Winona-Montgomery School District

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Patricia Newman is an instructional assistant at Winona Elementary School. She has been an instructional assistant for 25 years. She has helped to teach all subjects, and especially enjoyed the stories in the second grade reading books that Mrs. Betty Austin and she taught from so many years ago. Some of her most memorable stories were "Blueberries for Sal" and "Through Grandpa's Eyes." "I would like to drive through different states and see the sights. Spending time with my grandchildren and other family members is something I also enjoy very much. I've been married for many years, have two adult children and also am a proud grandmother. My hobbies are sewing, dancing, and reading. One favorite thing about my school is that it only takes me about ten minutes to get to work. Also, I am proud to be a staff member where teachers are dedicated to inspiring students to do well and keep their academic goals on track. "

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Ann-Marie Edwards is in her second year of teaching at Winona Elementary School. She teaches 4th grade inclusion classes at WES. "I graduated from The University of Mississippi in 2016, with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. I am currently finishing up my alternate route internship in education at William Carey University. I have taught both second and fourth grade inclusion during my time at WES. I have been married for two and a half years to my husband Clint Edwards and together we have a beautiful two-year-old son named Brantley. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Some of my favorite things about teaching are watching my students grow and helping them achieve their goals. The faculty and staff at WES have been wonderful at welcoming me into the tiger family and I have learned a great deal since joining the WES team."

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Howard Phillips is the 9th grade inclusion teacher at Winona Secondary School. He was born and raised in Winona and graduated from Winona High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Delta State. "I began teaching in 2007 and began teaching in Winona in 2012. I am licensed in Social Studies 7-12, Math content 7-12, and Mild to Moderate Disability. I am currently the High School girls basketball coach."

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Caroline Caldwell teaches K and 1st grade inclusion classes at Winona Elementary. On December 1, 2020, she completed 25 years of teaching! She received her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from The University of Mississippi in May 1992, and her Master’s degree in Special Education in December 1996. She has taught at Kosciusko Middle School, Carroll County Schools, Winona Elementary, and Winona Secondary. She has taught classes as a Severe-Profound teacher, Resource teacher and an Inclusion teacher - in grades Kindergarten-5th grade, and 7th-10th grade. "One of the many reasons I enjoy teaching in Winona, is the tight-knit relationships that are formed both at school and in the community. All teachers work toward the betterment of all students. I have one son Zachary and two dogs. Zachary is currently enrolled at Texas A&M, majoring in Nuclear Engineering. My basset hound, Henry, is lazy and sloppy. My rescue dog, Lucy, is hyper and prim and proper. Zachary and I enjoy spending time traveling. I enjoy bargain shopping. "

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Edward Penn is in his 9th year of teaching this year. He taught 5th grade science for eight years before moving to 5th grade inclusion this year. "All of my teaching years have been at WES. I graduated from Ole Miss in 2012 with a Bachelor of Ed degree, and received my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction in 2017. I love teaching especially because it allows me to impact the lives of students in a positive and meaningful way. Having the opportunity to be an inclusion teacher has been amazing, as it allows me to work with a smaller group of students. I feel like the sky's the limit in this capacity. My hobbies include photography, travel, and cooking. I especially enjoy traveling to unique places for the purpose of photography."

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Shelia Seals is the teacher for the grades 10-12 grade self-contained class at Winona Secondary School. She has worked in this position for 3 years. She also worked as a kindergarten assistant for 9 years and 3 years as a special education assistant. “I have attended Holmes Community College, Mississippi Valley State University, Mississippi State, Ashford University, and I am currently enrolled in the MAT program at William Carey University. I have 3 children- 2 daughters, 1 daughter-in-law and a son. I also have 2 grandchildren- a granddaughter and a grandson. I love spending time with my family. I also like to read and go on walks in the spring and autumn.”

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Shelby Ferguson is a 6th grade inclusion teacher at Winona Elementary School. This year is her 2nd year teaching at Winona Elementary School. "I am a graduate of Mississippi State University (Hail State) with a degree in Special Education. I am a native of Winona, MS and a proud Tiger Alumni. My family is Winona natives as well, Andy and Belinda Ferguson. I have an older sister, Felisha Pitt, who is also the WES school nurse and a younger brother, Dalton Ferguson, who is a Senior at Winona High School. My hobbies include bargain shopping, playing board games, spending time with my friends and family, and watching sports (especially anything Mississippi State.) I enjoy watching my students grow and celebrate progress, no matter how big or small."

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Verlinda McNutt is a teacher assistant at Winona Secondary School. She is a graduate of Winona High School and attended Holmes Junior College and received a certificate in Nurse Aide (CNA). "I have been with the Winona School District for 30 plus years. I was the Art Teacher, ISD Teacher, and substituted for Band, Choir, Culinary Arts, Metal Trades, and anywhere needed. I'm presently a Teacher Assistant for Special Education."

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Trent Holly is one of the 5th grade inclusion teachers at Winona Elementary School and a bus driver for Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School District. He is currently in his twenty-third year of teaching. He has been a teacher in both Carroll and the Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School Districts. “For all my career I have taught in the elementary setting, in both general education and in special education. In general education I have taught grades first through sixth. As a special education teacher, I have taught preschool and grades fourth through fifth. I am married to Amanda Holly and we have two children, Carson and Bailey. Carson is a freshman at the W and Bailey is a tenth grader at Winona High School. My hobbies are hunting, fishing, and working on the farm - I like driving the big equipment. What I love most about Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School Districts is the Tiger pride. It goes from football games on Friday night to cross-country meets on Saturday. The Tiger spirt is in all that is done in this school district. What I love most about teaching is the same for all teachers, I love that moment when a student understands the concept you have been teaching. When they smile with understanding it is a heart-warming moment.”

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Rhonda Brasfield is the 12th grade inclusion and homebound teacher for Winona Secondary School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University December of 1990. She taught in various schools such as Neshoba Central, Yazoo City, and finally in Winona where she found home! “I have been teaching in the Winona School District for 24 years. However, I have 29 years of teaching experience in grades K-12 with a variety of student disabilities and in settings such as self-contained, resourced, homebound, and inclusion. I have continued my education by completing 30 graduate hours from Mississippi State University in the areas of school psychology. In addition, I have a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.”

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Iva Ruth Faulk is the BOOST teacher for Winona Elementary School. The BOOST class is for students aged 3 and up who exhibit a developmental delay and stands for: Building Our Own Special Thinkers. She is currently in her 9th year of teaching (all of which have been at WES). She has taught inclusion in K-2nd, self-contained K-6th grade, as well as the BOOST class. "I am the granddaughter of the greatest teacher in Webster County, Mrs. Claudette Faulk , and work every day to make her proud. Outside of school I love spending time with my family, friends, serving at church, and attending every Tiger or Bulldog sporting event I can go to. My goal for every day is to love the Lord and love the people he puts in front of me, and I’m so thankful for all the people he’s blessed me with at Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School District."

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Betty Jane “B.J.” Fennell is the district Psychometrist for WMCSD. She lives in Minter City where she and her husband, Joe, farm in a partnership with their daughter Kimberly and son-in-law, Dee. “We are the PROUD grandparents of 3 absolutely incredible GRANDKIDS-boys aged 16 and 12, and a sassy little girl aged 7. My husband and I love to hook to our camper and take off with the GRANDS on week- long trips. We are so thankful that they love to go with us every summer on mission trips to Montana where we serve the Lord through service to people in the community of Livingston alongside members of the local church plant there. We are active members of North Greenwood Baptist Church.” This year marks Mrs. Fennell’s 25th year working in the field of Education. She taught Kindergarten at Strider Academy (near Charleston) for 11 years. This is her 14th year in public schools where she has worked as a Special Education teacher, Speech Therapist, District Case Manager, and Psychometrist. “I enjoy working in the field of Special Education, one reason being that I have two mentally challenged older sisters, and I have always had a HUGE place in my heart reserved for those who have special needs. I am thankful that my job allows me to continue to interact with students, as well as the Special Education and General Education teachers.” “I have worked in other school districts and would just like to say that this district is absolutely AWESOME!! It is such a blessing to have such knowledgeable teachers and administrators throughout the district whose goal is not to do what is easy, but to do what is BEST for the CHILDREN! Thanks for allowing me to be a part of this ‘Tiger Community’!!!”

Tigers named to All-State Team: Deriaun Townsend - 1st team- Running Back, Robert McMath - 2nd team - Wide Receiver, Cohlton Triplett - 2nd team - Center, Devontae Bays - 2nd team - Offensive Tackle, Dadarion Small - 2nd team - Free Safety. Congratulations!

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Karen Rodgers is the administrative assistant for the WMCSD Support Services Office. She also often works on and adds information to the district web site. She has been employed by our district for 23 years, and has an AAS Degree in Business from MDCC. "I have been married for 44 years and we have two grown children that each have spouses and two children of their own and I live in Weir, MS."

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Tonya Leverette teaches self-contained classes at Winona Secondary School. She is from Kilmichael, and is married to Ryan Leverette. “We met at Mississippi State University. We have been married for 15 years and we have three children. Our daughter Jalisa Outlaw is a Freshman at University of Central Arkansas. Jada Leverette is a Sophomore at Winona high school. Our son Rylan Leverette is in the Pre-K at Winona Elementary. I graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Teaching and Coaching. I worked in the Montgomery County School District for twelve years. I taught physical education, social studies and I coached basketball, track and field, softball, and cheerleading. Since the Montgomery County School District consolidated with Winona School District, I have been working at Winona High School for three years. Two years I was a special education inclusion teacher. I’m currently a self-contained special education teacher. I will have fifteen years in education at the end of this school year. I enjoy working with the students, and I love sports - especially basketball.”

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Amelia Wiltshire teaches elementary self-contained at Winona Elementary School. "I am a follower of God and His Son Jesus, a wife and a mother of two, a bright and handsome stepson and the other is in Heaven. I began teaching in 1999 in Texas and have taught in Oklahoma and Mississippi. I obtained a Master Degree in Special Education and Educational Diagnostician/School Psychometry in 2004." She has taught middle school resource math, elementary self-contained classes for students with Autism and Intellectual disabilities, elementary inclusion, and has been an Educational Diagnostician/School Psychometrist. "I love children and I am blessed to have been a small part of hundreds of children’s lives over the years. When I have time, I enjoy crafting and building projects, landscaping, and modeling."

* SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Jacqueline Clay has been working for WMCSD since January 2019. She also worked as an Assistant for Carroll County Schools from 2001-2006. She has two children - her daughter Courtney is 22 , and her son Cory is 19. She enjoys singing and listening to music, exploring things on the computer, and spending time with family and friends. "I enjoy helping my students become the best they can be. I also want to see my students become as independent as they can be."

There are still some spirit shirts, sweatshirts and jackets left to purchase. Contact deannalowery@winonaschools.net or leave a message at (662) 283-4129 if interested. Jackets are $30, sweatshirts are $20 and shirts are $15. Thanks for your support!

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Lisa Branch graduated from Delta State University in 1981 and has been a Special Education Teacher for 36 years. She is married to Bruce Branch; Bruce is a farmer in the community and they attend First Baptist Church in Winona. Lisa retired from teaching in May 2017 and started working part-time for the Winona School District the fall of 2017. Bruce and Lisa have one daughter, Lacey Lovelace. Lacey has been teaching for 15 years. She taught at Winona Elementary for 10 years and the last five years at Amory Elementary School. She is married to Davis Lovelace and they have a beautiful two year old daughter name Lana Rose. For the first couple of years of her part-time work, she had many different roles in the Special Education Office since there was also a part-time director then. The last couple of years she has been the transition coordinator working with both the district as well as the MS Department of Rehabilitation Services. Looking back on 40 years of services in the district, Mrs. Branch says, "My favorite part of this job is the teachers and the students.” Lisa was a self-contained teacher at Winona Elementary School for 15 years. One activity that she truly enjoyed was Special Olympics with elementary students. She also taught grades 7-12 at Winona Secondary School for 21 years. During the 21 years at the high school, she taught resource students, inclusion students and Mississippi Occupational diploma track students. “My favorite part of teaching is to see an old student of mine being successful in the community! I have had some great students over the years! I love when they tell me that I was like a mother to them! To me that lets me know that I did the most important thing - I loved them! I am so thankful for my 41 years at Winona School District (I also did my student teaching at Winona Elementary School). I have been so blessed to be a part of this school district! Keep on loving our special students! YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!” Check out the Spotlight feature on our website at https://www.winonamontgomerycsd.com

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Presley Coleman has taught Special Education for 4 years. He enjoys sports and the outdoors. His hobbies include: hunting, fishing, playing piano, and coaching basketball. His favorite thing about teaching is helping his students succeed. He enjoys WSS because they are such a great group of people to work with. Check out the Spotlight feature on our website at https://www.winonamontgomerycsd.com