THIS MONTH: Mississippi Families, Educators Spotlight Importance of K-12 Education Options

Governor Tate Reeves Issued Proclamation Recognizing Jan. 24-30 as Mississippi School Choice Week

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Jan 15, 2021, 05:30 ET

JACKSON, Miss., Jan. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the midst of a school year like no other, Michigan families and educators are gearing up to safely spotlight education options during School Choice Week 2021.

Mississippians are hosting 497 virtual or at-home celebrations during the Week. Among these will be a Facebook Live "Coffee & Conversation" with education experts on Jan. 26 and a social media campaign with families sharing their school choice stories throughout the Week.

Taking place annually since 2011, School Choice Week is America's largest celebration of educational choice. While typically the Week is packed with large, in-person events, school choice advocates have adapted to this year's health and safety protocols, opting for drive through scavenger hunts, virtual information sessions and showcases, online contests, drive-in movie screenings, and more. Across the country, more than two dozen iconic U.S. landmarks and notable buildings will light up in special colors to mark the Week.

Governor Tate Reeves issued an official proclamation recognizing Jan. 24-30 as Mississippi School Choice Week. In addition, a growing number of communities are issuing proclamations recognizing the Week, including the county of Benton and the city of Pascagoula.

"National School Choice Week unites educators, leaders, and families in pursuit of a common goal: educating and inspiring children," said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. "In the midst of a challenging school year, let's remember to keep working toward a future with more effective and affordable learning choices for all families."

In Mississippi, there are a variety of educational options available including: traditional public schools with open enrollment in some districts, charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, and homeschooling. Mississippi offers several state-run scholarship programs for students with special needs.

Mississippi families will be raising awareness about these choices at their virtual celebrations, which make up some of the more than 33,000 planned nationwide to spotlight K-12 education options.

To download a guide to Mississippi school choice, use the Schools Near Me tool to search for schools in your area, or see celebration photos and proclamation updates, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com/mississippi.

National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort; the Week is nonpartisan, nonpolitical, and not related to any legislative advocacy campaign.

Select local celebrants are available to discuss their plans with reporters upon request. For information on celebrations planned near you, reach out to us with information about your coverage area at [email protected].

National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on effective education options for children and is the world's largest celebration of opportunity in K-12 education. The Week is a not-for-profit effort that focuses equally on traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and home education options. Every January, participants plan tens of thousands of events and activities to raise awareness about school choice across all 50 states. Year-round, National School Choice Week develops resources and guides to assist families searching for schools or learning environments for their children.

SOURCE National School Choice Week