UPDATE: BASEBALL TRYOUTS
This hands-on project gave students the opportunity to observe and manage chickens through every stage of development. We began with chickens that were already 3–4 weeks old. Three weeks later, we added one day-old chicks and fertilized eggs provided by Mississippi State.
Students incubated the eggs for 21 days, carefully monitoring temperature and humidity and candling the eggs to observe embryo development. Once the chicks hatched, students transferred them to a brooder they helped build, where they managed heat lamps, feed, and water to ensure the chicks thrived.
As the birds grew, they were moved outdoors into a mobile coop and allowed to free-range, giving students a chance to explore how poultry can contribute to diversified feeding systems and improve land management.
Throughout the project, students conducted research and completed a comprehensive report covering:
The development timeline from fertilized egg to 8–10 weeks of age
Chick growth and nutritional requirements
Alternative feed sources
The role of chickens in improving soil and land health
The poultry industry in MS
Their personal reflections on the project
This project provided students with valuable real-world experience in animal science, agricultural management, and scientific observation while helping them better understand the importance of the poultry industry to our state.
The Water Valley School District Announces Coaches Gunner and Elizabeth Nichols as Head Volleyball/Softball and Cheer Coach
Gunner Nichols is an accomplished educator and coach with 15 years of experience in Mississippi
schools. A graduate of Calhoun City High School, where he played baseball and participated in
several student organizations, Coach Nichols went on to earn his degree from Mississippi State
University.
Throughout his career, Coach Nichols has taught and coached at multiple schools across the state.
For the past seven years, he has been a dedicated member of the Winona High School community.
For the past six years, he has served as head coach for both the softball and volleyball programs. As
Winona High Schools inaugural volleyball coach, Coach Nichols helped establish the program from
the ground up, leading the team to consistent playoff appearances. In his role as head softball
coach, he has similarly guided the team to notable improvements and playoff success.
Elizabeth Nichols has been an accomplished educator and coach in the Winona-Montgomery School
District. With a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a Math endorsement and a Master's
degree in Education and Leadership, she brings expertise and passion to every classroom.
Over the past seven years, Elizabeth Nichols has made a significant impact as an elementary math
teacher, earning recognition as both the 2024 Teacher of the Year and District Teacher of the Year.
Her dedication extends beyond the classroom as she has coached cheer and dance at Winona High
School and served as Spring Assistant Athletic Director. She has also coached cheer and tumbling
privately at various gymnastics facilities.
A lifelong cheerleader, Elizabeth Nichols cheered at the collegiate level at both Holmes Community
College and Delta State University, where she cheered for two years at each institution. Her journey
began at Winona High School, where she earned multiple awards and participated in various
organizations and teams.
Outside their professional achievements, the Nichols are the proud parents to Finley and expecting another daughter in November. They both remain committed to building confident learners and
fierce athletes in their community.
