Jackson Academy is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2015-2017. The Apple Distinguished School mark is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments.
 
In 2013, JA joined a small group of schools and colleges worldwide recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools. JA is Mississippi's first K3-12 school to receive the designation. To be renewed as an Apple Distinguished School, JA submitted an application and extensive documentation.
 
"An Apple Distinguished School must provide tangible evidence of academic accomplishment and offer an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students," said Cliff Kling, JA president. "Teachers have enhanced the teaching and learning occuring inside and outside of the classroom by incorporating innovative use of technology."
 
At JA, each student, grades kindergarten through twelfth, has an Apple device (Macbook Air or iPad) that empowers students and teachers to enhance learning. JA is among schools that have pioneered the adoption of the one-to-one approach to learning and has assisted schools in Mississippi and other states that are developing similar programs.

Technology enhances learning in a myriad of ways. In Middle School STEM labs, students use their laptops to complete daily lesson modules, collaborate during team exercises, and refer to guidelines during hands-on experiments. Students benefit from the use of online resources to expand research possibilities and collaborate with other students on assignments not only on campus but off campus as well. Students use technology to express learning in ways other than the traditional paper and pencil, including creating a variety of media content, to better express mastery of topics.
 
Teachers have begun using iPads instead of dedicated interactive boards for presenting content, and they use video blogging to inform students about classroom information. Teachers employ technology to post lessons, assignments, and content to an online portal so that students, parents, and teachers can monitor student progress.
 
Jackson Academy's original mission in 1959 was considered innovative: to teach reading by phonics. Counter to academic trends at the time, JA's founders believed---- and evidence showed---- that phonics, in-depth reading, time for play, and exploration of the arts all contributed to stronger student success. As a college preparatory school in the heart of Jackson, JA continues to embrace innovation today.
 
Preparing students for their best future remains at the core of the school's purpose. The school's four-point educational philosophy---- positive, collaborative, progressive, and student-centered-embraces the belief that, given the rapid change occurring in the world, if a school is not ahead of the curve, our children will be behind. Jackson Academy remains committed to pursuing a learning environment that blends the best of innovation, historically recognized educational principles, and well-loved traditions.

K4 students took a trip back to the 50s on the fiftieth day of school. As part of an ongoing tradition for K4, students dressed in 50s outfits, sipped on Coke floats, and enjoyed cookies with a 50s theme. In music time, they worked on 50s-inspired music.

View the entire photo album here.

Corky's Real Southern Style Memphis Bar-b-que will be available for order for both Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons this year. Support the JA Band and make holiday cooking easier! Companies or offices that place several orders can arrange for delivery.

Thanksgiving orders and money for Corky's are due to Lisa Thomas on November 16 by 9:00 a.m. Pick up in the Band Hall is scheduled for November 20.

Christmas orders and money for Corky's are due to Lisa Thomas on December 7 by 9:00 a.m. Pick up in the Band Hall is scheduled for December 11.

Lisa can be reached at 601-613-3533 cell; 601-856-9567 fax; or LCPSTAT@aol.com email. Lisa will also be at the Corky's fundraiser table at the front gate during football games for orders.

Congratulations to the JV and varsity Lady Raiders soccer teams for their successful seasons. JV completed its season with an 8-0-1 record. The varsity team (15-2-1, 9-1 conference play) advanced to the state championship game. Robert Gardner is the head coach, and he is assisted by Avery Truitt and Dylan Woolsey.

Receiving recognition at the awards banquet were the following:

JV AWARDS	VARSITY AWARDS	VARSITY ALL-CONFERENCE
Most Improved   Francie LeDuff Rising Star   Ava Couey Best Offense   Londyn Dorsey Best Defense   Anna Katherine Ray Coach's Award   Gabrielle Morris MVP   Alayla Jackson	Most Improved   Brehan Whitehead Rising Star   Camille Couey Best Offense   Erin Hederman Best Defense   Sydney Hays Coach's Award   Emily McNair Coach's Award   Kendall Cockayne MVP   Beaty Hill	Beaty Hill Erin Hederman Kendall Cockayne Brehan Whitehead Emily McNair
ALL-STARS	ALL-STAR GAME MVP
Kendall Cockayne Beaty Hill Sydney Hays Clarke Wilkirson	Beaty Hill