by Joe Ann Floyd

Patricia Braddock's Agriculture and Natural Resource students at the Simpson County Technical Center attended the Simpson County Farm Safety Day on February 20, 2025. Mississippi State University Extension specialists and agents focused on farm safety in several ways, including grain bun safety, proper storage and use of chemicals, machinery, power lines and fire prevention. The event provided students, farmers, and heavy machinery operators throughout Simpson County training to keep themselves safe on the farm and in the community, as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to handle emergencies should they arise. Students were treated to lunch provided by the Mississippi Cattleman's Association.

The Simpson County School District's Information Technology department has been chosen to participate in the Cybersecurity Pilot Program funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF). This initiative will enhance the district's cybersecurity infrastructure and protect digital learning environments for students and staff.

Launched in 2024 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the three-year program provides up to $200 million to eligible schools and libraries to support cybersecurity services and equipment. The goal is to assess long-term funding needs for school cybersecurity.

Simpson County School District was selected based on its commitment to strengthening digital security. According to Technology Director Elton Travis and Network Administrator Kristy Magee, the program will be essential in mitigating cyber threats and ensuring a safe learning environment.

The funding will support endpoint protection, network monitoring, and threat response while also providing cybersecurity training for students and staff. Through this initiative, the district aims to build a culture of cybersecurity awareness and resilience.

by Joe Ann Floyd

The Alliance of Sustainable Farms provided Simpson County Technical Center's Agriculture and Natural Resource students a tour of various farms. The tour was hosted by Brewer Vegetable Farm in Greenwood, MS.

Brewers Vegetable Farm, started by James Brewer in 2014, has grown from two to five acres, producing tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, okra, peppers, and eggs from chickens. The farm uses high tunnels, mulch, and dip irrigation to grow vegetables for ten months each year, providing year-round income.

Students visited the green houses, different farms and got a taste of organically grown foods. Students even learned how to grow organic foods in a greenhouse.

All SCSD schools and offices will be closed November 25-29.

Magee Middle School held its annual spelling bee on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, with five students earning top honors:

1st Place: Kennan Thurman

2nd Place: Dymonique Newsome

3rd Place: Darren Houze

4th Place: Layken Barnes

5th Place: Charlee Kate Booth

These students will represent Magee Middle School at the district spelling bee in January 2025.