Spring brings us closer to a Spring Break, Easter and oh yes, TCAP and Gateway Exams. It doesn't seem possible but in a matter of days we will be in the middle of all of this. Teachers and staffs at our schools have been working diligently with our students to prepare them for these all important tests. The No Child left Behind requirements are raised even higher this year. It is important for individual students as well as the school as a whole to do our very best.

When warm weather starts up and Day Light Savings time begins, everyone wants to get outside and ball practice begins. We do not need to lose sight of the importance of our students preparing and studying for school and getting plenty of rest. I encourage all families to make academic progress a priority in the weeks ahead. In early May, most if not all of the testing will be behind us and there is still plenty of time for the fun and games. I ask the whole community to join us in encouraging our students to be the best they can be and to support our efforts to put learning as the "top priority" in Lauderdale County.

-Phillip Jackson, Superintendent