Jennifer Howell, Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, recently shared updates on the work taking place across Tift County Schools to ensure students are prepared for success beyond graduation.

Highlights included increased student participation in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with AP options now available in both the fall and spring semesters, expanded Work-Based Learning opportunities, new CNA and EMR pathways through Southern Regional Technical College, and additional Computer Science and STEM course offerings.

Looking ahead to 2026–2027, the district will introduce dual enrollment offerings via Arizona State via a new partnership with NEON (National Educational Opportunity Network) and expand partnerships with ABAC to provide agriculture dual enrollment opportunities that are partnered with Ag Work Based learning experiences to afford students opportunities to marry the book skills with practical work experiences.

Through continued collaboration between Teaching and Learning and Student Services, Tift County Schools remains focused on increasing student awareness and access to programs that prepare them for college, career, and life.

Tift County Schools is excited to provide free meals for children through our Summer Feeding Program. Meals will be available each Tuesday June 2nd - 23rd at designated walk-up locations and along summer feeding bus routes.

All children ages 18 and younger, as well as individuals under 21 with special needs, are eligible to receive meals at no cost.

Tift County Schools is committed to keeping students learning, growing, and engaged throughout the summer months. We are offering a variety of Summer Learning Programs focused on academic growth, targeted support, and enrichment opportunities for students at every grade level.

Programs include early learning opportunities for rising Pre-K and Kindergarten students, elementary academic support and enrichment, middle school remediation and acceleration, and high school options for grade repair, credit recovery, initial credit, and advanced preparation. The district will also offer a Migrant Program to provide additional academic support and hands-on learning experiences for students in Pre-K through 12th grade.

Families will also have access to resources that support learning at home, including books and literacy activities distributed through summer feeding bags, weekly read-aloud videos, and online grade-level resources. Visit our website for more information. 

These members of the Superintendent's Student Advisory council were unable to attend the April meeting to be recognized, so were recognized in May. 

Lexi LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) Training is a two year professional development program for educators, focused on the science of reading, designed to strengthen literacy instruction. This course provides the participants with in-depth knowledge on how students learn to read and the skills needed to master the foundation and fundamentals of reading and writing: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and written language. This training is an investment of the educator’s knowledge and professional practice to achieve long-term systemic change in literacy instruction. These teachers and administrators were recognized for completing this training: 

Misty Bass, Sarah Swan, Sonya Godwin, Paige Bennett, Sharnell Mickins, Jessica Guess, Stephanie Bullington, Daphne Stanford, Erin Parker, Johanna Coley, Meagan Seabolt, Sherri Coarsey, Tammy Winn, Courtney Greer and Marley Whitley

Georgia Scholars are high school seniors that have met the 8 criteria that are governed by state law. These include: Carnegie Units, SAT (Minimum 1360 combined on SAT or 31 on ACT - in one sitting), at least 3.75 GPA (non-weighted), registered voter, community reference, competed in at least 3 interscholastic activities, leadership positions in at least 2 school sponsored organizations, and leadership in at least 2 organizations outside of school. This year State School Superintendent Richard Woods recognized 162 graduating seniors across Georgia as Georgia Scholars and we are honored to have two of those here in Tift County. They are: 

Thomas He

Pranav Shankar

*Thomas He was also recognized for being the Salutatorian for the Class of 2026.

Congratulations to Tift County High School student Brady Sellars for his outstanding performance in the American Legion State Oratorical Contest. Brady earned 4th place out of 256 participants, demonstrating exceptional public speaking skills, preparation, and dedication.

Also pictured with Brady are Jean Guzman, TCHS Counselor, along with representatives from the American Legion, including the Local Director and Post Commander.

Tift County High School senior Claudia Tanner was recognized for her outstanding achievements in Literary Analysis. Claudia was named the Region 1-6A Literary Analysis Champion and advanced to compete at the state level.

At the State 6A Literary Analysis Essay Competition, Claudia continued to showcase her exceptional writing and critical thinking skills, earning an impressive 5th place overall finish.

Eighth Street Singing Company, the Tift County High School Mixed Division Show Choir under the direction of Kyle Robinson, has experienced an incredible season filled with outstanding accomplishments and unforgettable performances. Throughout the year, the group earned multiple first place finishes, along with awards for Best Show Design, Best Vocals, and numerous individual soloist honors. Their excellence on stage also led to the prestigious title of Overall Grand Champions at two separate competitions this season.

In March, the Singing Company took their talents to the national stage as they traveled to Orlando to compete in the FAME Orlando National Show Choir Competition. Performing alongside some of the top show choirs and grand champions from across the country, they proudly represented Tift County Schools and earned the title of 4th Runner-Up nationally, leaving a lasting impression with their talent, dedication, and performance excellence.

Under the leadership of Advisor Duran Paulk, the TCHS CTI Chapter was recognized with 2nd Place Outstanding Chapter of the Year.

Individual student recognitions included:

Gabriel Daniels – 1st Place, Nutrition & Food Science; CTI State Officer Service Award (State Treasurer)

Heather Melton – 2nd Place, Floriculture=

John David Griffin – 2nd Place, Metal Working

Katherine Matzo – 5th Place, Graphic Arts

Tywan Hannans – Top 6, Occupational Creative Thinking

Hayden Stilwell – Top 6, Occupational Creative Thinking

Tift County Schools proudly recognizes and congratulates our 2026 retirees. These dedicated individuals have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues through their years of service and commitment to education.

We are grateful for the time, talents, and passion they have shared with our schools and departments. Their dedication has helped make Tift County Schools a place where we Collaborate | Learn | Achieve.

Thank you for your years of service, dedication, and commitment to the students of Tift County. We wish each of you the very best as you begin this exciting new chapter! 

Congratulations to our 2026 Retirees:

Bryan McLain, Annie Belle Clark Elementary
Lesli Holton, Charles Spencer Elementary
Erin Bean, G O Bailey Elementary
Shae Tucker, G O Bailey Elementary
Michele Upshaw, G O Bailey Elementary
Wendy Sparks, Eighth Street Middle
Susan Swift, Eighth Street Middle
Darlene Dennard, J T Reddick Elementary
Amy Lever, J T Reddick Elementary
Eileen Shepherd, J T Reddick Elementary

Emily Head, Len Lastinger Elementary
Wendy Brooks, Matt Wilson Elementary

Clint Manning, Matt Wilson Elementary
MeLisa King, Northeast Middle
Shawn Watson, Northeast Middle
Teressa Roberts, Northside Elementary
Jim Byers, Omega Elementary
Sonya Rutland, Sixth Street Academy
Debbie Brown, Tift County High
Shirlene Cohen, Tift County High
Chanon Collins, Tift County High
Lillie Potts, Tift County High
Todd Williams, Tift County High
Anna Davis, School Nutrition
Connie Hill, School Nutrition
Shirley Murphy, Transportation

The Tift County Canning Plant will be open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., beginning June 1 through July 9, 2026.