The Thomas County School System is planning a viewing opportunity for our students and staff to experience the partial solar eclipse phenomenon on Monday, April 8. To ensure the safety of our students and staff, we will be providing solar eclipse glasses equipped with the ISO filter recommended by NASA. This is a rare event that we are eager to use as a unique learning experience for our students.

Cross Creek's fourth-grade students recently participated in the annual Fair Bear Writing Competition sponsored by the Georgia National Fair. This year's theme, "Fair Bear Visits the Fire Department" asked students to write a story of Fair Bear visiting the Fire Department and spending the day with a firefighter. This is something he has always wanted to do.

Congratulations to our winners of the competition. First place was awarded to Abdullah Opebiyi. Libby Strickland placed second(not pictured) and Ivey Clapper placed third. We are proud of our writers!

Register now for new students from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade. Use link below to register.
PreK and Kindergarten 24-25 Registration

The Thomas County Board of Education held its first meeting of the new calendar year Tuesday, January 16. After the invocation, outgoing chair Leah Smith declared the positions of chair and vice chair vacant and asked for nominations.

Board member Mark NeSmith made a motion that Dan Stewart be elected chair and that Ed Hopper be elected vice chair. Chris Hayes seconded NeSmith’s motion.  Smith called for any additional nominations. There were no additional nominations, so Stewart and Hopper were elected to their respective roles with no dissenting votes.

Stewart serves District 6, and he and his wife, Sheri, reside on a family farm outside of Ochlocknee. Stewart retired as building maintenance supervisor at the Southwestern State campus where he worked for 30 years. Stewart is a family partner in a cattle/farming operation.

Stewart said, “I am humbled and honored to serve as chair alongside an incredibly cohesive group of board members. I feel my position as chair is dignified by the fact that we have the best school system that I could ask for. I look forward to working closely with Mr. Hopper, the rest of the board members, and Dr. Lisa Williams for a successful year.”

Hopper, who serves District 7, is self-employed. Hopper is a product of Thomas County Schools, and is excited to serve on the board for his alma mater. He is married to Lauren Hopper who teaches at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School.

“I am honored to serve on the Thomas County Board of Education as the vice chair,” Hopper said. “It is an exciting time to be a Yellow Jacket! Whether in the classroom or on our athletic fields, we have great things happening in Thomas County, and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Cross Creek's Character Education word for December was Tolerance. Since no two people are exactly alike, students were reminded that we need to be accepting, friendly, kind, and understanding in our interactions with others. These students standout in representing this trait in their homerooms.

Congratulations to our students.

Mrs. Parrott has been joining her class for Mrs. Ray's newest art project. Fourth graders are learning to draw three-dimensional crystals and gems, and trying various watercolor techniques. Her students love having her in the art room with them.

We hope you are making plans to join your student for our Superheroes Days! Our students love being able to share with you what they are learning during specials times.

Click here to see the schedule.

This year’s theme for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Junior Citizens Contest was “Sparkling in the Stars with the 50th Anniversary of the NASA Space Shuttle Program." Several Cross Creek students participated in this year’s competition and placed in the local level. First Place winners at the local level will be submitted in progression for the state, Southeastern Region, and national levels of competition.  Student entries were banner, stamp design, poem, short story, poster, digital, graphic novel and community service. 

Click READ MORE to see all winner's names

Make your plans to be at Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta on Tuesday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. to watch our Yellow Jackets battle the Woodward Academy Eagles for the 6A State Championship! Click on the link below for the details. See you there!

State Championship Game Details

Cross Creek Elementary recently held its Spelling Bee. Our third-grade winner was Jazmin Mejia Zunin. Reilly Boatwright placed second and Boden Reynolds placed third. Londyn Noble was our fourth-grade winner. Dwahi Howell placed second and Jamonn Glenn placed third in the fourth-grade competition. Congratulations to all of our classroom representatives and alternates. Fourth-grade winners will compete in January at the district spelling bee.

Thomas County Schools is charging forward with its participation in “Literacy and Justice for All,” an opportunity for district and school leaders to join a multi-year literacy leadership cohort in support of House Bill 538, the Georgia Early Literacy Act, with the Georgia Department of Education in collaboration with the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy.

The Rollins Center, a program of the Atlanta Speech School, develops expertise with educators, system leaders, families, and advocates in the sciences of healthy brain development, language, and literacy. Through this partnership, the Rollins Center will support Thomas County Schools, one of 10 selected Georgia school districts, in its Navigation & Implementation Leadership Cohort.

Amy Tyson is the Thomas County School System’s Elementary Curriculum Director and a member of the district’s Implementation Team.  Tyson expects to see many positive results from the in-depth training such as a decrease in foundational gaps in reading across all grade levels and an increase in language development and student reading performance.

Congratulations to our Character Kids. We are so proud of these students for being chosen as Character Kid for the month of September and exhibiting the trait of being "Responsible" while at school! Keep up the great behavior and keep being a wonderful example to your classmates..

Our annual Cross Creek card sale was very successful. Congratulations to our grand prize winners. Sam Shuman was our top seller and won the Great Wolf Lodge package. Thomas Cox was the second top seller and won passes to Wild Adventures. Ricky Lackey won the Beats for being third overall in sales. Fourth-place winner was Callie Rigdon. She won the motorized scooter.

We appreciate all of the community support and our local businesses that are participating. We will continue to sell cards. Cards are $5 and pay for themselves with just a couple of uses. Please contact the school (225-3900) for more information.

Students in Lynnette Fykes's and Morgan Taylor's third-grade classes learned about the United States Constitution. Students studied the history, the connection to colonial rule, and the writers. They ended the study by writing a Student Constitution.

Mrs. Whigham's third-grade classes have been challenged to "Level Up" in Math each week. Over the past five weeks, 16 students have met their Math goals. As a reward, they get a snack of their choice! All of Mrs. Whigham's students are making great gains in Math this year and she is excited to watch them grow, no matter how tiny the steps are!

Most of Georgia's public school systems are accredited by Cognia, a nonprofit organization tasked with setting educational standards that prepare students for life after the classroom. Cognia will be conducting an accreditation review for the Thomas County School System during the school year. As part of the accreditation process, schools submit their educational environment to a rigorous process of analysis and evaluation. This parent survey will allow you to respond to questions about Cognia standards and how Thomas County includes families in the education of their students. Please complete this survey by September 22, 2023. If you have children in two or more schools, please take a moment to complete a survey for each school.

Click here to for more information and to take the survey!

With the threat of severe weather from Hurricane Idalia, Thomas County Schools will be closed Wednesday, August 30. This decision was made after consulting with national, state and local emergency agencies. The safety of our students, teachers, and staff is very important to us. Please stay safe!

Cross Creek held a Fine Arts Night. Ms. Rachel Sweat, Parent Involvement Coordinator, presented an explanation of Title I and the benefits that schools, staff, and students receive under the federal program. The program also included a presentation from Dr. Bonev and other musicians. The musicians shared five string instruments with the attendees. If you are interested in your student joining the strings class at Cross Creek Elementary, please contact the school.

The valuable, yearlong Cross Creek discount cards are on sale now through September 1. Buying a Cross Creek card has many benefits including saving money, helping to provide incentives and rewards for Cross Creek students, as well as keeping the shopping local for our generous merchants.  Selling at the same low price of $5.00 since 1994, Cross Creek cards save money throughout the year and pay for themselves after the first or second use.

The first Cross Creek cards were sold in 1994 and have continued to be an important fundraiser for Cross Creek.  Almost 30 years later, money raised over the years continues to fund many extras.

According to Cross Creek Principal Ashley Lane, past funds have helped purchase a golf cart for the school, which is used to monitor grounds and transport students, and provide an incentive for good behavior to ride with the SRO.

“The funds also help us support all academic celebrations every nine weeks including Accelerated Reader (AR) prizes and Positive Behavior incentives.  This includes our end-of-the-year celebration for students at the YMCA,” Lane said.  

They're back!  Cross Creek cards go on sale Friday, August 11th!  The cost is $5 per card and will pay for itself in one or two uses. You may purchase your card from a Cross Creek student or call the school office for more info. 

The TCCHS CTAE Department is in the process of reviewing a textbook for possible adoption for the 2023-2024 school year for the Animal Science pathways. 

The TCCHS and Bishop Hall Physical Education Department is in the process of reviewing a textbook for possible adoption for the 2023-2024 school year for the Health and Personal Fitness courses.

Samples of these texts will be on display in the main administration office at the Thomas County Schools Board of Education. Parents are invited to stop by during normal office hours (7:30-5:00) from July 10-13 to review these materials and leave any desired feedback

Please contact Robin Cartright, Curriculum Director, if you have any questions (rcartright@tcjackets.net or 229-584-9158).

Cross Creek’s  K-Kids Club was pleased to lead the Coins 4 Critters fundraiser to benefit the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society. This year, $2,500 was donated for this worthy cause. All classes contributed to the total, and two classes won a party for raising the most in their grade level. Mrs. Marnee Stone’s third grade class raised $206. Mrs. Mitchell’s fourth grade class raised $413. Both classes were treated with a party consisting of Chick-Fil-A nuggets, cookies, and drinks. In addition, they were also visited by three furry friends from the local humane society. 

Congratulations to Thomas County Federal for being named our BEE partner for this semester. Community is an important part of our school. Our staff and students appreciate all you have done for us this year.

Cross Creek student entries into this year’s Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Junior Citizens Contest were recognized at the state level. First Place winners at the state level were submitted for the Southeastern Region level of competition. Two of students' entries were recognized at this level.

Thomas County School System officials have named Melissa O’Neal, third grade teacher at Cross Creek Elementary, as the District Teacher of the Year. O’Neal has worked for Thomas County Schools for 21 years.

Upon being named Teacher of the Year for the system, O’Neal said, “What an incredible honor! I am beyond thrilled and deeply grateful to be recognized as the Teacher of the Year for Thomas County. Teaching has been my true calling and passion in life, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of my students every day. This award is not only a recognition of my passion for teaching, but also a celebration of the collective efforts of our entire educational community.”

O’Neal currently teaches 3rd grade, having previously taught pre-kindergarten, 1st grade, 4th grade and 3rd grade. She has taught various academic levels such as special education inclusion, ESOL, and gifted students.

Cross Creek Elementary School Principal Ashley Lane said that O'Neal is deeply committed to the field of education and to the noble profession of teaching.

Lane said, “Ms. O'Neal has a true heart for teaching.  She embraces the profession and dedicates her time and attention to the needs of her students.  She often states that her students are her heart.”

O’Neal said that from the moment she stepped into the classroom, she knew that teaching was her true passion.

Several of our Cross Creek students submitted entries into the school-level competition for this year’s Young Georgia Authors writing competition. Abigail Bone’s (third-grade) and Brantley Frascona’s (fourth-grade) writings were selected for entry in this year’s contest. Each year, students across the state of Georgia participate in this contest, which is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education. Original student writing in the categories of poetry, short stories, and personal narratives (to name a few) may be submitted. School level entries are next judged at the RESA level with other entries in our region. We wish our students the best of luck!

The Georgia Milestones test is scheduled for April 17th - 21st. Parents can visit the following for Websites for more information regarding the test or to provide extra practice for students in using the online tools used to complete the test. Students will also have the opportunity to practice with the tools at school.

http://testing.gadoe.org

http://gaexperienceonline.org

The annual Kids Heart Challenge, sponsored by the American Heart Association, was held recently at Cross Creek Elementary. Many of our students participated in this fun and challenging way to learn how to take care of their hearts and to help others by raising money for the American Heart Association. Students learned of other children who were born with heart issues that prohibit them from being able to participate in different activities.

This year, $4,467 was raised by students for this cause. Our top fundraiser was Maci Claire Elkins. Landen Powers, Max Fletcher, and Asher Parker rounded out the top four fundraisers. Students who raised $100 earned one pie to throw in the face of one of the coaches. Students who raised $200 were able to throw two pies, and for raising $300 or more, students were able to earn three pies. We appreciate all of the community support in donating to this worthy cause.

Thomas County Schools produced 19 local winners in the National Garden Club Smokey Bear/Woodsey Owl Poster Contest who will have their posters judged at the regional level in late February. What is now known as the Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl Poster Contest began as an initiative of the New Mexico State Garden Club in 1959.  In 1994, the contest celebrated Smokey Bear’s 50th birthday under the name of the Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl Poster Contest. The contest became a national art competition inviting children to draw their interpretation of Smokey Bear and his wildfire prevention message or Woodsy Owl and his conservation message. Today, the Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl Poster Contest is an annual tradition amongst elementary schools, scout troops, and youth groups across the nation.

This year’s Fair Bear Writing Competition sponsored by the Georgia National Fair has Fair Bear discovering the public library. This year’s theme prompted writers to include all of the amazing things that are offered and found in public libraries. Students were able to use their own experiences of finding books and being able to participate in all of the fun activities offered by public libraries to create their stories. Open to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders in Georgia, this contest allows students to submit a creative writing essay based on the theme of the contest.  

Fourth-grader Simeon Sturrup’s entry was selected as the winning entry. His entry will be forwarded to the Georgia National Fair for the state-wide competition. Preston Maisto’s entry earned second place, and Ashlyn Schie placed third at the school level.

Cross Creek students won at the district level of the Garden Club Poetry Contest. Third-Grade district winners are Katie Sipriano (1st place), Isla Farlow (2nd place), and Ellison Niswonger (3rd place). Fourth-grade district winners are Mikayla Barber (1st place), Jordai' Brooks (2nd place), and Kameron Copeland (3rd place). Our first-place winners will compete at the state level.

Congratulations to our students.

Get ready to smile! Spring and class picture day is coming up Tuesday, February 7th.

Use this link to pay online https://vando.imagequix.com/g1000993687

Cross Creek students recently participated in the Garden Club’s Youth Contest. Several students won at the local level and their entries qualified for moving to the district level. In the poetry category, JaDerrick Crawford, De’Asia Cooper, Jordai’ Brooks, Kameron Copeland, Mikayla Barber, Ellison Niswonder, Katie Sipriano, Isla Farlow were recognizedl. Ethan Thompson, Ruby McInnis, Guthrie Sprague, Eisley Herron, Preston Maisto, and Lydia Hugans placed in the poster contest. Congratulations to all of our winners and good luck in the district competition.

The Thomas County Board of Education held its first meeting of the new calendar year Tuesday night. After the invocation, outgoing chair Mark NeSmith declared the positions of chair and vice chair vacant and asked for nominations.

Board member Ken Harper made a motion that Leah Smith be elected chair and that Dan Stewart be elected vice chair. Chris Hayes seconded Harper’s motion.  NeSmith called for any additional nominations. There were no additional nominations, so Smith and Stewart were elected to their respective roles with no dissenting votes.

Smith has been a member of the board since 2018, and this is her first time serving as chair. Smith is a registered nurse at the Thomasville Eye Center. She and her husband, Ben, have two children in the school system.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue representing Thomas County’s students, parents, and taxpayers with my re-election,” Smith said. “As the chair, I’m excited for all of the wonderful things this year holds for our school system. Working alongside Dr. Williams, vice chair Dan Stewart, the other board members, and our staff to channel your voices, I look forward to witnessing Thomas County’s successes.”

An ONLINE registration portal will be active on January 30 and 31st. This live link will be available on this website and on social media for registration. If you need access to a computer, please call Hand-In-Hand at 229-225-3908 and ask for Trish Kearce who will schedule an appointment to assist you in registering your child.  All eligible students signed up for pre-k on January 30 and 31st will be guaranteed a slot. Out-of-district students will be accepted upon approval by the Board of Education.

A link will also be available during online registration to schedule your child’s screening appointment. 

The Thomas County School System recently held the official groundbreaking for a new 122,000 square foot multi-purpose building housed on the Thomas County Central High School campus. The new building, expected to be completed in 2024, will feature a state of the art band facility, new home for the JROTC program, new basketball locker rooms for both girls and boys varsity and junior varsity programs, a full gymnastics and cheerleading gymnasium, football locker rooms for the varsity and junior varsity teams, presentation room, health classrooms, modern weight room, and a full 120 yard indoor practice field for football, soccer, baseball, softball, and golf. The groundbreaking was held to kick off the beginning of Phase I which includes the addition of a new student parking lot which will allow room on the high school campus for the new facility. School board members, community members, and district and school administrative staff were present for the event. 

Over the past few weeks, students have been bringing in non-perishable food to donate to the Thomas County Food Bank. Our students went beyond our expectations. Gavin, Noah, Calvin, and Jayce helped Mr. Chastain box and load food donations. We appreciate the generosity of our school family!

Each year, Mrs. James, Cross Creek’s media specialist, puts up a Christmas tree made out of library books.  As classes rotate through the media center, students and teachers estimate how many books they think are in the tree. There were 273 books used to create the tree. Lauren Stewart was our teacher winner with her estimate of 271 books. Ander Oliveto was the student winner with an estimate of 268 books. Congratulations to our winners!

The Winter Break is December 19 - 30, 2022. There is a teacher workday/student holiday on Monday, January 2. We look forward to seeing students back on Tuesday, January 3!

This year’s theme for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Junior Citizens Contest was “The 200th Anniversary of the Sante Fe Trail:  Moving Stars and Stripes Westward”.  Several Cross Creek students participated in this year’s competition and placed in the local level. First Place winners at the local level will be submitted in progression for the state, Southeastern Region, and national levels of competition.  Student entries were banner, stamp design, poem, short story, and poster.

Thomas County students at Cross Creek Elementary School wore costumes as a culmination of Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. The students who dressed in community heroes uniforms are pictured with School Resource Officer Darrell Colvin. Cross Creek’s faculty and staff appreciate Officer Colvin and the connections he makes with students. Pictured are Griffyn Logue, Jasper Pinkham, Wyatt Mullins, Gabriella McCart, Ivie Clapper, Dacey Williams, Kingston Colson, Ryan Mitchell, Chance Jackson, and Officer Colvin.   

Red Ribbon Week was started after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who in 1985 was murdered by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico.  As a tribute to SA Camarena, high school friend, Henry Lozano and Congressman Duncan Hunter, created “Camarena Clubs” and the wearing of a red ribbon to show their oppositions to drugs.

In 1988, the National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary Chairpersons. Since then, the Red Ribbon campaign has taken on national significance, and NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Wearing red ribbons during the month of October continues to represent a pledge to live drug free and honors the sacrifice of all who have lost their lives in the fight against drugs.

Two Thomas County students from Cross Creek Elementary School were honored in the return of the Jr. Wildlife Arts Competition. Fourth graders Guthrie Sprague and Ruby McInnis were both recognized recently for their artwork. Sprague was awarded 2^nd place for her landscape drawing of Thomasville featuring a colorful sunset sky, and McInnis won 3^rd place for her landscape drawing with aquatic and avian creatures. Local schools were allowed to submit up to ten entries to be judged. All of the submissions are currently on display at the Thomasville Center for the Arts on the bottom floor.

Calling all Santa’s helpers: Thomas County Central High School’s Shop With A Yellow Jacket, or SWAYJ, annual charity event is almost here. 

Always held in mid-December, SWAYJ assists Thomas County Schools pupils whose families could use a helping hand during the holiday season. 

“TCCHS is committed to improving the lives of its students and members of the Thomas County community,” assistant principal Levi Williams said. “The holidays can be an especially difficult time for many of our families and students. The mission for SWAYJ is to share a little holiday cheer and to reinforce the belief that helping and caring for one another is how we grow as a community.” 

Teams of TCCHS students raise funds to take an elementary-age pupil Christmas shopping at Walmart. But it’s not a spree for themselves.

“Instead, the gifts they purchase are for their family members, further spreading the spirit of giving during the holiday season,” Williams said.

Senior Bhumin Patel knows how special SWAYJ is because he’s participated before and plans to do so again this year. He started because he wanted to do something nice for someone else.

Patel recalls his favorite part of the experience as seeing the smile on his group’s little shopper’s face after finding a specific toy.

Congratulations to our Girls on the Run team! Their first 5K was held in Valdosta this past weekend.  What a great way to end 10 weeks of training. We are proud of each of our girls who ran. Thank you to our GOTR coaches and parents who supported the runners this past 10 weeks.

From their Web site, "Girls on the Run envisions a world where all girls can know and activate their limitless potential and be free to boldly pursue their dreams. The program inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates movement."  The program is designed to help girls strengthen social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills.

The Scripps Spelling Bee was recently held at Cross Creek Elementary. In the third-grade competition, Abigail Bone was the winner. Griffyn Logue placed second and Dwahi Howell placed third. Logan Guy was the winner in the fourth-grade competition. Ashlyn Schie and Alaysia Mclemore placed second and third. Congratulations to all of our representatives and alternates. Fourth-grade winners will complete in the district Spelling Bee in January.

Cross Creek Elementary wants to thank the Thomas County community for support of this year's discount card sale. Profits from the card sale contribute to student academics and rewards. All of our students worked hard in the sale and were eligible for leveled prizes based on the number of cards sold. Top sellers have been named and have received their prizes. In fourth-place, Tristan Mitchell won a Ninja Slackline Kit, and Callie Rigdon won a motorized scooter for third-place. Julianne Carson placed second and won four passes to Wild Adventures. Our top winner, Emree Reneau, gets to take home the Nintendo Switch. Congratulations to all of our winners!

Partnering with local restaurants and retail businesses to create a user-friendly discount card, users are able to take advantage of discounts offered by participating businesses. There are cards available for sale and the community is encouraged to call the school at 225-3900 for more information on purchasing cards.

Thomas County School Nutrition Director Dr. Lauren Duplantis was recently appointed to serve on the 2022-2023 State School Nutrition Director’s Advisory Council. As a member of the Advisory Council, she will work with other directors, state staff, professional association and industry members to enhance the reach and effectiveness of school nutrition services across Georgia.

Duplantis was asked by State Director of School Nutrition Dr. Linette Dodson and will serve on the council for three years. The majority of the meetings are held virtually, but at least one meeting per year is held in person.

“It is an honor to be chosen to serve on the advisory council for the state, and I look forward to providing input that will not only improve the programs we provide locally, but that also enhances school nutrition services throughout Georgia,” Dr. Duplantis said. “Our mission is to provide quality meals and nutrition education opportunities for students that promote healthy children, ready to learn, and it is exciting to work alongside others in school nutrition who share this passion as well."

The current alignment of the council is with the RESA districts, having one local director from a district in each of the 16 different RESA districts.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods has appointed 16 new parents to serve on his 2022-2023 Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC). Danniell Slocumb, a Thomas County Middle School representative on the Thomas County School District’s Parent Advisory Council, was chosen as one of the members.

Slocumb, who is one of only 31 parents serving on the State PAC, was nominated by the Thomas County School District at the beginning of this school year. New members are selected each year by representatives of the Georgia Department of Education based on the applicants’ responses to questions on engaging parents to ensure their children’s success at school and the local school superintendent’s recommendation. Slocumb will serve a two-year term on the council.

Slocumb is actively involved with the Thomas County School System and a supportive member of the community. Having a recently graduated senior and a current seventh grader, Slocumb is well aware of the academic and social supports families can benefit from. She has partnered with the different schools in the Thomas County school district since her first daughter started school 18 years ago.

“I think that being engaged in a constructive way at the school level is the only way to be able to have a voice so that the school has a chance to listen to an outside perspective and then take action accordingly,” Slocumb said.

Thomas County Schools has added two Elementary School Instructional Coach positions for the 2022-23 academic year.  

Jordan Nelms will serve grades pre-kindergarten through first grade and Tanishia Barnhart will serve second grade through fourth grade.  The coaches aim to bridge communication as they connect three schools in the district:  Hand-In-Hand Primary (pre-K & K), Garrison-Pilcher Elementary (1st & 2nd), and Cross Creek Elementary (3rd & 4th).  

Garrison-Pilcher Principal Amy Tyson said that the addition of two Instructional Coaches was prompted by discerning the needs of classroom teachers for curriculum support, lesson planning assistance, and help in delivering data-driven instruction.  

Nelms and Barnhart met with curriculum teams over the summer to get linked with the teachers who serve as leaders in curriculum development.  The coaches are meeting directly with all elementary school teachers on a weekly basis now that the school year has begun.
Tyson was delighted with the selection of Nelms and Barnhart for the two positions.  

Thomas County students at Garrison-Pilcher and Cross Creek Elementary Schools are the lucky beneficiaries of a series of music outreach concerts made possible through a Title IV Student Support and Academic Achievement grant.  The first of four concerts took place on August 31, 2022.

Dr. Boyan Bonev, strings teacher at Cross Creek and Thomas County Middle School, oversees the project that includes a pre and post quiz to assess the knowledge the students glean from each program and to hone how the musicians can improve the delivery of the content. Topics of the first presentation included the label given to a group of string instruments playing together and the identification of individual string instruments.

Dr. Bonev brought a professional orchestral group to play for the students. Students listened to the instruments they possibly have never heard before. The musicians introduced the instruments (violin, viola, cello and double bass) and discussed how they are played and how they sound. Students asked questions and were given an opportunity to hold and play instruments.

“My colleagues and I had a great time playing for the students,” Bonev said.  “This was the first outreach program of our project to expose and engage the students with the performing arts. We are planning on three more featuring chamber music, opera, and ballet/dance in October, February and March.”

Fall picture day is Monday, September 19th.  Click here to order on-line with a debit or credit card. 

The annual Cross Creek Card sale has officially begun. Cards are $5 and can be purchased from any Cross Creek student, or you can call the school to purchase. Card sales end Friday, September 9, 2022. Each student received a sale packet with detailed information for parents. At $5 per card, the card will pay for itself in just a few uses in our community.

There are level prizes and great top prizes that can be earned. Top prize this year is a Nintendo Switch OLED Model.

For over 25 years, proceeds from the card sale have benefitted students and staff members. Playground equipment, field trips, guest performances/speakers, rewards, and prizes are just a few “extra”s that we students and staff have enjoyed. Our school community thanks parents, students, and our participating community businesses for the hard work that goes into making the card sale a success.

The Thomas County Board of Education has adopted a $65 million general fund budget for the current school year, and to partially fund this budget, approved a tentative rollback millage rate of 12.533 mills for tax year 2022.  The rollback rate is a 9% decrease from the 2021 millage rate of 13.804.

The proposed millage rate marks the tenth year in a row that the county board of education has reduced the school property tax rate. Thomas County School’s 2021 millage rate of 13.804 was the 25th lowest out of 180 school districts that can levy a tax, placing it in the bottom 14% of districts in the state.  The state average school property tax rate for 2021 was 15.88 mills.  Since school districts are in the process of adopting millage rates, comparison rates for 2022 are not yet available, but the school system’s proposed roll back rate is expected to move lower in the state ranking to at least the bottom 10% of the lowest property tax rates in the state.

Property values in the Thomas County School tax district increased 11.7% from 2021, but only 1.5% of the increase is in the form of real building growth. Over 10% of the property value increase was in the form of property reassessments, and by law, the school district is required to roll the millage rate back to yield the same amount of revenue that would have been collected had the reassessments not occurred.  By law, if a rollback is not adopted, the school system must declare a tax increase.  Approximately $11.7 million of local property tax revenue is included in the system’s 2022-2023 budget.

For the eighth time and fourth consecutive year in a row, the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts has recognized the Thomas County School System for Excellence in Financial Management and Reporting.

The Department of Audits created the award program to recognize those entities that are audited annually and go beyond standard financial business practices to be considered “the best of the best.” An award of distinction is presented to organizations that submit quality financial statements and supporting documentation in a timely manner, whose annual financial report is given an unmodified audit opinion and is free of any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, and comply with all Transparency in Government requirements.

Thomas County School Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams and Board Chair Mark NeSmith presented the award to Deputy Superintendent for Finance Joey Holland at the July board of education meeting. Upon receipt of the award, Holland gave credit to the staff members in the system’s finance department.

The graduation ceremony will be livestreamed on Saturday, May 21, starting at 9:00 a.m. using the link below:

https://youtu.be/UsLSLY2_xqw

What an accomplishment!  Our honeybees were busy reading this year.  Congratulations to our students who read 1,000,000 plus words this year.  Recognized from fourth-grade are Azariya Guion, Cullen Harrell, Khloe Barrow, Micah Muse, Alejandro Diego-Francisco.  Lydia Hugans, Brayden Greene, and Austin Connell were recognized from third-grade.

Carolyn Clifton's students competed in a math quiz bowl. Students solved math computation problems and word problems for the standards in their grade. After competing for a week, the top-scoring students joined a championship round. Each student solved problems and had to buzz in first and answer correctly to earn points.

Fourth-grade winners were Braylen Dalton, Gage Radney, and Azariya Guion who placed first, second, and third respectively. First place in third grade was Ayden Williams, followed by Mikayla Barber and Tristian Davis.

Congratulations to our great math students!

Congratulations to Forrest Love!! Mr. Love has been named our 2022 Digital Learning All Star Teacher. A Digital Learning All Star Teacher is a teacher who has embraced using technology to transform learning and uses digital tools to engage students. One comment included on a nomination form for Mr. Love states that he “uses technology with the students on a daily basis. He continues to seek fun, engaging, and grade level appropriate technological sources to enhance learning. His excitement for technology use can be seen on a daily basis as you pass his classroom. In addition, he helps support other staff members by sharing his knowledge.”

Thank you, Mr. Love, for supporting our students and your colleagues. We appreciate all you do.

Congratulations to third-grade teachers, Felicia Love and Morgan Taylor, who were recently awarded classroom grants by Envision Credit Union. Our grant winners are appreciative of the classroom opportunities the grants will provide their students.

It was exciting to have an in-person Rose City Run 10K and One Mile Fun Run again this year. It is even more exciting to celebrate three Cross Creek students who placed in their age groups. In this year's Fun Run, Khloe Barrow was 7th overall with a time of 7:06. Micah Muse was 5th overall with a time of 6:35. Preston Maisto was 24th with a time of 8:24.

Congratulations to these students and our other Cross Creek students who participated in the race.

After reading Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, students in Ms. Dorminey, Miss Curry, Mrs. Norris, and Miss Futch's classes had a visit from Mr. Sean Smith, owner of Big Adventure Outfitters in Thomasville.  Mr. Smith talked to the students about camping, hiking, and equipment used to survive in the wilderness such as tents, cooking supplies, water filtration systems, and backpacks.  Students were able to ask questions, try out the equipment, and hear about Mr. Smith's personal hiking adventures.

The Thomas County Certified Literate Community Program has donated dictionaries to third graders at Cross Creek Elementary School. This annual donation provides each third grader with his/her own dictionary.  Melissa O'Neal previews the dictionary with her students to help them identify the information that can be found in a dictionary.

Cross Creek has scheduled the Georgia Milestones test for April 26th - 29th (Tuesday - Friday). Parents can visit the following websites for more information regarding the test or to provide extra practice for your student to use the online tools necessary to complete the test. Students are also provided practice using these tools at school.

http://testing.gadoe.org

http://gaexperienceonline.com

Our K-Kids Club is leading our school in our annual Coins for Critters fundraiser to raise funds for The Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society. Each K-Kid representative was asked to design an eye-catching collection container for his/her homeroom to use in collecting money. The K-Kids with the three containers to receive the most votes for appeal/design were treated to a gift card prize to Walmart. The containers were voted on by school staff and Mrs. Fykes' homeroom container designed by Emma Love, JL West, & Ellie Robertson won first place.  Mrs. O'Neal's collection container designed by Lane Walker won second place and Ms. Curry's homeroom collection container won third place. These K-Kids came up with fun, eye-catching designs that gained the most votes, but all of the containers were really awesome examples of student creativity and devotion to the cause! 

Students who met their AR goals for the 3rd nine-weeks were treated to an ice cream party. Students read books and took short comprehension tests to meet an individualized goal. Congratulations to all of our students and a huge thank you to Blue Bell Creameries for our ice cream treats.

The Thomas County School System is conducting a Parent Survey. We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey. Please be assured that your responses to this survey will be anonymous.

The survey is open until April 1. Thank you for your time and valuable feedback!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ParentSurvey21-22

Spanish surveys available upon request.
Encuestas en español disponibles a pedido.

The Thomas County School System announced recent staff promotions and title changes following approval at the February regular board meeting.

Both Dr. Jim Rehberg and Lindsay Thompson are moving from Thomas County Central High School to the district office.

Rehberg is now serving as the Director of Facilities and Operations. Rehberg, who holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership, spent the previous 10 years as a district and school administrator at Thomas County Central High School where he was in charge of testing, academic recognition, and facilities. Prior to that, he worked as a media specialist serving the entire student body and faculty of TCCHS after teaching English literature and computer science.

"There is a direct correlation between a warm, welcoming, and secure atmosphere and student achievement,” Dr. Rehberg said. “The facilities at Thomas County Schools are among the best, and it is a privilege to work alongside the men and women responsible for ensuring our buildings remain a place where all students are safe and happy. We are always looking for ways to make what we have better. I look forward to facilitating the best environment possible for the students of Thomas County Schools."

Rehberg, a 1990 graduate of then Central High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at University of Georgia before completing his graduate work at Valdosta State University.
 

What an accomplishment! We want to recognize our top word count earners. Brayden Greene, Austin Connell, and Micah Muse have reached the 1,000,000 words read goal.  Cullen Harrell and Alejandro Diego-Francisco (pictured separately) have read over 800,000 words.  Congratulations and keep reading!

Cross Creek is proud to announce that Mrs. Jamie Whigham has been selected as Teacher of the Year for 2022. Her teaching career began at Cross Creek Elementary in 2014 after earning her bachelor’s degree from Thomas University. She has since earned her master’s degree from Georgia Southwestern University.

Colleagues of Whigham shared that it is evident that she cares about her students and goes beyond what is required to benefit students. Whigham’s instructional practices allow her to connect with her third-grade students as they take ownership in their learning. She is always willing to collaborate with her peers.

“I feel incredibly honored and blessed to have this opportunity to represent my school.  Cross Creek is the place where I have grown as a teacher and a person as a whole,” stated Whigham. 

Several of our Cross Creek students submitted entries into the school-level competition for this year’s Young Georgia Authors writing competition. Isabel Jenkins’s (third-grade) and Emma Brannen’s (fourth-grade) writings were selected for entry in this year’s contest. Each year, students across the state of Georgia participate in this contest, which is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education. Original student writing in the categories of poetry, short stories, and personal narratives (to name a few) may be submitted. School level entries are next judged at the RESA level with other entries in our region.  We wish our students the best of luck!

In celebration of Black History Month, Cross Creek students learned about Alma Woodsey Thomas, a Georgia-born artist who was a teacher most of her life. She became a famous painter in her 70’s. Mrs. Ray, Cross Creek's art teacher, taught different color schemes, patterns, and shapes while looking at examples of her work. Students then made their own paintings inspired by Thomas’ pieces.

Please visit our Photo Gallery for more photos.

Cross Creek students are always keeping their math skills sharp. In conjunction with our Spring Book Fair, students and staff were able to participate in an estimation contest. There were really close guesses by several participants. Haylee Turner, a student from Ms. Dorminey’s class, was spot on with her estimate of 187.  Our teacher winner was Mrs. Carlton with a guess of 183.  Winners received book fair bucks to spend at the fair and a goodie bag of other treats.  Congratulations to our winners.

This year’s Fair Bear Writing Competition sponsored by the Georgia National Fair has Fair Bear visiting the fair and planting an amazing garden. The theme prompted writers to include different fruits and vegetables that can be grown in Georgia. This annual writing contest, open to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders in Georgia, allows students to submit a creative writing essay based on the theme of the contest. Fourth-grader Abbie Griffis’s entry was selected as the winning entry. Her entry will be forwarded to the Georgia National Fair for the state-wide competition. Kara Colon’s entry earned second place.  

The links below will take you to the registration forms. The forms are not compatible on mobile phones, but computers will be available at HNH and the board office. Please call 229-225-3908 for more information.

Pre-K English Registration Form

Kindergarten English Registration Form

After you register, please click here to schedule the Pre-K & Kindergarten Screener.

de prekínder Formulario de

registro de jardín de infantes

La cita de evaluación de su hijo será el  22 de febrero de 2022. Llame Thais Woods al (229) 516-2080 entre las 10:00 am y las 3:30 pm para registrarse para la evaluación de su estudiante.

An ONLINE registration portal will be active on January 31 and February 1. This live link will be available on this website and on social media for registration. If you need access to a computer, please call Hand-In-Hand at 229-225-3908 and ask for Trish Kearce who will schedule an appointment to assist you in registering your child.  All eligible students signed up for pre-k on January 31 and February 1 will be guaranteed a slot. Out-of-district students will be accepted upon approval by the Board of Education.

A link will also be available during online registration to schedule your child’s screening appointment. 

Click here for more information.

A new year brings new beginnings for the Thomas County School System. During a called meeting this morning, the board approved the retirement of Mrs. Trista Jones, along with the recommendation of Mr. Jamie Thompson being named the new Thomas County Central High School principal and Mrs. Ashley Lane being named the new Cross Creek Elementary School principal.

Mrs. Jones has devoted 30 years of her life to our students and system. She will always be a cherished member of our Yellow Jacket family. We congratulate Mrs. Jones on her retirement and thank her for her many years of service to our system.

Congratulations also to Mr. Thompson and Mrs. Lane! They are both excellent leaders who will continue to help our system flourish and excel in their new positions.

Cross Creek recently ended its non-perishable food collection in support of the Thomas County Food Bank. We continue to be amazed at the generosity of the Cross Creek family. Because of your giving, we were able to donate 3800 items to help feed our community. A heartfelt thank you to all of you who were able to contribute to this worthy cause.

Cross Creek students participated in this year’s Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Junior Citizens Contest.  The theme for this year is “The 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Rise and Shine for Duty, Honor, and Patriotism”.  Entries from several of our students placed at the local level.  First Place winners at the local level are automatically eligible for the state level.  Congratulations to all of our winners.

Each year, Mrs. James, Cross Creek’s media specialist, puts up a Christmas tree made out of library books.  As classes rotate through the media center, students and teachers estimate how many books they think are in the tree.  There were 171 books used to create the tree. Mandy Rice was our teacher winner with her estimate of 172 books.  Bristol Wade and Lyra McLain (who won last year, too) were winners with their estimates of 172 books as well.  Congratulations to our winners!

Thank you to the parents who participated in the Parent Involvement Tips for Reading with your Child.  Congratulations to Michelle Smart, the winner of the drawing for one dozen gourmet cookies with icing and sprinkles to make them beautiful!  Be on the lookout for more tips to use at home with your child in the new year.  Shown with Ms. Smart is her daughter, Ashlyn, and Carmen DeVane (Parent Involvement Coordinator).

Carmen DeVane (Parent Involvement Coordinator) presents Stephanie Land of Walmart Eye Center an award for being selected as Cross Creek Elementary's BEE Partner for the semester. We appreciate all that you do for our school and community. Congratulations!

Justin Rogers was hired as the Thomas County Central head football coach Friday following the Thomas County Board of Education’s unanimous approval at a morning board meeting.

He will officially begin his duties as the Yellow Jackets’ head coach on January 3 according to Athletic Director Philip Duplantis.

“It is a privilege and honor to be able to serve as the head coach at Thomas County Central,” Rogers said. “I’m super excited to be a part of the Yellow Jacket family and feel passionately about continuing the tradition of excellence.”

Cross Creek Elementary recently held its Spelling Bee. Our third-grade winner was Ashlyn Schie.  Charlie Henderson was first runner-up and Lorelai Tuten was second runner-up in the third-grade competition.  Fourth-grade winner was Khloe Barrow.  Annabelle Dunn was first runner-up and second runner-up was Mikenna Wilson in the fourth-grade competition. Congratulations to all of our classroom representatives and alternates. Fourth-grade winners will compete in January at the district spelling bee.

The Deep South Fair returned to the Exchange Club Fairgrounds this fall and area schools were able to submit 30 entries into the Deep South Fair Art Show competition.  Of the 30 entries from Cross Creek Elementary School, nine entries won ribbons!  Congratulations to our students.

Cross Creek Elementary wants to thank the Thomas County community for support of our recent Cross Creek discount card sale. Profits from the sale of the cards contribute to student academics and rewards. All of our students worked hard in the sale and we appreciate their involvement in this great fundraiser. Top sellers have been named and have received their prizes. In fourth-place, Nicholas Taylor won a bicycle, and J. L. West won a power scooter for third-place. Journ’ee Spencer placed second and won four passes to Wild Adventures. Our TOP winner, Julianne Carson, gets to take home the Nintendo Switch-Animal Crossing. Congratulations to all of our winners!

The Thomas County School System decided to "GO GOLD" in September which was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Faculty, staff and students wore gold or yellow on Friday, September 3, to share awareness and show support for kids and families impacted by childhood cancer. Each school in the system also participated in Caps for CURE by paying one dollar to wear a hat on Friday. Thomas County Schools raised a total of $2,125.68. The money raised was donated to CURE Childhood Cancer. Sharon Johnson visited the school system recently to accept the check on behalf of CURE. 

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) awarded the Thomas County School System $3,754,352 over four years to advance literacy efforts. During this second round of Literacy for Learning, Living, and Leading in Georgia (L4GA),  grants were awarded to 23 school districts totaling $22,101,554. 

Curriculum Director Robin Cartright “We are excited to again be awarded the L4GA grant as it allows us to provide literacy opportunities to our students and to our community. Through previous grant awards, we have implemented literacy initiatives and provided books and other texts that have led to stronger readers, and I have no doubt this will continue with the current grant award.”

Dr. Lisa Williams, Superintendent of Thomas County Schools stated, “I commend the extraordinary collaboration among our district and school level faculty in preparing the grant. It’s because of their exceptional teamwork that our system was awarded the L4GA literacy grant. The funds received from the grant will go a long way in helping our system to continue its focus on overall literacy improvement."

As a recipient of the Literacy for Learning, Living, and Leading in Georgia (L4GA) grant, Thomas County Schools will focus on creating plans for children from birth to 12th grade. Additionally, the school will partner with the community to support early literacy for all local children.

In July, the Thomas County School Board approved administrative personnel changes for the new school year upon the recommendation of Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams.

Brecca Pope has been named Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services. In her new role, she will continue to support the district with a primary focus on human resources.  

Pope has worked with the Thomas County School System since 1999.  She served in Thomas County as a Speech Language Pathologist at Cross Creek, as assistant principal at Hand-In-Hand Primary School, and as assistant principal at Cross Creek before joining the district office administrative team. Pope is currently working on her doctorate degree in educational leadership.

The Thomas County Board of Education has tentatively approved a rollback millage rate of 13.804 mills for 2021, a 2.4% reduction from the 2020 millage rate.

The proposed millage rate marks the ninth year in a row that the county board of education has reduced the school property tax rate. Thomas County School’s 2020 millage rate of 14.139 was the 34th lowest out of 180 school districts that can levy a tax, placing it in the bottom 19% of districts in the state.  The state average school property tax rate for 2020 was 16.14 mills.  Since school districts are in the process of adopting millage rates, comparison rates for 2021 are not yet available, but the school system’s proposed roll back rate is expected to once again be among the lowest property tax rates in the state.

Congratulations to third-grader Aamira Williams from Mrs. Mobley's class. Aamira's entry in the 2021 Plains Peanut Festival Postcard Contest placed second out of 1,986 entries in the state! This contest celebrates the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter and is open to students throughout the state of Georgia.  

Students in Mrs. Fykes's and Miss Taylor's classes learned about the heroes of September 11, 2001 and why it is important to reflect on this date in American history.  Students learned what it means to have pride in America and its heroes and the bond we have with other countries.  Students also created memory ribbons to wear in honor of the victims.

Visit our photo gallery for photos.

Monday, September 20 is picture day at Cross Creek. Flyers have been sent home with students. Please return payment with your student Monday, if you haven't already, or prepay on-line at pictureday.swiphoto.com.

It is exciting to have an on-site book fair this fall for our students. Unfortunately, the pandemic has affected our book fair and it will be a student-only fair. We will be unable to offer visitors an opportunity to come into the fair at this time. Flyers have been sent home for parents and guardians to look at the items that are available.

Visit our book fair web site for more information

https://www.scholastic.com/bf/crosscreekelementaryschool

Two special events are taking place Friday, September 3rd. As a fundraiser for Childhood Cancer Awareness, we are once again participating in Caps For a Cure by allowing students and staff to wear a cap by donating $1 to this worthy cause. Also, in support of children in our community who have been stricken with cancer, we will 'Go Gold".  Thank  you for support.

Cross Creek students and staff are pleased to announce that our Cross Creek card sale begins today.  We are once again selling a physical card for a price of $5 per card.  Sales packets were sent home with students .  Our students and staff appreciate our community's continued support for our discount card.  Contact a Cross Creek student or call the office for more information.

PINES Library Access for Youth (PLAY) is brought to you through a collaboration between the Thomas County School System, Georgia Library PINES, and the Thomas County Public Library System. 

Thomas County School System student ID numbers will now act as a library card number for your public library! The public library provides free access to books and online resources to help your child succeed in school, as well as fun resources that help develop a lifelong love of reading.

Click below for more information.

PLAY - PINES Library Access for Youth

Join us for the TCCHS Cheer for Kids' Clinic! The Thomas County cheerleaders will travel to your school to teach you chants and jumps so that you may cheer during pre-game festivities for our September 3 home game (a parent or guardian must be in attendance at the game with his/her child). Campers, only attend the clinic offered at your school.

Please click on the link below for more details and to access the form: 

TCCHS Cheer for Kids' Clinic

Welcome Back-to-School Letter from the Superintendent 

Back-to-School Information 

Cross Creek Elementary School

Third & Fourth Grade

● Book bag large enough to hold standard size binder
● One package of loose leaf notebook paper
● Pencils
● Pencil pouch
● One box of crayons
● One clear view 3-ring binder at least 1 1/2 inches wide
● One pack of at least 5 notebook dividers
● Lysol or Clorox wipes
● Ear buds or headphones for use with chromebooks

*This is a basic supply wish list that will help parents prepare their children for the beginning of school.  Please remember that teachers may also request additional supplies for their class.

Thomas County Elementary Schools Supply List

The Thomas County School System wants students to READ this summer!  Did you know that students can have up to a 2-3 month loss in reading ability over the summer?  It's important for students to spend time sharpening their reading skills!

Each school has developed a summer reading challenge for students.  We would like for students to read for 15-30 minutes everyday this summer. The guidelines and requirements vary by school.  Please click the link below for more information about each school's guidelines and a list of eBook resources.  If you need more information, please talk to the media specialist at your school.  The guidelines are for the school the students will be attending in the 2022-2023 school year.

Summer Reading Challenge Website

Three years ago, after teaching first grade for 14 years, Daphney King made the transition from first-grade teacher at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary to fourth-grade teacher at Cross Creek Elementary.  Her first year on staff at Cross Creek, she was selected as the school’s and then the system’s Digital Learning All Star Teacher.  She was selected as Cross Creek’s 2020 Teacher of the Year and that has rolled over to the 2021 year also.  

Jamie Thompson, principal of Cross Creek stated of King, “She is a consummate team player who goes beyond what is required to benefit not only her students, but all of the students who attend Cross Creek Elementary.”  

King’s instructional techniques allow her to support students as they take ownership in their learning.  She is always willing to help with any task or creating any resource that is needed for teachers or students

Each year, students who have the highest amount of AR points are recognized by our media specialist, Mrs. James.  The top five point earners in third grade and fourth grade are recognized.  Amanda Trautman, Griffin Browning, Kevin Ramirez, Holten Dennard, 

Kaylee Bennefield.  Alex Diego, Khloe Barrow, Avril Morgan, Mya Copeland, and Micah Muse were the top point earners in third-grade.  We are very proud of our students!

These honeybees were busy reading this year!  Congratulations to this group of students:

Alex Diego, Holten Dennard, Henry McInnis, Amanda Trautman, Kevin Ramirez, Kaylee Bennefield, and Griffin Browning (not pictured).  Each of these students read more than 1,000,000 words.  Amanda Trautman read over 2,000,000 words.  We are proud of their accomplishments this year!

The School-Based Health Center, located at the Thomas County Middle School, has released the summer schedule. There are some days and weeks when the center is open, but not for sick visits. During those times, there will be no provider on site so only COVID tests and vaccines will be administered. Call 229-227-2936 for questions or appointments.

Cross Creek students participated in this year’s Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Junior Citizens Contest.  The theme for this year is “The 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower:  Rise and Shine for New Opportunities in the New World”.  Entries from several of our students placed at the state, district, and national levels of competition.  Congratulations to our students for a job well done!

A special thank you to Thomasville National Bank for their recent donation to the Cross Creek Elementary School Media Center. As part of the bank’s community outreach initiative for helping support financial literacy resources, funds were donated for a cart and books. Books that focus on various financial literacy skills and concepts in a wide range of reading levels were purchased for the students and teachers to use. Thomasville National Bank’s goal of advancing financial literacy and education helps our youth learn how to budget, finance, save and invest. We appreciate TNB’s support of this worthwhile endeavor.

Katherine Lattay and her students, Courtlyn Speigner, Yasmine Spencer, Andrew Burk, and Nancy Patel, join Annette James (media specialist) to look over the new books.

At the regular April meeting, the Thomas County Board of Education accepted Charles Evans' resignation as the District 3 Board representative. According to Evans, his resignation is due to health reasons that have made it difficult to continue in his role.

For his more than 14 years of service as a board member to the children of Thomas County, Evans was honored during the meeting with a certificate of appreciation and a personalized clock showing his years of service and support to the school system.

“Serving on the board has been one of the greatest experiences in my life,” Evans said. “It has been such a part of my life that I will miss tremendously."

Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams said, “The school system is very appreciative of Mr. Evans for his more than 14 years of faithful, dedicated service as a board member to the children of Thomas County. We greatly appreciate all the many ways that he has helped support our students and system. He has served District 3 and the Thomas County community well and even though his time as a board member has ended, he will forever be a member of our Yellow Jacket family.”

The Board also approved the appointment of Ken Harper to fill the vacant District 3 board seat for the remainder of the current term.
 

Cross Creek staff has selected Caroline Gladstone as our Digital Learning All-Star Teacher for 2021. We appreciate all she has done to support not only her students, but all students and staff. Her fellow teachers are very appreciate of her continual willingness to be a technology leader.

Congratulations!

Georgia Milestones Assessments are coming up soon. These two links from the GaDOE provide more information:

http://bit.ly/GAMilestonesStudyandResourceGuide

http://bit.ly/GAMilestonesAssessment

The K-Kids Club is excited to announce that Cross Creek Elementary has completed the annual Coins 4 Critters fundraiser in a BIG way! The record-breaking, grand total that our school donated was $2500! This money will go to the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society to provide basic needs such as food, bedding, medical treatment etc. 

The class from each grade level that donated the most money celebrated with a pizza party as well as a visit from a shelter pet, Rocky. Both were a hit, but Rocky took the title for 'Most popular' part of the prize! 

The Thomas County School System is pleased to offer three camp sessions this summer for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics!  There is NO COST for these camps.  Click here for more information and the registration link.

The Thomas County School System recently held the spring Parent Advisory Council meeting. Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams presented an overview of the systems’ plans for Federal CARES and funding and reviewed projects planned for successful E-SPLOST V funding. Assistive Technology Technician Alison Parker provided an update on the assistive technology resources and supports provided by the school system. Dr. Bob Dechman, Assistant Superintendent for Federal Programs and Accountability, presented the system’s policy on Family Engagement and asked participants to complete a survey to provide suggestions for plan revision. Each school principal reviewed progress on their School Improvement Plans to date and asked parents to complete a survey to make suggestions for next year’s plan.

We invite you to watch the recording of the meeting and provide your input as well. If you have questions or input, you may contact Dr. Bob Dechman by email bdechman@tcjackets.net or contact the parent involvement coordinator at your child’s school.

ZOOM Meeting Recording

You may also share your input by completing the following surveys:

District Family Engagement Policy: https://forms.gle/9cJp73gXCBqK4L8C6

School SIP survey: https://forms.gle/M6yXUwZSEZRVtLk96

The Thomas County Central High School Lady Jackets will be holding a softball camp June 1 - 3, 2021. The camp is open to children currently in grades 2 - 8. Campers will learn hitting, bunting, base-running, throwing, fielding, pitching, and catching fundamentals. The registration deadline is May 21. Click on the link below to access the form:

2021 Lady Jacket Softball Camp Form

This is a reminder that Friday, March 26, is a teacher workday. There will be no school for students!

The Cross Creek K-Kids Club is once again teaming up with the Thomasville Thomas County Humane Society. Each class at Cross Creek is collecting donations to benefit the Humane Society in all their needs including food, shelter, medical care, etc. Everyone is asked to donate to this worthy cause. The class from each grade that raises the most funds will win a pizza party! Please send any donations throughout the month of March. 

Cross Creek students Daniel Thompson’s (fourth-grade) and Brooklyn Blodgett’s (third-grade) writings have been selected for entry in this year’s Georgia Young Authors Writing Competition.  Each year students across the state of Georgia participate in this contest, which is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education.  Original student writing in the categories of poetry, short stories, and personal narratives (to name a few) may be submitted.  Our grade level winners are shown in the picture with Principal Jamie Thompson.

Cross Creek Elementary students submitted outstanding entries for the first Presidents Day Visual and Language Arts competition sponsored by the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park.  The theme of the competition was A Journey of Excellence:  The Extraordinary Life of President Jimmy Carter.  Students were invited to submit an essay, poem, or piece of art on the Life and Legacy of President Jimmy Carter.  Third-grade students who placed in the poetry category of the competition were Brett Smith (First Place), Cain Childs (Second Place), Brooklyn Blodgett (Third Place).  Khloe Barrow placed second in the essay category and third in the visual arts category.  Ashton Thomas placed third in the essay category.  Congratulations to all of our winners.

The annual Kids Heart Challenge, sponsored by the American Heart Association, was held recently at Cross Creek Elementary.  Many of our students participated in this fun and challenging way to learn how to take care of their hearts and to help others by raising money for the American Heart Association.  Students learned of other children who were born with heart issues that prohibit them from being able to participate in different activities.

This year, $4,073.00 was raised by students.  Our top fundraiser was Anna Glass.  Abbie Griffis, Darious Davis, and Dawson Strickland rounded out the top four fundraisers.  Students who raised $100 were able to throw a pie in the face of one of the coaches.  Students who raised $200 were able to throw a pie in the face of all three coaches.  We appreciate all of the community support in donating to this worthy cause.

Thomasville National Bank recently donated funds to Cross Creek Elementary School to buy books based on financial literacy. The money donated was also used to buy a cart that teachers can check out to use in their rooms for financial literacy activities. TNB's Community Reinvestment Officer Melvin Hugans presents the check to Cross Creek's Media Specialist Annette James.

Yearbook order forms were recently sent home in Honeybee Folders. Yearbooks are $20 and may be purchased by order form or online through SWI at www.swiphoto.com/yb ($1 service fee is applied). We're excited to share with our students and their families a glimpse into our classrooms and school this year. DEADLINE TO ORDER IS APRIL 1, 2021.

It is that exciting time of year when we start looking forward to a new group of MERIT students at Thomas County Middle School. The MERIT program of study is designed for gifted and high-achieving middle and high school students who desire a challenging academic environment to prepare for competitive admission and scholarship opportunities at the post-secondary level. The MERIT program stresses academic excellence coupled with competition, athletics, fine arts, and community service.

Interested parties should do the following:

If you are a Cross Creek Elementary or Thomas County Middle School parent, please print out the application from the TCMS MERIT webpage, and return the completed document to your child's homeroom teacher.

If your child attends school in another system, please visit the TCMS MERIT webpage, print out the application, and email the completed form to Dana Studdard, TCMS MERIT Coordinator, at dstuddard@tcjackets.net

All MERIT applications are due by April 26, 2021. 

Fourth-grade students have been studying the solar system.  Standards include learning about the planets, asteroid belts, and stars (to name a few topics).  Students in Amy Russell’s classes were asked to create a replica of the solar system for a class project.  Mrs. Russell was very complimentary of all of the projects turned in and added that no two were exactly the same.    

Third-grade students in Jamie Whigham’s class recently studied the branches of government and learned about the voting process.  Class elections were held for president, governor, and mayor. Candidates were allowed to campaign and were given 30 seconds to speak to the class prior to the election.  After tallying election results, Cassie Strickland was elected President.  Jayden Collier was elected Governor.  Elected as Mayor was Keyron Mills.  Congratulations to the newly elected officials.

To infinity and beyond, or at least to the Milky Way - this year’s Fair Bear Writing Competition sponsored by the Georgia National Fair has Fair Bear being launched into space.  This annual writing contest open to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders in Georgia, allows students to submit a creative writing essay based on the theme of the contest.  

Fourth-grader Henry McInnis’s entry was selected as first-place.  His writing will be forwarded to the Georgia National Fair for the state-wide competition. Devin Claiborne ‘s entry was second place, and Amanda Trautman’s entry was third.

Please click below for information on our "Finish Strong" plan:
"Finish Strong" Video

Dear Parents and Guardians,

At its February meeting, the Thomas County Board of Education endorsed a series of proposals recommended by the curriculum department to support students and teachers through the second semester of the 2020-2021 school year.

The “Finish Strong” plan calls for the return of more students to in-person learning and aims to reduce the number of teachers who have to simultaneously teach both in-person and on-line classes. To provide time for teachers, counselors, and administrators to plan for these adjustments, three teacher work days have been added to the school calendar.

Cross Creek students participated in this year’s Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Junior Citizens Contest.  The theme for this year is “The 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower:  Rise and Shine for New Opportunities in New World”.  Entries from several of our students placed at the local level.  First Place winners at the local level are automatically eligible for the state level.  Congratulations to all of our winners. Continue reading for a list of Cross Creek winners.

The Thomas County Board of Education held its first meeting of the new calendar year Tuesday night. After the invocation, outgoing chair Charles Evans declared the positions of chair and vice chair vacant and asked for nominations.

Board member Nancy Hiers made a motion that Kay Streets be elected chair and that Mark NeSmith be elected vice chair. Leah Smith seconded Hiers’ motion.  Evans called for any additional nominations. There were no additional nominations, so Streets and NeSmith were elected to their respective roles with no dissenting votes.

As a part of Constitution Week, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has been giving out pocket-sized Constitution books to all fourth graders at public schools in the state of Georgia.

Georgia Superintendent Richard Woods personally visited Cross Creek Elementary School recently and presented the books, along with the importance of the Constitution, to all fourth graders as part of his ongoing citizenship initiative.

While visiting several classrooms at Cross Creek, Woods heard from students, educators and other stakeholders in the Thomas County School System about what is working, what changes could be made, and how the GaDOE can be of service.

The book, titled “The Words that Built America,” contains the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, the Amendments to the Constitution, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech.” Woods told the students the book will continue to be useful throughout their school journey as they study Georgia state government and Georgia history.

Cross Creek's annual canned food drive was a huge success. Students donated 3900 cans to help the Thomas County Food Bank.  Fourth-grader Daveon Stewart from Brittney Stone's class was the top individual donator.  He donated 121 items.  We want to thank our students and families for their generosity in giving to help those less fortunate in our community.

Cross Creek students have recently been participating in estimation games in the media center.  In our LEGO estimation, fourth-grader Kensley Reddick was exact in his estimation of the container of LEGOs.  Mrs. Mobley was our teacher winner.  Third-grader Lyra McLain and her teacher, Marnee Stone, were the winners of the estimation of how many books were used to create the book Christmas tree.  Winners received goodie bags and earned certificates to use at our next book fair.  Congratulations to all of our winners.  

Thomas County Schools is pleased to announce that Joey Holland, SFO, Deputy Superintendent for Finance, has earned the Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations® (SFO®) by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). School business professionals who earn the SFO certification have proven that they have the required knowledge, expertise, and fiscal credibility to lead their school district and effectively manage the district’s finances.

“Even though I’m going into my twentieth year in school finance for Thomas County Schools, I wanted reassurance that I had the knowledge and professional competencies to lead the school district in not only finance, but other areas of school operations,” Holland said.  “I was also eager to find out if my finance and operations knowledge was on par with other school finance officials across the country.”

ASBO International’s SFO certification is an internationally recognized standardized assessment for school business officials.

Cross Creek Elementary recently held its spelling bee. Mikenna Wilson perfectly spelled the word "cranky" to claim the top spot for third grade. Rafael Rios and Keegan Thornton-Smith were second and third respectively. "Instrument" didn't stop Hollyn Darley from placing first in the fourth-grade competition. Kate Harvey and Lucy Nestale claimed second and third place in the fourth-grade competition. Congratulations to all of our classroom representatives and alternates.  Our fourth-grade winners will compete in January at the county spelling bee.

Our top two fourth-grade placers are shown with Mr. Thompson, Principal, in the photograph.

The Thomas County School system recently held its annual Fall Parent Advisory Council meeting via zoom. Each school was represented by parents and stakeholders. The meeting is designed to inform stakeholders of system initiatives and request feedback on future planning. A link to the recording and follow up survey are posted below and on the Federal Programs page. If you have questions or input, you may contact Dr. Bob Dechman by email bdechman@tcjackets.net or contact the parent involvement coordinator at your child’s school.

Zoom link

Survey link

Students in Ms. Dorminey and Miss Curry's classes were selected by the Thomasville Center for the Arts to participate in a virtual visit from award-winning author Carole B. Weatherford.  Students joined via Google Meet with Mrs. Weatherford, her son Jeffrey, who illustrates many of her books, and Mrs. Chastain, from Thomasville Center for the Arts. Mrs. Weatherford explained her love for reading and writing, her "Recipe for Success", and encouraged students to keep reading and becoming better writers. Students were able to ask questions of Mrs. Weatherford and Jeffrey that they had about writing, developing stories, and sharing their work. 

We celebrated National Parent Involvement Day giving us the opportunity to recognize the many contributions parents and caregivers provide on a daily basis. We appreciate your continued support of our school system!

https://youtu.be/HiFMuwKMsLg

Third-grade students will be taking the ITBS next week.  Testing days and times are Monday (November 2nd) - Thursday (November 5th).  Testing will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will end around 11:00 a.m.  

Please make sure that your student has a good night's sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and is at school each testing day.

Thank you for encouraging your student to do their very best!

In addition to Red Ribbon Week, there are other events taking place as October draws to a close.  We appreciate your continued support of Cross Creek and Thomas County Schools.

Cross Creek is pleased to continue allowing our students to enjoy Kona Ice.  The Kona Ice truck will be at Cross Creek Friday, October 23rd.  Students may purchase a delicious cool treat with a $2, $3, $4, $5, or $6 size of many delicious flavors.  Proceeds from Kona Ice purchases benefit Cross Creek Elementary.  Thank you in advance for your support.

The Thomas County School System decided to "GO GOLD" during the last week of September which was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Faculty, staff and students wore gold or yellow on Friday, September 25, to share awareness and show support for kids and families impacted by childhood cancer. 

Each school in the system also participated in Caps for CURE by paying one dollar to wear a hat on Friday. Thomas County Schools raised a total of $2,178.61. Each school showed their support by donating the following: Hand-In-Hand, $241.23; Garrison-Pilcher, $412.30; Cross Creek, $634.08; TCMS, $351; TCCHS, $500; and Bishop Hall, $40.

Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams said, "I am very appreciative of the compassion that our students, staff, and parents have demonstrated in their support of Childhood Cancer Awareness and Research as shown through their actions and contributions. Together, we were able to make a difference for such a worthy cause." 

The money raised was donated to CURE Childhood Cancer. Sharon Johnson and Kathy Pipkin visited the school system recently to accept the check on behalf of CURE. 

“‘Caps for CURE’ was started by my family's friend, Sarah Barr, from Locust Grove," said Johnson. "Her idea to encourage students to raise awareness and funding for childhood cancer continues today.  Sarah fought Ewing’s sarcoma for seven years and passed away just before her 20th birthday. We appreciate the continuing support of ‘Caps for CURE.’”

The Rose City Foundation, associated with Envision Credit Union, recently donated money to Thomas County Schools to buy books for the elementary schools. The foundation donated $1 per student in grades Pre-K through fifth grade with the total being $2,794. Kellie Merck, left, Envision's Georgia Community Development Manager, recently presented the check to Thomas County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams.   

Here at Thomas County Schools, we appreciate all our parents!  Thank you for taking a daily interest in your child’s schoolwork. Since last spring, we have developed closer family-school connections than ever before. Regardless of your child’s instructional model (traditional, remote, virtual) we know our families are all committed to supporting their child’s learning. Please use the link or QR code below to share some pictures or a video of how you support learning at home. We hope to receive pictures/videos from families of all learners, traditional, remote and virtual. The pictures/videos submitted will help us develop our Family Engagement message posted on the school system Facebook, webpages, and other forms of promotional media. Thank you again for supporting Thomas County Schools.     

In support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Cross Creek students and staff will be able to donate $1 to wear a

favorite hat to school Friday, September 25th.  We are also asking that everyone Go Gold to support this worthy cause.

Parents and guardians will have until noon (12:00 P.M.) on Tuesday, September 22 to "opt in" to our 2020 Fundraiser.  The official sale will begin Wednesday, September 23rd.

The digital card is a new endeavor for Cross Creek.  We know that with your support and cooperation, it will be a huge success.

Open House dates and times have been set for our "Traditional Students" (face-to-face). Please read the information carefully as you make plans for you and your child to attend. We are looking forward to meeting our great students.

Parents and guardians of our remote learners will be contacted regarding dates and times for you to connect with your student(s)' remote learning teachers.

Due to the delay in the start of this school year, our 20-21 school calendar had to be revised. Please make note of the changes. Fall break has been eliminated, Thanksgiving break was shortened, and the end of the school year has been extended one week with the last day of school on Friday, May 28. We are looking forward to our students starting back to school on Tuesday, September 8, either traditionally, through our remote classrooms, or our virtual school option. We are greatly missing our students and are counting down the days until we are able to see them again soon. Please continue to monitor the system and school websites and social media pages for continued updates.

2020-2021 School Calendar

Dear Thomas County Schools Families,

After many recent discussions with the local and regional health departments regarding Thomas County's current COVID-19 data, along with Archbold's announcements of rising COVID-19 case numbers, and the Governor's announced recommendation for systems to reopen after Labor Day, the start date for pre-planning has been moved to August 17 with students scheduled to return on September 8. The changes in dates will cause some changes to our 20-21 school calendar, which will be shared once it has been revised.

The postponement of school reopening will allow further development of our remote learning plans, computing device deployment for our digital learners, teacher preparation, continued discussions with health and local officials, and to ensure that our families and employees are fully prepared to start school in a successful manner.

We realize that the delay may not be the ideal solution for everyone, but please know that we did not make this decision lightly. The health and wellbeing of all of our students, staff, and families are vitally important to us. We are all eager to get back to traditional learning in our schools because that is where the majority of our students and staff thrive.

Our remote classroom and virtual school options will continue to be available for families who are not ready to have their child return to traditional learning.

Open house dates will be communicated to families through their child's school.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to provide the safest learning environment for our students and staff.

Please continue to monitor our district website and social media pages for system updates.

Survey results are in, and parents' voices have been heard so now it's time to choose the best learning opportunity for your student! You will be choosing between the Traditional Option, the Remote Classroom Option or the Virtual School Option. Click below to access a flyer that contains more information and the necessary links such as the Superintendent's Letter, the Registration Form, and Frequently Asked Questions. Please complete the registration form by Friday, July 17.

Time to Make a Choice - Registration Form 

Please call our Buzz Helpline at 229-413-1234 for more information.

6/24/2020

Dear Thomas County Schools Families,

We only have a few weeks before school is scheduled to start back. I realize that this Back to School season is weighing heavily on your minds, as it is ours. Please rest assured that the leadership of our system has been working hard to stay current with agency guidelines related to the safe operation of schools. We are continuing to use the guidelines received from the Georgia Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prepare for the reopening of our schools.  One of the most challenging aspects of this work is that the guidelines and restrictions continue to evolve. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time as we continue to plan for a safe re-entry for all students and staff.

We are planning for our schools to reopen for in-person instruction for our students as scheduled on August 3rd.

We hope that the majority of our families will feel safe returning to a fairly traditional school setting with health screening and enhanced hygiene measures in place. Thomas County Schools will be implementing additional measures to address COVID-19 concerns and to keep our students and staff as safe as possible within the school environment.

Click on READ MORE to see other options and access survey

The School-Based Health Center on the TCMS campus reopened June 1.  In light of COVID 19, and PCSG’s desire to keep our patients and staff safe, patient appointments will be limited to two per hour.  PSCG is working with the School’s Athletic Director and Archbold Medical Group in providing the community-wide sports physicals (dates to be determined).  If you are unable to make those dates, PCSG will provide sports physicals in the clinic for $10. 

The clinic will be open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. In addition to offering in-clinic appointments, PCSG offers telehealth visits.   

To help maintain physical distancing rules, all appointments must be scheduled in advance.  To schedule your appointment, please call  229-227-2936.

For the safety of our patients and staff:

1.      Before entering the clinic everyone must be screened.
2.      Only one person may accompany a minor for a visit.
3.      All patients and accompanying adult must wear a mask.
4.      PCSG staff will be wearing a mask as well as other protective equipment.
5.      PCSG will limit the number of individuals in the clinic at any one time.   

The Thomas County School System wants students to READ this summer!  Did you know that students can have up to a 2-3 month loss in reading ability over the summer?  It's important for students to spend time sharpening their reading skills!

Each school has developed a summer reading challenge for students.  We would like for students to read for 15-30 minutes everyday this summer. The guidelines and requirements vary by school.  Please click the link below for more information about each school's guidelines and a list of eBook resources.  If you need more information, please talk to the media specialist at your school.  The guidelines are for the school the students will be attending in the 2020-2021 school year.

Summer Reading Challenge Website

GARRISON-PILCHER

Chromebook Drop-Off
May 26 - 29 - Hall Road side of Cross Creek
Tuesday, May 26 -  9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 27 - 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 28 - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friday, May 29 - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Yearbook Pick-Up
Wednesday, May 13 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on sidewalk outside PLC

*Teachers have already collected needed work packets & dispersed student belongings. Questions concerning packets should be discussed with teachers.

CROSS CREEK

Chromebook/Work Packet Collection
May 26 - May 29 – Clark Road side
Tuesday, May 26 -  9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 27 - 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 28 - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friday, May 29 - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Cross Creek chromebooks, chargers, library books, and student work packets may be returned to Cross Creek Elementary on the Clark Road entrance on the days and times listed below:

Tuesday, May 26: 9-6 PM

Wednesday, May 27: 9-6 PM 

Thursday, May 28: 11-3 PM

Friday, May 29:  11-3 PM

Because we always want the very best for our students, Thomas County Schools has found a way to provide meals during the month of June. The new program will deliver meals to your doorstep for free. This program is called Emergency Meals-to-You, and students who attend Thomas County Schools are eligible to participate in the program. However, you must enroll your student in the Meals-to-You program in order to have meals shipped to your home during the month of June.

All you have to do is fill out and submit an online form.

Please hurry because the enrollment period ends at midnight on May 18.

Even if you enroll in the Emergency Meals-to-You program, please remember that our local meal distribution will still take place every Wednesday through May 27. 

Feel free to drop off your students’ library books when you come Wednesday to pick up new packets and turn in those that are completed. We will accept books for any Thomas County school.  You may also turn in books at TCMS when you pick up weekly meals.

We will announce other days for book drop off as they are determined

Thomas County Schools is distributing meals for the week and the weekend. Pick up breakfast and lunch for seven days! Distribution for meals is ONLY on Wednesday of this week. Students no longer have to be present. Visit TCMS from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. or our various community locations from 11:00 - 12 noon. We are still here for you! Please call the Buzz Helpline at 229-413-1234 for questions or information.

​

SECOND HARVEST PROVIDING MEALS MONDAY & WEDNESDAY

Please don’t forget to stop by Hand-In-Hand tomorrow, Monday, April 6, from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. to pick up meals. Students do NOT have to be present during the meal pick-up. We are very appreciative of Second Harvest’s willingness to help feed our families during spring break.

Cross Creek students should be receiving report cards in the mail soon.

We will be distributing ready-to-eat meals ONLY on Tuesday & Thursday starting this week (Tuesday, March 31 & Thursday, April 2). NO meals will be distributed during spring break (week of April 6 - 10). Please visit our main location at the Thomas County Middle School during the limited times below. The time for community distribution sites will remain the same.

Meal Distribution Schedule Week of March 30 - April 3

For the week of March 23-27: Meal Boxes (10 meals) are available for distribution on MONDAY ONLY.  A snack and a meal provided by Second Harvest will be available on WEDNESDAY. Our meal distribution sites will remain the same.

Meal Updates:  This week we will only be able to provide the meal boxes containing 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches on Monday (3/23). Please plan to pick up a box with your child(ren) on Monday. We want to ensure that all of our students receive a box of food for the entire week. A snack and a meal provided by Second Harvest will be available on Wednesday. Our meal distribution sites will remain the same.  

See schedule below:

Monday & Wednesday
TCMS - 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.*
Bus deliveries - 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon
*On Wednesday while supplies last

Please continue to monitor the district’s web page and Facebook daily for important updates. We are here for our families. For assistance, call the Buzz Helpline at 229-413-1234. 

As a result of the school closures due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Thomas County School System plans to distribute items needed to provide instruction to our students in a variety of formats. Chromebooks will be provided  for any student in grades 2-12 who needs a device to complete digital learning assignments. 

A distribution site will be located at each of our schools during the times below:  

Monday, March 16: 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Parents and Guardians,

The Thomas County School System is working diligently to provide services to your children in order to minimize, as much as possible, disruptions in your child’s education due to the school system closure.

To help us better serve your child, we have developed a short on-line survey.

Please complete the survey at the following link as soon as possible: Thomas County Schools Closure Survey 
Spanish version of survey: Thomas County Schools Encuesta de Necesidades de Cierre

Please continue to check our website and/or Facebook page daily for updates regarding services that will be available to your child during the closure.

The Thomas County School System is in the initial phase of the system's strategic planning process. We value the input of our stakeholders and want to take into consideration the thoughts, ideas, wishes, and dreams of those who are invested in our system. Your input will help establish the system's goals and priorities, which will guide the system over the next five years. If you were unable to attend the Community Engagement Session on Thursday, February 20, to provide your input, please complete the short survey below by 11:45 p.m. on March 5. Thank you for your time, and we greatly appreciate your feedback. 

English survey:    https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CE20-Thomas

Spanish survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CE20-Thomas-Spanish

Those who need translation may email Emily Ross eross@tcjackets.net for assistance.

Join us in remembering the generations of African-Americans who overcame adversity in American society.  Black History Month was conceived in 1925 and celebrated during a week in February 1926.  In 1976, recognition was expanded to a month.  Students and teachers are encouraged to select material from our media center displays and use our resources to learn more about the accomplishments of the historical figures.

Thomas County Schools will be closed Thursday, February 6, due to the threat of high winds and inclement weather. The safety of our students, teachers, and staff is very important to us.

The Thomas County School System is initiating a strategic planning process and invites you to participate! It is vital that we hear from our stakeholders on the future direction of the school district before the plan is developed.

When:  February 20, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where:  Thomas County Central High School   

Who:  All Thomas County School System employees, parents, senior citizens, businessmen and women, civic leaders and residents. High school students are also encouraged to attend.

What:  A Community Engagement Session to gather input from parents, citizens, district employees and students. Everyone is invited: parents, all district employees, high school students and community members. No special experience or knowledge is required. We will present information on the district, the strategic planning process and then break into small groups for discussion.

NOTE: Sandwiches and beverages will be served at the event. Please RSVP using the link below to help us plan how much food to prepare.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CommunityEngagementEvent                                                              

Students in Jen Mobley's, Marnee Stone's, Lynnette Fykes's, and Morgan Taylor's classes recently celebrated the 100th day of school by dressing as 100 year-olds.  They worked in centers to complete STEM activities with Legos and other supplies.  Students also competed in geriatric aerobics to end their unit.

Cross Creek will be hosting "Breakfast With the Guys".  Please join us for third grade on Thursday, February 6th or fourth-grade on Friday, February 7th.  Our event will last from 8 - 9 a.m.

Governor Brian Kemp, along with the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA), has named Thomas County’s Cross Creek Elementary School as a “Gold Award School” for being a highest performing elementary school for the 2018-2019 school year with a student academic growth rate as measured by standardized tests in the top 97th percentile statewide.

The school awards, developed by GOSA and approved by the State Board of Education, are part of Georgia’s Single Statewide Accountability System.

The “Gold Award” designation indicates that Cross Creek students exhibited high growth in student achievement by earning a three-year average growth score in the 97th percentile in the state, meaning that Cross Creek scored better than 97% of the other elementary schools in the state.

Each year, students in grades four through six have an opportunity to compete in the Fair Bear Writing Competition sponsored by the Georgia National Fair.  This year's theme is "Fair Bear Visits Georgia's Coast".  Keya Patel from Mrs. Stewart's class earned first-place, and Maggie Cook from Mrs. Ingles's class earned second place.  Keya's entry will be submitted to the state-wide level of competition.  Congratulations to both students!

In honor of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, students in Lynnette Fykes's and Morgan Taylor's classes made cards and collected money for gift cards to present to our School Resource Officers.  We appreciate their diligence in looking after us each day.

The Thomas County School System is offering an anxiety seminar entitled, "Beyond Survival: Helping Families Cope with Anxiety." The hour-long seminar will be held in the Thomas County School Board Auditorium on Tuesday, January 14, at 6:00 p.m. 

We hope that each of you had a wonderful break and enjoyed special time with friends and family. We look forward to our staff and students returning next week. As a reminder, Monday, January 6, is a teacher workday and a student holiday. Our students are scheduled to return on Tuesday, January 7. Happy New Year!

Eleven Thomas County students were announced winners of the statewide Fire Safety Contest. They were recognized at the 27th Annual Life, Fire, and Safety Awards luncheon sponsored by the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner at the Monroe Conference Center in Forsyth, Georgia.

With 72 schools participating from all over the state, Thomas County Schools had four first place winners, three second place winners, and four third place winners. First place winners received a $50 cash prize, a variety of other prizes, and a visit from the fire safety house to his or her school.

Students from Hand-In-Hand Primary, Garrison-Pilcher, Cross Creek, and Thomas County Middle School brought home awards.   

This year’s poster theme was, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape.” The Poster Contest is open to grades K through 5 and must focus on fire prevention in the home and reflect the National Fire Protection Association theme.

The essay contest theme titled, “What I Want to Learn and Know About the Fire Safety House,” is broken down into two age groups. The Fire Safety Tips Calendar Contest is designed for grades K through 5, and each essay should consist of at least 75 words. Students in grades 6 through 12 must write an essay of at least 500 words.

Cross Creek held a food drive to benefit the Thomas County Food Bank.  Students were very generous in their donations to help families in our community who are less fortunate.  Mrs. Hutchings and her students contributed the most items.  Our student donator was Eli Singletary.  Thank you to all who helped support this worthy cause.

Cross Creek students participated in the annual Daughters of the American Revolution Junior American Citizens Contest.  This year's theme was "The 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment--American Women Rise and Shine".  There were several categories in which students could enter.  We are proud of our group of local winners and wish them well at the state level of competition.

Click here for our list of local winners.

The Salvengers, one of Thomas County Schools' First Lego League teams, competed recently in Albany, GA.  The Salvengers were made up of 4th - 6th grade students.  Students programmed and ran a robot to accomplish five missions on a challenge table.  Students have learned about using robots, iPads, programming, and problem solving.  They researched a problem in cities and presented a skit to promote the idea of using paper bags made from animal waste to cut down on paper bags in landfills.  They were also judged on teamwork and cooperation in one component of the competition.  They were given a task and had to complete it by working out a solution as a team.

"It's too late to apologize now!"  Those were the words the colonists sent to King George III after the defeat of the British by the American colonists in a play performed by Daphney King's fourth-grade students.

"Role-playing is a wonderful way to actively engage students in their learning," said King. "Student engagement is so critical in the learning process.  Facilitating their learning during this process was a thrill.

King wrote a play entitled "No Taxation Without Representation", transforming the usual history lecture about the American Revolution into a live learning model.  Events, places, and characters were based on factual information.  Each student was assigned a role in the play.  Students researched their character, created a unique Google slide which was displayed during their part of the play, and identified key traits.  Students were allowed to come to school "in character" so they could bring their characters to life during the performance.

To King's astonishment, students were found practicing on the playground at recess.  A student ran past yelling, "The British are coming!". The time invested in this activity was well worth the end results.

It's National Computer Science Education Week, but in Thomas County, we are proud to have computer science as a part of our curriculum all year long! Cross Creek Elementary School was featured in this video from the Georgia Department of Education about Computational Thinking. Take time to watch this short video!
https://youtu.be/BAxW5vzREr8

Cross Creek Elementary recently held its Spelling Bee.  The third-grade winner was Brianni Brown. Kate Harvey was first runner-up and Brian Wang was second runner-up in the third-grade competition.  Fourth-grade winner was Jacob Griggs. Maggie Cook was first runner-up and second runner-up was Timothy Torres in the fourth-grade competition. Congratulations to all of our classroom representatives and alternates. Winners will compete in January at the county spelling bee.

Cross Creek Elementary School classes hosted several veterans to share their experiences with students.  Representing each branch of our armed forces, community veterans shared their experiences and pride at having served our country.  Some of our guests are continuing to serve. In making connections to how their service has impacted American lives, our veterans reminded students and staff that, “Freedom is not free.”  Veterans compared our freedoms with those of the countries in which they have been to and served so that we may enjoy democracy and freedoms that come with it. Being sent away from home, serving during conflict and war, and returning to changes in America is not easy.  Cross Creek’s Veterans Day project was to collect monetary donations to donate to our local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - the Allen-Cook Post 4995.  Each year these veterans purchase flags to place on military graves throughout Thomas County on Memorial Day. The donation is to help offset the cost of purchasing the flags.

Third-grade students in Holly Hurst’s and Melissa O’Neal’s classes have been learning about American Indians.  The culture, daily life, and contributions were studied.  Students selected a tribe and used the knowledge they learned to  create a display highlighting aspects of the tribe’s daily life.

The Thomas County School System's BEE Partners of the Quarter were recognized for the first nine weeks. These businesses and industries support the school system in so many ways, and their support is very appreciated.
Hand-In-Hand -Dawson Street Baptist Church WMU
Garrison-Pilcher - Barnett's Creek Baptist Church
Cross Creek - Dog World
Thomas County Middle School - McDonalds
Thomas County Central High School - Thomasville Dental Center (Dr. Sanders)
Bishop Hall - Donathan Photography
If a business or industry is interested in partnering with Thomas County Schools, please contact Erin Rehberg for more information. See pictures of our Partners of the Quarter by clicking the link below.

Students in Summer Perry's class carved a pumpkin after reading How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin by Margaret McNamara.  They used what they knew about multiplication strategies to find our how many seeds were inside.  They made equal groups of five and counted all the way to 394!

The Cross Creek Elementary K-Kids Club is the Y.E.S. (Youth Environmental Stewardship) ambassador for Cross Creek.  During the last Cross Creek Elementary K-Kids meeting, Ms. Candee Henderson (KTCB - Keep Thomas County Beautiful) came as a guest speaker to talk with the club about how to be better stewards of our natural resources and how each K-Kid can help the environment through litter pick up and recycling efforts that the K-Kids Club will take part in again this year.  

Hand-In-Hand Primary School is competing for a $2000 Envision grant that will allow the school to further develop their "Beecoming Your Best" program through social and emotional learning. The school made it to the top nine, and we want them to be in the top 3! See details below about voting.

How to Vote:
Share with your family, friends, and coworkers and encourage them to cast their vote. Come back and vote once per day. Voting ends November 11! To vote, visit the link below. Simply click on the video frame or the circular button in the top left corner of the video to select your choice, enter your email at the bottom of the page, then click the "Vote" button.

www.EnvisionCU.com/VOTE   

Third-graders will be taking the ITBS and CogAT next week (November 4-8).  Please see the attached letter for more information.  The letter was sent home with students recently.  If you have any questions, please contact the school at 229-225-3900.

Parent Testing Letter

November is Parent Engagement Month! During the month of November, we will highlight parents and families that are actively engaging in the success of their students while they are away from school.  Send us your pictures during the month of November to show how you engage with your child at home (helping with homework, reading together, dinner table conversations, etc.).  We will put together a slide show to post to our school's Facebook page as well as play in our front office.  Send your pictures to LaToya Williams, Parent Involvement Coordinator, at latwilliams@tcjackets.net.

Cross Creek Elementary students participated in Fire Safety Week by hosting the Thomas County Fire Department.  Firefighters Tony Pope, Chasity Phillips, Joel Reneau, and Damion Ross led demonstrations for the students and reviewed fire safety rules.  Students were also able to view the fire truck and emergency vehicle.  Families should have a fire safety plan in the event of a house fire.  Our local fire departments offer free smoke detectors and installation to residents.  Please call 225-4190 if you would like more information about fire detectors.

Red Ribbon Week will be recognized October 21st through October 25th.  We hope all of our students and staff will participate.

Cross Creek needs your help in completing the Georgia Parent Survey. There are 24 questions on the survey. Parents may complete the survey using their personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. For parents who do not have access to the Internet, please contact Mrs. LaToya Williams, Parent Involvement Coordinator, at 225-3900, to schedule a date and time to complete the Georgia Parent Survey at school. All parents are encouraged to participate in the Georgia Parent Survey because the data will be used as part of the calculation of the School Climate Star Rating. Survey responses are anonymous, self-reported, and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis. The Georgia Parent Survey is also available in Spanish. Parents may select the Spanish version within the survey. The Georgia Parent Survey link is posted below.

Thank you in advance for completing the survey. 

Georgia Parent Survey:

https://gshs.gadoe.org/parents

Cross Creek Elementary wants to thank the Thomas County community for support of our recent Cross Creek discount card sale. Profits from the sale of the cards contribute to student academics and rewards. All of our students worked hard in the sale. Top sellers have been named and have received their prizes. We had a fourth-place tie with Charlie Thornhill and Paisley Yarbrough each winning a bike and Jayden Rodrigues won a motorized scooter for third-place. Julia James placed second and won an electric motor cross bike. Our TOP winner, who gets to take the go-cart home, is Autumn Rich.

Congratulations to August Johnson, a student at Cross Creek Elementary.  He was the fourth-grade overall winner of the art show and contest sponsored by One Book Thomas County and Thomas County Public Library System.  The theme, My Backyard: Nature Found in My Hometown, challenged students in grades 2 - 12 to create an original piece of art based on the theme of nature found right out of our back door.  

“It is not your ordinary history lesson.  It’s engaging and fun for students during this third-grade unit of study,” says Lynnette Fykes.  Mrs. Fykes, Morgan Taylor, Jen Mobley, and Marnee Stone revive Ancient Greece for their Cross Creek students.  In addition to dressing up in various Greek costumes, students rotated through different sessions to learn more about the government and other areas of the Ancient Greek culture.  Students built a catapult, made clay medallions, constructed Hoplite shields, learned how to write their names in the Greek alphabet, and held a mini-Olympics. A grand feast was the culmination activity.

Visit our photo gallery for more photos.

Following a recent study of heat and matter, third-grade students in Holly Hurst's and Melissa O'Neal's classes created solar ovens and made s'mores.

Celebrate Cross Creek by wearing a new t-shirt. Our Cross Creek t-shirts are $10 for Youth Small through Adult XL sizes. Adult 2X-3X sizes are $12. Contact Mrs. LaToya Williams, PIC, for purchasing or to answer any questions at 225-3900.

As part of our Live Better Challenge sponsored by Archbold Medical Center, students were treated to a food tasting featuring our Superfood of the month - the apple.  Students enjoyed an apple, cabbage, and cranberry slaw that was tasty in addition to being very nutritious. After the tasting, students were eligible for a drawing in which several prizes were presented to our students.  

Wednesday, September 18th is picture day.  Return forms and payment to Cross Creek or you may order online at

www.swiphoto.com/pictureday

Thank you to all of our guests during Grandparents Days and our Book Fair.  It is always a great day when our grandparents visit Cross Creek and celebrate with us.  We also love it when they visit the book fair with their grandchildren and grandfriends.  We appreciate the support of our book fair.  It is exciting when students find books they want to have as their own.

Visit our photo gallery for more photos.

A federal grant is providing fresh fruits and vegetables to Thomas County students.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a federally assisted program that provides all children in participating schools with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options. The FFVP also encourages schools to develop partnerships at the state and local levels for support in implementing and operating the program.
 

Thomas County Schools has planned volunteer orientation for Tuesday, September 3rd.  There are two options to choose from - 8:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m.  Sessions will be held at the Thomas County Professional Learning Center.

Grandparents' Days are coming up soon at Cross Creek Elementary.  We hope you are making plans to join us for breakfast and to visit the book fair on September 4-6.  Flyers with more information was sent home in student Honeybee Folders.

Click here for flyer.

Monday, August 26, parents of Cross Creek's third-grade students have an opportunity to participate in the GACHIP identification kit program sponsored by several Georgia civic organizations.  Forms for participation are being sent home and must be returned Monday, August 26. 

Cross Creek picture day is just around the corner.  Make sure to save the date of Wednesday, September 18th.  Information on packages and pricing will be sent home closer to the date.  You will also be offered an option to purchase on-line.

Art After School is a studio class where students get hands-on art making instruction. Students will use various materials such as watercolor, ceramics and mixed media. Classes are offered for elementary students Tuesdays (grades K - 2 ONLY) and Thursdays (grades 3 - 4 ONLY). Monthly tuition is $35 and limited to 20 students per day.

Art classes will begin September 3. Due to fall and spring breaks, two free makeup days will be offered in December and one in May. All materials for the class are provided. Please be aware that some days students will be working with paint, oil pastels, and clay.

Tuition must be paid at time of registration and at the last class of each month for the following month for students to continue classes. Should your student have an unpaid balance, they will not be able to continue classes. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Young at (229) 225-5050 ext. 126 or cyoung@tcjackets.net.

The deadline to register is August 27. Click on link below for more information!
Art After School flyer

Thomas County School Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams has appointed Dr. Lauren Duplantis to serve as the district’s health and wellness coordinator.

Duplantis will chair the system’s wellness committee and will help market the school-based health center as an option for parents who do not have a primary-care provider.

It's that time again!  Cross Creek Card Sale packets have been sent home with students.  Information for due dates for money and orders is included in the letter from our Academic Booster president.  Cross Creek staff and students appreciate your support in selling the cards.  From academic support to recreational fun, profits from the card sale help support our students.

Cross Creek had a wonderful first day of school.  Our teachers were ready and greeting students as they arrived.  Please check out the photo gallery for a glimpse of our day.

Make plans to join our TCCHS cheerleaders for Cross Creek's cheer camp on Monday, August 12th from 3:30 - 5:00.   

Click here for more information.

The Thomas County School Board has approved administrative personnel changes for the 2019-2020 school year upon the recommendation of Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams.

Richard Potter has been named principal of the Renaissance Center for Academic and Career Development. The Renaissance Center is Thomas County’s alternative school, serving students in grades 5-12 whose home schools are Thomas County Middle School, Thomas County Central High School, or Bishop Hall Charter School.

Thomas County School Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams has appointed Michele Dechman instructional coordinator of Bishop Hall Charter School.

Dechman joined the faculty of Thomas County Schools in 1999 where she has taught elementary education, special education, gifted education, and computer coding.  She earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University and an educational specialist degree from Valdosta State University.
 

The Thomas County School System is pleased to announce the introduction of a string orchestra program for the 2019-2020 school year serving students in grades 4 -12.

Dr. Boyan Bonev has joined the faculty of Thomas County Schools and will lead the formation of the string orchestra program with classes held during both the school day and after school.

In order to recognize the teachers who have gone above and beyond with implementing the effective use of technology in classroom instruction, this year the Thomas County School System named the second annual Digital Learning All-Star Teacher at each school and for the district. Daphney King, a fourth grade teacher Cross Creek Elementary School, was selected as the district winner.

“The Thomas County School System has made a significant investment in technology for our students and teachers as a result of having E-SPLOST funds and receiving other grants," said Erin Rehberg, Digital Learning Coordinator for Thomas County Schools. "It is important to reward those teachers who have used the technology provided to them to effectively transform the learning process in their classrooms.  Not only do all of our Digital Learning All-Star Teachers effectively use technology with their students, they are also known for helping their peers with various technology tools.”

Each school held a nomination process with the winner for each school completing an application in order to compete for the district title. This year, the district winner was awarded a Google Chromebook courtesy of Firefly Computers and will be able to attend an educational technology conference in the fall.  

Student Google accounts will be disabled from June 17 - August 2, 2019. If a student needs account access during this time, he or she should complete the form below.   Please allow 24 hours for access to be granted. Student accounts will continue to be monitored for inappropriate usage during the summer months.  Questions should be directed to Erin Rehberg at erehberg@tcjackets.net.

Student Account Request Form

The Thomas County School System wants students to READ this summer!  Did you know that students can have up to a 2-3 month loss in reading ability over the summer?  It's important for students to spend time sharpening their reading skills!

Each school has developed a summer reading challenge for students.  We would like for students to read for 15-30 minutes everyday this summer. The guidelines and requirements vary by school.  Please click the link below for more information about each school's guidelines.  If you need more information, please talk to the media specialist at each school.  The guidelines are for the school the students will be attending in the 2019-2020 school year.

Guidelines for all schools

Click here for information about programs at the Thomas County Public Library this summer!

Free eBooks are provided for all students this summer -- Click here for more information

Tips to avoid the summer reading slump

Students treated their moms to a great breakfast in the Cross Creek cafeteria and presented their moms with gifts that were made in the classroom.  We always appreciate our parent support.  Thank you for attending this special event.

Visit our photo gallery for more photos.

Parents of rising fifth-grade students are invited to orientation at Thomas County Middle School.  It will be held Thursday, May 9th at 5:00 in the cafeteria.  For more information, please contact Thomas County Middle School -- 229-225-4394.

Make plans to join us for orientation, Tuesday, May 7, 2019.  We will begin in the cafeteria at 5:30.

Third-grade students from Barrow, Fykes, Mobley, and Morgan Taylor's classes participated in an I Kid A Rod race set up across the Cross Creek campus.  The event was held after learning about the Iditarod dog sled race held in Alaska each year.  Students had to race as teams through a series of checkpoints, while completing tasks such as word problems, map skills, and answering questions to show their knowledge and history of the Iditarod.  This is the sixth year students have been able to participate in this fun learning experience.

Visit our photo gallery to see more.

This year’s theme for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Junior Citizens Contest was “The 50th Anniversary of the Lunar Landing -- America’s Great Move Forward in Exploration and Technology”.  Several Cross Creek students participated in this year’s competition and placed in the local level which allowed their entries to be submitted in progression for the state, Southeastern Region, and national levels of competition.  Student entries were banner, stamp design, poem, short story, and poster.

The Cross Creek K-Kids Club, led by faculty advisers Leslie Aracri and Lanie West, was awarded for their work in leading the school as a Youth Environmental Stewardship (YES) school! The K-Kids Club distributed a pledge and received acceptance from the majority of our school to keep our community and Earth cleaner. Through efforts of recycling (paper & plastic bottle caps), the Litter Getters group of the K-Kids Club, and each student doing their part, our school and Earth is a cleaner place. Dr. Williams, Superintendent of Thomas County Schools, presented the K-Kids Club with the award on behalf of Keep Thomas County Beautiful. Keep Thomas County Beautiful added another decal to the Cross Creek YES banner to commemorate Cross Creek's third year as a YES champion!

Thomas County School System officials have named Jill Grimes, first grade teacher at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School, as the District Teacher of the Year.

“Being named Teacher of the Year for the Thomas County School System is such an honor,” Mrs. Grimes said. “I am incredibly grateful to work with the most amazing and supportive colleagues. Our system is composed of phenomenal people on every level. The support of my coworkers, family, and friends is what has shaped me into the educator I am today. To represent our system at state will be a privilege.” 

Grimes has been a teacher for three years with Thomas County Schools. She began her teaching career in Mitchell County in 2008 first as a fifth grade teacher in math, science and social studies, and then as a Pre-K teacher at Mitchell County Elementary School where she taught for eight years.

Due to the threat of high winds and inclement weather, the Thomas County School System will be closed Friday, April 19.

April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to celebrate and honor the sacrifices and experiences of military children.

On Wednesday, April 10, State School Superintendent Richard Woods suggests that each local school district have their faculty, staff and students wear purple to honor and show support for the children of military families in Georgia’s public schools.

Please join Thomas County Schools in supporting our military families.

All interested parents of rising 5th - 8th graders are invited to a Meet & Greet MERIT Night!

Thursday, April 11
6:00 p.m.
TCMS Cafeteria

Topics include: Introduction to the MERIT program; the application process; experienceing MERIT through a student's viewpoint; and the impact of MERIT beyond middle school. Guided tours of TCMS will follow the meeting!

After completing a unit on the Civil War, Ms. Dorminey and Mrs. Waller's class visited the Andersonville Historic Site.  Students received a first hand account of the conditions and experiences at Andersonville during the Civil War. During a tour of the POW Museum, they learned about the different areas from a Park Ranger guided tour that also included the memorial sites.

Students recently participated in the Kids Heart Challenge (formerly known as Jump Rope for Heart). This year, students raised $5,380 for the American Heart Association. Carson Morales was our top fundraiser and Karson McCutchen and Keya Patel tied for second-place. Thank you to all of you who participated in jumping and raising money. We appreciate all of your support for this important cause.

Visit our Photo Gallery for photographs

The Thomas County School System's financial system was recently targeted by criminals who sought to steal funds from a school system account. Security procedures that the school system and its banking partner have in place prevented the loss of any funds. Click on the link below for more information. 

IMPORTANT SECURITY AND PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION NOTIFICATION

In light of the recent news stories concerning hacking on YouTube and other websites that provide children's programming, we urge parents to monitor what their children are viewing by way of Internet connections. The Internet can be a wonderful educational tool, but the online world can also be dangerous. Please protect your children by supervising their Internet exposure.

The Thomas County School System has services that monitor all student web searches, email messages and storage of files for inappropriate or dangerous content. We are diligent in protecting students while they are using accounts and devices provided by the district whether they are at school or off-campus. We urge parents to monitor their students’ use of all Internet connections, especially those that occur outside of the school system’s monitored network.

Please feel free to contact your child’s school or the school district if you ever have concerns about Internet content that your child accesses by way of a school system owned device or connection.

Do you have a budding scientist in your family?  Join us for a night filled with fun activities for the whole family.  

Cross Creek Elementary Cafeteria:
Monday, February 25th from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Garrison-Pilcher Elementary Gymnasium:
Tuesday, February 26th from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Thomas County Middle School Gymnasium:
Wednesday, February 27th 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Cross Creek fourth-graders celebrated their dads with our Super Dads breakfast.  We had over 200 joining in our celebration time.  Dads went to the students' homeroom classes and went together to enjoy a hearty breakfast.  Thank you to all of our dads who are Super Dads everyday!

Visit our photo gallery for more pictures.

Each year the Georgia National Fair sponsors a creative writing competition for fourth-sixth graders.  This year's theme was "Fair Bear's Favorite Holiday Tradition".  Emeline Jefferies's entry won first place.  She is a student on Mrs. Holm and Mrs. Peterson's team.  Entries from Hudson Wynn and Jordan Wallace placed second and third respectively.  They are students from Miss Clifton and Mrs. Milam's team.

Cross Creek has had a great day celebrating our third-grade Super Dads.  A hot filling breakfast was served for over 200 guests.  We are so appreciative of all those who take on the role of dad to our students providing support in so many ways.

Visit our photo gallery for more photographs.

Cross Creek students in Mrs. Barrow's, Mrs. Mobley's, Mrs. Fykes's, and Miss Taylor's classes particpated in the Global Day of Play and Creativity.  It was a no technology day as students selected different media and items to build and create using their imaginations.

Visit our Gallery to see more photographs.

Hand-In-Hand Primary School is holding Pre-K and Kindergarten registration for the 2019-2020 school year on Monday, February 4, and Tuesday, February 5, from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. both days. Registration will take place on the Board of Education campus in the Professional Learning Center. For Pre-K, your child must be 4 or 5 years old ON or BEFORE September 1, 2019. All eligible students signed up for Pre-K on these days will be guaranteed a slot. Click on the link below for more information.

Hand-In-Hand Pre-K/K Registration

It was an exciting day for Cross Creek students who made Honor Roll the first or second nine-week term.  We also recognized students who had perfect attendance and those who were awarded Terrific Kids.  Thank you for attending and showing your support for our students.

The Georgia Parent Survey is now open and contains 24 questions. Parents may complete the survey using their personal computer, smartphone, or tablet.  Parents who do not have access to the Internet will be allowed to complete the Georgia Parent Survey at school.  Please contact an administrator or the Parent Involvement Coordinator to make arrangements.  The survey will be open through January 31, 2019.

Data from the survey will be used as part of the calculation of the School Climate Star Rating for schools. Survey responses are anonymous and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis. The Georgia Parent Survey is also available in Spanish. Parents may select the Spanish version within the survey. The Georgia Parent Survey link is posted below.  Thank you for participating.

Georgia Parent Survey:

http://gshs.gadoe.org/parents

It's yearbook time again.  Don't miss out on this deal for $20.  Ordering information has been sent home in student Honeybee Folders.  Deadline for ordering is Friday, March 15.  You may send a check payable to Cross Creek Elementary or pay on line at www.swiphoto.com/yb

This year, we are also selling ad space.  The due date for ad purchasing is March 1st.  Parent ads and business ads are available and range in cost from $5 to $40.  Click here for the ad form.

For more information about our yearbook, contact mgroom@tcjackets.net

Cross Creek students who displayed good behavior during the second nine-weeks of school and met the criteria to attend the Achieving Bee event were treated to cookies, cocoa, and were able to spend time with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  They were also able to participate in a dance with DJs to Go.  Congratulations to our Achieving Bee students.

Each year, Cross Creek students get to participate in the book Christmas tree estimation contest. Mrs. James, media specialist, constructs a tree made of books and our students estimate how many books are in the tree. This year, Kaleb Colon and Dakota Law, estimated 127 books, which was the exact amount. Kaleb and Dakota each won a goodie bag filled with books and other prizes. Jordan McLaughlin was our teacher winner - she estimated the exact amount also. Congratulations!

Cross Creek Elementary School is the newest recipient of a $2,000 Envision grant that will allow the school to further develop its outdoor classroom. Plans are to build a gazebo, add picnic tables, a podium and a weather station. Teachers and students will have an opportunity to engage in lessons across the curriculum and conduct experiments in an outdoor environment. Thank you Envision Credit Union for helping our teachers to expand our curriculum and engage our students. Congratulations!

We are pleased to announce that the Thomas County Health Department will be coming to your child's school during the month of January to offer the flu vaccine. There will be no out-of-pocket cost for your child to receive the vaccine given during the school flu clinics. If you would like for your child to get vaccinated at the school flu clinic, please click on the link below for more information and to access the consent form: 

Flu Packet to return by January 15, 2018

The Thomas County School System has been named a Google Reference District. In order to become a reference district, Google must recognize the work being done by a district with G Suite for Education and send an application to the system.  

Thomas County Schools began using G Suite for Education in 2015. Since that time, the district has adopted Google Chromebooks at a rate of one device per student in grades 2-12.  Students in grades 9-12 are allowed to check out a Chromebook for use both at home and at school.

“Adding G Suite tools and Chromebooks in our district has allowed our teachers to do many things that they have never been able to do in the past,” said Erin Rehberg, Digital Learning and Media Services Coordinator for Thomas County Schools. “Technology truly has the power to transform learning by allowing students to easily collaborate, communicate, and create.  Being named a Google Reference District is confirmation that our teachers are using technology to help prepare Thomas County students for their futures.”

For the 11^th year, the Thomas County Certified Literate Community Program has donated dictionaries to third-graders at Cross Creek Elementary School.  Volunteers Rick Horton, Jonathan Cleveland, Andy Semones, Adrian Burns, Rhea Bershear, Nicole Gatlin, and Dr. Bob Dechman, who represented various local community organizations, visited classrooms and presented dictionaries to each third-grader.

Cross Creek students have been in  the spirit of giving as we collected non-perishable food for the Thomas County Food Bank.  Students from Mrs. Fykes and Miss Taylor's classes helped sort and box up our donations.  Cross Creek collected over 2,000 food items for needy families in the community.  Thank you to all of you who were able to donate to this needy cause.

Several students placed in the local level competition of the Junior American Citizens Contest sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).  This year's theme is:  "The 50th Anniversary of the Lunar Landing -- America's Great Move Forward in Exploration and Technology".  All of our first-place winners will now compete at the state level of competition.

Fourth-grader Maura Beckwith won the fourth-grade Spelling Bee that was held recently.  First runner-up was Anaya Patel and Kinsley Howard was second runner-up.  We are proud of these students and wish them the best at the county competition. 

Congratulations to our third-graders who placed in the school spelling bee recently.  In the third-grade competition, Maggie Cook was our spelling bee winner.  Brenna Wilson was our first runner-up and Wesley Herring was second runner-up.  We are very proud of all of our contestants.

Cross Creek needs your vote.  We are competing for a $2,000 Envision grant that will allow us to further develop our outdoor classroom.  We made the top six, but need to be in the top three!  How do you vote?  Share this link with your family, friends, and coworkers and encourage them to cast their vote too.  You can vote once daily.  Voting ends December 15 - so don't delay - vote today!

https://www.envisioncu.com/Vote

Cross Creek students in Holly Hurst's classes have been studying regions of Georgia and habitats.  They wrapped up their study by discussing camouflage and how this adaptation helps animals survive in their habitats.  They camouflauged animals in their habitats to demonstrate how this adaptation can hide animals.

The Cross Creek K-Kids Club had a great time at the Veterans Parade. They made signs showing their love and appreciation for all who have served our country. Thank you veterans!

Cross Creek students honored veterans by raising money that was donated to the VFW to help purchase over 4,000 flags.  These flags will be placed on military graves throughout Thomas County on Memorial Day.  Mr. Lynwood Knight and Mr. Joey Little accepted the donation from Mrs. Lane, Assistant Principal, and a few of our students who participated. 

Students in Melissa O'Neal's class created character pumpkins based on characters from a favorite book.  Reports were written about the book and shared in class.  They were very creative and resourceful in making their characters.

Thomas County Schools Transportation Department presented information and skits to explain to our students how to remain safe while waiting for, riding, and disembarking the bus.  Our bus drivers are the first faces that greet many of our students daily.  We appreciate all they do each day for our students.

Cross Creek is excited to host our APTT night on Thursday, October 25th from 6-7 p.m.  Learn more of what is expected academically, how academics are assessed, and how you can support your student at home.  We hope you are making plans to join us.

Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated October 22nd - 26th.  Click here to see the week's activities. Thank you for your support!

A drive-thru flu shot clinic scheduled for Monday, October 15 at Thomas County Central High School has been canceled until further notice.  

Students who sold 100 or more Cross Creek cards and students who earned our Achieving Bees Behavior Award were entertained by Noel Kunz, aka the Yo-Yo Man.  Noel has been involved in competitive yo-yoing since 2004 and is recognized as one of the world's best.  He has appeared on several shows and venues showcasing his talent and spreading his love of the yo-yo.  Students were able to see traditional yo-yo tricks like walking-the-dog and some new modern tricks too.

It's easy to help Cross Creek earn money while you shop at Publix.  Become a Publix Partner and you will help out each time you shop.  For more information, please visit www.publix.com/partners

Several of our third-grade students have been studying about the lives and culture of the Ancient Greek.  Students recently participated in Greek Day by dressing up in Greek attire, learning the alphabet, enjoying Greek food, dancing, and creating artwork.

Visit our photo gallery for more photographs.

Picture Day is coming Wednesday, September 19th.  Order forms were sent home, but you can also place your order online. 

Visit www.swiphoto.com/picture day to place an order before picture day on September 19th.

Our school resource officer, Jeff Brinson, visited Mandy Rice's class and read Matt de la Pena's, Last Stop on Market Street, winner of the 2016 Newbery Award.  This story tells of a grandmother and grandson's Sunday bus rides in which the grandmother teaches her grandson to find and appreciate the beauty in the world around them. 

Officer Brinson is new to Cross Creek this year and is already making connections with our students, staff, and parents.  

Cross Creek's Book Fair will be starting soon.  We are excited about all of the new books that we have for students to purchase for home.  If you would like to volunteer, please contact Mrs. James in the media center.  Parent letters and brochures have been sent home with students.  Check out the eWallet option that is now being offered by Scholastic.

Parents...Are you familiar with vault apps? Do you have questions about cyberbullying and dangerous social media trends? Thomas County Schools is sponsoring a FREE Cyber-Safety Seminar with nationally recognized speaker, Sgt. Jesse Hambrick of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.  Please make plans to attend on September 11 at 6:00 PM at the Thomas County Board of Education.

Cross Creek's annual Title I Parent Night is scheduled for Tuesday, August 28, 2018.  Please make plans to join us in your child's classroom at 5 PM for a video presentation, question and answer time, and Title I information.  Refreshments will be served.

Cross Creek has kicked off its annual Cross Creek Card Sale.  Cards are $5 each and quickly pay for themselves after just a few uses.  Profit from the sale provides many extras for our students and staff.  Our Academic Boosters Club has worked very hard to enroll businesses and select student prizes.  Your child will bring an informational packet home with all of the information that you will need to have a successful fundraiser. Thank you in advance for your support.

Cross Creek students in Daphney King's class work on team-building skills in Michele Dechman's coding rotation.  Without using their hands, students had to work collaboratively to stack cups in a specific pattern.

Cross Creek teachers and staff were ready to greet students today at Open House.  Students were able to meet their new teachers and classmates. We are looking forward to an exciting school year.  Visit our photo gallery to see more photos.

The Thomas County Public Library will be on hand at the following open house events to register you and your children for public library cards:

Thursday, August 1 - Thomas County Middle School
2:30-4:00 PM - 5th and 6th grade
3:30-4:30 PM - 5th grade MERIT

Friday, August 2 - Hand in Hand 
8:00-10:00 AM - PreK and Kindergarten

Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School - 10:00 AM -12:00 PM - 1st and 2nd grade

Thank you for your support of Thomas County Schools and the Thomas County Public Library.  

Please click "...Read More" for all open house dates and times.  

The Thomas County Elementary Schools supplies/wish list is now available. The Thomas County School System has not made any changes to the bookbag/backpack policy. For questions, please contact the Thomas County Board of Education at 229-225-4380.

Thomas County Elementary Schools Supplies/Wish List

Cross Creek Elementary has set Open House dates for the upcoming school year.  We are offering two sessions on Friday, August 3, 2018.  Please select one session to attend:  12-2 PM or 4-6 PM.  Our teachers and staff look forward to seeing you then.

Save the date for the annual Back to School Blitz! This year's event will take place in the gym at Thomasville High School on Saturday, August 4, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

In order to recognize the teachers who have gone above and beyond with implementing the effective use of technology in classroom instruction, this year the Thomas County School System named the first ever Digital Learning All-Star Teacher at each school and for the district.

“With the help of local E-SPLOST funds as well as several grants received over the past several years, the Thomas County School System has made a significant investment in technology for our students and teachers," said Erin Rehberg, Digital Learning Coordinator for Thomas County Schools. "This year we thought it would be very beneficial to reward those teachers who have used the technology provided to them to effectively transform the learning process in their classrooms. Not only do all of our Digital Learning All-Star Teachers effectively use technology with their students, they are also known for helping their peers with various technology tools.”  

Each school held a nomination process with the winner for each school completing an application in order to compete for the district title. This year, the district winner was awarded a laptop computer courtesy of ByteSpeed Computers and will be able to attend an educational technology conference in the fall.  

Thomas County School System officials have named Lacey Howard, fourth grade special education teacher at Cross Creek Elementary School, as the District Teacher of the Year.

“I was very surprised and felt very honored to be named Teacher of the Year,” Howard said. “There are always so many wonderful things happening in the Thomas County School System. To be given the opportunity to represent our amazing system is such a privilege.” 

Congratulations to Cross Creek students who won ribbons at this weekend's National Math Fest competition in Birmingham, Alabama.  We are proud of our students.

Student Google accounts will be disabled from June 15 - August 3, 2018. If a student needs account access during this time, he or she should complete the form below.   Please allow 24 hours for access to be granted. Student accounts will continue to be monitored for inappropriate usage during the summer months.  Questions should be directed to Erin Rehberg at erehberg@tcjackets.net.

Student Account Request Form

The K-Kids Club at Cross Creek Elementary School led the school in collecting donations for the Coins for Critters fundraiser for the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society.  Altogether, students at Cross Creek raised $1,490.44.  Melissa O'Neal's third-grade class raised the most money.  The check was presented to Gail Roberts, the executive director of the humane society. 

The Thomas County School System wants students to READ this summer!  Did you know that students can have up to a 2-3 month loss in reading ability over the summer?  It's important for students to spend time sharpening their reading skills!

Each school has developed a summer reading challenge for students.  We would like for students to read for 15-30 minutes everyday this summer. The guidelines and requirements vary by school.  Please click the link below for more information about each school's guidelines.  If you need more information, please talk to the media specialist at each school.  The guidelines are for the school the students will be attending in the 2017-2018 school year.

Guidelines for all schools

Click here for information about programs at the Thomas County Public Library this summer!

Free eBooks are provided for all students this summer -- Click here for more information

Other free learning resources for the summer

 Congratulations to Jocelyn Simmermaker for being named as the Cross Creek Digital Learning All-Star Teacher. 

Join us for our rising third-grade orientation Tuesday, May 8th at 5:30 p.m.  We will offer a tour of the school and an overview of what to expect during third-grade. Hope to see you then.

Congratulations to our Cross Creek students who placed at the national level of competition for this year's DAR Junior American Citizens Contest. 

Cross Creek wishes to congratulate Clover Siddell, a fourth-grade student in Susan Milam's language arts class.  Clover earned third-place in the annual Fair Bear Writing competition sponsored by the Georgia National Fair.

The Thomas County School System is conducting a Parent Survey.  We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey. Please be assured that your responses to this survey will be anonymous. Thank you for your time and valuable feedback!

2019 Parent Survey

Students in Kelly Dorminey's third-grade class recently participated in a mini-writing festival. 

Please join us as celebrate all of our wonderful moms.  We hope you are able to join us!  Click here for more information.

Early Thursday morning, the Thomas County School System’s Maintenance Department was notified that employees and students at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School were complaining about the odor of diesel fuel in some parts of the building.  A few students and teachers complained of headaches that they believed to be associated with the odor.  The maintenance department investigated the odor and found diesel fuel in a ditch near the school.

Click here for information and registration for Thomas County Summer STEM Camps.

Spring Break is Monday, April 2, through Friday, April 6. Students will return on Monday, April 9. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday and a very Happy Easter!

Cross Creek is selling yearbooks for the 2017-2018 school year.  Each yearbook is $20.  Make your checks payable to Cross Creek Elementary or order online at www.swiphoto.com/yb.  Deadline to order is March 15th for this special item!

Cross Creek's annual Cherrydale Cookie Dough Fundraiser orders and money are due Monday, March 5th.  We appreciate all of your support.  Profits enable us to provide additional instructional and rewards for our deserving students.

Cross Creek is holding its Spring book fair February 26 - March 2.  We will be open from 8:30 until 2:30 p.m. in the media center.  This year's book fair is offering some great new titles at affordable prices. 

Cross Creek wants to congratulate Mrs. Lacey Howard on being named Teacher of the Year.  Mrs. Howard teaches students with special needs and makes a difference in the lives of her students.  She also serves as the fourth-grade LEA and is very deserving of this recognition.  We appreciate all she does in representing Cross Creek.

Cross Creek Elementary students recently participated in Jump Rope for Heart.  Laylen Hines, Mackenzie Smith, Joh'Nae Wells, and RJ Christopher were our top prize earners.  Students raised money in the community as a donation to this worthy cause.

Make plans to join us for Cross Creek's STEM night, Monday, February 26th from 4-6 PM.  The book fair will also be open.

Did you miss our Georgia Milestones Infomation session?  Please find our presentation below.

Cross Creek GA Milestones Information Presentation

Students and staff of Cross Creek recently enjoyed a performance by the Daraja Children's Choir of Uganda, Africa. The choir shared their language and culture through song and dance.  Visit our photo gallery for more photos.

What an awesome Super Dads day we had! We are so thankful for our community of dads (300 plus) who came to spend time with their children and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast. Our cafeteria staff did an amazing job cooking and serving our guests.

Students in Ms. Sykes's homeroom at Cross Creek Elementary enjoyed a pizza party for being the top class to collect donations for the UNICEF Eliminate project organized by the K-Kids Club (a division of Kiwanis, International).  K-Kids advisors, Mrs. Aracri and Mrs. West, were proud of the donations raised by Cross Creek students which amounted to $700.00. 

Due to the drastic increase in flu cases throughout the nation and state, the Thomas County Health Department has agreed to return to our system to provide flu vaccines to our students. The Health Department will have flu vaccine clinic sites at TCMS and GP on Jan. 31. The school system will transport the participating students to the flu clinic sites on Jan. 31 to obtain their flu shot.

Participating students from HnH, TCMS, TCCHS, and BH will obtain their vaccinations between 7:30–10:00 AM at TCMS on Jan. 31. GP and CC participating students will receive their flu shots at GP between 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM on Jan. 31.

If you would like to sign your child up to receive a flu vaccine on Jan. 31, you will need to complete the Parental Vaccine Consent Form linked below and return the form to your child’s school by Friday, Jan. 26. If the vaccine consent form is not signed and returned by Friday, Jan. 26, your child will not be able to participate in the flu vaccine clinic on Jan. 31.

Flu Vaccine Consent Form - Students

Flu Vaccine Sign-up Form - Staff 

Flu Vaccine Administration Record, Flu Vaccine Info, Privacy Notice 

Make plans to join your student for breakfast on Super Dads Day, Friday, February 2nd, from 8 to 9 a.m. 

Thomas County School System officials have been closely monitoring the weather forecast for tomorrow and have been in communications with Thomas County Emergency Managment Services. Unless there is a change in the forecast, Thomas County Schools will be open tomorrow, Wednesday, January 17. If there is a change in conditions, announcements will be made on our website, social media pages, and by way of our phone messaging system and local media outlets. 

The Thomas County Board of Education has approved the hiring of Ashley Henderson as Thomas County Central High School’s head football coach. Henderson will officially begin work on Thursday, February 1.

Henderson comes to the Thomas County School System from Valwood School in Hahira, Georgia, where he served as head coach for six years. While a coach at Valwood, he led the team to state championships three times, and celebrated being region champs five times.

December 4-10 is Computer Science Education Week in America.  According to csedweek.org, there are currently 486,686 open computing jobs nationwide.  Last year, only 42,969 computer science students graduated into the workforce.  Students in the Thomas County School System are participating in a variety of coding and computer science activities this week in order to foster an interest in computer science and expand upon computational thinking practices. In addition to the activities this week, students in our system have the opportunity to be a part of a comprehensive computer science education program that spans from grades K-12.  Check out this video from Mrs. Michele Dechman's coding class at Cross Creek Elementary School!

A community listening session will be held Monday evening, December 11, at 6:00 p.m. in the Thomas County Central High School cafeteria.

Students and faculty members in Thomas County Schools sing and play their favorite Christmas songs on "A Yellow Jacket Christmas 4," on sale in the TCCHS front office and school store and at most Thomas County Schools for only $10. 

All proceeds are donated to fund Shop With A Yellow Jacket teams! 

All selections are recorded & produced in Yellow Jacket Studios within the TCCHS Broadcasting/Video/Audio Production department!

Click on the picture above to hear previews of the songs.

Cross Creek students from Mrs. Joy West's STEM lab enjoyed learning about a weather balloon. After a fun lesson, they mailed information back to the National Weather Bureau.

The Red Nose Run is being held on Saturday, December 16, at Thomas University. The half marathon and 5K run/walk will begin at 8:00 a.m., and the fun run (12 & under) will begin at 9:00 a.m. The event is sponsored by Thomasville Junior Service League and Thomasville National Bank. Proceeds from the event will benefit Thomas County's children's charities. Register before December 1 to ensure t-shirt availability! Click on the link below for the registration form:

JSL/TNB Red Nose Run Registration Form

Cross Creek students are collecting non-perishable food items for donation to the Thomas County Food Bank.  We appreciate your help as we try to help those in our community. 

Thomas County Literacy Fair will be held Thursday, November 7th from 5:30 - 7PM at the Thomas County Public Library on Madison Street.  Fun and literacy resources available for all ages.

Third-grade students in Holly Hurst's and Melissa O'Neal's classes recently cooked s'mores in solar ovens.  The ovens were made while the classes were studying heat.

Michael Barr, a local State Farm agent, reads to Mitchell Wood and Ashton Baker. Many thanks to Mr. Barr for partnering with our school and supporting our students.

The Thomas County Board of Education has approved the appointment of Brecca Pope to the position of Director of Administrative Services at the Board of Education. Pope comes to the board office from Cross Creek Elementary School where she served as assistant principal for the past six years.

"I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve the students and staff of Thomas County Schools in this capacity,” Pope said.  “As an educator, I recognize the benefits of lifelong learning and look forward to my new role as Director of Administrative Services.”

In her new role, Pope will assume many of the duties currently assigned to Dr. Lisa Williams as Dr. Williams prepares to transition into her new role as superintendent designee.

From now on when the school bell rings, Jeanna Mayhall won’t know what to do with herself. For the first time in almost 30 years, the retiring Hand-In-Hand Principal won’t be returning to the school campus at the break of dawn every week day. For Mayhall, who has been in the school environment her whole life, says “it will be hard to transition to the ‘normal’ world because my internal rhythm follows the rhythm of the school calendar.”

The beloved veteran educator who just completed her 29^th year in education was sent off by an adoring group of family, friends and coworkers during a recent reception held in her honor. Mayhall received many gifts and was honored by coworkers who made signs and a slideshow, performed a humorous skit and entertained her with a song written just for her.

The Covey Film Festival is offering an opportunity to view the movie, "Hidden Figures," at no charge on Monday, October 2, at 7:00 p.m. The movie will be shown in the Thomas County School System's Auditorium at 200 North Pinetree Boulevard. Click on the link below to see the flyer for details!

Covey Film Festival Hidden Figures

Please make plans to attend Cross Creek's Literacy and Math Night, Monday, September 25 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.  There will be two sessions presented by our Interventionist Specialists.  Sessions will be held in Rooms 403 and 404 on Honeycomb Lane.

Cross Creek third-grade students have been gifted with a dictionary.  Each year, thanks to community sponsors and grants, our students are able to have an up-to-date dictionary for their use. 

Hand-In-Hand Primary School Assistant Principal Dee Gaines has been appointed principal designee to assume the role effective October 1, following Jeanna Mayhall’s retirement.  The Thomas County Board of Education approved the appointment at its meeting on September 12.

A special thank you to everyone for supporting our school and ordering our Cross Creek T-shirts. If you have not received your t-shirt order, we sincerely apologize for the delay. Unfortunately, we are sold-out in some sizes and colors. Our next shipment is expected to arrive soon. We apologize for the inconvenience and will take care of your order as soon as we can.

Fall picture day is Wednesday, September 20th.  Please return your order form with cash, a check, or money order by Wednesday.  Information for ordering online can be found on the order form.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month.   On Wednesday September 27^th all Thomas County Schools’ staff and students will be showing their support of these brave, beautiful children by GOING GOLD for Childhood Cancer Awareness.  Please allow your child to wear GOLD to school on this day.

Cross Creek Elementary will once again participate in Caps for Cure on Thursday and Friday, September 14th and September 15th.  Please help us by participating in this worthwhile event.

The Salvation Army is accepting applications for Christmas Assistance.  If you are need more information, please contact the Salvation Army at 229-226-3772.  They will be able to give you location dates and times to apply.

Thomas County Schools will welcome staff and students back for a normal day tomorrow, September 13. We do not expect any significant changes to bus routes, and all of our schools will be open for the regular schedule.

The Thomas County School system is monitoring Hurricane Irma very closely. We are working with Thomas County EMS and the National Weather Service to determine the best plan for school closures. Please stay up-to-date by tuning in to the local news, checking our website, and following us on social media including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. It is important to ensure that we have your current contact information because we will be sending out alerts through our notification systems. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Our Book Fair is open.  We have many wonderful titles (new and classic favorites) for you.  Please stop by and visit us.  Proceeds help us purchase new items for the media center.  Thank you for all you do.

Cross Creek Elementary is collecting bathing soap and baby formula for victims of Hurricane Harvey.  If you would like to donate any items, please send them to school by Wednesday, September 6.

Cross Creek is hosting our annual Grandparents' Days celebrations soon.  Please make plans to attend.  We appreciate all of your support.  Make plans to visit the Book Fair while you are here.

DRAMAKIDS! theatre classes will begin on September 5 as part of the Fine Arts Program at Thomas County Middle School for grades 3 & 4 and 5-8. The cost is $35 and will be held on Tuesdays from 3:30-5:00 for Grades 3-4 and on Thursdays for Grades 5-8 from 3:30-5:00. For more information and a registration form, please see the flyer by clicking on the link below: 

DRAMAKIDS! Flyer

Cross Creek students were able to witness the rare phenomenon of a solar eclipse.  Thomas County Schools provided special glasses for viewing the sun.  Students were amazed at the shape of the sun and the decrease in light as its light was blocked by the moon.

Several Cross Creek students participated in the Summer Reading Challenge.  They were treated with an ice cream sundae party.  Keep up the good work.  We are very proud of you.

Make plans to join us for our annual parent night, Tuesday, August 22 at 5:30 PM.  Report to your child's classroom.

Plans are underway for a phenomenal day in Thomas County Schools as students, teachers, and staff observe “The Great American Solar Eclipse” on August 21. To allow students to fully appreciate the experience, the school day in Thomas County Schools will be extended by 30 minutes on the day of the eclipse.

While Thomas County will not see a total eclipse, expectations are that the moon will cover approximately 90% of the sun for a brief period, enough to create a dramatic effect and illustrate the phenomena of an eclipse.

Click here to access the Solar Eclipse Opt Out Form.  

Cross Creek kicked off its annual discount card sale today and are sending order forms home with students.  Our students are very excited about the prizes they can earn.  Proceeds from the sale benefit students and teachers.  At a cost of $5, you will see savings in just a couple of uses.  Contact a Cross Creek student or the school to order yours today. 

You may order on-line by following this link:  https://www2.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome

As we prepare for the new year, we like to reflect on our past accomplishments. This video highlights some of the many successes of our staff members and students who make this school system one of the best. We are looking forward to exciting opportunities and new successes in 2017-2018!

Simply the Best

FIRST LEGO League Informational Meeting

Thursday, August 10, 2017

6:00 PM

Cross Creek Media Center

This meeting is for all students in grades 4-8 who are interested in participating in LEGO League and their parents.  Program goals, team expectations and the application process will be discussed.

Search for Thomas County Schools in your app store to get our new app. Click the link below for more information.

Thomas County Schools App

Join us at the Thomas County Central High School gym for the Back-to-School Blitz this Saturday, July 29!

The Thomas County Board of Education has given tentative approval to a $63.5 million budget for the 2017-2018 school year. The board has scheduled two public hearings prior to final adoption of the budget in compliance with a law passed by the general assembly in 2016 which requires public hearings for school board budgets even if no local property tax increase is anticipated.

The first public hearing will be held in conjunction with a 7:00 p.m., May 23, called board meeting at the Board of Education Meeting Room located at 200 North Pinetree Boulevard, Thomasville. The second hearing will be held in conjunction with the June 13, 2017, board meeting, also at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Meeting Room.

Click here to see FY18 Budget

Your participation matters! Please click on the link below to complete our annual parent survey. The survey will be open until Saturday, May 20. 

PARENT SURVEY

Please click Read More to view the presentation from the rising 5th grade orientation meeting that was held =on May 16.  

This year's theme of the Georgia School Nutrition Association art contest was "Strong Roots, Strong Future: Georgia Grown". Students were to show Georgia-grown fruits and vegetables that have helped Georgia's students continue to be strong and smart. Laylen Hines placed first at the local and state levels; Lillian Oaksford placed second at the local level; and Abigail Singletary placed third at the local level. Cross Creek's School Nutrition Manager is the local president of Chapter 2 of the Association. Congratulations to all!

Cross Creek third-grade students in Priscilla Register's and Layne McDermond's classes completed a small business project after a unit on the study of money.  Students picked a business they would like to open and created posters, flyers, and business cards for advertisements.

Dr. Caitlin Dooley, Georgia Department of Education (DOE) Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, recently visited Thomas County Schools to learn more about what is needed to ensure all students in Georgia – in rural, suburban, and urban schools – have access to high quality Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education including computer science across all grades in K12.

Dr. Dooley’s visit started at the Thomas County Board of Education where she met with school principals and administrators. The group interacted as Dr. Dooley asked questions about Thomas County’s intensive computer science program that starts in Pre-K and continues through twelfth grade.

“Last week, I had the pleasure of seeing students in Thomas County while visiting several school districts in South Georgia,” Dr. Dooley said. “The county is a leader and innovator as it incorporates computer science education throughout elementary, middle, and high school.”

Cross Creek proudly presents our 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year, Kelli Dorminey.  Ms. Dorminey teaches third-grade math, science, and social studies.  She is a wonderful teacher and role model for her students and colleagues.  Congratulations!

March 27, 2017: The Thomas County School System became aware early this morning of a very vague threat to an individual student at one of our schools. The student is safe, and the threat is not deemed to be credible. Contrary to social media rumors, no weapons have been found on any of our school campuses nor have there been any incidents of violence on our campuses.  We have determined that it is safe for our schools to continue with a normal day. Out of an abundance of caution, in cooperation with the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, we have increased security at our schools.

Cross Creek says "thank you" to all of our students who participated in Jump Rope for Heart. We raised $5,779.32 for the American Heart Association during this event. Our top fundraiser was Laylen Hines from Miss Taylor's third-grade class, who raised $562.

Who: Current 4th grade students

What: An interest meeting for the TCMS MERIT program

When: Tuesday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Where: TCMS Cafeteria

Please contact Mrs. Terry Dukes at tdukes@tcjackets.net for any additional information.  

Help Cross Creek by using the FREE Publix Partners Card, which has been given to you.  If you are in need of another card, please contact Mary Dennis, Parent Involvement Coordinator, via email at              mdennis@tcjackets.net or phone (229)225-3900, ext. 118.  If you have forgotten how it works, please go to Cross Creek Elementary's Parent Involvement Web page and click on the Publix Partners Program link.  Thank  you for your continued support. 

Cross Creek yearbook order forms have been sent home with students.  The deadline for ordering the yearbook (payment is necessary for order) is Friday, February 17th.  Don't miss out on this opportunity for 2016-2017 school year memories.  Cost is $20.  Checks may be made out to Cross Creek You may order online at www.swiphoto.com/yb.

Read all of the latest news in the Buzz newsletter! Click the link below:

Jan/Feb 2017 Buzz

Cross Creek Elementary School is proud to announce that we are once again participating in the Jump Rope for Heart event. This year the event will be held Thursday and Friday, February 2nd and 3rd during students' Health and PE classes.  We will not be having an after school event this year.  Please help your student collect donations for this worthy cause.

All parents are encouraged to participate in the Georgia Parent Survey. Parents may complete the short 24 question survey using their personal computer, smartphones or tablet. For parents that do not have access to the Internet, please contact your child’s school to make arrangements to complete the survey.

The data from the survey will be used to calculate the School Climate Star Rating for our schools. Survey responses are anonymous and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis. Individual data results from the Georgia Parent Survey will not be available to the public and will not be posted online. 

To access the Georgia Parent Survey, please click on the image below. Your participation in this survey is very important to our system and our schools.

Cross Creek says "Congratulations!" to fourth-grader Avery Turnbull and to teacher Wanda Baggett.  These two won the media center estimation game.  Students and staff were to estimate how many books were in the book Christmas tree.  There were 247 books.  Avery's estimate was 248 and Mrs. Baggett's was 250.

Cross Creek Elementary is proud to announce its 2016-2017 Spelling Bee winners.  Fourth-grade winner is Jackson Nestale (left) and our third-grade winner is Cedrick Davis (right). Congratulations to all of our classroom representatives and alternates.

Cross Creek recently held its canned food drive to benefit the Thomas County Food Bank.  Students brought in more than 1200 food items.  We appreciate the generosity of our Cross Creek families.

Students in Mrs. Tillman's third-grade classes have been studying influential women in history and created posters or wrote essays on their topics. 

Mrs. Michele Dechman, Cross Creek's coding instructor, was the recipient of a grant that she applied for from the Community Public Education Fund Grants.  With the grant money, the coding class will be able to purchase three Xylophone kits for the Dash robots currently used, two Osmo Genius kits, and two Osmo Coding kits for hands on coding activities.  A purchase of a set of Melissa and Doug Cardboard blocks for designing a maze/obstacle for the Dash to be coded to move through will also be made.

Cross Creek Elementary will be hosting its Dad's Game Day event Saturday, December 10th from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. in the Cross Creek gymnasium.  All dads/acting dads of Cross Creek students are invited to join us for game day activities with your child(ren).  Door prizes will be given away.

Cross Creek congratulates Kristen Anderson and Lydia Glass on placing in the recent 4-H Cloverleaf Project held recently.  Over 300 competitors participated in the event.

Cross Creek students in Mrs. Summer Perry and Ms. Cara Camp's fourth-grade class completed a group project at the conclusion of their Native American unit.  They created a Pawnee village that depicted homes, crops, and hunting that the Pawnees used to survive.

Several Cross Creek students were winners at the Deep South Fair Art Show.  Congratulations to our students, and we appreciate the dedication and hard work of Ms. Burke, our art teacher.

Cross Creek hosted several veterans today.  Students heard stories of experiences and sacrifices.  Thank you to all of our veterans.  We appreciate your service.

Cross Creek's canned food drive to benefit the Thomas County Food Bank is underway.  We appreciate any donations of nonperishable food items.  We will be collecting items through Monday, December 5.  Thank you for your support

Cross Creek is looking forward to everyone participating in our Red Ribbon Week activities.  Here is a reminder of our schedule and information for Halloween.

Cross Creek is planning a special day for our students' moms.  If you are a mom with a student at Cross Creek Elementary, we hope you can make plans to attend our Moms' Brunch.  RSVP flyers have been sent home in our weekly folders.  Please contact our Parent Involvement Coordinator, Mary Dennis, for more information.

Wednesday, September 21, is picture day.  You may send in your order form along with payment to school with your child or pay online at swiphoto.com/pictureday

Cross Creek Card Sales orders are due Tuesday morning, September 6.  Please balance the number of cards sold to the money you are turning in to make sure we order the cards needed.  Students who turn in late orders are not eligible for the grand prizes, but are eligible for the wonderful leveled prizes.  Thank you for all of your support of this fundraisier.

The Thomas County School System will be closed Friday, September 2, due to the threat of inclement weather. The schools will have normal dismissal today (Thursday).

CANCELLED
Also, the Parent Volunteer Orientation meeting that was scheduled for today (9/1) at 5:30 p.m. has been cancelled. Please contact the parent involvement coordinator at your child's school about ways to volunteer. He or she will be able provide you with volunteer opportunities.

Please help to ensure that we have current contact information and phone numbers on file for your child(ren) at all times. You can access and update this information through your Parent Portal account.  If you do not have a Parent Portal account, please sign-up for one today. The process only takes a few minutes of your time and you will also gain access to your child(ren)'s grades, attendance, and schedule(s).  Please click on the link below to access the Parent Portal Instruction Guide and the Parent Portal Registration Link. 

Parent Portal Instruction Guide and Registration Link  

The volunteer orientation scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 1 has been cancelled due to the weather.  

Cross Creek is hosting its annual Parent Night Cookout Tuesday, August 16, 2016 from 5-7 p.m.  Please go to your child's classroom first.  Afterwards, please join us in the cafeteria for a hotdog dinner.  Hope to see you then!

This is a reminder that ALL Thomas County Schools will re-open for students Monday morning.

It is normal for traffic to be heavy around our schools the first few days of the school year, so please allow a little extra time on your morning commute this week.

Children throughout the county will gather at bus stops, so please watch out for the children and exercise caution around bus stops. Please keep a safe distance from all school buses, especially while they are loading and unloading students.     

Best wishes for a great school year.

As always, thank you for supporting Thomas County Schools.

The first day of school for the 2016-2017 school year is Monday, August 1st.  The school day begins at 8 AM.  Please make sure students arrive in time to enjoy a nutritious breakfast that we begin serving at 7:35.  We look forward to a great first day of school.  Our teachers enjoyed meeting this year's students at Open House.  Thank you for the wonderful attendance!

Our Cookie Dough Fundraiser pick up will be Wednesday, April 20th from 12:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas County Board of Education Multi Purpose Gym next to Bishop Hall Charter School at 200 N. Pinetree Blvd.  Please make arrangements to pick up your order on that day.

Reminder: Please check your order for accuracy and report any discrepancies within 5 days!

Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health and the State Health Officer, has requested that we share important information with our school families about protecting against mosquito bites and preventing the spread of Zika virus in Georgia.

Please click on the link below to view the information. 

Zika Virus Information

Don't miss out on this keepsake.  There is still time to order our school yearbook.

It's time to support our Thomas County Elementary Schools with our annual cookie dough "and more" sales.  Whether you want cookies, cheesecake, pretzels, or another treat, we have it for you.  Contact your favorite student or the school.  Sales end March 11.

Ms. Dorminey and Mrs. Hutchings’ homerooms at Cross Creek Elementary started observing the Eaglecam through Berry College as a kick off to their unit on Georgia Habitats. Throughout the last several weeks, students observed, participated in lesson plan activities through the Berry College Eagles website, and even wrote letters to the eagles. As students awaited the arrival of the two eggs that are currently being watched by both Mom and Dad eagle, they were able to learn about the Mountain region of Georgia, eagle habitats, diet, and how eagles nest.

Students mailed letters and artwork to the Public Relations Department at Berry College and are eagerly awaiting a response from the eagles as well as a glimpse of the soon to hatch baby eagles.

Once again, Cross Creek students did an amazing job with our fundraising for the American Heart Association with Jump Rope for Heart. Fourth-grader Quincey Hart was our top fund raiser with a collection of $525. As a school, we raised $7,083. WOW! Thank you to all of you who participated and to those who donated.

The Thomas County School System will be closed Wednesday, February 24, due to the threat of inclement weather.

Two of our students recently placed at the Technology Fair held in Colquitt County.  Ethan Mainprize (left) placed second in Technology Literacy, and Alex Ward (right) placed third in Internet Applications in their division.  Congratulations for a job well done!

MEETING POSTPONED 

Medical In-service

Provided for School Staff and Parents
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thomas County Board of Education
Professional Learning Center
(across from Wendy’s)

Sponsored by Thomas County Schools

Cross Creek students are once again raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Donations are due Friday, February 19.  Our school-wide goal is to raise $2,000 for this worthy cause.  

Mrs. Laurie Dawson taught students in Mrs. Michele Dechman's and Mrs. Jen Mobley's classes how to create presentations in Google Slides using our classroom Chromebooks. Thank you Striving Readers Grant! We love our new technology!

Please make plans to join us for our Cross Creek Christmas Concert Tuesday, December 8, at 7 p.m.  Our students have been working hard in preparing an outstanding performance for you.  We will also have performances Wednesday morning (December 8) at 8:45 and 9:30.

Attention Moms!! 

Please join us for "Give Thanks for Mom" Day

Tuesday, November 17

7:45 - 8:45

Cross Creek Cafeteria

Have your child pick up breakfast from his/her hallway and join you in the cafeteria.  We will also be selling Cross Creek t-shirts.

Cross Creek Discount Card sales were once again a big success.  Cards have arrived and have been delivered for use at participating businesses.  Profits from the card sales are used for student awards and incentives, playground equipment, and to support students academically.  Students were eligible for leveled prizes based on card sales with the top four card-selling students winning grand prizes.  If you would like to purchase a Cross Creek card, please call 225-3900 for more information. 

Grand prize winners and their awards were first place Kristopher Wilhelm, who won an iPad mini; second place winner was Paige Parkerson, who won an iPad touch; Mac Mobley won a Kindle for third place, and Meredith Knight won a bike for fourth-place.  Congratulations to all of our winners.

Student Grand Prize winners (L-R):  Mac Mobley, Meredith Knight, Kristopher Wilhelm, and Paige Parkerson.

Cross Creek Elementary School classes hosted several veterans to share their experiences with students.  Representing each branch of our armed forces, community veterans shared from their hearts their pride in having served our country.  Some of our guest speakers are still serving and making a difference today. 

In making connections to how their service has impacted American lives, our veterans reminded students that, “Freedom is not free.”  Veterans compared our freedoms with those of the countries in which they have been to and fought so that we and others may enjoy democracy.   Being sent away from home, serving during conflict and war, and returning to changes in America were not easy. 

We appreciate all members of the armed forces.  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The Thomas County School System has announced the schedule of patriotic events honoring veterans for Veterans Day. Every campus will be participating. Click below for details. 

November is Parent Engagement Month!  Please click here to view a calendar that includes ways you can become more involved with your child's learning this month!

The Cross Creek K-Kids Club is leading the charge to end preventable childhood deaths from tetanus.  The K-Kids are joining up with UNICEF to raise donations for the Eliminate Project. Each K-Kid made a donation collection container for their classroom.  All students of Cross Creek are being asked to make donations for this worthy cause by putting donations in their classroom's container. The class with the most donations will win a pizza party!  ast year, Cross Creek was able to raise $1,065 for the Eliminate Project.  Mrs. Aracri, the K-Kids faculty advisor is hoping to raise even more this year. 

Come to one of our STEM Family Science Nights on Monday or Tuesday and enjoy awesome experiments in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics with your family. Learn together and have fun at the same time!

Cross Creek Elementary
Monday, October 26
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Garrison-Pilcher Elementary
Tuesday, October 27
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Please join us at this community event for children of all ages. Click on the link below for more information:

Thomas County Literacy Fair Flyer

Last Friday, the Georgia Department of Education awarded the Thomas County School System a 2.7 million dollar grant to assist the district in implementing a comprehensive literacy plan for children in Thomas County from birth through eighth grade.

The Striving Reader competitive grant was awarded based on the quality of the proposal and the capacity of the system to implement the plan. Thomas County’s plan places a heavy focus on reading and writing in all content areas and on vocabulary development.

Looking for a way to express yourself?  Have fun with friends? Have a great time after school?  DRAMAKIDS! may be for you!  Starting October 13, the Fine Arts After School Program at Thomas County Middle School will add theatre classes for grades 3 - 5 and 6 - 8.  Please click on the link below to learn more about the class!

DRAMAKIDS! Flyer

Thomas County Schools present an art show: Celebrating Hispanic Arts and Culture.  Make plans to view the art show at the Thomasville Center for the Arts from October 19 - November 13, 2015.  An Opening Reception will be held on October 19 at 5:30 PM.   

Wednesday, September 23 is Fall Picture Day. All students will be photographed. You can send your money or pay on-line and send the form to school.

On this day in 1787, The Constitution of the United States was signed. Benjamin Franklin and George Washington (also known as Mr. Stanaland and Mrs. Pope) met Cross Creek students today to sign the Constitution.

The Thomas County School System is happy to partner with the Thomas County Health Department in offering flu vaccines to our students at no cost this fall.  An information packet was sent home with Garrison-Pilcher, Cross Creek, Thomas County Middle, and Thomas County Central High School students regarding the vaccine. For these students, the HIPPA acknowledgement and vaccine consent forms are due back on Monday, September 28. Click here to find out more and download the information sheets and the acknowledgement and consent forms. 

We are so excited that we have filled the last bus! We are already planning a great trip for students and chaperones. If you and/or your child have already signed up, stay up-to-date with all the information by signing up for a Remind message -  Text @seaworld to 81010 or to 229-588-2701

Students in Jocelyn Simmermaker's class watched a video about 9/11. They wrote letters to the families of some of the heroes of the day - the first responders and the people on Flight 93. The letters were mailed to the 9/11 museum in New York City for distribution to family members.

It's Book Fair time!  We have lots of new interesting titles for every reader.  Make sure to stop by during Grandparents' Day.

Please make sure to join us for Grandparents' Day.  Breakfast will begin at 7:20.

*Wednesday, September 9th: 
Jacket Junction and Bee Boulevard
*Thursday, September 10th: 
Honeycomb Lane
*Friday, September 11th: 
Stinger Street

Don't forget to shop at the Book Fair too!

Cross Creek Discount Cards are on sale now!  Cards are only $5 and will pay for themselves very quickly.  Buy one for every member of the family.  Proceeds from the sale of the cards are used to benefit students with awards and enrichment activities.  Orders must be turned in by 9 a.m. on September 8 to be eligible for grand prizes.

If you are interested in volunteering at Hand-In-Hand, Garrison-Pilcher, Cross Creek, Thomas County Middle, Thomas County Central, The Renaissance Center, or Bishop Hall, please attend one of the volunteer orientation sessions listed below:

Tuesday, September 1
9:00 a.m. OR 5:30 p.m.

Orientation sessions will be hosted at the Bishop Hall Charter School.

Come out and join the fun at the Hand-In-Hand and Thomas County Upper Elementary Campus on October 24, 2015. Costumes are encouraged. Awards and prizes will be given.  Click here for more information and the registration form.

Families registered by October 2 will be entered to win a one year
membership to the YMCA!

The Thomas County School System is pleased to offer several afternoon fine arts opportunities for our students through partnerships with the Dance Academy, Versa Music Conservatory (formerly Thomasville Music Academy), and members of our own faculty.  Please click on "More Information" to learn more about these programs and to view the informational flyers.

Endless possibilities await students at Thomas County Schools for the 2015-2016 school year.  Thomas County Schools offer academic excellence, career preparation, and unmatched opportunity.  Please click on the link below to imagine the possibilities:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bpva66Rhpg4&feature=youtu.be

In light of the recent tragedy in Nepal, the students in Mrs. Hutchings and Ms. Dorminey’s class felt compelled to learn more about the events and also find a way to help the families in Nepal. They began organizing a bake sale with the help of family members, and local businesses. The money the classes raise will be donated to The American Red Cross. The Red Cross has committed an initial $1 million to the relief operation and is working closely with the Nepal Red Cross and the global Red Cross network to coordinate additional support. 

All parents of current 4th grade students are invited to attend a Parent Orientation at Thomas County Middle School on Thursday, May 7, 2015.  Please click here for more information.

Click here for more information.

Sam Holland will be the new athletic director at Thomas County Central, the school announced Wednesday. He’ll work with current athletic director Mike Singletary, who announced his resignation in December, until the end of the school year when Singletary’s contract runs out. “I’ve been athletic director before and when the opportunity came up I was extremely excited to do it again,” Holland said during a phone interview Wednesday.

Students from Cross Creek Elementary participated in the 2014-2015 DAR Junior American Citizens Contest.

The Thomasville Center for the Arts is currently featuring artists from Garrison Pilcher, Cross Creek, and Thomas County Middle School.  The theme of the show is "Yishu Art of the Far East".   The exhibit will be on display until March 13, 2015.

Most people would see the building bricks known as Legos as toys for children, but students and coaches from Thomas County see them as way more than that. 

Click here to view the January 2015 edition of Cross Creek's Home and School Connections newsletter.  Please visit our Counselor's Corner to read our previous issues.

Thomas County Schools present Yishu: Art of the Far East!  Make plans to view the art show at the Thomasville Center for the Arts from January 12 through March 13.  An Opening Reception will be held on February 19 at 5:30pm.  Click here to view the flyer.

The most wonderful day of the year is currently in the works at Thomas County Central High School. Shop with a Yellow Jacket, also known as SWAYJ, is being prepared for community kids this Christmas. “Students and teachers come together to help the less fortunate,” Renae Moore, TCCHS teacher and a SWAYJ coordinator, said. “It’s a time where we come together and show what it means to be a true Yellow Jacket.”

This Christmas season at TCCHS teachers are lending a helping hand in a unique way: by sharing their voices. A group of teachers came together to record a CD in order to raise funds for the annual Shop with a Yellow Jacket (SWAYJ) project. The CD is titled “It’s a Yellow Jacket Christmas 2014” and CDs are $10 apiece.

We would like to thank Flowers Foods, Golden Kiwanis, Thomasville Kiwanis, CLCP, Thomasville Rotary, and Wal-Mart for providing each of our 3rd graders with a new dictionary today!

Cross Creek will host a Family STEM Night on Monday, October 27, 2014.  We hope to see you there!

School Bus Safety Week reminds students, parents and
motorists of their important role in school bus safety

Georgia celebrates National School Bus Safety Week on October 20 - 24, 2014, and Georgia School Bus Driver Appreciation Day on Monday, October 20.  Schools and safety advocates throughout the Peach State are using the week as an opportunity to highlight the importance of school bus safety.  The 2014 theme for the week, Be Smart - Be Seen, I wait in a safe place, reminds students, parents and motorists of the important role each plays in ensuring student safety at the school bus stop.  One key factor in protecting Georgia’s students rests with motorists obeying the law and stopping for Georgia’s school buses as they board and exit. But, drivers should also be reminded that obeying the law is just not enough.  Children are unpredictable… motorists must have an overall heightened safety awareness and expect the unexpected as children wait at bus stops and as they get on and off their school bus.

Please join us Wednesday, August 13, at 5:30 p.m. for the Volunteer Orientation Meeting at the Thomas County Board of Education Auditorium.  Click here for further details.

Click here to get the information you need as you prepare to send your children back to school. Open House dates, supply lists, and dress code information are provided for your convenience.

There is a vacancy at Thomas County Central High School for the position of principal's secretary.  If interested, please click the link below for further details and apply online through our job portal at www.thomascountyschools.org.

TCCHS Principal's Secretary Vacancy Notice

Cross Creek was honored at the State DAR Competition.  Many third and fourth graders were awarded top honors for their entries.  See a compete list of winners here.

Support the Thomas County Middle School Cheerleading Squad by participating in the "Color Me with Cheer" Color Run!  The 5K run/walk is Saturday, May 17, at 8:30am.  Register by May 3.  See the flyer and registration links below for more information.

Color Run Flyer

Color Run Registration

Miss Taylor's and Miss Clifton's students experienced the first ever Cross Creek I-Kid-Arod.

Be A Part!  Please begin reviewing the Strategic Plan Report found at the first link below. After you have read and reviewed the report, please complete the related survey questions found on the second link below before Friday February 21. We appreciate your input on our Strategic Planning Process.

Strategic Planning Report 

Strategic Plan Survey

Due to potentially hazardous road conditions associated with frozen precipitation, the Thomas County School System was closed Wednesday, January 29, 2014. All schools and offices will open on regular schedule Thursday, January 30, 2014.

Due to potentially hazardous road conditions associated with frozen precipitation, the Thomas County School System will be closed Wednesday, January 29, 2014. Thomas County Schools will reopen Thursday, January 30, 2014.

Did you know that 91% of teens post photos of themselves on social media sites and 71% post their school name and where they live?  It is important to stay informed about your teen's social media use.  Click here for more information about our Digital Citizenship Initiative and to see a video of TCCHS students participating in a panel discussion on social media use among teens.

Click here for more information and registration form!

The Cross Creek School Council will hold elections on Friday, September 13.

    We are excited about all our upcoming art events this fall at Cross Creek!

We are participating in the Harveys Hometown Educational Rewards Program.  This program is designed to help us earn much needed educational equipment for Cross Creek!

It’s Cross Creek card time!  Those valuable, year-long cards will go on sale on August 9, 2013.  Buying a Cross Creek card has three great benefits—you save money, you help Cross Creek students, and you support our generous local merchants.

We are now offering you the opportunity to sign up for Parent Portal online.

Please join us for the 7th Annual Back to School Blitz on Saturday, August 3, 9:00-11:00am, at Thomas County Central High School Gymnasium (upper level)!  Please click here for more information.

Your opinion is important to us! 

Please click here to review our Implementation Plan (CLIP) and provide input for improvement! 

Click here to get the information you need as you prepare to send your children back to school! Open House dates, supply lists, and dress code information are provided for your convenience.

Attention parents!  Please take a moment to complete our Parent Survey which will provide us with valuable information about our schools and will help with future improvement strategies.  Your feedback makes a difference!

Participate in the development of our school system's New Strategic Plan by viewing the Community Engagement Meeting presentation and taking the Community Engagement Survey.    Your opinion matters!

Mark your calendar and make sure you have all documentation ready to register your child for Pre-Kindergarten at Hand-in-Hand Primary School!  Click the link to the flyer below for all details including dates, times, and a list of documents needed.

Pre-K Registration Information

Cross Creek students prepare for upcoming spotlight on artists.

Please complete the Parent Survey!

The Thomas County School System is conducting a Parent Survey. We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey. Please be assured that your responses to this survey will be anonymous.

The survey is open until Friday, March 29. Thank you for your time and valuable feedback!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Parent-FY24

Spanish surveys available upon request.
Encuestas en español disponibles a pedido.

The Thomas County Health Department and Thomas County Schools are teaming up to fight the influenza (flu) virus again this year by providing immunizations in our schools. 

Flu registration packets are being sent home with students. If you need another copy, the forms and other additional information can be accessed by clicking on the links below. Flu registration packets must be completed and returned to the school on or before Tuesday, October 6, 2020. You can also fax the forms to the health department by dialing 229-379-3521. 

2020 Parent Letter - Flu

2021-2022 Student Consent Form

Adult Vaccine Consent Form

Influenza Inactive VIS 2021-22

Privacy Notice

Thomas County Schools will be offering meal distribution every Wednesday starting April 22 through May 27. Each box will contain breakfast and lunch for seven days. Thomas County Middle School will be the main location, and we will continue to deliver to the outlying areas. Times will also remain the same with it being from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at TCMS and from 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon at the other sites. We are happy to still be here for you! Please call 229-413-1234 if you have any questions.

Second nine-week report cards will be send home in Honeybee Folders Thursday, January 11th. Our parent conference night has been rescheduled from January 11th to Thursday, January 18th. Conference night is by appointment only.

The Thomas County Board of Education has named Associate Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams as its sole candidate to succeed Dr. Dusty Kornegay as superintendent of the county school system upon his retirement which will be effective June 1, 2018.

Kornegay informed the school board in January that he plans to retire at the end of the 2017-2018 school year, and he provided official notice of his retirement in a letter to the board in June.

Click "More" to read entire press release

Fourth-grade students at Cross Creek have been studying the Titanic.  Students read fiction and non-fiction texts to learn more about this ocean disaster and then completed different projects.  Mrs. Milam's students created cabin replicas and placed them in the shape of the Titanic.

Cross Creek is proud to participate in Caps for Cure. Don't forget to bring $1 and wear your cap Friday, September 23rd. All of the money donated will be given to CURE Childhood Cancer Organization. We are also collecting change for Alex's Lemonade Stand as we continue to support the fight against childhood cancer. Thank you for your support.

Cross Creek Cards are on sale now!  Ask your student for his/her packet.  Our Academic Boosters have worked hard to meet with businesses to get great deals for the card.  At only $5 per card, using it just once or twice allows the card to pay for itself.  Proceeds from the sale help enhance the instructional and recreational times of the school day, and students are eligible for great prizes.  We appreciate your support in this fundraiser.

Save the date!  Open House for Cross Creek Elementary School has been scheduled for Friday, July 29. We are offering two opportunities for parents and students to attend, 12-2 PM and 4-6 PM.  Please select the one that works best for you.  Don't forget the first day of school is Monday, August 1, 2016.  We look forward to seeing you!

Please participate in this important online survey! We need your feedback and suggestions to revise our School Improvement Plans. This survey is available now through Saturday, May 21, 2016.  Click on the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/parentsurveyFY16

The Georgia Parent Survey is modeled after the student survey and contains 24 questions. Parents may complete the survey using their personal computer, smartphones or tablet.  For parents that do not have access to the Internet, please contact the school to make arrangements to complete the survey. All parents are encouraged to participate in the Georgia Parent Survey because the data will be used as part of the calculation of the School Climate Star Rating. Survey responses are anonymous and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis.  Individual data results from the Georgia Parent Survey will not be available to the public and will not be posted online. 

The deadline for completing the survey is April 1, 2016.  The URL address for the Georgia Parent Survey is posted below.

http://apps.gadoe.org/schoolclimate/parents.nsf/Survey.xsp

Students in Lasaundra Cohen’s and Jocelyn Simmermaker’s classes at Cross Creek Elementary made Christmas cards for the residents of Camellia Gardens Nursing Home.  Students were invited to come to the nursing home to pass out the cards and some ornaments to the residents.  Students enjoyed walking around passing out the cards and wishing all the residents a "Merry Christmas"!

Parents, please participate in our online survey. We need your feedback and suggestions to help revise our School Improvement Plans.  The survey is available now through Friday, May 22, 2015.  Please click the link below to complete the parent survey.

Parent Survey

Join us Sunday, March 30, at 2:30 p.m. for the Open House for the new Career Science building at Thomas County Middle School. Click the link below for more information.

TCMS Career Science Open House Invitation

Cross Creek Elementary Students Place in DAR  This year’s theme for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Junior Citizens Contest was “Sparkling in the Stars with the 50th Anniversary of the NASA Space Shuttle Program." Several Cross Creek students participated in this year’s competition and placed in the local level. First Place winners at the local level will be submitted in progression for the state, Southeastern Region, and national levels of competition.  Student entries were banner, stamp design, poem, short story, poster, digital, graphic novel and community service. 

We have 18 free WiFi hotspots available at various locations throughout the county to help those without internet access at home. Please email us at techsupport@tcjackets.net or call 229-413-1234 for assistance or if you are having any trouble accessing the free WiFi.

*NOTE - We request that people don't park directly in front of the garage doors at the fire department locations. There should be plenty of space to park at these sites without blocking the doors. Thank you!

Thomas County WiFi Map

Many of the digital resources for our school system can be found on our Clever page.  

The Clever page address is clever.com/in/tcjackets

Thomas County Schools is pleased to announce the opening of a School-Based Health Center on Friday, January 12, 2018. The School-Based Health Center is located on the campus of Thomas County Middle School. The health center will be open to all Thomas County School System students, regardless of which school they attend. The school system will provide transportation from other Thomas County Schools to the health clinic for students who need to be seen there.

Please click on the link below to access the consent form and the health information packet for your child. The completed forms may be returned to your child's school or to the School-Based Health Center. There will be prize drawings held to encourage the return of the consent forms and health packets. The prizes include free pizza coupons, movie passes, Wild Adventure passes, and many more. 

Link: School-Based Health Center Registration Packets for Students and Staff

Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend so don't forget to set your clocks back one hour.  It's a great time to replace batteries in your smoke detectors too!

State School Superintendent Richard Woods has appointed sixteen new parents to serve on his 2016-2017 Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC). Allen Thornhill, a Hand-In-Hand Primary School representative on the Thomas County School District’s Parent Advisory Council, was chosen as one of the members. 

Thornhill, who is one of only 24 parents serving on the State PAC, was nominated by the Thomas County School District at the beginning of this school year. New members are selected each year by representatives of the Georgia Department of Education based on the applicants’ responses to questions on engaging parents to ensure their children’s success at school and the local school superintendent’s recommendation. Thornhill will serve a two-year term on the council.

Click More Information to Read Full Story

There are two new ways to stay connected to what is going on in the Thomas County School System.  

Thomas County Schools now has an app! In the App Store or Google Play, search for "School Pointe" and then locate the Thomas County School System the first time you open the app. The app allows you to find contact information for schools and staff, as well as see current news articles and information.  

We are also on Instagram!  Follow us by searching for @thomascountyschools.  

Click the link below to see the supply wish list for Hand-In-Hand Primary School, Garrison Pilcher Elementary School, and Cross Creek Elementary School.

SUPPLY WISH LIST

Governor Nathan Deal along with the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) recently named Thomas County’s Cross Creek Elementary School as being one of the highest performing elementary schools in the state with an achievement rate in the top 93^rd percentile statewide. 

Cross Creek was the only school in the Southwest Georgia RESA District to be recognized. The school awards, developed by GOSA and approved by the State Board of Education, are part of Georgia’s Single Statewide Accountability System.

The “Silver Award” designation indicates that Cross Creek students exhibited high growth in student achievement by earning a three-year average CCRPI Progress Score in at least the 93^rd percentile in the state.  The Governor’s awards help parents, students, educators and communities have clear and concise information about school performance to better understand the strengths and challenges of their local schools.

Click "More Information" to read full story!

We are so proud of all of our spellers.  Triston Mitchell from Mrs. Reed's class was our third-grade winner.  Fourth-grade winner was Sara Connell from Mrs. Thompson's homeroom.  Hannah Fulgencio from Mrs. Cohen's homeroom was runner-up in the fourth-grade competition.  Congratulations to you and good luck in the county-wide bee.

Visit our photo gallery for pictures of the winners.

Each year, Thomas County parents, students, and teachers sign a compact to establish the partnership and how the three will work together for that student's maximum achievment.  As we look to the upcoming year, your input about how we can improve this doucment is very important to us.  We would appreciate it if you would please click here to access a short questionnaire that can be printed out and returned to your child's school.  

We would like your input on our system-wide Comprehensive Local Education Agency’s Improvement Plan (CLIP).  Below are two links where you can view the plan and complete a brief survey.   Thank you for your input and suggestions.

Click here to review the improvement plan (CLIP)

Click here to complete the survey

Please click the link below to view vacancies for the 2014-15 school year. Instructions for applying are included in the document.

2014-15 Vacancy Notices

We are excited to continue offering the Cross Creek discount cards.  There are a few changes you will notice.  For the first time in 24 years, the price has changed.  Digital and print cards are $10 each.  Digital cards are available for your purchase through the link below.  The digital card will be saved to your cell phone's home screen when you select that option.  Printed cards will be available for sale by coming into the school office from 8:00 - 3:00.  There is also a "Quick Link" to the left that you can use to purchase your digital cards.

Students and staff of Cross Creek Elementary appreciate your continued support in our annual fundraising endeavor.

Click here to order your Cross Creek digital discount card.

April 17, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Thomas County School System family has made me very proud as we have worked together to help keep our families safe and connected through the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is common to hear that “the schools are closed,” your school system has remained open and has continued to serve its students and the community in a number of ways.

Our food service workers have already prepared more than 212,000 meals that have been delivered by our transportation department or made available for pick-up at Thomas County Middle School. We will continue to provide weekly meal packages each Wednesday through the end of May. Dozens of school employees and community volunteers make this meal program possible, and I thank them for their service. The Backpack Buddies Program has made generous donations of food to provide weekend meals that are packaged with the weekly food deliveries.

Our technology department has partnered with our public library system and other entities to create free Wifi zones in various locations across the county to support our distance learning efforts.

Click READ MORE for the remainder of the letter

Hand-In-Hand Primary School

2018-2019 Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration

Students currently enrolled in Pre-K at Hand-In-Hand DO NOT need to register for Kindergarten.

Monday, February 5 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 6 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Registration Place: Thomas County Board of Education, PLC 200 N. Pinetree Blvd.

(Park in the big parking lot across the street from Wendy’s.)

Click Here for Registration Requirements

Cross Creek is hosting STEM Camp this week.  Students were challenged to create a prototype using balloons that will lift an egg.  Challenges will be presented daily for students to use problem-solving skills and their creativity.

Third-grade students at Cross Creek Elementary will be taking the ITBS and CogAT beginning Monday, November 7.  Please make sure your students get plenty of rest each night and arrive at school on time. 

Are you a drama queen? A comedy king? Looking for ways to express yourself? Have fun with friends? Have a great time after school? DRAMAKIDS! may be for you!

Click here for more information

Thomas County School System officials have named Erin Hall, second grade interventionist at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary, as the District Teacher of the Year.

“Words cannot express how incredibly honored and grateful I am to represent the Thomas County School System as Teacher of the Year,” Hall said. “My family, friends, coworkers, and administration support me in my passion for children and education. Without their support, I would not be able to make such an impact on the students I serve.” 

Hall has been a teacher for five years with Thomas County Schools. She taught PreK for two years at Hand-In-Hand and three years at Garrison-Pilcher, with one year in a second grade classroom and the past two years as the Second Grade Interventionist.

Click "More Information" for complete story

Cross Creek students will be participating in the Georgia Milestones Assessment the week of April 18-April 22.  Please make sure that students arrive at school on time and are present each day for testing.  Please visit our information page (link on left) if you would like for information about the test, or contact a school administrator.

Congratulations to all of our students who received awards during our assembliesThursday and Friday for the second nine-week grading period.  We are so proud of you.

What a great performance by the Cross Creek Chorus! The chorus presented Five Golden Rings to parents, student body, and staff this week.  Kudos to Mrs. Salveter, her assistants, and our talented students.

Parents of all current 2nd grade students are invited to join us on Thursday, May 14, 2015, for a Rising 3rd Grader Parent Orientation.  Please click here for more information.

Parents, we need your feedback and suggestions.  Please take a moment to complete our online survey by clicking the link below.  The survey is available now through Friday, September 5, 2014.  We value your feedback and appreciate you taking the time share it with us!

Parent Survey

Monday, April 14, 2014 was the opening reception for the Thomas County School System student art exhibition at the Thomasville Center for the Arts lower level gallery. The student artwork exhibited was a collection of over 100 works from Garrison-Pilcher, Cross Creek, and Thomas County Upper Elementary and Middle School. Everything was organized by the school’s art teachers, Christy Parker-Priest, Annie Burke and Emily Holton.

Click "More Information" to see pictures from the opening reception.

IT'S POPPIN! Student Art Exhibition

Thomas County Schools is proud to once again offer strings classes for our students.  For more information, please visit the Web site of Dr. Bonev.

Click here for site.  

Parents/Guardians- We will be distributing work packets for our 3rd and 4th graders on Wednesday, April 15, at Cross Creek from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Please remain in your vehicle in the front drive (Clark Road) and we will deliver the packet to you. We will also be collecting any packets that your child has completed. Please make sure that your child’s and his or her homeroom teacher’s names are listed on the packet before it is turned in. 

After Wednesday, work packets will be available in the front lobby at Cross Creek. 

We hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. 

Due to a conflict in events, Cross Creek's Winter Wonderland dance scheduled for January 19, 2018 has been cancelled.

Cross Creek's Coding and Robotics Camp started today.  Students used code to create an ozobot obstacle course.  It is exciting for us to see student enthusiasm in using technology skills. 

Cross Creek students in Jamie Whigham's third-grade social studies class have been studying the election process.  Students campaigned and were voted on by classmates.

Thomas County Elementary Schools will host the Jack O'Lantern Trail Run on Saturday, October 22.  The trail run will take place at 5:00 PM and will be followed by the fun run at 6:00 PM.  There will also be a raffle for some great prizes!  Please click here to print the registration form and find out more information.

Click here to sign up for the event.  

Cross Creek has been recognized by Governor Nathan Deal as a Highest Performing School.

We are so proud of the diligence and hard work of our students and staff.

Cross Creek Elementary School will not be open during the summer break due to school-wide renovations.  If you need to contact Cross Creek, please contact Clay Stanaland, principal, at 229-225-4395 or via email at cstanaland@tcjackets.net.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

The Thomas County School System provides on-line learning opportunities for home-school and cyber-school students. Please join us for an informational meeting. Two sessions will be offered to provide more opportunities for parents to attend.

Tuesday, May 3
10:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Professional Learning Center
Thomas County Board of Education
Call 229-225-4380 for more information!

Forty-five students from Cross Creek Elementary School, Thomas County Middle School and Thomas County Central High School traveled to Moultrie to participate in Colquitt County's 10th Annual Regional Technology Fair on January 23, 2016. Thomas County Schools students brought home 15 first place medals, 21 second place medals, and 3 third place medals.

Support the Thomas County Elementary Schools by signing up for the Jack O'Lantern Jog!

When: Saturday, October 18, 2014

Where: TCMS and Hand-in-Hand Campuses

Click here to download the Registration Form

Click here to see the T-Shirt Design

Click here to register online

The Thomas County School System wants students to READ this summer!  Did you know that students can have up to a 2-3 month loss in reading ability over the summer?  It's important for students to spend time sharpening their reading skills!

Each school has developed a summer reading challenge for students.  We would like for students to read for 15-30 minutes everyday this summer.  The guidelines and requirements vary by school.  Please click the links below for more information about each school's guidelines.  If you need more information, please talk to the media specialist at each school.  The guidelines are for the school the students will be attending in the 2015-2016 school year.

Click More Information for links to all guidelines

Cick here for information about programs at the Thomas County Public Library this summer!

Congratulations are in order for many third and fourth grade students from Cross Creek who competed in the 2014 DAR Contest.  The contest was county-wide and included students from Thomas County Schools, Thomasville City Schools, and Brookwood School.  All first place entries are currently competing at the state level. Follow the link below to find the list of Cross Creek winners.

Information from Mrs. Studdard regarding the MERIT program for the 2020-2021 school year:

I hope this message finds all of you spending time with your families in the safest and most responsible way possible. I would like to offer some guidance on submitting MERIT applications for the 2020-2021 school year. I am asking that ALL applications be submitted digitally to me via email. If you previously submitted a paper application to your 4th grade teacher, please submit a new digital application to me.  You will need to complete the form (both pages, take a picture, and email to me at the email listed below). If you are a 4th grade parent from Cross Creek, your 4th grade teachers will submit a recommendation on your behalf. There will be no need to contact them requesting the recommendation. 

If you are from another school system, please email me requesting a form and I will send you the teacher recommendation form.  You may then send the recommendation form to a teacher of your choice. They may send the completed form to me digitally. The deadline for MERIT applications will be extended to May 1, 2020.  Each family will receive a letter informing them of acceptance into MERIT or placement on a general education team. I look forward to receiving these as we prepare for an amazing school year in 2020-2021.  Stay safe and be smart! 

Dana Studdard

dstuddard@tcjackets.net

TCMS MERIT Coordinator

MERIT application link

Cross Creek Elementary recently held the school-wide spelling bee.  Thomas Buwa was first-place in third-grade and Christopher Owens placed second.  Fourth-grade winners were first, Tristan Davis; second-place winner was Taylor Johnson; and third-place winner was Haiden Rehberg.  Our fourth-graders will compete in the county-wide bee in January.

Cross Creek had several students place in this year's DAR contest.  Several students won awards at the local, state, and regional levels of competition.  At the national level of competition, third-graders Drew Jones, Nolen Taylor, and Braden Cray placed 3rd in the banner category and Katelyn Bradshaw placed 3rd in the poetry category.  Fourth-grader Kinsley Rhodes placed third in the stamp design category.  Congratulations to all of our DAR winners.

Cross Creek third-graders are studying the three branches of government.  Dallas Pitts, a student in Mrs. Fykes's class, displays his project showing the branches of government and the key roles of each one.

The Thomas County School System wants students to READ this summer!  Did you know that students can have up to a 2-3 month loss in reading ability over the summer?  It's important for students to spend time sharpening their reading skills!

Each school has developed a summer reading challenge for students.  We would like for students to read for 15-30 minutes everyday this summer.  The guidelines and requirements vary by school.  Please click the link below for more information about each school's guidelines.  If you need more information, please talk to the media specialist at each school.  The guidelines are for the school the students will be attending in the 2016-2017 school year.

Guidelines for all schools

Click here for information about programs at the Thomas County Public Library this summer!

This year’s theme for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Junior Citizens Contest was “Celebrate America”. Cross Creek students participated in this year’s DAR competition, and several students placed at the local, state, and regional levels. First Place entries at the regional level will be eligible for national level competition. Congratulations to all of our winners.

On January 4, Thomas County Upper Elementary and Thomas County Middle School held its third annual “Techno Expo.” On this professional learning day, teachers attended sessions to learn how to integrate technology into their classrooms.  Click "More Information" for details.

Every classroom in every school in the county has a Smartboard, an interactive whiteboard, and Thomas County Schools has recently deployed more than 1,400 new Chromebooks and plans to add at least 1,100 more over the next year.

We need your input for improvement! Please complete survey by Friday, September 30.

We would like your input on our system-wide Comprehensive Local Education Agency’s Implementation Plan (CLIP).  Below are two links where you can view the plan and complete a brief survey.  Thank you for your input and suggestions.

Click here to review the implementation plan (CLIP).

Click the link below to complete the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/16-17-CLIP

Cross Creek is so fortunate to have support from many local businesses.  Please see our 2014-2015 BEE Partners of the Quarter by clicking here!

On Thursday, February 27^th, Cross Creek participated in the 35^th annual American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart. We had 97 students to participate who raised a total of $2993. These funds support the American Heart Association’s efforts to create healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Congratulations to our top money raisers:

1^st Emily Hobbs-$300

2^nd Shelby Bryan-$250

3^rd Chris Salveter-$120

Versión en Español

Dear Thomas County Schools Community,

Today, April 1, Governor Brian Kemp announced an executive order closing all public schools in Georgia for in-person instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. It is very hard to believe that our students will not be physically returning to our schools and classrooms again this school year. We are truly heartbroken for our seniors and all students impacted by this pandemic.

Distance learning will continue for our students. We will provide alternatives to online instruction for those who do not have access to the internet. Our teachers, administrators, and county office will remain in contact with you through this challenging process. We will abide by the Governor's order and follow the guidance of the Georgia Department of Education and the Governor's Office of Student Achievement in completing the remainder of the school year. 

Spring break is April 6-10, and we encourage you to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy time with your family. Distance learning will resume Monday, April 13.

The Thomas County School System remains in close contact with local and state agencies to assure that we are all doing what we can to protect the health and welfare of our students and school system employees. 

Our system is committed to providing our staff and students with a safe and healthy learning environment. We are working hard to ensure that our schools and buses are being cleaned and sanitized daily. 

Families are encouraged to frequently check the Georgia Department of Public Health (GaDPH), the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) websites for the most current, reliable information about this issue. These websites are listed below. 

• https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus
• https://www.gadoe.org/External-Affairs-and-policy/communications/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Many of our DAR entries placed at the local level of competition. All entries that won first-place have been forwarded to the state-level. Congratulations to our indiviual and group winners, and to Mrs. Rigdon's and Mrs. Stewart's classes for placing first in the Community Service category. 

The Thomas County School System wants students to READ this summer!  Did you know that students can have up to a 2-3 month loss in reading ability over the summer?  It's important for students to spend time sharpening their reading skills!

Each school has developed a summer reading challenge for students.  We would like for students to read for 15-30 minutes everyday this summer.  The guidelines and requirements vary by school.  Please click the link below for more information about each school's guidelines.  If you need more information, please talk to the media specialist at each school.  The guidelines are for the school the students will be attending in the 2017-2018 school year.

Guidelines for all schools

Click here for information about programs at the Thomas County Public Library this summer!

Free eBooks are provided for all students this summer -- Click here for more information

Get Georgia Reading partner myON is delivering more than 10,400 free books to your computer and mobile devices that you can access 24 hours a day—every day—through Aug. 31.

You can search from more than 50 different categories and genres, fiction and nonfiction, picture books, graphic novels, chapter books, titles for struggling and reluctant readers, and Spanish and bilingual titles. It’s like having your own personal library right at your fingertips.

Click "More Information" for details on how to access these free books!

Railey Ramhofer from Mrs. Milam's homeroom, participated in the Manufacturing Appreciation Week poster contest through the Technical College System of Georgia. Ms. Burke, art teacher at Cross Creek, submitted 5 artworks to Southern Regional Technical College, and Railey's art work was sent to Atlanta to win 2nd place in the state in her category, K-5th grade!   A big congratulations to Railey for representing Thomas County and winning!  She attended the governor's award luncheon and received a certificate and a monetary scholarship of $300.00.  

Cross Creek is thrilled to congratulate Mrs. Stephanie Morris as our Teacher of the Year. We know you will represent Cross Creek well. You are an asset to our school and our system.

Cross Creek K-Kids Club led Cross Creek Elementary in collecting donations for UNICEF’s Eliminate Project. Students raised over $1,100!!!! These donations will help end childhood deaths around the world caused by Tetanus.  Mrs. Susan Milam’s fourth-grade class won the prize for the most money collected! They were treated to a pizza party.

Mrs. Aracri, the K-Kids advisor, is so proud of the club as well as all of Cross Creek for giving to others in need. Part of the mission of the K-Kids club is to find ways to make the world a better place in which to live, and this is a shining example of this mission put into action.

Cross Creek hosts its 21st Math-a-Thon to benefit St. Jude’s Children

This nine weeks, fourth grade students have been studying the American Revolution.  As a culminating activity, students in Mrs. Lanie West's social studies classes created projects demonstrating what they learned on the topic.   Please follow this link to Mrs. West's 4th grade page.

Following a recent executive order from Governor Brian Kemp, the Thomas County School System will remain closed until Friday, April 24, with students returning on Monday, April 27. According to the Governor, the closure could be extended if the pandemic crisis worsens.

Tras una reciente orden ejecutiva del gobernador Brian Kemp, el Sistema Escolar del Condado de Thomas permanecerá cerrado hasta el viernes 24 de abril, y los estudiantes regresarán el lunes 27 de abril. Según el Gobernador, el cierre podría extenderse si la crisis pandémica empeora. 

Students in Jamie Whigham’s and Kelli Dorminey's social studies classes participated in Career Day as part of their study on Economics.  The classes learned about different services around our community when several parents and grandparents came in to teach them about their career. Students received great insight on why certain jobs are important, what services are provided within that job, and how other people benefit.  

Need more information on the Georgia Milestones Assessment?  Visit our informational page linked to your left at the very bottom.  We will be testing April 18-22.

We are all abuzz for Cayla Martin, a former Cross Creek student.  She was the fourth-grade winner for the Fair Bear Writing Competition last school year. 

The Cross Creek Recorder Club has begun!  This special group is comprised of fourth grade students who enjoy playing recorder in music class and want to learn more. Students learn new recorder pieces and add our Orff xylophones and drums as we make beautiful music together!

 

Cross Creek Elementary students recently participated in our annual Kids Heart Challenge sponsored by the American Heart Association.  The challenge is a fun and exciting way to teach students how to take care of their hearts and help others by raising money for the American Heart Association.  Students learned of other children who were born with heart issues that prohibit them from being able to participate in different activities.

This year, $5,830 was raised by students.  Our top fundraiser was Carson Morales.  Karson McCutchen, Keya Patel, and Julia James rounded out the top four.  Students who raised $100 were able to throw a pie in the face of one of the coaches.  Students who raised $200 were able to throw a pie in the face of all three coaches.  We appreciate all of the community support in donating to this worthy cause.

Our Lego and Robotics teams have been busy!  Our Robojackets team, which is made up of Cross Creek and Thomas County Middle School students, recently won first-place in the Core Values area of competition in the Super-Regional held at Columbus State University.  Teams are given a random problem scenario to address and solve.  They are judged on the teamwork aspect of completing the challenge.  Members of the team are Emma Reeves, Katie Parkerson, Lenorius Davis, Roan Adams, Donovan Brinson, Cameron Randall, Clay Johnson (not pictured), and Celia Perry.  Coaches for the team are Lynnette Fykes, Summer Perry, and Morgan Taylor.

The 2nd Annual Color Me With Cheer 5K Fun Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 16.  Hosted by the TCMS cheerleading squad, the event is great for all ages!  For more information, click on the link below:

Color Me With Cheer Flyer

Register before May 4 to ensure a t-shirt!  To access the registration form, please click on link below:

Color Me With Cheer Registration Form

The hallways at Cross Creek Elementary have been transformed into a garden art gallery for all to enjoy!  Art students have just completed an in-depth study of the life and paintings of Claude Monet (1840-1926).  He is considered the “father of Impressionism” and is remembered by his beautiful water lily paintings.

  Cross Creek students experienced a virtual tour of Monet’s actual garden near Paris, France and even learned a little French.  They painted in the style of Monet to reproduce his beautiful Japanese bridge over the lily pond.

Several Cross Creek Elementary students submitted entries to the Magnolia High School Alumni Association's Black History Essay Writing Contest. Three fourth-grade students Lauren Majors, Jenna Murphy, and Anna-Lora Payne placed in the Top Ten out of 530 submissions.

What an accomplishment!  These students are our first members of the 1,000,000 Word Club.  Our students participate in the Accelerated Reader program as part of the independent reading component of a balanced literacy program.  Through AR testing, we are able to identify student word count and are pleased to recognize this group of students.  Congratulations to Keya Patel, Kaytlyn Holloway, Ben Carlisle, Kevin Ramirez, Maggie Cook, Wesley Herring, and Mia Freeman.

Fourth grade teacher, Delisa Barrow, was named Cross Creek Teacher of the Year!

Daphney King, a fourth-grade teacher at Cross Creek Elementary School, was recently named the school's Teacher of the Year.  After teaching first grade for 14 years at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary, King transitioned to Cross Creek where she has served for two years. 

Jamie Thompson, principal of Cross Creek, said, "Ms. King is a consummate team player who goes beyond what is required to benefit not only her students, but all of the students who attend Cross Creek Elementary."

King holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Thomas University and is also a Google, Clever, and FlipGrid certified educator along with being a SeeSaw Ambassador.

Cross Creek Assistant Principal Amy Robinson said that King's students are "always engaged in learning."

"King's instructional techniques allow her to support students as they take ownership in their learning," Robinson said.  "She is always willing to help with any task or create any resource that is needed for teachers or students."

During her first year at Cross Creek, she was selected as the school's and then the system's Digital learning All Star Teacher.

Thompson added, "Cross Creek is an awesome school because we have awesome teachers.  Ms. King is a great example of a teacher who works to benefit the teachers around her."

Marshes, beaches, and bears - Oh my!  This year's theme for the Georgia National Fair Bear Writing Competition is "Fair Bear Visits Georgia's Coast".  This annual writing contest open to fourth, fifth, and sixth-graders in Georgia, allows students to submit a creative writing essay based on the theme of the contest.

Fourth-grader Keya Patel's entry was selected as first-place for Thomas County Schools.  Her writing will be forwarded to the Georgia National Fair for the statewide competition.  Maggie Cook's entry earned second place at the local level.