Advanced Academics - JPS

Today, Bailey APAC Middle School proudly presented the Black Heritage Program, “The Story of Us!” ❤️💛💚🖤

The students did an outstanding job honoring the strength, courage, and contributions of those who paved the way. Through their voices, performances, and storytelling, they reminded us that history lives within each of us.

We are incredibly proud of our scholars and thankful for the leadership and support that made this program meaningful and memorable.

Congratulations!!🎉

Congratulations to our own! 🎉 In November, Robin Williams of Northwest Magnet Middle School was named 2025 Health Teacher of the Year and Charles Moore of Forest Hill High School - JPS earned 2025 Secondary Teacher of the Year honors from the Mississippi Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD)! 🏆 From inspiring healthy habits to leading in PE and wellness, these two are making a difference every single day.

Today was all about heart, purpose, and impact. Our Special Programs Coordinators came together to collaborate, share, and strengthen our mission to connect students to their future.

It was also a privilege to honor Mrs. Felicia Jennings Wolfe,coordinator for Jim Hill International Baccalaureate program. She was the recipient of the Best Recruiter Award for the 2025-2026 school year. Her dedication, passion, and willingness to go the extra mile truly made a difference.

Together, we lead with heart. Together, we change lives. ❤️

Congratulations 🎉

Teachers from International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, APAC, PE/Health, Band, Music, Performing Arts, and Foreign Language came together for a powerful professional development day focused on vertical alignment, real-world learning, and instructional innovation.

When every program and every content area collaborates, we build a shared vision for rigor, creativity, and meaningful learning across the entire school.

Project-Based Learning was brought to life today with Defined Learning.

PE/ Health, Foreign Language, IB, APAC math and ELA teachers got a chance to explore the Tiny House design challenge and the Backpack 🎒 project. Teachers experienced the kind of problem solving, collaboration, design thinking, and real-world application that drives meaningful learning.

Teachers weren’t just talking about Problem based learning, they were doing the work:
✔️ Working through constraints
✔️ Designing with purpose
✔️ Thinking like engineers and creators

This is what learning looks like when MS standards meet real life.

Kyle McDill, project manager of the Center for Cyber Education through Mississippi State University showed AP and APAC teachers how AI can amplify rigor in AP classrooms. He presented AI tools and platforms that help teachers to design higher-order prompts, create exemplars, and give students meaningful feedback for revision and deeper thinking on tasks.

This is what modern rigor looks like. 💡

The Special Programs Recruitment Timeline outlines everything from applications to final acceptance.

Mrs. Roach was awarded the Behind the Scenes Hero award for her invaluable contributions that often go unseen but are essential to the success and smooth functioning of the Advanced Academic Department!