Below is information regarding our PHS Tribe Teachers investing in training and professional academic development throughout the summer to better themselves for the momentum of the upcoming school year.
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Building a Better Tomorrow, One Classroom at a Time
Inside the Toolbox: How Pelahatchie Educators Spent Their Summer Preparing for the 2026-27 School Year
While summer vacation is typically a time for rest and relaxation, the dedicated teachers and faculty at Pelahatchie High School have been hard at work. Throughout the summer months, our educators have crossed state lines, mastered cutting-edge technologies, and collaborated with statewide leaders—all to expand their “teacher toolboxes” and ensure Pelahatchie students receive a world-class education this fall.
From advanced virtual reality to artificial intelligence, here is a look at how our faculty spent their summer investing in academic excellence.
Bringing Virtual Reality and Innovation to Agriculture
In June, Mrs. Pope participated in the highly selective MS Ag360 professional development program at Mississippi State University. After completing eight intensive weeks of online coursework, Mrs. Pope was honored as one of just ten educators chosen statewide to attend the hands-on training on campus.
The program focused on the vital role agriculture plays in daily life, but it went far beyond traditional textbooks. Participants actively created immersive content to bring back to their local schools. Thanks to MS Ag360 and #NIFAImpacts, Mrs. Pope is returning to Pelahatchie High School equipped with brand-new VR headsets, 360° cameras, and advanced instructional strategies.
“We can’t wait to see our Pelahatchie High School students dive into this amazing technology,” Mrs. Pope shared, extending a huge thank-you to MSU’s Dr. Carley Morrison, Dr. OP McCubbins, Dr. Stephanie M. Lemley, and graduate assistants Jai and Ross for a phenomenal week. Hail State and Go Dawgs!
Leading the Charge in AI and Advanced Placement
As technology rapidly evolves, Pelahatchie is staying ahead of the curve thanks to Mrs. Key. She dedicated a week of her summer to rigorous Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) training to support our advanced tech students.
Additionally, Mrs. Key represented our community on a broader stage, attending and speaking at the AI Summit hosted by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and the Center for Cyber Education. To ensure these powerful digital tools are used effectively and safely locally, she also participated in the Rankin County School District (RCSD) AI Ambassadors training. This initiative focuses on implementing artificial intelligence effectively and efficiently into classrooms for the 2026-27 school year.
National Training for Chief Chiefs
Our JROTC program continues to benefit from top-tier leadership. Colonel Herd traveled to Orlando, Florida, to complete the 22-hour United States Army JROTC Professional Development JSOCC Course.
The national conference provided advanced educational training centered on classroom management, innovative teaching techniques, curriculum implementation, and strict accreditation standards. Colonel Herd’s time in Orlando ensures our cadet program remains elite, structured, and deeply impactful.
Leveling Up Math Curriculum and Mentorship
Mrs. Hayes kept her focus on numbers and leadership this summer, juggling multiple professional development milestones. She attended the Metro Math Conference and joined middle and high school math teachers from across the region at the county office for intensive math textbook training, preparing for the rollout of the district’s brand-new math curriculum.
Recognizing that great schools require great teamwork, Mrs. Hayes also participated in the RCSD Mentor Team Training (RISE). This program specifically trains veteran educators to mentor and guide new teachers with one to three years of experience, ensuring our entire staff has the support they need to thrive.
Analyzing Data and Enhancing Classroom Resources
For Ms. McNair, the summer was an invaluable opportunity to dive deep into the district’s newly enhanced digital suite. Educators reviewed upgraded features in widely used tools like MagicSchool, Newsela, ELS, and Formative.
Crucially, Ms. McNair and her peers spent significant time analyzing recent ACT data to target areas for academic growth. “I was previously unfamiliar with MasterPrep and the instructional videos linked on the district’s ACT page,” Ms. McNair noted. “I appreciated the opportunity to learn new strategies for integrating these tools into the upcoming school year to support our efforts to improve student scores.”
The true heart of Pelahatchie schools lies in a faculty that never stops learning. When our doors open for the 2026-27 school year, our students will be walking into classrooms led by teachers who are sharper, more innovative, and more prepared than ever.
Thank you, Pelahatchie faculty, for your tireless dedication to our kids!
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