Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School Principal Amy Tyson and science teacher Jessica Duncan show off the initial harvest of radishes from the raised-bed gardens made possible through a $5000 grant from the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program. 

Duncan teaches science to all Garrison-Pilcher students on a rotating specials schedule.  Duncan plans her lessons from a standards-based curriculum, and the new gardens increase the hands-on experiences for the students.

Chasity Hurst is Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year.  Hurst was selected through nominations from her teacher colleagues, as well as through an interview process with past Teachers of the Year at the school.

Hurst is known for her humble charm and has been nominated three times during her 17 years as a second grade teacher at Garrison-Pilcher, but each time she declined, admitting that she feels very comfortable talking to students but was uncomfortable talking about herself before a committee.

“Once I did the interview this year, I felt so comfortable and was able to just be myself,” said Hurst. “I definitely feel honored to have been chosen.”

Thomas County first and second graders at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School are recognized for outstanding behavior attributes on a monthly basis.  Homeroom teachers selected one child per class that exemplified the character trait for January:  kindness.  These February Character Kids represent what “kindness” looks like each and every day.  Pictured:  (first row) Rielle Willis, Wayland Gainey, Anthony Lopez, River Daniels, Carter Bevelheimer, Kenley Collazo, Corbin Wilks, Paislee May, Madison Croker, Thailei Kerbo; (second row) Dominic Rodriguez, Nolan Williams, Harper Daughtry, Bryer Harris, Violet Mares, Ja’Bralon Everett, Kaylen Reid, Hayden Joiner, Rheigan Turner, Cate Collins, Conner McMullen, Ny’Asia Harrison; (third row) Walker Eason, Kye Fye, Ra’Morrion Paytee, Koedah Bowen, Amari Barnes, Addelynn Marsh, Rhiley Esther, Piper Knight, Kyana Coleman, Raelyn Cooper, Blaze Powell, and Katalina Forgille.  Not pictured:  Jailey Green, Daniel Griffin, Heaven Johnson, and Emanuel Lara.  

Thomas County first and second graders at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School are recognized for outstanding behavior attributes on a monthly basis.  Homeroom teachers selected one child per class that exemplified the character trait for January:  honesty.  These January Character Kids represent what “honesty” looks like each and every day.  Pictured:  (first row) Aiden mainprize, Pacer Guinn, Raven Swymer, Emma Hurst, Ava Gailey, Robert McSwain, Tristan Barber, Joseph Edwards, Noah Jones, Hootie Sparks; (second row) Mary Grace, Slate Johnson, Benjamin Blodgett, Deiana Hayes, Dawson Younavjak, Cooper Freeman, Piper Tillman, Joshua Matias, Ellie Clay, Alaina Gay, Cullen Collins; (third row) Nathaniel Phillips, Bella Dawson, Dallas Drew, Nola West, Jonah Player, Wallace Willingham, Piper Hurst, Jaiden Ponder, Daniel Trautman, Sam Carter, and Olivia De La Cruz.  Not pictured:  Cason Mickens, Zailey McLeod, Kev’Yana Proctor, Cohen Wade, and Leland Wickham.

Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School Principal Amy Tyson personally congratulates and distributes t-shirts that say "Un-BEE-lievable Character Kid" each month to students who are selected by their homeroom teachers for their outstanding behavior within a particular character trait.  Tyson also uses positive reinforcement on the morning announcements each day as she uses "Shout Outs" to acknowledge students who have been noticed for exemplary choices in the way that they independently help fellow students, take care of their campus, and work hard on tasks.