About The Millen news. (Millen, Jenkins County, Ga.) 1903-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 25, 2024)
Page 8- Wednesday, December 25, 2024 The Millen News themillennews.com Millen Rotarians learn about Early Literacy in schools School Superintendent Dr. John Paul Hearn DEBORAH BENNETT Millen News Editor School Superintendent Dr. John Paul Hearn brought Mil len Rotarians up-to-date on school programs and activities at the group’s Dec. 11 meeting. Dr. Hearn, who is serving his second year as School Super intendent, said that he doesn’t consider his position a job. “I view it as a mission. I feel I am where God put me. And, I want us to be great. We are always looking for ways to improve,” he said. The importance of early literacy was a topic of discus sion with Dr. Hearn noting that the third grade is the “goal standard.” “It’s the grade where stu dents transition from learning to read to reading to learn,” he commented. “And, it’s the most accurate predictor of graduation. If a student is read ing on grade level in the third grade, then, they will most likely graduate.” He called attention to the HB538 Early Literacy Act, stating that if schools had been doing what they should have been doing, there would have been no need for the govern ment to step in. He outlined programs the local school system has implemented to comply with the legislative requirements and the training provided to teachers. “We have gotten back to using the Science of Reading to teach students to read,” Dr. Hearn said. The program uses phonics, vocabulary, flu ency, and comprehension to help students learn to read. He noted beginning next year all teachers at Jenkins County Elementary School must be certified in the program. The school provides opportunities for the required professional learning. Dr. Hearn also called atten tion to the school system’s improvement on the Georgia Milestone tests and praised staff for the hard work they are doing to make this possible. “Now, 84% of our students are already where they should be in May,” he said. “The num bers are higher than they have ever been.” Dr. Hearn noted that parents are taking a more active role in their student’s education and asked for volunteers to participate in the school sys tem’s new Literacy Mentor Program. Volunteers must pass a background check, complete 4 hours of training, and pledge one hour each week to meet with a student in K-3 grades. The school system will pay for the background check. Dr. Hearn has been em ployed by the Jenkins County School System since July 2005. He has served in several po sitions before being named School Superintendent. JOIN THE FUN 112 RECREATION DRIVE, MILLEN GA WINTER * WELLNESS WONDERLAND HEALTH FAIR ^ DECEMBER 28, 202*1 II AM - 2 PM FAMILY FUN FEATURING: ^ LIVE DJ, GAMES, FOOD, DOOR PRIZES, ARTS & CRAFTS & MORE!!! WELLNESS VENDORS, EXPERTS, & SCREENINGS SPONSORED BY: Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental DBHOD Disabilities SYLVAN IA REBATES REBATES 2024 Ford SUPER DUTIES 2024 Ford BRONCOS STARTING AT STARTING! AT STARTING] Stk# T4345 AT Stk# T4353 Stk# 14337 You Customers, We Call You SYLVAN IA *1.9% Financing Thru FMCC With Approved Credit. Excludes Raptors All Pricing Includes Dealer Fee. rontage Road West, Sylvania 912-564-7414 HURRICANE HELENE
