Seven parents of the Picayune Separate Municipal School District were recognized for their efforts to ensure all children have a pleasant experience in school.
During Tuesday’s Board of Trustees meeting, representatives of each school introduced their choice for parent of the year.
First up was Genna Hunter, a mother who has two children who attend Nicholson Elementary. She was described as being very involved in the school, joining the Parent Teacher Organization in 2014 and assisting with fundraising and staff needs ever since.
For the junior high, Quinn Houchin was selected as the Parent of the Year for his assistance on the School Planning Committee for the past three years, and his help on how to increase the effectiveness of educational tools.
At the high school, Mark and Sherrie Hoffman were selected as the Parents of the Year for their dedication to the band’s Booster Club. They consistently work late on Friday nights during football games and developed a systematic system for the concessions stand.
Erin Verlasquez was selected as Roseland Park Elementary’s Parent of the Year for her work with the school’s PTO for the past five years and her help with fundraisers.
Kristin Watkins was chosen as the Parent of the Year for South Side Upper Elementary for being a conscientious parent who helps out whenever she is needed. Watkins is a member of the school’s PTO and spoils the staff with breakfast and lunch from time to time.
At South Side Lower Elementary, Donna Lowe was selected as Parent of the Year for her work not only at the school, but at home to ensure her children continue their education at home through a rewards and discipline system.
And last but not least, Melissa Heath was selected as West Side Elementary’s Parent of the Year for her efforts to make the school a place students are excited to attend every day.
At the end of the presentation Watkins was announced as the District Parent of the Year.
In other action the board:
— Approved a motion to apply for the Summer Feeding Program. Assistant Superintendent Brent Harrell said the district has participated in the program for several years, providing about 10,000 meals to children in the area last summer. This summer meals will be served at Nicholson Elementary and the South Side caffetorium.
— Approved a motion to apply for the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grant. Harrell said the district did not participate in the program last year, but is submitting a request to the USDA so all elementary schools will be eligible this year.
— Approved an amendment to the fiscal year budget for 2015 to receive $25,514 in professional development funding.
— Approved applying for Plan and Statement of Assurances grant, which will provide $71,000 in funds for professional development.
The next school board meeting will be April 26, at noon.