Hello Paw Print pals! 2025 is off to a fast start! We've already begun the second semester (January 7th!), honored Martin Luther King, Jr., and even experienced a snowy surprise in Burke County! Hopefully, everyone got to enjoy the winter wonderland.
February is here, a month dedicated to celebrating Black history and achievements. Last Friday, we also celebrated Valentine's Day, bringing to mind these powerful words from Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr.: "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend." "We are actually born with love and innocence in our hearts, but the world makes some of us forget why we were created."
The Paw Print team echoes Dr. King's sentiment, believing that love and forgiveness are key to creating a better world. Keep up the fantastic work, show love to those around you, and as always, Stay #BearBuilt
Every February, people in the United States celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month.
Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.
Among the notable figures often spotlighted during Black History Month are Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who fought for equal rights for Blacks during the 1950s and ’60s; Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American justice appointed to the United States Supreme Court in 1967; Mae Jemison, who became the first female African-American astronaut to travel to space in 1992; and Barack Obama, who was elected the first-ever African-American president of the United States in 2008.
Today Black History Month continues the discussion of Black people and their contributions through activities such as museum exhibits and film screenings, and by encouraging the study of achievements by African Americans year-round.
The Burke County School Board proudly announces the election of Ms. Jackie Payton as its new Chairperson, marking a historic moment for both the district and the community. During the January school board meeting, Ms. Payton was unanimously elected by her fellow board members, making her the first woman and the first African American woman to hold this esteemed position.
Jackie Payton is a dedicated educator, community leader, and lifelong advocate for students in Burke County, Georgia. A proud product of the Burke County School System, Jackie’s journey in education began with a deep-rooted desire to give back to her community. After graduating from Waynesboro High School in 1972, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Paine College in 1976, followed by a Master’s in Education from Cambridge College and an Educational Leadership Degree from Georgia College and State University. She furthered her studies at the Interdenominational Theological Center, earning a Certificate in Theology, and completed Clinical Pastoral Education training through the Academy of Public Theology.
Jackie dedicated over 34 years to teaching in the Burke County Public School System, where she influenced countless students and mentored new educators. Her tenure in the classroom was guided by the belief that "all students can learn," and she worked tirelessly to create a safe and supportive environment for every child. She held leadership roles on several school committees, including the Student Support Team, Curriculum Committee, and School Leadership Team, and served as a mentor teacher, helping shape the next generation of educators.
In 2014, Jackie transitioned from the classroom to the boardroom when she was elected to the Burke County Board of Education. She currently serves as the Chairperson of the Board, where she remains a steadfast advocate for quality education, a balanced curriculum, strong parental involvement, and financial responsibility. She also serves as a liaison for the Early Head Start Program and is a member of the Georgia School Board Association Governmental Operations Committee. Her leadership is guided by her core mission: to prepare, protect, and preserve the children of Burke County.
Jackie’s service to her community extends beyond education. As a teenager, she worked at the local library, fostering a lifelong appreciation for literacy and access to knowledge. Now, in a full-circle moment, she proudly serves on the Burke County Library Board, ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to learn and grow.
She has been recognized for her contributions with numerous accolades, including being named Burke County Association Educator of the Year (1992) and Burke County Middle School Teacher of the Year (2006-2007). She is also a past recipient of the Georgia Retired Educators Award for Community Service. In addition, she has served on the Department of Family & Children Services Board, is an active member of the NAACP, and plays a vital role in the Burke County Retired Educators Association as Secretary.
A woman of strong faith, Jackie has been a lifelong member of Neely Grove CME Church, where she has served in various leadership roles, including Sunday School Teacher, President of the Usher Board, and Recording Steward.
Jackie is the proud mother of her daughter, Monica, and the loving grandmother of Michaela, who affectionately calls her "Nana." Her unwavering dedication to education and community service continues to shape the lives of students and families throughout Burke County.
The School Board recognizes the significance of this historic moment, particularly during Black History Month. Ms. Payton's election serves as an inspiration to students and community members alike, demonstrating the power of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.
With Sincere Gratitude
The Burke County Board of Education extends its sincere gratitude to outgoing members; Mr. Greg Chandler for his 25 Years of Service and Mrs. Lynn Crews for her 16 Years of Service.
Your exceptional service and unwavering commitment to our students have been instrumental in shaping the future of Burke County Public Schools. Your visionary leadership and tireless efforts have left an enduring legacy. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
New School Board Members Sworn In
On Monday, January 6, 2025, Jaymie Morris-Miettunen and Toni Ward-Buxton, newly elected Burke County Board of Education members, were officially sworn into office. Probate Court Judge Ashley Moore administered the oath at the Burke County Courthouse. Both Miettunen and Buxton are committed to advocating for the success of the school system and its students.
Lane Elected New Vice-Chair
In addition to Ms. Payton's election, the board unanimously selected Mr. Franklin Lane as Vice-Chairman. His experience and commitment to the district will be a great asset in supporting the entire school system.
Superintendent Dr. Angela Williams and the School Board are confident in their continued leadership and the district's future success.
A team from WJBF News Channel 6 and Golden Apple sponsors visited four schools to bestow the esteemed Golden Apple Award upon the following exceptional teachers:
Brannon Braddock (Burke County High)
Aleshia Hill (Blakeney Elementary)
Jessica Edenfield (Waynesboro Primary)
Dylan Thomas (Burke County Middle School)
These teachers were recognized for embodying the true spirit of teaching by creating a joyful and secure learning environment for their students. Their inspiring journeys will be featured in special reports on WJBF News Channel 6 on February 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th respectively.
Click on the links below to view the previously aired news clips! 🎥
Rayce Durrant and Mrs. Danielle Petitt have achieved the titles of Burke County's STAR Student and STAR Teacher.
Rayce Durant of Burke County High School has been named the 2024-2025 STAR Student! This prestigious award recognizes students with the highest SAT scores and top 10% academic standing in their class.
Rayce chose Danielle Petitt, a gifted program teacher at Waynesboro Primary School, as his STAR Teacher, honoring her significant impact on his education.
Rayce Durant was named Burke County's STAR Student at the annual Waynesboro Exchange Club awards ceremony on Tuesday, February 11th, where he and his chosen STAR Teacher, Ms. Danielle Petitt, were both honored.
Congratulations to these inspirational members of our community!
WORD OF THE DAY
The word of the day is Lackluster. Lackluster is an adjective that means lacking brilliance, radiance, or enthusiasm.
Your Paw Print Pals hope your Valentine's Day was anything but lackluster!
We challenge you all to use this word as many times as you can this week, extra points if you use it in the right context, EVEN MORE points if you have to explain to somebody what it means!
