Here’s what’s happening in Mobile County Public Schools this week:

AFRICATOWN MURAL: Students at Mobile County Training School will celebrate their community’s history with a special “mural reveal” on Friday, August 28, at 9 a.m. A mural paying tribute to Africatown by artist and MCPSS graduate Enrique Lopez was created to enhance the refurbished MCTS library. It’s an effort to spark students’ attention and to encourage further study about Africatown, according to Principal James Patterson. TaShayla Robinson, the school’s media specialist, spearheaded the mural project, with input from Mr. Patterson. The school is thankful to Cleon and Angela Jones, MCTS alumni, and to Dr. Reginald Crenshaw, District 3 Representative on the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners, for helping to sponsor this project. The media is invited to attend on Friday. The school’s address is 800 Whitley Street.

ATTENDANCE RECORDS IMPROVE: Mobile County Public Schools has been recognized nationally for making impressive progress in reducing chronic absenteeism. Attendance Works highlighted MCPSS as a success story for the district’s reduction in chronic absenteeism to 12.8 percent. MCPSS Assistant Superintendent Terrence Mixon and Lead Social Worker and Mental Health Services Coordinator Denise Riemer shared information about how this work is being done during an Attendance Awareness Campaign webinar. They described efforts to improve attendance through a holistic approach that includes attendance teams at each school; collaboration with multiple partner agencies to create stronger relationships and a sense of belonging; and resources and support for parents and families. For example, to support schools, 12 district attendance officers monitor attendance data monthly at each school, identifying early warning signs or other red flags. Those attendance officers meet with school leaders to review the data and provide support to individual students. The district also provides mental health supports, including school-based services, and school staff are trained in youth mental health first aid so they can recognize students who are experiencing challenges that might impact their school attendance. Read the Attendance Works story here: Cutting Chronic Absence by 50% in Mobile, Alabama – Attendance Works

AP SCHOLARS: An impressive 369 MCPSS students are being recognized as AP Scholars, a 26 percent increase over last year. Murphy recognized its AP scholars today (photo attached); and Citronelle will recognize its scholars at 9 a.m on Friday. To be named an AP Scholar, a student must earn a score of 3 or higher on at least three Advanced Placement exams. The College Board’s AP program allows academically prepared students to take rigorous college-level courses. Students can receive credit from most colleges and universities if they earn a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam, which are graded on a 5-point scale. Of the 369 AP Scholars, 70 were also named AP Scholars with Honor for earning a score of 3 or higher on at least four AP exams, and 93 were also named AP Scholars with Distinction for earning a 3 or higher on at least five AP exams. MGM, Baker and Davidson have already recognized their AP Scholars (Photos are available on the MCPSS Facebook page, and raw video is available upon request). LeFlore will recognize its scholars on September 10 at 9 a.m.

PARENTING CLASSES: Mobile County Public Schools is partnering with The Family Center to offer free weekly Parent Project zoom classes on Tuesday evenings. Parents must register by September 1 to participate in this session. Parent Project is a research-based class that gives parents practical strategies to build stronger relationships with their children, improve communication and understanding, encourage positive behavior and responsibility, and gain confidence in parenting. To register, email breanna.cales@gulfcoastfamilycenter.org.

HOLIDAY: The MCPSS schools and offices will be closed on September 7 for the Labor Day Holiday.