Newton County School System

???? Happy Thanksgiving from Newton County Schools! ???? This Thanksgiving, we are incredibly thankful for our students, families, staff, and community partners who make Newton County Schools a remarkable place to learn, grow, and thrive. Your support, dedication, and partnership are the foundation of our success, and we are so grateful for each and every one of you. As you gather with loved ones, we wish you a holiday filled with joy, gratitude, and warm memories. From our NCS family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! ????

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.