McWillie Elementary School - JPS

05/23/2026

One of our most important traditions at McWillie is our annual Senior Walk. Scholars who previously attended McWillie are invited to wear their cap and gown and parade up and down the hallways with our 5th graders following as younger students, teachers, faculty, and families cheer them on! There are always so many tears as these young adults thank the teachers who nurtured and taught them when they were young. Jackson Public Schools

05/22/2026

We ended the school year with so many celebrations with 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, including our first scholar to reach 1000! This school year, our school librarian, Mrs. Bryson, encouraged parents of Pre-K and Montessori 3-6 scholars to enroll in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading challenge. In the last few weeks, we’ve had the privilege of celebrating milestones with seven of our young students! Riley completed the challenge and made it to 1000 books before his kindergarten year! Way to go, Riley! Benjamin has read 300 books, Jett 200 books, Ava Kate 600 books, AJ 200 books, Aven 400 books, and Avery 300 books! They are on their way to 1000! We know that shared reading during early childhood is one of the best predictors of future academic preparedness and success and are excited that families are committed to helping instill a lifelong love of reading! If you'd like to join the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge, please reach out to Mrs. Bryson when we return in July! Jackson Public Schools

05/14/2026

Way to go, Mrs. Bryson! We’ve always known you’re the greatest librarian around, but this award solidifies it!

McWillie Elementary School Librarian Stephanie Bryson has been named Jackson Public School's Librarian of the Year.

05/08/2026

Congratulations to second grade scholar Mia-Rose Webber on being awarded the Elizabeth Mosley Memorial Scholarship from the Mississippi Association of Gifted Children. This scholarship will allow her to attend camp at New Stage Theatre’s 1st Sages Camp over the summer. Our ALPHA (gifted) teacher, Mrs. Burris, was thrilled to present Mia-Rose with a certificate this morning! Way to shine, Mia-Rose!

05/07/2026

Teacher Appreciation Week Day 4: Staff bowling at Highball Lanes! Our PTA treated teachers and staff to an after-hours social at Highball Lanes for bowling and yummy appetizers! Everyone had a blast and we learned that there are some expert bowlers in our midst! Thank you a million times over to our incredible PTA for giving staff the gift of fellowship and fun!! Jackson Public Schools

05/07/2026

Running for peace! On Thursday morning, the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run United States team stopped at McWillie as they continue their journey running through all 50 states! Our kindergarten through 5th grade scholars greeted the team and our own scholar Jack Parkinson carried the Peace Torch into the assembly as our student representative. During the program, the Peace Run team introduced themselves and gave clues so our scholars could guess what country they're from. Represented were the U.S.A, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Mongolia, Vietnam, France, and the United Kingdom. It's no surprise that our McWillie Stars guessed every nation correctly and could point them out on the map! Students and teachers were guided on an inward journey of identifying peace in themselves and the world around them and got share their own dreams for peace. The Peace Run team asked all of the teachers to come forward for a certificate of thanks and for the scholars to help acknowledge and thank the educators who are helping them make peace a reality in their own lives every day. The teachers even did a lap around the cafeteria with the Peace Torch! Team member Madina taught our scholars a movement song about being peace in our world and everyone had fun going faster and faster! The program ended with every student getting a turn to hold the Peace Torch and having the opportunity to make their own wish for peace in our world. It was a memorable morning and one that will have a lasting impact on our scholars and teachers alike. Thank you Oneness-Home Peace Run for stopping by McWillie Elementary! Jackson Public Schools

05/07/2026

Teacher Appreciation Week Day 3: Wellness Wednesday! The PTA brought in McWillie mama Piper Berry who led an after school class in Pilates and mindfulness. Our teachers were literally stretched out on their comfort zone but left feeling rejuvenated! Jackson Public Schools

05/06/2026

3rd Grade Superhero Parade! With 97% of our third grade scholars passing the Literacy-Based Promotion Act Assessment on their first attempt, we celebrated today with a parade through the halls! Students and teachers were greeted with cheers, high-fives, and hugs from everyone at McWillie! We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our scholars, families, teachers, assistants, tutors, Interventionist, and reading buddies from The Junior League of Jackson for helping ensure our third graders were prepared for success! Jackson Public Schools

05/05/2026

Teacher Appreciation Week Day 2: Taco Tuesday!! The PBIS Committee sponsored a delicious catered lunch from Cinco de Mayo restaurant and amazing volunteers from WalMart Store 903 were in the building not only to serve lunch and provide soft drinks and dessert, but also to cheer on teachers as they enjoyed their meal! Everyone was all smiles and left feeling encouraged and uplifted! We appreciate our PTA and school administrators for ensuring the staff feels loved! Jackson Public Schools

05/04/2026

Teacher Appreciation Week Day 1: Our staff was delighted by the delicious catered lunch from A Taste of Soul provided by our PTA! The food was sensational and everyone agreed that the only thing missing was a nap after such a filling meal! Thank you to all of the parents who volunteered to coordinate, serve, and help watch scholars while teachers took turns enjoying their meal! Jackson Public Schools