Metter High School

Growing Our Own: Teacher Apprenticeship Program in Candler County

The Candler County School District is proud to partner with Georgia Southern University, the Georgia Department of Labor, and the Georgia Department of Education to participate in the Georgia Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (GaRTAP).

GaRTAP is a state-funded initiative designed to address teacher shortages across Georgia, especially in underserved communities. The program provides a “learn while you earn” pathway, allowing aspiring educators to complete required coursework and hands-on classroom experience while earning a paycheck.

This school year, 7 Georgia Southern University students and 3 East Georgia State College students are serving as Teacher Assistants at Metter Elementary School while participating in GaRTAP. Each student works part- or full-time while pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree and teacher certification. In addition to tuition assistance and a monthly paycheck, participants are paired with a dedicated teacher mentor who provides ongoing guidance and support.

“This program is a win-win,” said Assistant Superintendent, Dr. CaDeisha Cooper. “Our students benefit from the on-the-job training and mentoring that these paraprofessionals are receiving, and the GaRTAP participants gain valuable, real-world experience as they prepare to become certified teachers. We are fortunate to provide this opportunity for aspiring educators.”

By investing in programs like GaRTAP, the Candler County School District is helping to build a stronger teacher pipeline and ensure high-quality education for all students.

“We hope these Teacher Assistants will complete their education, earn their T-4 certification, and pass the GACE exam—ultimately choosing to remain in the Candler County School District as teachers," says Assistant Superintendent Dr. John Jordan. "Their success will benefit not only our students, but also our parents, schools, and the entire community."

“A key priority of our strategic plan is recruiting and retaining highly effective, intrinsically motivated, and passionate teachers and staff, says Superintendent Dr. Bubba Longgrear. “We are confident that the GaRTAP program will play a vital role in helping us continue to achieve this goal.”

If you may be interested in learning more about the GaRTAP, please reach out to Dr. CaDeisha Cooper at ccooper@metter.org.

Pictured top row left to right: Cheslee Monroe, Iyana Deloach, Agatha Grimes, Lizbeth Solis-Pantoja, Jessica Williams
Bottom row left to right: Anna Carter, Narcisa Aguilar, Ava Anderson, Zoey Sikes, Kelly White

🚀 The Foundational Leadership Entrepreneur X-perience (FLEX) is gearing up for its 3rd year at Metter High School and Metter College & Career Academy—and we need your support!

FLEX gives students who already own—or dream of owning—a small business the chance to learn all the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. From writing business plans to creating presentations, product displays, and financials, students gain real-world experience in building a business from the ground up.

💡 FLEX is not only a program, but also a competition! Students work hard to earn a spot in the Top 10, Top 3, and Local Winner, with the chance to advance to the State Competition.

🌟 How you can help: Sponsorships are available at multiple levels. Your support will directly impact local students who want to build their businesses and keep them right here in our community.

👉 Learn more about FLEX and download the Sponsor Commitment Form here: https://www.metter.org/o/mcca/page/flex

The Candler County Board of Education voted Thursday night to tentatively roll back the millage rate to 13.987, the rate recommended by the Tax Commissioner. Despite the rollback, the Board will continue to qualify for state equalization funding. Recent legislation lowering the minimum millage rate required to receive state equalization funding made it possible for the Board to adopt the recommended rollback rate. Final rate will be adopted at the September 18th Board of Education meeting at 5 pm at the Board Office.

TIger Football action is back tonight in Tattnall County at 7:30 pm.
We’d love for you to be there in person to cheer on the Tigers! But, if you can’t make it, you can still catch all the action on WHCG Better 105.9 FM.

📻 Listen on the radio: 105.9 FM
💻 Listen online: https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cirruscontent/WHCG?fbclid=IwY2xjawMQVyNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnC_FrADlBpae9tNLALyubmcg7NTJ8sGQcWKB6VAbtqDw0sVFKTj8_MusrX2_aem_oYYRLp5pasSqjoa8q6hODA

🌟 Transitioning Together: Navigating Autism & Adulthood 🌟

CCSD’s Ms. Christina Holland will be leading a session on Thursday, August 28 from 9:30–11:30 AM at Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro Campus – Hwy 301 CPE Campus (formerly East Georgia College, across from Ogeechee Technical College).

💡 This session will help families explore important steps for preparing students with autism for adulthood.

✅ Topics will include:

Why transition preparation matters
Levels of support
Legal planning basics
Postsecondary options
Safety
Adult services and supports

🤝 Agency tables available for resources & guidance:

Pineland DBHDD – family support services, waiver info, respite
Judge Tony Thompson, Probate Court – guardianship information
GVRA – employment supports

This is a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, learn, and plan for the future!

Register for the class here: https://www.enrole.com/georgiasouthern/jsp/session.jsp;jsessionid=9C5CCE9831893EB84AE2374AAFB6B959?sessionId=25FA-CP-NAUTADLT-01PS&courseId=NAUTADLT&categoryId=FE02C4E8

CALLING ALL MEMBERS OF THE 1999 & 2000 STATE TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS

🏆 Special Recognition for the 1999 & 2000 State Championship Track Teams 🏆

We are excited to honor the members of our 1999 and 2000 State Championship Track Teams at the home Metter Tiger football game on Friday, August 29, which begins at 7:30 pm.

📍 Where to meet: With 6 minutes left in the 1st quarter, team members are asked to meet at the gate by the track on the scoreboard side, where we will gather names of all in attendance.

➡️ At the end of the 1st quarter, the ladies will be escorted to the 20-yard line, where the PA announcer will share the team’s accomplishments and recognize members by name.

🎖️ Each team member will be presented with a special medallion as a token of appreciation for their legacy.

Let’s celebrate these incredible athletes and their place in Tiger history! 🐅🧡🖤

Candler Youth Leadership Program applications for the 2025-2026 school year have opened! Deadline to register for this leadership fundamentals program is August 29!

This program is sponsored each school year by the Metter-Candler Chamber of Commerce for students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The students will be chosen based on their application, resume and teacher recommendation. During this eight-month program, students will have the opportunity to learn more about our community through leadership workshops, team building, local tours and community service projects - all while learning the foundation of what becoming a great leader is all about.

Applicants must be a resident of Candler County classified as a high school sophomore, junior, or senior at Metter High School, Metter College & Career Academy, David Emanuel Academy, Pinewood Christian Academy or Bulloch Academy. If the student attends Metter High School/Metter College & Career Academy, but lives outside of the county, she/he may apply as well.

Applications must be returned to the Metter-Candler Chamber of Commerce or Candler County Extension Office by Friday, August 29, 2025 at 5:00 pm. Late applications will not be accepted. Applications can be found at https://5il.co/3nv18

If you have any questions, please email the Metter-Candler Chamber of Commerce office at CandlerYouthLeadership@gmail.com or call them at (912) 685-2159.

🚀 Interested in starting your own business? Or, do you already have a business and want to learn how to run it more effectively?
Join us during Tiger Time tomorrow, 8/13, in Mr. Tom Golden’s room (MCCA) to learn all about FLEX — the Foundational Leadership & Entrepreneur X-perience program!

FLEX teaches you how to:
✅ Create a winning business plan
✅ Pitch your idea like a pro
✅ Manage your finances like a boss
💰 And compete for prize money while you learn!

📌 Ready to start? Apply here: https://forms.gle/h3xKscGTrgPja5Gj6
📌 Want to hear more first? See you tomorrow in Tiger Time in T. Golden’s room!

Unfortunately, Metter High School Softball Pink Out game scheduled for today (August 5) has been cancelled due to current weather conditions and forecasted weather for this evening.

MHS Cross Country (XC) Tryouts have been cancelled due to weather for today, August 5.

Athletics for the week of August 4-10
*schedules are subject to change*

Join Us for a Special Cause!
Tuesday, August 5 at 5:30 PM | Metter High School Softball Field
Lady Tigers vs. ECHS

The Metter High School Softball team is proud to partner with Candler County Hospital for our First Annual Cancer Awareness Game! This meaningful event aims to raise awareness and support for breast cancer services in our community. Cash admission only ($7 per person) will be donated to the cause, as well as, donation buckets will be available at the gate. All contributions will go directly to Candler County Hospital’s Breast Cancer Services, helping local women access essential mammograms and other critical care.

Come out and enjoy a great game while making a difference in the lives of women right here in Candler County. Wear pink to show your support and stand with us in the fight against cancer!

A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Nathan Lamb of 1on1 Sports for generously donating our Pink Cancer Awareness jerseys!

Tiger Nation, Let’s fill the stands, spread awareness, and make a lasting impact!

Go Tigers!

⭐Important Update for Parents of Current MHS/MCCA Students⭐

To ensure a smooth transition into the 2025-2026 school year, all parents of current students are required to update their information on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. **Schedules will not be available until registration is complete.**

Visit our website at https://www.metter.org/page/registration for detailed instructions and updates.

Link for Infinite Campus: https://candlerga.infinitecampus.org/.../parents/candler.jsp

Trouble with Your Login?
If you're having issues with your password or username, email our support team at icsupport@metter.org for assistance. **No username/password issues will be handled over the phone.**

New Requirement for This Year
All families must provide proof of Candler County residency for the upcoming school year. Find all the necessary details and instructions on our website at the link above.

Successful? You will receive an automated email if your application process was successful. If not, you will receive an email with what your application needs to be successfully processed. Please check your email often.

The 2025-2026 School Supply Lists are available now! Click on the link and then click on your school! https://www.metter.org/article/2291623

The MHS Tiger Cheerleaders are selling Football Program Advertisements for businesses and personal ads for students. Click on the one you may be interested in and then complete it and get it to the email address on the form! Thank you for your support of our Tiger athletes! 🧡🖤 Business Advertisement: https://5il.co/3keuy Personal Advertisement: https://5il.co/3keuz

The SWIRL (Speaking, Writing, Illustrating, Reading and Listening) Council, along with East Georgia State College, hosted an Adventure in the Park today in the Downtown Park. Guests were able to create lots of fun crafts, take home some free books and participate in a scavenger hunt! Miss EGSC, Katelyn Harris, read the guests an Eric Carl book. Special thanks to another host, the Georgia Youth Science & Technology Center and their coordinator, Ms. Erin Youmans who provided many of the activities and books given out today. If you would like to attend our next event, complete the following form and we'll add you to our email list for notifications! Form: https://forms.gle/UgfTeqQU8vPakNfh9

At Candler County Schools, our employees make the difference. We're proud to share our Employee Profile with you from the 2024-2025 School Year.

Metter Athletics Celebrates Outstanding Year of Athletic and Extracurricular Excellence Metter High School and Metter Middle School are proud to celebrate an exceptional year of athletic and extracurricular achievements across a variety of programs, highlighting the hard work, dedication, and talent of our student-athletes, coaches, and sponsors. From region championships to deep state playoff runs, the 2024–2025 school year has been one of the most successful in recent memory. Region Championships Metter High School teams brought home eight Region Championship titles, showcasing excellence across both athletic and performing arts programs. Three programs also earned Region Runner-up titles. • Football – Region Champions • Competitive Cheer – Region Champions • One Act Play – Region Champions • Literary Team – Region Champions • Boys Soccer – Region Champions • Girls Golf (Area 2) – Region Champions • Girls Track – Region Champions • Boys Track – Region Champions • Baseball – Region Runner Up • Softball – Region Runner Up • Boys Golf – Region Runner Up Metter Middle School teams brought home three Region Championship titles in Girls Cross Country, Boys Golf and Baseball. The Boys Track team and the Boys Cross Country team also brought home the Region Runner-Up titles. State Playoff Success In addition to regional dominance, Metter High teams competed at the highest levels in state competitions: • Football – Advanced to the Second Round • Softball – Reached the Elite Eight • Girls Basketball – First Round appearance • Cross Country – Competed at the State Meet • Girls Flag Football – First Round appearance • Competitive Cheer – 3rd in the State • One Act Play – State Runner-Up • Boys Soccer – Reached the State Semifinals • Girls Track –3rd in Division II • Boys Track – Competed at the State Meet • Baseball – Advanced to the Third Round • Girls Golf –State Runner-Up • Boys Golf – 7th in the State Metter High School also placed 2nd in state in the Georgia Athletic Directors Association (GADA) Director's Cup. This award is based on a scoring of a school's athletic performance in all Sports. Along with team success, Metter High School also had several individual State Champions and State Runners-up in Girls Track. • Zacarea Walker– Champion in High Jump • Tyra Howard, Brylie Cowart, Emery Wiebe and Emmie Parrish– Champions in 4x8 Relay • Zion Saffore – Runner-Up in Long Jump • A’driana Parrish – Runner-Up in High Jump A Tradition of Excellence “These accomplishments reflect the commitment of our students and coaches to ‘win at everything’, both on and off the field,” said Metter High School Principal Zach Rackett. “We are incredibly proud of the dedication, sportsmanship, and Tiger pride shown throughout the year.” Metter Middle School Principal Dr. Will Thigpen says, “Middle School Athletics have thrived over the past few years, and this year is no different. Our student-athletes are driven to succeed in all that they do.” As Metter High School looks forward to the upcoming school year, the legacy of champions continues to grow. “We are thankful that the entire Candler County community joins in celebrating these achievements and the bright future ahead for Tiger athletics and activities,” says Athletic Director Vicki Bowen.

Congratulations to the following for their Years of Service to the Candler County School District: 30 Years of Service - Sherry Tyler, MES 25 Years of Service - Connie Daughtry, MES 25 Years of Service - Glenise Donaldson, MES 25 Years of Service - Suzanne Hunt, MES 25 Years of Service - Neppie Conley, Transportation 25 Years of Service - Jerry Byrd, Maintenance 25 Years of Service - Dr. CaDeisha Cooper, BOE 20 Years of Service - Alyssa Akins, MES 20 Years of Service - Octavia Houston, MES 20 Years of Service - Eric Verbel, MES 20 Years of Service - Sandy Wilson, MES 20 Years of Service - Aundrea Akins, BOE 20 Years of Service - Allen Lanier, BOE 15 Years of Service - Kimberly Grantham, MHS 15 Years of Service - Julie Ray, MHS 15 Years of Service - Leslie Gordon, MES 15 Years of Service - Jennifer Lewis, MES 15 Years of Service - Jill Vining, MES 15 Years of Service - Hannah Youngblood, MES 15 Years of Service - Sammie Lawrence, Transportation 10 Years of Service - Dr. Karen Chassereau, MHS 10 Years of Service - Lafonda Kelly, MHS 10 Years of Service - Stevie Bragg, MES 10 Years of Service - Megan Eason, MES 10 Years of Service - Mitch Nobles, MCCA 10 Years of Service - Denise Strickland, BOE 10 Years of Service - Tee Collins, Transportation 5 Years of Service - Shayla Donaldson, MHS 5 Years of Service - Wes Edenfield, MHS 5 Years of Service - James Ferry, MHS 5 Years of Service - Dylan Dixon, MMS 5 Years of Service - Taylor Dollar, MMS 5 Years of Service - Terrance Green, MMS 5 Years of Service - Bennett King, MMS 5 Years of Service - Kasey Koneman, MMS 5 Years of Service - Kristen Cason, MES 5 Years of Service - Haley Clements, MES 5 Years of Service - Lacey Henneman, MES 5 Years of Service - Rebecca Hill, MES 5 Years of Service - Taylor James, MES 5 Years of Service - Shanette Johnson, MES 5 Years of Service - Karen Stewart, MES 5 Years of Service - Mary Kate Storie, MES 5 Years of Service - Alesha Warner, MES 5 Years of Service - Annah Kirkland, MES 5 Years of Service - Tom Golden, MCCA 5 Years of Service - Rosalyn Thompson, BOE Thank you for your service to our students, parents and our community!

The 13th Annual Tiger Youth Basketball camp was a huge success. Championship Thursday was the highlight of the camp. Contest winners, 3on3, and 5on5 Champions were the awards given out for today’s action! Free-Throw Champions K - Kelvin Shaw 1st - Worth Powell 2nd - Dyess Durrence 3rd - Harrison Dutton 4th - Addie Stewart 5th - Brantley Lott 6th - 8th - Cavion Kennedy Lay-Up Champions K - Kelvin Shaw 1st - Drummond Porter 2nd - Zayden Sikes-Sutton 3rd - Knox Blocker 4th - Luke Stravriotis 5th - Brantley Lott 6th-8th - Brayden Hightower 3PT - Champion K - Kingston Nelson 1st - Grayson Daniel 2nd - Levi Woods 3rd - June Brannen 4th - Jhett McNamee 5th - Brantley Lott 6th-8th - Joy Collins Knock-Out Champion K - Kelvin Shaw 1st - Drummond Porter 2nd - Zayden Sikes-Sutton 3rd - Harrison Dutton 4th - Addie Stewart 5th - Brantley Lott 6th-8th - Joy Collins The MHS Tiger Basketball Team would like to thank the camp sponsors! We couldn’t do it without you!! Our 2025 Tiger Sponsors are listed below: Adams poultry Awards South BSN Bubba Hunt Golf Burlap and Lace Market and Coffee Bar Candler Pharmacy CarterFranklin, LLP Caughey Hearn State Farm insurance Charlton Rogers Curl's Body Shop Daniels Bishop Chevrolet D&D Pinestraw Metter Bank Eason Grading Company Firehouse Sub H and R Block H&H Timber Co, LLC Hadden Insurance Hulsey, Tootle, and Harrison IHS Pharmacy & Gifts Jay Bowen Memorial Fund Jones, Boyd, and McCranie Insurance Metter Ford Metter Graphics Metter Home Center Modern Finance Olliff and Fordham CPAs Pineland Telephone Senior Benefit Solutions Synovous Bank The Assurance Group The Roderick Group The Eclectic Seamstress Stephens Limousine Service, INC Will Parker