• Category 2

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: 2 - 3
    School Setting: suburban
    Town Population: 26
    Student Enrollment: 686
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 53%
    White/Caucasian: 31%
    Hispanic: 5%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 6%
    Native American: 1%
    Other: 4%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:22
    % Reduced Lunch: 48%
    % ELL Learners: 8%
    Founded: 1970
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Mandy Ambrose
  • CONTACT:
    451 Arrow Drive
    Clinton, MS 39056
    601-924-7531
    aambrose@clintonpublicschools.com
Northside Elementary School
Clinton, MS
"Our Professional Learning Communities became more effective, evolving from a “must-do” task to a valuable space for collaboration and problem-solving."
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Our success at Northside Elementary can be attributed to a more intentional and strategic focus on literacy. Teachers are dedicated to meeting each student where they are, recognizing that every child has a unique learning journey. By assessing students' individual strengths and areas for growth, our educators are able to personalize instruction, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

In addition to classroom instruction, we utilize differentiated learning strategies that support diverse learning styles, ensuring that all students have access to the right resources. Certified instructional interventionists play a key role in this process by providing targeted support to students who may be struggling, reinforcing foundational skills, and helping them build confidence in their abilities. This intentional focus on literacy, combined with the passion and commitment of our educators, has led to measurable growth in students' reading proficiency.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
The dedication of our teachers, the daily enrichment hour, certified instructional interventionists, and teacher-created curriculum have been key contributors to the notable increase in academic performance. Our teachers go above and beyond to create a supportive and engaging learning environment, ensuring that each student has the resources and encouragement they need to succeed. The daily enrichment hour allows for targeted learning opportunities, where students can deepen their understanding of core concepts and develop critical skills at their own pace. Certified instructional interventionists provide individualized support to students who need extra help, ensuring that no one falls behind. Additionally, our teachers’ commitment to creating tailored, research-based curriculum materials ensures that lessons are relevant, engaging, and aligned with students’ needs. Together, these efforts create a strong foundation, enabling our students to excel and meet their full potential.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
ESEA funding has been a crucial factor in our success. Without this funding, hiring certified teachers as interventionists wouldn't be possible. I attribute much of our academic progress to the work these interventionists do with students who are below grade level in reading or math. Through small group, targeted instruction, they are able to provide the focused support students need to close the achievement gap. This personalized attention has been instrumental in helping students catch up and build the foundational skills necessary for long-term academic success.

ESEA funding also enables us to purchase adaptive online resources that target students' areas of weakness. These programs offer reinforcement for all students, allowing them to focus on their individual needs and progress at a pace that suits them. By providing this targeted learning support, we are able to ensure that each student receives the tools they need to make continuous progress in their academic journey.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
At Northside Elementary, additional phonics training and a strengthened focus on supporting our English Learners have significantly benefited all of our students. Phonics instruction is foundational for building strong literacy skills, and by enhancing our teachers' expertise in this area, we are able to provide more effective and systematic phonics lessons.

Furthermore, our commitment to better supporting English Learners has created an inclusive learning environment that benefits the entire school community. By focusing on the specific needs of our ELs, teachers have become more adept at scaffolding instruction, using visual aids, and incorporating language development strategies that support all learners, not just those who are new to English.

Together, the enhanced phonics instruction and focused support for our English Learners have contributed to a more effective and equitable learning environment.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
At Northside Elementary, the growing number of transient students highlighted the need for a shift in our school culture. We moved away from expecting all students to come prepared and instead focused on meeting them where they were, providing the support they needed to grow. This shift in mindset was key to helping every student succeed, regardless of their starting point.

We also transformed our culture from one of competition between teachers to one of collaboration and support. Teachers recognized that each student’s success depends on the success of all teachers, leading to more open discussions, sharing of strategies, and a greater willingness to ask for help.

As a result, our Professional Learning Communities became more effective, evolving from a “must-do” task to a valuable space for collaboration and problem-solving. These cultural changes have allowed us to better support our diverse student population and create a more cohesive, student-centered learning environment.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Our PTO and community partners play a vital role in providing the resources we need to celebrate both our teachers and students. Several local restaurants and businesses generously sponsor our school, allowing us to recognize and reward a Teacher of the Month for their service and dedication. Additionally, our PTO raises funds to fully support the bimonthly Accelerated Reader incentives, which motivate our students to read and foster a love for learning. Their ongoing support helps create a positive, rewarding environment that benefits everyone at Northside.
Stats
  • Category 2

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: 2 - 3
    School Setting: suburban
    Town Population: 26
    Student Enrollment: 686
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 53%
    White/Caucasian: 31%
    Hispanic: 5%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 6%
    Native American: 1%
    Other: 4%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:22
    % Reduced Lunch: 48%
    % ELL Learners: 8%
    Founded: 1970
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Mandy Ambrose
  • CONTACT:
    451 Arrow Drive
    Clinton, MS 39056
    601-924-7531
    aambrose@clintonpublicschools.com