By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
School marks Pre-K Week
Long preK week
Adults not associated with the school were invited in to read to children during Georgia Pre-K Week at Long County High School Pre-K. - photo by Photo provided.

Long County High School Pre-K had 11 community/school leaders read books to the center’s 4-year-olds as part of the sixth annual Georgia Pre-K Week Oct. 3-7.

They were Bobby Adams and Smoky the Bear from the Georgia Forestry Commission, Garrett Smith from Ludowici Bank, Tammy Goober from the Long County Public Library, Susan Fuentes from Smiley Elementary Media Center, Julie Dawson from the Board of Education, Dr. Robert Waters from the Board Office, Lilah Bell from The Heritage Bank, Marie Middleton from the Probate Judge Office, Vickie Wiginton from Altamaha Credit Union, Lisa Overbey from Family Connections and Janet Watford from the Board of Education.

The statewide celebration covered all 159 counties and drew attention to early learning, including Georgia’s Pre-K, a Lottery funded program that was pioneered in Georgia 24 years ago. Throughout the week, hundreds of state, business and community leaders visited Pre-K centers to witness early learning in action and read books to the young learners.

Sponsors included Georgia Power, Synovus and the Georgia School Board Association.

"We were so excited to have them visit our center to show our children that their community cares about their education," site director Karen Swindell said. "The enthusiasm and support we receive from leaders across the state not only makes the children and staff feel good, it also reminds us all how important it is to value quality early learning so that children can be ready to succeed in school and life."

Swindell said Long County High School Pre-K was created four years ago as a lab class for the high school students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education pathway. They can interact with the pre-K students to see if they want to pursue careers in education.

"The high school students love working with them, and they are referred to as the ‘big friends’." Swindell said.

The pre-K students participate in some high school activities, such as homecoming, pep rallies, etc. They have also participated in some classes and taken field trips to the high school.

Kristie Garcia is the teacher and Nikki Gordon is her assistant.

Sign up for our e-newsletters
BI hosts LCSS Gala
LibertyCountySchools

Bradwell Institute’s Friends Helping Friends will host the 3rdAnnual Liberty County School System Special Needs Gala Saturday at 7p.m.

The dance portion of the gala is free and open to the public.

FHF was started three years ago by BI special needs teacher Charlie Moon. FHF is comprised of a large group of general education students that connect special needs students with their general education peers. They have raised $20,000 in the last 30 months, for events like this, a new sensory room, music therapy equipment, and many other fun events. 

“FHF does so much for the special needs students. It really brings them out in their social skills. They become so much more comfortable around us all,” FHF Junior Danielle Hennessee said. 

FHF Junior Jada Naftzinger said it’s a two-way street. “It not only helps them, but us as well. It brings us out of our own shells and comfort zones.” 

Moon added, “For us, the Gala is not our calling card. I’ve told the students from day one, unless they truly know these special needs students, we won’t do the Gala at all. We’ll throw a big pizza party instead. The point is, we want the kids to really focus on the one-on-one, in-class work, hanging out in the halls, really talking to them. That’s the only way this program truly reaches its potential. Our motto is, “Changing lives, one friend at a time.”

During a private dinner which precedes the public dance, district office personnel, representatives from Congressman Buddy Carter’s office, district SPED staff, BI Football players and FHF members, parents and the honored guests – 50 special needs students from around the district will be in attendance.

Latest Obituaries