Ribbon cutting marks milestone in CT3 initiative
Jackson, MS – On Tuesday, September 9, Smilow Collegiate, a part of RePublic Schools, proudly unveiled its brand-new, student-run school store during a lively ribbon-cutting ceremony. This celebration not only marked an exciting milestone for RePublic but also highlighted their ongoing commitment to fostering a sense of belonging, promoting student leadership, and creating real-world learning opportunities through the CT3 (Center for Transformative Teacher Training) initiative. This initiative specifically focuses on building a positive school culture, encouraging student ownership, and cultivating strong relationships across the classroom.
During the ceremony, Principal Williams, Assistant Principal of Operations Williams, Shannon Easter, and Mayor Horhn held the ribbon together. Notably, this event was significant as it represented the first charter school that Mayor Horhn visited since taking office. RePublic Schools expressed gratitude for his partnership and ongoing commitment to providing uplifting opportunities for all students in Jackson.
Additionally, the Wildcat Store was spearheaded by Jennifer Jenkins in collaboration with Kemi Alara, demonstrating how student vision and adult collaboration can bring new initiatives to life.
Check out the video recap here!
“Dr. Kristen Williams, Principal of Smilow Collegiate, emphasizes that belonging is essential for student success. “The Wildcat Store serves as more than just a place for supplies; it symbolizes student leadership, responsibility, and pride in our community. By granting students genuine ownership, we actively embody our core value of fostering belonging, creating a school environment where every student feels known, valued, and supported. We are incredibly grateful to Mayor Horhn for celebrating with us and recognizing the importance of our students’ voices.”
Furthermore, the school store operates entirely under the management of students as part of the CT3 initiative, which equips them with authentic ownership. This hands-on experience allows students to practice leadership skills, engage in teamwork, and explore entrepreneurship—all while strengthening their sense of belonging within the Smilow community.
About RePublic Schools
RePublic Schools is a network of public charter schools in Jackson, MS, and Nashville, TN, committed to reimagining public education in the South. With a focus on love, achievement, and belonging, RePublic prepares scholars to succeed in college, thrive in life, and give back to their communities.
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