Author: Submitted

Student tardies in the system’s elementary schools range from 33% to 53% of the schools’ population. Studies conducted by the U.S. Dept. of Education on truancy, which is connected with tardiness, show that school attendance is a major factor when it comes to school success and student behavior. Problems with Tardiness The most crucial learning hours of a school day are the morning hours, because they are when students are most attentive. Students who are tardy miss the beginning of their morning classes, and they also cause a distraction when they arrive late to class. Academics and Achievement Students who…

Mrs. Norma Kay Vickers Dockery, age 68, of Broxton passed away late Tuesday night, November 29, 2016 at Specialty Hospital of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL following an extended illness. Mrs. Dockery was born February 25, 1948 to the late Grady Vickers and the late Bertha White Vickers. She was also preceded in death by a brother Ronald Vickers. Survivors include: Her Husband: John William “J. W.” Dockery of Broxton, GA; 3 Children: Jennifer (Richard) McDonald of Homerville, GA, Norman (Shantae) Dockery and Amelia (Joel) Auger both of Broxton, GA; 2 Brothers: Donald Vickers of Bridgetown, GA, J. O. Vickers of…

The CTAE Resource Network, the Georgia Department of Education, and the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education (GACTE) proudly announce the inaugural class of LEAD CTAE. LEAD CTAE is a leadership development program designed for CTAE classroom teachers who wish to gain valuable skills and knowledge in the areas of team building, leadership, priority management, business engagement, legislative advocacy and policy, communication, instruction, economic development, and more through participation in five program sessions culminating at the annual GACTE summer conference in Atlanta in July of 2017. This first class of 20 teachers represents 20 schools from 19 school systems…

Coffee High School hosted its annual Parent Lunch and Learn event on Nov. 27. The total number of attendees far exceeded the number from the previous year. Parents enjoyed a wonderful lunch and a “Ted Talk” Presentation by Jennifer Senior entitled For Parents, Happiness is a Very High Bar. Interested parents are encouraged to sign up in the guidance office to participate in the next Parent Lunch and Learn session. – Submitted

Coffee High’s Senior Audit Nights on Nov. 14 & 16 were a huge success! Our seniors, along with their parents, met with Senior Counselor Rachel Ho. The purpose was to ensure that students were on track for graduation. In addition, guests received information regarding college entry exams, financial aid, college scholarships, and graduation supplies. – Submitted

As the holiday season is upon us, the City of Douglas Police Department would like to remind everyone that holiday shopping can present some danger. During the holiday season, people become less attentive as their lives become more hectic, which could make them susceptible to crime and danger. Taking a few prevention measures can help ensure a jovial holiday season. “The holiday shopping season can cause some people to be more at risk to theft and other holiday crime,” says Chief Casteloes. “We hope that by sharing these safety tips, it will remind people to be more prepared by being…

Edford “Ed” Courson, age 77, of Millwood, Ga. passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Courson was born on December 13, 1938, in Millwood, Ga. to the late Willie Levi Courson and Daisey Brown Courson. Survivors include: his wife, Jenalda Courson of Millwood, Ga.; three daughters, Calisse (Jim) Owens of Knoxville, Tn., Karen Johnson of Nicholls, Ga., and Sherry (Sid) Adams of Douglas, Ga.; two sons, Franklin Courson of Nicholls, Ga. and David Anthony (Kaneah) Courson of Millwood, Ga.; twenty-three grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; sister, Miram Krain of Sebring, Fla.; and several nieces…

Wal-Mart truck drivers raise thousands of dollars for schools around the United States for the education foundation with their program “Miles for Education.” The Wal-Mart Foundation makes a financial contribution to local schools for every accident-free mile driven by each of the company’s 7,200 tractor trailer drivers. For every mile, one penny was given to the program. This program has two aims, safe driving and funding for local schools, and they achieved both goals. In November, Wal-Mart distribution representatives, Mr. Kenneth Morgan and Mr. John James, presented a $2,555.62 check to George Washington Carver Freshman Campus (GWCFC). GWCFC was one…

South Georgia State College (SGSC) is pleased to announce an art exhibit and reception showcasing the works of Jerry Luke. The artwork is on display in the Peterson Hall Art Gallery on the Douglas Campus until Thursday, Dec. 8 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. A meet-and-greet reception will be held in the art gallery on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. Community members, as well as SGSC faculty, staff, and students, are invited to attend this free event. A native of Blackshear, Ga., Luke is one of our region’s most talented artists. He earned a master’s degree in painting…

Jean Kirkland, age 84, of Douglas, GA passed away on Friday, November 25, 2016, at Shady Acres Nursing Home. Kirkland was born on March 25, 1932, in Pearson, Georgia to the late Willie Douglas and Annie Douglas. Survivors include: Daughter: Gwyn Kirkland of Douglas, GA. Son: Dexter Kirkland of Douglas, GA. Sisters: Naomi (Seaborn) Story of Brunswick, GA, Mavis McKinnon of Pearson, GA. Granddaughter: Lianna Booth of St Augustine, FL Great-Granddaughter: Hollyn Booth of St. Augustine, FL.. Preceded by: Father: Willie Douglas, Mother: Annie Douglas. The family will receive friends Sunday, November 27, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM…