June 2018
Greetings!

We hope everyone is enjoying summer and surviving this South Georgia heat and humidity. August will be here before we know it!
Reconfiguration Update
We're less than two months from the start of the new school year! Think all school system employees are hanging out at the beach? Think again. It takes A LOT of work during the summer to prepare for the new year. Staff throughout the county, including these at G.O. Bailey Elementary School, are preparing for the return of students in August.

The physical moving required this summer is wrapping up. Construction is continuing at Tift County High School as is the transition of school name changes.
We Love Our "Dads"!
We've already celebrated Fathers' Day, but we all could use another feel-good moment. Check out this video, and say thanks to anyone who was a "dad" to you.
Back to School
We know we're only halfway through summer, but Back-to-School plans are in full swing. We've already begun posting school supply lists and open house schedules. Visit www.tiftschools.com and check out the Back-to-School section under News and Events for updates.
Back in the Day
When Tift County Junior High School was dedicated in 1970, it was home to seventh, eighth and ninth grade students. When it opens this fall it will be called Northeast Middle School. It and Eighth Street Middle School will serve sixth-eighth graders.
Superintendent Search Update
The Georgia School Board Association will be accepting applications from across the nation through the end of July to fill the Superintendent position when Patrick Atwater, Jr. retires next year.
School is Never Really Out
Just because students aren't in the classroom right now doesn't mean they aren't at school. Many of our extra-curricular activities are especially busy, including our football program. Heat, humidity and gnats aren't stopping our team from working to be ready for the August 9 scrimmage.

Summer Feeding Program Continues
We are proud to be able to continue serving our students even when they are out of school.
Board Meeting Highlights
  • Marianna Keesee and Carla Miles presented a painting of Tifton High School as it stood in 1958 as a gift on behalf of their graduation class. The painting was created by Vincent Keesee.

  • Chief Academic Officer Mickey Weldon presented the 2018 Title I Reward School Certificate and flag to Omega Elementary Principal Jim Byers. Byers thanked the district and his staff for their supportive efforts.

  • Weldon informed the Board that this was the third year that Tift County students had participated in the SparkIT Computer Camp that has been made available by the efforts of Dr. Courtney Lamar. Twenty-one students attended camp this year.

  • ​The FY 19 Budget was approved. The budget included plans for a tax reduction and salary raises for school nutrition, paraprofessionals, school-level clerical staff, bookkeepers, and school nurses. 
 
It Takes a Village
Operating a school system of nearly 8,000 students takes a lot of work, and we couldn't do it without the amazing contributions of our community.

We would like to thank the Tifton Fire Department for making Field Day extra special for some of our students this year. We appreciate all that you do!

If your business would like to become a Partner in Education,
please email us at info@tiftschools.com .
Tift County Schools
207 N. Ridge Avenue
Tifton, Georgia 31794  
(229) 387-2400