Titan Times - March 2026

Dear Turner County Families and Community,

As we close the month of March, I continue to be inspired by the dedication, growth, and accomplishments taking place across Turner County Schools. This time of year brings a strong focus on learning, as students engage in meaningful instruction and prepare for upcoming state assessments. From hands-on classroom activities to collaborative projects and academic competitions, our students are actively building the skills and knowledge needed for success. It is evident that both our students and staff remain committed to continuous improvement and excellence.

In this month’s newsletter, you will see many examples of that commitment in action. From academic achievements and engaging instructional practices to service projects and community partnerships, these highlights reflect the well-rounded experiences we strive to provide for every student. I am especially proud of the ways our schools have come together to serve others through the Statewide Day of Service, demonstrating the importance of leadership, compassion, and giving back to our community.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making Turner County Schools a place where students can learn, grow, and thrive. Together, we are building a strong future for our students and our community. I am grateful for all that you do to support our schools.

Go Titans!

Warm regards,

Christy Wray
Superintendent

On March 18th, Turner County Schools proudly participated in the Statewide Day of Service, an initiative led by Georgia Teacher of the Year Rachel Kinsaul. This meaningful event encouraged schools across the state to give back to their communities, and every school in our district embraced the opportunity to serve others through a variety of impactful projects.

At Turner County Elementary School, Junior Beta Club members put service into action by creating snack bags and potting flowers, which were delivered to Easter Seals. Students demonstrated kindness and generosity while learning the importance of helping others in their community. These hands-on service projects allowed even our youngest learners to experience the value of giving back.

Turner County Middle School students partnered with Turner County 4-H to complete several service projects. Their efforts included delivering handmade cards to a local nursing home, writing patriotic thank-you notes for veterans at the VA Hospital, sending activity kits to the local Easter Seals residence, and participating in a campus clean-up. These activities provided students with meaningful ways to connect with and support others while building a strong sense of community pride.

At Turner County High School, students partnered with Shepherd’s Pantry Food Bank, where they worked together to pack boxes for distribution to those in need. Through this experience, students strengthened their sense of civic responsibility while developing real-world skills such as teamwork and organization. The Statewide Day of Service was a powerful reminder of the positive impact our students can make when they come together to serve others.

The Turner County Schools Wellness Team, led by Tosha Thornton, District Mental Health Therapist, and Shy Smith, District Social Worker, partnered with student leaders across Turner County Schools to create and distribute candy bags with heartfelt notes designed to show appreciation and make staff members feel valued and supported. This thoughtful initiative focused on boosting morale and promoting a positive workplace culture throughout the district.

Approximately 200 staff members received these treat bags, including teachers, nutrition workers, maintenance and operations staff, bus drivers, and other essential personnel who play a vital role in supporting our schools each day. This act of kindness served as a meaningful reminder of the importance of recognizing and uplifting one another across all roles within Turner County Schools.

Turner County Schools proudly recognizes Kamauri Flagg for his outstanding performance as a participant in the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) Region 9 Spelling Bee held in Bainbridge.

Competing against 25 of the top spellers from across Region 9 (representing 34 counties) Kamauri demonstrated exceptional skill, focus, and determination. He represented Turner County with excellence and finished 11th overall, an impressive accomplishment at such a highly competitive level, especially among the best young spellers in the region.

Kamauri’s success at the regional competition follows an already remarkable journey. He first earned second place at the TCMS Spelling Bee and then went on to become the District Spelling Bee Champion, qualifying him to compete in Bainbridge. We are incredibly proud of Kamauri’s hard work and dedication, and we commend him for representing Turner County Schools so well.

Tosha Thornton, District Mental Health Specialist, partnered with Stamped by Shonda to bring a creative and calming initiative to Turner County Elementary School. Together, they created custom puzzles to establish a “Puzzle Brain Break” station designed to support student and staff wellness throughout the day.

This mindfulness activity provides a quick and effective way to interrupt intense work, boost mental focus, and reduce stress. By offering a simple yet engaging outlet, the Puzzle Brain Break station encourages moments of reset and reflection, helping create a more balanced and supportive learning environment at TCES. This initiative also reinforces the district’s commitment to prioritizing mental health and overall well-being. Students and staff alike can benefit from taking short breaks that promote relaxation and improved concentration.

Students from Turner County Elementary School recently showcased their knowledge and teamwork at the 2026 South Georgia Econ Games, held at the UGA Tifton Conference Center. Under the leadership of Mrs. Suzi Mathis, gifted resource teacher, two 4th grade teams and one 5th grade team spent the morning of Saturday, March 21st competing against other students from across the region. The Econ Games provide an engaging opportunity for students to apply economic concepts in a competitive, real-world setting while building collaboration and critical thinking skills.

We are proud to recognize Taylar Stafford, Baylee Stafford, Makayla Thompson, and Paisley Benson for earning 3rd place in their division. Their hard work and dedication paid off as they brought home medals, Amazon gift cards, and a trophy. Congratulations to these students for representing TCES with excellence and to Mrs. Mathis for her continued commitment to enriching student learning.

Pre-K students from Turner County Elementary School recently enjoyed a special field trip to the Victoria Evans Memorial Library. During their visit, students were read to, participated in a fun scavenger hunt, and toured the library, giving them an exciting introduction to all the resources the public library has to offer.

Parents were invited to attend alongside their children and were encouraged to sign up for library cards so they can continue supporting reading at home. This visit also marked an important milestone, as Pre-K was the final grade level at TCES to attend a library field trip this year, meaning every grade level has now had the opportunity to visit. Experiences like this help build early literacy skills and foster a love of reading at a young age. They also strengthen the connection between school, families, and community resources that support student learning. We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Victoria Evans Memorial Library and their support in promoting literacy for our students.

Turner County Elementary School recently celebrated Read Across America Week with a variety of engaging activities that promoted a love of reading across all grade levels. Classrooms welcomed special guest readers, including Superintendent Wray, high school students, and older students who partnered with younger learners for buddy reading experiences. Students also enjoyed dressing up each day as different Dr. Seuss characters and stories, adding an extra layer of excitement and creativity to the week.

Throughout the celebration, students participated in fun, literacy-focused activities such as D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read), where they found cozy spots to enjoy their favorite books, and “Read it! Learn it! Vend it!” where selected students earned books from the school’s book vending machine. Additional highlights included “Buddy Up!” outdoor reading time, listening to recorded story readings from Principal Mr. Sims, and “Snack on Stories,” where students enjoyed hearing stories while eating their snack. These activities created meaningful opportunities for students to engage with reading in fun and memorable ways while building a strong culture of literacy at TCES.

Turner County Elementary School recently hosted its Pre-K Registration kickoff event, welcoming families eager to enroll their children for the upcoming school year. The event provided an opportunity for parents to submit required documents, complete applications, and learn more about the nurturing and engaging environment our Pre-K program offers.

Pre-K registration will remain open until all 60 limited spots are filled. Families are encouraged to complete the process as soon as possible to secure placement, as remaining openings may fill quickly. If you were unable to attend the kickoff event, you may still register by dropping off the necessary documentation to the TCES front office. We look forward to welcoming our newest little learners to the TCES family!

In order to welcome your child into our Pre-K family, where they’ll learn, grow, and explore in a nurturing and engaging environment. Please bring required documentation:

• Birth Certificate
• Proof of Residency (examples: water bill, tag receipt, or landline phone bill with street address)
• Medicaid/Peachcare Card (if applicable)
• Copy of Social Security Card
• Immunization Records (form #3231)
• EEDN (form #3300 - Pediatrician/Health Dept)

Register today at TCES to give your child a great start to their educational journey!

Mrs. Simon’s 4th grade students have been actively engaged in learning as they work on their suffragists and abolitionists projects. Students are collaborating in groups to research important historical figures and movements, gaining a deeper understanding of the individuals who played key roles in shaping our nation’s history and their lasting impact. Through this project-based learning experience, students are strengthening their research, communication, and teamwork skills while making meaningful connections to social studies standards. It is exciting to see students take ownership of their learning as they work together to explore these significant topics and share their findings.

Kindergarten students in Mrs. Shiver’s class are actively building foundational literacy skills through engaging phonics instruction. During the lesson, students practiced changing the beginning, middle, or ending sounds in words to create new words, helping them develop a stronger understanding of how sounds and letters work together in reading and writing. Students also practiced digraphs, where two letters come together to make one sound. This hands-on learning experience supports early reading development by strengthening phonemic awareness and phonics skills, setting a strong foundation for future literacy success.

Mrs. Walls’ 3rd grade students recently took an active role in caring for the newly planted mature trees on campus, funded through the Keep Georgia Beautiful Grant. Working together, students filled watering cans, carried them to each tree, and carefully poured water into the slow-release watering bags to ensure the trees receive the nourishment they need to thrive. This hands-on experience not only supports the growth of our campus environment, but also helps build responsibility, teamwork, and environmental awareness in young learners. It is exciting to see students take pride in caring for their school grounds while learning the importance of sustainability and stewardship.

Students in Mrs. Mathis’s 2nd grade GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) class have been “traveling” the world as part of an engaging learning experience exploring different cultures. During their study of Asia, student shared her Indian culture with her classmates, providing a meaningful and authentic connection to their learning. Devina brought in special treats from home, including homemade dhokra (a savory steamed cake) and nankhatai (a type of shortbread cookie), along with a variety of mango, orange, strawberry, and chocolate-flavored candies from India. She also shared valuable insights about Indian culture, including holidays, traditions, and languages. This experience allowed students to make real-world connections while building cultural awareness and appreciation in a memorable way.

Students in Mrs. Amber Griffin’s 4th grade class recently prepared for their upcoming module test using an engaging and interactive SCOOT review activity. During this review, students moved around the room independently solving math problems presented on task cards, all while working against a timer. This fast-paced approach kept students focused and actively involved in their learning. The SCOOT strategy not only reinforced key math concepts, but also encouraged student independence, movement, and collaboration in a fun and structured way. Students worked hard while enjoying the change of pace, making review time both productive and energizing as they prepared for their assessment.

Students in Ms. Baker’s 5th grade science class recently showcased their understanding of life science by presenting an animal or plant cell project. Each student created a model that included key cell structures such as the nucleus, cell membrane, mitochondria, and vacuoles, demonstrating their knowledge of how cells function. Students were given the opportunity to choose their materials, resulting in a wide variety of creative and engaging models made from Play-Doh, Styrofoam, cake, candy, and other unique items. After completing their models, students presented their work to the class, strengthening both their scientific understanding and presentation skills while making learning both fun and memorable. This project encouraged creativity and ownership of learning, as each model reflected the student’s individual approach and understanding.

This experience directly supports Georgia’s 7th grade math standards, which focus on geometry concepts such as understanding circles, calculating circumference and area, and applying formulas in practical contexts. By participating in this interactive celebration, students were able to visualize and apply these concepts beyond the classroom, strengthening both their understanding and enthusiasm for mathematics. Activities like this also promote collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills that are essential for student success. We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Victoria Evans Memorial Library and appreciate librarian Christy Casimiro for helping make this meaningful learning experience possible.

Led by teachers Melissa Goulden, Colin Brister, Terence Clemons, Lance Taylor, and Austin Beaver, Turner County Middle School 8th grade Social Studies students have taken their learning to the next level as they prepare for the upcoming GMAS assessment. As part of their Georgia Studies course, students are engaging in activities directly aligned to state standards to strengthen their understanding of key historical and geographic concepts.

Each day, students come together as a full grade level to participate in interactive review activities such as escape rooms, quiz bowls, and learning centers. These high-energy strategies not only reinforce content knowledge, but also promote collaboration, critical thinking, and student engagement. This approach allows teachers to target essential standards while keeping students motivated and excited about learning, while also providing opportunities for immediate feedback and support as they prepare for success on the GMAS.

Students in Mr. Cook’s 6th grade science class recently engaged in an interactive rock lab as part of their earth science unit. During the lesson, students conducted a variety of tests on different types of rocks, including a fizzy test and an acid test, to observe and analyze their properties. Working in collaborative groups, students were asked to develop hypotheses before testing and record their observations and results throughout the lab. This hands-on experience allowed students to apply scientific practices, strengthen their critical thinking skills, and deepen their understanding of earth science concepts in an engaging and meaningful way.

Students in Mrs. Wooten’s 7th grade ELA class recently participated in an engaging classroom debate centered around Edgar Allan Poe’s Annabel Lee. As part of their analysis, students explored whether the narrator’s actions reflected true devotion or crossed the line into obsession, using evidence from the text to support their perspectives. This discussion-based activity encouraged students to think critically, articulate their ideas clearly, and respectfully consider differing viewpoints. By engaging in meaningful dialogue, students strengthened their comprehension and communication skills while making deeper connections to literature and theme analysis.

Students in Ms. Wilkerson’s agriculture class at TCMS are bringing science to life as they explore the genetic mutation responsible for the rare four-leaf clover. During this hands-on lesson, students learned how a natural mutation can cause clovers, which typically have three leaves, to develop a fourth “lucky” leaf. To deepen their understanding, students took their learning into the greenhouse, searching for four-leaf clovers and observing plant variation firsthand. This engaging activity allowed students to connect scientific concepts to real-world examples while sparking curiosity and excitement about genetics and agriculture.

Through a collaborative partnership led by Ms. Harper, TCHS counselor, and representatives from Southern Regional Technical College, Turner County High School recently hosted a Dual Enrollment Registration Day for juniors and seniors interested in enrolling in college-level courses. This event provided students with hands-on support and guidance through the application process, helping to remove barriers and ensure they were prepared to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.

Approximately 40 students successfully submitted applications during the event, gaining access to a variety of dual enrollment course options. This initiative reflects TCHS’s commitment to expanding postsecondary opportunities and preparing students for college and career success. We appreciate the efforts of Ms. Harper and Southern Regional Technical College for making this impactful experience possible for our students.

Students at Turner County Middle School and High School recently had the opportunity to explore and enjoy the school book fair. Throughout the week, students browsed a wide selection of books and materials, taking time to search for their favorite authors, series, and genres while also discovering new books and characters to learn about.

The book fair created excitement around literacy and encouraged students to develop a love for reading beyond the classroom. Many students were eager to purchase books to build their personal collections, while others enjoyed simply exploring new titles and recommendations from peers. Opportunities like this help foster independent reading habits and create a culture where reading is both valued and celebrated across grade levels.

Students in Ms. Pearce’s class at Turner County High School have been diving into genetics as they learn how traits are passed from one generation to the next. Using Punnett squares, students practiced predicting the probability of inherited traits, building a strong foundation in understanding heredity and genetic variation. Through the use of interactive notebooks, students were able to organize their work, track their thinking, and engage more deeply with the content. This hands-on learning experience allowed students to apply scientific concepts in a meaningful way while developing critical thinking skills that connect directly to real-world applications in biology.

Students in Ms. Lakey’s Advanced Financial Algebra class are building essential math skills through focused, individualized support. During this lesson, Ms. Lakey worked closely with each student to ensure they are calculating accurately and fully understanding the financial concepts being taught. This level of support allows students to receive immediate feedback and make corrections in real time. It also creates a learning environment where students feel supported and encouraged to take ownership of their progress. This personalized approach helps students develop confidence while applying math to real-world financial situations. By emphasizing accuracy and understanding, students are better prepared to use these skills beyond the classroom in practical, everyday scenarios.

Students in Mrs. Cushion’s class are actively applying their knowledge as they rotate through Basic Care Stations designed to simulate real-world patient care scenarios. At each station, students demonstrate their understanding of essential skills related to providing basic care for patients. This hands-on approach allows students to practice and refine their skills while building confidence in a structured, supportive environment. Students are also developing important soft skills such as communication, professionalism, and attention to detail as they interact within each station. By engaging in these practical experiences, students are better prepared for future opportunities in healthcare pathways and careers, while gaining a deeper understanding of the responsibilities involved in patient care.

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Recently, Turner County Schools proudly celebrated the achievements of three outstanding FLEX finalists who presented businesses they have developed through the Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurial X-perience (FLEX) program. Over the past several months, these students have worked diligently to build real-world business ideas, strengthen their leadership skills, and prepare professional presentations to pitch their ventures. Finalists included Sanaa Rushin with Monet’s Collection, Alfie Conklin with Crank N’ Rev, and Ka’moni Smith with Caked by Ka’moni.

Following the final round of judging, Ka’moni Smith was selected to represent Turner County at the FLEX State Finals on April 15th at the UGA Tifton Conference Center, where he will compete against winners from 20 other counties for the top prize of $10,000. This accomplishment reflects his hard work and creativity, as well as the strength of the FLEX program in preparing students for future success. We are proud of all participants for their dedication and growth, and we wish Ka’moni the best of luck as he advances to the state level.

Students in Mrs. Wells’ welding program are gaining valuable hands-on experience by working on real-world projects in the welding lab. Recently, students have been repairing a boat trailer, adding tail light brackets, and wiring new tail lights, applying technical skills in a meaningful way. These experiences allow students to see the direct results of their work while building confidence in their abilities.

The class has also partnered with a community member by taking in another trailer that will be repaired and used for the upcoming Fire Ant Festival. These projects not only strengthen students’ welding and problem-solving skills, but also highlight the importance of community partnerships and career-ready experiences within Turner County Schools. Students are developing a strong sense of pride in their work as they see their projects make a direct impact beyond the classroom. Opportunities like this help prepare students for future careers in skilled trades and technical fields.

Turner County High School recently hosted a highly successful Career Fair, providing students in grades 9–12, along with 8th grade students, the opportunity to explore a wide range of future career paths. This year’s event also expanded its reach through strengthened partnerships with neighboring districts, as students from Irwin and Wilcox counties were invited to attend and participate. The collaboration created a larger, more dynamic experience for all students involved.

With over 70 career vendors in attendance, students were exposed to an impressive variety of professions and opportunities. Representatives included colleges and technical schools, healthcare providers from both private and public sectors, funeral homes, real estate agents, educators, hair and nail salons, first responders, hardware retail businesses, military recruiters, veterinarians, legal services, government agencies, and welding professionals. This diverse representation allowed students to explore multiple pathways and gain a better understanding of potential careers aligned to their interests.

This impactful event is made possible each year through the dedication of Ms. Mandi Cole, TCHS teacher, who works tirelessly to organize and coordinate the Career Fair. We are grateful for her commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for our students and for her continued efforts to connect students with real-world experiences that support their future success.

Under the instruction of Ag teacher Joshua Rogers at TCHS, students in the Wildlife Management course are gaining hands-on experience by identifying 20 different animal pelts as part of their conservation studies. Through this activity, students are learning to recognize various species, understand habitat connections, and explore the role each animal plays within the ecosystem.

This real-world learning opportunity strengthens students’ knowledge of wildlife conservation and natural resources while building observation and classification skills. Experiences like this help prepare students for future careers in agriculture, environmental science, and wildlife management, while fostering a deeper appreciation for Georgia’s natural environment.

Javarious, a 9th grade student at Turner County High School, has demonstrated outstanding dedication and perseverance through his work on a speech focused on the evolution of agriculture. Throughout the semester, he practiced twice a week to refine his presentation skills and prepare for competition, showing a strong commitment to both his learning and personal growth.

In early March, Javarious competed at the UGA Tifton campus alongside 15 students from across Southwest Georgia, with only two advancing to the next level. While he will not be moving on to the state competition, his hard work and accomplishments are commendable. His effort and determination have laid a strong foundation for future success, and we look forward to seeing all he will achieve in the year ahead. Congratulations, Javarious!

Under the leadership of Assistant Principal and Coach Daniel Purvis, the Turner County High School Varsity Soccer team recently delivered a record-breaking performance with an incredible 7–5 victory over Irwin County. This exciting matchup will go down in program history as the highest number of goals ever scored in a single game, highlighting the team’s offensive strength and determination on the field. The players demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and a relentless drive to compete at a high level from start to finish.

This win also marks another major milestone for the program, as it is the first time the TCHS soccer team has secured two region victories in a single season. As postseason play approaches, this historic achievement serves as a powerful momentum builder and a testament to the team’s growth and hard work throughout the season. Congratulations to the players and coaching staff on this outstanding accomplishment—we look forward to cheering you on in the games ahead.

The Turner County Middle School track and field team opened its season with an impressive showing at its first home meet of the year, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the program. Under the leadership of Sergeant Young, Coach Tye, and Coach Nelson, the young Titans are working to build a strong and competitive track program. The meet showcased a new level of organization and enthusiasm for middle school track in Turner County, reflecting the positive direction of the program. The event proved to be one of the largest track meets ever hosted in Ashburn, drawing 10 teams from across the region to compete.

A strong crowd filled the stands to support the athletes, creating an energetic and supportive atmosphere throughout the afternoon. Several Turner County athletes turned in standout performances during the competition. For the girls’ team, Peyton Sanders, Timya Hilmon, and Isabell Valdez delivered strong efforts in their events and helped set the tone for the team. On the boys’ side, Darivon Taylor, Nakia Ervin, and Lukas Wiley were among the athletes who stood out with impressive performances on the track and in the field events. The coaches are extremely proud of all student-athletes for their effort, teamwork, and the way they represented Turner County throughout the meet!

The Turner County High School Boys Basketball team has much to celebrate following an outstanding season that included a Region Runner-Up finish and a strong postseason run to the Elite 8. In a thrilling Region Championship game, the Titans battled until the final seconds, ultimately falling by just one point in a hard-fought contest that showcased their determination and resilience.

Throughout the season, the Titans demonstrated heart, discipline, and pride, representing Turner County Schools with excellence both on and off the court. Their effort, grit, and teamwork were evident in every game, making this a memorable and successful season. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of the players, the leadership of the coaching staff, and the strong support from the school and community. We are incredibly proud of our players and coaches for their achievements and look forward to continued success in the future.

• Charlton County - April 2nd - @Away TBA
• Region Tournament - April 14th - @TBA

• Sumter County - April 2nd - @Away 4:00/6:00
• Irwin County - April 7th - @Away 6:00
• Lanier County - April 10th - @Home 6:00
• Atkinson County - April 14th - @Away 6:00
• Clinch County - April 17th - @Home 6:00

• Fitzgerald - April 15th - @Away 4:00
• Region Meet - April 21st - @Away TBD
• Region Meet - April 23rd - @Away TBD

• Region Tournament Telfair County - April 16th - @Away 4:00

• Pulaski County - April 1st - @Away 3:30