MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Scott (17th), Holland, Ford

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING PIERCE STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON RECEIVING THE 2001 ARTS EDUCATION AWARD OF THE GOVERNOR'S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS.

WHEREAS, Pierce Street Elementary School will be honored on February 9, 2001, for receiving the 2001 Arts Education Award of the Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts; and

WHEREAS, since Pierce Street Elementary School became one of the five pilot schools of the Mississippi Arts Commission's Whole Schools Project in 1995, the school has evolved as a leader in the field of arts integration throughout the nation; and

WHEREAS, Pierce Street's initiative, called the Discovery Zone, has yielded high quality arts experiences to students, parents, administrators, staff and community through the development in the arts and newly created partnerships with parents, businesses and the community; and

WHEREAS, the arts play a valuable role in making natural connections throughout the curriculum, reinforcing academic skills and promoting critical thinking skills to a traditionally undeserved population; and

WHEREAS, the actual implementation of the project has surpassed the original goals and plans with the outcome worthy of replication for other schools around the state and nation; and

WHEREAS, student achievement has improved over the past five years with Pierce Street Elementary School named the most improved elementary school in the Tupelo School District in 1999; and

WHEREAS, because of its dramatic success over the years, Pierce Street has become a mecca for educators interested in learning how to use the arts in arts integration as the staff has evolved as leaders in arts integration presenting workshops and serving as mentors to others; and

WHEREAS, Pierce Street's vision, implementation, leadership and enthusiasm have surpassed original goals and have raised public awareness of the value of the arts in the education process within the district, community, state and nation; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by our schools, which affect the young people of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Pierce Street Elementary School for receiving the 2001 Arts Education Award of the Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Pierce Street Elementary School, Principal Debbie Davis and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.