The first day of the 2008-2009 school year for Lincoln County students is Friday, August 8. Pictured visiting with teacher Pam Norman at LCES are: (front row, l-r) Makayla Benning, second grade; LaPrincia Mansion, kindergarten; Clara Hodnett, first grade; (back row) Johnathan Nelson, second grade; J'quavious Burns, second grade; Jaydon Leverett, first grade; and Harvey Hodnett, second grade. Approximately 1,350 Lincoln County students are dusting off their calculators, buying new shoes, sharpening pencils, and dragging out their book bags in preparation for Friday, August 8, the first day of the 2008-2009 school year.

"We are looking forward to the start of a new school year," said School Superintendent Randall Edmunds. "In general, all of our test scores were good for 2007-2008. We definitely expect the improvement to continue this coming year."

In fact, this marks the sixth consecutive year that LCES and LCMS, both Title I schools, have made AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress). LCHS did not make AYP, and is appealing the Georgia Department of Education's decision.

In other remarks, Dr. Edmunds said, "We probably have the best teachers, administrators, and staff we've ever had. They are all very capable and dedicated. This promises to be an excellent school year."

Concerning additional back-toschool 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 Monday, August 11, at 7:45 a.m. at LCES and from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. at LCMS and LCHS.

Moreover, breakfast and lunch prices have increased this year, with regular breakfasts on both campuses costing 75 cents and reduced breakfasts, 30 cents. Regular lunches will cost $1.50 at LCES and $1.75 at LCMS and LCHS. Reduced lunches will cost 40 cents on both campuses.

Lunch prices have not increased in at least 10 years, according to Ficklen Guin, nutrition director for the school system.

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.

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 until 7 p.m. Thursday, August 7. "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."

The administrator then announced that the PTO's back-to-school meeting will be held Tuesday, August 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. The meeting will feature classroom visits and grade-level orientation sessions, during which parents will receive information concerning the school's discipline, attendance, and homework policies.

The new homework policy, outlined in the student handbook, contains the guidelines and procedures governing homework assignments for students in each grade.

In further remarks, Principal Bell said 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."

In reference to LCES making AYP for six consecutive years, the principal said, "The students, teachers, parents, and administrators are to be commended. It takes all of us working together to achieve our AYP goals — it's truly a group effort."

In conclusion, Bell stated, "LCES is a good school, and we're making a great deal of progress each and every year. We have a long-standing tradition of excellence, and we want to keep that tradition alive.

"With the help of parents and the people in the community, 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. "Plan to call and visit us often, especially when there is a concern or a question. We also welcome volunteers."

Two of the new faces that will be seen at LCES this year are those of Susan Wicks, special education teacher, and Angela Donwen, speech pathologist.

In addition, the school is looking forward to reaping the benefits of various renovations to the physical plant. The building has been re-roofed; a drainage system has been installed to pull water away from the school; and the gymnasium is sporting a new floor.

In news from LCMS, Principal Pam Carmichael informed parents that the school will host its annual open house from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Thursday, August 7. Students and their parents are invited to visit the school at this time to meet teachers, obtain class schedules available in the school cafeteria, find where the various classes are located, purchase P.E. uniforms, and so forth. Parents may likewise join the LCMS PTP (Parent- Teacher Partnership).

The principal indicated that parents need to make sure their child has had the immunizations necessary to enter middle school as required by state law.

According to Carmichael, 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 8.

As for 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.

The principal pointed out that regular grade-level orientation will take place during school hours. However, a special orientation session is set for Tuesday, August 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria to benefit sixthgraders and students new to the system.

The administrator went on to mention that students should be advised that eligibility for participation in athletics will be reviewed at the end of each nine weeks instead of at the end of the semester.

"We are looking forward to a great year," stated Principal Carmichael. "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."

Referring to the fact that the middle school has made AYP for six consecutive years, she said, "I'm very proud of the students and teachers at LCMS. Their hard work and dedication to excellence were reflected in the test scores. This year, we will continue to strive to make AYP again."

Moreover, LCMS, along with LCES and LCHS, is expecting a visit in September from representatives of SACS (Southern Accrediting Commission of Colleges and Schools) and the State Department of Education.

According to Principal Carmichael, the purpose of the visit, which will take the place of the regular five-year accreditation evaluation by SACS, is to determine how well the system is implementing the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) and identify strategies for moving forward.

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 be enforced at awards ceremonies next spring; 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 agree to allow their child to use the Internet at school and are acquainted with the rules governing this privilege.

Also, in compliance with a law passed by the General Assembly in 2006, parents, who do not want their child to join a school club, may make their wishes known by signing the designated form in the handbook and returning it to the school.

In other back-to-school news, LCHS Principal Becky Barden invited students and their parents to an open house at the high school from 6:30 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 7. 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, parents may join the LCHS Academic Booster Club at this time.

Also at the open house, seniors may purchase their parking permits from Henry Madden, assistant principal, for $25. In order to purchase a permit, a student much 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.

Concerning 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, according to Principal Barden.

Excessive absences could cause a student to lose his learner's permit or driver's license, his parking privileges, and his right to attend the prom.

In other items of information, 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 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.

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

The principal emphasized that students and parents need to be aware that the school will be implementing the Georgia Performance Standards in math this year. "The classes are known as Math 1, Math 2, Math 3, and so forth and cover strands of both algebra and geometry. Our students need to prepare themselves for the rigor of the new curriculum."

The new standards will affect freshmen only.

In further remarks, Dr. Barden welcomed the following staff members to LCHS: Brittany Barden and Nancy Pund, special education teachers; Amber Bentley, language arts teacher; Brad Bohler, math teacher; Katrina Kelly, art teacher; and Gennell Hawn, paraprofessional.

In conclusion, the principal urged parents to get involved in their child's education and school activities and to talk with their child's teachers and guidance counselors on a regular basis.