2023 White County Schools System Signals

www.white.k12.ga.us

Volume 35

White County

2022-2023

Superintendent: Laurie Burkett

Assistant Superintendent: Scott Justus

OF THE YEAR

Mandie Harris, Amanda Evans, Manning Minton, Steven Tucker system bus driver of the year Tina Johnson and MIke Ray. pose for picture accepting the bus divers of the year. Bus drivers in our school are well trained and we can always count on them to get the job done.

Tina Vandiver, Brad Abernathy and Allison Lundy, Shanda Bartlett, System Teacher of the Year Holly Witcher, and Meredith McConnellur pose for a picture to accept teacher of the year awards. Teachers have always been the most important part of White County. they are the people who teach the children, teens, and young adults. The teachers of WC have always been there for students and are always willing to be the helping hand that the students need.

Ruthie Blocker, Shelli Leslie, Heather Nix-Hood, Keena Davis, System Employee of the Year Karen Vandiver, and Becky Ivester pose for a picture for employee of the year. Employees of the WC school system are the back bone of the schools they are what keeps the school running and keep it clean. Our employees are dedicated to their jobs and dedicated to keeping our schools safe and homey.

A Word From The "Growth has been the word we have been saying a lot in the White County School District. The great people of White County approved another ESplost, and the School Board has gone to work building a New Transportation center near Tesnatee Gap Elementary. We were able to reroof and add new HVAC to Tesnatee Gap Elementary as well. Growth continued with new Turf on all our fields at the high school with Football/Soccer, Baseball, and Softball all getting upgrades. Also, we are continuing with a New Performing Arts Center that will seat over 700 people. It is an amazing time to be a White County Warrior. "

As the 2022-2023 school year comes to a close, I’d like to thank our students, staff,and community for helping make this a great year. Our school system thrives thanks to the unwavering support of the Board of Education, PTO’s, Booster Clubs, and our entire community.We are grateful for the invaluable contributions made by these groups, which enable us to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.

I am continually amazed at the talents and academic successes of our students. Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance have brought many accolades and momentous occasions to our school system. I am very proud of everything our students have achieved. I must also recognize the incredible efforts of our teachers, support staff, and administrators, who exceed our system’s call to BE MORE while working tirelessly to help our students accomplish great things. Their dedication and commitment have been instrumental in our students’ success and achievements.

Congratulations, WCHS class of 2023! As you embark on your future endeavors, we want you to know that we have faith in your abilities and believe that you will make a positive impact on the world!

Dr. Laurie Burkett WCSS Superintendent

Dr. Burkett throws out the first pitch at the first home game at White County High School's new baseball field.

EVERY STAGE

Kindergarten students in Mrs. Deidre Taggart and Mrs. Pam Jones’s class share love with the wonderful cafeteria staff!

First grader, Sicari Cantrell reads with her class Bear Buddy from Truett McConnell College.

First grade teachers, Lindsey Runkle, Robin Chisolm, Christy Ware, and Kelcie Luna ROCK the 100th day of school!

P E R S O N A L I T IE S P.E. hery in ing arc Practic

Second grader, Crayton Crump, enjoys a cupcake break from his handwriting practice to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

principal's

Third graders in Mrs. Worley’s class stop to enjoy a student-created art gallery.

Second grade teacher, Mrs. Allison Lundy, is Jack P. Nix's Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Lundy always has a smile for students and staff. "I'm so grateful to be the teacher of the year because the students I teach are great and very great to be around. The staff I work with are great people, and they always know how to put a smile on my face and the faces of others around me. When I get to work in the mornings, I am always greeted by the sweetest people and the sweetest kids," Mrs. Lundy said.

Fourth graders Carter Frost and Coley Biddy dress up for the 100th day of school.

Fifth graders, Blake Godfrey, Camden Warnock, and Easton Tanner create clay figures in art class.

On "Our Future is Bright" day during Red Ribbon Week, Bentley Turner, Ben DeFoor, and James Hobson are ready to tackle their future jobs.

Kindergarten is for making friends and snacks for Warryn Giles, Isla Fain, and Everett Anderson.

Bentley Salinas, Ava Sutton, and Sophia Panzica learn about the moon’s phases in Mrs. Lundy’s science class.

"I love being the principle of Jack P. Nix because when I get to work everyday I see my most favorite people and the staff I work beside everyday. What makes my school great is the working staff we have because they always are willing to help others and do what they need in order to succeed," principal Laura Hall said.

JPN’s Employee of the Year, Mrs. Becky Ivester, prepares delicious and nutritious lunches with her team. Mrs. Ivester is always willing to step in so our students can make their breakfast choice.

"When I see the kids smiles when they pick up their food, it just warms my heart and makes me happy that I am the person that gets to feed them during the day. I am so grateful to be the employee of the year because I love my job, and I love the people around me. My mom is the person that got me here today. She inspires me so much, and I wouldn't trade it for the world," Mrs. Ivester said.

Third graders Caroline Moose, Grace Barber, and Jackson Wise conduct a science experiment in Mrs. Worley's class.

Sawyer Martin and Wyatt Harrelson enjoy petting the animals on their field trip to the zoo.

Fourth graders Audris Members of JPN’s art Snyder, Jayme Milford, club paint the Lacey Beckman, Jules lunchroom windows to Harris, and Kara Watkins add some cheer to the enjoy playing tambourines winter weather. in music class.

What makes Jack P. Nix Elementary School special?

Third and fourth grade students enjoy the theater at Brenau University.

Jack P. Nix students prepare for an early morning race.

SPECIALS

Fifth graders work together to make slime in STEM Lab with Mrs. Kaylin Palmer

Learning

AT ALL LEVELS

First Grade students in Mrs.Campbell's class hold up a courage signs for character education.

Students dance and play outside during recess

Students in P.E. class play with a parachute. .

ACTIVE Second grader Cayden Ballew learns new painting skills in art class.

principal's

Third grader Bethanie Sanders colors a line drawing in art class.

RUTHIE BLOCKER "My principal called a morning meeting to announce the winner. I was very surprised!! It is an honor and a big blessing to be given that title. I felt unworthy but truly blessed!! A day in my job would consist of going to different rooms to assist the teachers with helping to give students the extra help they need. I also pull kids out for sensory time so that students can get that break they need to help them not feel overwhelmed. I love the employees I work with and the students I help. They feel like family to me!!" Ruthie Blocker said.

Fourth grader Kooper Pinion spends time with his dad in Mrs.Fuller's class.

SHANDA BARTLETT

Mrs.Slay's Fifth Grade class joins together to take a group picture.

Cole Beauchamp finishes his painting during art class.

Emmett Mizerak plays Minecraft during his free time in his class.

Maddi Blair Couch rides on a mini horse during the Fall Festival.

For Mrs. Bartlett, being an effective teacher is about building relationships with her students and throughout her school. "I greet them at the door daily. I have conversations about things they like and what’s going on. Once students start working on a project, I move around to each table to check on their progress and talk with them. Kids like to be talked with and not just at. I love creating step-by-step tutorials for them. I love giving them a foundation and watching them add to it. I have found out if you help them get started with a project, it builds their confidence to add their own touch to it. MCES is special because it really is family. I spend more time with my school family most of the week than my own family. I love the relationships that I have with my faculty and the families at MCES. We would do anything for each other," Mrs. Bartlett said.

First grade students work on a coloring project together.

Zoey Maddox enjoys building in Minecraft during her free time in class.

Students pledge to be good digital citizens in their computer class.

Jaxdon Burruss and Peyton Trigg work on their reading assignment in Mrs.Slay's class.

Keyli Guzman plays the piano in her music class.

“Mossy Creek is a place filled with teachers who care about the success of students and students who care about becoming the best versions of themselves. We have a wonderful parent and community village of support.

You can feel the warmth of The Creek when you walk through the doors. We are preparing students for the future by putting actionable steps in place to help students become proficient readers, writers, and mathematicians,” principal Natalie Carpenter said.

Malakai Jackson and Lillian Segars dance to songs they learn in music class.

CREATIVITY IS FUN

LEARNING EXPERIENCES Layla Sosebee, Hadley Loudermilk, Ryleigh Descher, Kinzley Wheelis, Hadley Nelson, and Alayna Cowart take a group photo at the Father-Daughter Dance in February 2023.

Mrs. Smith and her 3rd grade class visit the Consolidated Gold Mines.

Mrs. Jones' first grade class enjoy the fall leaves.

P E R S O N A L I T IE S The 5th graders took a Len Foote Hiking Trip in Amicalola Falls.

principal's

Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Edwards visit Santa Claus with their students before Christmas Break.

Mrs. Meredith McConnell is the teacher of the year: "I love to allow students to discover things themselves as they learn and talk to them about things that are important to them," McConnell said. "I encourage students to share with me through their writing, which I read and comment back to them. My Yonah Bears are smart, kind, hardworking, and compassionate."

Mrs. Teems's kindergarten class dresses up for Camo Day. Ms. Keena Dennis is Mt. Yonah's Employee of the Year: "I have been a parapro for 9 years, but for two at Mt. Yonah. I work with Mrs. Teems in kindergarten, but I also help other teachers with cafeteria duty, making copies, and teaching another class if we are short-handed. The most rewarding part of the job is to see kids grow into better versions of themselves, whether its academically or personally. The people at Mt. Yonah are exceptional; they are kind, loving, hardworking, and want what is best for each child."

Pre-K teacher Ms. Skelton and her students Clay Eason, Wesley Hester, Brooks Taylor, Pasley Miles, Hannah Lovell, and Myah Daniel dress up for tacky tourist day before spring break.

Mrs. Cunningham's 5th grade class play their recorders in Mrs. Carter's music class

Mrs. McConnell's 2nd grade class plays with the parachute in Coach Dockery's PE class.

Ms. Parks splatters white paint on Violet Williams' space painting in art.

Mrs. Teems's The chorus students Second Graders Drayton performed at their Brooks, Echo Tench, and kindergarten class Christmas concert in Drew Eason build up participates in Coach Mrs. Carter's music magnetic squares in their Dockery's PE class. class. discovery lab class

Mrs. Anglin's 5th grade class shows off their artist disguise in Mrs. Parks' art class.

Mrs. Roberts' and Mrs. McConnell's classes participate in discovery lab together.

Although it is her last year as principle of MYES, Mrs. Jill Baughman is a very loved lady in White County, and that love makes her school a positive community. "Our culture and sense of community is what makes MYES an exceptional and special place! We have fantastic teachers and an amazing staff who love our students. We work hard not only to prepare our students academically but to prepare the whole child for the journey ahead. We teach children behavior expectations, character education, and social skills to prepare them for their future," Baughman said.

Mrs. Sosebee's 2nd grade class claps to a musical game in Mrs. Carter's music class.

SPEC IALS

GRADES K

5th Mrs. Ferguson's first grade class read their books with fun colored lights.

Mrs. Grisham's kindergarten class gets together for a photo on Sock Hop day.

Mrs. Ferguson's class smiles in front of science experiment.

1st TEACHERS

Mrs. Porter's first grade class dresses all out for Christmas.

2nd principal's

Mrs. Short's second grade class comes together for a class party.

Holly Witcher, teacher of the year, describes the way she connects with her students: "My classroom is one huge family. Each day, we pull out the folders and we talk. I ask them questions about their night, and they try to answer. We listen for things that we have in common with one another. This is the time of day where I pick up nuances about the students and learn that they may need an extra hug, or a little extra grace. Our connections to one another are made sitting around the carpet, talking about the things we love."

3rd Mrs. Westmoreland's class shares a fun lunch.

4th Mrs. Wolf's class goes on a field trip during Christmas.

Students dress up for book character day.

Student shows support for a friend with an election poster.

Bentley Allison smiles after winning 2nd place for story book pumpkin project.

Shelli Leslie, employee of the year, describes her role at TGAP: " Being a “silent aid” in the room is essential. Teachers need to be able to provide instruction with as little distraction as possible. That’s where I come in. Helping the teachers with tasks that decrease their workload and increase the students' learning. Students need to be loved and feel they are loved.

Helping the students with the smallest concern increases trust, which in turn increases their chance of success."

Students show their spirit for Red Ribbon Week.

On career day students try on doctor's clothes.

Students pet A dog while being taught

by C.H.A.M.P.S. officers.

Students and teachers dress up as characters from Harry Potter on literacy day.

Students come to school in PJ's for Red Ribbon Week.

"This school year has been amazing! Our students have made tremendous gains and we are excited to see the growth they've made. This year was different because we were not restricted by any regulations in terms of COVID. We were able to do things that we couldn't in the past. Our students went on some amazing field trips and that hasn't happened in the past," principal Octavius Mulligan said.

Students hold awards for completing C.H.A.M.P.S. course.

SPECIA L S/ E L E CTIVES

CLUBS AND SPORTS

JT Bunch is shows off his hand-made FFA attire that the 8th grade created in class.

White County Middle School's Project Unify group sits together for a club picture.

8th grade students stand on their chairs while reenacting a play.

P E R S O N A L I T IE S Some students gather together for a picture to show off their matching camo apparel on camo day.

principal's

White County Middle School Beta Club students collect canned foods..

Mrs. Tina Vandiver, teacher of the year, said"I could not believe that my peers voted for me! If you have ever been to the middle school, you know that there are MANY deserving and wonderful teachers. At the middle school, no two days are usually the same, and I love that! I love everything about my job. I love the kids, the teachers, the chaos, the relationships. I love this place and these people! It is really an honor to represent WCMS."

Students on the White County Middle School's Mountain Biking team practice for an upcoming race.

White County Middle School's Cross Country team competes at a meet in Athens.

Students gather to thank community sponsors.

Bailey Collins holds the belt buckle she won with Dumplin’ at the Georgia Young Farmer Livestock show in Perry.

Employee of the year, Mrs. Hood, said, "I am a former White Co. student from years ago. It's rewarding to be able to come work in the school system you attended and be a part of helping the students and staff on a daily basis. I am very honored to have been chosen employee of the year. My day starts out with making sure all teachers are covered with a substitute teacher if they have to be absent. I also enter the daily attendance for the WCMS. I receive all excuses for students, enter those and file them. I handle all withdrawals for the WCMS. I handle sick leave for the staff of WCMS. I take care of making sure all students are up to date on vaccines. I have a full day!"

Judd Brooker and Landen Partin and celebrate with media specialist Katrice Booker, who won Champion Showman in the Adult Market Goat class.

Students and teachers gather to watch a play performed by the drama students.

Each month during Tribe Time students get to celebrate meeting academic and behavioral goals. This celebration included glow in the dark dancers.

6th grade students exercise their debate skills in English class.

What is the best thing about being principal at White County Middle School?

"The most rewarding part of my job is getting to work with our students. Being a principal, I feel a great responsibility for all of our students. It is also a great feeling knowing that I am able to help, encourage, and get to know students. It is difficult to describe a day as a principal, because everyday brings something different."

-Nara Allen

LEARNING COMES TO LIFE

The band class playing for a Christmas rally, in front of the entire middle school, in the main gym.

GRADES

Jenna Pratt (10) and Maggie Blair (11) block the ball during a volleyball game.

Jaden Jarvis and Jaedon Garcia pause during freshman orientation.

Tripp Nix (10) makes a touchdown during a football game at the home field.

SPORTS

Sophomores Sheikh Shahid, Mayra Garcia Martinez, Francisco Briseno, and Carlo Penaloza enjoy time together at the end of the school day.

principal's Brad Abernathy is the art teacher at White County High School. " I get to school at 7:00 in the morning, and I start prepping before my students arrive. I greet my students as they are walking into class, talk to them about art projects, and engage in very serious conversations along with humorous conversations. I teach all 4 blocks so that students have the opportunity to take art and expand their creative side. I engage in conversations about the student, who they are, what they're about, what they want to be, and try to always call them by their name," Abernathy said.

Juniors Emma Loudermilk and Rylee Nix hang out after the school day ends.

Sidney Kirk and Mason Gee show their school spirit.

Cole Shelton (10) makes his project in this welding class.

Nicholas Cutchshaw (11) learns how to operating a basic hydraulic troubleshooting system.

Jason Calhoun (9) shows off his sheep at a FFA competition.

Karen Vandiver is the nurse at White County High School. "On any given day, I see anywhere from 30-70 students. Some of those come for daily medications, while others visit the clinic for minor illnesses.

Occasionally, I will respond to a medical emergency that can take place anywhere in the building. I help the teachers and students by providing care that will hopefully keep them at school where they can continue to work and learn. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help the students and show them that someone cares," Vandiver said.

Matthew Trifan (11) makes a pot in his art class.

Keira Lyn Mason (9) dances during the Halloween Choirs concert.

Lyndsi Hill (12) and Sebastian Wiley (10) perform in Noises Off, the Fall play.

Lathem Barbree (10) helps WTVN broadcast the football game

Kimberly Garrison (11) cuts hair in her cosmetology class.

What makes White County High School special?

"We have the most caring faculty and staff that I have ever seen in a school - truly dedicated to helping students find success! Our students also do a great job of including and accepting one another. I often speak with our transfer students, and they almost always comment on how quickly they found their place and their people at WCHS." -Mary Anne Collier

Bentley Stover (11) practices checking vital signs with Brody Drake (10) in healthcare class.

SO MANY WAYS TO DEVELOP SKILLS

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN NOTIFICATION The White County Schools AHERA/Management Plan is available for public inspection upon request at the White County Board of Education office at 136 Warriors Path, Suite 600, Cleveland, GA. 30528. This notification is provided to fulfill the requirement of section 763.93 (4) of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, 40 CFR Part 763, on October 30, 1987. All interested parents, teachers, employees, or other persons are invited to review the plan which includes the following items: 1.Location, amounts, and types of asbestos-contained materials in all schools and support buildings.

2.Response actions to the asbestos-contained materials, selected by the White County School System.

3.Plans for reinspection, periodic surveillance, and operation and maintenance programs.

4.Public Notification procedures.

Anyone interested in reviewing this plan should contact the White County Board of Education at 706-865-2315 – Extension 1600.

Jack P. Nix Elementary, Mossy Creek Elementary, Mt. Yonah Elementary, Tesnatee Gap Elementary, new White County Middle School, White County High School, the CTAE Labs, and the new NGA Building at WCHS have an Architect Asbestos Exclusion statement on file.

March 2022

The Chieftain Yearbook Staff

is responsible for producing the White County High School yearbook and System Signals. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to making both.

Picture Left to Right : Amelia Ford , Ella Bowen Riley Robinson, Sidney Kirk, Sarah Wilbanks, Hanna Alexander, Madison Black, Faith Ford, Kelsey Adams, Madison Adams, Jason Loucks, Hayden Johnson, Ravin Ellinger, Linsey Burke, Brooklyn Thomason, Leah Smith, and Rylee Dorsey

Adviser: Beth Stewart