Starkville Celebrates Academic Excellence at SOCSD
This year, the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) is buzzing with excitement as they celebrate remarkable achievements in student performance! With a proud A-rating on the Mississippi Department of Education’s school accountability model, the district is shining the spotlight on its talented students who’ve excelled in state assessments.
In April, after rigorous Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) testing for students in grades 3 through 12, more than 1800 Yellow Jacket students achieved proficient or advanced scores across reading, math, and science assessments, along with various subject area tests necessary for graduation.
A Perfect Score Celebration
Among these impressive figures, a total of 266 students earned a perfect score on one or more assessments. Additionally, 67 students hit the mark on not just one, but two assessments. Six students—Matthew Leigh, Kai Saikia, Joseph Thompson, Moak Vinson, Jessica Widodo, Lucinda Stelioes-Wills, and Shengjia Xiang—achieved perfection across three or four assessments.
The district’s Superintendent expressed pride in the students who earned proficient or advanced on the state assessments. The number of students who earned perfect scores is particularly impressive, and each of these boys and girls is commended for their hard work and commitment to academic excellence.
Doctoral Support
In line with these achievements, the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction highlighted the tireless efforts of teachers and staff to deliver high-quality instruction and meaningful learning experiences that cater to students’ growth paths. The commitment to making positive gains for SOCSD students was expressed with pride.
Growth in Performance
Overall, the district showcased growth in 9 out of 12 measurement areas set by the state, increasing its accountability score by 23 points compared to the previous year. Schools like Overstreet Elementary and Armstrong Junior High School demonstrated outstanding performance, with Overstreet climbing 45 points to secure an A-rating and Armstrong increasing by a remarkable 127 points to earn a B-rating for the first time in its history.
Embracing Diversity
A standout element that contributed to SOCSD’s overall rating was the impressive performance of English Learner (EL) students, showcasing the district’s diversity. SOCSD’s EL population secured nearly perfect scores, earning 49.4 out of 50 points in the accountability model. The Assistant Superintendent for Federal Programs shared pride in these students representing the many languages spoken within the community.
Beyond Academics
Additionally, while the numbers paint a positive picture, the district emphasizes that they don’t tell the whole story. Students are actively engaged in various extracurricular activities, arts, and team sports that are important to their overall educational experience. The importance of providing students with opportunities that help them explore life beyond academics was emphasized, focusing on well-rounded development.
Looking Ahead
As SOCSD celebrates these milestones, the district remains committed to continuous improvement. The district and community have much to be proud of in these accountability numbers, but there is always work to do. With the goal of achieving a full year’s academic growth for every student, this A-rating is just a stepping stone in their journey.
Starkville is on a path towards excellence, and the community has every reason to cheer for its exceptional students and dedicated teachers. Here’s to a bright and promising future for the Yellow Jackets!
