Titan Times Newsletter-February

Dear Titan Nation,

As February comes to a close, I want to take a moment to recognize the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, staff, and families. This month has been filled with learning, collaboration, and community spirit, from classroom achievements to special events that bring us together. I am grateful for the support of our families, local businesses, and community partners, whose contributions help create a positive and enriching environment for our students. As we look ahead to the opportunities of spring, I encourage everyone to stay engaged, support one another, and continue making a difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for all you do to make our schools and community stronger.

Go Titans! 🧡💙

Warm regards,

Christy Wray

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news about our school construction project!

Construction on the new Turner County Middle High School is progressing smoothly! The walls have been painted a crisp, clean white, with a bold Titan blue accent wall in each classroom, bringing school spirit to every space. Outside, the brickwork is nearly complete, giving the building a polished and finished look. The construction crew is also installing two large windows in each classroom, which will allow natural light to brighten the space and aid student focus and engagement. The team continues to work diligently, staying on track for the planned completion date. Excitement is building as we watch our new school take shape!

March will be an exciting month with the project reaching major milestones, Phase 1 will be dried in and climatized. All of the exterior doors and windows will be put into place first, followed by the installation of the air conditioning units. Then, the team to move forward with the interior finishes, including casework, epoxy floors, final painting, and the flooring. We're excited about the progress being made and remain hopeful about staying on schedule for the projected completion date.

Turner County Schools proudly celebrated Black History Month with a variety of engaging activities across all campuses, honoring the achievements and contributions of Black leaders, authors, and historical figures. Each morning, schools highlighted influential Black figures during announcements, educating and inspiring students with their stories. All month the hallways and classrooms were filled with vibrant displays showcasing notable individuals from history, literature, and beyond. Students participated in daily crafts, discussions, and activities that deepened their understanding of Black culture and history. To further involve families in the celebration this week, Turner County Elementary School and Turner County Middle School, hosted a special Parent Night, where students shared their learning through presentations, artwork, and performances, bringing the community together in appreciation of Black heritage and excellence!

TCES held its annual Black History Night on Thursday, February 27, 2025, bringing together students, families, and staff for a meaningful celebration of Black history and culture. The hallways were filled with impressive student projects, showcasing research, creativity, and a deep appreciation for historical figures, events, and contributions.

In addition to the engaging displays, attendees had the opportunity to watch a culminating video featuring various student presentations. From speeches to artwork, the event highlighted the hard work and dedication of TCES students in honoring Black history.

It was a night of learning, reflection, and celebration, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and appreciating the impact of Black leaders past and present. Thank you to all the students, teachers, and families who contributed to making this event a success!

TCMS also hosted a powerful Black History Night, bringing together students, families, and staff for an evening of reflection, creativity, and celebration. The event began with a moving performance in the lunchroom, where a group of students sang "I Am the Future of Black History," setting the stage for an inspiring night. Their voices echoed the importance of honoring the past while embracing the future, filling the room with pride and admiration.

Following the performance, parents and guardians were guided by their students through the hallways to explore a variety of student-created projects. Posters, artwork, and writings lined the walls, showcasing both historical research and personal reflections on Black history and its significance today. Each piece represented the students’ dedication to learning and their appreciation for the contributions of Black leaders, past and present.

It was a memorable evening that highlighted the hard work and creativity of TCMS students while fostering a sense of unity and cultural appreciation within the school community. A heartfelt thank you to all the students, teachers, and families who helped make this event so meaningful!

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Jayla Fields, an 8th-grade student at Turner County Middle School, showcased her incredible talent and passion for Black History Month by writing and presenting an inspiring poem at Parent Engagement Night.

Although untitled, Jayla’s poem was deeply influenced by TCMS BETA advisor Ms. Lori Wooten. She shared that she wanted to express the words that came from her heart, offering a personal and meaningful perspective on Black history through her own eyes. Her powerful and heartfelt piece captivated the audience, serving as a reminder of the importance of student voices in celebrating and honoring Black history. We are incredibly proud of Jayla for using her gift of writing to inspire others! Read her inspiring poem below.

Turner County Elementary School proudly participated in the Georgia Association of Educators Regional Spelling Bee for the first time this past weekend, held on Saturday, February 22nd. Representing our county was fourth grader John Beasley, who earned this honor after winning the TCES school-level Spelling Bee. The competition brought together talented students from 23 different school systems across Region 9 at Jones-Wheat Primary School in Bainbridge, Georgia.

Competing against students ranging from fourth to eighth grade, John showcased his spelling skills and determination as he advanced through several challenging rounds, including one vocabulary round. He remained in the competition until Round 5, demonstrating impressive focus and preparation. In the end, John secured 10th place in the region—a remarkable achievement!

John’s family and friends were there to cheer him on, celebrating his hard work and perseverance throughout the competition. We are incredibly proud of his dedication and sportsmanship. His performance reflects not only his personal commitment to excellence but also the strong academic foundation provided by Turner County Elementary School. Congratulations, John!

Ever wonder what it takes to become valedictorian? I snagged an interview with Turner County High School’s Class of 2025 top student to get the inside scoop—talking motivation, challenges, favorite moments, and, of course, some solid advice for future students!

So, let’s start with the big question—what motivated you to go for valedictorian?

Throughout my whole academic career, I have consistently received exceptional grades. I've always aimed for success in everything that I do. Therefore, I would say that my motivation came from the desire for success.

Be real—what was the hardest part of your academic journey?

My mental health struggles and the desire to "give up" were the most difficult aspects of my academic journey. I conquered it by praying and trusting that God could deliver me, which He in fact did.

Every great student has a mentor—who’s been your biggest influence?
Oh, that’s easy—Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Joiner! They have always encouraged me and had unending faith in me, no matter what. If I could, I would thank them a million times.

What’s been your most memorable high school moment?

At Turner County High School, receiving recognition as class of 2025's STAR student stands out as my favorite memory. I was genuinely unaware that I would hold that title. I will never forget the emotion and affection that flooded the room that day from my cheer mates, school staff, and family.

So what’s next after graduation? What are you most excited about?
I intend to continue my education at an HBCU. I’m most excited about gaining independence—leaving home, figuring things out on my own, and just embracing the whole experience.

What advice would you give future students?
To future students, I would recommend freeing yourself from the spirit of procrastination. It can truly hold you back, forcing you to take the amount of time you have to complete an assignment for granted. Additionally, try not to stress or overthink anything. Just do everything to your best ability!

I guess what she's trying to say is...Hard work really pays off, and the journey is so worth it. Dream big, stay focused, and never stop pushing yourself! 🚀🎓

Turner County Elementary School teachers participating in the Growing Readers project are energized and ready to take their learning back to their classrooms! Growing Readers is a kindergarten through fifth grade professional learning opportunity that provides consistent and high-quality professional learning to teachers on evidence-based reading instruction. The project aims to support teachers in increasing the number of children reading at grade level. It also supports the implementation of the Georgia Early Literacy Act and Georgia’s K-12 English Language Arts (ELA) standards by carefully aligning professional learning and classroom coaching to the science of reading and state standards. As part of Georgia’s Literacy Coach initiative, Growing Readers is one of the three tiered systems of coaching support.

A total of 13 Turner County Elementary teachers are participating in the two-year project facilitated by the Growing Readers Specialist, Stephanie Butler, from Coastal Plains RESA. Throughout this last week, these teachers have been participating an engaging final professional learning session. Participating teachers are equipped with powerful strategies to enhance reading instruction. They dove into the progression of skills to fine-tune their focus and ensure targeted, effective instruction. They also practiced planning and delivering reading strategy lessons with clear, actionable steps. Exploring text sets, building student knowledge, and adjusting support through prompting gave them fresh tools to engage every reader. Now, with the support of their Growing Readers Specialist, these dedicated educators are set to bring their new insights to life, fostering stronger, more confident readers in their classrooms!

Turner County Schools is excited to announce that two classes are piloting the Just Right Reader program, an innovative literacy initiative designed to enhance early reading skills through engaging, decodable texts. Nearly 50 students in Mrs. Morris’s 3rd-grade class and Ms. Kelly’s 1st-grade class are participating in this program, which provides personalized, phonics-based reading materials tailored to each student's literacy needs.

Just Right Reader offers a large collection of decodable books carefully aligned with a structured phonics progression to support foundational reading development. The books feature diverse characters and engaging stories that make reading enjoyable while reinforcing key literacy skills such as phonemic awareness and decoding strategies.

As part of the pilot, each student has received three separate packs of 10 books, totaling 30 books that they will get to keep and take home! These leveled decodable books are specially wrapped for each student at every delivery, ensuring a personalized reading experience that meets their individual needs. The program also emphasizes family engagement by allowing students to extend their learning beyond the classroom, giving them the opportunity to practice reading skills at home. By integrating Just Right Reader into the curriculum, we aim to accelerate reading achievement and empower these students with the skills necessary for lifelong literacy success. We look forward to seeing the impact of this program and how it enhances students' reading confidence and growth!

Over the past few weeks, TCES and TCMS Math and English Language Arts teachers have engaged in collaborative planning sessions designed to enhance student achievement and content mastery. These planning sessions are an integral part of our school improvement plan, with a goal of improving student performance in both subjects by at least 3%. During these sessions, teachers have dedicated time to align their instruction using the HMH online curriculum, a comprehensive resource that provides a structured and rigorous approach to teaching. By aligning lessons with the HMH curriculum, teachers are ensuring consistency across classrooms and better equipping themselves to meet the diverse needs of their students.

This collaborative planning approach is designed to foster a supportive learning environment for teachers, providing them with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to implement effective instruction. The sessions are highly collaborative, allowing educators to share insights, refine strategies, and gain practical strategies for applying the curriculum directly to their classrooms. Each schools academic coaches are providing ongoing support through follow-up sessions, targeted coaching, and feedback. They are also helping teachers refine their instructional strategies and address challenges, ensuring that the HMH curriculum is effectively implemented to meet students' needs.

Additionally, teachers will continue to meet in scheduled Professional Learning Communities to foster continuous improvement in instructional quality and student outcomes. The administrative team will monitor progress through regular classroom walkthroughs, ensuring alignment with instructional goals and the successful implementation of the HMH curriculum. This professional learning effort will continue to drive improvement in our school and help achieve long-term success for both students and teachers.

Turner County High School is proud to offer Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to select students as part of an ongoing effort to equip them with the skills needed to succeed in their future careers. This program, a partnership between Joshua Tree Service Group and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, focuses on helping students with disabilities transition from high school into the workforce. Through a series of engaging lessons, students receive vocational education, career counseling, and job-site training. These sessions focus on developing workplace readiness skills, career exploration, resume building, interview preparation, and more. With a curriculum that incorporates life skills like financial literacy, self-advocacy, and social etiquette, Pre-ETS aims to provide a well-rounded foundation for students as they prepare to enter the professional world.

Instructor Nadine Bowles shared her excitement about working with Turner County students, expressing how rewarding it has been to witness their growth and potential. She noted that the program has allowed her to help students discover career opportunities and navigate the transition from high school to adulthood. One of the key elements of Pre-ETS is providing individualized support, ensuring that students receive the guidance they need to explore their options for post-secondary education, vocational training, or entering the workforce directly. The opportunity to learn essential life skills, such as how to conduct themselves in interviews, create a professional resume, and manage finances, will undoubtedly help students feel more confident and prepared for their future.

The program’s monthly sessions at Turner County High School have been a great success, with students actively participating and expressing their appreciation for the chance to develop real-world skills. With the guidance of certified vocational instructors, Turner County students are gaining the knowledge and skills they need to pursue a wide range of career paths, ultimately making their transition from school to career a smoother and more successful journey. With the positive feedback from students and staff, this program continues to make a significant impact, and Turner County is fortunate to be part of this transformative opportunity!

Our teachers go above and beyond for their students, and this past weekend was a perfect example of their dedication and kindness. Jennifer Purcell and Mallory Holley spent their Sunday taking a road trip to visit their student, Kaitlyn Thomas, at the Children's Hospital in Atlanta. The smile on Kaitlyn’s face said it all—this visit meant the world to her!

Kaitlyn has been served on homebound instruction this school year to avoid illness in preparation for a major surgery that would significantly improve her quality of life. After two years of waiting—due to setbacks from sickness or other complications—February 24th was finally the day! She underwent the long-awaited procedure, and we couldn’t be more excited and hopeful for her recovery. Ms. Purcell, who has been her homebound teacher, and Ms. Holley, her classroom teacher, have supported her every step of the way, showing just how much they care. Please continue to send Kaitlyn love and support as she heals—we are so proud of her strength!

Turner County Elementary School (TCES) is excited to host Saturday School for 3rd-5th grade students in preparation for the Georgia Milestones State Assessment. For six Saturdays leading up to the assessment, students engage in interactive practice activities in reading, writing, and math, with 5th graders also receiving support in science. From 8:00 am to 12:00 noon, students rotate through different stations, allowing them to strengthen their skills in a dynamic and engaging way. Certified teachers are on staff to lead these lessons, ensuring high-quality instruction tailored to student needs.

The first Saturday session was a great success, with 55 students in attendance. Both students and parents have expressed enthusiasm for the program, and interest has been so high that each grade level now has a waiting list. This additional support not only reinforces essential academic concepts but also creates a fun and supportive learning environment. The hands-on activities and small group instruction keep students motivated, making learning feel less like work and more like an exciting opportunity to grow! The combination of structured lessons and engaging review games ensures that students stay focused while building confidence in their abilities.

TCES is incredibly grateful to the school board and Superintendent for providing the resources and support necessary to make this program possible. Their commitment to student success has allowed us to offer these extra academic sessions, giving students the tools they need to excel. With strong support from educators, families, and the community, Saturday School continues to be a valuable initiative in helping students reach their full potential!

Turner County students across the district participated in the prestigious Young Georgia Authors (YGA) Writing Competition, an annual event that celebrates student creativity and writing excellence. Open to K-12 students in Georgia’s public schools, the competition encourages young writers to express themselves without the constraints of prompts or genre limitations. Entries can include short stories, poetry, essays, journalism, research reports, and more. Sponsored by the Georgia Language Arts Supervisors (GLAS) and the Georgia RESA Network, with support from the Georgia Department of Education, the contest progresses through multiple levels—school, district, RESA, and state—providing students with an opportunity to gain recognition for their work.

Turner County Schools is proud to announce the school-level winners who will advance in the competition. This is a fantastic opportunity for our young writers to showcase their talent and creativity. In addition, winning entries will be displayed in the Valdosta Mall from April 14-20 and in the Tifton Mall from April 21-27.

This year’s winners are:

On February 26th, Turner County Elementary School proudly held its National Beta Club induction ceremony, welcoming 21 outstanding students into this esteemed organization. To be invited into Beta Club, students must maintain a high grade average and have zero behavior referrals, demonstrating both academic excellence and strong character. During the ceremony, the Beta Club officers highlighted the four pillars of Beta—Achievement, Character, Leadership, and Service—each representing the core values that members strive to uphold. As they spoke about the importance of academic success, integrity, positive leadership, and a dedication to helping others, they lit a candle symbolizing each pillar. This meaningful tradition reinforced the commitment our new inductees are making to better themselves and their community. We are incredibly proud of these students for their hard work and dedication, and we look forward to seeing all they will accomplish as members of the Beta Club!

Turner County Schools is excited to announce that we are in the process of applying for the Georgia College and Career Academy Project (GCCAP) $3.1 million grant! This funding aims to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTAE) in Turner County by establishing a College and Career Academy that will provide students with industry-relevant education, dual enrollment opportunities, and hands-on training.

Superintendent Mrs. Christy Wray is leading the charge alongside a dedicated team of Turner County administrators, teachers, staff members, community leaders, business owners, and regional colleges and technical schools. If awarded, this grant will strengthen local partnerships and create new pathways for students to gain real-world experience in high-demand fields such as healthcare, engineering, information technology, and skilled trades.

With the potential expansion of our CTAE program, Turner County students would have access to cutting-edge resources, career-focused coursework, and work-based learning experiences that bridge the gap between education and the workforce. The funding would support infrastructure improvements, program development, and professional learning to ensure our students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s job market. We believe this opportunity will greatly benefit our students, local businesses, and the community as a whole by fostering a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of our region.

The Turner County Schools College and Career Academy Steering Committee will continue working toward securing this incredible grant by focusing on the following key steps:

• Recruiting additional business partners to support student success
• Distributing needs assessment surveys to gather updated stakeholder feedback
• Aligning efforts with strategic planning for long-term impact
• Preparing for finalist presentations to showcase the vision
• Engaging students and staff in creating the logo and name for the Academy

With overwhelming community support and a shared vision for the future, Turner County Schools is committed to expanding opportunities for students through this initiative. Stay tuned for updates as we continue working toward this exciting possibility for Turner County Schools!

Turner County High School is excited to host its College & Career Fair on March 27, 2025, at the Civic Center. This event provides upper-class students with the opportunity to explore potential career paths and engage directly with professionals from various industries.

The fair will run from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Students will have the chance to ask questions, gain valuable insights, and network with individuals who can provide guidance on future career and educational opportunities.

We encourage local businesses, colleges, and professionals to share their career journeys and inspire the next generation of graduates. If you or your organization are interested in participating, please reach out to Mandi Cole at (229) 567-4377 or via email at mandi.cole@turner.k12.ga.us.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain exposure to different career paths and for professionals to give back to the community. We look forward to an engaging and insightful event!

Support our incredible TCMS and TCHS student-athletes this season! Whether they're sprinting on the track, serving on the tennis courts, or scoring on the baseball field, our athletes are giving their all. Come cheer them on as they represent our community with pride. Your presence in the stands means more than you know—it fuels their determination and celebrates their hard work. Let's pack the venues, wear our school colors, and create an atmosphere of enthusiasm that our students will remember for years to come.

Together, we can make this season unforgettable! Go Titans! 🧡💙

We are dedicated to providing nutritious, delicious meals that fuel our students for success!

Check out this month’s menu.

Turner County Pre-K registration officially opened on February 18th, and we were thrilled to welcome 32 families who successfully reserved a spot for their child during the initial event! Our dedicated Pre-K team is excited to meet our newest little learners and provide them with a strong foundation for success. Registration will remain open until the start of the school year, but we strongly encourage parents to register early to secure a place. Our 60 spots will fill up quickly, and late registrations may be placed on a waiting list.

We can’t wait 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 to give your child a great start to their educational journey!

Do you enjoy working with children and making a difference in their day? Turner County Schools is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic substitute teachers to join our team! 🌟

If you love a flexible schedule, a rewarding environment, and the opportunity to support amazing students, this is the perfect fit for you! 📖

Apply today and help shape young minds—one day at a time!

GaTutor, powered by Georgia Virtual Learning, provides free, one-on-one tutoring for all public high school students in the state. Sessions are led by Georgia certified educators with expertise in online teaching and includes key courses from the core content areas of math, science, language arts, and social studies.

• All sessions take place after school hours.
• Students select the dates and times that work best for them, ensuring they receive the support they need, when they need it. GaTutor is making academic success more accessible and achievable than ever before.
• Students login through Infinite Campus and select the dates and times that work best for them!

This innovative program is making academic success more accessible than ever! Best of all, it's entirely free! Here is the link: https://www.gavirtuallearning.org/gatutor

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has partnered with Varsity Tutors to create a series of free webinars aimed at supporting high school students and their families with the college application process, test preparation, and academic success. These resources provide valuable guidance on essential topics such as applying for college, preparing for standardized tests, and developing effective study habits. By leveraging the expertise of Varsity Tutors, GaDOE is ensuring that students across the state have access to high-quality, accessible support as they navigate their educational journeys. The two previously recorded webinars, College Admissions 101 and Habits of Successful Test-Takers, are available to watch for free on the Varsity Tutors website: Varsity Tutors & GaDOE.

The next free webinar session, Efficient, Effective Reading Strategies, is scheduled for March 11th at 5:30 pm, followed by Helping Students Realize: Yes, You Are a Math Person on April 16th at 6 pm. These webinars are open to parents, families, curriculum leaders, and teachers, offering strategies to enhance student learning and academic confidence. Through this partnership, GaDOE continues to expand opportunities for Georgia students, helping them build the skills they need for success in school and beyond.

Parents are encouraged to take advantage of these free resources by signing up for the live webinars or accessing the recorded sessions through the links provided in this article.