Welcome to the Bearcat Family!
📣 The Bowen Baptist Association invites the community to an All-School Prayer Walk! 🙏
📅 Saturday, August 2nd | ⏰ 8:30 AM
📍 Meet at the front of any Decatur County school
Come together to pray for our students, teachers, and staff as they begin a new school year. This event is organized by the Bowen Baptist Association. All are welcome to participate! 💜
#TheBearcatWay #PrayerWalk #CommunitySupport
📅 Saturday, August 2nd | ⏰ 8:30 AM
📍 Meet at the front of any Decatur County school
Come together to pray for our students, teachers, and staff as they begin a new school year. This event is organized by the Bowen Baptist Association. All are welcome to participate! 💜
#TheBearcatWay #PrayerWalk #CommunitySupport
Welcome back, Teachers!
Let’s Inspire, Influence, and Ignite — The Bearcat Way!
Let’s Inspire, Influence, and Ignite — The Bearcat Way!
Decatur County School Nutrition was proud to host over 400 School Nutrition Professionals representing more than 15 school districts for the annual District 2 PEP Training at Bainbridge High School.
Attendees enjoyed a dynamic session led by Chef Rachel from the Georgia Department of Education, focused on enhancing quality school meals, line design, food presentation, and customer service. We also benefited from an inspiring team player session with Mrs. Janet Mitchell, along with other essential annual training topics.
A special thank you to Catering by JLo and The BCC for a delicious lunch, and to Integrity Foods for providing breakfast and always going above and beyond. We also appreciate Pepsi of Bainbridge for generously donating drinks!
We are grateful for the opportunity to come together, learn, and grow in our mission to serve students with excellence, The Bearcat Way!
Attendees enjoyed a dynamic session led by Chef Rachel from the Georgia Department of Education, focused on enhancing quality school meals, line design, food presentation, and customer service. We also benefited from an inspiring team player session with Mrs. Janet Mitchell, along with other essential annual training topics.
A special thank you to Catering by JLo and The BCC for a delicious lunch, and to Integrity Foods for providing breakfast and always going above and beyond. We also appreciate Pepsi of Bainbridge for generously donating drinks!
We are grateful for the opportunity to come together, learn, and grow in our mission to serve students with excellence, The Bearcat Way!
Attention Parents:
If your child requires medication during the school day, please stop by the nurse’s booth at Open House on Thursday, July 31 to:
▪️Sign the REQUIRED annual medication paperwork (must be completed by the child’s legal guardian)
▪️Discuss your child’s specific medication needs with the school nurse
▪️Optional: You may bring your child’s first month’s supply of medication to check in at that time
Reminder: Medications cannot be distributed at school without properly signed paperwork on file. Thank you for helping us keep your child safe and healthy!
If your child requires medication during the school day, please stop by the nurse’s booth at Open House on Thursday, July 31 to:
▪️Sign the REQUIRED annual medication paperwork (must be completed by the child’s legal guardian)
▪️Discuss your child’s specific medication needs with the school nurse
▪️Optional: You may bring your child’s first month’s supply of medication to check in at that time
Reminder: Medications cannot be distributed at school without properly signed paperwork on file. Thank you for helping us keep your child safe and healthy!
Head Baseball Coach Ryan Riles was honored to be the guest speaker at the Lions Club meeting on July 23rd. He shared insights into the Bainbridge High School baseball program, his coaching philosophy, and how athletics play a vital role in developing student character, leadership, and teamwork.
Community partnerships like this are a powerful example of The Bearcat Way—coming together to support and invest in our students.
A big thank you to the Lions Club for your continued support of public education in Decatur County.
#Community #TheBearcatWay #DecaturCountySchools #DCBOE #BHS #Baseball
Community partnerships like this are a powerful example of The Bearcat Way—coming together to support and invest in our students.
A big thank you to the Lions Club for your continued support of public education in Decatur County.
#Community #TheBearcatWay #DecaturCountySchools #DCBOE #BHS #Baseball
Welcome to the Bearcat Family!
We are proud to announce that Mr. Will Parker, one of our outstanding music educators, has been selected to present at the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) State In-Service Conference in January 2026!
This annual conference is one of the most prestigious events for music educators in the state, bringing together leaders and innovators in music education from across Georgia.
Mr. Parker will represent Bainbridge High School and the Decatur County School System with his powerful session titled:
“Yes, They Are Just as Capable: Creating a Culture of Success Within the Second Ensemble.”
His presentation will shine a light on the importance of providing meaningful, high-quality music education to all students, not just those in top-tier ensembles. By focusing on cultivating excellence, motivation, and pride within the second ensemble, Mr. Parker advocates for a program-wide culture where every student feels valued, challenged, and capable of greatness.
This is an incredible honor and a reflection of Mr. Parker’s passion for inclusive teaching and student growth. We are proud to see him recognized at the state level and thankful for his continued commitment to excellence in music education here at Bainbridge High School.
Attention Bearcat Parents: Haven't set up your Parent Portal account? We got you covered! Follow these instructions to get 24/7 access to your child's grades, assignments, attendance announcements, schedules, fees, and much more. If you have any trouble, please contact your child's school for more information.
📢 We’re Hiring: Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Decatur County is hiring a passionate Early Childhood Exceptional Child Self-Contained Teacher with expertise in special education and experience teaching young students with multiple exceptionalities.
👉 Visit www.dcboe.com and Select the "Employment Opportunities" Button or call 229-248-2200 to learn more.
#TheBearcatWay #Jobs #Apply #NowHirting #DCBOE #DCS
Decatur County is hiring a passionate Early Childhood Exceptional Child Self-Contained Teacher with expertise in special education and experience teaching young students with multiple exceptionalities.
👉 Visit www.dcboe.com and Select the "Employment Opportunities" Button or call 229-248-2200 to learn more.
#TheBearcatWay #Jobs #Apply #NowHirting #DCBOE #DCS
🎶 Calling all 5th & 6th grade Hutto Band students! 🎷🎺
Don't forget our Band Instrument Rental Nights are coming up!
📅 August 5th & 7th
🕓 4–6 PM
📍 HES Cafeteria
Stop by to get your instrument and be ready to play!
#HuttoElementary #BandLife #TheBearcatWay
Don't forget our Band Instrument Rental Nights are coming up!
📅 August 5th & 7th
🕓 4–6 PM
📍 HES Cafeteria
Stop by to get your instrument and be ready to play!
#HuttoElementary #BandLife #TheBearcatWay
Thank You, Bainbridge!
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the City of Bainbridge and Downtown Bainbridge for hosting another incredible Second Saturday event!
July's Second Saturday Event in Downtown Bainbridge encouraged the community to donate school supplies at participating downtown businesses in exchange for discounts and once again, our community showed up in a big way!
Special thanks to The Recovery Room, Rivers and Bridge, and Marine Carpeting for collecting supplies on behalf of Decatur County Schools. Your generosity and support help set our students up for success. We are proud to live in a community where generosity, service, and support for education run deep. That’s The Bearcat Way!
Pictured: Christy Cox, Amanda Glover, Chip Davis, and Jennifer Wilkinson
#ThankYou #TheBearcatWay #CommunitySupport #SecondSaturday #DowntownBainbridge #ProudTraditionPromisingFuture
Get to Know Your Admin: Nita Floyd
Director of School Nutrition
With 23 years of service, Nita Floyd brings passion, leadership, and purpose to her role as Director of School Nutrition for Decatur County Schools. She began her journey at Elcan-King Elementary and now serves at the district level from the Central Office.
In her current role, Floyd oversees every aspect of school nutrition. From menu planning and budgeting to food safety, operations, compliance, staff training, and community engagement. Her focus is clear: ensuring that students have access to nutritious, safe, and appealing meals that support both health and learning.
Though she originally dreamed of becoming a teacher, Floyd discovered her calling in the lunchroom, impacting not just one classroom, but the entire school system. “I realized I could help kids navigate the tough stages of education not just in one classroom, but across the district,” she reflects.
Her proudest accomplishment? Ensuring that every student in Decatur County Schools receives breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Floyd is committed to promoting nutrition education in the classroom, building strong team culture, increasing student engagement, and growing participation in school meal programs. She says, “School Nutrition is so much more than what is on the breakfast or lunch tray. We are a foundation for learning, growth, and health.”
Nita believes that healthy food fuels better learning. For many students, school meals are the most consistent source of nutrition they receive, and providing those meals is a community-wide effort. She emphasizes that investing in school nutrition means investing in the future.
A Bit More About Nita:
Hometown: Quincy, Florida
Hobbies: Being outdoors and spending time with her two children
Fun Fact: She’s never flown before!
Favorite Movie: Sweet Home Alabama
Floyd shares, “Decatur County Schools has the students' best interest in mind. That's what makes us different.." She continues, "I have called Decatur County Schools home for the past 23 years. Each year has come with a new life lesson learned.”
Thank you, Nita, for helping feed the minds and futures of Bearcat students every single day!
Director of School Nutrition
With 23 years of service, Nita Floyd brings passion, leadership, and purpose to her role as Director of School Nutrition for Decatur County Schools. She began her journey at Elcan-King Elementary and now serves at the district level from the Central Office.
In her current role, Floyd oversees every aspect of school nutrition. From menu planning and budgeting to food safety, operations, compliance, staff training, and community engagement. Her focus is clear: ensuring that students have access to nutritious, safe, and appealing meals that support both health and learning.
Though she originally dreamed of becoming a teacher, Floyd discovered her calling in the lunchroom, impacting not just one classroom, but the entire school system. “I realized I could help kids navigate the tough stages of education not just in one classroom, but across the district,” she reflects.
Her proudest accomplishment? Ensuring that every student in Decatur County Schools receives breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Floyd is committed to promoting nutrition education in the classroom, building strong team culture, increasing student engagement, and growing participation in school meal programs. She says, “School Nutrition is so much more than what is on the breakfast or lunch tray. We are a foundation for learning, growth, and health.”
Nita believes that healthy food fuels better learning. For many students, school meals are the most consistent source of nutrition they receive, and providing those meals is a community-wide effort. She emphasizes that investing in school nutrition means investing in the future.
A Bit More About Nita:
Hometown: Quincy, Florida
Hobbies: Being outdoors and spending time with her two children
Fun Fact: She’s never flown before!
Favorite Movie: Sweet Home Alabama
Floyd shares, “Decatur County Schools has the students' best interest in mind. That's what makes us different.." She continues, "I have called Decatur County Schools home for the past 23 years. Each year has come with a new life lesson learned.”
Thank you, Nita, for helping feed the minds and futures of Bearcat students every single day!
Welcome to the Bearcat Family!
Today is the last day! (7/22) — Don’t miss out on our final Summer Feeding Program distribution!
We’ll be handing out 5-day breakfast & lunch meal packs from 11 AM – 1 PM, available on a first come, first served basis.
👉 Children must be present to receive meals, unless a parent pickup form was previously submitted to the school.
We’re grateful for our partnership with Second Harvest and thank you for your support and patience throughout the summer.
💡 If your preferred site runs out of meals, feel free to check another location nearby.
Let’s finish strong and make sure every child is fed this summer! ☀️🥪
#SummerFeeding #SecondHarvest #CommunitySupport
We’ll be handing out 5-day breakfast & lunch meal packs from 11 AM – 1 PM, available on a first come, first served basis.
👉 Children must be present to receive meals, unless a parent pickup form was previously submitted to the school.
We’re grateful for our partnership with Second Harvest and thank you for your support and patience throughout the summer.
💡 If your preferred site runs out of meals, feel free to check another location nearby.
Let’s finish strong and make sure every child is fed this summer! ☀️🥪
#SummerFeeding #SecondHarvest #CommunitySupport
Welcome to the Bearcat Family!
A huge thank you to First Port City Bank for sponsoring our New Teacher Orientation Luncheon! Your generous support helped us welcome our newest educators with open arms. Thank you for putting people first — the Bearcat Way! 🐾🍎
#TheBearcat Way #CommunityPartners #PuttingPeopleFirst #FPCB
#TheBearcat Way #CommunityPartners #PuttingPeopleFirst #FPCB
The Second Annual Bearcat Blitz was a huge success! 🎉
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our incredible community for showing up and showing out with school supplies, household goods, and endless support for the students of Decatur County Schools. 💜🐾
Your generosity is helping to prepare our kids for a strong start to the new school year, and we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you:
📚 Bainbridge High
📚 Southern Regional Technical College
📚 Decatur County MLK Committee
📚 City of Bainbridge
📚 First Port City Bank
📚 Bank OZK
📚 Bainbridge Middle School
📚 Events and Moore (Household Supplies)
📚 First National Bank
📚 United Methodist Church
📚Heritage Foundation
📚 First Baptist Church
📚 Hutto Elementary
📚 Mt. Moriah II MB Church
📚 Jones-Wheat Primary
📚 The Vashti Center
📚 Envision Credit Union
📚 Anointed Eats & Catering
📚 Bainbridge Public Safety
📚 St. John's Episcopal Church
📚 Georgia Pines APEX Team
📚 New Beginning Learning Center
📚 Parent & Family Engagement
📚 West Bainbridge Primary
📚5 Star Credit Union
Together, we are building a stronger, better-prepared community. Here's to an amazing school year ahead! ✏️📓
#BearcatBlitz #CommunityStrong #DecaturCountyProud #BackToSchool
All Decatur County Schools bus routes remain the SAME as they were at the end of last school year — including pick-up/drop-off locations and times!
✅ Live out of town? No changes.
✅ Live in town and going to the same school? No changes.
⏰ The only possible change is for in-town students attending a different school this year — their pick-up/drop-off time may be slightly different.
Have questions? Feel free to call the Decatur County Schools Transportation Department: (229) 248-2204
#BearcatBus #BackToSchool #DecaturCountySchools
✅ Live out of town? No changes.
✅ Live in town and going to the same school? No changes.
⏰ The only possible change is for in-town students attending a different school this year — their pick-up/drop-off time may be slightly different.
Have questions? Feel free to call the Decatur County Schools Transportation Department: (229) 248-2204
#BearcatBus #BackToSchool #DecaturCountySchools
Get to Know Your Admin: Christy Cox
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
With 20 years of service in Decatur County Schools, Christy Cox brings a deep commitment to excellence and equity in education. As Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Cox plays a pivotal role in shaping the learning experiences of students across the district.
Her work focuses on ensuring that all students have access to high-quality instruction aligned with state standards. Through collaboration with teachers, principals, and district leaders, Cox helps implement effective curricula, leads professional development, and analyzes student data to support achievement and continuous improvement.
What led her to education? “I knew I wanted to work in a profession that made a difference,” says Cox. “But it wasn’t until I spent time in a classroom that I truly understood where my heart belonged.” It’s the meaningful connections with students and the chance to walk alongside them in their learning journey that first drew her in—and continue to inspire her every day.
Her favorite moments? Those “light bulb” moments when a student finally grasps a challenging concept. “That spark in a student’s eyes, that boost in their confidence, and the pride they feel when they finally ‘get it’—those moments are what continue to inspire me every day.”
Cox describes the most rewarding part of her current role as being present in classrooms. “Watching teachers engage students, apply strategies we've discussed, and create meaningful learning experiences,” she shares.
Looking ahead, she’s committed to staying on the cutting edge of education. A lifelong learner herself, Cox seeks to grow her expertise in curriculum design and instructional best practices so she can better serve educators and students throughout the district.
What drives her every day is a belief in students’ potential. “Education is more than just teaching standards; it’s about inspiring, nurturing, and empowering young minds.”
A Bit More About Mrs. Cox:
Hometown: Bainbridge, Georgia
Hobbies: Spending time with family and her dog, Merle; antiquing and discovering unique treasures from the past
Fun Fact: She couldn’t think of one… modesty at its finest!
Favorite Song: Goodness of God
Cox shares, “I am incredibly proud to work for the Decatur County School System because this is the very system that shaped and educated me. Growing up here, I experienced firsthand the dedication of our teachers, the strength of our community, and the impact a supportive school environment can have on a student’s life. Now, as an educator and leader, it’s an honor to give back to the district that gave so much to me. I’m committed to continuing the tradition of excellence and working to ensure that today’s students receive the same high-quality education and opportunities that helped me succeed.”
Her devotion to students, educators, and the community ensures that Bearcat learners are supported, challenged, and inspired every day. Thank you, Christy!
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
With 20 years of service in Decatur County Schools, Christy Cox brings a deep commitment to excellence and equity in education. As Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Cox plays a pivotal role in shaping the learning experiences of students across the district.
Her work focuses on ensuring that all students have access to high-quality instruction aligned with state standards. Through collaboration with teachers, principals, and district leaders, Cox helps implement effective curricula, leads professional development, and analyzes student data to support achievement and continuous improvement.
What led her to education? “I knew I wanted to work in a profession that made a difference,” says Cox. “But it wasn’t until I spent time in a classroom that I truly understood where my heart belonged.” It’s the meaningful connections with students and the chance to walk alongside them in their learning journey that first drew her in—and continue to inspire her every day.
Her favorite moments? Those “light bulb” moments when a student finally grasps a challenging concept. “That spark in a student’s eyes, that boost in their confidence, and the pride they feel when they finally ‘get it’—those moments are what continue to inspire me every day.”
Cox describes the most rewarding part of her current role as being present in classrooms. “Watching teachers engage students, apply strategies we've discussed, and create meaningful learning experiences,” she shares.
Looking ahead, she’s committed to staying on the cutting edge of education. A lifelong learner herself, Cox seeks to grow her expertise in curriculum design and instructional best practices so she can better serve educators and students throughout the district.
What drives her every day is a belief in students’ potential. “Education is more than just teaching standards; it’s about inspiring, nurturing, and empowering young minds.”
A Bit More About Mrs. Cox:
Hometown: Bainbridge, Georgia
Hobbies: Spending time with family and her dog, Merle; antiquing and discovering unique treasures from the past
Fun Fact: She couldn’t think of one… modesty at its finest!
Favorite Song: Goodness of God
Cox shares, “I am incredibly proud to work for the Decatur County School System because this is the very system that shaped and educated me. Growing up here, I experienced firsthand the dedication of our teachers, the strength of our community, and the impact a supportive school environment can have on a student’s life. Now, as an educator and leader, it’s an honor to give back to the district that gave so much to me. I’m committed to continuing the tradition of excellence and working to ensure that today’s students receive the same high-quality education and opportunities that helped me succeed.”
Her devotion to students, educators, and the community ensures that Bearcat learners are supported, challenged, and inspired every day. Thank you, Christy!
