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Long County schools report smooth start
Robert-Waters
Robert Waters is superintendent of Long County schools. - photo by File photo

The new school year in Long County got off to a great start, administrators told school board members at Monday’s Board of Education meeting in Ludowici.

It was also a busy start, they said.

More than 3,400 students attended the first day of school at the district’s four schools — Smiley Elementary (1,125 students), Walker Elementary (674), Long County Middle (740) and Long County High (950).

Walker Elementary Principal Shawn Peek said the first morning was busier than he’s ever seen.

"It was the most I’ve seen in terms of parent drop-offs and pick-ups," Peek said.

Long County Middle Principal Heath Crane said the only complaint he had heard from the first week was about early morning traffic.

Despite the numbers, educators reported nothing but positives about the first week.

Peek said Walker’s open house was a success due to one-on-one interaction between the teachers and the parents. Smiley Elementary School’s principal also reported the same.

Crane said LCMS is now offering high school credit in math.

"We’ve talked about this for years and we’re finally going to make it happen," he said.

Long County High’s top administrator’s report was also positive. He noted 97 percent of the students already had a full schedule.

"We’re off to a great start," declared David Edwards, LCHS principal.

He also encouraged people to attend Friday night’s scrimmage against visiting Claxton and cheer on the Blue Tide.

In addition, the 2015-2016 teachers of the year for each school were recognized: Katie Deloach for Smiley Elementary; Bonnie Camp for Walker Elementary; Chrissy Hamilton for Long County Middle, and Mary Beth Gordon for Long County High School.

All of the principals attended to praise the teachers for their work with students and the standards they set for themselves.

Also, LMS Principal Crane introduced new faculty, including Andrea Gordon, sixth grade English and language arts; Victoria Peterson, sixth grade math; Patricia Austin, seventh grade social studies; Brandon Morley, seventh grade science and social studies; Ketura Rocker, seventh grade math and social studies; Christina Bromley, eighth grade ELA; Paige Churitto, eighth grade math; and Christy Denison, special education.

The board voted unanimously to support the Georgia Vision Project, a program aimed at improving public schools.

"This supports solid education for the state," Superintendent Dr. Robert Waters said.

The Board also approved receiving $415,000 for the Capital Outlay Projection Application schedule for 2018. This will help to create five more classrooms.

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