By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Smiley Elementary gets new principal
MR Smiley new principal1
The Long County Board of Education approved David Edwards as Smiley Elementary School’s new principal at its July meeting. He replaces Sandy Jones.
Edwards had been the assistant principal at Long County High School for the past three years, prior to that he was a teacher at the school for seven years.  Edwards has a bachelor of arts degree in business education and a master’s in education leadership, both from Georgia Southern University. He has been in the Long County School System for 10 years.
The elementary school also will welcome a new assistant principal, as the board approved the transfer of Ann Thompson from the high school.  Thompson was the LCHS graduation coach for two years, before that she was the special education teacher for 26 years. She has been an educator in the Long County School System for 28 years, and has an educational specialist degree in leadership.
The board also hired Dean Brown as the new LCHS graduation coach, transferred teacher Mandy Walker from the pre-k school to SES, transferred receptionist Holly Lewandowski from the pre-k school to LCHS and approved six paraprofessional positions at SES.
The board also approved six work-based learning students to be employed through out the school system. Edwards informed the Board that each student would earn two unit credits and work at least ten hours per week, in this program.
Board member Linda DeLoach reported that she had received reports that the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the 60 seconds of silent reflection were not being observed at all of the schools.  
According to DeLoach, if this was true, it concerned her and it needed to be addressed. She also said that she had been told that an American flag was not being displayed in every classroom, which also would need to be corrected. Waters said that he would address both of the issues and insure that all the problems were taken care off.
DeLoach said the Board of Education also would say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, before board meetings, beginning in this month. The board currently opens each meeting with a prayer, giving everyone present time for reflection.
New Superintendent, Dr. Robert Waters informed the Board that the Fiscal Year 2007 Audit was completed, and that each member would be given a copy of the report for review.
Waters also informed the group that a new portable building was needed at SES, and that the funds for a building were already allocated in the 2009 budget.  Waters also informed the Board that he would begin researching and pursuing the purchase.
After requesting a update on the new softball/baseball field house by Board Member Emma Strickland, Waters reported that it had been framed on the inside and was “close to up and running." Strickland said that it was important to stay on the project, so that it could be utilized for the upcoming softball season.
Strickland also asked about the lighting outside the high school cafeteria, and said that in her opinion it was not safe for school functions or for visitors to the school.  Waters informed the group that Georgia Power Company had been contacted about the issue, and they were sending a specialist to assess the lighting at the school.
    

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