a.m. for middle and high schoolers.