TIFT COUNTY SCHOOLS NEWSLETTER

April 2025
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BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

For Public Review

The Tift County Board of Education encourages the constructive involvement of community members and school system employees on matters affecting Tift County Schools. 

Current matters for which the Board is seeking public review and comment are listed on the right side of this screen.  Comments should be submitted via the links provided.

ITEMS CURRENTLY OUT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT AND REVIEW

  • Parents' Bill of Rights

  • Medication

  • Absences and Excuses

  • Acceptable Use of Personal Electronic Devices by Students

  • Student Code of Conduct

Click here to review current policies and provide comments.

Click here to access the Google Form to provide comments on Acceptable Use of Personal Electronic Devices by Students and Student Code of Conduct

STUDENT AND STAFF RECOGNITION

SSAC

Superintendent's Student Advisory Council

Eighth Street Middle School: Dahlia McRae, Collins Riddle, Landon Taylor, James (Tripp) Irions, Martha Jane Nelson

Northeast Middle School: Norah Monfort, Jaleeyah Flagg, Kaven Johnson, Ivy Zhu

Tift County High School: Sophia Brundage, Khloe Jackson, Walker Kaiser, Larkin Saylor, Ethan VanOrman, Leighellen Bengston, Claudia Tanner, Romario Hernandez, Bruno Meza, Jaliya Miller

This year, we launched Tift County's first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, giving students across our district a seat at the table—and what an incredible group they have been!

In August, students in grades 6 through 12 were invited to apply, submitting applications that included reference letters from their teachers. After a competitive selection process, 19 outstanding students were chosen to represent their schools and peers as members of this council.

Throughout the year, these students met with Superintendent Gore quarterly. During these meetings, they provided valuable feedback on district-level topics, shared their perspectives on student experiences, and brought forth concerns and ideas from their fellow classmates. Their voices helped shape conversations and decisions that impact all Tift County schools.

Some of the topics that were discussed include: weapons detection, grading policy and practices, start and end times for school, and budget priorities. They also provided valuable feedback that will be used in the development of our strategic plan. 

We are proud of the leadership, thoughtfulness, and commitment these students have shown.

Class of 2025

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Valedictorian:

Brynna Burke

Salutatorian:

Rylan Pearman

VAL SAL
STAR STUDENT AND STAR TEACHER

Class of 2025

STAR Student and STAR Teacher

STAR Student:

Phu "Bill" Nguyen

STAR Teacher:

Kaycee Aultman

The Tift County FFA chapter RECENTLY participated in FFA Career Development events with celebrated success. The Tift County High School FFA JR Livestock Evaluation Team placed first at the GA FFA/FCCLA Center in Coventon GA. The Livestock Evaluation CDE is designed to develop the ability to select and market livestock that will satisfy consumer demands and provide increased economic returns to producers. The team consisted of : Katie McClendon, Hank Miller, Glavn Stone and Aayden Harten. Their Advisor is Mr. Will McAllister

Jr Livestock Evaluation Team

TCHS Jr. Livestock Evaluation Team

STATE CHAMPIONS

AG COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

TCHS

Agricultural Communications Team

STATE CHAMPIONS

The Tift County High School Agricultural Communications team competed in the state career development competition winning first place at the FFA/FCCLA Center in Coventon GA.  The team will travel to Indianapolis Indiana in October to compete in the national contest. The Agricultural Communications Career Development Event is designed to give students experience in communicating the story of agriculture. Students work as a team to develop a communication plan, a magazine layout, a feature story, a broadcast, and a social media plan for the FFA New Horizons Magazine. The students that make up the team are: Sarabeth Becton, Ty Bennett, Luna Griffis and Emma Woodruff. Their advisor is Dr. Ashley Thoron.

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Beyond the T Award

The Beyond the T Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the success of our students, staff and community.

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for going 'Beyond the T'? Click here to submit a nomination.

Beyond the T Award

When Hurricane Helene tore through South Georgia, it left devastation in its wake—but it also revealed the strength and compassion of leaders like Dr. Carl Nichols. Answering the call without hesitation, Dr. Nichols completed six disaster relief trips to aid communities hardest hit by the storm.

The very next morning after the hurricane struck, Dr. Nichols partnered with school board member John Wadell to deliver desperately needed supplies—bottled water, gasoline, and essentials—to affected counties. This marked the beginning of an incredible effort.

Through the “Fill the Trailer” program, spearheaded by former Tift County FFA members Paul McQuaig and Tad Harper, Dr. Nichols made four trailer deliveries loaded with supplies from Polk County to West Green Baptist Church in Coffee County. In addition, he made two more trips with a portable cooker alongside Colin Williamson, serving hot meals to exhausted utility workers laboring to restore power and rebuild communities.

Dr. Nichols’ commitment went far beyond the normal workday. His selfless service, leadership, and tireless dedication to helping others in a time of great need make him truly deserving of the Beyond The T award.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

The Special Olympics Committee Members were recognized for going the Beyond the T. Each year, this group goes above and beyond to coordinate the Special Olympics for our students with disabilities— an event that not only brings joy and excitement but also celebrates inclusion, determination, and the spirit of community.

Months of behind-the-scenes planning ensures that every student-athlete experiences a moment to shine. Their commitment reflects the best of what it means to serve — not just meeting expectations, but surpassing them in every way and making a lasting difference in the lives of our students.

Committee members include: Rita Griffin - Chairman, Bobby Fresh - Coordinator, Duncan McClusky - Secretary, Lisa Conger - Treasurer, Kelly Fresh, Julie Conner Johnson, Peyton Johnson (Student), Tammy Jones, Freda Richardson, Melanie Roberson, Kevin Robinson, Shirley Wilson, Nancy Mark

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

HB251 School Choice
Graduation Information
Beauty and the Beast
Kindergarten Transition Parent Event
Kindergarten Transition Parent Event
2025-2026 School Calendar
PreK and K Registration
Peach Education Tax Credit
Parent and Student Portal
Tift County Schools App
Free Tutoring
Social Media