Dr. Deloris Barnett, Federal Programs Director for South Panola Schools, spoke to Batesville Woman’s Club at a recent meeting.  She stated the mission of the school is “to provide opportunities for educational excellence for all students.”  

She noted the current school census is 4,542 students in six schools.  The local Parent Center provides a variety of services and has been called “probably the best in the state” by some knowledgeable visitors, she said.

Dr. Barnett oversees a number of federally-funded programs including the 20th Century Program which provides extra tutoring after school, Title I, Title II which supports class size reduction, Title IV which emphasizes being drug free, and Title VI for rural areas.    

Barnett explained that the controversial program, “No Child Left Behind,” in essence states every group in the school must make “adequate yearly progress” as determined by the program.  Each year that progress goal is raised.  If only one group does not achieve that goal, the entire school is placed on “program improvement” status and, after four years, restructuring of the school corporation may be required.  

Barbara Young, education chairperson, introduced Walker Robison who was the club’s delegate to Hugh O’Brian Youth Conference during the summer.  He thanked the group for their sponsorship and reported his experiences with motivational sessions, leadership training, and community service projects.  

Mrs. Young also asked for volunteers to read in elementary classrooms and thanked members for donating paperback books for the county jail.

Dean of chairmen Maxine Thaggard asked all department and committee chairpersons to attend a reporting workshop December 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the public library.

Glenda Bailey, art department chairperson, stated two art teachers will assist her in teaching art classes at Fairfield Assisted Living.  She also reported about 300 children participated in the art department “Trick or Trunk” project in conjunction with the Panola Partnership’s “Let’s Go Walkin’” event on October 31.  

Reporting for conservation, Marguerite Williams suggested providing backyard feeding stations for birds.  Home Life department chairperson Dottye Langhofer shared a letter from Mississippi State Hospital about their Christmas Gift Project.  The club agreed to send a $50 donation to help provide gifts for the patients.

International Affairs chairperson Nancy Thomson displayed the World Ark catalog from Heifer International and suggested choosing Christmas gifts to the Heifer Project to honor the receiver and help people in need throughout the world.

President Mary Jo Cook thanked Barbara Young, Denise Brooks, and Rose Yates for hosting the meeting.