Baldwyn Schools reaches beyond the classroom to prepare students
Public American school systems are only required to teach students academics and performance. However, Baldwyn School District is reaching beyond the traditional classroom academics and preparing students for life and the daily world.
Coach James Storey, Coach Willie Thomas, and Coach Bobby Ford are faces students and parents will see on each of the Baldwyn Schools’ campuses. Storey, Thomas, and Ford serve as mentors for K-12 students.
“We wanted to do more than just prepare our students academically for college and career. We want to make sure that our students feel safe, their needs are being met on a physical and social level, and that they are given every opportunity to be successful in life,” Superintendent Jason McKay said.
Students who are considered at-risk either for academic or social needs meet with these three mentors on a weekly basis. The coaches discuss the students’ academic performance, study habits, school involvement, and more.
Coach Storey serves part-time at the elementary school. He is a former coach and teacher of Ripley Schools where he serves 35 years. Storey served as a teacher, football and track coach, and principal. Storey is married with three children and six grandchildren.
Coach Thomas also serves at the middle and high schools. He is a former coach and teacher of West Bolivar School for 33 years. Thomas served as a teacher and basketball and track coach. Thomas has one daughter and one grandchild.
Coach Ford also serves at the middle school. He is a former teacher and coach of Leflore County and Okolona Schools where he served a combined 33 years. Ford coached multiple sports including basketball. Ford is married with two children and three grandchildren.
Each of the mentors meet with selective students on a weekly basis where they spend time encouraging, listening, motivating, and teaching students about school and life.
“These coaches do a tremendous job with our students. They serve as a great team and add value to our staff within the school district. Together our teachers and these coaches help our students develop into more well-rounded young men and women of our future community,” McKay said.
