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 rightside of this screen. Comments should be submitted via the Google Form link below.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING INFORMATION
STUDENT AND STAFF RECOGNITION
EIGHTH STREET MIDDLE SCHOOL NAMED 2024 TITLE I REWARD SCHOOL
EIGHTH STREET MIDDLE SCHOOL has been named to the 2023-2024 list of GADOE Title I Reward Schools. The Reward Schools designation recognizes Title I schools making the most significant improvements. Reward Schools are among the greatest-improving 5% of Title I Schoolwide and Title I Targeted Assistance schools when comparing the content mastery scores from the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 of statewide assessments. Schools must be Title I to be eligible for the Distinguished and Reward designations and must not currently be identified for Comprehensive Support & Improvement (CSI) or Targeted Support & Improvement (TSI) support.
Girls Swim Team Region Championship Streak Continues
The Tift County Girls Swim Team was recognized for winning the Region Championship again this year. This makes 12 years in a row for the team. The streak started in 2014, when this year's seniors were in 1st grade.
Team members include: Brooklyn Baird, Laurie Barbee, Leighellyn Bengston**, Laney Braswell, Morgan Brey, Bailey Brock**, Stella Bryant, Stella Byrnes, Jovia Burke**, Brynna Burke**, Brianna Domagala**, Mary Frances Dove**, Aubrey Garrett, Caden Griffin, Haley Hooks, Izzy Jackson, Sara Faith Johns, Kensie Law, Abby Lupo**, Anna Lupo**, Alexa Maag**, Genesis Martinez, Hannah Grace Murphy, Kendall Sasser**, Madison Schwartz, Rachel Spurlin, Emma Thompson, Marlee Veazey, Raylee Walker**, Mazie Werner
**STATE TEAM QUALIFIER
Coaches: Ivey Vickers, Teresa Walker, Kristin McElroy and Michael Hancock
TIFT COUNTY RECEIVES GAEL VISION AWARD
Tift County Schools was recently recognized as a 2024-2025 Vision Award Winner by the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL).
This award highlights the district's commitment to fostering professional learning opportunities for teachers, administrators and district office staff.
The recognition reflects the dedication of our system to continuous growth and excellence in education, ensuring that educators are supported in their professional development to better serve our students.
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.
TIFT COUNTY SCHOOL BUS DRIVER RECOGNIZED FOR GOING 'BEYOND THE T'
A routine morning bus route took an unexpected turn for Melissa Ward, but her quick thinking and bravery made all the difference. After picking up her first student, Melissa noticed a house on fire as she drove past. Without hesitation, she stopped the bus, called 911, and rushed to the home, persistently knocking on the door until she was able to wake the resident inside.
Her actions that morning helped save a life, and for her heroic efforts, Melissa was honored with the Beyond the T Award at the recent Board of Education meeting. The resident, Ann Barber, was present to personally express her gratitude.
Pictured are (L-R) Jonathan Jones (Board of Education Chairman), Ann Barber, Melissa Ward, and Natalie Gore (Superintendent).
NEWS FROM AROUND OUR SCHOOLS
2025 STAR STUDENT AND STAR TEACHER NAMED
Tift County High School is proud to announce that Phu “Bill” Nguyen has been named the 2025 STAR Student, earning this prestigious recognition with an impressive SAT score of 1460. The STAR Student honor is awarded to the senior with the highest SAT score from a single testing date.
As part of this recognition, Bill selected Ms. Kaycee Aultman as the 2025 STAR Teacher, an honor given to the educator who has made the most significant impact on the student’s academic journey.
Congratulations to Bill Nguyen and Ms. Aultman on this well-deserved achievement!
STUDENTS AT G.O. BAILEY ELEMENTARY RECEIVE HEARTS AROUND THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO
Students at G O Bailey Elementary have received Valentine Cards from around the United State and Mexico as well as other countries including Canada, Germany, and the Dominican Republic.
A story about this project was featured this week on CBS44. Click here to view the story.
SCHOOLS MAKE GAINS IN SINGLE SCORE CCRPI FROM 2023 TO 2024.
We are excited to announce that three of our schools made impressive double-digit gains in their single score CCRPI from 2023 to 2024! G.O. Bailey Elementary saw an increase of 12.4 points. Northeast Middle School achieved a 13.1 point increase. Omega Elementary soared with a 16.1 point increase.
In addition to these schools, 3 additional schools saw increases in their scores. These schools are J.T. Reddick Elementary, Len Lastinger Elementary, and Northside Elementary.
Congratulations to the students and staff at these schools for your dedication and hard work!
MIGRANT PROGRAM RECOGNIZED FOR SUPPORTING FAMILIES
The Tift County Schools Migrant Education Program was recently honored at the virtual GADOE Federal Programs Conference for its outstanding efforts in supporting migrant families during the hurricane and hosting well-attended Migrant parent meetings at the district office. Michael Slaven and Yuri Castillo had the opportunity to present the key action steps that contributed to the success of these initiatives.
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Throughout the month of February, Tift County Schools is proud to celebrate Black History Month, recognizing the achievements, contributions, and rich cultural heritage of African Americans. Schools across the district are engaging in activities, lessons, and events that highlight the impact of Black leaders, past and present.
By honoring Black history, we continue to educate, inspire, and empower our students to appreciate diversity and the contributions of those who have helped shape our nation.
CITY OF TIFTON RECOGNIZES FBLA WEEK AND CTAE MONTH
Students, CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) members, and staff from Northeast Middle School, Eighth Street Middle School, & Tift County High School gathered at Tifton City Hall recently as Mayor Julie Smith & City Officials recognized the impact of CTAE (Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education) by signing proclamations recognizing FBLA (Future Business Leaders of Amercia) Week and CTAE Month.
SCHEDULING FOR 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS
On Friday, February 14th Tift County High School hosted Destination Day for parents of current Freshmen and Sophomores. This day is designed for the students to meet with the student's advisor and discuss scheduling options for the upcoming school year.
Administrators in all elementary and middle schools have also been busy with scheduling preparations as well.
Pictured at left are teachers from G. O. Bailey as they analyze student data as part of the process of building a schedule to best serve the needs of the students.
FROM STUDENTS TO EDUCATORS, TIFT COUNTY SCHOOLS IS WORKING TO 'GROW OUR OWN'
These former Early Childhood Education students are now making a difference in our schools. We’re proud to see them shaping the future!
Savannah Kendrick (Northside Elementary), Macie Green (Annie Belle Clark Elementary), Tranayah Clark (Len Lastinger Elementary), Mary Smith (Annie Belle Clark Elementary), Kaylee Whitley (Annie Belle Clark Elementary), Lauren Butler (Matt Wilson Elementary), Macie Green (Annie Belle Clark Elementary), Jasmine Meza (Annie Belle Clark Elementary), Kayla Lang Garner (Matt Wilson Elementary), Courtney Harper (Matt Wilson Elementary), and Chloe Hoover (Eighth Street Middle School)
SCHOOL COUNSELORS HONORED DURING NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK
In celebration of National School Counseling Week from February 3 - 7, we took time to recognize the incredible work our school counselors do to support our students every day. This year’s theme, “Student Counseling: Helping Students Thrive,” highlights the crucial role counselors play in helping students grow emotionally, academically, and socially.
Our dedicated counselors are there for our students, providing guidance, support, and resources to ensure they thrive both inside and outside the classroom. We are grateful for their commitment and passion in making a difference in the lives of our students.
WOODMEN LIFE MAKES DONATION OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Tift County Schools recently received a generous donation of school supplies from Woodmen Life, helping to ensure students have the resources they need for success.
Lee Watson, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, accepted the donation on behalf of the school system and is pictured here alongside representatives from Woodmen Life.
We are grateful for Woodmen Life’s commitment to supporting our students and schools. Thank you for making a difference in our community!
STUDENTS AT LEN LASTINGER ELEMENTARY ARE SHARING THE LOVE
Students at Len Lastinger Elementary created a heart mural in the front entrance of the school. Each student contributed to the mural by painting individual hearts during their art class.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
School Climate Surveys for Family Members:
Annually, school systems throughout the state participate in climate surveys with parents, students, and school staff each taking surveys. This information informs the school climate rating within the state's CCRPI (College and Career Ready Performance Index).
Parents with children enrolled in Tift County Schools are invited to complete a climate survey for each school where you have a child attending.
Annie Belle Clark Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=68416666
Charles Spencer Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=0569F8E1
G O Bailey Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=B9025B27
J T Reddick Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=AFDBF04C
Len Lastinger Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=4981D67A
Matt Wilson Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=103F6F05
Northside Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=6DFF50F6
Omega Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=AA651F02
Eighth Street Middle School: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=639CE9CC
Northeast Middle School: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=7FA415A0
Tift County High School: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=5334A9BD
Links to surveys for students, staff and teachers can be found in Classlink.
Heartfelt Highlights
Do you want to recognize a teacher or staff member? Members of our Superintendent's Student Advisory Council recently talked about ways to share positive stories and show appreciation for the amazing people that make up Tift County Schools.
Send a short video message or an email to info@tiftschools.com. Selected messages will be shared throughout the month as part of our social media campaign.
