AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: DeShundra Henderson
Role: Central Bookkeeper
Years with Tift County: 14
Favorite part of the job: Knowing that her behind-the-scenes work helps support students, teachers, and schools.
Hobbies: Traveling and making memories with family and friends.
Bucket List: Taking a trip to the Maldives.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Role: Central Bookkeeper
Years with Tift County: 14
Favorite part of the job: Knowing that her behind-the-scenes work helps support students, teachers, and schools.
Hobbies: Traveling and making memories with family and friends.
Bucket List: Taking a trip to the Maldives.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Briana Gomez
Role: Central Bookkeeper
Years with Tift County: 1
Favorite part of the job: The positive atmosphere, friendly co-workers, and the flexibility that allows for a healthy work-life balance.
Hobbies: Spending time with family, catching up on personal projects, and relaxing. Bucket List: Taking a cruise.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Role: Central Bookkeeper
Years with Tift County: 1
Favorite part of the job: The positive atmosphere, friendly co-workers, and the flexibility that allows for a healthy work-life balance.
Hobbies: Spending time with family, catching up on personal projects, and relaxing. Bucket List: Taking a cruise.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Sharlene Johnson
Role: Receptionist
Years with Tift County: 19
Favorite part of the job: Helping parents and students in my community.
Hobbies: Family time and shopping.
Bucket List: Ride in a Hot Air Balloon.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Role: Receptionist
Years with Tift County: 19
Favorite part of the job: Helping parents and students in my community.
Hobbies: Family time and shopping.
Bucket List: Ride in a Hot Air Balloon.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
One week! In seven days, we begin another year of collaborating together, learning together, and achieving together. Let’s go, Blue Devils!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Cherie Wright
Role: Payroll Manager.
Years with Tift County: 20
Favorite part of the job: Making an impact on students and staff, connecting with coworkers, and ensuring staff feels secure by processing payroll despite any challenges.
Hobbies: Family time in Tifton, going on beach trips and coffee runs, and doing yard work with her beautiful flowers and bird feeders.
Bucket List: Enjoying nature and visiting family on a trip to Montana, Yellowstone, and Canada.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Role: Payroll Manager.
Years with Tift County: 20
Favorite part of the job: Making an impact on students and staff, connecting with coworkers, and ensuring staff feels secure by processing payroll despite any challenges.
Hobbies: Family time in Tifton, going on beach trips and coffee runs, and doing yard work with her beautiful flowers and bird feeders.
Bucket List: Enjoying nature and visiting family on a trip to Montana, Yellowstone, and Canada.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Marlena Thomas
Role: Benefits Coordinator.
Years with Tift County: 28 years.
Favorite part of the job: Making processes like medical leave and retirement stress-free, and providing support during the most important moments of an employee's career.
Hobbies: Traveling, taking cruises, and making memories with her husband of 30 years, kids, and granddaughter Allie Grace.
Bucket List: Experiencing the breathtaking glaciers and wildlife on an Alaskan cruise.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Role: Benefits Coordinator.
Years with Tift County: 28 years.
Favorite part of the job: Making processes like medical leave and retirement stress-free, and providing support during the most important moments of an employee's career.
Hobbies: Traveling, taking cruises, and making memories with her husband of 30 years, kids, and granddaughter Allie Grace.
Bucket List: Experiencing the breathtaking glaciers and wildlife on an Alaskan cruise.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Lily Garcia
Role: HR Specialist.
Years with Tift County: 11 years.
Favorite part of the job: The fellowship of Tift County Schools and providing a positive onboarding experience for new employees.
Hobbies: Spending quality time making memories and attending activities with her beautiful daughters.
Bucket List: Traveling the world with her daughters to create unforgettable memories.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Role: HR Specialist.
Years with Tift County: 11 years.
Favorite part of the job: The fellowship of Tift County Schools and providing a positive onboarding experience for new employees.
Hobbies: Spending quality time making memories and attending activities with her beautiful daughters.
Bucket List: Traveling the world with her daughters to create unforgettable memories.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
As we prepare for an exciting new school year, we'd like to introduce you to some of the incredible people who make it all possible behind the scenes.
Throughout the next several days, we'll be spotlighting members of the Tift County Schools Administrative Office team—the dedicated professionals who work year-round to support our schools, serve our employees, and ensure everything is in place for a successful first day and beyond. While many of their efforts happen behind the scenes, their impact is felt in every classroom, every school, and every student success story.
Join us as we recognize the people who help keep Tift County Schools moving forward each and every day.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Throughout the next several days, we'll be spotlighting members of the Tift County Schools Administrative Office team—the dedicated professionals who work year-round to support our schools, serve our employees, and ensure everything is in place for a successful first day and beyond. While many of their efforts happen behind the scenes, their impact is felt in every classroom, every school, and every student success story.
Join us as we recognize the people who help keep Tift County Schools moving forward each and every day.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Tomorrow, our halls will begin to come alive again, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome back the incredible teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, bus drivers, school nutrition professionals, and every member of the Tift County Schools family!
As we prepare to begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are reminded that the greatest strength of our district is our people. Together, we will inspire, encourage, and empower every student who walks through our doors.
A new year brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact. Thank you for the passion, dedication, and heart you bring to Tift County Schools each and every day.
We can't wait to see you tomorrow as we kick off another incredible year of learning, collaboration, and success.
Welcome back! Let's make the 2026–2027 school year our best one yet!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
As we prepare to begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are reminded that the greatest strength of our district is our people. Together, we will inspire, encourage, and empower every student who walks through our doors.
A new year brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact. Thank you for the passion, dedication, and heart you bring to Tift County Schools each and every day.
We can't wait to see you tomorrow as we kick off another incredible year of learning, collaboration, and success.
Welcome back! Let's make the 2026–2027 school year our best one yet!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
💙 Happy National Parents Day! 💙
Today, we celebrate the parents and families who are our partners in educating, encouraging, and inspiring every student.
At Tift County Schools, we know that student success is strongest when schools and families work together. Your support at home, your encouragement, your involvement, and your trust make a lasting difference in the lives of our students every single day.
Thank you for partnering with us as we Collaborate | Learn | Achieve together. We are grateful for all you do to help our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Happy National Parents Day!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Today, we celebrate the parents and families who are our partners in educating, encouraging, and inspiring every student.
At Tift County Schools, we know that student success is strongest when schools and families work together. Your support at home, your encouragement, your involvement, and your trust make a lasting difference in the lives of our students every single day.
Thank you for partnering with us as we Collaborate | Learn | Achieve together. We are grateful for all you do to help our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Happy National Parents Day!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Only eight days until our schools come alive again with big ideas, new friendships, and fresh possibilities. We can’t wait to see you!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Nine days and counting! We’re getting our campuses, and hearts ready to welcome the Tift County Schools family back. Who’s excited?
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
🍎 August School Lunch Menus Are Here! 🍎
Get ready for a great year of delicious, nutritious meals! The August school lunch menus are now available to help your family plan ahead.
✅ Monthly menus are available on our website:
https://www.tiftschools.com/documents/school-nutrition/menus/18803049
✅ Daily menus can be found on each school's website under Explore > Dining.
And don't forget—all Tift County Schools students will continue to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2026–2027 school year!
We look forward to serving our students another great year of healthy meals that help fuel learning and success!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Get ready for a great year of delicious, nutritious meals! The August school lunch menus are now available to help your family plan ahead.
✅ Monthly menus are available on our website:
https://www.tiftschools.com/documents/school-nutrition/menus/18803049
✅ Daily menus can be found on each school's website under Explore > Dining.
And don't forget—all Tift County Schools students will continue to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2026–2027 school year!
We look forward to serving our students another great year of healthy meals that help fuel learning and success!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
🍎 Register Now for Pre-K! 🍎
There's still time to join the Blue Devil family! Tift County Schools has a few Pre-K spaces still available for the 2026–2027 school year.
Pre-K provides our youngest learners with a strong foundation through engaging, hands-on learning experiences that build early literacy, social skills, confidence, and a love of learning. If your child is eligible for Pre-K and you haven't registered yet, now is the time!
Don't miss this opportunity to give your child a great start in a caring, supportive learning environment with Tift County Schools.
📍 A limited number of spaces remain, so register today!
For more information or to begin the registration process, visit https://www.tiftschools.com/page/registration or contact our Central Registration Office.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
There's still time to join the Blue Devil family! Tift County Schools has a few Pre-K spaces still available for the 2026–2027 school year.
Pre-K provides our youngest learners with a strong foundation through engaging, hands-on learning experiences that build early literacy, social skills, confidence, and a love of learning. If your child is eligible for Pre-K and you haven't registered yet, now is the time!
Don't miss this opportunity to give your child a great start in a caring, supportive learning environment with Tift County Schools.
📍 A limited number of spaces remain, so register today!
For more information or to begin the registration process, visit https://www.tiftschools.com/page/registration or contact our Central Registration Office.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Tift County Schools was proud to participate in the Back to School Community Resource Fair and School Supply Give Away held yesterday at the Tift County Recreation Department.
Our Student Services team enjoyed connecting with families while sharing books, backpacks, school calendars, and valuable resources to help students start the new school year strong. We were also pleased to welcome Tift County Board of Education Member Pat McKinnon, who stopped by to visit with our team and families throughout the event.
At Tift County Schools, we believe that Collaborate | Learn | Achieve extends far beyond the classroom. Student success is built through strong partnerships between our schools, families, and community. By working together, we create opportunities for every child to learn, grow, and thrive. Events like this remind us that when a community collaborates, our students achieve.
Thank you to the Tift County Commission on Children and Youth, in partnership with the Tift County Recreation Department, The Jay Deason Fund, Southwell and Family Connection, for hosting this wonderful event and for investing in the success of Tift County's children.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Our Student Services team enjoyed connecting with families while sharing books, backpacks, school calendars, and valuable resources to help students start the new school year strong. We were also pleased to welcome Tift County Board of Education Member Pat McKinnon, who stopped by to visit with our team and families throughout the event.
At Tift County Schools, we believe that Collaborate | Learn | Achieve extends far beyond the classroom. Student success is built through strong partnerships between our schools, families, and community. By working together, we create opportunities for every child to learn, grow, and thrive. Events like this remind us that when a community collaborates, our students achieve.
Thank you to the Tift County Commission on Children and Youth, in partnership with the Tift County Recreation Department, The Jay Deason Fund, Southwell and Family Connection, for hosting this wonderful event and for investing in the success of Tift County's children.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
The countdown begins! In just 10 days, our students and staff will be back together and ready for a year of Collaborating, Learning, and Achieving! Let’s make every day count!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Today, Tift County Schools administrators participated in a day of professional learning focused on school law and effective leadership. Led by attorney Megan Rittle, the session provided valuable guidance on navigating complex school situations while strengthening legal compliance and supporting sound decision-making.
Through interactive case studies, collaborative discussions, and real-world scenarios, our administrators explored the importance of asking the right questions, following established processes, documenting thoroughly, and working together to ensure safe, equitable, and supportive learning environments for all students and staff.
The information was challenging and thought-provoking, but investing in this learning helps ensure our leaders are equipped to make informed decisions that put students first.
A special thank you to Kids First for generously providing lunch for our administrators during today's training. We appreciate your partnership and continued support of Tift County Schools!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Through interactive case studies, collaborative discussions, and real-world scenarios, our administrators explored the importance of asking the right questions, following established processes, documenting thoroughly, and working together to ensure safe, equitable, and supportive learning environments for all students and staff.
The information was challenging and thought-provoking, but investing in this learning helps ensure our leaders are equipped to make informed decisions that put students first.
A special thank you to Kids First for generously providing lunch for our administrators during today's training. We appreciate your partnership and continued support of Tift County Schools!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
💙 Welcoming Our Newest Blue Devils! 💙
On Tuesday evening, Tift County Elementary Schools were excited to welcome our youngest and newest Blue Devils and their families as they hosted both Preparing for Pre-K and Kindergarten Orientation!
These special events gave our future students and their families an opportunity to become familiar with their schools, meet staff, and learn more about what to expect as they begin an exciting new chapter. It was an evening filled with smiles, excitement, and the start of many new friendships.
We are grateful that families have entrusted us with their children's education, and we look forward to partnering with them every step of the way. Together, we'll build a strong foundation for a successful school year and a bright future.
Welcome to the Blue Devil family—we can't wait to see all that our newest learners will accomplish!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
On Tuesday evening, Tift County Elementary Schools were excited to welcome our youngest and newest Blue Devils and their families as they hosted both Preparing for Pre-K and Kindergarten Orientation!
These special events gave our future students and their families an opportunity to become familiar with their schools, meet staff, and learn more about what to expect as they begin an exciting new chapter. It was an evening filled with smiles, excitement, and the start of many new friendships.
We are grateful that families have entrusted us with their children's education, and we look forward to partnering with them every step of the way. Together, we'll build a strong foundation for a successful school year and a bright future.
Welcome to the Blue Devil family—we can't wait to see all that our newest learners will accomplish!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Tift County Schools mourns the loss of a member of our staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. #4theT
📚 One Week Until Meet the Teacher!
The countdown is on! In just one week, we'll be welcoming students and families back to our schools for Meet the Teacher on Thursday, July 30th.
🗓️ Thursday, July 30th
🏫 PreK–5: 5:00–7:00 PM
🏫 Grades 6–12: 4:00–6:00 PM
This is a great opportunity to meet teachers, explore your school, and get ready for an exciting 2026–2027 school year!
Be sure to visit our Back to School webpage for important information, including school supply lists, registration, transportation, and more:
🌐 www.tiftschools.com/page/back-to-school
We can't wait to welcome everyone back!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
The countdown is on! In just one week, we'll be welcoming students and families back to our schools for Meet the Teacher on Thursday, July 30th.
🗓️ Thursday, July 30th
🏫 PreK–5: 5:00–7:00 PM
🏫 Grades 6–12: 4:00–6:00 PM
This is a great opportunity to meet teachers, explore your school, and get ready for an exciting 2026–2027 school year!
Be sure to visit our Back to School webpage for important information, including school supply lists, registration, transportation, and more:
🌐 www.tiftschools.com/page/back-to-school
We can't wait to welcome everyone back!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
