The grounds and building at the Ninth Grade Academy gleamed Wednesday to welcome 74 new yeachers in Sumter County Schools. To begin the two days of information sharing and expected protocol in regard to the local and state boards of education, the sessions were filled with needed information.

Dennis McMahon, Ph.D., superintendent of Sumter County Schools, led administrators with greetings.

“Sumter County and Americus is a great place to be! You are now part of an educational group who has a mission of success. We are happy that you chose to join this team; you will soon realize how vital communication and partnership cooperation is with both your school and the school district. I challenge you to do your part as we Shine in ‘09,” he said.

On day one, the first year teachers heard about federal programs in Sumter County Schools along with the special education program, human resources and payroll, parent involvement, E-Chalk and district technology and exposure of the Georgia Teacher Evaluation Program (GTEP. After a tasty lunch from The Roman Oven, a Partner In Education with Sumter County Schools, the assembly welcomed an information fair composed of service providers for educators.

On the second day of sharing, the new teachers heard information on student assessment and system curriculum overview. Late in the morning of the second day, the enthusiastic new teachers adjourned to their respective schools for meetings with the new administrative leaders.

New teachers for the 2008-2009 School Year in Sumter County Schools are Faith Milner, Joy Felton, Leigh Smith, Sekemia Caldwell, Mary Ann Hooks, Kanisha Tripp, Danielle Thornton, Crystal Cheek, Eboni Rollins, Anita Dockery,

Teresa Green, Heidi Bushey, Jason Reese, Ashley Beaver, Vicki Walker, David Edmiston, Michelle Grinelle, Ivy Shaffer, Ashlee Parker, Jakera Dawson,

Lisa Harry, Misty Dickerson, Lorie Harrell, Blair Parker, Brittany Mederos, Madakin Lemphill, Ethelyn D. Lumpkin, Tami Jacobs,Marnie Butcher, Sue Calinski,

Takeedra Fields, Sharon Wheeler, Diedre Noble, Ginger R. Webster, Stacey Tiveash, Lynne Valdes, Mary Pat Beckum, Gloria Buken, Andrea Nichols, Sheila Gilbert,

Sharrie Vereen-Thomas, Tim Whipple, Misty Anderson, Amy Hagan, Jane Evans, Steve Laufield, Cheryl Peebles, Heather Corbitt, Grace Erra, Bob Roper,

Jennifer Buchanan, Traci Michelle Ray, Gina Defenbay, Jennifer Dileo, Carol Kibbey, Olivia Fields, Victoria Kelly, Kevee Darts, Miles Wilson, Regina King,

Lee Vester, Lauren Kilgore, Paige Ellis, Ashley Mixon, Mauronda Smith, Daniel Allen, Eric Scrubbs, Patti Howell, Leah Henderson, Kristi Stimpson, Keyonia Collins Everett, Allison Hogan, Stephanie Pope.

School begins for all Sumter County Schools students on Aug. 4.