Front Row: Dr. Daphne Berry, WWMS; Jessica Eubank, WWMS; Kassandra Winfrey, WWPS; and Casey Nash, WWPS
Back Row: Thomas Burris, WWCHS; Jessica Eleazer, WWES; Alexis Beall, WWES; Vernita Hill, WWMS; and Chris Norman, WWMS
Wilkes County Schools is proud to announce Mr. Darren Pharr as the 2026–2027 District Teacher of the Year and Mrs. Lou Heard as the 2026–2027 RISE Award winner. These outstanding individuals were recognized during our Excellence in Education Recognition Ceremony. Congratulations to all!
Wilkes County Schools is fortunate to have such dedicated and inspiring teachers who make a difference every day. We would love to shower our teachers with words of appreciation. If you would like to share a quick note of thanks for a current teacher, please complete the linked form. Your message will be delivered to them this week.
https://forms.gle/3VG2auhoWCS4zF9d8
Today, Wilkes County Schools celebrates School Lunch Hero Day and the incredible members of our School Nutrition team.
School Nutrition Director Elizabeth Bohler shared this about the team: “Day in and day out, they show up early, work hard, and serve our students with care, consistency, and heart. Their impact goes far beyond the meals they prepare. They help create a welcoming environment in our schools and play an important role in each student’s day.”
We are grateful for their dedication and the difference they make in our students' lives every day!
Wilkes County voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to decide on the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) referendum. This is not a new tax. It is a continuation of the current one-cent sales tax used to support school system needs.
Early voting is underway and will continue through May 15, 2026.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.wilkes.k12.ga.us/o/wcs/page/e-splost
Wilkes County voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to decide on the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) referendum.
This is not a new tax. It is a continuation of the current one-cent sales tax used to support school system needs, such as:
• School safety improvements
• Facility upgrades and maintenance
• Buses and technology
• Other capital needs across the district
Early voting will take place April 27 through May 15, 2026.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.wilkes.k12.ga.us/o/wcs/page/e-splost
Be sure to complete your child’s registration and submit all required documentation before May 13th to take part in Big Shuffle Day, a special event where students get to meet their teacher, visit their classroom, and get a first look at the exciting year ahead.
If you have already registered your child online, please make sure all required paperwork is turned in prior to May 13th so your child can participate in Big Shuffle Day.
Registration is quick and easy and can be completed online:
https://www.wilkes.k12.ga.us/page/registration
Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a confident and exciting start to their Pre-K experience.
If you have a new or returning student to enroll, now is the time to get started. The process is quick, easy, and completely online. Please note that current students do not need to complete this process.
See the flyer for important details, required documents, and registration instructions.
Get started today: https://www.wilkes.k12.ga.us/page/registration
Don’t wait - register now and get ready for a great year of learning and growth.
If you have questions, please contact campushelp@wilkes.k12.ga.us
Washington-Wilkes Primary School achieved outstanding success, placing first in the CSRA RESA region and ranking among the top 100 schools in the state, earning an impressive 22nd place among all elementary schools in Georgia. Principal Josh Rider led by example by actively participating in the campaign alongside staff and students.
The school submitted an impressive 479 entries, reflecting a strong commitment to literacy across the building. We sincerely appreciate all teachers who participated by submitting entries and dedicating time to read aloud to their students.
We are also grateful to CSRA RESA for recognizing the hard work of our teachers and presenting them with gifts. Presentations were made by Kayce Tyler and Donna Bennett, Let’s Read Georgia Regional Literacy Coaches, along with Deleki Lee.
We are proud to recognize the following teachers who placed first through third within their respective grade levels: Haley Fisher (2nd grade and top overall in the school), Rose Clark, Kim Bearse, Josh Rider, Shannon Amos, Whitney Richards, Elizabeth Lunceford, and Andrea New (all pictured below).
We are proud to recognize our 2026–2027 Teachers of the Year: Mr. Darren Pharr, WWPS; Dr. Ashley West, WWES; Dr. Daphne Berry, WWMS; and Mrs. Laurie Dehil, WWCHS. These outstanding educators exemplify the very best of Wilkes County Schools and our commitment to Excellence Without Exception. The District Teacher of the Year will be announced on May 4, 2026, at the Wilkes County Schools Excellence in Education Recognition Ceremony. Congratulations to each of these deserving educators!
Wilkes County Schools is proud to recognize Johnny Gartrell, District Maintenance Staff, as one of the four 2026-2027 RISE Award finalists. His dedication and strong work ethic help ensure our schools remain safe, clean, and ready for students and staff each day.
Please join us this week in expressing appreciation for their time, leadership, and continued support of public education.
#GASchoolBoardAppreciationWeek #SupportPublicEducation
