Decatur County Schools is proud to support the Annual Decatur County MLK Commemoration Celebration, presented by the Decatur County MLK Committee. We invite our students, families, staff, and the entire community to come together for a meaningful morning of reflection, unity, and service.
🗓 January 19, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM
📍 Hutto Elementary School
This year’s celebration highlights powerful representation from our school system, including:
Dr. Darius Peterson, Assistant Principal at Hutto Elementary School
Sgt. Scott Moorehouse, Principal at Hutto Elementary School
Dr. Boyd English, Superintendent of Decatur County Schools
Mr. Kelvin Bouie, DCBOE Board Member
Student and staff involvement from across Decatur County Schools, including Bearcat Ambassadors, Bainbridge High School JROTC, school choruses, and leadership.
We are honored to see our schools serving as a platform for leadership, service, and community connection as we celebrate Dr. King’s enduring impact.
✨ All are welcome. We hope to see you there. ✨
#MLKDay2026 #CelebratingLifeAndLegacy #DecaturCountySchools #TheBearcatWay #CommunityUnity #ServiceAndLeadership
🗓 January 19, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM
📍 Hutto Elementary School
This year’s celebration highlights powerful representation from our school system, including:
Dr. Darius Peterson, Assistant Principal at Hutto Elementary School
Sgt. Scott Moorehouse, Principal at Hutto Elementary School
Dr. Boyd English, Superintendent of Decatur County Schools
Mr. Kelvin Bouie, DCBOE Board Member
Student and staff involvement from across Decatur County Schools, including Bearcat Ambassadors, Bainbridge High School JROTC, school choruses, and leadership.
We are honored to see our schools serving as a platform for leadership, service, and community connection as we celebrate Dr. King’s enduring impact.
✨ All are welcome. We hope to see you there. ✨
#MLKDay2026 #CelebratingLifeAndLegacy #DecaturCountySchools #TheBearcatWay #CommunityUnity #ServiceAndLeadership
Decatur County Schools is committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all students and families. To support this effort, OPENGATE Security Systems are now in use at the primary and elementary levels.
At Jones Wheat Primary (JWP) and West Bainbridge Primary (WBP), OPENGATE is located in the front office safety vestibules for parent and visitor entry. At Hutto Elementary, OPENGATE systems are placed at areas of entry used by both students and adults, including the lobby, gym, and cafeteria.
OPENGATE allows individuals to walk through without stopping or removing belongings, helping maintain efficient entry while enhancing school safety.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep the Bearcat Family safe every day.
📣 We’re hiring! Decatur County Schools is looking for a dedicated Instructional Coach to join our Bearcat Family! 🐾
If you’re passionate about supporting teachers, strengthening instructional practices, and helping students succeed, we want to hear from you.
👉 Apply today: https://sites.google.com/dcboe.com/dcboe-apply/home
📞 Or call: 229-248-2200
#NowHiring #BearcatFamily #DecaturCountySchools #InstructionalCoach
If you’re passionate about supporting teachers, strengthening instructional practices, and helping students succeed, we want to hear from you.
👉 Apply today: https://sites.google.com/dcboe.com/dcboe-apply/home
📞 Or call: 229-248-2200
#NowHiring #BearcatFamily #DecaturCountySchools #InstructionalCoach
Join us for a Meet and Greet with Jamey DuBose, the new Bearcats Head Football Coach! 🏈💜💛
Come out to the Willis Park Gazebo in Downtown Bainbridge on January 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to welcome Coach DuBose to the Bearcat family. This is a great opportunity for players, parents, fans, and community members to meet the coach, hear about his vision for the program, and show support for Bearcat football.
Let’s come together as a community and kick off an exciting new chapter for Bearcat football!
📍 Location: Willis Park, Downtown Bainbridge (Gazebo)
📅 Date: January 22, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 p.m.
Come out to the Willis Park Gazebo in Downtown Bainbridge on January 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to welcome Coach DuBose to the Bearcat family. This is a great opportunity for players, parents, fans, and community members to meet the coach, hear about his vision for the program, and show support for Bearcat football.
Let’s come together as a community and kick off an exciting new chapter for Bearcat football!
📍 Location: Willis Park, Downtown Bainbridge (Gazebo)
📅 Date: January 22, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 p.m.
Our teachers recently came together to collaborate across grade levels with one shared goal: helping students succeed at every stage of their learning.
During the meeting, teachers talked through what students learn each year to make sure skills and expectations build smoothly from one grade to the next. They identified areas where students may need extra support and worked to avoid unnecessary repetition, creating a more seamless learning experience.
By aligning key vocabulary, teaching methods, and how student learning is measured, teachers ensured consistency and clarity for students as they move forward in school. This teamwork reflects a strong commitment to high expectations, clear communication, and continuous improvement—so every student is supported, challenged, and prepared for what comes next.
During the meeting, teachers talked through what students learn each year to make sure skills and expectations build smoothly from one grade to the next. They identified areas where students may need extra support and worked to avoid unnecessary repetition, creating a more seamless learning experience.
By aligning key vocabulary, teaching methods, and how student learning is measured, teachers ensured consistency and clarity for students as they move forward in school. This teamwork reflects a strong commitment to high expectations, clear communication, and continuous improvement—so every student is supported, challenged, and prepared for what comes next.
📣 Save the Date! 📣
Online Pre-K Registration for Decatur County Schools opens February 10, 2026!
🖥️ Register online at: https://www.dcboe.com/page/enrollment
More details coming soon—be sure to mark your calendar!
Online Pre-K Registration for Decatur County Schools opens February 10, 2026!
🖥️ Register online at: https://www.dcboe.com/page/enrollment
More details coming soon—be sure to mark your calendar!
Decatur County Schools will be closed on Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Take some time to honor Dr. King's legacy and his message of equality, justice, and service. Classes will be back in session on Tuesday, January 20.
#MLKDay #JusticeAndService #DecaturCountySchools #DCBOE #TheBearcatWay
#MLKDay #JusticeAndService #DecaturCountySchools #DCBOE #TheBearcatWay
📣 We’re hiring! Decatur County Schools is looking for a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist to join our Bearcat Family! 🐾
If you’re passionate about supporting students’ communication needs and making a meaningful difference, we want to hear from you.
👉 Apply today: https://sites.google.com/dcboe.com/dcboe-apply/home
📞 Or call: 229-248-2200
#NowHiring #BearcatFamily #DecaturCountySchools #SpeechLanguagePathologist
If you’re passionate about supporting students’ communication needs and making a meaningful difference, we want to hear from you.
👉 Apply today: https://sites.google.com/dcboe.com/dcboe-apply/home
📞 Or call: 229-248-2200
#NowHiring #BearcatFamily #DecaturCountySchools #SpeechLanguagePathologist
Our hearts are full after such a wonderful first day back for the Bearcat family! Thank you to our amazing staff for preparing welcoming schools and to our students for bringing the smiles, excitement, and Bearcat pride!
We’re so glad you’re back!
We’re so glad you’re back!
📣 We’re hiring! Decatur County Schools is looking for a dedicated 6–8 Content Teacher to join our Bearcat Family! 🐾
If you’re passionate about supporting students and making a difference in the classroom, we want to hear from you.
👉 Apply today: https://sites.google.com/dcboe.com/dcboe-apply/home
📞 Or call: 229-248-2200
#NowHiring #BearcatFamily #DecaturCountySchools
If you’re passionate about supporting students and making a difference in the classroom, we want to hear from you.
👉 Apply today: https://sites.google.com/dcboe.com/dcboe-apply/home
📞 Or call: 229-248-2200
#NowHiring #BearcatFamily #DecaturCountySchools
💜💛 We're Ready!
Tomorrow morning, January 7, our halls will once again be filled with laughter, learning, and Bearcat pride. There’s nothing quite like having our students back where they belong, and we truly can’t wait to see each smiling face walk through our doors.
As we start the new semester, here are a few friendly reminders for families:
📵 Helping Students Stay Focused
Beginning January 1, and in accordance with Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act (HB 340), a new electronic device procedure is in place across all Decatur County schools. During instructional time, phones, smart watches, AirPods, and similar connected devices should be stored away, helping our students stay engaged and present in the classroom.
📄 Report Cards Are Coming
Report cards will be released tomorrow, January 7, so be sure to take a look and celebrate your child’s progress.
🔒 Keeping Our Schools Safe
All campuses are equipped with OPENGATE security systems, helping ensure a safe and welcoming environment for our students and staff every day.
We’ve truly missed the energy our students bring, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone bright and early in the morning. It’s a great day to be a Bearcat — and an even better day to have our kids back. 🐾💜💛
Tomorrow morning, January 7, our halls will once again be filled with laughter, learning, and Bearcat pride. There’s nothing quite like having our students back where they belong, and we truly can’t wait to see each smiling face walk through our doors.
As we start the new semester, here are a few friendly reminders for families:
📵 Helping Students Stay Focused
Beginning January 1, and in accordance with Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act (HB 340), a new electronic device procedure is in place across all Decatur County schools. During instructional time, phones, smart watches, AirPods, and similar connected devices should be stored away, helping our students stay engaged and present in the classroom.
📄 Report Cards Are Coming
Report cards will be released tomorrow, January 7, so be sure to take a look and celebrate your child’s progress.
🔒 Keeping Our Schools Safe
All campuses are equipped with OPENGATE security systems, helping ensure a safe and welcoming environment for our students and staff every day.
We’ve truly missed the energy our students bring, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone bright and early in the morning. It’s a great day to be a Bearcat — and an even better day to have our kids back. 🐾💜💛
🎓 Report Cards Coming Soon! 🎓
Decatur County Schools students’ progress reports will be released on January 7th
📊 Don’t wait to stay informed!
Parents and guardians can check grades, attendance, and more anytime through the Parent Portal (Infinite Campus):
👉 https://campus.dcboe.com/campus/portal/decaturco.jsp
#BearcatPride #DecaturCountySchools #TheBearcatWay
Decatur County Schools students’ progress reports will be released on January 7th
📊 Don’t wait to stay informed!
Parents and guardians can check grades, attendance, and more anytime through the Parent Portal (Infinite Campus):
👉 https://campus.dcboe.com/campus/portal/decaturco.jsp
#BearcatPride #DecaturCountySchools #TheBearcatWay
Now Hiring: Head Softball Coach & Teacher
Decatur County Schools seeks a dedicated, experienced individual to join our team as the Head High School Softball Coach and Teacher. This
position will lead and manage all aspects of the softball program while also fulfilling teaching duties.
See link for more details:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bYTUG_BUY9Vl5jYdn89sPqsw5MkiW_5vwGMpzIHdBB0/edit?tab=t.0
#DCBOE #Hiring #Softball #Coach #Teacher #TheBearcatWay #DecaturCountySchools
Decatur County Schools seeks a dedicated, experienced individual to join our team as the Head High School Softball Coach and Teacher. This
position will lead and manage all aspects of the softball program while also fulfilling teaching duties.
See link for more details:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bYTUG_BUY9Vl5jYdn89sPqsw5MkiW_5vwGMpzIHdBB0/edit?tab=t.0
#DCBOE #Hiring #Softball #Coach #Teacher #TheBearcatWay #DecaturCountySchools
In the new year, Decatur County Schools remains committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment on every campus for our students, faculty, and staff. As part of this ongoing commitment, OPENGATE Security Systems are in use across all Decatur County Schools campuses, including primary and elementary schools, as a proactive measure to help keep our schools weapon free.
The OPENGATE Security System is an advanced, walk-through weapons detection system designed to enhance school safety while maintaining a smooth flow of student entry. Unlike traditional metal detectors, OPENGATE uses advanced sensors to detect weapons and prohibited items without requiring students to stop, empty their pockets, or remove backpacks. This allows for efficient and non-intrusive screening, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as school entrances.
OPENGATE provides an added layer of protection for students and staff. The system is portable, quick to set up, and built to detect a wide range of threats while minimizing false alarms. With its modern design and cutting-edge technology, OPENGATE supports the district’s commitment to creating safe, secure, and nurturing learning environments across all grade levels.
We encourage families to continue emphasizing the importance of school safety and working together to help keep the Bearcat Family safe on every campus, every day.
See how OPENGATE is making a difference in some of the largest school districts in the country, like Brevard County:
https://youtu.be/0_bNqaGNh9g
The OPENGATE Security System is an advanced, walk-through weapons detection system designed to enhance school safety while maintaining a smooth flow of student entry. Unlike traditional metal detectors, OPENGATE uses advanced sensors to detect weapons and prohibited items without requiring students to stop, empty their pockets, or remove backpacks. This allows for efficient and non-intrusive screening, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as school entrances.
OPENGATE provides an added layer of protection for students and staff. The system is portable, quick to set up, and built to detect a wide range of threats while minimizing false alarms. With its modern design and cutting-edge technology, OPENGATE supports the district’s commitment to creating safe, secure, and nurturing learning environments across all grade levels.
We encourage families to continue emphasizing the importance of school safety and working together to help keep the Bearcat Family safe on every campus, every day.
See how OPENGATE is making a difference in some of the largest school districts in the country, like Brevard County:
https://youtu.be/0_bNqaGNh9g
Beginning January 1, all K–12 Decatur County Schools will implement a new electronic device procedure in accordance with Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act (HB 340).
Phones, smart watches, AirPods, and any electronic devices with the capacity to connect to a student’s phone will be prohibited during instructional time.
Phones, smart watches, AirPods, and any electronic devices with the capacity to connect to a student’s phone will be prohibited during instructional time.
✨🍔 Grillin’ for the Greatest 🌭✨
Shout out to our amazing friends at First National Bank for their continued support of all our educators and staff across Decatur County Schools! 💛
We were proud to celebrate New Beginnings Learning Center educators during Grillin’ for the Greatest, made possible by First National Bank. Their team went above and beyond—showing up early to grill hamburgers and serve the meal—making our staff feel truly appreciated.
Support like this means so much, and we are grateful for community partners who consistently invest in the people who pour into our students every day. 🐾💜
#GrillinForTheGreatest #ThankYouFirstNationalBank #NBLC #TeacherAppreciation #CommunitySupport #TheBearcatWay
Shout out to our amazing friends at First National Bank for their continued support of all our educators and staff across Decatur County Schools! 💛
We were proud to celebrate New Beginnings Learning Center educators during Grillin’ for the Greatest, made possible by First National Bank. Their team went above and beyond—showing up early to grill hamburgers and serve the meal—making our staff feel truly appreciated.
Support like this means so much, and we are grateful for community partners who consistently invest in the people who pour into our students every day. 🐾💜
#GrillinForTheGreatest #ThankYouFirstNationalBank #NBLC #TeacherAppreciation #CommunitySupport #TheBearcatWay
📌 Flu Season Health & Safety Reminder for Families
Flu season is upon us and here are a few reminders to help keep our schools healthy :
🦠 Wash hands often with soap and water
🦠 Cover coughs and sneezes
🦠 Keep students home if they have a fever or flu-like symptoms
🦠Students must be fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications before returning to school
🦠Consider talking with your child’s health care provider about the flu vaccination
🚨🤒When to keep your child home:
If your child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, severe cough, or feels unwell please keep them home and allow time to recover before returning to school.
💜 Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students, staff, and schools healthy throughout flu season.
Flu season is upon us and here are a few reminders to help keep our schools healthy :
🦠 Wash hands often with soap and water
🦠 Cover coughs and sneezes
🦠 Keep students home if they have a fever or flu-like symptoms
🦠Students must be fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications before returning to school
🦠Consider talking with your child’s health care provider about the flu vaccination
🚨🤒When to keep your child home:
If your child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, severe cough, or feels unwell please keep them home and allow time to recover before returning to school.
💜 Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students, staff, and schools healthy throughout flu season.
Welcome back, teachers! 💜💛
We’re so excited to kick off a new year with the incredible educators who make a difference every single day. Thank you for your passion, dedication, and heart for our students. Here’s to a great year ahead—the Bearcat Way!
We’re so excited to kick off a new year with the incredible educators who make a difference every single day. Thank you for your passion, dedication, and heart for our students. Here’s to a great year ahead—the Bearcat Way!
Beginning January 1, all K–12 Decatur County Schools will implement a new electronic device procedure in accordance with Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act (HB 340).
Phones, smart watches, AirPods, and any electronic devices with the capacity to connect to a student’s phone will be prohibited during instructional time.
Phones, smart watches, AirPods, and any electronic devices with the capacity to connect to a student’s phone will be prohibited during instructional time.
🚨 Substitute Training🚨
Friday, January 9th at 9:00 AM at the Decatur County BOE
📍 1417 Dothan Rd, Bainbridge, GA
✅ Don’t miss this important session if you plan to substitute this school year!
#DecaturCountySchools #SubstituteTraining #ProudTraditionPromisingFuture
