July 15, 2014
JACKSON, Miss. – Jane Howard Moore, mother of three students in the Ocean Springs School District, was named the 2014 Parent of the Year.
Moore has been heavily involved in the Ocean Springs schools and community, and she said her main desire is to support the needs of children and to foster greater parent and community participation in all levels of primary education.
She has been named Parent of the Year at Ocean Springs Upper Elementary, Middle School and School District. She has led the Ocean Springs Duchess Club, a nonprofit charitable organization that provides for needy children and families. She has served as a board member of the Ocean Springs Education Foundation, which has raised about $88,000 for the last three years for grants to school teachers with innovative teaching initiatives. She also has been a longtime member of the Ocean Springs PTO.
Michelle Smith, president of the Ocean Springs School Board, wrote in her nomination letter that Mrs. Moore consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty.
“I think people sometimes forget that our parents are truly the lifeblood of the schools. They do not get paid for their services and truly pour the time and talents back into the schools because of their love for their own children as well as others … Jane has a huge heart and there is simply no limit to what she gives back to our children and our schools,” Smith said.
Research has repeatedly shown that parental involvement is a critical factor determining the academic success of students. As part of the annual Parent of the Year program, the Mississippi Department of Education asks each district to select an outstanding parent who has made a significant impact on school improvement efforts in the school district.
A committee of educators review the applications submitted by the districts. As a result, the committee selects a Parent of the Year from each congressional district, and from those four, names the 2014 State Parent of the Year.
Parent of the Year Finalists
The Congressional District 1 finalist is Pammie Davidson, who was nominated by the Chickasaw County School District for her enthusiasm in helping students and the community. Her two sons attend Houlka Attendance Center.
The Congressional District 2 finalist is Alison McMullen, who was nominated by the Madison County School District for her commitment to supporting her children’s school. Her two sons are students at Madison Avenue Upper Elementary.
The Congressional District 3 finalist is Dr. Arcola Wilson-Sullivan, who was nominated by the Natchez-Adams School District for her keen sense of student needs and community relations. She has a daughter at Natchez High School and a son at West Elementary School.
Media Contact:
Patrice Guilfoyle, APR
Director of Communications
601-359-3706
Jean Cook, APR
Communications Specialist
601-359-3519