Scholars Academy

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Ms. Kathryn Pouncey 🌟 Meet Ms. Kathryn Pouncey, an inspiring educator with over 24 years of teaching experience! She has taught both Foreign Language and English as a Second Language, fueled by a lifelong love for language learning. Ms. Pouncey earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Foreign and Second Language Instruction, both from Florida State University. 🎓🌟 Originally from San Antonio, Texas, but raised in North Florida, Ms. Pouncey has spent the last 11 years in the Thomasville City School system, teaching at both Thomasville High School and Scholars Academy. She cherishes the relationships she’s built with her colleagues and students alike. ❤️ Inspired by her mother, an educator, and encouraged by her dad to apply to TCS, Ms. Pouncey feels right at home here. She has three amazing children: Joshua, who is studying architecture, Isa, a junior at Chiles, and Lili, a 3rd grader at Jerger Elementary. 🏡👩‍👧‍👦 Ms. Pouncey loves spending time with her family, especially at Disney World, traveling, reading, and binging her favorite shows. This past summer, she took a group of THS students to Spain and is excited to lead a group of 15 students to Italy and Greece in June 2025. She’s even working on her third language, Italian—“Non vedo l'ora!” (I can’t wait!) 🇮🇹✈️ When asked what she loves about teaching at Scholars Academy, Ms. Pouncey said, "I love the students and their incredible passion and motivation for learning, and the opportunity to see students grow from middle schoolers to high school seniors and all they accomplish in between!" 🌱 Thank you, Ms. Pouncey, for your dedication and enthusiasm! You make a profound impact on your students every day. 🌟

Thomasville City Schools will reopen Monday, September 30th on a normal schedule. The school system extends thanks to the City of Thomasville Public Works and utilities crews who have worked tirelessly to clear out streets and restore power to make it possible for us to reopen our schools.

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Crista Shaffer 🌟 Meet Mrs. Crista Shaffer, an exceptional educator with 22 years of experience! She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and two Master’s degrees—one in Secondary Math Education and another in Educational Leadership, all from the University of Florida. 🎓Originally from Blountstown, FL, Mrs. Shaffer and her family recently relocated to Thomasville after 25 wonderful years in Gainesville. They love the community and are thrilled to be here! 🏡💖 Fun fact: nachos are her favorite food! 🌮 She is excited about teaching Scholars classes next semester and we can’t wait to see her impact in the classroom! Thank you, Mrs. Shaffer, for your dedication to education! We’re looking forward to a fantastic semester ahead. 🌟

The National Honor Society (NHS) Induction and Pinning Ceremony, originally scheduled for Sunday, September 29th, has been postponed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will provide updated information regarding the rescheduled date as soon as it becomes available. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

🚨 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨 Due to school closures, Thomasville City Schools will be CLOSED on Thursday, September 26th and Friday, September 27th. The PSAT for High School Students has been rescheduled to October 16th. Please make a note of these changes, and stay tuned for further updates! Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Thomasville City Schools - The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. Following the morning severe weather briefing, a decision has been made to close school for students and staff on Thursday, September 26th & Friday, September 27th. Please continue to check the district website, social media, emails, and texts for further updates. Be weather prepared and stay connected!📲 #weatherprepared #thomasvillecityschools #thomasvillega

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Elaina Johnson 🌟 Meet Mrs. Elaina Johnson, one of our outstanding high school math teachers at Scholars Academy! This is her 9th year teaching, and she currently teaches Honors Geometry, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus AB/BC. 📐📊📏 Mrs. Johnson holds a B.S. in Statistics, an M.A.T. in Secondary Education, and is pursuing her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. Her passion for learning and growth shines through in her classroom! 🎓 A Thomasville native, Mrs. Johnson loves camping, beach trips, and spending time with friends and family. 🏕️🌅 She’s married to her high school sweetheart 💖 When asked what she loves most about teaching at Scholars Academy, Mrs. Johnson replied, "We have the best kids, supportive parents, and passionate staff!" 💫 Thank you for your dedication, Mrs. Johnson! You make a lasting impact every day. 🌟

Autism Training Schedule FY25 Training for Parent and Caregivers through GaDOE. For more information click here - https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/4d0fae50-b34f-41f5-bd8e-d434d8944b79@1aa55c83-0343-4ecb-bd39-bd7f43876bd7

⛈️🌀We are currently monitoring the weather. 🌀⛈️ Our top priority is our community and student's safety. We are working closely with weather forecasters, city officials, and local emergency management authorities. Please check the district website, social media, emails, and texts for further updates. Be prepared and stay connected!📲

🌟 HOTC Day - October 19, 2024 🌟 Students, don't miss out on the chance to earn 3 hours of community service! Mark your calendars and join us for a day of giving back. 📅 Deadline to sign up: Wednesday, September 25th Make sure to fill out the form and be part of something great! 🙌 https://forms.gle/BdVP9JAAMmWif4nY7

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Jennifer Peterson 🌟 Meet Mrs. Jennifer Peterson, one of our amazing educators at Scholars Academy! She has been teaching for 15 years, with 8 of those years dedicated to Thomasville City Schools. Mrs. Peterson has worked with students in grades 6-12, guiding them toward success. She earned her undergraduate degree from North Georgia College and State University (now University of North Georgia) and a Master’s from Walden University. Mrs. Peterson is married to Robbie and is a proud mom of three SA students! 🏫👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Originally from the Atlanta area, Mrs. Peterson moved to South Georgia in 2007. Her family attends First Baptist Church in Cairo, where she serves as a youth leader. In her free time, she loves traveling, camping, and cheering on her kids in their sports. 🌍🏕️⚽ Her favorite color is pink 💖, her go-to drink is Mt. Dew 🥤, and she enjoys Sunday afternoon naps. 😴 Mrs. Peterson loves working with students to help them become the best version of themselves. She values the collaboration between teachers and students that creates a fun and safe learning environment here at Scholars Academy! 💫 Thank you for all you do, Mrs. Peterson! 🌟

Middle school scholars wore their red and gold for game day during homecoming week! 🎉🏈 The halls buzzed with school spirit and excitement. Go team! 🥳❤️💛

🎶 Our middle school orchestra students had an incredible time attending the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra! 🎻 It was an unforgettable experience filled with inspiring performances and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional musicians. 🎵 Special thanks to the Valdosta Symphony for hosting us!

Yesterday was a blast at Scholars Academy as students and teachers rocked their best throwback looks for Decades Day! 🎉 From groovy '70s vibes ✌️ to '90s nostalgia 💾, everyone brought their A-game and school spirit! 🕺📚

Opposite Day was a blast! 🤯 Our students rocked the teacher look, and the teachers brought out their inner students! 📚👩‍🏫👟 From professional attire to slides and hoodies, everyone had fun flipping the script. Great spirit, Scholars Academy! 🙌

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Kedist Chen-Black 🌟 With a wealth of global teaching experience, Mrs. Chen-Black has lived and worked on 5 continents! She spent over 5 years teaching English as a Second Language in Japan, earned her Master’s in Education in Australia, and worked in a small regional school in the outback of Queensland. Her journey brought her to Texas, Georgia, and now the Scholars Academy, where she’s been for the past 3 years. With 3 advanced degrees, a Gifted Education endorsement, and 5 certifications, Mrs. Chen-Black is deeply committed to education. Born in Jamaica and raised in East Africa, she has a unique international perspective. Outside the classroom, she enjoys volunteering, reading 100 books a year, and spending time with her husband, Quentyn, and their 6-year-old daughter, Diana. She treasures working with her amazing team and especially loves reconnecting with students she taught in first grade. 📚🌍

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Joy Knop 🌟 With over 20 years of teaching experience at Jerger Elementary and the Scholars Academy, Mrs. Knop has taught everything from 1st grade to 6th-8th grade. She holds a Gifted certification and is passionate about education. Outside of the classroom, she's a dedicated mom to Levi and Lakin, and proudly goes by "Honey" to her grandchild, Lennon. Married to a Kansas cowboy who rode saddle broncs in college, she also runs the Levi Knop Memorial Scholarship foundation, organizing fundraisers to honor her son's legacy. A CrossFit Level 1 trainer, she coaches part-time at CrossFit Townie, where she enjoys lifting weights and helping others reach their fitness goals. Fun fact: she can't stand the material used in McDonald's drink holders! Teaching middle school became a new chapter after tragedy struck, but it's the incredible students and their supportive parents that keep her going every day. 💪📚

Today's 'Rhyme Without Reason' theme brought out some incredible creativity at SA!🎉 We saw everything from Mathletes and Athletes to PJs and DJs! 📊🏀🎧🛌 Our students, and teachers, really went all out with these fun and quirky combos. Well done, everyone!

❤️💛 Homecoming Week: Anything but a Bookbag Day! 💛❤️ Today, we had a blast celebrating “Anything but a Bookbag Day” for Homecoming Week! Students got creative, showing up with the most inventive and fun alternatives to their usual bookbags. From pet carriers to shopping carts and everything in between, it was fantastic to see everyone’s unique takes. 🌟👜

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Ms. Karen Daily 🌟 This is Ms. Daily's 17th year at the Scholars Academy and an impressive 30th year of teaching in Georgia! Before joining us, she taught in Dougherty County and the Pelham City School system. Originally from Ohio, Ms. Daily enjoys walking, hiking, traveling, capturing photos, and cheering on Ohio State Football! She is passionate about making a difference in her students' lives and feels grateful to work alongside such incredible teachers and administrators. We're lucky to have her on our team! 📚🍎