ECSS to resume normal operations for remainder of the school year
Since March 25, 2021 the Evans County School System has reported 0 cases of quarantined persons or positive cases among students or employees. Although our numbers remained extremely low, we continued to enforce a mandatory mask policy in addition to all other DPH recommendations and cleaning efforts. We have also hosted two vaccination clinics for employees and one for students and parents. Based upon the continued trend of extremely low cases, ECSS will lift all mandates and restrictions beginning Monday, May 3, 2021. We will continue to recommend that masks be worn, recommend that social distancing be practiced, and we will continue to stress the importance of good hygiene. Cleaning and disinfecting efforts will remain in place. Other than the recommendations, all school operations will resume under normal conditions.
We ask that employees, parents, and students continue to monitor themselves. Anyone experiencing any symptoms of Covid19 should not attend school/work, but seek medical attention. The district is prepared to move immediately back into our protocols should we experience an uptick in cases.
"I want to thank everyone for the diligent efforts, patience, and commitment during the last 14 months. We have been very fortunate as a district, but we are all ready to get back to normal operations for our students and employees." - Dr. Waters
Work Based Learning Student of the Month
PAGE STAR Student for Claxton High School
Claxton High School would like to congratulate Jordan Simmons for being named the 2021 PAGE STAR Student. Jordan earned this recognition for being in the top ten percent of her senior class and by having the highest SAT score in a single sitting. She has chosen Mrs. Susan Todd as her STAR Teacher. Mrs. Todd has been very influential in Jordan's academic achievement by challenging her in the classroom and by checking on her while she was taking classes at Georgia Southern University. We are very proud of Jordan and Mrs. Todd for the academic excellence they exemplify at Claxton High School.
Preparations are underway for the August opening of the Evans Region College and Career Academy! The Board of Directors and CEO, Holly Durrence, toured Southeastern Early College and Career Academy in Vidalia. SECCA CEO Shelly Smith and Principal David Avery provided the tour and fielded questions from our members. A big thank you is extended to our CCA neighbors!
Claxton Boys Punch Ticket to Elite 8!
On a beautiful Tuesday evening in the Pecan Grove, our tigers took it to Montgomery County 7-2. In an action packed game for onlookers, Claxton controlled the clock, the flow of the game, and most importantly the scoreboard. Our boys will host GMC next Wednesday.
BASEBALL STATE PLAYOFFS
Claxton will host Clinch County Thursday, April 29th. Game 1 will begin at 4:00PM followed by Game 2, 30 minutes after the conclusion of Game 1. Only GHSA passes will be accepted at the gate. Admission for the Thursdays Double Header is $10. Come out and support the your Tigers!
Claxton High School baseball team will host Clinch County in a best 2 out of three series in the first round of the GHSA state playoffs starting Thursday with a double header. Game one will begin at 4:00 and game two 30 minutes immediately after game 1. Ticket prices are set by GHSA and will be $10.00 for Thursday's ball games. If a third game is needed, the ticket price will be $7 and first pitch will be Friday at 5:30.
Only GHSA passes will be accepted and there is no re-entry.
Parking is allowed in marked spaces only and no one is allowed to park on the grass.
Gates open at an hour before game time.
The Claxton golf teams competed in the Area -2 GHSA golf championships at Willow Lake Golf Club in Metter.
The girls team finished 4th place out of 9 teams with Savannah Fletcher being the low scorer for the Lady Tigers shooting a 106.
The boys finished 5th out of 10 teams with Carson Blocker firing a 102 to lead the boys team.
Team members are Savannah Fletcher, Alayna Young, Taylor Mixon, Ava Adams, Katie Richey and Addyson Griffaw, Carson Blocker, Sam Todd, Will Parker, Cody Dillard, and Andrew Cross.
The team was coached by Mark Stroud, Dede Gordon and Philip Richey.
A big thank you to Savannah Fletcher for being a 5 year team member. All other players are returning next year.
Special thank you to Evans Height Golf Club for being the home course for the Tigers.
TIGERS HOST 2ND ROUND OF STATE PLAYOFFS
Your 2021 Region Champs will be back in action today in the Pecan Grove as they host Montgomery County at 6 pm.
Hill selected to lead Tiger Football
On Monday, April 26, 2021 Dr. Waters, Superintendent of Evans County Schools, recommended Coach Greg Hill to lead the Claxton Tiger Football program. The Board of Education approved the recommendation. Coach Hill was quarterback for the 1999 Georgia Southern National Championship team and led the squad to back-to-back title game appearances in 1998 and 1999 as well as 1997 quarter finals appearance. The 999 and 1998 Eagle teams were first and second, respectively, in national rankings for total offense. Among his many accomplishments playign with GSU, Hill has four of the top 15 single-game rushing performances of all time, 226-yard passing game against Wofford in 1998 ranks among the top-15 single-game passing performances, and owns the mark for most seasons rushing and passing for more than 1,000 yards in a career for 1998 and 1999 seasons. In addition, he was Football Gazette honorable mention for All-American in 1998 and 1998, Sporting News third-team All-America selection in 1999, two-time All-SoCon first team selection (1998, 1999), and 1999 SoCon Offensive Player of the Year..
Coach Hill graduated from GSU with a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Recreation and a Masters Degree in Special Education. He holds an Education Specialist's Degree from Liberty University. Prior to coming to Claxton, Hill has served as an assistant coach for Georgia Southern in 2002 and 2003, Special Education teacher and assistant football coach at Statesboro High School, offensive coordinator at Carroll County Schools, head football coach at Bradwell Institute in Liberty County, and, most recently offensive coordinator at Statesboro High School. He has 19 years of teaching experiences and 21+ years of coaching experience. Hill replaces Toney Welch as Head Football Coach.
"Building on a firm foundation, Coach Hill will bring a commitment to character development, program-building, and excellence to Claxton. He has a passion for winning, but more importantly, for developing strong character." Dr. Paul Mizell, CHS Principal
Coach Randy Cooper, Assistant Principal at CHS, will be assuming Athletic Director responsibilities. He has arranged for a meet and greet today at 2:00 for students and a 4:00 meet and greet for media. Another meet/greet will be planned for parents and community members.
Lewis to begin new role as Instructional Coach at CMS
Mrs. Tisha Lewis was approved at Monday's meeting to serve as the Instructional Coach at CMS, filling the vacancy left by Mrs. Fran Tanner, who will serve as an Assistant Principal at CMS next year. Mrs. Lewis holds a Specialist Degree, as well as a Master's Degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. She also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University.
Originally from Atlanta, Mrs. Lewis will be entering her 20th year in education. For the past three years, she has taught kindergarten at Claxton Elementary School. Prior to her time at CES, she spent 16 years in Bulloch County. All of her time in education has been as a classroom teacher. During her time in education, Mrs. Lewis has continued to learn and grow in her craft and has developed a passion for teaching her students to "think like mathematicians." "Mrs. Lewis is an exceptional classroom teacher whose knowledge of effective instructional practices has led to high academic growth for students in her class. As the grade level lead, her expertise has been able to positively impact even more students. In her new role as instructional coach, Mrs. Lewis will be able to support the growth of even more teachers and students." - K. Vandenberg
"I believe in being a lifelong learner and thinking outside of the box. I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with and support the teachers and students at Claxton Middle School as their Math Instructional Coach!" - T. Lewis
Saylor to begin new role as Instructional Coach at CES
Blair Saylor was also approved at Monday night’s meeting to assume the role of Instructional Coach at CES. A 2007 graduate of Claxton High School, Mrs. Saylor has worked at Claxton Elementary for the past nine years. Mrs. Saylor is a Georgia Southern alumni with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and is currently working towards her Tier I certification in Educational Leadership.
During her time at Claxton Elementary School, Mrs. Saylor has gained experience teaching all subject areas in prekindergarten, first, and third grades. She enjoys working with students in differentiated small groups and understands the importance of building meaningful relationships with students and their parents. Mrs. Saylor was named the 2020 Evans County Teacher of the Year. She currently works as the Virtual PLC Leader at Claxton Elementary School, working towards bridging the gap between virtual and traditional learning.
Dr. Kristy Vandenberg coordinated the internal search for Instructional Coaches. "In addition to being an extraordinary classroom teacher, Mrs. Saylor most recently facilitated the virtual learning program for Claxton Elementary School. As the virtual learning lead, Mrs. Saylor's leadership was invaluable in supporting students, parents, and teachers. As an instructional coach, Mrs. Saylor will be an excellent resource for teachers because analyzing student data, planning lessons to close gaps, and engaging students in learning are just some of her strengths." - K. Vandenberg
"At Claxton Elementary School, we know that all students can learn at high levels, and we will work together to give them the supports they need to be successful in all areas. I am excited to have the opportunity to support our teachers and students as Claxton Elementary School's Math Instructional Coach." - B. Saylor
ECSS Names Rountree as new Assistant Principal at Claxton Elementary School
The Evans County Board of Education approved the recommendation of Superintendent Waters to appoint Mrs. Sarah Rountree as Assistant Principal at Claxton Elementary School at their work session on Monday, April 26, 2021. Mrs. Rountree is a 1995 graduate of Claxton High School. She began her teaching career in 1999 at Claxton Elementary School, where she has continued to teach. She taught second grade for 3 years and then looped to third grade where she taught for 11 years. Mrs. Rountree has also served our English Speakers of Other Languages at CES for 6 years Most recently, Mrs. Rountree has been a Math Instructional Coach at CES.
Mrs. Rountree holds a Master’s in Reading with a Reading Endorsement from Georgia Southern University. She also holds a Reading Specialist Certification along with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern. Mrs. Rountree is currently pursuing her Specialist in Education degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University.
The selection process for the new assistant principal included an external and internal search to replace Jason Trotter who will be Assistant Principal at CMS next year. “Mrs. Rountree embodies passion for education and commitment to our kids. She will be an excellent addition to the CES Administrative Team.” - Dr. Waters
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Principal of Claxton Elementary School. This has always been home to me and I am excited to give back to the system that has given me so much.” S. Rountree
I would like to congratulate Taylor Bennett for being crowned 2021 Miss Claxton Middle School, Tanner Henry for being crowned 2021 Mr. CHS, and Jenna Floyd for being crowned 2021 Miss Claxton High School.
I would like to also extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped make last night's pageant a huge success! All of the contestants worked so hard and truly showed the high caliber of students among our school system! If you missed last night's show, you can find the recording on the Claxton-Evans County Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page! There were a few programs leftover as well in case anyone would like one.
I also have to give a shoutout to Mrs. Cydney Jackson and the CHS chorus students who entertained us . They were fabulous, and again another example of the talent among our students!!
Congratulations again to our new school king and queens!!
CES STEM Week: Third grade students investigated properties of three different soil types clay, sand, and loam. They tested and compared the amount of water that each soil type could hold and recorded their findings in a chart. They planted seeds in each soil type and learned that loam had the best properties for growing their plants.
Holly Durrence, ERCCA CEO, Lori Durden, OTC President, and Marty Waters, ECSS Superintendent, were beyond proud to attend Lt. Governor Duncan's awards ceremony to award and recognize College and Career Academies across the state. Bringing home $3,075,000 to Evans County was icing on the cake.
So many wonderful partners, community members, employees, and elected officials are to be thanked for their support. It has been a team effort! We would be remiss if we did not recognize the late Senator Jack Hill's tireless efforts to support our community. Through these collective efforts we will ensure students graduate college and career ready, workforce development is aligned to our region, and our community will be transformed.
We are Evans County Schools: We expect excellence...no exceptions, no excuses!
Proud to be a Tiger!!!
Boys Soccer Wins First Round Game
The boys soccer team defeated Irwin County 7-1 yesterday. The second game will be played next Tuesday at 6:00 pm against Montgomery County.
CES STEM Week: “I am a problem solver. I am an inventor. I solve problems, big and small. Because I have great ideas”. Abby Invent Unbreakable Crayon encourages us to ask questions, problem solve, think outside of the box, and be innovative.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFfc6gubllo
Boys soccer first round of state playoffs today @ 5:30 at the pecan Grove.
Tickets are $7
CES STEM Week: Second graders have been asking great questions to determine the sequence of the life cycle of butterflies and frogs. Some of the students were eager to hold live tadpoles to see their tiny hind legs up close. Others preferred exploring the different stages of the life cycle of frogs using augmented reality with their iPads.
