At the Feb. 13 Pickens County Board of Education meeting, executive director of teaching and learning Dr. Abby May reported that the district is observing literacy month with family activities and a literacy night on Feb. 27 at Pickens Junior High.

May said free books will go home with all students in grades K–6 and the district will host its Pickens Page Turner project on March 1 at the high school, a student competition that accepts a variety of project types tied to a set of reading materials. She described the events as ways to engage families in reading at home.

May also reviewed the district’s work with a multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS). She said Jasper Middle served as a pilot school for MTSS in the previous year, partnering with the state Department of Education to align data and supports for attendance, behavior and academics. May said she presented the district’s MTSS approach at the GALE (Georgia Association of Educational Leaders) conference on Jan. 27 and that other districts have asked to collaborate on the protocol.

The district reminded families of winter break dates and other upcoming calendar items, and staff closed the report with congratulations to multiple schools and student programs.