Newton County School System

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Donald Helm as the new principal of Newton County STEAM Academy. Mr. Helm is a Covington native and lifelong resident of Newton County! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eu7x_7BR

We're excited to share the November 2024 edition of Board Notes, featuring a detailed summary of the November 19 combined Board of Education meeting. This enhanced and comprehensive report is part of our ongoing commitment to greater transparency and open communication with our community. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/eD76WGKB

Congratulations to Dr. Marcus Pollard from Newton College & Career Academy--the 2024 Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year! Read all about it here: https://lnkd.in/eqjT6xYn

The Newton County Schools Quarter 1 Quarterly Report has been released! Read it here: https://lnkd.in/e9_nuCSs We’re excited to share Newton County Schools’ first Quarterly Report of the 2024-2025 school year! This report highlights our progress in Academics, Operations, and Culture and Engagement. Read Superintendent Bradley’s letter about the Quarterly Report here: https://lnkd.in/eDs5iPyn

This week, we proudly celebrate National School Psychology Week and recognize the incredible contributions of our school psychologists in Newton County Schools! With this year's theme, "Spark Discovery," we honor how they inspire new ideas, create positive change, and open up possibilities for all our students. Our school psychologists work tirelessly to build resilience, foster growth, and support every child on their journey to success. Join us in showing appreciation for these dedicated professionals who spark discovery, helping our students and school communities thrive. #SpiritPrideExcellence

Walk-In Wednesdays at Newton County Schools! Looking to make a difference? Newton County Schools invites teachers and paraprofessionals to interview for current and future openings on our Walk-In Wednesdays! No need to wait for job fairs—join us on select Wednesdays for a chance to become part of our dedicated team. Register today ?? bit.ly/WIWFY25 #WalkInWednesdays #JoinOurTeam #NCS #TeachNewton

Reminder! Join us for the inaugural State of the District program on February 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Porter Performing Arts Center! Be part of this special evening showcasing the achievements and initiatives that make our district shine. Mark your calendar – you won’t want to miss it! #SpiritPrideExcellence

It's Principals Month. Meet Livingston Elementary School Principal, Dr. Yoli Howard! 1. What inspired you to pursue a career in education? I was fortunate to have amazing teachers who not only sparked my curiosity but also nurtured my love for learning. Their ability to create engaging lessons made every day an exciting new adventure, and their classrooms were places where I felt safe, valued, and challenged. Watching them cultivate a sense of belonging and joy in learning inspired me to follow in their footsteps. I wanted to have that same impact—to create environments where students feel empowered, excited to learn, and supported in becoming the best versions of themselves. 2. What are three key qualities you believe every effective school leader should have? Visionary Leadership, Strong Relationships and Empathy, and Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills. 3. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why? I would choose Maya Angelou. Her ability to capture the human experience through poetry, memoirs, and storytelling is extraordinary, and her words have inspired countless people to embrace their identity, persevere through hardship, and strive for greatness. I’d also ask for her thoughts on the intersection of education, identity, and social justice, and how we, as leaders, can empower students to discover the power of their own voice. 4. What is a memorable moment or achievement at your school or in your career that stands out to you? One of the most memorable achievements in my career was being the founding principal of a charter school. Leading a school from the ground up was both exhilarating and challenging. It gave me the opportunity to shape the school’s culture, vision, and instructional practices from day one. 5. What is a hobby or interest you enjoy outside of school? I love traveling and exploring the world, immersing myself in different cultures, and gaining new perspectives. There’s something magical about discovering new places, tasting unique foods, and learning the stories behind local traditions. So far, I’ve visited 47 of the 50 states in America, and each journey has deepened my appreciation for the diversity and beauty of our country. Traveling not only recharges me but also shapes my outlook as an educator, reminding me of the importance of fostering curiosity, empathy, and a global mindset in students. 6. What legacy do you hope to leave at your school? I hope to leave a legacy of inspired learning, inclusion, and empowerment. 7. How do you stay motivated and inspired in your role as a principal? I stay motivated by focusing on the relationships I build with students, families, and staff remind me that every day is an opportunity to make a difference, and that fuels my passion to keep going, no matter the challenges. 8. What is the most important lesson you've learned as a leader? The most important lesson I’ve learned as a leader is the power of listening and collaboration.

It's National Principals Month. Meet Indian Creek Middle School Principal Michael Chapple! 1. What inspired you to pursue a career in education? The opportunity to help students be prepared for their future. 2. What are three key qualities you believe every effective school leader should have? Patience, good listener, dependability 3. What is a memorable moment or achievement at your school or in your career that stands out to you? We we were voted Best Middle School by the Covington News Readers 4. What is a hobby or interest you enjoy outside of school? Photography 5. What legacy do you hope to leave at your school? I hope to create a community within that prepared our students for their future goals. 6 How do you stay motivated and inspired in your role as a principal? Interacting with the students each day. 7. What is the most important lesson you've learned as a leader? Always be willing to accept help.

It's National Principals Month! Meet Flint Hill Elementary School, Newton County Schools Principal, Heidi Coachman! 1. What inspired you to pursue a career in education? Pursuing a career in education was aligned with my God-given talents. As a young child, I would collect worksheets and old textbooks and play school at home. Ever since 5th grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. My parents told me when I was four years old, I would play teacher with my neighborhood friends. 2. What are three key qualities you believe every effective school leader should have? The three key qualities that I believe every effective school leadership should have is servanthood, compassion, and accountability. 3. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why? If I could have dinner with any historical figure, it would be Jesus. To have the opportunity to see Jesus face to face and to ask him questions about my past, present and future would be everything. 4. What is a memorable moment or achievement at your school or in your career that stands out to you? A memorable achievement at my school is that my staff and students love me. They know I love them as well. I hug students all day long and all students greet me throughout the day. My staff and students know I have high expectations for them and that I will hold them accountable. I'm building a culture of positivity on multiple levels, and it is evident. 5. What legacy do you hope to leave at your school? I have left a lasting impression at all the elementary schools I've worked at. Improving systems and building relationships are my specialties. I want staff always to love children, build positive relationships with each other, and operate in a culture of excellence. I plan to leave Flint Hill Elementary in a better state, which includes improved student growth & achievement, better job satisfaction, improved student discipline, and higher teacher retention rates. 6. What is the most important lesson you've learned as a leader? I've learned several lessons. The most important lesson I've learned as a leader thus far is to "control your faucet" and to extend grace for myself. As a perfectionist/Type A individual, I've learned to pivot and accept things for what they are. Reflecting and remembering my circle of control is important in this role. As long as I give it my best each and every day, that's all that I can do. Another lesson I've learned is...I can have bright ideas. However, I have to ensure I have the bandwidth and manpower to execute the vision. Some ideas may be right now or next year.