It was a quick faculty meeting Monday afternoon as soon as all the buses were loaded and headed on their routes. QJH Principal Coach Russell and assistant principal Mrs. Schrimpshire stood in the front of the school’s library and began handing out the 2019-2020 awards to the QJH faculty.  The 2019 – 2020 Talking Stick Designee for speaking up as a leader during staff development and grade level meetings was also the Quitman Junior High Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Perryman explains, “I am outspoken. I care about my students, my coworkers, and my community. Now that I have a child I am even more committed to education, Quitman Junior High, Quitman School District, and the children of Mississippi.”

Coach Russell says, “Her peers have designated her their spokesperson, which makes sense since Perryman is great at speaking for students and teachers. She knows how tough the competition was with this award. We have a strong group of teachers at the junior high, and she earned it.”

 

Mrs. Schrimpshire smiles when she answers the question of what made Mrs. Perryman stand out among a group of such excellent teachers.

“What we do does make a difference, and we’re proving it here. Mississippi now ranks #1 in the nation for gains on the NAEP. Quitman Junior High’s 2017-2018 MDE (Mississippi Department of Education) rating jumped from a D to a C in 2019. Mrs. Perryman’s scores in particular showed growth for every child who was taught in her classroom. Think about that. Every kid, who came in, gained. She is the kind of teacher I want my kids to have. That is what is supposed to be happening, and that is why she is Quitman Junior High’s 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year.”

Mrs. Denham earned The Distinguished 7 Habits Model for fostering the behaviors that depict the 7 Habits of Leader in Me. She was also awarded The Extra Mile Runner for sponsoring, planning, and attending extracurricular activities. Many times she coordinates them. Need beautiful student art to give as Christmas gifts? Mrs. Denham has handmade ornaments.

Mrs. McDaniel was named The Legendary Data Warrior for displaying ample evidence that she knows each student’s level and tracks their progress.

Mrs. Armstrong was voted The Revered Building Expert for serving as a critical friend for colleagues while providing and seeking meaningful feedback on instruction.

Mr. Smith smiled a familiar smile when it was announced that he was being awarded The Positively Positive Comrade for interacting with students and staff members in a positive manner.

Mrs. Gulley earned The “With-It” Classroom Orchestrator for creating an inviting, enthusiastic environment for learning.

Mrs. Carter has proven herself to be The Parent Partnership Crusader because she has been building positive partnerships with parents and families. She has really great parent rapport! She also received The Campus Quarterback of Sainthood for being a team player, kind, considerate to other staff members, and stepping in to cover for others when needed.

Although Mr. Gilmer was unable to make it to the faculty meeting, The Curriculum and Instruction Guru award he received for sharing innovative ideas in curriculum and instruction will be waiting for him when he returns to work.