Community Voices

Community Voices
January 30, 2025 Darren Schwindaman

Learn more about the impact of the Tallahatchie County Raising Highly Capable Kids program, developed in partnership with Rezilient Kidz, from three of our graduate alumni:

  • Sharon Simmons, Teacher, Eva Covington HeadStart
  • Shelia A. Harris, Teacher, Eva Covington HeadStart
  • Barbara Price, Teacher, West Tallahatchie Head Start Center

Sharon Simmons, Teacher, Eva Covington HeadStart

“Our TELA program has a great impact in our community and schools. TELA has been providing ways to get parents more involved in their children’s schooling. Not only ways of getting parents involved with their children but getting parents communicating with the teachers.”

“Student/parent communication is the key to having a great school year. It provides understanding of what is going on inside the school, as well as the classroom.”


Shelia A. Harris, Teacher, Eva Covington HeadStart

“TELA has given me extra tools to work with my grandson! He loved the caring and compassionate teachers he had! TELA also let me know what areas he needed help in, along with activities to help him improve his weak areas! He is now kindergarten ready!

“I truly enjoyed the Raising Highly Capable Rezilient Kidz parenting classes!”


Barbara Price, Teacher, West Tallahatchie Head Start Center

“TELA has provided me with opportunities to enhance my teaching experiences in and out of the classroom. I know that I’m a good teacher and what I do in the classroom matters. When I improve my teaching, my students benefit the most.”

“I’m always open to new ideas. To make a difference, ‘Good,’ can always be, ‘Better.’ Teaching, to me, is a gift, a privilege, and it should always be about the students, and for the students.”