Kosciusko is No. 1, again!
For the second consecutive year Kosciusko kindergarten has ranked top in the state in the readiness assessment.
“We have a group of teachers that work closely together and do not compete with one another,” principal Michelle Nowell said. “We have that right mix of teachers that work so well together and build off each others’ strong points. Each one brings something to the table and they all share so that every child benefits.”
Kosciusko Lower Elementary narrowly edged other districts with a 769 average score. Union, Stone County, Enterprise, Clinton, Pearl River County, Franklin County, Pearl, Jackson County and Union County rounded out the top 10 districts. The school ranked eighth among elementary schools across the state.
“The Kosciusko Lower Elementary faculty and principal work diligently to prepare a solid early reading foundation for their students,” Kosy superintendent Gina Smith said. “They review the data after each benchmark assessment throughout the year to determine which standards need to be retaught for the students to have mastery. They also provide a loving, nurturing environment that promotes high expectations and encourages the students to be academically successful. Due to the preparation of instruction, test anxiety is not evident in this building; only the love of learning is exhibited."
The district was also second in the state in score gains between the fall and spring tests with a 266 point increase.
“If it were not for the community support, we would not be able to do this,” Nowell added. “If the teachers ask for it, I try to find a way to get it.”
The goal for early education is to install a stable foundation and build upon it,” Nowell said. “These kids are already ready for a great education path.”
Attala County School District posted a 716 average score on the spring test with a 205 point gain from the fall test. Greenlee Elementary had a 756 point average, while Long Creek Elementary had a 673 point average.
The statewide assessment also showed significant gains with approximately 38,000 kindergarteners from 142 districts taking the STAR Early Literacy exam. The average score for the spring test was 703, a 23 point jump from last year.
