By: Yasmine Malone | August 12, 2026
Clarksdale, Mississippi– On Aug. 10, 2026, Booker T. Washington Elementary School welcomed its scholars back for the 2026-2027 school year. As students filed through the front doors, they were greeted by faculty and community members with cheers and celebration. The enthusiastic welcome set the tone for what school leaders hope will be a joyous and successful school year for students and staff.
Antris Perkins, the school’s Social and Emotional Academic Specialist, said her role focuses on helping students manage their emotions while providing a safe space and emotional support.
“I help with managing emotions, providing a safe space and emotional support for students to help make dealing with their feelings easier, which will overall make their time with us more productive,” Perkins said. “I help students as well as staff.”
When asked what inspired the community celebration on the first day of school, Perkins said the scholars were at the center of the effort.
“Everything we do is for the scholars,” she said. “I wanted to ensure they were welcomed with smiles and excitement. We are all about partnering with people in the community, so this was a wonderful opportunity to do just that. And the community showed up and showed out, so we appreciate the village for it all.”
Parent Latasha McGee walked her child into the school and was delighted to see the grand welcome kicking off the new school year.
“Everyone looks so happy to be here. I was shocked,” McGee said. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. And my baby was just as happy, so I love it.”
With smiling students, enthusiastic staff members and support from the community, Booker T. Washington Elementary School began the 2026-2027 school year on a positive note.
The team at Mississippi Advocate News wishes students, educators, administrators and families at schools across the Mississippi Delta a safe, productive and successful school year.
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