Media Releases 2024-2025

HAMILTON, GA. (OCT. 22, 2024) – Pine Ridge Elementary (PRE) welcomed State Representative Carmen Rice on Oct. 10 as part of Georgia Pre-K Week 2024. During her visit, Rep. Rice engaged with Pre-K students by reading the book A Magnificent Field Trip to the Governor's Mansion, which tells the story of a class exploring the Governor’s Mansion in Georgia, encountering animals, and meeting Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp.

Rep. Rice's visit was attended by several local officials and school representatives, including Harris County School District (HCSD) Superintendent Justin Finney, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Shelia Baker, Board of Education Member Bridgett Oliver, Pine Ridge Elementary Principal Donna Crooks, Assistant Principal Brantley Sawyer, and Alex Dagenhart, Pre-K Program Specialist from DECAL Bright from the Start.

This event was part of Georgia Pre-K Week, a statewide initiative designed to emphasize the importance of early childhood education and to celebrate Georgia's Pre-K program. The visit provided an opportunity for local leaders to see firsthand the impact of high-quality early learning on the state’s youngest learners.

State Representative Vance Smith Jr. also showed his support for Georgia Pre-K by visiting Park Elementary on the same morning, where he also read to a Pre-K class.

"This was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the value of early learning," said Superintendent Justin Finney. "We appreciate the time and dedication of our state representatives to invest in the educational journey of our students, starting with Pre-K."

In addition to these visits, there were numerous activities throughout the district to celebrate Georgia Pre-K week.

The Harris County School District is in Hamilton, Ga. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or call (706) 628-4206.

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Photo 1: Georgia State Representative Carmen Rice read to a Pine Ridge Elementary Pre-K class during a week to set aside to celebrate the importance of starting children early on their education path. The visit was organized by Georgia’s DECAL Bright from the Start program.

Photo 2 (left to right): Pine Ridge Elementary (PRE) Pre-K teacher Ashley Vannoy, HCSD School Board Member Bridgett Oliver, HCSD Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Shelia Baker, HCSD Superintendent Justin Finney, Georgia State Representative Carmen Rice; Alex Dagenhart, Pre-K Program Specialist from DECAL Bright from the Start, PRE Principal Donna Crooks, PRE Assistant Principal Brantley Sawyer, PRE Paraprofessional Leslie Champion

Photo 3: Georgia State Representative showed his support of the Georgia Pre-K program by stopping by Park Elementary to read to a class during Georgia Pre-K Week.

About the Book:
A Magnificent Field Trip to the Governor's Mansion takes readers on a journey with Mr. Malcolm’s class as they tour the historic Governor’s Mansion in Georgia. The story highlights the excitement of exploring the grounds, encountering various animals, and meeting the state's leadership, including Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp.

About the Harris County School District
Georgia’s Harris County School District (HCSD) is an accredited K-12 school system based in the county seat of Hamilton, Ga. It serves more than 5,600 students with four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, one high school, and one performance learning center. With a vision of “one community committed to the well-being and preparation of every student for life-long success in a global society,” the HCSD strives to ensure an excellent education for every student in Harris County. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@HCSDga).

Harris County School District Superintendent Justin Finney (left) receives a certificate of appreciation from Rotary Club of Harris County President Jim Trott (right) for speaking to the Rotary as the new superintendent. During his address, Finney shared his vision of "keeping the main things the main things," focusing on educating students while ensuring the safety and health of both students and teachers. He encouraged the community to reach out to teachers and administrators with any questions rather than turning to social media, helping to foster better communication and understanding.

 

HAMILTON, GA (SEPTEMBER 10, 2024) – Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. While such thoughts are common, they should not be considered normal and often signal more serious issues. In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Month, the Harris County School District (HCSD) is committed to raising awareness and promoting mental health support.

Throughout September, a dedicated effort is made to shift public perception, spread hope, and provide essential information to those affected by suicide.

Shelia Baker, HCSD Assistant Superintendent of Support Services shared, “Our goal is to ensure that individuals, families, and friends have access to resources for discussing suicide prevention and seeking help.”

Baker encourages everyone to participate: “We invite the HCSD family to join us in wearing teal, turquoise, and purple on September 13. These colors symbolize our commitment to suicide prevention awareness and our solidarity with those affected by mental health challenges. By coming together, we can raise awareness, foster understanding, and offer hope to those in need.”

For more information about suicide prevention resources and support, please visit the NAMI (national Alliance on Mental Health) Helpline, which is available Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Call (800) 950-6264, text “helpline” to 62640, or chat online at https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).

The Harris County School District is in Hamilton, Georgia.  For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or call (706) 628-4206.

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Note to Editor:  Interviews available upon request.

About the Harris County School District
Georgia’s Harris County School District (HCSD) is an accredited K-12 school system based in the county seat of Hamilton, Ga. It serves 5,600+ students with four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, one high school, and one performance learning center. With a vision of “one community committed to the well-being and preparation of every student for life-long success in a global society,” the HCSD strives to ensure an excellent education for every student in Harris County. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@HCSDga).

HAMILTON, GA (SEPTEMBER 10, 2024) – Kia AutoSport of Columbus, in partnership with WRBL-TV News 3, organized a successful school supply drive benefiting students in the Columbus area, including those within the Harris County School District (HCSD).

The local Kia AutoSport dealership teamed up with WRBL-TV News 3 to launch the campaign, spearheaded by Kia General Manager Melanie Lee. The effort resulted in the collection of a significant number of school supplies.

Shelia Baker, HCSD Assistant Superintendent of Support Services, expressed the district's gratitude for being included in this important initiative. The donated items—ranging from pencils and erasers to backpacks, personal hygiene products, and cleaning supplies—were distributed across all schools in the district. Each school’s counselor received the supplies to ensure smooth delivery and distribution to students in need.

One method of distribution is through the "Help Yourself Shelf" program, which places supply shelves outside each counselor’s office. Students who need items are encouraged to take what they need discreetly, without having to ask, preserving their dignity.

“We are deeply honored and grateful for this donation, which directly supports students who may not have the supplies they need,” said Baker. “Having the proper school supplies is a crucial factor in a student’s success. This kind of generosity not only alleviates some of the burden on parents but also contributes significantly to students’ ability to thrive in their education. The supplies will be put to good use, and we sincerely appreciate the ongoing support from community partners like Kia AutoSport of Columbus and WRBL.”

The Harris County School District is in Hamilton, Georgia.  For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or call (706) 628-4206.

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Note to Editor:  Interviews available upon request.

Photo 1:
Pictured (left to right): WRBL Representative Lisa Burton delivered school supplies to the Harris County School District (HCSD), generously donated by Kia Autosport of Columbus, for students in need of supplies to succeed. Pictured are Shelia Baker, HCSD assistant superintendent; Lisa Burton, WRBL; and Justin Finney, HCSD superintendent.

Photo 2:
Pictured (left to right):  School supplies generously donated by Kia Autosport of Columbus were divided and distributed to guidance counselors across the Harris County School District for students in need of supplies. Pictured are Shelia Baker, HCSD Assistant Superintendent; Amanda Elliott, Harris County High School Counselor; Steve Hammonds, Harris County Carver Middle School Counselor; Lori Storey, Creekside Intermediate School Counselor; Denise Belt, New Mountain Hill Elementary Counselor; Megan Wright, EOC/STEPS Counselor; Kristin Roberts, Mulberry Creek Elementary Counselor; and Sean Myers, Pine Ridge Elementary Counselor. (Not pictured: Emily Henderson, Park Elementary Counselor).

About the Harris County School District
Georgia’s Harris County School District (HCSD) is an accredited K-12 school system based in the county seat of Hamilton, Ga. It serves 5,600+ students with four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, one high school, and one performance learning center. With a vision of “one community committed to the well-being and preparation of every student for life-long success in a global society,” the HCSD strives to ensure an excellent education for every student in Harris County. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@HCSDga).

HAMILTON, GA (SEPTEMBER 6, 2024) – In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Harris County School District (HCSD) Department of Social Services’ Parent University, in partnership with NAMI Georgia, is proud to announce an important online presentation titled "Ending the Silence for Families," which aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health by encouraging open dialogue within families and providing them with the tools they need to support their children.

This one-hour event will take place on Sept. 17, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and is designed for parents and guardians of middle and high school-aged students. The presentation aims to raise awareness about mental illness, providing families with essential tools and information to support their children. Attendees will learn to recognize the warning signs of mental illness, communicate effectively with their children, collaborate with school personnel, and understand the latest mental health statistics.

“Adolescence is a unique and formative time. Protecting adolescents from adversity, promoting socio-emotional learning and psychological well-being, and ensuring access to mental health care are critical for their health and well-being during adolescence and adulthood,” stated Shelia Baker, HCSD assistant superintendent of support services. “Multiple factors affect mental health. The more risk factors adolescents are exposed to, the greater the potential impact on their mental health. Our goal is ensuring that our students, staff, and families have access to the resources they need to be proactive with prevention strategies in seeking help without embarrassment or stigmas.”

Vicki Curry-Williams, HCSD coordinator of social services and the operations of the social services department at The HCSD H.O.P.E Center, states, “Mental health is a critical component of our children's overall well-being. In light of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, this presentation is an opportunity for parents and guardians to equip themselves with knowledge and strategies to better support their children and foster open communication.”

The event will feature expert insights from NAMI Georgia, offering a comprehensive overview of mental health issues that can impact middle and high school students. By participating, families will gain a clearer understanding of how to address mental health concerns and work effectively with their schools to ensure their children receive the support they need.

Registration is free and open to all interested participants. To sign up, please visit the following link: https://forms.gle/c2SZ44PQT6fKwhze8.

The Parent University is an initiative of the HCSD Department of Social Services, which is based at The H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Excel) Center, located at 106 Mountain Creek Dr., Hamilton, Ga. 31811. It was launched in the Spring of 2017 with the mission of providing beneficial programming for the community. The Department of Social Services provides support to the children, parents, and faculty/staff of the HCSD. It is the mission of this office to ensure that all students have the physical, social, and emotional resources to be successful in school and in life. The school social worker serves as a liaison between the school, the home, and the community, facilitating services and advocating for students’ academic and personal success.

The Harris County School District is in Hamilton, Ga. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or call (706) 628-4206.

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Note to editors: Upon request, interviews may be arranged.

About the Harris County School District
Georgia’s Harris County School District (HCSD) is an accredited K-12 school system based in the county seat of Hamilton, Ga. It serves 5,600+ students with four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, one high school, and one performance learning center. With a vision of “one community committed to the well-being and preparation of every student for life-long success in a global society,” the HCSD strives to ensure an excellent education for every student in Harris County. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@HCSDga).

About NAMI Georgia
NAMI Georgia is a leading mental health organization providing education, support, and advocacy for individuals affected by mental illness and their families. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for people living with mental health conditions through awareness and community support.

 

HAMILTON, GA (SEPTEMBER 6, 2024) – In alignment with Georgia House Bill 538 and Senate Bill 64, the Harris County School District (HCSD) will continue universal literacy screenings for all kindergarten through third grade students. The new legislation, aimed at improving literacy outcomes, mandates that all Georgia schools conduct universal screenings to identify students who may need additional support in reading and literacy skills.

While this is a new state requirement, HCSD has been proactively administering literacy screeners for the past three years to ensure students' success.  Moving forward, the district is fully prepared to meet these requirements.

"Teachers have been using the screener results to determine the best strategies to provide support for students who need it," said David Dennie, HCSD elementary director of curriculum and instruction. "What’s new under the current laws is that we are now required to notify all parents and guardians of their child’s screening results, regardless of the outcome. This is an important step in keeping our families informed and engaged in their child's literacy development."

Next week, HCSD will be sending home the results of these screenings with all K-3 students. These results will provide insights into each child’s reading development, identifying strengths as well as areas where they may benefit from extra attention. The first page will identify one of four categories a child falls into: Exceeding Expectations, On Track, At Risk, and High Risk.

"If a student falls into the 'At Risk' or 'High Risk' category, a second page will be included detailing the interventions and support the school is providing," added Dennie. "We urge all parents to review these results carefully."

Parents and guardians should be on the lookout for these reports, which will be sent home as paper documents with each K-3 student next week. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the curriculum department at curriculum@harris.k12.ga.us.

The curriculum department will be hosting a “Curriculum Conversations” online event to address concerns and answer any parent or guardian questions. Details will be announced when confirmed.

"We appreciate your partnership as we work together to ensure every child in the Harris County School District develops strong literacy skills," said Dennie.

The Harris County School District is in Hamilton, Ga. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or call (706) 628-4206.

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Note to editors: Upon request, interviews may be arranged.

About the Harris County School District
Georgia’s Harris County School District (HCSD) is an accredited K-12 school system based in the county seat of Hamilton, Ga. It serves 5,500+ students with four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, one high school, and one performance learning center. With a vision of “one community committed to the well-being and preparation of every student for life-long success in a global society,” the HCSD strives to ensure an excellent education for every student in Harris County. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@HCSDga).

 

HAMILTON, GA (JULY 20, 2024) – Harris County High School’s Marching Band (HCHS) is thrilled to announce its upcoming event, the "Sound of the County” Showcase," which will take place on Friday, July 26, 2024.

The Showcase will highlight selections from their competition halftime show, "Oz-mosis," which features music from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked, along with a brief drumline feature. This demonstration of dedication comes from the students who this summer have tirelessly honed their craft under the guidance of the HCHS Band Director, Christopher Libby. This event not only allows the students to showcase their talents before the start of the school year but also fosters a sense of community and appreciation for the arts in Harris County.

"We are extremely proud of our students' hard work and commitment this summer. The Sound of the County Band Showcase is an opportunity for them to shine and demonstrate their passion for music," said Libby. The band is currently marching 95 students, up from 77 in 2022. Libby added, “I fully expect that number to grow as the school year gets rolling.”

Event Details:
Date: Friday, July 26, 2024
Time: Begins at 6 p.m.
Location: Tiger Stadium, 8281 GA-116, Hamilton, GA 31811

The event is open to the public, and admission is free. Families, friends, and members of the community are encouraged to attend and show their support for the talented young musicians of Harris County High School. Limited concessions will be available.

The Harris County School District is in Hamilton, Ga. For more information, please visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or contact (706) 628-4206.

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Note to editors: Interviews may be requested.

Photo: Taking a well-deserved break under the sun, the 95 band members of the Harris County High School “Sound of the County” Marching Band are focused and ready for their next drill. The dedication and hard work they put in during this summer heat is truly inspiring. The public is invited for free to enjoy their Showcase on Friday, July 26, at 6 p.m. at Tiger Stadium.
 
About the Harris County School District
Georgia’s Harris County School District (HCSD) is an accredited K-12 school system based in the county seat of Hamilton, Ga. It serves 5,500+ students with four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, one high school, and one performance learning center. With a vision of “one community committed to the well-being and preparation of every student for life-long success in a global society,” the HCSD strives to ensure an excellent education for every student in Harris County. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@HCSDga).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HARRIS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY REOPENING OF REQUIRED ONLINE REGISTRATION/RESIDENCY VERIFICATION

HAMILTON, GA (July 19, 2024) – The Harris County School District (HCSD) announces the temporary reopening of the required Online Registration (OLR)/Residency Verification for all K-12 students until 11:59 p.m. on July 26, 2024.

“This process is to ensure that those sitting in the seats of our schools and benefiting from our taxpayers’ dollars are residents of Harris County,” said Shawn Fisher, assistant superintendent of business services and technology. “Through this online process, parents can easily and conveniently update the information of existing students, register new students, and verify residency.”

Fisher added, “It is imperative for parents to complete the form so that the schools can plan for the correct number of students for the 2024-25 school year. Teachers can be assigned and classes can be assigned for students. All students must be verified through this process before they can be placed in a class or teacher assignments can be made for next school year. Information has been distributed to parents that details what documentation is needed when they complete the process as well as the contacts at each school who may be of assistance.”

Documents Needed to Complete OLR/Residency Verification

Please have the following documents ready to upload:

·         Two proofs of Harris County residency valid within the last 60 days (Accepted proofs: power bill, water bill, gas bill, landline phone bill, Harris County car registration, Harris County voter registration, mortgage/rental agreement at Harris County address). Note: Cable and cell phone bills are not accepted.
·         Parent photo ID
·         New students only: Student birth certificate
·         New students only: Student social security card
·         New students and 7th and 11th graders only: Georgia Student Immunization Form 3231
·         New students only: Georgia Student Dental, Hearing, Vision Form 3300

Instructions for Online Registration (OLR)/Residency Verification

Through this online process, parents can easily and conveniently update the information of existing students, register new students, and verify residency.

Current HCSD families will access the online registration/verification through their existing Parent Portal account by entering the traditional way or by visiting www.harris.k12.ga.us/OLR and clicking the menu to the left titled, "Existing Student Registration." Please read all instructions on the web page. Be sure to select "Next School Year 2024-25."

Families new to the HCSD will access the online registration at www.harris.k12.ga.us/OLR and click the menu to the left titled, "New Student Registration." Please read all instructions on the web page. Be sure to select "Next School Year 2024-25."

For questions or assistance with creating a parent portal account, please contact one of our student information coordinators:

Deb Slayton, slayton-d@harris.k12.ga.us, (706) 628-4206 ext. 1413
Jeanie Ponder, ponder-j@harris.k12.ga.us, (706) 628-4206 ext. 1412

“During this process, we appreciate everyone’s time and attention,” Fisher said. “It is our job to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us by the residents for the benefit of the students who live here in Harris County.”

The Harris County School District is in Hamilton, Ga. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or call 706-628-4206.

About the Harris County School District
Georgia’s Harris County School District (HCSD) is an accredited K-12 school system based in the county seat of Hamilton, Ga. It serves 5,500+ students with four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, one high school, and one performance learning center. With a vision of “one community committed to the well-being and preparation of every student for life-long success in a global society,” the HCSD strives to ensure an excellent education for every student in Harris County. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@HCSDga).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


IT'S TIME FOR QUALIFIED FAMILIES TO APPLY FOR FREE AND REDUCED SCHOOL MEALS;
ONLINE APPLICATION SIMPLIFIES THE PROCESS

Online Application Saves Paper and Prevents Potential Paper Tracking Issues; Families Can Avoid Accruing Lunch Fees


HAMILTON, GA (JULY 19, 2024) – Important news has been announced regarding free and reduced-price meals for students in the Harris County School District (HCSD). As of July 1, families can access the "Harris County Household Application for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals" for the 2024-2025 school year. For the second year, the process is primarily available online at www.EZMealApp.com.

The price for breakfast for the 2024-2025 school year is $1.50. The prices for lunch will be $2.75 for elementary schools and $3.00 for intermediate school, middle school, and high school.

"It is very important for all families who qualify for free and reduced meals for their school-aged children to complete the application form," said Shelia Baker, HCSD Assistant Superintendent of Support Services. "Our goal is to ensure that no child goes hungry while at school. We also do not want any parent to accrue a balance for school meals that could be free or reduced price. To make the process easier for our families, the form will be available online starting July 1."

The application form will be available in the following ways:

·         To complete online: Visit www.EZMealApp.com, sign up, and follow the steps.

·         To print and complete: Visit the HCSD website (www.harris.k12.ga.us) and find the form under the "School Nutrition" tab.

·         To get a paper form, visit: HCSD School Nutrition Office (132 Barnes Mill Road, Hamilton).

·         Sneak-A-Peek events at each school (HCCMS and Creekside on Aug. 5, elementary schools and HCHS on Aug. 6).

·         Students can request an application on the first day of school (Aug. 8).

Parents are encouraged to complete the online application or return the paper form as quickly as possible. The deadline for application submission is Tuesday, Sept. 19. Completed paper applications should be returned to the child's homeroom teacher or school cafeteria manager. September 19, 2024, is also the expiration date for forms that were approved for the 2023-2024 school year.

For additional information or any inquiries, please contact Brad Johnson, HCSD director of school nutrition, at (706) 628-4172 or email johnson-brad@harris.k12.ga.us.

The Harris County School District is in Hamilton, Ga. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or call (706) 628-4206.

About the Harris County School District

Georgia’s Harris County School District (HCSD) is an accredited K-12 school system based in the county seat of Hamilton, Ga. It serves 5,500+ students with four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, one high school, and one performance learning center. With a vision of “one community committed to the well-being and preparation of every student for life-long success in a global society,” the HCSD strives to ensure an excellent education for every student in Harris County. For more information, visit www.harris.k12.ga.us or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@HCSDga).