🚨 GAMEDAY REMINDER – OPEN GATE SECURITY 🚨

All fans attending tonight’s Bainbridge Bearcats vs. Ware County game at Centennial Field will go through OpenGate security systems (metal detectors) at every entrance. Please arrive early and plan accordingly.

✅ Gates open at 6:00 PM
✅ Students 8th grade & below must be accompanied by an adult over 18
✅ No re-entry once you leave the stadium
✅ Clear Bag Policy enforced – no bookbags allowed

🎶 Be in your seat by 7:15 PM for a special Pre-Game Show featuring Bearcat Broadcasting, the BHS Band, BHS Cheerleaders, and Air Force JROTC!

🏈 Kickoff vs. Ware County is at 7:30 PM – let’s pack Centennial Field and cheer loud for our Bearcats! 💜💛🐾

#GoBearcats #BHSFootball #TheBearcatWay #FridayNightLights
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Graphic with Bainbridge Bearcats “B Paw” logo and OpenGate security pillars. Text reads: “BHS Football vs. Ware Co. 8/29/25 7:30 PM. Introducing OpenGate Security Systems.
Purple football-themed graphic with Bainbridge Bearcats “B Paw” logo. Text reads: “Quick Reminders for Home Football Games – Gates open at 6:00pm. Students 8th grade and below must be accompanied by an adult over 18. No re-entry once exiting stadium. OpenGate metal detectors will be used at all entrances – plan accordingly. Clear Bag Policy enforced – no bookbags. We appreciate your cooperation for the safety and enjoyment of everyone in attendance!
☀️🙌 A big thank you to SunStop for partnering with Decatur County Schools in our appreciation initiative!

With your support, our educators will have a delicious and sunny way to start their day. 🌞☕

We’re so grateful for community sponsors who live The BEARCAT WAY — because THEY’RE FROM HERE! 🐾💜💛

✨ More details to come… stay tuned!

#BearcatWay #CommunityStrong #ProudTraditionPromisingFuture #SunStop #WereFromHere
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
A thank-you message from Sun Stop to Decatur County Schools for supporting teachers, featuring the phrase "The Bearcat Way, because THEY’RE FROM HERE."
💙 Parents of children with autism — we’d love to connect with you! 💙

Decatur County Schools is hosting an Autism Parent Support Group Interest Meeting on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM in DCBOE Training Room 4.

This is a chance to meet other parents, share experiences, and explore ways we can support one another.

📍 Decatur County Board of Education
1417 Dothan Rd, Bainbridge, GA 39817

✨ Together, we can build a stronger community of support.

#Austism #DecaturCountySchools #Support #Community
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Flyer for Decatur County Schools Autism Parent Support Group interest meeting on September 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM, featuring colorful text and a child wearing yellow headphones
Get to Know Your Admin: Stephanie Green
Principal, New Beginnings Learning Center

With 27 years of service, Stephanie Green leads New Beginnings Learning Center with dedication, vision, and a commitment to supporting every student. Originally from Phenix City, Alabama, Green’s career path has taken her through Lillian E. Williams, Hutto Middle School, and Bainbridge High School, before stepping into her role at New Beginnings.

At New Beginnings, Green ensures students stay focused on the ABC’s of school: Attendance, Behavior, and Credits. The center serves students recommended from Bainbridge High and Middle Schools for additional support in behavior, academics, and attendance.

Her inspiration to enter education comes from a love of working with students, no matter their background or history. “It takes a village to raise a child, and I pour into the whole child,” Green shares. Watching students progress and ultimately graduate remains the most rewarding part of her career.

Looking ahead, Green’s professional goals are to continue being a lifelong learner and to inspire her students to give back to the community. She describes Decatur County Schools as a progressive system that embraces challenges and is deeply committed to both student success and technological growth.

A Bit More About Stephanie:
Hometown: Phenix City, Alabama
Hobbies: Spending time with family, attending sporting events, traveling, and attending church
Fun Fact: She loves to line dance, watch action movies, and is a proud sorority girl
Favorite Book: The Color Purple
Favorite Movie: Jesus Loves Me

Thank you, Stephanie, for your leadership, dedication, and Bearcat pride!
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Close-up photo of Stephanie Green with text overlay introducing her as the New Beginnings Learning Center Principal for Decatur County Schools. The design includes the school logo and the phrase “Get to Know Your Admin.”
Welcome to the Bearcat Family!
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
New Teacher Spotlight featuring Ms. Apke, Drama Teacher at Bainbridge High School. Includes her photo, fun fact about meeting her husband through collegiate a cappella, and a bio highlighting her love for reading, theatre, performing arts, community involvement, and family.
🚍 SHIFT GEARS TO BEARCAT SUCCESS- GET PAID TO TRAIN, RIDE, & DRIVE!🚍

MUST BE 21 Years Old
💰 Great Retirement Supplement
🏥 BENEFITS AVAILABLE!

Why Drive With Us?
✅ Pay – Earn while making a difference!
✅ Flexible Hours – Perfect for retirees & those seeking extra income!
✅ Paid Training – No experience? No problem! We’ll train you!
✅ Health & Retirement Benefits – Secure your future!

🚦 Join Our Team & Be the Driver of Change! 🚦
🔴 APPLY TODAY – YOUR SEAT IS WAITING! 🔴
📞 Call: 229.248.2204 🌐 Apply Online: https://sites.google.com/dcboe.com/dcboe-apply/home

#ShiftGearsToSuccess #GetPaidToDrive #JoinOurTeam #BearcatPride #DriveWithUs #HiringNow #PaidTraining #FlexibleHours #RetirementSupplement #BenefitsAvailable #MakeADifference #DriveForDCBOE #SecureYourFuture #ApplyToday
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
This image is a Decatur County Schools employment flyer announcing bus driver job openings for 2025, highlighting paid training and encouraging applications at DBCOE.COM, with the slogan "The Bearcat Way: Proud Tradition · Promising Future."
🚨 Reminder, Bearcats! 🚨

📚 There will be NO SCHOOL for students on Friday, August 29th and Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day.

👩‍🏫 Please note: Friday, August 29th is a mandatory Teacher In-Service Day for staff.

Enjoy the long weekend, and thank you to our teachers for your continued dedication! 💜🐾

#TheBearcatWay #ProudTraditionPromisingFuture #DecaturCountySchools #LaborDay #StudentHoliday
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Graphic for Decatur County Schools showing a bald eagle perched on a branch in front of a faded American flag background. To the right, text reads: 'The Bearcat Way – Decatur County Schools. Reminder: No School! Student Holidays Friday, August 29th & Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day.' The Bearcat logo appears above the text.
🚗 We’re hitting the road to Attapulgus!

Join us Monday, August 25th at 5:30 PM at the Attapulgus Community Center for an evening of connection and conversation.

📍 405 E. Griffin Ave, Attapulgus, GA

Hear directly from Superintendent Dr. Boyd English, Board Member Mr. Kelvin Bouie, and other DCBOE leaders and principals about what’s happening in our schools.

Let’s talk, share ideas, and stay #PluggedIn to The Bearcat Way — Proud Tradition, Promising Future. 💜💛

#DecaturCountySchools #TheBearcatWay #ProudTraditionPromisingFuture #ParentEngagement #OnTheRoad
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
On the Road Attapulgus event flyer for Decatur County Schools. Event on Monday, August 25 at 5:30 PM at Attapulgus Community Center, 405 E. Griffin Ave, Attapulgus, GA. Features Superintendent Dr. Boyd English, Board Member Mr. Kelvin Bouie, DCBOE directors, and school principals. Includes The Bearcat Way logo and Plugged In parent engagement graphic.”
Welcome to the Bearcat Family!
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
 A welcome spotlight for new 3rd grade teacher Ms. Gardner from Bainbridge, Georgia, who loves softball, art, and her dog Draco. She values Decatur County’s community and teaching alongside her mother. She enjoys dressing up to make her class fun, inspired by Ms. Frizzle.
Welcome to the Bearcat Family!
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
A welcome spotlight for new teacher Mrs. Louwman from Bainbridge, Georgia, who enjoys reading, yoga, and family time. She appreciates Decatur County’s staff support and is a proud BHS alumna with the motto “Once a Bearcat, Always a Bearcat.” She teaches at Jones Wheat Primary and loves coffee and Celsius drinks.
Welcome to the Bearcat Family!
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
A welcome spotlight for new paraprofessional Ms. Jones from Bainbridge, Georgia, who enjoys crafts and creating balloon arches. She loves the supportive Decatur County community. Inspired by her 3-year-old sister, she is passionate about helping children learn at Hutto Elementary School.
Welcome to the Bearcat Family!
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
A welcome spotlight for new teacher Ms. Gomez from Cairo, Georgia, who enjoys hiking, reading, and nature walks. She loves Decatur County’s environment and scenery. Ms. Gomez is a 3rd grade teacher at Hutto Elementary and is trilingual in Spanish, English, and Korean.
🚍💜 Hop On Board With Decatur County Schools

Do you enjoy working with kids?
Want to be part of something that makes a big impact every day?

Become a Bus Aide—where every morning starts with a smile and ends with a safe ride home! 🌟

Go Online and Apply today:
https://sites.google.com/dcboe.com/dcboe-apply/home

or Give Us a Call: 229-248-2200
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Decatur County Schools graphic with children smiling and waving from a school bus window. Text reads: ‘Now Hiring Bus Aides. Apply today at dcboe.com.’ Includes Decatur County Schools logo
Happy Bearcat Pride Wednesday! 🐾💜💛 We’re proudly showing our spirit here at the district office. It’s wonderful to see the purple and gold filling the hallways!

Every Wednesday, all Decatur County Schools staff are encouraged to show off their Bearcat pride by wearing their favorite Bearcat gear!
Even better? Staff can wear jeans by making a donation to the Bearcat Scholarship Fund, a fund that helps support deserving BHS Seniors on their college journey. 🎓✨

💥 We’re inviting our entire community — local businesses, families, and Bearcat fans — to join us every Wednesday by proudly wearing your Bearcat gear too! Let’s show our students that our community stands behind them.
If you’d like to contribute to the Bearcat Scholarship Fund, please contact:
📧 Ana Baty, Director of Public Relations – abaty@dcboe.com

GO CATS!

#BearcatPride #GoCats #PurpleAndGold #TheBearcatWay #OnWednesdaysWeWearPurple
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Portrait of an individual wearing spirited purple and gold Bearcat attire. The background varies, including office and home settings with decorative and school-related items visible.
Portrait of an individual wearing spirited purple and gold Bearcat attire. The background varies, including office and home settings with decorative and school-related items visible.
Portrait of an individual wearing spirited purple and gold Bearcat attire. The background varies, including office and home settings with decorative and school-related items visible.
Portrait of an individual wearing spirited purple and gold Bearcat attire. The background varies, including office and home settings with decorative and school-related items visible.
Portrait of an individual wearing spirited purple and gold Bearcat attire. The background varies, including office and home settings with decorative and school-related items visible.
Portrait of an individual wearing spirited purple and gold Bearcat attire. The background varies, including office and home settings with decorative and school-related items visible.
Portrait of an individual wearing spirited purple and gold Bearcat attire. The background varies, including office and home settings with decorative and school-related items visible.
Portrait of an individual wearing spirited purple and gold Bearcat attire. The background varies, including office and home settings with decorative and school-related items visible.
☀️ Thank You WAWA!
Big Smiles and full hearts this morning at the District Office. Thank you WAWA for treating our Decatur County Schools Team to a DELICIOUS Friday Breakfast! You even added the sweetest messages to the coffee, which made our morning extra bright!☕

We are so grateful for your kindness and for supporting public education in our community!
Fueled up and ready for an EXCELLENT Friday! 💛💜
GO CATS!

#ThankyouWawa #GoCats #PublicEducation #Community #TheBearcatWay #WAWA #DecaturCountySchools
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Woman standing outside holding a large red Wawa bag, wearing a black Wawa cap and shirt, with a brick wall and glass panel door behind her.
Two people indoors smiling at the camera; man in white polo with logos, woman in bright pink holding a pink box labeled "SIZZUR Ham Croissant," standing behind a table with food containers and a red Wawa bag.
Two women indoors smiling; one in a white floral blouse holding a red cup and napkins, the other in a purple "Bainbridge Bearcats" shirt holding food containers and napkins, with kitchen cabinets in the background.
Two men indoors wearing purple shirts with logos, holding food containers, standing near tables with food and drinks, with a bulletin board behind them.
Man and woman indoors smiling; man in glasses and blue/white sports shirt holding a small box, woman in glasses and lavender ruffled top holding a Wawa food container, with a white brick wall and furniture behind.
Two women standing at a table with food; one in a blue shirt with "Decatur County School Nutrition" embroidery holding a food tray, the other in a black floral top holding a tray with a pastry, in a cafeteria-like room.
Woman indoors smiling, wearing a black "DECATUR COUNTY Board of Education" T-shirt holding a small box, with a red Wawa bag and room with tables and chairs behind her.
Woman smiling indoors, holding a pink box labeled "Ham Croissant," with shoulder-length blonde hair, glasses on her head, and a gray cinder block wall in the background.
Table with various food items and supplies including small cups with packets, wrapped items, a box labeled "Thank you" with Wawa branding, fried food container with tongs, stacks of pink and blue boxes, and a red bag, with part of a person and room visible behind.
Sign with handwritten text reading "Thank you for teaching our chicken! -a Wawa mom."
Get to Know Your Admin: Ortega Butler
Principal, West Bainbridge Primary

With 21 years of service, Ortega Butler leads West Bainbridge Primary with dedication, high expectations, and a passion for seeing students succeed. Originally from Bainbridge, Butler oversees a team of 82 employees, ensuring that the educational needs of all students are being met every day.

Before entering education, Butler worked with the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), where she witnessed many of the challenges children face. That experience inspired her to shift to a role where she could see and support students at their best, which is in education.

In her role as principal, Butler focuses on fostering both academic and social growth for every student. “Seeing students grow academically and socially is the most rewarding part of my job,” she shares. She also works to support teachers in acquiring the skills they need to help all students achieve academic success.

A Bit More About Ortega:
Hometown: Bainbridge, GA
Hobbies: Reading, shopping, and spending time with family.
Fun Fact: She can play the flute
Favorite Song: Sweet Home Alabama

Butler takes pride in West Bainbridge Primary’s family-oriented culture, where staff members work together to support one another and the community they serve. She reflects, “I am proud to be a part of a great school family-oriented culture that supports each other.”

Thank you, Ortega, for your leadership, commitment, and Bearcat pride!
4 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Headshot of Ortega Butler, West Bainbridge Primary Principal, with Decatur County Schools logo and the text “Get to Know Your Admin.”
Welcome to the Bearcat Family!
5 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Photo spotlight of new paraprofessional Ms. Tykeisha Ousley at Jones Wheat Primary, sharing that she’s from Attapulgus, Georgia, enjoys reading, true crime, and time with her daughter, can hula hoop with her neck, and loves Decatur County’s small-town feel.

West Bainbridge Primary second graders had a blast completing their very first STEAM activity using the Engineering Design Process!

Challenge: Build the tallest self-supporting tower.
The winning tower reached an impressive 21 inches!

Hands-on learning + creative problem-solving made for a fun-filled day of discovery.

#WBP #STEAM #EngineeringDesignProcess #HandsOnLearning #TheBearcatWay

5 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Elementary students build structures with spaghetti and marshmallows during a classroom STEM activity.
Two boys build a spaghetti and marshmallow structure holding a paper cup during a STEM activity
students build spaghetti and marshmallow structures during a classroom STEM activity.
Two girls construct spaghetti and marshmallow structures during a STEM classroom activity.
Brighten Your Fall with BHS FFA Mums!

Bainbridge High FFA is now taking orders for beautiful Fall Mums in bronze, purple, red, white, and yellow!

🪴 Small (8") – $10
🪴 Large (12") – $20

📅 Order Deadline: August 19th — Don’t miss out!
📍 Pickup: September 18th, 8 AM–5 PM at the BHS Greenhouse

Scan the QR code to order online or contact:
📞 229-248-2230
📧 tchampagne@dcboe.com

Support our students and bring a splash of color to your porch this season! 💛💜

#BainbridgeFFA #FallMums #SupportAgEducation #BearcatPride
5 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Bainbridge High FFA Fall Mums sale flyer. Small 8-inch pots $10, large 12-inch pots $20, colors bronze, purple, red, white, yellow. Order deadline August 19 via QR code. Pickup September 18 at BHS Greenhouse, 8 AM–5 PM. Contact 229-248-2230 or tchampagne@dcboe.com
mum plants - yeloow red white and purple
📱 Keeping Our Students Safe Online – The Bearcat Way
A new Georgia law requires schools to teach students about digital citizenship and provide parents with the same tools to use at home.

Decatur County Schools remains committed to promoting digital citizenship and online safety, now offering parents additional resources to support these efforts at home.

Parent ProTech is a free, video-based resource designed to help you:
🔹Set healthy screen-time limits
🔹Protect your child’s privacy
🔹Navigate social media safely

✨ Start the school year with clear screen-time boundaries that help your child thrive online.
🔗Learn more and sign up here: https://app.parentprotech.com/952/decatur-county/en/signup?source=admin

#TheBearcatWay #ProudTraditionPromisingFuture #ParentProTech #OnlineSafety
5 months ago, Decatur County Schools
Decatur County Schools Parent ProTech sign-up graphic with computer and phone icons, promoting online safety resources for families.