TIFT COUNTY SCHOOLS NEWSLETTER

November 2024
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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 rightside of this screen.  Comments should be submitted via the Google Form link below.

For Public Comment and Review:

Policy DC - Annual Operating Budget

Policy DCL - Fund Balance

Policy DJCB - Salary Deductions

Policy DJEG - Purchase Orders and Contracts

Policy DJEIA - Sales Calls and Demonstrations

Click here to review policies and provide comments.

BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVES CALENDAR

FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR

The Board of Education has approved the calendar for the 2025 - 2026 school year.

The calendar includes 178 instructional days for students with 4 days that are designated as Makeup Weather Days, if necessary.

calendar image

A copy of the calendar can be found under the Resources section of our website.

2025-2026 School Calendar

School Safety Seminar

Join us for an important event focused on keeping our schools safe!

đź—“ Monday, November 18th
⏰
6:00 PM
📍
Tift County High School Performing Arts Center

We're excited to welcome the CEO from Xtract One, the provider of our new weapons detection system. You’ll have the chance to see the system in action and learn how it helps protect our school community.

Parents, students, and community members are encouraged to attend. Let’s work together for a safer Tift County!

Safety Seminar
We want your input

We are soliciting community input to support the development of a vision for the future for Tift County Schools

Please complete our survey at:https://forms.gle/31nkaj85EFwyY4cU7

PLANNING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW 7-8 MIDDLE SCHOOL

The planning process has begun for the construction of a new 7-8 school. The Board of Education recently selected GMC as the architectural services firm that will lead this project. A group including teachers, administrators, district and community leaders, parents, and students recently met for their first in a series of three Project Approach Theory (PATH) meetings that will be held over the next few weeks to inform the design of the facility that will best meet the current and future needs of our students and instructional programs, as well as the budget.

PATH #1

ADMINISTRATOR SHOWDOWN

On Tuesday, October 29th the Tift County Livestock Association hosted an Administrator Showdown. Experienced Tift County youth swine exhibitors from 4-H and FFA provided a clinic to demonstrate how to properly show pigs.  At the conclusion of the clinic, school and district administrators as well as a Board Member demonstrated their newly learned skills.  Paul Nelson, principal at Eighth Street Middle School, was named the Grand Champion of the 1st Tift County Administrator Showdown.

Administrator Showdown

RECOGNITION

Chris Franks was recognized as the School Nutrition Program Region 4 Employee of the Year by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

School nutrition logo
Chris Franks
Stephanie Morrow

Dr. Stephanie Morrow has been named as the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals and the Georgia Association of Middle School Principals

Morrow

Len Lastinger Elementary 5th Grade teachers were recently recognized by State School Superintendent Richard Woods and presented with a Georgia’s Master of Mathematics Banner to display in their school. Fifth grade had an increase of 33 points on the math portion of the 5th Grade Georgia Milestones End of Grade Test

The teachers recognized are: Jessica Peters, Greta Simmons, Emily Head and Robert Bullington

LLE Teachers
ESMS Teachers
NEMS Teachers

Algebra teachers from Eighth Street Middle School and Northeast Middle School were recently recognized by State School Superintendent Richard Woods and presented with a Georgia’s Master of Mathematics Banner to display in their school.

Eighth Street Middle School teachers Leanne Westberry and Julia Coker had 9 point increase in their Algebra 1 Achievement Scores on the Georgia Milestones End of Course Test. 

Northeast Middle School teachers Melisa King and Teresa Nichols saw a 49 point increase in their Algebra 1 Achievement Scores on the Georgia Milestones End of Course Test. 

BEYOND THE T

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.

Joey Fowler has been a great community partner with Tift County Schools. He goes BEYOND THE T with his efforts to ensure that we have the latest information when it comes to inclement weather situations.

Making the decision to close school is not one that is taken lightly. When we are faced with that issue, Mr. Fowler plays a vital role in that decision making process. He not only provides weather forecasts but shares information on road conditions throughout the county.

His efforts help to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

Joey Fowler, Tift County Public Safety Director

Joey Fowler

George Woods, President of the Blue Devil Brigade Band Boosters

George Woods

George Woods has served as the President of the Blue Devil Brigade Band Boosters for the past 9 years. He has selflessly dedicated countless hours to this program and we wanted to thank him for going BEYOND THE T not just for this program but for the students of Tift County.

Mr. Woods is stepping down from this position at the end of this year. He will certainly be missed.

Blue Devil Brigade

Maria Pichardo started as a student in our Adult English class then became part of our community through our Migrant Education Program.

Maria quickly proved her dedication and work ethic within our district. She has embraced every opportunity to work and learn with enthusiasm. Over the summer, Maria taught Migrant students, and she now leads our English class, where she was once a student. She has transitioned from the Migrant Education Program to becoming one of our ESOL teachers.

Beyond her ESOL and English teaching roles at ESMS, Maria and her husband actively support our Migrant Program by providing educational instruction to migrant youth at local farms and even in their homes.

Maria is a reminder that we live in a wonderful country with many opportunities for those who are willing to seize them.

Maria Pichardo, Tift County ESOL and Migrant Program

Maria Pichardo
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Tift County Football Coaches: Jeff Littleton, Javier Clark, Britt Wilson, Zach Brown and Shawn Campbell

These coaches were nominated after a letter was received by Technical Sargeant James R Carr, a TCHS alumni and parent of a football player.

In his letter Mr. Carr expressed his "profound gratitude" to the TCHS football staff. They have "exhibited exceptional moral character and have consistently prioritized the welfare of their students and players."

Following an incident with his son Carr said these coaches "exhibited the highest level of professionalism and compassion, for which I am truly grateful."

Football Coaches
Blue Devil Football

November is the Month of Gratitude, and Tift County Schools has embraced an “Attitude of Gratitude” by sharing on social media the many reasons we are thankful for our staff, students, and community. We are especially grateful for the unwavering support and dedication of the Tift County community. Together, we make a difference for our schools and students every day!

Attitude of Gratitude

THANKSGIVING LUNCH

On Thursday, November 14th, our School Nutrition Program hosted a special Thanksgiving lunch at schools across the district. Parents of different grade levels were invited to join their children for a festive meal, creating heartwarming memories and sharing in the spirit of the season.

To make the day even more special, "celebrity servers" from the Administrative Office jumped in to assist with serving meals at each school. A big thank you to our School Nutrition staff and volunteers for making this day such a success!

Thanksgiving Lunch
Celebrity Servers

THIRD GRADE FARM DAY

On Friday, November 15th, third-grade students from across the district experienced hands-on learning at the Agriculture Barn area at Tift County High School during Third Grade Farm Day!

This collaborative event brought together students from Tift County High School, Eighth Street Middle School, and Northeast Middle School, who shared their knowledge and expertise across a wide variety of agricultural topics. From animals to crops and everything in between, our young learners had an exciting day filled with education and fun!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this day unforgettable for our third graders!

Third Grade Farm Day

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Holiday Card Contest
Stop the Violence
Thanksgiving Holidays
Peach Education Tax Credit
Tift County Athletics

Want to know when and where you can support our middle and high school student athletes? Click here to keep up to date on the latest events with the Tift County Athletics Calendar

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Tiftschools App
Georgia Tutors
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