"There's something powerful about this moment," said SOCSD Superintendent Dr. Tony McGee as he addressed the full Yellow Jacket staff for the first time for the 2025-2026 school year.
SOCSD brought staff together at Humphrey Coliseum on Friday, July 18 for Fall Convocation to celebrate the start of a new school year. The event saw teachers and staff from across all nine school campuses and Greensboro Center convene under one roof in a pep rally atmosphere to boost black and gold spirit, acknowledge previous success, and start the year with a shared vision. In addition, staff participated in training and professional development related to school safety.
Yellow Jacket Spirit groups and the Starkville High School percussion squad greeted staff as they arrived at the Coliseum to the sounds of a typical stadium cadence, and cheerleaders stationed at the entrances ushered teachers through a spirit line in the concourse provided by the Cheer and Dance teams. The teams performed several cheers and the fight song played to begin the program.
Each school's administrator introduced new staff members. Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District welcomes 87 new teachers to our classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year.
In addition, Cassandra Palmer, SOCSD Board of Trustees president addressed the team to offer a word of gratitude from the Board. She encouraged staff members to prioritize taking care of themselves outside the classroom and to be sure to support one another. Using the example of Mr. Rogers, she also reminded teachers that they can make a difference for students as they seek to meet their individual needs.
The powerful impact teachers and staff have to shape the lives of their students was a sentiment echoed by McGee.
"Some of our students will be stepping out of the car for their very first first day, wide-eyed and smiling with anticipation," Dr. McGee shared in his opening remarks. "Others will be stepping onto campus for their last first day as seniors, just as excited—though maybe with a few nerves tucked in with that pride. And in between, we have every kind of learner—each one at a unique point in their journey from kindergarten through 11th grade—ready to grow, learn, and be shaped by the work that you do."
McGee also recounted several district accomplishments from the last school year, including earning SOCSD's first A-rating:
- 81 students were inducted into the ACT 25+/30+ Club after scoring 25 or more on the college entrance exam
- 266 students earned perfect scores on one or more of Mississippi's 2023-2024 state asessments
- More than 34% of 2025 Starkville High graduates earned membership in national honors organizations
- Six graduates earned the National Seal of Biliteracy
- Twenty-three students earned recognition in the Advanced Placement program for their scores on national AP exams.
- 30 secondary students earned regional science fair awards, including Best of Fair
- Numerous statewide, national and international awards in the fine and performing arts
After a week staff spent in professional development, time preparing classrooms, and meetings with administrators to review procedures and expectations, McGee acknowledged the importance of the first day of school.
"This first day of school... it matters," he said. "It sets the tone and tempo for the entire year—not just for students, but for their families too. Moms and dads will pull away from drop-off this week trusting that their children are in the hands of people who care deeply, who are committed to excellence, and who will help shape their future."
He reminded staff that teachers are not the only ones who have the opportunity to impact a child's day and experience of school. That privilege belongs to every adult from bus drivers to cafeteria works to administrators, counselors and custodians.
Before the program shifted to the training portion, McGee reminded staff of the difference their roles make for the Starkville community and challenged them not to miss the opportunity.
"This year, I want to challenge you—to lead with passion, to teach with purpose, and to take pride in everything you do," he said. "Whether you’re in a classroom, on a football field, the basketball court, behind the scenes, or guiding students through music, dance, or art—your work matters."
SOCSD will begin the school year in a tiered start on Monday and Tuesday, July 21 and 22, when more than 4800 students will enter classrooms from PreK through 12th grade.
"There will be days filled with laughter and days filled with frustration. Some days may even bring tears," McGee shared. "But the impact you make across the next 180-plus school days? It’s immeasurable. Boys and girls depend on you. Families depend on you. Our district depends on you. And I depend on you. Thank you—from the bottom of my heart—for showing up, for giving your best, and for loving the children and families of this community."
[Stay tuned for our story about safety training later in the week.]
