Schools Have New Faculty Members

Students return to Jasper County public schools today, Aug. 8, and to Piedmont Academy and Shiloh Christian Academy on Monday, Aug. 12.

The teachers returned previously, and there are several new faces in the local public schools and Piedmont Academy.

Jasper County introduces 15 new staff members to the school system this upcoming academic year. They include (top photo, back row, left to right) Shelley Tingler, Kimberley Couch, Chad Sanders, Mike Paulk, Allen Atkins, Laura Thompson, Sarah Calies, (front row) Amy Camp, Shakeirra Middlebrooks, Dana Mason, Jessica Ravenel, and Dusty Cawthon.

The preschool will add two new Pre-K teachers, Shakeirra Middlebrooks and Shameka Smith.

The primary school will add a new Early Intervention Program (EIP) teacher, Sarah Calies.

Seven of the 15 new teachers will join the Washington Park Elementary team, including new Assistant Principal Chad Sanders.

Third grade will add Amy Camp and teacher support specialist, Kimberley Couch. Jessica Ravenel and Laura Thompson will teach fourth and fifth grade, respectively. Jennifer Allen and Shelley Tingler will teach EIP.

Joining the middle school team will be Dana Mason in grade six, and Dusty Cawthon and Michael Paulk in grade eight. Ms. Cawthon will also coach cheerleading.

The high school will welcome a new Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) teacher, Janice Garrett, and a new alternative school teacher, Allen Atkins. Mr. Atkins will also head up the varsity basketball team. The Jasper County school system is thrilled to welcome these new teachers and thankful they have chosen to make a difference in “Our Children” and “Our Community,” according to an announcement from the school.

The upcoming 2013-2014 school year brings five new members to Piedmont Academy’s faculty.

Julie Black will enter her seventh year teaching elementary school and have the responsibility of first grade. Mrs. Black is a graduate of Piedmont Academy and Georgia College State University holding a bachelor of science in elementary education.

Tonya Coe joins Mrs. Black in elementary with the third grade. She is a graduate of Newton County High School and earned a bachelor of science degree in science. Her six years in teaching have been at Young Americans Christian Academy in Conyers.

Middle grades will welcome Jeff Kent in the science department. Mr. Kent is a graduate of Briarwood Academy and attended Morehead State University on a football scholarship and finished at Georgia Southern University with a degree in middle grades education. He is entering his fourth year as a teacher. Mr. Kent will assist with the middle and high school football teams as well as coach soccer in the spring.

High school added history teacher Michael Wilson. Mr. Wilson is a graduate of Heritage High School in Rockdale County and earned his bachelors of administration at Mercer University; masters of arts at Piedmont College; and his education specialist at Copello University. He will be entering his 13th year as a high school social science teacher. Mr. Wilson will assist in coaching football and high school boys’ basketball.

The last member to join the school is alumni parent, Tiffany Taylor. After growing up in southern Florida, Mrs. Taylor’s family moved to Virginia where she graduated from Frank W. Lox High School in Virginia Beach. After high school graduation, she attended and graduated from Old Dominion University earning a degree in business. She will teach Spanish to high school students.

Open House for new students and parents will be held today, Aug. 8, at 3 p.m., and then all students are parents are invited to open house at 5 p.m.