PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — Pineville Elementary in Pass Christian was named one of Mississippi’s Emerging Science of Reading Schools for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The designation recognizes schools that focus on building strong readers in kindergarten through third grade.
Students took a break from class to celebrate the achievement.
Former principal Jamie Boyer said technology will not replace reading printed books.
“I don’t know that tablets or any kind of technology will take the place from a good old-fashioned turn-page book where you can be immersed in a story, and students should have the opportunity to find things that bring them joy and they like to read,” Boyer said.
Current principal Abby Engle credited teachers and staff for the recognition.
“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication from teachers, staff. It’s really all hands on deck, and just that it’s just showcasing what a wonderful, great community that we have here,” Engle said.
Two other Mississippi Gulf Coast schools also received the designation.
The Mississippi Department of Education recognized 15 schools across the state with the designation.
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