About Our Staff

   Pre-K

  4th Grade

  Enrichment

  Kindergarten

 

 

  Office Staff

1st Grade

Conselor

   Lunchroom Staff

2nd Grade

  Exceptionalities

  Library & Technology
3rd Grade  

Custodians 

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Pre-K

      Miranda Killough is  at Jones Wheat as a Pre-K teacher. She holds a B.S. in Education from Valdosta State University as well as a M.S. In Post Secondary Education from Troy State University. Before moving back home she taught in the Valdosta City Schools System. Ms. Killough's hobbies include reading and traveling.

    Lisa Taylor  is now working with the Pre-K Preogram after enjoying her time helping with our Special Education department for the first time this year.  Ms. Taylor has two wonderful sons.

    Amanda Calhoun Rentz is at Jones Wheat as a Pre-K teacher. She holds a B.S. in Early Chilhood Education from Valdosta State University. Before joining the staff at Jones Wheat, she taught in the Valdosta City Schools System.

    Sherri Weaver attended Gordon College and received a two year degree.  She has been with the Pre-K staff for 8 years.  Her hobbies include reading and spending time with her son.

    Tawanda Mills is new to Jones-Wheat for the 2010-2011 school year.

    Jackie Pope works as a paraprofessional with the 1st grade for many years and now joins our fun pre-k staff.  In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her daughter.

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 Kindergarten

 

    Cristin Johnston has a Master’s degree in Brain Research: Teaching and Learning, which she earned from Nova Southeastern University; as well as a Bachelor's degree in Early Education from Flagler College.  She has been teaching for 8 years. Mrs. Johnston likes reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends!! She also attended Florida State and was a majorette with the Marching Chiefs!!

     Davonna Cosby was previously our art teacher at Jones - Wheat (for four years). Mrs. Cosby attended Tusculum College in Greenville, Tennessee. She has 7 years of experience teaching students whose ages range from toddler to 5th grade. In her spare time she enjoys playing basketball and hanging out with her family. She is now joining the Kindergarten team to help out with all the basics that they will need by the end of the year.

    Otha Backey is new to Jones-Wheat fro the 2010-2011.

    Joanna Heard has attended Bainbridge College.  She has 13 years experience with the Decatur County school system.  Mrs. Heard enjoys playing volleyball and basketball with her daughter, hunting, and reading.

    Brittney Mathews attended Thomas University and received a degree in Early Childhood Education.  Before coming to Jones-Wheat, Mrs. Mathews taught 2nd grade at Grace Christian Academy for 1 year.  This is her fourth year at Jones-Wheat.

     Nicole Hall works as a paraprofessional.  This is her seventh year working with Kindergarten.

    Debby Long attended Troy State University where she obtained an Early Childhood Education Degree Pre-K through 5th grade as well as in Middle Grades (4-8).  She also attended Valdosta State University where she  obtained a Special Education Degree for Mental Retardation grades Pre-K through 12.  At the University of Michigan, Mrs. Long earned a Master of Education degree.  She has 16 years of teaching experience.  Mrs. Long has taught Special Education Elementary classes, 3rd Grade, 1st Grade, and Kindergarten.  As for hobbies, she enjoys gardening and reading.

    Beth Whitaker completed a Bachelors of Early Childhood Education at Troy University, Dothan Campus. Mrs. Whitaker taught 3rd and 4th grades in Chipley, Florida. Some of her hobbies include reading and spending time with family.

    Betty Harrell works with Mrs. Wilkin as a paraprofessional.  She has 22 years of experience.  She is very energetic and enjoys helping children learn.  Ms. Harrell enjoys going to the beach, shopping for antiques, and gardening in her spare time.

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1st Grade

    Cynthia Butler received a Bachelor's of Education in Education at Thomas University.  She has been a paraprofessional for four years and currently teaches first grade.  Her only hobby is taking care of her 8 year old son.

    Samantha Green earned a Bachelor of Science from Valdosta State University and a Master's degree from NOVA.  She has been teaching for 14 years, 9 of those years were in Kindergarten and 5 years were in 1st grade. In her spare time she likes to go shopping, spend time with her 2 boys, and do a bit of gardening.

    Ilesha Hughes attended Florida A&M University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.  She has taught in first grade at Jones-Wheat for seven years. During her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with her two sons.

    Linda Walker attended Florida State University.  She has been teaching 1st grade for 35 years.

    Michelle McConnell graduated from Bainbridge High and has been at Jones-Wheat for 10 years.  She is a paraprofessional for 1st grade.  She enjoys spending time with her dogs when she is not at school.

 

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2nd Grade

    Mistee Deen attended Valdosta State University for her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, obtained her Master’s in Elementary Reading & Literacy from Walden University, and is currently working to obtain her Specialist’s in Curriculum, Instruction, Management, and Administration.  She has been teaching for 9 years.  Mrs. Deen has taught first and second grade.  She enjoys watching football, especially the Georgia Bulldogs, spending time with her family, and traveling to the beach whenever possible. 

     Sandra Hayes attended Bainbridge College and Valdosta State University.  She has 17 years of experience teaching 3rd and 5th grades.  Mrs. Hayes enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

    Kimberly Johnson has her Master’s degree in Education.   She has taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students, now she has her very own homeroom in the 2nd grade.  She has been teaching for six years, five of them at Jones-Wheat.  Mrs. Johnson is married to Ansley Johnson and lives in Bainbridge.  She was also selected as the 2005-2006 "Teacher of the Year" at Jones-Wheat.

    Ashley Bullock is new to the Jones Wheat's 2nd grade staff and will work with Mrs. Johnson. She holds an AA in Early Childhood Education from Bainbridge College and is currently attending Thomas University. She has worked with Pre-K at other locations for 5 years. Some of her hobbies include photography, UGA games, and spending time with her 3 year old daughter, Kadence.

    Karen May attended Mercer University in Macon, GA.  She is currently in her thirteenth year of teaching second grade.  She enjoys being festive for the holidays and sharing new experiences with her two year old.

   

   

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3rd Grade

    Delores Flemming has attended Bainbridge College, Albany State University and NOVA Southeastern University. She has a total of 21 years of service in the education field, 9 of those were as a paraprofessional and 13 years of teaching.  Mrs. Flemming has recently received a Doctoral degree. She also enjoys reading and sewing in her spare time.

    Michelle Cook has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State University.  She is married with two children ages 17 and 12.  She has 17 years teaching experience with 15 of those years within the Decatur County school system. 

    Susan Kelly attended Andrew College in Cuthbert, GA; the University of Georgia in Athens, GA; and Georgia Southwestern in Americus, GA. She has taught for 20 years in various cities across Georgia and Florida.  Ms. Kelly has taught grades Pre-K, K, 1, 2, and 3 as well as EIP.  Her hobbies are reading, taking beach trips, and Sunday afternoon rides.

    Patti Lowe earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Valdosta State University.  She has been teaching 12 years.  Mrs. Lowe is married and has three children.

   

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4th Grade

    Kimberly Smith is originally from Grady County.  She has been at Jones-Wheat since 2002.  Ms. Council has taught 4th grade ever since!!

    Pam Oliver is a 4th grade teacher with 8 years of experience. She earned her Undergraduate degree from Valdosta State University in Early childhood Ed P-5 and a Master’s Degree in Reading and Literacy from Walden University. Mrs. Oliver spent three years in third grade at Baconton Community Charter School in Mitchell County and two years in fourth grade in the Ben Hill County School System. This is her third year in fourth grade at Jones - Wheat. Her biggest hobby and passion is her family!  She also enjoys spending with friends, traveling to new and exciting places, and reading (when she can find the time!)

    Heather Willis received a BA in Elementary Education from Flagler College, as well as a  MA in Special Education from Florida State University. Mrs. Willis has  worked 2 years  in the New Jersey school system and one year teaching 4th and 5th grade in South Florida. Some of her hobbies are traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with my family and friends. Her favorite quote from Charles R. Swindoll reads:

    "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important    than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.

    

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Couselor

    Theodora Carter received her undergraduate degree from Florida A&M University in Criminal Justice with a minor in social work.  She also has a Master’s in Public Administration with a minor in Sociology and a Master’s of Education in Counseling PK-12 also from FAMU.  Ms. Carter is the mother of two, a daughter, 20 and a son, 11 as well as grandmother to AJ, 1.  She also coaches the BYFL cheerleaders and teaches a Bible study class.  Her hobbies and interests are sewing, reading, and selling Mary Kay Cosmetics.

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Exceptionalities

   

    Angela Grubbs attended Florida State University and earned a Bachelor of Science, Florida A&M University where she earned a Master of Education, and NOVA where she earned an Educational Specialist degree.  She has been teaching for 9 years.  Mrs. Grubbs works with the Special Education department in grades K-5.  In her spare time she enjoys shopping with friends.   

     Kathy Martin graduated from Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana and received a Master’s from Nova.  She has taught for 34 years in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.  Mrs. Martin has been at Jones-Wheat for 28 years.  She has taught 5th grade for one year, 3rd grade for 15 years, and 1st grade for 10 years.  She is married with two children.  Her son lives in Fort Lauderdale where his wife is studying to be an optometrist.  Her daughter is at Valdosta State wanting to be a high school biology teacher.  Her husband works for Trinity Baptist Church.  She  loves to read and cook when she has time.

     Karen Kirkland  has been employed in the past as a paraprofessional in Kindergarten.  She has graduated from Bainbridge College with an Associate's in Early Childhood Education.  Ms. Kirkland attended Albany State University to earn her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education.  Her hobbies are reading, cross-stitching, walking, and watching movies.

     Dorothy L. Pierce  has received a BS Degree in Early Childhood Education from Thomas University.  Ms. Pierce has 8 years experience with K-5 Special Education and one year of experience with Pre-K.  Her hobbies include: watching old movies, spending time on the computer, sports, and collecting antique jewelry.

    Diane Welch is a Speech-Language Pathologist working in the public school system in Decatur County, Georgia.  She enjoys working with children of all ages.  Mrs. Welch's favorite hobby and “stress reducer” includes outdoor gardening and landscape architecture.   

    Michelle Jackson  obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Regent University and is currently working on her Master’s degree in counseling.  She works in the Special Education department with our 3rd and 4th grade inclusion students and is starting her 4th year here at Jones Wheat.  Her passion includes serving God, her family, and others.  Two quotes that she lives by are:  “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell, where his influence stops. Henry Brooks Adams    and    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not to your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways,  and He will direct your path.” Prov. 3:5-6.

    Tiffany LaCount is a paraprofessional in the Special Education department. Ms. LaCount holds an AA in Early Childhood Education and a BA in Health Care Administration. Her spare time is spent with her family and friends as well as traveling.

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Enrichment

.     Kellie A. Barton is an Honor graduate of Bainbridge High School.  She attended Thomas University from 1997-1999 and Valdosta State University from 1999-2001. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and has a minor in Psychology.  Mrs. Barton has enjoyed teaching music at Jones-Wheat for 8 years.  She is married to Jonathan Barton, who serves Decatur County as a Technology Specialist.  The Bartons have no children, but do enjoy the company of their 2 dogs and 2 cats (which are all spoiled).  Mrs. Barton loves spending time with family, reading, playing instruments and designing web pages.

    Blake Carruthers attended Auburn University, Troy State University, and Albany State University.  He received his Master's at Albany State.  Coach Carruthers is certified for grades K-12 in physical education.  He is beginning his fifth year at Jones - Wheat.  He and his wife Kim have 1 beautiful daughter. His hobbies include coaching football and fishing.

    Phyllis Wood attended Bainbridge High and Northwest Airline.  She is returning for a fifth year as a paraprofessional for P.E.  Ms. Wood enjoys playing softball and sleeping in her spare time.

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Office Staff

    Sheila McLendon is the accounting secretary at Jones-Wheat.  She has been with Jones-Wheat 7 years.  Mrs. McLendon is married with 2 children.  Her hobbies are reading, listening to all types of music, traveling, and spending time with family.

    Kim Ford is a secretary at Jones-Wheat.  She has been at our school since 2001.  She is married to Kevin Ford and they have two children, a daughter (19) and a son (16).  Mrs. Ford's hobbies include baking and singing.

    Amy Robinson joins us this year as our first lead teacher at Jones-Wheat. She graduated from Valdosta State University in 1997 with a degree in Early Childhood Education.  She is currently working on her Master’s through NOVA Southeastern University.  Mrs. Robinson will receive her Master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology in the spring of 2006.  She taught three years in Grady County before joining the Decatur County staff.  Mrs. Robinson has taught first grade for five years at Jones-Wheat Elementary and second grade for 2 years.  She was also selected as the 2006-2007 "Teacher of the Year" at Jones-Wheat.

    Elizabeth Payne is a paraprofessional that has graduated from Bainbridge College with an Associates in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Payne plans to start the bachelors program through Albany State in the Spring.  I enjoy going horseback riding, shopping, and spending time with my family and friends. She is married to Stephen Payne and they do not have any children yet.

    Bonnie Provence is our school nurse, she has been with us for 8 years.  She received her Registered Nursing degree from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Atlanta, GA; and graduated from Albany State University in December 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  Mrs. Provence was also a Labor and Delivery nurse for 13 years at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital before coming to Bainbridge Memorial Hospital and the school system.  She and husband, Dan, have 2 children; a son, age 14 and a daughter, age 18.  The Provences own the Springhill Christmas Tree Farm and attend Fellowship Baptist Church.  Mrs. Provence enjoys reading, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family. 

    Deirdre Daughtry attended Florida State University for a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, as well as Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.  She has been teaching for 19 years in 2nd and 3rd grade.  Mrs. Daughtry is currently Reading Lead Teacher for three elementary schools in Decatur County.  Her hobbies include spending time with her two children:  a daughter, who is 16 years old and a son, who is 12 years old.  Her daughter is involved in cheerleading, soccer, and playing the piano.  Her son is a member of Cub Scouts, and plays soccer, baseball, football, and basketball.

   

   

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Lunchroom Staff

    Our lunchroom staff includes: Bessie Pearson (Manager), Peggy Mills, Alice Stubbs, Cecelia Kimble, Cynthia Scarbrough and Angelia Price.  Each one of these ladies does a wonderful job preparing and serving our staff, students, and visitors a warm breakfast and an enjoyable lunch.

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Library & Technology

        April Helms has joined Jones - Wheat as our new Media Specialist. She earned her Master's in Early Childhood and Library/Media from Valdosta State University. Mrs. Helms has 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher. Some of her hobbies and other personal interest are reading and spend time with my family.  She also is an avid tennis player and loves the Georgia Bulldogs!!

    Melissa Harrell is a paraprofessional in the library. Mrs. Harrell is attending Bainbridge College. Some of her hobbies include reading, boating, watching football and spending time with her family, friends and pets.

 

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Custodians

   CJ Henry, Sharonda Vickers and TeRandy Evans work very hard keeping our school beautiful.

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