Winona-Montgomery School District

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Savanna Jackson is a 3rd and 4th grade inclusion teacher at Winona Elementary School. She is a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in special education. She is currently working toward a master's degree in Dyslexia Therapy through Mississippi College. "I currently reside in Winona, MS with my husband Tanner and son Sykes. I am so thankful for the opportunity to teach at WMCSD and be a part of the Tiger family!"

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Corey Miletello is employed as the WMCSD social worker and serves both Winona Elementary and Winona Secondary. She graduated from Holmes Community College in 2010 with an Associates in Psychology. In 2012 she graduated from Delta State University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She then continued to the University of Alabama where she graduated with her master’s degree in Social Work in 2014. She is currently a Licensed Master Social Worker for the state of Mississippi. She is also in the supervision process required to obtain her clinical social work license which is on track to be completed in 2021. “I have been married to my husband for 8 years. We both grew up in Grenada, MS, but we moved to Winona about 4 years ago when he began working in town. We have 3 beautiful children in Heaven (Blaire, Ethan, and Owen), and we have a sweet little one on the way. We also have 2 rescue pups and a hamster (our "class pet" before COVID) who are completely rotten! I am very close with my family. I spend most of my free time with them or cuddling on the couch with my pups. Since graduating in 2014, I have worked in several social work roles. I have been a mental health therapist for both inpatient and outpatient facilities for multiple hospitals. I have also worked as a medical/case management social worker for UMMC Grenada. I started working for WES in January 2020 when I obtained my emergency teaching license. From January to May I worked as a self-contained special education teacher. When the position for a district social worker became available, I decided to apply because, as much as I loved my class, I wanted to be able to reach out and help as many students as I possibly could. When I describe my role to our students, I tell them that I have the best job in the whole school because my main responsibility is to help support and celebrate them. I get to do a little bit of everything from working with teachers and students on behavior plans to helping students with difficult situations through problem solving and emotional support. I also get to have a role in helping to support and celebrate our amazing teachers and staff at WMCSD. As I was growing up, both of my parents were teachers. I knew how hard they worked, and I never imagined I would work in a school. Now, I can't imagine working anywhere else!”

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* PJ Harville is the 7th grade inclusion teacher at Winona Secondary School. This is his 13th year in education and his 4th district in which to work. He has taught a few different courses in the past 12 years: Pre-Algebra, Compensatory Math, 7th grade Math, 7th grade History, MS Studies, Health, High school Physical Education, and Elementary Physical Education. "Teaching is a passion of mine because of what can be accomplished when you truly care about the students. Being able to make the “light bulb” come on for them during a lesson is one of the greatest feelings in the world to me. Also, the positive impact that a teacher can have on a student is one of the things that keeps me in this profession. My wife Kayla and I have two children, a son that is 7 and a daughter that is 4. Outside of work my two greatest passions are to hunt and to cook for my family and friends."

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Erika Bennett is the 2nd grade inclusion teacher for Winona Elementary School. She and her husband live in Kilmichael with their three children - Ty (7) Eliza (5) and Nora (2). "My kids and I are part of the Winona Montgomery County Consolidated School District This is my 9th year teaching. I have taught multiple grade levels from preschool to sixth grade both general education and special education. My favorite part of teaching at Winona Elementary is the encouraging community of faculty and staff."

*SUPPORT SERVICES SPOTLIGHT* Lauren Matura is completing her second year at WES. She is an instructional assistant in the BOOST class. "I absolutely love what I do. I am blessed to work with such special children. I am currently working on getting my license in special education- mild and moderate disabilities. I have always wanted to work with children for as long as I can remember. I enjoy reading and spending time with family and friends. It’s always a great day to be a tiger!! "

*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.”