BMS FFA Chapter Named Finalist for 2021 National FAA Middle School of Excellence Award

HOUSTON COUNTY, GA – The Bonaire Middle School FFA chapter has been chosen as a finalist to compete for a 2021 National FFA Middle School Model of Excellence Award from the National FFA Organization.

The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from throughout the country that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

All star-rated FFA chapters receive honors made possible by corporate sponsor John Deere. “Feeding some 9 billion people by mid-century brings with it unprecedented challenges for today’s farmers,” said Amy Allen, manager, national corporate contributions for John Deere. “The skills and experiences learned through the National Chapter Award Program will help meet the critical needs.”

                                                                                                  To read the complete news release, click here.

Six Houston County Schools Named Title I Reward Schools

During the Houston County Board of Education’s August meeting, the Board recognized the Houston County schools named as 2020-2021 Reward Schools by the Georgia Department of Education. The Houston County School District has six schools on the Reward Schools list:

• Centerville Elementary
• Eagle Springs Elementary
• Huntington Middle
•  Morningside Elementary
• Shirley Hills Elementary
• Tucker Elementary

A Reward School is among the 5% of Title I schools in the state that are making the most progress in improving the performance of all students over the most recent two years on the statewide assessments. Because assessments were not administered in the 2019-20 school year, this year’s list is based on 2018-19 and 2019-20 data.

                                                                           To read the complete news release, please click here.

NMS Receives $10,000 from the Innovation Fund Foundation for S.T.E.A.M. Farm

Northside Middle School has received $10,000 from the 2021 Innovation Fund Foundation. The grant will be used to establish a S.T.E.A.M. farm to enhance hands-on and project-based learning. S.T.E.A.M. stands for science, technology, engineering, agriculture/art, and math. Specifically, the grant will allow the school to expand the recycling program, add additional raised vegetable beds, hydroponic towers, a quail hatchery, arboretum, and seating for an outdoor classroom.

“Since the Northside Middle School agricultural education program was established in 2015, we have received numerous grants that have allowed our program to grow and thrive by enhancing hands-on learning, serving our school community, and developing leaders in our student body,” said Christina Sanders, agriculture teacher at Northside Middle School. “This grant will allow us to expand existing projects, such as our garden and outdoor classroom, while also allowing us to establish the beginning of our S.T.E.A.M. farm.”

Northside Middle School was one of eight schools in Georgia to receive funding from the Innovation Fund Foundation.

To read the complete news release, please click here.

District Honors Teachers and Employees of the Year & Announces Districtwide Teacher of the Year

The Houston County School District honored 39 Teachers of the Year and six Employees of the Year during the district’s Opening Session on July 27, 2021. At this event, the districtwide Teacher of the Year and four finalists were announced for the first time.

Jessica Miranda of Veterans High School is the 2021- 2022 Houston County Teacher of the Year. Miranda has taught special education at Veterans High School for eight years. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College in Columbia, Mo. and a master’s degree in special education from The University of Phoenix. She and husband, Will, have two children. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, cooking, reading and genealogy. 

The district also announced four finalists for districtwide Teacher of the Year and honored six Employees of the Year during the ceremony. 

To read the complete news release, click here.

Sabrina Phelps Receives Administrator of the Year Award at 2021 GACTE Summit

Sabrina Phelps was named the 2021 Administrator of the Year for the Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Division of the Georgia Association for Career & Technical Education last month.

Phelps serves as the Principal and CEO of the Houston County Career Academy. Phelps has been an educator for more than 25 years for the Houston County School District. She is recognized as a leader in Career Technology Education and is committed to preparing students for their future.  

“It is an honor to receive the GACTE Administrator of the Year award from GA’s Work-Based Learning/ Youth Apprenticeship division,” said Phelps. “Our workforce projects continue to create a pipeline of employees for our business community.”

To read the complete news release, click here.