Last Thursday, The Worth County Board of Education held a meeting. The meeting started with Superintendent Kay Matthews Report. Matthews brought forward a student who is doing extremely well. The student’s name is Jordan Hollins. The Worth County school system is getting technology more involved in the learning process with programs such as Symphony Math, Reading Plus, and Ascend Math. Jordan is a first grader in Worth County. Jordan told Matthews that he leveled up in Symphony Math to level 11. Matthews stated that Jordan is almost at a 12th grade level in these programs.
Matthews then went on to speak about the Striving Literacy Grant. The superintendent asked everyone involved in writing the grant to stand up, and nearly the entire audience rose to their feet. The grant will bring 2.1 million dollars to Worth County Schools. Worth County scored 94.2 in the application process for the grant which made the county third in the state. The grant is for five years and each year the school is responsible for putting together plan of intent.
Matthews then honored Dr. Steven Rouse and Dr. Amy Chafin for defending their dissertations. Rouse’s dissertation was entitled, “Exploring the Relationship Between Student Attendance and Academic Achievement as Measured by Science and Social Studies CRCT Scores.” Chafin’s dissertation was entitled, “Using Mathematics Curriculum Based Measurements to Project Student Performance on the Third Grade Georgia Mathematics CRCT.” The two will graduate from Valdosta State University this coming may.
The superintendent then honored the board by saying they have 75 years of service combined. Each school brought a gift for the school board. The elementary school made cards for the board as well as a gift basket. The Middle School delivered a presentation thanking each board member for his service. The School gave the board Mountain Dews to thank them for their “mountains of all you do.” A student named Anthony Mackelmore from the High School gave the board a presentation as well by thanking the board for taking time out of their day to make sure that students have every opportunity to succeed.
Matthews stated that a student from the middle school named Jarret Sulivan placed first in Social Studies at the State BETA club convention this past week. She also stated that this award was a first for Worth County.
Matthews then recognized Jazmine Murphy who is a School Social Work Intern. Matthews stated that Murphy is doing a wonderful job and is always keeping busy.
Scott Chafin then introduced the star student and star teacher of Worth County High School. Hannah Ivey was the star student. Chafin said Hannah is focused and committed to her education. Chafin said Hannah has done extremely well. Hannah chose Michelle Greer as her star teacher. Greer stated that she was pleasantly surprised when Hannah chose her for star teacher and she is deeply humbled. Hannah will receive a Kiwanis scholarship because of her efforts toward her education.
Matthews then presented the teacher of the year for Worth County Schools. The teacher of the year was May Rachel.