With comedy sketches and success stories, teachers and administrators in the Vicksburg Warren School District kicked off the second half of the 2011-2012 school year Wednesday with a spirited mini-convocation at the Vicksburg Auditorium.

Amid competing cheers from the district’s 15 schools in a pep-rally atmosphere, the underlying message was to remain energized and committed during a year of change.

Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Swinford, who did not attend because of the death of her mother, said in a phone interview that the session was motivational, designed to highlight successes and provide some fun “to set us off again to finish the school year.”

Dana Road veteran and lead teacher Becky Price said she has seen more changes and attended more meetings this year than ever, but the increased demands have been challenging and beneficial.

“I hear a lot of longing for the good old days, but after 30 years of doing this I can tell you, every good old day began with a good new day, like today,” she said.

A highlight of the program was Sherman Avenue Elementary speech therapist Shirley Stuart, performing as hillbilly “Sadie Mae,” offering comic commentary on modern teaching methods, students, and teachers, and her own take on accepting change — exchanging an old mule for new horse on a carrot farm.

“Give it a little time and energy and it’s going to be much better in the end,” she said.

Some VWSD teachers reported in October, at public meetings Swinford called to facilitate communication with her office, that they were “anguished” over the difficulties presented by longer school days, inflexible schedules and a mandatory, districtwide 90-minute reading block Swinford initiated. Teachers reported feeling exhausted and distressed over new requirements.

But changes have included the institution of new programs, such as the Associated Program for Transition aimed at preventing dropouts and helping overage students catch up, that are reaping rewards.

Longtime Warren Central High School English teacher JoAnn Oliver, this year teaching small-group, struggling readers in the APT, told the assembly she has seen students gain as many as five grade levels with the program.

“I not only get to see them succeed on a test, but also grow as students, in their reading and in their confidence,” said Oliver. “Students who were without hope, who believed that they couldn’t do it, have become confident young adults who see a future where they can accomplish any goal they set for themselves.”

In building teen reading skills, she said, the program also “creates future parents who will read to their children. The cycle of the non-reader has been broken.”

VWSD students returned to classes today following Christmas vacation that began Dec. 20. The third nine-week term will end March 9, with spring break following on March 12 through 16. The fourth nine-week term will run from March 19 to May 24.