Today’s the Day! Welcome Back, Blue Devils!
The first day of school is here, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome our students back for an incredible year of learning, growth, and new opportunities!
As you walk through our doors this morning, know that our teachers, staff, and administrators are ready to support, encourage, and cheer you on every step of the way. This is your year to learn, lead, and create lasting memories.
We wish every student, family, and staff member a safe, successful, and exciting first day of school. Let's make the 2026–2027 school year our best one yet!
#4theT
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The first day of school is here, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome our students back for an incredible year of learning, growth, and new opportunities!
As you walk through our doors this morning, know that our teachers, staff, and administrators are ready to support, encourage, and cheer you on every step of the way. This is your year to learn, lead, and create lasting memories.
We wish every student, family, and staff member a safe, successful, and exciting first day of school. Let's make the 2026–2027 school year our best one yet!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
🚍 School is Back in Session! 🚗
Tomorrow morning, our school buses will be back on the road, and thousands of students will be traveling to school by bus, car, and on foot
As you head out for your morning commute, please help us keep everyone safe by:
🛑 Stopping for school buses when required by law
🚸 Watching carefully for children at bus stops and in crosswalks
⚠️ Slowing down in school zones and obeying all posted speed limits
🚗 Allowing a little extra time, as traffic will be heavier than usual
Together, we can make the first day of school a safe and successful one for every student.
Thank you for helping us protect what matters most—our children!
#4theT
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Tomorrow morning, our school buses will be back on the road, and thousands of students will be traveling to school by bus, car, and on foot
As you head out for your morning commute, please help us keep everyone safe by:
🛑 Stopping for school buses when required by law
🚸 Watching carefully for children at bus stops and in crosswalks
⚠️ Slowing down in school zones and obeying all posted speed limits
🚗 Allowing a little extra time, as traffic will be heavier than usual
Together, we can make the first day of school a safe and successful one for every student.
Thank you for helping us protect what matters most—our children!
#4theT
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🎶 Mark Your Calendars! 🎶
Get ready for another incredible year of music as our talented Tift County Choirs and Show Choirs take the stage throughout the 2026–2027 school year!
From inspiring concerts to high-energy show choir performances, these events showcase the hard work, dedication, and talent of our student performers. We invite our families, friends, alumni, and community members to come out and support these outstanding students all year long.
Save the dates, and help us celebrate the arts at Tift County Schools.
#4theT
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Get ready for another incredible year of music as our talented Tift County Choirs and Show Choirs take the stage throughout the 2026–2027 school year!
From inspiring concerts to high-energy show choir performances, these events showcase the hard work, dedication, and talent of our student performers. We invite our families, friends, alumni, and community members to come out and support these outstanding students all year long.
Save the dates, and help us celebrate the arts at Tift County Schools.
#4theT
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🍎 The first week of school is here, and so are our delicious school meals! 🍽️
Check out this week's breakfast and lunch menus and get ready for a great start to the 2026–2027 school year!
📋 Looking ahead? Monthly menus are always available on our website: https://www.tiftschools.com/documents/school-nutrition/menus/18803049
🍽️ Want to see what's being served each day? Daily menus can be found on each school's website under Explore → Dining.
And remember—all Tift County Schools students receive breakfast and lunch at no cost throughout the 2026–2027 school year.
#4theT
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Check out this week's breakfast and lunch menus and get ready for a great start to the 2026–2027 school year!
📋 Looking ahead? Monthly menus are always available on our website: https://www.tiftschools.com/documents/school-nutrition/menus/18803049
🍽️ Want to see what's being served each day? Daily menus can be found on each school's website under Explore → Dining.
And remember—all Tift County Schools students receive breakfast and lunch at no cost throughout the 2026–2027 school year.
#4theT
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Tomorrow is the day! We’re ready to welcome every student back for a year filled with teamwork, learning, and achievement. See you tomorrow morning!
#4theT
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Only two more days! Charge those devices, set those alarms, and bring your best—we’re almost ready to begin.
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Thank you to all the families who joined us for Meet the Teacher events across Tift County Schools!
It was wonderful to see our schools filled with excitement as students met their teachers, explored their classrooms, and prepared for a great year ahead. Your involvement and support play an important role in the success of our students and schools.
We can’t wait to welcome everyone back on Monday for the first day of the 2026–2027 school year!
#4theT
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It was wonderful to see our schools filled with excitement as students met their teachers, explored their classrooms, and prepared for a great year ahead. Your involvement and support play an important role in the success of our students and schools.
We can’t wait to welcome everyone back on Monday for the first day of the 2026–2027 school year!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
This week, our School Nutrition staff and bus drivers participated in annual required training focused on Mandated Reporting, Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention, McKinney-Vento, and Bloodborne Pathogens.
Led by members of our Student Services Department, these sessions provided important information and resources to help employees recognize concerns, respond appropriately, and support the safety and well-being of every student.
We appreciate our staff’s continued commitment to creating safe, supportive environments for all students—whether they are on the bus, in the cafeteria, or anywhere across our district.
Led by members of our Student Services Department, these sessions provided important information and resources to help employees recognize concerns, respond appropriately, and support the safety and well-being of every student.
We appreciate our staff’s continued commitment to creating safe, supportive environments for all students—whether they are on the bus, in the cafeteria, or anywhere across our district.
AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Kelly Edge
Role: Physical Therapist
Years with Tift County: 4
Favorite part of the job: Making a meaningful difference in students' lives. I love building relationships with students, watching them grow over the years, and helping them gain the skills and confidence to participate more fully in school.
Hobbies: Spending quality time with my family.
Bucket List: Visit all 50 states, attend a Kenny Chesney concert at Fenway Park.
#4theT
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Role: Physical Therapist
Years with Tift County: 4
Favorite part of the job: Making a meaningful difference in students' lives. I love building relationships with students, watching them grow over the years, and helping them gain the skills and confidence to participate more fully in school.
Hobbies: Spending quality time with my family.
Bucket List: Visit all 50 states, attend a Kenny Chesney concert at Fenway Park.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Aida Ayala
Role: English Language Learners Support Specialist
Years with Tift County: 8
Favorite part of the job: Helping English Language Learners succeed, overcome language barriers, and collaborating with teachers and the community.
Hobbies: Creating art, reading novels with unexpected plot twists, volunteering with local nonprofits, and spending time with loved ones.
Bucket List: Traveling the world to experience different cultures and learn new languages.
#4theT
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Role: English Language Learners Support Specialist
Years with Tift County: 8
Favorite part of the job: Helping English Language Learners succeed, overcome language barriers, and collaborating with teachers and the community.
Hobbies: Creating art, reading novels with unexpected plot twists, volunteering with local nonprofits, and spending time with loved ones.
Bucket List: Traveling the world to experience different cultures and learn new languages.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Tiffany Sinyard
Role: Occupational Therapist Assistant
Years with Tift County: 13
Favorite part of the job: I enjoy meeting my therapy students where they are and building on their strengths to improve their quality of life within the school setting.
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, binge watching Christmas movies, and taking naps.
Bucket List: Christmas at the Plaza Hotel in New York City
#4theT
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Role: Occupational Therapist Assistant
Years with Tift County: 13
Favorite part of the job: I enjoy meeting my therapy students where they are and building on their strengths to improve their quality of life within the school setting.
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, binge watching Christmas movies, and taking naps.
Bucket List: Christmas at the Plaza Hotel in New York City
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Vanda Freeman
Role: School Psychologist
Years with Tift County: 9
Favorite part of the job: Serving the students of my community.
Hobbies: Reading and spending time with my family.
Bucket List: Visit all 50 states and visit a country on each continent.
#4theT
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Role: School Psychologist
Years with Tift County: 9
Favorite part of the job: Serving the students of my community.
Hobbies: Reading and spending time with my family.
Bucket List: Visit all 50 states and visit a country on each continent.
#4theT
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Three days! The energy is real, the campuses are ready, and an incredible school year is just around the corner.
#4theT
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📢 Meet the Teacher Reminders:
--All Tift County schools have a clear bag policy. This will be in effect at Meet the Teacher so plan accordingly.
--Guests attending Meet the Teacher at our middle and high schools will be required to pass through weapons detection upon entry.
Thank you for helping us maintain safe and welcoming schools!
#4theT
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--All Tift County schools have a clear bag policy. This will be in effect at Meet the Teacher so plan accordingly.
--Guests attending Meet the Teacher at our middle and high schools will be required to pass through weapons detection upon entry.
Thank you for helping us maintain safe and welcoming schools!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Heidi Burns
Role: Director of MTSS
Years with Tift County: 28
Favorite part of the job: I enjoy working alongside teachers and school leaders to ensure every student has the support they need to be successful. Collaborating to remove barriers, strengthen instruction, and create opportunities for all students is the most rewarding part of my work.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring new places through travel. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a new adventure, making memories with the people I love is my favorite way to recharge.
Bucket List: Visit Italy with my family to explore its history, culture, and incredible food while making lifelong memories.
#4theT
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Role: Director of MTSS
Years with Tift County: 28
Favorite part of the job: I enjoy working alongside teachers and school leaders to ensure every student has the support they need to be successful. Collaborating to remove barriers, strengthen instruction, and create opportunities for all students is the most rewarding part of my work.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring new places through travel. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a new adventure, making memories with the people I love is my favorite way to recharge.
Bucket List: Visit Italy with my family to explore its history, culture, and incredible food while making lifelong memories.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Djana Goss
Role: Director of Secondary Education
Years with Tift County: 4
Favorite part of the job: Working at Tift County Schools provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student achievement by supporting teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders. Through collaboration, innovative professional learning, and the development of high-quality instructional systems, I enjoy helping educators grow, strengthening teaching and learning, and leading initiatives that improve outcomes for all students. The ability to work alongside dedicated colleagues to create lasting, districtwide improvements makes serving TCS both rewarding and purposeful.
Hobbies: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, serving through my church and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and giving back to my community. I value opportunities to build meaningful relationships, serve others, and create lasting memories with those I love.
Bucket List: Celebrate an anniversary in Italy or Greece.
#4theT
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Role: Director of Secondary Education
Years with Tift County: 4
Favorite part of the job: Working at Tift County Schools provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student achievement by supporting teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders. Through collaboration, innovative professional learning, and the development of high-quality instructional systems, I enjoy helping educators grow, strengthening teaching and learning, and leading initiatives that improve outcomes for all students. The ability to work alongside dedicated colleagues to create lasting, districtwide improvements makes serving TCS both rewarding and purposeful.
Hobbies: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, serving through my church and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and giving back to my community. I value opportunities to build meaningful relationships, serve others, and create lasting memories with those I love.
Bucket List: Celebrate an anniversary in Italy or Greece.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Josh Bowyer
Role: Director of Facilities
Years with Tift County: 6
Favorite part of the job: Making a difference in the lives of teachers, staff, students, and families.
Hobbies: Spending time with his family, which is his #1 priority following his relationship with Christ.
Bucket List: Mountain climbing or visiting Israel, where Christ once walked.
#4theT
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Role: Director of Facilities
Years with Tift County: 6
Favorite part of the job: Making a difference in the lives of teachers, staff, students, and families.
Hobbies: Spending time with his family, which is his #1 priority following his relationship with Christ.
Bucket List: Mountain climbing or visiting Israel, where Christ once walked.
#4theT
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💉 Is your chid's immunization record up to date?
The Tift County Health Department will host a School Vaccine Catch-Up Clinic on Thursday, August 20, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome!
This is also a great opportunity to get the vaccinations required for school registration.
📍 305 E. 12th Street, Tifton
📞 For more information, call 229-386-8373.
#4theT
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The Tift County Health Department will host a School Vaccine Catch-Up Clinic on Thursday, August 20, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome!
This is also a great opportunity to get the vaccinations required for school registration.
📍 305 E. 12th Street, Tifton
📞 For more information, call 229-386-8373.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Joanna Hand
Role: Director of Elementary Education
Years with Tift County: 27
Favorite part of the job: Being part of the work that creates opportunities for every student, teacher, coach, and administrator to learn, grow, and succeed.
Hobbies: Cheering from the sidelines at her children's sporting events and spending quality time with family.
Bucket List: Visiting Hawaii and becoming a published Children’s Author.
#4theT
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Role: Director of Elementary Education
Years with Tift County: 27
Favorite part of the job: Being part of the work that creates opportunities for every student, teacher, coach, and administrator to learn, grow, and succeed.
Hobbies: Cheering from the sidelines at her children's sporting events and spending quality time with family.
Bucket List: Visiting Hawaii and becoming a published Children’s Author.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Mark Wynn
Role: Director of Safety and Security
Years with Tift County: 6
Favorite part of the job: Serving the community, building relationships with law enforcement partners, and creating a safe environment where students can learn and teachers can teach.
Hobbies: Spending time with family.
Bucket List: Taking a vacation to Belize with his wife.
#4theT
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Role: Director of Safety and Security
Years with Tift County: 6
Favorite part of the job: Serving the community, building relationships with law enforcement partners, and creating a safe environment where students can learn and teachers can teach.
Hobbies: Spending time with family.
Bucket List: Taking a vacation to Belize with his wife.
#4theT
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