Brockston Mary Hayes Elementary principal summarizes student growth, attendance and engagement initiatives

Principal Tina Sapp told the Coffee County Board of Education that Brockston Mary Hayes Elementary’s enrollment increased this year to about 310 students and staff numbers rose to roughly 50 following rezoning.

Sapp said the school’s three instructional priorities for 2024–25 are reading, writing and math, and she described classroom programs and professional learning the faculty has adopted. “Success begins with you,” she said, naming the year’s focus. She cited new materials and programs including a new math series, Lexia, and Hegarty, and said teachers and the school academic coach are engaged in ongoing professional learning.

Why it matters: Sapp framed the changes as part of a school-improvement effort intended to raise early literacy and sustain gains through fifth grade. She emphasized attendance and school culture initiatives—photo booths and spirit days, attendance celebrations, and recognition programs tied to character awards—that the school uses to boost student engagement.

At the meeting Sapp noted community partnerships and recognitions: New Hope Covenant Church sponsors two monthly character awards, and the school was recognized in its first year of implementing the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program. She also described summer leadership and professional learning experiences staff attended and said earlier storm-related disruptions were managed by staff working together.

Board response and next steps: Board members praised Sapp’s presentation; the item was a report to the board and did not include formal board action. Sapp thanked the board for the opportunity to present and closed by restating the school’s slogan and noting the role of stakeholders in student success.

Ending: The presentation was informational; no vote or formal directive was recorded.