‘SMARTLAND’: Charter school hosts inauguration ceremony for micro society

NATCHEZ — Instant Impact Global Prep charter school students have built a micro society called “Smartland” within the student body and on Tuesday inaugurated its presidents, mayors, judge, police and peacekeepers.

They also introduced the managers of several businesses, such as the “Kool Kids Big Bank,” “The Bakery Factory,” “Princesses and Queens Beauty Spa,” “Creative Kids Arts and Crafts” and many more.

Presidents Jacorian Jones and Summer Ware and other officers took their oath with the help of real public officials, including Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson, Sheriff Travis Patten, and Police Chief Cal Green.

The MicroSociety program is a national educational model that provides compelling real-life learning opportunities for K-8 students through the creation and operation of miniature societies. These societies, incorporated into the regular school day, enhance academic lessons and provide platforms for young people to develop into leaders, entrepreneurs, creative forces and confident citizens, according to the program website.

“This program simulates a society where our students learn how to function in the real world,” said Sonya Brown, Parent Engagement and MicroSociety Coordinator. “They run their own government, hence the reason we are here today. They write business proposals, apply for business licenses and even secure business loans.”

IIGP Director JoAnn Rucker said facilitators of the program won top awards for its creation in record time during the 2024 conference at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

On April 25, the school invites the public to come to check out Smartland’s open Market Day, during which the town’s businesses will have the goods and services that the children themselves made on full display and to purchase with Smartland currency.

Smartland includes three states, five cities, 11 businesses and three government offices.

More images from the festivities are below.

Raiyn Lyons runs the Creative Kids store in the micro society of “Smartland” invented by Instant Impact Global Prep charter school students. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Instant Impact Global Prep charter school director JoAnn Rucker thanks parents and officials for attending the ceremony. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Mayors, a judge and peacekeepers of Smartland are sworn into office. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Second-grader Chy’loe McKeel recites a poem. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson pins the Natchez badge on the vests of Jacorian Jones and Summer Ware, who are presidents in the micro society. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Presidents Jacorian Jones and Summer Ware take their oath of office with the help of Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Presidents Jacorian Jones and Summer Ware take their oath of office with the help of Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

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