Former Head Start Student is Already Making Headlines
Former Head Start Student, King James Solomon III, a 6-year-old first grader, is already making headlines for his outstanding academic success. Recently, he scored an impressive 1033 on the state test — performing at a fifth-grade level, far above expectations for his age and grade.
King James Solomon III is no stranger to achievement. Before entering elementary school, he earned the title of Valedictorian at Marjean Myatt Head Start, where teachers and staff recognized his exceptional intelligence, leadership, and love for learning.
His proud mother, Franchessica Hankins-Solomon, serves as the Nutrition Administrative Assistant for ICS Central Office and says she is grateful to see her son’s hard work and determination paying off at such a young age.
“I have never played about any of my children’s education,” Hankins-Solomon shared. “Learning didn’t stop when school let out. I taught, poured into, prayed over, corrected, encouraged, and stayed involved every step of the way. My oldest son, J’Mylus, graduated with a welding scholarship, and my daughter, Fra’Nylia, was inducted into the National Honor Society.”
Family members say his dedication, curiosity, and positive attitude continue to inspire everyone around him. His family as well as educators believe his accomplishments are an early sign of a bright future ahead.
"King James Solomon III is proof that parent involvement, hard work, focus, and encouragement can lead to greatness at any age", multiple Holly Springs staff shared.
At only six years old, King James Solomon III is already setting an extraordinary example of excellence, perseverance, and academic achievement for students everywhere.
Crenshaw Head Start and West Tallahatchie Head Start recently hosted Family Farmers Markets at their centers, offering children and families a hands-on opportunity to explore healthy, locally grown foods.
The events were sponsored by the Mississippi Farm to ECE Program, the Nemours Foundation, and the Higher Purpose Hub. Families enjoyed shopping alongside their children for fresh greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, and okra—all free of charge. At West Tallahatchie Head Start, children were especially delighted by a visit from live chickens, adding excitement and education to the day.
A special highlight came when Higher Purpose Hub presented Crenshaw Head Start with a $2,500 gift to continue supporting nutrition and wellness initiatives.
These events reflected the heart of Head Start’s mission—connecting families, nutrition, and community. By partnering with local farmers and organizations, children not only learned where their food comes from but also experienced the joy of sharing fresh, healthy foods with their families.
Our Philosophy
At the Institute of Community Services, INC., Project Head Start Preschool (ICS) developing tomorrow's leaders is a top priority. We are excited to announce the opening of our first STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) room at the Marjean Taylor Myatt Head Start Preschool in Holly Springs, Mississippi. The grand opening was held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
This achievement is made possible by the incredible support of our community partners and friends, whose generous contributions reflect their commitment to the education of young children. Local artist Lamartre’ez Lowery has created a stunning accent wall in the STEAM room, showcasing the solar system in its full beauty.
The STEAM room will emphasize various areas of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. The incorporation of STEAM at the preschool level plays a crucial role in fostering cognitive development in young children. Participation in STEAM enriches the educational journey, igniting curiosity, sparking creativity, and improving problem-solving skills in our students.
ICS Fatherhood Program - Jeans, Jersey, and Sneakers
Tracey Jeffries was the guest speaker for the fathers at the Early Head Start Center-Central Office, and it was a good day for all the men attending. Mr. Jeffries noted the importance of men being involved in their children’s lives., and how children watch what their parents do. He touched on bullying and being careful how you live your lives before children. Mr. Jeffries noted several stories but highlighted one of having to hand cuff a young man who had bullied his classmates, and the feeling that rose up in him about that negative behavior. This is why he stated the reason we must be careful how we act around our children, because you may see that behavior later in your own children. Tracy, shared with the men that it was his grandfather who made a
difference in his life growing up, and how he is so thankful that he was present.
“Always practice love and respect, he stated, children watch what we do.”
“Always be respectful to others and if you can help, share the respect in love to one another. He challenged all the men who were present, fathers and grandfathers, to be careful of their actions, remembering that little eyes are always watching and wanting to be like them. He urged that they continue to model positiveness and be a father in the most powerful way that they can, showing compassion, respect, courtesy and love always, because that little boy or girl will be modeling what
they see in their dads and grandfathers as they grow up.
Males Present: Demont Washington, Tracy Jeffries, Darron Hunter, Fred Welch, Joe Stevenson, Kadarius Crane, LeDarius Neal, Jeffrey Hurt, Duwayne Holloway, Travian Jeffries, Evan Taylor, Anthony Gulledge Jr., Goston Glover, Xavier Stephenson, Lakeith Faulkner, Colton Farrow, Shamori Marsh, Dewayne Heffner, Rodrickus Anderson, Tracy Gatewood, Jean-Luc Martin, Laderion Tunstall, Chartez Tucker, Dwight Harris, Luther Jones, Larry Barksdale, Steven Jones, Jeremy Reed,
Kevin Shipp, Brandon Johnson, Bobby Barksdale Sr., and Chadarius Faulkner
Mothers Present: Mercedes Wicks, Jaleeza Reed, and Ashley Rooks
Staff members present: Carlos Jones, Robert Batts, Linda Edwards, Brenda Snow, Rosie Wiliamson, and Fannie Lampley