The Safety Drill is now complete. This exercise, mandated by state law, must be conducted by October 1. Drills like this help us develop effective plans for emergencies. Our heartfelt thanks goes to the students, staff, emergency agencies, and the entire community for their collaboration in keeping our campus safe.
A Safety DRILL is in progress at the Candler County Schools. There is no reason to be alarmed. Please avoid coming to the schools so that staff and Sheriff Office deputies can focus on the DRILL. This DRILL should last approximately 45 minutes. Again, this is a DRILL and not an actual emergency.
Safety Drill planned for Candler County Schools
The Candler County School District (CCSD) remains committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for every student and staff member. Through strong partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency response agencies, the district conducts ongoing training and safety drills designed to prepare schools for a variety of emergency situations.
Throughout the school year, CCSD administrators work closely with the Candler County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource Officers, Metter Fire Department, and Candler County Emergency Management Agency to plan, conduct, and evaluate critical safety exercises. These include monthly fire drills, seasonal severe weather drills, and intruder drills.
In compliance with Georgia House Bill 147, CCSD will conduct an intruder drill prior to October 1. State law requires schools to conduct at least one intruder alert drill each school year, with schools having the option to conduct additional drills as part of their ongoing safety preparations.
“Preparing for an emergency is something we take very seriously,” said CCSD Superintendent Dr. John Jordan. “We hope we never have to put these procedures into action during a real emergency, but preparation, practice, and strong partnerships with our emergency personnel help ensure that our students and staff know what to do if that day ever comes.”
Fire and severe weather drills are conducted with assistance from the Metter Fire Department, Candler County Emergency Management Agency, and School Resource Officers, while the Candler County Sheriff’s Office oversees the district’s intruder drill. Deputies have also provided training to CCSD employees on best practices and procedures to help protect themselves and their students during emergency situations.
Candler County Sheriff John Miles emphasized that the presence of multiple law enforcement officers on campus during an intruder drill should not be a cause for concern.
“We want our community to know this is a drill and there is no cause for alarm,” Miles said. “Deputies will be on campus to conduct the drill and evaluate procedures so that we are ready should a real emergency ever occur.”
In the event of an actual emergency, CCSD administrators will work in close coordination with local and state emergency personnel, including the Candler County Sheriff’s Office and Candler County Emergency Management Agency. The district will provide parents and the community with verified information as quickly as circumstances allow.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay connected through the Candler County Schools mobile app, which also provides notifications during emergencies; the district and school websites; official school social media pages; and the district’s automated phone call and text messaging system.
“Communication is an important part of our emergency response plan,” Jordan said. “During an emergency, our first priority will always be the safety of our students and staff. We also understand how important timely and accurate information is to our families. We encourage parents to rely on official district communications and allow our schools and first responders to focus on keeping everyone safe.”
CCSD extends its sincere appreciation to the Candler County Sheriff’s Office, Metter Fire Department, Candler County Emergency Management Agency, School Resource Officers, and all local emergency personnel for their continued partnership and dedication to protecting Candler County’s students, employees, schools, and community.
The Candler County School District (CCSD) remains committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for every student and staff member. Through strong partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency response agencies, the district conducts ongoing training and safety drills designed to prepare schools for a variety of emergency situations.
Throughout the school year, CCSD administrators work closely with the Candler County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource Officers, Metter Fire Department, and Candler County Emergency Management Agency to plan, conduct, and evaluate critical safety exercises. These include monthly fire drills, seasonal severe weather drills, and intruder drills.
In compliance with Georgia House Bill 147, CCSD will conduct an intruder drill prior to October 1. State law requires schools to conduct at least one intruder alert drill each school year, with schools having the option to conduct additional drills as part of their ongoing safety preparations.
“Preparing for an emergency is something we take very seriously,” said CCSD Superintendent Dr. John Jordan. “We hope we never have to put these procedures into action during a real emergency, but preparation, practice, and strong partnerships with our emergency personnel help ensure that our students and staff know what to do if that day ever comes.”
Fire and severe weather drills are conducted with assistance from the Metter Fire Department, Candler County Emergency Management Agency, and School Resource Officers, while the Candler County Sheriff’s Office oversees the district’s intruder drill. Deputies have also provided training to CCSD employees on best practices and procedures to help protect themselves and their students during emergency situations.
Candler County Sheriff John Miles emphasized that the presence of multiple law enforcement officers on campus during an intruder drill should not be a cause for concern.
“We want our community to know this is a drill and there is no cause for alarm,” Miles said. “Deputies will be on campus to conduct the drill and evaluate procedures so that we are ready should a real emergency ever occur.”
In the event of an actual emergency, CCSD administrators will work in close coordination with local and state emergency personnel, including the Candler County Sheriff’s Office and Candler County Emergency Management Agency. The district will provide parents and the community with verified information as quickly as circumstances allow.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay connected through the Candler County Schools mobile app, which also provides notifications during emergencies; the district and school websites; official school social media pages; and the district’s automated phone call and text messaging system.
“Communication is an important part of our emergency response plan,” Jordan said. “During an emergency, our first priority will always be the safety of our students and staff. We also understand how important timely and accurate information is to our families. We encourage parents to rely on official district communications and allow our schools and first responders to focus on keeping everyone safe.”
CCSD extends its sincere appreciation to the Candler County Sheriff’s Office, Metter Fire Department, Candler County Emergency Management Agency, School Resource Officers, and all local emergency personnel for their continued partnership and dedication to protecting Candler County’s students, employees, schools, and community.
LITERACY UNDER THE LIGHTS!
Join us for a fun evening of reading, games, food, and Tiger spirit at Literacy Under the Lights!
Monday, September 28
6:45–7:45 PM
The Jungle — Home of the Metter Tigers
The Candler County Literacy Council, along with our partners at the Jay Bowen Foundation and Farmers Furniture in Metter, invites our little Tigers and their families to join us for this FREE community literacy event!
MMS and MHS students will be on hand to read with our younger Tigers and play fun games.
Farmers Furniture will provide FREE books for the children to take home!
The Jay Bowen Foundation will provide FREE pizza and drinks!
Bring the family and join us under the lights as we celebrate reading, community, and our Metter Tigers!
Join us for a fun evening of reading, games, food, and Tiger spirit at Literacy Under the Lights!
Monday, September 28
6:45–7:45 PM
The Jungle — Home of the Metter Tigers
The Candler County Literacy Council, along with our partners at the Jay Bowen Foundation and Farmers Furniture in Metter, invites our little Tigers and their families to join us for this FREE community literacy event!
MMS and MHS students will be on hand to read with our younger Tigers and play fun games.
Farmers Furniture will provide FREE books for the children to take home!
The Jay Bowen Foundation will provide FREE pizza and drinks!
Bring the family and join us under the lights as we celebrate reading, community, and our Metter Tigers!
Students will be dismissed at 2 pm on Thursday, September 17 as an Early Dismissal due to the Homecoming Parade being at 4:30 pm in downtown Metter. We hope to see you there!
REMINDER:
As part of Homecoming Week, the high school will host Movie Night tonight (Sept 14) at 7:30 pm on the field behind the K8 complex playground.
The Wizard of Oz will be on the big screen in honor of our "No Place Like Homecoming" Theme!
We are asking for a $2 donation
Concessions will be available for purchase.
Bring your blanket and/or a lawn chair.
We'll see you there!
As part of Homecoming Week, the high school will host Movie Night tonight (Sept 14) at 7:30 pm on the field behind the K8 complex playground.
The Wizard of Oz will be on the big screen in honor of our "No Place Like Homecoming" Theme!
We are asking for a $2 donation
Concessions will be available for purchase.
Bring your blanket and/or a lawn chair.
We'll see you there!
Congratulations to Candler County Schools’ District Teacher of the Year, Mr. Blake Jeffers! 🐯🏆
Candler County School District is proud to announce Mr. Blake Jeffers, a teacher at Metter High School/Metter College & Career Academy, as the 2026 District Teacher of the Year!
As District Teacher of the Year, Mr. Jeffers received an incredible $12,000 award from Mr. Ben G. Bowen, MHS Class of 1964. He will also have the honor of representing Candler County Schools as he advances to compete for Georgia Teacher of the Year.
We also proudly recognize our two outstanding finalists: Mrs. Beth Phillips, Metter Elementary School Teacher of the Year, and Mrs. Haley Todd, Metter Middle School Teacher of the Year. Each received a generous $3,000 award from Senator Bill and Mrs. JoAnn Hickman and will proudly represent their respective schools throughout the year.
We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Bowen and Senator and Mrs. Hickman for their generous support of our educators and their continued investment in excellence in Candler County Schools.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Jeffers, Mrs. Phillips, and Mrs. Todd on this well-deserved recognition! Their dedication to our students and schools is a wonderful example of what it means to be Tiger Proud!
Candler County School District is proud to announce Mr. Blake Jeffers, a teacher at Metter High School/Metter College & Career Academy, as the 2026 District Teacher of the Year!
As District Teacher of the Year, Mr. Jeffers received an incredible $12,000 award from Mr. Ben G. Bowen, MHS Class of 1964. He will also have the honor of representing Candler County Schools as he advances to compete for Georgia Teacher of the Year.
We also proudly recognize our two outstanding finalists: Mrs. Beth Phillips, Metter Elementary School Teacher of the Year, and Mrs. Haley Todd, Metter Middle School Teacher of the Year. Each received a generous $3,000 award from Senator Bill and Mrs. JoAnn Hickman and will proudly represent their respective schools throughout the year.
We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Bowen and Senator and Mrs. Hickman for their generous support of our educators and their continued investment in excellence in Candler County Schools.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Jeffers, Mrs. Phillips, and Mrs. Todd on this well-deserved recognition! Their dedication to our students and schools is a wonderful example of what it means to be Tiger Proud!
Statement from ECI as of 6pm:
Gates to the Metter/ECI football game (8-21-26) will open at 6:30 pm due to storm in the area. Kickoff pushed to 8 pm.
The Candler County Board of Education tentatively accepted the rollback rate at their regularly scheduled meeting on August 20.
The final millage rate will be voted on at the next scheduled meeting on September 17 at 5:30 pm.
Please note that the Candler County Board of Education’s monthly meeting on Thursday, September 17, will begin at 5:30 PM instead of the usual 5:00 PM. The time has been adjusted to accommodate the Homecoming Parade, which begins at 4:30 PM in Downtown Metter.
School is ON as scheduled.
Metter Middle School had a small fire in the weight room this morning, but it has been extinguished and the area is sealed off. We will be having school as scheduled today.
The school is safe. Smoke is contained in the gym and we will relocate classes while the minimal fire damage and smoke are being addressed. The area will remain sealed off as a safety measure while cleanup takes place.
We are appreciative of our first responders, along with Brad Jones of D & S Electric, who were on the scene quickly and extinguished the fire and kept our school safe.
Metter Middle School had a small fire in the weight room this morning, but it has been extinguished and the area is sealed off. We will be having school as scheduled today.
The school is safe. Smoke is contained in the gym and we will relocate classes while the minimal fire damage and smoke are being addressed. The area will remain sealed off as a safety measure while cleanup takes place.
We are appreciative of our first responders, along with Brad Jones of D & S Electric, who were on the scene quickly and extinguished the fire and kept our school safe.
Due to extreme heat and humidity, the MMS Intersquad Football Game scheduled for today has been CANCELLED.
📣 Calling All Future Cheerleaders! 📣
The Metter High School Varsity Sideline & Competitive Cheerleaders are excited to host the 2026 Wee Cheer Clinic for girls in Pre-K through 5th grade! Come learn cheers, dances, jumps, stunts, and more while supporting the MHS Cheerleading Program!
📅 Clinic: September 1–3
⏰ 3:00–5:15 P
📍 MMS Gym
💲 Cost: $65 per child
📝 Registration & payment deadline: August 19 (forms and payment can be made to any MHS Cheerleader, or given to your child's homeroom teacher, or to the MES front office)
🔗 Registration details and form: https://aptg.co/6lzgJ4
Wee Cheer participants will perform for family and friends on Thursday, September 3 at 5:30 PM in the MMS Gym and will also cheer before the MHS home football game on Friday, September 4! 🏈📣
Registration includes:
⭐ Snacks & drinks each day
⭐ Wee Cheer T-shirt
⭐ Cheerleading instruction from MHS Varsity Cheerleaders
⭐ 1–2 cheers and a dance
⭐ Motions, jumps, basic stunts & tumbling
⭐ Friday night football performance
⭐ Free game admission for the participant + one parent
MES Parents:Wee Cheer participants will have a special dismissal procedure on clinic days and will be escorted by MHS Cheerleaders to the MMS Gym. Pickup will be at 5:15 PMmat the interior entrance to the MMS Gym.
👟 Participants should wear a T-shirt, shorts, socks, and sneakers each day.
📱 Once registration and payment are received, parents will receive a confirmation text. You can also join the **Wee Cheer Remind Group** by texting **@weecheer26 to 81010**.
Questions? Contact:
📧 Maggie Dollar — mdollar@metter.org
📧 Logan Wright — lwright@metter.org
Don’t miss the chance to cheer with MHS! 🐯📣 Registration and payment are due August 19!
The Metter High School Varsity Sideline & Competitive Cheerleaders are excited to host the 2026 Wee Cheer Clinic for girls in Pre-K through 5th grade! Come learn cheers, dances, jumps, stunts, and more while supporting the MHS Cheerleading Program!
📅 Clinic: September 1–3
⏰ 3:00–5:15 P
📍 MMS Gym
💲 Cost: $65 per child
📝 Registration & payment deadline: August 19 (forms and payment can be made to any MHS Cheerleader, or given to your child's homeroom teacher, or to the MES front office)
🔗 Registration details and form: https://aptg.co/6lzgJ4
Wee Cheer participants will perform for family and friends on Thursday, September 3 at 5:30 PM in the MMS Gym and will also cheer before the MHS home football game on Friday, September 4! 🏈📣
Registration includes:
⭐ Snacks & drinks each day
⭐ Wee Cheer T-shirt
⭐ Cheerleading instruction from MHS Varsity Cheerleaders
⭐ 1–2 cheers and a dance
⭐ Motions, jumps, basic stunts & tumbling
⭐ Friday night football performance
⭐ Free game admission for the participant + one parent
MES Parents:Wee Cheer participants will have a special dismissal procedure on clinic days and will be escorted by MHS Cheerleaders to the MMS Gym. Pickup will be at 5:15 PMmat the interior entrance to the MMS Gym.
👟 Participants should wear a T-shirt, shorts, socks, and sneakers each day.
📱 Once registration and payment are received, parents will receive a confirmation text. You can also join the **Wee Cheer Remind Group** by texting **@weecheer26 to 81010**.
Questions? Contact:
📧 Maggie Dollar — mdollar@metter.org
📧 Logan Wright — lwright@metter.org
Don’t miss the chance to cheer with MHS! 🐯📣 Registration and payment are due August 19!
Road construction continues on Hwy 129. Traffic near the bridge is currently limited to one lane, with pilot vehicles escorting motorists through the construction area.
If you are traveling to the school for afternoon pickup, please expect delays and allow extra time. We ask everyone to use caution and remain patient as you travel through the area.
We have additional law enforcement officers on hand to assist with traffic, and we greatly appreciate their help in keeping everyone safe.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation!
If you are traveling to the school for afternoon pickup, please expect delays and allow extra time. We ask everyone to use caution and remain patient as you travel through the area.
We have additional law enforcement officers on hand to assist with traffic, and we greatly appreciate their help in keeping everyone safe.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation!
⚠️ TRAFFIC & DISMISSAL UPDATE ⚠️
While we are grateful that the State has allocated funding to pave Highways 129 and 121, the ongoing roadwork is creating some traffic challenges and delays.
Today, the contractor experienced an equipment breakdown while moving machinery, which has reduced Highway 129 northbound into the city to one lane. A pilot car will be escorting traffic through the area, but please expect delays.
Traffic around Oak Tree Road and Highway 129 South is also expected to be congested, particularly during school dismissal.
Our school system has coordinated with the Candler County Sheriff’s Office and the Metter Police Department to provide additional support during dismissal today.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work together to provide the safest and most efficient dismissal possible for our students. Please allow extra travel time and use caution in the area.
While we are grateful that the State has allocated funding to pave Highways 129 and 121, the ongoing roadwork is creating some traffic challenges and delays.
Today, the contractor experienced an equipment breakdown while moving machinery, which has reduced Highway 129 northbound into the city to one lane. A pilot car will be escorting traffic through the area, but please expect delays.
Traffic around Oak Tree Road and Highway 129 South is also expected to be congested, particularly during school dismissal.
Our school system has coordinated with the Candler County Sheriff’s Office and the Metter Police Department to provide additional support during dismissal today.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work together to provide the safest and most efficient dismissal possible for our students. Please allow extra travel time and use caution in the area.
📣 MES Parents & Families — Get Involved!
The MES Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) will hold its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, August 12, at 5:30 p.m. in the Bigwood Room at the K-8 Complex.
We’d love to have you join us and help support our students, teachers, and school community!
📱 Ready to help? Sign up here:
https://forms.gle/2CmHXR4Jp6VDhcWC7
We hope to see you there!
The MES Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) will hold its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, August 12, at 5:30 p.m. in the Bigwood Room at the K-8 Complex.
We’d love to have you join us and help support our students, teachers, and school community!
📱 Ready to help? Sign up here:
https://forms.gle/2CmHXR4Jp6VDhcWC7
We hope to see you there!
Candler County Schools Oak Tree Entrance Notice- Beginning August 10, 2026
For the safety and security of the Candler County Schools students and staff, the Oak Tree entrance will not be accessible (CLOSED) between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each school day beginning August 10, 2026.
During these hours, the gates will be locked to prevent the road from being used while students are on campus. This measure helps reduce unnecessary traffic and enhances the safety of our school environment.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to provide a safe campus for all students and staff.
Candler County Schools Transportation would like to inform families that one of our school buses, Bus 39, was involved in a very minor traffic accident on Webb Circle this afternoon.
Fortunately, no students, staff or public were injured. Law enforcement is on the scene handling the accident.
Students are being transferred to another bus as quickly and safely as possible so they can continue their ride home. As a result, they may arrive home a little later than usual.
We are grateful this was a minor incident and that no one was hurt. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Fortunately, no students, staff or public were injured. Law enforcement is on the scene handling the accident.
Students are being transferred to another bus as quickly and safely as possible so they can continue their ride home. As a result, they may arrive home a little later than usual.
We are grateful this was a minor incident and that no one was hurt. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
The MHS/MCCA Junior Class Ring Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, August 11 at 9:30 am at MHS! Join us as we celebrate this special milestone with our junior class. It’s a momentous occasion that marks a step forward in their high school journey, and we can’t wait to honor them.
Please visit https://www.metter.org/o/ccsd/page/traffic to see the 2026-2027 traffic patterns for schools/grade levels. Be aware and safe with the road construction going on!
🎉 Calling All Incoming 9th Graders! 🎉
If you or your student will be entering 9th grade this school year, be sure to attend Freshman First on Thursday, July 30, from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
This event is designed to help our newest Tigers start the year with confidence! Students will:
🐅 Take a campus tour
📚 Learn about clubs and student organizations
👕 Receive information about the dress code
📋 Review the new rules and expectations for the 2026–2027 school year
❓ Have the opportunity to ask questions before the first day of school
We look forward to welcoming our newest Tigers and helping them get off to a great start. We can't wait to see you there! #WinAtEverything
If you or your student will be entering 9th grade this school year, be sure to attend Freshman First on Thursday, July 30, from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
This event is designed to help our newest Tigers start the year with confidence! Students will:
🐅 Take a campus tour
📚 Learn about clubs and student organizations
👕 Receive information about the dress code
📋 Review the new rules and expectations for the 2026–2027 school year
❓ Have the opportunity to ask questions before the first day of school
We look forward to welcoming our newest Tigers and helping them get off to a great start. We can't wait to see you there! #WinAtEverything
