From STAFF REPORTS

AMERICUS — Sumter County Primary School recently celebrated Pre-K week with fun and exciting dress up days and special visitors. This year was extremely momentous because it marked the 25th Anniversary for the lottery-funded Georgia Pre-K. In the past 25 years, the program has served 1.4 million students since its pilot year in 1992. On Oct. 10, Pre-K students, teachers, administrators, and many community members took part in a birthday celebration for the special year. The students sang happy birthday to Pre-K, enjoyed cupcakes, face painting, and games.
Sumter County Schools have served Pre-K students since 1992, and have played a significant role in many of the programs major milestones. In 2009, Sumter Primary was the site that enrolled the millionth child in the Georgia Pre-K program. In 2015, the Sumter County Pre-K classes participated in a pilot program for Quality Rating in public schools and received Quality Rated Status. Then, just last year, one of Sumter Primary’s  students, De’Asia Jenkins, designed the winning banner for the 25th Anniversary celebration. Her design was used for the 25th birthday celebration throughout the state.