Tift County Schools

We are deeply thankful for the parents in our Tift County Schools community. Their support, partnership, and commitment to their children’s education make a world of difference. Parents serve as their children’s first teachers, nurturing curiosity and a love of learning that continues to grow in our schools. They volunteer their time, attend events, encourage academic success, and reinforce the values we strive to teach every day. Their involvement strengthens our school community, and their encouragement helps students believe in themselves and reach their potential. We’re grateful for the trust they place in us and the way they work alongside our teachers and staff to create the best possible experience for all students. Thank you, Tift County parents, for being such an essential part of our team! #4theT #AttitudeofGratitude

We are incredibly thankful for the dedicated school staff members who make Tift County Schools a better place each day. Their commitment often goes unnoticed, but their impact is felt by every student, teacher, and family. Our staff members show up with warmth, positivity, and a willingness to help wherever needed, creating a welcoming environment that fosters learning and growth. Their teamwork, care, and attention to detail make a difference in countless ways, and we’re grateful for the countless ways they go above and beyond to serve our schools and community. Thank you for your invaluable contributions! #4theT #AttitudeofGratitude

🍂 Help Us Help Others! 🍂 Tift County Schools is hosting a Food Drive now through Nov 15th to support those in need this holiday season! Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at any school or the Administrative Office. Our community can make a difference! 💙 #4theT

Attention Parents & Guardians of Tift County Schools! Join us for an informative session with Dr. Tonja Tift, where we’ll dive into valuable tips on optimizing family time and nurturing meaningful interactions with children of all ages. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain insights that can benefit your family! 🗓 Date: Thursday, November 14th 📍 Location: Tift County Neighborhood Service Center - 2737 South Central Ave. ⏰ Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm 🍎 Snacks will be generously provided by the Tift School Nutrition Program. We look forward to seeing you there! #4theT

There’s so much to be grateful for when it comes to the dedicated teachers in Tift County Schools! Here are a few reasons we’re thankful for these incredible educators: 1. Their Commitment to Students – Tift County teachers go above and beyond to make sure each student feels seen, valued, and supported every day. 2. Their Passion for Teaching – Our teachers bring enthusiasm and love for learning to the classroom, inspiring students to embrace new ideas and challenges. 3. Their Resilience – No matter the challenges they face, Tift County teachers stay adaptable, constantly finding creative solutions to help their students succeed. 4. Their Dedication to Growth – Our teachers are lifelong learners, continually seeking new ways to enhance their skills and improve their classrooms for students. 5. Their Care and Compassion – Tift County teachers don’t just teach; they nurture. They understand that students need emotional support and provide a safe, caring environment for everyone. 6. Their Positive Influence – Teachers are role models, mentors, and guides, shaping students' character and preparing them to be responsible citizens. 7. Their Creativity and Innovation – Our teachers find unique ways to make learning exciting, engaging students through hands-on activities, projects, and inspiring lessons. 8. Their Patience and Understanding – Teaching isn’t easy, but our teachers approach each day with patience, supporting students at every learning level. 9. Their Team Spirit – Tift County teachers work together to build a strong, supportive community, sharing resources and supporting each other to make the district stronger. 10. Their Belief in Every Student – Perhaps most importantly, Tift County teachers believe in every student’s potential and work tirelessly to help them reach it. We’re incredibly grateful for our teachers and all they do for our schools and community. Thank you for your unwavering dedication! #4theT #AttitudeofGratitude

There are so many reasons to be thankful for the incredible students of Tift County Schools! Here are the top 10: 1. Their Determination – Tift County students bring grit and resilience to their academic and extracurricular pursuits, pushing through challenges with a "can-do" spirit. 2. Their Passion for Learning – Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in clubs, our students show an eagerness to learn, grow, and explore their interests. 3. Their Kindness and Respect – Our students regularly show respect to their peers, teachers, and community members, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. 4. Their School Pride – They are true Blue Devils through and through! Our students proudly represent Tift County, showing up to events and embracing our community spirit. 5. Their Leadership – Tift County students set an example for each other, stepping up as leaders and role models in academics, athletics, and other activities. 6. Their Creativity – From arts programs to innovative projects, our students bring unique ideas and creativity to everything they do, inspiring us all. 7. Their Dedication to Service – Many of our students participate in community service, giving back and embodying what it means to go Beyond the T. 8. Their Ambitions and Dreams – Our students have big dreams and work hard to reach them. Watching them grow and pursue their goals fills us with pride and excitement for their futures. 9. Their Joy and Energy – The energy and enthusiasm our students bring to school each day make Tift County Schools a vibrant place to learn and grow. 10. Their Support for Each Other – Our students lift each other up, creating a caring community where everyone can feel supported and encouraged. Thank you, Tift County students, for all the ways you enrich our schools and community! #4theT #AttitudeOfGratitude

🍁 November is National Gratitude Month, and we're embracing an Attitude of Gratitude! 🍂 Throughout the month, we will be sharing our appreciation for the many stakeholders who make our school system successful. If there’s something you’re especially thankful for in Tift County Schools, we’d love to hear from you! 💙 Email us at info@tiftschools.com, and we’ll share the comments throughout the month. #AttitudeOfGratitude #4theT

Director of Safety and Security, Officer Mark Wynn, recently visited Annie Belle Clark Elementary to meet with the Local School Governance Team and Student Council, sharing important safety updates! Both groups had the chance to ask questions and offer feedback, making it a productive and informative session. #SafetyFirst #4theT

🍂 Don't forget! It's time to fall back! 🍁 Set your clocks back one hour tonight and enjoy that extra hour of rest. 🕰️ #4theT

🌎 Did you know? Our website can be automatically translated into multiple languages! It's super easy—just click the translate button and pick your preferred language. Accessible information for everyone, with just one click! #4theT

The October edition of the Tift County Schools Newsletter is now available at: https://tiftcountyschools.edurooms.com/engage/tift-county-schools/newsletters/tift-county-schools-newsletter-october-2024 #4theT

Spotlight on Jim Byers: Principal of Omega Elementary Jim Byers, the principal at Omega Elementary, is a 1986 graduate of Tift County High School with 26 years of experience in education, including 6 years as a principal. His family includes his wife, Delene, and their children: Matt Davis and Shiree, Justin Byers and Jacob, Will Byers and Sheridan, and Cole Byers. The most rewarding part of Mr. Byers' job is working directly with students and positively impacting their academic and personal growth. The most challenging aspect is balancing time with the diverse needs and expectations of supporting both students and staff. Thank you, Mr. Byers, for your dedication and service to the Omega Elementary community! #4theT

Spotlight on Patsy Shivers: Principal of Len Lastinger Elementary Patsy Shivers, the principal at Len Lastinger Elementary, hails from Trenton, GA, and is a 1996 graduate of Dade County High School. With 23 years of experience in education and 6 years as a principal, Mrs. Shivers is a dedicated leader in her school community. Her family includes her husband, Jason, and their children, Zeke, Ethan, and Jordyn. For Mrs. Shivers, the most rewarding part of her job is building strong connections with her students, staff, and parents, who have been her greatest supporters over the last 12 years. However, one of the most challenging aspects of her role is balancing high academic standards with addressing the social and emotional needs of the school community. Thank you, Mrs. Shivers, for your commitment to Len Lastinger Elementary and your leadership! #4theT

🚍 Stuff the Bus for Hurricane Relief 🚍 Tift County is all about coming together to make a difference! 💙 Recently, we had the privilege to "Stuff the Bus" with donations to support neighboring counties in their recovery efforts. While we’re often competing with schools like Irwin, Fitzgerald, and Lowndes on the field or in the classroom, this was a powerful reminder that we’re all part of one big South Georgia family. 🏆 Thank you Tift County High School for coordinating this effort and to everyone who contributed! Your generosity shows the true spirit of #4theT and the strength of our community, united to help students and families in need. TOGETHER, we make an impact that goes beyond any scoreboard. 🌟 #SouthGeorgiaStrong

Spotlight on Patti Dean: Principal of Matt Wilson Elementary Patti Dean, principal at Matt Wilson Elementary, is a 1988 graduate of Tift County High School. As the daughter of a military parent, Mrs. Dean experienced life all across the United States. Now in her 22nd year as an educator and second year as a principal, she finds great joy in watching students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Mrs. Dean's family includes her husband, Mark, their children John Mark and Kate Ellen, along with daughter-in-law Kelci, son-in-law Connor, and granddaughter Olivia. For Mrs. Dean, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing students' excitement when they grasp new concepts and overcome challenges. Supporting the dedicated teachers and staff as they guide students also brings immense fulfillment. Balancing the diverse needs of students, staff, parents, and the district is a daily challenge, but Mrs. Dean is committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child can thrive. Thank you, Mrs. Dean, for your leadership and dedication to the Matt Wilson Elementary community! #4theT

🚨 Safety and Security in Tift County Schools 🚨 Tift County Schools is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all of our students and staff. We're excited to announce that new weapons detection systems will soon be coming to our 6 - 12 schools as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures. These systems will help ensure that our learning spaces remain a place of comfort, growth, and education. To learn more about these systems and the many other security measures in place, visit our Safety and Security page here: https://www.tiftschools.com/o/tcs/page/safety-security Let's continue working together to keep our schools safe! 💙 #4theT #SafetyFirst

We would like to thank our partners at Renaissance for helping us celebrate National Principals Month! They generously provided lunch from Surcheros for our administrators during their monthly PLC yesterday. We appreciate your support of our team! #4theT

Spotlight on Jennifer Porter: Principal of Horizon Academy Jennifer Porter, principal of Horizon Academy, is a 1996 graduate of Newcomerstown High School in Ohio. With 25 years of experience in education, Mrs. Porter is now in her fifth year as a principal. She is supported by her husband, Kevin, and their sons, Zachary and Michael. For Mrs. Porter, the most rewarding aspect of her job is getting to know her students and building connections with each one. However, the most challenging part is making decisions that may not please everyone. Her goal is to ensure that everyone has a chance to be heard and understands how decisions are made, even when the choices are difficult. Thank you, Mrs. Porter, for your dedication to the students at Horizon Academy! #4theT

Spotlight on Jennifer Johnson: Principal of Tift County High School Jennifer Johnson, a proud graduate of Tift County High School from the Class of 2004, has dedicated 17 years to the field of education, with four of those years spent in a principalship. This year marks a significant milestone for her as she takes on the role of principal at her alma mater, where her journey in education began. Mrs. Johnson is supported by her loving family, which includes her husband, Kevious, and their three daughters, Kacie, Kyndal, and Klaire. Her passion for education is deeply rooted in her desire to help others succeed, and she finds great fulfillment in witnessing both big and small victories among her students and staff. "The most rewarding part of my job is helping other people gain successes," she shares, reflecting on the joy of nurturing talent and potential. However, with the rewards of leadership come challenges. Mrs. Johnson recognizes that part of her responsibility involves making tough decisions that may not always please everyone, even when those choices are made with the best interests of the students at heart. This aspect of her role can be particularly challenging, but she remains committed to prioritizing the well-being and success of her students above all. Thank you, Mrs. Johnson, for the tremendous impact you have and continue to have on the students of Tift County. Your dedication and leadership are truly appreciated. #4theT

Spotlight on Shae Tucker: Principal of G.O. Bailey Elementary School Shae Tucker, a 1992 graduate of Tift County High School, has dedicated 28 years to education, with the last 4 years as the principal of G.O. Bailey Elementary School. Throughout her career as a teacher and administrator, Mrs. Tucker has been committed to building meaningful relationships with her faculty, staff, students, and their families. One of her unique experiences is teaching children of parents she once taught in high school, deepening her connection to the community. Supported by her husband, Brady, and their children, Cam and Gabbi, Mrs. Tucker finds joy in fostering these relationships. However, her greatest challenge lies in serving a diverse population and effectively utilizing the school’s resources to support student learning, ensuring that all pieces of the puzzle fit together. Thank you, Mrs. Tucker, for your dedication and service to Tift County students! #4theT