
Save the Date! On Wednesday, July 9, from 10am until 11 am, the SWIRL council and friends will be at Metter Farmers Furniture to offer books, crafts and smiles! Each child gets a FREE book! Please join us!


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


The Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony will be held Saturday, May 17 at 9 am. Ticketed event. However, you can see the graduation live online here: https://www.youtube.com/live/fPXtPfe9ElA

We’re almost there — just 6 more days!
Even though the school year is winding down, MMS is still taking attendance and our students are still learning. Every day counts, and we’re committed to finishing the year strong. Let’s stay focused, show up, and make these last days count!


Oak Tree Entrance is clear and open for drop off and pickup. Have a great day!

The Candler County School Nutrition Department will host its Summer Meals Program from June 2 through July 18 (except for June 30-July 4) at the times and locations on the flyer below for children ages 18 and younger at no cost.


The Oak Tree Road entrance to the school complex will be closed this morning (Monday). Please use the Highway 129 entrance instead.

NOTICE: If you live on a dirt road and it has been impacted by the recent rainfall, on Monday May 12, please meet your bus driver at the nearest paved road at your normal pickup time, if possible. If your road is impassable, please contact your child's school first thing tomorrow morning.

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year for each school!
MES - Casey Moore
MMS - Terrance Green
MHS/MCCA - Dr. Vic Fordham
Each year, Teachers of the Year are announced at the end of the school year for the upcoming term, giving them the opportunity to compete for Georgia Teacher of the Year in early August.
We are incredibly proud of this year’s winners and grateful they’ve chosen to share their wisdom, passion, and expertise with the students of Candler County Schools. Congratulations to each of you—your impact is immeasurable!

Help your child learn how to get smarter
Studies show that people who believe in the value of hard work can face challenges, learn from them, and get smarter. When your child hits a learning obstacle, say things like, "I know you can do it. What else could you try?" Point out the effects of effort: "If you work on your project every day, you're sure to be proud of the result." Praise persistence, too: "You didn't give up until you figured it out! Your effort is making you smarter."
https://tpitip.com/?15dY19702[

Today, our 6th-grade students participated in Junior Achievement BizTown—a hands-on, simulated town experience where students take on real-world roles in business, government, and finance. This program helps students connect classroom learning with practical life skills like budgeting, teamwork, and decision-making. It's an exciting step toward becoming financially literate and career-ready!


Studying can be a group effort
Sometimes, studying in a group can be more effective than studying alone. To help set up a study group before a test, have your child find three or four friends who want to work together. At group meetings, the students can list key facts, then quiz one another. They can also discuss long-answer questions they think might be on the test. Then, each child can provide an answer to one or two at the next meeting.
https://tpitip.com/?15dW19702

Candler County School Students will be taking the Georgia Milestones from April 29 through May 12 on various days. These are also listed on each school's facebook page.
April 29 - MMS English (Day 1) - 6th-8th Grades
April 30 - MMS English (Day 2) - 6th -8th Grades
May 1 - MES Science - 5th Grade and MMS Math - 6th-8th Grades
May 5 - MHS/MCCA American Literature (Day 1)
May 6 - MES English Day 1 -3rd - 5th Grades, MMS Science - 8th Grade, and MHS/MCCA American Literature (Day 2)
May 7 - MES English Day 2 - 3rd-5th Grades, MMS Social Studies - 8th Grade, and MHS/MCCA US History
May 8 - MES Math - 3rd - 5th Grades
May 9 - MHS/MCCA Biology
May 12 - Algebra 1 - 8th Grade and MHS/MCCA Algebra 1
Parents, please help your child:
Get a good night's sleep before the test.
Eat a nutritious breakfast to fuel their brains. (avoid caffeine and sugar)
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Remember to do their best!
A great parent resource can be found here:
https://lor2.gadoe.org/gadoe/file/65da261d-7393-457b-bd7e-b7721b2f15cf/1/GM_Parent_Resources.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ0l_dleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHgDIhUMYbXOSYM__jS_qoZVK60ZRdXu_4Ds9FQ3AcNfJ4MhxMOJhCcrIZ0EZ_aem_AlLaS2Frfmy9TDDkEoxXug


Attention all returning and new students: Registration is just around the corner!
Returning Students:
Prepare to update your information online starting Monday, April 21.
NEW this year, EVERYONE must upload proof of residency documents.
Log in to your Parent Portal on Infinite Campus on April 21 to get started.
New Students: Open enrollment begins on April 21 as well! Visit
https://www.metter.org/page/registration
for all the details you need to know.
Mark your calendars to visit
https://www.metter.org/page/registration to get started on Updated Registration or New Student Online Registration.

Teach your child to visualize goals
Kids who can picture themselves achieving their goals are more likely to do so. Have your child focus on a goal, such as getting ready for school on time. Next, have your student picture following the steps to reach it: getting dressed, having breakfast and grabbing an organized backpack. Encourage your child to imagine how good it will feel to reach the goal. Then, say "I know you can achieve your goal."
https://tpitip.com/?15dH19702

⚾️Metter Middle School Baseball will begin the Middle School Region Tournament on Tuesday, April 8 at 4 pm at the Metter Recreation Department against N. Tattnall.
🎟Admission is $5 cash per person.
Sorry, no Metter Booster Passes are allowed for playoff games.
🐅⚾️Come show your support for this team!🐅⚾️
