In January 2004, the Sturgis Elementary School located in Sturgis, Mississippi, and the O. L. Wicks Elementary School located in Maben, Mississippi, amalgamated into one school community which is called West Oktibbeha Elementary School. The West Oktibbeha Elementary School is located in Sturgis, Mississippi, where the former Sturgis Elementary School was located. The former Sturgis Elementary School was renovated and is now declared a Historical Landmark.

The former maroon and gold Lions of Sturgis Elementary and the former blue and white Blue Devils of O. L. Wicks Elementary surrendered their colors and mascots to the black and silver Timberwolves of West Oktibbeha Elementary School. The West Oktibbeha Elementary School is a small kindergarten through sixth grade school that houses 150 students. The school is supervised and instructed under the leadership of Dr. Gale C. Cook.

There are 40 employees at West Oktibbeha Elementary School. There are 18 classroom teachers including regular and special services teachers. Although the kindergarten through second grade classes are small, each class has an assistant teacher. Counseling, gifted, speech and language services are provided. Physical education, computer and library services are also provided.

The goal of West Oktibbeha Elementary School's faculty and staff is to produce lifelong learners who are able to compete against and stand with the best students of the world. This goal will be accomplished by producing a positive school culture that is conducive to an increased annual yearly progress of all students in all subject areas, improved average daily attendance each nine weeks to a 98% overall rate and to improve the over all school performance of the students.

Further, several plans have been implemented for teachers and students. A technology plan has been implemented to produce student literacy and to qualify teachers to meet the state standards. This plan ensures involvement and the involvement of business/industry and community members in education thorough the use of technology. A disciplinary action plan has been implemented that utilizes a Student Support Team and interschool suspension as opposed to regular school suspension.



We endeavor to be and do our best in all of our undertakings. We strive to rise to a proficiency level in all accomplishments. We strive to produce a school of excellence which acknowledges and "puts children first."

Professionally submitted,

Gale C. Cook, Ph. D.,
Principal of West Oktibbeha Elementary School