Natchez United encourages the community to give kudos to the students, teachers, administrators and support staff who participated in the improvements that contributed to the improved ratings!

Natchez-Adams School District increased from 457 to 481 out of 1000 points moving them from an F to a D with the 2015 baseline. They improved in math and U.S. history proficiency and demonstrated growth in reading and math for all students, as well as in math for the lower 25 percent, college and career readiness and acceleration.

McLaurin Elementary increased from 343 to 407 out of 700 points moving from a C to a B even with the new 2017 baseline. They improved in reading, math and science proficiency and demonstrated growth in math for all students, as well as for the lower 25 percent.

Susie B West Elementary increased from 262 to 328 out of 700 points moving from an F to a C even with the new 2017 baseline. They improved in reading, math and science proficiency and demonstrated growth in reading and math for all students, as well as in math for the lower 25 percent.

Although Frazier Elementary remained at a D rating with the new 2017 baseline with 309 out of 700 points, they improved in reading and science proficiency.

Although Robert Lewis Magnet remained at a D rating with the new 2017 baseline with 300 out of 700 points, they showed some improvement in math and science proficiency.

Although Morgantown College Prep Academy remained at an F rating with the new 2017 baseline with 244 out of 700 points, they showed some improvement in science proficiency, reading growth of all students, and math growth for the lower 25 percent.

Although Morgantown Arts Academy remained at an F rating with the new 2017 baseline with 183 out of 700 points, they showed some improvement in reading proficiency and math growth for the lower 25 percent.

The Natchez Early College Academy received a B with 660 out of 1000 points with the 2015 baseline. They improved in science proficiency, reading and math growth for all students, as well as for the lower 25 percent.

The Freshman Academy and Natchez High received a C with 559 out of 1000 points with the 2015 baseline. They improved in U.S. history proficiency, reading and math growth for all students, as well as reading for the lower 25 percent.

Ratings are based on the following points, or cuts scores, for each letter grade according to the MDE Office of Accountability website:

Districts — out of 1,000 Points

• ‘A’ for 672 (67.2 percent)
• ‘B’ for 588 (58.8 percent)
• ‘C’ for 523 (52.3 percent)
• ‘D’ for 464 (46.4 percent)
• ‘F’ for <464 (46.4 percent)

Elementary/Middle Schools — Out of 700 Points

• ‘A’ for 455 (65 percent)
• ‘B’ for 385 (55 percent)
• ‘C’ for 330 (47 percent)
• ‘D’ for 277 (39.5 percent)
• ‘F’ for <277 (39.5 percent)

High Schools — Out of 1,000 Points

• ‘A’ for 738 (73.8 percent)
• ‘B’ for 626 (62.6 percent)
• ‘C’ for 552 (55.2 percent)
• ‘D’ for 470 (47.0 percent)
• ‘F’ for <470 (47.0 percent)

As we celebrate the scores, we pray that everyone commits to another year of valiant support to maintain the growth demonstrated last year. We also encourage a proactive momentum as we explore strategies to support growth in the areas that may be improved as next steps.

While we honor the improvements primarily in math, science and U.S. history, we want to encourage a focus on supporting reading in the schools, district and community.  Amazing growth may be realized if the community comes together to promote reading. By adults taking the time to read to students, as well as to listen to them read, older students and adults may make a remarkable impact on the improvement in reading fluency and motivation!

Best wishes to the students of Natchez-Adams County School District for year of growth!

Natchez United invites you to join us for our weekly events:

• 7 p.m. Mondays — Community Prayers for Natchez
• 7 p.m. Tuesdays — Community Meeting to Support Natchez
• 7 p.m. Thursdays — Open Mic Night to Engage Natchez at the Natchez Grand Porch

And like our Facebook Group & Page for Updates on our efforts!
Dr. MArvin Jeter is an educational consultant and a member of Natchez United.