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.

Kindergarteners marked the 100th day of school by dressing up as 100 years old!

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

Congratulations to Mrs. Elizabeth's and Mrs. Catherine's kindergarten classes for their first place finish in the local level of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Junior Citizens Banner Contest! This year's theme was "Sparkling in the Stars with the 50th Anniversary of the NASA Space Shuttle Program". Our winners' banners will advance to the state competition.

Students in Mrs. Kym's class enjoyed using Bee-Bot robots! The students are collaborating, problem solving, and developing essential skills, as well as having a playful and memorable experience!

Students at Hand-In-Hand dressed up for parties on Friday.  Thanksgiving "feasts" were held all over school, and the kids learned about appreciation, gratitude, and thankfulness.

Hand-In-Hand students donated 1,835 cans for the Thomas County Food Bank. Mrs. Tangela's Pre-K class was the top winner with 496 cans donated!

Jordyn Smith out of Mrs. Anna McKenzie's class donated $10 out of her own wallet for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Students at Hand-In-Hand Primary are collecting money during the month of September to help show their support for kids fighting cancer.

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!

Thomas County kindergarten students at Hand In Hand Primary School combined dramatic play, mathematics, and reading comprehension during a culminating activity connected with the book “Caps for Sale” by Esphyr Slobodkina.  Students discussed the plot and characters of the story before one student portrayed the monkey character and another student play the peddler. The peddler rolled two dice, identified the numbers, added them together, and then one to one counted that many caps to put on the monkey’s head! 

Pictured:  Hatti Rae Rossi holds the stack of hats steady on King Shelton’s head.  

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!

Show your school pride with t-shirts, megaphones, and a cowbell! These items, along with more, can be purchased in our office! You can also send the money in to your child's teacher.

Hand-In-Hand Orientation Video

Dear Parents/Guardians of Hand-In-Hand Students,

Please complete the Transportation-Tag form linked below. 

Transportation Tag Form

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).

Chris Cox is Hand-In-Hand Primary School’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year for Thomas County Schools. Cox was selected by her peers.  She is described as a dedicated teacher who works hard to provide the very best for her students and searches for ways to better herself.
 

Hand-In-Hand Principal Dee Gaines said, “Chris is always available to lead professional learning and to share her ideas and materials with her peers.”
 

Gaines also notes Cox’s belief that every child, provided the opportunity, can be successful by working closely with families and other staff members to assure that her students are supported and receive the accommodations they need.

"I believe that a student’s learning takes families and educators working together to provide the support that each individual student will need throughout their years of education,” said Cox. “Encouraging families to become more involved in a student’s learning at this age sets the foundation for involvement and support as the student gets older.”

Chris Cox (center) was named Teacher of the Year for Hand-In-Hand Primary School, along with coworkers Courtney Ballard for Support Teacher of the Year (left) and Dara Creech for Support Staff of the Year (right). Pictured with the group are Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams (far left) and Principal Dee Gaines (far right).

During Board Appreciation Week, Dr. Williams paid a special visit to read a book to some Pre-K classes.  The students were excited to have such an important visitor share in their love of reading and learning! Pictured with Dr. Williams is Mrs. Stephanie Connally's and Mrs. Melissa Earnest's students.  

Thomas County and Thomasville City Schools recently collaborated to provide professional development for early learning teachers and community childcare providers. This literacy mini-conference was achievable after the two school systems received a three-year L4GA literacy grant.

The L4GA (Literacy for Learning, Living and Reading) grant is designed to provide resources and support to children and students from birth to grade 12. The conference featured presentations from professors of early learning, educational leaders, and the New York Times #1 best-selling and award-winning author, Eric Litwin. This is the second round of L4GA literacy grants for the two school systems.

“Learning to read not only provides enjoyment for children, but these early literacy skills prepare them for school readiness and long-term success,” said Dr. Bob Dechman, Thomas County Schools’ Assistant Superintendent for Federal Programs and Accountability. “Research has shown that early literacy plays a key role in academic achievement, higher graduation rates and increased productivity as an adult. We look forward to providing other similar events for additional support in the future.”

The conference ended with a Super Saturday event that provided continuing education to community childcare providers.

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!

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.

Hand-In-Hand's PE coach, Hanah Taylor, was awarded Georgia's Shape Grant.  Georgia's Shape Grant is a nutrition and physical education grant.  Coach Hanah was awarded $5,000 for this grant.  For the nutrition portion of the grant, the plan is to supply local produce for staff lunches in an effort to improve health and wellness for our staff.  The remaining portion of the grant will be used to support the replacement of any equipment used by our students in Coach Hanah's PE classes.

Hand-In-Hand’s PE Coach, Hanah Taylor, was also awarded the Georgia Physical Education Project Rural Grant. (PEPR) Coach Hanah was awarded $5,000 for this grant. The money allowed the purchase of new basketball and soccer equipment.

Pre-Kindergarten teacher Debbie Carraway is one of three finalists in a public school system for the 2022-2023 Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year according to the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). Carraway, who has taught Pre-K at Hand-In-Hand Primary School for six years, was chosen for representing high quality early childhood education.

Carraway received a $500 cash prize from the Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning after her application was reviewed and scored by a panel of impartial judges.

Carraway has been teaching for 15 years, and 12 of those years have been in Pre-K.

“It is an honor to be selected as one of the top three finalists for Georgia Pre-K Teacher of the Year,” Carraway said. “If chosen to represent Thomas County as the 2023 Georgia Pre-K Teacher of the Year, my message would be that our children are our future. As an educator, I know that every day I make an impact on someone's life.”

This fall each of the finalists will be observed in their classroom by a Pre-K Specialist, will submit a small group video to be scored by outside judges, and will appear before a panel for a personal interview.

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

Congratulations to Coach Hanah for receiving the Envision Grant!  Hanah will be awarded $500 to spend on P.E. supplies.  Way to go!

Mrs. Ashlyn's class had a special guest reader during their library time! Macy read to her sister, Mia's class.  Her focus was to read stories that depict a child with a disability.  She hopes this use of representation will lead to normalization of differing abilities.  As she repeated to the children, "I am just different, not wrong." Macy is Miss Empire of the South's Outstanding Teen, part of Miss America organization.  Macy is promoting her Social Impact Initiative, Just Say Hi, which advocates for disability inclusion and representation in media and educates our community about disabilities.  

Mrs. Holli's class volunteered with Hands On Thomas County this week and made bouquets and boutonnieres for local senior citizens!

Thomas County kindergarteners in Lauren Huite’s class at Hand-In-Hand Primary School engaged in an experiential approach to vocabulary words from texts in the classroom. Students read several books in the “Fancy Nancy” series by Jane O’Connor which include sophisticated words like divine, splendid, chauffeur, and parfait.  The book and vocabulary study was a perfect opportunity to teach manners and formal behavior such as:  boys pulling out chairs for the girls, not talking with food in one’s mouth, saying please and thank you, waiting to eat until everyone has their food and is seated, putting your napkin in your lap, curtseying, and lifting a pinky to drink. Each classroom in the school puts their own spin on “Fancy Nancy Day” by reading different books, teaching different words, and having different parties. The girls especially love this day as they dress in pretty dresses and elaborate hats. The boys joined in the fun with collared shirts, sports coats, and top hats.

Mrs. Jessica Vick was named Hand-In-Hand's Teacher of the Year! Michelle Welch was named Support Teacher of the Year, and Frankie Warr was named Support Staff of the year!  We are so proud of all of you and the job you do to teach and support our students, families, and other staff members! 

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.

Thomas County pre-kindergarten students in Kimberly Lamos’s class at Hand-In-Hand Primary School are engaging in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities that focus on physics, comparison of shapes, load distribution, and the building of structures.

“This year my students have really shown an interest in building with different materials.  My class is full of future architects and engineers!” said Lamos.   

Students were divided into 3 different teams and each team was given the same supplies: different types of gummy candies and toothpicks.  The goal was to build a bridge that would stand on its own and support a car without crashing down.  Students used critical thinking skills to work together to make a sturdy bridge and then rethink how to build it when it became wobbly.  With teacher support and guidance, each team was able to create a bridge that did not crash when their car was placed on it.  Each group came up with uniquely creative solutions to the STEM challenge.

“The kids truly enjoyed working together to build something and to incorporate their ideas, but the best part was getting to have a tasty treat with the leftovers,” said Lamos.  

As a part of National Computer Science Education Week, students at Hand-In-Hand Primary School have had the chance to participate in a fun coding activity this week in STEM class! They have been programming Bee Bot robots to do a coordinated dance to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree".

Thomas County students in Teresa Colon’s three-year-old pre-kindergarten class at Hand-In-Hand Primary School spend time implementing planned activities to facilitate the development of coordination and fine motor skills of children.  Accredited pre-kindergarten educational programs provide activities that include: cutting paper with scissors, tracing and drawing various shapes and figures such as circles and squares, and turning the pages of a book.  Cutting paper specifically develops hand-eye coordination as children learn to watch where they are cutting, using their eyes to guide how they should move next. Pictured:  Teresa Colon, Jax Brady, CJ Thomas, Mallory Logue, and Maddox Davis.

Thomas County students in Lin McClune's kindergarten class at Hand In Hand Primary School made “10 frames” with the canned foods that had been donated for the school holiday food drive. Students use objects or shapes in sets of ten to develop number sense. It teaches students to subitize, the ability to identify the number of things in a set simply by quickly looking at them—not by counting them one by one. The practice of subitizing has its roots in psychology, but it is now taught in preschools and early grades in addition to traditional counting and is a precursor to addition. Ten frames provide kids with a visual of numbers and give children hands-on experiences working with numbers.

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.”

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 Hand-In-Hand Elementary School, thirteen entries won ribbons!  Congratulations to our students.

Kindergarteners in Keri Johnson’s class engage in Intervention and Enrichment each morning at Hand-in-Hand Primary School.  Small group time includes “Language for Learners” with the class paraprofessional, Guided Reading with Johnson, and partner reading.  Students are paired with specific partners based on their reading levels. Some days students are paired with a peer at the same reading level while other days Johnson may pair an advanced reader and a lower-leveled reader.  “They are helping each other and don't even realize it,” said Johnson.  

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. 

Kindergarten students in Holli Rossi’s class learned procedures and expectations in various areas of Hand-In-Hand Primary School during the first weeks of the year. Students used problem solving skills and had fun on a scavenger hunt around the school to find the beloved children’s book character, Pete the Cat. Pictured from left to right are Braylon Cole, Skylar Keaton, and Cameron Everett.

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.

Interactive Book Flyer

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 

Dear Parents/Guardians of Hand-in-Hand Students,

Please complete the Transportation-Tag form linked below.  If you have any questions, please contact the school at 229-225-4380.

Transportation-Tag Form Hand-in-Hand 2021-2022

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.

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.
 

Mrs. Jessica Vick, our remote kindergarten teacher, was voted by HNH staff to be our Digital Learning All-Star Teacher.  Jessica has enhanced her classroom teaching with various technology devices and programs.  She has a high level of excitement and expectation when teaching her students online.  They can't wait to do Zoom lessons with Mrs. Jessica.  She makes every day special.  Way to Go, Mrs. Jessica!  We are so proud of you.

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

Hand-In-Hand students celebrated National Down Syndrome Awareness Day Monday.  Having Down syndrome doesn’t stop us from doing what we love or what we want to do. We have the same wants and needs as everyone else. We work, go to college, drive cars, own businesses and do so many amazing things day today. We like to showcase our abilities and show that we are ready, willing, and able to work.  Click Read More to see more pictures.

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.

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

Click below for the Virtual Book Fair

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

Veterans Day is such a special day and Mrs. Taralyn's  Pre-k class painted a mosaic banner just to say Thank You to all our men and women in the armed forces!

Hanah Taylor, Hand-In-Hand's Physical Education Teacher, was recently awarded a $500.00 Envision Classroom Grant.  Envision Credit Union donates more than $24,000 in grants every year to teachers to help implement projects that enhance student education.  Taylor is planning to use the grant money to purchase PE equipment for the playgrounds.  Thank you, Envision, and congratulations, Mrs. Taylor!

Hand-In-Hand Students are Saying NO to Drugs!  Check out more photos in the gallery located under Quick Links.

Monday:  Team Up Against Drugs,    Tuesday:  Too Bright for Drugs,  Wednesday:  Wear Red,    Thursday:  Hide from Drugs, Friday:  Not Scared to say NO to Drugs.   

Mrs. Holli's Kindergarten Class is learning literacy and math skills with the book entitled, Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley. 

Students at HNH have been learning about Bus Safety.  Mrs. Ponders K class practiced getting on and off a bus.  Ways to sit properly on the bus were discussed.  Safety is a top priority for Thomas County Schools.

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.   

Mrs. Erin Rehberg, Digital Learning and Media Services Coordinator, shared her love of reading virtually with our PK students.

Welcome Back to School! 

We are excited about the upcoming year.  There are many things that we need to share with you.  Watch the following video to learn about our school and important details that will help your child transition to school.  Click here for the  Orientation Video.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

Wear Blue on Friday, March 6th for Haley.

HNH cookie dough fundraiser is due Monday, March 2.

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.

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 Mrs. Mallory's K class used technology to travel into the future. She aged them to see what they would look like when they reach 100 years old.  The students had so much fun seeing themselves as adults. To view more photos visit the Photo Gallery under Quick Links-100 years old.

Click here for more information and Registration Forms.

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.

Kindergarten students visited Cairo to mail their Santa Letters.  They also had a chance to visit the movie theater where each student was given a drink and popcorn. The film showed ways to be kind and help others all year long not just during the holidays.  This field trip was a great hands-on experience for the students.

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

March of the Cans is always such a great way to give back and share with the community.  Mrs. Jessica Vick's class collected the most cans at HNH.  They had a total of 333 food items.  Congratulations

The Envision School Grant will help Hand-In-Hand strengthen our practice of Conscious Discipline and the development of emotional regulation skills for our students. Conscious Discipline is a social-emotional learning program that fosters the growth of a healthy environment by shifting from traditional discipline to classrooms and homes that are governed by safety, connection, helpfulness, and intrinsic motivation. The goal of the program is for adults and children to gain the necessary self-regulation skills to enhance social, emotional, and academic learning.

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.

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   

Students at HNH arrived to school for a magical world of fun.   Staff members and students' artwork filled the halls and everyone enjoyed this special day with many exciting activities built around their theme.  Everyone is a winner at HNH because your children are learning while having fun.

Wing A Theme:  Richard Sims Fitness -Eat Right and Get Tight",

Wing B Theme:  Once Upon A Time....

Wing C Theme:   Alice in Wonderland- ***Winner***

Wing D Theme:  Charlotte's Web

Wing E Theme:  Monsterville

Wing F Theme:  Toy Story.

Office Theme:  Emoji's

Hand-In-Hand students created many art projects for the fair.  Pictured below is a pumpkin decorated from the scene of "Lady and the Tramp" and Charlotte's Web.  Mrs. Nicole and Mrs. Jenniffer's class worked as a team on these two projects.  Congratulations on winning 1st place.  First place

winners received $5.00, 2nd place winners received $3.00, and 3rd place winners received $1.00.  For all of our winners go to the Quick Links on the left and click on Photo Galleries.

The Live Better tip of the week is trying to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables! Fruits and Vegetables give our bodies lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that our bodies need! Make sure you are eating enough fruits and veggies every day to stay healthy! Click here for more info.

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.
 

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.

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.
 

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.  

TCCHS Apprenticeship students took their last walk down the halls to greet the students.  We wish you all the best in life.  Come back to see us every chance you get.  See more pictures in the photo gallery.

Students in Mrs. Mallory's K class experimented with different types of dish detergent.  Dawn dish detergent created the most bubbles.  The students had so much fun coming to that conclusion. See more pictures in the Photo Gallery.

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

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.

Students in Mrs. Angie's Kindergarten class have been studying about Paleontologist.  They were very careful getting their chocolate chilps out of their cookie.  This activity gave the students a chance to feel like a real Paleontologist. One student found 17 chips in his cookie.  Wow!  Who would have thought that there would have been so many in just one cookie?

At Hand-In-Hand all of our students are STARS!

Pictured L to R:  Amanda Sellers, Erin Wright, Marquita Guyton

Hand-In-Hand Primary School names the Staff Members of the Year.

Erin Wright has been named our "Teacher of the Year"

Amanda Sellers has been named our "Support Teacher of the Year"

Marquita Guyton "school nurse" has been named our "Support Staff of the Year"

Congratulations to these special ladies!  We are so proud of you all.

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.

From the American Heart Association, "Through Kids Heart Challenge, kids learn Jump rope skills, how their heart works and raise money to help kids with special hearts. Have fun, learn how to stay healthy and make a difference in the lives of others!" Hand in Hand students and dads participates in this challenge each year with the help of Coach Hanah, we also had some of the T.U. baseball team come and jump with our students.

HNH Students celebrated the 100th day of school in many different ways.  Some chose 100 legos, 100 cookies, 100th day t-shirts, being 100 years old, and the list goes on and on.  Thank you parents for sending all the 100 items that you found around your house.   Having your support makes our job so much easier. There is certainly one thing that we can all agree on "Your child is 100 days smarter than they were before they entered school." You can find more 100th day photos under the quick links "Photo Galleries."

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

“If there is one thing educators can agree on, it is this: children do better in school when their parents get involved in their learning.” (William J. Bennett)

Students in Ms. Hicks class shared their books with the students in Mrs. Heather's room. It was such a wonderful learning experience! 

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.”

Winter Family Fun Day was a Blast!  It was a great day to spread the Holiday Cheer.  Children of all ages enjoyed our little Winter Wonder Land. See More Photos on the Gallery Section under Quick Links.

HNH students gave back to the community by donating cans to the Food Bank.  Mrs. Catherine's K class collected 301 cans.  Mrs. Shelley's CD class collected 145 and Mrs. Elizabeth J's K class collected 142.  HNH students teamed up  to collect a total of 1,764 cans.  Thanks for all your support in donating these canned foods for such a worthy cause.  See more pictures in the Quick Links- Photo Gallery (March of the Cans)

HNH students enjoyed participating in The Hour of Code throughout the school. From the classrooms to P.E. and Music, many different types of 

coding activities were included such as Code.org, Scratch jr. and different unplugged activities.  Our students are actively involved in Computer Science.

Mrs. Stephanie's K class did a coding workout in P.E with Mrs. Hanah that kept them active.

Mrs. Anna's Pre-k class participated in a music coding exercise with Mrs. Risa that involved instruments.

Students actively participated in a Thanksgiving Feast as Pilgrims and Indians.  During class discussions, the students were able to share what they were thankful for in their lives.  This started a great converstation of sharing, working together, and friendship. Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at HNH.

Congratulations to all the Wings!  Every hall was decorated with lots of creative ideas that got their students involved.  Dressing up was an exciting part of the contest.  Wing D "Grease" was voted the favorite by our TCCHS judges with the other wings coming in right behind.  View our quick links on the left under Photo Galleries to see the other awesome wings.

Mrs. Stephanie's Class is wearing camo to Hide out drugs.

Super Heros:  Mrs. Mallory's class is "Too Super to do Drugs"!

Mr. Al visited Hand-In-Hand students to share the love of music with an educational impact of learning skills in a fun and natural way.  

Preston VanHeiningen from Mrs. Angie Manning's Kindergarten Class won 2nd place in the State Fire Safety Contest. Fire Prevention Fire Safety Week was held October 7-13.  Congratulations Preston

Mrs. Angie's Class is having fun picking peanuts.

Mrs. Lauren's classes picked cotton.  It is so much fun learning about harvesting GA crops.

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

Mrs. Keri's K class learned all about germs and how they can make you sick.  Thank you Mrs. Rachael and Mrs. Sherri for teaching us the importance of keeping our hands clean and free of germs.

"Georgia Pre-K Week" is a time during the year where we celebrate the development of Pre-K.  We get the local community involved by reading to our Pre-K students.   Georgia's Pre-K was launched in 1992 as a lottery-funded program under the leadership of Gov. Zell Miller.  This program has served over 1.6 million children.

Mrs. Williams, Thomas County School Superintendent, spent time sharing her love of reading to PreK students.  

Mrs. Erin Rehberg, Thomas County Digital Learning and Media Services Coordinator, read  Click, Clack, Moo to Mrs. Jessie's Pre-K students.

See more Photos under Quick Links within the Photo Gallery section.

Come join us for some fun and free resources to use with your child at home.  Our Data Night is Thursday, Sept. 20 from  5:30-6:30.  During this time, your child will participate in some fun activities with Coach Hanah while you visit with your child's teacher.  

Learning what your child is working on and their current understanding will help you to make a significant and positive impact on their education. We want to give you meaningful things to use at home that are free to our students and their families. Their education is a team effort and we are so glad you’re part of this team!

 Come Join the Cheering Team as we all support and encourage your child to reach their goals and celebrate sucesses.

Blaze and his family served the HNH staff with a "chilling" surprise!  Kona Ice gave the staff a snow cone after school as a refreshing treat.  Thanks from HNH.

. 

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.

Parents your child visited the Book Fair this week and brought home a wish list of books they would like. Please come by the library and see some of the wonderful new books we have on display. Your child is really excited about the prospect of a new book!              

Hand-In-Hand Primary School would like to invite you to our Grandparents' Day.  Come join your grandchild in his/her classroom with special activities planned at specific times.  The following dates and wings will be celebrating Grandparents' Day.

Wed.,Aug. 29:  Wings C & D

Thurs., Aug. 30:  Wings A & F

Fri., Aug. 31:  Wings B & E

For more information:  Call 229-225-3908

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

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.” 

These Hand-in-Hand students had perfect attendance during the 2017 - 2018 school year. Each student was presented with a game and a book in honor of their achievement.

Students pictured are:

Front row (L-R): Ruby McInnis, Parker Grace Howell, Noah Harrison, Elizabeth Garcia-Reyes, Ryleigh Johnson, and Kendall Brumblow.

Middle row (L-R): Payton Barber, Markeith Lamon, Jaidyn Jones, Denise Bryant, Natalie Vidal, Journ'ee Spencer, and De'Marion Newkirk.

Back row (L-R): Aiden Miller, Tyreawn Reed, Tucker Still, Elijah Johnson, Ke'Asia Horne, and Hudson Harper.

Way to go! We're proud of you!

Ms. Christine Cox was recently announced as Hand-in-Hand Primary School's Digital Learning All-Star Teacher. She was chosen for the innovative use of technology in her classroom.  Congratulations, Ms. Chris!  We are proud of you! Pictured from left to right: Erin Rehberg, Principal Dee Gaines, Chris Cox, Toni Odom, Robin Cartright, and Wes Davis.

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

When: May 14 - 18
Time: 7:30 - 3:30 (Friday closing at 1:00)
Thank you for supporting Hand-in-Hand's media center!
Order books online until Wed., May 16th!
 

Ms. Jessie's students made their own boats out of tinfoil and put different size objects in them to see if the boats would sink or stay afloat. 

Mrs. Jami's class released butterflies today after watching them for 3 weeks as they morphed from caterpillars to butterflies! 

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

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!

   Recently, Hand-in-Hand held their annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser to raise money for the American Heart Association.  Levi Downs was the top fundraiser, raising $825.00. Brooke Whittington's kindergarten class was the top class, raising $850.00.  Way to go! 

Hand-in-Hand Primary School has announced its teacher of the year is Michele Warr, support teacher of the year is Lloyd Graham, and support staff of the year is Charlotte McCann. Congratulations!  Thanks for making Hand-in-Hand a great place to be!

Ms. Mallory's class enjoyed checking their mail each day of February for letters from their buddy class!

Mrs. Donna Jo's class of 3-year-olds has been experimenting with ice and salt and making pretend snow!

Ms. Angie's class recently learned about units of measure by measuring different winter-time items.

Ms. Shelley's class enjoyed acting out Jan Brett's The Mitten.

Ms. Mallory's class enjoyed making their own groundhogs and voting on whether they thought the groundhog would see his shadow or not!

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 

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.

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

Hand-in-Hand students were excited by a breakfast visit from Santa!  

Hand-in-Hand students showed their generosity by donating 2,100 cans of food to the Thomas County Food Bank!  The school held a March of the Cans on Friday, Dec. 1st, in which the entire school marched up to both front lobbies and deposited cans of food they had brought. Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson's class brought in the most cans, with  211 donated.   Way to go!

Hand-in-Hand students recently participated in a poster contest promoting recycling.  The contest was sponsored by the TCCHS Environmental Ambassadors.  Pictured is Ms. Keri's kindergarten class (top photo), and individual winners (L to R) Bowen Bennett, Gracie Head, Elaina Rhodes, and Addison McVay.

Students at Hand-in-Hand enjoyed a Thanksgiving Day feast! 

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

Hand-in-Hand Primary held their annual Veterans' Day Parade on Friday, November 10th, in the school's front circle. Students dressed in red, white, and blue and held banners, waved flags and marched as part of the TCCHS band played! Veterans signed a thank you banner and Dunkin Donuts provided coffee and doughnuts to our honored guests. TCCHS student Matthew Edmonds sang the anthem as the band played. A fun day was had by all!  Thank you, veterans!

Students in Mrs. Donna Jo's 3-year-old class recently enjoyed acting out The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything.

Ms. Brooke's kindergarten class recently participated in several learning activities using pumpkins! They measured and weighed them, then made predictions based on their measurements as to which pumpkin would roll down a hill the quickest!

Mrs. Elizabeth's class wore sunglasses to show that they are "Too Bright for Drugs!"

Community members visited children at Hand-In-Hand the week of October 2-6 hosted by Voices for Georgia's Children and its partners to celebrate quality early education and the Georgia Pre-K Program. Guest readers during the week  included Thomas County Schools Superintendent Dusty Kornegay, local attorney Vann Parrott, GA State Representative Darlene Taylor, and Thomasville City Council member Don Sims.  Thanks for your support!

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.

Mrs. Alacia Herring will be the new assistant principal at Hand-In-Hand Primary School, replacing Mrs. Dee Gaines who was recently promoted to the position of principal upon Mrs. Mayhall's retirement.

Hand-in-Hand Pre-K students recently enjoyed a special field trip in which they learned about staying healthy. Classes purchased healthy snack ingredients at Harvey's grocery store, took part in an exercise class at the YMCA, then picnicked at Remington Park in the fresh air!

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

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.

Led by Coach Hanah, Hand-in-Hand students took part this week in fitness activities that combined music and pool noodles! 

 As of October 1st, Dee Gaines has been named as Hand-in-Hand Primary School's new principal.  A graduate of Thomas County Central High School, the University of Georgia, and Valdosta State University, Mrs. Gaines has worked in the Thomas County School System since 2000.  She has served as a special education teacher, speech/language pathologist, parent involvement coordinator, special education coordinator, and assistant principal.

Mrs. Gaines has deep roots in the system and a wealth of experience.  She will do an outstanding job as Hand-In-Hand's next Super-Principal!

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!

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.  

The Thomas County Health Department will be open for a back-to-school immunization clinic on Saturday, August 12, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Click on the link below for more information!

Don't Be Late... Vaccinate!

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

Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson's class won first place in the nation-wide DAR/JAC Banner contest! 

Hand-in-Hand kindergartners enjoyed the Gulf Specimen Marine Mobile Lab. Students were able to touch the animals and see them up-close. A scientist was also on hand to answer questions about the specimens in the exhibit.

Ms. Lauren's Pre-K students are having a tea party!

Kindergarten classes enjoyed a field trip to Chehaw Animal Park.  They observed many different animals and checked out the play equipment. Ms. Lauren's class wore hand-made t-shirts proclaiming themselves Creature Seekers!

Ms. Mallory's class is enjoying studying about dinosaurs!

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.”

Pre-K students recently visited Thomas County Middle School to participate in a Farm Day hosted by the middle school's Future Farmers of America.  Students especially enjoyed petting the farm animals! 

Eagle Scout Harrison Keyton recently built eight raised garden beds for Hand-in-Hand classes to use for spring planting projects. Pictured with Harrison, Ms. Paige, and Principal Jeanna Mayhall  are Jordan, Brandy, Kinsley, Keymya, and Noah, in Ms. Paige's class. They are proud of their newly planted garden!

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.

Hand-in-Hand has announced outstanding staff members as voted on by its staff and faculty.  Pictured (L to R) are Principal Jeanna Mayhall, Support Teacher of the Year Lucy Harris, Teacher of the Year Leigh Pollock, Resource Person of the Year Taneisha Gordon, and Assistant Principal Dee Gaines. Way to go, Ladies!

Wednesday, March 8th, was Georgia Walk to School Day. Students at Hand-in-Hand enjoyed walking around the school's front driveway during their PE classes and showing support for walking for exercise.   

Moms flooded Hand-in-Hand on March 3rd, reading to small groups throughout the school! Thanks, Moms!

Hand-in-Hand celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2nd! 

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

Jan/Feb 2017 Buzz

Hand-in-Hand classes were introduced to computer coding concepts using movement activities in their classrooms and during PE! Pictured is Ms. Lauren's kindergarten class.

Ms. Erin Lipsey's class donated the most cans to Hand-in-Hand's recent canned food drive!  Her students brought 450 cans.  Ms. Elizabeth Johnson's class came in a close second place, contributing 445 cans.  The school donated 2,730 cans in all to the Thomas County Food Bank!

On Election Day, Hand-in-Hand students participated in a mock election.  Students showed their (lunchroom) ID cards, went into voting booths, and chose their candidate from photos on an iPad.  Hillary Clinton narrowly won at our school.

Ms. Mallory's students used Post It notes to record all the numbers they found as they roamed the room during their Number Hunt.

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

Some of Mrs. Mallory's students looking at picture books with their reading glasses. Could they be any cuter?

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.  

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.

Orientation Meetings:   For your convenience, we provide two separate orientation times. You will only need to attend one session. Both sessions address both Pre-K and kindergarten.  This meeting is very informative about our policies, procedures, and curriculum.

Please note that this is an adult only meeting.  You will find out your child’s teacher at this orientation meeting.  You may arrive 30 minutes early to work out transportation needs. The meetings will begin promptly at 4:00 and 6:30. Transportation tags will be distributed at the meeting.

Orientation times (choose one):

Monday, July 25,  @ 4:00 p.m.   OR      6:30 p.m.

Open House: Friday, July 29th, 8:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.

(Please bring your child to open house to meet his/her teacher. You may drop in anytime on Friday, July 29th, from 8:00 until 10:00).

First Day of School: Monday, August 1st

Thirty-six students have been recognized for having perfect attendance for the entire year at Hand-in-Hand. We are very proud of these students for establishing good attendance habits early!  The students are: Berenise Jacob-Vega, Areli Jimenez-Godinez, Raniyah Jones, Aareona Cutler, Jimmy Williams, K'Nyziah Cooper, Raul Gaspar-Baltazar, Lolynn Jones, Alivia Williams, Lauryn Walden, Elijah Brefford, Zachariah Myrick, Yair Martinez, Ruby Rivas-Fuentes, Wynter Sessions, Trinity Smith, Jordan Thomas, Jayden Rodrigues, Riley Slocumb, Amya Bee, Jenna Murphy, Ashton Beach, Colin Scoggins, Dezmon Booker, Ashanti Anderson, Jake Jones, Charles Thornhill, Kassie White, Terrance Haywood, Roderick Lee, Ava Daniels, Cullen Marsh, Emilyn Willis, Deontez Coston, Ethan Curry, and Caleb Conner.

Mrs. Leigh's class (above) won several awards in this year's JAC/DAR banner contest!  The theme was Celebrate America. 
Their banner won at the district, state, and Southeast levels, and received an honorable mention at the national level.

Mrs. Elizabeth's kindergarten class won third place in the district for their DAR banner.

MyOn.com is a free resource for accessing eBooks. To log in, type 'Get Georgia Reading' in the school name blank.  The user name and password are both 'read.'

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!

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

Ms. Mallory's class enjoyed acting out Five Little Dinosaurs Jumping on the Bed! What a fun way to learn subtraction!

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

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

Ms. Mallory's class enjoys acting out The Elves and the Shoemaker in the media center with Ms. Lucy!

Ms. Mallory's Pre-K class took part in the international Hour of Code by learning the basics of computer coding.  They performed activities by using the symbols on their class Smartboard. 

Our principal, Mrs. Jeanna, had a special birthday!

Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson's class brought the most canned food in to donate to the Thomas County Food Bank.  The students brought in 327 cans! The entire school brought in 3,358 cans.  Linda Ivey's class came in 2nd, with 230 cans.

Ava & Lillian are two of the many students at Hand-in-Hand who had perfect attendance for the entire first nine-weeks of school! All perfect attendees' names were placed in a bowl and these two lucky girls' names were drawn. They each received a free meal at International House of Pancakes! Ava is in Mrs. Laura Ann Davis's class, and Lillian's teacher is Mrs. Paige Nix. IHOP manager Scott Stazone came to our school to make the presentation to the winners.

Sam works intently on graduated order in Mrs. Donna Jo's class of three-year-olds.

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.

Coach Hanah built mini-golf stations for our students to use!  Future golfers pictured with Coach are Sophie, Aubrey Kate, and Brooklyn.

Ms. Amy's class in their Thanksgiving outfits!

Wing D enjoying their feast!

Claire Pitts, above,listens with her grandfather, Gary Pitts, as the National Anthem is sung.  Students marched around the front circle for our very own Veterans' Day parade!  Everyone waved flags and wore red, white, and blue.  We had many veterans who attended. Thank you, veterans!

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. 

Hand-in-Hand Pre-K students recently visited Thomas County Middle School and learned about farm life.  Members of the Future Farmers of America hosted petting booths and helped the younger students make butter and plant sunflower seeds.  The students also viewed cows being milked in a mobile dairy and felt real cotton seeds.  Pictured above are Ms. Holli's students taking in the whole experience!

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!

Ms. Laura Ann's kindergarten class has been studying community helpers.  Recently, they were excited when a fireman from Valdosta, members of the drug squad, two EMTs and an ambulance visited their class! What a day! Carson is pictured wearing the sheriff's vest. Pictured with the fireman are Makayla, Drayden, Omari, and Mason.

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

Miss less than 10 days of school during the 2015-2016 school year and your family could WIN $500.00 from Battery Source!

Other Attendance Incentives:

    *Monthly rewards from Mrs. Jeanna

    * Perfect attendance for the 9 weeks enter drawings for IHOP dinners

"If children aren't in school, they don't learn.  Improving school attendance improves success in school." - Bruner, Discher, and Chang

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.

Anna and Charlotte sort the counting bears by color for small group in Ms. Shelley's class.

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

Ms. Valerie's Pre-K class enjoyed learning about colors by dissolving Skittles in cups!  Pictured are Ja'Leyiah, Malorie, and Demetrius.

Hand-in-Hand students are back in full swing!  Every class is happily engaged in interesting activities and learning in a hands-on way.

Hand-in-Hand Primary School's annual Open House was held on Friday, July 31st.  A huge and happy crowd met their new teachers and explored the school!

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

Starting school each year is such an exciting part of your child's life.  Meeting your teachers, meeting new friends and getting your new school supplies.

Click here for the  Thomas County Elementary Schools Supply Wish List. 

We are so looking forward to a great year.

Orientation Meeting Times: Tuesday, July 28, @ 4:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

Open House:  Friday, July 31st, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

These students came to school every single day during the 2014-2015 school year.  They were honored with gift bags, medals, and perfect attendance certificates. Way to go, students!

Ms. Angie Manning's kindergarten class harvested green beans and squash from their class garden!  Pictured are (L to R) Dillon, Peyton, and Zy'Jordan.

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

Come join the fun and participate in the 2015 Color Me With Cheer 5K Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, May 16th at the Thomas County Middle School.  Click here for more information and registration form.

Mrs. Marnee Stone’s Kindergarten Technology Team competed in the Media Festival in Camilla on March the 19th.  The team won first place in the K– 2 division.  The students created a webpage using web 2.0 tools entitled “Mrs. Marnee’s Class Shapes the World”.   This project incorporated a stem activity that allowed the students to create a 3D shape that would support the most weight.  Students built 3D shapes out of spaghetti and marshmallows.  They also created animals using different kinds of shapes. (From Left to Right:  Calen Wallace, Xavier Glenn, EmmaJean Reeves, Carter Weiss, Back Row:  Reese Wright, Donovan Brinson, Mrs. Marnee Stone, Clay Johnson, not shown Allie Boyett)

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.

Timmy is pictured above reading to his mother at Hand-in-Hand's recent
student-led conference night.  His kindergarten teacher (shown at left) is Ms. Angie Manning. Student-led conferences are held twice a year at Hand-in-Hand and allow students to showcase their budding talents to their parents.

Drake, Tucker, and Armonei were among the many, many children who donated 1,941 cans today during our annual March of the Cans.  The whole student body marched to the front lobby carrying cans they had brought to donate to the Thomas County Food Bank. 

Angie Manning’s class was the top collection winner, donating 158 cans.

Elizabeth Johnson’s class was the 2^nd place collection winner. The class donated 151 cans.  Way to go!

Hand-in-Hand held its annual Veterans' Day Parade!  Students made banners, hats, and flags, and marched in front of scores of veterans invited for the parade.  TCCHS band members added the beat as we marched around the front circle.  Shown above is Ms. Valerie Filer with her Pre-K class.  Pictured below are Ariel, Danielle, Ramiro, and Jenna.They are all kindergartners in Linda Ivey’s class.  Preparing for the parade met the kindergarten state standard "I know what Veterans' Day is and why we celebrate it."

Journie, Javin, Christian, and Payton are dressed for Halloween fun!  Princesses and superheroes were everywhere on Halloween at Hand-in-Hand!

Mrs. Paige Nix’s Pre-K class is learning about graduated order, height, weight, and the circumference of  pumpkins.
Pictured: (left to right) Aiden, D.J., Isabella, Collins, and Makayla.

  The two 3-year old classes at Hand-in-Hand recently visited a pumpkin patch in Coolidge.  In addition to picking their own tiny pumpkins, the students were able to pet bunnies, see a donkey, take a hayride, and do some pumpkin bowling. 

Students in Brooke Whittington’s kindergarten class enjoyed eating their way through the moon phases!  Pictured are Ty’Niria, Ali, and Kaylen.

PE Coach Hanah Taylor introduces students to a new game with over-sized dice involving LOTS of healthy movement! Pictured at top with Coach Taylor are Joni  and Lilli. Bottom picture is Lilli, Timmy, and Aaliyah attempting the crab walk with Coach Taylor.

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.

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

Hand-In-Hand will be taking all of the students to the YMCA for a  pool celebration.  We are inviting parents to assist us with this special event.  No younger or older siblings will be allowed due to the number of students that we have swimming per life guards. To keep this a family-friendly event, we ask that all adults refrain from wearing bikini bathing suits.

Celebration Times:

Pre-k:  Monday, May 19th  (see more information)

Kindergarten:  Tuesday, May 20th  (see more information)

Child Development Classes:  Friday, May 23rd  (see more information)

Hand-In-Hand Primary School is sponsoring a Lucky Scramble at the Country Oaks Golf Course in Thomasville on Saturday, March 8th.  Come out and join the fun.  Prizes will be awarded. (Format: 4-person Scramble)

Click here for more information

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.

We regret to inform you that Snow Day has been postponed indefinitely due to severe cold weather predicted for next week. I know that this sounds funny, but it does get too cold for our little ones to enjoy the snow. Please know that most of our children do not have cold weather gear to stay outside for any length of time. Blowing in the snow is a big expense that simply is not worth it if our children cannot bear the cold. We may be able to reschedule it the last week of February. This is all tentative right now. Again, this has not been an easy decision because we all love sharing this wonderful learning experience with our students.

Calling All Preschoolers!

February 3rd & 5th

Click here for more information

Family Fun Day was a blast.  Check out more pictures in the photo gallery section.

Everyone enjoyed breakfast with Santa.  The grits, eggs, sausage, and biscuit were delicious.

Click here for more information and registration form!

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! 

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!

Hand-In-Hand launched a new program ... Watch D.O.G.S. - (Dads of Great Students).  The kickoff program was a big hit with over 100 dads attending the meeting.  We are asking our dads, stepdads, granddads, and important males to commit to serving one day in our school.  These men will serve as role models on our campus helping in the classrooms, P.E., computer lab, recess, and lunch.  For more information on Watch D.O.G.S. call the school at 229-225-3908.

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

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.

Students who participated in the Summer Reading Challenge were treated to an ice cream party! Media Specialist, Miss Laura, challenged students to read at least 20 books and record them on our summer reading log.  Congratulations to these students!

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.

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.

Media Specialist, Carole Bevis, used the book "Jennifer Jones Won't Leave Me Alone" by Frieda Wishinsky, to engage students with the story and explore different parts of the world using Google Earth.  The students let their imaginations soar as they travelled to far-off lands visiting Paris, Rome, a Belgium Chocolate Shop, and a Viennese Pastry Shop before coming back home to Hand-In-Hand.  

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.”

Thomas County kindergarteners in Ashlyn Brent’s class at Hand-In-Hand Primary School kicked off the holiday season with a lesson about economics.  Direct instruction on concepts like wants and needs, as well as, income and expenses set the groundwork for a practical unit that focused on economics and personal finances. Students learned how money is managed by earning a “paycheck” from daily duties, acts of kindness, and hard work and then being responsible for bills. After practicing the concept of paying their bills for things like rent, utilities, gas, groceries, and clothing, students were able to use the money they had leftover to buy goods or services they wanted from the classroom store. The unit is a hands-on introduction to managing money and the experience helps students understand that they can’t always buy everything that they might desire. 

Ashlyn Brents collects money from Paris Duncan’s “paycheck” which she has to spend on the things she needs first and then use the remainder in the classroom store if she chooses.

Cason Ambrose exchanges “money” for items in the classroom store while Rhett Harper ponders his selection.

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.

Hand-In-Hand would like to thank community partners from the Certified Literate Community Program for visiting our Pre-K classrooms. Melvin Hugans, along with other Thomasville National Bank employees and Thomas County Board of Education staff, through the CLCP, read and donated a book to each Pre-Kindergarten student. We are so appreciative of the CLCP and the volunteers who make this event a success. Pictured are students from Mrs. Stephanie Connally's room.

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.  

Links below will take you to the registration forms. Forms are not compatible on mobile phones, but computers are available if needed. 

Pre-K English Registration Form

Kindergarten English Registration Form

After you register, please call TCBOE at 229-225-4380 to schedule or reschedule a 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.

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.

Students were rewarded for their participation in the Summer Reading Challenge.

After reading the book called Fancy Nancy, kindergarten students learned proper etiquette and table manners.  The boys and girls dressed up in their Sunday clothes.  The boys learned how to bow and the girls learned how to curtsey to greet each other.  The boys pulled chairs out for the girls.  Students waited to eat until everyone at their table had been served.  Some classes even had menus for the students to order from.  It was such a fun experience for the students.  Click read more for more pictures.

Hand-In-Hand Primary School will be holding 2021-2022 Pre-K and Kindergarten registration online this year. An ONLINE registration portal will be active on February 1 and 2. This live link will be available here on our website and on social media for registration. Parents or guardians who 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 February 1 and 2 will be guaranteed a slot. Out-of-district students will be accepted upon approval by the Board of Education.

Click on this link for more information and requirements:
Hand-In-Hand 2021-2022 PreK and Kindergarten ONLINE Registration

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.

Ms. Angie's class recently took part in some springtime gardening!

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

Please Join Us!
When:  Mon., Aug. 28 - Friday, Sept. 1
Time:  7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Where: H-in-H Media Center

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

Attention parents!  Registration for pre-k and kindergarten for the 2017-2018 school year will take place on Monday, February 6 from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, February 7 from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.   Please see the flyer by clicking the link or image below for more information about what to bring to registration.  Registration will take place at the Thomas County Board of Education (200 N. Pinetree Blvd.) in the PLC.  Please park in the big parking lot across the street from Wendy's.  Students currently enrolled in pre-k at Hand-in-Hand DO NOT need to register for kindergarten.

Hand-in-Hand Registration Information

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.  

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.  

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

Due to a family emergency, our visit with Dave Sargent has been cancelled.

We are so excited to meet a real author!  Author Dave Sargent and his trick dogs will be performing at Hand-in-Hand on Friday, January 29th!  Book order forms will be sent home on Monday, Jan. 25th. Please return the order form along with $7 if you would like your child to purchase a book from him after his performance. (This is optional.)

Hand-In-Hand Primary School

2016-2017

Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration

Monday, February 1, 2016

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

(Click here for more information)

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!

Students entering first grade at Garrison-Pilcher may click here to print off and fill out this reading log over the summer.  Students may return it to the Garrison-Pilcher media center during the first week of school to receive a prize!

Students entering Kindergarten at Hand-in-Hand may click here to print off and fill out this reading log over the summer.  Students may return it to the Hand-in-Hand media center during the first week of school to receive a prize!  Students may read the book or an adult may read it to them.

Also, click here to find fun summer reading activities at the Georgia Department of Education website!

Join us for our annual LUCKY Scramble Golf Tournament on Saturday, March 21st at the Country Oaks Golf Course.  This exciting event is a fundraiser for our school.  We need teams and hole sponsors so come out and try your luck.  Call the school at 229-225-3908 for more information.  Click here for the registration form. 

Registration for Pre-K and Kindergarten for the 2015-16 school year will soon take place on February 2, 3, and 4, at the Thomas County Board of Education PLC.  Please click the link below for more details concerning times and requirements.

Registration Flyer

Hand-in-Hand student Clay participated in our school system's Jack O'Lantern Jog along with his mom, Hand-in-Hand kindergarten teacher Ms. Keri.

Carly Ramhoffer and her mom Haley Haskins Ramhoffer dressed in Halloween costumes for the Jack O'Lantern Jog.

Hand-In-Hand Primary students enjoy ballet at school through the Dance Academy.  This enrichment is offered every Monday as an afterschool exploration for our Pre-K and kindergarten students.

Pictured above are Emily, Kinsley, Kendall, and Emma.

Also having fun while they learn dance are Julia and Sereniti (in foreground).

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

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.

Mark your calendar for Kindergarten Registration on Monday, April 29!

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

Congratulations to Mrs. Kym Lamos, Miss Laura Armstrong, and Mrs. Lynedra Brooks for being named Hand-In-Hand's Teacher of the Year, Support Teacher of the Year, and Support Staff of the Year!

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.”

This week, Kindergarten students are participating in the Hour of Code, a global initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to introduce millions of students to computer science and computer programming.  Students spent time working on Bot Logic, and educational puzzle game that challenges children to tackle complex logic problems while applying programming concepts.  They all enjoyed this fun way to practice their problem solving skills!

Students from Mrs. Kym's class are on the hunt for alphabet letters in the library this week! After listening to a story from our Media Specialist, Ms. Laura, students are using the iPad to scan QR codes and practice letter recognition.  

Mrs. Jacelyn's class had a blast enjoying trikes.  They even had some extra patrolling while out playing! They love our resource officer!

Thomas County kindergarteners at Hand-In-Hand Primary School created banners that won top honors in the local and state-level Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Junior Citizens Contest themed: “The 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail:  Moving Stars and Stripes Westward.”  

Catherine Croley's local and state-level 1st place winners in the banner category are: (front) Macy Bennett, Sophie Carr, (back) Jahnavi Floyd, Tripp Henderson, and Emerson Brue.

Elizabeth Johnson's local and state level 1st place winners in the banner category are: (front) Ariah Cole, Kennedy Qualheim, (back) Ally Touchton, Thomas Braun, and Ella James Earnest.

Students in Mrs. Mallory's Kindergarten Class knew that today was no ordinary day, for it was a day to embrace their inner weirdness and let their imaginations run wild! From head to toe, they were a kaleidoscope of colors, patterns, and textures, and they loved every second of Wacky Wednesday!

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. 

Thomas County kindergarteners in Holli Rossi’s class at Hand In Hand Primary School engage in a letter-writing activity during a social studies unit that revolves around wants and needs.  To reflect upon their own wants and needs, the students write letters to Santa that include one of each.  The class discusses the parts of a letter: the greeting, the body, and the closing as well as addressing a letter and including a stamp before mailing their letters to the North Pole!  

Hand In Hand Primary School kindergarteners travel to the post office to mail letters to Santa and then to a theater to watch “Santa Buddies” and enjoy a drink and popcorn!

Racelyn Hutchinson stands on her tip-toes to mail her letter to Santa.

Aiiden Padgett carefully aims for the mail slot to ensure his letter makes it to the North Pole.

Joseph Mayfield sends his letter to Santa describing a want and a need that was part of an application-level social studies activity.  

Even though they won’t officially vote for nearly fifteen years, Thomas County students at Hand In Hand Primary School exercised their right to vote

for their preferred cookie on November 8, 2022.  Students tasted both cookies, cast their vote, and then received their “I voted today” ticket!

Willa Gilligan carefully considers her choice between a chocolate sandwich cookie and a chocolate chip cookie in last Tuesday’s election.

Timothy Brown, Layla Jones, and Willa Gilligan taste the difference between the candidate cookies prior to making their selection.

Ka'Rajah Jones, Faith Lewis, and Racelyn Hutchinson show off their “I VOTED TODAY” badges after participating in the Hand In Hand mock

election activity.

It was a wonderful week with families celebrating Grandparents Day. Thank you to everyone who made it such a successful event!

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.

Students wear gold to support childhood cancer.

There are limited spots available so hurry to enroll your child! Registration will continue online until all available spots are filled. Call Hand-In-Hand Primary School at 229-225-3908 if you have questions.

Please click below to register your child for Pre-K. 
Register for PreK - English

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

After registering your child, please call Hand-In-Hand at 229-225-3908 to schedule your child's screening appointment.

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

Ms. Debbie's class enjoying music with Ms. Risa!

Students in Ms. Heather's class loved using items found on their Fall nature walk to create artwork!

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

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!

Pictured (L to R) are: Principal Jeanna Mayhall, Resource Staff of the Year Donna Collins, Teacher of the Year Stephanie White, Support Teacher of the Year Susanne Brown, and Assistant Principal Dee Gaines. Way to go, ladies!

Recently, Hand-in-Hand was evaluated on the safety of the procedures we use when getting students off and on school buses and cars, and around campus.  We passed with flying colors!  Ms. Angie Manning's kindergarten class is pictured holding our new banner.

Liana holds up a mollusk as Kennedy looks on. All the kindergartners loved exploring the touch tank in the Gulf Specimen Lab's travelling exhibit.  A scientist taught everyone about common animals in the Gulf of Mexico, and about the fragile ecosystem there.

Bus drivers taught Hand-in-Hand's Pre-K classes about bus safety during Bus Safety Awareness Week.   Ms. Tammy (top photo) showed students her bus and passed out coloring and info sheets.  Another bus driver, Ms. Connie (bottom photo, right), is pictured with Ms. Chris Cox and some of her Pre-K students after their safety demonstration.

Catherine Thompson's kindergarten class had a great time reading the story Mouse Paint and learning about primary colors. Pictured are Edjen, Lilah, and Tyler sorting by color.

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.

Happy Nurse's Day to Ms. Charlotte.

Ms. Charlotte has been keeping us well for over 9 years at HNH.  We appreciate all that you do to keep us safe and healthy.

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

Your SPLOST money is at work! If you need to visit Hand-In-Hand or Thomas County Middle School over the next few weeks, it may be necessary to enter from Highway 202 (County Line Road) and come through the back. We are receiving extended entrances and exits off the bypass as well as restructuring and paving.

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!

Students in Mrs. Beverly's class enjoyed family members coming to read for Read Across America Week.  

Miss Thomasville, Savannah Taylor, read to students in Miss Melanie's Pre-K class.  Students enjoyed her visit and are wishing her all the luck for the Miss Georgia Pageant!

Hand-In-Hand held its annual Veterans Day parade. Students dressed in red, white, and blue and held banners, waved flags and marched as parts of the TCCHS band played.

Thomasville National Bank recently worked with Hand-In-Hand students during Community Helpers Week to teach students about the role banks play in our community. Students in Christine Smith's and Emma Peirce's classes shared their thoughts on money with TNB Community Reinvestment Officer Melvin Hugans. During the presentation, Hugans discussed the different types of bank accounts, how to save money, and how to use money responsibly.  TNB is committed to giving back to the community and helping students learn about money and finance. 

Happy Earth Day from Mrs. Elizabeth and Mrs. Amanda's class! Our students had a blast celebrating and showing their love for our planet. From cleaning up our playground to creating beautiful art, and writing about how we can all do our part to protect the Earth, we're proud of their commitment to making the world a better place. And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious dirt cup treat! Here's to making every day Earth Day and continuing to inspire future generations to cherish and care for our planet.

It's Dr. Seuss week at Hand-In-Hand school and the little ones are buzzing with excitement!  The children dressed up in Dr. Seuss-inspired costumes, from the mischievous Cat in the Hat to the Fox in Socks! Together, they learned important life lessons about kindness, diversity, and self-expression.  Dr. Seuss would be proud to see these young readers embrace his legacy with such joy and enthusiasm!

Thomas County students in Mallory Glass’s pre-kindergarten class at Hand-In-Hand Primary School read "Rap a Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles Think of That!" about Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, a man known as the greatest tap dancer of all time.  To extend their experience with the topic, the students watched actual footage of Robinson dancing followed by an opinion-writing activity asking students to express how much fun it would or would not be to watch him dance.  Lastly, students tried on real tap shoes and attempted some of their own tapping!

Pictured: Jacob Greene

Mrs. Trudy's, Ms. Brenda's, Mrs. Michele's, & Mrs. Daphne's class in A6 has so much fun learning. They discovered number sequences and recognition. Learning to name shapes with literacy letter sheets was challenging and fun. As always, students are working on how to be helpful to one another and keep our classroom safe by using walking feet, watchful eyes, listening ears, and helping hands.

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.

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.
 

Thomas County pre-kindergarteners in Casey Brooks’s class at Hand-In-Hand Primary School spend time learning about community helpers. One example during their study was a session where the students learned about the job of a school principal.  At the conclusion, Principal Dee Gaines visited the class so that they could give her a Valentine in appreciation for her hard work.  Pictured: Gaines, Ella James Earnest, Brooks, Brantley Singletary, and Aiiden Padget.  

Pre-k classes have been exploring different kinds of dinosaurs.  Students were exposed to these words:   volcano, footprint, fossil, lava, skeleton, dinosaur, egg. Mrs. Paige's class created a mural to show what they learned about pre-historic animals.  Mrs. Taralyn's class were paleontologists exploring eggs to find fossils.  Mrs. Kim's class dug in the dirt for fossils. Click Read more to see other pictures.

Today was Dr. Seuss's birthday and students at HNH enjoyed listening to the story Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.  At lunch, they were able to try a plate of Green Eggs and Ham.  Check out some of the students' writings.  Click read more for more pictures and writings.

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.

Students at HNH enjoyed wearing their pajamas to school as they worked like Santa's Elves. Click below for more pictures.

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.

By completing these packets, your child will be continuing to learning skills at home so they will be ready to start back to school. Click on the following grade-level links below to find various resources that will help them practice their Literacy and Math Skills while we are closed.

Pre-K  Resource Packet #1,  

           Resource Packet #2

           Daily Have a Go 

Kindergarten Resource Packet #1       

            Resource Packet #2

            Resource Packet #3

            Resource Packet #4

            Resource Packet #5

            Resources Packet #6

Websites Resources              

*** Reading Eggs and Math Seeds passwords are in K student's' folders.   

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.

Hand-in-Hand students enjoyed working collaboratively on a problem-solving project!

TCCHS apprenticeship students were cheered as they marched down Hand-in-Hand halls lined with students on Friday, May 12th.  The seniors, who worked in classrooms part-time during the entire school year, forged many positive relationships with students.  

Hand-in-Hand's classes of 3-year-olds enjoyed their two weeks of swimming lessons at the YMCA.

Hand-in-Hand kindergartners recently enjoyed a morning of activities that supported getting everyone healthy and moving! Athletes from TCCHS led students at various stations and served as healthy role models for our students. Some TCCHS band members also demonstrated that learning to play a musical instrument is a healthy brain-stretcher!

Three-year-olds testing out Hand-in-Hand's new play equipment!

Red Day in Mrs. Donna Jo's classroom!

Ms. Mallory's class enjoyed watching TCMS students launch their rockets!

Quite a few mothers (and grandmothers) visited Hand-in-Hand for Wednesday's March Moms Day. Our honored guests read to classes and small groups throughout the day!

Sophie & JP, Hand-in-Hand students, enjoyed attending the public library's recent literacy fair.  They are pictured above with Buzz, Thomas County Central's new mascot!

The Georgia Department of Education has partnered with a children's eBook provider to give free digital book access to all Georgia students this summer. The effort to encourage reading is called the
Get Georgia Reading campaign.  Click here to try it! We encourage all Hand-in-Hand parents to try out eBooks this summer with your young reader!

Hand-In-Hand Primary School officials have named Staff of the Year for 2015.  (From left to right) Named are Teacher of the Year Keri Johnson, Support Staff of the Year Wade Banks, and Support Teacher of the Year Renee Davis.

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.

Pictured above areTa'Lor, Ziara, and Baylin learning how to mix colors to make new colors in the Science Lab. They are also in Ms. Catherine Thompson's kindergarten class.

The Dairy Queen donated $1,200 to Hand-In-Hand.  This money will go towards field trips and other student activites.  We appreciate your support!

Kindergarten Rodeo for New Students

When:  Monday, March 31, 2014 

Where:   Thomas County Board of Education, PLC

Time:  9:00-6:00                           

Click here for more Information        

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., Mrs. Holli's friends collected soups and socks to donate to Hands on Thomas County to give to locals in the area to help during the cold nights!

Students in Mrs. Amy Sowell's class visited the fire truck during Fire Safety week.  They also celebrated finishing their fairy tale/nursery rhyme unit with a dress up day!

Mrs. Holli's class enjoyed a shape walk through the woods at Hand-In-Hand! The students nurtured their curiosity as they discovered shapes all around them!

Dressing up as Fancy Nancy is not just about wearing pretty clothes and tiaras! In this exciting lesson, Kindergarten students will learn about the importance of manners and etiquette through the adventures of the beloved character Fancy Nancy. Through imaginative play and engaging activities, students in Mrs. Ashlyn Brent's class are learning how using good manners can help them communicate effectively, build positive relationships, and show respect for themselves and others. From saying "please" and "thank you" to using proper table manners, Fancy Nancy will be their guide to becoming true ladies and gentlemen.  

Thomas County kindergarteners in Lauren Huite’s class at Hand In Hand Primary School love writing on interactive viewboards to show mastery of each word family.  Huite’s students wrapped up their sound study of the vowel “a” families by writing dictated words in the correct word family house as well as identifying words from each word family.  Marialexia “Lexie” Hernandez identifies a word in the “am” word family house.

Thomas County students at Hand-In-Hand Primary School engage in work time with centers that build engineering, writing, math, and reading skills.  In the dramatic play area, children enjoy acting out common scenarios that they experience or see.

“At this age, children learn best through play and hands-on activities,” said Principal Dee Gaines. “Children are not only developing important language skills such as vocabulary, they are also developing important social skills such as collaborating, problem solving, turn-taking, and regulating emotions.

Pre-kindergarten teacher Kym Lamos works hard to create a class family where each child feels like they are wanted, respected, and loved. That security helps to establish an early love for school because when students love coming to school, they are more likely to be successful. 

“We have areas to instill a love of art, science, and music. Pre-kindergarten teachers use these different areas to encourage students to investigate, explore, and create in a safe and loving atmosphere,” said Lamos.

In pre-kindergarten it may look like students play all day, but these students are doing so much more than just playing beauty shop.  Pictured:  Ava Bell, Joshua Sanders, Marley Kate Parramore, and HattiRae Rossi. 

Our Social Media Awareness Night has been rescheduled for Thursday, November 17, at 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas County Middle School Cafeteria. Please save the date for this important event! All parents Grades K-12 are welcome!

Teachers and students celebrated this "Down Right Amazing" crew for World Down Syndrome Day! They make every day extra amazing at Hand-In-Hand!

Mrs. Holli's class collected 100 mittens for the 100th day of school! The mittens will be donated to the local CASA foster children! 

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

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

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

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.

Hand-in-Hand was named a Youth Environmental School (Y.E.S.) during Thomas University's Earth Day Fair! 

Mrs. Angie's kindergarten elves enjoy wrapping gifts for the holiday season!

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

Brooke-Lynn and Hardy, in Mrs. Angie's kindergarten class, learned how blubber keeps animals warm in the winter. 

Hand-in-Hand students recently participated in fun training about bus safety. Each student learned procedures for being safe on the bus. Students also rode on the bus around the circle, and then were each given a model of a bus to take home!

Thirty-five Hand-in-Hand students who read at least 20 books this summer recently were rewarded with an ice cream party in the media center.  Students' names were posted on a bulletin board in the front lobby and they received certificates, "Star Reader" pencils, and stickers. Avid reader Olivia Bass was the winner of a drawing for a gift certificate to be used at the school's upcoming book fair!

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

Hand-In-Hand Primary School received a $2,500 donation from America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund and directed by local farmer Trey Griffin of Thomas County. The donation will help the organization purchase new all-terrain trikes for gross motor play. Currently, the trikes are more than five years old. Students participate in gross motor play through riding trikes once or twice weekly.

Click "More Information" to read the whole story.

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.

Mrs. Leigh's class enjoyed exercising by using the colorful parachute above during Healthy Habits Day. Pictured above are Rayiana Gibson, Caroline Lattay, Terrance Bostick, and Emma Bass.  On Healthy Habits Day, kindergarten students moved from station to station taking part in activities that reinforced healthy habits.

My'Ajah and Ashton, in Ms. Lin McClune's kindergarten class, enjoyed the Hippity Hop station during Healthy Habits Day!
Click More Information (below) for more photos of Healthy Habits Day.
 

Several classes represented Hand-in-Hand on the school system's float, and Watchdog Dads proudly marched in the 2015 Rosebud Parade. Our Watchdog Dads volunteer their time at Hand-in-Hand throughout the school year. Thanks, Dads!

Hand-In-Hand Primary School celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday with many fun activities throughout the week; Staff members presented the play The Cat in the Hat on stage for all students. The lunchroom served “green eggs and ham” and learning fun was had by everyone. (Staff pictured left to right): Julie Swann, Megan Lewis, Hanah Taylor, Valerie Boban, Lucy Thompson, and Elizabeth Maxwell.

Mrs. Angie Manning's Kindergarten class recently sent a gingerbread man to President Obama. President Obama replied with a letter to the class, photos of his family, and a personal letter to Mrs. Manning! Students' families have also sent gingerbread men to far-away friends and relatives so that the class can read about the adventures the gingerbread men have had and to also map out the different states each one has visited.

Governor Deal’s wife recently read a story to Hand-in-Hand students.  She is travelling around the state reading aloud to selected Pre-K schools, and Hand-in-Hand was one of those schools chosen. 

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!

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

Mrs. Marnee's Kindergarten team won 1st place at the Media Festival in Camilla.  They created a webpage through Glogster depicting how they are 100 days smarter.  They used technology to demonstrate mastery of their counting skills such as counting to 100, counting by 10's, and counting by 5's.  The students also wrote sentences describing their 100 animal creations.

Coach Rogers visited Mrs. Amy Sowell's classroom during Georgia Pre-K week to read with the students. Georgia Pre-K week is an annual week-long celebration of Georgia's Pre-K Program.  Classrooms all over the school have enjoyed various staff and community members reading books.

Learning to code has never been easier or more fun with Scratch Jr! This app is designed specifically for Kindergarten students to help them learn the basics of coding in a playful and engaging way. With colorful characters and intuitive drag-and-drop blocks, students can create their own interactive stories and games while developing important problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Scratch Jr also encourages collaboration and creativity, as students can share their projects with classmates and explore the projects of others. Students in Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson's class are having a blast!

Thomas County kindergarteners in Mallory Glass’s class at Hand In Hand Primary School interacted with numerous American symbols and connected them with locations on a map of the United States of America. Students explored the values of US currencies, sorted coins, and played “heads or tails."

Rashawn Fuller shows off his excellent portrait of President George Washington.  

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. 

Pre-K students from Mrs. Kym's class enjoyed learning about fire safety from Thomas County Firefighters!

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.

Congratulations to Noah Daniell in Mrs. Catherine Croley's Kindergarten class for winning the Georgia Young Authors writing contest!  Noah will advance to the district level! 

Mrs. Paige's class is doing an author study on Eric Carle.  After reading "A House for Hermit Crab", they observed several hermit crabs and talked about how they change shells as they grow.

Students at HNH enjoyed a day creating traps to catch a Leprechaun.  Some of those traps almost caught him, but he was too sneaky for us. It was a day of eating and tasting green foods.  Graphing was also included in recording results of those foods that students liked and did not like.   Click on Read More to see other things that we did. 

Today marks 100 days that we have been in school.  Our students are like sponges soaking up all the new information that they receive every day. The students created pictures with the numeral 100.  Counting 100 Fruit Loops was exciting and delicious.  Thank you parents for helping your child dress for this special occasion.   Click read more to see more pictures of our special day.

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.

Kindergartners enjoyed a trip to Chehaw Wild Animal Park in Albany, Georgia!

When children play they are using imagination and enhancing creative abilities. 

Students in Mrs. Lin's class enjoy seeing the effects of temperature on water.  Pictured (L to R) are Jermaine, JaLeyiah, Riley, Colin, Markevious, Miyah, and Anisten.

Ms. DonnaJo's class visited a pumpkin patch!

JL and Cooper are new friends in Ms. Donna Jo's class!

Hand-in-Hand classes enjoyed seeing sea creatures up close during a visit from the mobile Gulf Specimen Marine Lab.

Ms. Holli's class recently found a spider, which inspired a nature study and nature walk on the trail behind our school!  They found many interesting natural objects to take back to their class. What a great way to tie in learning to children's interests!

Kindergartners in Ms. Angie Manning's class recently had a hands-on experience learning about plant life.  Eli's father brought peanut plants to the class and the students found the peanuts on the bushes, picked them, and then ate them after Ms. Angie boiled them.  What a great authentic learning experience!

Hand-In-Hand Primary received a special delivery on Monday from Teacher Harvest in Valdosta. Each teacher in the school received a free YOOBI box of supplies to be used in the classroom for instruction. The YOOBI boxes included folders, markers, pencils, erasers, and pencil bags. The teachers and students were excited about their surprise delivery.

Pictured left to right are kindergarten teachers: Stephanie White, Carole Bevis, Keri Johnson, and Linda Ivey. Teachers are pictured with Danny Dukes, director of our local Second Harvest and Hannah Peverill from Teacher Harvest in Valdosta.

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.

Miguel rolls the dice and puts the correct number of bears in the cave!

Ms. Holli Rossi's class made Christmas trees out of baking soda and water. They put the trees in the freezer overnight, and then used vinegar to squirt on the trees and watched it melt! What a great way to learn about states of matter!

Marques receives a Christmas tattoo at Hand-in-Hand's Winter Family Fun Day held on December 6th. Students also enjoyed taking a hay ride, having breakfast with Santa, reading with an elf, sipping hot chocolate, riding tricycles, and playing in the bouncy houses.

Hand-in-Hand students flocked to make fun crafts at the Winter Family Fun Day!  Pictured above are Alexander and Jasper creating an ornament. 

The Thomas County and Thomasville City Fire Clowns visited the students at Hand-In-Hand Primary this week to teach the students about Fire Safety.
They performed skits, demonstrated safe exits, and fire drills for the home. The students also got to see the big fire trucks.

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

Kindergartners can read twenty books this summer and receive a prize from Garrison-Pilcher next Fall!  Click here to see the Reading Log.

Congratulations to Hand-In-Hand Prmary Staff of the Year for 2014.  (Pictured from left to right)  Support Staff Member of the Year- Toni Odom, Principal -Jeanna Mayhall, Teacher of the Year - Meredith Powell, Support Teacher of the Year- Brenda McNeil

Thomas County kindergarteners in Trudy Cole’s class at Hand-In-Hand Primary School master skills through movement and exploration of real-world examples.  Emma Dukes went on a “Shape Hunt” to find 2D and 3D shapes within her learning environment.  

Hand-In-Hand teachers on Wing C are feelin' groovy today as they finish out celebrating Red Ribbon week with costumes!

Jennifer Daniels, a performing songwriter and artist, visited Hand-In-Hand to provide the students with an interactive concert.  The songs were playful and full of movement.  Pictured are students in Mrs. Elizabeth's Kindergarten class with Jennifer Daniels.  

Students in Mrs. Mallory's Kindergarten class worked super hard on their banners and cards for their Board Members!  Thomas County celebrated our amazing Board Members last week.

Mrs. Lauren's class didn't agree with the Groundhog's prediction! They are voting for an early Spring!

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

Children enjoy being with their friends.  At school, we learn how to care and share with each other in safe ways. Using kind words when we talk to each other makes us feel special and loved  Click read more to see more pictures.

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.

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. 

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

Mrs. Keri's class enjoyed a visit from Smokey the Bear, who spoke to the students about the importance of fire safety.

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.

Mrs. Mallory's class acting out The Three Little Pigs!

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!

Hand-in-Hand recently held a healthy fundraiser to raise money for the American Heart Association.  Mrs. Leigh's class raised the largest amount ($921).  The three students who raised the most are (L to R) Aiden Wright, Karson McCutchen, and Evelyn Wright. The grand total collected was $4070.92. We are proud to help others!

Students from Thomas County MIddle School recently read to Pre-K classes.  Both age groups enjoyed and benefitted from the interaction!

Miracle, Brianni, and Joshua, in Ms. Holli's Pre-K class, learned about experiments and states of matter in their class.They predicted what would happen if they put Ivory soap in the microwave, noticed how it changed, then enjoyed using cookie cutters and food coloring to make it back into soap again!

Saniya puts a fly in the little old lady's mouth during a lively story time at Hand-in-Hand.

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

Bryson and his father, Brian Ross enjoy PE together on Hand-in-Hand's annual Dad's Day.  Michael Green is joining in the fun also!

Ms. Shelley's class of three year olds touches an icicle created on a recent freezing night.  They are learning about states of matter in a hands-on way!

Hand-In-Hand Primary School provided Christmas presents to 100 needy children through our local Salvation Army's Angel Tree program.  Pictured with Scott Reardon from the Salvation Army are: (left to right) Ashley Sellers, Hand-in-Hand counselor, and students Colton, Kenneth, Ty’Niria, Christopher, Kaylen, and Laney, with Hand-in-Hand's principal, Jeanna Mayhall.

Londyn, Dillon, Zumarion, Malkijah, and Angel enjoyed decorating a pumpkin in the art area of Mrs. Angie Manning's kindergarten classroom.  They entered their pumpkin at the fair and won a ribbon!

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

Hand-In-Hand would like to thank all of our sponsors (KeySouth, Barberitos, Country Oaks, Battery Source, Ellianos, and Markey Communications) and participants for supporting our Lucky Scramble Golf Tournament again this year!

Hand-In-Hand Pre-K students visited Thomasville Center for the Arts.  Students in Mrs. Amy's class enjoyed their visit! 

Students in Mrs. Holli's class have been working really hard on moving up levels in Reading Eggs.  Mrs. Holli rewarded the students with nuggets from Chic-Fil-A! 

Thomas County parents of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students at Hand-In-Hand Primary School engaged in an evening of student-led conferences on December 14, 2021 which are beneficial for the student, parents, and teachers.

“The conference event gives the child an opportunity to "show what they know" as they shine and share their successes and growths in school,” said kindergarten teacher Anna McKenzie.

In addition to the student input at the conferences, the parent is able to shed light on his or her child’s behavior or learning styles that the teacher may not have observed. Likewise the teacher might be able to share a different perspective of the child’s behavior, school environment, or academic performance of which the parents were not aware. The conferences are usually brief and have a “show and tell” likeness about them; as the child shows the parents how things are done in school.  Whether it's reading a list of words or saying quick math facts with a timer or even how problems are solved with peers, the parents are free to ask questions or stop the teacher for clarification at any time during the conferences. Once the conference is concluded, parents leave with data results of their child’s academic performance and additional resources to help their child at home if needed or requested.

“Hopefully everyone leaves with a happy heart and a greater understanding of the child's plan for success,” said McKenzie.   

Hand-In-Hand Primary School would like to Congratulation our Teachers of the Year.  We are so proud of you all! From Left to Right:  Mrs. Anna McKenzie (Pre-k teacher),  Mrs.Daphanee Barlow (Support Teacher), Hanna Anderson (Resource Teacher) and Mrs. Dee Gaines (Principal)

Ms. Holli's class enjoyed exploring rainbows as they conducted some experiments with Skittles!

When your child is playing with markers or crayons, it looks like drawing, coloring, or scribbling. Your child is really learning fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, writing, and creative expression.

Ms. Debbie's class enjoyed their behind-the-scenes tour of Harvey's grocery store. 

Ms. Jessie's class exercised at the YMCA as part of Hand-in-Hand's Healthy Habits Day!

Kollin holds the flag while Ms. Donna Jo's class says the pledge.

Coach Hanah spoke on February 17th at the Georgia Safe Routes conference about ways we keep students safe at Hand-in-Hand. 

Pre-K classes enjoyed an educational field trip celebrating wellness.  They toured Harvey's and picked out nutritious items for a snack recipe.  Afterwards, they took a fitness class at the Butler-Mason YMCA, then picnicked at Remington Park.  Pictured above is Mrs. Mallory's class.

Ms. Leigh's class enjoyed learning their sight words while playing a lively, modified game of Twister.  Students identified sight words as they stepped on them while playing the game.

Pre-K scientists Aubrey & Ze'Charius study cicadas in Ms. Mallory's class.

Mrs. Jessica Vicks’ PreK class at Hand-In-Hand Primary School are learning about community helpers. Deputy Buddy Rhoden shared with the boys and girls about his job. They enjoyed getting to see his car and learning about safety.

 Hand-In-Hand Primary School

2015-2016

Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration

For Pre-K:

Register at Hand-In-Hand Primary School

Address: 4687 U. S. Hwy. 84 Bypass, (229) 225-3908

For Kindergarten:

Register at the Thomas County Board of Education

Address: 200 N. Pinetree Blvd., (229) 225-4380

Click Here For Registration Details:

Mrs. Mallory's class learns about changing states of matter as they melt ice cubes.

Hand-in-Hand future scientists Lauren, Colbee, and  Eli, in Mallory Glass's Pre-K class experiment with watching colors erupt and mix together.

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

Students in every Kindergarten class received new Chromebooks recently.  They had a special visit from "ChromeBEAR" who taught the students how to use and take care of their new Chromebooks! Pictured is Mrs. Jessica's class, who loves their new Chromebooks and ChromeBEAR!

 Hand-in-Hand recently received a trophy for participating in the American Heart Association's Jump Rope for Heart.  We were awarded 3rd place in our county and raised over $4,200!

Hand-In-Hand is very proud to announce that our program is Quality Rated with 3 stars through Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. The 3-star rating is the highest rating awarded. This distinction demonstrates Hand-In-Hand's dedication to providing a high-quality, engaging learning environment for our students.

Ms. Lin's students enjoyed riding on Hand-in-Hand's Rosebud Parade float!
Pictured (back to front) are: Isabella, Heidi, Tyson, Trent, and My'Ajah.

Arissa, Prince, Gabriel, and Ashton with their Reading Rocks t-shirts before the parade.

Ms. Blair's class is mailing a letter to their buddy class through Hand-in-Hand's school post office!  The students love to check their class mailbox each day.  Sending and receiving mail is an authentic task that motivates students to read and write.

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.

Laderrick and Arriona are enjoying learning about measurement using worms and Unifix cubes in Ms. Mallory's class!

Ms. Mallory's Pre-K class prepares to present nursery rhymes for Grandparents' Day!

Ms. Keri's kindergarten class planted pumpkin seeds in their garden!  They are in high hopes that they will be able to grow their own pumpkin for Halloween!

Students in Mrs. Keri Johnson’s kindergarten class at Hand-In-Hand Primary are learning about machines and pulleys in our Science Lab.

Pictured are Railey and Noah.

Hand-In-Hand Primary students recently had a fun day playing in the snow. A snow machine created snow so that our students could experience it! Students got to use their senses to explore and have fun learning.

Pictured are PreK students: Karson McCutchen, Caroline Eidson, and Lois Brogren making snowballs.

Hand-in-Hand Pre-K teacher Erin Wright has been chosen as Georgia's Pre-K Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children (GAEYC).  We are very proud of our colleague!

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.

Mrs. Kym's class learned that letters build words and words build sentences.  The students worked in teams to hunt for letters, words, and sentences in magazines.  They worked together as a class to sort them on the class poster.  Learning is so much fun!

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

Landon, in Ms. Lauren's class, building a dog house with blocks.

Hand-in-Hand students are being active this month by jumping rope in PE!  This is an activity promoted by the American Heart Association annually in February. Even our assistant principal, Ms. Dee, (pictured above in red vest) is getting active!

Three year-olds Sam, Josh, and Micah (and the rest of their class) are learning to swim at the YMCA this month!

Davis, Bennie, and Anna enjoyed singing and using the duck finger puppets while reading Five Little Ducks in Ms. Shelly's class! The class counted the ducks as they sang along.

Ian, Andrew, and Jasper, in Ms. Mallory's class, are trying to huff and puff the blocks down like the Big Bad Wolf!

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.

Hand-In-Hand Primary School students in Mrs. Keri Johnson’s kindergarten class are having fun with “Subtraction Bowling!" What a fun learning activity for a cold, winter day!
Students pictured with Ms. Taylor Fallaw (Valdosta State University student teacher) are Railey, Jaylen, Noah, Kota and Amelia.

Mrs. Ashlyn's class demonstrated a kindness challenge with Officer Minto.  The students are participating in a kindness challenge each day during the month of February.  For this challenge, the students drew a picture of a police officer they love.  The students in Mrs. Ashlyn's class love Officer Minto!

Elliano's Coffee was named as Hand-in-Hand's BEE Partner for the third quarter of this school year!  Thanks for all your support, Elliano's!