Monroe County Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2017 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.  Classes resume on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.  
Monroe Messages
Newsletter of Monroe County Schools
MCBOE Recognizes MCMS Students and Staff 
MCMS student Natalie Brookins was recognized for volunteering to be a special needs student's partner in classes. She has also shown other special needs students how to log into various software programs including Quizlet, Study Island, and Accelerated Reader. Natalie communicates she likes helping others.  MCMS student Justin Wachtel was recognized for his cross country running talent.  He has won every cross country meet this year, and he is ranked third in the state.  The students are pictured with Superintendent Dr. Mike Hickman and MCMS Principal Dr. Efrem Yarber.

MCBOE recognized MCMS staff members for their outstanding service and innovative programs. Laura Nelson and Sabrina Dorrity led a successful student trip to China last summer.  This year, they are planning a trip to Scotland and Ireland. MCMS Media Specialist Danyel Vance was recognized for spearheading and sustaining a quality daily news show featuring MCMS students and staff.  Staff members are pictured with Superintendent Dr. Mike Hickman and MCMS Principal Dr. Efrem Yarber.

MCMS employees were recognized for their years of service to Monroe County Schools.  
Five years of service:  Anni Horne, Dr. Susan McMillan, Heather Wheeler; Ten years of service:  Paige Archer, Patricia Napier, Lesli Nelson, Jennifer Pippin; Fifteen years of service:  Julie Black, Dr. Myra Boyd, Teresa Ford, and Randi Mullis.   Daphne Perkins was recognized for 20 years of service.  Dr. Denise Buff was recognized for 30 years of service.  Fred Chambliss was recognized for 35 years of service. MCMS employees are pictured with Assistant Superintendent Alicia Elder, Superintendent Dr. Mike Hickman, BOE Chairman Dr. J. Ray Grant, Jr., MCMS Principal Dr. Efrem Yarber, and Assistant Superintendent Jackson Daniel.
MCBOE Recognizes Transportation Staff
The Board of Education recognized transportation staff for outstanding service on Tuesday night.  Leslie Hart was recognized for going above and beyond for assisting others.  Katherine Hughley  was recognized for superior dedication to her job, and Gwen Watts  was recognized for superior dedication to her job and the Transportation Department.  Pictured above are Leslie Hart and Katherine Hughley with Superintendent Dr. Mike Hickman, Assistant Superintendent Jackson Daniel, and MCBOE Chairman Dr. J. Ray Grant, Jr.

Transportation employees were recognized for years of service.   For five years:  Marie Barth, Burt Opheim, Jerry Napier, Teresa Shinkovich, and Gwen Watts.  For ten years:  Wanda Caufman and Patricia Coleman.  Johnnie Glaze was recognized for 15 years of service.  Avie Mitchell was recognized for 30 years of service. Joe Sands was recognized for 35 years of service. Employees are pictured with Tina Nelson, Driver Coordinator, Superintendent Dr. Mike Hickman, MCBOE Chairman Dr. J. Ray Grant, Jr., and Assistant Superintendent Jackson Daniel.
Pre-K and Kindergarten Enrollment Forthcoming
PRE-K:  Children four years of age on or before September 1, 2017 are eligible to enroll for the 2017-2018 school year.  Placement is made on a first come, first served basis with COMPLETED enrollment.  School assignment will be determined at enrollment appointments.

KINDERGARTEN:  Children five years of age on or before September 1, 2017 are eligible to enroll for the 2017-2018 school year.  School assignment will be determined at enrollment appointments.

Students currently enrolled in the Monroe County Schools Pre-K program are not required to complete the enrollment process for Kindergarten.

To enroll your student, you must provide a completed enrollment packet at the time of your enrollment appointment.  Below is the timeline for enrollment for Monroe County parents/ guardians.

February 21, 2017 Pre-K and Kindergarten registration packets will be available for pick up at the Monroe County Board of Education from 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

February 27, 2017 Pre-K and Kindergarten parent(s)/guardian(s) may call or go on-line to
schedule an appointment to register their child.  A link will be available at
http://www.monroe.k12.ga.us to make the appointment or the parent/guardian may call Cindy Seymour, System Registrar, 478-994-2031 to schedule the appointment.

March 6, 2017 Registration Appointments begin.  

Monroe County Schools require the following documentation for enrollment:
  1. A birth certificate showing proof of age of your child;
  2. Your child's social security card;
  3. Georgia Form 3231 - your child's up-to-date immunization form;
  4. Georgia Form 3300 - your child's ear, eye, dental, and nutrition record; and
  5. Three Proofs of Residency.  See our website for more enrollment details.
Please contact Cindy Seymour, System Registrar, at 478-994-2031 with any questions or concerns.

Georgia Parent Survey Open through March 3
The Georgia Parent Survey contains 24 questions. Parents may complete the survey using a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet.  For parents without Internet access, school computers may be used to complete the survey.  All parents are encouraged to participate in the Georgia Parent Survey.  Data will be used as part of the calculation of the School ClimateStar Rating. Survey responses are anonymous and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis.  Results from the Georgia Parent Survey will not be available to the public and will not be posted online.  Parents, thank you for taking a few minutes to complete this survey.
Georgia Parent Survey:

Cell Phone Use on GA Standardized Assessments 
Students are not permitted to use, or bring into the testing environment, any electronic device that could allow them to access, retain, or transmit information (e.g., cell phone, smartphone, PDA, electronic recording, camera, or playback device, etc.). Possession or improper use of such devices during testing may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the system's student code of conduct and/or test invalidation. Devices such as those mentioned above that are brought into the testing environment must not remain in the student's possession during testing.


A Message from Monroe County Schools Nurses: What Should Families Know About RSV?
RSV is a viral infection that is a common respiratory illness affecting persons of any age.  RSV infections generally occur in the United States from November to April.  RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia in children under one age in the USA.  Each year, 75,000 to 125,000 children in this age group are hospitalized due to RSV infection.  Almost all children are infected with the virus by their second birthday, but only a small percentage develop severe disease.  reinfection is common throughout life.

What are RSV symptoms?  Illness usually begins 4-6 days after exposure with runny nose and decreased appetite.  Coughing, sneezing, and fever typically develop 1-3 days later.  Wheezing may also occur.  In very young infants, irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties may be the only symptoms of infection.  Most healthy infants with RSV do not require hospitalization.  Full recovery from illness usually occurs in 1-2 weeks.  

Who is at risk?  Premature infants, children less than two years of age, and children with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to RSV.  Adults with compromised immune systems as well as older adults may be more susceptible to RSV.

Should my child stay home from school if diagnosed with RSV?  Yes, the fever should be resolved before the child returns to school.  

How is RSV spread?  This is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes into the air.   The virus-containing droplets go into the air, and then they infect another person through the mouth, nose, or eye.  Infection can also result from indirect and direct contact with nasal or oral secretions from infected persons.  

What are RSV prevention steps?  Children and adults should cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands thoroughly and frequently, avoid sharing cups and utensils, and refrain from kissing others if you know you have an active RSV infection. Contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs may help stop the spread of RSV.