193 E Washington St
Hickory, MS 39332

I am a parent of three children. The last will graduate May 2023. When our oldest started, there were many positive aspects of this school. The school has declined significantly before she graduated. We had trouble with teacher/staff bullying a physically disabled student. When I reported to JO Amis, he assured me that a teacher telling a student that they "didn't look right" and "her arms were too short" was not discrimination. It has gotten much worse as the years have progressed. There have been several principal changes at the high school level. Wonderful and excellent teachers have left. There are educators that our inclusive to our child. Our last has visual and several physical disabilities. I have met/called/emailed the principal, special education director, and superintendent attempting to get the services and accommodations needed for him to be a productive student. The last incident involving the principal was a telephone conversation. My last was present for the telephone conversation and heard the language and tone of voice the principal used to discuss the student's disabilities. Since May 2016, the school has not developed an independent health care plan. This prevented the student from attending his senior State Beta Convention.

I have always heard that private schools are so much further ahead academically than public schools. We came from a private school to public school and I was amazed at how much further ahead these children were than what my private school kids were! My son has ADHD and the teachers and other staff have been so helpful in helping my child this year. The resources the private school had were very limited. I am so glad to have a school such as newton county elementary that my kids can have a great start to a great education!!