The Candler County Schools Program for Exception Children's Parent Advisory Team (PAT) recently honored Deniese Snelling for 10 years of service. Snelling has played a vital role in strengthening the partnership between families, schools, and the community.
Over the past decade, she has helped organize events for students and families, supported the Black Tie Tiger Club, and provided crucial input that led to the transition from Field Day to Buddy Ball and the establishment of the Best Buddies Club. She has worked closely with staff to raise awareness of family needs, helped connect families with community resources and outside agencies, guided fundraising decisions, and advocated for those less fortunate. In addition, Snelling has frequently assisted behind the scenes with event planning and even transported students on field trips to ensure they could enjoy meaningful experiences.
"Deniese has been a steady partner for families and a strong support for our district," says Christina Holland, Parent Mentor for the PEC. "We actually served on the team together as parents before I began my role at the school. Deniese was part of the original PAT team, which was created by former Parent Mentor, Carol Smith. Even back then, I could see how much heart she has for exceptional children."
Snelling's leadership, compassion, and commitment have touched the lives of many students and families in Candler County.
Pictured: (l-r) Dr. Robbie Dollar, CCSD Director of Special Education; Ms. Deniese Snelling; Ms. Christina Holland, Parent Mentor with the Program for Exceptional Children
Over the past decade, she has helped organize events for students and families, supported the Black Tie Tiger Club, and provided crucial input that led to the transition from Field Day to Buddy Ball and the establishment of the Best Buddies Club. She has worked closely with staff to raise awareness of family needs, helped connect families with community resources and outside agencies, guided fundraising decisions, and advocated for those less fortunate. In addition, Snelling has frequently assisted behind the scenes with event planning and even transported students on field trips to ensure they could enjoy meaningful experiences.
"Deniese has been a steady partner for families and a strong support for our district," says Christina Holland, Parent Mentor for the PEC. "We actually served on the team together as parents before I began my role at the school. Deniese was part of the original PAT team, which was created by former Parent Mentor, Carol Smith. Even back then, I could see how much heart she has for exceptional children."
Snelling's leadership, compassion, and commitment have touched the lives of many students and families in Candler County.
Pictured: (l-r) Dr. Robbie Dollar, CCSD Director of Special Education; Ms. Deniese Snelling; Ms. Christina Holland, Parent Mentor with the Program for Exceptional Children
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
The Candler County School District (CCSD) and the Candler County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and staff by continuing strong partnerships through training and drills.
Throughout the year, Sheriff’s Office personnel, School Resource Officers, the Metter Fire Department, and the Candler County Emergency Management Agency work closely with school administrators to plan and conduct critical safety drills. These include monthly Fire Drills, seasonal Weather Drills, and Intruder Drills.
In compliance with House Bill 147, CCSD will conduct an Intruder Drill prior to October 1. State law also requires that at least one Intruder Drill be held each school year, although schools may choose to have additional drills.
“While these types of events are rare, our priority is to be as prepared as possible for any situation that may occur,” said CCSD Superintendent Bubba Longgrear. “The safety of our students and staff is at the center of everything we do.”
Fire and Weather Drills will be led by the Metter Fire Department, Emergency Management Agency, and School Resource Officers, while the Candler County Sheriff’s Office will conduct the Intruder Drill. Deputies have also trained CCSD staff on best practices to help protect themselves and their students in emergency situations.
Sheriff John Miles emphasized the importance of these exercises: “We want our community to know this is a drill and there is no cause for alarm. Deputies will be on campus to conduct the drill and evaluate procedures so that we are ready should a real emergency ever occur.”
In the event of an actual emergency, CCSD administrators will work in coordination with local and state emergency personnel, including the Candler County Sheriff’s Office and the Candler County Emergency Management Agency. Parents can stay informed by downloading the Candler County Schools app on iphone or android, checking the school website, following official school social media pages, and receiving phone calls/texts from the school’s automated system.
“When drills take place, our communications team will send alerts through local media, the Candler County Schools app, website, and social media, just as they would in a true emergency,” Longgrear explained. “We ask parents not to rush to the school during a drill or an actual emergency. Doing so makes it harder for officers to manage the situation safely.”
CCSD extends its appreciation to all local emergency agencies for their ongoing dedication to the safety of our schools and community.
📸 Metter Middle School Fall Picture Day is coming up on Thursday, September 25!
Parents can conveniently order online in advance using a debit or credit card at the link below:
👉 Order Photos Online: https://bpiphotography.net/view-order-photos/
Skip the hassle of sending forms and money on picture day—ordering online makes it easy! But don't worry, you can still send the form and money on picture day!
Parents can conveniently order online in advance using a debit or credit card at the link below:
👉 Order Photos Online: https://bpiphotography.net/view-order-photos/
Skip the hassle of sending forms and money on picture day—ordering online makes it easy! But don't worry, you can still send the form and money on picture day!
Metter High School has released the information for Homecoming Week (Sept 29-Oct 3)!
You can see all the info on our website here: https://www.metter.org/o/mhs/page/homecoming
You can see all the info on our website here: https://www.metter.org/o/mhs/page/homecoming
Growing Our Own: Teacher Apprenticeship Program in Candler County
The Candler County School District is proud to partner with Georgia Southern University, the Georgia Department of Labor, and the Georgia Department of Education to participate in the Georgia Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (GaRTAP).
GaRTAP is a state-funded initiative designed to address teacher shortages across Georgia, especially in underserved communities. The program provides a “learn while you earn” pathway, allowing aspiring educators to complete required coursework and hands-on classroom experience while earning a paycheck.
This school year, 7 Georgia Southern University students and 3 East Georgia State College students are serving as Teacher Assistants at Metter Elementary School while participating in GaRTAP. Each student works part- or full-time while pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree and teacher certification. In addition to tuition assistance and a monthly paycheck, participants are paired with a dedicated teacher mentor who provides ongoing guidance and support.
“This program is a win-win,” said Assistant Superintendent, Dr. CaDeisha Cooper. “Our students benefit from the on-the-job training and mentoring that these paraprofessionals are receiving, and the GaRTAP participants gain valuable, real-world experience as they prepare to become certified teachers. We are fortunate to provide this opportunity for aspiring educators.”
By investing in programs like GaRTAP, the Candler County School District is helping to build a stronger teacher pipeline and ensure high-quality education for all students.
“We hope these Teacher Assistants will complete their education, earn their T-4 certification, and pass the GACE exam—ultimately choosing to remain in the Candler County School District as teachers," says Assistant Superintendent Dr. John Jordan. "Their success will benefit not only our students, but also our parents, schools, and the entire community."
“A key priority of our strategic plan is recruiting and retaining highly effective, intrinsically motivated, and passionate teachers and staff, says Superintendent Dr. Bubba Longgrear. “We are confident that the GaRTAP program will play a vital role in helping us continue to achieve this goal.”
If you may be interested in learning more about the GaRTAP, please reach out to Dr. CaDeisha Cooper at ccooper@metter.org.
Pictured top row left to right: Cheslee Monroe, Iyana Deloach, Agatha Grimes, Lizbeth Solis-Pantoja, Jessica Williams
Bottom row left to right: Anna Carter, Narcisa Aguilar, Ava Anderson, Zoey Sikes, Kelly White
The Candler County School District is proud to partner with Georgia Southern University, the Georgia Department of Labor, and the Georgia Department of Education to participate in the Georgia Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (GaRTAP).
GaRTAP is a state-funded initiative designed to address teacher shortages across Georgia, especially in underserved communities. The program provides a “learn while you earn” pathway, allowing aspiring educators to complete required coursework and hands-on classroom experience while earning a paycheck.
This school year, 7 Georgia Southern University students and 3 East Georgia State College students are serving as Teacher Assistants at Metter Elementary School while participating in GaRTAP. Each student works part- or full-time while pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree and teacher certification. In addition to tuition assistance and a monthly paycheck, participants are paired with a dedicated teacher mentor who provides ongoing guidance and support.
“This program is a win-win,” said Assistant Superintendent, Dr. CaDeisha Cooper. “Our students benefit from the on-the-job training and mentoring that these paraprofessionals are receiving, and the GaRTAP participants gain valuable, real-world experience as they prepare to become certified teachers. We are fortunate to provide this opportunity for aspiring educators.”
By investing in programs like GaRTAP, the Candler County School District is helping to build a stronger teacher pipeline and ensure high-quality education for all students.
“We hope these Teacher Assistants will complete their education, earn their T-4 certification, and pass the GACE exam—ultimately choosing to remain in the Candler County School District as teachers," says Assistant Superintendent Dr. John Jordan. "Their success will benefit not only our students, but also our parents, schools, and the entire community."
“A key priority of our strategic plan is recruiting and retaining highly effective, intrinsically motivated, and passionate teachers and staff, says Superintendent Dr. Bubba Longgrear. “We are confident that the GaRTAP program will play a vital role in helping us continue to achieve this goal.”
If you may be interested in learning more about the GaRTAP, please reach out to Dr. CaDeisha Cooper at ccooper@metter.org.
Pictured top row left to right: Cheslee Monroe, Iyana Deloach, Agatha Grimes, Lizbeth Solis-Pantoja, Jessica Williams
Bottom row left to right: Anna Carter, Narcisa Aguilar, Ava Anderson, Zoey Sikes, Kelly White
🚀 The Foundational Leadership Entrepreneur X-perience (FLEX) is gearing up for its 3rd year at Metter High School and Metter College & Career Academy—and we need your support!
FLEX gives students who already own—or dream of owning—a small business the chance to learn all the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. From writing business plans to creating presentations, product displays, and financials, students gain real-world experience in building a business from the ground up.
💡 FLEX is not only a program, but also a competition! Students work hard to earn a spot in the Top 10, Top 3, and Local Winner, with the chance to advance to the State Competition.
🌟 How you can help: Sponsorships are available at multiple levels. Your support will directly impact local students who want to build their businesses and keep them right here in our community.
👉 Learn more about FLEX and download the Sponsor Commitment Form here: https://www.metter.org/o/mcca/page/flex
FLEX gives students who already own—or dream of owning—a small business the chance to learn all the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. From writing business plans to creating presentations, product displays, and financials, students gain real-world experience in building a business from the ground up.
💡 FLEX is not only a program, but also a competition! Students work hard to earn a spot in the Top 10, Top 3, and Local Winner, with the chance to advance to the State Competition.
🌟 How you can help: Sponsorships are available at multiple levels. Your support will directly impact local students who want to build their businesses and keep them right here in our community.
👉 Learn more about FLEX and download the Sponsor Commitment Form here: https://www.metter.org/o/mcca/page/flex
The Candler County Board of Education voted Thursday night to tentatively roll back the millage rate to 13.987, the rate recommended by the Tax Commissioner. Despite the rollback, the Board will continue to qualify for state equalization funding. Recent legislation lowering the minimum millage rate required to receive state equalization funding made it possible for the Board to adopt the recommended rollback rate. Final rate will be adopted at the September 18th Board of Education meeting at 5 pm at the Board Office.
🔨✂️ Mr. Flynt Rigdon’s 8th grade students put their skills to work in the ag shop today, using the band saw to cut out their initials and other creative designs!
This year, our middle school ag students will get hands-on experience in woodworking, electrical, mechanics, and tool identification—all thanks to our new ag shop. We’re excited to see them learn, build, and grow! 🌟
This year, our middle school ag students will get hands-on experience in woodworking, electrical, mechanics, and tool identification—all thanks to our new ag shop. We’re excited to see them learn, build, and grow! 🌟
TIger Football action is back tonight in Tattnall County at 7:30 pm.
We’d love for you to be there in person to cheer on the Tigers! But, if you can’t make it, you can still catch all the action on WHCG Better 105.9 FM.
📻 Listen on the radio: 105.9 FM
💻 Listen online: https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cirruscontent/WHCG?fbclid=IwY2xjawMQVyNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnC_FrADlBpae9tNLALyubmcg7NTJ8sGQcWKB6VAbtqDw0sVFKTj8_MusrX2_aem_oYYRLp5pasSqjoa8q6hODA
We’d love for you to be there in person to cheer on the Tigers! But, if you can’t make it, you can still catch all the action on WHCG Better 105.9 FM.
📻 Listen on the radio: 105.9 FM
💻 Listen online: https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cirruscontent/WHCG?fbclid=IwY2xjawMQVyNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnC_FrADlBpae9tNLALyubmcg7NTJ8sGQcWKB6VAbtqDw0sVFKTj8_MusrX2_aem_oYYRLp5pasSqjoa8q6hODA
🌟 Transitioning Together: Navigating Autism & Adulthood 🌟
CCSD’s Ms. Christina Holland will be leading a session on Thursday, August 28 from 9:30–11:30 AM at Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro Campus – Hwy 301 CPE Campus (formerly East Georgia College, across from Ogeechee Technical College).
💡 This session will help families explore important steps for preparing students with autism for adulthood.
✅ Topics will include:
Why transition preparation matters
Levels of support
Legal planning basics
Postsecondary options
Safety
Adult services and supports
🤝 Agency tables available for resources & guidance:
Pineland DBHDD – family support services, waiver info, respite
Judge Tony Thompson, Probate Court – guardianship information
GVRA – employment supports
This is a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, learn, and plan for the future!
Register for the class here: https://www.enrole.com/georgiasouthern/jsp/session.jsp;jsessionid=9C5CCE9831893EB84AE2374AAFB6B959?sessionId=25FA-CP-NAUTADLT-01PS&courseId=NAUTADLT&categoryId=FE02C4E8
CCSD’s Ms. Christina Holland will be leading a session on Thursday, August 28 from 9:30–11:30 AM at Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro Campus – Hwy 301 CPE Campus (formerly East Georgia College, across from Ogeechee Technical College).
💡 This session will help families explore important steps for preparing students with autism for adulthood.
✅ Topics will include:
Why transition preparation matters
Levels of support
Legal planning basics
Postsecondary options
Safety
Adult services and supports
🤝 Agency tables available for resources & guidance:
Pineland DBHDD – family support services, waiver info, respite
Judge Tony Thompson, Probate Court – guardianship information
GVRA – employment supports
This is a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, learn, and plan for the future!
Register for the class here: https://www.enrole.com/georgiasouthern/jsp/session.jsp;jsessionid=9C5CCE9831893EB84AE2374AAFB6B959?sessionId=25FA-CP-NAUTADLT-01PS&courseId=NAUTADLT&categoryId=FE02C4E8
Cross country practice at the middle school has been cancelled for today.
MMS Softball game scheduled for today (8/11) has been cancelled.
6th Graders! We would like to encourage you to play Tackle Football with the @Metter-Candler Recreation Department this year! Register before August 29!
Registration forms can be picked up from the county offices at 1075 E Hiawatha St, Ste A, or downloaded from the county website: https://metter-candlercounty.com/better-community-county-parks-recreation_51_2972578830.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawMAcvBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFiV01zeGJNU0hvcTB2RGhvAR77VzEXN89pnTptYrBmKLGVBqVUYdLSBKuxrCmIZoqsAQiEzh3q1YmoV_PYxw_aem_KPUHPgD2RXdMB_bQ7zwx0Q
You can also register online using this link:
https://candlercountyga.governmentwindow.com/start.html?recreation=go&fbclid=IwY2xjawMAcwtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFiV01zeGJNU0hvcTB2RGhvAR64zqwHFI9uF37BauzdT5atM4W9bMRYGFWwNbnYMqfrtT8ZQnKqaE90smf3pQ_aem_0IF0yE5HiZH2HL4u5SFo8g
If you register online, please make sure to send a copy of your child’s birth certificate to mccrd@candlerco-ga.gov or bring a copy in person.
The age control date will be September 1, 2025. Your child's age on that date will determine which age group they may participate in.
The office will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and can be reached at (912) 685 2835 for questions or assistance with registration.
Registration forms can be picked up from the county offices at 1075 E Hiawatha St, Ste A, or downloaded from the county website: https://metter-candlercounty.com/better-community-county-parks-recreation_51_2972578830.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawMAcvBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFiV01zeGJNU0hvcTB2RGhvAR77VzEXN89pnTptYrBmKLGVBqVUYdLSBKuxrCmIZoqsAQiEzh3q1YmoV_PYxw_aem_KPUHPgD2RXdMB_bQ7zwx0Q
You can also register online using this link:
https://candlercountyga.governmentwindow.com/start.html?recreation=go&fbclid=IwY2xjawMAcwtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFiV01zeGJNU0hvcTB2RGhvAR64zqwHFI9uF37BauzdT5atM4W9bMRYGFWwNbnYMqfrtT8ZQnKqaE90smf3pQ_aem_0IF0yE5HiZH2HL4u5SFo8g
If you register online, please make sure to send a copy of your child’s birth certificate to mccrd@candlerco-ga.gov or bring a copy in person.
The age control date will be September 1, 2025. Your child's age on that date will determine which age group they may participate in.
The office will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and can be reached at (912) 685 2835 for questions or assistance with registration.
MMS Cross Country Tryouts, Softball Practice, and Football Practice have been cancelled for today (August 5) due to weather.
Athletics for the week of August 4-10
*schedules are subject to change*
*schedules are subject to change*
MMS Football practice has been canceled for today, Thursday, July 31. We will resume practice after school on Monday.
⭐Important Update for Parents of Current MMS Students⭐
To ensure a smooth transition into the 2025-2026 school year, all parents of current students are required to update their information on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. **Registration must be complete to ensure that students' schedules are available for Open House on July 30**
Visit our website at https://www.metter.org/page/registration for detailed instructions and updates.
Link for Infinite Campus: https://candlerga.infinitecampus.org/.../parents/candler.jsp
Trouble with Your Login?
If you're having issues with your password or username, email our support team at icsupport@metter.org for assistance. **No username/password issues will be handled over the phone.**
New Requirement for This Year
All families must provide proof of Candler County residency for the upcoming school year. Find all the necessary details and instructions on our website at the link above.
Successful? You will receive an automated email if your application process was successful. If not, you will receive an email of what your application needs to be successfully processed. Please check your email often.
To ensure a smooth transition into the 2025-2026 school year, all parents of current students are required to update their information on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. **Registration must be complete to ensure that students' schedules are available for Open House on July 30**
Visit our website at https://www.metter.org/page/registration for detailed instructions and updates.
Link for Infinite Campus: https://candlerga.infinitecampus.org/.../parents/candler.jsp
Trouble with Your Login?
If you're having issues with your password or username, email our support team at icsupport@metter.org for assistance. **No username/password issues will be handled over the phone.**
New Requirement for This Year
All families must provide proof of Candler County residency for the upcoming school year. Find all the necessary details and instructions on our website at the link above.
Successful? You will receive an automated email if your application process was successful. If not, you will receive an email of what your application needs to be successfully processed. Please check your email often.
The 2025-2026 School Supply Lists are available now!
Click on the link and then click on your school!
https://www.metter.org/article/2291623
Save the Date! On Wednesday, July 9, from 10am until 11 am, the SWIRL council and friends will be at Metter Farmers Furniture to offer books, crafts and smiles! Each child gets a FREE book! Please join us!
The SWIRL (Speaking, Writing, Illustrating, Reading and Listening) Council, along with East Georgia State College, hosted an Adventure in the Park today in the Downtown Park. Guests were able to create lots of fun crafts, take home some free books and participate in a scavenger hunt! Miss EGSC, Katelyn Harris, read the guests an Eric Carl book. Special thanks to another host, the Georgia Youth Science & Technology Center and their coordinator, Ms. Erin Youmans who provided many of the activities and books given out today.
If you would like to attend our next event, complete the following form and we'll add you to our email list for notifications! Form: https://forms.gle/UgfTeqQU8vPakNfh9
