In August, 2004 Shannon Primary School opened as a new school campus located on 15 acres along Highway 45 in the south Lee County neighborhood of Shannon, Mississippi. With an enrollment of approximately 300 students and a 19:1 student to teacher ratio, Shannon Primary is a community school whose vision is for all students to attain a solid foundation for life long learning. We believe the success of our school is based on four important criteria: a challenging curriculum, effective instructional practices, a safe learning environment, and parental support. Shannon Primary offers an array of exciting and challenging academic programs for kindergarten through second grade students. Our teachers adhere to the Lee County Schools pacing guides (http://www.leecountyschools.us/root/Default.aspx?tabid=354) which are closely correlated to the Mississippi Curriculum Framework (http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/Curriculum/index_1.htm). Pacing guides provide the structure for a rigorous core curriculum and ensure that students are involved in similar learning units and activities within a given block of time. Our primary academic courses are organized into 2 core categories: language arts (grammar, reading, writing, etc…) and mathematics. Additionally, our curriculum includes health, physical education, music, art, remedial math, remedial language arts, special education, speech, and intellectually gifted. The campus also houses a computer lab, library, cafeteria, conference room, and multi purpose room. Focus on the individual needs of students is essential to student achievement; therefore, instruction incorporates a variety of strategies and methods such as learning workstations, whole group instruction, individualized instruction, small group instruction, technology infused instruction, and field experiences. Assessment data is a factor utilized not only to determine a student’s current instructional level, but also to evaluate the effectiveness of the instruction. Furthermore, instruction focuses on the learning style of the student: auditory/hearing, visual/seeing, kinesthetic/doing, and/or tactile/touching. Shannon Primary provides a secure learning environment for students. Behavior expectations which promote a safe educational setting where students may learn free of distraction or disruption are taught, modeled, practiced and reinforced. The main entrance to the school building remains locked from the outside thus requiring guests to enter through the school office. For the protection of our staff and students, unauthorized visitors are not allowed on campus or in the school building. Shannon Primary is staffed with a full time nurse, part time mental health therapist, and a crisis management committee who meet periodically to ensure and promote a positive school climate. A strong connection between the home and school is a key element to student success. We recognize the importance of working as partners with families and welcome parental input and involvement as we strive to create the best possible school experience for students. Parents are encouraged to become actively involved in all aspects of the instructional process. Materials, trainings, volunteer opportunities, etc… are accessible to all Shannon Primary School parents. At Shannon Primary School, we believe that all children can learn if afforded the opportunity. Therefore, everyone, students and staff, are encouraged to try their best and support each other every day. The fusion of a rigorous curriculum, effective teaching strategies, a positive school climate, and continuous parental support is Shannon Primary School’s assurance that every student will reach his/her full potential and attain a solid foundation for life-long learning.