Emanuel EDUCATOR
Back to School 2023
The official magazine of Emanuel County Schools
Get Back-to-School informations and learn about exciting things happening this school year!

The official magazine of Emanuel County Schools
Get Back-to-School informations and learn about exciting things happening this school year!
Dear Emanuel County, Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year. I hope you spent the summer relaxing and enjoying time with your family and/or friends.
As we begin an exciting school year, I look forward to you being a part of our Emanuel County School family and hope you are excited about the year ahead of us. Please visit our webpage and our Social Media sites, and be looking out for Kinvo messages to stay up-to-date with the decisions that we are making as your school system to try and better serve our students. We are looking forward to a fantastic school year with our Emanuel County School System students.
I am honored to continue to serve as the Superintendent of the Emanuel County School District, and I look forward to working with parents, students, teachers, administrators, and community members to provide wonderful opportunities for every student to succeed. Our students are among some of the best in the state, and this district is filled with quality, dedicated professionals who want the best for each of our students. I appreciate our communities’ support of our schools and students.
The very focal point of our mission is our students. By working together, we have an opportunity to build upon our successes to ensure that all students are learning at high levels and that each and every staff member in the district supports the efforts in our classrooms. Together we will be able to achieve our mission “to prepare and inspire all students for college and career success through personalized learning and relevant experiences.” Please
join us as we strive to accomplish our vision “to strengthen our community one student at a time.”
One of our goals as your Emanuel County School System is that we will know, value, and work to inspire every child. Student success begins with relationships, high expectations, and support systems that provide the necessary resources to achieve those expectations. You will find that our faculty and staff care deeply about our students, and they will provide our students with the educational foundation and the solid Tier 1 Instruction that our students need to achieve. We will strive every day to live out our goals of F.A.M.I.L.Y. (Forget.About.Me.I.Love.You.) and S.A.S. (Service.Above.Self.), and we will work tirelessly for our students and staff each day to Learn ‘em! Love ‘em! and Lead ‘em! and to Stop! See the Need! Meet the Need! We are all in this together!
Greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in the Emanuel County School System!
In this with you all,
Scotty W. Hattaway Superintendent Emanuel County SchoolsThe vision of ECS is to strengthen our community one student at a time.
The mission of ECS is to prepare and inspire all students for college and career success through personalized learning and relevant experiences.
• We believe a strong educational program is the foundation for a thriving and progressive community.
• We believe meeting educational needs requires the active participation and support of home, school, and community.
• We believe everyone is unique, worthy, and capable of learning and achieving success.
• We believe learning is a life-long process.
• We believe everyone is entitled to a safe and secure learning environment.
• Emanuel County Schools’ Calendar
• Contact Information
• School Directory
• School Nutrition Information
• Bus Information
• Assessment Calendar
• Teachers of the Year
• Federal Programs
• Special Services
John Allen Bailey
Del Brown
Cherie Hooks
Tanya Lane
Johnny Parker
Sandra Swinney
308 Tiger Trail
Swainsboro, GA 30401
478.237.8302
Principal - Sarah Tapley
Assistant Principal - Jodi Singletary
258 Tiger Trail
Swainsboro, GA 30401
478.237.7266
Principal - Lara Norton
Assistant Principal - April Woods
162 Parrish Pond Rd Twin City, GA 30471
478.763.2253
Principal - Jessica Collins
Assistant Principal - Christie Henry
200 Tiger Trail Swainsboro, GA 30401
478.237.8047
Principal - David Miller
Assistant Principal - Steven Golden
Assistant Principal - Angela Young
689 S. Main St, Swainsboro, GA 30401
478.237.2267
Principal - Brandon Andrews
Assistant Principal - Lindsey Sconyers
Assistant Principal - Grayson Mendieta
102 N College St, Twin City, GA 30471
478.763.2673
Principal - Anetria Edenfield
Assistant Principal - Brooke Frye
Assistant Principal - Corian Roberson
308 Tiger Trail Swainsboro, GA 30401
478.237.9593
Director - Maria Daniels
Use #ECSBack2School to share your first day photos
If inclement weather causes school to be cancelled or dismissed early, public announcements will be made via the district text messaging system, school websites, on social media, and via local news sources. School closings are not determined by the individual schools. Unless announced otherwise, school is open or will remain open. To the extent possible, full day cancellations will be announced by 6 a.m. the day of the closure.
School Supply Lists
https://www.emanuel.k12.ga.us/quicklinks/school-supply-lists
Emanuel County Schools encourages all students to ride the school bus and is committed to providing safe and efficient transportation.
Here are some safety rules for students to follow at the bus stop. More safety rules can be found on the Transportation Page of the ECS Website.
• Get up and get ready on time. Arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to come.
• Have all items in your book bag before you leave home so you do not drop anything.
• Wait at the bus stop in a safe place, 12 feet away from the road.
• Stay on your side of the road until the bus comes.
• Wait in an orderly group. Form an orderly line as the bus approaches, with the first student in line standing 12 feet away from traffic.
• Keep electronic equipment packed away as you prepare to board. Never use an electronic device or wear earbuds when boarding.
• Return home and get help or phone for assistance if you miss the bus.
» NEVER chase after the bus.
» NEVER walk to another bus stop.
» NEVER allow your parents to drive you to another bus stop.
• Your bus driver will not be expecting you.
The Nutrition Services department is made up of a team of food and nutrition professionals that are dedicated to students’ health, well being and their ability to learn. We support learning by promoting healthy habits for lifelong nutrition and fitness practices. Breakfast and lunch menus are updated each month on the School Nutrition website. Check out all of the delicious menu options available for students all year long. Skip the hassle! Students can enjoy hot, fresh, and delicious breakfast and lunch at school.
WHAT’S
Breakfast and Lunch menus are updated each month on the district website.
www.emanuel.k12.ga.us/departments/nutrition
They can also be viewed with the Web Menu Mobile App!
The Emanuel County Schools’ Nutrition Department continues to expand its Farm to School initiative to offer students more learning experiences. Mrs. Kim Hooks, Farm to School Coordinator, is excited about continuing this program for our students, local farmers, and community.
Agriculture is Georgia’s largest industry and an integral part of Emanuel County’s economy. According to the 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture, Emanuel County has 465 farms, and 98% of those are family owned. The Farm to School program enriches the connection among students, teachers, and farmers. This movement empowers children and their families to make healthy food choices while strengthening the local economy.
The Georgia Department of Education describes Farm to School as “a movement that connects all parts of the food system with all aspects of the school day. It creates an educational opportunity for students to identify where food comes from, learn why it is important, and apply knowledge from all subject areas in an engaging way.”
Students in Emanuel County Schools will participate in many learning activities related to food-based education that aligns with the curriculum criteria. Among these activities are taste-testing local foods that are purchased, promoted, and served in the cafeteria and planting school gardens.
Each month, the School Nutrition Program will highlight a fruit or vegetable that can be purchased from local farmers. Students will learn where the food comes from, learn why it is important, and apply knowledge in all subjects.
Students are expected to comply with the Emanuel County Schools’ Dress Code while in attendance at school. This includes wearing items in the adopted school dress code. This policy addresses requirements for normal school days and dress down/spirit days. The appearance of students should be reasonable and not distracting to others. Students are expected and required to show proper attention to personal hygiene, neatness, and conservative standards of dress and appearance. When questionable the school principal or the principal’s designee will make the final determination of whether a student’s attire or appearance is in conflict with the system policy. Students will observe the following dress code both at school and on the school bus:
The following mandatory standards for student attire have been developed and are applicable to all middle and high schools.
Girls: The basic clothing for girls in sixth through twelfth grades shall consist of a long or short-sleeved white, black, grey, or khaki (or other color designated by the school) collared, polo or oxford style shirt with khaki, or black skirt, shorts, slacks, Capri pants, or skorts. Polo shirt-dresses are not permitted. The skirts, shorts, slacks, capri pants, or skorts should be made of standard twill, cotton, or polyester material. No tears, rips, or holes in clothing.
Boys: The basic clothing for boys in sixth through twelfth grade shall consist of a long or short sleeved white, black, grey, or khaki (or other color designated by the school) collared, polo or oxford style shirt with khaki, or black shorts or slacks. The shorts or slacks should be made of standard twill, polyester, or cotton dress material. No tears, rips, or holes in clothing.
See pages 25-28 in the Student Handbook for more details and descriptions of the dress code policy, such as Hoodies, Spirit Days, and other exceptions.
https://www.emanuel.k12.ga.us/students
End of Grade (EOG)
Grades 3-8
Main Window:
April 8-May 17, 2024
Summer Retest:
May 13-July 12, 2024
Winter Main:
Nov. 20, 2023-Jan. 10, 2024
End of Course (EOC)
Grades 9-12
Spring Main:
April 15-May 24, 2024
Summer:
June 10-July 12, 2024
Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA 2.0)
Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (GKIDS)
ACCESS for ELLs Alternate ACCESS for ELLS
Grades 3-8 and 11
March 25-May 3, 2024
Kindergarten
All English Language Learners
Preliminary Scholastic Assessment (PSAT) Grade 10
Grades 9 -12
On-going assessment concluding May 13, 2024
January 10-March 1, 2024
October 2-31, 2023
College Board School Day Testing Window
End of Pathway Assessment (EOPA)
For students who have completed three courses within a CTAE pathway
Please note that these dates are Assessment Windows, not specific dates for each assessment. Actual Test Dates for Georgia Milestones and other assessments will be released later in the year.
November 6-17, 2023
April 15-April 26, 2024
Emanuel County Schools Special Education Programs currently provide services for students ages 3 through 21. A continuum of services and delivery models are available in order to help students meet specific individual goals and objectives. Skills, abilities and attitudes needed for success in the community and society are the key focus of our special programs. Emanuel County Schools are dedicated to the notion that all students can learn. We strive to provide the best education possible for every student in his or her home school.
Emanuel County Schools Special Education Programs follow federal and state guidelines, rules and regulations. A committee team approach is used when making educational decisions regarding the most appropriate environments and services for each individual. Interagency, interschool and intra-school collaboration provides a community approach as we strive to help students reach their potential.
CHILD FIND: In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), the Emanuel County School system seeks to ensure that all children with disabilities (birth through age 21) residing in our jurisdiction and who are in need of special education and related services or early intervention services are identified, located, and evaluated. This also includes those attending private school and home school. Final identification of students with disabilities and programming for such students occurs only after an appropriate evaluation and a determination by a Multidisciplinary Placement Team.
If the “child find” process indicates that the child/student may require special education and/or supportive services in order to participate in and benefit from the general education environment and
curriculum, the student shall be referred to the Multidisciplinary Team to determine the student’s eligibility for special education services.
If you suspect that a student has a disability and has not been identified and is not being served, please contact Dr. Rutherford.
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT WORKING WITH FAMILIES OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
“What excites me the most about working in this new position is that I am able to weave agencies and resources together to help parents who feel frustrated and lost make sense of the whole process of student services and to get the positive end result they are looking for.”
All Emanuel County Schools are fortunate to participate in Title I, Part A which is a part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended (ESEA) provides federal funds through the Georgia Department of Education to local educational agencies and public schools with high percentages of poor children to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic content and student academic achievement standards. The Title I, Part A provides technical assistance, resources, and program monitoring of local educational agencies to ensure that all children have an opportunity to obtain a high quality education and to achieve proficiency on high academic standards.
All Emanuel County Schools are Title I schools. Emanuel County receives approximately $2.5 million in Title I, Part A funds annually. Title I monies are divided among schools based on each school’s poverty rate which is calculated using free and reduced lunch eligibility. Federal law requires that the school with the highest poverty rate receive the highest per pupil allocation. In Emanuel County, Title I funds 30 teaching and instructional coach positions across the system, supplies instructional resources for classrooms, provides instructional support for students, and offers professional learning for educators.
The purpose of the Title II, Part A program is to increase academic achievement by improving teacher and principal quality. This program is carried out by: increasing the number of highly qualified teachers in classrooms; increasing the number of highly qualified principals and assistant principals in schools; and increasing the effectiveness of teachers and principals by holding local educational agencies and schools accountable for improvements in student academic achievement. School systems must work to ensure that all students, especially poor and minority students, have equitable opportunities to be taught by highly effective teachers. Emanuel County Schools receives approximately $300,000 annually through Title II-A. These funds provide instructional coaches and assist educators in attaining endorsements, adding certifications, and participating in professional learning.
Emanuel County is proud to share that at present 99.14% of core content area teachers meet professional qualifications. The Emanuel County School System is very proud of its teachers and paraprofessionals. We are confident that they are fully prepared to offer our students a high-quality education. As the recipient of Federal funds, Emanuel county Schools must meet federal regulations related to teacher qualifications as defined in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. These regulations allow parents to learn more about training and credentials of the teachers and paraprofessionals who work with their children. Schools within our system will provide the following information to parents upon request:
• Whether the teacher/paraprofessional has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission certification requirements for the grade level and subject area(s) in which the teacher provides instruction;
• Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived;
• The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher;
• Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications. Emanuel County Schools is committed to helping students develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking needed to succeed in school and beyond. Our commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals are highly skilled. If you have any questions about your child’s assignment to a teacher or paraprofessional, please contact your child’s principal.
The Migrant Education Program (MEP) is a federally funded program designed to support comprehensive educational programs for migrant children to help reduce the educational disruption and other problems that result from repeated moves. Emanuel County Schools currently serves eligible Migrant students (ages 3 – 22) by providing extra academic support as well as communicating with parents and providing professional learning to staff
that work with Migrant students. The goal is to assure that all eligible Migrant students are receiving appropriate supplemental services to reach their academic potential.
English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a state-funded instructional program for eligible English Learners (ELs) in grades K-12 (Georgia School Law Code 1981, § 20-2-156, enacted in 1985). The ESOL program is a standards-based curriculum emphasizing academic and social language development. ESOL coursework is based upon the WIDA Consortium English Language Development (ELD) standards. Classroom teachers integrate these ELD standards with the Georgia Performance Standards to enable ELs to both communicate in English and demonstrate their academic, social, and cultural proficiency. Instructional approaches, both in ESOL and general education classes, ensure that the needs of Georgia’s ELs are accommodated. To the extent practicable, it is appropriate to use the EL’s home language as a means of facilitating instruction and providing parents with school-related information.
Title III is a federally funded program that provides our school system with approximately $25,000 to supplement those ESOL services already in place. Both ESOL and Title III hold students accountable for progress in, and attainment of, English language proficiency. Upon attainment of English language proficiency, students exit from supplemental language services.
Authorized in December 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) introdu ant under Title IV, Part A with a wide range of allowable uses. Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants are intended to improve students’ academic achievement by increasing the capacity of States, LEAs, schools, and local communities. The grant provides all students with access to a well-rounded education, improves school conditions for student learning, and improves the use of technology in order to improve the academic achievement and digital literacy of all students. Emanuel County Schools uses the approximately $264,000 to provide additional supports to our students through Red Ribbon Week activities; PE, Music, Art supplies as well as funds for professional learning opportunities for teachers and counselors.
The Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) is designed to assist rural school districts in using Federal resources more effectively to improve the quality of instruction and student academic achievement. The Rural and Low-Income Schools (RLIS) program is an initiative that provides grant funds to rural LEAs that serve concentrations of children from low-income families. Under the RLIS program, the U.S. Department of Education awards funds by formula to
State Education Agencies (SEAs) to provide subgrants to eligible school systems to support a range of authorized activities to support student achievement in order to meet the State’s definition of adequate yearly progress. The approximate $126,000 in Title VI-B funds are used in Emanuel County to provide our yearly “Academic Blitz” after school program to prepare students for annual state assessments, provide additional Chromebooks to each school and funds have provided resources to our schools to promote a safe and drug-free environment.
Emanuel County Schools strive to use federal funding to enhance local and state funding to provide a stronger academic experience for all students. The mission for federal programs is to ensure that all children have an opportunity to obtain a high quality education and to achieve proficiency on the state’s high academic achievement standards.
If you have any questions concerning federal programs in the Emanuel County School System, please contact Dr. Gail Greenway at 478-237-6674.
The parent resource center is located in the lobby area of the old SHS gym. Parking is available between the old gym entrance and the baseball field.
The following resource materials are available free of charge to all Emanuel County School System families: Chromebooks for onsite use and checkout; poster printer to create custom presentations; Brainchild Study Buddy handheld device to practice content; educational games; poster boards; triboards; markers; and other materials for school projects.
Regular opening hours will be 10:00 a.m. -5:30 p.m. on Monday – Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
Each year, Emanuel County School faculties have the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the accomplished teachers in our schools by selecting their school’s Teacher of the Year. During the district convocation to kick off the new school year, ECS recognized the 2023 Teachers of the Year for Swainsboro and Twin City schools.
The teachers recognized were Cindy Riner, a math teacher at Swainsboro High School; Katie Cowart, a math teacher at Emanuel County Institute; Bob McNeely, business teacher at Swainsboro Middle School; Joan Turner, fifth grade teacher at Swainsboro Elementary School; Mandi Johnson, fifth grade teacher at Twin City Elementary School; Kristie Brantley, kindergarten teacher at Swainsboro Primary School.
Emanuel County Schools is proud to have these deserving teachers representing their respective schools. Judges selected one teacher from this group of finalists to represent the district as the 2023 ECS Teacher of the Year and that was Cindy Riner at SHS.
In a letter of support for Mrs. Riner, a colleague discussed not only her reputation for engaging and motivating students but also the countless hours she spends outside the classroom helping her students understand their role in making our schools and community a better place to live. Her colleague wrote, “It is not uncommon for former students to contact her seeking help in their post-secondary classes because they know she cares and is cheering for their success.” In discussing Mrs. Riner’s impact on her life, a student referred not only to the mathematical lesson but also to the many invaluable life lessons Mrs. Riner teaches. The student said, “She taught me to never stop working for the things you want and to view adversity not as a stumbling block but as a stepping stone to greatness. Mrs. Riner never gave up on her students, and in return, we never gave up on ourselves.”
Teacher clarity is both a method and a mindset that makes it clear to students what they need to learn to plan better, predict, and set goals; it also clarifies how they will know they have learned it for both the students and their teachers.
Dr. Denise Warnock, Assistant Superintendent with Emanuel County Schools, is excited that teachers and administrators in Emanuel County Schools will be engaged in professional learning workshops this year that are centered on teacher clarity. Guided by Tommy Thompson, a highly recognized educator and professional consultant with Corwin Press, teachers will unpack a process for designing instruction that invites students into the learning process. Working alongside peers, teachers will learn how to explicitly communicate to students what they will be learning on a given day, why they’re learning it, and how to know if they were successful. Administrators will also be involved in the workshops. Hence, they, too, understand teacher clarity and can give teachers feedback to support the success of both teachers and students with these strategies.
Emanuel County Schools is currently seeking professional individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children. Whether you are a certified education professional, sich as a Speech-Language Pathologist, or if you are skilled in other areas such as nutrition services, driving school buses or custodial work, and interested in working for a strong #FAMILY oriented school district, Emanuel County Schools actively hires certified and noncertified positions year-round.
Superintendent for Schools ...........................
Admin. Assistant - Superintendent/Professional Learning/General
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Director of Social Work
System Social Worker .................................
Director of Federal Programs
Director of Accountability, Assessment & Student Info
Director of CTAE/School to Work Coordinator
Director of Student Services
Assistant Director of Student Services
Secretary-Curriculum/Instruction/Federal Programs/Assessment
Due Process Facilitator .............................
Executive Director of Operations & Transportation
Operations Project Manager
Secretary-Transportation .......................
Secretary-Maintenance ...........................
Executive Director of School Nutrition ....
School Nutrition Service Bookkeeper
Procurement Clerk ......................................
Scotty Hattaway
Sharon Hodges
Dr. Denise Warnock
Dionne Gamble
Olivia Golden
Dr. Gail Greenway
Stefanie Mason
Dr. Shannon Lawrence
Dr. Susan Rutherford
Demita Clark-Hubbard
Sandy Brantley
Wendy Bullard
Jansen Ware
Matt Braswell
Paula Amerson
Gayle McKenzie
Chandra Hooks
Claudia Arledge
Lacey Coleman
Farm to School Coordinator .................. Kim Hooks
Executive Director of Technology...............
Technology Project Manager
Executive Director of Finance .......................
Staff Accountant ...........................................
Staff Accountant
Executive Director of Human Resources
Payroll Specialist
Human Resources Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Stacey Barber
Ann Rogers
Mollie Smith
Leila Donaldson
Lynn Stevens
Valorie Watkins
Melissa Fleming
Kristie Johnson
Tammy Gray
Did you know that Emanuel County has a food processing center in Twin City where residents can process fresh vegetables? Whether you are creaming corn, canning beans or tomatoes, or shelling peas, the facility has the equipment to assist you in making the process easier. The facility is operated by the Emanuel County Schools Agriculture Education Staff and is open during the summer months when fresh produce is harvested. If you are interested in using the facility, please get in touch with John Harrison, Young Farmer Teacher at ECI, at 478-763-2673
Emanuel County Schools is excited to have involved parents! We thank all the parents and families who have played a significant role in engaging in your child’s education. Look for more ways that you can become involved parents and families coming soon!
Pictured: Jill Scarboro, SES Erin May, TCE Shayna Boston, SMS
Not pictured: Elizabeth DeVane, SPS
The Emanuel County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, race, ethnic origin, color, or sex/gender in its educational programs and activities, athletic programs, or employment practices as required by the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II); Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 (Title VI), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), and the Equity in Sports Act, O.C.G.A. 20-2315.
Questions, concerns or complaints relating to the nondiscrimination policies and practices of the Emanuel County School System should be addressed to the following officials:
• Gail Greenway, ggreenway@emanuel.k12.ga.us, All Title Programs
• Susan Rutherford, susan.rutherford@emanuel.k12.ga.us, Section 504 and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator
• Stefanie Mason, smmason@emanuel.k12.ga.us, CTAE and Perkins grants
Emanuel County School
201 N. Main St., P.O. Box 130 Swainsboro, Georgia 30401 478-237-6674