The first day of the 2006-2007 school year for Lincoln County students is Monday, August 7. Pictured taking a sneak peek at the new student handbooks for LCMS and LCHS are: (l-r) Sarah Sims, a rising junior at LCHS; LCHS Principal Becky Barden; Amanda Dion, a rising junior; and Maurice Jones, a rising senior. Approximately 1,400 Lincoln County students are shopping for shoes, sharpening pencils, and buying bookbags in preparation for Monday, August 7, the first day of the 2006-2007 school year.

"We are looking forward to the start of a new school year," said School Superintendent Randall Edmunds. "We're happy that all of our schools made AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) and hope this will continue in 2006-2007."

In fact, the system's two Title I schools, LCES and LCMS, were named "Title I Distinguished Schools" in 2005 and 2006 for making AYP for four consecutive years. LCHS recently earned "distinguished" honors for making AYP for the third consecutive year.

In other comments, Dr. Edmunds said, "I expect this to be one of our best, if not our best, school year ever. We currently have all of our staff and faculty positions filled and are ready to embark on a great year."

Concerning additional items of back-to-school information, the superintendent informed parents and students that breakfast will not be served the first day of school, but that the program will resume on Tuesday, August 8, at 7:45 a.m. at LCES and from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. at LCMS and LCHS.

Breakfast prices will remain the same as last year, with regular breakfasts on both campuses costing 60 cents and reduced breakfasts, 30 cents. Regular lunches will cost $1.20 at LCES and $1.50 at LCMS and LCHS. Reduced lunches will cost 40 cents on both campuses.

In her comments on the first day of school, LCES Principal Marilyn Bell noted that homeroom begins at 8 a.m. "Parents and students may arrive on campus as early as 7:45 a.m. Allow yourself up to 30 minutes to get your child settled in his classroom," she said.

Once again, car riders will unload at the front door of the school, and law enforcement officers will be on hand to direct traffic.

Bell assured new students and their parents that the congestion decreases about two weeks after the beginning of school. Usually, the morning routine for car riders takes five minutes or less, she stated.

Likewise, parents need to pick up their child by 3 p.m. each day.

The principal also reminded parents of the open house the school is hosting for grades Pre-K through 5 from 5:30 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 3. "This is an excellent opportunity for parents and students to meet teachers and tour our campus," she said. "In addition, parents may join the PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) at this time."

Principal Bell went on to say that she is eagerly anticipating the beginning of a new school year. "We have a lot of challenging learning opportunities planned for our students, and we're ready to get underway."

One of these challenges is the implementation of Phase II of the "Georgia Performance Standards," the new state-mandated curriculum designed to make learning more student centered in all Georgia schools. The new language arts standards were applied statewide in grades K-5 during the 2005-2006 school year.

"This year, we will be implementing the math standards in grades K-2 and the science standards in grades 3-5," said the principal. "Moreover, we're already preparing to apply the math standards in grades 3-5 and the science standards in grades K-2 in 2007-2008."

In conclusion, Principal Bell stated, "LCES is a good school, and we're making good progress each and every year. We have a long tradition of excellence and want to keep that tradition alive. With the help of parents and the people in the community, together we can make LCES the best elementary school in Georgia. We very much appreciate the support of our parents and community."

She then encouraged parents to get more involved in their child's education. "Whenever there is a concern or a question, please call us."

Among the new faces that will be at LCES this year are Lindsay Davis, school counselor; Cathy McWhorter, first grade teacher; Erica Jansen, second grade teacher; Eleanor Parnelle, fourth grade teacher; and Ashley Walker, special education teacher.

In news from LCMS, Pam Carmichael informed parents that the school will host its annual open house from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Thursday, August 3. Students and their parents are encouraged to visit the school at this time to meet teachers, obtain class schedules available in the school cafeteria, find out where the various classes are located, purchase P.E. uniforms, and so forth. Parents may likewise join the LCMS PTP (ParentTeacher Partnership) at this time.

She further pointed out that parents also need to make sure their child has had the immunizations necessary to enter middle school, as required by state law. To get a listing of the required immunizations as well as proof of immunization, parents should contact their family physician or the Lincoln County Health Department at 706-359-3154.

According to the principal, the first day of school will start off with sixthgraders reporting to the cafeteria at 7:55 a.m. to meet their first period teachers and then be escorted to class. To help things move along smoothly, teachers will be on duty beginning at 7:30 a.m. on August 7.

As for the upperclassmen, seventh and eighth-grade students are to report directly to their first period class immediately upon their arrival at school; class schedules will be available in the school cafeteria.

Carmichael indicated that sixthgraders will have the added benefit of a special orientation class just for them. The class is set for Tuesday, August 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Regular grade-level orientation will take place during school hours.

Parents and students should also note that the strict attendance policy that was implemented at both LCES and LCMS last year is still in effect.

The policy states that a student will not be allowed to miss more than 14 days of school per year. Any student with more than 14 absences may lose credit. These do not include absences approved by the administration or inschool or out-of-school suspension.

Regarding other items of information, Principal Carmichael pointed out that the school will implement Phase II of the Georgia Performance Standards this year by applying the state's math standards in the seventh grade. Last year, the new standards were introduced in all of the language arts classes at LCMS, in the sixthgrade math classes, and in the sixth and seventh-grade science classes.

The principal likewise reminded students and their parents that this is the second year CRCT (Criterion Referenced Competency Tests) scores will be used to determine whether eighth-grade students are promoted to the ninth grade.

"We are looking forward to a great year," Principal Carmichael stated. "We have an excellent staff that is deeply committed to the education and well-being of our students. We're all excited about the beginning of a new school year."

Concerning new staff members, Kenn Barnett, an LCHS graduate, will be teaching special education at LCMS this year.

In further items of information, it was noted that at both LCMS and LCHS, each student will be issued a student handbook during first period on the first day of school. In addition to serving as a hall pass, the handbook contains information, rules, and

policies such as the attendance protocol, the dress code which will remain basically the same as last year, and a revised code of conduct that students and parents should be familiar with.

In fact, parents or guardians are required to sign two special tear-out pages in the handbook and return them to the school. Their signature serves as an acknowledgment that (1) they have read the handbook and the attendance protocol and are familiar with their contents, and (2) they consent to allow their child to use the Internet at school and are acquainted with the rules governing this privilege.

Moreover, in compliance with a law passed by the General Assembly last spring, parents who do not want their child to join a school club may make their wishes known by signing the designated form included in the handbook and returning it to the school.

In another change from years' past, the new handbook elaborates on the types of electronic devices that students are prohibited from having in their possession at school, specifically CD players, I-Pods, and cell phones.

In her remarks, LCHS Principal Becky Barden invited students and their parents to an open house at the school from 6:30 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 3. During the evening, students may meet their teachers as well as pick up their class schedules in the foyer next to the front office. In addition, their parents may join the LCHS Academic Booster Club at this time.

Also at the open house, seniors may purchase their parking permits from Assistant Principal Henry Madden for $25. In order to purchase a parking permit, a student must have a completed application, a valid driver's license, and proof of insurance.

There are 25 parking spaces near the main building that will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Others will need to park in the two lots behind Buddy Bufford Field.

Seniors may purchase parking permits through August 11; juniors, August 14-18; and sophomores and others, August 21-25.

Regarding the attendance protocol at LCHS, students with more than eight absences in a class will fail to earn credit for the course unless they are granted approval on appeal, said Principal Barden.

Appeals must be filed no sooner than 10 school days before the end of the semester and no later than the last day of the semester.

It must be mentioned that excessive absences could cause a student to lose his learner's permit or driver's license.

In other school news, Dr. Barden indicated that on the first day of school, students are to report directly to their first period class; class schedules will be available in the foyer.

She further noted that for safety reasons, students may gain access to school buildings no earlier than 7:15 a.m.

As was the case last year, automobile traffic in front of the school will be "one way only" from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. and from 3 to 4 p.m. Likewise, traffic behind the cafeteria, where car riders are dropped off and picked up, will be "one way." Parents should allow extra time for increased traffic during the first few weeks of school.

In an effort to relieve traffic congestion behind the cafeteria, the LCHS principal is asking the parents of high school students to drop off and pick up their child in the parking lot behind Buddy Bufford Field.

She went on to remind parents and others who visit LCHS during the school day that they must report to the main office and register as a visitor. "This safety procedure was implemented to protect our students and staff," she stated. "Also, students are not allowed to have visitors or guests at school unless prior approval has been obtained from an administrator."

In addition, in order to check a student out of school, parents, guardians or other designated persons must first report to the main office.

The same policies hold true for LCMS.

Looking toward the new year, Dr. Barden said the faculty and staff at LCHS are anticipating a wonderful school year.

"Last year, we implemented the Georgia Performance Standards in language arts and science in grades 9-12," she continued. "This year, we will undergo training to apply the state standards in social studies in 2007-2008."

In further remarks, the principal welcomed the following staff members to LCHS: Dr. Yvonne Morris, English; Jason Flanders, technology; Barbara Smith, science; and Louise Waters, special education.

In conclusion, Dr. Barden encouraged parents to get involved in their child's education and school activities and to talk with their child's teachers and guidance counselor on a regular basis.