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Pascagoula-Gautier School District Strategic Planning Overview
Table of Contents Secondary Academics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Elementary Academics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Fine Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Performing Arts Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Workforce Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Whole Child Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Cultural Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Child Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Student-Staff Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Special Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Secondary Special Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Jackson Co. Exceptional School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Law Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The Opportunity Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 J.C. Juvenile Detention Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 English Language Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Federal Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Early Childhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Adult Learning Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Pascagoula-Gautier School District Secondary Academics Accountability
Secondary schools currently have three B-rated schools and one C-rated school. This year, Gautier High School had a graduation rate of 92.4%, which was the highest in Jackson County. Secondary has maintained an average of 86.8 % graduation rate during the past five years.
The PGSD secondary mission is to create schools where we are "Making OUR kids' lives better today, tomorrow and always." This is done by offering a variety of courses to meet all students' needs. The district has classes that introduce our students to careers and college opportunities and grows them as future leaders.
Teacher Growth The PGSD secondary is in the process of creating training and enhancements that will grow our teachers to meet the needs of our students. Teachers meet together as subject area four times per year at the Center for Teaching and Learning. These meetings update teachers on content by subject, new technology, assessments, strategies to use in the classroom and other areas that teachers have requested. Fall and spring professional development trainings are offered to teachers through a menu. Teachers may select the area that interests them. These pieces of training give teachers multiple opportunities to grow and meet the district requirement for PD. Secondary teachers monitor student progress through Case 21 academic benchmarks and meet weekly to adjust teaching to meet individual student needs throughout the year.
Also, the district has sheltered classes for our English Language Learners, dual credit courses and AP courses for college credits, career technical classes, and Collegiate Academy which allows students to graduate with an associate's degree and a high school diploma. Second, the District focuses on raising the academic performance of English, Math, History, Science, ACT WorkKeys, and the ACT. Finally, the District creates rich, extracurricular activities such as band, arts, clubs and sports to give our students experiences that will grow them socially and emotionally. Our heart is that all our students will find a place to belong.
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Secondary Schools Facilities There are six secondary campuses in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District - two middle schools, Gautier Middle and Colmer Middle; two high schools, Pascagoula High and Gautier High; one technical center, College and Career Technical Institute (CCTI) and the PGSD Opportunity Center. PGSD continually upgrades facilities as needed. Many have had additions as well.
Gautier High School
Colmer Middle School
Pascagoula High School Gautier Middle School
College & Career Technical Institute
Opportunity Center 2
Pascagoula-Gautier School District Elementary/Academics Accountability
Elementary Accountability has steadily increased over the years. Elementary schools currently have seven A-rated schools, four Brated schools, and one C-rated school. Three schools, Beach, Lake and Central, were in the top 15 elementary schools in the State. Five schools, Beach, Lake, Central, Arlington, and Cherokee, were in the top 75 elementary schools in the State. PGSD has consistently had a >95% pass/exemption rate for the Third >Grade Reading Gate. Third graders must pass the third grade reading test with a score of three or better. This year (COVID-19), PGSD had 68% of students pass the Reading Gate on the first and only attempt. Students in kindergarten are required to take the MKAS. Consistently, kindergarten is showing more than 200 points growth on MKAS. Third through sixth graders are required to take the MAAP in reading and math. Additionally, 5th graders are required to take the MAAP in science.
Teacher Growth Elementary is in a constant state of training and enhancements. Teachers meet together as a grade level group four times per year at the Center for Teaching and Learning with curriculum specialists. These meetings update teachers on content by subject, new technology, assessments, strategies to use in the classroom and any other areas that teachers have requested. Fall and spring professional development trainings are offered to teachers through a menu. Teachers may select the area that interests them. These trainings give teachers multiple opportunities to grow and meet the district requirement for PD. Assistant teachers have training in the fall and spring. Fall AT training is by grade level to give them any curriculum updates and/or technology training. Spring AT training is through a menu to allow the assistant teachers to choose the area that interests them and their growth. Curriculum Associates provides training throughout the year to keep teachers up to date on iReady and iReady materials used in the classroom.
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Elementary/Academics Facilities
There are 12 elementary campuses in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District. Two campuses are on the historic register, Gautier Elementary and Trent Lott Academy. The campuses range in age from 21 years to 84 years old. PGSD continually upgrades facilities as needed. Many have had additions as well.
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Fine Arts
Stunning Visual Art Programs Across the district, visual arts are a centerpiece for introducing students into fine arts programs. Through elementary, academy, middle school and high school art programs, a consistent curricular and developmental model leads to students who create and appreciate art for a lifetime.
Superior Music Programs The PGSD has a long tradition of successful music programs at each school across the district. Starting with elementary music at each K-4th grade school, students can progress either to beginning band at Trent Lott Academy and Singing River Academy, or join the choirs at Colmer Middle School or Gautier Middle School. With either path the students choose, they are guaranteed an excellent music education that continues through Pascagoula and Gautier High Schools. Each year, PGSD band and choir programs send multiple students to district and state-level honor bands and choirs and also produce thousands of dollars in scholarships for our students who participate in music programs at the college or university level.
Vibrant Theatre Programs At Pascagoula and Gautier High Schools, students are immersed in a full range of theatre education, from developing skills in acting to production. Theatre students compete in a variety of outlets, including the Mississippi Theatre Association's Annual Statewide Festival, winning various awards, including awards for Best Actress, AllStar Cast, Best Fight Choreography, and Solo and Group Musical Performances.
F O R M O R E INFORMATION, V I S I T www.pgsd.ms 5
Performing Arts Center: World Class in 2021 & Beyond World Class Student Experiences
World Class Community Outreach The Pascagoula High School Performing Arts Center welcomes community organizations to utilize our facility to enhance their communications and marketing and to deepen organizational partnerships with the PGSD.
Even in the age of COVID-19, the Pascagoula-Gautier School District has created safe and innovative ways for students in the district to continue participating in world-class experiences.
In 2020-2021, the PAC hosted incredibly successful community events from organizations such as the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Pascagoula, Merchants and Marine Bank, United Way for Jackson and George Counties, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi, Mississippi Public Service Commission and more.
In the state-of-the-art Pascagoula High School Performing Arts Center, the district has held multiple PGSD band concerts, theatre programs and choir concerts, all socially distanced with masks required. The PAC also hosted a PGSD Band Festival with judges from Auburn University and the University of Southern Mississippi. Utilizing our state-of-the-art live streaming system, many of these events have been broadcast live on YouTube with multiple camera angles and crystal-clear audio. In the 2021-2022 school year, select students from Pascagoula and Gautier High Schools will serve as interns at the PAC, receiving extensive hands-on training for exciting careers in stage production.
World Class Local Performances In November of 2020, the Melange Dance Company of Pascagoula performed The Nutcracker to a socially distanced, but incredibly appreciative audience. Also, in December of 2020, Donna's Dance Company of Ocean Springs performed A Christmas Carol, capping off an incredible holiday season! In 2021, Mississippi Public Broadcasting hosted the state finals for Mississippi Poetry Out Loud, and The Studio of Dance and Gymnastics performed the first full-capacity event in the history of the PAC during its spring recital in May. For 2022, one of the first performances of the year will be a Classical Concert, performed by the renowned Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Dr. Peter Rubardt. This performance will be the start of a long-term partnership between the school district and the GCSO!
FOR M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N
In late 2021 and into 2022, the district expects to continue to develop these community partnerships, with agreements in place with Chevron of Pascagoula and Singing River Hospital System and discussions ongoing with Ingalls Shipbuilding. Other ongoing partnerships facilitated through the PAC are in process to improve Internet bandwidth across the community and to help steer public policy. Additionally, the district has partnered with the Mississippi Humanities Council, in conjunction with the Mayor's Office of Pascagoula and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, to bring the Smithsonian Institution exhibit Voices and Votes: Democracy in America to the PAC through August and September of 2022. As part of this exhibit, multiple community outreach programs focused on voting will be developed and shared with the district and the community.
World Class District Support
The Pascagoula-Gautier School District has committed to providing our district organizations and our community partners with the best technology, resources, equipment and facilities to ensure that world class fine arts are a part of the fabric of a revitalized future of the cities of Pascagoula and Gautier. The Pascagoula High School Performing Arts Center is both a result of this commitment and a tool for executing this commitment in the future. We invite you to contact us and schedule a visit as we share this crowning achievement with the community!
OR TO BOOK YOUR EVENT, PLEASE
V I S I T www.paspac.ms
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Performing Arts Center: World Class in 2021 and Beyond
Address by Lieutentant Governor Delbert Hosemann, Nov. 2020
The Nutcracker - Melange Dance Company, Nov. 2020
Spring Concert - Gautier High School Band, May 2021
Wonderland! - Pascagoula High School Theatre, November 2020
Tangled! - Donna's Visual and Performing Arts Centre, May. 2021
FOR M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N , O R T O B O O K Y O U R E V E N T , P L E A S E V I S I T www.paspac.ms 7
Pascagoula-Gautier School District Athletics The Pascagoula-Gautier School District Athletic Department consists of one Athletic Director, one Athletic Coordinator and an Athletic Coordinator at each secondary school. The district has 22 varsity sports teams at each high school and 10 sports teams at our two middle schools. StudentAthletes in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District continually set the bar academically by achieving Scholar Athlete status through the MHSAA Scholar Athlete Program year after year. Each of our 22 varsity teams at each high school has achieved scholar-athlete team recognition from the MHSAA, a 3.0 team GPA for the past number of years.
Our athletic teams compete for Division, South-State and State Championships on a yearly basis. Over the last five years, we have also added more assistant coaches to our secondary sports and middle school sports. We have consistently improved athletic facilities at Gautier High School and Pascagoula High School over the last five years. Some of our improvements include artificial turf at both high school stadiums, new baseball and softball dugouts at both high schools, new scoreboards and a new message center in front of the new ticket booth at Pascagoula High School Stadium. The school athletic department and athletic departments from each city work closely in coordinating activities and events.
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET SALES The Pascagoula-Gautier School District Athletic Department is presently using GoFan as our general admission ticket purchasing application. This app can be downloaded onto an iPhone or android phone with tickets widely available for each game.
PGSD Official Sports Network App
This new phone app was created to assist parents with viewing sports schedules and scores following each game. 8
Workforce Development Ingalls Shipbuilder Academy
Starting in 2013-2014, Ingalls Shipbuilding approached three school districts, Pascagoula - Gautier, Ocean Springs and Moss Point, about a pilot program for Career Technical Education students serving as a third year of their CTE program. This program exposed students to six different crafts, industry certifications, college credit and potential job offerings. Over the past years it has grown to include two other school districts, Jackson County and Alma Bryant High School in the Mobile County School District, and more than 70 students. This year more than 29 students accepted job offers with six of those from the Pascagoula - Gautier School District.
Talent Development Lab
During the Spring of 2018, Ingalls Shipbuilding approached the Pascagoula - Gautier School District about modernizing the Welding Lab at the College and Career Technical Institute, In a joint partnership, more than $1,000,000 was spent creating the most state-of- the-art space in the State of Mississippi for training, along with an outside covered slab area.
Workforce Development In the Fall of 2019, Ingalls Shipbuilding, the WinJob Center, Mississippi Department of Human Services, Mississippi Department of Education and the Pascagoula - Gautier School District partnered in a program that would train the unemployed and underemployed residents of the local communities for potential employment in the shipbuilding industry. This program, called HIRE UP, started with a pilot of three programs Welding, Structural Fitting and Sheet Metal Joiner. Students are offered a job on night one, and after completing the training requirements of their particular program, and passing an agility test and drug screening at Ingalls, they are offered a job. To date, the Pascagoula - Gautier School Districts HIRE UP program has trained more than 236 students with 187 receiving and maintaining employment with Ingalls Shipbuilding. 9
Workforce Development
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District Whole Child Education
Pascagoula-GautierSocial-Emotional School Learning (SEL) District Whole-Child Education
Mission of Whole-Child Education
Our mission of Whole-Child Education is to ensure systems are in place to support positive and encouraging learning environments where students are Healthy, Supported, Engaged, Challenged, Safe, and Socially and Emotionally Intelligent. The Office of Whole Child Education helps to initiate, facilitate and evaluate evidence-based practices within the PGSD to address the social-emotional, behavioral, as well as the academic needs of all students. Our primary goal is to build capacity in the PGSD staff to support Student Behavior and Social/Emotional Wellbeing by integrating Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports with Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) practices.
Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)
To support Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) implementation and student understanding and adherence to school behavioral expectations, the PGSD Whole-Child Education Department: Coordinated with schools to develop schoolwide matrices and posters (for both elementary and secondary settings). Each Matrix lays out the behavioral expectations in all settings across the school campus to create a safe and positive learning environment. Focuses on teaching these school-wide rules and behavioral expectations to all students across all settings during the first few weeks of school and following longer breaks. Consistently recognizes and positively reinforces both students and staff (verbal recognition, written recognition, rewards, etc.) Trains our school-based staff throughout the district regarding appropriate classroom management skills using the START Model.
To support Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills that enable students and staff to acquire the knowledge, attitudes and skills associated with the five CASEL SEL competencies, the PGSD Whole Child Education Department: Emphasizes Monthly SEL Themes and distributes quarterly newsletters focusing on each theme. Recognizes there are many ways to support students in developing SEL skills. We emphasize and train our staff to use the 3 Signature SEL Practices from CASEL. Supports our school counselors and social workers (Pre-K-12th grade) in providing instruction to address personal/social development for all student achievement and success (at least one time per month). Uses a variety of research-based programs to support Social-Emotional Learning at each school site. Supported Counselors, Whole-Child Education Team Leaders, and district PBS participation in extensive training related to Sustainable Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
Supporting Student/Staff Mental Health To support student and staff mental health (particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic), the PGSD Whole Child Education Department: Provided weekly Motivational Moment emails/messages to provide mental/emotional health resources and ideas for staff. Updated mental health resource documents Created and shared 32 brief videos related to recognizing/addressing various emotional needs of students, families, and staff. Conducted 11 Professional Development sessions on a variety of topics related to Whole-Child Education (e.g., ADHD, ODD, School Climate, etc.) Approximately 765 PGSD attendees participated in our sessions. Initiated an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff. Was awarded the PREPS 2020 Creative Award – Exemplary Going the Distance SEL
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District Cultural Diversity PGSD Equity Stance The Pascagoula Gautier School District has always been committed to the success of every student. The district does not predict nor predetermine the level of success for students who are served here and are committed to ensuring students receive a premier educational experience they will fondly remember for a lifetime. The PGSD is more than aware that inequities lead to outcomes that do not accurately reflect students abilities and potentials as equity is not synonymous with equality. Equality means every student receives the same services, while equity means every student receives the opportunity and supports he/she needs to maximize his/her gifts and talents as the pathway to purpose is pursued. Pascagoula Gautier School District is focused in the areas of: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Inclusive Visions Teaching and Learning Developing Teacher Capacity Building Relationships with Community Modeling Appropriate Interactions Inclusiveness Challenging Exclusionary Practices Student Voice Human Resources Communication and Partnerships Finance and Operations Using School/District Data
These goals represent the understanding that all district offices, departments and schools must work together toward creating a premier culture and environment for learning and achievement in the Pascagoula Gautier School District.
PGSD Demographics
Year: 2021 Enrollment by Subgroup Female 48.48% Male 51.52% Asian 0.85% A/American 44.79% Hispanic or Latino 18.18% White 31.10% Two or More Races 4.89% Year: 2020 Enrollment by Subgroup Female 48.93% Male 51.07% Asian 0.87% A/American 45.12% Hispanic 17.96% Or Latino White 31.18% Two or More Races 4.66% Year: 2019 Enrollment by Subgroup Female 48.79% Male 51.21% Asian 1.05% A/American 44.63% Hispanic or Latino 18.47% White 33.64% Two or More Races 1.94%
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District Technology Department Workforce
The Information Systems / Technology Department is made up of 14 full-time individuals. 2 - Network Systems Technicians 1 - Network Infrastructure Technician 3 - IT Technicians 1 - Audio/Visual and Theatrical Technician 2 - Educational Technology Integration Specialists 1 - Data Manager 1 - Help Desk Manager 1 - Department Secretary 1 - Custodian 1 - Technology Director
Department Work Flow & Tasks
80% to 85% of our department's tasks come from work orders submitted by the employees of the school district.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District Technology Department
PGSD Technology Infrastructure
The district monitors and manages all technology infrastructure in-house. The district's current bandwidth is 7GBps. The district purchased a new firewall, FortiGate 1800F, during the second semester of the 2020-2021 school year. The district has more than 380 switches throughout the district. During the 2021-2022 school year, several older switches will be upgraded. The district will have more than 360 switches at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Every district building has wireless access available. Wireless access is also available at football stadiums, baseball fields and softball fields on both campuses. Each school building will have upgraded wireless access in the parking lot for student use by September 2021.
Tech Camp for Teachers
Since 2015, PGSD has hosted a 2 day technology training for educators through out Mississippi and surrounding states. In June 2020, the 2 day training has pivoted from face-to-face to virtual. Presenters include PGSD educators, edtech vendors, and technology trainers from other MS institutions.
FOR MORE DETAILS, V I S I T www.pgsd.ms
2020-2021 - 4,366 (as for June 4th)
2019-2020 - 3,652 2018-2019 - 4,224 2017-2018 - 4,205 The remaining 15%-20% of our department's tasks include monitoring automated tasks, email requests and trainings.
PGSD Available Technology
With the help of EDLA, the district is a true one-to-one district in grades K-12 with Chromebooks. Students in 7th-12th are able to take the devices home during the school year. Each teacher is assigned a laptop for use in the classroom. Several classrooms include interactive projectors or interactive panels. The district is working to outfit all classrooms with an interactive projector through ESSER funds.
Technology Trainings for Employees PGSD employees are offered a wide array of inhouse technology training all year long. Trainings include face-to-face, virtual and computer based training. Employees also receive cyber security awareness training through the InfoSec IQ platform.
Technology Trainings for Students Starting in the 2021-2022 school year, students in 9th-12th grade will receive cyber security awareness training through the InfoSec IQ platform. Students in K-8th grade receive digital citizenship instruction using the Common Sense Media curriculum. PGSD has been recognized as a Common Sense District from 2015-2019. Our K-8 schools have been recognized as Common Sense Schools since 2014-2015. This recognization is through Common Sense Media. 14
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District Child Nutrition Feeding Our Children
Child Nutrition Statistics
• • • • The Pascagoula-Gautier School District Child Nutrition Department serves nutritious meals to our students keeping them fit, healthy and ready to learn in the classroom. The Child Nutrition Department is proud to offer free meals and snacks to all our students on a daily basis through various USDA programs. Each of the programs are free of cost to our parents and students and are fully reimbursable through USDA.
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We have 18 fully equipped foodservice kitchens We serve on average 178,022 meals per month This is 1,780,226 meals per year We employ 120 Child Nutrition employees who are able to receive PGSD benefits such as health insurance and retirement Child Nutrition Cooks work only 187 days out of the year and enjoy time off in the summer Child Nutrition schedules are desirable with no nights or weekends We are one of the largest foodservice organizations in Pascagoula and Gautier
Child Nutrition Programs Offered: • National School Breakfast Program • National School Lunch Program • After School Care Food Program • Child and Adult Care Food Program • Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program • Summer Food Service Program • Community Eligibility Program
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District Child Nutrition
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District Student-Staff Wellness
The Pascagoula Gautier School District has made strides in promoting the wellness of both students and staff. Wellness initiatives have included establishing relationships with local pharmacies (Burnhams’s and SavRex) to provide flu shots for all employees at their schools. Employees have also had access to a yearly health fair. Singing River Hospital System educates employees on health and wellness including available incentives. In 2021, the school district partnered with Singing River Hospital System to provide COVID-19 vaccines to employees and Tdap vaccines to sixth grade students at both academies. Vision Research comes to each elementary campus to provide a vision screening to each kindergarten student.
The Pascagoula Gautier School District ensures that staff and students have access to all necessary health equipment on their campuses. The district has 28 Automated External Defibrillators with each school site having at least one AED located on its campus. The staff is trained yearly on using these. Each school campus has at least one wheelchair available for use and a breastfeeding space available. The school district has 15 registered nurses serving as school nurses. These RN’s train the staff yearly on medical emergencies and medication administration and CPR for our coaches. The nurses have electronic student health records to ensure all nurses can help with students on all campuses. The nurses also work to promote wellness on each campus by promoting programs such as walk to school day, staff workouts, planting gardens on campus, blood drives, and student walking clubs.
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Special Education
The Department of Special Education (SPED) is proud, committed, and honored to serve and support our exceptional children attending the PascagoulaGautier School District. The Special Education Department ensures children 3-21 years of age are provided a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in their least restrictive environment (LRE). In order to provide FAPE in the LRE with the end result of increasing graduation rates and post-school outcomes for students with disabilities, the staff plans programming and restructuring annually.
Another mandate from IDEA is Child Find. It requires all school districts to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disabilities. The local Health Department provides services (First Steps) until the child is 3 years old. Three months prior to his/her 3rd birthday, the local public school district where the child resides initiates the evaluation process. This is also when the student now receives all services from the district. The district has four specialized support classrooms for preschool exceptional students.
Children who qualify for special education will receive an Individual Education Plan (IEP), however; the parent must provide written consent to serve and place. After consent is given, the IEP is in place. Students start receiving specialized teaching, supports, accommodations, modifications, and related services at no cost to the parents. Parents are encouraged to have a voice in their child’s education decision making. Parental participation is a paramount as of the Procedural Safeguards. . The Special Education Department focuses all efforts and fiscal resources (both state, local, and federal) by educating all students with improvement strategies plans. The goal is to see improvement in all areas in the short-term and improvement of student outcomes in the long-term. SPED complies with the guidelines and laws set forth by federal civil rights legislation called the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA).
PGSD served 878 students with disabilities in the 2020-2021 school year. The department has 95 special education teachers, four preschool teachers, two reading specialists, 13 speech pathologists, one speech therapist, one paraprofessional dedicated to visually impaired students, two homebound teachers, two alternative school teachers, one CCTI teacher and one teacher at the Jackson County Juvenile Detention Center. 19
Pascagoula Gautier School District Secondary Special Education Secondary Special Education The Pascagoula-Gautier School District's structure of high standards programming for secondary students with disabilities is structured specifically in order that equal access to standards-aligned content through effective inclusive practices and special designed instruction is evident. PGSD utilizes high quality learning environments, individualized support and resources in the least restrictive environment with priority placed on meaningful student involvement in order to successfully compete and excel in the postsecondary workforce and life-long learning.
Secondary Graduation Rate School Year
Ranking %
State Ranking
2019-2020
72.9%
#2
2018-2019
27.3%
#38
2017-2018
49.9%
#27
2016-2017
53.4%
#5
2015-2016
45.1%
#28
2014-2015
33.5%
#29
Transitions~College Career Readiness~Post-Secondary Outcomes
Secondary students with disabilities will develop a vision plan for their future, their Individual Transition Plan, as per IDEA, to be updated annually. It is based on personal goals, strengths, values and interests to meet a student’s academic, college, career and/or IEP goals, with specific CCTI pathways, Career Academies and/or classes identified, as appropriate. The PGSD will provide appropriate resources to support transition planning and implementation for each and every student with an IEP in order to facilitate effective transitions, from entry to the district through graduation or completion, with a focus on services, goals and post-school objectives.
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District Jackson County Exceptional School Sensory Processing
Therapy and Motor Skill Development The Exceptional School educates students with multiple and often severe disabilities, which requires a building with extensive resources. We developed a therapy center which gives us a space to work on those ever important gross motor skills and muscle tone.
In 2016, we began developing plans for a new sensory room that would allow our students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) the opportunity to receive sensory input through various activities. Our sensory room includes sensory boards, swings, a crash pad, sensory tiles, a tunnel, floor mats, and items that help with balance and coordination. While the purpose behind the creation of our sensory room was primarily focused on students with ASD, it serves all students at the Exceptional School.
Resources With the development of our grocery store and functional skills center, we added resources that will allow our students the opportunity to develop critical life skills.
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Communications
Communication Methods The Pascagoula-Gautier School District communicates with its stakeholders in a variety of different ways depending on the message which needs to be conveyed. For internal communications for faculty and employees, emails are sent, and in the case of emergency situations such as inclement weather when employees need to receive notifications immediately, the district activates the phone messaging system through SAM Spectra. Telephone messaging is also used to reach parents during an emergency or for important upcoming events in the district. Text messaging through SAM Spectra will be used for the first time in the 2021-22 school year. In the case of emergency, school and district Facebook pages and websites also carry the message. Local news media outlets such as WLOX also partner with the school district to help spread the word. To keep parents informed and up-to-date on events happening in the schools, each school is responsible for sharing messages on their respective Facebook pages and websites. School principals also use SAM Spectra to relay information to parents about upcoming events and deadlines at their schools. School marquees are an added way to share information to the public. E-News News Flash newsletters are published on district and school Facebook pages as well as the district website for student and teacher honors as well as fast-breaking news which needs to be shared with the community. This gives the public a quick look at the positive news happening across the district. The PGSD Athletics Department now has an app that can be downloaded to keep up with information on athletic schedules, practices, scores and much more. Search for Pascagoula Gautier Athletics in the App Store to get the app. With the many sporting events offered in the PGSD, getting the app is essential when trying to keep up with different
Communication Community Outreach The Pascagoula-Gautier School District Superintendent speaks to community groups such as the Kiwanis Club of Pascagoula and Pascagoula Rotary Club each year to keep stakeholders up-to-date on new, innovative programs in the district as well as state testing accountability standards. This kind of information helps keep the public abreast on how the district is doing in comparison to other school districts in the county and the state. Every five years the district invites 250-300 members of the community to participate in writing objectives for the district's strategic plan. This type of participation helps with community support of the district's goals for the upcoming five-year span. The superintendent meets monthly with his principals, faculty advisory committee and parent advisory committee to hear input from all 19 schools on positive news and any concerns happening on the respective school campuses. He meets with teachers on every campus twice a year for Teacher Talk to hear concerns and meets quarterly with his Superintendent's Student Advisory Council to hear students' perspectives on a number of issues. At the end of each school year, billboard space is purchased to honor the top 10 percent of each graduating class, and yard signs are printed and displayed throughout the community to publicize the district's yearly themes. Face-toface parent/teacher conferences are held each year, and teachers also use Classroom Newsletters and phone calls to communicate with parents on how well their children are performing in school. The superintendent visits each school on the first day of school to welcome every teacher and student back to school. Each summer he visits the homes of every third grader in the district giving parents information on the importance of reading with children 20 minutes every day and providing a chapter book for each child.
sports especially if multiple children within the same family are participating in a wide variety of sports. The Athletic Department also uses Twitter, Remind 101 and Dragonfly.
FOR M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N , CALL 228-938-6503, V I S I T the PGSD at www.pgsd.ms or FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District Law Enforcement Division Committed to Serving Six School Resource Officers are assigned to the Pascagoula-Gautier School District. Our officers are professionally trained and have previously worked in other law enforcement agencies. All officers receive 40 hours of continued education training annually required by the Mississippi Department of Education. Their primary duties at PGSD are to enforce the law, act as a resource with respect to delinquency prevention, provide guidance on law-related issues, provide individual counseling to students, conduct annual CRASE training for all employees, explain to students the role of law enforcement in society and update the CRISIS manual. In addition, our officers monitor surveillance cameras, conduct home visitations, work afterhour events, complete a daily report and respond to after alarm calls. We have 19 schools within the district, and every officer is assigned a specific school to monitor.
successful in life. Our Law Enforcement Officers have mentored 602 students. In 2019, two of ours officers successful completed the D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program geared to educate our 5th grade students. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a total of 150 5th grade students from Singing River Academy successfully completed the program. The 5th grade students from Trent Lott were put on hold due to the pandemic. We expect to resume the D.A.R.E program in the upcoming school year. The Pascagoula-Gautier Law Enforcement Division works closely with surrounding law enforcement agencies to ensure we have a safe working environment. We’re dedicated and committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students, staff and the community!
In 2019, House Bill 1283 required all school district employees to annually attend civilian response to active shooter events (CRASE) training. We complied with the mandate and trained approximately 1,238 employees on CRASE. The CRASE training for the year of 2020 was forgiven due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, our officers still trained all new employees along with the administrative staff before the school year began. From 2019 until present, the PascagoulaGautier Law Enforcement division was tasked with mentoring students within the district. The officers were required to document a daily report of the student(s) they encountered and give a brief description of the topic they discussed. The objective is to encourage our students on the importance of becoming
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Maintenance Department
The mission of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District Maintenance Department is to provide superior service while maintaining all buildings and sites in the district in a Safe/Quality working condition so that a Positive Learning and Working environment is provided for the Students and Employees. The PGSD Maintenance Department consists of one director and 29 employees spread across four separate crews. These crews are responsible for maintaining more than 39 building sites including 21 schools or teaching sites, 18 non-teaching sites (such as sports fields, transportation, administration, and maintenance buildings) as well as approximately 175-200 acres of grounds. These buildings consist of 597 classrooms and 203 restrooms used nearly year-round by 1390 faculty employees and 6,518 students.
Grounds Crew
The Grounds Crew consists of one supervisor and eight employees. They maintain approximately 175-200 acres of grounds across the District. This includes mowing, trimming, edging the lawns as well as trimming trees and other landscaping. They are also responsible for setting up events such as graduations, the annual Veterans Day Breakfast, My Two Boots, Science and Reading Fairs, and various concerts. The Grounds Crew also hauls large items to the landfill for all schools, takes care of small painting projects and assists the Warehouse with deliveries. The Supervisor also assists all schools with custodian hiring and custodial supply needs.
General Maintenance
General Maintenance consists of one supervisor and seven employees. These skilled employees utilize trades such as plumbing and carpentry to maintain and repair more than 200 restrooms, 597 classrooms and 19 kitchens. General Maintenance is responsible for installing doors and windows and their hardware as well as making any repairs to damaged doors or windows. General Maintenance also repairs shelves, desks, tables, assembles new furniture that is ordered by schools, and mounts new TVs. They repair sinks, faucets, toilets, drains district-wide and maintain and clean eight grease traps for the kitchens.
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HVAC/Electrical
Warehouse
The HVAC/Electrical Department consists of one supervisor and eight employees. These skilled employees maintain all heating and air conditioning units including filtering and duct systems. They are also responsible for maintaining all electrical and lighting systems in the District. This includes audio/visual systems such as intercoms, phones, and the scoreboards/sound systems in the gyms, fields, and portable IASC unit.
The Warehouse consists of one supervisor and one employee. Warehouse employees are responsible for receiving and delivering USDA foods and supplies to all kitchens. They also receive and deliver all cleaning supplies to each facility's custodial staff. Each school or site has a weekly scheduled delivery day and receives food and/or supplies by request through submitted orders.
The HVAC/Electrical Department also makes repairs to appliances and equipment in the District's 19 kitchens. There are approximately 792 Heat/AC units, six large chillers, five large boilers, two cooling towers, two large mechanical plants and three small mechanical plants with 946 filter elements maintained by these skilled employees in this department.
The Warehouse issues supplies and tools to the employees of the Maintenance Department. They also deliver copier paper, computers, printers, Smartboards, tables and desks that are delivered to the Warehouse. The Warehouse handles the pick-up and loading of shred boxes for the District and Finance records.
The PGSD Maintenance Department strives to provide the best environment for every employee and student, both present and future. Each month the Maintenance Department averages approximately 500-550 work orders and 50-60 purchase orders with 150-160 invoices processed to buy materials or make repairs. Yearly that is 6,000-6,500 work orders, 600-720 purchase orders, and 1,800-1,900 invoices. The PGSD has shown lots of growth in the recent years and the Maintenance Department aims to meet any new demands that come with the growing District. Since 2005, the Maintenance Department has overseen the construction of 21 new buildings consisting of 97 rooms (74 of which are classrooms) and 55 restrooms. All of this is to ensure the development of every child so that all parents can be confident that their child is in the best environment possible.
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
The Opportunity Center The Opportunity Center (OC) of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District (PGSD) is an alternative educational setting operated and maintained in connection with the regular programs of the PGSD.
The OC serves students from 7-12th grades, who may be assigned for an initial 45-day placement, up to one calendar year. Upon completion, the Disciplinary Review Team will determine if the student has met the criteria to return to his/her home school.
The mission of the OC is to provide opportunities for academic learning and behavioral improvement by providing students with the necessary skills to successfully return to their home schools and become productive citizens in our community.
The following categories of compulsory-schoolage students are eligible for admission: - Any compulsory school-age child who is referred to the OC by order of a chancellor or youth court judge, with the consent of the principal of the child’s school. - Any compulsory school-age child who has been suspended from school, except for any student expelled for the possession of a weapon, sale of illegal substances or other felonious conduct. - Any compulsory school-age child referred to the OC by the principal of the child’s school. Students who are assigned to the OC may still earn a high school diploma if they meet all graduation requirements.
The OC has implemented an Early Return Incentive for students who have a 45-day placement. This is an additional weekly incentive to reinforce students for engaging in appropriate behavior while at the OC. This incentive will allow a student to earn TWO days off of the assigned placement period, each week. A student must meet specified criteria to qualify to receive this weekly incentive. NOTES: - The OC is responsible for helping to positively transition students back into the Pascagoula-Gautier Schools. - The OC offers academic and elective courses for the High School student: the Middle School student is offered academic courses. - The OC has smaller classroom settings, which is helpful for students who are struggling with making good grades. - The High School is composed of courses with certified teachers: Science, Math, English, History, Health/Drug Education. - The Middle School is composed of courses with certified teachers: Science, Social 26 Studies, Math, English.
Jackson County Juvenile Detention Center The Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated Section 43-21-321 requires that educational services are provided in a juvenile detention facility. The Pascagoula-Gautier School District is the sponsoring district for the Jackson County Juvenile Detention Center. The Director of Special Education is the detention center administrator. PGSD hires staff and provides all educational services to the incarcerated juveniles. MDE has been very specific about the guidelines and procedures for all detention centers due to the “School to Prison Pipeline.”
All detention centers are audited once per year by MDE. The Department of Justice and Southern Poverty Law Centers are also very involved with the juvenile detention centers in Mississippi. Mississippi Security Police run the detention side.
There are 15 juvenile detention centers in Mississippi. In an effort to ensure that academic and behavior concerns are addressed, each center moves quickly and requests records. For example, all requests for records must be submitted within 48 hours of request. If the student has an IEP, FBA or BIP, it must be submitted within 24 hours of the request.
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
English Language Education Foundation of Literacy
The PGSD is committed to building a foundation of literacy with early learners. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library mails children one book a month from birth until age 5. The PGSD Early Beginnings program assists parents, teachers, childcare providers and community agencies to ensure children within the district enroll kindergarten ready. The Pre-K Launch Pad program prepares students for kindergarten by providing structured learning opportunities to four-year-old students.
Bilingual Lending Library
The PGSD was selected as the only state winner ofthe State Farm Neighbor Assist grant to receive $25,000 to build a bilingual lending library. The library has books, manipulatives and activities in multiple languages geared toward kindergarten readiness skills. Having these materials available in English, Spanish, and other languages supports families in their quest to lessen the language barrier while maintaining cultural and primary language values. Parents who reside in Pascagoula or Gautier can check out two items for two weeks. In 2019, 659 families visited the Bilingual Lending Library in a 12 month period. In 2020, prior to COVID-19, 443 families had visited.
English Courses for Families
The PGSD recognized a need in the community for English language classes. English language resources are readily available for students in the district, but resources were very limited at the time for the families. A few ESL courses were available in the county, but work schedules would not allow parents to attend. The PGSD met with Ingalls Shipbuilding to ask about beginning ESL courses for the employees' families to attend. Utilizing a PGSD elementary school after hours, the first set of classes were offered weekly, with an average of 15 attendees each meeting. The ESL class is currently offered on-site at the Haley Barbour Maritime Center.
PGSD Seal of Biliteracy The PGSD is the first district in Mississippi to adopt the Seal of Biliteracy and to have the first graduates earn their Seal. Five students earned the Seal in 2018. In 2019,nine seniors earned their Seal of Biliteracy. The students' transcripts indicate the Seal of Biliteracy, as does their diploma. This award is earned by students who have tested and proven to be proficient in English and one other world language. The vision of the district is to recognize the value of bilingualism in academics and in preparing for college and the workforce. Students who earn a silver or gold distinction have proven the ability to read, write, listen, and speak in two languages, one being English. With the Seal of Biliteracy, students are recognized for possessing the skills, capacities, and dispositions to fully participate in the 21st century economic, scientific, political, cultural, and intellectual requirements of a global society. By design, the Seal is inclusive, embracing all languages and learners, with the intent to provide equal access and expanded opportunity.
Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP)
Teachers in the PGSD are receiving training in the SIOP model. This model organized the best practices and research-based strategies for teaching language skills and content to English Learners (ELs.) In 2019, 29 teachers were trained in the SIOP model. Those teacher returned to the classroom with strategies they could immediately implement. In 2021, 41 administrators will be trained on their role implementing SIOP; 30 teachers and instructional coaches will be trained to become trainers of SIOP. Once this team is trained, groups of teachers will continually be trained until 100% of the teaching staff is trained and supported.
Successes
Former and current ELs have been valedictorians, in the top 10% percent, recipients of prestigious awards and scholarships, offered full-time jobs after graduation, and have proven in many ways to be success stories. The PGSD works endlessly to ensure all students meet their potential.
F O R M O R E D E T A I LS VISIT www.pgsd.ms 28
Pascagoula-Gautier School District Federal Programs Federal Programs Grants
The Office of Federal Programs is responsible for writing, administering, monitoring and evaluating the federal education grants received by the Pascagoula-Gautier School District. These federal grants are used by the district each year to supplement teaching and learning. Our office maintains the following grants: Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, & School Improvement. The grants received provide resources, technology and personnel for Title I schools; staff and materials for English Learners; resources and services for professional development; and resources and materials for parent and family engagement. Federally funded emergency education grants are also maintained through our department. Examples of these grants include the COVID-19 grants such as CARES, CRRSSA, ARP (ESSER I, II, & III). These specific grants were awarded in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to assist schools with necessary resources and supplies to prepare, prevent, and respond to the coronavirus disease. Federal law requires school districts that receive federal education grants to provide services to private schools within our school district zone. We consult with private schools each year to collaborate on the services provided to their students through Title I, Title II, Title III, and Title IV.
The Office of Federal Programs began funding the Connections Center in 1992 which is a bridge between home, school and community. The center provides supplemental work, educational video and audio tapes, games, books and pamphlets to assist teachers, parents and families of the PascagoulaGautier School District. These materials and resources assist teachers and parents with the reinforcement of academic skills. In addition to resources, the Connections Center can host workshops based on the needs and/or interests of parents and families. The Connections Center is located at 1526 Tucker Avenue in Pascagoula, MS. Professional development is a vital component provided through the Office of Federal Programs. Each year, teachers and administrators are provided professional development to improve instruction for students. Examples of such trainings are the multisensory approach to teaching literacy and SIOP training. The SIOP training model (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) is designed to strengthen teachers and school leaders in the use of strategies to improve language skills. Our office provides resources such as school supplies, materials and uniforms to our district-wide McKinney Vento students. Additionally, we assist our districtwide immigrant students and teachers of immigrant students with supplemental academic resources. The Pascagoula-Gautier School District serves 15 elementary & secondary Title I schools. We serve more than 800 English Learners and more than 70 immigrant students.
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District Transportation The Pascagoula-Gautier School District provides transportation services as required by state law that directs that all school districts furnish transportation to students living one or more miles from their attendance center. We have 126 employees. We have 91 bus drivers and 27 bus aides who use 100 buses to service 4,500 students on 155 routes for transportation to and from school. We have four certified mechanics who perform quarterly maintenance inspections on school buses and district vehicles and repair them when they are out of service. Our routing specialist assigns bus routes for both cities. Our coordinator manages the finances for the department, maintains employee records, assists with routing in Pascagoula, answers and directs phone calls and dispatches buses via radio. Our Assistant Director oversees the operations in Gautier. The Director is responsible for all transportation operations in both cities. Our bus drivers carry a Class B CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements. They are certified with MDE to operate a school bus and must re-certify every two years. In addition, the bus drivers must pass an MDOT physical every two years to operate a school bus. To become a driver one must acquire a permit with the
New Gautier Bus Barn
Department of Motor Vehicles and train with our trainer before being tested to acquire their CDL. The department provides transportation service to athletic and band competitions, field trips, shuttles for the College and Career Training Institute classes, and after school tutoring. Cumulatively, we travel approximately 70,000 miles per month or 700,000 miles per school year. Fifty-eight percent of the fleet’s buses are air-conditioned and the school district will continue to purchase air-conditioned buses to replace older non-airconditioned buses. Our role is to serve the students of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District for all of their transportation needs. Safety is our priority and we strive to give superior service to our students. 30
Pascagoula-Gautier Early Childhood Early Beginnings Program
Pre-K Launch Pad
The Early Beginnings Program strives to connect with our current students, future students, parents and stakeholders throughout our community. We provide the following programs and activities to assist the children in our community in meeting developmental milestones, developing their imaginations and creative skills while building the foundational skills for kindergarten: Bilingual Lending Library Pre-K Launch Pad PGSD Pre-Kindergarten Program Teen Mom Program Excel By 5 Partnership
Bilingual Lending Library Funded through the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant, the Early Beginnings Program houses the PGSD Bilingual Lending Library. The grant was written with the goal of biliteracy, seeking to encourage both parents and children to embrace different languages and skills. The library contains a vast inventory of manipulatives and activities in multiple languages geared toward kindergarten readiness skills. Parents, who reside in Pascagoula or Gautier can check out two items for two weeks.
Pascagoula-Gautier Excel By 5 We are the third Excel By 5 certified early childhood community! Our coalition strives to ensure all children have a safe and nurturing environment, access to a diverse set of resources and organizations, and community support to ensure our children are happy, healthy and ready for kindergarten. The Pascagoula Excel By 5 Coalition members are engaged in four focus areas: Community Involvement, Family & Parent Support, Early Care & Education, and Health.
The Pascagoula-Gautier School District designed the Pre-K Launch Pad as an integral part of the district's Early Beginnings Program. Partnering with child care centers throughout the school district, the Pre-K Launch Pad program provides structured learning opportunities to four-year-old students, preparing them for a successful transition into kindergarten. The Pre-K Launch Pad provides learning opportunities for children through whole group and small group instruction. Lessons incorporate language, vocabulary, mathematics and social-emotional skills and follow the MDE Early Learning Standards for Four Year Olds. The Pre-K Launch Pad provides a comprehensive curriculum that prepares the children in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District for kindergarten and beyond. Who can participate in the PGSD Pre-K Launch Pad? Child care centers located in Pascagoula and Gautier can participate by bringing their four-year old class to the Pre-K Launch Pad. Children must be four years old and eligible for kindergarten in the fall of the next school year. Parents who reside in Pascagoula or Gautier may also bring their child to Pre-K Launch Pad if space is available within the program. How often will each child care center attend PreK Launch Pad? A calendar is created at the beginning of the school year. Each child care center is scheduled for 1-2 visits each month depending on the holiday schedule. In total, approximately 6-7 visits are scheduled per semester.
Teen Moms The Early Beginnings Program works with teenage mothers in our school district to ensure they remain in school and complete their high school diploma requirements. The program provides support and assistance though a collaboration with other district staff and community members. The goal is for our students and their children to have access to the resources needed for a positive and productive school experience.
FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT
www.pgsd.ms
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Pascagoula-Gautier Early Childhood Pre-Kindergarten Program The Pre-K Program encompasses current child development principles and milestones which shape the curriculum and learning environment. Classroom instruction is organized around learning centers. Our centers are geared toward opportunities for problemsolving, decision-making, questioning, discovering and evaluation. Teachers also utilize the Early Learning Standards for Classrooms Serving Infants through FourYear old Children from the Mississippi Department of Education to plan lessons that are developmentally appropriate and provide instruction and lessons geared toward kindergarten readiness. The Pascagoula-Gautier School District's Pre-Kindergarten Program serves those students who have the greatest academic need. Our goal is to prepare children for kindergarten while also establishing the foundation for future learning and skill acquisition. The program strives to help children: Increase competence and skills in reading, writing, listening, thinking and speaking. Achieve intellectual growth Develop a positive self-concept Increase competence in dealing with emotional feelings and social situations Increase competence in self-direction and independence Develop cooperative, trusting relationships Develop his/her natural curiosity and creative potential Enlarge his/her world of people, experiences and ideas The PGSD has 10 pre-kindergarten classrooms with four of those focusing on our students with special needs.
Early Beginnings Room
Bilingual Lending Library & Excel By 5 Resource Library
Registration for the program begins in March and continues through May.
FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT
www.pgsd.ms
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Pascagoula-Gautier Early Childhood Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center The Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center was established in 2009, an idea that stemmed from the ruins left behind by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Built upon the foundation of the former Carver High School, it is a unique, one-of-a-kind learning experience, designed for children of all ages and and their families. The FIC provides a wide array of educational opportunities through hands-on activities and resources with an added emphasis on a variety of career pathways for children to explore. From piloting a pirate ship through the stormy seas to donning a fireman’s hat and sliding down a pole to race to a fire, children can create their own imaginary world. The FIC features twelve themed rooms with resources sponsored by local business, industry and organizations. Early Beginnings Room Animal Rescue Room Wetlands Room STEM Room Block Room Toddler Town Main Street: Fire Station, Grocery Store, Bank & U-Build It, Pirate Ship Room Flight Simulation Room* Black Light and Virtual Reality Room* Planetarium* iMac lab* Two playgrounds Miniature golf The center also hosts four themed Super Saturday events with eight to twelve hundred visitors in attendance at each event. During these community-wide events, local businesses and organizations provide hands-on activities and experiments while the interactive rooms provide an imaginative journey. The Family Interactive Center is also available for field trips. (*Open only during Super Saturday events and Field Trips.)
FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT
www.pgsd.ms
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District Adult Learning Center The Pascagoula Adult Learning Center serves as the Adult Education division of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District.
provided by certified, licensed teachers with years of experience in employability skills and preparation for the ACT WorkKeys. All students are enrolled in MS Works and provided information about emerging and indemand occupations in our area. Because of the generous support of community partners such as 2nd Chance MS, Bacot-McCarty Foundation and United Way, all classes and testing fees are provided free of charge.
The Pascagoula Adult Learning Center offers a comprehensive academic and workforce program to any individual 17 years of age or older who is not enrolled in a K-12 school. Our quality educational opportunities support employment, job training and post-secondary education and training. The Pascagoula Adult Learning Center is committed to providing educational opportunities designed to meet the needs of our community; especially to those in most need of our services. Classes are provided for adults who need basic skills development in reading, writing, mathematics; adult secondary education classes and preparation for the high school equivalency (HSE) testing; English Language Acquisition classes; and workforce readiness skills development and training.
We offer a flexible schedule of morning, afternoon and evening classes in an effort to fit the schedules of all adults in the Jackson County area who are in need of our services and the resources we provide. In addition, all direct instruction is
The program design of the Pascagoula Adult Learning Center continues to be examined, revised, and rewritten to address the local and regional needs of our community. New partnerships have been formed and existing partnerships strengthened. Most notable is our new partnerships with the Pascagoula Career & Technical Institute (CCTI), Huntington-Ingalls Industries and Singing River Health System that provide our students an opportunity for inclusion in Integrated Education and Training programs that lead to industry-recognized certifications, employment with family-sustaining wages, and further on-the-job training and apprenticeships that allows for career advancement.
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District Business/Industry/Alumni Interview Project
Pascagoula-Gautier School District Business/Industry/Alumni Interview Project The WHY! If one listens to employers, they will say they have a very specific set of expectations for anyone they hire. When comparing these expectations, there are several all employers have in common. The purpose of our interview project was to identify the skills needed, then build a rubric to train our students to increase their employability value.
The public school systems of Mississippi turn out thousands of graduates every year. In previous years, we have not really had the conversation with business and industry about their specific needs, so we decided to interview these organizations and discuss how we, as a school district, could better prepare our students for the next stage in life.
The WHEN! 2013 - Pathways2Possibilities 2013 - First ACT WorkKeys test given to CCTI students 2015 - First J.C. Chamber Business/Education Summit held 2016 - CCTI begins formal business partnerships with employers
2017 - CCTI hosts business leadership summit
2019 - CCTI Begins Career Internship Program
2018 - PGSD attends National Career Academy Conference, Houston, TX
2019 - PGSD students first in Jackson County to graduate Collegiate Academy with high school diploma & associate’s degree
2018 - PGSD hosts first You’re Hired! Interview Day
2020 - PGSD, District Partners win MAPE Governor’s Award for workforce development efforts
2018 - PGSD begins Career Academy interviews with 100 employers 2016 - ACT WorkKeys test given to all junior and senior second-year students 2016 - PGSD attends Pathways2Possibilities Delta 2017 - PGSD educators attend National Career Academy Conference, Nashville, TN
2020 - Ribbon cutting held for new CCTI welding lab through partnership with Ingalls Shipbuilding
2019 - PGSD graduates first students in Mississippi with Seal of Biliteracy
2020 - Ingalls Shipbuilding begins HireUp program for adults at CCTI
2019 - Jackson County becomes National ACT Work Ready Community
2020 - PGSD presents at National Career Academy Conference
2020 - PGSD starts interviewing PGSD
2019 - PGSD launches Bridge Academies
alumni to share career stories
The WHAT! Our first real dive into our interaction with business and industry was through our Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Education Issue Managers Group. Out of that committee, Pathways2Possibilities was created in 2013 where thousands of Mississippi eighth graders were introduced to Career Pathways. This program was created by Paige Roberts and Karen Sock and provided students with hands-on engagement and interaction with the career pathways guided by the practioners giving simulations and providing feedback to these students. This program has spread throughout the state and has received funding from the Mississippi Legislature for workforce development.
Pathways2Possibilities
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Another milestone was our first Business/Education Summit in 2015, hosted by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Education Issues Manager Group. After meeting with a number of businesses and industries in Jackson County, we were able to collect several vital suggestions from employers, but did not have the comprehensive overview we needed to build our rubric. These summits have been held biannually since 2015 and have included candid discussions between superintendents and CEOs, human resources directors, vocational directors and guidance counselors.
The Pascagoula-Gautier School District sent educators to the National Career Academy Coalition Conference in Nashville, TN. in 2017 and Houston, TX in 2018. Administrators, guidance counselors and teachers toured Career Academies in both cities and attended
Bridge Academy Kick-Off
More than 200 juniors from Gautier High and Pascagoula High were interviewed by employers at the PGSD’s first Your’re Hired! Interview Day. Students rotated through a series of breakout sessions including budgeting and resume writing, followed by a mock interview conducted by business and industry leaders. 2
Business-Education Summit Chamber- Singing River Health System
workshops on various aspects of career academy implementation. The Career Academy concept will better prepare students on the expectations they will face as they enter the working world and compete in a global market. The PGSD College and Career Technical Institute invited business and industry leaders to the center in 2017 to discuss the changes in the vocational arena, with students leading tours of the new, innovative programs now available to students in the vocational programs. These programs give students hands-on, interactive experiences that provides valuable skill-sets in the area where they can find their passion, making them more marketable as they seek employment.
You’re Hired! Employer Interviews with 11th Graders
A fourth opportunity was created in 2019 through our drive to help Jackson County become an ACT Work Ready Community. Our team, along with Dr. J.J. Morgan, director of the Jackson County Technology Center, and Paige Roberts, Jackson County Chamber CEO, went door-to-door to invite business and industry to sign up for this designation. We also received additional assistance from the other school districts located within the county.
The PGSD launched its Bridge Academies initiative with billboard displays in Pascagoula and Gautier as the district worked to bridge the gap between high school and workforce.
The Pascagoula-Gautier School District was the first district in Mississippi to graduate five students earning the Seal of Biliteracy in 2019. The Seal is an award given by a school, school district or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. In 2019-2020, eight more PGSD students received the Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation. The state of Mississippi has now adopted the seal so that all school districts in the state can offer students the recognition for working toward proficiency in two languages. The seal demonstrates that students are ready and competent to compete in a global workforce.
A fifth opportunity was developed largely through the work of Derek Read and Thomas Brooks from our College and Career Technical Institute to develop internships for our College and Career Pathways in our Bridge Acaemies. These internships have led to some deep discussions about the qualities needed from our students. Pictured is a PGSD intern working at Singing River Federal Credit Union. Collegiate Academy Students Earn Associate’s Degree and High School Diploma The PGSD Bridge Academies offer academic advancement beyond the regular high school curriculum. Pascagoula and Gautier High School students have the opportunity to earn college credits through Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses, up to and including the completion of an associate’s degree prior to graduating from high school through a partnership with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. These programs accelerate students toward employment credentials that require education beyond a high school diploma. In 2020, six PGSD students earned associate’s degrees and high school diplomas. 3
The WHO! As a school district, we decided to have very specific conversations about what we could do to enhance the 21st century workforce. We had conversations with 61 different organizations or individuals, and from those conversations, we found that we could analyze data to build our rubric. Our team consisted of representations from our central office, Bridge Academy and one teacher charged with teaching ninth grade career-based classes. The interviewers were Derek Read, College and Career Technical Institute counselor; Dr. Melissa DeAngelo, Bridge Academy central office liaison; Thomas Brooks, director of the College and College
Technical Institute; Debbie Anglin, PGSD director of communications; Bailey Cuevas, Freshman Seminar teacher at Gautier High School; Boyd West, former secondary assistant superintendent; and Dr. Wayne Rodolfich, PGSD Superintendent. Paige Roberts, president and CEO of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, conducted the analytics. She has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California. Dr. DeAngelo combined the findings in a presentation format for the use and creation of this rubric. (See the qualities employers want in their employees on page 5.)
Employers Identify Qualities Desired for Potential Employees
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English
Secondary Professional
Spanish
The analaysis responses indicate that listening well, dressing well, and speaking well comprise the largest percentage (40%) of qualities desired in employees. Work ethic, which includes passion, initiative, honesty and integrity, comprises 29.79% of the responses. The remaining top qualities desired are punctuality with 9.57%, trainability with 7.98%, technology-ready with 6.38%, and attendance with 5.85% of the responses. We developed an illustration based on these top qualities entitled, “What a Successful Professional/Person Looks Like.” This illustration will be displayed in English and Spanish at all PreK-12 grade school buildings. These displays will be used in the classroom to spark discussion and build a knowledge on employability skills desired in today’s workforce.
English
Spanish
Elementary Professional
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Career Pathways Blaze a Trail to Future Options for All Students ing, aerospace engineering and instrumentation and controls. The Teacher Academy was formed to interest students in becoming educators, and some of those first graduates of the class are now teachers in the PGSD. We have developed a dynamic partnership with Ingalls Shipbuilding and Singing River Health System and are expanding even more options within the programs we have already created. Our Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee is creating a new list of offerings they would like to add to our program.
In order to meet the needs and interests of students, the PGSD has added several new classes to broaden the course offerings in the Bridge Academies program. PGSD is piloting the unmanned aerial systems class for the State of Mississippi and has the state’s first five students and teacher to receive their FAA certification to fly drones. Cyber security is another offering that is the first of its kind in the state. In recent years, the district has added law and public safety, transportation and logistics, performing arts, simulation design and gam-
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PGSD’s “We’ve Got It!” Commercials Win 2019 Addy Award
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PGSD/Business Partnerships Provide Interns with On-the-Job Training Senior level internships are now offered in a number of areas thanks to partnerships the PGSD has formed with area employers. These partnerships include Singing River Health System where students can intern as part of the Certified Nursing Assistant program. The first nine PGSD students have graduated from this program that is expanding to accommodate other medical areas where students will be able to intern. A number of PGSD students have also graduated from the Ingalls Shipbuilder Academy where students can go to work at Ingalls Shipbuilding immediately following graduation. The Ingalls-PGSD partnership has also resulted in a new welding lab at the College and Career Technical Institute affording students the same employment security following graduation. The partnership between PGSD and the Descher Organization has students progressing through the McDonald’s Managers Academy to become managers of their own McDonalds store. Partner, Singing River Federal Credit Union has opened a branch at Pascagoula High School, manned by business and marketing students at the CCTI (See photo below).
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Four PGSD students are recent graduates of Ingalls Shipbuilder Academy
PGSD Students are Certified Nursing Assistant Graduates in the CNA program offered at Singing River Health System.
PGSD/Ingalls Shipbuilding partnership creates new welding lab opportunities at CCTI
Ingalls Shipbuilding’s HireUp Program at CCTI is Helping Adults Find New Training for Employment “Several years ago, Ingalls Shipbuilding began to deconstruct its hiring and training processes, and conducted an intense review of incoming applications,” said Fred Howell, Ingalls Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition Manager. In 2017, 67 percent of the applicants from Mississippi did not meet the minimum basic qualifications. In an effort to improve the skill level, Ingalls set out to create a statewide program to improve the skill sets of individual job seekers. Training focused on skill sets that could be taught in 12 weeks or less with the goal to create a solid entry-level employee. Ingalls brought other employers – Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Mississippi Department of Human Services, Mississippi National Guard and community and political leaders into the partnership. After two years, the program had grown to include most of the state with 26 active locations. The first year, more than 300 individuals were trained successfully; the second year, more than 500 were trained. The next natural step was to partner with local high school CTE programs (HireUp) in order to better embed the program into the communities. Pascagoula High was the first high school partner, and since then, the program has spread to eight other schools and locations. At Pascagoula High, (CTE) programs were offered in welding, structural pipefitting, outside machinery and sheet metal. At one point, the program had more than 100 after-hours students in process. Currently, more than 130 have graduated the program. HireUp creates a partnership between the individual high schools, Ingalls, Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Mississippi Department of Education, Women in Construction, Mississippi Department of Human Services and the communities. The programs are at most 12 weeks in length, and every student who begins the class receives a conditional job offer based on successful completion of pre-hiring processing. “Ingalls continues to push the HireUp program through high school locations as a viable way to train the workforce of tomorrow,” Howell said.
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The WIN! New Project in Place to Interview PGSD Alumni The Pascagoula-Gautier School District’s newest workforce development project involves interviewing 50 PGSD alumni who graduated in the 1990s through 2015. These former students are sharing their journey to success as well as the rewards and challenges they have experienced along the way. They are also giving words of advice for young people today, insightful information they wish they would have known while they were still in high school and recalling their mentors - teachers who inspired them and influenced their lives. Their stories will be shared in a manual created
for students in the Freshman Seminar classes to better help them prepare to pursue their passion in life as they face the world following high school graduation. By providing high school courses to help students find careers they are interested in pursuing and reading alumni advice on how to better prepare for college and the working world, students will have the wisdom to guide their journey. Upon completion of 50 interviews, we will analyze the data and create a new rubric for student success by alumni who are successful in a wide variety of career fields.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
Continued Page 2
mother of two children or a 23-year-old African-American man. I try to take other people’s perspectives into consideration to make sure everyone is heard. In politics, people get angry if they don’t feel seen or heard. I have to remember that as passionate as I am about an issue, someone else has that same level of passion on the other side of the issue.” Martinez has three pieces of advice for pursuing success in a career. ‘Always present yourself confidently. I think when you are from a small town in Mississippi, it can be intimiating to have job interviews with corporations or government agencies,” she said. “Second, be ambitious. I lost out on some job opportunities because I was afraid of failing; and third, stay rooted in your values. One of the best things about PHS is that you learn these values that are instilled in you. That’s rare when you go out into the world. Stay true to your roots.” Martinez said one of her biggest challenges was not having any Latina role models in her life. “I really struggled to figure out if I wanted to follow my dream,” she said. “Then I met Dr. Melissa DeAngelo, (English Language Director). She looked like me and spoke the same language as me. And PHS teacher Elizabeth Green pushed me in the classroom, challenging me in ways I hadn’t been challenged before. They both had a profound impact on my life.”
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
September 4, 2020
Gautier High School 2005 graduate John P. Welch Jr. is area general manager for PepsiCo in Waco, Texas. Welch received an athletic scholarship to Rice University where he played wide receiver and received his bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology. He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in accounting and finance from Louisiana State University. Welch listed three key components in having a successful career. “First, take your education seriously,” he said. “Understand why you are in school and what you need to learn. Second, be hard working. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Working hard doesn’t necessarily mean putting in 16 to 18 hour days, but it could. Hard work also means working efficiently. Have a plan for your success and know your skill set. Do whatever it takes to know everything you need to know for your job.” Third, Welch said to lead with integrity. “Don’t overpromise something. If you say you are going to do something, follow through with it,” he said. Welch has taken those three steps to heart in his role at PepsiCo, learning every aspect of the different jobs he oversees for Pepsi, from driving trucks and making deliveries to making sure the fleet is ready for deliveries the next day. “ I can work a route, if we have a man down,” said Welch, who calls himself a servant leader. Welch’s day begins at 5 a.m., meeting with drivers before they begin their daily routes, then with delivery supervisors followed by a sales staff meeting. He then goes into the field - visiting grocery stores, gas stations and other clients to ensure his customers are satisfied. At the end of the day, he meets with his warehouse team and night crew to ensure everything is ready for the next day.
Vol. 3
Bryan Randolph - Amazon Trails Expedition Leader, Brazil PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Little did Bryan Randolph know when he took a Spanish class at Gautier High School that his future held a career deep in the heart of the Amazon. Now living among three million Indigenous Indians and running jungle expeditions, Randolph, who is fluent in English and Portugese, is learning to converse with the Indians who make up the small Amazon communities with 31 different ethnicities represented. “The Amazon is such a culturally rich place,” Randolph said. “It’s a melting pot of languages and cultures who live here. I have the privilege of hosting people from all over the world. Introducing them to the Amazon and the indigenous people who call the Amazon their home is very rewarding.” But taking a trip through the Amazon is not for the faint of heart. “There is an extensive screening process involved including a doctor signing off before the client is allowed to go on the trip,” Randolph said. “We travel quite a way up the Black River and then trek through the jungle during the 15-day expedition. The trek involves a lot of rope climbing and harnesses so we have very strict rules for our clients to follow to keep them safe and out of harm’s way.” Leading the expeditions is an experience Randolph said he enjoys. “The Amazon is such a cool place. It is three times the size of Texas, and 17,000 species of trees and plants
October 27, 2020
Vol. 3 Issue 17
live here. We’ve met some pretty ” incredible people along the way including some from Discovery Planet Earth and clients from as far away as Singapore and Kazakhstan.” Randolph gives credit to his mother and father as his greatest mentors in his life, as well as a Bryan Randolph teacher at Gautier High School, 2004 Gautier High Graduate, Linda Blackwell. Expedition Leader “I wrote a paper for her class and Amazon Trails, Brazil I didn’t do well on it,” he said. “She told me I had a lot of words on the paper that didn’t make any sense. I told her I didn’t know what word to put there so I just made one up that sounded right. We laughed. I knew she wasn’t impressed with me, but she didn’t embarrass me or ridicule me. Instead she challenged me to find the right words, and I knew right there that she loved me. Mrs. Blackwell so influenced my life that even today as a 35year-old who lives in the Amazon, when it comes to making decisions, I know I may not have the right answer, but I have to keep pressing on despite not knowing what the outcome will be. I can’t let those unknowns cripple me from making a decision. I don’t know if she even knows what an impact she made on my life.” Randolph went on to attend Mississippi College for two years and then transferred to Texas to finish his studies. He received his master’s of divinity from Southwestern Seminary and has been involved with Amazon Trails since 2015. He offered three pieces of advice. “A common thread in high school is trying to be like everyone else. Stop focusing on others and fitting into the cookie cutter norm. Second, think out of the box. Everyone is not going to college, get a job, get married and have a family. Don’t be afraid to be different and follow your own dreams. Third, focus on the fight. Scriptures tell us there is a war waging against our souls. If you look on social media, there is a massive disconnect on what reality is and isn’t. The digital age is making that gap bigger and bigger. Going from that false reality to the real world is a difficult adjustment to make. There are people in your corner rooting for you. Have people in your life you can trust.”
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: John P. Welch Jr., PepsiCo
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
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October 27, 2020 Vol. 3 Issue 18 mas break and talked to Belinda (Dammen)(aunt) who said, ‘yes, you are going to retake the class; you can do this’; and my dad who said ‘it’s OK if you want to try something different.’ I realized no one could make that decision for me anymore. I had to make these decisions for myself. Whatever decision I made, I Dr. Taylor Tanner 2012 PHS graduate was going to have to live with the reperPharmacist cussions for the rest of my life. I decided to retake the class, and then went on to take organic chemistry 2. Tanner graduated from Ole Miss with a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry in 2016; entered the pharmacy program where she received a bachelor of science degree in pharmaceutical sciences in 2017 and earned her doctorate of pharmacy degree in May 2020. She is now in residency at Princeton Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, AL., where she makes medical rounds with doctors, nurses and nurse practioners. “I really wanted to feel part of a team and make an impact in practicing pharmacy at the highest level I could with my license,” Tanner said. “This hospital is really pharmacy forward thinking. It was important to me to be at a place that wanted pharmacy to be at the table, and that’s definitely the case here.” Tanner said going from pharmacy school to a practicing pharmacist was her greatest challenge. “Learning from a textbook and answering questions on a test was quite different from applying what I knew in a real world setting. I realized very quickly that, although I thought I knew everything there was to know about medications, once I was standing at the bedside of a patient and putting that plan into action, I was hesitating.
Pascagoula High School 2012 graduate Luz Martinez is Director of Communications for an elected official in Washington D.C.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Dr. Taylor Tanner - Pharmacist PGSD Career Pathway Documentation “The world’s greatest accomplishments at first seem impossible.” It’s a message from a fortune cookie that is taped to the top of Dr. Taylor Tanner’s computer. For Tanner, these are words to live by. “I think it’s important to remember that anything worth having isn’t necessarily going to come easy, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up or that you can’t do it. You have to keep pushing forward and keep working toward that goal,” she said. The 2012 Pascagoula High School graduate knows first hand about hard work and pushing forward. A pharmacy major at Ole Miss, Tanner was in her second year and struggling in her organic chemistry class. “With the pharmacy curriculum, the second year is the most difficult, and organic chemistry was by far one of the most difficult classes I ever took. I didn’t do well on the first test and I convinced myself that I couldn’t do it. I actually kind of gave up. When I got the final grade back, I had to make a decision on whether to retake that class or pursue something else. I teetered back and forth. How could someone who wanted to be a pharmacist not be good in chemistry? I came home during Christ-
When Luz Martinez looks back at her 2012 Pascagoula High School yearbook, she finds a quote she wrote about having a career in communications someday. Now that dream has become a reality as Martinez serves as Director of Communications for an elected official in Washington D.C. Graduating fifth in her class at Pascagoula High, Martinez won the prestigious $1 million Gates Millennium Scholarship which afforded her the opportunity to continue her education at Mississippi State University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science. But finding a job in Washington D.C. proved to be difficult after college, and after applying for a number of jobs to no avail, Martinez accepted an internship with a stipend to get her foot in the door in the nation’s capital, vowing not to give up on her dream. “The first few years I was in Washington, I was working without a safety net,” Martinez said. But it ended up being an amazing experience for me,” I worked on a campaign to elect a Latino to the U.S. Senate, sometimes working until 1-2 a.m. I had to really dig deep, but I was motivated to do the job that needed to be done. When I look back on it, it was definitely worth it.” Martinez’s work ethic caught the attention of people who recommended her for her current position. As director of communications, Martinez writes speeches, press releases and works with the media including The Washington Post on a daily basis. Immersed in the world of politics, Martinez is conscious of her audience when writing press releases. “When you are passionate about something you believe in, it is difficult to remember to listen to other people,” she said. “But that’s what I do when I write a press release. I read it once for myself and then, I think about how would I take take this from the perspective of a 40-year-old
Vol. 3 Issue 10
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Nicole Wall Sullivan, Attorney, Pascagoula
Issue 8
Gautier High School 2005 graduate John P. Welch Jr., is area general manager for Pepsi in Waco, Texas.
In his earlier days with the company, Welch said he took on roles which led him to different parts of the country including Chicago, California, Boston, Seattle and even Mexico. “I made myself uncomfortable because I wanted to learn everything I could,” he said. “Key people in the industry saw I was eager and willing to go outside of the box at such a young age and willing to take on jobs no one else wanted to do because of all the travel. But that hard work is paying off in terms of moving up in the company because those people see how dedicated you are.” Coming from the small city of Gautier, to Rice University was an eye-opening experience for Welch. “When guest speakers came to speak to us, I took a special interest in what they had to say so I could learn everything I could from them. I learned what it took to be effective in navigating corporate America. And from there, I never stopped.” Welch said the path to where he is now started at home with his parents and his education in the PGSD. “Teachers like Carmel Grantham, Carolyn Cowart and Coach Keith McQueen at GHS taught me things I could take outside of the classroom. My education in the PGSD started me off on the right foot, and I’m proud to say I’m from Gautier, MS.”
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
September 11, 2020
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
Luz Martinez, Director of Communications PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
Career Academy Spotlight:
September 25, 2020
For 2010 Pascagoula High graduate Nicole Wall Sullivan, life has come full circle. Now a lawyer with Dogan & Wilkinson, Attorneys at Law, Sullivan serves as the attorney for the City of Ocean Springs. “Coming back to Pascagoula is something I really didn’t expect,” Sullivan said. “I knew I would come back to the Coast, but coming back to Pascagoula has been a pleasant surprise. It was wonderful growing up here as a child, but coming back as an adult and seeing the transition and growth over the years is something I am thankful for.” Sullivan said she has never wanted to look back at her life and wonder “What if?” “What if I had joined that club; what if I had made all A’s? What if I had tried out for the cheerleading team?” she said. “The biggest takeaway is don’t let your ego get in your way.” Trying out multiple times for the Golden Girls Dance Team at Louisiana State University is the example Sullivan uses to drive her point home. “I tried out all four years and never ended up making the team,” she said. ‘But I never wondered ‘what if?’ “Ultimately that led to my acceptance with a full scholarship into the Mississippi College School of Law in 2014 because I wrote about that audition experience of doing my best and never giving up, but also of not letting my ego get in the way.” Sullivan also advises never to burn bridges. “We all have people in high school we don’t always get along with. But you never know that person’s role in your life 10 years from now. Always smile and be nice,” she said. Pay attention to your ACT score, Sullivan said. “I went to LSU majoring in biochemistry thinking I was going to become a doctor, but my ACT scores said otherwise. My English and
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reading scores far exceeded my math and science scores. Within weeks of entering college I knew biochemistry wasn’t going to be right for me, and I switched to mass communications with a concentration in political communications. I should have paid more attention to what my ACT Pascagoula High School scores were trying to tell me.” 2010 graduate Sullivan credits Emma Nicole Wall Sullivan Combs Miller, Suzanne RodolAttorney, fich and the late Len Rushing as Pascagoula her mentors at Pascagoula High School. “Mr. Rushing was always so encouraging; Mrs. Rodolfich was the one who got me interested in attending LSU and gave me that strong background in English, and Mrs. Miller had a great impact on my life both as my cheer coach and as my math teacher.” Sullivan advised students to have a plan for their lives after high school even if those plans change as they did for her. “I have a strong background in my faith so I would turn to God and pray about it, but I would also talk to my dad who has a lot of real world and business experience. Ultimately, my decisions were based on logic and reasoning, and the position I’m in today had a lot to do with the conversations I had with my father over the course of time.” Being patient with herself and others has been one of Sullivan’s biggest challenges.”Patience is difficult for me, and coming out of high school facing those real world challenges was scary,” she said. “You think you know everything, but you don’t. Don’t be impatient. Take all the advice given to you by your elders, and experience the real world. Give yourself time to grow and work hard; it will lead you to the success you seek.”
Dear Team PGSD, I am sharing a document we have been working on as a district for several years. The origin of the document began with the inception of our Career Academies, which are now the Bridge Academies. These academies are part of our College & Career Technical Institute. This center represents the culmination of our students who select to pursue specific pathways that may end up as their future career. A growing number of students enrolled in these programs are completing internships or working toward employment with the opportunities provided through this center. The document enclosed is entitled “Pascagoula-Gautier School District Business/Industry/ Alumni Interview Project” which provides a timeline for our progress. It has a poster created to specifically guide our students to achieve employability skills our local business and industry have asked we instill in our students. These posters were created to remind students of the skills and qualities most sought after from our local employers. One other aspect of this document is the HireUp Program we share with Ingalls Shipbuilding. This dimension of our College & Career Technical Institute is designed to help unemployed or underemployed community members acquire a skill set to help them become employable in our local industry. I hope this information will help you better understand our commitment to all students. We still have our Advanced Placement, Collegiate Academy, and dual credit, but we are trying to diversify our offerings to help all students gain a clear path to a career they will enjoy with a great quality of life. A copy of the poster will be provided for you to use on your bulletin board as a daily reminder to our students to help them become more marketable in their future employability opportunities. Thank you for your continued contribution to the future of our students. Sincerely,
Wayne V. Rodolfich, Ed.D. Superintendent
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
College and Career Technical Institute’s Course Offerings/Bridge Academies
Architectural Drafting and Design Year 1
Architectural Design and Drafting I is the entry-level course of the secondary Architecture I & II program. Students will gain foundational competencies related to orientation, safety, leadership and personal development, drafting and CAD skills. Students will explore lettering, geometric construction, CAD, orthographic projection, dimensioning, sectional views, auxiliary views, pictorial drawings and mechanical drafting. Students are taught initially with hand tools learning all of these concepts on the drawing table, then they move over to the computer learning the process in AutoCAD. Students also get exposure to the real-world application through a project working with Carpentry designing sheds and working with the Walter Anderson Museum putting the artist’s concepts onto the computer.
Year 2 Architectural Design and Drafting II is the exit level course of the secondary Architecture and Drafting program. Students will gain foundational competencies related to orientation, safety, advanced leadership and personal development, architectural drafting and CAD skills. The architectural drafting section includes floor plans, elevations, foundations and sections. Upon completing this course, students will leave the class with a complete set of working drawings to be used as a portfolio for college or a possible job as an entry-level draftsman. Students can also sit for the ADDA Certification and continue their education at a postsecondary institution.
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Business, Marketing & Finance Year 1 Year 2 This course focuses on finance and management. It begins with a brief review of safety and other topics from the first year. Students will continue their study of economics with topics on international economics and macroeconomics.
This yearlong course covers the fundamentals of business and marketing. It begins with the basics of workplace safety, ethics and leadership. Students are introduced to business finance, economics and cover microeconomics as well. Major topics of study in this course are career readiness, foundations of marketing, market research and analysis, and entrepreneurship. Students will learn valuable lessons to enhance their personal financial life with topics on income, decision-making and personal money management. Various student organizations and resources for career development will be explored throughout the course.
The majority of this course is spent on financial and managerial accounting, budgets, forecasting in finance, applied human resource management, strategy and operations management. Personal finance topics on purchasing, financial institutions, credit and risk management are also covered. Students will develop educational, career and professional plans in the area of business, marketing, and/or finance as they finish the course by exploring the employment opportunities in business. They will continue to master skills toward meeting requirements for the ESB credential and heavily participate in student organizations, field experiences, internships and job shadowing. Second-year students participate in the ACT® Workkeys program and earn the Entrepreneur and Small Business credential.
Participation in student organizations, field experiences, internships and job shadowing is ongoing. Students will continue to develop skills toward meeting requirements for the ESB credential. 2
Carpentry Year 1
Year 2
Year One of carpentry is comprised of two main sections, Safety and Orientation to Construction and Introduction to Construction. Safety and Orientation to Construction includes an introduction to the field and fundamentals of construction safety, tools, math, blueprint reading, and basic carpentry, electrical, masonry and plumbing skills. Introduction to Construction emphasizes an overview of construction-related trades, such as carpentry, electrical wiring, masonry, and plumbing. This course gives students realworld, hands-on practice in these areas. This course should be taken only after students successfully pass Safety and Orientation to Construction. Students will assist with the building of chairs, swings, and sheds. All carpentry students are currently involved in a collaborative project with the Walter Anderson Museum by building pieces inspired by local artists.
Theory and Application of Carpentry includes an in-depth study of basic safety, construction math; materials, and construction drawings used in the carpentry field. Theory and Application of Carpentry also consists of an in-depth study of floor framing systems, wall, ceiling, and roof framing; windows and doors; stairs and construction essentials. This course also reinforces safety related to the construction industry. Upon completing this course, students will be prepared to achieve the NCCER Level I Certification. Some projects students can work on include building sheds, swings, and chairs.
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Computer Science Year 2
Year 1 Semester 1 - Exploring Computer Science Exploring Computer Science is a survey course that introduces students to the breadth of the computer science field. The course lays a foundation in problem solving, critical thinking and algorithmic development and then introduces students to the basics of Web development, programming, robotics, data science and artificial intelligence. Semester 2 - Project Lead the Way Computer Science Essentials In Computer Science Essentials, students will use visual, block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python to create apps and develop websites, and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. They’ll apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them.
Semester 1 - Project Lead the Way Cybersecurity Cybersecurity introduces the tools and concepts of cybersecurity and encourages students to create solutions that allow people to share computing resources while protecting privacy. Nationally, computational resources are vulnerable and frequently attacked; in Cybersecurity, students solve problems by understanding and closing these vulnerabilities. This course raises students’ knowledge of and commitment to ethical computing behavior. It also aims to develop students’ skills as consumers, friends, citizens and employees who can effectively contribute to communities with a dependable cyber-infrastructure that moves and processes information safely. Semester 2 - Project Lead the Way AP Computer Science Principles Students learn the fundamentals of coding, data processing, data security and task automation, while learning to contribute to an inclusive, safe, and ethical computing culture. The course promotes computational thinking and coding fundamentals and introduces computational tools that foster creativity. PLTW is recognized by the College Board as an endorsed provider of curriculum and professional development for AP® Computer Science Principles (AP CSP). This endorsement affirms that all components of PLTW CSP’s offerings are aligned to the AP Curriculum Framework standards and the AP CSP assessment.
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Culinary Arts Year 1
A Student-Led Enterprise
Year 2
This course identifies the foundational skills necessary in the foodservice industry. The first portion of the content includes the history and overview of the industry, safety and sanitation, standardized recipes, culinary math, equipment and popular techniques used in the foodservice industry. Students who adequately master the competencies in this course will be well prepared to earn the ServSafe® Food Handler certification. Preparation techniques for various foods are covered, along with the information needed to properly perform these skills safely and efficiently. Foods included in this course are stocks, sauces, soups, basic baked goods, fruits, vegetables, potatoes and grains.
This course begins with the ServSafe Manager certification material, giving those students who have adequately mastered the competencies the knowledge and skills necessary to earn the industry coveted ServSafe® Manager certification. This is followed by basic nutrition and food preparation skills for dishes with eggs, dairy products, breakfast foods, sandwiches, salads, garnishes, meat, poultry, seafood, desserts and more complex baked goods. It concludes with a detailed overview and hands-on practice of some culinary business skills, followed by employability preparation requiring the students to put together job applications, résumés and more. Second-year students participate in the ACT® Workkeys program and earn the ready-to-work credential.
This course concludes with basic communication and customer service skills, management essentials and a career-readiness section to prepare students for their next step in the foodservice industry. Students work in our recently remodeled 75-seat café and state-of-the-art professional kitchen.
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Allied Health Sciences Year 1
Health science core is the first course for students in the health sciences career cluster. Currently, students in health care and clinical services or sports medicine pathways must take the health science core class before moving on to their specific pathways material. This core class provides the students with a solid foundation to move ahead in any health care field of his or her choice. The topics covered include safety, infection control, legal and ethical practices, career exploration, communication and teamwork, medical terminology, body organization and basic anatomy and physiology of each major body system, along with various common diseases and disorders associated with each system.
Year 2 The emphasis of the second course is primarily to expose students to advanced skills in various health occupations and the basic healthcare sciences. Students participate in many shadowing experiences in selected healthcare facilities. Upon completion of this advanced course, students will be trained to work as entry-level assistants in various health occupations, will be certified in CPR and First Aid at the healthcare provider level, receive mastery of the ACT Workkeys assessment, and be eligible to receive certification through The National Health Science Consortium by mastering all Allied Health Science standards. Students completing Health Sciences II may enroll for the Certified Nursing Assistant program through Singing River Health System in the spring of their senior year. Upon completion of the course, students are eligible for immediate employment in the healthcare system.
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Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Year 1
Year 2 HVAC II (Heating, Ventilation, and AirConditioning) emphasizes Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning. Topics include employability skills, safety, carbon steel piping, introduction to cooling, introduction to heating, air distribution, leak detection, evacuation recovery, charging, alternating current and basic electronics. The course should be taken after the student has successfully completed HVAC I.
HVAC I (Heating, Ventilation, and AirConditioning) emphasizes Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning. Topics include employability skills, safety, construction math, construction drawings, materials handling, copper and piping, soldering and brazing, and basic electricity. Students in this program will help with the Walter Anderson Museum project by assisting with lighting, electrical, and some brass work.
Occupations in the HVAC fields are projected to have a faster than average growth in Mississippi between 2018 and 2025. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer occupations are projected to have the most rapid growth rate at 26.7% over the projection date. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job prospects will be excellent for technicians in this field, particularly those who have received training at accredited technical schools.
Certifications offered within program:
• NCCER Core • NCCER HVAC Level 1 • EPA 608 (Universal) • Workkeys
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Instrumentation and Control Year 1
Starting in 2019-2020, the Pascagoula - Gautier School District initiated the NCCER Program of Instrumentation and Control for Career Technical Education students coming to the CCTI. This program exposes students to the NCCER Core Curriculum and the innovation of process and operation. Year One students will learn the basics of the NCCER Core Curriculum with an Introduction to Instrumentation Level 1. They will know basic NCCER Core Curriculum dealing with safety, hand tools, power tools, communication skills and employability skills. Being a Year-One student will also earn each student his or her credentials of the NCCER Core Curriculum. This is the beginning of the journey of Instrumentation and Control Process and Operation with industries such as Oil and Gas, Quality Control and many more opportunities.
Year 2 Starting in 2019-2020, the Pascagoula - Gautier School District initiated the NCCER Program of Instrumentation and Control for Career Technical Education students coming to the CCTI. This program exposes students to the NCCER Core Curriculum and the innovation of process and operation. Year Two students will continue with the Introduction to Instrumentation Level 1. They will take their basic NCCER Core Curriculum dealing with safety, hand tools, power tools, communication skills and employability skills and add to those skills with Instrumentation Level 1 Curriculum of Instrumentation Safety, Instrumentation Electrical, Instrumentation Hand and Power Tools, and many more Instrumentation Level 1 curriculum. Year Two students will have the chance to earn the Instrumentation Level 1 credentials and the ACT WorkKeys. The students will also continue their opportunity to earn more credentials by attending Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College at the Jackson County Campus.
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Law & Public Safety Year 1
Year 2
This course focuses on the history of law and legal systems in the United States. Students will leave the class with a firm foundation of knowledge in these areas. Additionally, students will learn the importance of personal health and safety in the work environments associated with law and public safety. Students will also be introduced to the services found in local communities, such as Law Enforcement and the court systems. Additionally, students will focus on corrections in Mississippi, studying specifically how jails and prisons function. Certifications ● ● ● ● ● ●
IS-100 Intro to Incident Command Systems IS-200 Basic Incident Command Systems for Response IS-240 Leadership & Influence IS-241 Decision Making & Problem Solving IS-242 Effective Communication IS-907 Active Shooter
This course focuses on specialized areas and topics within the law and public safety arena: Security Services, Crime Scene Investigations, Emergency Medical Services and Fire Protection Services. Students will learn about these particular areas and examine the daily tasks and responsibilities of the professionals associated with them. The course will offer students the opportunity to explore all areas of the military and the professions associated with each. Additionally, students will learn about emergency management and workplace skills and have meaningful, relevant job-shadowing experiences with professionals such as local attorneys, Sheriffs and police departments. Certifications ● ● ● ● ● ●
First Aid/CPR IS-230: Fundamentals of Emergency Management IS-317: Intro to Community Emergency Response Teams IS-324: Hurricane Preparedness IS-700: Intro to National Incident Management System IS-2200: Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions
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PLTW Engineering Year 1
In Project Lead the Way Introduction to Engineering Design, students learn how engineers apply a design process to solve real-world problems. Students work individually and as members of collaborative teams to use math, science, and various engineering tools, including 3D modeling software, to design, document and communicate their engineering work. In PLTW Principles of Engineering, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, materials, structures, automation, and motion. Students will work as engineers to apply an engineering design process to solve challenging problems, document their solutions and communicate their work. Many of the transportable skills practiced in this course - such as communication, collaboration, ethical reasoning and process thinking - can be applied to other classes and future careers.
Year 2 In PLTW Aerospace Engineering, students explore the fundamentals of air and space flight and orbital mechanics. Students apply what they learned to design components of flight systems - including an airfoil, a propulsion system, a rocket - and model the International Space Station's orbit. Students also investigate ways to use aerospace concepts in engineering design for other applications - a wind turbine and a parachute - and learn about using remote sensing to explore a planet.
In Engineering Design and Development, students work with a team to engineer a solution to a problem that they identify. Students research and clearly define the issue during the design process, then develop and test at least one original solution. Students work closely with experts and hone their collaboration and communication skills as they work. Finally, they will present and defend their answer to an outside panel. 10
Polymer Science Year 1
Experiments in Polymer and Material Science I orients the students to the course and lab. During this course, students learn computer applications relevant to polymer science. They are also introduced to chemistry concepts and the structures and properties of polymers. This course also teaches students the processing techniques associated with polymers and the methods and benefits of plastics recycling, introducing 3D printing and Laser Engraving. Five significant units of study form the basis of the Mississippi course: introduction to material science, metals, ceramics/glass, polymers (plastics), and composites. Students will study the properties along with the design and manufacturing of each major material category. A heavy hands-on, labbased approach is used in this class. Learning will involve working in small groups, reading and writing as a means of learning, participation in demonstrations and activities, using community experts in materials, showing videos, and using a large variety of written resources including current event articles.
Year 2
Experiments in Polymer and Material Science II is a comprehensive course that focuses on Advanced Polymer Processing, Surface Coatings, Metals, Ceramics and Composite materials. This course explores the job opportunities that are available for individuals in this area. It also teaches job application and workplace skills as well as potential for job shadowing. The polymer science curriculum integrates science, mathematics and language arts to guide students to learn about polymer science. Students apply mathematical processes to solve scientific problems such as creating compounds. Various literacy strategies are present in this curriculum to increase literacy and communication skills. Students can earn a WorkKeys certification.
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Precision Machining Year 1
Machining I includes orientation and leadership, basic safety, math, measuring tools and instruments, blueprints, hand and power tools, lathe theory and operation milling, machine theory and operation and grinding operations. Safety is emphasized in each unit and every activity. Upon completion of this course, students challenge the NIMS Certification Test. Students will also learn to obtain a Machinist Helper position. Individuals interested in working at a machine shop should take classes in trigonometry, geometry, metalworking and drafting in high school. Some positions may require knowledge of physics and calculus as well. Students should also have computer training since many of the tools and machinery in a machine shop are computerized.
Year 2
Machining II includes advanced precision machining techniques in lathing, vertical milling and computer numerical control (CNC). Upon completing this course, students will have the knowledge to achieve the NIMS Level I Certification Test. Also, students will have the knowledge and skill to enter into the workforce as an Entry Level Machinist. Students will also take classes in math, materials science, physics, computers, and mechanical drawing. Some community colleges also offer training programs for machinists, which usually take two years to complete and result in an associate's degree.
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Simulation & Gaming Year 1
Year 2 Students experience game development at each level of the design phase, including overall planning, level, audio design, programming, character development and animation, and marketing. This course allows students to produce a final video game project that incorporates the skills and knowledge learned in the Simulation and Gaming I course, allowing them to demonstrate what they have learned and accomplished.
This course encompasses foundational skills necessary in the game design industry. Students experience both academic and hands-on aspects of the industry. The areas of game history, terminology, ethics, genres and mechanics are analyzed. Content such as safety, ethical issues, career opportunities and photography, emphasizing real-world, handson practice related to illustration, level design, character development and animation, is offered to students. This course can prepare students for a career in animation and gaming, plus attain skills transferable to other industries such as computer programming, multimedia development and film production. Students have opportunities to focus on game design or programming.
Upon completing this course, the students will have created a video game portfolio that is cumulative of their work throughout all semesters of simulation and gaming. Second-year students participate in the ACT® Workkeys program and earn the ready-to-work credential.
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Sports Medicine & Athletic Training Year 1
Year 2 Sports medicine is one of the second-course options for students in the health sciences career cluster who have successfully completed the health science core class. Sports medicine focuses on the aspects of the prevention and care of sports injuries. Students will learn the importance of prevention, evaluation, acute treatment and therapeutic care related to injuries in sports. Additionally, students will focus on rehabilitation techniques used to help patients recover from sports injuries. The program offers students the opportunity to examine the different careers associated with sports medicine and develop the workplace and employability skills related to sports medicine professions.
Health science core is the first course for students in the health sciences career cluster. Students in health care and clinical services or sports medicine pathways must take the health science core class before moving on to their specific pathways material. This core class provides the students with a solid foundation to move ahead in any health care field of his or her choice. The topics covered include safety, infection control, legal and ethical practices, career exploration, communication and teamwork, medical terminology, body organization and basic anatomy and physiology of each major body system, along with various common diseases and disorders associated with each system.
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Teacher Academy Year 1 Teacher Academy I is an entry-level course. Students gain foundational competencies related to students as learners, planning and assessing teaching, teaching strategies and communication skills. Students receive hands-on field experiences.
There is an urgent need not only to attract more people into the teaching profession, but also to build a more diverse, highly qualified and culturally sensitive teaching workforce who can meet the needs of a rapidly changing school-age population. Teacher Academy sets forth to do the following: ●
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Recruit high-quality high school students for the teaching profession. Give qualified high school students an opportunity to begin a successful career path to teaching. Offer the opportunity to recruit and train quality students who may return to the district as tomorrow’s high-quality teachers. This is a “grow your own” solution to the current and looming shortage in the teaching profession. Provide a framework for building solid partners with area institutions of higher education and offer exciting challenges and opportunities for students.
Year 2 Teacher Academy II provides students with the opportunity to gain advanced skills needed to enhance them as learners, teachers and communicators. Students receive advanced hands-on field experiences. Our students visit district elementary and middle schools to gain real-world classroom experiences.
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Transportation & Logistics The logistics and transportation program in the PGSD is only one of two in the state of Mississippi, providing practical and theoretical applications to the critical thinking method with problem-solving opportunities through case studies and project-based learning. Some of our case studies have included the following companies: Amazon, Lowes, UPS, FedEx, Walmart, Mississippi Export Railroad, Ingalls Shipbuilding, Chevron and others. Successfully trained candidates in the area of transportation and logistics are in high demand across many industries, including transport, shipping, airlines, courier and transport, freight, manufacturing, import/export, and retail warehousing and distribution.
Year 2
Year 1 The year one program covers the fundamentals of transportation, distribution and logistics from a foundational perspective. It begins with the basics of workplace safety, ethics and leadership. Students are introduced to the concepts initially in a depth of knowledge method moving from routine to conceptual thinking. The blended logistics curriculum is concentrated in global supply chain logistics, the logistics environment, material handling equipment, safety principles, safe use of material handling equipment, quality control, teamwork and workplace conduct, work communication, using computers and common logistics terminology.
This course is designed for second-year students to provide mid-level technical knowledge for supervisory and managerial careers in supply chain logistics. The expected competency for this curriculum requires a depth of knowledge movement from conceptual to strategic thinking in the areas of product receiving, product storage, order processing, packaging and shipping, inventory control, safe handling, storage and transport of hazmat, evaluation of transportation modes, dispatch and tracking operations and metric conversions.
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U Construct Lab U Construct Lab The U Construct Lab was inspired by the Fab Lab in Jackson County. Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich wanted all students to have access to this innovative technology throughout the school year. In April of 2020, the U Construct Lab started to become a reality. This lab is housed at the College and Career Technical Institute and is stocked with high-tech, high-quality STEMrelated machines that allow students to create ideas. This summer, the district will host its first U Construct STEM camp for students in 4th-6th grades. This camp will introduce them to the technology and allow them to make their ideas come to life.
COMPUTERIZED NUMERICAL CONTROL ROUTER The machine below is a computerized numerical control router, CNC) that carves on materials such as wood, composites, aluminum, steel, plastics, glass, and foams. Students will use gridlines when drawing so they can be specific about their measurements.
VINYL CUTTER This machine can be used to make signs, banners, stickers and t-shirts. It works with the software Corel Draw. Students will have the opportunity to think creatively by considering constraints and how to work with and around them to get a final product.
FOR MORE DETAILS, V I S I T www.pgsd.ms 17
3D PRINTING
LASER ENGRAVER
When students use a laser engraver, they learn problem-solving and creative thinking skills while becoming comfortable with technology and art. This machine can engrave on wood and glass.
Using 3D printers is a great way to get artistic students into coding and computational thinking. This technology will assist students in learning resilience while honing their collaboration skills.
ROBOTS
Students can use these robots to plug into a Chromebook to input instructions to create movement. Students will use mathematics to solve complex problems and programming to promote theoretical understanding of how robots work.
PGSDWHERE THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE ENDLESS
The U Construct lab is another resource for students at the Pascagoula-Gautier School District designed to allow them to collaborate, create, tinker, and innovate while constructing an idea using highquality technology.
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Unmanned Aerial Systems Year 1
Year 2 This course provides students with the necessary information to complete the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Part 107 Exam, also known as the Remote Pilot Airmen Certificate. This certificate, along with the completion of proper FAA paperwork, allows students to operate a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS or "drone") for business purposes. Instruction combines classroom and flying exercises using multiple drones and airplanes to familiarize students with classroom and aviation standards included in the (FAA) Part 107 Exam.
As the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry continues to evolve dynamically, the benefits of gaining an education specific to UAS have become apparent.
In this course, students begin by learning the history of UAS and its evolution to where it is today. They then study the rules and laws required to fly recreationally. Safety is reiterated throughout the course. Next, they begin learning flight skills on a simulator. After that, they start flying entry-level quadcopters. Students also learn about flight theory and the forces of flight. Towards the end of the course, they build a nano quadcopter, learn to program, and set it up with flight software.
Students will learn how to build and program quadcopters capable of various autonomous missions. These include structure scans, roof inspections and other missions that mimic industry. They will also utilize video editing and mapping software with footage captured from different types of cameras.
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Welding Year 1
This course focuses on the NCCER Learning Series Core and SMAW. Students will leave class with a firm foundation of knowledge in employability skills, safety and basic tool knowledge. Additionally, students will learn Oxyfuel cutting fundamentals. Students will cover proper equipment setup, safety measures, and correct welding techniques. Additional topics include knowledge of the types of joints, positions and symbols used throughout welding technology. Students will learn about metal properties, their classification and how to use tools to prepare it for welding. Also covered will be inspection and defect testing of welds for the purposes of certification. Upon completion of this course, students will know how to complete the NCCER Core Certification Test. Students can earn the NCCER year 1 Credential.
Year 2 This course focuses on specialized PAC, CAC and advanced techniques used in SMAW. Additionally, this course will offer students the opportunity to examine GMAW and FCAW. Additionally, students will learn about GTAW. Students will learn safety measures, setup procedures, and welding techniques for each type of welding. This two-Carnegie-unit course should only be taken after students complete Introduction to Welding. Upon completing this course, students will know how to complete the NCCER Level 1 Certification Test. Students can earn the NCCER year two as well as WorkKeys credentials. Students in this class work on projects in collaboration with the Machine and Carpentry classes, such as working with the Walter Anderson Museum on a revitalization project for downtown Pascagoula.
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Walter Anderson Museum of Art This project invites participation from students at the College and Career Technical Institute in the programs of Business and Marketing, Architecture and Drafting, Construction and Carpentry, Welding, HVAC, Precision Machine, and Experiments in Polymer and Material Science. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art and the Pascagoula-Gautier School District have partnered to convert a vacant building in the city’s downtown district into a public-facing design studio, supporting a semester-long process of planning, marketing, community engagement, engineering and design in collaboration with visiting artists and professionals,resulting in plans for three metal sculptures. Advisory partners include the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Pascagoula Redevelopment Authority, Mississippi Power and Chevron. This collaboration is a student-led revitalization with a community-engaged design, fusing art and workforce training with purposeful placemaking and awareness. Students will participate in various areas of planning and production to create unique one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
Students will fabricate three steel sculptures using CCTI facilities and capabilities while working with the project team to engineer, install and unveil the permanent public artworks at key points in Pascagoula’s revitalization master plan.
Recent progress was showcased during Pascagoula First Night with chairs created in the CCTI Carpentry Class, portraying local artist’s designs. This marks an impressive beginning to this partnership within the community.
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PGSD College and Career Interview Project
College and Career Interviews Index Ingalls Technical Education Partnership ................................................................. 1 Delbert Hosemann, Secretary of State ..................................................................... 2 Ingalls Shipbuilding ................................................................................................... 3 Precision Products..................................................................................................... 4 The Path that Pays ..................................................................................................... 5 2nd Chance Mississippi .............................................................................................. 6 Chevron....................................................................................................................... 7 Singing River Health Systems .................................................................................. 8 Alion Science and Technology ................................................................................. 9 University of Southern MS ........................................................................................ 10 Beau Rivage ................................................................................................................ 11 University of South Alabama .................................................................................... 12 Mississippi Export Railroad ...................................................................................... 13 Rodolfich Speaks at Pascagoula Rotary .................................................................. 14 Career Academy Introduction to Community .......................................................... 15 Miss. Teacher of the Year Whitney Drewrey ............................................................ 16 My Two Boots - A Walk in the Wetlands .................................................................. 17 Port of Gulfport........................................................................................................... 18 The Path That Pays .................................................................................................... 19 Interview Day - Your Hired Event .............................................................................. 20 National Career Academy Coalition Conference ..................................................... 21 ACT Work Ready Communities................................................................................. 22 Business Education Summit ..................................................................................... 24 Circuit Court Judge Robert Krebs ............................................................................ 25 Cable One ................................................................................................................... 26 Merchants and Marine Bank ...................................................................................... 27
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Hilton Garden Inn ....................................................................................................... 28 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee ...................................................... 29 Hummingbird Ideas, Alabama ................................................................................... 30 Pascagoula Police Department ................................................................................. 31 State Farm Insurance ................................................................................................. 32 FBI ............................................................................................................................... 33 MAPE Governor’s Award ........................................................................................... 34 Student Advisory, Hummingbird ideas .................................................................... 35 Rolls-Royce ................................................................................................................ 36 Singing River Federal Credit Union .......................................................................... 37 Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Waller, Jr. ................................................................... 38 Washington County Economic Alliance, Greenville, MS ........................................ 39 Atmos Energy, Greenville, MS .................................................................................. 40 Judge Margaret Carey-McCray, Greenville, MS ....................................................... 41 Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa, Greenville, MS ....................................................... 42 Errick D. Simmons, Greenville Mayor, Greenville, MS ............................................ 43 Recording Academy Grammy Museum, Cleveland, MS ......................................... 44 Middleton Farms......................................................................................................... 45 Maritime Defense Strategy LLC ................................................................................ 46 Big Three - Chevron/Ingalls/Mississippi Power ....................................................... 47 National World War II Museum, New Orleans .......................................................... 48 Fluor Federal Petroleum Operations, New Orleans................................................. 49 Estabrook Motors ....................................................................................................... 50 Coach Mark Hudspeth ............................................................................................... 51 Jackson County Economic Development Foundation............................................ 52 The Dwarf House Chick-fil-A, Hapeville, GA ............................................................ 53 Chick-fil-a Headquarters, Atlanta, GA ...................................................................... 54 Coca Cola Museum, Atlanta, GA ............................................................................... 55
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The Flying Biscuit Café, Atlanta, GA ........................................................................ 56 Jackson County Sheriff Department ........................................................................ 57 Local State Legislature .............................................................................................. 58 State Representative Jay Hughes ............................................................................. 59 Coca-Cola Bottling Plant ........................................................................................... 60 Descher Organization - McDonalds .......................................................................... 61 UPS .............................................................................................................................. 62 Biloxi Shuckers Baseball........................................................................................... 63 Family Zone ................................................................................................................ 64 Chris Bush Primerica ................................................................................................. 65 Huntington Ingalls Talent & Acquisitions ................................................................ 66 Manatee County Beach Patrol Rescue Unit, Manatee County, FL ......................... 67 The Way Family Church, Lakeland, FL ..................................................................... 68 Verizon Connect, Tampa, FL ..................................................................................... 69 Jackson County Chamber of Commerce ................................................................. 70 Jerry St. Pe, (Ret.) Ingalls Shipbuilding President .................................................. 71 J.C. Certified as ACT Work Ready Community ....................................................... 72 Ramon Ruiz, Beau Rivage Entertainment Director ................................................. 73 Marshall Smith, Gulf Sales & Supply Inc.................................................................. 74 Norman Cupit, Cupit Signs ........................................................................................ 75 Nicky Maxwell, Mississippi Security Police ............................................................. 76 United Way for Jackson and George Counties ....................................................... 77 Port of Pascagoula ..................................................................................................... 78 Gulf Coast Fence Company ...................................................................................... 79 Miss. Gulf Coast Community College....................................................................... 80 Delo’s Heavenly House of Coffee ............................................................................. 81 Brian Fulton, County Administrator ......................................................................... 82 Vick Ballard, Indianapolis Colts ................................................................................ 83
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Realtor Suzanne Martin, Smith Homes..................................................................... 84 Foster’s Heating and Air ............................................................................................ 85 WLOX .......................................................................................................................... 86 VT Halter Marine ......................................................................................................... 87 Air Masters Mechanical ............................................................................................. 88 Fletcher’s Construction ............................................................................................. 89 Heritage Funeral Home .............................................................................................. 90 Preserve Golf Club ..................................................................................................... 91 Jackson-George Regional Library System .............................................................. 92 Singing River Electric Power Association ............................................................... 93 Jack’s by the Tracks .................................................................................................. 94 WGUD - TV .................................................................................................................. 95 Ingalls Shipbuilding ................................................................................................... 96 Omega Protein ............................................................................................................ 97 Mississippi Power ...................................................................................................... 98 Tay’s Barbecue ........................................................................................................... 99 Encore Rehabilitation Inc. ......................................................................................... 100 Wharton-Smith Construction .................................................................................... 101
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District Career Academy Spotlight:
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD E-Newsletter
I-STEP July 17, 2018
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Volume 1, Issue 1
Ingalls Creates New Partnership with PGSD
George Jones, vice president of operations for Ingalls Shipbuilding, along with his team, met with Pascagoula-Gautier Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Boyd West, College and Career Technical Institute Director Thomas Brooks and CCTI Guidance Counselor Derek
Read, to discuss ISTEP (Ingalls Strategic Technical Education Partnership) which outlines the partnership between Ingalls and the PGSD to strengthen community involvement and assist the PGSD in career path recruitment by supporting its technical programs and cultivating the next generation workforce. 1
George Jones, vice president of operations for Ingalls Shipbuilding, shakes hands with Pascagoula-Gautier School District Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, at the July 17, 2018 meeting.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Sec. of State Delbert Hosemann
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
Mississippi’s Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann visited with Supt. Wayne Rodolfich and members of the PGSD leadership team during a visit to Pascagoula. Rodolfich discussed the career academy and career pathwayconcept being implemented in the district to Hosemann and asked him to help
July 25, 2018
spread the word across the state about the importance of business and industry partnering with school districts. Supt. Rodolfich emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between high schools and workforce, citing the many course offerings at the College and Career Technical Institute. 2
Volume 1, Issue 2
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
Ingalls Shipbuilding
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 1, 2018
Volume 1, Issue 3
PGSD educators toured Ingalls Shipbuilding on Aug. 1, 2018, where they saw different staging areas for multiple components of ships and toured two ships under construction. George Jones, vice president of operations at Ingalls, conducted the tours for the educators. At right is Jones, talking with Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Boyd West, and College and Career Technical Director Thomas Brooks. Also on hand for the tour was PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich. The PGSD is working in partnership with Ingalls Shipbuilding to create career opportunities for PGSD students to enter the workforce at Ingalls Shipbuilding after high school graduation by working with students interested in a variety of career options available at the shipyard. Pascagoula-Gautier School District Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, center, poses with two Ingalls Shipbuilding engineers who graduated from the Pascagoula-Gautier School District. Pictured, left, is Greg Davidson and at right, Steven Jones. Rodolfich met the engineers while touring Ingalls. 3
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
Precision Products, Inc.
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 14, 2018
PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich and Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Boyd West toured Precision Products Inc. on Aug. 14, 2018, with owner Ken Steiner. Steiner showed the various machines in his complex including laser cutting, fabrication, welding, machine shop, paint booth and CNC milling machines. The visit is part of the district’s new Career Academy model which focuses on building partnerships with local business and industry and creating career pathways for high school students.
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Volume 1, Issue 4
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
The Path That Pays
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 22, 2018
Volume 1, Issue 5
The PGSD is using every strategy to help our students become aware of all of their future career possibilities. One of the strategies we are employing is a poster campaign designed by the creators of the Path that Pays and the Pathways 2 Possibilities. Each of these programs is designed to help students explore future occupations. Our goal is to expose our students from 7th through 12th grades with the various career pathways and the educational levels they need to obtain to achieve these professions. We also want them to understand their earning potential in their chosen pathway. Our goal is to help all students find a path to their future and help them to achieve their dreams.
The Salary Scale posters are featured in the cafeterias at Colmer Middle School, Gautier Middle School, Gautier High School and Pascagoula High School so that students can compare and contrast the salries available in a wide variety of career occupations. 5
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
2nd Chance MS
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
Dickie Scruggs, founder of 2nd Chance MS, met with PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Boyd West and College and Career Technical Institute Guidance Counselor Derek Read to discuss career academies in the PGSD. Scruggs discussed the mission of 2nd Chance MS - to use Mississippi’s areas of expertise to improve its deficiencies
August 24, 2018
in adult education for those in Mississippi who are undereducated and under employed. The school district discussed the career academies and how the district is looking for pathways for every student to have options after graduating from high school. Those options include ACT Work Keyes credentials awarded to students who do well on this measure. The district is in the first phase of prepar6
ing its career academies and is seeking information from various individals who are working to create opportunities for all students after high school. Scruggs has built a relationship
Volume 1, Issue 6
state-wide with community colleges, and the educators asked him to help make contact with groups that the district may not have access to due to geographical restrictions.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
Chevron
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
College and Career Technical Institute Director Thomas Brooks, CCTI Guidance Counselor Derek Read, Pascagoula-Gautier School District Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, and Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Boyd West met with Alan Sudduth, Chevron Public and Government Affairs Manager for the Pascagoula Refinery, for a tour of the College and Career Technical Institute.
August 24, 2018
The men discussed career pathways and career academies in the PGSD as well as Project Lead the Way, a Chevron initiatitive the district has in place in grades K-12 which offers engineering modules for all students. Also discussed was Chevron’s involvement in the CCTI and the group reviewed some potential opportunities for future partnerships with Chevron in the district. 7
Volume 1, Issue 7
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Singing River Health System
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Boyd West; CCTI Director Thomas Brooks and CTE Guidance Counselor Derek Read met with Singing River Health System’s Chief Executive Officer Lee Bond and members of his staff about how the partnership
September 21, 2018
between the CCTI’s Health Science Academy and SRHS could be enhanced as the district 8
looks for career pathways for every student to have after graduating from high school. PGSD offi-
Volume 1 Issue 8
cials were also taken on a tour of SRHS to see cutting-edge technology in a number of medical areas.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Alion Science and Technology
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Boyd West; CCTI Director Thomas Brooks and CTE Guidance Counselor Derek Read visited Alion Science and Technology where they spoke about the district’s new STEM Academy and ways Alion could partner with the district as teachers guide
September 24, 2018
Volume 1 Issue 9
students interested in engineering and other STEM-related career pathways following high school graduation. The district is reaching out to a number of businesses and industries as the high schools begin working with students to find the work-related fields they are interested in. 9
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: University of Southern Mississippi
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Boyd West; CCTI Director Thomas Brooks and CTE Guidance Counselor Derek Read met with Dr. Myron Labat, coordinator of Educational Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi about a partnership with the school district as teachers work with students interested in going into the educa-
September 24, 2018
Volume 1 Issue 10
tional field to become teachers as part of the district’s transition to Career Academies. The Academy concept encourages students to find the career field they are interested in and then pursue those passions so their pathway will be set following high school graduation. Because of the focus on careers at an earlier age, students will have a clearer idea of where to direct their studies in college or if they prefer to go straight into the workforce. Students are being exposed to a wide variety of career fields through guest speakers and hands-on activities beginning in kindergarten and continuing through their high school years. 10
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Beau Rivage
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
September 27, 2018
Volume 1 Issue 11
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Supt. of Secondary Education Boyd West, CCTI Director Thomas Brooks and CTE Counselor Derek Read met with Beau Rivage administrators to discuss a partnership between the district and the Beau Rivage as part of the Career Academy concept at the secondary level. Students would be exposed to a wide range of career pathways and then choose a pathway where their interests lie. By partnering with local business and indusry such as the Beau Rivage, the district can bring experts into different fields of interest such as tourism and culinary arts and share their experiences with the students. By sparking an interest at an earlier age, students will know what direction to take as they look into career pathways following graduation. 11
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: University of South Alabama
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
October 9, 2018
Volume 1 Issue 12
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Supt. of Secondary Education Boyd West, CCTI Director Thomas Brooks, Director of Technology Eva Harvell; and College and Career Technical Institute Computer Science teacher Jana Odom met with Les Barnett, director at the Center for Forensics, Information Technology and Security, School of Computing at the University of South Alabama to discuss a partnership between the district and the university as part of the district’s Career Academy concept at the secondary level. Students would be exposed to a wide range of career pathways and then choose a pathway where their interests lie. By partnering with local business and indusry such as the University of South Alabama, the district can bring in experts to share their experiences in different areas of interest in the computer science field. By sparking an interest at an earlier age, students will know what direction to take as they look into career pathways following graduation. For the past three months, district administrators have been collaborating with a variety of leaders in a wide array of career fields to better help students understand their passion in life and provide resources and answers to questions students may have as they explore their future options, whether it is going straight into the workforce or furthering their education at a two-year or four-year institution. 12
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Mississippi Export Railroad
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
October 11, 2018
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Supt. of Secondary Education Boyd West, CCTI Director Thomas Brooks, and CTE Guidance Counselor Derek Read met with officials of Mississippi Export Railroad to discuss a partnership between the district and the company as part of the district’s Career Academy concept at the secondary level. Students would be exposed to a wide range of career pathways and then choose a pathway where their interests lie. By partnering with local business and indusry such as Mississippi Export Railroad, the district can bring in experts to share their experiences in different areas of interest in the transportation field. By sparking an interest at an earlier age, students will know what direction to take as they look into career pathways following graduation. For the past three 13
Volume 1 Issue 13
months, district administrators have been collaborating with a variety of leaders in a wide array of career fields to better help students understand their passion in life and provide resources and answers to questions students may have as they explore their future options, whether it is going straight into the workforce or furthering their education at a two-year or four-year institution. Beginning next year, high school students will be able to join one of four academies in the PGSD. They include: 1) Communication, Arts & Business; 2) Science, Technology, Engineering & Math; 3) Health & Human Services; 4) Manufacturing, Construction, & Transportation
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Rodolfich Speaks at Pas. Rotary
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
October 24, 2018
Pascagoula-Gautier School District Supt. Wayne Rodolfich was the guest speaker at the Oct. 24, 2018 meeting of the Rotary Club of Pascagoula at the Grand Magnolia. Rodolfich spoke on eight focus areas including Career Pathways at the secondary level, workforce development, the arts, accountability, construction projects and technology upgrades. PGSD school officials have been conducting a series of meetings with business and industry leaders to form partnerships for the Career Pathways endeavor. Partnerships are needed to provide externships for teachers and internships for students as they explore a wide variety of 14
Volume 1 Issue 14
careers and narrow their search to where their interests lie. By creating these opportunities at the secondary level, instead of waiting for high school graduation, students will have a better understanding of what direction their future is leading them. In addition to exposure to careers, students are learning how to properly write resumes, how to conduct themselves during the interview process and how to dress for success. By adding these elements to their education, students have a deeper understanding of what is expected of them in the working world and the tools needed for them to be successful as they compete for jobs.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Career Academy Introduction to Community
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
October 24, 2018
More than 50 business and industry leaders gathered at the Pascagoula-Gautier School District’s College and Career Technical Institute as district personnel shared the Career Pathway vision to the crowd. The district is seeking partnerships with business and industry as secondary students explore a wide variety of career options available to them. The district is seeking externships for teachers and internships for students. Following a lunch by the CCTI’s culinary arts students, business leaders were taken on a tour of the building and the career pathways available for students from automotive and welding to health sciences and education. Student ambassadors led the tours and spoke with guests about the variety of programs avail15
Volume 1 Issue 15
able at the CCTI. As high schools add resume writing and job interviewing skills, students will have a better understanding of what career path they are interested in and the skill set they will need in order to compete for jobs in a highly competitive global society. Students as young as kindergarteners are being exposed to a varietyof career fields so they can begin at an early age to find their interests and the career pathways they are passionate about. In doing so, students will have clearer picture of what direction to take after graduating from high school, whether it’s to seek higher education or to go straight into the workforce or military.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Miss. Teacher of the Year Whitney Drewrey
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
October 24, 2018
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich gave a tour of the district to Mississippi’s Teacher of the Year Whitney Drewrey, a 3rd-5th grade special education teacher at Lafayette Upper Elementary School, and Mississippi Association of Educators President Joyce Helmick. Rodolfich spoke about the district’s transition to Career Academies at the secondary level. By introducing to students to the wide array of careers available, they will begin to explore where their interests lie and be able to formulate a plan for their lives following high school whether they will continue on to a four-year university, join the military or enter the workforce. 16
Volume 1 Issue 16
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: My Two Boots - A Walk in the Wetlands
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
October 30, 2018
Sixth graders throughout the Pascagoula-Gautier School District participated in the 18th annual My Two Boots - a Walk in the Wetlands at Gautier High School. A number of interactive booths were set up on the grounds of the school to showcase the wide variety of career choices involved in the wetlands, the environment and marine sciences. Master naturalists and experts in these career fields shared their knowledge with the sixth graders in addition to storytelling, colored pencil drawings, rides in kayaks with the GHS NJROTC and environmental games. 17
Volume 1 Issue 17
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
Port of Gulfport
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
October 31, 2018
CCTI Director Thomas Brooks, CTE Guidance Counselor Derek Read and PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich met with the Port of Gulfport’s Director of External Affairs Melanie Arsenault about the district’s plans to transform its high schools into Career Academies and how the Port of Gulfport might partner with the district as it makes this transition.
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Volume 1 Issue 18
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
The Path That Pays
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
September 13, 2018
The second annual The Path That Pays was held at the Jackson County Civic Center for all 7th-12th graders throughout the county. The event featured career pathways as well as recruiters from a number of universities. Sponsored by the J.C. Chamber of Commerce’s Education Issue Manager Group, the event showcases the number of career opportunities available to students in the local area and college majors in those job-related areas.
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Volume 1 Issue 19
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
Interview Day
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
November 1, 2018
Gautier High and Pascagoula High students dressed for success and had the opportunity to be interviewed by professionals in business and industry as part of Interview Day. Students have been preparing resumes and practicing do’s and don’ts on what to expect during a formal job interview. The practice is part of the PGSD’s Career Academies, an event to better prepare students on expectations as they enter the working world and compete in a global market.
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Volume 1 Issue 20
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: National Career Academy Coalition Conference
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
November 6, 2018
Volume 1 Issue 21
The Pascagoula-Gautier School District sent 24 educators to attend the National Career Academy Coalition Conference in Houston, Texas Nov. 5-6, 2018. Administrators, guidance counselors and teachers toured seven different Career Academies in the Houston area and attended workshops on various aspects of career academy implementation. The PGSD is embarking on the Career Academy concept in order to better prepare students on the expectations they will face as they enter the working world and compete in a global market.
21
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
ACT Work Ready Communities Jackson County Employers Supporting NCRC
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Workforce Documentation
November 12, 2018
1. Action Printing Center Inc 2. Air Masters Mechanical Inc. 3. Anderson’s Bakery Inc. 4. ASB Marketing LLC dba Geiger 5. Audiowave Car Stereo 6. Aztecas Restaurant & Cantina 7. Babers Inc. 8. Bay Pest Control 9. Bozo’s Seafood Market & Deli 10. Brass Hanger Cleaners 11. Brenda Simkins State Farm Insurance 12. Bryan Nelson Schroeder Castigliola & Banahan 13. Buck and Bass LLC 14. Burnham Drugs 15. C Spire 16. Cable One Inc. 17. Charter Bank 18. Check Now 19. City of Gautier 20. City of Moss Point 21. City of Pascagoula 22. Clark’s Professional Car Care 23. Coast Chevrolet Cadillac 24. Coastal Insurance Associates Ltd. 25. Coldwell Banker Smith Homes 26. Cole’s Service Center 27. Community Bank 28. Corlew Law Firm 29. Crown Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat 30. Cupit Signs 31. Dairy Queen Grill & Chill 32. Dogan & Wilkinson PLLC 33. Edd’s Drive-Inn 34. EPIC Enterprises LLC 22
Volume 1 Issue 22
35. Estabrook Motor Co. 36. Family Frozen Foods 37. Farm Bureau Insurance - Jon Parker 38. First A National Banking Association 39. First Federal Savings and Loan 40. Fletcher Construction Co. Inc. 41. Flower Patch Florist & Gifts 42. Foster’s Heating & Air Conditioning 43. Goodwill Industries of South Miss. 44. Grand Magnolia Ballroom & Suites 45. Gulf Sales &Supply Inc. 46. Hacienda San Miguel 47. Haygoods Industrial Engravers 48. Heidelberg Steinberger PA 49. Hilton Garden Inn, Pascagoula 50. Jackson Co. Board of Supervisors 51. J.C. Civic Action Committee Inc. 52. J.C. Economic Dev. Foundation Inc. 53. Jackson County School District 54. J.C. School District - Fab Lab 55. J.C. Sheriff’s Department 56. Jackson County Utility Authority 57. Jerry Lee’s Grocery Inc., Gautier 58. Johnson Chiropractic Clinic 59. Kerry J. Neal Auditing & Consulting 60. Lenny’s Subs and Grill 61. Loretta Jennings Insurance Agency 62. maCnarB Gaming 63. Main Street Florist 64. Merchants and Marine Bank 65. Merideth Dickerson, State Farm 66. Miller Contracting LLC 67. Miller Law Offices 68. Mississippi Export Railroad Continued Page 2
What Is A Work Ready Community? These communities provide counties and states with actionable data and specific workforce goals to drive economic growth. Key to the ACT Work Ready Communities initiative is the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate® (ACT NCRC®), which is designed to measure and close skills gaps among workers and job seekers. A Definition of Work Readiness. A “work ready” individual possesses the foundational skills needed to be minimally qualified for a specific occupation as determined through a job analysis or occupational profile. Employers: To show your support, go to – https://www.workreadycommunities.org/business/form
Jackson County Certification Status Workforce
Goals Actual NCRC 71% of Goals Attained
Emerging
662
223
Current
208
452
736
700
Goals
Actual
60
82
Transitioning Employers Supporting
Continued from Page 1 69. Miss. Gulf Coast Community College 70. Mississippi Power Company 71. Mississippi Security Police 72. Mizelle’s Outdoor 73. Moss Point School District 74. New York Pizza 75. Ocean Springs Lung Clinic LLC 76. Orion Engineering Inc. 77. Pascagoula-Gautier School District 78. Pugh’s Floral Shop Inc. 79. Regions Bank 80. RNR Tire Express 81. Rovira Team Realty 82. Scranton’s Restaurant and Catering
83. Singing River Animal Hospital 84. Singing River Electric Cooperative 85. Singing River Federal Credit Union 86. Singing River Hospital 87. State Farm 88. Stewart Construction Co. Inc. 89. Studio of Dance & Gymnastics 90. Sugar & Spice Children’s Apparel 91. Sugar Delights Gifts and Bath 92. Sweet Tooth Bakery 93. T&T Scott Flooringe 94. The Jury Room 95. Total Fitness 365 96. Turf Masters Lawn Care Inc. 97. West Quality Food Service Inc. 23
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Business-Education Summit Focuses on Preparing Students for Work Force
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
January 31, 2019
More than 50 educators and business and industry professionals gathered to discuss ways to prepare students for the workforce at the 7th J.C. Chamber’s Education Issue Manager Group’s Business-Education Summit held at Singing River Health System. Educators and guidance counselors from the Pascagoula-Gautier School District, Jackson County School District, Moss Point School District and Ocean Springs School District met with business and industry professionals to share ways business and industry can partner with
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Volume 1 Issue 23
educators to create externships for teachers and internships for students as high schools transform into Career Academies. Educators talked about the importance of externships for teachers as they rewrite lessons plans to reflect a more career-oriented pathway geared to ignite a passion in students in their chosen profession. The importance of immersing students in more “real world” experiences was also a topic of discussion. David Fava, director of Career and Technical Education for the Gulfport School District, kicked off the discussion by talking about building relationships between education and business/industry. Natalia Diaz, director of asset and resource management for Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, gave an update on Jackson County’s efforts to become a nationally certified Workforce Ready Community citing the county is already at 76 percent toward reaching its goal. Paige Roberts, left, co-chair of the Chamber’s Education Issue Manager group, served as moderator for the meeting.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Circuit Court Judge Robert Krebs
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
March 14, 2019
Members of the PGSD Career Academy Tranistion committee spoke with Circuit Court Judge Robert Krebs about what he is looking for in prospective employees. After 30 years as an attorney, Krebs ran for Circuit Court Judge. He started with the notion that the court needs to be a place of respect, where justice should occur. In his interview, Krebs described the skillset needed to be a judge. They need to have a law 25
Volume 1 Issue 24
degree, be insightful, and be able to read the facts. He sees the courtroom as a chessboard, in which you must be prepared for what the other side will do and say. Those decisions must be made rationally, logically and unemotionally. These skills are not really teachable, but rather intrinsic. He also states that it is necessary to be firm, but fair. Furthermore you must treat people with respect yet still be formal when dealing with the public. Judge Krebs has seen a vast amount of substance abuse cases over the years and works with the intervention court. He also recognizes that mental illness is a growing concern for Mississippi. He says that change is the only thing that lasts.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Cable One
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
February 7, 2019
Charlie Oakes, general manager of Cable One in Pascagoula, met with PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Boyd West, College and Career Technical Institute Director Thomas Brooks and Career and Technical Education Guidance Counselor Derek Read to discuss ways Cable One could partner with the district as the high schools transition into Career Academies. Oakes discussed the future track of Cable One, the skill set for potential employees and the character traits his company is seeking in new employees. Oakes cited communication and problem-solving skills as key traits for his employees since most of the positions deal with customer relations and being able to articulate and solve problems. District personnel explained the impor-
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Volume 1 Issue 25
tance of guest speakers and hands-on experiences for its students as they explore a wide array of career fields to find their passion in life. Partnering with business and industry helps provide resources and answers to questions students may have as they explore their future options whether it’s going straight into the workforce, military, a 2-year or 4-year university.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Merchants & Marine Bank
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Royce Cumbest, chairman and chief executive officer of Merchants and Marine Bank and Clayton Legear, bank president, met with PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Boyd West and College and Career Technical Institute Director Thomas Brooks to discuss ways the bank and school district could partner together to help better prepare students for a career after high school. In the banking industry, Cumbest said that communication skills are critical in working with customers. In addition, reading comprehension is also a must as new employees receive on-line training that must be translated into actionable
February 12, 2019 steps. New technology has also made an impact on the banking world. Because of the popularity of cell phones, a great deal of banking transactions are now done via mobile apps which has cut down on the number of people walking into the bank. Now transactions such as deposits or transferring money from one account to another can be handled from the mobile app or a computer. In
27
Volume 1 Issue 26 spite of these technology changes, face-to-face relationships with customers continues to be the cornerstone of the bank’s philosophy. Cumbest also said employees who have a good work ethic and a desire to learn the banking business can thrive. Although the bank does hire school graduates for some positions, other officer positions in the bank do require a college degree.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Hilton Garden Inn
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation February 12, 2019 Warren Davis, general man- cuss how the hotel can partner with the school district to better ager of the Hilton Garden Inn in Pascagoula along with assis- prepare students for the workforce following graduation. tant manager Allyson Nulta, Davis emphasized the top skills met with PGSD Supt. Wayne students need to have in the Rodolfich, Assistant Superinhospitality industry include tendent of Secondary Educacommunication skills when tion Boyd West and College dealing with guests and busiand Career Technical Institute Director Thomas Brooks to dis- ness writing skills when
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Volume 1 Issue 27 corresponding via email. Business communications need to be clear and concise. Other traits include pride in one’s work, dependability and staying off cell phones while on the job. In the food and beverage department, employees need to be able to read a spread sheet and have the applied math skills to figure how much food is needed based on the number of guests in attendance for events. Davis said most of the positions available in the hospitality industry involve on-thejob training and those seeking employment in this field are on a service-oriented career path.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Superintendent’s Student Advisory
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
February 13, 2019
Members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory wrote letters to Fortune 500 Companies during the February meeting, inviting the CEOs of America’s top businesses to come to Jackson County to relocate or to open additional locations. The students wrote about the local amentities available for those who move to the area and then discussed why they love their schools and the education they are receiving in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District.
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Volume 1 Issue 28
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Hummingbird Ideas February 18, 2019
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
Volume 1 Issue 29
Members of the PascagoulaGautier School District College and Career Academies Committee met with Tom Dozier and Adrienne Gates from Hummingbird Ideas to discuss the branding of the new College & Career Academies which will begin at Gautier High School and Pascagoula High School next school year. Supt. Wayne Rodolfich took the marketing professionals on a tour of the College and Career Technical Institute to show the classes and resources the district has to offer its students in the college and career realm. He also gave them a tour of the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center to showcase the innovations the district has to offer its students from preschool through 12th grade. The marketing team will take back what it learned from the meeting and tour and provide feedback which they will share with the Superintendent’s Student Advisory team to get the students’ perspective on what they would like to see as part of the branding campaign. 30
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Pascagoula Police Department
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
Pascagoula Police Chief Kenny Johnson and Deputy Chief Matt Chapman discuss career opportunities in the Pascagoula Police Department with Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Boyd West, PGSD Chief of Law Enforcement Calvin Hutchins and College and Career Technical Institute Director Thomas Brooks. Chief Johnson shared information on steps needed for a career in law enforcment. These include being 21 years old, passing a back-
February 19, 2019
Volume 1 Issue 30
ground check, civil service exam, physical fitness test and a psychological exam. Officers also need to be able to write articulately and have good communication skills in talking to people. Officers need good decisionmaking skills in assessing situations and knowing how to respond as well as a good work ethic. Police officers are public servants and their chief role is to keep the citizens of Pascagoula safe. 31
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: State Farm Insurance
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
Members of the Career Academies Transition Team and Supt. Wayne Rodolfich met with Pascagoula State Farm Insurance Agent Brenda Simkins to discuss the transition of the district’s two high schools into Career Academies. Simkins explained the traits she is looking for in a prospective insurance agent including people skills in being able to communicate with customers’ concerns when they have a problem which needs to be addressed. They also need
February 21, 2019
Volume 1 Issue 31
to have an understanding of what they are selling to the client and be able to navigate through the negativity when people are not happy and are seeking answers to their questions and concerns. Simkins said the insurance industry has changed drastically in the past 20 years with young people shopping for insurance in a different way than their parents did. In addition to people skills, insurance agents need to have math and computer skills as well as life skills and an understanding of the assets they are protecting. She said State Farm has a number of opportunities for interning in the insurance career field. The salary scale can flucuate based upon the training and expertise of the insurance agent. 32
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: FBI
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
Members of the Career Academies Transition Team and Supt. Wayne Rodolfich met with FBI Special Agent Gerome Lorrain to discuss the transition of the district’s two high schools into Career Academies and how the FBI could partner with the district. Lorrain said the FBI hires people from all disciplines - the majority being those with college degrees in areas such as computer science, forensics, criminal justice or the military. They then
February 22, 2019
attend training at the FBI Academy in Quantico,Va., taking classes in a variety of different areas such as surveillance, interviews and interrogation and how to perfect those skills. Lorrain said in joining the FBI, a person will always have a job since crime is not going away. The most satisfying part of the job is seeing the difference one can make in someone else’s life. Although FBI agents see the same criminals during their years of service, every now and then somebody changes their ways and that is rewarding to witness. More than 14,000 agents are at work in the FBI across the world investigating crimes such as public corruption cases including money 33
Volume 1 Issue 32
laundering, human trafficking, antiterrorists groups such as Isis or whatever group is trying to push its cause onto others by whatever means necessary. Throughout the United States, there are 52 field offices with officers assigned based on the needs of the individual bureaus.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: MAPE Governor’s Award
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
February 26, 2019
The Pascagoula-Gautier School District won the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education Governor’s Award for Outstanding DistrictCommunity-Wide Partnership at the Feb. 26, 2019 awards luncheon in Hattiesburg, Miss. The district won for its many diverse partnerships as we transition our high schools into Career Academies. Accepting the award were (pictured, front row, from left, Lisa Rhodes, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College; Natalia Diaz, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation; Victoria Hunt, Huntington Ingalls Industries; Georgia Storey and Susan Russell, Singing River Health System; Dr. Leslie Griffin, MAPE president; PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich; Melissa Schnoor, Singing River Health System and Thomas Brooks, College and Career Technical Institute Director; back row, Boyd West, PGSD Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education; Paige Roberts, Pathways2Possibilities; 34
Volume 1 Issue 33
Derek Read, Career Technical Education guidance counselor; the Rev. Larry Hawkins, Union Baptist Church pastor; and Amy Brandenstein, Chevron. The award was presented based on the district’s application which outlined the district’s endeavors to make its students better prepared to face life after graduating from high school, whether it be going to college, into the military or straight into the work force. Not only does the concept work with high school students as they plan a class schedule to pursue their passion, but begins at the elementary level in teaching children to dress for success, how to shake hands and look people in the eye when talking and introducing them to the wide variety of career pathways available. These business and industries have a long-stand partnership with the district to create opportunities for students to follow straight into the workforce with internships and on-the-job training.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Student Advisory, Hummingbird Ideas
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
February 28, 2019
Members of the Hummingbird Ideas Advertising Agency met with the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee to discuss branding opportunities as the district transitions its high schools into Career Academies. The ad executives gave the students a series of questions to open the dialogue so students could express their opinions on a number of different topics related to the new branding campaign. The students were asked to give their vision for the new acadmies and asked what they were most excited about. They also shared their hopes about what the academies would achieve once implemented. The students also discussed what some of the possible challenges might be during the transition process and the strengths and weaknesses they may be encountered as the academies open for the high school students. The 35
Volume 1 Issue 34
students also expressed their ideas on what they would like to see in the new branding campaign and were given examples of other academies. The students then ranked their favorites to share with the group. As the district begins its implementation of the Career Academies in the 2019-2020 school year, school districts leaders said they felt it was important to bring the students on board early on to get their views and opinions in what they would like to see in this new way of approaching high school. With the more handson approach, administrators and teachers hope students will find their passions earlier in their lives so they are ready to take the next step after high school graduation whether it be to a fouryear university, two-year community college, the military or straight into the work force.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Rolls-Royce
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
March 12, 2019
Members of the PGSD Career Academies Transition Team and Supt. Wayne Rodolfich met with Rolls Royce Site Manager Scott Sibley and Foundry Engineer Louis Vihtelic to explain ways the company could partner with the district as it moves toward transitioning its high schools into Career Academies. The company, which is the largest bronze foundary in the United States, makes huge propellers which are used by the U.S. Navy in its aircraft carriers, submarines and other types of ships. Much of the 3-D models are designed on computers with 36
Volume 1 Issue 35
the software simulating the entire process of the work. The men said they are looking for employees with a strong work ethic and a skill set in chemistry, mathematics (algebra) and computer-based skills to run the software and spread sheet programs with a little physics as well. The company is already recruiting machinists from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and will be looking for more employees as the work ramps up for the Navy as it constructs more ships. With a total of 34 employees, Rolls Royce is seeking a total employement of 45-50.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Singing River Federal Credit Union
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
March 18, 2019
Members of the PGSD Career Academies Transition Team and Supt. Wayne Rodolfich met with Singing River Federal Credit Union Chief Operations and Business Officer, Paul 37
Volume 1 Issue 36
Thompson to explain ways the credit union could partner with the district as it moves toward transitioning its high schools into Career Academies. Singing River Federal Credit Union serves more than 27,000 members and manages over $207 million in assets. Thompson says the financial cooperative is looking for future employees to have cash-handling skills, strong interpersonal communication skills and as well as the ability to manage their own personal finances. Additionally, he shared there is a huge need for people with information technology and marketing skills in the financial industry.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Waller Jr.
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
Former chief justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court Bill Waller Jr. met with PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich to discuss the District’s career academy initiative. Waller served 21 years on the Supreme Court and 10 years as the chief justice and is currently running in the race for Govenor in Mississippi. During the discussion, Waller provided input regarding what skills students who are interested in
March 18, 2019
law related professions should have. He described the most critical skill needed for the profession is the ability to write well. When interviewing for interns and law clerks, he looked for candidates with robust writing skills. He was interested in how PGSD’s initiative to match students to careers will impact our community and state’s workforce and align with his platform on workforce and education. 38
Volume 1 Issue 37
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Washington County Economic Alliance
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
March 21, 2019
Cary Karlson, Executive Director of the Washington County Economic Alliance, met with Pascagoula-Gautier Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, College and Career Technical Institute Counselor Derek Read, and Jeana Delancey to discuss the logistics and benefits of developing college and career work ready community. Karlson discussed the importance of posi-
tive partnerships between community and industry. One tool used to assess the readiness of students and adults is the ACT WorkKeys test. Students who score silver or higher on the assessment are considered work ready. He began this journey due to the lack of readiness reported by industries and has successfully implemented the WorkKeys test within Washington County for six years. .
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Volume 1 Issue 38
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Atmos Energy
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
March 21, 2019
Anita Fell and Loyd Brown, employees of Atmos energy, the country’s largest, fully-regulated, natural gas distributor, met with Pascagoula-Gautier Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, College and Career Technical Institute Counselor Derek Read, and Jeana Delancey to discuss the importance of developing career ready students. Accountability and employment skills are the company’s most sought after 40
Volume 1 Issue 39
abilities when searching for future employees. Fell and Brown also stated that their company’s atmosphere is very family oriented and they seek employees who are personable. Brown spends time explaining the backhoe and forklift simulator which they use to train their employees. .
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Judge Margaret Carey-McCray
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
March 21, 2019
Margaret Carey-McCray, judge for the Fourth Judicial District of Mississippi (Leflore, Sunflower, and Washington Counties) met with Pascagoula-Gautier Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, College and Career Technical Institute Counselor Derek Read, and Jeana Delancey to discuss the importance of investing in the futures of the community members and students. She believes in providing students with positive experiences that lead to bright futures. Teaching a person that they are more than their situation is important in building self-confidence. 41
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Carey-McCray expresses the importance of utilizing the talents of all community stakeholders in creating a productive atmosphere. Carey-McCray is known for establishing the first Drug Court in the Mississippi Delta in 2002 and assisted in the founding of the juvenile program, the Washington County Youth Drug Court, which began accepting participants in 2010. She is an advocate for the Re-entry program which assists and allows pupils in becoming employable after prison.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
March 21, 2019
Roscoe Greene, President and General Manager of Harlow’s Casino in Greenville, Mississippi, met with Pascagoula-Gautier Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, College and Career Technical Institute Counselor Derek Read, and Jeana Delancey to address the importance of developing college and career ready students. He stated that the three best qualities an employee can poses are eagerness, energy, and enthusiasm. Greene manages 450 employees and states that seventy-five percent of the interviewing 42
Volume 1 Issue 41
process is based on employability skills, body language, and attitude. He stressed that as long as employees are eager to learn, he is willing to develop their skill sets to match the needs of the casino. One difficulty that arises when seeking employees is the legal age requirement of 21. There are also some positions that require experience and prior training, such as culinary. An innovative way for producing work-ready employees is by creating pathways for students to gain experience in specific fields of interest.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Errick D. Simmons, Greenville Mayor
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
March 21, 2019
Errick D. Simmons, Mayor of Greenville, Mississippi, spoke with Pascagoula-Gautier Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich and College and Career Technical Institute Counselor Derek Read to share his passion for motivating students in becoming the best versions of themselves. He stated that the most productive way to create change for students is to create pathways for students to explore careers and provide training through partnerships with industries in the community. By boosting development partner43
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ships, the needs of the businesses and industries are met with work ready employees. Programs like Pathways 2 Possibilities and G.R.E.A.T. (Greenville re-entry program) are innovative ways to engage, educate, and empower students in taking charge of their futures. Simmons states the importance of showing kids that it is possible to defy the odds. As educators and members of the community, we should reduce struggles for students and create positive atmospheres for them to thrive.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Recording Academy Grammy Museum
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
March 21, 2019
Jack McWilliams, Manager of the Recording Academy Grammy Museum of Cleveland, Mississippi, met with Pascagoula-Gautier Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, College and Career Technical Institute Counselor Derek Read, and Jeana Delancey to discuss the importance of specific skills needed to be successful in the hospitality business. The museum is a fastpaced, dynamic environment which requires employees to be alert and enthusiastic. When searching for employees, McWilliams enjoys asking questions that test the willingness of applicants to problem-solve and think creatively. The ability to wel-
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come guests and address issues are imperative for success. The interview process is eighty percent based on personality. The museum staff consist of 7 full-time and 5 part-time employees from various states. Because they receive applications outside of the area, the ability to market yourself during a phone interview is crucial. The Grammy Museum in Mississippi has been in operation for three years and is one of the only two in the nation. It has served 92,000 guests which represent all 50 states and 32 countries.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Middleton Farms March 26, 2019
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
45
Volume 1 Issue 44 Superintendent Wayne Roldofich met with Middleton Farms educational tour guide Leanne Wallace to discuss dairy farming and the skills needed to operate and work on the farm. Middleton Farms is a third-generation dairy farm that started in 1948. The family-owned 1,000 acre farm is located in the northeast corner of Jackson County and flows over into Grand Bay, Alabama. It is home to one of the largest dairy cattle herds in the region with over 250 Holstein cows. Wallace says the farm milks twice a day, then sends the raw milk to a facility to be pasterized before it is distributed to the grocery stores. It is an excellent exercise in logistics, organizational and quality management. In addition to the family members that operate the farm, they have four employees. Each of the family members have a role on the farm, whether it’s milking cows, planting feed, herding the cattle or handling midnight emergency calls. There is always work to be done. Farmers do not have the luxury of taking days off. Furthermore, farmers need to stay abreast of advanced technologies, educational preparation and business skills. Through school field trips, they educate children about the dairy process, or “how milk gets from ‘moo to you.’”
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Maritime Defense Strategy LLC
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
Joseph Powell who serves as the Director of Compliance with Maritime Defense Strategy L.L.C. met with Assistant Superintendent Boyd West and Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich to discuss his company and the work they do in security. Mr. Powell said that he expects high school graduates to take initiative, work independently, and be able to operate Microsoft Office programs. He believes that being able to research and read
March 27, 2019
codes from federal regulations are very important in his specific line of work. His company interfaces with the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the United States Coast Guard, Customs, and Border Patrol. When hiring a potential employee, he says that the interview process accounts for about 60% of a person getting the job, but he also relies heavily on reference checks. He says that while most companies
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require three that he may ask for five and he will spend extra time making sure that the references are credible and provide an honest description of the applicants skill level. He currently works with our Keystone classes and serves on a school committee. He believes that schools should stay up to date on the latest trends in modern pathways. He also believes simulators are excellent teaching tools.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Big Three
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
PGSD employees, Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Boyd West, and Career Academy Specialist/CTE Counselor Derek Read met with three of the largest employers in the State of Mississippi today at the Haley Barbour Maritime Training Center. Those employers were Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding (Victoria Hunt Director of Shipbuilder Academy & Training, Ed-
March 28, 2019
mond Hughes - Vice President of Operations, and Mike Blanchett - Director of Engineering), Chevron Corporation (Alan Sudduth - Public and Government Affairs Manager) & Mississippi Power (Ann Holland - Workforce Development and Education Coordinator) to discuss the potential partnering of their respective companies to create an Engineering Academy for the students of Jackson County. This would be for students who
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Volume 1 Issue 46
have completed two years of either the PLTW Engineering or MDE Engineering curriculum and will be a perfect opportunity to show students what engineers actually do, what is required and let them see how each industry utilizes them in their specific industries. Similar to the Ingalls Shipbuilder Academy in its setup, the engineering academy will be a year-long internship opportunity for students their senior year.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: National World War II Museum April 3, 2019
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation PGSD employees, Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, Career Academy Specialist/CTE Counselor Derek Read, and Freshman Seminar Teacher Bailey Cuevas met with Pascagoula High alumni Collin Makamson. Makamson is the Assistant Director of Education & Curriculum for the National World War II Museum. When discussing what sets job candidates apart in the hiring process, he states that those who can speak to the mission of the organization and have completed prior research on the business stand out. When an interviewee takes the opportunity to ask questions about the organization itself, it is a definite plus. He also states it is important for a candidate to sell themselves and be able to speak of their skill sets and not necessarily of all the accolades on their resume. Makamson went on to say that one of the bests things a candidate who does not get the job can do is to ask for feedback for what would make them better or what would make them a stronger candidate. This shows maturity and awareness. Makamson wants his employees to exhibit a passion to make the museum a number one attraction for the city of New Orleans. He also says they need to be reliable and dependable as well as be able to communicate properly.
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Volume 1 Issue 47
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Fluor Federal Petroleum Operations
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
PGSD employees, Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, Career Academy Specialist/CTE Counselor Derek Read, and Freshman Seminar Teacher Bailey Cuevas met with Fluor Federal Petroleum Operations Director of Human Capital Todd Almquist. In the interview, Almquist talked about how Fluor’s sole purpose is to manage and operate the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) for the US Department of Energy. They hire employees from grass cutters all the way up the line for their four storage sites in Louisiana and Texas and the equipment storage facility in Stennis, Mississippi.
April 3, 2019
When discussing the interview process for Fluor’s job candidates, Almquist says they ask behavioral based questions. Questions are very specific work-related and lead with “Tell me about a time you...” He also wants to candidates to be able to talk about a mistake that has been made and what they have learned from it. One quality that he looks for is forgiveness and the ability to put things in the past in order to accomplish the mission. He looks 49
Volume 1 Issue 48
for the soft skills as much as the technical skills. “It is all about determining who can be successful in the role chosen.” Fluor’s strategy is Safety, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence. Professionalism is a focus at all times within Fluor’s worldwide organization.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Estabrook Motors
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
PGSD employees, Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich and Career Academy Specialist /CTE Counselor Derek Read met with Drew Estabrook of Estabrook Toyota. In the interview, Estabrook discussed the high demand for master certified technicians in the car service industry across the nation. Depending on productivity, Estabrook states that a qualified technician can make anywhere from $60K to over $100K
April 11, 2019
a year. Estabrook believes that about 70% of the hiring process is dependent upon the interview. Qualities that he looks for in candidates include a great attitude, work ethic and the ability to work well with others. He also tries to match personality to the position. For example, a parts manager needs to be very methodical and
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organized and may not necessarily need a lot of interpersonal skills yet on the opposite hand, a salesman needs to be very personable, when dealing with customers, finance lenders, others in the process of selling a vehicle.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Coach Mark Hudspeth
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
Mark Hudspeth is the Head Football Coach of Austin Peay University. He is the former Associate Head Coach at Mississippi State University and the former Head Coach of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He as an extensive background in collegiate coaching. He was contacted by phone for a series of college and career ready interview questions. The three things he expects when hiring an assistant coach are first loyalty to him, the staff, and the university. Secondly the assistant coach must be a great recruiter. This person must be able to engage recruits and gain the trust of parents and athletes to come to their university. The third expectation is managing their responsibilities. They must master every aspect of their job and be able to function independently and within the structure of the team. Applicants are expected to
April 15, 2019
dress well for the interview. They generally have a conversation to get a feel for the assistant coach. Body language matters and the type of questions the person being interviewed asks matters. If questions revolve around time off and amenities they may not make it to the second round. When recruiting athletes from high schools they expect a good quality student, understanding that there are some schools that do nothing for students. A student who is willing to learn and will work hard can be successful in his
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program. He wants guys who are competitive and willing to stay late and work extra. Everyone is accountable to each other.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Jackson County Economic Development Foundation
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation George Freeland Jr. and Mary Martha Henson of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation took some time out of their day to talk with PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich and Career Academy Specialist/CTE counselor Derek Read. The purpose of JCEDF is to help existing businesses expand and recruit other businesses to Jackson County. Knowing the needs of the labor market in our local community is vital to the success of the foundation. They need to be able to demonstrate a pipeline for employees for future businesses, not just for tomorrow, but, possibly five, ten, fifteen, or twenty years out. Acknowledging the importance of building the capacity of skilled employees for the county is the main reason PGSD is wanting to create a partnership with the foundation. JCEDF has a pulse of the careers in Jackson County. One suggestion given was to set up a more in depth tracking of students after graduation. Henson is fairly new to JCEDF, but is very well versed in defense contractors. She also
April 17, 2019 has a passion for the unmanned drone programs and forsees the state of Mississippi being a strong market for growth in production and training. She shared with us about the research taking place at Camp Shelby and Singing River Island with maritime drones. Freeland describes Jackson County being unique and different from all of the other counties in Mississippi in regards to economic development. It is very diverse and rich in resources for defense contracting, healthcare, marine development,
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Volume 2 Issue 1 petrochemical, and aerospace/aviation technology. When selling our community to potential corporations, Freeland thinks it is imperative to assure future businesses that there is
a willing proactive partner in school leadership for building a highly trained workforce.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: The Dwarf House Chick-fil-A
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
April 18, 2019
The Rodolfich family visited the Dwarf House Chick-fil-A in Hapeville, Georgia, a highly diverse and low-income community just outside of Atlanta. The Dwarf House was originally called The Dwarf Grill opened by the late founder of Chick-fil-A, Truett Cathy in 1946. Mr. Rodolfich was able to get a quick interview with Olivia Brown, Director of Sales & Brand Growth. She stated the interview process plays a great part in the hiring process. She went on to say body language, eye contact, and the dress is very important in making an impression during the interview. Personality is a big factor as well. A large number of piercings is not an asset for an applicant. The candidate’s willingness to learn and be trained in the standards for Chick-fil-A has a big influence on whether a person will be offered a job. Brown shared the CORE 4 that all employees are trained to execute. These mannerisms include 1) Eye Contact 2) Share a Smile 3) Speak Enthusiastically and 4) Create an Emotional Connection. During the visit, it was apparent the restaurant is very popular. There was a wait in both sides of the restaurant with employees hustling everywhere to accommodate their customers. The diner offers 53
Volume 2 Issue 2
two menus to choose from. The Grill side has a variety of foods served outside the typical Chick-fil-A menu including sweet potatoes, hash brown, waffles, and a wide array of other dishes. The other side serves the straight Chick-fil-A menu.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Chick-fil-A Headquarters
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
April 19, 2019
While in Atlanta, the Rodolfich family visited the Chick-fil-A Headquarters and took a backstage tour of the operation. The tour highlights the history of founder, Truett Cathy, and provides insight into how this organization has become a high performer in the
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fast food industry despite being closed on Sundays. According to CFA customers, the speed of service is why they are so successful. It is also told that Cathy, was not a very good student in school, but with determination and perseverance, he worked himself up from a fry-cook to CEO of a major corporation. Participants on the will see a training complex on the grounds with several drive-through and restaurant simulations for franchise and management training. The headquarter offices are informal with workspaces everywhere. In Roldofich’s opinion, the best room was a conference room, encased in glass, with whiteboards from the floor to the ceiling. Our tour guide, Hollywood, gave great insight into the spiritual nature of CFA. The philosophies and family values of the business are evident in the many framed quotes on display. One of the quotes asks, “Why not your best, why not?” It is a question asked of their employees daily. A second quote came as a reinforcement of why PGSD is must continue the journey into the College and Career Academies: “We exist to help every child become who they were created to be.” This is followed by a profound parallel to our focus. “We do this by having a positive influence on youth in our communities by supporting innovative education, youth entrepreneurship, and leadership.”
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Coca Cola Museum
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation We were limited in our interviews for the Coca-Cola Museum and we did not get to officially interview anyone, but we did manage to ask a few questions of one employee who was working in the entryway of the Coca-Cola Vault where they keep the secret recipe for the original Coca Cola. At first, Paul was a little confused when I began interviewing him, then I shared about PGSD’s initiative in developing College & Career Academies in the district. I went on to tell him about gathering data on the quality of service and expectations for employees in various organizations. The museum fits nicely in the hospitality realm. Paul shared that once hired, museum employees had to undergo a two-week training session in customer service. With his light and conversational tone, Paul kept people patient while wait-
April 19, 2019 ing to go through this attraction. The core statements of Coca Cola include, “Refresh the World”, “Inspire moments of Optimism and Happiness”, and “Create Value and Make a Difference”. The second take away from the visit was the logistics, quality control, and manufacturing process. People are allowed to view the steps in processing a single bottle of Coca-Cola. It begins with water and ends with a Crown Crimp Test to ensure the product stays fresh. An excellent journey to one of the world’s most iconic brands.
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Volume 2 Issue 4
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: The Flying Biscuit Café
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
I had a unique opportunity to interview the General Manager of the Flying Biscuit Café in Atlanta, Georgia. We had heard about this restaurant through word of mouth. The manager’s name is Wladimir Cachon. He was kind enough to provide me a few moments and explain his process for hiring employees in his business. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very hip, but he had a pretty firm process for hiring employees. The first unique expectation he had for people asking for an application is to ask if the
April 20, 2019
applicant had come prepared with a pen to fill it out the application on the spot. He also stated that flip flops were not a flattering way for people to make a good impression when seeking employment with him. People who come in well-dressed and ready to complete the application are people Cachon believes he could depend on to be reliable employees. Being on time, dressing well, speaking well, and having a good personality toward customers were all strengths he looked for in his restaurant.
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One observation I made while watching him interact—he was greeting, seating, and checking on his customers constantly. These same habits were consistently exhibited by his employees, not only checking on their customers but their colleague’s customers as well.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Jackson County Sheriff Department
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation PGSD employees, Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, Chief Calvin Hutchins and Career Academy Specialist/CTE Counselor Derek Read met with Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell, Deputy Joe Nicholson, Captain Randy Muffley, Chief Deputy John Ledbetter and Major Ray Bates. In the interview Sheriff Ezell compared law enforcement to the teaching profession as well as the healthcare profession in that you have to have a servants heart. “Officers today have to do so much more than we did when I first started”, Sheriff Ezell said, “today we get calls from helping a parent get their child of bed to go to school, helping an elderly lady get her cat out of a tree, to investigating a murder or domestic dispute an hour or two later. You never know what you are going to get from one hour to the next” he said. When asked about their hiring practices and what they looked for in potential employees, each man echoed the same thing, the first thing they look at is how they are dressed and how they present themselves at the interview.
April 24, 2019 While eye contact and manners are important, they do not want someone simply looking for a job, they want someone looking for a career. Chief Deputy Ledbetter and Major Bates talked about how the hiring process has changed, “used to as long as you had a drivers license and no criminal charges you could wear a badge, today applicants are subject to extensive background checks, have to take a psychiatric evaluation, and should have a degree, either two year or four year.” Once hired the applicant must attend academy training then will have a one year probation period where they are constantly evaluated before becoming a permanent
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Volume 2 Issue 6 officer. All were concerned how the media and the entertainment industry has gone a long way to destroy the trust and image of law enforcement. “Right now the only interaction most of the public has with local law enforcement is during a traffic stop, speeding ticket or arrest, we have to get out in the public more and build those relationships and change that perception”, Captain Muffley said. Sheriff Ezell said their expectations are simple, “we expect our employees to do the right thing, go the extra mile, and do not do anything that embarrasses you, this department or your community.”
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Local State Legislature
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Charles Busby, House Representative District 111, John Read, House Representative District 112, and Brice Wiggins, State Senate District 52 met with PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Belinda Dammen, College and Career Technical Institute Director Thomas Brooks and Career Academy Specialist/CTE Counselor Derek Read to discuss PGSD’s Career Academy Initiative and what should school systems be doing to get students ready for the real world. Representative Busby says that from a legislature’s standpoint, “Students need soft skills with some knowledge that prepares them for the workforce.” This involves the importance of
April 30, 2019 being on time, dressing properly and being respectful to be a team player in a work environment. He also said that being able to work with other people and having a skill set is vital. There are many non-degree jobs and trade skill jobs available in our area for those students not wanting to pursue a college degree. Busby also felt that students should be prepared to go off to college without the need for remediation, that remediation costs the state a significant amount of money. Both paths for students need to be viewed as equally important, not just the college route. PGSD’s drone program is intriguing to Busby. He believes that a primary use of drones that could be coming to our area is unmanned aerial, surface, and
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Volume 2 Issue 7 sub-surface combatants. If we can establish our geographical location for testing, it opens more opportunities for developing a workforce pipeline that students can fulfill. Representative Wiggins expects every student to be prepared to compete in the nation and globally, meaning they have both the education and soft skills. He believes there should be more of instituting community involvement so that graduates are wanting to come back to their communities. Unfortunately, Mississippi suffers from low expectations and as a whole, we need to raise our expectations so that we can compete with everyone. From a legislature standpoint, schools in Mississippi need to be performing at the highest level. Senator Read wants students to speak and write correctly. He brings up that when companies are searching for CEO’s, they look for people with an English Lit. degree because they read and interpret. By reading from the masters, they have built a foundation. If you have a foundation, then you can comprehend with critical thinking skills. Students need to be aware of their surroundings.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: State Representative Jay Hughes
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation PGSD employees, Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Superintendent Boyd West and Career Academy Specialist/CTE Counselor Derek Read met with State Representative of Oxford, Jay Hughes on May 8, 2019. When asked what he thought was the main thing that schools need to focus on that they were not already doing, Representative Hughes said that soft skills were very important. He said that there were three main points he deemed important. First was the importance of shaking hands and looking people in the eye, second was financial literacy and finally skills training. He said he also supports alternative state testing methods, specifically a combination of the ACT and the ACT WorkKeys which would measure college and career readiness. “Teachers today are teaching
May 8, 2019
to a test, we need to focus on a more individualized teaching system and less testing”, he said. Mr. Rodolfich asked him what he looked for in an employee. “Punctuality, there is nothing more important than being on time, being accountable and being dependable”, Hughes said. Representative Hughes talked about his growing
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up poor in the home of a working father and mother and how this instilled his drive and work ethic. He said of all his childhood friends those who grew up like him were the most successful, those who had everything growing up did not have the drive to work harder and to obtain success. Representative Hughes was asked by Mr. West what was the biggest difference between millennials and himself as a young adult, new in the workplace. “New hires today are not afraid to voice their opinion, while that is not necessarily bad, the difference is they think they are entitled to their opinion even when not solicited. They need to realize that employers are paying them to perform a task, not to be a consultant”, Hughes said. “You have a job to do and employers expect you to do it.”
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Coca-Cola Bottling Plant
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation PGSD Career Academy Team Leaders met with CocaCola representatives to discuss a contract with their organization. The representative were Doug Rice, Manager on Premise Territory who is based out of Gulfport and Shane Slay Business Development Manager on Premise who is based out of Ocean Springs. Rice stated that the greatest attribute they look for in an employee is someone who has a good personality and can get along with people. Slay added that time management skills are very important. Most of their business is route based and it is important hear and meet the needs of their customers. Rice looks for people who like to win and hate to lose. When asked about the specific skills they look for in employees, Rice desires employees to be on time, dress properly and be punctual in their daily schedule. He believes every employee has to view their work through the lens of the people they are serving. He believes that sometimes you have to put yourself in other people's shoes to under-
May 14, 2019 stand where they are coming from with issues or complaints. Rice believes employees should be willing to learn something new each day and embrace change. Slay believes it is important to listen more and talk less when interacting with others. They both believe that employees should listen and lead with compassion and that the customer is always right. The successful training method they utilize is pairing new employees with more experienced employees and using mentors to guide employee progress. The final attribute they consider important
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Volume 2 Issue 9 to their company and employee success is for the employee to understand their role on the team. The employee must be able to function within the structure their team.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Descher Organization - McDonalds
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
PGSD employees, Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Superintendent Boyd West and Career Academy Specialist/CTE Counselor Derek Read met with Pat Descher, owner of the Descher Organization and John Boyle, Director of Operations and Deonda Smith, McDonalds Ambassador. Descher and her husband opened their first McDonalds in 1980 in Gautier, Mississippi. Since then, the organization has grown to over 18 stores across the gulf coast. Due to many of the employees being students, education goals are very important when looking for job candidates. Descher does not hire students
May 15, 2019 who are failing school, because then they just want to work and not finish school and graduate. Descher believes that education should be the primary focus. Smith also believes job candidates should be personable. Boyle states they want employees who look clean, sharp and take pride in their appearance. Descher also thinks financial literacy is a skill that really needs to be addressed in schools. Once a candidate is selected, the candidate goes through a centralized orientation where they are introduced to the Descher Or61
Volume 2 Issue 10 ganization, what the values are, the core beliefs, and the commitment of support, education, training. Candidates participate in online training as well as hands-on training with a mentor buddy. In addition to the extra effort taken at the beginning with training employees, Boyle says they push positive recognition to help with retention of employees. To further exemplify the importance of education, the organization holds an annual graduation event where they recognize seniors on their milestone achievement. It is also a time when they discuss the opportunities for the seniors to advance within the organization and learn about tuition assistance for furthering their education.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: UPS
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, met with Tim Younge, Business Manager for the Gulfport/Gautier UPS Distribution Centers. Younge describes UPS as a company that is delivering not a product but a time sensitive service. Younge calls himself a poster child for UPS. He worked his way up the ladder starting when he was in college for a chemical engineering degree. While he was doing an internship with a chemical plant, he gained the opportunity to drive a truck. He then left school to further advance with UPS. As he said, UPS rewards their employees for what they accomplish. They believe in promoting from the ranks. Younge says UPS likes to
May 17, 2019 hire college students who have a good work ethic. Punctuality and attendance are very important to him. A new employee should be able to push themselves to be on time during their probationary period. One concern Younge has is that students of today are not exposed to as many soft skills and technical experiences, such as knowing how to change a tire or drive a stick-shift. Due to the advancement of logistics technology, the job is more brawn than brain. UPS has a bonus program that en-
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courages drivers to be efficient and quick. Every action of a driver has a time study that creates a plan of the day for every package that is in transit and delivered. The program identifies the time it takes to get off the truck, how many steps to deliver the package to the front door, whether it needs a dolly, etc. If the driver completes the route before the expected planned day, then UPS will pay the employee for the remaining time of the planned day. Younge finished the interview by saying “UPS is a great company to work for, both the pay and benefits are really good and no matter your age, after 30 years you can retire, which is another plus.”
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Biloxi Shuckers Baseball
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich,and Assistant Supt. of Secondary education met with Hunter Reed, General manager of the Biloxi Shuckers. The Shuckers organization employs roughly 150 full time, seasonal and trainees. The front office employees are fulltime and have a college degree, mostly sports management or related degree. Many of the employees gain experience through internships with different ballpark organizations. The biggest skills that Reed looks for in his game day staff is customer service and communications. These employees are the face of the organization so they need to
May 21, 2019
be able to dress well, speak well, and be on time. Employees are recognized and honored for their exemplary skills at homestand games. Aside from having a talented athletic team, the Shuckers understand the importance to effectively market the games. The front office staff needs to be intuitive to the local market to draw the crowds into the stadium. They attend business seminars and innovative summits with other ballpark organizations and share ideas. Another trend that Reed has observed is the movement from traditional print to social media to reach the broad demographics of
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the fanbase. Another challenge is coming up with 70 different promotions throughout the season and knowing when is the best time to promote. Another key component of the organization is the management of facilities. The field, clubhouses, and training rooms need to be a high-level condition in order to keep ballplayers safe from injury. Minor League Baseball and the Milwaukee Brewers invest heavily in their ballplayers and expect the Shuckers organization to be protective in regards to the facilities and hire employees who believe in the same value.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Family Zone
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich sat down with Ross Young, Vice President of North American Operations and Sales for the FamilyZone at the district’s annual Tech Camp for Teachers event. Family Zone is an Australian publicly traded software tech company which focuses on K12 schools and districts to keep kids cyber safe. They offer products such as content filtering, classroom tools, firewall, and management tools for 1:1 and BYOD. They want to create safe digital learning environments where students can flourish. Family Zone believes in building a base culture that develops values in the organization with their mission statement like integrity and doing the right thing when no one is looking. Because public funds are used to purchase their services, it is really important to review a future employee’s background. The company looks for people that will have an impact on their business with career aspirations and know what they
June 3, 2019
want to do in the next 5 years or so. They like to partner with their employees on their future goals. They ask their employees to identify what their ambitions are, what is needed to accomplish them and then help provide a path to reaching those ambitions. Some non-negotiables Young looks for are strong organization and planning skills, being technically savvy, and knowing their way around a computer in multiple ways. Young uses LinkedIn to headhunt and for sales opportunities. He also uses social media to weed through the applicants. Part of Family Zones initiative is to help schools educate children and the community on safe social media practices and digital citizenship, so it really vital they stand by their actions as well. As for bringing in clients, Family Zone content marketing provides 64
Volume 2 Issue 13
value at no cost for research purposes to the industry. They write about specific topics they feel are important. They have created five personas and develop specific topics they feel are important in those areas and how their company can assist with a school’s needs. So eventually when a school is ready to take the next step in discussing a partnership, there is already a connection or familiarity of the brand.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Chris Bush
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
June 3, 2019
Volume 2 Issue 14
PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich Chris Bush, Gautier High School Alumni. Chris Bush has his own Primerica business in Los Angeles, California. The Primerica platform is to educate employees about financial freedom. After graduation, Bush attended Tuskegee University to obtain an engineering degree and play basketball. He also develops real estate in New Orleans, Louisiana. He operates a non-profit called Graduate Wealthy. This non-profit provides scholarships. His goal is to educate students in financial literacy. He currently has three employees.
teachable. College is not a necessity for employment. Work ethic is a key to success. He believes in dressing well, speaking well, being on time, and giving your best effort while at work. He first became intrigued with business by watching late night television and home flipping infomercials. He worked as an engineer with Exxon in Baton Rogue, but the vertiHe sees the biggest quality of employees is their heart. He believes people skills are cal advancement was not the pace he wanted to set for his life. He spent several years as an engineer before he made a career change. He set out on his own with Primerica and real estate development. He is very successful and is always working on developing his businesses.
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Huntington Ingalls Talent & Acquisitions
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
June 4, 2019
Jimmy Fields and Ben Hare of Huntington Ingalls Industries set up a vendor booth at PGSD’s Tech Camp for Teachers. They represent HII’s Talent & Acquisition team. Their responsibility is to go throughout the state to recruit employees for the shipyard. The shipyard will give them a requisition to hire a specific number of people. The requisition has two key elements, one being basic qualifications and the other being preferred qualifications. As recruiters, they are looking for candidates that have the basic qualifications of a welder, pipefitter, electrician, or what craft department they are trying to hire for in the requisition. They are tasked to hire to the qualifications of the job description. Fields stated they really do not have an interview process. They look at the applications to see if they meet the qualifications, the candidate will come in, take the test needed for the particular craft, and if they pass then send them on to their craft school. They also help establish training programs throughout the state to help fulfill the shortage of critical positions such as shipfitters. One of the programs is called Harbors which stands for 66
Volume 2 Issue 15
Heros Are Building Our Ships. This is a partnership with the Mississippi National Guard where workforce development funds are used to set up labs in community colleges and high schools to train prospective candidates. One example is the Structural Fitters program at Holmes Community College. Once a candidate completes the 14-16 weeks of school and has a recommendation from their instructor, they are guaranteed a job with the shipyard. Fields says the toughest part of recruiting in the state is getting the qualified candidates to leave their homes and move to the coast. They even offer a $1500 signing incentive to help with rent and utility deposits. Although, sometimes candidates may not end up working for HII they are being offered jobs in local businesses. They feel that in the end, it is the right choice to partner with the local business to help develop the state’s workforce even though they may not necessarily benefit at this time, they may in the future. When inquiring about what are the important skills PGSD needs to instill in our students, Hare and Fields believe math skills are a priority. Fields stated that candidates often have difficulty reading a ruler, which is one reason why they now offer rulers as a swag item.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Manatee County Beach Patrol Rescue Unit
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
June 22, 2019
While visiting Anna Maria Island in Florida, PGSD Superintendent Wayne Roldofich conducted an interview with Lieutenant Greene of the Beach Patrol Rescue Unit who was stationed at the main guard tower of Coquina Beach North Entrance. His unit is a division of law and public safety. I asked him what the qualifications were to become a member of the Beach Patrol Rescue Team. He said there are three phases. The first phase is to possess the credentials needed to become a Beach Patrol Rescue employee. They must be certified in first aid and CPR and have a high school diploma. The second phase is to complete a ½ mile run in packed sand in under 3 minutes and 30 seconds. They then have to complete a 500 yard swim in under 10 minutes. The final physical challenge is to swim to the beacon which is about 75 yards off shore and rescue a fellow lifeguard with no safety equipment. The final phase is a four-person interview. They want confident people who
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work well on a team. They read the resume, but want to know how this person will fit into their program. He stated that it is important to dress well for the interview within the guidelines of a person who wants to work on the beach as a way of life. He said that being on time and at work are crucial in their line of work. Everyone depends on each other to keep people safe. There are lifeguard stations set up around every 200 yards or so on this beach.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: The Way Family Church
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
June 23, 2019
On a recent trip to Florida we were able to stop at The Way Family Church in Lakeland. We asked if we could interview the pastors between services and they warmly agreed to answer a few questions about their employment practices and the standards for their church. The two pastors interviewed were the Lead Pastor, Tim Bolton and the Executive Pastor, Brady Beniges. They stated their method for hiring employees and developing volunteers was based on personalities and where they best fit their organization. They estimated at least half of their staff had some college education, but they develop their people from within and many start in voluntary positions. They hire people with a variety of backgrounds from technology to music to public relations. They have a child care that operates during ministry services in multiple age levels and all of these people who work there must be given a background check. They review social media before placing anyone in positions on their staff. A few areas of interest were the Serve Teams which focus on “Serving God by Loving and Serving People” and Connections which “Build Relationships Together in Community.” These are groups who help to develop the membership of the church. They have 8 or 9 teams at any given time. They develop their skill level by serving on teams and through experiential learning. The placement in groups is based on the skill sets and personality 68
Volume 2 Issue 17
types. The pastors agreed that a formula for success in any endeavor was to 1) Be Present 2) Be on Time 3) Dress Well 4) Speak Well & 5) Outwork Everyone! When reviewing the church service there is an element of logistics involved from greeting church members, planning for the music and service, guiding people to child care units, and structuring time to meet the needs of all of their membership. They do all of their own employee training and it does have a computer element involved. The church was small, but well attended in both services.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Verizon Connect
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
June 23, 2019
Superintendent Wayne Roldofich sat down with Matt Bullock, a National Account Manager for Verizon Connect in the Telematics Division. Mr. Bullock sells and supports GPS tracking and work order management SaaS Sells Devices that enhance logistics and amplifies the use of company time and resources. Telematics, is comprised of comprehensive fleet and mobile workforce management software platforms, embedded original equipment manufacturer hardware, road and routing maps, parts monitoring programs and a slew of information services geared to drivers. For example, Bob’s Plumbing has ten trucks. They go to their calls and there is no way to track their movements. Bullock sells systems to monitor the work of employees. In an effort to move from retail, Matt interviewed with Verizon for this opportunity. The interview process consisted of a one on one interview where they tried to talk him out of the position due to the difficulty of the work. They were testing his resolve regarding his ambition to obtain this job.His job requires him to access a database of leads to cold call potential customers. It requires a cultivation of relationships with store managers at Verizon outlets who can funnel business to his lane in the company. The skills needed to be successful in this work are tenacity, the willingness to pursue an account and then also knowing when the account is a drain on daily efficiency. 69
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The training is on the product, getting past the gatekeeper, find the decision-maker and making the sale. Good old fashioned questioning techniques and listening. You have to be a great storyteller of third party stories. Verizon creates its own manual to train their employees in sales. The company uses internal competition to drive sales with great incentives. Fleet-Matics was bought out by Verizon. Bullock must be able to interface with the technology, speak well to potential customers, and finish the sell.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
July 24, 2019
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Paige Roberts met with PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich, Director of English Learners Dr. Melissa DeAngelo and Career Academy Specialist Derek Read to discuss character traits prospective employees need to embrace to be successful in the business world. Roberts said communication is key in the business world especially when bringing groups of people together for discussion. The more communication the groups have, the more awareness there is of what each group is doing so duplication of services can be cut down and groups can learn to work together and share resources. Too many times people work in silos and are not aware there are others trying solve the same issues. By opening up the lines of communication, partnerships can be formed which can 70
Volume 2 Issue 19
better serve the community. The Chamber can serve as a bridge between the groups by providing resources that can be contacted to help solve problems. Roberts said the Chamber can be a go-to hub because it has the ability to connect people together who want to see the same issues accomplished. To work at the Chamber, a potential employee would need good written and oral communication skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills and have initiative the ability to brainstorm ideas and then make them applicable. Roberts said it is also important to have those interpersonal skills if one is in any kind of sales position with the personality that makes others want to interact with you. Certain skills could also be developed through taking courses in public speaking and communication.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Jerry St. Pe, ( Ret.) Ingalls Shipbuilding President
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
July 25, 2019
Retired Ingalls Shipbuilding President Jerry St. Pe met with PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich and Career Academy Specialist Derek Read to discuss character traits prospective employees need to embrace to be successful in the business world. St. Pe said one of the top attributes he looks for during a job interview is the person’s level of self confidence. A lack of self confidence can be an impediment to a person meeting his full potential. Second, St. Pe said he looks for disciplined ambition. He is not looking for someone who is reckless and will do anything to move forward, but someone who is controlled and content with where he is at for that moment and willing to work to achieve his goals. Third, St. Pe said he looks for aptitude. A person may look good on paper but he has to be willing to continue to grow and learn a new job. A good resume is a valuable road map to go by in the interview and en71
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ables the the person doing the interview to drill down to the basics of what a person knows and validate that knowledge. A good employee needs to know how to resolve conflicts and feel comfortable enough with his boss to express his opinions. In turn, leaders need to surround themselves with people who can talk frankly to them, listen to what they have to say and then take five minutes to look at the situation one more time before making a final decision. St. Pe also advised never to go into an interview without doing research first so that the interview is more of a conversation in getting to know that person better. The last attribute St. Pe said a person needs is a sense of humility. No matter what position a person holds, if that person has all the answers, it doesn’t come across well. Good leaders need to surround themselves with people who have a skill set which includes good communication.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: J.C. Certified as ACT Work Ready Community
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
July 29, 2019
Jackson County celebrated being certified as a ACT Work Ready Community with a celebration at the Jackson County Services Complex. PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich spoke at the celebration saying “This celebration marks an end to our initial journey as a county in the first phase of Work Ready Community Certification. This celebration culminates a little over a year of work by a coalition of educators, business people and industry who worked together to meet all the criteria for the first phase of Work Ready Community Certification. The United Way of Jackson and George Counties and school districts played a vital role in funding and administering the ACT Workkeys to meet the standards set forth by ACT with 72
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United Way committing to fund 400 ACT test scholarships throughout the four county school districts. “This initiative provides a pathway for future integration of entities including Jackson County Economic Foundation, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County Board of Supervisors, cities and school districts of Jackson County in an effort to create the most coveted economic and educational frontier in the state of Mississippi and in our country. We are very excited to have participated in this endeavor through our involvement in the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s Education Issue Managers Group,” Rodolfich said.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Ramon Ruiz, Beau Rivage Entertainment Director
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
July 30, 2019
Ramon Ruiz, entertainment director of the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, spoke to PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich about the skill set he is looking for in prospective employees. Ruiz, who handles all the entertainment at the Beau Rivage, works with headliners, convention clients and special events clients. During an interview with a prospective employee, Ruiz said he looks for a positive attitude, self motivation, effective communication skils and technology proficiency in the areas of audio/sound/lighting and video. At the management level of employment, positions such as event services, ticket office, production manager and technological operations are offered for those who wish to climb the corporate ladder. Employees are hired on a 90-day probation period where they are observed for adhering to safety procedures and how they deal with artists. The work schedule can be intense with summer work seven days a week due to the 160 shows in the showroom, three major special events and more than 20 concert clients. The top qualities Ruiz said he is looking for in a prospective employee are dedication, determination,leadership and communication skills and works with his employees on team building skills. 73
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Marshall Smith, Gulf Sales & Supply Inc.
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 15, 2019
Marshall Smith, owner of Gulf Sales & Supply, spoke to PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich, Assistant Supt. of Secondary Education Rhett Ladner and Bridge Academy Coordinator Dr. Melissa DeAngelo, about the characteristics he seeks in potential employees. Gulf Sales & Supply is an industrial supply store that sells professional grade power tools and safety supplies to shipbuilders, power plants, industrial contractors and governments with Ingalls Shipbuilding as his top customer. Open for 41 years, Smith has 16 employees who work with him in various positions. He said the best qualities he is looking for in an employee are showing up for work everyday, honesty and having the ability to get along with people. Smith said most customers are good people, but he has come across a few difficult 74
Volume 2 Issue 23
people during his years in the business. Knowing how to deal with these kinds of clients is essential. People who have worked in the military or for UPS or Fed Ex have proved to be valuable employees. Smith said these people show up for work on time and are familiar taking orders and executing them in an efficient manner. Over the years, Smith said he has seen his business change in the way selling has evolved. In earlier years, most of his clients were those who walked into the store. Now, employees use trucks for delivery right to the customer, and direct shipping and Amazon have become big sources of income for the business. Being able to adapt to change has kept Gulf Sales competitive in the professional tool and safety supply market.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
Norman Cupit, Cupit Signs
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 16, 2019
Norman Cupit, owner of Cupit Signs in Pascagoula, spoke with PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich about the qualities he looks for when hiring employees. Cupit said it begins by remembering how the character of Sheriff Andy Griffith from “The Andy Griffith Show” treated others in the various storylines. “It all comes down to customer service, being nice to the people we come in contact with,” Cupit said. The business employs a staff of five, some with degrees, others with GEDs. Cupit cross trains all of his employees on the multiple technology platforms he uses so they can fill for each other if one of them has to be out. That also includes having literacy and good communication skills which comes in handy when checking spelling on all the signs as well as writing invoices and accepting payments from 75
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clients. One of the newer techniques popular today are heat wraps and wrapping vehicles. Logistically, Cupit said he prefers to do the outside work whether it’s decals for cars or putting up signage for businesses. Averaging about 50 orders a week, Cupit said the fall is the peak time of year for business when elections are being held, schools are reopening for another year and businesses need new signage. About half of Cupit’s business comes from walk in clients, while the other half comes via emails and his website. Although he has been in business for 20 years, Cupit said his business tripled after moving it to Pascagoula seven years ago. Prior to that he worked out of shop close to his home in Wade. About 75 percent of his business comes from municipalities and industries.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Nicky Maxwell, Mississippi Security Police
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 16, 2019
Nicky Maxwell, owner of Mississipi Security Police in Pascagoula, spoke with PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich about the characteristics he is seeking in prospective employees. Mississippi Security Police employees 160 personnel with educational backgrounds that vary from GEDs to college degrees. The business provides professional security training that is required of every employee as personnel are sent to a wide variety of situations where security is needed, from juvenile detention centers, industrial centers such as Chevron to naval vessels. Employees receive both classroom training and then praticum training on the range. Many of the operations where personnel are sent have a set protocal that must be followed as well as critical infrastructure needs. Maxwell said those seeking employment are subject to a thor76
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ough background check so those who want to work for the security police need to remember to stay out of trouble since the background checks relate to criminal acitivity all the way to credit scores. Prospective employees are interviewed by a human resources director who also assesses how a person looks, speaks and carries himself. Maxwell said they look at body language including those who avoid eye contact and those who have not filled out the application properly. He also looks at how they portray themselves on social media. Maxwell also said they have a great retention rate with a number of people who have been with them for 15-20 years or more. “We treat those who work for us like family, and we take pride in what we have accomplished. Those attributes go a long way in how long people stay with us,” Maxwell said.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: United Way for Jackson & George Counties
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 20, 2019
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich and Career Academies Coordinator Melissa DeAngelo met with United Way forJackson and George Counties Director of Public Relations Tee McCovey about the qualities he looks for in prospective employees. McCovey said communication skills are essential as well as being able to articulate the United Way’s mission and values. Equally important is the ability to listen with intent to understand versus listening with an intent to reply. Honesty, integrity and work ethic are also important character traits according to McCovey. Another indicator during the interview process is asking the question of how they handled a time in their lives when they were challenged or had obstacles or barriers that needed to be overcome. McCovey said that answer is a good indicator of how people 77
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solve problems. Good eye contact, dress and appearance are other key factors in finding the right employee. When he arrived at United Way a year ago, McCovey said he brought a different mindset to the organization, a different way of looking at things. “We want every person in our office to have a stake in our mission and to have the same kind of enthusiasm the rest of the team has. We want everyone on the staff to see her job differently and to understand this is her business too and instill that value in each of them. “As a member of United Way we are committed to finding a way to bring all people together in a world that is being torn apart. And we have to have that discerning spirit in knowing the people who really need our help and those who don’t,” McCovey said.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
Port of Pascagoula
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 21, 2019
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich and Career Academies Coordinator Melissa DeAngelo met with Port of Pascagoula Deputy Port Director Sandy Feathers to discuss the character traits she is looking for in potential employees. The Port of Pascagoula employes 41 people in a number of different locations - the Pascagoula River Port, Bayou Casotte Industrial Water System, water plant at Chervon, the cooling ponds for Mississippi Power at Black Creek and Singing River Island. The port authority is the landlord of the port and regulates tariffs being charged. It also manages Singing River Island and leases buildings for use there including buildings leased by its largest client - Ingalls Shipbuilding. 78
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Feathers said what she is looking for in a potential employees are communications skills, a good work ethic, being on time, dressing appropriately for the interview, and an interaction balance - making sure one doesn’t talk too much or not enough. “You can tell a lot about a person by the the way they speak, how they dress, how they sit and how much the potential employee makes eye contact during the interview, Feathers said. Some job positions do not need a high school diploma such as dock workers (GED required) who are mowers, painters and those who move rail cars while others employees such as engineers require a four-year degree. Once hired, Feathers said most employees stay for many years.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
Gulf Coast Fence Company
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 22, 2019
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich and Career Academies Coordinator Melissa DeAngelo spoke with Michael Keenum, owner of Gulf Coast Fence Company, about the qualities he seeks in potential employees. Keenum said he has 30 employees in various positions which range from office personnel to salesmen to those who install fencing in both the residential and corporate sectors such as Mississippi Power and Ingalls Shipbuilding. “Having communication skills and knowing how to deal with people are the most important skills an employee needs to possess,” he said. Taking pride in one’s work and being responsible are two top attributes as well. Those who are fence installers must be able 79
Volume 2 Issue 28
to do addition and subtraction, multiplication and division as well as knowing volume. Keenum said the business was started by his father in 1986 although he knew little about the fencing business. “My dad was a hustler in the fact that he was always a hard worker,” Keenum said. “He instilled in me the importance of having a good work ethic and not putting off something until tomorrow that you can do today. I also live by the principle that if you tell someone you are going to do something, you need to do it. It’s all about integrity.” Keenum, who does all the hiring, said the company handles about 15-20 jobs weekly and said the key to success is having the right people selling the right quality of product.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Miss. Gulf Coast Community College
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 23, 2019
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich and Career Academies Coordinator Melissa DeAngelo spoke with Dr. Tammy Franks, Vice President of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jackson County Campus, about the qualities she looks for when hiring prospective employees. In her role, Dr. Franks oversees 240 employees on her campus, from custodians, to instructors and administrators. Her advice is to dress for the job you want and show up prepared for the interview. Employees should have good speaking and listening skills as well as good work ethic and attendance. Maintain good eye contact during the interview, but Franks said it is never a good idea to name drop or apply for every job listing. 80
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With instructors making up 70 percent of her staff, Franks said she is looking for people who are passionate about the students. “If you are not here to help students and put them first, then you are not in the right place,” Franks said. During her interview with prospective new instructors, Franks said she does ask scenario questions and also requests that the person present a lesson plan. Technology has also played a big role in how classes are taught. Instead of teaching from a textbook, many instructors use e-books and more interactive modules. One of the big changes is the hiring of instructors who have 30 years of experience in the field, but no classroom experience, as the college expands its workforce development classes.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Delo’s Heavenly House of Coffee
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 23, 2019
PGSD Career Academies Coordinator Melissa DeAngelo spoke with Delorise Nettles, owner of Delo’s Heavenly House of Coffee, about the qualities she looks for when hiring prospective employees. “I’m looking for people who can communicate back and forth with customers,” Nettles said. “Too many young people have a relationship with their phones instead of people.” Nettles said she can teach her employees how to make coffee, but with a small business, it’s all about building relationships, so she helps her employees learn to develop relationships with all the customers who walk through her front door. She also teaches them basic skills such as sweeping the floor and washing
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dishes. Nettles said she is looking for employees with a good work ethic, those who are responsible and come to work on time. With seven employees who work part-time hours, Nettles said she has high expectations for her employees. “You would be surprised at the number of employees who don’t know basic math skills like how to count money, make change or add tax,” she said. Because she hires high school or college and students, her turnover rate is high because the shop is just a stepping stone to the next phase of students’ lives, but it’s a stop that will hopefully provide these students with valuable skills that will serve them well wherever life may take them.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Brian Fulton, County Administrator
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 26, 2019
PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich and Career Academies Coordinator Melissa DeAngelo spoke with County Administrator Brian Fulton on qualities he seeks when interviewing potential employees. With 425 county employees, Fulton has 15 department heads who oversee each one of the county departments which range from the airport and the animal shelter to recreation and public safety. Fulton said he is looking for leadership qualities when interviewing for a department head. “We look for someone who takes initiative to do the tasks needed to be done and and takes the responsibility to do it without having to be told,” Fulton said. “We look for leaders who can direct a team of people and inspire people to work hard. We look for someone who can work as a team, who is 82
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able to get along with others without a lot of drama. We have lots of different types of people working for us with many different personalities, so that person needs to get along and work well with others. We are also looking for people with a positive attitude. Sometimes it’s not as much about the education and experience as it is about those qualities.” Fulton said he also looks for people who conduct themselves in a professional manner including posture, outward appearance, being on time for work and attendance. Fulton said he gives his department heads the autonomy to lead their departments. “If they want training opportunities to better able them to do their jobs, I allow them to attend those sessions. I treat my employees like I want to be treated.”
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Vick Ballard, Indianapolis Colts
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 26, 2019
PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich and Career Academies Coordinator Melissa DeAngelo spoke with former Indianapolis Colts running back Vick Ballard about employability lessons he has learned in his career. A graduate of Pascagoula High School, Ballard played football at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Mississippi State University before being selected to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2012 NFL Draft. After three years with the team he became a free agent. For the past two years, Ballard has been in college majoring mechanical en83
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gineering and is now employed with The Trust, powered by the NFLPA, which provides transitioning football players with the support they need to ensure their success off the field and in life. During his years with the Colts, Ballard said he learned the traits of being punctual, great effort, doing things the right way, being dependable and making sure he handled the small details. “It’s all about alignment, assignment and execution and everything else will take care of itself,” Ballard said. “Thinking like that transfers to the real life.”
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Realtor Suzanne Martin, Smith Homes
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
August 27, 2019
PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich and Career Academies Coordinator Melissa DeAngelo spoke with Suzanne Martin, owner of Coldwell Banker Smith Homes in Gautier, about traits she looks for when hiring for a Realtor position. Martin said the first thing she looks for is honesty and if the person is trustworthy. “I also look for someone who is confident with an outgoing personality and social-minded who is not afraid of rejection,” Martin said. A Christian-based company, Martin said she likes to live by the golden rule - “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” “I like to treat my employees like they are family so when I hire new Realtors, I like to train them myself and have them shadow me for about three months or so just so they 84
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can learn the expectations, and the ends and outs of being a Realtor and they feel comfortable going out on their own.” Because real estate is a commission based income, people usually know in three to six months if they are cut out to be a Realtor. Martin said having a background in finance, banking, human resources or even a car salesman is a big plus when entering the real estate arena. Realtors must be flexible in meeting with home seekers on weekends and after hours. Prime marketing tools in the Real Estate industry are yard signs which bring in a lot of phone calls if a house goes on the market and social media such as Facebook when listing homes and commercial property for sale.
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Bridge Academy Career Perspectives 50 Interviews of PGSD & Jackson County Graduates
A Student Guide to the Journey of Life and Perspectives on the Pursuit of Career Pathways Digital Textbook Overview
The interviews in this student guide were compiled by the PGSD Leadership Team and College and Career Center Technical Institute. We solicited interviews from former students who were recommended by educators and local community members. Our goal was to interview a diverse cross section of graduates to help build an informational guide filled with advice and perspectives on the attainment of careers for our current students taking our 9th Grade Freshman Seminar for Career Prep & Exploration. We framed our questions so we could capture the challenges of setting career goals and the journey to achieve them. We want relatable experiences to share with our students from former students. Our questions are listed below. When did you graduate high school? Did you attend college or did you go straight into the workforce? Describe your journey from high school until now. If you could go back to high school and offer yourself or current students advice about something they should do while still in high school, what would that advice be? Did you have an educator who influenced you while in high school and why? Did you take a vocational course in high school and if you did, how did the course help you in your current profession? What was one of the greatest challenges you overcame either in high school, college or career? What has been your greatest reward in your journey? The interviews were conducted as a team, mostly by phone. The team members included:
Debbie Anglin
Director of PGSD Communications
Dr. Melissa DeAngelo
Director of English Language and Career Academies
Thomas Brooks
(former) Director of the College & Career Technical Institute
Derek Read
Counselor and Bridge Academy Coordinator CCTI (now CCTI director)
Dr. Wayne Rodolfich
Superintendent, Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Belinda Dammen
Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Education
Rhett Ladner
Assistant Superintendent, Secondary Education
A very special thank you to Debbie Anglin who transcribed the notes from every interview and wrote each summary for this manual. This project would not have been accomplished without her commitment to this project. Thank you also to Stoney Rogers, technology integration specialist, for the cover design.
Table of Contents Sarah Thomas, First Woman to Officiate Super Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1 Jonathan Massey, Pizza Hut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 John P. Welch Jr. PepsiCo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 Larry Hawkins II, Hawkins Development Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5 Luz Martinez, Director of Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7 Lt. Col. Jason Holmes, Miss. Army National Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 J.T. Tomes, Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 Nicole Wall Sullivan, Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Angel Saez, Phoenix Labor Group Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11 Jake Lindgren IV, Seabulk Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12 Angel Myers McIllrath, J.C. District Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13 Dr. Tiffany McDevitt Alford, Veterinarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Richard Hawthorne, World Champion Power Lifter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15 Victor Jones, Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16 Anthony McDaniel, Paralympian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17 Josh Feinberg, Naval Aviator, Civilian Pilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18 Bryan Randolph, Amazon Trails Expedition Leader, Brazil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19 Dr. Taylor Tanner, Pharmacist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20 Vick Ballard, Indianapolis Colts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 22 C.J. Coleman, New Orleans Police Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23 Dr. Aaron Smith, MSU Professor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 24 Erica Gibson, Technical Solutions Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 25 Jeremy England, Mississippi Senator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 26 Erin Willcutt, Vice President, Hancock Whitney Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 27 Hector Rinza, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 28 Sydney Gibson, Green Electronics Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 29 Kenny Holloway, Phi Theta Kappa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 31 Drake Killingsworth, Killer Crab & Seafood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 32 Dr. Wesley Aldred, Internist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 33 Kaylie Mitchell, Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 34 Jasmine Calvillo, Field Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 36 Chantel Bonner, Clinical Researcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 37 Tysianna Marino, CWA Lobbyist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 38 Caitlyn Johnson, Events Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 40 Lt. James Phillips, Chief of Pathology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 41 LaDarius Torrey, Film Writer, Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 42 John Barr, TV Development Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 44 Yvette Barr, Director of Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 45 Latoya Worthen, Elementary Principal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 46 Derrick Caples, High School Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 48 Alexis Padgett, Pharmacist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 50 Patrick Gatchell, Program Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 52 Joseph Hasbrouck, Business Analyst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 54 A. J. Jones, Professional Basketball Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 56 Mike Chavez, Sr. Intelligence & Operations Consultant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 58 Ricky Sudduth, Factory Service Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 60 Dr. Ashley Emerson, Dermatologist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 62 Jeff Harris, Offshore Installation Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 64 Bianca Thomas, Process Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 66 Corrin LaCombe, World Wildlife Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 68 Bailey Cuevas, Freshman Seminar Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 69
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
April 22, 2021
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
Sarah Thomas, First Woman to Officiate Super Bowl lege Football Association, but was told they would never hire me because I was a woman. I was officiating at what I thought was my last championship game in 2007 and an NFL scout happened to be there. He called me four days after the game and said, ‘I think you have what it takes to go to the next level.’’’ It was Thomas’ field presence that caught the attention of the scout. Sarah Thomas “He said it was how I carried my1991 Pascagoula High Graduate, self during a very heated moment in First Female to the game, and how I took control Officiate in a of the situation,” she said. Super Bowl game The scout recommended Thomas to Gerry Austin, Conference USA supervisor, who hired her without ever seeing Thomas work a game. And her career took off. Thomas officiated at numerous Senior Bowls from 2007-2014; the Little Caesars Bowl in 2009; Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco, the CUSA Championship and officiated in the United Football League for two seasons. She participated in the NFL Developmental Program in 2013, and was hired by the NFL as the first female full-time NFL official in 2015. In 2019, she became the first female on-field official in playoff history as part of the NFL officiating crew for the Divisional Round game between the Patriots and Chargers. The biggest milestone of her career came when she was named as the first woman to ever officiate a Super Bowl Super Bowl 55 in 2021. Looking back over her journey, Thomas said her advice to high school students would be to “take care of what you can take care of, control what you can control and always strive to be better.” Thomas said she knew she had a huge learning curve when she started out officiating. “I didn’t play the game of
The first woman to officiate in a Super Bowl game, Pascagoula High School 1991 graduate Sarah Bailey Thomas has earned her place on the field through hard work and dedication to the game of football. Thomas actually grew up loving the game of basketball, playing in the Pascagoula gymnasium that now bears her name and attended Mobile College (University of Mobile) on a full basketball scholarship, graduating in 1995 with a bachelor of arts degree in communications. On a whim, she attended a PasPoint Football Association officials meeting with her brother, Lea, in 1996. “I thought, ‘what have I gotten myself into?’ I had no clue about the game of football and no clue there weren’t any women who did it. When I walked into that room, it was all men.” But that meeting set the course for Thomas who went on to officiate at Jamborees in Pascagoula, Moss Point and Hurley as well as junior varsity and junior high games. She worked the clock for the varsity games. In 1999, Thomas moved to Jackson where she was put on a high school football crew in the MidMississippi Association. “Before I knew it, it was my 10th season and I thought about giving it up because my kids were getting older,” Thomas said. “Then I was encouraged to apply for the Junior Col-
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football. I definitely didn’t know the rules like a lot of my counterparts. It was more of letting them see I was there for the same reasons they were there. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself; I wanted to master the game so I put in the work, called my mentors, did study groups and tests, all the while maintaining my ability to be physically fit. I was doing all the things in my life I could control.” And for Thomas, the competence equalled confidence. “No matter what you are doing, right or wrong, someone is always watching how you go about it. Just like the NFL scout happened to be at that championship game. I had put in the work, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to be recognized by someone just because I put the work in. It’s those small things - controlling what you can control, your field presence, how you carry yourself. It matters - always.” Thomas said the greatest influences in her life are her parents, Spencer and Donna Bailey of Pascagoula, and her basketball coaches - Coach Ken Morgan and Coach Gagliano. “They taught us discipline, time management, the importance of being there early and working hard. My coaches gave us constructive criticism, especially when we didn’t per-
form as well in a game as we could have. They knew we could be more. I learned to take that criticism and look at it as a growing point.” Thomas admitted she was picked on in middle school. “I was in the band and playing sports, and I remember going to my dad and telling him, ‘these girls said they were going to beat me up when I got off the bus.’ His advice? Stand up for yourself. And I thought to myself, ‘is it that easy?’ Lo and behold, I stood up to those three girls, and they didn’t do a thing.” Thomas said so many people are afraid of failure, they don’t even try. “I would encourage others to look at failures as feedback. Just like I told my kids when I was working the Super Bowl. The best lessons I have learned in life are not from my acomplishments, but they have been through my failures. I never want to repeat them so I do whatever it takes not to have that happen. I tell my kids just because you fail doesn’t mean you are a failure. I just don’t want you to like the taste of it.” Final Word: “Lean on what brings you joy instead of what brings you happiness. Joy lasts forever, and happiness is only temporary.”
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Jonathan Massey, Pizza Hut
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
September 3, 2020
Gautier High School 2006 graduate Jonathan Massey is a franchise developer with Pizza Hut in Dallas, Texas. After attending Vanderbilt University, CopiahLincoln Community College and graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Massey said he worked with industries such as Burger King and Krispy Kreme before coming to work for Pizza Hut. As a franchise developer overseeing 1,100 Pizza Hut sites, Massey works with local real estate agencies in identifying the ideal sites for the franchise, including traffic flow for easy-in and easy-out access, carryouts and deliveries, demographics and analyzing the financial projections. He works with existing franchises on remodeling or relocation. Although he has come a long way since his time at Gautier High, Massey said he has always known he wanted to do something business related. “I thought maybe I wanted a career in the NFL, or maybe something in the music industry, but since I’m good with numbers, I knew, to some degree, my career would have something to do with business,” Massey said. In seeking a job, Massey said the three things to keep in mind are: be proactive in enlisting the
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Issue 2
Gautier High School 2006 graduate Jonathan Massey is a franchise developer with Pizza Hut in Dallas, Texas. support from those who are making the hiring decisions; make sure your experience relates to the job you are seeking; have confidence and then, be able to translate that confidence to your job. “You also need good communication skills in whatever job you seek,” Massey said. “You need to have ambition and good work ethic. When someone brings you in to do a job, you do whatever it takes to make yourself stand out from the rest. Focus on the opportunity and not the money. To truly get where you want to be, you need to recognize the opportunity and the skills needed to do the job, and do it well. The money will come, but it can’t be your primary focus.” Massey said one of the most valuable lessons he learned in high school was to be himself. “I’ve been down a lot of avenues, but ultimately what has mattered the most is being true to myself.” 3
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: John P. Welch Jr., PepsiCo
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
September 4, 2020
Gautier High School 2005 graduate John P. Welch Jr. is area general manager for PepsiCo in Waco, Texas. Welch received an athletic scholarship to Rice University where he played wide receiver and received his bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology. He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in accounting and finance from Louisiana State University. Welch listed three key components in having a successful career. “First, take your education seriously,” he said. “Understand why you are in school and what you need to learn. Second, be hard working. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Working hard doesn’t necessarily mean putting in 16 to 18 hour days, but it could. Hard work also means working efficiently. Have a plan for your success, and know your skill set. Do whatever it takes to know everything you need to know for your job.” Third, Welch said to lead with integrity. “Don’t over-promise something. If you say you are going to do something, follow through with it,” he said. Welch has taken those three steps to heart in his role at PepsiCo, learning every aspect of the different jobs he oversees for Pepsi, from driving trucks and making deliveries to making sure the fleet is ready for deliveries the next day. “I can work a route if we have a man down,” said Welch, who calls himself a servant leader. Welch’s day begins at 5 a.m., meeting with drivers before they begin their daily routes, then with delivery supervisors followed by a sales staff meeting. He then goes into the field - visiting grocery stores, gas stations and other clients to ensure his customers are satisfied. At the end of the day, he meets with his warehouse team and night crew to ensure everything is ready for the next day.
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Gautier High School 2005 graduate John P. Welch Jr., is area general manager for Pepsi in Waco, Texas.
In his earlier days with the company, Welch said he took on roles which led him to different parts of the country including Chicago, California, Boston, Seattle and even Mexico. “I made myself uncomfortable because I wanted to learn everything I could,” he said. “Key people in the industry saw I was eager and willing to go outside of the box at such a young age and willing to take on jobs no one else wanted to do because of all the travel. But that hard work is paying off in terms of moving up in the company because those people saw how dedicated I was.” Coming from the small city of Gautier to Rice University was an eye-opening experience for Welch. “When guest speakers came to speak to us, I took a special interest in what they had to say so I could learn everything I could from them. I learned what it took to be effective in navigating corporate America. And from there, I never stopped.” Welch said the path to where he is now started at home with his parents and his education in the PGSD. “Teachers like Carmel Grantham, Carolyn Cowart and Coach Keith McQueen at GHS taught me things I could take outside of the classroom. My education in the PGSD started me off on the right foot, and I’m proud to say I’m from Gautier, MS.” 4
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Larry Hawkins II, Hawkins Development Group
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
September 9, 2020
Larry Hawkins’ II passion is inspiring people to pursue their purpose in life. His company, Hawkins Development Group, is a consulting firm which helps individuals and organizations find their identity and build their purpose through employee development, improving consumer messaging and strategic planning, whether it be for non-profits or Fortune 500 companies. For Hawkins, it means living the life he was meant to live. “Growing up in Pascagoula, I never saw myself in this specific circumstance, but I did see myself living a life focused on helping other people,” Hawkins said. “It’s what I experienced coming up in the Pascagoula School District; it’s what I experienced in the community and with the people I looked up to. The question was ‘With everything you’ve been given, what are you doing to help others?’ To actually be doing this through my own business is beyond my dreams as a seven-yearold. But in retrospect, it makes perfect sense.” As a child who loved math, computers and coding, Hawkins had aspirations of owning his own computer repair business. But a Pascgoula High School teacher set Hawkins’ life on a different path. “Steve Olsen was my Algebra II teacher at PHS,” he said. “I was always ahead of the curve when it came to math, so when I entered his class, Mr. Olsen quickly picked up on that and found ways to challenge me, such as letting me teach a math lesson to my peers. He wanted me to take my knowledge and give it back to other people. That act was
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Larry Hawkins II is the founder of Hawkins Development Group in Austin, Texas
really transformative for me. I had always been passionate about helping other people, but being able to do so in a formal sense really made an impact on the way I viewed life.” It was Olsen who told Hawkins about the Mississippi School for Math and Science and encouraged him to enroll there. “Mr. Olsen set my life on a completely different trajectory,” Hawkins said. “Finding MSMS and the door that ultimately unlocked for me was a life path I had not envisioned for myself. Having a PHS teacher who was so invested in seeing me grow and challenged quite literally changed my life.” Following MSMS, Hawkins graduated as an electrical engineer from Mississippi State University, and he and his wife headed to Austin, Texas where he worked for National Instruments. At the same time, he began laying the foundation for his own company. It was that work ethic that made his dream into a reality. Continued next page
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“All things being equal, work ethic is what separates one person from the next,” Hawkins said. “You have to be committed, and you have to know your job. People are waiting on you to produce, so you have to put the work in to prepare yourself, and approach every day with intention. It’s not the destination; you have to focus on the journey.” That journey has taken Hawkins to consulting clients such as City University in New York, the largest urban university in the nation; the Mississippi Department of Transportation and Mississippi Public Transit Association, just to name a few. “We’ve touched almost every industry,” Hawkins said. “One of our biggest clients now is in the health care industry and working to make health care affordable and accessible to everyone regardless of socioeconomic circumstances.” His business has grown from just himself and his three business partners to expanding the team in order to meet the needs of their clients. In working with professionals in companies across the country, Hawkins said one of the biggest challenges he has faced in his career growth was finding the confidence and faith that he deserved to be in the same room with these professional people. “I’m from Pascagoula, Mississippi, and I’m proud to be from here,” Hawkin said. “But there is an outside connotation associated with Mississippi. People viewed me as someone who shouldn’t be there. I didn’t have as much experience as they did. And I internalized that for a bit, but then I realized, I did the work to get to where I was; it wasn’t handed to me. Going back to work ethic and embracing the journey, I knew that I had shown to myself and to the people who believed in me that I did deserve to be there. I had done what I had set out to do. I have the selfconfidence that I can speak up, and I can be valued because I’m supposed to be in this role too.” Now as a motivational speaker and the author of two books, “Five Principles to a Purposeful Life” and its companion book, “Five Principals to a Purposeful Life Navigation Guide,” Hawkins talks about his five principles - motivation, purpose, betterment, contribution and mastery - and how they guide everything he does. In the book, Hawkins said he shares the small moments of his
childhood that influenced his personal values the things he observed that shaped the code of conduct he has created for himself. “Both books were written to help people find and identify their purpose and start walking life in a more engaged and fulfilling way,” he said. “I want people to find their own five principles so they can be more intentional in their lives.” Sometimes it can be difficult to walk into a room full of people and have their complete attention. For Hawkins, it all ties back to a lesson learned from his father, the Rev. Larry Hawkins Sr., pastor of Union Baptist Church in Pascagoula. “My dad is one of the biggest influencers in my life,” Hawkins said. “One of the things I most admire about him is when he walks into a room, he walks in as a servant leader. What can I do to be of service to you? That’s how I approach a room full of people. I’m here to hopefully give what I have to further help you on your path in life. I’m here to share, to collaborate and have a conversation with you. I’m not here to tell you what you need to do. When you approach it from that angle, people aren’t resentful. They will put their cell phones down, actually look up and listen. They want to engage because they feel like they matter; their opinion matters; what they think and what they say matters. The more you can approach any interaction in a collaborative spirit with a servant leadership mindset, it will take you much further down the path than coming in as a know-it-all.” Hawkins’ final thought: “It’s good to have an end to journey towards, but it’s the journey that matters in the end.” 6
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Luz Martinez, Director of Communications
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
September 11, 2020
When Luz Martinez looks back at her 2012 Pascagoula High School yearbook, she finds a quote she wrote about having a career in communications someday. Now that dream has become a reality as Martinez serves as Director of Communications for an elected official in Washington D.C. Graduating fifth in her class at Pascagoula High, Martinez won the prestigious $1 million Gates Millennium Scholarship which afforded her the opportunity to continue her education at Mississippi State University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science. But finding a job in Washington D.C. proved to be difficult after college, and after applying for a number of jobs to no avail, Martinez accepted an internship with a stipend to get her foot in the door in the nation’s capital, vowing not to give up on her dream. “The first few years I was in Washington, I was working without a safety net,” Martinez said. But it ended up being an amazing experience for me.” I worked on a campaign to elect a Latino to the U.S. Senate, sometimes working until 1-2 a.m. I had to really dig deep, but I was motivated to do the job that needed to be done. When I look back on it, it was definitely worth it.” Martinez’s work ethic caught the attention of people who recommended her for her current position. As director of communications, Martinez writes speeches, press releases and works with the media including The Washington Post on a daily basis. Immersed in the world of politics, Martinez is conscious of her audience when writing press releases. “When you are passionate about something you believe in, it is difficult to remember to listen to other people,” she said. “But that’s what I do when I write a press release. I read it once for myself and then, I think about how would I take this from the perspective of a 40-year-old
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Pascagoula High School 2012 graduate Luz Martinez is Director of Communications for an elected official in Washington D.C. mother of two children or a 23-year-old African-American man. I try to take other people’s perspectives into consideration to make sure everyone is heard. In politics, people get angry if they don’t feel seen or heard. I have to remember that as passionate as I am about an issue, someone else has that same level of passion on the other side of the issue.” Martinez has three pieces of advice for pursuing success in a career. ‘Always present yourself confidently. I think when you are from a small town in Mississippi, it can be intimidating to have job interviews with corporations or government agencies,” she said. “Second, be ambitious. I lost out on some job opportunities because I was afraid of failing; and third, stay rooted in your values. One of the best things about PHS is that you learn these values that are instilled in you. That’s rare when you go out into the world. Stay true to your roots.” Martinez said one of her biggest challenges was not having any Latina role models in her life. “I really struggled to figure out if I wanted to follow my dream,” she said. “Then I met Dr. Melissa DeAngelo, (English Language Director). She looked like me and spoke the same language as me. And PHS teacher Elizabeth Green pushed me in the classroom, challenging me in ways I hadn’t been challenged before. They both had a profound impact on my life.” 7
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Lt. Col. Jason Holmes, Miss. Army National Guard
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
September 17, 2020
*Discipline*Personal Drive*Passion*Work Ethic*Initiative*Lead By Example*Team Work These are the words that Lt. Col. Jason Holmes has lived by, words that have taken him up the ladder in his life-long career with the Mississippi Army National Guard and life-lessons that were instilled in him by his mentor, former Pascagoula High School band director Jerry Ball. Now serving as Commanding Officer of the 890th Engineer Battalion & Deputy G-5, at the Joint Forces Headquarters of the Mississippi Army National Guard in Jackson, what advice does Holmes give to students graduating from high school? “Actively look into and pursue the career opportunities that are out there,” he said. “Conduct research on what jobs are going to be in demand for the next five to twenty-five years. Try your hardest, no matter what job you have or what college you are pursuing, and be passionate about whatever career field you decide to go into.” Upon graduation from Pascagoula High in 1993, Holmes joined the National Guard, attending Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College on a National Guard full scholarship, where he obtained an associate’s degree in business with an emphasis in finance. He graduated from the University of South Alabama in 1998 (on a National Guard scholarship) with a bachelor’s degree in finance; obtained his MBA from William Carey University and has a master’s in Military Operations from the Command and General Staff College. Throughout his years obtaining degrees along with holding a number of civilian jobs, the National Guard was Holmes’ cornerstone as he rose from the ranks of Private First Class to Lt. Colonel, serving two deployments in Iraq. “Words cannot express the genuine love I have for the soldiers that I am responsible for,” Holmes
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Pascagoula High School 1993 graduate Jason Holmes is Commanding Officer of the 890th Engineer Battalion & Deputy G-5, Joint Forces Headquarters, Mississippi Army National Guard
said. “Much like teachers or principals love their students, I don’t take my job lightly. If we were deployed, whether my soldiers live or die could be affected by whether I spend an extra 2 hours at work ensuring everything is correct.” Holmes said being an active listener is something that has helped him througout his career. “It is vital in your leadership role and in your relationship with other people. Everybody is important and deserves to be listened to, no matter what position they are serving in, no matter what their rank is. No matter what their background is in life, you should treat everyone with dignity and respect.” Holmes said communication is also critical in the workplace. “Communication is a huge concern of mine when it comes to technology. When I’m in a meeting, I’m reading body language; I’m looking at mannerisms. With this digital age, so many conversations are taking place through email or text and you can’t see someone’s facial expressions. I worry about the next generation being able to read people. Make sure your communication is effective.” Career/technical programs are extremely important to the National Guard. “We have thousands of smart soldiers, and we provide them with experience in the application of their craft,” Holmes said, “much like CTE programs provide vital hands-on experience to our future workforce.” 8
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: J.T. Tomes, Attorney, Atlanta, Ga.
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
September 24, 2020
Pascagoula High School 2008 graduate J.T. Tomes is a man who has met challenges head on in his life. It’s a mantra he learned from his father, John Tomes, who coached J.T. in football and baseball while playing for the Panthers. “My dad was my mentor,” Tomes said. “He was always there to push me to do a little bit better. I always thought I was doing the best I could, but he would point out things that I could have done better. And more often than not, he was right.” One of Tomes’ biggest challenges was the huge step he took after graduating from Pascagoula High - attending Harvard University. “This was a completely new environment and a little intimidating,” Tomes said. “I didn’t know many people. I was in a completely different part of the country, but putting myself in that position helped me get comfortable in a lot of different situations. I got to know a lot of people that I otherwise would not have met, and I made a lot of friends. I think it would benefit high school graduates to get themselves out of that comfort zone.” Tomes’ advised young people to obtain as wide a variety of experiences as possible and not be locked into any one thing at the outset of high school or college. “You have to be willing to put in the time to get the job you want, but your path may not be straight-forward. You may have to do something in-between and gain experience to make you more marketable,” he said. “Sometimes that comes with sacrifices, and sometimes your passion in life changes and sends you down a completely different path.” Tomes also advised getting to know as wide a variety of people as possible because one never knows what kind of expertise and connections they have that will be helpful. “Third, don’t take the easy way out when it presents itself.
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Pascagoula High School 2008 graduate J.T. Tomes, Attorney, Atlanta, GA
It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing something you know you will excel at instead of challenging yourself to try something different,” he said. Following his Harvard graduation, Tomes returned to Pascagoula for a year and worked at Precision Products before moving to Long Island, N.Y., where he worked in the law firm of a friend, Eddie Burke, to see if going to law school was the right path for him. “Eddie Burke put me on the path I am now on. He was a great resource and told me that before I made that big of a commitment, let’s make sure this is what you want to do, and it was the right fit.” Tomes graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law and went to work for Jones Day law firm in Atlanta, Ga., in 2017, where he is an attorney with a focus on commercial real estate. The firm employs about 2,500 attorneys with offices around the world. A good work ethic is incredibly important in life, Tomes said. “My dad used to tell me that he might not be the best at something, but no one was going to outwork him, and I tried to adopt that in my day-to-day life. I’m going to work as hard, if not harder, than the person on the other side to put myself in a position to be successful.” Tomes credits his educators, especially his PHS Advanced Placement teachers, for the role they played in his life. “None of them allowed me to take the easy way out. Those AP teachers really expected the best out of me, and that set the tone for myself in high school, in college and especially in law school.” 9
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Nicole Wall Sullivan, Attorney, Pascagoula
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
September 25, 2020
For 2010 Pascagoula High graduate Nicole Wall Sullivan, life has come full circle. Now a lawyer with Dogan & Wilkinson, Attorneys at Law, Sullivan serves as the attorney for the City of Ocean Springs. “Coming back to Pascagoula is something I really didn’t expect,” Sullivan said. “I knew I would come back to the Coast, but coming back to Pascagoula has been a pleasant surprise. It was wonderful growing up here as a child, but coming back as an adult and seeing the transition and growth over the years is something I am thankful for.” Sullivan said she has never wanted to look back at her life and wonder “What if?” “What if I had joined that club; what if I had made all A’s? What if I had tried out for the cheerleading team?” she said. “The biggest takeaway is don’t let your ego get in your way.” Trying out multiple times for the Golden Girls Dance Team at Louisiana State University is the example Sullivan uses to drive her point home. “I tried out all four years and never ended up making the team,” she said. ‘But I never wondered ‘what if?’ “Ultimately that led to my acceptance with a full scholarship into the Mississippi College School of Law in 2014 because I wrote about that audition experience of doing my best and never giving up, but also of not letting my ego get in the way.” Sullivan also advises never to burn bridges. “We all have people in high school we don’t always get along with. But you never know that person’s role in your life 10 years from now. Always smile and be nice,” she said. Pay attention to your ACT score, Sullivan said. “I went to LSU majoring in biochemistry thinking I was going to become a doctor, but my ACT scores said otherwise. My English and
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reading scores far exceeded my math and science scores. Within weeks of entering college I knew biochemistry wasn’t going to be right for me, and I switched to mass communications with a concentration in political communications. I should have paid more attention to what my ACT Pascagoula High School scores were trying to tell me.” 2010 graduate Sullivan credits Emma Nicole Wall Sullivan Combs Miller, Suzanne RodolAttorney, fich and the late Len Rushing as Pascagoula her mentors at Pascagoula High School. “Mr. Rushing was always so encouraging; Mrs. Rodolfich was the one who got me interested in attending LSU and gave me that strong background in English, and Mrs. Miller had a great impact on my life both as my cheer coach and as my math teacher.” Sullivan advised students to have a plan for their lives after high school even if those plans change as they did for her. “I have a strong background in my faith so I would turn to God and pray about it, but I would also talk to my dad who has a lot of real world and business experience. Ultimately, my decisions were based on logic and reasoning, and the position I’m in today had a lot to do with the conversations I had with my father over the course of time.” Being patient with herself and others has been one of Sullivan’s biggest challenges.” Patience is difficult for me, and coming out of high school facing those real world challenges was scary,” she said. “You think you know everything, but you don’t. Don’t be impatient. Take all the advice given to you by your elders, and experience the real world. Give yourself time to grow and work hard; it will lead you to the success you seek.” 10
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Angel Saez, Phoenix Labor Group Superintendent
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Education has been the key to success for Angel Saez, who serves as a superintendent for Phoenix Labor Group, overseeing 50-60 Phoenix employees working at Signet Maritime in Pascagoula. When Saez first arrived in Pascagoula from Puerto Rico at the age of 11, school was a struggle because of the language barrier. “I didn’t speak any English. It was very hard for me to understand and communicate. I went to bed every night thinking how am I going to get through the next day. And to be honest, I didn’t want any part of school. I begged my dad to let me go back to Puerto Rico.” Saez credits his parents for pushing him harder and harder despite his struggles and motivating him to keep pushing through. Saez’s teachers also supported him, encouraging him to keep up the good work. “That encouragement goes a long way; especially when people keep telling you that you are doing a good job,” Saez said. “My mom and dad wouldn’t let me fail. I was very respectful of anybody who was trying to help me. I took my classes seriously. I paid attention in class and I worked hard. Getting an education became the number one focus in my life.” In addition to his parents, Saez
September 29, 2020 Vol. 3 Issue 14 said it was his welding instructor, Leon Bivins, who was the key to his success. “He was much more than my teacher. He was my hero. Every thing I am, I owe to him. He went above Angel Saez and beyond to preSuperintendent, pare me for what I Phoenix Labor Group wanted to do. He saw that I really wanted to learn. He was always telling us to pay attention. This could be your future. And he was right.” Saez said one piece of advice he would give young people today is to never give up. “If you work hard, you can do anything you put your mind to,” he said. “Some people find something hard and then they get stuck or back down from it. But I’ve learned that as long as you work hard, you can succeed at anything.” Saez said he enjoys a life of success now that is very satisfying. “Success didn’t come without struggle. But when you work hard, that feeling of success is unbelievable. It feels good because you have earned it; it has not been given to you. It’s all about the want to; you have to be willing to want to do something to achieve great success.” Saez was just recently promoted to the role of superintendent at his place of employment. “I was not expecting it. It caught me by surprise. I never expected to be a superintendent. I never thought I would reach the point that I am right now, but I am very excited about this opportunity.” Final thoughts: “Don’t be lazy. Don’t give up. Find a way. Be willing to do the work in order to find the success. Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it.” 11
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Jake Lindgren IV, Seabulk Towing
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation The Lindgren family has a rich heritage in the maritime industry, so it seemed only natural for 2013 Pascagoula High graduate Jake Lindgren IV to follow in the footsteps of his father, grandfathers and greatgrandfather into a line of work that involves life on the open sea. Lindgren attended classes at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College after graduation. “I just wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” he said. “My dad had a good friend who offered me a job at Signet Maritime, so at the age of 18, I found myself in the tugboat industry. And Lindgren has never looked back. “It’s been a really cool journey for me,” he said. “I’ve worked all over the Gulf of Mexico.” Lindgren attended Sea School in Bayou LaBatre where he advanced his licensure at the age of 19 which allowed him to work even further offshore and then returned to Sea School again at the age of 23 where he obtained his captain’s license and began moving up in the wheelhouse. Now at the age of 25, Lindgren is one of the youngest in line to become the captain of his own boat. He currently works for Seabulk Towing in Mobile, Ala. as a mate on a tug boat as he waits for a captain position to open. “I started out as a deckhand and now eight years later, I have a captain’s license. There is opportunity to move up if you work hard.”
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Lindgren said he Jake Lindgren IV, would advise young 2013 Pascagoula people to get some High Graduate, kind of higher educaSeabulk Towing tion even if it’s not a traditional two- or fouryear college - for him it would have been a maritime college. “Don’t put work ahead of the rest of your life. Enjoy your friends and family,” Lindgren said. “On the other hand, don’t feel like you have to go to college after high school to ‘amount to anything.’ If you are willing to work hard, get your hands dirty and make sacrifices, there are avenues. Schooling is important, but for someone like me, who had a hard time focusing in class, the hands-on learning, the career experiences, made a huge difference in my life. The type of programs the school district’s vocational center offered was exactly what I needed. I needed to see things and work with my hands instead of reading it out of a textbook.” In high school, Lindgren said his drafting teacher Derek Read, and PHS English teacher Elizabeth Shoemaker, were the biggest influences in his life. “I’ve known Coach Read since I was a little boy, and respect him so much, and I give all the credit to Mrs. Shoemaker in getting me through my English class. “She is awesome. God knows I would have never finished my research paper without her.” Lindgren said he is fortunate to have so many men in his life to whom he could look up. His great-grandfather, John R. Lindgren, served as U.S. Marine Salvage president; grandfather Jerry Purdy, was owner of James K. Walker Marina in Moss Point; grandfather, John R. Lindgren Jr., was vice president of Ingalls Shipbuilding and his father, John R. Lindgren III, is vice president of VT Halter Marine. “I had some big shoes to fill,” Lindgren said. “Now that I have a captain’s license, I feel like I’m making my father proud and carrying on the tradition of my ancestors. My dad is the one who kept pushing me in the right direction. I’m thankful for it. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.” 12
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Angel Myers McIlrath - J.C. District Attorney
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath strives each day to live a life “glorifying God in all that I do.” That’s the first piece of advice I would give to young people,” she said. “Second, I am worthy, and I can do anything that I set my mind to do and third, difficulties are temporary. Whatever hits will pass and you have to persevere.” Myers McIlrath has lived through difficult times in her life, including losing her seven-year-old daughter, Sophia, to DIPG, an aggressive brain tumor. But through it all, it was Myers McIlrath’s faith in God that brought her through the tragedy making her the strong woman she is today. Her perspective of life was greatly influenced by what she went through with Sophia. “I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore. Life is tough. Kids are raised watching movies where the bad guy gets punished, and the good guy always wins, but that just not how life is,” she said. “Expect obstacles; expect difficulties. Some of us are born into it, and some of it happens as we live our lives. But those are the times that make you who you are. Those moments can either define you or destroy you. And it’s up to you to determine what happens by allowing God to guide you through it.” A graduate of Mercy Cross High in 1996, Myers McIlrath went to Ole Miss to major in journalism until a professor told her she didn’t have
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Vol. 3 Issue 11
on-camera presence. “She really hurt Angel Myers my feelings terribly. But it McIlrath, was important information, Jackson County and now I can appreciate District Attorney her candor,” she said. Myers-McIlrath then transferred to USM, but was uncertain of her major. “I met with a professor at USM who told me to go home and think about the person in my life who had impacted me the most and see if that was something I would want to do with my life,” Myers McIlrath said. “I took that to heart and started thinking back over my life, realizing that a person whose name I didn’t even know, had influenced me the most. I was adopted by my dad when I was seven, and I remember on my adoption day, I was very nervous. This lawyer grabbed me by the hand and walked me down a long hall. Then he picked me up and sat me on his lap, and I felt so safe. I prayed about it and decided ‘this is what I need to do’ and after that, it was full speed ahead.” Before she ever graduated from Mississippi College School of Law, she was offered a position at a prestigious law firm in Gulfport, and then Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. Myers McIlrath then took a job with District Attorney Tony Lawrence in 2006. “Tony took a risk on hiring me because I didn’t know much about criminal law, and I took a risk on him because he could only guarantee me a job for a year,” she said. “My first week at the DA’s office, they put me on a murder trial, and I was hooked.” Now Myers McIlrath, the first elected female District Attorney in Jackson County, is a champion for victims and has a special place in her heart for helping children. “You get up every morning and say to yourself, ‘this is the day I was blessed with.’ You turn the pain, difficulties and strife into motivation and direction. You use it to help other people. Otherwise, it’s just wasted. We can’t help the circumstances we’ve been dealt, but we can help how we deal with the circumstances. For me, God is the center of it all.” 13
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Dr. Tiffany McDevitt Alford, Veterinarian
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation As early as elementary school age, Tiffany McDevitt Alford was a familiar face at her father’s Gautier Animal Clinic. “I remember begging my mom, ‘please don’t let dad do the C-section until I get there.’ I wanted to be part of the action and help bring puppies into the world, hearing their first whimpers and cleaning them up,”said Dr. Alford, Gautier High’s 2010 salutatorian. Dr. Alford’s principal, Dr. Myrick Nicks, and her choir teacher Kathy Smith, wrote letters of recommendation and she was accepted into the early entry veterinarian program at Mississippi State University. After receiving her bachelor's of science degree in biochemistry in 2014 and graduating from veterinarian school in 2018, Dr. Alford went straight to work at Gautier Animal Clinic. “This is our family legacy so it’s been very cool to come back home,” Dr. Alford said. “The clients who watched me grow up here and saw me in band and choir at GHS and even some of my teachers are clients now. I’m glad to be able to give back to my community and give back to my educational system. I’ve volunteered for Career Day at Singing River Academy, and it was great to see some of my teachers. Now I can give back to them for everything they did for me.” Although becoming a veterinarian seemed like the perfect fit, Dr. Alford said she did struggle before making
October 5, 2020
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the final decision about her Dr. Tiffany career. McDevitt Alford, “I was good in math so I 2010 GHS thought about being an Graduate, accountant,” Dr. Alford said. Veterinarian “I thought about being a pediatrician or a teacher. I wondered if I was choosing to be a veterinarian because it’s what I had known all my life, and I wanted to live up to my dad’s expectations and everyone else’s expectations for my life. My dad said whatever career I chose, he would support me, but he wanted me to do whatever was going to make ME happy. That’s all I needed to hear. From that moment on, I was sure I wanted to be a veterinarian.” Dr. Alford admits that she is a perfectionist, but has learned not to be so hard on herself. That’s advice she said she would like to tell today’s young people. “I thought if everything wasn’t absolutely perfect, I was going to fail at life, but I’ve found that through mistakes you learn and grow and become a more well-rounded person. You learn, “I messed up this time, how can I use this to do better the next time?’ I’ve also learned that you have a lot more people supporting you than you realize. You have people who are always there for you to back you up.” Dr. Alford credits Mike and Kathy Smith, her band and choir directors, for their influence in her life in always striving to do her best. “Being OK was not good enough. Even when you were the best, there was always room to improve,” she said. “They also taught me the value of teamwork.” GHS English teacher, Linda Blackwell, was also a wonderful mentor to her. “She knew how driven I was and stressed the importance of taking time for myself. She always told us at the end of class, “remember who loves you.” My sophomore year in college, she sent me a card of encouragement which said those same words. I burst into tears because someone who had taught me two years ago still cared for me. I wasn’t just a job she had to finish. I was one of her kids. It’s wonderful to know a lot of teachers in the PGSD still care for me.” 14
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Richard Hawthorne, World Champion Powerlifter
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Growing up, Richard Hawthorne describes himself as the “runt” of the group of children he played with in his neighborhood. But the word “runt” doesn’t even come close to describing the man who has become a world champion powerlifter, and has been known as the single strongest human being on the planet, pound for pound. His greatest achievements of strength are lifting 11 times his body weight for three lifts and posting one of the best all-time deadlifts - 4.9 times his weight of 131 lbs., setting a world record. He’s also been featured in a multi-page spread in Men’s Health Magazine. Not bad for a “runt.” “I had a very strong neighborhood peer group,” Hawthorne said. “I was the runt and one of the youngest of a group of 20-30 kids I played with. In order to play with everyone else, I had to learn to be roughed up a bit, understanding that if I wanted to play and be competitive, I had to take the trials and tribulations that came along with it.” That experience is what has shaped Hawthorne’s personality into what it is today. “I was driven as a young person. The group I ran with instilled that in me. I wanted to be a part of the group so I became very competitive,” he said. “I developed a personality that is very analytical. Everything I look at, I analyze. I’m very precise.
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I don’t do things in conventional ways. I’m always going against the grain. My childhood allowed me to be able to take the heat, and keep pushing through it.” In Hawthorne’s viewpoint, his many feats of strength are not his major accomplishments. Richard Hawthorne, “My major accomplishment has World Champion been powerlifting for 20+ years with Powerlifter no steroids, no supplements and no gym injuries throughout my career,” he said. “That’s unheard of for a powerlifter who usually has a competition span of four to five years. I’m still healthy, and to me that makes a huge statement.” Hawthorne got into competitive powerlifting while a student at St. Martin High School. That competition expanded to national and international events such as the Arnold Classic even after he graduated in 2003, including meeting notable body builders such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman and Dexter Jackson. “Powerlifting isn’t as much about discipline to me as it is my passion,” he said. “The number one thing I had to understand is that if I failed, it was because of me, and no one else. In order for me to advance, I had to put the work in, no matter what. If you are passionate about powerlifting, you are going to do whatever it takes to be the best. It’s not about the goals, it’s about the process that it takes to get there. Either you love it or you don’t.” Hawthorne, who just recently sold his Southern Elite Gym in D’Iberville, said powerlifting is not about the weights, but about the movement of the body. “If you move correctly, it’s no different than leaning over to pick up a pencil off the floor,” he said. “It’s all about the placement and the movement of the body in powerlifting”. His final words of advice? “Know that everyone won’t understand the things you decide to do in life, but don’t hold back. Be true to yourself. Be 100 percent you, 100 percent of the time.” 15
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
Victor Jones, Attorney
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Gates Millennium Scholar and 2003 Pascagoula High graduate Victor Jones said it’s never too early to start thinking about a career. “I knew in high school I wanted to be a lawyer, so I started researching summer law camps for high school students, got active in student government and entered essay contests because being a lawyer requires a lot of writing,” Jones said. Jones said he grew up thinking he had to have external validation. “For a long time, I didn’t think I could do certain things, even if it was schoolrelated. Now I tell my daughters ‘you have to love yourself and believe in yourself.’ If it’s something you are passionate about and it will benefit society, go out and do it. You need to be a self-motivator and that’s really important to me now. When I will take a case and someone says ‘no one has ever won that before,’ that’s not going to stop me from trying and advocating for that person.” Being one of four black students in the top 10 percent of the graduating class at PHS, Jones said there is no substitute for surrounding yourself with like-minded people. He credits his friend Quaies Carmichael with inspiring him to do his best. “We competed with each other. We really had high expectations for each other,” Jones said. “He’s an engineer now and I’m an attorney, and neither one of us is surprised about how we
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Vol. 3 Issue 14
turned out. We always motivated one another.” Attending Union Baptist Church while growing up, Jones said when a black lawyer, Warren Conway, walked into the church, he inspired Jones, who followed in his footsteps in his college choice and fraternity. “It’s important to find the person you want to pattern yourself after, but then Victor Jones, find your own lane as well,” Jones said. 2003 PHS After high school, Jones received his Graduate, bachelor’s degree in literature from Xavier Attorney University in 2007, his master’s degree in education (coming from a family of educators) from Harvard University in 2008 and his law degree from Loyola University in 2012. “People were shocked at Xavier and even at Harvard that a kid from Pascagoula, a public school in Mississippi, was doing so well in school, but the Pascagoula School District gave me a solid educational foundation. I take pride in my school district.” Jones worked as an attorney in the corporate world for six years, and said, although the money was great, he felt empty inside. “I went to law school to be a civil rights lawyer so I went to work for the Southern Poverty Law Center where I was the lead for children’s rights for the Louisiana team.” Jones recently opened his own law firm where his case load emphasizes civil rights for children and those with disabilities. Jones said he would like to be known as a lawyer who leads with his heart instead his head. “I want to be known as a compassionate lawyer. Some of my greatest rewards are when a parent calls me and says, ‘you’ve just saved my child’s life.’ I recently represented a child who was expelled from school. I won the case and he was reinstated. If that child had been expelled, it would have totally changed his life’s trajectory. Those kinds of cases impact, not only my clients, but me as well.” Final words: “Never say no when an opportunity is presented to you. Say yes. Find a way to make that opportunity work for you.” 16
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Anthony McDaniel, Paralympian
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Anthony McDaniel’s love of sports, especially the game of basketball, has been a driving force in his life since he was a young child. He was a standout on the Gautier High School basketball team, graduating in 2006, and went on to play at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, before making the decision to join the U.S. Marine Corp. While serving his second deployment in Afghanistan, an improvised explosive device detonated while McDaniel was on patrol, losing both of his legs and his left hand. Yet McDaniel didn’t let these injuries stop him from doing what he loves to do - being an athlete. Because he was in such great physical condition, McDaniel spent a short amount of time at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Md. before getting into rehab. “I’m very grateful for the short recovery I had,” McDaniel said. “There were other soldiers who were there a lot longer than I was. I had a great healing process and soon started working on gaining my strength and balance back and learning how to walk again.” While recuperating, McDaniel watched a group playing basketball in wheelchairs which tweaked his interest in the game he loves so much. “The first time I watched the game, I just wasn’t ready,” he said. “But when I transferred to San Diego, Calif., for rehab, we started a team, and I was hooked. Not only did I play basketball, but I tried skiing, white water rafting and kayaking, but basketball was my therapy.” Once McDaniel got the hang of maneuvering the wheelchair, he never
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Vol. 3 Issue 15
looked back. He played with the San Diego Wolfpack before moving to Florida, playing with the Mobile Patriots for four years. Although COVID-19 has temporarily shut the games down, McDaniel is still Anthony McDaniel, an active member of 2006 Gautier High Graduate, the team. A decorated Paralympian soldier for serving his country with a host of medals including the Purple Heart, McDaniel has also found a love for rugby and now plays with the Tampa Generals. He has won a number of awards including two gold medals and a silver medal in his first year to compete in the Wounded Warriors Games, has competed in the Invictus Games in rowing, track and basketball, and made the rugby training team for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil. McDaniel’s way of dealing with life experiences dates back to his time at Gautier High School. “Mr. Rodolfich was our principal at the time and he would come to the gym and talk to us about strength and conditioning workouts, expanding our mentality, not just about basketball, but life in general. It wasn’t just about running up and down the court; we needed to build up our endurance so we could sustain for the duration of the game and the season,” he said. “I loved basketball and wanted to learn as much as I could about it. Coach Keith McQueen got my mind to really thinking about basketball and how it transitioned into a lot of things in life. Certain plays in basketball, I can relate to life experiences.” McDaniel said the first thing he would tell young people is to believe in themselves in whatever they aspire to do. “Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are going in the same direction you are. You can bounce ideas off of each other, and motivate one another. Know that life is full of ups and downs. Give life your best shot everyday in whatever you are doing. Even though you may not be where you want to be in life, that’s ok. That gives you time to think about the next move you need to make to get you where you want to be.” 17
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Josh Feinberg, Naval Aviator, Civilian Pilot
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Since the time he was a second grader at Central Elementary School, Josh Feinberg, age 7, dreamed of one day being a pilot and flying jets. “I didn’t know if it was attainable when I was younger, but by the time I was in sixth grade, I had decided to go for it,” Feinberg said. I’ve always been a very goal-oriented person and when I’m determined to do something, it almost becomes an obsession until I get to that goal.” A 2003 Pascagoula High School graduate, Feinberg was met with challenges upon applying to the military academies because of his eyesight. “I received seven letters of rejection from the medical review board saying my eyes were not good enough for me to go into the academy, but I just kept appealing the decision, received a little help from a Congressional office, kept taking the eye exams. and they finally relented. I just wouldn’t take no for an answer,” Feinberg said. “It definitely took a strong work ethic and by the grace of God, it all worked out.” After finishing at the Merchant and Marine Academy in 2007, Feinberg was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy. His eyesight proved to be an obstacle again with his exams determining his eyes were only good enough to be a naval flight officer (seat behind the pilot). Again, Feinberg petitioned to become a pilot and succeeded, thus beginning his journey through flight school. Starting with learning how to fly a single engine prop plane, Feinberg progressed to the big leagues of flying jets.
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Vol. 3 Issue 16
“It’s very competitive. Formation was a big discriminator in deciding who was going to fly jets for the Navy. They start you out flying close to another plane and then as you get more profiJosh Feinberg cient, they start doing 2003 Pascagoula High Graduate, aerobatics in formation. Naval Aviator, That’s where they Major Delivery Service Pilot separate the people who get the hang of it from the people who don’t. I loved formation. It was something that made a lot of sense to me.” Feinberg flew the FA-18 Superhornet for the Navy and said the scariest thing he has ever done in a plane was the first time he landed on an aircraft carrier. “That’s terrifying and at that point, you focus on all your training and say a prayer,” he said. Feinberg flew jets with the Navy for 11 years before taking a civilian job two years ago as a pilot for a major delivery service in Memphis, Tenn. While most people are sleeping, Feinberg is airborne, flying freights between the hub in Memphis and other destinations. He is still active in the Navy Reserves. Feinberg credits his parents, Jeff and Peggy Feinberg, as the chief mentors in his life, His father, a patriotic veteran, “was willing to move Heaven and Earth to help encourage me along in my goal to attend a military academy and ultimately to fly jets,” Feinberg said. “I had a lot of help along the way from my parents who instilled a strong work ethic, my instructors in high school and the military academy as well as flight school.” Feinberg said building a strong foundation for life is extremely important. “Everything in life compounds on everything else - so every class you take, every grade you make, matters. Second, most people look at the present because it is their reality. We’ve been told to look towards tomorrow, but more specifically, - look at next year; look long term. Think about where you want to be in 10 years. Third, don’t be afraid to ask for help. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help I’ve been given. But giving help along the way is equally important, not just receiving it. I can’t overstate that enough. Giving to others is very life giving.” 18
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Bryan Randolph - Amazon Trails Expedition Leader, Brazil
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Little did Bryan Randolph know when he took a Spanish class at Gautier High School that his future held a career deep in the heart of the Amazon. Now living among three million Indigenous Indians and running jungle expeditions, Randolph, who is fluent in English and Portugese, is learning to converse with the Indians who make up the small Amazon communities with 31 different ethnicities represented. “The Amazon is such a culturally rich place,” Randolph said. “It’s a melting pot of languages and cultures who live here. I have the privilege of hosting people from all over the world. Introducing them to the Amazon and the indigenous people who call the Amazon their home is very rewarding.” But taking a trip through the Amazon is not for the faint of heart. “There is an extensive screening process involved including a doctor signing off before the client is allowed to go on the trip,” Randolph said. “We travel quite a way up the Black River and then trek through the jungle during the 15-day expedition. The trek involves a lot of rope climbing and harnesses so we have very strict rules for our clients to follow to keep them safe and out of harm’s way.” Leading the expeditions is an experience Randolph said he enjoys. “The Amazon is such a cool place. It is three times the size of Texas, and 17,000 species of trees and plants
October 27, 2020
Vol. 3 Issue 17
live here. We’ve met some pretty ” incredible people along the way including some from Discovery Planet Earth and clients from as far away as Singapore and Kazakhstan.” Randolph gives credit to his mother and father as his greatest mentors in his life, as well as a Bryan Randolph teacher at Gautier High School, 2004 Gautier High Graduate, Linda Blackwell. Expedition Leader “I wrote a paper for her class and Amazon Trails, Brazil I didn’t do well on it,” he said. “She told me I had a lot of words on the paper that didn’t make any sense. I told her I didn’t know what word to put there so I just made one up that sounded right. We laughed. I knew she wasn’t impressed with me, but she didn’t embarrass me or ridicule me. Instead she challenged me to find the right words, and I knew right there that she loved me. Mrs. Blackwell so influenced my life that even today as a 35year-old who lives in the Amazon, when it comes to making decisions, I know I may not have the right answer, but I have to keep pressing on despite not knowing what the outcome will be. I can’t let those unknowns cripple me from making a decision. I don’t know if she even knows what an impact she made on my life.” Randolph went on to attend Mississippi College for two years and then transferred to Texas to finish his studies. He received his master’s of divinity from Southwestern Seminary and has been involved with Amazon Trails since 2015. He offered three pieces of advice. “A common thread in high school is trying to be like everyone else. Stop focusing on others and fitting into the cookie cutter norm. Second, think out of the box. Everyone is not going to college, get a job, get married and have a family. Don’t be afraid to be different and follow your own dreams. Third, focus on the fight. Scriptures tell us there is a war waging against our souls. If you look on social media, there is a massive disconnect on what reality is and isn’t. The digital age is making that gap bigger and bigger. Going from that false reality to the real world is a difficult adjustment to make. There are people in your corner rooting for you. Have people in your life you can trust.” 19
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Dr. Taylor Tanner - Pharmacist
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation “The world’s greatest accomplishments at first seem impossible.” It’s a message from a fortune cookie that is taped to the top of Dr. Taylor Tanner’s computer. For Tanner, these are words to live by. “I think it’s important to remember that anything worth having isn’t necessarily going to come easy, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up or that you can’t do it. You have to keep pushing forward and keep working toward that goal,” she said. The 2012 Pascagoula High School graduate knows first hand about hard work and pushing forward. A pharmacy major at Ole Miss, Tanner was in her second year and struggling in her organic chemistry class. “With the pharmacy curriculum, the second year is the most difficult, and organic chemistry was by far one of the most difficult classes I ever took. I didn’t do well on the first test and I convinced myself that I couldn’t do it. I actually kind of gave up. When I got the final grade back, I had to make a decision on whether to retake that class or pursue something else. I teetered back and forth. How could someone who wanted to be a pharmacist not be good in chemistry? I came home during Christ-
October 27, 2020 Vol. 3 Issue 18 mas break and talked to Belinda (Dammen)(aunt) who said, ‘yes, you are going to retake the class; you can do this’; and my dad who said ‘it’s OK if you want to try something different.’ I realized no one could make that decision for me anymore. I had to make these decisions for myself. Whatever decision I made, I Dr. Taylor Tanner 2012 PHS graduate was going to have to live with the reperPharmacist cussions for the rest of my life. I decided to retake the class, and then went on to take organic chemistry 2. Tanner graduated from Ole Miss with a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry in 2016; entered the pharmacy program where she received a bachelor of science degree in pharmaceutical sciences in 2017 and earned her doctorate of pharmacy degree in May 2020. She is now in residency at Princeton Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, AL., where she makes medical rounds with doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners. “I really wanted to feel part of a team and make an impact in practicing pharmacy at the highest level I could with my license,” Tanner said. “This hospital is really pharmacy forward thinking. It was important to me to be at a place that wanted pharmacy to be at the table, and that’s definitely the case here.” Tanner said going from pharmacy school to a practicing pharmacist was her greatest challenge. “Learning from a textbook and answering questions on a test was quite different from applying what I knew in a real world setting. I realized very quickly that, although I thought I knew everything there was to know about medications, once I was standing at the bedside of a patient and putting that plan into action, I was hesitating. Continued Page 2
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I was terrified. What if I made a mistake? This wasn’t a missed question on a test. This was someone’s life in my hands. I had to build confidence in the knowledge I had, and then put that knowledge into practice.” Tanner said being a part of a residency program is helpful in that she has preceptors she can confer with when making decisions. “I can say, ‘this is what I’m thinking about doing, but I’m not comfortable pulling the trigger just yet. What are your thoughts?’ Transitioning from student to practioner is difficult in the sense that you have to apply all those things to real life. It’s easier said than done.” Her words of advice to high school students? “Don’t rush things. When you’re a teenager, you can’t wait to grow up, to get your driver’s license, to get the chance to vote,” she said. “You want everything to happen right now. Slow down and take time to enjoy the moments spent with your friends, family and teachers. It may be a long time before you see them again.” Second, “don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out at the age of 17 or 18, but then, you need to work like you do. I have plenty of friends who came to college thinking they wanted to do one thing and ended up doing something completely different,” she said. “Even though you don’t know what you might like to major in, it’s important to set yourself up for success in high school by doing the best you can. Don’t put things off until later and then not do your best.” Third, “Take those difficult classes. Even though you may not be good in math, or you think you’re not good in math, maybe it’s because you are not giving it your all. I think taking the hard classes and putting yourself out there is what’s going to set you up for success especially in college,” Tanner said. She named four people who have made the biggest impact in her life. “There’s no doubt in my mind that I would not be where I am today without Belinda Dammen. She did a lot for me during those defining years of my life, years that were
going to make or break who I was as a person. To be able to interact daily with someone who pushed me to do the best I could, no matter what it was, has transcended into every aspect of my life. She is a huge piece of what drove me to be what I am today. Today, I’m a pusher. I push myself, and I push my husband. I’m also a huge proponent of education, and a lot of that stems from Belinda.” PHS teacher Elizabeth Green also made a huge impact on Tanner’s life. “Her class was the number one class that set me up for a college scenario. The way she had students take notes by hand as she lectured is quite different than what you usually see in high school, and that definitely helped once I got to college. Her tests were the most similar to college level exams. She knows her class is college-level so she is setting up her students for success,” Tanner said. “Mrs. Green is a good person who really strives to ensure students are giving it their all.” Junior English teacher Mary Virginia Clause and senior English teacher Suzanne Rodolfich were also mentors to Tanner helping to sharpen her writing skills. “Mrs. Clause also talked to me about the University of Mississippi and the possibilities it held for me since I didn’t know much about Ole Miss.” Tanner said her dad has always been her biggest supporter. “My dad has been my best friend through everything. He pushes me in a different way than Belinda does. He cheered me on no matter what I did. He is always there for me in the good and bad times. I knew no matter what I did, I could always call him.” Tanner admitted she faced challenges going off to college for the first time. “I was always a very social person, but most of my friends had gone to different colleges, so I had to make new friends and learn the ropes of college,” she said. “When you’re in high school, you have someone telling you when to get to class and when it’s time to come home and eat dinner. At college, it’s all on you learning how to balance your time and use it wisely, when to go to class, when to sit down and study, when to eat and when you can socialize with your friends. You have to force yourself to get up for those 8 a.m. classes and go everyday even when attendance wasn’t taken. Although you could get the notes from someone else, it wasn’t the same as taking them yourself. In college you have to develop more selfdiscipline and time management skills. It’s definitely a balancing act.” 21
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Vick Ballard - Indianapolis Colts
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Former Indianapolis Colts running back Vick Ballard said he has faced many challenges both on and off the football field, but has never let those challenges defeat him. Ballard got his first taste of football at the age of six in Pascagoula, playing pee wee football on the Tucker Street field where the Pascagoula High Performing Arts Center now sits. “I loved football, and I played just for fun,” Ballard said. He went on to play for one of his mentors, Coach Scott Sisson, at Pascagoula High School scoring 17 touchdowns his senior year. After two years at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College scoring 34 touchdowns and being named All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association, Ballard transferred to Mississippi State University where he set a new school record with 20 total touchdowns and 19 rushing touchdowns. “It wasn’t until my junior year of college when my academic advisor asked me if I was thinking about going pro, that I started thinking I might actually have a shot at going professional,” Ballard said. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts 170th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft and did well in the 2012 season before being placed on the injured reserve list in 2013 with a torn ACL and again in 2014 with a torn Achilles tendon. He became a free agent in 2015 and was picked up briefly by the New Orleans Saints in 2016.
November 10, 2020
Vol. 3 Issue 19
“Trying to stay positive even when I was dealing with my injuries was tough,” Ballard said. “But it also gave me confidence, because I saw how dediVick Ballard cated and motivated I 2008 Pascagoula High Graduate, was to get back on the NFL Football Player field. Even though it didn’t Indianapolis Colts, turn out the way I wanted, Engineering Student I figured I could dedicate myself in the same way I applied myself to getting back on the field to something else in my life.” And that’s exactly what Ballard has done. After a short career at the NFL PA organization, The Trust, Ballard, 30, is back in college at the University of Central Florida working toward a degree in mechanical engineering. “I’ve kept fighting,” Ballard said. “I’m punctual. I pay attention to details; I take care of the little things and take control of the things in my life I can control because those things carry over to so many other things in my life. It’s required hard work and dedication, but I’m self-motivated, and I know it will happen.” His three pieces of advice to young people? “Read all that you can. Information changes situations. I feel the more information I consume, the sharper I am going to be in life.” Second, everything is a time investment. “Whatever time you put in today, that’s what your tomorrow will look like.” Third, “If you take care of your assignment and alignment, everything else will take care of itself. Small habits are compounded over time, so take care of the little things and the big picture will take care of itself,” he said. In addition to family members who have always supported him, Ballard said PHS English teacher, Teresa Butts, always encouraged him to do whatever he wanted to do in life. Ballard’s welding teacher, Leon Bivins, was also an influencial role model. He always told us to pay attention to detail, and that’s a character trait that has served me well throughout my life.” 22
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: C.J. Coleman, New Orleans Police Officer
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Surrounded by a family steeped in public service, selecting law enforcement as a career was an easy decision for 2015 Pascagoula High School graduate, C.J. Coleman. “My dad was in law enforcement, as well as my two grandfathers and my uncle. My mom and step-father are both educators so I knew I wanted a career where I could make a difference,” said Coleman, who is serving as a police officer with the New Orleans Police Department. By his senior year in high school, Coleman knew he wanted to go into law enforcement. After receiving a degree in psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi, he went to work in the Big Easy. “I had to figure out if I wanted to stay here to serve where everyone in the field of law enforcement knows my name or did I want to go somewhere else where they really needed officers,” Coleman said. “New Orleans is close enough to make trips home to visit, but far enough away to have a life of my own.” Coleman said the life of an officer can be rewarding. “I’ve brought back children who have run away from home or gone missing. About a month ago, we found a grandmother with Alzheimer’s who had wandered pretty far away from home. Those are the times that are rewarding,” he said. One of the biggest challenges Coleman said was getting through the 10 months of field training in the
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Vol. 3 Issue 20
city. “Sometimes the news makes things sound much worse than they actually are,” Coleman said. “I don’t deal with protests on a daily basis or people screaming in my face. I deal with people who have issues and are calling because they want a police officer there. So I would say the biggest issue is getting through the training and C.J. Coleman understanding that what you see on 2015 Pascagoula television is not real life everywhere.” High Graduate, Coleman has seen his fair share of New Orleans things that have greatly impacted him on Police Officer his beat. “There is a very simple thought process that helps me get through a lot of things on the job. It’s simple, but it’s true. In particular, I remember something that was the hardest thing I had seen so far in my work. I talked with my father, and he gave me dozens of examples where he had gone through pretty much the same thing. People have struggled before and pushed through the exact same thing I had gone through. You can’t let things get to you. You have to wake up the next morning and get back to work.” In addition to PHS teachers Mrs. Green, Mrs. Clause, Mr. Olsen and Coach Tillman, Coleman said the mentors in his life are his family. “They never pushed me to go into law enforcement, but they were wonderful examples to me. Growing up and seeing that family aspect of law enforcement and watching the love and respect they have for the job, it really inspired me to go into law enforcement. And if I hadn’t chosen that field, I would have probably been a teacher because I see that same sense of love and dedication my mom and step-father have as educators.” Coleman’s three pieces of advice include taking as many AP and college-prep classes as possible. “Do your homework. Just because you are not in school doesn’t mean that you are done with work. Last, find a hobby, something outside the realm of your occupation. Whether it be fishing or hunting, find a way to relax and get your mind off of work-related issues. That helps keep the balance in your life.” 23
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Dr. Aaron Smith, MSU Professor
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Dr. Aaron Smith is a man with a heart for teaching. As an engineering professor at Mississippi State University’s Gulf Coast campus in Gautier since 2016, Smith said he enjoys helping students grasp engineering concepts they may have struggled to understand. “Watching that lightbulb go off when a student finally gets the concept and everything makes sense, is very satisfying for me,” Smith said. A 2004 graduate of Pascagoula High School, Smith received his bachelor’s degree in engineering in 2008 from MSU where he also did one year of co-op with Eaton Aerospace in Jackson. After completing his doctorate degree in 2012, Smith went back to work for Eaton Aerospace for three years where he worked in research and development on hydraulic systems that power flight control systems on aircraft. “It was really a great experience for me,” Smith said. “I received three patents in the aerospace hydraulic systems area while I was there. One of the realities of working in research and development is developing prototypes that may fail when put to the test. We had a prototype that failed before we ever did the test, but my boss told me sometimes failures happen. The most important thing is to learn as much as you possibly can from the failure so you can succeed the next time. They were valuable words of advice.” Not being afraid of failure are words of advice Smith wants to pass along.
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Vol. 3 Issue 21
“We all fail. We just need to learn from those failures,” he said. “I’ve had mentors who have helped me look at those failures as learning opportunities. Some people are so afraid of failure, they don’t learn anything from it. Next, be diligent in your work to support your family, but don’t make your entire life about money and power. Also, don’t Dr. Aaron Smith, make school just about grades or de2004 PHS graduate, grees. Although important, make your MSU Engineering education about learning wisdom and Professor skills. Your career should be more about your calling in life and reaching your potential as a person than about money. And third, read books that challenge you, even if you don’t understand the meaning the first time.” Smith credits retired PHS teachers Bettie Freeman and Judy Frye, for being major influencers in his life. “Mrs. Freeman loved U.S. history, and she inspired us to work hard. Mrs. Frye loved books, and she instilled in me a love for reading that I never had before.” As he made the transition from high school to college, Smith said time management was a challenge. “You were expected to do a lot of work on your own, but you also had a lot of free time. Some of my classes were more difficult than I expected, and I had to put in a lot more effort than I had to in high school. There was a different level of expectation at college. During my co-op time at Eaton Aerospace, I saw people coming to work everyday and putting in a productive eighthour day, so I started incorporating that kind of work ethic and schedule into my college life and it really paid off.” Smith said if he had the chance to do things differently, he would have stayed in industry a bit longer. “I wish I could have stayed with the company long enough to see those patented products flying in the air and gained more experience. I have students who have that hands-on experience from their vocational high school classes, and it gives them a tremendous amount of intuition about how things work. That experience is definitely an advantage in engineering.” 24
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Erica Gibson, Technical Solutions Engineer
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation As a child, Erica Gibson loved to explore and experiment. “I was always messing around with stuff at home so I knew I wanted to be an engineer of some sort,” she said. “I loved technology, and I loved biology so through research, I found the biomedical field combines the best of both of these worlds.” Today the 2010 Gautier High graduate is a technical solutions engineer for Carestream Dental in Atlanta, Ga. “I service digital dental equipment either remotely over the phone or travel to offices across the country,” she said. “Technology is always coming out with new products so that really keeps me on my toes just trying to keep up with growing technology. I like seeing how new things apply to something like dentistry, a career field that has been around and will always be around, and how can we make it better for practioners and easier for them to do their jobs.” After graduating from Mississippi State University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, Gibson obtained her master’s degree in biomedical science from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2015. Her first job was ground safety manager for the Mississippi National Guard Base in Gulfport and she then traveled to San Francisco where she was a research assistant at the University of California for two years before going to Atlanta. “Every time I switched jobs, they
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Vol. 3 Issue 22
were so different, I basically had to learn everything very quickly. I took very good notes and kept a digital notebook of everything I did so I could review it. That way I wouldn’t be a burden to people by asking a million questions. I like to be as prepared as possible so I do a lot of research on my own.” Gibson said one of the best things Erica Gibson she has learned in her different career 2010 Gautier High roles is learning to adapt quickly as Graduate Technical Solutions states have different regulations. Engineer, “I also learned if you don’t like doing Carestream Dental, something, you don’t have to stay. You Atlanta, Ga. have to know that within yourself you have what it takes to go on and do something better if you feel like you are stuck. You don’t have to stay there.” Her advice for students is to take advantage of community college. “Take as many dual enrollment classes and get as many college credits as you can before leaving high school. Second, know there’s more than one way to get to where you think you want to be in life. It may be college; it may not.” Gibson said throughout high school and college, she stayed with the same group of people and didn’t branch out much. “At college, learn to break out of your box and try new things. Meet new people; get involved in extracurricular activities. Don’t get stuck in your own world. One of my regrets in college is not trying out for the MSU band. I played in the band all throughout high school, but when I got to college, I didn’t even try out." At GHS, Gibson said her band director, Mike Smith, fostered her creativity in music which allowed her to be herself. Her Advanced Placement English teacher, Linda Blackwell, was also a positive influence in her life. In her role with Carestream Dental, her work has allowed Gibson to visit a number of states across the nation. She has been as far away as Washington, Montana and Indiana, and said she has enjoyed taking a few hours to see a different way of life and work in the places she has visited. 25
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Mississippi Senator Jeremy England
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Sen. Jeremy England is a man who has faced many challenges with a dogged determination to never give up. That philosophy has served him well all of his life which has led him to a seat in the Mississippi Legislature as a Senator representing District 51. A 2001 Pascagoula High School graduate, England said he was a frequent visitor in the guidance counselor’s office seeking scholarships both big and small so he could be the first in his family to attend college. “My advice is is to keep working hard and don’t slow down because hard work pays off,” England said. “In college, get involved, attend events and speeches, spend time with your friends, because you’re never going to have that much time on your hands again. Enjoy the ties you have with the friends around you and the time that you have together.” In high school, England said his principal Dr. Hank Bounds and assistant principal Wayne Rodolfich were huge influences in his life. “They were approachable, ambitious go getters and always looking for ways to better themselves,” he said. Bettie Freeman, Judy Frye and Pam Halbrook were also some of England’s favorite teachers along with Gwen Purnell and Alice Hammond. “I always knew I wanted to get into public service someday, so I was always involved in PHS student council where I could talk with fellow students about things they wanted to get done and I’ve taken that same approach
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with what I’m doing now so that was helpful.” A political science major at Mississippi State University, England said he wanted to leave his mark at the university and ran for student government senator for several years, losing the races to those who were more wellknown on the campus. Jeremy England “But I didn’t give up,” England said. 2001 Pascagoula “I didn’t take those losses as a letdown. High Graduate I knew I just had to get out there and Senator, Mississippi meet more people.” Legislature And that’s exactly what he did, serving as a senator his junior year and then as vice president of the student association his senior year, all while maintaining his good grades and getting ready to attend law school at the University of Mississippi School of Law. If I could have done anything differently, I think I would have diversified my law experiences more,” England said. “I worked for the same law firm in the summers while in school, but I wish I would have taken the opportunity to clerk with a chancery court to just gain new experiences.” Throwing his hat in the ring to become a Mississippi Senator has been one of England’s greatest accomplishments. During the run-off, he was trailing his opponent so England knew he was going to have to work even harder to make his dream a reality. “I was working a full-time job and then working another 5-6 hours on the campaign trail, knocking on doors, having some slammed in my face and others inviting me in for coffee because they had something important to say. I had to keep pressing forward, keeping my eye on the ball and on election night, we ended up winning by 38 votes.” Being part of the historic vote for the new Missississippi flag was probably the most courageous thing for the freshman senator. “I was in a position where I felt like I was there for a purpose, and I had the ability to do something that was right, whether it was popular or not. I did what I thought was right in moving Mississippi forward.” 26
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Erin Willcutt, Hancock Whitney Bank
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Financial literacy is extremely important to 1999 Pascagoula High School graduate Erin Willcutt, who is now vice president for private banking at Hancock Whitney Bank in Pascagoula. Having the basic knowledge of finance is one of the cornerstones Willcutt said she wishes every high school student could learn. “Our high schools need to have more finance and economic-based classes to show students how to balance a checkbook, the importance of a budget or even writing a check.” She also advises students to never say “never.” “When I was younger, I ruled out a lot of jobs in my head that I thought I would never want to do. Keep an open mind about job opportunities and different career fields. Don’t pigeonhole yourself at such an early age. Take a wide variety of classes to see what you are interested in.” No matter what career path you might follow, take communication classes. Communication skills are important for social settings as well as job interviews whatever field you might be pursuing,” she said. Willcutt attended the University of Southern Mississippi where she obtained a degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations. Following graduation, she headed to Tennessee to do public relations and group sales for the Memphis
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Redbirds baseball team. “I was working 90 hours a week, and I realized that might not be what I wanted to do, so I moved back to Hattiesburg,” Willcutt said. “I needed a job so I took a commercial assistant job at a bank and thought I would just keep the job two or three months, just long enough to find a public relations job. I actually started to find it interesting. One thing led to anErin Willcutt other and I went from a commercial 1999 Pascagoula assistant to a commercial banker which High Graduate moved me back down to the Gulf Coast. Vice President Private Banking Getting into banking was a God thing.” Hancock-Whitney In her role as vice president of private Bank banking at Hancock Whitney Bank, Willcutt provides wealth management for higher net worth individuals. “I do anything from loans and deposits all the way to financial planning that includes brokerage, trust, insurance and estate planning,” she said. “I never saw myself in the banking industry while I was in high school,” she said. “But I wouldn’t change a thing about my career path. One thing that was extremely helpful to me was I had a job all throughout school. I taught dance after school; I worked at a hair salon answering the phones; I washed cars, waited tables, worked at an insurance company and a mortgage company. All of those things help you become a more well-rounded adult and creates financial independence which is even more important.” Willcutt credits PHS teachers such as Pam Halbrook, Connie Belk, Rex Moat and Susan Ezell as being positive influences in her life. Once she left high school for college life, Willcutt said the financial challenges became clear. “In high school, you are dependent on your parents, but in college, you make that transition and you are making financial decisions for yourself. I’ll be honest, in college, I traveled a lot, had a ton of credit card debt, was living large and having fun. But when I got out of college, I had to pay all of that back. That’s why financial literacy is so important at the high school level so students will make better financial choices.” 27
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Hector Rinza, Realtor
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Real estate is a career pathway that is extremely satisfying to 2014 Pascagoula High School graduate, Hector Rinza. As a realtor in Pascagoula, Rinza buys houses and renovates them before selling them to those looking for their own home. “I feel like I have one of the best jobs in the world,” Rinza said. “There’s nothing like going into a neighborhood and seeing a house that has just been left since Hurricane Katrina and flipping that house so it can become a home for someone. It’s just something I have always been passionate about, and I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to do this in my community.” As a student at Pascagoula High, Rinza said he was called the class clown by a number of students. “Even though I told them I was going to college at Ole Miss, they didn’t think I was capable because I didn’t take things seriously and told me I wasn’t going to make it. They said lots of people go to Ole Miss, but you’re not going to finish. It was discouraging to hear that, but it was definitely a motivator for me,” Rinza said. As a back-up plan in case college didn’t work out, Rinza said he took welding with Leon Bivens at the vocational center. “I truly loved welding, and I knew I would be guaranteed a job after high school.” Rinza went on to graduate from
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Pascagoula High School with a 3.2 grade point average and set his sights on Ole Miss, finding work every step of the way to pay for his tuition and board. “My parents taught me the value of work ethic so I worked at McDonalds during high school to pay for gas, meals and clothes, and I continued working as an insulator and laborer all four years of Hector Rinza college. I budgeted for my expenses, and I 2014 Pascagoula was one of the few who knew exactly what I High Graduate could spend each week to make it.” Realtor The hard work paid off and Rinza graduated from Ole Miss with a bachelor’s degree in managerial finance and real estate. During his sophomore year of college, he started an ice cream business in Destin, Fla. in the summers to bring in extra income. The business was lucrative until COVID-19 forced him to shut it down, and now he is back in Pascagoula full-time flipping and selling houses. “My advice to high school students would be to worry a little less. I was super stressed out about getting ready for college and caught up in making good grades, juggling a job, sports and a social life. You don’t realize that in high school there is a certain freedom that you never have again. I wouldn’t say care a little less, I would say, enjoy a little more. Second, make those great friendships. I was lucky enough to have great relationships, and those people are my friends today. We talk about how much we miss those times; they were the best times of our lives. Third, find teachers who can be your mentors. Prentiss Williams and Elizabeth Green were two educators who were a great influence in my life. And fourth, make sure you read great books. How to Gain Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie truly helped me understand life and the way people think and feel. It really opened my eyes and has helped me even with my real estate business now. I’ve been through some difficult times, and I’ve failed at a few things, but I keep trying. It’s all about looking forward and moving on,” Rinza said. “Where’s there’s bad times, good times are bound to come.” 28
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Sydney Gibson, Green Electronics Council
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation A 2013 Gautier High graduate, Sydney Gibson always knew she wanted a career in an international arena, and now she is living the dream. Gibson is manager of global communications and outreach at the Green Electronics Council in Washington D.C. “I make sure we are communicating to both stakeholder groups,” she said. “We work with institutional purchasers such as hospitals, federal and state governments and colleges, basically anyone who is buying technology in bulk. We help them write their sustainable procurement policies which is how they allocate the funds to then buy the technology." "On the other side, we work with brand manufacturers such as Apple, Sony, Microsoft, HP and say, for instance, ‘the federal government needs a billion dollars only on sustainable technology so what are you making that can meet this criteria?' It’s a long process making sure their technology is sustainable," she said. “We actually manage the eco label that certifies these products so we are really the middle point between purchasers and manufacturers in order to drive demand toward more sustainable technology.” Gibson said she kept her options open when she was looking at career fields. “It’s a point to the fact that some of the jobs in the market today weren’t even created when
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I was in college. Our company is only 17 years old, and I am the first person in this position. It’s definitely on the track that I want to go toward. I’m aiming to get my hands deeper into the international space, hopefully doing some embassy or State Department work.” With COVID-19, Gibson has participated in a number of “virtual divide” meetings. Sydney Gibson “I’m definitely extremely passionate 2013 Gautier what I do,” she said. “I have a lot of autoHigh Graduate nomy in my job. I’m 26 years old sitting in Green on calls from the United Nations and meeting Electronics some very influential people. Just getting to have these experiences and meeting these people is very rewarding. I’m excited about what I get to do in having the freedom to push our organization in new directions. My voice is credible and that is really one of the most rewarding things - to be so young, yet to be held in the same esteem as my colleagues.” She may be young, but Gibson’s skill set has definitely led her to this position. “In middle school my seventh grade English teacher, Leah Hebert, was the first one to pull me aside and say, ‘you have a lot to say and you say it in a very eloquent way. People listen to you when you say things, so be mindful of your words and the weight they carry.’ That was a pretty strong, profound message to receive as a seventh grader.” At GHS, Gibson said Paige Roberts, (now Jackson County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO) was a strong mentor. “Paige helped me hone in on my communication skills. I credit her with me winning the poise and interview portion of the 2013 Distinguished Young Woman competition. She gave me some good tips and has always been a strong backbone for me, encouraging me to push farther than what the box is when sometimes the box hasn’t even formed yet.” When Roberts was a guest speaker in Gibson’s class at school, Gibson said it was a one particular sentence that really resonated with her. 29
“Paige said, ‘learn a little about a lot of different things.’ She encouraged me not to stick with one thing, and give everything a try especially when you are in school and you have so many resources available to you. It’s advice I share.” Case in point: Knowing she wanted to go into the international relations field, Gibson won a contest for a free trip to France when she was a sophomore in high school. “I took French because I needed a foreign language. I wasn’t particularly passionate about France, but I took a chance and entered a contest and won a free trip - so here was my chance to learn a little about a lot of things.” Second, be kind to every person you encounter because you never really know whose path you will cross. Third, this generation has a ton of resources available to them with just a click of a button via the Internet. Use those resources and absorb as much information as you possibly can.” Following high school, Gibson attended the University of Mississippi where she graduated with a bachelor of political science degree with an emphasis on international relations. She moved to Washington D.C. two months after graduating with $800 to her name. “I actually had a college advisor tell me that I probably would not make it to Washington D.C. I think she was trying to help me, but it did motivate me to work even harder to get there,” Gibson said. “I was very fortunate that one of my mom’s roommates from college lived outside of D.C., but it wasn’t until we put out a call for help that things began to fall into place.” The roommate was an empty nester and provided Gibson a place to live rent free while she interned and got on her feet. She interned with The One Campaign, a global movement, campaigning to end extreme poverty and preventable disease by 2030 so that everyone can lead a life of dignity. “You never know the support and how far people are willing to go until you ask them, so I had to get over my pride and ask for help in finding a place to live. That was definitely a challenge for me. And then sometimes, you just have to step out on faith, not knowing how things will fall into place.” Following the internship, Gibson’s first job was
with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It just so happened that Gibson’s best friend since the age of three was Sarah Sargent Nicholson who has Cystic Fibrosis. “The knowledge I have from that real life experience - you can’t learn that in a workplace the timing of it just happened. It was the first job I applied for and the first one that I got. I know that’s not going to happen to everyone, but it happened to me.” Gibson’s boss at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation became her friend and mentor, and when her boss moved on to a different job, she wrote the position for Sydney at Green Electronics, and asked her to come and work for her. Gibson hasn’t forgotten her Southern roots and, said she never fails to tell people she is a Mississippi native. “They are surprised I don’t have a Mississippi accent, but I’m proud of the fact that I am from Mississippi. I think as a Mississippian and as a black woman, I bring a very unique perspective to the table. But there have been moments of doubt when I’ve grappled with the voices that say ‘you are young, you are black and you are from Mississippi’, and I’ve had to have those Come to Jesus moments,” Gibson said. “Failure is not an option to me. That’s my daily mantra. It can be a battle because I’m a perfectionist, and sometimes I’m hard on myself. I feel like I have to overperform. I am very ambitious and want to get the job done.” Gibson said sometimes she has trouble delegating and asking for help. “That’s definitely the biggest challenge for me. Fortunately my boss is my mentor and she blows up my self-esteem when I’m in these moods. She reminds me that I don’t come across as a person who doubts their skills or accomplishments. I have a passion for what I do and that carries the day all the time.”
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Kenny Holloway, Phi Theta Kappa
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
December, 8, 2020
Vol. 3 Issue 27
As the first one in his immediate ate,” Holloway said. “It’s very rewarding for me to see family to attend a four-year universtudents taking advantage of this society sity, 2014 Pascagoula High graduas they learn leadership skills, and I like ate Kenny Holloway’s educational having the ability to connect students pathway has looked a little different than others. But that’s fine with Hol- around the globe. I enjoy having that kind of positive impact on our students.” loway. For him, this is the way As a PHS Panther football player, things are meant to be. Holloway said he has taken to heart the During his sophomore year of Kenny college at the University of Southern advice from PHS Coach Lewis Sims. “No Holloway matter what your family tree is, you can Mississippi, Holloway became 2014 Pascagoula Deputy Chief of Staff for Mississippi always become bigger and better than the High Graduate Phi Theta Kappa situation you grew up in. Sometimes the House of Representatives Jeremey Anderson of Moss Point apple doesn’t fall from the tree, but it can roll,” Sims said. “When I was promoted to his full Holloway advises to find something you are passionate time chief of staff, I thought, ‘this is about, and find a way to make that your career. “If you are exactly what I want to do.’ I want to passionate about it, you are going to work harder for it. Then impact policy in a way that removes it becomes much more than a job. Third, be true to yourself. barriers specifically in the realm of Don’t let the things that happen around you influence you education,” Holloway said. negatively. Think about the person you want to be and the When Anderson decided to run places you want to go. Think bigger and more long term.” for Mayor of Moss Point, Holloway At PHS, Holloway said Elizabeth Green, his AP U.S. Hisfound himself as a student back at tory teacher, was influential in his life. “She empowered us to USM where he will graduate in May, take the materials and information and make it something we 2021. Currently, he works in memcan actually use in daily life. It’s not about old history, but living history,” he said. bership fulfillment for Phi Theta Kappa. Phi Theta Kappa is an interFinding ways to pay for college has been among Holnational honor society of two-year loway’s greatest challenges. Through help from counselors colleges and academic programs, at Get2College and scholarships available through Boys particularly state colleges and com- State, he was able to make connections and meet people munity colleges. who were able to help him. “I handle any kind of membership “I have to remind myself that everyone has a different pathcomplaints with existing members way to get to their goals, and although my road may look difand those seeking membership into ferent from others, it is still exactly what I needed in order to Phi Theta Kappa. I inform them build character and go through the trials and tribulations that about scholarships, the perks of I needed in order to get to the end of the road,” Holloway being a member, the assistance we said. “I’m embracing where I am now. Life is constantly can offer as far as resume writing, evolving and moving, and we have to be flexible enough to and seeking jobs after they gradubend with it or it’s going to leave us behind.” 31
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Drake Killingsworth, Killer Crab & Seafood
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation For 2019 Gautier High School graduate Drake Killingsworth, seafood is a family tradition. As a matter of fact, before he ever graduated from high school, he had turned that tradition into a thriving seafood business that has the support of his family and the community. “My whole family is in the seafood business,” Killingsworth said. “A lot of my family have commercial shrimp boats. I got a shrimp boat when I was in the eighth grade, but I didn’t really like shrimping that much. I ended up selling it and bought a crab boat, and then one thing led to another, and before I knew it, we were selling crabs out of our house.” Others encouraged him to sell shrimp as well, which was no problem since he just happened to know family shrimpers. When he expanded to include crawfish, he knew he needed a storefront, and two months before graduation, he and his brother, Chase, opened Killer Crab and Seafood. And the Killingsworth men have never looked back. “When we first began, there were some who made negative comments, saying owning your own business is harder than you think, and seafood is a dying breed, and it’s hard to get into a business like this, but I guess I’m just following my dreams of being in the seafood
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Vol. 3 Issue 28
business,” Killingsworth said. And so far, the business has been successful.” As a matter of fact, it’s been so successful, the business has recently moved to a new location on GautierVancleave Road in Gautier. “We’ve done good since the beginning,” Drake Killingsworth said. “Now we have three Killingsworth trucks that run back and forth from Texas, 2014 Gautier High Louisiana, Alabama and Florida six days a Graduate week. We have 22 employees as well as a Killer Crab & Seafood bookkeeper and an accountant.” A typical day begins at 6 a.m. when Killingsworth heads to the business to check off what seafood he has and what he needs to get in. The kitchen also cranks up for the day as the family fishing boats and others head out for shrimping and crabbing. As a young entrepreneur looking back, Killingsworth said, although he was a bit nervous about the venture and was worried about whether the business would take off, he wouldn’t do anything differently. “I would tell myself to take everything one step at a time and work as hard as you can from daylight til dark if that’s what it takes. The business has been something I have learned as I go, and some things came naturally to me. My dad taught me a lot and gave me advice as far as how to handle money. I know it takes money to make money. You have to make your business your number one priority. I just love what I do.” Killingsworth credits Greg Bosarge, precision machine shop teacher in high school, for his guidance. “I 100 percent learned a lot of things from him by the projects we did in his class. He helped me with shafts, making nuts and bolts, rigging machines and winches for my boats.” So what does the future hold for Killingsworth? “I’d like to open a restaurant whether it be here in Gautier, Ocean Springs or Biloxi,” he said. “Right now, we are considered a grocery store with a deli, but my dream would be to open a restaurant with waiters and sit-down dining.” 32
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Dr. Wesley Aldred, Internist
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation The year 2020 has been a series of victories and sadness due to COVID-19 for Forrest General Hospital internist Dr. Wesley Aldred. “This has definitely been a tough year,” said Aldred,a 2005 Pascagoula High graduate. “I have seen a lot of death, and I’ve had to help families navigate through the dying process to help them understand how to let their loved ones die with dignity. Being able to help people through that process has been very humbling and rewarding.” After graduating from the University of Mississippi with a math degree in 2009, he went straight into medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2013 and began his three-year residency in internal medicine. Aldred was asked to stay an additional year as chief resident and then did a threeyear fellowship in pulmonary and critical care before starting at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg in July, 2020. “In middle school and part of high school, I wanted to be a radiologist. I was really good in math and science, and I cared about people. But it wasn’t until medical school that I knew internal medicine was the best fit for me because I wanted to build relationships with people. That was where I belonged,” he said. Internists are essentially specialists of adult medicine, and Aldred said he specialized in chronic
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medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiology, nephrology, pulmonary and critical care. A first-generation college graduate and medical school graduate, Aldred said his English teachers at PHS - Rissa Killen in ninth grade; Suzanne Bullock Rodolfich Dr. Wesley in 10th; Pam Halbrook in 11th and Judy Aldred, Frye, in 12th grade, were very influential 2005 Pascagoula in his life as was Cathy Johnson, his calHigh Graduate culus teacher. Internist, Forrest General Hospital “I did really well on the AP Calculus test and actually started in Calculus 3 in college. I was halfway through the semester before I ran into anything that I hadn’t seen before. Her class was phenomenal, and I stayed in touch with her, reaching out if I had questions I ran into in my college classes. She was a big help as I transitioned into college.” One of the things Aldred said has been most beneficial in his career path is getting involved. “Get involved right where you are, leading from where you are, whether that’s later down the road doing institutional service at a hospital or getting involved in clubs and student government in high school. Even in college, there are numerous opportunities to serve your community. Those type of things build relationships. “The biggest thing I think young people can do is put themselves out there and get involved, regardless of what your career plans are, and things will start working out for you because you are making those connections. Reach out and grab those opportunities to serve others, and really use those experiences to grow as a person.” Aldred has built those relationships with the patients he sees in his clinical practice. “Getting involved with my patients and seeing them at their most vulnerable - that took me to a different level. They are more open to me than they are to anyone else in their lives. I finally understand what all that education was pointing toward and how important my education was to me in helping these people. You really get to be a part of their lives, and that is something special.” 33
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Kaylie Mitchell, Graphic Designer
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Pascagoula High School 2012 graduate Kaylie Mitchell said one of the greatest rewards in her role as a graphic designer with Tyson Foods is the company’s focus on employee satisfaction. Mitchell lives in Fayetteville, Ark., where she is a designer on Tyson’s human-centered design team in the IT Department. “That’s very unique because a lot of big companies will have human design teams that are outward facing,” Mitchell said. “They service their customers and ensure their customers are having a good experience with whatever they are designing or developing, but I get the unique opportunity to take care of team members with Tyson Foods. To know that the company I work for cares about the work environment enough to have an entire team dedicated to designing it better for humans is very fulfilling.” With Tyson, Mitchell has also worked to design digital experiences for people who access the the app or website. “I make sure that experience is enjoyable and help them complete the task they need to complete when they log on,” she said. Following graduation from PHS, Mitchell went on to Mississippi State University to pursue a degree in fine arts with a concentration in graphic design and a minor in communications. She also did a year of grad school at the University of Arkansas.
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But it was Mitchell’s junior year of college that forever changed her life. She was given an assignment to create a conceptual company with a product that would “draw the eye” of potential customers. Her first thought was to create tea bags that would light up when one was seeping tea. Her mentor thought it was Kaylie Mitchell such a great idea, she wanted Mitchell to 2012 Pascagoula take it to the entrepreneurship center at High Graduate MSU. Partnering with engineering student Graphic Designer Tyson Foods Hagan Walker, the two designed “Glo.” “We trouble shot everything and eventually after some very bootstrap and grassroot efforts to make a prototype and figure everything out, we landed on a a patentable technology - a light that senses when it is any kind of liquid,” Mitchell said. “Our first inclination was to appeal to college students and bars. Glo could be put in drinks and create a really cool ambiance.” The two pursued that pathway for a while with good traction, but ultimately found their biggest customer base was children. “Parents would take Glo out of their drinks at the bar and bring them home to their kids who would play with them. Eventually we were able to shift our target market to the kids bath market and we found our niche. The kids love them.” The name has since been changed to Glo Pals with a focus on sensory learning, tactile skills, fine motor skills, teaching about colors and learning while playing. “It’s been great, Mitchell said. “The kids market is way more fun than the bar market. The original patented technology is still there, but now each individual glow unit is shaped like an ice cube with a face printed on it. When you submerge it in water, the face actually projects onto surfaces because the light is coming from behind it.” More recently, the team has developed bendable arms and legs, and each one of the characters have names and their own interests. Everything is packaged in Starkville, and Glo Pals can be ordered directly from its website as well as 34
Amazon and a number of other distributors across all 50 states and worldwide. Although Mitchell is no longer involved in the dayto-day aspects of the company, she is still part-owner of the business and continues to vote on larger business decisions. “The team that is in place now working full time, are all-stars. Just an amazing group of people,” Mitchell said. Did she ever dream her design project would take off like it has? “I hoped it would. We worked really, really hard on it. If you ask entrepreneurs and they say, ‘Oh I don’t know what’s going to happen with it, and they don’t have some kind of big dream for it, they are probably not invested in it. We believed it would do really well. I never foresaw getting into the children’s market, but we knew we had something really interesting, and the patentable technology is where a lot of the value comes from. It’s incredibly exciting.” When she looks back at high school, Mitchell said it’s easy to be in a U.S. history class or calculus class and say ‘when am I ever going to need this lesson?’ “As I have grown over my career and been an entrepreneur, a designer and a research developer, I think the most important thing to remember is not the specific lesson. Your teachers are teaching you a method of thinking about a problem, addressing the problem and solving the problem. “Sure you may not ever use that calculus equation in your career, but will you use mathematical thinking in a career? Yes. Analytical thinking? Yes. Creative thinking? Yes. Historical thinking? I think that’s the bigger picture. You’re learning about all the different ways to think about a problem and come to a solution. “I use all those methods of thinking all the time, almost every day,” she said. “It’s really important to step back and look at the bigger picture. It’s not about the specific thing you are learning; your teachers are trying to help you learn to think differently.” Mitchell said she would also advise high schoolers to get out of their hometown at least for a year. “The perspective is different; the challenges you face when you are not around all the people you know are different. You grow a lot as a person, and it’s perfectly ok to leave for a year, whether it be college or however long, grow as a person and shape yourself and bring that new knowledge, that new prospective, back to your hometown. That’s really the only way that a hometown grows - by new growth and innovative thinking. I really think it’s important to go out and get different perspectives.” Third, have some sort of plan. “Everybody should have at least a one-year plan, at least a couple of goals you are working toward so that you are just not floating in the wind. You have a focus, and you are
working toward that focus. It’s ok in high school to have your goals change every single year. You may not meet those goals and that’s fine. You’re really figuring out who you are, and you are going to keep doing that for years to come. But I think it’s really important to have some sort of beacon you are working towards, and it doesn’t have to be college. Is it a trade? Is it learning how to be a freelance designer on your own time? Is it learning to be a musician? It needs to be some kind of goal that’s going to keep you on track working toward something larger than yourself.” Mitchell also advises to take advantage of every tactile skills course. “I took robotics and polymer science in high school with Toben Dubose, and I learned a lot more than just how to use a certain tool or certain software. I actually learned things about CAD that I used in grad school as part of my graduate assistantship. I think it’s beneficial to learn about those tools and be around that environment. When I went off to college, I had to take a woodworking class, and I knew a lot about the safety of the blade. I was a lot less fearful of the instruments and tools because I’d been exposed to that in high school. I knew the importance of safety, and these things are not scary if you use them correctly. Those skills you learn at the votech are instrumental in furthering that ability to think diversely and helpful when you live on your own. I know how to do all these things around the house because I learned them in high school.” Mitchell said science teacher Leigh Hanna was one of her favorite teachers at PHS. “I love her. I use things I learned from her all the time. I also have a mentorship with my PHS English teacher, Suzanne Rodolfich. She’s still my mentor. I asked her to look over my grad school application before I submitted it and that was seven years after I was her student. Mitchell said mentorships are definitely important. “Teachers especially love to see their students do well, and if you are willing to foster that relationship after graduation, you are always their student. They always want to help and see you grow; it brings them a lot of joy and a lot of fulfillment in their job. The relationship you have with your teachers, that mentorship you develop now, doesn’t have to go away when you graduate. It’s something you can have for years and years. You can always go back to them and ask them questions. Their experience doesn’t just reside in whatever subject they teach; they have a lot more to offer that will benefit your life.” Final word: "Last year, Glo Pals was rated the Top Sensory Toy of the Year," Mitchell said. "I never saw that coming. It’s wonderful to know that so many children are using Glo, and it is literally lighting up their world. That’s very fulfilling.” 35
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Jasmine Calvillo, Field Engineer
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation A 2014 graduate of Pascagoula High School and a Gates Millennium Scholarship winner, Jasmine Calvillo said she enjoys her work as a field engineer in Loving, New Mexico working for Apache Industrial Services. Calvillo is in charge of project controller duties which encompasses all aspects of the project including scheduling, costs, budgeting, billing, purchase orders, tracking the scope of work for the client and any changes to the work that need to be made. Apache operates a full-service insulation business. Within its program, Apache provides asbestos abatements as well as corrosion under insulation, assessments and mitigation solutions to meet each customer’s specific needs. “The work is very rewarding,” Calvillo said. Given the fact that I’m only 24 years old and practically managing a small company at a refinery with so much responsibility in a male dominated field, I find all of it to be a very rewarding experience because I am able to work on projects that I create. This is not something where I am just taking orders from somebody and doing it how they do it; I’m able to add my own touch to the project. It’s mine.” If she could do it all over again, Calvillo said she would have taken more advantage of resources available through the guidance counse-
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lor’s office in high school. “I feel like a lot of students didn’t use that resource. I know I would always go to Coach (Derek) Read with scholarship questions or any type of college applications. I would have taken advantage of those resources, whether financial or academic.” Calvillo also suggested students attend Jasmine Calvillo as many career fairs as possible. 2014 Pascagoula “We had Gear Up when I was in school High Graduate so I definitely went on a lot of trips with my Field Engineer Apache Industrial class to visit college campuses and that Services was very helpful in making decisions about where we wanted to go to school following graduation.” Elizabeth Green and Mary Virginia Clause were two teachers who were supportive of Calvillo during her years at PHS. “Coach Read always saw my potential and pushed me to my limits, and I took polymer science with Coach (Toben) Dubose, who also saw my potential and pushed me to compete. Those two years at the vo-tech were definitely beneficial to me because it gave me more real world application to what we were studying rather than just sitting in a classroom reading out of a book.” Calvillo graduated from Millsaps College with a degree in business administration in 2018 and worked summers during college as a field hand at a refinery in Louisiana to gain some hands-on experience. “Even when I was applying for internships, summer jobs or even scholarships, I was asked about my internship experiences and in some instances, internships were required,” Calvillo said. I think it’s an amazing idea for our school district to start this internship program so students can list that experience on their resumes.” Calvillo said her one of her biggest challenges since high school was working on her independence. “College helped me gain an independence I didn’t have before,” she said. “Having that newfound independence allowed me to venture off into new career paths and activities that I was afraid to do before on my own.” 36
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Chantel Bonner, Clinical Researcher
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation As a recipient of a Gates Millennium Scholarship, 2011 Pascagoula High graduate Chantel Bonner has had the opportunity to study in Costa Rico, Guatamala, Australia and New Zealand. A clinical researcher with the University of Chicago, Bonner said she wouldn’t change a thing about the path she has taken. “I could have taken a job with a master’s degree, but I wouldn’t have had the same life experiences. I wouldn’t have had the same appreciation for things, knowing what I know now.” After high school, Bonner attended Xavier University in New Orleans where she majored in biology with minors in Spanish and chemistry. “I almost didn’t get my minor, but I found a study abroad program in Costa Rica and was able to get a biology course there as well, so I spent 2013 there and it was an amazing experience,” she said. In the summer of 2014, Bonner did an internship in Australia and New Zealand which led her to the decision to take a year off before pursuing her master’s degree. “I am very ambitious so I worked with my college advisor who helped me plan out my years at Xavier so I could graduate on time,” Bonner said. Following graduation from college, Bonner spent a year in Guatamala through the Harvard Multidisciciplinary Research Program with
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people who were applying for nursing school, medical school or public health programs. “We spent the morning in Spanish 101 class and then worked to compare the cultures in the United States with Central American countries such as San Salvador and Nicaragua looking at health systems and socioeconomic Chantel Bonner systems.” 2011 Pascagoula Bonner then returned to the States and High Graduate Clinical applied to graduate school, enrolling in the Researcher University of Pittsburgh where she received University of her master’s degree in public health with a Chicago concentration in genetics. After working at the University of South Alabama with a research program in public health, Bonner received an opportunity to go into clinical research at the University of Chicago in the hematology, oncology department, where she is today. “On a day-to-day basis, I see the oncology patients in the research study, reading EKGs and making sure all the research draws are taken care of. I actually work in the IV infusion therapy clinic helping out the other research coordinators, making sure their studies are going smoothly. All of these patients have cancer, and I work hard to make their day a little more comfortable and not such a strain on them.” Her advice to high school students? “Apply to a broad range of colleges; don’t be afraid to branch out. Know what your options are. Do community service so your resume is well-rounded. Get your work done first and then take time to relax. It’s not all about school work. Try to find that balance.” Bonner credits teachers Elizabeth Green and Suzanne Rodolfich as two of her mentors at PHS. “When I left PHS, it was a challenge for me. I’m pretty quiet until I’m comfortable with a person. I had to remind myself it was OK to stay outside of my comfort zone and not be afraid to get out of the box and try new things,” she said. “I had to push myself to go off to college, travel abroad, try new foods and meet new people. I’m grateful for everything I have gone through. It’s made me who I am today.” 37
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Tysianna Marino, CWA Lobbyist
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Working as a lobbyist with the Communications Workers of America in Washington, D.C., it’s easy to see that 2013 Pascagoula High School graduate Tysianna Marino has found her calling in life. CWA represents 700,000 workers in private and public sector employment in 1,200 chartered CWA local unions. CWA members work in telecommunications and information techology such as AT&T, Verizon, NBC and ABC television networks, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, the airline industry, education, health care, public service, law enforcement, manufacturing and other fields. “We represent a number of organizations, advocating for their rights,” Marino said. “I specifically work on the legislative end as a legislative associate on Capitol Hill to get legislation passed on behalf of working families.” So how did this PHS Alum find herself in the nation’s Capital? After high school, Marino attended the University of Mississippi where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public policy leadership. She then headed to Washington, D.C. where she graduated from American University with her master’s degree while working at the Department of Homeland Security as a policy analyst. “Jessica Wilkerson was my speech and debate teacher my
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senior year of high school,”Marino said. “She gave me my voice. I went on to do advocacy work and speech competitions in college, and she was a big reason that I am able to articulate myself in the way I do. She is a phenomenal person and put a lot of opportunities before me.” Other impactful teachers were ElizaTysianna Marino beth Green, Mary Virginia Clause and 2013 Pascagoula Ollie Armstrong. “Ms. Armstrong was very High Graduate Legislative instrumental in my development. She Associate positioned me to be successful. Having Communications people like that in my corner and having Workers of the drive and intention to plan has really America shaped the outcome of my life.” Marino said it was the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina that pushed her into the direction of wanting to change laws and impact society. “I started out as a criminal justice major and then learned about public policy in being able to shape and develop policy, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do - change laws in the way I feel would be beneficial for communities that were hurting.” Marino grew up in humble beginnings - the Haywood Brooks Project in Pascagoula. “That’s where I spent the majority of my life, and I was adamant that one day I would be in a position to change opportunities for poor people in a number of ways - housing offerings, wages, criminal justice, all of those ways to make people’s lives better. Although I had a good life, I knew it could have been better had I been given more opportunities and more support so I made it my life’s work.” Two tragedies in Marino’s life nearly sidetracked her from obtaining her master’s degree. “Two weeks after starting my master’s program, I lost my mother unexpectantly. She was very young, and she passed away in her sleep. Five months later, I found out my grandmother had colon cancer and three months after that, she passed away as well. So here I am in this big city, essentially by myself, and I had lost two of the most important people in my life in less than eight 38
months. It really took every fiber of my being to stay committed to why I was there doing what I was doing. “When I lost my mother and grandmother, I was so close to the finish line, but I felt like I couldn’t get my head above water. I was adamant that I was not going to drown because of something my grandmother said to me while she was in the hospital. “I was wearing my Ole Miss sweatshirt and she said, ‘I sent you there for a reason. You’ve got work to do.’ That kept me motivated to complete the program, and I finished with a 3.5 grade point average despite everything I had to deal with. I stayed on top of my studies because I knew it was important to both of them. I knew I had a strong legacy to uphold, but it was definitely a challenge to navigate through life without my two biggest supporters.” Marino said one piece of advice she would give high school students in terms of professional aspirations is that it’s crucial to get ahead as early as possible. “I know it sounds cliche’, but the earlier you get ahead preparing yourself for that next step, whether it’s college or business, and start putting those plans together and begin looking for opportunities, the more time you have to bring those ideas to fruition. That’s crucial.” Marino said there were times in high school where she felt she never quite fit in, no matter how many friends she had. “I would have loved to have known back then that high school is not where it ends; it’s genuinely where it begins. You have so much life ahead of you. You are going to meet people who understand you in ways you didn’t think were possible people who understand what you are feeling inside, and you don’t even have to say it outloud. And those are the people who stick.” Marino is quick to point out that it doesn’t mean students don’t find good friends in high school because she still has close friends from her days at PHS. “But I’ve met some really amazing peole who have helped me understand myself better and helped me genuinely become a better person - one who is compassionate and more thoughtful and more intentional - and I have the rest of my experiences to thank them for that. I never would have been able to be in this particular place to meet these people and interact with them had I not prepared myself for my professional aspirations very early on and have people in my corner I could count on.” Marino said figuring out ways to make more opportunities for people is her passion. “That’s what keeps me motivated, being able to hear that 100 workers, now union protected, can now earn a higher income and provide for their families. They have health care benefits and are not left to endure all the
costs if a family member gets sick.” Marino said, although she may not see the direct impact on people, on the legislative end, she sees bills make it through the entire process in the House of Representatives, “from the formation of the bill, going through committee, being chopped up and changed and altered, to being put on the House floor, one of the most powerful places in the U.S. and being moved through in hopes of becoming law. That kind of work to me has very real lasting impact. “I think that’s so important. While politics get sticky with almost everyone having a different opinion, the rewarding part is feeling passionate about something, following through with it and working very hard to make it go through. Doing research, learning why this bill will be helpful, all of that experience humanizes the process for me. It makes it real so that it’s not just minimum wage earned, it’s income that helps take care of more families so that less people live in poverty, grow up in poverty and have to compromise on things like opportunities. Those things are the driving force in my life. I think of my grandmother. If she had had access to healthcare, she would still be here. She didn’t have access to health care because she couldn’t afford it, and wasn’t able to be covered by insurance. She had to wait. Those are policy-related things that humanize it for me. That makes it personal, and when it’s personal, I’m very adamant about it. You believe in it, and you know the outcome of it not being in place. My success is found when I’m able to see those ideas through to the end and be able to fight for them in one of the most powerful places in America.” Marino said growing up in the projects, she never knew lobbying was something that people were paid to do. “By being here in Washington, D.C., and being ex-posed to Capital Hill, I was able to seize that opportu-nity, which was definitely not in the cards for me at all, yet it definitely worked out for the best,” Marino said. I always had that spirit of advocacy work in the past, that’s where I feel the most energized and most motivated, so lobbying was the right fit for me.”
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Caitlyn Johnson, Events Coordinator
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Ensuring concerts run smoothly for stars such as Elton John, Justin Timberlake and country music stars Chris Stapleton and George Strait, are all in a day’s work for 2008 Pascagoula High School graduate Caitlyn Johnson. Johnson is senior events coordinator for ASM Global which manages the Super Dome Smoothie King Center and Champion Square in New Orleans. Johnson said one of the most memorable highlights of her career was coordinating the concert of Elton John and standing right by the stage as he sang his hit, “Benny and the Jets.” “It’s very rewarding to watch an event unfold that you’ve spent the past nine months planning,” Johnson said. “When we held Bayou Country Fest, Chris Stapleton walked up to me and thanked me personally for how great a night it was for him, and I was just helping the manager that night. Having performers like that go out of their way to tell you what a great venue you have and that our staff had been fantastic to him and his crew, was the culmination of a great night.” Last year Johnson also served as the liaison between ESPN and the National Football Championship. The center, which is usually busy year-round, became silent when Covid-19 hit in March, 2020. “I had spent the year planning the women’s final four basketball tour-
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nament, and two weeks before the tournament began, we had to shut everything down,” Johnson said. “Now things have cranked back up with the Pelicans basketball games and New Orleans Saints football games.” A 2012 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s Caitlyn Johnson degree in public relations and a minor in 2008 Pascagoula non-profit studies, Johnson worked as a High Graduate Senior Events marketing director for a country club in Coordinator Hattiesburg. She also worked at the Super Dome Hattiesburg Convention Center before Smoothie King becoming in-house coordinator for the Center Saenger Theatre and then, accepted the New Orleans job in New Orleans. “I always thought I would be a reporter or work in someone’s public relations department,” Johnson said. “I just couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do. I didn’t see much of a direction in getting back to my career path. Then my college mentor called and asked me to work for her as an event coordinator. I fell in love with my job, and everything just fell into place.” Johnson said her advice to young people would be to keep an open mind to all the different careers available. “If I could go back, I would see what else is out there. Second, get involved in your school through clubs and other organizations, and third, develop relationships with your teachers. I’m so grateful for the teachers who helped me in school and if anything, I wish I had more interaction with them so I could have been better prepared for what came next.” Johnson said Elizabeth Green and Len Rushing were her most inspirational teachers. “Coach Rushing was always there for me, encouraging me, cheering me up and going out of his way to do whatever he could for me,” she said. “I was Mrs. Green’s teaching assistant my senior year, and I was calling her my freshman year in college about my history papers. She always took the time to point me in the right direction and helped me figure out my way in college.” 40
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Lt. James Phillips, Chief of Pathology
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Knowing he and his team are providing the best of care for their patients at Reed Army Community Hospital is one of the rewards of the profession for Chief of Pathology, Lt. James Phillips, a 2009 graduate of Gautier High School. “I work closely with my medical director doing quality assurance and quality control to ensure we are providing the best test procedures we can offer the hospital,” Phillips said. “I work everyday to empower my staff to make the best decisions that need to be made in getting results to our providers.” Phillips advocates for the laboratory with his command team and serves as the liaison for all things laboratory-related, answering emails about questions on how to order supplies, procedures and how to utilize the lab in an effective manner. Following high school, Phillips joined the U.S. Army where he received an associate’s degree in health science from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from Trident University in Cypress, CA. He then transitioned into a more specialized field of study - cytology - which allowed him to obtain his second bachelor’s degree from George Washington University. All of the studying and hard work paid off for Phillips who transitioned from an enlisted soldier to an officer in the U.S. Army, currently stationed at Fort Irwin, CA.
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Phillips said what helped him the most through his career journey was making three sets of goals for himself and prioritizing them by low, medium and high. “I took it day by day, studying, prioritizing and focusing on meeting each one of those goals,” he said. My 10-year dream was to become an officer. That had always been Lt. James my long-term goal. And I knew I had to get Phillips 2009 Gautier High things taken care of within my two-year Graduate and five-year goals in order to make that Chief of Pathology happen.” Reed Army Phillips said he did everything required Hospital of him to be promoted to the next level of Fort Irwin, CA an enlisted soldier even though his priority was higher. “Those things were important to me because it not only showed other soldiers around me that they could do exactly what I did, but it was also a self-confidence builder to accomplish these goals.” Among his words of advice to high school students is not to worry about getting a job in high school. “If I could change things, I would allow myself more time to focus on academics. Second, I know it sounds cliche’, but take the time to do your homework and learn from it. If you don’t understand, ask your teacher for help. And third, enjoy your high school years. Enjoy your friends. Utilize the time to learn about different people in your school and their different lifestyles. Stay away from forming cliques, or staying with a certain group. I hosted a French student for two years and really enjoyed learning about his background and culture.” Phillips said his GHS French teacher, Virginia Jolly, was his toughest teacher at school and the one who inspired him the most. “She really inspired me to be where I am now. She constantly reminded us on a daily basis to step outside of our comfort zones and study new cultures, travel, visit places and learn everything you can. Even though she was a foreign language teacher, she understood and instilled in us the importance of learning all that we could while we are on this planet.” 41
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: LaDarius Torrey, Film Writer, Producer
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation A 2013 graduate of Pascagoula High School, LaDarius Torrey is definitely a Renaissance Man. Torrey graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in government and film media and received his masters of fine arts degree from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts in May, 2020. Today Torrey is a film writer and producer and is currently writing a movie based in New Orleans. “The beauty of the pandemic is that I can write from anywhere,” Torrey said. “In addition to the movie, I also have my own pieces that I’m in the process of trying to get financed for my first feature film which made it to the final round of the Sundance Film Festival. It just didn’t get that extra push.” So how did someone from Pascagoula end up at Georgetown University and then USC? “Pascagoula High was such a place of nurture. It was a real communal place for me. I felt that every teacher I had such as Coach Dubose, Mrs. Clause and Mrs. Green, and those I didn’t have, really supported me fully. Also my AP Art teacher David Magee, really set me on the art path and helped me understand there is a voice through art.” Torrey said Georgetown was a school he always wanted to attend,
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never dreaming when he applied he would receive a full tuition scholarship to attend. “I thought I would be going to Ole Miss with a lot of my friends, but when I was offered the full tuition scholarship, it was an opportunity I just couldn’t turn down.” In high school, Torrey spent a summer in Europe as part of the People to People Ladarius Torrey Young Ambassadors program. “Those two 2013 Pascagoula High Graduate months really changed my life in the Film Writer, sense of not being afraid to go outside of Producer Mississippi to travel and submerge myself in different cultures. It really helped me see that the world was so much bigger.” Torrey admitted going to Georgetown was a difficult transition for him, but it was a transition he needed. “I didn’t have any family or friends there so that was the roughest part. And being around a political climate that was either liberal or conservative - it really didn’t fit me. Coming from a place like Pascagoula, I don’t feel like we get trapped in those boxes here, so film making became a way of getting my voice out there. It isn’t left; it isn’t right; it isn’t blue; it isn’t red; it’s more central.” Torrey said his biggest challenge was figuring out a route he had not yet seen. “I thought after Georgetown, I would come back here to Mississippi and figure out a political route to one day run for Governor. But sitting in those college classrooms, a lot of those dreams get crushed because you realize how divided people are on certain issues. Film making became a way of getting out some of my frustrations, but also a way of embracing this purple - this red and blue political mix. It became my voice in a realm that I didn’t feel like I had before.” Being in New Orleans has given Torrey the perfect opportunity to visit with his family and friends in Pascagoula. “I haven’t been home in seven years, so I have had the freedom to come home and write and connect with my family and friends again before I have to return to Los Angeles.” Torrey said it has been a rewarding experience coming 42
from a place like Pascagoula where he didn’t know writing movies was a possible career field. “That was the beauty of Georgetown for me. I know I don’t have to be an attorney to make a point. I have a way to articulate that voice to paper, and one day that paper will be turned into a film that people can see and understand in a different way. I think a lot of things can be changed if we empathize with one another, and film makes it a lot easier to do that as opposed to giving bold speeches or making bold Tweets. I think sometimes if we just search for empathy, it can be much more rewarding than any opinion we might have.” While at PHS, Torrey took polymer science classes with Coach Toben Dubose and said vocational, hands-on classes helped him in his studies. “This idea of having a blue collar hands-on experience and understanding the value of hard work was of great value to me at Georgetown,” he said. “A lot of my counterparts at Georgetown didn’t have that kind of hands-on background, so being able to do things with my hands gave me an advantage in putting a project together. It really gave me a deep appreciation for attending public school and being able to sit in a classroom with the elite and hold my own.” Torrey said the number of options provided to students at the vocational center has been exceptional. “If a person isn’t going to go to college, you have the option of learning a number of great trades in high school which translates into making a good living. Our community is filled with many great people wanting to help others. Coming from here and going out into the world, gives you a different appreciation.” Watching Ryan Coogler’s movie, “Fruitvale Station” pushed Torrey into going to film school. “The movie was a way of humanizing people and putting yourself in their shoes. As a filmmaker that’s what I’m trying to do - show the humanity in people from both sides, because at the end of the day, we’re the same people made from the same fabric.” Torrey’s advice for young people is basic. “Get up early and be on time. In the film industry, five minutes early and you’re fired. Getting up early and getting wherever you need to be well ahead of time is important. Try new things in high school; dig deeper to find your passion. Give yourself a chance to try something new, something you may not be comfortable with.” Torrey said he was shocked that he was able to keep up with fellow students who came from prep schools and boarding schools. “It started here in Pascagoula with my teachers and listening to them. I remember Mrs. Clause making sure we learned how to do an outline and format a paragraph. When I learned how to do all these small things, by the time I
got to Georgetown and USC, these small things were so easy, I could knock out the big things without a problem. If students would just focus on the small things and learn to do those things right and understand why you are doing them, it would definitely be a valuable lesson because as you get older, those lessons definitely come into play.” Torrey said it was an instructor at the USC film school who was the toughest on him. “He was constantly challenging me, pushing out what he saw in me, which is hard when you don’t necesarily see it in yourself. He got my writing to a place that I didn’t think it could ever be. It’s those instructors who challenge you the most and who are the most valuable influencers in your life.” How do you make a living when you are just starting out in the film making business? For Torrey, there’s definitely a resilient aspect. “I’ve been lucky to make connections at USC and was able to get jobs directly out of film school, but the struggling artist is real. You have to have confidence in yourself, in knowing who you are and what you have to offer, even when that is hard to do. That’s at least gotten me to a place where I know I’m sound - knowing the challenges of what you are doing, before you get into it - knowing how high the hill is before you start pushing that rock and knowing that patience is something you need in every aspect of your life, especially when chasing a dream.” Torrey said being a first generation college student has definitely worked in his favor. “I don’t come from a family of doctors, lawyers or engineers and haven’t faced that pressure of pursuing those professional fields. I don’t come from a family that boxed me in. It’s actually played to my advantage in chasing this dream. I’ve never known financial stability so being a struggling artist is something I can deal with because I’ve never known anything else. But I’m trying to figure it out.” As he has been able to travel, Torrey said people around the nation have a different perspective of Mississippi. “Every city has its own challenges; we all look very different. The beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and especially Pascagoula, is that there are great people here with political views that I don’t neccessarily agree with and vice versa, but at the end of the day, we still get along; we co-exist in this space. Being in a place like D.C or LA, where politics are either here or there - that’s not reality. We talk about America being a melting pot, but it’s not. I haven’t seen anywhere else where people can get along with so many different opinions and political views than here. The melting pot is here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.” 43
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: John Barr, TV Development Coordinator
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation One day, if you’re watching television and you see a show written and created by John Barr, you’ll know this 2008 Gautier High School graduate has reached his ultimate goal in life. Now living in Los Angeles, CA., Barr has worked in a myriad of different capacities and met a few celebrities along the way like John Hamm and Elizabeth Moss. He is currently TV Development Coordinator for Vin Diesel’s production company, “One Race.” “I’ve learned the ends and outs of how TV gets made,” Barr said. “Our company deals with major studios and networks like Universal and Netflix. We take on projects and find writers or someone comes to us to pitch an idea for a show. Then we take that show, nurture it and then ultimately take the project to a studio partner and pitch it to them. We get their take, develop it, and ultimately pitch it to bigger networks like ABC, NBC and CBS or if the show leans more toward cable, we will pitch it to Netflix, Amazon or Hulu. It’s a hands-on role especially learning the technical aspect of pitching videos and polishing things since we have had to do a lot more virtually since the pandemic.” After high school, Barr majored in sociology and minored in radio, TV and film at the University of Southern Mississippi. He worked for his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, in the
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Midwest after college for a year where he traveled to universities helping chapters improve, bringing them to the next level. That experience helped springboard his move to Los Angeles where he interned with Blumhouse Productions, known for horror movies such as “Whiplash” and “Get Out.” “I helped with reading scripts and evaluaJohn Barr ting new projects and assisted on the set 2008 Gautier during filming,” Barr said. High Graduate TV Development At the same time, Barr worked with Coordinator singer Barry Manilow’s management company, tracking details of ticket sales, freebies and concerts. He also worked with ICM Talent Agency working his way from the mailroom to an assistant. Barr then worked for the Hulu series, “A Handmaids Tale” as a writers’ assistant. “I took notes on everything discussed in the writers’ meeting, organizing everything we wanted to have in the show so the writers would have all of that information as a springboard once they began writing episodes,” he said. Barr attended the Emmys with the cast and crew of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” celebrating as the show won Best Drama, Best Writing, Best Director, Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actress, for its first season. Barr credits GHS English teachers Linda Blackwell and Genesis Larsen for supporting his dream and passion to be a writer. “They nurtured that writing bug, challenged me to think outside of the box and let my creativity flow.” Barr said his advice to high school students would be to take advantage of the lessons learned in class. “There’s a real world correlation from lessons learned so take advantage of those opportunities to figure out where your passion is and expand your view of what is possible career-wise. I’m part of an industry that is very cut throat; it’s never a sure thing whether a TV show will get another season or a project will make it across the finish line. But I have a great group of friends who support me through the good times and the bad. You just have to have the perseverance to keep pushing yourself forward with your goals in mind.” 44
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Yvette Barr, Director of Marketing
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Even when she was an elementary student, 2006 Gautier High graduate and salutatorian Yvette Barr knew she wanted to have a career in advertising. “That’s how my brain worked,” she said. “I liked creating stories, drawing pictures, thinking of inventions and slogans, and I thought, ‘this is what I’m going to do when I grow up’.” Her decision never wavered, and she went on to graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi’s College of Mass Communication and Journalism in 2010 and received her master’s degree in advertising at the University of Texas in Austin in 2011. Interning at the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce during her college years, Barr said she knew following grad school that she wanted to come home to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and get involved in her community. She was hired back at the Chamber in 2012 in charge of membership communications for eight years before accepting the director of marketing position at SMS Health Care Management with offices in Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Biloxi and Hurley. “I really enjoy connecting the dots between people and the resources they need,” she said. “I feel very honored to be working in this field, and it’s been very interesting to start a career in the health care
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field right before a worldwide pandemic. I was very fortunate to have a background of working at the Chamber because I was aware of many different resources in the community so I have been able to utilize those connections in my new position.” Getting involved in one’s community is advice Barr said she would give high Yvette Barr school students today. 2006 Gautier “I think really getting to know your High Graduate Director of community and getting involved in it during Marketing your high school years is essential because whether or not you come back to the local area, it’s a great foundation for everything else in your personal or professional life. Building those relationships with your teachers, your peers and your community will impact you for the rest of your life.” Barr said her teachers at GHS were influential especially history teacher Rebecca Endt, “who opened our minds to the world,” Barr said. Marla Dunn, her sixth grade math teacher, was another positive influence in her life. Hurricane Katrina roaring ashore in 2005 changed life for Barr and her classmates their senior year at Gautier High. “It made our class a lot closer than some classes because we were all in survival mode together. We were really building back our lives and our communities together and that really instilled in me the value of community.” Barr faced some health issues for several years in college and said it was a challenge to stay focused and work her way through that difficult time. “I had a good foundation of support from people, and the motivation and perseverance to stay focused on my end goal. But it also made me look within and see what the priorities were in my life, and where I felt value. That’s one of the reasons I’m back in this community. You never know where all of your life experiences, both good and bad, will take you in your career and personal life. Don’t look at yourself based on your job title. Always bring more to the table and do more with it. You’ll never be bored because you are continuing to grow and learn.” 45
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Latoya Worthen, Elementary Principal
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” These words are the philosophy 1999 Pascagoula High graduate Latoya Worthen lives by every day. Now serving as principal at Arlington Elementary, Worthen said her greatest reward is seeing the lightbulb come on when students grasp a concept. “We have children who have struggles, not just academically, but with a lot of other ups and downs going on in their personal lives. Seeing them succeed is very rewarding,” she said. “To see the look on their faces when they feel they have accomplished something and achieved their goal is very gratifying.” Worthen said she always knew she wanted to be a teacher, even as a child. “I’ve always been bossy, so I kind of always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “My mom said I played school all the time, but I never wanted to be the student; I wanted to be the principal, so I guess it was something that was always in me.” Yet, when Worthen started college, she originally studied to become a nurse. “I got through to the third level in the nursing program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and I woke up one day and realized nursing was not what I wanted to do. I wanted to teach. So that’s what I did. And I’m not
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disappointed at all that I made that career choice. Everyone else thought I was crazy, but being an educator is what I’m passionate about. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t be in education.” Worthen went on to finish her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2004 at the University of South Alabama, gradLatoya uated with her master’s degree in curricuWorthen lum and instruction from Phoenix University 1999 Pascagoula and received her specialist degree in educational leadership from Liberty University. High Graduate Elementary She taught second, third and fifth grade at Principal Jackson Elementary where she was awarded the $25,000 Milken Educator Award, which is rather like receiving an Emmy, Grammy or Olympic Gold Medal. The Milken is awarded to outstanding teachers across the nation. Worthen went on to become the assistant principal at Trent Lott Academy for three years before being named assistant principal at Pascagoula High School for a year. She was then selected as Arlington Elementary principal for the 2020-21 school year. Even in the midst of a pandemic, Worthen said it has been a great first year as principal for her. “I’ve been blessed with a gold mine of teachers here at Arlington. “They are phenomenal. I’ve learned something new everyday, and I’m grateful for this opportunity,” she said. “COVID-19 has forced us to get outside the box and learn to do things differently with distance learning and restructuring our routines in the classrooms. We’ve had to adapt, but as educators, we are accustomed to doing that.” Having the experience at the elementary, academy and high school levels has been a tremendous advantage for Worthen. “I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to see how education begins and where we want the end results to be in graduating from high school. When I was at Pascagoula High, I was able to see the steps that needed to be taken to get (see Worthen, next page) 46
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students to graduation. One thing I realized was how fundamental reading is and how hard it is to catch up when kids get to the academy, middle or high school level once they are behind in their reading. There are reading gaps, and those gaps are hard to fill if your reading is not where is should be. Once they get to those upper grades, it’s much harder for them to meet those graduation requirements if they can’t read well enough. “As an instructional leader in the high school, I was able to offer that insight with the students who were struggling and with my elementary and reading background, I was able to train teachers and provide instructional strategies and resources to teachers who were then able to help these struggling students,” she said. Teachers who mentor students and go the extra mile for them are people Worthen admires. Her sixth grade teacher, Donna Stratton, will always be Worthen’s inspiration. “I remember sitting in her class and having a very specific conversation with her. She asked me what I was doing in the summer and if I would consider babysitting for her? I looked around the class at my classmates and thought there were many other students she could have asked. But Mrs. Stratton said she saw a lot of great things in me. It was that one simple conversation, those simple words of encouragement that had the greatest impact on my life. As an adult looking back, for someone to see something in me that I didn’t see in myself, was a driving force in my life. Later on, Worthen served as Stratton’s administrator at Trent Lott Academy. “It was a wonderful experience to work with someone who had inspired me in so many different ways,” she said. Worthen said getting an education was important not only to her, but her parents, especially since she did not come from a family of educators. “My father was illiterate, and my mom didn’t graduate from high school. It was very important to my parents that I get an education. I remember my dad coming home from work one day from Ingalls Shipbuilding. He worked as a laborer and had an opportunity for advancement. We were all excited thinking about all the things we would be able to do because of this promotion. “He came back the next day and called us in
the living room and sat us all down. I could tell by the look on his face and the tears in his eyes that this was not going to be a good conversation. He apologized to us for not getting the promotion. He couldn’t read or write the blueprints needed for the job. Seeing that disappointment in not being able to provide for us the way he wanted, and not having that educational background was really hard for him.” That day, Worthen promised her father, no matter how hard the situation was, no matter what she had to do, she would finish her education. “I wanted to make him proud; I never wanted to have to experience that or see others experience it. Every day when I come in contact with kids, I remember that day and think, ‘what can I do to make sure every single child who crosses my path gets a quality education?’ It requires us as educators to go above and beyond and dig deep. It requires us to give students the encouragement to finish what they have started, to never give up - despite the obstacles, despite when things get hard. We have to wrap our arms around our students and remember it’s just not academics. Our kids are carrying around a lot of baggage.” Worthen said students in the PGSD need to take advantage of the many opportunities offered to them. “Communication is so important. I was very quiet in high school and didn’t speak a whole lot. I would suggest taking speech and debate because no matter what your profession, students need to speak well and be confident when speaking in front of others. ” Second, first impressions are everything. “Present yourself in a way that is respectful and professional, and that’s how people will respond to you. You need to present yourself in a way that says ‘I’m ready to handle business’. Show that you care about yourself by what you look like and how you carry yourself. Third, find a job. As a co-op student, Worthen said she learned how to write a resume, dress for success and how to conduct herself during an interview. “I was prepared because I went through a course at the Applied Technology Center (CCTI). Having a job took me out of my comfort zone and taught me to be responsible, helped me financially and helped me build relationships with other people.” 47
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
Derrick Caples, Teacher
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation For Pascagoula High School history teacher and coach Derrick Caples, life has come full circle. Caples now teaches and coaches at the same high school he graduated from in 1994 - and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “My wildest dream in high school was playing football in the NFL,” Caples said. “But then reality crept in, and I realized that wasn’t going to happen. Math was definitely my weakest subject, and I was so embarrassed about how I was doing in that class that I would actually skip. But I had a great teacher - Dorothy Hanna - who sat me down, looked me in the eye and told me that I had so much potential. She didn’t want me to ruin it by skipping school. Just the fact that she cared made all the difference in my life. When she told me she cared about me, I started pushing hard to learn math.” Caples admits he struggled throughout school. “My home environment was unstable. I came from a single parent home, and I had limited supervision. Because Mom worked nights, I would only see her for a short time. As we were coming home from extracurricular sports activities, she was preparing to go to work at night. Mom did the best she could, but we were living paycheck to paycheck, worried about whether or not the lights and water would be turned off. There was a lot of pressure living in poverty conditions,
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but as I got a little older, I knew I didn’t want to live in those conditions, so I started focusing on things that were going to get me out of my neighborhood. Caples attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College on a football scholarship, staying 1 1/2 years before returning home to work temporarily. Again, his neighborhood Derrick Caples was not where he wanted to be so Caples 1994 joined the National Guard, attended basic Pascagoula High Graduate training and then went on to Mississippi PHS Teacher College to become a teacher and coach. Three months before graduating, Caples was deployed to Iraq, a path that forever changed his life. “I learned in Iraq to never take anything for granted in life,” he said. “I watched the Iraqi people never take things like food and water for granted, and I realized I had squandered away so many opportunities that had presented them selves to me earlier in my life, and I had made choices that derailed me. When I got home from being deployed, I found a greater appreciation for everything I had.” Caples finished his bachelor’s degree at Mississippi College and went on to obtain a master’s of education and educational leadership degrees from William Carey University. Caples’ first teaching job was at Harrison Central High School and then Hancock Middle School. When Lewis Sims went to Moss Point High to coach, he called and asked Caples to come, and Caples stayed with Moss Point for 10 years before coming home to the Pascagoula-Gautier School District. In addition to being a history teacher, he is an assistant football coach for the Panthers and head coach for the Panthers track team. And this year, Caples was not only named Pascagoula High School’s Teacher of the Year, but the Pascagoula-Gautier School District’s Teacher of the Year. Caples had perfect attendance during his tenure at Moss Point and also here in the PGSD despite the pandemic. And he can often be found supporting his student athletes at vari(continued next page) ous after-school events. 48
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“I show up and give these kids the best that I have every day. Like I said before, my time in Iraq really opened my eyes to a new way of looking at life,” Caples said. In building relationships with his students, Caples shares his life experiences, hoping they learn from his mistakes. “I didn’t know how to balance what I needed in academics and athletics,” he said. “I tell my athletes all the time you’ve got to have balance. You just can’t run the ball and leave the grades behind. You have to make sure you have balance in your life. I’m a teacher and a coach, but I’m a teacher first. And no matter what label someone puts on them, my kids are academic students first.” Hope is also something Caples stresses to his students. “From my personal experience as I grew up, it seemed as if every situation was hopeless. My road to my career wasn’t a straight path. There were twists and turns, but I had a little bit of hope to keep me going - that things were going to get better. I see myself in some of my students, and I try to encourage them. I hope they can draw some insight by me sharing the challenges I had to overcome in my life. I was determined not be a victim of my environment. I persevered, and now I lead a much better life.” The Pascagoula neigborhood Caples grew up in doesn’t exist anymore. Yet the problems of living in poverty and the hurdles and obstacles that come with it, still live on. “I can relate to my students because I’ve had those authentic life experiences when we discuss poverty in my history classes.” “Education provided my way out; it provided me with a way to beat the odds, to get me out of my situation and rise above it,” Caples said. “I understand better than many what these students are going through, and I share that I wanted better for myself. I learned that a lot of things shape us by what we are exposed to, how we react to it and then what we do with it. I aspired to have more. I had goals. I tell my students, what you’ve been through can make you more ambitious in obtaining those goals.” As a student at PHS, Caples took some classes at the Applied Technology Center, (CCTI). “One of the things I gained was the collaborative effort of working with other students. We had to work together on various projects with the skills we learned. I teach my students the importance of learning how to work with other people as I prepare them for the world they are about to venture into. They can’t live in the world alone. They need to have skills on how to work with other people, teach one another, learn from one another and lean on one another. I saw that as a stu-
dent, and I try to teach it to my students in leading by example.” One example of Caples’ leadership involves taking his students into the community. Case in point: Our Daily Bread, the local soup kitchen in Pascagoula. “This experience had a profound impact on my students. Not only did this give the students a chance to serve people who were less fortunate, but my students sat down and talked to them. The people talked to the students about the wrong choices they made which landed them there. From that, the students grew a greater appreciation and understanding about the obstacles in life.” Caples said one challenge he faces as a teacher is not having control of the upbringing or environment his students live in. “You have to fight against multiple influences that kids have in their lives. You are doing what you can, but some of these students are difficult to reach. If they’re worried about their lights being turned off or where their next meal is coming from, their minds are elsewhere. “That’s why building those relationships with them is so important. When you have a good relationship with students, they will do things for you they possibly won’t do for others. They will try because of your belief in them. When you have those positive relationships, the outcomes can be amazing. Students will go farther than they ever thought they could go because of the relationship you built with them. When they see a teacher won’t give up on them, they will keep going.” Caples said his goal is to help students see the potential they have within themselves - just like Dorothy Hanna saw in him. “My biggest reward comes in taking students, who many people say can’t learn or don’t want to learn, and turn them into scholars who can. When that light shines down on them, it gives me great satisfaction. And down the road - when students come back and say, ‘Coach, I really appreciate the opportunities you provided for me.’ Knowing you gave kids the opportunity to grow out of whatever circumstances they were in and them taking the time to thank you and give you a hug - that’s gratifying.” Final word - Stay focused on your school work. You’re a student first, an athlete second. Keeping your nose to the grindstone and getting the best grades are going to pay the biggest dividends. Always put your best foot forward. Develop those study habits, and make sure you stay academically sound. That will carry you a long way.”
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
Alexis Padgett, Pharmacist
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation At the age of 12, Gautier High 2014 graduate Alexis Padgett wrote her chosen career on a small piece of paper, a pathway she never wavered from until she reached her goal of becoming a pharmacist. “I took Career Discovery in 6th or 7th grade, and we did an online assessment where you answer questions and get results on what occupations your answers resonate with the most. Pharmacy came back for 80 percent of my results, although I didn’t really know exactly what a pharmacist did,” Padgett said. “During pharmacy school, I still had that piece of paper, and I thought it was amazing that I had actually stuck with my dream of becoming a pharmacist for so long.” With an interest in math and science, especially chemistry, Padgett did research on her career path and took classes such as chemistry and calculus in high school that would help her achieve her goal. “I took as many AP classes as I could to help prepare my mind for what I would be getting into in college,” she said. Padgett said she was in the Gautier High Career Center almost everyday working to find grants and scholarships to help with college along with researching pharmacy colleges in the region. “Mr. (Bill) Massey in the Career Center helped me tremendously with grants and scholarships. I
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found an early entry (CAP) program where I could be admitted to the pharmacy program at Xavier University in New Orleans while a student at Gautier High. I went for the interview and was accepted into the program contingent upon keeping up my grades.” Padgett’s parents had always instilled in her the importance of good grades, so Alexis Padgett from kindergarten through 12th grade, 2014 Gautier Padgett was a straight A student. She was High Graduate Pharmacist also heavily involved in school activities, played basketball for the Gators for four years and was crowned GHS homecoming queen her senior year. She did two years of prerequisite work at Xavier and went straight into pharmacy school at the university, graduating in May, 2020. Currently, she is a floater pharmacist with the Gulf Coast Walgreens, working at a number of different Walgreens locations from Pascagoula to Picayune. She also serves nursing homes on the Coast, giving COVID-19 vaccines to residents and staff members. “At this point in my life, I enjoy floating and working at the different locations,” Padgett said. “But one day I would like to open my own pharmacy in Gautier. I want it to be a retail pharmacy with a clinical aspect to it which will mean consulting with the patients, talking about their medications and how they work well together and the side effects you might have. I just want to help patients get the best out of their medicine regiment. I’ve also considered doing an on-line consultation similar to Web-MD where people can get online and ask questions, and you can converse through live chats.” In high school, Padgett said she had several teachers who encouraged her in her endeavors. “Mr. Massey was instrumental in helping me find grants and scholarships. I had Coach (Janeen) Thweatt for two of my math classes, and math was my favorite subject in school. She was very encouraging as well as Mrs.(Linda) Blackwell. Mrs. Blackwell gave inspirational talks to the class as a whole and one-onone. She always told us as we were leaving class, ‘remem(continued next page) ber who loves you’.” 50
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“My basketball coach, Coach (Fred) Williams was also a great motivator. School came pretty easy for me and Coach Williams was also helpful, encouraging me to stay determined and keep focused on basketball. He was good about giving me extra time to work out and practice so I would see better results in my games.” Because she was so driven and determined to do her best in everything she did, Padgett said she did run into a couple of struggles along the way. “Time management was one of the struggles. I was very active in high school so I had to learn to manage my time wisely. I would get to school early for meetings before class, then go to the gym and warm up for first block basketball practice, go through the school day, and then come home and study late into the night. I remember staying up all night studying for the AP History Exam so I would do well on the test. “ Using a planner to write down everything she had to accomplish everyday helped Padgett with juggling her load. “I had to find that balance between my social life and taking care of all the responsibilities with school. That was especially a challenge in college, so I started having my social life on the weekends if I didn’t have a test on Mondays. During the week, I would have study groups with
friends so I could kill two birds with one stone, hanging out with friends and studying even though that would get distracting at times.” But if she had to go back in time and do it all over again, Padgett said there is nothing she would change. “It all worked out for me. If I could talk to high school students today, I would tell them that anything is possible. Don’t ever feel like you have too much on your plate. Utilize your guidance counselor to help you find scholarships and do research on your own. Use the Internet. All the information is there. Utilize your resources. I would also try to be as involved in your school and community as possible.” In her spare time, Padgett is involved in the community through Empower Jackson County which does community service work such as school supply drives. “I try to find ways to give back to my community. It’s very rewarding. Even in my role as a pharmacist, I get to do something that I love and help people. Parents come to me with questions about the best medicines to give their sick children. I find happiness in helping them find those answers so their children will feel better,” Padgett said. “It’s very gratifying to use the degree I worked so hard for and to do something that I actually have wanted to do since I was a child.”
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Patrick Gatchell, Program Manager
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Pascagoula High School Class of 1999 graduate Patrick Gatchell always knew he wanted to serve his country. “Growing up in Pascagoula, seeing the ships being built here and watching them sail off all over the world - I just fell in love with it,” he said. So when the opportunity to apply for the United States Naval Academy presented itself, Gatchell went for it. “While I was a student at Pascagoula Junior High, I actually heard an announcement about the Gene Taylor Academy Day in Hattiesburg for those interested in attending one of the the service academies,” Gatchell said. “After the meeting, I was hooked. “I was amazed at the number of opportunities for service and all the people in the state who wanted to see young men and women apply, get in and succeed. They had a wonderful infrastructure in place, and I got tied into that.” Gatchell said it was also an easy decision after speaking with his father who was a torpedo man on a submarine working in Pascagoula. “Between my dad and talking to other people in the military, I was told if I could get into one of the service academies, the education was second to none, the experience I would have, would set me up for life and I would reach my goal of serving my country.
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That’s all I needed to hear.” But going to a military academy is not for the faint of heart. “You go through basic training that summer and then as the school year begins, you go through a rigorous academic calendar year,” Gatchell said. “That first year is designed to test your limits. It’s about time management, Patrick how you prioritize things and how you work Gatchell through problems. In the summer, instead of 1999 coming home and sitting on your parents’ Pascagoula couch, you go out to sea on a ship or get High Graduate assigned to a fighter jet squadron. You get to Ingalls see what actually happens in the fleet. You Shipbuilding are exposed to as many different career choices in the Navy and Marines so you can make an educated decision about what you want to do after you graduate.” The first summer, Gatchell was lucky to be stationed in Pascagoula so he could see his family, but the next summer he was in Hawaii taking part in an exercise called Rim Pack, involving the countries that rim the Pacific Ocean including Australia, Japan and Singapore. “For a 21-year-old to be in Hawaii, stationed on the ship, Iwo Jima, which had been built here in Pascagoula - it was an eye-opening, life-changing experience for me.” Gatchell spent 12 years in Chantilly, Va., as a budget analyst and program control officer with the National Reconnaissance Office before coming home to Pascagoula. “Plain and simple - Pascagoula was the place I wanted to live and raise my three sons,” Gatchell said. “My parents live here, my in-laws are from here and my grandpa who is 93 years old, still lives here. I wanted my kids to have the same childhood, the same opportunities and experiences I had which was hard for me to replicate anywhere else other than Pascagoula.” Gatchell said coming from a small city in south Mississippi and venturing North did indeed have its challenges with people stereotyping him because he came from Mississippi. (Continued, next page)
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“One of the challenges was overcoming what people thought about you and the place you grew up. I’m extremely proud of being from Pascagoula, Mississippi, but not everyone saw that childhood the way I did, so convincing people that I wasn’t just some cliche’ or sterotype they have seen on television about the South was one thing I definitely had to overcome. If you show up with a thick Southern accent, everyone automatically assumes you come from the bayou and even though my reaction is not as strong now, in 1999 I did have a strong reaction when something was said, and I would explain indepth to anyone I needed to every chance I got that they were wrong about me.” Even when Gatchell made the decision to come home to raise his family, he said his well-adjusted, well-educated co-workers did not understand his choice. “When I got home, I took a photo of myself in my backyard with Beach Park and the water behind me, to show them where I lived.” Now in program management on the LPD program at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Gatchell sees first-hand the construction of the ships he has always loved. “We have milestone events in the construction of a vessel - for example, an electronic equipment loadout where we’ve done a considerable amount of work on the ship and met a certain number of requirements that we have agreed upon with the Navy. These requirements are heavily tracked by the shipyard and the Navy to make sure the ship is progressing constructionally the way it is supposed to. In my role, I manage those events for the LPD program, specifically for LPD 28 which is the future USS Fort Lauderdale.” For Gatchell, the rewards of his job are knowing that he has been an intrical part of the progress made as the ship successfully reaches these milestones. “When you see a ship launch, that’s huge. When we lit off the generators and watched the smoke rising up out of the stacks, that’s a lot of hard work and thousands of man hours that go into that from a lot of hard-working men and women. Just to know I had a little piece of that and to see those things happen that feels wonderful.” Gatchell said he believes his education in Pascagoula prepared him for the naval academy. “I believe 100 percent that my time at Pascagoula High and even farther back in the education system at Lake Elementary and Pascagoula Junior High, every one of my teachers from first grade through 12th grade did a wonderful job of preparing me for the future. I had wonderful teachers like Mrs. Caffrey who taught me trigonometry and calculus and Bettie Freeman Concannon, Pam Halbrook and Judy Frye at
Pascagoula High. I will never forget those teachers. I felt more than prepared to learn, compete and work at the naval academy. It was a rough four years.” Today, one of Gatchell’s volunteer jobs is recruiting for the naval academy. “I interview young men and women for admission to the academy. There is a very in-depth application process, and one of the steps is that they need someone to lay eyes on the candidates. We have a network of six to seven recruiters across the state, and we interview the candidates to see if they are a good fit for the academy.” Gatchell said one of the things that helped him when applying was being given a class profile which showed what the average student at the academy looked like - his test scores, what his extracurriculuar activities looked like - and Gatchell worked so that his high school resume looked similar to this example. “You need your resume to show leadership and responsibility, not just academics or on the baseball field, but in other areas - such as an Eagle Scout project, community service, extracurricular activities and after-school jobs. If recruiters see all of this on your resume, you know you will get a fair shake.” Gatchell said advice he would give high school students today is to know what your friends and peers are doing, although it doesn’t mean you have to do the same thing. “Explore all your options. Just because everyone is going to Ole Miss, Mississippi State or USM, doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you,” Gatchell said. “What I noticed about being in the military is there were quite a few young men and women enlisted in the Navy or Air Force and they spent quite a lot of time in the fleet or in the air, learning a lot of life lessons, a lot of tangible technical skills. They went back to college and then after that, their careers just skyrocketed. They had a technical baseline that was unmatched and then put a degree and maturity toward their goals. They didn’t have to guess what their major was going to be. They knew exactly what they wanted to do because they had spent four years out in the workforce figuring things out.” Gatchell and his wife, Jamie, a 2000 graduate of Pascagoula High School, now own Haygoods in Pascagoula, and Gatchell is also running for councilman-at-large. “That sense of service is connected to every aspect of my life. After discussing it with my wife and friends, I decided it would be a good idea to run for office because ultimately, I want to show my children and the people I live and work with, that getting involved is important,” he said “You need to get out there and make a difference. Do what you can to help make your community a better place to live.” 53
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Joseph Hasbrouck, Business Analyst
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Pascagoula High School 2016 Valedictorian Joseph Hasbrouck believes his strong academic background at PHS prepared him well for Harvard University. “Economics was something I was definitely interested in right from the start,” Hasbrouck said. “I learned so much at PHS from my teacher Leslie (LaDouceur) Lovell, who taught me Micro and Macro Economics and AP Economics.” Hasbrouck also credits PHS AP history teacher Elizabeth Green and speech and debate teacher Jessica Wilkinson as major influences in his life. “Several times topics would come up in debate competitions related to economics or economic policy that I would debate or address as part of extemporaneous speaking. “Because of this background, I was able to acclimate very smoothly at Harvard, so much so, that I began taking two sophomore-level foundational economic classes my freshman year and made an A in both,” he said. “It wasn’t even something where I had to take on some unusually large burden to stay on par with the other students. I had the background and the conceptual foundation I needed from a public high school in Mississippi, and I was able to hang in there with the best of those students in a sophomore-level class at Harvard.” Hasbrouck graduated from
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Harvard University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a secondary degree in government and is employed as a business analyst for Capital One in McLean, Va., outside of Washington D.C. “In my role in financial services strategy, I get the chance to leverage a lot of technical skills - leveraging programming languages Joseph to interact with lots of data. It’s an Hasbrouck intellectually, stimulating kind of job. The 2016 senior decision makers in the company have Pascagoula to react quickly to changes in the competitive High Graduate environment, and I handle some of that front- Capital One line research to make sure we stay on top of trends in the financial services industry. I really like the work.” Hasbrouck was accepted into Harvard Law School as a junior in college. Under the early acceptance program, students work for two years and then return to Harvard. He will begin his three years of law school in the fall of 2022. Looking back, Hasbrouck said he wished he would have encouraged himself to learn more about coding and programming languages in high school since these are the technical skills he is now using. “I’m really glad to hear the school district has these classes available now. We need to incorporate coding into the regular curriculum so that more students will get that exposure early on. If we had offered classes in software development when I was in high school, it would have been something I would have pushed myself to look into.” Hasbrouck also advised students to look into financial aid and other resources available to them. “I knew about financial aid for the in-state schools, but not about financial aid available for colleges in other states or even private colleges.” Hasbrouck was able to help a younger PHS student who wanted to go to Harvard because of his journey. “She really wanted to go to Harvard, but one of her con(Continued next page) cerns was how she would pay for it. 54
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It was only because I had already gone through the experience that I knew how their financial aid system worked. I knew Harvard would go out of its way to make it affordable, but that was information I had to find out on my own.” “I would advise other students to look at all the opportunities that are out there. Don’t be afraid to shoot for something even if it seems a bit more of a reach. If you get accepted somewhere, you don’t have to go. Look at all of your options. Weigh those options, and then look at all the ways you can make one of those options work for you.” As a resident of Mississippi, Hasbrouck said one of the struggles he had to overcome was getting accustomed to the job search process where there is not a strictly defined pipeline. “If a Pascagoula student went to a college in Mississippi and studied something like petroleum engineering, there is a very clear pathway as to what they are going to do afterward because it is directly tied to what they are studying, and we have employers in the state who invest heavily in supporting these programs in building that talent so there is a clear pipeline to their industry. It’s easy to navigate the pathway from what you study in college to the job you are going to do and to the place you will be employed.”
Hasbrouck said that was not the case at Harvard. “In some areas like computer science, people knew they wanted to go to work for one of those easily recognizable tech companies like Facebook or Google. But for some of us, we didn’t see that strict pathway to what exactly we were going to do next, so I had to acclimate to a little bit more ambiguity in my career search, knowing that sometimes the pathway from what you studied - to a job - isn’t going to be linear, and you have to navigate it. Find what you are interested in, how what you are studying really intersects with the jobs that are available, and find ways to network into them.” So where does Hasbrouck see himself after law school? “It really depends on what opportunities open up and whether I find a specific area of law that really interests me,” he said. “When I was studying economics, one of the areas that was very interesting to me was international trade. If I could find a job in that area that was really interesting and exciting, I could end up with a major industry in New York. “On the other hand, if I take law courses around new technologies coming out now, whether it is biotech or computer software, I may end up living where those industries are. We’ll just have to see what opportunities are out there at the end of law school.”
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: A.J. Jones, Professional Basketball Player
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Gautier High 2011 graduate A.J. Jones has had the unique opportunity to tour Europe as a professional basketball player. Recruited by Germany after graduating from Ole Miss in 2015, Jones’ journey in the basketball world has led him to Bulgaria, Finland, Israel, Greece, Spain and ultimately France where he now plays for the Cholet basketball team. “My path in basketball has been a little crazy,” Jones said. “But I love getting to experience different cultures, the feeling of going to another country and starting my life over.” Jones began his professional career in Germany with the Pro-A League and was named Defensive Player of the Year. He continued his career in Bulgaria where his team won two championships, and Jones was named Most Valuable Player. Jones said his season in Finland was probably his hardest. “I lost my grandfather the morning of Game 2 of the finals, and that was difficult, but despite it all, I won Most Valuable Player. Every place I went, the culture was always a little different. In Finland, there were six months of darkness which was very different.” Being cut after playing a season with a basketball team in Israel, Jones said he began thinking about his life and contemplating if he still wanted to play the game of basket-
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ball. “I decided to keep at it, and ended up in Greece in the A-1 League, one of the top five leagues over here,” Jones said. “I was third string, but that’s just how the business is sometimes. I wasn’t mad about it. I just kept working hard.” A.J. Jones All of Jones’ hard work paid off and 2011 Gautier he ended up back in Germany playing High Graduate in the BBL League. “I had a great Professional season there and made the All-DefenBasketball Player, sive Team. A documentary, (Pure Magic France #3, A German Basketball Documentary, You Tube) was made on the team because they had not been successful until that year.” Jones then traveled to Spain to play in the ACB League, which is the top league in the country, but was soon cut from the team. “Sometimes your game doesn’t fit the team, but that’s ok because coaches were calling me all the time trying to get me on their teams, and I ended up with the Cholet team in France where I’ve been since November 2020. I really feel like my game fits with this team.” In addition to his professional basketball career, Jones has his own brand of sweatshirts and t-shirts called “Chasing Greatness” with his website going live this summer. He also trains students, ages high school and above, in the game of basketball. In looking back over his life, Jones said his biggest struggles came because he didn’t apply himself. “I wasn’t as focused as I should have been. In high school, my coaches Keith McQueen, Robert Blount and Freddie Williams were always on me to stay focused. They tried to warn me about the real world and the professional basketball life. But I was just a kid; I had to experience it before I could understand it. And I’m still learning. You have to have those experiences to understand what your goals are.” Jones took culinary arts while a student at Gautier High School and said he was glad to see the PGSD offering (Continued on next page)
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more opportunities for students to find their passion earlier in life. “I would much rather see students figure things out in high school versus later in life,” he said. “I applaud the school district for giving students these opportunities. From the outside looking in, I think these career pathways are a smart idea. Today’s kids are not taking their classes seriously. Maybe they will if they are tied to a career they are interested in.” Jones said if he could give advice to students today it would be to “apply yourself. Remember your time is sacred. The 24 hours you have today, you will not have tomorrow. Always appreciate your time and apply that time because you will never get it back.” Jones also advised high school students to “keep reading books, keep learning about different cultures; stay in the gym more and shoot baskets more,” he said. “And look at your college options.” Jones attended Ole Miss on a a four-year basketball scholarship. “My stats were going, but I had different goals and ambitions,” he said. “I started out as a broadcast journalism major, but then I tore my ACL and my meniscus, and ended up with a general studies degree and minored in criminal justice, parks and recreation and psychology.”
When he received the phone call about playing basketball in Germany after college, Jones said he decided to start his real world adventure abroad. “I’m still meeting new people everyday. People talk about their business ideas, and I write things down. And thanks to basketball, it has helped me branch out to other things in life.” Jones believes his greatest reward in life hasn’t happened yet. “I’m still playing pro ball, still have coaches calling me; still getting to live abroad - so for right now - the greatest reward is living the life and seeing the return on all the hard work I have put in. I believe there’s more rewards to come.” Jones said he hopes his journey will help others in their decision-making. “When I got into the real world after college, I didn’t have a sense of direction. But once I started back reading books and gaining knowledge about life, I made that shift. Because at the end of the day, if you want to be great in life, whether it be a basketball player, a teacher or school board member, you have to focus and apply yourself, and one day, you’ll reach the level you want to reach. Being able to play abroad and experience different cultures has changed my life. This experience has been priceless.”
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Mike Chavez, Sr. Intelligence & Operations Consultant
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation As a 2001 graduate of Pascagoula High School, Mike Chavez thought his options in life were pretty limited. But his career has literally taken him around the world where he has seen and done some amazing things. Chavez was offered a soccer scholarship to play at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College after high school graduation. But he chose a little detour to Marine Boot Camp in San Diego, CA, then on to marine combat training school and intelligence school. “I needed to make sure I had something squared away for myself, because I knew no one else was going to be there to support me,” Chavez said. As a reservist in the Marines, Chavez was playing soccer at the Perkinston campus of MGCCC when Sept. 11 happened (terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon) in 2001. “I knew it was just a matter of time before I would get mobilized, and I ended up getting pulled away from school to be deployed overseas to Kuwait and Iraq for nine months where I worked in small teams providing intelligence updates to all the ground war fighters,” Chavez said. He came back to the U.S. again, tried to return to college, play soccer and then go to Delta State, “but things in Iraq weren’t getting any
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better. “My next deployment to the Middle East lasted 11 months. I didn’t want to keep getting pulled away from school, so I started looking for opportunities to mobilize in the States.” Chavez was mobilized to New Orleans and sent to Key West, Fla., where he worked on counter drug operations with the Joint Interagency Task Force, Mike Chavez South in South America, Central America 2001 Pascagoula and the Caribbean. High graduate, Risk Mitigation “Near the end of 2006, I came home to Consulting Inc. visit friends and family in Mississippi, and I ran into Brittany Thomas from high school,” Chavez said. “We ended up engaged, and I moved back to Mississippi where I worked for Marine Forces Northern Command in New Orleans which deals with homeland security for the United States, Canada and Mexico.'” Chavez left the Marines in 2010 and began doing contract work for the same command, working out of the FBI offices in New Orleans. Chavez said the most dangerous part of his career came when he was working for the federal government and traveling to Mexico to train the Mexican Marine Corp. on how to do counter drug operations. “I was traveling back and forth to Mexico and still going to school, slowly but surely working to get my degree finished. By this time, I was about 80 percent done with my bachelor’s degree, and I was exploring the option of joining the Mississippi Marine Corp. because I had nine years of active duty time toward my retirement that I didn’t want to throw away.” Chavez joined the Mississippi National Guard with the intention of going to officer’s school, but found he needed to complete his degree in order for him to become an officer. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi on the Coast while going to officer’s school for the National Guard and working full time. When he completed his degree, he (Continued on next page) 58
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was commissioned in the army while still working as a federal guy with the Marine Forces North in New Orleans. He has since completed his master’s degree at Tulane University in Homeland Security Studies and will begin taking senior leadership courses at the Harvard School of Government this summer. Chavez left the federal government position about six years ago and began working for a company called Risk Mitigation Consulting. With a home office based out of Destin, Fla., most of the primary offices are located at the Pentagon. But through technology and the Internet, Chavez is able to work from home in Hurley. The company does threat assessments for installations and national level type locations around the world. “Basically we travel all around the world doing threat assessments for military installations,” he said. “The majority of what I do is manage lot of functions that go into the production of the final products. I chose to do that because I choose to be at home with my family.” Chavez said one of the most memorable moments in his career happened when he was living in Diamondhead, Miss., while working in New Orleans. “I got a call from Northcom in Colorado Springs, Colo., that I needed to get to the New Orleans office and release a message ASAP. I knew something wasn’t right. This wasn’t an exercise. They wouldn’t be telling me to do this for no reason. It was an hour drive to the office in New Orleans where I got on the classified network and they said you need to put the U.S. Marine Corp at high level alert. And I thought, ‘Oh my God, something’s not right.’ I sent out the message to every Marine Corp. installation in the entire United States, Canada and Mexico. By the time I left the office and drove back home, President Barack Obama came on television and announced we had just killed Osama Bin Laden”, (most well-known as the founder of al-Qaeda and mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people.) “We were going on high alert because we thought there might be some kind of retaliation,” Chavez said. “Things like that happen all the time, and people have no clue about it. It’s really cool to be part of things like that when it happens. “One of the greatest rewards in my career is knowing that I’ve seen things at the highest levels and knowing that some of the products we are generating right now with the company I work for, are being seen at the Pentagon all the time. We are making change happen. The most rewarding things are when you see something that comes back down the line, and they
say, ‘hey we need more information on this because the Secretary of Defense is asking questions.’ And here I am in Hurley, Miss. seeing this kind of traffic coming down from the Capital.” In thinking back over his life, Chavez said his career choice would be something students could think about if they wanted to do something where they are trying to make a difference or if they want to feel like they want to be a part of making things happen. “You can see what’s going on behind the lines; be part of the process and know things and see things before the general public,” he said. But Chavez said, as a high school student, he never really saw his life headed in this direction. “My greatest challenge was that I didn’t have anyone in my family who was really motivating me to get out there and find a great career. I had to do it myself. I had a lot of friends who had good families, and I put myself out there to connect with people who were more successful that I was. I always wanted to put myself in the right place, the right position.” Chavez did have teachers at Pascagoula High who influenced his life. “Pam Halbrook was always excited when you walked into her class. She would always say something that would brighten the day for someone who was having a bad day. She was very understanding to students, knowing that we weren’t perfect. You could tell she was genuine.” Carpentry teacher Sonny Backs was also a positive influence in Chavez’s life. “I won the carpentry award two years in a row in Mr. Backs’ class,” he said. “The class was awesome, and I ended up getting a couple of summer jobs based on that class.” His advice for high school students is to learn from their troubles and mistakes. “While these troubles aren’t necessarily the end of your world, it might feel like the world is coming down on you. But this is an opportunity to learn from your mistakes. You can make it. I hate to say that I’m the poster child for this, but I really feel like if I can do it, anyone can do it.” Chavez said some of those times were tough, especially in high school when he had to pay for everything himself. “I paid for my own lunches with money from my job at LaFont Inn on the weekends. I delivered pizzas, bought my own car, paid my own insurance. I really didn’t think I had much of a future ahead of me. But look at me now. I just sold my house, bought 15 acres and am about to build another house. I have a wife who is perfect in my eyes, three kids and a dog and a fulfilling career,” Chavez said. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.” 59
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Ricky Sudduth, Factory Service Technician
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Pascagoula High School 2015 graduate Ricky Sudduth is a handson problem-solver and has traveled across the United States working on heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration issues for national customers such as Lowe’s, Sam’s, Wal-Mart and Bass Pro Shop. As a senior factory service technician for Lennox, Sudduth’s territory covers the mid-South area, from Mobile, AL to the MississippiLouisiana state line to the west; from Thomasville, AL to the north and Destin, FL to the east. It’s a job that keeps him on the road all week. “But it’s not uncommon for me to get shipped out of town,” Sudduth said. “Three weeks ago, I was in San Diego, CA working with Amazon, and I’ve been all over the United States including New York City.” Sudduth is a trouble shooter for Lennox. “I go to the problematic areas. For example, if you have a Lowe’s with a big 20-ton unit and there’s a problem we can’t seem to get to the bottom of, I’ll go there and spend a couple of days and get to the bottom of it, figuring out why it’s not working like it is supposed to be working. All of our units have different applications which makes for specific issues. It may be a factory issue that wasn’t caught when it left the assembly line in Arkansas or something else.” Growing up, Sudduth said he
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learned a great deal from his father, Richard, who works in the PGSD maintenance department. “My dad is a real hands-on person, and he taught me about welding and carpentry. Ricky Sudduth Once I made it to high school, I wanted to 2015 Pascagoula do something I had never done before, so High graduate, I took heating and air-conditioning with Lennox Jake Green. He took me under his wing International and showed me the ropes. I really enjoyed being in his class. He taught me a lot of life lessons along with heating and air-conditioning. I really liked it so I just stuck with it,” Sudduth said. After graduating from high school, Sudduth took two years of heating/air-conditioning and refrigeration at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jeff Davis campus. He was hired by Lennox following his college graduation. Lennox International is the leading provider of climate control solutions for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration markets around the world. “Lennox is a great company to work for,” Sudduth said. “They will provide all the training you need at their offices in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and they will never put a cap on where you can stop learning. You can take as much training as you want. The possibilities are endless. I can go to my regional manager and tell him I want to get better in a particular area, and I will be sent to Florida and be trained on that particular subject.” After finishing college, Sudduth attended Lennox’s 10month training program and was then put in charge of a service area. “I have to admit I struggled,” Sudduth said. “It was the first time I had been on my own, and there was a bunch of hurdles I had to face. I was 20 years old and was basically running an entire area by myself. It was a huge learning curve. I had to figure out how to go from 20 years old to 31 years old in a matter of eight months.” Sudduth said he has made his fair share of mistakes (Continued on next page)
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along the way including leaving Lennox for a while. “I thought I had a better opportunity somewhere else and I took it, but I didn’t realize how good of a company Lennox is. It took me a little while to realize it, but once I stepped back and looked at the bigger picture, I saw how Lennox takes care of its people, the benefits they offer. In everything they do, they do it to try and show you that you are part of a bigger family.” Sudduth said he has learned a great deal since he came to work for Lennox - most of it - hands on experience. “I do understand there’s a lot of curriculum you can go through in a textbook, but here’s the way I’ve explained it to my trainees: In a book you have a general idea scenario that somebody has written down that gives you a problem to solve. In a real world application, there’s a million different solutions to that one scenario because there’s a ton of variables,” Sudduth said. “I’m a hands-on person because things outside in the real world react differently than in a controlled area such as a shop, but that’s how everybody starts off learning the basics. I’m a firm believer in getting out there and doing it yourself and figuring out how. Look at different solutions to a problem, not just what it is supposed to be. You can have one problem with 12 different answers on how to do it, but it’s up to you to figure out what’s the most organized way and the best path. In a scenario, it may be able to be done one way, but in the real world, depending on how the unit sits or how it lays, will depend on how you have
to accomplish the task. Sometimes, it’s easy; sometimes it’s harder.” Suddeth said in addition to Jake Green, Coach Lewis Sims was also a great influence in his life at Pascagoula High. “Coach Sims would always push us to do the best we could. If any of us needed somebody to talk to, he was the man to go to. He was always there for anybody who had an issue or needed to talk something through. Even if it was a subject he didn’t teach, he would try to help you with it.” Sudduth said his advice to high school students would be - there is no such thing as a stupid question. “Never be afraid to ask somebody something you don’t know the answer to. Find someone you can trust, even if it’s a grandparent - somebody who has more wisdom in life than you do - and ask, ‘how did you do it?’ Second, never be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone,” he said. “There have been times where I have been extremely out of my comfort zone. But you need to build confidence in yourself. There’s been multiple times in my life whether it be in high school taking a test, or working on a multi-million dollar piece of equipment in the field where I start second guessing myself. You can’t do that. You need to have the confidence that you know what you’re doing. Build that confidence in yourself - it’s the best thing you can do. “ But remember, don’t get to the point where you are too cocky or too arrogant. Always be open to learn new things, but you also need to learn to trust yourself.”
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
March 22, 2021
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
Dr. Ashley Emerson, Dermatologist Emerson was accepted into the dermatology residency program at Louisiana State University and then went back to UMC for three years to teach as an assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics before deciding to move back home to the Gulf Coast. She is now in private Dr. Ashley practice at her own dermatology clinic at Emerson the corner of Miss. 57 and U.S. 90 at the 2003 Pascagoula Gautier-Ocean Springs line. High graduate, Dermatologist Emerson has had her share of challenges along the pathway to her career. Prior to changing her area of speciality, Emerson was hit with a diagnosis of cancer in her senior year of college. “Even though I was accepted into medical school, I had to wait a year to start because I needed to get better,” she said. “That’s actually why I went to Vanderbilt for a year so I had something to do. It was a pretty long recovery, and obviously there were plenty of times where I wondered if I would be ready and well enough to hit the ground running in medical school after a year of working to get better.” Emerson did indeed make it through, and now has a career that she calls “the best job on the planet.” “What drew me to it and what’s gratifying everyday is that there’s no age range or subset of people that I don’t see. I see kids, teenagers, adults and senior citizens. I get to take care of everybody and anybody. “What I love so much about dermatology is if you get psorisis or atopic dermatitis, people are very self-conscious about it, and they can have some very serious health consequences. But I get to see people get physically better. It’s a tangible change that your patients can appreciate. I can help heal people, and they can watch it, and I can watch it. I get to offer them treatment and see that improvement physically and mentally. They feel better because they can see themselves getting better.” Emerson said she also loves the interaction with her patients. “There are very few tests in dermatology such as x-rays, CT scans and blood work like there are in other
Dermatology wasn’t even on the radar for 2003 Pascagoula High School Valedictorian Ashley Emerson when she was going through medical school. “I have always wanted to be a doctor, as long as I can remember,” Emerson said. “My mom still has this picture framed of something I drew in kindergarten.” After going to the University of Mississippi on a full academic scholarship, Emerson spent a year doing research at Vanderbilt University before entering medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “When I entered medical school, I actually was interested in a couple of areas, but I landed on reconstructive plastics helping injury victims, mainly pediatric reconstruction,” Emerson said. “Then one day on my pediatric rotation, the person I was supposed to go with had a conference to attend so, instead I went with the person doing the pediatric dermatology clinic at the children’s clinic at UMC, and I completely changed course. I was at the end of my third year of medical school, and I already had everything lined up towards interviewing for plastic surgeries and at the 11th hour I completely changed directions.” Emerson said dermatology was the one thing she always told herself she would never do. “But I fell in love with it and did a year’s worth of work in four months to redo my entire life.”
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disciplines of medicine. I don’t chase numbers. I literally get to look at the problem, figure it out and treat the issue. It’s really about the interacting, finding out that family history and understanding the disease process and then treating it.” Emerson said the teacher at Pascagoula High who most influenced her life was Pam Halbrook. “She was my English teacher and was always extremely encouraging. She really fostered my creativity and allowed us to own who were were. It was really the first time that somebody treated me like I had valid opinions as a person and respected me for that. She shaped me and made me feel comfortable in making decisions using my own instincts and intuitions. And that goes back to switching course in my career. If I hadn’t had that kind of fostering, teaching me to trust my gut and do what I felt was right, I don’t think I would have had the courage to change directions.” Emerson said her advice to high school students in overcoming challenges is “when you think about your career, a lot of times we have unassociated concerns that are influencing our decisions. So I would tell high school students, like I told my medical students make a list of all the things that are stressing you out,
all the things that are keeping you from moving forward - like the cost of school, the duration of your education, not having the money to finish - and then say to yourself, if none of these things were an issue would I have the confidence to move forward?” Life is not a finish line, it’s a ‘what am I going to do next in my life? It’s the same in any profession whether you work at Chevron or you are in medical school, there is still a time when you will be a trainee. Most of the time when kids say they don’t want to do something, it’s because they feel things are insurmountable; they are only insurmoutable because all they have are questions. They don’t know the answers yet.” Emerson said, most importantly, you have to be willing to put in the work. “I worked hard in high school to get the grades for scholarships. I worked three jobs in college because the cost of medical school was very daunting and some people would say, ‘oh I would never do that; look how much it costs and look how hard it is.’ But you need to follow that path and if you are willing to wait for gratification and know that you will have that someday, you are creating a financial responsibility. You are investing in your future and you’re worth it.”
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
March 23, 2021
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
Jeff Harris, Offshore Installation Manager The intense program does not allow for much time off with summers spent offshore. “Your freshman summer, you are on the water, and then your sophomore summer, you are a cadet on a commercial ship, either a container ship or a tanker,” Harris said. “I Jeff Harris 2003 was on a heavy lift ship in the Gulf of Pascagoula Mexico for 120 days putting together oil rigs.” High graduate, Harris graduated from the Maritime Academy with a bachelor’s degree in marine Noble Tom Madden & transportation and a U.S.Coast Guard 3rd Noble Bob Mate license. Douglas After graduation, Harris traveled to Drillship LaRose,La. and was hired on the spot by Edison Chouest Offshore as a deck hand. “They told me I could work as a deck hand until an Able Body Seaman position opened up for me. Then I went from an Able Body Seaman to a 3rd mate on a 290-foot anchor boat which sets the anchors for drilling rigs offshore.” Harris served on the anchor boat for a little over a year during the Deep Water Horizon drilling rig explosion in 2010 off the coast of Louisiana. “The boat stayed offshore for almost nine months right on top of where that happened,” Harris said. He put in his sea time to be upgraded to a 2nd Mate Unlimited from the Coast Guard that is the equivalent to a 1600-ton master’s license which “means that you can be a captain on a vessel. I ended up getting a 3rd captain’s spot at the age of 25 so I was pretty young to have obtained that level. But then after Horizon, everything shut down, and many people thought we were all going to get laid off. We didn’t know what was going to happen. When we got back to the dock, a man was asking if anyone wanted to be a mate on a boat that had a contract with Shell. Taking that position would be a demotion and nobody wanted to take it. I told him I would take the job because I wanted to keep working. I worked for another 20 days and then someone quit, and I went back up to 3rd
As a boy, Pascagoula High School 2004 graduate Jeff Harris spent the summers with his dad commercial fishing off the shores of Louisiana. “I can remember seeing these huge ships come by us and my dad saying, ‘you can run one of those ships one day.’ I was young, so it didn’t really register with me what he was saying. All I knew is that I loved being on the water everyday,” Harris said. And now that love of the water has led to a career as an Offshore Installation Manager for Noble Drilling onboard the Noble Tom Madden and Noble Bob Douglas Drillships as they drill for oil offshore of Guyana, South America. It has been a long and arduous journey for Harris to rise to the success he has today, but he never gave up on his dream and was willing to put in the time and effort to be where he is today. After graduating from Pascagoula High, Harris was attending Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, when a friend, Troy Baker, a retired harbor pilot from Pascagoula, told him if was seeking a career offshore, he needed to attend the Maritime Academy at Texas A&M University in Galveston Texas. “I literally applied the next weekend, ended up getting accepted, and the rest is history,” Harris said.
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Captain again.” After logging in more sea time, Harris then sat for his Chief Mate Unlimited license and Master’s Unlimited license. Oil prices had begun to move back up so new ships were being built quickly, and Harris said he had moved as high as he could go at the age of 26 as far as licenses went. “I really didn’t want to be stuck there, but at the same time,I was young, and I felt like I had achieved a lot at the age of 26. I liked the crews that I had, and the work was so enjoyable, it was not like going to work,” he said. After discussions with his parents and a few others in the maritime business, Harris made the decision to leave Edison and go to work for Noble Drilling, one of the largest offshore drilling contractors in the world, who were building four new 6th generation drill ships in Korea. “Ultimately, I didn’t go to the Maritime Academy to be a 1,600 ton captain on a supply boat; I needed to keep moving forward. Now I’m a master offshore installation manager on the Tom Madden and Bob Douglas. We are working for Exxon, drilling oil wells on a new reservoir that was found five years ago that is the biggest reservoir in the world.” Married with a step-son, Harris said he enjoys getting to spend quality time with him. “I grew up with a dad who was my best friend and my idol, and I want to be that for my step-son. Now I can spend six months out of the year being with him everyday, taking him fishing and doing other things together. The way my job is set up allows me to do that. I cherish that more than a nine to five job where you just see your kids before they go to bed every night.” Harris said looking back over his life, getting through the Maritime Academy is not for the faint of heart. “It was tough, like being in a military academy with uniform inspections, room inspections, no cell phones, living and eating on ships. It was very regimented. We started out with 127 cadets and finished with only 27,” he said. “I went in there thinking everybody was going to be like me. I didn’t know anything else but the water so regardless, I had to make it through or I was going back to small boats. But 98 percent of the cadets at the academy had never been around ships which is why most of them quit. They figured out that was not what they wanted to do. The Academy definitely prepares you for a life at sea.”
“For me, I wanted to do it all as fast as I could. I never passed up an opportunity. Anytime anyone offered me a spot or position, I took it. My dad would say, ‘you need to get in there and figure it out,’ so that’s exactly what I did. Got there early; stayed late. And did whatever it took to figure things out so if someone asked me a question, I knew the answer. That’s been my philosophy throughout my career. Now if someone from Exxon calls me, I actually know every aspect of the rig, and I always have the answer they are looking for.” Harris advised high school students to take pride in their academics and strive to make good grades. “I never took AP classes in high school because I thought where I was going, I wouldn’t need those kind of classes. But if you don’t make the grades, you are not going to get accepted into programs such as the Maritime Academy.” He counts his welding instructor, Leon Bivins, Coach Johnny Olsen, his history teacher Bethany Kell, and his art teacher for four years, Curtis Makamson, among his favorite teachers at Pascagoula High. Harris also advised students to get as much experience and exposure to as many different things as possible to see what career they really want to do. “This is a tough industry to get into if this isn’t what you love to do. Obviously, I have a love for the water, so I’m going to be here regardless. But anyone who is thinking about this career path, I would advise to go down to the docks and talk to people; ask questions; find out how it really is. I’ve seen way more people quit than make it, so you really have to have a love for the water and a passion to be out here before you start your journey.” And as you make that journey, Harris said to always always try to make good decisions. “Kids want to go out there and have as much fun as they can even after college. But my dad always taught me to use my head and to make good decisions because bad decisions can haunt you for the rest of your life.” Students also need a great work ethic to get ahead in life. “My dad taught me that. Don’t be afraid to work hard. I worked a lot of days out of the year when I first started, spent a lot of time at sea taking work that others didn’t want. I took my job seriously. I wanted to learn as much as I could, and I was always asking questions. But that put me at the right place at the right time with the right people, and doors really opened up for me.”
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
March 24, 2021
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
Bianca Thomas, Process Engineer so I can do even more, use different skills. I would advise high school students to really find a major they are passionate about so you won’t have to get two or three other degrees.” When she first began working at Chevron, she became the Black Employee Network chairperson for the site, which Bianca Thomas Thomas describes as the president at the 2014 Gautier High local level. She went on to become an Valedictorian, officer at the global level for the Black Process Engineer Chevron, Employee Network and moved into the postion of being a president of all the net- New Orleans, La. work sites at the local level, basically in two different diversity/inclusion roles at the same time. “I work with the Veterans Employee Network, the Women’s Network and the XYZ Network because I am very interested in diversity and inclusion which I studied in my MBA classes,” Thomas said. “I wanted to get my MBA so I could move through the managerial track within the company, but I definitely want to continue my focus on diversity and inclusion within the organization.” The MBA offered classes in organizational development and leadership skills which have helped Thomas juggle her work and her involvement in the networks. “Now I know I have found my passion in diversity and inclusion. In addition to my actual job, I have actually found fulfillment in working in these areas.” Thomas said the MBA program was something she took full advantage of by attending classes in-person. “I knew I wanted to build those relationships with my professors and build that first-hand knowledge. I wanted to connect with different guest speakers who came to talk to the class and find out about different things like entrepreneurships. I may even go back and get another degree in the future.” Thomas said her K-12 education in Gautier prepared her well for college-level classes. “When I went to MSU, I
Gautier High School 2014 Valedictorian Bianca Thomas is a woman on the move. As a 2018 chemical engineering graduate of Mississippi State University, Thomas is now a process engineer at Chevron, New Orleans and will graduate with a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Loyola University in May, 2021. “As a process engineer, I ensure the plant is running properly and meeting production goals through making process changes,” Thomas said. “I enjoy working on projects that will help the company overall, as far as increasing profits, helping the bottom line, and introducing new equipment and new projects to the plant. Although she also enjoys working with people, Thomas said things have been a little different since she has been working virtually due to COVID-19 precautions. “I can go onsite when needed, but mostly, I work out of my home office,” she said. Thomas, who graduated with a 4.0 GPA in high school, said she was always interested in math, and thought becoming a math teacher was in her future, but her GHS math teacher, Jeneen Thweatt, told her to to look into engineering. “Chemical engineering was the first career I looked into, and I just stuck with it. But I do admit it’s not my passion. I really enjoy what I do, but I’m also getting another degree
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met a lot of people who came from private high schools that didn’t have AP or accelerated classes. Some public high schools didn’t have these kind of classes either. I took every AP class I could take at Gautier High so I was able to test out of some classes at MSU.” “I remember in one English class at college, I was working on some different projects with other students and thinking, ‘I’m so thankful for my teachers,’ even as far back as my teacher Charlene Hooks at Gautier Elementary. The way I write now was more impacted by what I learned early on at Gautier Elementary with her than any other teacher. My teachers in Gautier ingrained in us how to speak well and how to write well before I ever needed it. I felt very much prepared because of my experiences in school at Gautier.” Thomas also credits Brenda Wiley and Melynda Ross as two of the teachers at GHS who were influencers in her life as well as Jeneen Thweatt. Thomas said the biggest change for her at MSU was coming from a GHS graduation class of 200 to a major university with 500 students in a single class. “That was a big jump for me,” she said. “I attended a summer bridge program at MSU about how we could stand out as university students and how we could excel with such a large student body. Even sitting in a class with 200 students, I made sure I sat in front of my classes. I was early; I dressed well. That bridge program helped tremendously.” Keeping one’s connections, one’s circle of friends, is advice Thomas said she would give to high school students. “I say that because in high school, I studied and worked so hard, I didn’t play hard so my circle of friends is very small,” she said. ‘But I leverage those social ties from high school and some of those friend-
ships carried through into college. I would see people from high school, and I remembered their faces, but I didn’t remember their names so I would say keep those social ties going through the years. Even now in New Orleans I literally run into people from Gautier High.” Academically, Thomas said always do your best. “And don’t focus on specific scholarships that will pay for everything. There is a lot of benefits from the smaller scholarships too. Check on those scholarships based on your race, your gender, the social groups you are associated with. Those small scholarships will add up.” Third, Thomas said to make sure you major in something you actually have a passon for. “Did I see myself here working at Chevron in New Orleans when I was back at Gautier High? Yes and no. Yes, because I know what I want. But I’m the kind of person where if I want something, I have to have it. I’m not going to settle, so I set my mind to finishing my degree because I knew I could accomplish it. But I knew I needed to be stable financially because I have all of these wants. No, I didn’t think I would be here in New Orleans because I’m still so close to home. My thought process at the time was to get out of the South, get really far away from Mississippi, but I love it here in New Orleans. It’s close, but far away at the same time.” Thomas said she has a great support system in her family. “All of my family is still in Gautier, and they have supported me through everything. My oldest sister has her master’s degree and is a nursing professor and my younger sister is at the University of Southern Mississippi earning her undergraduate degree. I’m inspired and motivated at the same time because I see my family doing so well.”
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Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Corrin LaCombe, World Wildlife Fund
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation
June 12, 2020
At the age of eight-years-old, Corrin LaCombe watched the documentary, “Gorillas in the Mist,” fascinated by Jane Goodall’s story of working with gorillas. That one experience sparked a passion in this little girl’s heart for conservation, a role she now lives everyday as part of the Natural Habitat Adventures, an exclusive travel partner of the World Wildlife Fund. “Since I was eight, my mission has been to save the world,” LaCombe said. “Not much has changed since then.” A 2000 St. Martin High School graduate, LaCombe said the mentoring program in high school (and mentor Julie Milanese) gave her the confidence she needed to pursue her dreams. She received a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Boulder, Colo.; and her Master of Science degree in Primate Conservation/Biology at Oxford Brooks University, in Oxford England. She also worked as keeper of 34 Gibbons apes as a field biologist. Now LaCombe has traveled the world to spread the message of the importance of wildlife and environmental conservation. For five years, LaCombe worked as the Senior Conservation Education Research Coordinator for the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. “When I worked at the zoo in California, interacting with thousands of children, I realized there was a disconnect in how much we care about the environment and conservation and what we can do to help. When many think of endangered species, they think about elephants, pandas and polar bears, but most people don’t know California has more endangered species of wildlife and plants than any other state in the nation or that the United States is ranked second (Ecuador is first) in the number of endangered species in the world.
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Issue 50
Corrin LaCombe poses with Jane Goodall, a role model who inspired LaCombe to seek a career in wildlife and environmental conservation. The U.S. is seventh highest in deforestation levels in the world and more than 50 percent of America’s waterways are too toxic for fishing, swimming or other aquatic activities.” LaCombe said conservation can begin much closer to home, paying attention to conserving local species on the decline such as frogs, bats, birds and monarch butterflies. Building bat houses, planting color flowers and constructing toad abodes for frogs is a way for children to bring the importance of conservation into their own backyards. “I encourage people not to let environmental degregation continue,” LaCombe said. “We need to share this message so we can inspire the next generation of conservationists and empower them to make a world of difference.” 68
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
PGSD Freshman Seminar Classes
DESTINATION GRADUATION!
PGSD Career Pathway Documentation Freshman students at Gautier High and Pascagoula High participate in Freshman Seminar classes which give an overview of skills needed to be successful in the workforce and in life itself. First, students learn they have three options after high school: Going straight into the workforce, attending college, then obtaining a career or going into the military. Students construct a 10-year plan for themselves and learn how to build a resume, essentials needed for the interview process, dressing for success, the importance of teamwork and communications skills. Guest speakers from the community, representing a myriad of different occupations, speak to the classes about their line of work and the skills needed to do their jobs successfully. Guest speakers have included people from branches of the military, Chevron employees, the WIN Job Center, bankers, law
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“I truly enjoy teaching this class. It builds selfconfidence in the students and gets them ready for real-world opportunities and experiences.” Bailey Cuevas, GHS Freshman Seminar Teacher
enforcement officers and college recruiters. Field trips are taken to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and CCTI. The class also discusses “7 Habits of Highly Successful Teens.” Teachers provide insight and lead discussions with the students about their strengths, weaknesses, their ambitions, values and goals. The teachers also explore students’ interest in various careers to find out where the students feel the most connectivity. Finding their passion in life can mean the difference between having a career they love or just working a job to collect a paycheck. Students in the Freshman Seminar classes will be given a bell assignment each day. This will include reading one of the PGSD alumni stories as these former students discuss their journeys, and the challenges and triumphs they faced to reach their passion in life in finding a rewarding career.
Pascagoula-Gautier School District Career Pathway Model Birth - PreK-4
Career exposure begins through play at the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center with themed rooms that spark critical thinking and creativity. The bilingual lending library exposes students to literacy and play in multiple languages other than English. Through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, children in our district are mailed a book a month from birth until they start school.
Kindergarten - 4th grade Students attend career fairs where practitioners provide background knowledge on a multitude of careers and prospective future choices.
7th grade-8th grade
Seventh grade students will be studying Stephen Covey's The Leader in Me to grow leadership and other character qualities. Eighth grade students take Keystone, a class that exposes them to the national career clusters as well as Bridge Academies and course offerings in the PGSD. Eighth graders also participate in the Pathways2Possibilities, a coastwide event that features an assortment of careers available on the coast.
11th-12th grade Juniors participate in the You're Hired! event, which promotes resume writing and interview skills, as well as proper dress for success. Third year Bridge Academy seniors are encouraged to apply for internships through partnerships with local businesses and industries. ACT WorkKeys is offered to seniors, where they can earn a national certification if they score silver or gold. The PGSD was the first district in Mississippi to offer the Seal of Biliteracy, which Seniors can earn for scoring proficient in English and one other world language. The goal is to have students graduate with some type of credential to apply to their career. Bridge Academy teachers will complete an externship with a local business or industry in their academy field.
FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT
www.pgsd.ms
Kindergarten -12th grade Posters of employability skills titled "What a professional looks like" are posted in every classroom district-wide at the developmentally appropriate level in Spanish and English. These posters were created from a rubric developed from more than 100 business and industry interviews.
5th-6th grade Academies
Students participate in career fairs and The Amazing Shake, a competition that develops and promotes professional skills for the next generation of leaders. Students also dress for success on specific days.
9th-10th grade
The Freshmen Seminar course fosters abilities in resume writing and presentation skills, brings in guest speakers from a range of career fields, and assists students in choosing a career pathway. Sophomores can choose from the 21 CTE course offerings. Students will utilize a digital textbook created after interviewing PGSD alumni on their career pathway and career journey. First and second year CTE students in Bridge Academies will design and create art pieces for the Walter Anderson Museum of Art to be showcased in Downtown Pascagoula.
Collegiate Academy
Students are able to work on and earn their Associate's degree while completing their high school diploma.
Adult Ed
The PGSD partners with local industries to offer the Hired Up program, which gives low or under-earning adults an opportunity to learn a trade and gain immediate employment. Since 2020, more than 160 adults have accepted job offers after completing the Hired Up program.
SEAL OF BILITERACY The Pascagoula -Gautier School District was the first district in Mississippi to adopt the Seal of Biliteracy. Since 2019, 20 seniors have earned their Seal by testing proficient in English and another world language. The PGSD is committed to preparing students for a bilingual workforce.
WALTER ANDERSON MUSEUM OF ARTS
PGSD students and local artists will lead a three-semester program of community-engaged design and fabrication, culminating with the installation of three permanent metal sculptures at key arteries in Pascagoula's redevelopment master plan. Students in Marketing, Architecture, Construction, Welding, HVAC, Machine, and Polymer Science programs will convert a vacant building in the downtown area into a design studio to create three metal sculptures for public display.
NATIONAL CREDENTIALS
The goal is to have every senior graduate with an earned credential. Currently, students have earned more than 300 of the following credentials: ACT WorkKeys
ServSafe
NCCER
CPR & First Aid
FAA
IS317
IS700
CNA
IS 100
Boater Safety
NIMS
FEMA
PARTNERSHIPS
ProStart
EPA
The PGSD has developed more than 130 student internships through partnerships with local businesses and industries. These partners also donate materials, serve on advisory boards, assist with instructional material, serve as guest speakers, and participate in career fairs: Singing River Health System Ingall's Shipbuilding
White-Spunner Construction
McDonald's Descher Organization
Labor Finders
Singing River Federal Credit Union
Precision Products Inc
M&M Bank
Serco, Inc Engineering
Air Masters Mechanical
JaxCo Engineering
American Baitworks Co.
PGSD- WHERE THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE ENDLESS
WHAT'S NEXT... Internships are developing for students in the Fine Arts Academy.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District June 2020
PGSD Early Beginnings Program Introduces Students to Career Pathways The Early Beginnings Program is the PGSD’s first step toward Career Pathways. The program is designed to assist and collaborate with parents, teachers, child care providers and community agencies to ensure children enter kindergarten with the necessary skills to be successful. One part of this program is the Pre-K Launch Pad. Funded through a grant from Bain Capital, the classroom is the focal point for pre-K (four-year-old) classes from local child care centers who attend classes and participate in engaging and hands-on activities geared toward kindergarten readiness skills. Pascagoula was the first Excel by 5 certified community on the Gulf Coast. The Early Beginnings Program houses the Excel by 5 Resource Library and assists the Excel by 5 Coalition in disseminating information within the community. The Coalition works to support families of children ages 0-5 and enhances existing resources to help prepare them to enter school happy, healthy and with the skills they need to succeed. Excel by 5 is partnering with Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding to devise a workforce development plan for Mississippi’s youngest citizens by addressing the needs of early childhood education. As part of the certification process, the community has access to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Enrolled children receive one book per month from birth to age 5. Excel by 5 and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library have expanded to include the City of Gautier. PGSD was the only state winner of the State
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“Play is one of the most valuable forms of exploration and interaction during early childhood. The Early Beginnings Program and the FIC support these positive learning experiences that promote School readiness for all children.” Kelli McCorkle, Director Early Beginnings Program, Excel by 5 Certification Manager
Farm Neighbor Assist grant in 2016. Chosen out of 2,000 submissions, the PGSD Bilingual Lending Library was voted to receive the $25,000 grant. The library contains items in English, Spanish and other languages. The library supports families and helps them eliminate the language barrier some students encounter while maintaining the primary language and cultural values.
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District June 2020
Family Interactive Center Features Career Pathway Options for Students of All Ages The Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center offers a unique, one-of-a-kind learning experience for children of all ages. With almost 3,000 visitors each year, the center provides a wide array of educational opportunities through hands-on activities and resources. Children are able to explore Main Street pretending to buy and sell groceries, dress like a fireman while sliding down the fire pole to reach the fire truck or maintain money in the bank. In the newest addition to the center, the Animal Rescue Room, children are the “doctors” treating animals, and washing and feeding the animals while being immersed in a variety of photographs featuring animals from around the world. The center also hosts the school district’s Super Saturday community-wide events with more than 50,000 attendees since its inception. Each themed Super Saturday engages children in a particular
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workforce pathway. Mad Scientist Day allows children to participate in science experiments with topics such as aerospace, physics and chemistry. These foundational skills for career pathways are sparked through collaboration with exhibits provided by Chevron, Huntington Ingalls, Stennis Space Center and others. During Arts Alive Super Saturday, children are exposed to different styles of art with activities provided by schools, the Walter Anderson Museum & the Orr-O’Keefe Museum. Children also visit the many interactive rooms, setting sail in the Pirate Ship Room, or tapping into their aviation skills in the Flight Simulator Room. “This type of imaginative play helps children explore and pretend while engaging their curiosity that will guide them to associate with a particular job or community helper,” said Kelli McCorkle, Early Beginnings Director. 2
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District
PGSD Elementary Schools Provide Career Exploration Opportunities
Each elementary school in the PGSD explores careers with their students throughout the school year. Students are exposed to different careers through career fairs, visits by professionals, research and career posters. Many schools have an annual career fair where professionals come to the school and explain their jobs. Students are exposed to firefighters through the big trucks and sirens. Lineman show students how to use a bucket truck. Bankers show students how they help customers. Engineers have experiments for students to experience. Students have the opportunity to dress as their future career choice and show their interest in a specific area. Throughout the schools, posters are displayed that give information about a career topic, show students as their future selves, or show professionals in their career setting. Everything is geared to spark a passion for “What I want to be when I grow up”. Students are taught basic skills for any See next page
June 2020
“At Central Elementary, we engage students in college and career conversations with planning, goal setting, and overall student engagement.” –
Angela Burch, Principal Central Elementary
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Continued from previous page career through character education classes, such as be on time, work hard, set goals, and plan. “Martin Bluff Elementary, along with our community partners, is working hard to support the dreams of each of our students. Elementary school is the ideal time to help children explore the endless opportunities available to them as the grow which is way we display information about different career paths, provide opportunities and materials to research types of jobs, encourage different career interests, and invite community partners to share their personal experiences,” said Martin Bluff Elementary Principal Victoria Hoover. “Jackson Elementary School holds an annual career day for students to explore various career paths. Students can dress up as their favorite career, and we have hands-on career activities from hairdressers, police, firemen, lawyers, chefs, doctors, electrical engineers, and even marine biologists to name just a few. This opportunity would not be possible without our community partners,” said Jackson Elementary Principal Christy Cumbest.
"Career Day gives our students the opportunity to explore many career options beyond reading about them,” said Arlington Elementary Principal Elizabeth Dock. Gautier Elementary School created its career wall during the 2018-2019 school year. Local workforce members are displayed on banners in the cafeteria. Each week we highlight one of them and give the students information about their career and the requirements to work in that field. During its Career Day Rotation volunteers presented hands-on demonstrations and/or lectures about their career to all classes. “Career exploration is an integral piece of our school counseling curriculum that is taught not in isolation, but a regular conversation and outcome for our students,” said Trent Lott Academy Principal Stewart Smirthwaite
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District May 2020
Chevron & PGSD, working together to provide K-12 Engineering and STEM opportunities “The continued contribution of Chevron to Engineering & STEM students in our district and throughout Jackson County, remains one of the cornerstones of our student experiential learning platforms.” Chevron’s impact on the community began in 1963 when it first broke ground in what would become the largest U.S. refinery and one of the top petroleum refineries in the United States. At the heart of its success are the employees and their commitment to the “Chevron Way”. Chevron and its employees share a vision to be the global energy company most admired for its people, partnerships and performance. In 2019 alone, the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery contributed nearly $1 million and over 8,000 volunteer hours to nonprofit organizations in the areas that support youth development, education programs, basic human needs and numerous community organizations.
Wayne Rodolfich,
Superintendent PGSD
Chevron has always supported local school districts but things really progressed with Project Lead the Way (PLTW) programs the company supports throughout the United States. The Pascagoula-Gautier School District first looked at the engineering program and implemented it as part of its CTE offerings. In the past eight years, the PGSD had added PLTW from the elementary level through 12th grade, now offering a two-year engineering program as well as a computer science/Cyber Security program. Our partnership with Chevron is the main reason we have been able to continue to (Cont’d next page)
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(from previous page)
“Working with our partners, we take a comprehensive approach to investments in education by getting students excited about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and encouraging them to pursue STEM courses and, ultimately, STEM careers,” said Alan Sudduth, Chevron Pascagoula Refinery Corporate Affairs Manager. “We support a variety of K-12 STEM programs like Project Lead The Way and Fab Lab Jackson County along with innovative training programs that help enhance employment opportunities, particularly for those in the communities in which we operate. We are dedicated to helping our community prosper by equipping today’s students for tomorrow’s opportunities.” Alan Sudduth, Corporate Affairs Manager
offer these programs to our students. Chevron helps pay for teacher trainings through a PLTW grant program it established for local districts, and awards additional grants to teachers for use in their classrooms. Chevron has provided equipment such as 3-D printers, robotic brains, computer processors, etc., which are invaluable to instructors.
A recognized leader in early childhood education, Chevron has partnered with the Early Childhood Institute at Mississippi State University to found Excel by 5, a state-wide community certification process to help ensure the state’s youngest citizens are happy, healthy and ready to learn by age five. In Jackson County, Pascagoula was the first certified Excel by 5 community on the Miss. Gulf Coast. Moss Point, Ocean Springs and Gautier have also received Excel by 5 certification. Chevron’s Fuel Your School program, in collaboration with DonorsChoose.org, supports education in our schools and communities by helping teachers receive funding for classroom projects. In 2019, Chevron donated $160,000 to help fund these projects for public schools in the Mississippi Gulf Coast counties of Jackson, Harrison and Hancock as well as the cities of Lucedale, MS and Mobile, AL. Each school year, Chevron Pascagoula Refinery employees visit numerous local classrooms to discuss refinery operations and highlight the importance of getting an education or training and are constantly volunteering at other events.
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District June 2020
Middle School Students Explore Career Pathways at P2P, Path That Pays All eighth graders in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District attend Pathways2Possibilities at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum each year. P2P is a hands-on, interactive career expo which includes employers and educators from the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast. Since its inception in 2013, P2P has reached almost 105,000 8th graders across Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Students in 46 of Mississippi’s 82 counties attend a P2P event each year. “P2’s success has crossed county and state lines because the challenges employers face and the minds of 8th graders are very similar in every community nationwide,” said Paige Roberts, CEO of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of P2P. P2P has shown how powerful an effort can be when the public, private and non-profit sectors join forces in the name of education, workforce development and economic development.
“P2P allows 8th graders to explore careers threedimensionally. It shows students how to begin linking passion to paycheck. Not every path to a job looks the same and that’s okay.” –
Paige Roberts CEO, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
Every year the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the four school districts in Jackson County – Pascagoula-Gautier, Jackson County, Ocean Springs and Moss Point, along with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, sponsor The Path That Pays, similar in scope to P2P for Jackson County students 7-12th grade. The event gives students hands-on experiences in a number of career fields with the hopes these students will find their passion in the career field of their choice. School district vocational centers also feature a number of their course offerings. 7
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District
High School Students Experience Job Interviews Through “You’re Hired!”
More than 200 high school juniors in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District participated in “You’re Hired!” an event to prepare students for life after graduation. Prior to the event, students put together their resumes and then put their job interview skills to the test as more than 70 employers were on hand to interview the students in one-on-one interviews. For many students, it was the first time in an interview situation so it was invaluable practice as time nears for them to enter the next phase of their lives. “A lot of people, including me, we’ve never done this before, so this gave me an idea of how it will be later. This was really good practice,” said PHS student Will Mitchell. “It’s giving us the experience to later on in life be prepared for interviews that we are going to have to deal with down the road after we graduate college and we decide what we want to do with our lives,” said student Abigail Carter. In addition to the job interviews, students rotated through a series of sessions on budgeting, social media do’s and don’ts, stress management and job security.
June 2020
“These students have an opportunity to experience what will be demanded of them in the real world. Now they will be equipped with the skills needed to obtain and maintain a career.” – Melissa DeAngelo, You’re Hired Coordinator
The PGSD also hung posters depicting a variety of different job descriptions and salary scales at each of the secondary schools’ lunchrooms so students can understand their earning potentials in their chosen pathways.
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District June 2020
Freshman Seminar Classes Prepare Students for Future in the Workforce Freshman students at Gautier High and Pascagoula High participate in Freshman Seminar classes which give an overview of skills needed to be successful in the workforce and in life itself. First, students learn they have three options after high school: Going straight into the workforce, attending college, then obtaining a career or going into the military. Students construct a 10-year plan for themselves and learn how to build a resume, essentials needed for the interview process, dressing for success, the importance of teamwork and communications skills. Guest speakers from the community, representing a myriad of different occupations, speak to the classes about their line of work and the skills needed to do their jobs successfully. Guest speakers have included people from branches of the military, Chevron employees, the WIN Job
“I truly enjoy teaching
this class. It builds self-confidence in the students and gets them ready for real-world opportunities and experiences.” Bailey Cuevas, GHS Freshman Seminar Teacher
Center, bankers, law enforcement officers and college recruiters. Field trips are taken to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and CCTI. The class also discusses “7 Habits of Highly Successful Teens.” Teachers provide insight and lead discussions with the students about their strengths, weaknesses, their ambitions, values and goals. The teachers also explore students’ interest in various careers to find out where the students feel the most connectivity. Finding their passion in life can mean the difference between having a career they love or just working a job to collect a paycheck. 9
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District June 2020
Students in Collegiate Academy Earn Associate’s Degree and High School Diploma
Jonathan Shaffer GHS
McKenzie McLaughlin GHS
Hunter Mitchell GHS
Trinity Hall GHS
The PGSD Bridge Academies offer academic advancement beyond the regular high school curriculum. Pascagoula and Gautier High School students have the opportunity to earn college credits through Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses - up to and including the completion of an associate’s degree prior to graduating high school through a partnership with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. These programs accelerate students toward employment credentials that require education beyond a high school diploma. Many of these opportunities are offered at no cost or a significantly-reduced cost to families, and completion of these programs does not limit students’ access to freshman scholarships. AP and Dual Credit opportunities are available as early as the sophomore year of high school.
Emma Bowlin PHS Collegiate Academy expands learning opportunities for highly motivated students. It provides an opportunity for students to graduate with their associate’s degree and high school diploma at the same time. – Caterria Payton, PHS principal
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GHS and PHS students receiving high school diplomas and associate’s degrees from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 2020
Hannah Ladner PHS
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District June 2020
CCTI Course Offerings Among the Highest in Mississippi, More Classes Slated for 2020-21
The PGSD College and Career Technical Institute offers a multitude of innovative career pathway classes with even more slated for the 2020-21 school year. New courses offered next year will be Energy and Power (instrumentation & controls) and Global Logistics and Supply. Singing River Federal Credit Union will open a branch of the credit union at Pascagoula High School next year.
We are so excited about our continued partnership with PGSD! Our student interns are a joy to have on our team and are gaining valuable skills to become successful young men and women. The students are an active part of living the credit union motto of “people helping people.” Ariana is a perfect example because she did a great job for us during her internship so we decided to keep her as part of the team even after she finished school. We are proud of the success of your students in our program and in our community. – Jerica Hudson, Vice President,
Marketing & Communication, Singing River Federal Credit Union
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As a recent intern for SRFCU, I have to say this was one of the best opportunities I’ve ever had. I was able to learn about so many things throughout the bank that have really helped me build a foundation for my future plans and also grow as a person. I would encourage other students to stay focused on your goals and know that hard work does pay off – always do your best. – Ariana Odom, GHS graduate “ I have experienced first-hand how important these courses are for students who are pursuing a career and a higher education as well. Our administration continues to expand boundaries and find innovativeways to advance the ambitions of our students. The expansion of classes allows us to give more options to our students, light a fire within them and set them on a course for Destination Graduation and beyond.” - Derek Read, Career Academy Specialist/CTE Counselor 11
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District June 2020
Employer Interviews Span Seven States In order to better prepare students to face the workforce, the PGSD embarked on a journey to interview more than 100 employers spanning seven states, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Colorado and California. As part of the interview process, the question was posed, “What are the top three qualities you look for in a prospective employee?” Not surprising at all, many of the employers had similar responses to the question, showing no matter what part of the country one lives in, employers want the same
Atlanta, Ga.
Manatee County, Fla.
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San Diego, Calif.
New Orleans, La. qualities in their employees. Work ethic was tops on every employer list meaning that employees need to be punctual and come to the office ready to work. Attendance is key because employers seek those who have a high attendance rate and are dependable. Communication skills, customer service skills and the ability to work well with others was also high on the list. Employers are also looking for people who are honest, have integrity and come to work dressed for the role they play in the company. This interview initiative was spearheaded by Supt. Wayne Rodolfich, who also conducted the outof-state interviews. Others helping conduct the interviews were Derek Read, Career Academy Specialist; Melissa DeAngelo, EL director; Thomas Brooks, CCTI director; Rhett Ladner, assistant superintendent of secondary education; Debbie Anglin, director of communications; Jeannie Steer, technology integration specialist; and Boyd West, former assistant superintendent of secondary education. 12
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District
PGSD offers the ONLY PLTW Aerospace Engineering program in Mississippi
Over five years ago, a team from PGSD visited Scotlandville Magnet High School in Baton Rouge and learned about its Project Lead the Way programs. Instructors said that through PLTW programs, students developed in-demand, transportable skills - such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and communication - tools they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take. As PLTW students progress through grades PreK-12, they are empowered to explore career paths, engage in problem solving and process thinking, develop technical knowledge and skills, and build communication skills. From launching space explorations to delivering safe, clean water to communities, engineers find solutions to pressing problems and turn their ideas into reality. PLTW Engineering empowers students to step into the role of an engineer, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and make the leap from dreamers to doers. The program’ s courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.
June 2020
“Engineering is the most challenging and rewarding program you will ever experience. It will challenge you by opening your mind to all the real-world challenges and give you a platform to make the impossible possible. Engineers help make the world a better place. The program offers real-world experiences in each discipline of engineering, a deeper look into Aerospace engineering and the opportunity to make your own invention or innovate your favorite gadget all while possibly earning college credit and an interactive externship with our local partners.” Charronda Hairston, PLTW Engineering
For America to remain economically competitive, our next generation of leaders today's students - must develop the criticalreasoning and problem-solving skills that will make them the most productive in the world. The PLTW curriculum is founded in the fundamental problem-solving and criticalthinking skills taught in traditional career and technical education (CTE), but at the same time, integrates national academic and technical learning standards and STEM principles. This integration creates what former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan calls one of the "great models of the new CTE that is succeeding all across the country." PLTW was recently cited by the Harvard Graduate School of Education as a "model for 21st century career and technical education."
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Soon after implementing a two-year engineering component for high school students, PGSD established an Automation & Robotics course for eighth grade students and started a robotics club. The first year we started with BEST robotics, but soon found that VEX and FIRST were a much better fit for high school students. VEX is a basic product that comes almost fully assembled. While it is a good source for the basics of robotics, FIRST is a fully customizable product which allows for a more diverse competition and also allows teams to have more choices in the construction and operations capabilities. FIRST combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. We call FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” Under strict rules, limited time and resources, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as
close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each FIRST Robotics Competition season culminates with district and regional events where qualifying teams compete for awards and a spot at the FIRST Championship. Events at every level offer students an amazing experience as they celebrate their hard work, have fun, make new friendships, and are exposed to ideas and ideology that will enhance their lives for decades to come. Every participant is eligible to apply for college scholarships! FIRST Robotics Competition team members, adult mentors, and volunteers all agree – season-ending events (various Regional Event, District Events and FIRST Championship) are the most amazing, inspiring experiences they’ve ever had. Where else can you make new friends, share ideas, solve problems on the fly, compete like crazy, and get pumped up over technology all while having the time of your lives? At FIRST Robotics Competition events, students realize more than ever that FIRST is all about teamwork, sharing, helping others, and respect.
“In sports, students use their bodies; in robotics they use their minds.”
Toben Dubose, Robotics Team Sponsor
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District June 2020
PGSD, first district in State of Mississippi to offer CyberSecurity and Drone programs
“In today's world, computer science affects how we work and live. Project Lead the Way Computer Science empowers students to become creators of the technology around them. Our PLTW CS program engages students in real-world challenges that allow students to learn computational thinking and become better thinkers and communicators. ” Jana Odom, PLTW Computer Science Instructor
Project Lead the Way (PLTW), introduced Computer Science in 2016 in an effort to “Bring Computer Science to Life”. Whether building apps to meet client needs or exploring cybersecurity, PLTW Computer Science engages students in interdisciplinary activities that not only build knowledge and skills in computer science, but also empower students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical
and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance. The program’ s courses empowers students with in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they choose. As soon as a Computer Science component was added to the Project Lead the Way offerings, PGSD jumped at the chance to offer the program to its students. PGSD has implemented Computer Science from K thru 12th grade, starting with PLTW Launch from PreK -5, PLTW Gateway from 6-8 and culminating with a two-year Computer Science offering as part of their Career Technical Education (CTE) and Bridge Academies. In the 10th grade, students take Exploring Computer Science and PLTW Computer Science Essentials, then, for the second year, take PLTW CyberSecurity and PLTW Computer Science Principles. At a time when computer science affects how we work and live, PLTW Computer Science empowers students in grades 9-12 to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them.
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After completing the Unmanned Aerial Systems coursework, students are eligible to test to become a Certified Drone Pilot through the Federal Aviation Administration.
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) pilots are in high demand. According to Amelia Fox, assistant clinical professor at Mississippi State University who teaches two split-level courses in ag flight technologies, “In the US we can’t meet the workforce demand for pilots. Of the 150 aeronautical post-secondary schools in the US today, each would have to graduate about 500 FAA certified pilots a year to meet the workforce demand by 2022,” Fox said. Known for being an Innovation Nation, the PGSD jumped at the chance to pilot the program for high school students. The district found a qualified and
excited instructor, trained in the year-one curriculum, who was the only instructor in the state piloting it. He also helped write the secondyear curriculum. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) is intended to be an exclusive, secondary CTE pathway in the STEM cluster for students interested in pursuing careers in the burgeoning UAS field. Skills stemming from this pathway include electronics, avionics, aerospace science, GIS, airspace regulations/law, maintenance, mission planning, and flight control (manual and autonomous). Skills acquired in this course will be applicable in many industry sectors to include: military, agriculture, engineering, law enforcement, emergency management, forestry, real estate, marketing, and transportation.
“The sky is the limit in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). In this groundbreaking program, students learn to fly, build, program and troubleshoot drones. They also learn video editing, mapping, and flight software. Students obtain knowledge about laws, regulations, weather briefings, sectional charts, and other content in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to obtain their remote pilot certification while still in high school.” David Weigle, UAS Instructor
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Official Newspaper of the College & Career Technical Institute, Pascagoula – Gautier School District September 2019
PGSD moves forward Talent Development Lab with Career Academies Opens at CCTI
The Pascagoula – Gautier School District introduced Career Academies across the district starting this school year. With the introduction of Keystone at the middle school level and Freshman Focus/Seminar at the ninth grade level, PGSD embarked on this journey that will totally flip the idea of traditional high school education. Career Academies are organized as small learning communities, combining academic and technical curricula around a Career theme, and establishing partnerships with local employers to provide work-based learning opportunities. Full implementation will be in the fall of 2020 with four academies.
Sports Medicine Education Theory & Practice Health Science (PHS) Health Science (GHS) Law & Public Safety
Business & Marketing Culinary Arts Simulation Design & Gaming
Welding Heating, Ventilation & A/C Architecture & Drafting Fabrication & Manufacturing Construction & Carpentry
Polymer & Material Science Unmanned Aerial System Aerospace Engineering Computer Science/Cyber Instrumentation & Controls
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The Ingalls Talent Development Lab opened its doors in September for the students of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District. This modern facility will, not only benefit the students and their transition to the Shipbuilding Academy and eventual employment upon graduation, but will be used for Adult Education programs after hours with a job offer contingent on program completion for those needing employment or those wanting to change to a higher wage job.
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PGSD Introduces Student Internships Far too many students are graduating high school without a clear plan for future — whether that’s college or career. In fact, nationally, just 46 percent of high school students said their schools have helped them figure out which careers match their interests and abilities. As the economic demand for high-skilled workers rises, high rates of unemployment among young people persist. This makes the transition to adulthood challenging for youth without meaningful work experience — especially those from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds. Internship programs not only help at-risk students connect the dots between work and school, but also empower them to visualize college and career pathways they previously thought were unattainable. There can be a lot of variation between internships. They may be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid, take place over the summer or during the school year, and last anywhere from a few weeks to a year or more. Because internships are designed for people with little or no experience in a particular career field, most interns are students or recent college graduates. As part of the district’s Career Academy initiative, the College & Career Technical Institute established internship opportunities for 3rd year CTE students through our local business/industry partners. The response has been overwhelming, and the future looks even better. In our first year of piloting this idea, we have over 40 students interning in one of six different internship opportunities.
Student Achievement
MGCCC Full Tuition Scholarships 2018-2019: 71 Awarded for a Total of $497,000 Tech Master Scholars for 2018-2019: 96 Total (49 from PHS & 47 from GHS) MS Student Nurse Mentorship Academy Scholarship valued at $3500 ea. 2018-2019:
Sierra Harris, Madison Thompson, Lauren Shuster, Maliya Keys, Karelys Colon-Santiago, Rema Williams, Kierra Wilson, Natalie Greenwald
NCCER HVAC Certifications 2018-2019:
Letrell Buton, Luis Cabrera, Khadijah Harris, Evan Hatten, Trace Howell, Hayden Jones, Jalen Leverette, Kala Marshburn, Jalin Nguyen, Anthony Rojo, Sean Smith, Daniel Colon-Pagan, Ryan Goff, Adam Herrington, Lucas Majure, Cole Nenninger, Kyle Sweeting, Brennon Swindell, Seth Watson
NCCER Construction Certifications 2018-2019: Celeste Anderson, Percy Barberena, KeShawn Belcher, Clayton Fagan, Leann Jenkins, Adrian Jiminez, Demarco Lesueur, Emilio Martinez, Brayan Ovalle, Omarion Polk, JaDarrius Reed, Solan Shuemaker, Joborio Todd, Andrew Bond, George Webb
NCCER Welding Certifications 2018-2019:
Saul Avila, Zavier Dean, Kevin Delgado, Halie Green, Joniya Hackman, Fredrick Miller, Taylor Miller, Grant Moore, Nick Gentry, Timothy Johnston, Kaleb Jones, Dyenasty Shannon, Aderlin Solar Cedeno
National Career Readiness 2018-2019 (Silver & above) Certifications: 9 – Platinum, 20 – Gold, 58 - Silver
Ingalls Maritime Students receiving 3hrs College Credit 2018-2019:
Joshua Arroyo 3hrs, Miguel Babin 6 hrs, Kane Bradley 3 hrs, Jecsen Briseno 6 hrs, James Cady 3hrs, Christopher Chestnut 6 hrs, Tamya Edwards 6 hrs, Christopher Edwards 6 hrs, Drake Killingsworth 3 hrs, Michael Liciago 6 hrs, Kelvin Lopez 3 hrs, Isaiah Rainey 6 hrs, Wilbert Ramos 3 hrs, Cody Richardson 3 hrs, James Stevens 3 hrs, Arkelis Wilson 3 hrs, Dionte Polk 3 hrs, Sebastian Tineo 3 hrs, Alexis Mendez 3 hrs
Ingalls Maritime Students receiving National Recognized credentials 2017-18:
Three are paid and the others are not, but both lead to employment after high school. We have already been approached by other local business/industry about this opportunity for next school year.
Joshua Arroyo – 9, Miguel Babin – 15, Kane Bradley – 17, Jecsen Briseno – 16, James Cady – 11, Leah Chestnut – 14, Christopher Chestnut – 8, Julissa Delgado – 15, Tamya Edwards – 18, Christopher Edwards – 16, Kedric Peay – 5, Drake Killingworth – 8, Michael Liciago – 18, Kelvin Lopez – 9, Isaiah Rainey – 18, Wilbert Ramos – 6, Cody Richardson – 10, Bernard Roberson – 6, James Stevens – 5, Arkelis Wilson - 9
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District
Ingalls Shipbuilding & PGSD Rethink Public Education and Workforce Development “We are excited about leading this innovative program because it adds a new regional dimension in workforce training.” Wayne Rodolfich,
Superintendent PGSD
Ingalls Shipbuilding is the largest employer in the State of Mississippi. When discussing defense contractors and shipbuilder, Ingalls is always at the top of the list. Ingalls is also on the top of the list when talks began about rethinking education and workforce development. Driven from a need of an ever expanding workforce, Ingalls began thinking about ways to “home grow” their employees. This initiative began the discussions for a Shipbuilder Academy program for area high school seniors involving the Pascagoula – Gautier, Moss Point and Ocean Springs School Districts. Students were taken through several craft opportunities during their school day then, in the Spring of their senior year, those interested could apply for helper apprentice opportunities at the shipyard. The Shipbuilder Academy grew from a class of 22, to the present class of over 70. Ingalls also found those local students who went through the program, who showed an interest in the career field, and who applied for the job had a higher retention rate than those who came from other areas of the state, from other states or other countries. The success of this program allowed other parts of Mississippi to initiate a similar model using local industry in their area. Ingalls started thinking about other ways they could expand
this process and started establishing Workforce Development courses operating like Adult Education programs at high school campuses. Ingalls reached out to local school districts in Pascagoula, Moss Point and Mobile County who already had welding programs established and, through a joint partnership, totally renovated their welding labs into Talent Development Labs installing state-ofthe-art equipment and facilities. Partnering with local school districts and the Mississippi Department of Ed., Ingalls started these workforce development programs, HIRED UP, in the Pascagoula – Gautier School District. In the fall of 2019 there were three classes running four night per week from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The welding program had 15 students, sheetmetal had 16 and structural fitting had 20. Ingalls representatives came into each class on night one, talked about the program and made them an offer contingent on completing the class on time, getting a reference from the
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sheetmetal 18, pipefitting had 26, machine as 15 and structural fitting has 20.
teacher and passing the tests onsite at Ingalls. There was over a 90% hire rate for the students who completed these courses successfully. The contract offer for the students is as follows: $16,02 per hour starting pay, contingent on successful completion of the course and referral by the instructor. There is a 1000 hour progression – raises – and one raise per year in March for contract changes. Within 2-3 years they should top out, currently $27.60 per hour, will increase to over $28.00 per hour. Most benefits start with employment on day one, health benefits begin day on the 1st day of the month after the employee has been on payroll for 30 days.
The second semester saw Ingalls adding two additional programs, pipefitting and machine, as well as an increase in numbers. Since the program also partners with the WinJob Center, Women in Construction, as well as Department of Human Service and the Department of Transportation, there is a waiting list of students. This past semester welding had 15 students,
Representatives from Ingalls travel throughout Mississippi establishing these partnerships with local school districts and other businesses. What is interesting is not all the students who go through the programs work for Ingalls. In these other communities they found that the students wanted to stay close to home so these business partners came in and offered them a job with them just like Ingalls does which allows the students to have a choice. Ingalls wants to change how we think of education and training. If we start in the communities we can affect the entire state. If each state does this we can change the entire country. This initiative started with a
simple program for high school students and has grown to become a model that other areas in Mississippi and other states are deciding to create as well. Alabama, in particular Mobile County, is coming on board in the coming school year. Ingalls continues to find ways to partner with local school districts and business/industry to improve, not only local communities but, communities state wide. The results so far have been life changing. We have seen students working two jobs with no benefits, complete this program and doubling their salary as well as getting the benefits that will drastically change the lives of their family. Ingalls motto has always been “Building Freedom One Great Ship at a Time”, now they can add “Building Freedom, Changing One Life at a Time”. “HIRED UP is an example of two organizations coming together to develop programs that will have a positive and lasting impact on the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast. The ripples of the partnership between PGSD and Ingalls will have an educational, economic and social effect on our community for many years.” Thomas Brooks, CTE Director PGSD
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District November 2019
PGSD and Ingalls Partner in a Workforce Development Initiative for Adult Education The Pascagoula – Gautier School District College & Career Technical Institute’s Adult Education/Workforce Development Initiative in partnership with Ingalls Shipbuilding and surrounding business and industry started October 21, 2019. Personnel from Ingalls were on hand to present the students a contract on night one contingent on their completing the requirements of the program. The CCTI is offering Welding, Structural Fitting and Sheetmetal/Joiner and in January will be adding Pipefitting and Milright (Machining) to that list. The classes are full and there is a waiting list so they will be offered on a continuous basis with guaranteed employment for those successful in completing the requirements for the class. Other companies will be joining in this venture as well so students will have several avenues available for employment. This partnership is currently involving PGSD, Ingalls Shipbuilding, WinJob Center, Adult Learning Center and the Mississippi Department of Education and has the potential to really change the community. VT Halter Marine, Performance Contractors, and
the Mississippi Department of Human Services are expected to come on board after the first of the year. The contract offer for the students is as follows: $16,02 per hour starting pay, contingent on successful completion of the course and referral by the instructor. There is a 1000 hour progression – raises – and one raise per year in March for contract changes. Within 2-3 years they should top out, currently $27.60 per hour, will increase to over $28.00 per hour. Most benefits start with employment on day one, health benefits begin day on the 1st day of the month after the employee has been on payroll for 30 days. See next page
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SRHS & PGSD Partner for Program Singing River Health System and the Pascagoula – Gautier School District are introducing a Nurse Aide Training Program for third year Health Science students from Pascagoula and Gautier High School. This program starts in January 2020 and will be housed at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, MS. Students will be scheduled for three blocks during the Spring Semester completing all the required classroom work and clinical hours as well. Students graduating with the CAN Certification can potentially go to MGCCC for one year and obtain their Associate Degree in Nursing as opposed to two years.
during a classroom setting. Some teachers had students use a rubric to self-evaluate after completing the mock interview. This process culminated with a “You’re Hired” event at the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center (FIC). Over 70 business and industry professionals were on hand to interview every Junior currently in English III for the Fall Semester, from Pascagoula and Gautier High. The students were divided into groups and went through several sessions, including Resume’ Writing, Social Media, Dress for Success, Personal Finance, etc. and a professional interview. Students sat down with a professional in their chosen career path for a 20 minute interview for an actual job.
At the end of the day, 25 students were given a job, which meant they were the top students they would hire if they had the chance, and those students received a Walmart Gift Card provided by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. This event happens each semester and has really become popular among local business and industry.
PGSD Re-Thinks English III Curriculum
Continued from previous page The PGSD Administration along with the Curriculum Specialists started looking at the English III curriculum to see if they could implement Employability Skills or Necessary Skills. English III teachers facilitated lessons on resume’ writing and interview skills. Each Junior crafted a personal resume’ including skills, education and experience. Teachers used videos to share helpful hints for an effective interview including eye contact, shaking hands, answering questions and dressing for success. Students then wrote answers to common interview questions and then practiced interviewing with a peer
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District
Singing River Health System and the PGSD partnership spans over 30 years
The Singing River Health System and the Pascagoula – Gautier School District have a partnership that was established over 30 years ago. Starting initially with the local Allied Health program at the high school level, the program allows students to gain valuable clinical hours in numerous departments at the hospital throughout the school year. There are Allied Health programs available in Moss Point, Jackson County and Ocean Springs as well, so SRHS works with all of these school districts to ensure that high school students interested in the healthcare profession receive a quality experience during high school. About two years ago, due to the ever-changing school environment and the nationwide push for career-ready students, and the increase of districts going to the career academy model, SRHS started thinking of different ways it could increase its value to local school districts as well as benefit its own needs (see next page) “Our relationship with Singing River Health System has helped our students experience authentic hands-on learning as a result of our dynamic partnership.”
April 2020
“The partnership between Pascagoula Gautier School District and Singing River Health System has been an incredible success for all parties involved. The school has been able to offer a higher level curriculum in its health sciences program than ever before, the student has benefitted from a career jump start, and the health system has been enriched in multiple ways. Through this partnership, our system has been able to shine in a few of our core values. The core value of Quality means everything has been promoted by supporting these students in beginning a career with a firm foundation for their success, but also to further meet our mission of improving health and saving lives by providing trained healthcare personnel. Two more core values of Yes is the answer and Teamwork always wins has been reached through working with your school to make your dream (which became our dream) become a reality. Additionally, our community is why we exist. To be able to give back by assisting in workforce development, to benefit from that workforce development by hiring many of these students turned exceptional entry level team members, and for our community to benefit from having an exceptionally trained healthcare team, is priceless.“ Heather Rowley, Director of Education and Risk Management
Wayne Rodolfich, Superintendent PGSD
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“Singing River Health System is honored to establish a partnership with the Jackson County school districts to provide an opportunity for students to expand their CTE Health Science experience. Employer engagement is a critical piece to exposing students to the actual job cultures, so they can make an informed decision about their future. The 18 students of the Class of 2021 represent every high school in Jackson County. The curriculum will place students in role-based activities shaping leadership and teamwork abilities while participating in lab simulations, guest lectures, and job shadowing to provide a rounded depiction of what work life is like in a healthcare system. In addition, this school year-long program will prepare the students with certifications in Nursing Aide; Phlebotomy, and/or Medical Coding. These certifications will provide the students with a skill and an opportunity to gain experience while supporting themselves during their education journey or by directly joining the workforce. This class is laying the foundation for a very successful program that is anticipated to grow every year. More importantly, these 18 individuals represent the quality and capability Jackson County Career and Technical Education programs supply every year. Thank you to the parents, guardians, teachers, directors, principals, and support positions of all the schools in Jackson County for your dedication to our future. #SingingRiverStrong #WeAreSingingRiver “ Daniel Harrison, HR Program Specialist
from previous page which is a highly skilled and trained workforce. In the spring of 2019, we started thinking about a CNA program for third year Health Science students. The PGSD, with lots of help from SRHS, applied for and received approval from the Mississippi Department of Health to offer this program to seniors in our school district. Our first SRHS & PGSD Nurse Aid Training Program started this past school year with a pilot group of nine students from Pascagoula
and Gautier High School. SRHS allocated a lab space and its facility as well as designated a current nurse as the instructor. Students dismissed from their regular classes after 2nd block and 4th/5th block attended the Nurse Aide Training Program at SRHS. COVID 19 came along and disrupted things for a bit, but the students were able to complete the program by May 14.
Out of the nine students involved in the program, seven of them were offered employment at SRHS, with the other two having other commitments preventing them from accepting jobs, one being military assignment, the other being a four-year scholarship to college. The success of this program led Mr. Daniel Harrison and SRHS to come up with an advanced program for Health Science programs in Jackson County. The SRHS Health Science Academy will start in school year 2020-2021. Teachers were asked to have their top two to four students submit a resume and application and those students were interviewed by staff at Singing River Hospital. There will be 18 students in the inaugural class next school year. Upon completion of the year-long, one-blockper-day, program, students will earn credentials in Nurse Aide, Medical Coding and Phlebotomy. Students who complete either of these programs will have an opportunity for immediate employment and have the option to continue toward advanced degree opportunities as well, with little to no student debt because of scholarships and being able to work in the area of their certification while attending college.
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District
The Descher Organization & PGSD, building leaders and improving the community “Our partnership with the Descher Organization and McDonald’s is important to us. What our students learn during this experience is invaluable to them no matter what career path they choose.” -
Derek Read, Career Academy Specialist and CTE Counselor
June 2020
“I feel that the internship program is a great opportunity for students in the workforce development programs around the Jackson County area to get real world experience and it is also an opportunity for us at McDonald’s to find managers after they have finished the program.” Pat Descher, Owner/Operator
Thirty years ago, after graduating from Leadership Jackson County, Pat Descher wanted to create a program that would not only recognize high school graduates’ accomplishments, but would also encourage them to come back to Jackson County once they finished college, raise their families, and make a living. Considered the largest scholarship program on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Explosion of Excellence started with the awarding of three scholarships for $250 each, and now, thanks to numerous sponsors, each student in the top ten percent of the graduating class at all high schools in Jackson County receive a $250 book scholarship with drawings for scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
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This program is chaired by Pat Descher, co-chaired by husband Bill Descher and jointly sponsored by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street Tourism Bureau, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and all high schools in Jackson County. For 30 years, Mrs. Descher has made it her goal to give to the surrounding community, so it was not a surprise when she started an internship program for Jackson County high school seniors. This program targets seniors who have completed two years of a CTE program their sophomore and junior year, specifically Culinary Arts or Business/Marketing. Students are selected for the internship through a combined process involving their CTE representative as well as an interview process during the summer with Descher Organization representatives. Once See next page
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“The internship program is a great way for students to gain experience in the workforce and see what it takes to run a multi-million dollar business. Working in a restaurant environment can improve your social skills and promotes teamwork; it is a benefit for the students and employers.“ Maggie Olsen, Training Supervisor
“Our organization sponsors an internship
program which offers young people the opportunity to develop leadership skills and work ethics necessary to become a valuable asset to our community and the McDonald’s Organization. It further equips them with the skills to become responsible adults, teaches them to be self-sufficient and helps develop long-term career goals. The intern program establishes a sense of community within our organization and creates mentors who have a positive impact on those who follow in their footsteps.“ Heidi Waters, General Manager, Denny Ave.
from previous page in the program, students select either morning or afternoon schedules first semester, then in the spring, students have to be scheduled in the afternoon so they can attend the McDonald’s Management Training Academy on Hwy. 57 in Gautier as part of their internship. The students start their first semester as a Crew Member making $8 per hour, and will be assigned to the store manager who will show them the front and back of the house. Students may also be asked to work additional hours in the evenings and/or weekends. If a student passes all Crew Member requirements upon completion of the first semester training, he will become a
Crew Trainer and his pay will increase to $9 per hour. Then the student will work under the direction of the Training Director. Upon completion of the McDonalds Academy and high school graduation, the student will be evaluated and interviewed for a Shift Leader position with wages starting at $10 per hour with additional advancement opportunities within the company available, as well as tuition assistance and the Archways to Opportunity scholarship program. Even if students do not remain with the Descher Organization after graduation, what they have learned is invaluable to them. The McDonalds brand and business model is recognized throughout the world, and for high school students to have an opportunity to experience this, is tremendous. Programs like this help students and the community as well. “I very much enjoyed working with Mr. Derek Read this past year as we kicked off our new internship program with the Jackson County School Districts. Derek’s influence and creative input very much influenced the positive outcome of a very successful year and was instrumental in helping us develop an “employee pipeline” for candidates in our program. Students greatly benefitted by a paid internship as well as incentives for advancing into our management program. The Descher Organization and McDonald’s Corporation were also happy to provide opportunities for college tuition assistance.“ Deonda Smith, HR Assistant/Intern Liaison
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District June 2020
Adult Learning Center Provides Educational Opportunities Vital to Workforce Development Established in 1978, the Pascagoula Adult Learning Center has a rich history of serving the Jackson County community as a provider of adult education. A division of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District, the center is one of 28 adult education programs in Mississippi. With the passage of the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act in 2014, the center has worked diligently to expand its role and now serves as a workforce readiness facility as well. The center serves between 300-400 students each year and has helped thousands of individuals earn their high school equivalency diplomas. “Adult education is unlike any other facet in our educational system,” said Kathleen Williams, Center Director. “The individuals we currently serve range in age from 16 to 64. Most are unemployed or underemployed, while others hold down two or three jobs in an effort to support their families.” Williams said the reasons for these students not completing high school are as varied as their ages; however the one common thread they share is a desire to learn and grow as an individual, parent, grandparent or employee. “They enter our center for a second chance to finish what they thought was unattainable,” Williams said. “Our job as adult educators goes well beyond that of instructing reading, writing and mathematics. We provide a positive learning environment that will build each individual’s confidence
“ Our shared goal is for students to leave our Center proud of what they have accomplished and ready to enter postsecondary education or the workforce with a newfound confidence.” Kathleen Williams, Adult Learning Center Director
while working to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become productive members of our Jackson County community.” The teachers assist each student in setting realistic educational and career goals, develop an instruction and career plan to meet these goals, offer guidance and encouragement when needed and celebrate students’ successes. The program offers a flexible schedule of morning, afternoon and evening classes in an effort to fit the schedule needed for its students. Classes are provided for those who have low literacy skills and need basic skills development in reading, writing and mathematics, adult secondary education and preparation for the high school equivalency test. Also offered are English Language Acquisition classes, workforce readiness, skills development and training classes. Not only are the classes offered at the Adult Learning Center, but also at the Jackson County Adult Detention See next page
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Continued from previous page
Center, the Home of Grace and the Haven. The center serves as a HiSET and ACT Work Keys testing facility. Covid-19 brought many challenges to the Adult Learning Center, but it also brought many opportunities to explore new resources and innovative ways to reach the goals of its students. Technology has been at the forefront of the program design for many years and distance learning opportunities have been available to supplement classroom instruction. Second Chance Mississippi and the Bacot-McCarty Foundation purchased 20 Chromebooks for students who needed the technology for distance learning. “We are very grateful to these two organizations for their generosity in supplying the technology the students in our center needed to continue the learning process during these times,” Williams said. Students at the Adult Learning Center also have the opportunity to be a part of the Adult Education Workforce Classes being offered at the PGSD College & Career Technical Institute which allows students to get hands-on training and the chance to sign contracts with Ingalls Shipbuilding on the successful completion of the course. “We applaud the efforts of the PGSD and Ingalls Shipbuilding for providing Integrated Education and Training that allows our students the opportunity to prepare for their high school equivalency during the day and attend work-related The Bacot McCarty Foundation is proud to support the Adult Learning Center through our partnership with 2nd Chance MS. The work that the center does is of paramount importance to our community and is just another example of how the PGSD addresses the needs of our local community. - Todd Trenchard, Bacot-McCarty Foundation, Executive Director
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“When we heard about the need for Chromebooks, I said, ‘We’re in. Let’s buy them,’ so we purchased the Chromebooks to help students get the instruction they can’t get by coming into the regular classroom. When an adult can get a high school equivalency or work course certification, it puts them in the middle class. They can go on and do bigger and better things and we’re very excited to be a part of that.” Zach Scruggs, Second Chance Mississippi, Executive Director.
training at night. This is truly a dream come true for many of our adult education students,” Williams said. With the center’s partnership with the PGSD, Ingalls Shipbuilding and the WIN Job Center, many students are gaining employment with Ingalls at a life-sustaining wage and further on-the-job apprenticeship training and advancement. The Adult Learning Center, has not only met, but exceeded the targets set by the Office of Adult Education for Mississippi. The center’s year-end performance targets routinely rank it among the top five adult education programs in the state. In addition to being an ACT Work Keys testing site, the center also opened a Smart Start Workforce class for anyone who wishes to earn two locally and nationally recognized workforce credentials: National Career Readiness Credential and the Miss. Smart Start Credential. 28
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District June 2020
PGSD Students First in Mississippi to Earn Seal of Biliteracy: Paving the Road for a Biliterate Workforce The Pascagoula Gautier School District is the first district in Mississippi to offer the Seal of the Biliteracy and to have the first five graduates earn their Seal. The PGSD is committed to preparing every student who enrolls in our schools to graduate from high school college and career path ready. The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, school district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. Our vision is to help students recognize the value of their academic success and see the tangible benefits of being bilingual. The Seal is a statement of accomplishment that helps to signal evidence of a student’s readiness for college and career and for engagement as a global citizen. The recognition certifies attainment of biliteracy, which is the
“In this day and age, the Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students’ ability to communicate and be literate in more than one language. This demonstrates that our students in Mississippi are ready and competent to compete in a global society and market.” – Edgar Hernandez, Gautier High School EL & Advanced Spanish teacher
ability to read, write, listen, and speak in two languages. To encourage and recognize linguistic proficiency and cultural literacy, the Pascagoula Gautier School District’s recognition for demonstrating a level of biliteracy is indicated on the high school transcript and diploma. These students demonstrated proficiency in all four language domains in one or more languages in addition to English. See next page
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“It was an honor to be recognized by the school district for being bilingual. I am delighted that the school district highlights this ability in students to showcase how important it is to know more than one language. I know that this ability will help me in future career goals whether it comes to getting higher pay or being offered more opportunities.” – Alondra Reyes, PHS 2020 Valedictorian Continued from previous page
People from all walks of life benefit from bilingualism and acquire economic, cognitive and social advantages. Academic studies suggest that bilingualism directly benefits individuals by increasing their earnings relative to their peers, their job opportunities and labor mobility, and their chances at promotion to higher levels. Bilingualism enables a company to grow beyond its local market to other parts of the country and provides a springboard to other languages and international markets. Evidence also demonstrates that bilingual individuals enjoy increased mental adaptability; greater attention to detail; improved listening skills and social As a non-native speaker, the Gold Biliteracy seal means a lot to me. It is a testament of my hard work and will forever be a reminder to me that nothing is unattainable. Pursuing the seal allowed me to experience another culture and make many friends I would not have otherwise met. Going forward, the skills and lessons I have learned will remain with me for the rest of my life and have encouraged me to pursue a Spanish minor in college. I would not have been able to do it without the help of GHS’s foreign language department going above and beyond the call of duty, specifically Mr. Hernandez and Mrs. Mena. I am eternally grateful for their support and excited to see where Spanish takes me in the future. Hayden Mitchell – GHS, 2020 Graduate
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communications skills, and enhanced crosscultural awareness. With the Seal of Biliteracy, students show they have the skills, capacities, and dispositions necessary to participate fully in the 21st century economic, scientific, political, cultural, and intellectual life of our global society. Achieving high levels of academic competency in both English and at least one other World Language is an integral part of making the vision of student accessibility to success a reality.
Proficiency in multiple languages has tremendous value in today’s global economy. Whether the language is learned in a classroom, at home, or through other experiences, a Seal of Biliteracy celebrates the accomplishment and certifies the language proficiency in two or more languages. The Seal of Biliteracy program provides access to anyone interested in being formally certified for achieving a high standard of proficiency in two or more languages. The Seal of Biliteracy is the language passport that ensures students are recognized for their language achievement. By design, it is inclusive, embracing all languages and learners, with the intent to provide equal access and expanded opportunity. 30
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District June 2020
Jackson County Celebrates Certification as ACT Work Ready Community
Jackson County is now an ACT Work Ready Community thanks to a partnership between the Jackson County Economic Foundation, the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, the Pascagoula-Gautier School District, Jackson County School District, Ocean Springs School District, Moss Point School District and others. These organizations worked together to meet the criteria to ensure the county received its certification. For their efforts, this group was awarded the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education Governor’s Award for Best Community/School District Partnership.
“We want to create the most coveted economic and educational frontier in the state of Mississippi and our country.” PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
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The United Way for Jackson and George Counties also stepped up to provide the funding for 400 Work Keys tests – 100 tests per school district. The certification is significant to students who can now take a Work Keys test to show their knowledge in three areas – workplace documents, graphic literacy and applied math, - skills required for 77 percent of jobs based on ACT JobPro database. Students are given a platinum, gold, silver or bronze rating depending on how well they scored on the test. This credential helps the student when seeking employment by showing his employer his knowledge in these areas as well as knowing what skills are required by employers. In this way, educators are closing the skills gap, via tools integrated into career pathways with stackable industryrecognized credentials.
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 1, July, 2021
Career Technical Education Conference Brings Together CTE Educators from Jackson County The Pascagoula-Gautier School District hosted the Jackson County Career Technical Education Conference at the PHS Performing Arts Center with CTE educators from PGSD, Jackson County, Moss Point and Ocean Springs School Districts in attendance. The teachers rotated through a variety of different sessions led by business and industry leaders Dr. Sondia Christian, Human Resources and Administration Director, Talent Management, Ingalls Shipbuilding; Daniel Harrison, Human Resources Program Specialist at Singing River Health System; Jerica Hudson, Vice President of Marketing and Communication, Singing River Federal Credit Union; Amy Brandenstein, Community Affairs Representative, Chevron, Pascagoula Refinery; Mary Martha Henson, Deputy Director, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation; Paige Roberts, CEO, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce; David Fava, Career Coach Supervisor; and Deonda Smith, Human Resources, Descher Organization/McDonalds. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich, Pascagoula-Gautier School District Superintendent; Dr. Aimee Brown, Director of Career and Technical Education for the Mississippi Department of Education; Dr. J.J. Morgan, Jackson County School District Technology Center Director; and Dr. Ben Burnett, William Carey University Executive Vice President and Dean, School of Education, welcomed the conference attendees. Special thanks to Derek Read, College and Career Technical Institute Director; and April Engle, CCTI Assistant Director, for their work in putting the conference together, and Brandon Wilson, PAC Coordinator and Fine Arts Director, for the technology guidance and support to make the conference run smoothly.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 2 August 2021
Eastlawn Elementary “Blazes a Trail Through Goula” to Teach Students About Career Pathways When you walk through the doors of Eastlawn Elementary you’ll see the school has been transformed into the City of Pascagoula. From City Hall, Pascagoula Police Department, Tay’s BBQ and Chevron to Singing River Federal Credit Union, Anderson’s and Scranton’s, the staff has created a miniature version of more than 30 Pascagoula destinations, small businesses and industry inside the school to celebrate “Blazing a Trail Through Goula.” “We always choose a school theme in May for the next school year,” said Eastlawn Principal Beth Goff. “We started out with #Goula Proud, and then when we received word of the district theme, “Blaze a Trail”, we incorporated the two together to form “Blazing a Trail Through Goula.” Goff used a Google form as a sign up sheet for teachers who selected what destination or business to create. Classroom doors, along the walls and even bulletin boards have been transformed into what makes Pascagoula so unique. “Our teachers have reached out to these businesses, many of whom have donated items to help with the decorations,” Goff said. “Since our district is really emphasizing Career Pathways from Pre-K through 12th grade, we thought this would be a wonderful way to showcase our community and to celebrate what we have here in Pascagoula. We can show the students all the different careers that are available to them right here in our hometown.” Goff said it’s important for elementary children to learn what’s in their community since many of them are not able to get out and see what Pascagoula has to offer. “We have some students who have never been to Beach Park or eaten at Bozo’s or Scranton’s or been able to get donuts from Anderson’s Bakery,” Goff said. “It’s important for them to know their community and the different dynamics that make up this town because we have a really great place to live and so much to offer.” Continued on Next Page
Jackson County Fairgrounds
Tay’s
Scranton’s
Anderson’s Bakery
Bozo’s
Goff credits Eastlawn teacher Heather Lilly for the idea of the school’s theme this year. “We talked about how the school district is very invested in Career Pathways so we wanted to bring careers into our school, but also for the kids to have a sense of community,” Lilly said. “We reached out to those businesses and asked if they would like to work with us this year, and many of the teachers have had a great deal of success with that. “ Of course, kids say ‘I want to be a doctor or a fireman’, but I wanted them to have a knowledge of many more careers that are out there. They need to know their possibilities are endless. They need to start dreaming and setting goals at a young age and that will help them be successful as they go through school.” As a third grade teacher, Lilly said students who are taught about work ethic at an early age build on those skills they learn, and by the time they are in the job field they are the leaders. “I love teaching third grade because the kids are so excited about learning,” Lilly said. “They soak up everything you say so we work on expectations, doing the right thing, focusing on school work, doing their very best, and those kind of things become their mindset and that helps build the foundation for their lives.” Teachers model work ethic for their students at Eastlawn, Goff said. “We show the students that you need to get up and go to work every day to earn a paycheck to pay bills and buy gas and food. We teach them how to persevere, to never give up and to always do their best, especially when you think no one is looking. It’s all about integrity.” Edd’s Drive-In
Pugh’s Florist
Singing River Federal Credit Union
Johnson Brothers Jewelry
Merchants & Marine Bank
Jerry Lee’s Grocery Store
Delo’s Coffee Singing River Yacht Club
Estabrook Ford
Haygood’s
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 3, August, 2021
J.C. Chamber of Commerce’s Education-Workforce Development Committee Discusses Connecting Students to Their Passion, Their Purpose to a Paycheck A number of educators from the PascagoulaGautier School District attended the Aug. 17, 2021 meeting of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s Education-Workforce Development Committee at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gautier. The meeting was led by Debbie Anglin, PGSD’s Director of Communication, committee chair. Also in attendance were PGSD’s Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich, Dr. Melissa DeAngelo, Director of College and Career Pathways; Derek Read, Director of the College and Career Technical Institute; Paulette Edwards, CTE guidance counselor; Kathleen Williams, director of the PGSD Adult Learning Center; Margaret Moran, Gautier High School’s work-based learning instructor; and Mike Concannon, former PGSD School Board member. Other members of the committee include representatives from the Jackson County, Ocean Springs and Moss Point school districts as well as the WIN – Job Center, business and industry, GET2College and United Way. Also new to the committee is David Fava, director of the new Career Coaches program, funded with repurposed CARES Act money through a partnership between the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, United Way for Jackson and George Counties and Merit. This partnership includes the hiring of seven career coaches which are housed at Pascagoula High, Gautier High, Ocean Springs High, St. Martin High, Vancleave High, East Central High and Moss Point High schools. These career coaches will stand in the gap and work with students to ensure every high
school graduate has the opportunity to develop career profiles and a post-graduation plan that leads to a paycheck in an interesting and rewarding field. These coaches are there to assist the programs already in place at each of the high schools. The Chamber of Commerce has been helping develop short videos with young professionals about why they are passionate about working in their chosen field. These videos will be shared with high school students as a reminder to find a career they are passionate about. The purpose behind the program called “P3”, is to connect a student’s passion to a purpose and, ultimately, to a paycheck. Another purpose will be to help as many students as possible fill out FAFSA forms to help with college expenses and assist in making sure students are prepared for the ACT WorkKeys test. A presentation on the program and its efforts will be presented to the Jackson County Board of Supervisors at its Sept. 20 meeting. Representatives were called upon to discuss an update on COVID-19 concerns and issues in each respective school district. Members were also reminded to attend the Mississippi Economic Council’s Tour, “A New Day, A New Opportunity” on Aug. 18, 2021 at the Goodwill Mega Store in Ocean Springs. Committee members agreed to postpone the bi-annual Education/Business Summit meeting until November in the hope that COVID-19 numbers will have dropped dramatically.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 4, August, 2021
MEC Tour Attendees Discuss Workforce Development, Business Climate, Brain Drain Five PGSD educators attended the Mississippi Economic Council’s Tour – “A New Day, A New Opportunity for Mississippi” Aug. 18, 2021 in Ocean Springs. In attendance were Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich; Dr. Melissa DeAngelo, Director of College and Career Pathways; Debbie Anglin, Director of Communication; Derek Read, Director of the College & Career Technical Institute; and Kathleen Williams, Director of the PGSD Adult Learning Center. Discussion centered around three key initiatives: education and workforce development, business climate and brain drain. Phillip Shirley with the Godwin Group discussed the top two challenges in the state based on a survey filled out by attendees. The number one issue is the lack of qualified workers and the second issue – state image. Supt. Rodolfich said the state is getting too late a start on getting people ready for employability. It needs to begin at the K-12 level in teaching children those soft skills necessary to be gainfully employed in the state. Eighty percent of business and industry said those lack of skills were a threat
to their businesses. Derek Read pointed out that a big challenge was changing of the image of vocational education which was doing a great job of providing students with multiple pathways. The lack of communicating the successes of these exciting new career programs is hurting the state. Shirley posed the question of why the connectivity was greater here than in other parts of the state. Debbie Anglin stated it was because the four school districts work closely together regularly with business and industry through the Chamber’s Education/ Workforce Development Committee. Christian Hartley with Keelser Federal Credit Union shared that 94 percent of employees will stay at a job where they know they will be developed. Katarina Scott with the City of Pascagoula, said the city is working hard to create affordable residences for young professionals. George Freeland, executive director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, said we must never become complacent or let our guard down when fighting for economic development for our state.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 5, August, 2021
J.C. Chamber Hosts Arbinger Institute for 2021 Summer Learning Summit The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the Arbinger Institute’s program, “Applying the Outward Mindset,” facilitated by Teresa Roberts, at the Pascagoula High Performing Arts Center. Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich attended the seminar as a Chamber member. The program was part of the Chamber’s 2021 Summer Learning Summit. The purpose of the program was to share methods to reduce interoffice conflict between employees in management and leadership positions. Through 40 years of research and 35 years of working with organizations
Teresa Roberts with the Arbinger Institute talks about Applying Outward Mindset at the PHS Performing Arts Center hosted by the J.C. Chamber of Commerce.
world-wide, Arbinger’s work has revealed two distinct mindsets from which people and organizations operate – a self-focused inward mindset and an impact-focused outward mindset – and the path to sustainably change mindset and results. Shifting from an inward mindset to an other-inclusive, results focused, outward mindset is the one critical change for organizational performance. The facilitator took the audience through several interactive exercises and shared several testimonials about the approach to conflict resolution. The concept of collusion was used as an example when two parties, typically in leadership, have conflicting visions of job assignments and recruit support from other employees. Both parties feel they are right and feel the need to justify their competence in the roles they are executing regarding projects and jobs. “It was a very enlightening process to share this time with other business and community leaders and take a reflective review of our own group dynamics within our offices,” Rodolfich said. “The PGSD appreciates the opportunity to gain new perspectives in problem-solving that can be shared organizationally.” The interactive session revealed the power of an Outward Mindset and how it drives self-accountable behaviors in people and their teams. Accountable people enable organizations to achieve great results via an engaging and supportive work environment. In that type of environment, people will have fun, learn from one another and explore how to invite the mindset that enables the behaviors needed in order to grow and sustain a selfaccountable culture. Organizational change starts with individuals. The key takeaway from the lunch session was: Don’t Hold People Accountable – Develop Accountable People.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 6, August, 2021
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Discusses Career Pathway Offerings with PGSD Dr. Tammy Franks, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Vice President, Gautier Campus; and Dr. Brad Bailey, MGCCC Dean of Teaching and Learning, Gautier; discussed a number of topics surrounding Career Pathways with PGSD administrators. Attending the meeting from PGSD were Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich; Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Rhett Ladner (by phone); Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Belinda Dammen; Director of College and Career Pathways Dr. Melissa DeAngelo; Debbie Anglin, Director of Communication; and Derek Read, Director of the College & Career Technical Institute. Mr. Ladner discussed increasing the number of dual credit opportunities available for our students in the PGSD and more specifically, music appreciation. Dr. Rodolfich shared multiple publications created by the PGSD. The first two were Career Pathway documents with the Career Exploration Alumni Directory and the Pathway manual. He explained how the district uses these documents in the Freshman Seminar classrooms for an introduction into careers. He then shared the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center story from South Mississippi Living magazine and
how the district begins career exploration for prekindergarten students in the themed rooms through play. He shared a second article on winning the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education Governor’s Award for becoming an ACT Work Ready Community. Mr. Read and Dr. DeAngelo discussed the district’s vocational programs and the wide array of offerings the district has through Career Pathways. They discussed the district’s partnership with Ingalls Shipbuilding for pipe fitters, welders, shipfitters and inside machinists through the HireUp program which helps the unemployed and underemployed receive positions at the shipyard upon successful completion of these programs through night classes at the CCTI. They discussed the machine shop program and Unmanned Aerial Systems Drone program. Also shared was an article on one of the district’s students being named a Cyber Security national award winner. The district’s Virtual Tech Camp for Teachers was discussed and how the district had trained more than 5,300 teachers in the past two years free of charge. Dr. Franks and Dr. Bailey shared the programs the college has available for PGSD students, specifically the nursing program and incentives associated with it. They talked about the quality they insisted upon with dual credit and their desire to maintain that relationship. They left the meeting to tour the CCTI. Both parties agreed to increase the number of meetings in the future to build a stronger Jackson County.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 7, August, 2021
Walter Anderson Museum of Art & PGSD Form Partnership for Pascagoula Public Art Enterprise PGSD/CCTI students are working in conjunction with Julian Rankin, executive director of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, in a unique Pascagoula Public Art Enterprise that fuses public art, design, engineering and entrepreneurship to support economic development efforts in downtown Pascagoula. Housed in a vacant building in downtown Pascagoula, students from eight different programs housed at the CCTI, along with artists will participate in the semesterling program which will culminate in the installation of three permanent metal sculptures at key places in Pascagoula’s redevelopment master plan. Students in the architecture and drafting, business and marketing, construction and carpentry, fabrication and manufacturing and welding along with others will transform the space into a design studio which will be open to the public. Brainstorming sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays on-site with upcoming field trips planned to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art for inspiration. The students will market and host community gatherings to solicit inspiration for the sculptures. It is the hope that the finished sculptures capture the stories that honor the
the community’s social and economic accomplishments. Project goals are to connect and support current Pascagoula revitalization efforts through creative place making; strengthen STEAM instruction and acquisition of applied skills for local students; demonstrate collaboration between sectors of industry, government, culture and education, and foster community pride through permanent sculptures that champion local identity and history. Advisory partners are the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Pascagoula, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Pascagoula Redevelopment Authority, Mississippi Power, Ingalls Shipbuilding and Chevron.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 8, September, 2021
PGSD Students Tour Walter Anderson Museum of Art Seeking Inspiration for Public Art Project PGSD/CCTI students involved in the Pascagoula Public Art Enterprise project met with Julian Rankin, Walter Anderson Museum of Art Executive Director, and Tony DiFatta, WAMA Director of Education, for a field trip to the museum to gain inspiration viewing the artworks of this famous artist. The students have begun brainstorming on the first sculpture of three permanent metal sculptures at key places in Pascagoula’s redevelopment master plan. Students will market and host community gatherings to solicit inspiration for the sculptures. It is the hope the finished sculptures will capture the stories that honor the community’s social and economic accomplishments.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 9, September, 2021
Chamber Education-Workforce Development Members Hear Success Stories from High School Career Coaches Members of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s Education/Workforce Development Committee heard success stories from Career Coaches embedded in all seven high schools in the county at the Sept. 7, 2021, meeting. Career coaches are providing added value to these high schools by giving another layer of support to students. Ensuring high school students know these career coaches care about their futures and are invested in their career opportunities is essential to the success of all students. Career coaches make students aware of Career Coaches are, front row, from left, Meleesa Bryant, Ocean Springs High; Suzanne Rodolfich, Moss Point High; Shunda Williams, Pascagoula High; Kristin Sheppard, East Central High; and Reagan Robinson, Gautier High; back row, David Fava, Career Coach Supervisor; Brittni Marvin, St. Martin High; and Ernie Surber, Vancleave High.
the importance of taking the ACT WorkKeys and speak with them about career destinations available to them in the local area. Coaches also provide information on scholarships and grants available to students, and participate in career inventories to help students find the career paths where they can find their passion that ultimately leads to a paycheck. This project, “P3” (Passion, Purpose, Paycheck) is being funded through a grant made possible through a partnership with Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and United Way for Jackson and George Counties.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 10, September, 2021
J.C. Economic Development Foundation Discusses Workforce Development Opportunities, Gaps and Trends with PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich was invited to speak with Mary Martha Henson, Deputy Director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation; and Rebekah Staples, public policy consultant with Free State Strategies Consulting, to determine the Foundation’s role in the community for economic development and workforce development. The Foundation is working on a survey that will be sent out to business and industry to find out the trends, opportunities and gaps in economic and workforce development and what role the Foundation can play in working together with business/industry, school districts, and philanthropic groups to move the county forward. This was an information-gathering meeting, and Dr. Rodolfich discussed a number of workforce development initiatives the school district has started in order for students to be college and career-ready once they graduate from high school. He presented the Career Exploration guide and Tech Camp For Teachers as two examples of ways
the district is reaching out to help students understand the myriad of career fields available to them as well as filling a void left for in-person learning for thousands of teachers across the state and beyond by going virtual for free technology sessions. Rodolfich also discussed how the district starts workforce development beginning at birth through Excel by 5 and the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center which offers themed rooms featuring a number of different work-related hands-on activities. Each school and classroom in the PGSD displays posters of the traits needed to be successful in life. He explained the You’re Hired Program which provides job interviews with professionals throughout the community for all juniors in the district, and the HiredUp! Program with Ingalls Shipbuilding which provides night classes for unemployed and underemployed at the College and Career Technical Institute. Upon completion, these adults are offered jobs at the shipyard.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 12, September, 2021
PHS Students Learn About Lights and Sound in Performing Arts Center Academy Internship Program The Pascagoula-Gautier School District has begun the process of developing a new Bridge Academy program for high school students who are interested in a potential career in live sound and lighting production. The Intro to Audio/Visual Engineering course, the first course of a multi-year program, is currently being piloted with three students from Pascagoula High School. These students will begin by learning the basics of lighting and sound, and will be able to quickly contribute their knowledge on small-scale productions at the Performing Arts Center. As the students’ skills progress, they will be Laurel Lemaitre PAC Sound and Lighting Engineer, able to take on more responsibility for larger demonstrates lighting console programming. projects. The course is under the direction of Brandon Wilson, Fine Arts Coordinator, and Laurel Lemaitre, PAC Sound and Lighting Brandon Wilson, Fine Arts Engineer. Coordinator, teaches PHS student C’ierra Palmer proper over-under cable coiling technique.
Adriana Vazquez and Brandon Wilson work on the basics of coiling cables.
Laurel Lemaitre watches as Devin Fortenberry demonstrates how to coil a cable.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 13, September, 2021
PGSD Meets with Mississippi Community College Board on Workforce Development Partnerships and Career Pathways PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich, College and Career Technical Institute Director Derek Read and Adult Learning Center Director Kathleen Williams met with Beth Little, State Director of Adult Education and HSE with the Mississippi Community College Board; and Sandy Crist, Assistant Executive Director of Workforce, Career and Technical and Adult Education for the Community College Board. Supt. Rodolfich explained the importance of career pathways throughout every child’s educational experience, from preschool through adult education. Planting those seeds through play at the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center, through Career Fairs and Dress Up Career Days at the elementary level, job shadowing, Pathways to Possibilities and Keystone classes at the middle school level and Freshman Seminar at the high school all lead to student success beyond 12th grade. Read spoke about the You’re Hired event for every 11th grader, the number of programs offered at the CCTI, business and industry partnerships and internships at the high school level as well as externships for teachers which all play an important role in helping students find their passion in life. Williams discussed the successes at the
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich explains how exploration into Career Pathways starts early in a child’s development during a tour of the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center. Adult Learning Center along with its partnership with the local Chamber Education/Workforce Development group and Second Chances. Crist said the Pascagoula Adult Learning Center was among the most successful in the state. The College Board representatives want to explore how the PGSD can share its successes in career pathways and workforce development for students throughout Mississippi to help all students find the right career pathways where they can thrive and be successful throughout their lives. They viewed the district booklets on Career Pathways and Alumni Interviews and toured the CCTI, PAC and the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 14, September, 2021
Pascagoula High & CCTI
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Develops Big Ideas for Strategic Planning Members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee were tasked with developing some big ideas for the future as part of the PGSD’s new Strategic Plan. The students’ ideas along with data compiled about the district will be used to design the new five-year strategic plan. The 60-member Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council includes representation from Trent Lott Academy, Singing River Academy, Colmer Middle, Gautier Middle, Gautier High, Pascagoula High and the College and Career Technical Institute. The students worked in small groups brainstorming and creating a wish list for the future in the areas of academics, arts, athletics, technology and career pathways. Their answers will be tallied and used as a guideline for the community-wide strategic planning team to use as they set objectives and goals for the future of the district. Students were also interviewed about what they love best about the school district which will be used for sound bites in upcoming videos. Students cited great teachers, and favorite classes, sports and activities among their top choices. (Continued next page)
Colmer Middle School
Gautier Middle School
Singing River Academy
Trent Lott Academy
Gautier High School
Students listen as Supt. Wayne Rodolfich gives instructions on how to create their Big Ideas lists.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 15, September, 2021
PGSD Celebrates Success of Teacher Academy Program in “Growing Our Own” Educators For Teacher Academy instructor, Erika Reynolds, her teaching career has come full circle. Seeing her former students now take on the role of teachers and assistant teachers is one Reynolds’ greatest rewards as a 30-year teacher. When the PGSD started Teacher Academy in 2012, Supt. Wayne Rodolfich and former Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education J.J. Morgan knew they had the perfect teacher in mind. But Reynolds had been an elementary teacher for 20 years. Now she was being asked to teach Teacher Academy instructor Erika Reynolds is surrounded by her high school students. former and current students, some who are now teachers and assistant “I was a nervous wreck about teachers in the PGSD. About 300-350 students have taken the class. the jump to high school,” Reynolds said. “But I knew I wanted to share my passion for education. I had heard all the “things” about high school students, but I didn’t find that to be the case. They gave me back exactly what I gave them. My passion carried over to them and the curriculum. I absolutely love my high school students.” Reynolds said the rewards of the program have been immeasurable. “I have watched my students become teachers, assistant teachers, preschool teachers, subs and parents. It has been amazing to hear them say their Teacher Academy experience prepared them for these positions and put them ahead of the game!” Reynolds said at the beginning of the program, she had the misconception that all of the students Teacher Academy instructor Erika Reynolds looks would walk into her classroom wanting to be through the portfolio one of her first students, Jenny teachers. (Continued next page) Gutherz kept and used throughout her college experience.
“Although I did have some who wanted to teach, some weren’t so sure. Many students realized a few years later that they were called to the profession and are now making their mark in the field. I knew it when they were in my class, but I had to let them figure it out for themselves,” she said. The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most challenging obstacle of the program. Not being able to get her students into the schools for field experience was a barrier Reynolds had to overcome. “I had to get creative on how to ensure the students received the full experience. The students created lessons and taught each other – which they excelled in doing. The creativity they used in lesson planning and implementation was so impressive,” she said. Another challenge Reynolds said they faced was the negativity surrounding becoming a teacher. “We heard it from parents and even other educators. I, along with my students, have worked hard to show it is the most rewarding career path they can take.” To celebrate 10 years of the program, the College and Career Technical Institute (where Teacher Academy is housed) hosted a Celebration, bringing all the former students and current students together. “It was amazing to see those smiling faces and hear all of their stories,” Reynolds said. “There was a lot of love in that room! A lot of happy tears! Seeing them with all the smiles and hearing how they are impacting students’ lives daily was definitely the icing on the cake for me in my career.” Reynolds said she was amazed when one of her first students showed her the portfolio she had put together as a student in the Teacher Academy. Another said she had used the portfolio throughout her college education. Reynolds said the Teacher Academy Program has definitely been successful. “Principals want to hire these people because they know they are prepared for the classroom. Getting phone calls and emails about the fantastic job my former students are doing in their schools is a amazing feeling.” The Teacher Academy Program partners
Teacher Academy instructor Erika Reynolds, right, is pictured with one of her former students, Alecea Price, now an assistant teacher at Trent Lott Academy.
with William Carey University and the University of Southern Mississippi. Both programs offer incentives, accelerated schedules and tuition waivers/discounts for students who are pursuing a teaching degree. The partnerships have given the PGSD the advantage of “growing their own” teachers. “The partnerships with William Carey and USM have grown substantially since 2012, proving the value these universities place on Teacher Academy,” Reynolds said. “I feel like the students who have completed Teacher Academy value educators and realize it is an incredible profession to be a part of.” Former Teacher Academy student and first grade teacher Melanie Verrett said she strongly encourages any high school student curious about being an educator to take advantage of the Teacher Academy. “I really felt like I had my toolbox filled by Mrs. Reynolds and the college. It really helped prepare me for what I was getting into,” said Verrett, who teaches at Beach Elementary. “My Teacher Academy experience would not have been the same without the help and guidance from Mrs. Reynolds. She inspired me as well as so many other teachers. Teacher Academy supplied the building blocks which led to the strong foundation of my career. I cannot thank Mrs. Reynolds enough for all she has done for me and for all of her students. I can honestly say she is the type of teacher I will always hope to be! I am amazed at how much the program has evolved under the dedicated, loving guidance Mrs. Reynolds has provided.” (Editor’s Note: Since its inception in 2012, about PGSD 325 students have enrolled in Teacher Academy.)
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 16, September, 2021
P3 - Helping Jackson County Students Find Their Passion, Their Purpose, and a Paycheck High school students in Jackson County are learning what it means to find their passion and purpose in life and ultimately, connect that passion to a paycheck. Thanks to a CARES Act grant from Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’ office and a partnership between the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County United Way for Jackson and George Counties, career coaches have been embedded in each of the seven high schools in the county. The three organizations are working in tandem to tighten the bonds between education and workforce development. “Our coaches are building relationships with our students, helping them find out more about themselves, and creating profiles to find out where their interests connect with roads leading to a J-O-B,” said David Fava, Career Coach Supervisor. The funding pays for the career coaches, local employment videos and a credential app developed by a national company called Merit. “ Where there is always a conversation around brain drain, we’re actually capturing a lot of talent right here in Jackson County that never leaves this community,” said Mary Martha Henson, Deputy Director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation. The employment videos showcase local employees, several of them local high school graduates, describing the skills and the excitement of their work. They also share the lifestyles their paychecks can afford them. “I love the results end of this grant, whether it’s to be employed, enrolled or enlisted,” said United Way President and CEO Tee McCovey.
Pascagoula High Career Coach Shunda Williams talks to students in Coach Lewis Sims’ class about the importance of finding their passion in life.
Gautier High Career Coach Reagan Robinson works individually with a student as they assess her interests to connect her with the right career. “Having more thoughtful and deliberate discussions with students aimed at identifying their passion, putting that toward a purpose and eventually earning a paycheck - that is success,” said Paige Roberts, President and CEO of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 17, September, 2021
Freshman Seminar Students Learn Skills Needed to be Successful through the Eyes of PGSD Alumni PGSD students taking Freshman Seminar classes this year at Gautier High and Pascagoula High have new reading material – a Career Exploration guide filled with stories of PGSD alumni from their high school graduation to finding their passion in life. These former students were asked questions about the challenges of setting career goals and the journey to achieve them. The interviews were compiled by members of the PGSD leadership team and College and Career Technical Institute. Those interviewed were recommended by educators and community members. The goal was to interview a diverse cross-section of graduates to help build an informational guide filled with advice and perspectives on the attainment of careers. As part of a bell-ringer assignment, students read one of the stories and then discuss what they learned from the narrative. Gautier High freshman Shelby Gunter said she “learned a lot of them came from hard backgrounds and they had to persevere. Some didn’t even like school, but they worked hard and got through it to meet their goals,” she said. “Some had to go down entirely different paths to get to their goals,” said GHS student Frederick Nicholson. “Their paths weren’t always straight forward so they had to have a strong work ethic. That’s what it took to reach the career they wanted to have.” Students in the Freshman Seminar classes go on a tour of the CCTI to view the many career pathways available to them. They also learn to write a resume, design a 10-year plan for themselves and research different careers to find out what they want to do after high school, whether it is going straight to college, into the (Continued next page )
From Page 1 military or into the workforce. GHS Freshman Seminar teacher Bailey Cuevas said the students also researched the colleges they want to attend, the salaries they would make in their chosen profession and then based on their salary, what kind of house and car would they be able to afford. “I want to build confidence in these students in ninth grade and get them to feel good about themselves,” Cuevas said. “Everyone, no matter what line of work you are going into, needs to learn to speak well and dress well.” In addition to a variety of guest speakers coming to the classroom to discuss specific careers, university and college representatives have also spoken to the students about the benefits of seeking a higher education. So far, Nicholson said two of his favorite stories have been about Vick Ballard and Anthony McDaniel. Ballard, a Pascagoula High graduate, is a former NFL football player with the Indianapolis Colts. McDaniel, a star basketball player at Gautier High School, lost both of his legs and an arm while deployed with the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan. McDaniel is now a Paralympian. Hunter said one of her favorite stories was about Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers. Gautier High Freshman Seminar teachers are Bailey Cuevas and Ryan Savell. Pascagoula High Freshman Seminar instructors are Brianna Lancaster and Kendall Sprague.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 18, September, 2021
PGSD School Resource Officers Offer D.A.R.E. Program to Help Students Make Good Decisions Pascagoula-Gautier School District Resource Officers Darius Wilson and Eugena Marshall are presenting the D.A.R.E. program to fifth graders at Singing River Academy and Trent Lott Academy. D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is an educational program that seeks to prevent the use of controlled drugs, membership in gangs and violent behavior. D.A.R.E. is a police-officer led series that teaches students how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug- and violence-free. “The D.A.R.E. program is important for our students in this phase of their growth and development in making good decisions,” Officer Wilson said. “The fifth grade level is a prime opportunity for law enforcement to gain a positive influence in the lives of our young people.” Wilson said the curriculum is centered around various topics that young people deal with at home and school. Some of those topics include being responsible, risk and consequences, how to handle stress, verbal
communication and much more. “Our goal is to sharpen their decision-making skills with the hope that each student will become an outstanding citizen in the community,” Wilson said. When area school leaders met with business and industry leaders about bridging the gap between education and workforce, the number one challenge in becoming employed was the inability of potential employees to pass the drug test. PGSD hopes the D.A.R.E. classes will provide students with the tools they need to resist drugs, alcohol and risky behaviors.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 19, September, 2021
PGSD Seventh Grade Keystone Classes Teach Career Clusters, Develop Skills for Success in Life All PGSD seventh graders take the Keystone Class which is designed to introduce students to the 16 career clusters put in place by the Mississippi Department of Education. To take things one step further, PGSD seventh graders also read “The Leader in Me” by Steven Covey, and “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey, take field trips as they are introduced to careers they may not normally consider or know about, and research colleges to find the right fit for them. The project-based learning course allows students to simulate a job in each particular cluster. For example, at Colmer Middle School the students dissected rats when their teachers covered health sciences and simulated a travel agent when they studied tourism and hospitality. Another hands-on event is the Reality Fair where students choose and research a job and then pay bills based on their monthly income. Prior to COVID, the students experienced Job Shadowing and learned about various careers via guest speakers who came to the classroom to share their career with the students.
Keystone students visit Jackson County Courthouse
Keystone Students visit Pascagoula City Council Board Room Colmer Middle Keystone teachers took their MCT (manufacturing, construction, and transportation) students to Ingalls Shipbuilding. CAB (communication, arts and business) students were able to go to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and tour the campus. Law and government students went to Pascagoula City Hall and the courthouse. “Also, pre-Covid, we were able to do things like take students to the Bus Barn to learn about car maintenance and walk to Jackson Elementary to teach third grade students a math lesson as part of our education unit.,” said Colmer Keystone teacher Sarah Lawrence. “Students start earning high school credits in middle school. It is important to expose them to careers at this age as well so they can relate it to their future,” she said. “ It gives our students more information on things they would want to pursue as well as things they would not be interested in pursuing.” (Continued next page)
From Previous Page Keystone students also research a college of their choice. They look at the median ACT scores needed, grade point average, in-state and out-of-state tuition , room and board, mascots, location, top three degrees and more. Students then displayed reports of their findings.
Researching colleges
Students in Keystone classes are also having discussions based on the “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” written by Sean Covey, and “The Leader in Me” by Stephen Covey. “For Mrs. (Kristy) Alspaugh, Mrs. (Michelle) Davis and me, our goal is for out students to develop intrinsic motivation to succeed,” Lawrence said. “We want to give them all the tools we can to help them have a successful future.” “I feel the “Seven Habits” is a innovative way to show teens that they don’t have to wait to make a difference in their lives and they can positively impact the world,” said Colmer Middle student Addalynn Hasty. “I learned how to, not only be a leader to others, but also one in myself,” said Colmer student Hadley Larsen. One of Gautier Middle School’s two Keystone teachers, Kristina Morales, said as a class, they are discussing bad habits students have and challenges they face.
Colmer Middle students landscape the campus. Editor’s Note: Due to COVID, some photos were from previous years. “One challenge could be if you’re playing sports and you think you are not going to win, it would be better to think on the positive side and try harder, said student Lillian Dominques. “Another could be when you don’t put school work first and hang out with friends instead. You could do all the work and when you’re done, you can go with friends.” Gautier Middle Keystone teacher Marie Bond said “The Leader in Me” is giving students tools to use in the future. “They are learning to recognize the habits that could hold them back and learning how to change those habits. They are also learning to share their thoughts and give each other feedback.. The students look forward to Fridays when we do the ‘Leader in Me’ discussions. “The program is helping me become more confident,” said GMS student Morgan Ladnier. “I am learning to think before I act,” added GMS student Zoey Griffin.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 20, September, 2021
Four PGSD Administrators Accepted into National Career Academy Coalition Career Academy Leaders’ Collaborative Four PGSD administrators have been selected to participate in the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) Career Academy Leaders’ Collaborative (CALC). Derek Read, Director of the College and Career Technical Institute (CCTI); Dr. April Engle, Assistance Director of CCTI and Dean of Academies; Dr. Melissa DeAngelo, District Career Pathway Coordinator, and Dr. Wayne Rodolfich, Superintendent, are in the 5th cohort of CALC Fellows. CALC has three onsite meetings. The first of three onsite meetings was held in Grand Island, Nebraska. The next two are in Orlando, Florida and Polk County Florida. Mr. Read, Dr. Engle, and Dr. DeAngelo spent two-and-a-half days with other CALC fellows across the United States, learning and collaborating on the implementation of Career Academies. Connie Majka, cofounder of National Career Academy Coalition, co-facilitated the workshop and onsite visits. Other CALC fellows included Assistant Superintendents, State Department of Education, Directors, Principals, and others directly working with the implementation of Career Academies. On Day One, CALC fellows spent time collaborating in various groups to make connections and build professional relationships. They were divided into groups which allowed them to get to know other academy leaders as well as discuss the perks and struggles of implementing Career Academies. “ We worked through leadership lessons and district academy implementation issues together,” Read said. (Continued next page )
From Page 1 They spent time unpacking NCAC National Standards of Practice (NSOPs). These standards guide the implementation and sustainability of Career Academies. By doing this, they received a better and deeper understanding of how valuable the Academy Model is and how it can transform a traditional high school into one tailored to students' interests and strengths. “During my first session, I was able to connect and network with other school leaders from Kentucky, Missouri, and Nebraska, to name a few,” said Engle. “They had rich discussions about what is working in their schools and the hurdles they faced with some doable solutions.” On Day Two, CALC fellows spent time practicing strategies that aid in implementing change. Fellows were able to assist each other with what worked in their district and gain insight on what they could take back to their district. After lunch, they toured the Grand Island School District Career Academies and Senior High School. This gave an opportunity to see first hand what wall-to-wall Academies looks like in action. After the tour, in a panel discussion, Grand Island Public Schools administration spoke about their journey through implementation and towards earning NCAC Model Status. They answered practitioners’ questions from the CALC fellows. The PGSD CALC Fellows felt that they gained so much in knowledge and application, as well as made lasting friendships with school leaders that they could reach out to with any concerns or issues. The next CALC onsite visits will be in Orlando Florida in November, along with the NCAC Annual Conference, and in Polk County, Florida. The PGSD is in the third year of implementing pocket Career Academies in Pascagoula High School, Gautier High School, and the CCTI. More information on Academies can be found on the PGSD website and under the Bridge Academies tab.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 21, September, 2021
Building Block Sculpture Is One Step Closer to Showcasing Revitalization Project for Pascagoula College and Career Technical Institute and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art are one step closer to designing and constructing three 15-ft. sculptures which will be placed in downtown Pascagoula as part of the city’s revitalization project. The students have been meeting every Tuesday and Thursday at the downtown design studio with Walter Anderson Museum Director Julian Rankin to brainstorm and design prototypes which will be transformed into metal sculptures for the community to enjoy. The first building block sculpture showcases some of the features that make Pascagoula special to the residents of the city with a seagull, paddle, the 39567 zip code, the nautical flags and even a nod to the 1973 alien abduction. “This really has been an amazing project, using the students’ creativity and innovation and connecting it with these workforce trainings and applied skills,” Rankin said. “It’s really about unleashing students’ creativity into their own community. “It’s a fusion of ideas from a large group of people that is driven by our students, and we are really excited about the opportunity, said PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich. CCTI welding director Jason Brister discusses the amount of metal needed for the building block sculpture with WAMA Director Julian Rankin, Machine Shop Instructor Gregory Bosarge and student Stanley Pauls.
WAMA Director Julian Rankin talks to CCTI students about the building block prototype.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 22, September,2021
Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents Hear Update on P3 - Passion, Purpose, Paycheck Local superintendents and assistant superintendents met with the President and CEO of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Paige Roberts, the President and CEO of United Way for Jackson and George Counties Tee McCovey, the Deputy Director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation Mary Martha Henson, and Career Coach Supervisor David Fava to discuss a new program coined P3- Passion, Purpose, Paycheck on Sept. 30, 2021. Districts represented were Pascagoula-Gautier, Moss Point, Ocean Springs and Jackson County. The purpose of P3 is a workforce development effort to connect students with job exploration and experience. Career Coaches have been hired for each of the seven high school within Jackson County. These coaches meet with students in large group, small group, or one-on-on to discuss the student’s passion and skillset that would lead to a career. Students work with coaches, watch job videos, shadow employers, track credentials, and by the end of their senior year, should have a plan after graduation.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 23, September, 2021
Supt. Rodolfich Discusses Career Pathways During Interviews with Coast Vue, Children’s Foundation PGSD Superintendent Dr. Wayne Rodolfich discussed the district’s journey to Career Pathways during interviews with Ricky Mathews of Coast Vue Radio and the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi. The PGSD is among the leading districts in the state with the number of career pathways offerings for students and the opportunities provided for internships at local businesses and industries. These hands-on trainings provide students with first-hand experiences so they have a better understanding of where their passions PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich speaks to Coast VUE are for particular careers before leaving interviewer Ricky Mathews about career pathways. high school. Activities and experiences from pre-school through 12th grade introduce students to the wide array of career paths that are available to them. “We believe exposing our students to a high number of career options will help provide them with a purpose throughout their lives,” Rodolfich said. The district’s Keystone classes in the seventh grade lead the students through the career clusters and teaches them the characteristics of being successful in life through “The Leader in Me” study. In Freshman Seminar, students read the journey of PGSD alumni and the character traits which helped them along the journey to their place in the workforce. They also learn how to write resumes and interview skills. “Everything we do in this district gives our young people hope for their future and builds an excitement to pursue their passion in life,” Rodolfich said.
The Pathways II Document is a continuation to the foundational Pathways Document which sets the basis for our program establishment and relationship building for our Career Pathways. The journey to this document has been arduous and rewarding. Our story can be told across several documents. Our team has worked diligently to research the needs and requirements of the innovation we would employ to reach our current status. The Pathways I and Pathways II Documents are a product of a 100 Interview Journey we made as a team, documenting conversations with business, industry, community, and political leaders. These conversations spanned seven states with tremendous feedback that would eventually find its way into a SUCCESS rubric that is posted in Spanish and English in every classroom in our school district. The SUCCESS rubric is the product of a collaboration between the PascagoulaGautier School District and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. The innovation of the SUCCESS rubric led to a project to interview 50 alumni who explained their journey from high school to college to career. These interviews are in a digital and hard copy textbook created by our leadership team and College & Career Technical Institute team. This textbook is utilized in our Freshman Seminar classes which provide insight to careers and resilience for every student who enters our high schools. The instructors at our two high schools have adapted these interviews to use as daily bell assignments. This resource has led to the students constructing a document of the career path they currently want to follow. Our objective is to map out a plan to build a pathway for every student in our district. The Pathways II Document is an overview of 35 meetings or events that are within the frame of our Career Pathway II Journey. We have included the phrase “Collaboration Nation” because of our networking effort and the wide range of planning we are executing to elevate the opportunities our students may select. We will continue to document our activity to help guide other districts on their journey to Career Pathways. To be continued….
Wayne V. Rodolfich Ed.D. Superintendent
Table of Contents J.C. Career Technical Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1 Eastlawn Community Pathways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2 Chamber Education Workforce Development September Meeting . . . . . . . . . Page 4 Miss. Economic Development Workforce Development Meeting . . . . . . . . . . Page 5 Chamber Arbinger Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Career Pathways Meeting . . . . . . Page 7 Walter Anderson Museum Revitalization Art Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Field Trip to Walter Anderson Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 Chamber Education Workforce Development October Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Meeting with Jackson County Economic Development Foundation . . . . . . . Page 11 Employee Assistance Program Whole Child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12 Technology Interns at Pascagoula High Performing Arts Center . . . . . . . . . . Page 13 PGSD Meets with Miss. Community College Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15 Teacher Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17 Passion-Purpose-Paycheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19 Freshman Seminar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20 D.A.R.E. Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 22 Keystone Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23 CALC Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 25 Students Ready to Build WAMA sculptures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 27 P3 Update for Superintendents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 28 Supt. Speaks on Career Pathways on Coast VUE, Children’s Foundation . . . Page 29 J.C. Chamber Education Workforce Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 30 Where Do Students See Themselves in the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 31 SRHS meets with Miss. Dept. of Education & PGSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 33 MDE Meets with PGSD on Career Pathways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 34 Bridge Academies Work on Mission Statement, Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 35 Pascagoula High Holds Family Fiesta Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 36 Career Coaches Tour MGCCC Career Pathway Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 37 Deloise Moore is guest speaker at GHS Freshman Seminar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 39 Adult Learning Center Celebrates MIBEST Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 41 CCTI Students Run Singing River Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 42 Jefferson County School District Visits PGSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 44 Cherokee Elementary Career Pathways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 46
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 1, July, 2021
Career Technical Education Conference Brings Together CTE Educators from Jackson County The Pascagoula-Gautier School District hosted the Jackson County Career Technical Education Conference at the PHS Performing Arts Center with CTE educators from PGSD, Jackson County, Moss Point and Ocean Springs School Districts in attendance. The teachers rotated through a variety of different sessions led by business and industry leaders Dr. Sondia Christian, Human Resources and Administration Director, Talent Management, Ingalls Shipbuilding; Daniel Harrison, Human Resources Program Specialist at Singing River Health System; Jerica Hudson, Vice President of Marketing and Communication, Singing River Federal Credit Union; Amy Brandenstein, Community Affairs Representative, Chevron, Pascagoula Refinery; Mary Martha Henson, Deputy Director, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation; Paige Roberts, CEO, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce; David Fava, Career Coach Supervisor; and Deonda Smith, Human Resources, Descher Organization/McDonalds. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich, Pascagoula-Gautier School District Superintendent; Dr. Aimee Brown, Director of Career and Technical Education for the Mississippi Department of Education; Dr. J.J. Morgan, Jackson County School District Technology Center Director; and Dr. Ben Burnett, William Carey University Executive Vice President and Dean, School of Education, welcomed the conference attendees. Special thanks to Derek Read, College and Career Technical Institute Director; and April Engle, CCTI Assistant Director, for their work in putting the conference together, and Brandon Wilson, PAC Coordinator and Fine Arts Director, for the technology guidance and support to make the conference run smoothly. 1
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 2 August 2021
Eastlawn Elementary “Blazes a Trail Through Goula” to Teach Students About Career Pathways When you walk through the doors of Eastlawn Elementary you’ll see the school has been transformed into the City of Pascagoula. From City Hall, Pascagoula Police Department, Tay’s BBQ and Chevron to Singing River Federal Credit Union, Anderson’s and Scranton’s, the staff has created a miniature version of more than 30 Pascagoula destinations, small businesses and industry inside the school to celebrate “Blazing a Trail Through Goula.” “We always choose a school theme in May for the next school year,” said Eastlawn Principal Beth Goff. “We started out with #Goula Proud, and then when we received word of the district theme, “Blaze a Trail”, we incorporated the two together to form “Blazing a Trail Through Goula.” Goff used a Google form as a sign up sheet for teachers who selected what destination or business to create. Classroom doors, along the walls and even bulletin boards have been transformed into what makes Pascagoula so unique. “Our teachers have reached out to these businesses, many of whom have donated items to help with the decorations,” Goff said. “Since our district is really emphasizing Career Pathways from Pre-K through 12th grade, we thought this would be a wonderful way to showcase our community and to celebrate what we have here in Pascagoula. We can show the students all the different careers that are available to them right here in our hometown.” Goff said it’s important for elementary children to learn what’s in their community since many of them are not able to get out and see what Pascagoula has to offer. “We have some students who have never been to Beach Park or eaten at Bozo’s or Scranton’s or been able to get donuts from Anderson’s Bakery,” Goff said. “It’s important for them to know their community and the different dynamics that make up this town because we have a really great place to live and so much to offer.” 2
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Jackson County Fairgrounds
Tay’s
Scranton’s
Anderson’s Bakery
Bozo’s
Goff credits Eastlawn teacher Heather Lilly for the idea of the school’s theme this year. “We talked about how the school district is very invested in Career Pathways so we wanted to bring careers into our school, but also for the kids to have a sense of community,” Lilly said. “We reached out to those businesses and asked if they would like to work with us this year, and many of the teachers have had a great deal of success with that. “ Of course, kids say ‘I want to be a doctor or a fireman’, but I wanted them to have a knowledge of many more careers that are out there. They need to know their possibilities are endless. They need to start dreaming and setting goals at a young age and that will help them be successful as they go through school.” As a third grade teacher, Lilly said students who are taught about work ethic at an early age build on those skills they learn, and by the time they are in the job field they are the leaders. “I love teaching third grade because the kids are so excited about learning,” Lilly said. “They soak up everything you say so we work on expectations, doing the right thing, focusing on school work, doing their very best, and those kind of things become their mindset and that helps build the foundation for their lives.” Teachers model work ethic for their students at Eastlawn, Goff said. “We show the students that you need to get up and go to work every day to earn a paycheck to pay bills and buy gas and food. We teach them how to persevere, to never give up and to always do their best, especially when you think no one is looking. It’s all about integrity.” 3
Edd’s Drive-In
Pugh’s Florist
Singing River Federal Credit Union
Johnson Brothers Jewelry
Merchants & Marine Bank
Jerry Lee’s Grocery Store
Delo’s Coffee Singing River Yacht Club
Estabrook Ford
Haygood’s
Chevron
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 3, August, 2021
J.C. Chamber of Commerce’s Education-Workforce Development Committee Discusses Connecting Students to Their Passion, Their Purpose to a Paycheck A number of educators from the PascagoulaGautier School District attended the Aug. 17, 2021 meeting of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s Education-Workforce Development Committee at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gautier. The meeting was led by Debbie Anglin, PGSD’s Director of Communication, committee chair. Also in attendance were PGSD’s Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich, Dr. Melissa DeAngelo, Director of College and Career Pathways; Derek Read, Director of the College and Career Technical Institute; Paulette Edwards, CTE guidance counselor; Kathleen Williams, director of the PGSD Adult Learning Center; Margaret Moran, Gautier High School’s work-based learning instructor; and Mike Concannon, former PGSD School Board member. Other members of the committee include representatives from the Jackson County, Ocean Springs and Moss Point school districts as well as the WIN – Job Center, business and industry, GET2College and United Way. Also new to the committee is David Fava, director of the new Career Coaches program, funded with repurposed CARES Act money through a partnership between the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, United Way for Jackson and George Counties and Merit. This partnership includes the hiring of seven career coaches which are housed at Pascagoula High, Gautier High, Ocean Springs High, St. Martin High, Vancleave High, East Central High and Moss Point High schools. These career coaches will stand in the gap and work with students to ensure every high
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school graduate has the opportunity to develop career profiles and a post-graduation plan that leads to a paycheck in an interesting and rewarding field. These coaches are there to assist the programs already in place at each of the high schools. The Chamber of Commerce has been helping develop short videos with young professionals about why they are passionate about working in their chosen field. These videos will be shared with high school students as a reminder to find a career they are passionate about. The purpose behind the program called “P3”, is to connect a student’s passion to a purpose and, ultimately, to a paycheck. Another purpose will be to help as many students as possible fill out FAFSA forms to help with college expenses and assist in making sure students are prepared for the ACT WorkKeys test. A presentation on the program and its efforts will be presented to the Jackson County Board of Supervisors at its Sept. 20 meeting. Representatives were called upon to discuss an update on COVID-19 concerns and issues in each respective school district. Members were also reminded to attend the Mississippi Economic Council’s Tour, “A New Day, A New Opportunity” on Aug. 18, 2021 at the Goodwill Mega Store in Ocean Springs. Committee members agreed to postpone the bi-annual Education/Business Summit meeting until November in the hope that COVID-19 numbers will have dropped dramatically.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 4, August, 2021
MEC Tour Attendees Discuss Workforce Development, Business Climate, Brain Drain Five PGSD educators attended the Mississippi Economic Council’s Tour – “A New Day, A New Opportunity for Mississippi” Aug. 18, 2021 in Ocean Springs. In attendance were Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich; Dr. Melissa DeAngelo, Director of College and Career Pathways; Debbie Anglin, Director of Communication; Derek Read, Director of the College & Career Technical Institute; and Kathleen Williams, Director of the PGSD Adult Learning Center. Discussion centered around three key initiatives: education and workforce development, business climate and brain drain. Phillip Shirley with the Godwin Group discussed the top two challenges in the state based on a survey filled out by attendees. The number one issue is the lack of qualified workers and the second issue – state image. Supt. Rodolfich said the state is getting too late a start on getting people ready for employability. It needs to begin at the K-12 level in teaching children those soft skills necessary to be gainfully employed in the state. Eighty percent of business and industry said those lack of skills were a threat
to their businesses. Derek Read pointed out that a big challenge was changing of the image of vocational education which was doing a great job of providing students with multiple pathways. The lack of communicating the successes of these exciting new career programs is hurting the state. Shirley posed the question of why the connectivity was greater here than in other parts of the state. Debbie Anglin stated it was because the four school districts work closely together regularly with business and industry through the Chamber’s Education/ Workforce Development Committee. Christian Hartley with Keelser Federal Credit Union shared that 94 percent of employees will stay at a job where they know they will be developed. Katarina Scott with the City of Pascagoula, said the city is working hard to create affordable residences for young professionals. George Freeland, executive director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, said we must never become complacent or let our guard down when fighting for economic development for our state. 5
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 5, August, 2021
J.C. Chamber Hosts Arbinger Institute for 2021 Summer Learning Summit The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the Arbinger Institute’s program, “Applying the Outward Mindset,” facilitated by Teresa Roberts, at the Pascagoula High Performing Arts Center. Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich attended the seminar as a Chamber member. The program was part of the Chamber’s 2021 Summer Learning Summit. The purpose of the program was to share methods to reduce interoffice conflict between employees in management and leadership positions. Through 40 years of research and 35 years of working with organizations
Teresa Roberts with the Arbinger Institute talks about Applying Outward Mindset at the PHS Performing Arts Center hosted by the J.C. Chamber of Commerce.
world-wide, Arbinger’s work has revealed two distinct mindsets from which people and organizations operate – a self-focused inward mindset and an impact-focused outward mindset – and the path to sustainably change mindset and results. Shifting from an inward mindset to an other-inclusive, results focused, outward mindset is the one critical change for organizational performance. The facilitator took the audience through several interactive exercises and shared several testimonials about the approach to conflict resolution. The concept of collusion was used as an example when two parties, typically in leadership, have conflicting visions of job assignments and recruit support from other employees. Both parties feel they are right and feel the need to justify their competence in the roles they are executing regarding projects and jobs. “It was a very enlightening process to share this time with other business and community leaders and take a reflective review of our own group dynamics within our offices,” Rodolfich said. “The PGSD appreciates the opportunity to gain new perspectives in problem-solving that can be shared organizationally.” The interactive session revealed the power of an Outward Mindset and how it drives self-accountable behaviors in people and their teams. Accountable people enable organizations to achieve great results via an engaging and supportive work environment. In that type of environment, people will have fun, learn from one another and explore how to invite the mindset that enables the behaviors needed in order to grow and sustain a selfaccountable culture. Organizational change starts with individuals. The key takeaway from the lunch session was: Don’t Hold People Accountable – Develop Accountable People. 6
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 6, August, 2021
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Discusses Career Pathway Offerings with PGSD Dr. Tammy Franks, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Vice President, Gautier Campus; and Dr. Brad Bailey, MGCCC Dean of Teaching and Learning, Gautier; discussed a number of topics surrounding Career Pathways with PGSD administrators. Attending the meeting from PGSD were Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich; Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Rhett Ladner (by phone); Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Belinda Dammen; Director of College and Career Pathways Dr. Melissa DeAngelo; Debbie Anglin, Director of Communication; and Derek Read, Director of the College & Career Technical Institute. Mr. Ladner discussed increasing the number of dual credit opportunities available for our students in the PGSD and more specifically, music appreciation. Dr. Rodolfich shared multiple publications created by the PGSD. The first two were Career Pathway documents with the Career Exploration Alumni Directory and the Pathway manual. He explained how the district uses these documents in the Freshman Seminar classrooms for an introduction into careers. He then shared the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center story 7 from South Mississippi Living magazine and
how the district begins career exploration for prekindergarten students in the themed rooms through play. He shared a second article on winning the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education Governor’s Award for becoming an ACT Work Ready Community. Mr. Read and Dr. DeAngelo discussed the district’s vocational programs and the wide array of offerings the district has through Career Pathways. They discussed the district’s partnership with Ingalls Shipbuilding for pipe fitters, welders, shipfitters and inside machinists through the HireUp program which helps the unemployed and underemployed receive positions at the shipyard upon successful completion of these programs through night classes at the CCTI. They discussed the machine shop program and Unmanned Aerial Systems Drone program. Also shared was an article on one of the district’s students being named a Cyber Security national award winner. The district’s Virtual Tech Camp for Teachers was discussed and how the district had trained more than 5,300 teachers in the past two years free of charge. Dr. Franks and Dr. Bailey shared the programs the college has available for PGSD students, specifically the nursing program and incentives associated with it. They talked about the quality they insisted upon with dual credit and their desire to maintain that relationship. They left the meeting to tour the CCTI. Both parties agreed to increase the number of meetings in the future to build a stronger Jackson County.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 7, August, 2021
Walter Anderson Museum of Art & PGSD Form Partnership for Pascagoula Public Art Enterprise PGSD/CCTI students are working in conjunction with Julian Rankin, executive director of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, in a unique Pascagoula Public Art Enterprise that fuses public art, design, engineering and entrepreneurship to support economic development efforts in downtown Pascagoula. Housed in a vacant building in downtown Pascagoula, students from eight different programs housed at the CCTI, along with artists will participate in the semesterling program which will culminate in the installation of three permanent metal sculptures at key places in Pascagoula’s redevelopment master plan. Students in the architecture and drafting, business and marketing, construction and carpentry, fabrication and manufacturing and welding along with others will transform the space into a design studio which will be open to the public. Brainstorming sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays on-site with upcoming field trips planned to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art for inspiration. The students will market and host community gatherings to solicit inspiration for the sculptures. It is the hope that the 8 finished sculptures capture the stories that honor the
the community’s social and economic accomplishments. Project goals are to connect and support current Pascagoula revitalization efforts through creative place making; strengthen STEAM instruction and acquisition of applied skills for local students; demonstrate collaboration between sectors of industry, government, culture and education, and foster community pride through permanent sculptures that champion local identity and history. Advisory partners are the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Pascagoula, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Pascagoula Redevelopment Authority, Mississippi Power, Ingalls Shipbuilding and Chevron.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 8, September, 2021
PGSD Students Tour Walter Anderson Museum of Art Seeking Inspiration for Public Art Project PGSD/CCTI students involved in the Pascagoula Public Art Enterprise project met with Julian Rankin, Walter Anderson Museum of Art Executive Director, and Tony DiFatta, WAMA Director of Education, for a field trip to the museum to gain inspiration viewing the artworks of this famous artist. The students have begun brainstorming on the first sculpture of three permanent metal sculptures at key places in Pascagoula’s redevelopment master plan. Students will market and host community gatherings to solicit inspiration for the sculptures. It is the hope the finished sculptures will capture the stories that honor the community’s social and economic accomplishments.
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 9, September, 2021
Chamber Education-Workforce Development Members Hear Success Stories from High School Career Coaches Members of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s Education/Workforce Development Committee heard success stories from Career Coaches embedded in all seven high schools in the county at the Sept. 7, 2021, meeting. Career coaches are providing added value to these high schools by giving another layer of support to students. Ensuring high school students know these career coaches care about their futures and are invested in their career opportunities is essential to the success of all students. Career coaches make students aware of Career Coaches are, front row, from left, Meleesa Bryant, Ocean Springs High; Suzanne Rodolfich, Moss Point High; Shunda Williams, Pascagoula High; Kristin Sheppard, East Central High; and Reagan Robinson, Gautier High; back row, David Fava, Career Coach Supervisor; Brittni Marvin, St. Martin High; and Ernie Surber, Vancleave High.
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the importance of taking the ACT WorkKeys and speak with them about career destinations available to them in the local area. Coaches also provide information on scholarships and grants available to students, and participate in career inventories to help students find the career paths where they can find their passion that ultimately leads to a paycheck. This project, “P3” (Passion, Purpose, Paycheck) is being funded through a grant made possible through a partnership with Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and United Way for Jackson and George Counties.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 10, September, 2021
J.C. Economic Development Foundation Discusses Workforce Development Opportunities, Gaps and Trends with PGSD Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich was invited to speak with Mary Martha Henson, Deputy Director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation; and Rebekah Staples, public policy consultant with Free State Strategies Consulting, to determine the Foundation’s role in the community for economic development and workforce development. The Foundation is working on a survey that will be sent out to business and industry to find out the trends, opportunities and gaps in economic and workforce development and what role the Foundation can play in working together with business/industry, school districts, and philanthropic groups to move the county forward. This was an information-gathering meeting, and Dr. Rodolfich discussed a number of workforce development initiatives the school district has started in order for students to be college and career-ready once they graduate from high school. He presented the Career Exploration guide and Tech Camp For Teachers as two examples of ways
the district is reaching out to help students understand the myriad of career fields available to them as well as filling a void left for in-person learning for thousands of teachers across the state and beyond by going virtual for free technology sessions. Rodolfich also discussed how the district starts workforce development beginning at birth through Excel by 5 and the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center which offers themed rooms featuring a number of different work-related hands-on activities. Each school and classroom in the PGSD displays posters of the traits needed to be successful in life. He explained the You’re Hired Program which provides job interviews with professionals throughout the community for all juniors in the district, and the HiredUp! Program with Ingalls Shipbuilding which provides night classes for unemployed and underemployed at the College and Career Technical Institute. Upon completion, these adults are offered jobs at the 11 shipyard.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 11, September, 2021
PGSD Supports Staff and Students with New Initiatives: Employee Assistance Program and Zones of Regulation The Pascagoula-Gautier School District has expanded its supports to employees and their dependents by partnering with Deer Oaks EAP Services to provide a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Employees have 24/7 access to EAP services. The EAP provides up to 10 free counseling sessions and numerous other services to assist employees to achieve a healthy work-life balance. EAP services include: • Assessment & short-term counseling •Crisis intervention •Community & health plan referrals •Leadership & supervisor training •Online tools, tips & articles •Work/life balance coaching •Child care/elder care resources •Legal & financial consultations •Substance abuse services •Health & wellness education •Take the High Road program The PGSD is excited to Blaze a Trail in supporting the mental health needs of its valued employees.
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PGSD’s Whole Child Education Department is proud of the perfect scores schools have received on their Whole Child evaluations. Coordinator Kristen Sims has been touring schools and meeting with Whole Child team leaders to evaluate every school’s efforts to meet the social and emotional needs of all students. All schools must utilize positive reinforcement systems to recognize and reward good behavior while teaching students the social skills needed to be college and career ready. Every school has adopted the Zones of Regulation curriculum to teach students to recognize their feelings and utilize appropriate coping skills. Students who need more individualized supports have opportunities to meet with their school counselors regularly to learn coping skills and strategies for academic success.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 12, September, 2021
PHS Students Learn About Lights and Sound in Performing Arts Center Academy Internship Program The Pascagoula-Gautier School District has begun the process of developing a new Bridge Academy program for high school students who are interested in a potential career in live sound and lighting production. The Intro to Audio/Visual Engineering course, the first course of a multi-year program, is currently being piloted with three students from Pascagoula High School. These students will begin by learning the basics of lighting and sound, and will be able to quickly contribute their knowledge on small-scale productions at the Performing Arts Center. As the students’ skills progress, they will be Laurel Lemaitre PAC Sound and Lighting Engineer, able to take on more responsibility for larger demonstrates lighting console programming. projects. The course is under the direction of Brandon Wilson, Fine Arts Coordinator, and Laurel Lemaitre, PAC Sound and Lighting Brandon Wilson, Fine Arts Engineer. Coordinator, teaches PHS student C’ierra Palmer proper over-under cable coiling technique.
Adriana Vazquez and Brandon Wilson work on the basics of coiling cables. 13
Laurel Lemaitre watches as Devin Fortenberry demonstrates how to coil a cable.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 13, September, 2021
PGSD Meets with Mississippi Community College Board on Workforce Development Partnerships and Career Pathways PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich, College and Career Technical Institute Director Derek Read and Adult Learning Center Director Kathleen Williams met with Beth Little, State Director of Adult Education and HSE with the Mississippi Community College Board; and Sandy Crist, Assistant Executive Director of Workforce, Career and Technical and Adult Education for the Community College Board. Supt. Rodolfich explained the importance of career pathways throughout every child’s educational experience, from preschool through adult education. Planting those seeds through play at the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center, through Career Fairs and Dress Up Career Days at the elementary level, job shadowing, Pathways to Possibilities and Keystone classes at the middle school level and Freshman Seminar at the high school all lead to student success beyond 12th grade. Read spoke about the You’re Hired event for every 11th grader, the number of programs offered at the CCTI, business and industry partnerships and internships at the high school level as well as externships for teachers which all play an important role in helping students find their passion in life. 14 Williams discussed the successes at the
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich explains how exploration into Career Pathways starts early in a child’s development during a tour of the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center. Adult Learning Center along with its partnership with the local Chamber Education/Workforce Development group and Second Chances. Crist said the Pascagoula Adult Learning Center was among the most successful in the state. The College Board representatives want to explore how the PGSD can share its successes in career pathways and workforce development for students throughout Mississippi to help all students find the right career pathways where they can thrive and be successful throughout their lives. They viewed the district booklets on Career Pathways and Alumni Interviews and toured the CCTI, PAC and the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 14, September, 2021
Pascagoula High & CCTI
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Develops Big Ideas for Strategic Planning Members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee were tasked with developing some big ideas for the future as part of the PGSD’s new Strategic Plan. The students’ ideas along with data compiled about the district will be used to design the new five-year strategic plan. The 60-member Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council includes representation from Trent Lott Academy, Singing River Academy, Colmer Middle, Gautier Middle, Gautier High, Pascagoula High and the College and Career Technical Institute. The students worked in small groups brainstorming and creating a wish list for the future in the areas of academics, arts, athletics, technology and career pathways. Their answers will be tallied and used as a guideline for the community-wide strategic planning team to use as they set objectives and goals for the future of the district. Students were also interviewed about what they love best about the school district which will be used for sound bites in upcoming videos. Students cited great teachers, and favorite classes, sports and activities among their top choices. (Continued next page) 15
Colmer Middle School
Gautier Middle School
Singing River Academy
Trent Lott Academy
Gautier High School
Students listen as Supt. Wayne Rodolfich gives instructions on how to create their Big Ideas lists.
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 15, September, 2021
PGSD Celebrates Success of Teacher Academy Program in “Growing Our Own” Educators For Teacher Academy instructor, Erika Reynolds, her teaching career has come full circle. Seeing her former students now take on the role of teachers and assistant teachers is one Reynolds’ greatest rewards as a 30-year teacher. When the PGSD started Teacher Academy in 2012, Supt. Wayne Rodolfich and former Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education J.J. Morgan knew they had the perfect teacher in mind. But Reynolds had been an elementary teacher for 20 years. Now she was being asked to teach Teacher Academy instructor Erika Reynolds is surrounded by her high school students. former and current students, some who are now teachers and assistant “I was a nervous wreck about teachers in the PGSD. About 300-350 students have taken the class. the jump to high school,” Reynolds said. “But I knew I wanted to share my passion for education. I had heard all the “things” about high school students, but I didn’t find that to be the case. They gave me back exactly what I gave them. My passion carried over to them and the curriculum. I absolutely love my high school students.” Reynolds said the rewards of the program have been immeasurable. “I have watched my students become teachers, assistant teachers, preschool teachers, subs and parents. It has been amazing to hear them say their Teacher Academy experience prepared them for these positions and put them ahead of the game!” Reynolds said at the beginning of the program, she had the misconception that all of the students Teacher Academy instructor Erika Reynolds looks would walk into her classroom wanting to be through the portfolio one of her first students, Jenny teachers. (Continued next page) 17 Gutherz kept and used throughout her college experience.
“Although I did have some who wanted to teach, some weren’t so sure. Many students realized a few years later that they were called to the profession and are now making their mark in the field. I knew it when they were in my class, but I had to let them figure it out for themselves,” she said. The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most challenging obstacle of the program. Not being able to get her students into the schools for field experience was a barrier Reynolds had to overcome. “I had to get creative on how to ensure the students received the full experience. The students created lessons and taught each other – which they excelled in doing. The creativity they used in lesson planning and implementation was so impressive,” she said. Another challenge Reynolds said they faced was the negativity surrounding becoming a teacher. “We heard it from parents and even other educators. I, along with my students, have worked hard to show it is the most rewarding career path they can take.” To celebrate 10 years of the program, the College and Career Technical Institute (where Teacher Academy is housed) hosted a Celebration, bringing all the former students and current students together. “It was amazing to see those smiling faces and hear all of their stories,” Reynolds said. “There was a lot of love in that room! A lot of happy tears! Seeing them with all the smiles and hearing how they are impacting students’ lives daily was definitely the icing on the cake for me in my career.” Reynolds said she was amazed when one of her first students showed her the portfolio she had put together as a student in the Teacher Academy. Another said she had used the portfolio throughout her college education. Reynolds said the Teacher Academy Program has definitely been successful. “Principals want to hire these people because they know they are prepared for the classroom. Getting phone calls and emails about the fantastic job my former students are doing in their schools is a amazing feeling.” The Teacher Academy Program partners 18
Teacher Academy instructor Erika Reynolds, right, is pictured with one of her former students, Alecea Price, now an assistant teacher at Trent Lott Academy.
with William Carey University and the University of Southern Mississippi. Both programs offer incentives, accelerated schedules and tuition waivers/discounts for students who are pursuing a teaching degree. The partnerships have given the PGSD the advantage of “growing their own” teachers. “The partnerships with William Carey and USM have grown substantially since 2012, proving the value these universities place on Teacher Academy,” Reynolds said. “I feel like the students who have completed Teacher Academy value educators and realize it is an incredible profession to be a part of.” Former Teacher Academy student and first grade teacher Melanie Verrett said she strongly encourages any high school student curious about being an educator to take advantage of the Teacher Academy. “I really felt like I had my toolbox filled by Mrs. Reynolds and the college. It really helped prepare me for what I was getting into,” said Verrett, who teaches at Beach Elementary. “My Teacher Academy experience would not have been the same without the help and guidance from Mrs. Reynolds. She inspired me as well as so many other teachers. Teacher Academy supplied the building blocks which led to the strong foundation of my career. I cannot thank Mrs. Reynolds enough for all she has done for me and for all of her students. I can honestly say she is the type of teacher I will always hope to be! I am amazed at how much the program has evolved under the dedicated, loving guidance Mrs. Reynolds has provided.” (Editor’s Note: Since its inception in 2012, about PGSD 325 students have enrolled in Teacher Academy.)
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 16, September, 2021
P3 - Helping Jackson County Students Find Their Passion, Their Purpose, and a Paycheck High school students in Jackson County are learning what it means to find their passion and purpose in life and ultimately, connect that passion to a paycheck. Thanks to a CARES Act grant from Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’ office and a partnership between the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County United Way for Jackson and George Counties, career coaches have been embedded in each of the seven high schools in the county. Pascagoula High Career Coach Shunda The three organizations are working in Williams talks to students in Coach Lewis Sims’ tandem to tighten the bonds between education class about the importance of finding their and workforce development. “Our coaches are passion in life. building relationships with our students, helping them find out more about themselves, and creating profiles to find out where their interests connect with roads leading to a J-O-B,” said David Fava, Career Coach Supervisor. The funding pays for the career coaches, local employment videos and a credential app developed by a national company called Merit. “ Where there is always a conversation around brain drain, we’re actually capturing a lot of talent right here in Jackson County that never leaves this community,” said Mary Martha Gautier High Career Coach Reagan Robinson Henson, Deputy Director of the Jackson County works individually with a student as they assess Economic Development Foundation. her interests to connect her with the right career. The employment videos showcase local employees, several of them local high school “Having more thoughtful and deliberate graduates, describing the skills and the discussions with students aimed at identifying their excitement of their work. They also share the passion, putting that toward a purpose and lifestyles their paychecks can afford them. eventually earning a paycheck - that is success,” “I love the results end of this grant, whether said Paige Roberts, President and CEO of the it’s to be employed, enrolled or enlisted,” said 19 Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. United Way President and CEO Tee McCovey.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 17, September, 2021
Freshman Seminar Students Learn Skills Needed to be Successful through the Eyes of PGSD Alumni PGSD students taking Freshman Seminar classes this year at Gautier High and Pascagoula High have new reading material – a Career Exploration guide filled with stories of PGSD alumni from their high school graduation to finding their passion in life. These former students were asked questions about the challenges of setting career goals and the journey to achieve them. The interviews were compiled by members of the PGSD leadership team and College and Career Technical Institute. Those interviewed were recommended by educators and community members. The goal was to interview a diverse cross-section of graduates to help build an informational guide filled with advice and perspectives on the attainment of careers. As part of a bell-ringer assignment, students read one of the stories and then discuss what they learned from the narrative. Gautier High freshman Shelby Gunter said she “learned a lot of them came from hard backgrounds and they had to persevere. Some didn’t even like school, but they worked hard and got through it to meet their goals,” she said. “Some had to go down entirely different paths to get to their goals,” said GHS student Frederick Nicholson. “Their paths weren’t always straight forward so they had to have a strong work ethic. That’s what it took to reach the career they wanted to have.” Students in the Freshman Seminar classes go on a tour of the CCTI to view the many career pathways available to them. They also learn to write a resume, design a 10-year plan for themselves and research different careers to find out what they want to do after high school, whether it is going straight to college, into the (Continued next page )
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From Page 1 military or into the workforce. GHS Freshman Seminar teacher Bailey Cuevas said the students also researched the colleges they want to attend, the salaries they would make in their chosen profession and then based on their salary, what kind of house and car would they be able to afford. “I want to build confidence in these students in ninth grade and get them to feel good about themselves,” Cuevas said. “Everyone, no matter what line of work you are going into, needs to learn to speak well and dress well.” In addition to a variety of guest speakers coming to the classroom to discuss specific careers, university and college representatives have also spoken to the students about the benefits of seeking a higher education. So far, Nicholson said two of his favorite stories have been about Vick Ballard and Anthony McDaniel. Ballard, a Pascagoula High graduate, is a former NFL football player with the Indianapolis Colts. McDaniel, a star basketball player at Gautier High School, lost both of his legs and an arm while deployed with the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan. McDaniel is now a Paralympian. Hunter said one of her favorite stories was about Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers. Gautier High Freshman Seminar teachers are Bailey Cuevas and Ryan Savell. Pascagoula High Freshman Seminar instructors are Brianna Lancaster and Kendall Sprague.
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 18, September, 2021
PGSD School Resource Officers Offer D.A.R.E. Program to Help Students Make Good Decisions Pascagoula-Gautier School District Resource Officers Darius Wilson and Eugena Marshall are presenting the D.A.R.E. program to fifth graders at Singing River Academy and Trent Lott Academy. D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is an educational program that seeks to prevent the use of controlled drugs, membership in gangs and violent behavior. D.A.R.E. is a police-officer led series that teaches students how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug- and violence-free. “The D.A.R.E. program is important for our students in this phase of their growth and development in making good decisions,” Officer Wilson said. “The fifth grade level is a prime opportunity for law enforcement to gain a positive influence in the lives of our young people.” Wilson said the curriculum is centered around various topics that young people deal with at home and school. Some of those topics include being responsible, risk and consequences, how to handle stress, verbal
communication and much more. “Our goal is to sharpen their decision-making skills with the hope that each student will become an outstanding citizen in the community,” Wilson said. When area school leaders met with business and industry leaders about bridging the gap between education and workforce, the number one challenge in becoming employed was the inability of potential employees to pass the drug test. PGSD hopes the D.A.R.E. classes will provide students with the tools they need to resist drugs, alcohol and risky behaviors.
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 19, September, 2021
PGSD Seventh Grade Keystone Classes Teach Career Clusters, Develop Skills for Success in Life All PGSD seventh graders take the Keystone Class which is designed to introduce students to the 16 career clusters put in place by the Mississippi Department of Education. To take things one step further, PGSD seventh graders also read “The Leader in Me” by Steven Covey, and “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey, take field trips as they are introduced to careers they may not normally consider or know about, and research colleges to find the right fit for them. The project-based learning course allows students to simulate a job in each particular cluster. For example, at Colmer Middle School the students dissected rats when their teachers covered health sciences and simulated a travel agent when they studied tourism and hospitality. Another hands-on event is the Reality Fair where students choose and research a job and then pay bills based on their monthly income. Prior to COVID, the students experienced Job Shadowing and learned about various careers via guest speakers who came to the classroom to share their career with the students.
Keystone students visit Jackson County Courthouse
Keystone Students visit Pascagoula City Council Board Room Colmer Middle Keystone teachers took their MCT (manufacturing, construction, and transportation) students to Ingalls Shipbuilding. CAB (communication, arts and business) students were able to go to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and tour the campus. Law and government students went to Pascagoula City Hall and the courthouse. “Also, pre-Covid, we were able to do things like take students to the Bus Barn to learn about car maintenance and walk to Jackson Elementary to teach third grade students a math lesson as part of our education unit.,” said Colmer Keystone teacher Sarah Lawrence. “Students start earning high school credits in middle school. It is important to expose them to careers at this age as well so they can relate it to their future,” she said. “ It gives our students more information on things they would want to pursue as well as things they would not be interested in 23 (Continued next page) pursuing.”
From Previous Page Keystone students also research a college of their choice. They look at the median ACT scores needed, grade point average, in-state and out-of-state tuition , room and board, mascots, location, top three degrees and more. Students then displayed reports of their findings.
Researching colleges
Students in Keystone classes are also having discussions based on the “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” written by Sean Covey, and “The Leader in Me” by Stephen Covey. “For Mrs. (Kristy) Alspaugh, Mrs. (Michelle) Davis and me, our goal is for out students to develop intrinsic motivation to succeed,” Lawrence said. “We want to give them all the tools we can to help them have a successful future.” “I feel the “Seven Habits” is a innovative way to show teens that they don’t have to wait to make a difference in their lives and they can positively impact the world,” said Colmer Middle student Addalynn Hasty. “I learned how to, not only be a leader to others, but also one in myself,” said Colmer student Hadley Larsen. One of Gautier Middle School’s two Keystone teachers, Kristina Morales, said as a class, they are discussing bad habits students have and 24 challenges they face.
Colmer Middle students landscape the campus. Editor’s Note: Due to COVID, some photos were from previous years. “One challenge could be if you’re playing sports and you think you are not going to win, it would be better to think on the positive side and try harder, said student Lillian Dominques. “Another could be when you don’t put school work first and hang out with friends instead. You could do all the work and when you’re done, you can go with friends.” Gautier Middle Keystone teacher Marie Bond said “The Leader in Me” is giving students tools to use in the future. “They are learning to recognize the habits that could hold them back and learning how to change those habits. They are also learning to share their thoughts and give each other feedback.. The students look forward to Fridays when we do the ‘Leader in Me’ discussions. “The program is helping me become more confident,” said GMS student Morgan Ladnier. “I am learning to think before I act,” added GMS student Zoey Griffin.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 20, September, 2021
Four PGSD Administrators Accepted into National Career Academy Coalition Career Academy Leaders’ Collaborative Four PGSD administrators have been selected to participate in the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) Career Academy Leaders’ Collaborative (CALC). Derek Read, Director of the College and Career Technical Institute (CCTI); Dr. April Engle, Assistance Director of CCTI and Dean of Academies; Dr. Melissa DeAngelo, District Career Pathway Coordinator, and Dr. Wayne Rodolfich, Superintendent, are in the 5th cohort of CALC Fellows. CALC has three onsite meetings. The first of three onsite meetings was held in Grand Island, Nebraska. The next two are in Orlando, Florida and Polk County Florida. Mr. Read, Dr. Engle, and Dr. DeAngelo spent two-and-a-half days with other CALC fellows across the United States, learning and collaborating on the implementation of Career Academies. Connie Majka, cofounder of National Career Academy Coalition, co-facilitated the workshop and onsite visits. Other CALC fellows included Assistant Superintendents, State Department of Education, Directors, Principals, and others directly working with the implementation of Career Academies. On Day One, CALC fellows spent time collaborating in various groups to make connections and build professional relationships. They were divided into groups which allowed them to get to know other academy leaders as well as discuss the perks and struggles of implementing Career Academies. “ We worked through leadership lessons and district academy implementation issues together,” Read said. (Continued next page )
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 21, September, 2021
Building Block Sculpture Is One Step Closer to Showcasing Revitalization Project for Pascagoula College and Career Technical Institute and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art are one step closer to designing and constructing three 15-ft. sculptures which will be placed in downtown Pascagoula as part of the city’s revitalization project. The students have been meeting every Tuesday and Thursday at the downtown design studio with Walter Anderson Museum Director Julian Rankin to brainstorm and design prototypes which will be transformed into metal sculptures for the community to enjoy. The first building block sculpture showcases some of the features that make Pascagoula special to the residents of the city with a seagull, paddle, the 39567 zip code, the nautical flags and even a nod to the 1973 alien abduction. “This really has been an amazing project, using the students’ creativity and innovation and connecting it with these workforce trainings and applied skills,” Rankin said. “It’s really about unleashing students’ creativity into their own community. “It’s a fusion of ideas from a large group of people that is driven by our students, and we are really excited about the opportunity, said PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich. CCTI welding director Jason Brister discusses the amount of metal needed for the building block sculpture with WAMA Director Julian Rankin, Machine Shop Instructor Gregory Bosarge and student 27 Stanley Pauls.
WAMA Director Julian Rankin talks to CCTI students about the building block prototype.
From Page 1 They spent time unpacking NCAC National Standards of Practice (NSOPs). These standards guide the implementation and sustainability of Career Academies. By doing this, they received a better and deeper understanding of how valuable the Academy Model is and how it can transform a traditional high school into one tailored to students' interests and strengths. “During my first session, I was able to connect and network with other school leaders from Kentucky, Missouri, and Nebraska, to name a few,” said Engle. “They had rich discussions about what is working in their schools and the hurdles they faced with some doable solutions.” On Day Two, CALC fellows spent time practicing strategies that aid in implementing change. Fellows were able to assist each other with what worked in their district and gain insight on what they could take back to their district. After lunch, they toured the Grand Island School District Career Academies and Senior High School. This gave an opportunity to see first hand what wall-to-wall Academies looks like in action. After the tour, in a panel discussion, Grand Island Public Schools administration spoke about their journey through implementation and towards earning NCAC Model Status. They answered practitioners’ questions from the CALC fellows. The PGSD CALC Fellows felt that they gained so much in knowledge and application, as well as made lasting friendships with school leaders that they could reach out to with any concerns or issues. The next CALC onsite visits will be in Orlando Florida in November, along with the NCAC Annual Conference, and in Polk County, Florida. The PGSD is in the third year of implementing pocket Career Academies in Pascagoula High School, Gautier High School, and the CCTI. More information on Academies can be found on the PGSD website and under the Bridge Academies tab.
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 22, September,2021
Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents Hear Update on P3 - Passion, Purpose, Paycheck Local superintendents and assistant superintendents met with the President and CEO of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Paige Roberts, the President and CEO of United Way for Jackson and George Counties Tee McCovey, the Deputy Director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation Mary Martha Henson, and Career Coach Supervisor David Fava to discuss a new program coined P3- Passion, Purpose, Paycheck on Sept. 30, 2021. Districts represented were Pascagoula-Gautier, Moss Point, Ocean Springs and Jackson County. The purpose of P3 is a workforce development effort to connect students with job exploration and experience. Career Coaches have been hired for each of the seven high school within Jackson County. These coaches meet with students in large group, small group, or one-on-on to discuss the student’s passion and skillset that would lead to a career. Students work with coaches, watch job videos, shadow employers, track credentials, and by the end of their senior year, should have a plan after graduation.
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 23, September, 2021
Supt. Rodolfich Discusses Career Pathways During Interviews with Coast Vue, Children’s Foundation PGSD Superintendent Dr. Wayne Rodolfich discussed the district’s journey to Career Pathways during interviews with Ricky Mathews of Coast Vue Radio and the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi. The PGSD is among the leading districts in the state with the number of career pathways offerings for students and the opportunities provided for internships at local businesses and industries. These hands-on trainings provide students with first-hand experiences so they have a better understanding of where their passions PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich speaks to Coast VUE are for particular careers before leaving interviewer Ricky Mathews about career pathways. high school. Activities and experiences from pre-school through 12th grade introduce students to the wide array of career paths that are available to them. “We believe exposing our students to a high number of career options will help provide them with a purpose throughout their lives,” Rodolfich said. The district’s Keystone classes in the seventh grade lead the students through the career clusters and teaches them the characteristics of being successful in life through “The Leader in Me” study. In Freshman Seminar, students read the journey of PGSD alumni and the character traits which helped them along the journey to their place in the workforce. They also learn how to write resumes and interview skills. “Everything we do in this district gives our young people hope for their future and builds an 29 excitement to pursue their passion in life,” Rodolfich said.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 24, October, 2021
Chamber Education/Workforce Development Committee Hears Challenges of Parent Involvement from Career Coaches The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s Education/Workforce Development Committee heard success stories and opportunities from the career coaches embedded in each of the seven high schools in Jackson County at the Oct. 5, 2021 meeting. Each of the coaches said they are building relationships with the students and believe they are making a difference in their lives. They shared some of the challenges they still face, mostly in getting parents involved in filling out FAFSA forms in preparing for college application. Kimberly Trosclair with Get2College, who joined the meeting by telephone, shared some tips and suggestions with the career coaches on ways to get parents more involved in the process. PGSD Bridge Academy Coordinator Dr. Melissa DeAngelo shared some highlights of her trip to Grand Island, Neb., for the National 30
Career Academy Coalition’s Career Academy Leaders’ Collaborative. She, along with CCTI Director Derek Read and CCTI Co-Director Dr. April Engle attended the conference. Devon Busby Stone with the WIN-Job Center and Derek Read discussed Ingalls Shipbuilding freezing its Hired Up program across the state. Members will attend the Chamber’s Education/Workforce Development Breakfast Summit Nov. 3 where human resource leaders from business and industry will discuss the skills lacking from prospective employees they are seeking to hire. United Way Executive Director Tee McCovey told members about what it might mean to the local economy if Ingalls Shipbuilding and Halter Marine workers decide to quit their jobs rather than take the COVID-19 vaccine as mandated by President Biden. Members also watched Chamber-made videos on Career Coaches and young employees who discussed insights of career choices which will be viewed by high school students.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 25, October, 2021
Editor’s Note: As part of a class assignment in Freshman Seminar, students were tasked with taking a look into their future and creating their own Career Academy Spotlight about where they see themselves 10 years down the road and where they found their life’s passion. Here are two examples of where students’ think they will be and the journey they took to get to their ideal career. Students are currently reading stories about the lives of 50 PGSD alumni and the rewards and challenges they faced to find their place in the world.
DESTINATIONGRADUATION!
Pascagoula-Gautier SchoolDistrict
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight: Kymory Davis, Teacher Kymory Davis is a Gautier High School graduate of 2025. She graduated with her Associate's degree. While in the National Guard, she went to Tuskegee University to pursue her career in Education. Kymory went off to college on a Softball Scholarship. She says college was a change for her. She had to figure out what she was going to do with deadlines. In high school, the school was boring to her, but she got through it with the help of the staff members, who made learning fun. She then says when she got to college, it was a different ball game. Kymory said you have to make sure you are on top of your work. She says,¨Coach Cuevas pushed me to the max even when I knew he believed, and he played positive videos that motivated her to do many things in high school. These things include applying for scholarships, and if we want something, so bad we are the only one who is holding you back.¨ She also wants to thank Ms. Griggs, her eighth-grade math teacher, for pushing her to the max because she knew what Kymory was capable of doing. The advice she gave to high school kids was to 31 make sure you are involved.
2025 Gautier High graduate, Teacher
When involved with many different activities, it looks good on resumes when going into the workforce, going off to college, or going to the military. These things include taking CCTI classes and applying for scholarships, which look good on resumes. She took Teacher Academy, and the class helped her get into college. Kymory is now in the process of getting her Master's Degree at Columbus State University. She plans to graduate with her Master's in May 2037. She wants to thank the staff member of PGSD for giving her the distinguished knowledge that she needed to be successful. She was an honor student who became prosperous due to the experience the staff members of PGSD provided. She said, ¨I have some big things I have accomplished and many more things to do in life. My accomplishments started in the PGSD School District, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities they provided me with that carried into my professional career.¨
Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Supt. Wayne Rodolfich
Career Academy Spotlight:
DESTINATIONGRADUATION!
Shelby Gunter, Ophthalmologist Shelby Gunter, a Gautier High School Graduate of 2025, is known to be one of the greatest ophthalmologists in Mississippi. Gunter said she always knew that she wanted to be an ophthalmologist. “I’ve always had an interest in anything about the eye. When I was a baby, I had a birth defect called craniosynostosis that caused the bones in my head to conjoin too early. After having surgery when I was just two months old, I always had eye problems. My old eye doctor, Dr. Rich, made appointments fun and interesting. Once I got into high school, I wanted to learn more about all things medical.” In 2022, Shelby started the Health Science program in CCTI run by Jenne King. “She is one of many that taught me to be prepared for when I get into the workforce and college.” “Many have told me I could not be anything in the medical field since I never liked biology.” Her mom, Melodie Gunter, said she would never take no for an answer. “If she wanted it, she would get it.” After doing CCTI for two years at GHS, she then received a scholarship to go to MGCCC. At the Perkinston campus, she was a Perkette for two years, then later transferred to Alabama University to finish out two more years to get her Bachelor’s degree in biology. Next, getting her Medical degree at Ohio State University. “Balancing dance and homework was hard work.” Throughout her whole life, Shelby has known Miranda Mcleod, her old dance teacher. Shelby said she had always been like her mom, and always there for her. 32
2025 Gautier High School Graduate Ophthalmologist
“Mrs. Miranda was the one who told me I need to get it together and get my degree. Without her motivation, I probably would have never got through college or medical school.” After another three years of internship in Ocean Springs, Shelby moved to work at Springhill Medical Center in Mobile, AL. Non-stop, every day, there is always a surgery going on. After two years of hard work, she earned The ARVO Achievement Award. Dr. Gunter was awarded this for finding a cure for Macular Degeneration in 2036. In surgery, Shelby learned to thicken the macula to prevent reduced central vision. By the year 2038, Gunter had cured over 150 people over the age of 50 years old. “There is no other single thing that could make me feel any happier than my job. I get to work with kids and adults to help them see the beautiful world. The many years of college, studying, and practice have paid off, and there is still much more to come.”
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 26, October, 2021
Singing River Health Systems Discusses Plans for Health Career Academy Expansion with PGSD and Mississippi Department of Education Daniel Harrison, Singing River Health System Workforce Development Specialist, spoke to PGSD and Mississippi Department of Education officials in Secondary and Career and Technical Education, Wendy Clemons, Aimee Brown, Joshua Stanford, Mandy Hackman, Meagan Arender and David Cress about how they can best support the hospital’s efforts to expand the Health Career Academy to open the doors for more students to become involved in health science-related fields. This is the second year for the PGSD to be involved in the Certified Nursing Assistant program which is offered to seniors by SRHS. The partnership allows students to do clinical hands-on training to obtain realworld experience. Harrison said the academic hours the students participate in and the hands-on training are well above the minimum to sit for the CNA exam. The expansion would include a program that would last the entire school year which would give students the CNA and phlebotomy in a one-step certification process.
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This program would become a preapprenticeship program that would flow perfectly into the hospital’s Registered Medical Assistant program, Harrison said. It is hoped that a kickoff of the program could begin as soon as January. The program has already received approval. As soon as the hospital gets everything set up, it will be a test site for the medical assistant program. Since it’s a registered medical assistance program and not just certified, students can do pharmaceuticals as well. The benefits of the pre-apprenticeship program is that students can explore the worlds of nursing assistant, phlebotomy, medical assistant or surgical tech in the year-long program and choose which two programs they want to do. This accelerates the time it takes to get these students employed in the hospital system by an entire year. When they finish the pre-apprenticeship program, an 18-year- old can earn a starting salary of $16 an hour.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 27, October, 2021
PGSD Shares Plans for Students from Preschool to Career Pathway with Mississippi Department of Education Mississippi Department of Education officials from Secondary Education and Career Technical Education met with PGSD administrators to hear about the district’s plans for students from preschool to finding their passion in a career pathways. Attending from MDE were Wendy Clemons, Aimee Brown, Joshua Stanford, Mandy Hackman, Meagan Arender and David Cress. Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich gave an overview of the programs under way in the district to address Career Pathways. He gave out a number of booklets which showcases the district’s journey on how Career Pathways are addressed from preschool through high school graduation. At a young age, children are exposed to a number of career pathways through play at 34 the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center.
Rodolfich discussed Dress for Success Days, the Leader in Me study in the seventh grade, Keystone Classes, Freshman Seminar classes and internships and externships at the high school level along with partnerships with business and industry. He also showed posters which hang in every classroom in the district that depict the traits of a successful person. MDE was very complimentary of the district’s efforts and said they use the PGSD as an example of an exemplary Career Pathway program as they travel throughout the state.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 28, October, 2021
Bridge Academy Partners Help Develop Mission Statement, Vision for the Future Business and industry Bridge Academy partners met to help establish the mission statement and vision for the PGSD Bridge Academies. Meeting at the CCTI’s Coastal Café, Jerica Hudson and Jenna Maisel from Singing River Federal Credit Union, Mary Martha Henson from the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Melissa Schnoor from Singing River Hospital System; Victoria Hunt from Ingalls Shipbuilding and Paige Roberts with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce brainstormed ideas to put the mission statement and vision together. These partners worked with CCTI faculty members Paulette Edwards, Erika Reynolds, Leslie Lovell, Jana Odom, Tykela Hodges, Jeremy Smith, Derek Read and April Engle; Roy Tolbert and Steve Edwards from Gautier High; Caterria Payton and Melynda Ross from Pascagoula High and PGSD Bridge Academy Coordinator Melissa DeAngelo to wordsmith the phrases that will be used moving forward. 35
MISSION Partner with stakeholders to engage students in opportunities leading to employment, enrollment or enlistment VISION The Bridge Academies of the Pascagoula – Gautier School District will produce college & career-ready graduates who are prepared for the global workforce.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 29, October, 2021
Pascagoula High School Celebrates Culture and Diversity with Annual Family Fiesta Night Pascagoula High School’s Family Fiesta Night celebrated the multicultural uniqueness of PHS students and their families. Celebrated annually, Pascagoula High School departments and teachers worked together to organize this year’s Fiesta Night held in the courtyard of Merchant and Marine Bank in Pascagoula. As a frontrunner with the implementation of the Seal of Biliteracy, the Pascagoula-Gautier School District values and embraces the bilingualism and cultural diversity of its students. “Our mission is to celebrate the many Hispanic cultures, traditions, and contributions that Hispanic Americans bring to our school and community,” said Paula Montoya, English Learner Department Head. “Each year we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, at PHS. We have many Hispanic cultures at our school and many rich traditions that are represented at PHS.” The students and teachers from the English Learner Department, Foreign Language Department, and Student Council teamed up with MGCCC Spanish Club and Ingalls Hispanic Outreach Leadership Alliance (HOLA) to host the festivities, decorate, bring food and invite speakers.
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HOLA hosted its annual poster contest with students decorating a poster about Hispanic Heritage Month. The winning poster is used as the art work for HOLA’s Hispanic Heritage program. Señor Hector Barberena, Spanish teacher and head of the foreign language department at PHS, served as master of ceremonies for the event. The annual event is an opportunity for students and faculty to celebrate the variety of cultures in the school, embracing the unique characteristics and celebrating those differences. “What stood out the most to me was the pride the Hispanic families had in their culture and their families,” said PHS parent Jana Grenn. “I believe my son has a deeper appreciation for the special qualities that every culture and community has and that those qualities make each culture unique and special. To see Señor Barberena in his element, and the passion and excitement that he has for what he does, is inspiring to me as a parent.” Representatives from the Spanish Club at MGCCC/JC spoke about the club opportunities at the community college. All of the decorations were created by the classes and departments who attended. The multiple cultures at PHS were represented in the decorations, food, music, and dance.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 30, October, 2021
PHS and GHS Career Coaches Tour MGCCC Campuses, See CTE Course Offerings Career Coaches from all seven high schools in Jackson County toured four campuses of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College spanning three counties to learn about the 56 Career Technical Education classes offered. “It was incredible seeing everything MGCCC has to offer,” said Reagan Robinson, Gautier High Career Coach. “The programs are forward-thinking and the equipment is state-of-the-art. I was impressed by the job placement percentages and how involved the professors are in making sure the students are successful after leaving their programs. There seems to be something for everyone, regardless of interests.” Free Cosmetology Program, West Harrison Center Pascagoula High Career Coach Shunda Williams Center said the experience was “extraordinary.” “I did not realize MGCCC had a multitude of opportunities for students,” she said. “ After touring Jackson County, Perkinston, Bryant Center, West Harrison and Jeff Davis, I am well prepared to go before our senior and junior classes to inform and educate them on the wonderful opportunities that are lying ahead for them to take full advantage of – some programs are absolutely free to the students. “I was not aware of some of the programs offered such as cosmetology and diesel mechanic. I pray by sharing information with the students it will make them more inclined to seek out some of the wonderful opportunities that are right here in Jackson County,” Williams said. Some of these programs can be completed anywhere from one to three semesters, have 100 percent job placement rates and graduates can earn Technology Programs – Cyber security, data more money starting out than many people with analytics, networking and much more offered. traditional four years degrees. Great options for students who may not want to go the traditional four- 37 year college route!
Welding Lab Automation Lab
Instrumentation and Control Lab at Jackson County Campus
Hospital unit at Bryant Center with “dummy patients” who can do everything a human can do except walk. They can bleed, breathe, talk and more.
Graphic Design Lab at Perkinston Campus
Free Heavy Machine Operator Program at West Harrison Center. Students graduate with an operator license, a maintenance licenses and a CDL license.
Free Massage Therapy program at West Harrison Center 38
New Early Childhood Education building at Perkinston Campus
Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology Program at the Jackson County Campus
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 31, October, 2021
Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Deloise Moore Speaks to Freshman Seminar Classes on His Journey to Finding His Passion in Life Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Deloise Moore discussed the challenges and triumphs of his journey to find his passion in life with students in the Freshman Seminar classes at Gautier High School. Moore, a 1999 St. Martin High School graduate, was a three-sport athlete excelling at track, football and powerlifting with his sights set on playing Division 1 football after high school. But a sprained ankle changed his course. “I was being heavily recruited by Division 1 colleges when the ankle injury happened, and the only schools who wanted me after that were Alabama State and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College,” Moore said. “I knew what my skillset was; I knew I could play 39
Division 1 football, so I took the chance and went to MGCCC to prove myself. After leaving there, I got a scholarship to Troy University which is a Division 1 school, playing linebacker and earning a bachelor of science degree in biology.” From there, Moore had the opportunity to go to the Cincinnati Bengals NFL training camp, but pulled a hamstring while attending the camp. “You know the NFL is not for long if you get hurt, especially if you are an undrafted free agent like I was,” Moore said. “But I was still honored to have that opportunity. I felt like I had what it took to make it in the NFL, but at that time, I just moved on to another career and that’s when I joined the Coast Guard.” See Next Page
From Previous Page Moore’s aspirations were to be an officer in the Coast Guard, but once again, there was a glitch. “I was color blind according to a test I had to take upon entry, and you have to have normal color vision to be a Coast Guard officer,” Moore said. Not letting that one test deter him, Moore enlisted and worked his way through the enlisted ranks to an E-7 or Chief Petty Officer while earning a master’s degree in information technology. At that time, he took another color blind test and passed so Moore applied for a direct commission and was assigned to Coast Guard Headquarters where he was responsible for acquisition of Coast Guard assets. From there, Moore served four years as an asset line manager for security and vulnerability management which aligned to his master’s degree background in IT. “Basically, I was responsible for the security of all Coast Guard information systems. I led a team of contractors and enlisted personnel to make sure the Coast Guard was secure,” Moore said. Moore was assigned to Base New Orleans where he currently serves, arriving there as IT Division Chief, responsible for leading all the information technology enlisted personnel to secure the assets. “We were fixing the assets to ensure everything was working properly such as search and rescue. That’s one of our main missions, but we needed to ensure we had the technology to find the people in the water, and we made sure those tools function properly,” he said. After a year, Moore was promoted to the position of Lt. Commander which increased his scope of work as he worked with electronic technicians which handled radars, radios, antennas and Information Technicians who handled servers, networking, computers, etc. Now Moore is the department head for the C5I which is Command, Control Communications, Computers, Cyber Security and Intelligence. “I am now more administrative,” Moore said. “I look at the strategic vision of what the Coast Guard is doing and make sure we are meeting the needs of our operational customers. We are mission support so think about people doing the mission, the helicopters, the planes doing search and rescue, the cutters, the sectors who are calling 40 out to the people in the water when they are
GHS Freshman Seminar teacher Bailey Cuevas and his friend, Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Deloise Moore
sinking. We make sure they have the tools to function.” As department head, Moore is not only over the New Orleans C5I, but over the nine geographically dispersed electronic systems support detachments in Corpus Christi, Texas; Panama City, Fla., Houston, Texas, Memphis, Tenn., Topeka, Kansas, St. Louis, Mo., and Louisville, Ken. Moore encouraged the students to start doing the right things now to set themselves up for success. “You need to know the difference between failing and being a failure. If someone fails at something and his attitude is ‘I’m never going to try again; my life is over’ that would make him a failure But if he persisted, picked himself up and tried again, then he would not be a failure” he said. “You have to start thinking ahead and doing the little things now. One of the major things I have learned along the way is to open as many doors as you can; make yourself more marketable; separate yourself from the pack. That’s what employers are going to look at. What makes you different?” Moore used the Coast Guard as an example. “When we go up for promotion, the board looks at your record. They are going to see what sets you apart from the rest. They look at performance, professionalism, leadership and education, so don’t limit yourself. Learn as much as you can. Give yourself more opportunities. Looking back at my life, I see opportunities that I missed. You need to take advantage of every opportunity. Think ahead and think about where you want to be in five years, in 10 years. You need to think about the big picture. The opportunities are there, you just have to take them. If you don’t, someone else will.”
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District
Pascagoula Adult Learning Center Celebrates its Students During MIBEST Week
Volume 2, Issue 32, October, 2021
During MIBEST Week, the Pascagoula Adult Learning Center celebrated its students through its nine career pathways and workforce training such as Smart Start and ACT Workkeys. The Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (MIBEST) program is a workforce Adult Learning Center employees visit with WIN Job Center staff who stopped by to celebrate MIBEST Week. and economic development initiative that moves low-skilled, non-credentialed Mississippians from the economic sidelines into careers earning familysustaining wages. The program prioritizes individuals who did not complete a traditional high school degree, those in low-wage jobs, and other nontraditional students. MIBEST seeks to increase the number of these students who are able to secure jobs with a livable wage and scale the integrated career pathways available to Mississippians through the state’s community colleges. “The needs of employers continue to change,” said Adult Learning Center Director Kathleen Williams. “There are many jobs that require less than a four-year degree, but require some type of workforce or postsecondary credential. The Pascagoula Adult Learning Center has worked diligently to form employer partnerships and create career pathways that build this skill gap, create individuals who are work-ready, and improve the lives of as many Jackson County residents as possible.” Suzie Trott, a teacher at the Adult Learning Center, said they are happy to talk to local, district and state leaders about their successful programs. “The more word gets out about how we can help adults obtain work-ready skills, the more adults we can help find employment Tee McCovey, CEO of United Way to earn a life-sustaining wage,” she said. “That is what we are all about of Jackson & George Counties, at the Pascagoula Adult Learning Center.” 41 chats about the MIBEST grant.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District
Pascagoula Adult Learning Center Celebrates its Students During MIBEST Week
Volume 2, Issue 32, October, 2021
During MIBEST Week, the Pascagoula Adult Learning Center celebrated its students through its nine career pathways and workforce training such as Smart Start and ACT Workkeys. The Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (MIBEST) program is a workforce Adult Learning Center employees visit with WIN Job Center staff who stopped by to celebrate MIBEST Week. and economic development initiative that moves low-skilled, non-credentialed Mississippians from the economic sidelines into careers earning familysustaining wages. The program prioritizes individuals who did not complete a traditional high school degree, those in low-wage jobs, and other nontraditional students. MIBEST seeks to increase the number of these students who are able to secure jobs with a livable wage and scale the integrated career pathways available to Mississippians through the state’s community colleges. “The needs of employers continue to change,” said Adult Learning Center Director Kathleen Williams. “There are many jobs that require less than a four-year degree, but require some type of workforce or postsecondary credential. The Pascagoula Adult Learning Center has worked diligently to form employer partnerships and create career pathways that build this skill gap, create individuals who are work-ready, and improve the lives of as many Jackson County residents as possible.” Suzie Trott, a teacher at the Adult Learning Center, said they are happy to talk to local, district and state leaders about their successful programs. “The more word gets out about how we can help adults obtain work-ready skills, the more adults we can help find employment Tee McCovey, CEO of United Way to earn a life-sustaining wage,” she said. “That is what we are all about of Jackson & George Counties, at the Pascagoula Adult Learning Center.” 41 chats about the MIBEST grant.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 33, October, 2021
Pictured are students Jayden Watson, Markel Williams and Carter McCullough, 3rd Year business/marketing/finance students at the CCTI who run Singing River Federal Credit Union at Pascagoula High School. (Photo taken during Homecoming Week festivities.)
CCTI Students Run Singing River Federal Credit Union at Pascagoula High School CCTI 3rd Year Business, Marketing and Finance students Jayden Watson, Markel Williams and Carter McCullough spend their lunch hours at Pascagoula High School helping customers at Singing River Federal Credit Union’s branch office in the school library. The students can help SRFCU members with withdrawals, deposits, loan payments, applying for a new account and providing loan applications. They can even make change for those who need it. They can just about do it all except for processing loans since the three are not over the age of 18.
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All three students plan to major in business after high school graduation. Markel plans to attend Texas A&M where he is planning to major in business and architecture. “This has really shown me the business aspect of things and provided me a great balance between business and architecture. If architecture does not work out, business will be a great career to fall back on.” Carter plans to attend Ole Miss and is considering taking the banking route. “I think working here at SRFCU is providing me with a good connection to the business world,” he said. Jayden is also planning to attend Ole Miss to Continued on Next Page
From Previous Page major in accounting. “This experience has been valuable to me because it has shown me a great deal about money.” Jerica Hudson, vice president of marketing for Singing River Federal Credit Union, said she has enjoyed working with the students. “These guys are awesome,” she said. Jerica Hudson “We’ve been open since mid-September, and we are still going strong. It’s important for students to learn how to manage their money properly BEFORE they get out of school and are old enough (age 18) to do things like get a credit card or take out a loan. We love to teach students how to manage their money and make smart money decisions now so they are much more successful with managing their finances in the future.” Hudson said financial literacy and awareness is vital for the success of students in the future as they leave high school. “When they are in school and just starting out with financial responsibility, they have the opportunity to learn how to manage their finances
Mural at Singing River Federal Credit Union, Pascagoula High Branch
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the ‘right’ way.” she said. But many students do not choose to take Personal Finance, nor do they have the opportunity to be taught to manage money by their families to manage their money. “We are able to bridge that gap with inclassroom sessions as well as having the branch available as an in-person contact resource,” Hudson said. ‘If they begin in school with our lessons, they learn how to manage their money from the start and that in turn, starts them on the right track. When they are 18-years-old, going to college or entering the workforce, they have learned that being attentive to their money and actually managing it, is important. When the opportunity to take out a loan or get a credit card arises, they are able to make the best decisions. This sets them up for true success. Money will always be a part of their lives, and if they manage it make good choices, they will be a more productive, happy, and beneficial part of our communities.” All SRFCU members can use the ATM machines at Pascagoula High School and now at Gautier High School free of charge.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 34, October, 2021
Jefferson Davis School District Visits PGSD to Learn About Career Pathways, Best Practices Jefferson Davis School District Supt. Ike Haynes and a group of school officials spent the day with PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich and CCTI Director Derek Read to discuss Career Pathways and Best Practices. Jefferson Davis School District reached out to the PGSD because of its innovative efforts in creating Career Pathways and the PGSD’s willingness to share its journey with other school districts throughout the state. The morning began with a presentation by Supt. Wayne Rodolfich at the Pascagoula High Performing Arts Center. Rodolfich gave an overview of the steps the district took to incorporate Career Pathways into the curriculum and the data and documentation collected to chronicle Continued Next Page
Official with Jefferson Davis County School District visit with students in the classroom of CCTI Teacher Academy instructor Erika Reynolds during their visit to the PGSD to discuss Career Pathways and Best Practices. 44
Continued from Previous Page the district’s success in establishing relationships and partnerships with business and industry to form these successful Career Pathways. After a breakout session where attendees were given a number of booklets showcasing the district’s many initiatives, the group ate lunch at the CCTI Coastal Café and then took a tour of the CCTI visiting a number of programs at the center. The group finished their day at the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center. Group members were very complimentary of the district’s willingness to share their successes and appreciative of the amount of information they were provided to assist them as they set up their own Career Pathways in the Jefferson Davis County School District. Supt. Wayne Rodolfich talks about the PGSD’s journey to Career Pathways with members of the Jefferson Davis County School District. 45
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 2, Issue 35, October, 2021
Cherokee Elementary Celebrates Kindergarten Career Day Cherokee Elementary Kindergarten students celebrated Career Day by choosing a career, creating a poster and presenting to the class dressed in the career of their choice. Students learned about jobs and job responsibilities, community helpers, goods and services and how to speak in front of the class. Kindergarten teacher Kristil Albert said the kindergarten teachers hope students will learn from this experience about the important role education plays in their future career path.
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Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District February, 2022
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 1, November, 2021
CCTI Director Derek Read Speaks to Chamber Pascagoula Area Council Derek Read, College and Career Technical Institute Director in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District, was invited to be the keynote speaker at the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s Pascagoula Area Council November 2021 meeting. Read gave an overview of the number of course offerings at the CCTI, the programs being piloted at the center and the partnerships being formed with business and industry in Jackson County as a way to bridge the gap between K-12th education and the workforce. By providing opportunities for CCTI students to intern at various businesses, students are receiving hands-on experiences
which will help them find their passion and purpose in life before leaving high school. These opportunities are a winwin for the students and employers seeking workers who have the right skill-sets to be successful.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 2, November, 2021
PGSD Hosts HOSA State Conference Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) from across Mississippi gathered at the Pascagoula High Performing Arts Center for their State Conference. Keynote speaker was Singing River Health Systems Pediatrician Dr. Tyler Sexton who was born with Spastic Diplegia, a form of Cerebral Palsy, a chronic neuromuscular condition that affects balance, as well as movement below the waist. Dr. Sexton shared the story of his battle with many who did not believe he could become a doctor because of his disorder. He is international motivational speaker who is raising awareness about overcoming adversity. Students also heard from Sarah Thomas, a Pascagoula High alum, who was the first female to officiate a Super Bowl game. Both speakers spoke to the students about working hard and never giving up on their dreams. Students also rotated through a series of outdoor health-related stations following the presentations which included intubation practice and meeting guide dogs.
The CCTI marketing and business classes videotaped the conference, and the culinary arts class provided lunch for the participants. HOSA provides its members with opportunities to grow their skills in healthcare in order to have successful careers.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 3, November, 2021
PGSD Hosts Teacher Pay Raise Listening Tour Mississippi Sen. Dennis DeBar, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, speaks with PGSD teachers and other teachers and administrators from across the 4th Congressional District about working on a plan for a teacher pay raise in the upcoming legislative session. This is one of several Listening Tours across the state as DeBar visits each congressional district getting teachers input on the importance of teacher pay raises. Many teachers are leaving Mississippi to pursue teaching employment opportunities in other states or leaving the professional altogether. Sen. Brice Wiggins, Leah Rupp Smith, Deputy Chief of Staff from the Lt. Governor's office, also attended the meeting along with Nancy Loome from The Parents Campaign.
Gautier Middle School Band Director Louise Smith poses a question to Sen. Dennis DeBar.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 4, November, 2021
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Continues Work on their Vision for PGSD’s New Strategic Plan The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee continued their work on the vision concept they have for the Pascagoula-Gautier School District moving forward. Students were placed into groups by school and then discussed their three top choices for the future of their school district. Students discussed various ideas and wrote down the top three ideas to present to the superintendent. Those ideas will be compiled and presented back to the group when they meet again in February, 2022. These ideas will also be presented to the PGSD’s strategic planning
team as they meet in January to begin work on the new plan. The strategic plan will be written with input from business and industry, community members, students, parents, teachers and administrators, and will set in motion the course for the PGSD for the next five years.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 5, November, 2021
Chamber Business-Education Summit Brings Together Industry and Education Leaders The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s Business-Education Breakfast Summit brought together a cross-section of business leaders and educators for a frank discussion on workforce development. The first session was held in 2015 when business leaders first told educators their high school graduates were not ready to face the business world upon leaving high school. This led to some changes in school districts on how to better prepare their students to face the working world once they left high school. Educators have taken steps to improve students’ interview skills, resume writing, critical thinking
and customer service skills. Employers were also concerned about the amount of time young employees stayed on their phones. Employers said, overall, students were more prepared with the skillsets needed to be productive employees, but their attachment to their cell phones was an issue that business and industry is still dealing with today. Educators are looking at ways to introduce career pathways to students at a younger age, even as early as elementary, to give them a broader sense of the number of careers available to them as they seek to find their passion in life.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 6, November, 2021
CCTI Welding Students Weld First Metal Sculpture for WAMA Partnership with PGSD For Public Art Enterprise College and Career Technical Institute student welders have been busy welding metal pieces together to create the first of three metal sculptures that will be installed throughout Pascagoula as part of the city’s redevelopment master plan. Walter Anderson Museum of Art Director Julian Rankins has been meeting with CCTI students in brainstorm sessions to gather inspiration for the three sculptures. It is the hope the three finished sculptures will capture the stories that honor the community’s social and economic accomplishments. Students in the CCTI’s architecture and drafting, business and marketing, construction and carpentry, fabrication and manufacturing and welding. The Pascagoula Public Art Enterprise fuses public art, design, engineering and entrepreneurship to support economic development efforts in downtown Pascagoula.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 7, November, 2021
Lake Elementary Students Enjoy Visit from First Responders Lake Elementary students enjoyed visiting with First Responders in our community. Hyler Krebs and his fire crew from the Pascagoula Fire Department talked to the students about fire safety, what to do in an emergency and the equipment they use to save lives. The Pascagoula Police Department also visited with their K9’s Exo and Thor along with their handlers Officer Prisock and Officer Selover and Det. Barnes who taught the students the importance of safety and what to do in an emergency situation. The handlers also demonstrated how their K9 officers work in an emergency.
Photo at top shows Officer Priscock and Officer Selover working with one of the K9 officers. Below photo, Sparky the Fire Dog gives a high five to Lake students. Students were presented with fire hats from the fire department (left photo).
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 8, November, 2021
PGSD Eighth Graders Explore Career Pathways through Hands-On Pathways2Possibilities Event Colmer Middle School and Gautier Middle School eighth graders visited the annual Pathways2Possibilities at the Coast Convention Center in Biloxi to explore hands-on, interactive activities in 16 different career pathways. The event is held to spark students’ interest and broaden their horizons on the number of careers available to them. By exposing students to career possibilities at a younger age, educators hope to connect students to their passion earlier in their education giving them the opportunity to find their purpose and to connect that purpose to a paycheck whether it be to attend a four-year college, go into the military or straight into the workforce. The event, which started with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s Education Issue Manager Group, has spread across Mississippi and two states.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 9, November, 2021
Accelerate Mississippi Director Ryan Miller is Guest Speaker for Apprenticeship Week at CCTI Accelerate Mississippi Director Ryan Miller was the keynote speaker for the Apprenticeship Week luncheon held at the PGSD’s College and Career Technical Institute Coastal Café, hosted by Singing River Health System and catered by the CCTI Culinary Arts Department. The luncheon celebration brought together business and industry and educational leaders Pre-12 through college to hear Miller’s plans for workforce development through the state of Mississippi. Miller said he had been busy assembling his team at Accelerate Mississippi and traveling around the state to hear specific concerns and needs. In hearing the introductions at the luncheon, Miller said Jackson County already has the right people at the table, all
all of whom are workforce development champions. Communication is key in individual communities throughout the state, and Accelerate Mississippi is working to coordinate all the workforce development efforts to reduce duplication of resources and services. His team will also be creating ecosystems (micro-regions) within the planning and development districts to better understand the needs. He plans to return to the Coast and Jackson County to spend more time diving into how we have created a spirit of working together in doing what’s right for the benefit of the residents of Jackson County and their quality of life. Accelerate MS is the leading office for workforce development strategy connecting Mississippians to economic opportunity by expanding best practices in workforce readiness and career training.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 10, November, 2021
College Park Elementary Students Explore Careers During Career Day College Park Elementary reached out to a number of local businesses and friends to find people representing different career clusters, inviting them to the school’s Career Day. Second, third and fourth graders picked their top four choices, and appointment cards were created so they could rotate through the different stations. In the classroom, students researched a career they were interested in and completed a writing assignment and craft based on their career choice. “The paramedic was the best,” said student Aiden Robinson. “I learned how to do CPR on a person and got to see my heartbeat.” “I liked the linemen from Singing River Electric,” said student Kendal Pickney. “They used tools I had never seen before.” Career Day guests included a floral designer, a pharmacist, a paramedic, flight nurse, dental hygienist, a fireman, policeman, hairdresser, psychologist, a high school principal, a computer programmer, an engineer, linemen, a lawyer and business owner.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 11, December 2021
Four More PGSD Students Earn FAA Unmanned Aerial System Licenses Four more PGSD students have earned their Federal Aviation Administration licenses to become certified Unmanned Aerial System (drone) pilots, bringing the total number of certifications in the PGSD to 14. These students are Jaden Jones, Jaylen McDonald, Mathew Ludwig and Mae Ratliff (pictured below.) This certification means they can now legally earn money flying drones and working with those who need drone footage. Additional practice is needed on their own time to learn to fly slowly and smoothly for cinematic video. The Unmanned Aerial Systems class, located at Gautier High School, is part of the PGSD Bridge Academy program, and was the first of its kind in the state of Mississippi. The program is under the umbrella of the College and Career Technical Center, with instructor David Weigle piloting the program for the Mississippi Department of Education. Now, other school districts in the state are implementing the program. Lamar County School District is now in its third year; Starkville-Oktibbeha School District is now in its second year, and Lee County and Madison County are in
their first year of the program. “I get excited for the students when they get their certificates,” Weigle said. “They spend weeks studying and practicing, so they deserve all the credit for their hard work; not me.”
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2021
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich Discusses Career Pathways at Biloxi Lions, Gautier Rotary Meetings PGSD Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich spoke about Career Pathways as the keynote speaker for the Biloxi Lions Club on Dec. 1, 2021 and the Gautier Rotary Club on Dec. 9, 2021. Rodolfich showed his Superintendent’s Bookcase on the district website which showcases a number of documents describing the district’s steps in making career pathways relevant in students’ lives. He explained how the district hosted multiple Virtual Tech Camps for Teachers reaching more than 5,000 teachers across Mississippi and beyond, providing them with helpful technology information which can used in the classroom to enhance the learning experience.
He also showed the 100 business and industry interviews with employers who listed the top attributes they need in prospective employees. The superintendent took these insights to heart and created posters which hang in every school in every classroom in the district outlining the characteristics for a successful person in the workforce. The superintendent also shared Career Explorations, a booklet featuring the stories of 50 PGSD alumni who talked about their journeys from high school to finding their passions in life. These stories are shared with ninth graders in Freshmen Seminar classes who have been inspired to write their own stories about where they see themselves in the future.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 13, December 2021
PHS, GHS Juniors in College and Career Ready Course Participate in You’re Hired Event The Pascagoula-Gautier School District, in conjunction with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, hosted a virtual “You’re Hired” event. All juniors enrolled in the College and Career Readiness course from Pascagoula High and Gautier High created a resume and a Flipgrid video of a mock interview. Paige Roberts, CEO and president of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, reached out to business owners in the community to review the resumes and videos to choose who they would “hire.” PHS winners were Ja’Kaylee Minor, Hayden Brister, Corion Evans, Jack Hansley, Emma Lee, Sariah Nettles, Alejandro Garcia, Ja’Shaylee Minor, Hilaris Pacheco, Angelica Negrete, Joelys Pacheco, Jyqwon Watson, Keaira Smith and Grace Wiggins. GHS winners were Gavin Pound, Jarell Rogers, Julius Monroe, Kaloria Bell, Ciara Harvey, Israel Levya, Amilia Pringle, Lillian Bains, Kyla Watkins, Nyiah White, Alex Castaneda and Rachel Sadler. Winners were awarded Walmart gift cards donated by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
PHS You’re Hired Winners
PHS You’re Hired Winner
GHS You’re Hired Winners
GHS You’re Hired Winners
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 14, December 2021
Chamber Education/Workforce Development Members Discuss Findings from Workforce Summit Meeting Members of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s Education/Workforce Development group discussed findings from the recent Workforce Development Summit at the monthly meeting held at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The Summit brought together educators with leaders from business and industry to discuss the challenges of finding employees in the post-COVID world. Those in attendance asked where are the workers and shared how the lack of workers has impacted their businesses. Devin Stone with the WIN-Job Center explained that many are still living off benefits provided by the federal government during the pandemic, a perk which has changed the viewpoint of many who now want to go into business for themselves or work from home. They have learned to survive with less. That mindset has left many businesses
short-handed, unable to fill positions needed to keep their doors open. The workforce development group shared ideas of what could be done to help with the challenges businesses are facing. David Fava, who is spearheading the Career Coaching program in Jackson County, discussed bringing together the career coaches with business and industry to get a more in-depth look at what businesses are facing while learning the mindset of high school students through the eyes of the career coaches. Another idea was bringing student leaders together to discuss the findings from the summit and to hear their perspectives on the workforce. Members agreed it was imperative to have integrated project-based learning activities so students could have a grasp of the opportunities available following high school. Educators also discussed the importance of teaching students the relevance of what they are learning in the classroom in relation to the wide array of choices open to them through finding their passion in life and then pursuing that career pathway.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 15, December 2021
Jackson Elementary Students are College and Career Focused! Jackson Elementary held a College & Career Focus Week where students were tasked with researching careers, answering a writing prompt, and completing a poster project. The writing prompt was, "Where will I be when I'm 33?” and students were very creative in their poster project giving more information about their chosen career. Every student in the school watched videos about the 18 career pathways, researched salaries, and determined what education or training was needed for each career path. The school kicked off College and Career Focus Week with third and fourth graders having an in-class field trip from Grand Bay National Estuaurine Research Reserve Education Specialist, Jennifer Cumbest. She talked about marine littering and the career of a marine biologist. The PGSD College and Career Technical Institute counselor and staff also came to the school to speak to third and fourth graders about career pathways, and how the CCTI can help them choose a career path when they get to high school. The students ended the week with a visit from Sara Couch from the Pascagoula Regional Public Library, who spoke to every student about resources at the public library. “We want to thank our visitors, parents, and staff members who helped make this a fun and educational week for students,” said Principal Christy Cumbest. “The projects will be hung around the school, and parents can view all of the projects at our open house on February 22.”
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 16, January, 2022
MDE Presents Professional Development Session on Career Pathways David Cress, Director of Innovative Programs with the Mississippi Department of Education, presented a professional development session on Career Pathways to high school teachers at both Gautier High and Pascagoula High. Held at the Singing River Academy auditorium, Cress presented on a number of topics including the history and foundation of Career Academies. The PGSD has been working on Career Academies for several years and is seeing great success with the program. Career Academies are important to students because they are able to choose their career path based on their interests and future plans. Career academies are designed to prepare students for both college and careers by linking students with peers, teachers and community partners in a structured environment that fosters academic success. The career academy concept has three key elements: a small learning community, a collegeprep sequential curriculum with a career theme; and an advisory board that forges partnerships with employers, higher education institutions and the community. In the PGSD, Career Academies are in the areas of Communications, Arts and Business; Health and Human Services, Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. More and more public schools across Mississippi are incorporating career academies into their high schools. This model of education allows students to connect real-world skills to essential concepts learned in the classroom. An important aspect of Career Academies is their tie to career and technical
education that provides students with the technical skills, education and practice to be ready for college and future careers. Career academies have proven to increase student achievement, reduce the dropout rate, increase postsecondary attainment, encourage schools to partner with industries to cultivate in-demand skills for students and improve the earning prospects of students. Other benefits include a more educated and stable workforce, a great ability to attract new businesses to communities and increased graduation rates. These academies foster connections that help students tie their career focus to academies, CTE and vital partnerships with employers, the local community and colleges. In the PGSD, preparing students for the future begins in preschool with hands-on career play at the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center. At the elementary level, hands-on Career Fairs are held and at the middle school level, students participate in Keystone Classes and career field trips. These students also study “The Leader In Me.” At the ninth grade level, Freshman Seminar students read the journeys of PGSD Alumni on their road to success. All juniors also take the ACT Work-Keys to access their readiness for the workforce.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 17, January, 2022
Bureau of Narcotics Presents Program on Vaping Dangers and Increase of Substance Abuse in Teens Director of Intelligence Will Peterson and Capt. Bryan Sullivan with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics District Office in Gulfport, discussed the danger of vaping and increase in substance abuse in teens at the January 11, 2022, Principals meeting. The number of cases of substance abuse among teens is rising across Jackson and Harrison Counties. PGSD Chief of Law Enforcement Calvin Hutchins, reached out the Bureau of Narcotics about presenting a program with principals to help them learn the early warning signs of those who are vaping and abusing other types of drugs. Due to an increase in COVID cases across the area, principals and assistant principals from all 19 schools attended the session via Google Meet. The session was filmed at the Pascagoula High Performing Arts Center. Peterson said teens are starting to obtain trending drugs, and this has created a problem that has not yet been solved. He said teens were vaping, not only nicotine, but
CBD, THC, fentanyl and spice that can be smoked in the E-cigarettes. Many teens do not know these other more dangerous drugs are in the vapes. E-cigarettes poses the same health risk as regular cigarettes, and vaping is the gateway to using more hard core drugs. By combining multiple intoxicants, there is an increase in the level of intoxication and a greater potential for overdosing. Vapes are not subject to quality control, and
flavors are being used in vapes to make them more appealing to teens. In research done in 2020, eight out of 10 teens have used flavored e-cigarettes and if this trend continues, younger and younger children will become hooked on vapes. The number of overdose deaths in Jackson County and Harrison County continue to climb because of the hidden drugs in vapes.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 18, January, 2022
Adolph Brown Presents Profound Message to PGSD Teachers on Building Relationships with Students Dr. Adolph Brown, a top motivational speaker in education and business, presented an entertaining and profound message to PGSD teachers on educational equity and diversity, social and emotional learning, taking the time to form relationships with all students, and the whole student deserving the best from the whole educator. Brown’s program was a surprise for PGSD teachers and administrators as they returned to school after the Christmas holidays. Brown walked into the Pascagoula High Performing Arts Center in disguise, wearing baggy clothing to see how he would be accepted by those who did not know him. Brown used humor and storytelling to get his points across about the importance of diversity and equity in
education, telling stories from his own childhood and formative years to get his point across. He spoke about the importance of teachers building relationships with their students. Brown used an example of two backpacks. The first one carries the supplies the student needs for school. The other is the emotional backpack, the baggage students carry to school that teachers may not know about unless they establish that connection with their
students. Teachers also carry that same backpack. Brown told teachers they must first learn to deal with their own baggage before they can reach students on any level. He used a quote from Plato to drive his point home: “Do not train a child by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.”
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 19, January, 2022
Dr. Tim Elmore Talks to PGSD Educators about the Pandemic Population and Rediscovering Hope Dr. Tim Elmore, founder and CEO of Growing Leaders, spoke to PGSD educators about the Pandemic Population and helping Generation Z rediscover hope after the Coronavirus. The invitation was extended to the PGSD from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, who brought in Dr. Elmore to speak to its staff. Elmore stayed for an afternoon session with educators throughout South Mississippi. Elmore spoke about Generation Z and how these students felt postponed and penalized, feelings brought on by the COVID 19 pandemic. He provided strategies and best practices for educators on how to lead these students through the challenges they feel. Elmore said the need for social and emotional learning has never been greater as well as the need for effective leadership, professional development and healthy parent engagement. The pandemic disrupted the lives of these students. He said the best way to reach them is to offer perspective, clarity and hope to them.
For Generation Z, the pandemic was a traumatic experience, disrupting their education, their emotional and social experiences. It is essential these students understand that the pandemic was not a time of post traumatic stress disorder where they emerged damaged and unhealthy, but rather a time of post traumatic growth where they emerged stronger, kinder, wiser and more grateful. Elmore said survivors of Post Traumatic Growth tend to experience an increased appreciation of life, deeper relationships with others, new perspectives and priorities and greater personal strength. He suggested five things educators could do to help students:
draft a pro/con list and make a habit of talking about silver linings; identify those feelings that are exaggerated; breakdown hardships into digestive bites to make them more tolerable; tell stories of those who have turned disadvantages into advantages; and build those relationships so they understand we know what they are going through; we hear them; but believe they can accomplish anything they set their minds to do. Growth doesn’t come from the trauma, but from the way the person responds to it. Elmore’s book, “The Pandemic Population” was distributed to educators to study as they deal with COVID Omicron.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 20, January, 2022
PGSD Rolls Out New SEL Card Initiative to Support Students’ Mental Health Challenges The PGSD’s Whole Child Education Department rolled out its newest initiative to support students’ current mental health challenges simultaneously across the district with cards to reference when experiencing overwhelming emotions. Cards were distributed to students in Pre-K through 12th grade. The front of the card demonstrates four emotional states. The Green Zone is the desired zone to reach and the place where students feel happy or content and ready to learn. The Yellow Zone demonstrates anxiety, worry, embarrassment or frustration. The Red Zone demonstrates anger,
agitation or hyperactivity. The Blue Zone demonstrates sadness, feeling sick, tired or bored. Students are reminded that experiencing any of these emotional states is normal, but using appropriate coping skills are encouraged to be used to express these emotions in positive, appropriate ways. On the back of the card are coping strategies students can use to regulate their emotions. There are also statements of affirmation to remind students of their great qualities. Continued Next Page
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 21, January, 2022
CMS, GHS Band Students Enjoy Work Session with G.C. Symphony Featured Flutist Anthony Trionfo Prior to the Gulf Coast Symphony’s first concert at the Pascagoula High School Performing Arts Center, featured flutist Anthony Trionfo held a work session with band students at Colmer Middle School and Gautier High School. Trionfo worked on a number of techniques with the students offering advice on how to get better sound from their instruments.
Trionfo has worked with a number of orchestras and performed recitals across the U.S. He is the creator of Umoja Flute Institute, dedicated to providing flutists of African descent with the tools needed to succeed and thrive at all levels of music making. The G.C. Symphony’s concert is the first of many which will be performed at the PAC.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 22, January 2022
Central Elementary Celebrates College and Career Week Central Elementary School celebrated its College and Career Week Jan. 24-28. The students and staff rocked different themes each day: Monday – Your College Future Starts Here!; Tuesday – Wild about College and Careers, with students wearing animal print and/or animal t-shirts; Wednesday – College Colors and Gear Day; Thursday – College Hat Day; and Friday – Dress for Success Day with students wearing future career attire.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 23, February, 2022
Chamber Education/Workforce Development Committee Discusses WorkKeys Scholarships Members of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Education/Workforce Development Committee discussed ways to repurpose Explosion of Excellence monies at its February 2022 meeting held at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Chamber CEO Paige Roberts brought the subject before the group to brainstorm ideas for the money so it could be used for a good cause. Members discussed using the money for scholarships for students who score a silver, gold or bronze on the ACT WorkKeys test, but may not have received a college scholarship. Other criteria will also be taken into consideration before selecting winners of the scholarship. These may be students who are not in the top 10 percent of their graduating class, but are deserving of a scholarship to attend college. Input from teachers, guidance counselors and career coaches will also be taken into consideration. Roberts will bring the recommendation of the
committee to the Chamber Board of Directors for approval. An application will be drafted with criteria listed as students apply. Career Coaches embedded at the high school level shared success stories with the committee members about their work with preparing high school students for the future. The Career Coaches have also worked diligently to help parents with FAFSA paperwork for students who want to attend college after high school. Dr. J.J. Morgan, director of the Jackson County Technology Center, and Derek Read, director of the College and Career Technical Institute, shared the news of students in their respective districts who had received the prestigious Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program Scholarships awarded by Mississippi State University for students in the Teacher Academy programs.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 24, February, 2022
PGSD Hosts Chamber’s Leadership Jackson County for Education Day The Pascagoula-Gautier School District hosted the Chamber’s Leadership Jackson County Class for Education Day. Superintendents from all four school districts in the county spoke to the group about the uniqueness of their districts. Guest speakers included Dr. Bonita Coleman, Ocean Springs School District; Dr. Shannon Vincent, Moss Point School District; Dr. John Stryker, Jackson County School District and Dr. Wayne Rodolfich, PascagoulaGautier School District. Leadership trainer Dr. Samuel Jones opened the morning session held at the Pascagoula High School Performing Arts Center followed by presentations from the four superintendents. The class then toured the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center before departing for the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory’s Cedar Point site.
PGSD Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich discusses the digital bookshelf of resources available to the public (top photo). Below, Dr. Rodolfich gives a tour of the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center to Leadership Jackson County members.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 3, Issue 25, February, 2022
PGSD Ninth Graders Get Sneak Peek at CCTI Bridge Academy programs Pascagoula-Gautier School District ninth graders from Gautier High School and Pascagoula High School toured the Bridge Academy programs at the College and Career Technical Institute. Students were able to get a little hands-on experience before applying for the different programs. The tours were based specifically on students’ interests in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science); health and human services; communication, arts and business; and manufacturing, construction and transportation.
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If a student requires more assistance than a teacher feels competent to give after using the card with the students, students are referred to the counselor, social worker, nurse or administrator for further assistance. The key in using the card with students is to strengthen student/adult relationships and show that staff are there to support, not just academic learning, but students’ emotional health as well.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 1, February, 2022
Arlington Elementary Students Enjoy Dress for Success Day Arlington Elementary School students enjoyed participating in “Dress for Success Day” at their school. “We believe that leaders and teachers can set a positive example for their students by dressing for success and that is what we strive to do at Arlington Elementary School,” said Principal Latoya Worthen. “On a daily basis, we remind our students that clothing and appearance are important parts of making a good impression. Dressing for success has been shown to boost confidence, and we know that when students have confidence they are able to achieve greatness.” “Since the students and staff were celebrating Black History Month by dressing up as historical figures who have inspired us to "Be Great", we also decided that we would allow our students to come to school dressed for success,” Worthen said. “We hope our students were able to make a connection between successful leaders and professional dress. I often say to students that when we feel good about our appearance, we are better prepared to learn.” Dress For Success Day was an opportunity to help students foster confidence and encourage them to continue to develop a positive selfimage.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 2, February, 2022
Colmer Middle Students Learn Real World Income Budgeting at Reality Fair Colmer Middle School eighth graders participated in a Reality Fair/That's Life hosted by Mississippi State Extension Service. Students were given an occupation and rotated through stations around the school gym to pay their bills for entertainment, groceries, cell phones. Students were given a glimpse of reality by having to pay their housing, transportation, entertainment, groceries, student loans, clothes, child care, credit cards, insurance and other bills. Keystone students assisted in the event. After the Reality Fair, Colmer student Jacquelina Farrow said, "Now I want to go home and hug my mom." "With this experience, I learned about being an adult and how money can come and go quickly," said Colmer student Allie Smith.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 3, March, 2022
Community Partners Help Tutor Eastlawn Elementary School Students In keeping with its theme, “Blazing a Trail through Goula,” Eastlawn Elementary called on some community members to help tutor students after school at “We Love Our Community Tutoring Day.” Volunteers from the Pascagoula Fire Department , Police Department, City Hall and the Mayor’s Office spent the afternoon with students in the school library to provide a little extra
one-on-one assistance. “We love our community and have enjoyed our community partners coming in to our school and speaking with the various classes about their unique businesses and what they have to offer,” said Eastlawn principal Beth Goff. “Our tutoring day was just another way to showcase how great our community is.”
Pictured above are the community volunteers pictured with the students they tutored. Below photo shows everyone hard at work. Photo at right is Pascagoula Mayor Jay Willis with Eastlawn Elementary Principal Beth Goff.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 4, March, 2022
High School Career Coaches embedded at each of the seven public high schools in Jackson County are, from left, Amanda Stubbs, Gautier High; Suzanne Rodolfich, Moss Point High; Brittni Marvin, St. Martin High; Shunda Williams, Pascagoula High; Quinta Anderson, Ocean Springs High; Kim Wiley, Vancleave High; and Regina Story, East Central High.
High School Career Coaches Share Student Stories with Chamber Workforce Development Committee Helping students find their interests and directing them toward their ideal career pathway are two ways Career Coaches are helping high school students. These coaches, embedded in the seven public high schools in Jackson County have become mentors to high school students who need help finding their direction in life following high school. The coaches shared some of their success stories with the Chamber’s Education/Workforce Development Committee at its March meeting at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. These coaches have made an impact in students’ lives by providing them with resources and options to build their future.
J.C. Chamber President Paige Roberts talks about repurposing scholarship money for CTE students.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 5, March, 2022
Mississippi Export Railroad Visits CCTI Logistics Class Jen Robertson, Mississippi Export Railroad Business Development/Marketing Analyst, visited CCTI Logistics and Transportation students who showed her their concept for expanding the railroad. The research for the concept was done as a class assignment, taught by Vaughn Rex. Robertson showed students a map of the railroad route and invited the class to the railroad site for a tour and a chance to meet with Kate Luce, president and Chief Executive Officer for Mississippi Export Railroad.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 6, March, 2022
Four PGSD Administrators Inducted as Fellows in National Career Academy Leaders’ Collaborative Four PGSD administrators have been inducted as Fellows in the National Career Academy Coalition’s Career Academy Leaders’ Collaborative. They are: Derek Read, College and Career Technical Institute Director; Dr. April Engle, College and Career Technical Institute Assistant Director; Dr. Melissa DeAngelo, Director of English Language and Career Academies; and PGSD Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich. These four attended national training sessions throughout the past year to become certified Fellows in the Collaborative. They recently received their certificates at the final training event held in Orlando, FL. Read’s journey to become a Fellow with NCAC began five years ago when he became part of a PGSD team tasked with researching Career Academies. “I had the opportunity to travel to various school districts throughout Mississippi and other states and then had the chance to attend the NCAC National Conference in Nashville, TN which changed my life,” Read said. “The district started implementing Career Academies and they became a part of my core. I could see our district
district hosting groups from all over the nation and showing everyone what we do in Jackson County that was innovative and game changing,” he said. In the fall of 2020, Read was asked by Dr. Aimee Brown to participate in CALC training with NCAC, but because of COVID, the sessions were virtual. “We were given the opportunity to attend the face-toface sessions this year, and I jumped at the chance. Having the opportunity to attend these sessions with a district team was priceless. I am looking forward to sharing the information with others,” Read said. Engle said when she joined the PGSD, she was not very experienced with Career Academies and didn’t fully understand the concept.
“I was blessed to be chosen by district leadership with a role that would completely change my thoughts on secondary education. When I first joined the CALC, I was very excited to be around professionals from all over the world to dive deep into the NSOPs, National Standards of Practice. These are the standards that all Career Academies should follow for best practices,” she said. “I also learned the importance of telling your story and how this can play an important role in my team's journey. Being a part of the CALC has secured my career aspirations to become committed to implementing Career Academies and using the skills and training I gained to provide our students with opportunities to make an informed career choice. I am very excited about our plan of building our Bridge Academies using the tools I gained from this opportunity.”
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 7, March, 2022
A Gift to the City of Pascagoula
PGSD Collaborates with Walter Anderson Museum of Art to Unveil First of Three Sculptures Through a unique partnership between the Pascagoula-Gautier School District and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, the first of three metal sculptures was recently unveiled and presented to the City of Pascagoula. PGSD/CCTI students worked in conjunction with Julian Rankin, executive director of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, in a unique Pascagoula Continued next page
Standing with WAMA Executive Director Julian Rankin as he speaks are CCTI instructors, from left, Gregory Bosarge-Machine; Jason Brister-Welding; Stanley Pauls-Carpentry; Derek Read-Director; and Michael Ray-Drafting. Students in these classes participated in the project.
This building block sculpture is the first of three to be displayed throughout Pascagoula.
PGSD Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich addresses the crowd at the unveiling of the sculpture. Continued from previous page
Public Art Enterprise that fuses public art, design, engineering and entrepreneurship to support economic development efforts in downtown Pascagoula. Students from eight different programs housed at the CCTI, participated in the semester-long program which culminated in the installation of three permanent metal sculptures at key places in Pascagoula’s redevelopment master plan. Students in the architecture and drafting, business and marketing, construction and carpentry, fabrication and manufacturing and welding participated in the project. Project goals are to connect and support current Pascagoula revitalization efforts through creative place making; strengthen STEAM instruction and acquisition of applied skills for local students; demonstrate collaboration between sectors of industry, government, culture and education, and foster community pride through permanent sculptures that champion local identity and history. Project goals are to connect and support current Pascagoula revitalization efforts through creative place making; strengthen STEAM instruction and acquisition of applied skills for local students; demonstrate collaboration between sectors of industry, government, culture and education, and foster community pride through permanent sculptures that champion local identity and history. Advisory partners are the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Pascagoula, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Pascagoula Redevelopment Authority, Mississippi Power, Ingalls Shipbuilding and Chevron.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 8, March 2022
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Brainstorms Mission Statements for New PGSD Strategic Plan Members of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee met for its final meeting of the school year to draft the final choices for the mission statement for the district’s new strategic plan. The students compiled a list of words for the mission statement and then drafted one final version from each of the represented schools attending the meeting. Once the mission statements were finalized, students gathered together to read the mission statements to share with the entire group. The superintendent’s student advisory has worked all year on formulating goals they would like to see included in the new strategic plan.
Singing River Academy
Gautier Middle School
Pascagoula High School
Trent Lott Academy
Gautier High School
Colmer Middle School
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 9, April 2022
J.C. Chamber Workforce Development Committee Members Share Stories of Making a Difference Members of the Jackson County Workforce Development Committee heard numerous student success stories at its April meeting at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Gautier High teacher Margaret Moran explained how excited her students were to visit various departments at Singing River Hospital System which provided an overview of a number of different career options within the hospital setting. These kinds of community partnerships are providing opportunities for students to find their passion in life before ever graduating high school. The seven career coaches embedded in all the public high schools in Jackson County also shared how they are making a difference in students’ lives. During the spring, it is important that all students
planning to attend college fill out the FAFSA or Federal Student Aid form to see if they are eligible to receive financial aid to assist with tuition, room and board and books. All career coaches reported an increase in the number of students filling out the forms and meeting with parents who were grateful to know this resource was available to their children. Derek Read, director of the PGSD’s College and Career Technical Institute, announced the district has been selected as a District of Innovation by the Mississippi Department of Education. The district was one of two in the state selected for this honor. The Mississippi Department of Education will honor the PGSD for this accomplishment this summer.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 10, April 2022
PGSD and Singing River Federal Credit Union Continue Partnership for PHS SRFCU Branch The Pascagoula-Gautier School District has signed a memorandum of agreement with Singing River Federal Credit Union for another year of having a branch of SRFCU inside of Pascagoula High School. As one of the PGSD’s community partners, SRFCU recognizes the need for strong career and technical education to order for prepare high school students to become part of a highly skilled and motivated workforce. The partnership program is designed to teach students various high-level skills required in the financial industry, develop career strategies and workplace readiness skills. The PHS SRFCU branch is currently open during lunch Monday through Friday from approximately 11 a.m. to 1 pm. The internships allow the students to work at the PGSD Branch as well as any SRFCU branches off campus to further their training abilities. SRFCU compensates the interns based on their current rate of pay and hours work. The interns teacher has learned the procedures of the PGSD Branch so she can oversee the interns in conjunction with any SRFCU employee. Derek Read, College and Career Technical Institute Director; and Jerica Hudson, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for SRFCU, serve as the primary points of contact for the branch and provide supervision, coordination and implementation for the PGSB branch and the internship.
Jerica Hudson, vice president of marketing and communications for Singing River Federal Credit Union, met with PGSD Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich and Dr. Melissa DeAngelo, director of Career Pathways, for the signing of a memorandum of agreement for another year of having a branch of SRFCU inside of Pascagoula High School. “We appreciate our community partnership with Singing River Federal Credit Union in helping our students find their passion in life,” said PGSD Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich. “This partnership provides a solid foundation in a career pathway for students who are interested in finances and banking whether they go on to attend college or straight into the workforce.”
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 11, April 2022
Singing River Academy’s The Amazing Shake Teaches Students “Amazing” Leadership Skills Student Reagan Dillon was selected as the 2022 winner of Singing River Academy’s Amazing Shake Competition. The Amazing Shake is a competition that places an emphasis on teaching students manners, discipline, respect, and professional conduct. Prior to the competition, students learn the nuances of professional human interaction as they are taught skills such as how to give a proper handshake, how to “work a room,” how to give a successful speech, and how to remain composed under pressure. The goal is to prepare students so they are able to present themselves exceptionally well for opportunities today as well as those that will come in the future. Singing River Academy adapted the Amazing Shake from the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA. “The Amazing Shake has taught me how to be professional, respectful to others, and open-minded,” Reagan said. “Being professional means dressing appropriately, speaking clearly, making eye contact, having good posture and being prepared.” Learning confidence and being herself are another skills Reagan said she has learned. “Being yourself allows transparency and builds trust. It also helps you be more passionate about what you are doing, and it drives you to give 110 percent.” Reagan said the competition prepared her to be a better leader. “It was definitely a challenge, and in life we will face many challenges. But I now have the tools in my toolbox to help me along the way,” she said. “You only get one chance to make a first impression. The Amazing Shake has been amazing!”
Reagan Dillon is Singing River Academy’s Amazing Shake winner.
Singing River Academy’s Amazing Shake winner Reagan Dillon gets a hug from SRA teacher Jamie Cooper as finalists Natalee Tuck and Astrid Bautista applaud. At right is Hope Crosslin, last year’s Amazing Shake winner.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 12, April 2022
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich holds up social emotional cards that were provided to every student in the district. The campaign won the Governor’s Award from the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education.
PGSD Supt. Wayne Rodolfich Speaks to Pascagoula Rotarians about Career Pathways, Community Partnerships Pascagoula-Gautier School District Supt. Dr. Wayne Rodolfich spoke to the members of the Rotary Club of Pascagoula on a number of issues including the rise in graduation rates, social emotional initiatives in the district and the progress being made with Career Pathways. Using his digital bookshelf, Rodolfich shared the district’s successes even during the COVID-19 crisis to help students find their passion in life following graduation, whether it is on to a two-year or fouryear university, into the military or straight into the workforce. With the help of community partners such as Singing River Federal Credit Union, Singing River Health System and Ingalls Shipbuilding, students are interning at a number of local business and industries to see if their interests align with particular career pathways. Introduction into career pathways starts as early
as pre-school with children visiting the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center where rooms are centered around a number of career pathways. At the elementary level, students are introduced to a wide variety of career pathways through dress up days and visits from guest speakers in different professional areas. Middle school students take field trips in Keystone Classes to get a hands-on look at the many career fields available. At the high school level, ninth graders can read the stories of PGSD alumni - learning from the challenges and successes they faced when finding their way in the world. Juniors participate in You’re Hired, interviewing with potential employers as they get a glimpse at what it means to work in the real world. The PGSD is committed to ensuring the success of all students as they graduate high school by providing a multitude of career experiences.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 13, April 2022
J.C. Bar Association Members Visit CCTI Members of the Jackson County Bar Association attended the annual association luncheon as the guests of the PascagoulaGautier School District and the College & Career Technical Institute on Aug. 29, 2022. The Culinary students prepared the menu for the luncheon and served the guests during the luncheon. After the luncheon, the members were given a tour of the CCTI so they could see the programs offered and hear about the third year-options for the students involving the numerous partners the CCTI has with local business and industry partners. This luncheon is the first event held after the PGSD, CCTI and Jackson County Bar Association reached a partnership involving the CCTI Law and Public Safety program and local attorneys. This partnership will provide guest speakers, possible field trips to hear trials and proceedings, and possible internship opportunities for seniors who want to pursue a career in law or criminal justice. This venture will build on the extensive partnerships with local business/industry and community members providing another career pathway for Law and Public Safety students.
Top photo, College and Career Technical Institute Director Derek Read gives Jackson County Bar Association members a tour of the center. Bottom photo, Culinary Arts students served lunch to guests; at right, are CCTI ambassadors.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 14, May, 2022
J.C. Chamber Education-Workforce Development Committee Hears Updates The Chamber Workforce-Education Committee heard updates from members at its May, 2022, monthly meeting at MGCCC. CTE updates included JCSD obtaining a grant to update CTE facilities and offerings. Also, PGSD is working with Accelerate Mississippi on workforce development in our area as well as in the state. PGSD also spoke of beginning an energy academy in the 2022-2023 school year. In K-12 education, PGSD reported graduating 18 seniors who earned the Seal of Biliteracy. Postsecondary Institutions spoke of a successful scholarship gala at William Carey University and the outreach from MGCCC CTE programs to academic teachers to better inform them on the offerings for students. From business and industry, SRHS received a grant for workforce academy. They will host a
health council, and committee members are all invited. Chevron spoke of the scholarship opportunities for students encouraging the committee to spread the word that the applications are available online. Bancorp South will participate with other financial institutions in the You’re Hired event with PGSD. They are also willing to present on financial literacy to any group of students. Win Job Center said they have had successful job fairs. One upcoming job fair will be open to the public but is specifically for re-entry into the workforce for those who may have legal issues regarding their background check. The committee also briefly reviewed the MEC Annual Report.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 15, May, 2022
MEC Meeting Highlights Plans to Secure the State’s Future with a Vision of Economic Growth Those attending the Mississippi Economic Council’s May meeting in Ocean Springs heard plans for securing Mississippi’s future through a series of goals laid out to improve Mississippi’s workforce. Goals and recommendations were shared with attendees to help shape the future for Mississippi. Goals included: • Develop a world-class workforce to meet the needs of today’s job market as well as job opportunities for the future. • Growing the state’s economy and population by increasing the number of highly qualified, skilled professionals. • Grow the state’s economy by strengthening infrastructure • Strengthen and expand Mississippi’s economy through job growth • Articulate the importance of healthcare for today’s workforce. MEC officials also discussed Ascent to 55 Percent and Mississippi’s newly adopted
attainment goals for Mississippi Post-Secondary Education. These include: • By 2030, 55% of working-age adults in Mississippi will have a degree or higher quality credentials. • By 2035, 60 percent of working-age adults in Mississippi will have a degree or high quality credential. The annual report also stated that 17.4 percent of working-age Mississippians have earned some college credits, but have not completed a degree or credential. 44.4 percent of Mississippians aged 25-64, have a credential of value, compared to 51.9% nationally. And 87 percent of Mississippi employers believe their current workforce will need additional training, credentials, certifications or degrees in the next 1020 years. Every increased percentage point to Mississippi’s attainment rate has the potential to net the state $20 million through reduced social service spending and increased state and increased state and local taxes.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 16, May, 2022
You’re Hired Event is a Success with Juniors Pascagoula High School and Gautier High School seniors participated in an annual career prep event coined “You’re Hired.” These students have one more year of high school before facing life after graduation. The You’re Hired event not only helps prepare students for life after graduation, but also helps students grow their employability skill bank. Almost 200 students put their interview skills to the test with more than 57 business partners. Each student sat 1 on 1 or 1 on 2 with industry and business leaders in an interview. Students dressed professionally and prepared a resume ahead of time. Many students explained they were nervous, but this opportunity helped better prepare them for future interviews. During this event, the students rotated through 8 stations, each presenting a career or employability skill. Rotations included Social Media Responsibility, Interview Skills, Video Interviewing, Financial Literacy, Resume Writing, Personal Elevator Speech, and Background Check. Business Partners have expressed this event meets their needs as well, preparing students to be ready-for-hire candidates. There is a great need and great value in an event like this. Career coaches and administration from other districts were present to observe the event in hopes to replicate in their own district. The goal is to better prepare students for opportunities and to better assist with the transition post-graduation. The Pascagoula -Gautier School District worked closely with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce to make this event happen. The interviewers scored the students on their interviews and selected one candidate each to “Hire.” Students selected to be Hired received a Walmart gift card and recognition. Some business partners were so impressed with certain students, they asked to meet with them after the event to discuss their employment future.
Formal Interviews 20 min Video Interviews 20 min
5 min
5 min
Financial Literacy 20 min
5 min
Personal Elevator Speech 20 min
May 12, 2022 Family Interactive Center
5 min
Resume Writing 20 min
Interview Skills 20 min
5 min
5 min
You’re Hired!
5 min
PGSD Career Academies Event
Background Check 20 min
5 min
Social Media Responsibility 20 min
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 17, May, 2022
Sixth Graders experience My Two Boots… A Walk in the Wetlands The Pascagoula Gautier School district in partnership with the Mississippi State Coastal Research and Extension Center hosted My Two Boots… a Walk in the Wetlands. This day long event brought together all 6th graders in Pascagoula-Gautier and Resurrection School Districts. The 6th graders joined with high school students, districtwide science teachers, local and state scientists to be immersed in and experience the Mississippi Wetlands. The event began in 2000 with Billy Walker and Sybil Wilner’s vision after attending The Coastal Wetlands Workshop sponsored by Chevron under the direction of Mark LaSalle. At first, they planned a wetland unit and numerous field trips to spark the interest in the students to learn more about preserving South Mississippi resources. Students learned about the plants and animals of this habitat, such as the Sand Hill Crane and other local birds and aquatic animals native to the area. Pascagoula and Gautier are surrounded by wetlands, marshes, swamps, and are bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, and are two cities who depend on its wetlands. More than 500 6th graders spent the day at the “Swamp” at Gautier High School. Students were engaged with and learned about Environmental Art, the Wetlands, Coastal Ecology, Fisheries, Wildlife, Marine Debris/Litter, Storm Water Runoff, Story telling, and Kayaking. My Two Boots… A Walk in the Wetlands offered experiences for students to learn about wetlands, their value, and how to help protect them. More importantly, the students are learning through experience. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College lent the Kayaks, which was the highlight for many of the students. Other partners included Pascagoula Audubon Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Department of Marine Resources. EPA Gulf of Mexico Program, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, NOAA, Mississippi Master Naturalists.
Station 1 Environmental Art Station 2 Wetlands
Station 9 Storytellers
Station 8 Stormwater Runoff
Station 7 Marine Debris/Litter
My Two Boots… A Walk in the Wetlands May 13, 2022 Organized by Leslie Salter and Dr. Eric Sparks
Station 6 Wildlife
Station 5 Fisheries
Station 3 Coastal Ecology
Station 4 Kayaks
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 18, May, 2022
CTE Directors Visit Ingalls Shipbuilding On Tuesday, May 17, Ingalls Shipbuilding President, Kari Wilkinson, and her leadership team hosted the CTE Directors from Jackson, Harrison and Hancock Counties. Also included were the Jackson County Career Coaches and supervisor, along with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation. Mrs. Wilkinson gave a brief overview of the current operation of Ingalls and the plans for the immediate future. She opened the conversation up to questions and concerns from the various school districts represented. After discussions, plans were made for follow-up meetings, including discussions of focus groups to ensure the needs of the districts as well as needs of the shipyard are met. Some of the topics mentioned were streamlining the pipeline for high school CTE completers who want to work at Ingalls. This means making current postings available early for high school students. The thought behind this is to ensure that students are prepared ahead of time to meet the requirements for employment. Many wanted more interaction between Ingalls Shipbuilding and high school students through opportunities such as field trips and visiting guest speakers. At the conclusion of the meeting, participants were taken on a window tour of the shipyard. Ingalls has completed its multi-billion dollar investment in improving the shipyard. Improvements include covering over 90% of the outdoor spaces. This is believed to enhance employee safety. Ingalls also built a state of the art cafeteria for employees, featuring a chic-fil-a, inside the yard. The Ideas shared within this meeting opened the door to expansion of work based learning and potential career opportunities for high school students. With the passing of HB 1388, and the state legislature pursuit of career pathways and work based learning opportunities for students, this partnership is vital. Ingalls highlighted that one of the weak spots with new hires is with students having a working knowledge of hand tools and basic equipment. This is information that high schools and can build on to better equip their students. There is a plan to have another meeting with VT Halter Marine for CTE Directors and other participants in the near future.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 19, May, 2022
CCTI Programs to Receive Industry Certification Grants
In 2019, the Mississippi Legislature approved legislation to provide career and technical education grants through the State Board of Education and the State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB) to schools for each students who earns a qualifying industry certification. The industry certifications must be nationally recognized and meet at least one the following requirements; be within an industry that addresses a critical local, regional or statewide economic need, linked to an occupation that is included in the State Department of Employment Security's occupations in high-demand list, or linked to an occupation that is identified as emerging. The State Workforce Investment Board provides the State Board of Education annually with a list of qualifying industry certifications. The educational grants will be used for qualifying industry certification examination fees, professional development for teachers in career and technical education programs, student instructional support, or to increase access to qualifying industry certifications. The College and Career Technical Institute has six programs that meet the criteria for the SWIB educational grants; Construction and Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Health Science, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Precision Machine, and Welding. Carpentry students are trained in the fundamentals of construction safety, tools, math, and blueprint reading, as well as basic carpentry, electrical, masonry, and plumbing skills. The certification earned by carpentry students is the National Center for Construction Education and Research Carpentry Level 1 and Core Curriculum. In the Culinary Arts program, students receive instruction that includes an overview of the industry, safety and sanitation, standardized recipes, culinary math, equipment, and popular techniques used in the foodservice industry. Culinary students who have adequately mastered the competencies the knowledge and skills necessary to earn the industry coveted ServSafe Manager Certification. Health Science students cover topics such as safety in the workplace, infection control, health care systems, and the vital organs of the human body, human growth and development, health informatics, information technology, and therapeutic and rehabilitative services. The certification earned by the Health Science students is the National Health Science Assessment. In the HVAC program, students receive training in skills on the fundamentals of safety, hand tools, power tools, copper tubing practices, plastic piping practices, construction drawings, brazing, basic electrical practices, heating, cooling, steel piping practices, and air distribution systems. Students have to opportunity to obtain NCCER core and NCCER HVAC level 1 certifications. In the Precision Machine program, students train in the areas of leadership, basic safety, math, measuring tools and instruments, blueprints, hand and power tools, lathe theory and operation milling, machine theory and operation, and grinding operations. Machine students may obtain the NIMS Credential in Machining Level 1. The Welding program will learn Oxyfuel Cutting fundamentals, safety measures, setup procedures, and welding techniques for each type of welding. Students may earn the NCCER core and NCCER HVAC level 1certifications. Overall, the six programs will potentially have 100 students to earn the industry certifications, and currently Health Science, HVAC, and Precision Machine having a 100% pass rate for their programs. The CCTI will receive $600 for each student passing the SWIB recognized industry certification, which should be $60,000 in total grant money that will be allocated for improved student performance and professional development.
Official Newspaper of the Bridge Academies, Pascagoula – Gautier School District Volume 4, Issue 20, May, 2022
Superintendent’s Letter to Colleagues Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to share these original resources with our colleagues throughout the state and beyond. We decided to combine our career-based resources into a single document. These resources were all created within the Pascagoula-Gautier School District. Everything you have viewed within this document is part of a larger plan to create exciting educational experiences, which are transferable to our student’s futures. We have enjoyed many milestones on our journey to create these resources and have learned a great deal about our students and our programming. Many of these ideas originated from our strategic plan written in 2017. We were named a District of Innovation for the year 2022-2023 by the Mississippi Department of Education. We have received several statewide awards for our initiative for our students and educators. This book serves as a foundation and a baseline for the future of our programming. It should not be a stagnant work that sits on the shelf, but a constantly evolving document filled with new experiences for our students and teachers. Please take the time to review the innovative processes we have put in place through our varied partnerships with business, industry, and community. As we come out of the pandemic, we have a new opportunity to chart a new course for the future of education that relies more on experience-based learning than any other component to educate our students. The method outlined in the activities in this book touch on all of the sense to experience learning like never before. We hope that you can see through the optimization with local agencies like the United Way, Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Foundation with the addition of community colleges and universities we can create a pathway for every student in our schools. We must also include the state agencies such as Accelerate Mississippi and the Public Service Commission to share a broader vision for the future. We do not claim to have a flawless model, but our model does initiate innovation and excitement into education. We believe we are on the right path to achieve great opportunities for our students and for the communities they are a part of in the future. The only limitation our students will have is the boundary of their ambition! Dr. Wayne Rodolfich
CCTI Bridge Academy Teacher Externships 2021
766 HOURS
18 CTE instructors were tasked with working at least 16 hours this summer in a business/industry related to their program.
THEY AVERAGED 43 HOURS EACH Business/Industry Partners Involved
To learn more about our Bridge Academies and Business/Industry Partnerships contact us below:
Derek Read - CTE Director & Dean of Workforce Ed. 228-938-6581 [email protected]
CCTI Bridge Academy Student WBL/Internships 2021-2022
132
TOTAL
70 CTE completers are participating in career-specific internships, and 62 seniors are participating in Work-Based Learning.
Current Partners Offering Internships
To learn more about our Bridge Academies and Business/Industry Partnerships contact us below:
Derek Read - CTE Director & Dean of Workforce Ed. 228-938-6581 [email protected]
Programs Started October 2019
278 HIRED TO DATE
Hire Up programs started October 2019, with Welding, Structural Fitting and Sheetmetal/Joiner. We have since dropped Sheetmetal/Joiner and added Pipefitting and one class of Inside Machinist.
To learn more about our Bridge Academies and Business/Industry Partnerships contact us below:
Derek Read - CTE Director & Dean of Workforce Ed. 228-938-6581 [email protected]
The Pascagoula-Gautier School District’s FIRST THREE completely on-line Tech Camp for Teachers AND the State’s largest technology training in history!
Annual Tech Camp for Teachers Goes Virtual, Expanding Number of Educator Participants The CHALLENGE? How to hold the sixth annual Pascagoula-Gautier School District Tech Camp for Teachers in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic. The SOLUTION? Virtual Learning The RESULTS? ⮚2,232 Educators ⮚130 School Districts ⮚6 Community Colleges/Universities ⮚33 Training Sessions ⮚Total Cost to Attend - FREE ⮚863 Requesting CEUS “With COVID and the restrictions on the number of people in a gathering, we knew we couldn’t do what we had done since 2015 with everyone coming together in one place,” said PGSD Technology Director Eva Harvell. “For 2020, we decided to go virtual. The first hurdle was finding a platform we could use to host a large number of attendees. We selected Facebook Groups because it is a free platform.” The second hurdle was how to eliminate technology being an issue during the event. To ensure presentations went smoothly, all
“The goal for Tech Camp for Teachers is three-fold - to provide high quality technology integration training, give Mississippi educators a place to connect with others, and remove as many obstacles as possible for the educators who want to attend.” –
Eva Harvell, PGSD Technology Director
presenters pre-recorded their sessions and submitted them to PGSD technology integration specialists, Jeannie Steer and Stoney Rogers, for final editing which included the introduction and CEU code. Sessions were then scheduled to begin every 30 minutes. The presenters were online during their session and were able
Continued next page
“Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Your videos were entertaining, informative and paced perfectly. I feel like I just crawled out of a cave with all of these tools that I didn’t know existed. Shame on me for not exploring more. Thanks again.” – Robin Hudson Bryson, Tech Camp Participant 2
“Tech Camp for Teachers 2020 brought together over 2,200 educators from across Mississippi and surrounding areas to learn how to integrate technology in the classroom. It still amazes me what three educators put together with a free Facebook Group and some really talented teachers who want to help others.
Eva Harvell, PGSD Technology Director
to answer questions and connect with attendees via chat. “Since this was a virtual conference, an attendee limit was not a hurdle for us this year,” Harvell said. Attendees still registered just like they always have in the past. The week prior to Tech Camp, attendees received a link to access the Facebook Group. The group was kept private and attendees were required to answer a question. This allowed the tech camp administrators to make sure those requesting access had, in fact, registered. “Educators did share the group with co-workers, which we figured would happen,” Harvell said. “We would allow those to join as well, as long as they registered too.” Several educators did not have access to Facebook, which became another hurdle. Those educators were provided with access to a private YouTube playlist that included each session. “We made sure to include any videos where we went live in the Facebook group. We also used a Google Document to provide a level of collaboration,” Harvell said. On June 24-25, 2020, Jeannie Steer, Stoney Rogers, Eva Harvell
spent more than 20 hours on Facebook. “The collaboration and conversation under each session, as well as in general in the group, was mind blowing,” Harvell said. “Even after we wrapped up on June 25, the conversation continued. I expect the conversation to continue as we head back into the classroom.” The group will remain open until December 31, 2020. This will allow the attendees to view videos and connect with each other between Tech Camp for Teachers 2020 and the end of the first semester of school.
- Camellia R. Jenkins, Attendee
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The Birth of Tech Camp for Teachers Tech Camp for Teachers (TC4T) was brought to life from a conversation between five individuals during the 2014-2015 school year - Dr. Douglas Belk (former PGSD Technology Director), Wayne Rodolfich (PGSD Superintendent), Eva Harvell (Technology Integration Specialist at the time), Stoney Rogers (Technology Integration Specialist), and Jeannie Steer (Technology Integration Specialist).
Access to technology training was few and far between for Mississippi educators. While PGSD strived to provide continuous technology training for its employees, the district wanted to do more to help those teachers who didn’t have the same level of access. On June 8-9, 2015, PGSD held the first Tech Camp for Teachers event. The event included 18 presenters, 98
attendees and five vendors. “By the end of June 9, we knew we had found a way to do more and we haven’t looked back since,” Harvell said. Planning for Tech Camp for Teachers usually starts in January. A big part of the job for Technology Integration Specialists, Stoney Rogers and Jeannie Steer, is to observe and train PGSD educators on technology integration resources throughout the school year. Through those observations and training, they come across educators who are doing great things in their classroom. When planning begins, those educators are asked if they would like to facilitate a session during TC4T. School administrators are also asked to provide their thoughts on educators in their building they have observed going above and beyond with technology integration in the classroom. From there, the list of presenters and sessions begin to take shape. Presenters work with Rogers and Steer to create a session that includes hands-on activities and several takeaways. In 2016, vendors were given the opportunity to present. Vendors at Tech Camp are always vendors PGSD uses and have a good working relationship Continued next page
“It is amazing to see how Stoney and I have planted seeds of ed-tech topics within our educators, then to see them blossom into users and presenters of those very same topics and more.” – Jeannie Steer, PGSD Technology Integration Specialist
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“When the challenge of COVID-19 hit, Mississippi Public Schools needed a way to train teachers in the use of technology. We met that need for over 2,200 educators for free with minimal manpower using a virtual setting. We can easily duplicate and expand this model for future technology trainings.” – PGSD Supt. Wayne V. Rodolfich Continued from previous page:
with. The district also had its first student presenter in 2016. In 2018, the district began inviting technology integration specialists from other Mississippi school districts to present. “Several individuals around the state do amazing things in the area of technology integration support and training, and we wanted our attendees to have the opportunity to learn from them as well,” Harvell said. The district uses the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center, the Center for Teaching and Learning, as well as the Information Systems Department for Tech Camp break-out sessions. These three areas are located on the same campus. This allows the participants to spread out into multiple classrooms for sessions and come together in the gym for meals and whole group activities. Attendee information about Tech Camp for Teachers is released between March and April. Announcements start with emails to previous attendees, the Mississippi Technology Coordinators ListServ, Mississippi Department of Education
Communications, and other organizations around the state. “Word of mouth is also a big part of how educators learn about Tech Camp. Those who have attended before tell fellow educators and share registration information. Teachers just know to start checking their emails around March, and if they don’t see anything, they will email us,” Harvell said. “Thank you for putting this together. The number of registered teachers shows how great our Mississippi teachers are.” – Stephanie Causey Campbell, Tech Camp participant
During Tech Camp 2015 and 2016, attendees did not include PGSD educators because organizers wanted to make sure teachers outside of the district were given an opportunity to attend. In 2017, the district began allowing PGSD educators to join Tech Camp. Some of those PGSD attendees became presenters in 2018.
“Everything was ‘spot on!’ Your Team Nailed it! I received the certificate as soon as I submitted!! This was my first Tech Camp and was amazing. I plan to watch the videos until they disappear!! You guys Rock!! Thanks!!” – Betty Gibson-Pitts, Tech Camp
participant
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Mississippi School Districts and Educational Institutions Represented: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.
Aberdeen School District Alcorn School District Amite County School District Amory School District Attala County School District Baldwyn Public School District Bay Waveland School District Benton County School District Biloxi Public School District Booneville School District Brookhaven School District Calhoun County School District Canton Public School District Cares School** Carroll County School District Catholic Diocese of Biloxi** Cedar Lake Christian Academy** Choctaw Tribal Schools** Claiborne County School District Clarksdale Municipal School District Cleveland School District Clinton Public School District Coffeeville School District Columbia School District Columbus Municipal School District Copiah County School District Corinth School District Covington County School District Delta Charter** DeSoto County School District Diocese of Jackson** East Jasper School District East Tallahatchie School District Enterprise School District Fayette County School District Forest Municipal School District Forrest County Agricultural High School Forrest County School District Franklin County School District George County School District
41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80.
Greene County School District Greenville Public Schools Greenwood Leflore Consolidated School District Grenada School District Gulf Coast Education Initiative Consortium** Gulfport School District Hancock County School District Harrison County School District Hattiesburg Public School District Hazlehurst City School District Hinds Community College** Hinds County School District Hollandale School District Holly Springs School District Holmes County Consolidated School District Houston School District Humphreys County School District Ingalls Shipbuilding** Itawamba County School District Jackson County School District Jackson Public School District Jackson State University** Jefferson County School District Jefferson Davis County School District Jones County School District Kemper County School District Kosciusko School District Lafayette County School District Lamar County School District Lauderdale County School District Laurel School District Lawrence County School District Leake County School District Lee County School District Lincoln County School District Long Beach School District Louisville Municipal School District Lowndes County School District Madison County School District Marion County School District
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81. Marshall County School District 82. McComb Separate School District 83. Meridian Public School District 84. Mississippi Achievement School District** 85. Mississippi College** 86. Mississippi Department of Education** 87. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College** 88. Mississippi School of the Arts 89. Mississippi State University** 90. Monroe County School District 91. Moss Point School District 92. Natchez Adams School District 93. Neshoba County School District 94. Nettleton School District 95. New Albany School District 96. Newton County School District 97. Newton Municipal School District 98. North Pike Consolidated School District 99. North Tippah Consolidated School District 100. Noxubee County School District 101. Ocean Springs School District 102. Okolona Municipal Separate School District 103. Oxford School District 104. Pascagoula-Gautier School District 105. Pass Christian School District 106. Pearl Public School District 107. Pearl River County School District 108. Perry County School District 109. Petal School District 110. Philadelphia Public School District 111. Picayune School District 112. Pontotoc City School District 113. Pontotoc County School District 114. Poplarville Special Municipal Separate School District 115. Prentiss County School District 116. Quitman School District 117. Rankin County School District 118. Richton Separate School District 119. Scott County School District 120. Senatobia Municipal School District
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121. Senatobia Municipal School District 122. Simpson County School District 123. Smith County School District 124. South Delta School District 125. South Panola School District 126. South Pike School District 127. South Tippah School District 128. Starkville Oktibbeha School District 129. Stone County School District 130. Sunflower County Consolidated School District 131. Tate County School District 132. Tishomingo County School District 133. Tunica County School District 134. Tupelo Public School District 135.Union County School District 136. Union Public School District 137. University of Southern Mississippi** 138. Vicksburg Warren School District 139. Walthall County School District 140. Water Valley School District 141. Wayne County School District 142. West Bolivar Consolidated School District 143. West Jasper Consolidated School District 144. West Point School District 145. Western Line School District 146. Winona Montgomery Consolidated School District 147. Yazoo County School District
Out of Mississippi Attendees:
• Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana • St. Landry Parish, Louisiana • DC Public Schools, Washington DC • Independent Schools, Alabama • Mobile County Public School System, Alabama • Miles College, Alabama • Stafford County Public Schools, Virginia
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Tech Camp For Teachers Day 1 Welcome Session 1
Google Classroom for the Elementary Classroom - Lori Robertson and Lindsey Johns
Session 2
Using National History Day to Understand PBLs - Elizabeth Green
Session 3
Math Teacher #EdTech Toolkit - Susan Carriker
Session 4
Chrome Extensions in the Classroom - Reginald Matthews
Session 5
Using Tech to Talk to Parents - Jay Sanzin
Session 6
Game On With Gamification Part 1 - Elizabeth Griggs
Session 7
Game On With Gamification Part 2 - Elizabeth Griggs
Session 8
Creating With Canva - Brittany Peresich
Session 9
Explore the Desmos Graphing Calculator - Susan Carriker
Session 10
Breaking Barriers with Blended Learning - Kristen Fletcher
Session 11
Bitmoji Craze - Kimberly Brammer and Kelsey Hardy
Session 12
Implementing Social-Emotional Learning through Technology - Dr. Chase McCullum
Session 13
Breakout EDU - Erica Wilson
Session 14 & 15
Common Sense Education, Media, and Kids Action (plus Wide Open School) - Michelle Parks
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Tech Camp For Teachers Day 2 Session 16
Bringing Coding to Your Classroom - Emilee Williams
Session 17
#DistanceLearning for Secondary Math - Susan Carriker
Session 18
Google Keep: More Than a Post-It - Stephanie Cotnam
Session 19
Tips and Tricks for Administrators - Christy Sharp
Session 20
Elementary Google Classroom Tips and Tricks: Beyond the Basics - Jenna Gaines
Session 21
Smore Newsletters for Principals - Christy Cumbest
Session 22
Insert Learning in the Classroom - Reginald Matthews
Session 23
Tools to Address the Language Barrier with Parents and Students Dr. Melissa DeAngelo
Session 24
Welcome, Google Earthlings! - Dr. Heather Montgomery
Session 25
Exploring the Arc of Arithmetic to Algebra - Elizabeth Peyser
Session 26
Amp Up Learning with Screencast - Elizabeth Peyser
Session 27
Tools for Distance Learning - Hope Elliott
Session 28
Pros and Cons of Common Game Sites - Elizabeth Green
Session 29
The Hybrid Classroom - Westley Green
Session 30 & 31 Gamify Your Classroom Instruction - Kelly Banks Bonus Sessions**
Getting Started with Jamboard - Jeannie Steer Google Drawings: An Underused Google Tool - Stoney Rogers Top Six Technology Topics You Should Remember This Year! Eva Harvell Stop Motion Animation - Kim Jordan and Lydia Kate Jordan
Session 32 12
CEU Information and Thank you!
Pascagoula-Gautier School District’s 2nd Virtual Tech Camp for Teachers
Mastering Classroom Technology the Virtual Way in the Midst of a Pandemic The decision to go virtual with Tech Camp for Teachers 2020 was the pivot we needed to not let a pandemic stop us from providing quality technology training to educators. In June 2020, more than 2,300 educators attended our two-day virtual Tech Camp for Teachers event. That type of response for training makes a statement. As school districts across the country worked to start the 2020-2021 school year, we knew teachers would need an avenue for learning how to master technology integration in the physical and virtual classroom. Tech Camp Super Saturday was our answer to this need! On Saturday, January 9, 1,463 educators from 139 Mississippi school districts and educational institutions came together for a full day of learning and community. Attendees were able to watch and learn from 18 different sessions ranging from virtual learning platforms to Chrome extensions to interactive student activities. The format mirrored our June 2020 event.
Stoney Rogers PGSD Technology Integration Specialist
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Eva Harvell PGSD Director of Technology
Attendees were able to earn CEUs and SEMIs. With the use of a Facebook Group for the event, the conversations and community building were able to continue even after January 9. “I don’t know if Tech Camp will go back to face-to-face,” said Eva Harvell, Technology Director. “The ability to reach educators who can’t drive to Pascagoula is too great!”
Jeannie Steer, PGSD Technology Integration Specialist
Technology Opportunities for Teachers Move at the Speed of Light A Superintendent’s Point of View by Dr. Wayne V. Rodolfich
Our Information Systems Training Department is made up of former classroom teachers. These educators range from a second grade teacher at College Park Elementary, Eva Harvell, our Technology Director; a Trent Lott Academy English teacher, Stoney Rogers, and Gautier Middle School Computer Discovery Teacher, Jeannie Steer, both who are now district technology trainers. None of them could have predicted their path or the synergy that brought them together would lead them to the creation of the Virtual Tech Camp for Teachers when they were working in their classrooms years ago. This past summer these teachers had a remarkable journey as technology trainers. We have held Tech Camp for Teachers in the PascagoulaGautier School District since 2015. Several hundred teachers from throughout the state traveled to our district and trained on a wide array of technology platforms every summer for free. Vendors would pick up the meal costs. When COVID-19 hit our state last March, we knew our world of in-person technology training was going to change, and we had to change with it. Our technology team went to work creating a Virtual Tech Camp for Teachers. Dozens of sessions were recorded with live feedback from the volunteer presenters on an online platform. When registration was launched, the numbers rose to more than 2,000 Attendees of Tech Camp Super Saturday who never attended a face-to-face Tech Camp - 1,226 almost immediately, and became so overwhelming, registration closed so we could meet the expectations of those who signed up. Nearly every school district in Mississippi was represented. We ended up training well over 2,200 educators in 35 sessions, over a twoday period, absolutely free. These volunteer presenters from throughout the state agreed to be available online during their session for live feedback. The entire 2,200 person training was
W. Rodolfich
facilitated by three former classroom teachers, who were now the PGSD technology training brain trust. We celebrated what we believe to be the largest distance learning training in the history of the state for public educators. As a superintendent, I was so relieved when we executed the plan and elated from all the positive feedback we received. I wanted to reach anyone who had missed the first training, and I wanted to test whether we could duplicate the same success on a Saturday. Attendees of Tech Camp Super Saturday who never attended a virtual Tech Camp - 1,004 I asked my three teachers, now the core of the technology training department, if they would be willing to give a Virtual Tech Camp for Teachers Super Saturday in January 2021. They agreed and we repeated the same process, training more than 1,400 teachers from nearly every school district in our state. My point about the power of our teachers is that we have new opportunities evolving in the field of education in technology innovation. I know from our volunteer pool of presenters that Mississippi is rich with talent across our state. With connectivity becoming a bigger reality than ever before with stimulus funding, we have a chance to increase the technological competency of educators statewide. While this can be seen as a result of a national health crisis, these ideas have been trending throughout our country for years now. I believe the story of these technology trainers, who started their careers in our classrooms, have a deeper understanding of how to relate this free First Time Ever Tech Camp Attendees - 936 (Continued on next page)
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platform to fellow educators. I also believe the free training and acquisition of skills by participants speaks to the hunger of our state to be seen relevant in the world of 21st century education. This is actually the second time we have developed a statewide platform for training. The first was in 2012, the Mississippi Common Core Collaboration which boasted 2,291 members from throughout the state of Mississippi. This was a resource-sharing group dedicated to helping each other navigate the new expectations of Common Core. We built a website with a resource bank for every grade level and shared ideas on this site. It was the forerunner of the concept of Tech Camp for Teachers. We are looking forward to our Virtual Tech Camp for Teachers Summer 2021 and the increased opportunity to share innovative technology practices with fellow Mississippi educators. Our technology session volunteers are setting a new standard and blazing new trails by sharing their innovative practice. We are also looking forward to seeing who the next technology superstar will be as a result of this opportunity.
Breakout sessions on a variety of topics were presented at the in-person Tech Camp for Teachers, providing small groups with the ability to interact, brainstorm and ask questions.
For five years, the PGSD hosted Tech Camp for Teachers in-person with teachers attending all across the state of Mississippi. This year COVID-19 prompted the district to hold its first and second virtual Tech Camp for Teachers allowing room for many more teachers to receive training from the comfort of their homes both in-state and out-of-state. 16
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“I know this takes so much for you all to put on something like this, and I am sure you do it just for the love of what you do. Please know you are making a huge difference, and I thank you for your selfless help!” – Crystal McCullough “I have really enjoyed today’s sessions. I feel more confident now in my ability to teach through distant learning. Thank you Tech Camp Super Saturday.” - Yolanda Linnea Johnson
Quote of the Day!
Ok . . . I’m going to be honest . . .I was NOT looking forward to spending my Saturday doing some boring training and was already planning to blow off the Tech Camp. But the steady stream of emails, FB notifications, etc., did keep it on my mind, and when I got up this morning, I decided to give it a half-hearted go, really not expecting to get much out of it. So I got started with the first video and was pleasantly surprised to find it wasn’t terrible, and I actually learned a few things. I decided to keep going into the next video on Podcasts. I found it to be very informative and got some great ideas. I definitely perked up and wasn’t terribly unhappy to move on to Jamboard. I was already excited; my mind swirling with ideas of how I can use Podcasts. And then the Jamboard sesh really pushed me over the edge so I just went ahead and settled in for the day of training. For once . . . A training where sessions were CONCISE, INFORMATIVE, RELEVANT and USEFUL! Each session presented a useful tool and hit the highlights. None of that usual PD nightmare of taking a 20 minute topic and dragging it out into 5 hours. None of the usual conducting each tech training as if every participant is a technologically-challenged newbie, but instead presented awesome uses of tools that most people can easily figure out how to utilize on their own later. And on top of all that . . . I’ve been able to sit in my house and pause when needed and rewind as I wanted. And as if all that wasn’t enough . . . I CAN REWATCH LATER AND THERE’S EVEN LINKS TO INFO! I desperately needed this pick-me-up, something to actually get me excited about facing the second half of the school year. I can’t wait to find time to get planning some lessons using some of these awesome tools and tips! - Anonymous
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