Obama Magnet School

Obama Magnet School (Jackson Public Schools) with Mississippi College School of Law. This partnership provided Helping Hands (general classroom volunteers), assistance with outdoor maintenance, (including school entrance, playground project, outdoor classroom, and student garden) supporting health and wellness needs, and providing various forms of academic support.

The 2021-2022 school year was off to a great start when Obama Magnet School gained its newest adopter: The Mississippi College School of Law. This partnership began after John Pyles, Law Student Bar Association Vice President, reached out to the District about law students volunteering. Given their proximity to Obama Magnet, and a recent successful collaboration with the school, MC Law was excited to officially adopt the Barack H. Obama Magnet School. MC representatives met with principal John Johnson Ed.S., to discuss potential activities based upon the needs of the school. After initial contact, David Schommer, who serves as the school adopter coordinator, was included in the planning process to help
maximize the benefits of the partnership. Information was gathered from a variety of sources to determine areas of need. Several areas were quickly identified including providing Helping Hands (general classroom volunteers), assistance with outdoor maintenance, (including school entrance, playground project, outdoor classroom, and student garden) supporting health and wellness needs, and providing various forms of academic support. A community partnership program plan was developed, which included activities,
program areas impacted, and timeline. Since July 31, 2021, the MC School of Law has been actively involved in at least 10 school events as well as other ongoing activities ranging from school beautification, to supporting academics, health and wellness.