Valdosta City Schools Back to School Tab 2024-25

Published 1:06 pm Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Valdosta City School System 2024-2025 Daily School Schedules Each school day begins and ends as follows: J.L. Lomax Elementary School — 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Pinevale Elementary School — 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sallas-Mahone Elementary School — 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

S.L. Mason Elementary School — 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. W.G. Nunn Elementary School — 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

J.L. Newbern Middle School — 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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Valdosta Middle School — 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Valdosta High School — 8:05 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

Valdosta Early College Academy — 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Horizon Academy – 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Valdosta City School of Scholars at Horne Learning Center — 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

======= Valdosta City School System 2024-2025 Report Card Release Dates • Tuesday, October 22, 2024 (K-12) • Friday, January 17, 2025 (K-12) • Tuesday, March 25, 2025 (K-12) • Friday, May 23, 2025 (K-12) ======== Valdosta City School System 2024-2025 Calendar Friday / July 32 / Pre-Planning Monday / July 29 / Pre-Planning Tuesday / July 30 / Pre-Planning Wednesday / July 31 / Pre-Planning

Thursday / August 1 / Pre-Planning Friday / August 2 / First Day of School Monday / September 2 / Labor Day Holiday Friday / September 20 / Asynchronous Learning Day Friday / October 4 / End of Grading Period Monday / October 14 / Fall Break Tuesday / October 15 / Fall Break Wednesday / October 16 / Fall Break Thursday / October 17 / Fall Break Friday / October 18 / Fall Break Monday / November 25 / Thanksgiving Holiday Tuesday / November 26 / Thanksgiving Holiday Wednesday / November 27 / Thanksgiving Holiday Thursday / November 28 / Thanksgiving Holiday Friday / November 29 / Thanksgiving Holiday Friday / December 20 / End of Grading Period, Early Dismissal Thursday / December 21 / Winter Holiday Monday / December 23 / Winter Holiday Tuesday / December 24 / Winter Holiday Wednesday / December 25 / Winter Holiday Thursday / December 26 / Winter Holiday Friday / December 27 / Winter Holiday Monday / December 30 / Winter Holiday Tuesday / December 31 / Winter Holiday Wednesday / January 1 / Winter Holiday Thursday / January 2 / Winter Holiday Friday / January 3 / Teacher In-Service, Student Holiday Monday / January 6 / Teacher In-Service, Student Holiday Tuesday / January 7 / Teacher In-Service, Student Holiday Wednesday / January 8 / Classes Resume Monday / January 20 / Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Monday / February 17 / Winter Break Tuesday / February 18 / Teacher In-Service, Student Holiday Friday / March 14 / Asynchronous Learning Day Friday / March 14 / End of Grading Period Monday / March 31 / Spring Break Tuesday / April 1 / Spring Break Wednesday / April 2 / Spring Break Thursday / April 3 / Spring Break Friday / April 4 / Spring Break

Friday / May 23 / Last Day of School, End of Grading Period, Early Dismissal Monday / May 26 / Memorial Day Holiday Tuesday / May 27 / Post-Planning Wednesday / May 28 / Post-Planning ========= Valdosta City School System 2024-2025 Student Dress Code K- 5 Mandatory Uniform Dress Policy Guidelines J.L. Lomax, Pinevale, Sallas Mahone, S.L. Mason and W.G. Nunn Elementary Schools will implement the K-5 Mandatory Uniform Dress policy. Valdosta City Schools requires students to wear solid white, gray, yellow or black collared shirts and khaki or black bottoms. Jeans/denim will not be allowed. Shorts, skirts/skorts, dresses/rompers are allowed, but all uniforms shall adhere to current dress code standards as it relates to length, condition, etc. Students will be allowed to have special dress down days or spirit days. These special occasions will be declared by the school’s administration. On these days, all students will be required to adhere to current dress code standards. Girls Uniforms ● Solid white, gray, yellow or black tops with sleeves and a collar, tucked in at the waist (not bloused). ● Khaki or black pants, skirts/skorts, Bermuda shorts, culottes, dresses/rompers. No denim or jeans. (Belts are optional)

Boys Uniforms ● Solid white, gray, yellow or black tops with sleeves and a collar, tucked in at the waist. ● Khaki or black pants or shorts. No denim or jeans. (Belts are optional)

Logos that are manufactured on apparel are permitted. Example: SMALL Polo horse, Nike check, Under Armor, Izod, etc. The oversized Polo logos are not permitted. Valdosta City Schools’ marks/brands embroidered or heat sealed to garments will be permitted. All other monograms are not permitted. Consequence Provisions: ● No student shall be considered non-compliant with this policy in the following instances: ● When non-compliance derives from financial hardship. ● When a student wears the uniform of a nationally recognized youth organization, such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, on regular meeting days. ● When the school’s administration authorizes a special dress day or if a student wears a school spirit shirt on a special dress day.

Appropriate Consequences for non-compliance:

● If a student is not following the Uniform Dress Policy, the classroom teacher or designee will contact the parent to ascertain the reason for the non-compliance. If the classroom teacher determines that the issue is one that warrants the involvement of an administrator, then that teacher may refer the concern to the school’s administration.

● First offense: The principal or designee will review the policy with the parent to make sure that they clearly understand the policy expectations and give the parent the option of bringing the student the appropriate uniform attire.

● Second offense: The principal or designee will notify the parent to bring the student appropriate uniform attire.

● Third offense: The principal or designee will inform the parent that the student will be assigned to ISS until appropriate uniform attire is brought to the school.

Please note, further offenses of non-compliance will result in the Progressive Discipline plan being followed, resulting in either more days of ISS or out of school suspension.

Valdosta City Schools Pre-K – 12th Grade Dress & Grooming Code

Clothing and accessories that materially interfere with the work of the school or impinge upon the rights of other students are prohibited. Apparel or appearance that tends to draw attention to an individual rather than to a learning situation must be avoided. The school administration is authorized to determine what constitutes appropriate or inappropriate dress for the school setting. The principal is authorized to require or allow adjustments to this code on a case-by-case basis. In matters of opinion, the judgment of the principal shall prevail. Questions regarding the dress code should be addressed with a school administrator, who may take into consideration the student purpose in wearing the item and/or the reaction of other students.

Prohibited items and practices include, but may not be limited to the following:

1. Any tattoo, hair style, hair color, clothing, inappropriately worn clothing, jewelry, or body decoration that interferes with or disrupts any legitimate function of the school;

2. Obviously oversized, over-length, or baggy clothing items (pants must be worn at the waist: no sagging allowed);

3. Garments that expose the midriff or cleavage, see-through or mesh clothing, halter or tank tops, pajamas, sleep or loungewear (shirts, blouses, and dresses must cover the abdomen, cleavage, back and shoulders. Shirts or tops must cover the waistband of pants, shorts, or skirts, with no midriff or cleavage visible while standing, sitting, with arms extended above the head or while bending over);

4. Short shorts and leggings (exceptions may be made by the principal); items of this nature may be worn under acceptable outer clothing of appropriate length as outlined in number 10 below. Any clothing that is immodest, excessively sagging or too short is not permitted. Gym/track/cheerleader shorts are NOT permitted;

5. Hats, caps, and other head apparel to include hoodies may not be worn inside the school building except for religious or medical purposes. This includes combs/picks/curlers;

6. Coats and jackets exceeding fingertip length may not be worn in a building;

7. Footwear is required and must be safe and appropriate for indoor and outdoor activities;

8. Clothing and accessories such as jewelry, patches, backpacks, and notebooks must not display (1) racial or ethnic slurs, (2) hate speech, (3) gang affiliations or (4) vulgar, obscene, subversive, sexually explicit, implicit or suggestive language or images; nor should they promote products that students may not legally buy such as alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, etc.;

9. Garments, jewelry, body art and tattoos that communicate gang allegiance may not be worn at school, and no item may be worn in a manner that communicates gang affiliation;

10. Skirts, dresses, and shorts should be an acceptable length (fingertip) in order to avoid any disruption of a normal school day. Leggings must be worn with shirts at an acceptable length (mid-thigh). The final decision of appropriate dress will be made by the principal or his/her designee;

11. Prohibited items include: shoes with wheels (“Wheelies”); large, long or heavy chains; studded or chained accessories; dog collars; baby pacifiers; sunglasses inside the building except for health purposes; skin-tight outer materials such as spandex; and garments with holes above the knee. Articles that may reasonably be considered to be a safety hazard or potential weapon or hazardous object.

STYLES THAT ARE “POPULAR” ARE NOT NECESSARILY ACCEPTABLE FOR VALDOSTA CITY SCHOOLS; therefore, as styles change, so may restrictions. Parents are asked to assist the school by regularly monitoring their student’s dress. =========

Valdosta City School System 2024-2025 Schools and Administrators

J.L. LOMAX ELEMENTARY (PreK-5) 1450 Howell Road (31601) Phone: (229) 333-8520 Fax: (229) 245-5654 Mr. Travis Lewis, Principal, travis.lewis@gocats.org Ms. Jacqueline McCaskey, Assistant Principal

PINEVALE ELEMENTARY (PreK-5) 930 Lake Park Road (31601) Phone: (229) 333-8535 Fax: (229) 245-5651 Mr. Tony Burgman, Principal, tburgman@gocats.org Mrs. Warnick Lewis, Assistant Principal

S.L. MASON ELEMENTARY (PreK-5) 821 West Gordon Street (31601) Phone: (229) 333-8525

Fax: (229) 245-5650 Mr. Kevin Daw, Principal, kdaw@gocats.org Mrs. Alicia Clemons, Assistant Principal Mr. Gregory Vaughn, Assistant Principal Dr. Lauren Whittaker, Assistant Principal

SALLAS-MAHONE ELEMENTARY (PreK-5) 3686 Lake Laurie Drive (31605) Phone: (229) 333-8530 Fax: (229) 245-5652 Dr. Artrice Haugabrook, Principal, ahaugabrook@gocats.org Mr. Stephen Crosby, Assistant Principal Mrs. April Ward, Assistant Principal Dr. Wilfred Lewis, Assistant Principal

W.G. NUNN ELEMENTARY (PreK-5) 1610 Lakeland Avenue (31602) Phone: (229) 333-8575 Fax: (229) 245-5653 Mrs. Tara Moss, Principal, tara.moss@gocats.org Mr. Oscar Lee, Assistant Principal Mr. Torrence Williams, Assistant Principal Mrs. Chelsea Williams, Assistant Principal

J.L. NEWBERN MIDDLE (6-8) 2015 E. Park Avenue (31602) Phone: (229) 333-8566 Fax: (229) 245-5655 Mr. Royce Thomas, Principal, royce.thomas@gocats.org Ms. Swandolyn Bryant, Assistant Principal Mr. Gary Moore, Assistant Principal Dr. Cedric Roberts, Assistant Principal

VALDOSTA MIDDLE (6-8) 110 Burton Street (31602) Phone: (229) 333-8555 Fax: (229) 245-5656 Mr. Gene Fandel, Principal, gene.fandel@gocats.org Mrs. Latashia Gosier, Assistant Principal Mr. Jamaal Hunter, Assistant Principal Mrs. Valerie Smith, Assistant Principal

VALDOSTA EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY (6-12) 1605 Azalea Drive (31602) Phone: (229) 671-8455 Fax: (229) 247-7689 Dr. Alex Alvarez, Principal, aalvarez@gocats.org Ms. Ditranna Walker, Assistant Principal

VALDOSTA HIGH (9-12) 4590 Inner Perimeter Road (31601)

Phone: (229) 333-8540 Fax: (229) 333-8584 Dr. Johnnie Marshall, Principal, jmarshall@gocats.org Mr. Roberto Carrillo, Assistant Principal Mr. Jarred Hart, Assistant Principal Ms. Charity Kinneer, Assistant Principal Mr. Kendrick Moody, Assistant Principal Ms. Cathy Nobles, Assistant Principal Mr. Alex Robinson, Assistant Principal

VALDOSTA CITY SCHOOL OF SCHOLARS AT HORNE LEARNING CENTER (6-12) 930 Old Statenville Road (31601) Phone: (229) 333-8597 Fax: (229) 671-8513 Alex Wilcox, Director, alex.wilcox@sesischools.com

HORIZON ACADEMY (K-12) 3101 Barack Obama Boulevard (31602) Phone: (229) 333-8500, ext. 4032 Dr. Samuel Clemons, Regional Director, samuel.clemons@gocats.org Mrs. Takeysha Thomas, Coordinator

PROMISE PROGRAM (K-5) 1610 Lakeland Avenue (31602) Phone: (229) 671-1637 Fax: (229) 671-8449 Mr. Russell Jackson, Director, russell.jackson@gocats.org

=======

Valdosta City School System 2024 – 2025 Open Houses Horizon Academy — 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 31

J.L. Lomax Elementary School — 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 31

J.L. Newbern Middle School — 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Thursday, August 1

Pinevale Elementary School — 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 31

Sallas Mahone Elementary School — 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 31

S.L. Mason Elementary School — 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Thursday, August 1

Valdosta City School of Scholars at Horne Learning Center — 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Thursday, August 1

Valdosta Early College Academy — 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 1

Valdosta High School — 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Thursday, August 1

Valdosta Middle School – 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Thursday, August 1

W.G. Nunn Elementary School — 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 31

==========

Valdosta City Schools will be continuing with the Community Eligibility Provision for the 2024-2025 school year. All enrolled students of Valdosta City Schools are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at NO COST to your household each day of the 2024 – 2025 school year. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee. Student Breakfast and Lunch are free – Extra Student Breakfast $3.35 – Extra Student Lunch $4.85 – Extra Milk $0.85 – Adult Breakfast $3.35 – Adult Lunch $4.85

========== Valdosta Board of Education 2024-2025 Member Information Mrs. Tia Heard, District 1 Address: 2602 Meadow Place, Valdosta, GA 31602 Home Phone: (229) 251-1261 Email: tiaheard.district1@gmail.com Ms. Kelisa Brown, District 2, Vice Chair Address: 1003 Pineview Drive, Valdosta, GA 31602 Home Phone: (229) 375-7767 Email: kelisa.brown@gocats.org Mr. Warren Lee, District 3 Address: 1103 West Magnolia Street, Valdosta, GA 31601 Home Phone: (229) 242-4045 Fax: (229) 249-9765 Email: warren.lee@gocats.org Mrs. Tyra Howard, District 4, Chair Address: 2519 Deborah Drive, Valdosta, GA 31602 Home Phone: (229) 444-0126 Email: tyrahowardvcs@gmail.com Mr. Jason DeLoach, District 5 Address: 507 Knob Hill Drive, Valdosta, GA 31602

Home Phone: (229) 251-8336 Email: jason.deloach@gocats.org

Dr. Tad Moseley, District 6 Address: 1201 Hickory Drive, Valdosta, GA 31602 Business Phone: (229) 242-9818 Home Phone: (229) 234-1215 Email: tad@caringtogether.com Dr. David Gilyard, Superward East Address: 2207 Pin Oak Circle, Valdosta, GA 31602 Cell Phone: (229) 554-8478 Email: david.gilyard@gocats.org Justin Crenshaw, Superward West

Address: 614 Lynn Terrace, Valdosta, GA 31601

Cell Phone: (229) 251-6051

Email: justin@thepporchcc.com

Brittney Coons-Long, At-Large Address: 2502 Willacoochee Drive, Valdosta, GA 31602 Cell Phone: (229) 269-2299 Email: bcoons-long@lowndes.com =============== Valdosta Board of Education 2024-2025 Meeting Schedule REGULAR MEETINGS • 6 p.m., August 13, 2024 at Central Office • 6 p.m., September 10, 2024, at Central Office • 6 p.m., October 8, 2024, at Central Office • 6 p.m., November 12, 2024, at Central Office • 6 p.m., December 10, 2024, at Central Office • 6 p.m., January 14, 2025, at Central Office • 6 p.m., February 11, 2025, at Central Office • 6 p.m., March 11, 2025, at Central Office • 6 p.m., April 8, 2025, at Central Office • 6 p.m., May 13, 2025, at Central Office • 6 p.m., June 10, 2025, at Central Office WORK SESSIONS • 6 p.m., July 25, 2023, at Central Office • 6 p.m., August 22, 2023, at Central Office

• 6 p.m., September 24, 2024, at W.G. Nunn Elementary School • 6 p.m., October 22, 2024, at J.L. Newbern Middle School • 6 p.m., January 28, 2025, at Valdosta School of Scholars at Horne Learning Center • 6 p.m., February 25, 2025, at Valdosta Middle School • 6 p.m., March 25, 2025, at S.L. Mason Elementary School • 6 p.m., April 22, 2025, at Pinevale Elementary School • 6 p.m., May 27, 2025, at Performing Arts Center (PAC) • 6 p.m., June 24, 2025, at Central Office

=========

Dr. Craig Lockhart, Superintendent Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6053 Fax: (229) 333-8583 Email: clockhart@gocats.org

Dr. Joyce Dean, Asst. Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6063 Fax: (229) 671-8478 Email: jdean@gocats.org

Dr. Christina Sneed, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6005 Fax: (229) 333-8583 Email: christinasneed@gocats.org

Dr. Tret Witherspoon, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6006 Fax: (229) 247-7757 Email: tret.witherspoon@gocats.org

Dr. Dan Altman, Athletics Business Manager/Wildcat Ticket Sales Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6049 Fax: (229) 333-8583 Email: daltman@gocats.org

Mrs. Jennifer Alvarez, Executive Director of Human Resources & Talent Development Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6068 Fax: (229) 241-2716 Email: jalvarez@gocats.org

Mrs. Debi Bellflowers-Kennedy, Executive Secretary to the Superintendent Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6053 Fax: (229) 333-8583 Email: djbellflowers@gocats.org

Mrs. Kiley Cashwell, Acting Chief Financial Officer Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6054 Fax: (229) 247-7757 Email: kcashwell@gocats.org

Mrs. Wanda Chastang, Director of Secondary Curriculum Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6025 Fax: (229) 671-8478 Email: wchastang@gocats.org

Ms. LaShawna Colbert, Chief Technology Officer Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6026 Fax: (229) 671-8478 Email: lcolbert@gocats.org

Mr. Jack Cook, Maintenance Supervisor Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6073 Email: jcook@gocats.org

Mrs. April Doyle, Director of Elementary Curriculum Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6062 Fax: (229) 671-8478 Email: adoyle@gocats.org

Dr. Christie Earle, Human Resources Coordinator Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6056 Fax: (229) 333-8583 Email: cearle@gocats.org

Mrs. Candacey Griffin, Communications Specialist Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6086 Fax: (229) 333-8583 Email: candacey.griffin@gocats.org

Mrs. Heather Griffin, Payroll Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6050 Fax: (229) 333-8583 Email: heather.griffin@gocats.org

Mrs. Crystal Hiller, Director of Purchasing Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6048 Fax: (229) 333-8539 Email: chiller@gocats.org

Mr. Travis Jones, Director of Transportation Address: 1720 Eastwind Road, Valdosta Phone: (229) 245-5640 Fax: (229) 333-8528 Email: travis.jones@gocats.org

Mrs. Tangela Kimber, Director of Teacher Induction & Fine Arts Programs Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6004 Email: tangela.kimber@gocats.org

Dr. Terrie Lockhart, Director of School Improvement & Accountability Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6013 Fax: (229) 333-8594 Email: terrie.lockhart@gocats.org

Dr. LaConya McCrae, Director of Special Education Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6057 Fax: (229) 333-8598 Email: lmccrae@gocats.org

Mr. Reginald Mitchell, Athletics Director/PE & Health Curriculum Director Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6008 Email: rmitchell@gocats.org

Ms. Samantha Napier, Coordinator of Social Services Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6067 Fax: (229) 333-8598 Email: samantha.napier@gocats.org

Mrs. Kaci Nobles, Director of Facilities Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta

Phone: (229) 671-6011 Fax: (229) 247-7757 Email: knobles@gocats.org

Mrs. Vanessa Hayes, Director of School Nutrition Address: 1215 Slater Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6002 Fax: (229) 333-8578 Email: vanessa.hayes@gocats.org

Mr. Matt Register, Director of Technology Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6094 Email: matt.register@gocats.org

Dr. Cheryl Rice, Assistant Director of Special Education Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 333-8505 Fax: (229) 333-8598 Email: crice@gocats.org

Ms. Greta Smith, Director of Custodial Services Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 333-8516 Email: gsmith@gocats.org

Mrs. Sabrina Smith, Director of Safety & Security Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6057 Fax: (229) 333-8583 Email: sabrinaw.smith@gocats.org

Mrs. Paige Southall, Payroll and Benefits Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6046 Fax: (229) 247-7757 Email: paige.southall@gocats.org

Mrs. Jennifer Steedley, Director of Public Relations/VCS Foundation Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6065 Fax: (229) 333-8583 Email: jsteedley@gocats.org

Mrs. Heather Walker, Central Registrar Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6007 Email: hwalker@gocats.org

Mrs. Shannon White, Director of Business Services Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6045 Fax: (229)247-7757 Email: swhite@gocats.org

Mrs. Yolanda White, Director of Student Information Systems Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6069 Email: yolanda.white@gocats.org

Ms. Cynthia Wright, Central Registrar Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6012 Email: cwright@gocats.org