Decatur County Schools

📻 Dr. Boyd English on Sowega Live!

This morning, Decatur County Schools Superintendent Dr. Boyd English joined Mr. Kevin Dowdy on Sowega Live’s Morning Show to talk about the importance of voting in the upcoming elections, ESPLOST, and its impact on our schools.

💡 What is ESPLOST?
ESPLOST stands for Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. It’s a locally approved 1% sales tax used exclusively for education-related construction and improvements — helping fund facilities that benefit future generations of Bearcats. This tax has already been in place here in Decatur County, and allows our schools to grow and improve.

Thank you to Mr. Kevin Dowdy for having Dr. English on the show and always sharing important information with our community!

#TheBearcatWay #ESPLOST #DecaturCountySchools #ProudTraditionPromisingFuture #SowegaLive #MorningShow #Bainbridge #Community

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

A man in a suit and another man in a polo shirt are speaking into microphones during a radio interview inside a studio with recording equipment and an American flag in the background.

Welcome to the Bearcat Family!

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

🌟✨ The halls of West Bainbridge Primary were shining bright yesterday as the school celebrated their i-Ready STARS! 💫

Students who reached incredible milestones got to strut the halls in style — earning their moment in the spotlight by:
⭐ Passing 20 or more Reading and/or Math i-Ready lessons
⭐ Scoring ten perfect 100s on i-Ready Reading or Math lessons

https://youtube.com/shorts/rfBITXmFU6g?feature=share

The Decatur County School District is proud of these bright young learners for their hard work and dedication. Keep shining, WBP STARS! 💛🌠
#WBP #iReadyStars #BearcatPride #ShiningBright

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Teacher stands in hallway full of student lined up holding a banner that says "IReady Superstars"

Students in hallway raise their self crafted iready stars excitied

Teacher High Fives student in hallway full of kids lined up excitedly

kids parade excitedly in hallways smiling at the cameras

Both sides of a long hallway filled with excited students marching in a parade

🎓 What is a PD Day?
A PD (Professional Development) Day is a valuable day dedicated to training, collaboration, and growth for our teachers and staff. 🧑‍🏫✨

These days are set aside to enhance instructional skills, share best practices, and learn new strategies to better serve our students! Although students don’t attend school on PD Days, these sessions are all about making our classrooms more engaging and effective for every learner. 📚💡
Thank you for supporting our teachers as they invest in continuous learning!

#ProfessionalDevelopment #TheBearcatWay #ProudTraditionPromisingFuture

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Two teachers smiling and talking at a table in a library during a collaborative activity.

Three women practicing CPR techniques on adult and infant mannequins.

Two teachers performing CPR compressions on a training mannequin during a safety workshop.

Educators seated in a classroom setting, listening to a presentation with a digital screen at the front.

Teacher leaning over a laptop while others work on computers during a professional development session.

Group of teachers gathered around a table participating in an interactive team-building activity.

Teacher holding colorful manipulatives while listening attentively during a training session.

Large group of educators seated at tables engaged in discussion during a professional learning workshop.

💡 JWP Students Got to GLOW CRAZY! 💡
Jones Wheat Primary students were finally able to “GLOW CRAZY” after showing their best behavior! 🌟

Coach Kim Barthel, JWP’s PE teacher, hosted her famous Good Behavior Glow Party — a special celebration open only to students who have demonstrated great behavior throughout the nine weeks. ✨ Students could only have one strike to earn their invitation!

This exciting event reminds students that great behavior glows from the inside out! 💛

https://youtu.be/ij7ZvL2WbfM

#JWPShines #GlowCrazy #GoodBehaviorGlowParty #BearcatPride

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

two primary students sit on a gym floor wearing rave headbands with a glow stick in hand

Get to Know Your Admin: Scott A. Morehouse
Principal, Hutto Elementary School

With 12 years of dedicated service in Decatur County Schools, Scott A. Morehouse leads Hutto Elementary with a deep commitment to student success, safety, and growth. As principal, he oversees the school’s operations and works closely with teachers to ensure high-quality instruction, data-driven decision-making, and an environment where every child can thrive. His leadership extends beyond academics—he builds strong relationships with families and the community to create a culture of support and achievement.

Mr. Morehouse was inspired to enter education by a calling to lead, serve, and make a lasting impact on students’ lives. His journey began teaching Air Force JROTC and coaching wrestling, where he instilled discipline, leadership, and perseverance in his students. Later, he led CTAE, Fine Arts, and Guidance, helping students discover their passions and prepare for their future. Now, as an elementary principal, he takes pride in building strong foundations and empowering teachers and students alike.

For Mr. Morehouse, the most rewarding part of his work is witnessing the growth of students—academically, socially, and emotionally. “Watching students gain confidence, overcome challenges, and celebrate their successes is incredibly fulfilling,” he shares. He also finds great joy in supporting and motivating his staff to reach their full potential.

His leadership philosophy centers on ensuring every decision serves students first. "We prioritize strong foundations in academics, while also nurturing social and emotional development. I’m proud to lead a dedicated team and believe that true success comes from working closely with families and the community,” Morehouse explains. “I’m proud to work for Decatur County Schools because our district is deeply committed to Excellence, Engagement, and Accountability for All. We believe in setting high expectations, building strong relationships, and making sure every student has the support they need to succeed. Working in a system that values both academic growth and character development allows me to lead with purpose and integrity. At Hutto Elementary and across the district, we live “The Bearcat Way,” by working hard, showing respect, and always doing what’s right for our students, staff, and community. It’s an honor to be part of a team that truly puts children first.”

A Bit More About Scott:
Hometown: Festus, Missouri
Hobbies: Spending time with family, fishing, hunting, and camping
Fun Fact: He loves to fix things.
Favorite Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life

Thank you, Mr. Morehouse, for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to the Bearcat community!

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Welcome to the Bearcat Family

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Now Hiring: Head Football Coach & Teacher

Decatur County Schools seeks a dedicated, experienced individual to join our team as the Head High School Football Coach and Teacher. This
position will lead and manage all aspects of the football program while also fulfilling teaching duties within the school.

See link for more details:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSnbyBwdBGk3uEH3L2Oa8211Ilp2sDqabEZrTRU0UBNaS3GwfUhB9EljaX-8UZewgwMVkOpfAhEmDTm/pub

#DCBOE #Hiring #Football #Coach #Teacher #TheBearcatWay #DecaturCountySchools

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Welcome to the Bearcat Family!

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

🎉 Happy Instructional Coach Appreciation Day! 🎉

Today we celebrate our incredible Instructional Coaches, who guide, support, and inspire our teachers every day! 💡🍎

Their work behind the scenes—modeling lessons, offering feedback, and helping teachers grow—has a lasting impact on student success. 🙌

Thank you for your dedication, encouragement, and leadership in helping our classrooms shine brighter each day. 🌟

#InstructionalCoach #Appreciation #TheBearcatWay #Education #DecaturCountySchools

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Green Chalkboard background with boards made of school supplies. White text centered that reads, " Happy Instructional Coach Appreciation Day"

Community Service, The Bearcat Way! Bainbridge high school art students and teacher Rebecca Cole spent their Thursday evening offering free face painting to our community members as they entered the Flint river fair! #community #bhs #fair #thebearcatway

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Bainbridge high school art student paints on child’s face in a tent at the fair

Hutto elementary school principal, Scott Morehouse and BHS art teacher Rebecca Cole stand talking in front of a tent at a fair

✨ Thinking Outside the Box… but Stepping Into It! ✨
BMS students are diving into their Latin American unit in the most engaging way possible—through our Interactive Floor activity! 🌎💃

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, students are stepping into a dynamic learning experience that highlights Latin American culture, geography, and traditions. With each step, they explore history and heritage in a hands-on, movement-filled way that brings lessons to life.

This innovative approach combines fun, collaboration, and cultural awareness—all while honoring the diverse stories and traditions of Hispanic and Latin American communities. 🌟

📦➡️ Who knew “stepping into the box” could be so much fun?

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Group of students standing in a library around an interactive floor projection displaying a question on Latin America’s economic challenges

Interactive floor projection showing a question about economic challenges in Latin America with students’ feet visible around the display

✨🍔 Grillin’ for the Greatest 🌭✨
We recently had the privilege of celebrating our West Bainbridge Primary educators at Grillin’ for the Greatest! 💛
A huge thank you to First National Bank for sponsoring the event and going above and beyond by coming out early to grill hamburgers and serve the meal. Your support helped us honor the hard work and dedication our teachers and staff bring to students every single day.
Our WBP educators truly are the “Greatest,” and this event was a wonderful way to show our appreciation for all they do. 🐾💜

#GrillinForTheGreatest #ThankYouFirstNationalBank #WBP #TeacherAppreciation #Community #TheBearcatWay

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

woman smiles in breeze way while holding a diet coke can

two woman hugging under a first national bank event tent

woman smiles while grabbing condiments to add to her to go plate

women smiles while holding a to go plate and water bottle

man with sunglasses and bearcat visor hugs woman and pose for a picture - woman wearing decatur county school nutrition shirt

group gathers under an event tent smiling and serving teachers hamburgers

man and woman assemble hamburger with gloves on outside on a table with a grill in the background

first national bank's team gathers for a huddle

Women smiles with to go box will fixing a plate

✨ What a magical night full of Bearcat Spirit at the fair! ✨
Our Decatur County School Superintendent, Directors, Principals, Football cheerleaders, and players — along with our very own Buddy the Bearcat— greeted guests as they arrived.
The smiles, energy, and excitement made it an unforgettable evening celebrating our Bearcat community. 🐾💛💜

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Superintendent Boyd English fist bumps a BHS cheerleader at vender table at the fair

Bearcat mascont stands waving in front of two very excited children with pom poms

group of cheerleaders, football players and mascot stand in front of the fair entrance at dusk. the fair lights are glowing in the background

dcboe curriculum director christy cox stands hugging bhs footballl player and former student

parent and familiy engagement director stands hugging buddy the bearcat mascot infront of vendor table at the fair

bainbridge high school football player passes mini signed football to child holding a balloon at the fair

✨📚 Small Group Instruction in Action! 📚✨

Our teachers are providing targeted small group instruction during reading to support students’ specific literacy skills. By using knowledge-based and decodable texts, students are becoming confident readers who can apply phonics skills and strengthen comprehension.

We’re so proud of the hard work happening each day to help every student succeed! 💜🐾

#TheBearcatWay #ProudTraditionPromisingFuture #LiteracyMatters #StudentSuccess

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Teachers lead small group reading lessons with young students seated around tables, focusing on literacy skills and comprehension.

Students in Mrs. Holley’s class have been hard at work exploring encoding patterns as they practice spelling their words with the Long i sound. Through hands-on activity, they are building strong encoding and phonics skills that will support them in all areas of reading and writing.
We are so proud of their focus, effort, and excitement for learning!

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Classroom Spotlight graphic featuring three photos of Mrs. Holley’s students. Children are writing on small whiteboards, and one student proudly holds up a board showing the word 'kind.' The background is purple with the text 'Classroom Spotlight – Mrs. Holley’s Students Shine!' and a pencil graphic.

Primary QUEST students had a great Fall QUEST Rally this morning at the Cloud Livestock Facility led by Mrs. Teresa (UGA Extension/4-H), Miss Lilly, and Mrs. Melinda. Students continued their study on Advancement by building rockets, creating origami, learning about farm animals, and so much more!

9 months ago, Brandi Deal

🌟✨ Happy Custodian Appreciation Day! ✨🌟

Today we celebrate Mr. Dwight and Ms. Peewee for the hard work, dedication, and care they bring to the Central Office each day. 🧹🧼💙

We’d truly be a MESS without you guys! Thank you for keeping our spaces clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. 🙌💜

#CustodianAppreciationDay #ThankYou #BearcatFamily

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

Graphic celebrating Custodian Appreciation Day with photos of Mr. Dwight and Ms. Peewee, surrounded by bubbles and cleaning spray illustration. Text reads: ‘Happy Custodian Appreciation Day Mr. Dwight and Ms. Peewee. We’d be a mess without you guys

It's all about MANUFACTURING at Hutto Elementary this week as students dig deeper into the Engineering Design Process and how things are made. From design and prototypes to testing and iterations, these students are hands on every day in their WOZ ED STEM PATHWAYS.

4th & 5th grade students have been practicing the design process by creating blueprints of robotic inventions and then testing them in the testing zone to identify enhancements and improve their prototypes.

3rd Grade students have been researching plants and animals from different biomes and designing 3D models of them in Tinkercad to print on the Flash Forg 3D printer.

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

MANUFACTURING Week at Hutto students design, test and improve their CUBELET Robots

MANUFACTURING Week at Hutto students design, and prototype using the FLASH FORGE 3D printers in their STEAM classes

Congratulations to Mrs. Tia Lewis, Decatur County Schools 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year! Your dedication, passion, and commitment to students inspire us all. 🍎✨

#InspireInfluenceIgnite #TheBearcatWay #TeacherOfTheYear #DecaturCountySchools #ProudTraditionPromisingFuture

9 months ago, Decatur County Schools

A woman smiles while holding a glass award and a plaque that reads “Presented to Tia Lewis, Hutto Elementary School, Teacher of the Year, 2026–2027” in front of a Decatur County Schools backdrop.