Dear Parents and Guardians:

We hope your Summer Break has been incredible. As we start planning to create a dining experience that meets the needs of ALL our students in the Simpson County School District, the Department of Child Nutrition would like to welcome our students and families to the 2025-2026 School Year.

This year students will not receive FREE Meals without having an Eligibility Category of Free or Reduced. In order to qualify for Free or Reduced Meals, the students must have a completed Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Application submitted. These applications are available online, beginning July 1, 2025. We encourage all parents and guardians to complete an online application.

To complete the school meal application, visit our district website at www.simpson.k12.ms.us or visit

My School Apps at www.myschoolapps.com.

Students who do not qualify for Free or Reduced Meals will have to pay for meals, receive an alternative meal or bring a meal from home. We encourage you to complete a school meal application. A child nutrition representative will be available during onsite registration, July 16, 2025(7:30am-4:00pm) and July 17, 2025(10:30am-7:00pm), to answer questions and assist you with completing your school meal application if needed.

For questions or concerns, contact the Office of Child Nutrition at 601-847-8000.

Sincerely,

Dr. Derricka Thomas

Director of Child Nutrition

The Simpson County School District Board of Trustees, with a unanimous vote, appointed Robert L. Sanders, Ph.D., as the district’s next superintendent, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Sanders brings 25 years of experience in education, having served in various roles, including superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, and teacher. The board selected Dr. Sanders after an extensive search and interview process.

“The SCSD Board members welcome Dr. Sanders back to the district. Having previously worked in the district for eight years as principal and assistant superintendent, he understands the district and our successes, our challenges, and our expectations,” said Rev. Ralph Walker, Board President, Simpson County School District. “He can immediately begin working to improve student achievement and to increase opportunities for our students.”

Since beginning his educational career in 2000, Dr. Sanders has been recognized as a dedicated and transformative leader in public education. He has consistently led initiatives that resulted in meaningful and measurable outcomes for students and schools. His leadership is marked by a strong commitment to data-driven decision-making, instructional improvement, and student-centered strategies. Notable achievements under his leadership include:

• Improved Mendenhall High School’s accountability rating from a D to a B (2017) and increased the graduation rate from 67.7% to 86%
• Led Hattiesburg High School’s 9th Grade Academy to an “A” rating (2011)
• Received the White House Gold Award – School of Distinction (2013)
• Honored with the Governor’s MAPE Partnership Excellence Award (2013)

“I am excited to be selected as the new superintendent of the Simpson County School District, and I am grateful to God for ordering my steps and bringing me back to this district at this point in time,” Dr. Sanders said of his appointment. “I am thankful for the support and vote of confidence from the Board as we strive together to move the district to the next level of greatness.”

Dr. Sanders holds three degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, including a bachelor’s degree, an education specialist degree, and a doctor of philosophy in educational administration. He also earned a master’s degree from Jackson State University and is a proud graduate of the Mississippi School Boards Association’s Prospective Superintendent Leadership Academy.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Sanders has been widely recognized for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to educational excellence. His honors include Simpson County School District Administrator of the Year (2017-2018 and 2015-16), Simpson County Chapter JSU Alumni Association All-Star Award (2018), Congressional District #3 Administrator of the Year (2015-2016), and Hattiesburg Public School District Administrator of the Year (2008).

Take your skills to new heights! The Simpson County Technical Center is looking for a qualified Unmanned Aircraft Systems Instructor to lead the next generation of drone technology experts.

Apply at https://activeapplicant.simpson.k12.ms.us/.../PostingDeta...

For more information, contact CTE Director Dr. Keri Armstrong at karmstrong@simpson.k12.ms.us or call 601-847-4000.

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.