Wayne County School System
Empowering ALL to reach their highest potential through GROWTH and SERVICE
Parents & Guardians,
Don't forget that today is an 11:30 dismissal for all students. There is no school on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday. We look forward to seeing all students back at school on Wednesday, October 14.
Don't forget that today is an 11:30 dismissal for all students. There is no school on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday. We look forward to seeing all students back at school on Wednesday, October 14.
October is National Principals Month, a time to honor them for their leadership, dedication, and impact on our students, staff members, and community. A special “THANK YOU!” to our Yellow Jacket, Bee, Blue Jay, and Pirate principals for all they do.
If you are planning to attend the WCHS-Groves football game this Thursday evening, please see the GameDay Operations and Clear Bag Guidelines.
Correction - Parents/Guardians,
This is a reminder that there is a scheduled early dismissal for students this THURSDAY, October 8. All students – bus riders and parent pick-ups – will dismiss at 11:30. There is no school for students on Friday, October 9, Monday, October 12, or Tuesday, October 13 (the 13th is a faculty & staff workday). We look forward to seeing all students back at school on Wednesday, October 14.
This is a reminder that there is a scheduled early dismissal for students this THURSDAY, October 8. All students – bus riders and parent pick-ups – will dismiss at 11:30. There is no school for students on Friday, October 9, Monday, October 12, or Tuesday, October 13 (the 13th is a faculty & staff workday). We look forward to seeing all students back at school on Wednesday, October 14.
This is a reminder that there is a scheduled early dismissal for students this Friday, October 8. All students – bus riders and parent pick-ups – will dismiss at 11:30. There is no school for students on Friday, October 9, Monday, October 12, or Tuesday, October 13 (the 13th is a faculty & staff workday). We look forward to seeing all students back at school on Wednesday, October 14.
Georgia Pre K Week is October 5–9, 2026, celebrating early learning and highlighting the importance of Georgia’s free, voluntary Pre K program for all 4-year-olds. Georgia Pre K Week is a statewide, weeklong event organized by Voices for Georgia’s Children and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) to raise awareness of the value of high-quality early childhood education. Launched in 1992 as a pilot with 750 students, Georgia’s Pre-K program has grown into a nationally recognized model, serving over two million children and providing a free, voluntary early education for all 4-year-olds regardless of income. Research shows children in the program make significant gains in math, language, literacy, and social-emotional skills, with benefits lasting well beyond kindergarten. This year’s Georgia Pre K Week theme is Celebrating Curiosity, Confidence, and a Love of Learning.
Digital citizenship and cyber safety have been taught in Wayne County schools for a number of years. The Wayne County School System has partnered with Parent ProTech, a platform endorsed by the Georgia Department of Education, for teaching lessons on digital citizenship and cyber safety. Senate Bill 351 (2024) mandates that all Georgia public school systems equip students with the skills to navigate the digital world, so beginning this month, all kindergarten through 12th-grade students will participate in the first of several age-appropriate lessons aimed at keeping families safe and informed in our rapidly changing technology landscape. We have included a sign-up link and QR code that will allow you to create your own Parent ProTech account, if you would like, to, view lessons you might like to use at home and also see exactly what students will be taught in the classroom. https://aptg.co/52yRJt
Homecoming 2026 is almost here, and we are excited to celebrate Generations of Greatness throughout Wayne County!
This is the FINAL WEEK to purchase an official 2026 Homecoming T-Shirt and to register to participate in the Homecoming Parade!
T-Shirt Deadline: Friday, September 18
Shirts can be ordered using the link below:
https://waynecounty.revtrak.net/wchs/wchs-homecoming/
Parade Registration Deadline: Friday, September 18
Please use the link below to register your parade entry.
https://waynecounty.revtrak.net/wchs/wchs-homecoming/#/v/wchs-2026-homecoming-parade-entry
This is the FINAL WEEK to purchase an official 2026 Homecoming T-Shirt and to register to participate in the Homecoming Parade!
T-Shirt Deadline: Friday, September 18
Shirts can be ordered using the link below:
https://waynecounty.revtrak.net/wchs/wchs-homecoming/
Parade Registration Deadline: Friday, September 18
Please use the link below to register your parade entry.
https://waynecounty.revtrak.net/wchs/wchs-homecoming/#/v/wchs-2026-homecoming-parade-entry
For those planning to attend the Academy of Richmond County vs. Wayne County High School football game this Friday evening at Jaycee Stadium, please see the attached Game Day Operations at https://aptg.co/GJc9ky.
WE ARE HIRING! Use this link to view Wayne County School System employment opportunities: https://www.applitrack.com/waynega/onlineapp/.
We have been made aware of a social media trend regarding school safety. Based on the information we have received, the trend appears to have originated in another state but has since been modified to include our area.
We have been in contact with local law enforcement. They are aware of the situation. Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased law enforcement presence around our schools today.
At this time, we have not received any reports indicating that this message is circulating within Wayne County. However, if you see or hear anything concerning, please report it immediately to our district administration or local law enforcement.
While we do not want to cause unnecessary alarm, we take every message or concern regarding school safety seriously. The safety and security of our students and staff remain our highest priority, and we will continue to work closely with our public safety partners to monitor the situation.
We appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to maintain a safe learning environment for all students and staff.
We have been in contact with local law enforcement. They are aware of the situation. Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased law enforcement presence around our schools today.
At this time, we have not received any reports indicating that this message is circulating within Wayne County. However, if you see or hear anything concerning, please report it immediately to our district administration or local law enforcement.
While we do not want to cause unnecessary alarm, we take every message or concern regarding school safety seriously. The safety and security of our students and staff remain our highest priority, and we will continue to work closely with our public safety partners to monitor the situation.
We appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to maintain a safe learning environment for all students and staff.
There are 10 partner agencies across Wayne County that are open to the public and provide essential food resources to families in need.
For those attending the WCHS football game this Friday evening vs. Liberty County, please see the Game Day Operations information at https://aptg.co/-SQpfS and https://aptg.co/6BF_mV.
For those attending the WCHS football game this evening, please see the Game Day Procedures and note that there will be weapons detection systems at the gates.
For those planning to attend the WCHS home football game this Friday, please see the important Game Day Operation and Security/Clear Bag Information on these links: https://aptg.co/_c1C-Z, https://aptg.co/rstHtg.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we wrap up the first week of school, we want to thank our students, families, and staff for helping make the start of the school year a great one. We would like to make you aware of some transportation challenges we are currently experiencing due to a bus driver shortage. Please know that we are working each day diligently to accommodate the needs of our students and families while maintaining safe and reliable transportation services. Our school district has 43 routes, and we drive 3,713 miles in one day, transporting students to and from school. This does not include additional transportation needs such as athletics, field trips, etc. As you can imagine, this is a major undertaking.
As we navigate these staffing challenges, you may notice that your child has a different bus number and/or driver in the morning than in the afternoon. This occurs because some drivers are only available to operate morning routes or afternoon routes.
Additionally, there may be times when a school bus experiences mechanical issues and must be taken out of service. When this happens, we use a spare bus to transport students, which may result in a different bus number than usual.
There may also be occasions when regular bus drivers are absent, and substitute drivers are assigned to routes. If substitute drivers are unavailable, our transportation staff may need to combine or adjust routes. As a result, different bus numbers may be used, and some routes may experience delays.
During the first week or so of school, some parents take their kids to school and pick them up in the afternoon. After the student adjusts to school, they begin riding a bus. This sometimes causes issues when the bus driver is not aware that the students need to be picked up. If you have been transporting your student to school, but need transportation assistance in the future, please contact your child’s school, and they will notify the transportation department.
We understand that these changes can be inconvenient, and we greatly appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we work through these unforeseen circumstances. Our transportation team remains committed to providing safe and dependable service for all students.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Wayne County School System
As we wrap up the first week of school, we want to thank our students, families, and staff for helping make the start of the school year a great one. We would like to make you aware of some transportation challenges we are currently experiencing due to a bus driver shortage. Please know that we are working each day diligently to accommodate the needs of our students and families while maintaining safe and reliable transportation services. Our school district has 43 routes, and we drive 3,713 miles in one day, transporting students to and from school. This does not include additional transportation needs such as athletics, field trips, etc. As you can imagine, this is a major undertaking.
As we navigate these staffing challenges, you may notice that your child has a different bus number and/or driver in the morning than in the afternoon. This occurs because some drivers are only available to operate morning routes or afternoon routes.
Additionally, there may be times when a school bus experiences mechanical issues and must be taken out of service. When this happens, we use a spare bus to transport students, which may result in a different bus number than usual.
There may also be occasions when regular bus drivers are absent, and substitute drivers are assigned to routes. If substitute drivers are unavailable, our transportation staff may need to combine or adjust routes. As a result, different bus numbers may be used, and some routes may experience delays.
During the first week or so of school, some parents take their kids to school and pick them up in the afternoon. After the student adjusts to school, they begin riding a bus. This sometimes causes issues when the bus driver is not aware that the students need to be picked up. If you have been transporting your student to school, but need transportation assistance in the future, please contact your child’s school, and they will notify the transportation department.
We understand that these changes can be inconvenient, and we greatly appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we work through these unforeseen circumstances. Our transportation team remains committed to providing safe and dependable service for all students.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Wayne County School System
The 4th Annual Touch-a-Truck and Story Walk is taking place this Saturday, August 8, from 9:00-1:00, in downtown Jesup. The story walk will feature "The ABCs of a Teacher by local educator Sherna Spearman-Lott.
Georgia's Distraction-Free Education Act prohibits personal electronic devices in public schools for grades K-12, aiming to reduce distractions and improve student focus. Please see the very important graphic regarding cell phones and other personal electronic devices in Wayne County Schools.
Georgia's Distraction-Free Education Act prohibits personal electronic devices in public schools for grades K-12, aiming to reduce distractions and improve student focus. Please see the very important graphic regarding cell phones and other personal electronic devices in Wayne County Schools.
From Toni Williams, Superintendent of the Wayne County School System:
Parents/Guardians:
Student attendance is one of the most important factors in a child’s academic success. When students are present each day, they have the opportunity to engage in meaningful learning, build relationships with teachers and classmates, and develop the skills and habits that support long-term success.
This year, Wayne County Schools will place a strong emphasis on attendance for both students and staff. Across the nation, schools are seeing the impact of increased absenteeism, and we want to ensure every child has the opportunity to benefit from consistent learning experiences. Most importantly, we value every student and genuinely enjoy having them in our schools. We want our students here—learning, growing, participating, and feeling connected to their school community. Regular attendance not only supports academic achievement but also helps students develop responsibility, perseverance, and a strong work ethic that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Attendance is also one of the indicators included in Georgia’s College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), the state accountability system used to measure school and district performance. Because all absences count toward this measure, consistent attendance helps support both individual student success and our district’s overall performance. Your child’s consistent attendance helps increase our scores!
We have attached a “vacation planner” with the dates of all school breaks to help you plan family time without affecting your child’s attendance.
We understand that illnesses and unexpected situations occur, and we appreciate the efforts families make to prioritize school attendance whenever possible. Thank you for your partnership and support. By working together, we can help ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to a strong, thriving community.
Parents/Guardians:
Student attendance is one of the most important factors in a child’s academic success. When students are present each day, they have the opportunity to engage in meaningful learning, build relationships with teachers and classmates, and develop the skills and habits that support long-term success.
This year, Wayne County Schools will place a strong emphasis on attendance for both students and staff. Across the nation, schools are seeing the impact of increased absenteeism, and we want to ensure every child has the opportunity to benefit from consistent learning experiences. Most importantly, we value every student and genuinely enjoy having them in our schools. We want our students here—learning, growing, participating, and feeling connected to their school community. Regular attendance not only supports academic achievement but also helps students develop responsibility, perseverance, and a strong work ethic that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Attendance is also one of the indicators included in Georgia’s College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), the state accountability system used to measure school and district performance. Because all absences count toward this measure, consistent attendance helps support both individual student success and our district’s overall performance. Your child’s consistent attendance helps increase our scores!
We have attached a “vacation planner” with the dates of all school breaks to help you plan family time without affecting your child’s attendance.
We understand that illnesses and unexpected situations occur, and we appreciate the efforts families make to prioritize school attendance whenever possible. Thank you for your partnership and support. By working together, we can help ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to a strong, thriving community.
