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tion and academic development?’” She continued, saying the school contacted other districts that had dealt with similar issues for guidance, and sent a series of surveys to families, which allowed them to work with any individual situations that were problematic, such as families who required their older students to take the younger students to the bus stop.

“Obviously, we have roughly 2,500 students in our school system – not everyone is going to like the schedule; all I can do is hope that people have trust enough in the system to know that we considered all of the factors and what was best for all of the students. Unfortunately, it did create a few issues for individual families; there are some mixed opinions about what is developmentally appropriate for younger students in regards to instructional time, and then also, what is developmentally appropriate for what time an older student should get up. Although we did consider those things, when we look at all of that in totality, we made the best decision that we could regarding the ultimate outcome, which is what is best for our students. So, I wish we could make everyone happy, but with 2,500 students, it will never be possible,” Reid concluded. Wheeler County Schools

Wheeler County Schools will be the next institution to resume classes, as the district opens its doors to students on Monday, August 5.

The school system is currently being led by Interim Superintendent and Wheeler County Elementary School Principal Quent Floyd, who was appointed to fill this role, which was vacated by the resignation of former Superintendent Suzanne Couey in March. Floyd’s successor is anticipated to be chosen no later than November 1.

Floyd joined the Wheeler County Schools staff in 2023 as a part-time elementary school principal in 2023 after having retired from Bleckley County Primary School as principal. He earned an Associate’s Degree from Middle Georgia College (now known as Middle Georgia State University), a Bachelor’s degree from Georgia College and State University, and a doctorate from the University of the Cumberlands. He previously taught at a private facility within Bleckley County for troubled youth (Middle Georgia Wilderness Institute) and Houston County Schools. When asked about the upcoming school year, Floyd said, “We are excited to begin the 2024-2025 school year. There are three groups of people who must work well together for a school system to be successful. Our parents send us the best children anywhere, and they will work hard to have a successful year and become better each day. All our faculty and staff are wonderful, dedicated professionals who are determined to keep our students safe and help them become better each day. We also have some very loving and supportive parents who will support our students and faculty to be sure students get better each day. With our students, faculty and parents working together, I foresee an amazing school year with lots of growth for the Wheeler County Bulldogs. To go along with our Vision of Every One A Leader and our Mission of Inspire Care Support Lead , we will all try to be better each day. If students, parents, and faculty all work towards being better each day, then the sky is the limit.” Toombs County Schools

Toombs County Schools will welcome students back next, as classes resume on Wednesday, August 7.

Most everything is the same this year at Toombs County Schools, except for administration at Toombs Central Elementary School, where Wendie Sikes will work as the school’s principal. Sikes is a 2004 graduate of Toombs County High School, and has worked within the school system as a teacher since 2008. She earned a Bachelor’s degree of Science in Physics from Georgia Southern University, and Masters of Arts of Teaching in Secondary Science, educational specialist degree in teaching and learning, and an educational leadership certificate from the University of West Georgia. Most recently, Sikes has served as the Toombs County Middle School Assistant Principal for two years.

“I have always looked forward to a new school year and this year is no exception. I am excited to be joining Toombs Central as the new principal. I have always believed that the work of our schools and educators doesn’t stop at the school campus,” she remarked about her new role. “I look forward to welcoming staff and students back to school and working to build relationships with families and the community to make this school year a success for our children.”

Superintendent Barry Waller also commented on the new school year, saying, “As always, we are excited to start another school year. There is something special about the first day of school, and with that setting sail on another year. We welcome back our staff and students from summer break and are eager to partner with our parents, and community to ensure success for all of our stakeholders in Toombs County.”

Vidalia Heritage Academy

Vidalia Heritage Academy students will return to school last, as they begin their new academic year on Friday, August 9.

Longtime Headmaster Jeff McCormick spoke on the new school year, saying, “We are very excited about the upcoming school year. Our theme this year is “Relentless”and it comes from Hebrews 11:6. What that means for us is a relentless pursuit of excellence in Christ in four different areas—relentless in our worship relentless in our education and discipleship, relentless in our relationships, and relentless in being ministry and mission minded. In addition, we have joined a new league for all of our varsity athletics and arts competitions. Our entrance into the GIAA allows for us to be more geographically located with other private schools in Southeast Georgia, and also raises the level of competition that we will face. I’m very confident in all of our teachers, staff and coaches to make all of this transition go seamlessly, and continue to pursue Christ in all that we do. Go Eagles!”

All districts stressed their hopes that students will have a wonderful school year, and encouraged parents and the community to come alongside the school systems to help local youth succeed.