Weekly Update 9/15/25

Parents, Students, and Faculty,

We had a fantastic Homecoming Week last week, filled with fun dress-up days, school spirit, and celebration. The week was capped off with a big victory against Pelham under the lights on Friday night giving the Indians a 4-0 record for the season! It was a great homecoming game with many alumni in attendance. Once an Indian, always an Indian! We then had a wonderful dance on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who helped make this whole week such a success!

Looking ahead, this week is packed with activities and opportunities. Our softball teams will be in action every day except Friday, with both home and away games. Middle school football will take the field at home on Thursday, and our varsity team will have an OPEN week, so no game this Friday. On Saturday, our cross country team will compete in Bainbridge.

In addition, we are excited to welcome the Marines, National Guard, and Army, who will be visiting during lunch throughout the week. A representative from Georgia Tech will also be on campus Friday for any seniors interested in learning more about their programs.

Finally, we invite families and friends to join us for the Junior Class Ring Ceremony on Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria, where our juniors will be presented with their class rings.

It’s going to be a great week at Seminole County Middle High School, the best school in southwest Georgia!

Monday, September 15:

• Varsity Softball @ Thomasville - 5:30 PM

Tuesday, September 16:

• National Guard visit - 11:00 AM
• MS Softball vs Whigham - 4:00 PM
• Junior Class Ring Ceremony - 6:00 PM

Wednesday, September 17:

• Club Rotation A
• Faculty PLCs - Planning
• Army visit - 11:00 AM
• MS Softball vs Cairo - 4:30 PM
• Varsity Softball @ Cairo - 5:00 PM

Thursday, September 18:

• Marines visit - 11:00 AM
• MS Softball @ Clay Co. - 4:30 PM
• MS Football vs Mitchell Co. - 5:00 PM
• Varsity Softball vs STEM - 5:00 PM
• Football Senior Meal - 6:00 PM

Friday, September 19:

• V Football - OPEN

Saturday, September 20:

• Cross Country @ Bainbridge - 8:00 AM

Mr. Blake Lowe is 23 years old and from Bainbridge, Georgia. He graduated from high school in 2020 and from the University of North Georgia in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in middle grades education, earning certifications in math and science. Blake has been teaching for three years, spending his first two years teaching 7th grade math in Toccoa, Georgia, and continuing to teach the same subject currently. He married his wife, Lily, in May, and they have a dachshund named Maddie. Blake is excited to be back in south Georgia and is glad to be part of such a great school and community.

Students in Mrs. Tammy Hornsby’s class have been exploring their creativity through pixel art projects. Using grids and vibrant colors, they designed unique digital-style artwork that combined math skills with artistic expression. This activity not only gave students the chance to show off their imagination but also allowed them to see how technology and art can work together to create something fun and engaging. We love seeing their imagination come to life in such a fun way!

On Tuesday, a representative from the Seminole County Elections Department, Mr. Mike Rogerson, visited Seminole County Middle High School to speak with our seniors about the Georgia elections process. Students learned about voter registration, how ballots are cast and counted, and the importance of civic participation. This informative presentation gave our seniors a valuable opportunity to better understand their role in the democratic process as they prepare to become future voters.

On Tuesday, September 10, our Counseling Department set up a special table in the cafeteria in recognition of Suicide Awareness Day, one of the activities we are hosting during Suicide Prevention Month. Our middle and high school counselors, along with our GA Pines Counselor and System Social Worker, took time to connect with students, share resources, and promote awareness.

Students had the opportunity to pick up brochures, bracelets, stickers, and candy while also engaging in meaningful conversations. In addition, they were invited to write inspirational and positive notes for others. These uplifting messages will be displayed on a poster in the hallway throughout the month as a reminder of encouragement, hope, and support.

Thank you, Mrs. Sellers, Mrs. Bright, Mrs. Baldwin, and Mrs. Rykard. We are proud of our counseling team for their dedication to fostering a culture of care and for reminding students that help is always available, that they are never alone, and that they matter.

Homecoming Week was full of spirit, excitement, and Indian pride! Each day brought a new theme for students and staff to enjoy—“Get Camera Ready” kicked things off, followed by “Twin Tuesday,” “Winner Wednesday,” “Halftime Show Performer Thursday,” and finally, a sea of green and white to close out the week.

At Friday night’s football game, our Homecoming representatives were recognized on the field in front of family, friends, and the community, and Miss Jayla Coachman was crowned Homecoming Queen. The Indians put on a great game, giving everyone even more reason to cheer. On Saturday, the celebration continued with the Homecoming Dance, where students came together to enjoy music, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.

It is time to update your child’s information for the 2025-2026 school year. Please complete the

Annual Information Update (also called Online Registration or OLR) through the Infinite Campus

Parent Portal. You must complete this form by November 1, 2025. If you do not have internet access, you may visit the Board of Education office to complete your application.

How to Complete the OLR Form:

1. Log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal:

https://seminolega.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/seminole.jsp

2. Navigate to the OLR Form:

After logging in, go to “More” > “Annual Information Update.”

3. Choose “Existing Student Registration”:

Select this option to update information for currently enrolled students.

4. Review and Update:

Carefully check and update each section, including contact info, emergency contacts, health

details, and family information. Each parent/guardian and student must be reviewed.

5. Submit the Form:

After completing all sections, sign electronically and submit.

Need Help?

Call the Board of Education at 229-524-2433 or visit us in person. You may also email one of

the following for more help.

Kristy Johnson - kristy.johnson@seminole.k12.ga.us

Ashley Glass - Ashley.glass@seminole.k12.ga.us

Why Complete the OLR Form?

Updating your student’s information helps the district:

● Maintain accurate student records

● Provide timely updates and school notifications

● Ensure proper scheduling, transportation, and emergency contacts

The Southwest Georgia Invitational Cattle Show “Battle For The Buckles” was held on
Saturday, September 6 th at Thomas arena off Hwy 84 this year. The event is one of the only
existing invitational cattle shows in Southwest Georgia. This year’s show featured twenty-five
4-H & FFA members who exhibited forty steers and heifers. The weigh-in for all steers and
heifers was held from 8:00-9:00 am, and the show began at 10:00 am with Senior Showmanship
followed by Junior and Elementary Showmanship. The heifer show was held next with a total of
five classes followed by three classes of steers. Mr. George Richburg, USDA Market Reporter
from Clanton, AL, judged the show.

The 1 st place winner in each of the three showmanship classes received a belt buckle as well
as a plaque. Every showmanship exhibitor received plaques. The Senior Showmanship
Champion was Will Collins from Mitchell County, GA. The Junior Showmanship Champion
was Karlee Morrell from Grady County, GA. The Elementary Showmanship Champion was
Margo Dean from Crisp County, GA. All Grand and Reserve Champion winners received
embroidered director’s chairs and banners for their winnings. The Grand Champion Heifer was
exhibited by Margo Dean. Karlee Morrell exhibited the Reserve Champion Heifer. The
Grand Champion Steer was exhibited by Brody Bennett from Colquitt County, GA. The Reserve
Champion Steer was exhibited by John David Young from Thomas County, GA.

The Seminole County Young Farmers are proud to host this annual event and look forward
to its continued growth. The twenty-five exhibitors from Georgia and Florida who competed in
the show are to be commended for their efforts in this extremely competitive exhibition. The
Young Farmers would also like to recognize and thank our FFA chapter for making the acrylic
plaques awarded to our exhibitors for their participation and winning efforts. We also extend a
very special thanks to Mr. Phillip Williams for his donation to our show, as well as Scott &
Rhonda Birge of Birge Farms Show Cattle for the director’s chair embroidery. The first and
second place class winners for the heifer and steer shows were as follows:

Heifer Show Classes Results
Class 1 – Hannah Riley 1st Place
Class 1 - Landon O’Steen 2 nd Place
Class 2 - Karlee Morrell 1st Place
Class 2 - Margo Dean 2 nd Place
Class 3 - Taylor Mae Thompson 1st Place
Class 3 - Claire Stephens 2 nd Place
Class 4 - Sally Clark 1st Place
Class 4 - Keeley Verner 2 nd Place
Class 5 – Margo Dean 1st Place
Class 5 - Rylee Claire Kelly 2 nd Place
Grand Champion Heifer Margo Dean
Reserve Champion Heifer Karlee Morrell

Steer Show Classes Results
Class 1 - Payton Welch 1st Place
Class 1 - Sarah Jane Riley 2 nd Place
Class 2 – Will Collins 1st Place
Class 2 – Sally Clark 2 nd Place
Class 3 – Brody Bennett 1st Place
Class 3 – John David Young 2 nd Place
Grand Champion Steer Brody Bennett
Reserve Champion Steer John David Young

Seminole County exhibitors’ results:
(Senior Showmanship) Mindy Shattles – 4th Place & 4th Place Steer (Class 3)
Abbie Helms – 4th Place Heifer (Class 1)
Levi Vickers – 5th Place Heifer (Class 2)
Preston Smith – 6th Place Heifer (Class 2) & 4th Place Heifer (Class 4)
Bowen Kirkland – 7th Place Heifer (Class 2)

Courtney Cannon, a senior at SCMHS, is completing her Work-based Learning hours at Seminole County Elementary School. For the past two years, she has worked with the Special Education Department under the guidance of Ms. Dameca Robinson, where she has become an integral part of their team.

Courtney is completing the Education as a Profession pathway, and her WBL placement has provided her with invaluable experience and true inspiration. She plans to pursue a degree in education, and the skills she has gained at SCES will be a tremendous asset to both her studies and her future career.

A special thank you to SCES and the Seminole County Special Education Department for your continued partnership with the WBL program. You have been, and continue to be, an outstanding resource for our students.

Outstanding job, Courtney—and remember: Once an Indian, Always an Indian. We hope to welcome you back to Seminole County one day!

• Support the arts at SCMHS by joining our Fine Arts Booster Club! Your involvement helps provide resources and opportunities for our talented students in band, chorus, visual arts, and drama. Whether it's volunteering your time or offering financial support, every contribution makes a difference. Join us in celebrating and strengthening the arts at SCMHS! Email seminolefinearts@gmail.com for more information.

Auditions are over, and the cast list is officially posted for Hairspray the Musical! The Region One Act Play competition will be held right here at SCMHS on Saturday, November 1st at 9:30 AM. This GHSA event is free to the public, so make plans to come out and enjoy a day of outstanding performances. Seven schools will take the stage, each bringing their best to compete for the title of Region Champion—don’t miss the talent, energy, and excitement!

Hairspray the Musical will be performed for the public again in December! Don't miss your chance to come out and see these talented students perform this amazing show!

Approximately 35 band members need fuel for Friday Nights this fall. Food or funds are greatly appreciated! Contact band-mom Amanda to schedule OR send money with the note "band meals" by CashApp or Venmo. Thank you for helping the Fine Arts Booster Club take care of the Green Machine!

The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) voted to amend its policies regarding Name, Image, and Likeness payments to prep student-athletes. The changes are focused on curtailing any activity from what is known as NIL Collectives, a system that has permeated and fundamentally altered college athletics. NIL Collectives are shell corporations that function to exploit loopholes in NIL policy and allow donors to pay student-athletes for their athletic talents and enrollment at specific institutions –– these payments are often used in a recruiting context to maintain current players, solicit transfer athletes, or sign top level high school recruits.

With fear of the NIL Collective system seeping down from the NCAA and into the high school level, the GHSA has taken swift action to amend its rules. The new language to GHSA policy was formally voted in yesterday: “No student-athlete may be a member of nor receive compensation or any other benefit from a Collective or NIL Club. A Collective is defined as any group organized or existing for the purpose of compensating or benefiting an individual student[-]athlete or group of student athletes of a member school. NIL Clubs are defined as a group of student athletes organized or existing for the purpose of soliciting funds or other benefits from fans, members or other sources, managing or promoting NIL activities of student athletes or otherwise providing funds or other benefits to an individual student athlete or group of student athletes.”

School Attendance public service announcement from GaDOE and Georgia Public Broadcasting