District News
Leake County School District | Safety For Our Students & Staff
Date: May 7, 2025
Dear Parents and Leake County Community,
At Leake County School District, the safety and well-being of our students—your children—remain our highest priority. As a community united by care, respect, and responsibility, we recognize that ensuring a safe environment is a shared commitment that extends beyond the school grounds.
On Campus Safety
Our district continues to strengthen security measures on every campus. This includes secure entry systems, campus resource officers, emergency drills, and staff training in safety protocols.
We also work closely with local law enforcement to ensure coordinated and effective responses to any potential threat. Additionally, we emphasize social-emotional wellness, offering resources and counseling services that promote a positive, supportive school climate for all students.
Off Campus Responsibility
We ask for your partnership in reinforcing safety practices outside of school as well. Whether it's monitoring your child’s online activity, encouraging safe transportation habits, or talking openly about peer relationships, your involvement is essential. We also encourage students to speak up if they ever feel unsafe or know of a situation that needs attention. Together, we can teach our children to make wise, informed choices in all areas of their lives.
Community Collaboration
Leake County thrives because of the strong bond between schools and the families we serve. We urge parents, guardians, and community members to stay connected and informed. Attend school safety forums, participate in parent-teacher associations, and never hesitate to reach out to school administrators with questions or concerns.
We are committed to maintaining schools where learning can flourish in a safe and nurturing environment. Thank you for trusting us with your children, and for your continued support in making Leake County a safe place to learn, grow, and succeed—on and off campus.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joe Nelson
CeeJay Howard, a proud Leake County School District graduate, has come full circle in his educational and professional journey. After graduating from LCSD, he pursued a degree in Information Systems Technology, driven by a passion for modern technology and problem-solving. During his time in college, CeeJay secured an internship with the LCSD Technology Department through a college placement program. His hard work, dedication, and technical skills quickly stood out, ultimately leading to a full-time position with the district. CeeJay’s journey is a powerful testament to the value of investing in local talent and the opportunities that can arise when education and community support intersect.
Leake County School District has launched its 2025 Comprehensive Needs Assessment survey. This survey is designed to seek opinions and ideas from parents and community members, as well as from faculty, staff, and students. The questions assess the status of the district in areas like family and community outreach, curriculum and instruction, and school facilities and organization. The survey is brief and will only take a few minutes to complete. The surveys will be available until May 23, 2025.
The results of the survey will be compiled into a report that also analyzes test score trends and other school success measures. The district will then use this report for strategic planning, for administering federal programs that require an annual comprehensive needs assessment, and for examining current school and district practices.
Leake County School District would appreciate your help on this important assessment of the district. Below is the survey link
https://dashboard.educationresources-llc.com/#/district/cna/public/25nQrZYB4Mkbw1zfKTNSoDr9Zpi
Happy National School Bus Safety Week! Thank you to our amazing bus drivers, who keep our children safe on their way to and from school. We appreciate your hard work and all you do! Let's stay alert and follow all school bus safety rules to ensure our children get to and from school safely. School safety starts at the bus stop! Share these tips with your children: Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early. Stand five giant steps away from the curb. Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it's okay before stepping onto the bus. Be sure the bus driver can always see you, and you can see the bus driver.
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. This month, we celebrate the amazing lives of individuals with Down Syndrome and emphasize the importance of acceptance and inclusion. In the United States, around 5,700 babies are born with Down Syndrome each year. Acknowledging the unique challenges that families face is crucial, as they often encounter significant barriers to accessing prenatal screenings. These challenges are influenced by various factors, including systemic inequities and societal stigmas that can impact the care and support that families receive. By raising awareness and advocating for equitable access to prenatal services, we can ensure that all families receive the necessary information and resources. Would you like to help make a difference? The All of Us initiative is currently enrolling children, teens, and young adults, and we need your support to help address these gaps for future generations. Together, we can build a more inclusive and understanding society for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. Let's celebrate diversity and promote awareness this October!
A student who misses 10% or more of their school days for any reason, which averages to just two days a month, is considered chronically absent. Every absence, excused or unexcused (including suspensions), is a learning opportunity lost. Make school attendance a priority. Learn more at mdek12.org/attend.
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) released accountability grades for the 2023-24 school year. The Leake County School District moves from C to B. Congratulations to the students, teachers, and school community for a job well done! We challenge each of you to Rise to the Challenge for the 2024-2025 school year!
Leake Central Title 1 Parent Night.
MDE will host eight regional literacy meetings beginning Sept. 5, for families of students in kindergarten through third grade. Families can attend any meeting regardless of the location. Towns include Long Beach, Hernando, Cleveland, Columbus, Moss Point, Laurel, Jackson and Vicksburg. Get details at bit.ly/3LRRuAr. #MsEdu
Stay informed about important dates at Leake County Schools!
Make sure to mark your calendars and set your reminders, Gators ! Here are some key dates you don't want to miss. Also, be sure to save the dates for these special occasions:
May 22nd - Leake Central High School Graduation
May 23rd - Leake County High School Graduation
At today's board meeting on 6/20/24, we honored our retirees for their years of dedication and hard work. We celebrated their contributions to the Leake County School District and highlighted their achievements. We wish them all the best in this new chapter of their lives and extend our heartfelt thanks for their service
Last week, VP of School Sales for Carson Dellosa Education, Kerry Walters, had the opportunity to participate in an incredibly inspiring event at Leake County School District! Thanks to Dr. Joe Nelson and his partnership with our team at Carson Dellosa, every second grader received a Summer Bridge® Essentials Backpack filled with a variety of summer learning resources—including 4 books to stock their at-home libraries and a workbook full of active learning adventures to reinforce second grade skills while preparing for the school year ahead. Not only are these resources great for kids, but they are also a great way to engage the whole family, which is why we were so moved by Dr. Nelson's vision for family and community engagement through an inspiring pep rally with the high school drum lines! Special thanks to Rep. Kenji Holloway for assisting with the backpack distribution. We loved seeing all the students' bright and smiling faces. It was truly a great day to inspire summer learning!
Attention parents of incoming 7th graders! Please remember that all students entering 7th grade must have the TDAP booster, commonly known as the 7th grade shot. Parents will be required to submit an updated Form 121, shot record. Please visit your healthcare provider to get the booster and updated form!
