Mr. Winger, we hope you know how much you mean to the people at Eighth Street Middle School. There is a lot that comes with your job that never makes it into a Facebook post, but we see it, and we appreciate it.

Thank you for being someone we can count on, for listening, and for caring so much about this school and the people in it. As National Principals Month comes to a close, we’re glad to have the chance to say what we may not say often enough: we’re grateful you’re our principal.
4 days ago, Krista Griffin
Navy, silver, and sky-blue National Principals Month graphic honoring Mr. Winger at Eighth Street Middle School. His smiling portrait appears on the right, with a photo of the school across the bottom and Tift County T logos at the top and bottom. Text reads “Thank You, Mr. Winger!” and expresses appreciation for his selflessness, leadership, support for staff, willingness to cover classes, and dedication to students.
Mr. Winger, we hope you know how much you mean to the people at Eighth Street Middle School. There is a lot that comes with your job that never makes it into a Facebook post, but we see it, and we appreciate it. Thank you for being someone we can count on, for listening, and for caring so much about this school and the people in it. As National Principals Month comes to a close, we’re glad to have the chance to say what we may not say often enough: we’re grateful you’re our principal.
We are so proud of our three Eighth Street Middle School FFA teams who competed at the Albany Fair!

Our Floriculture and Veterinary Science teams put their knowledge and skills to the test, while our Livestock Evaluation team earned an impressive 4th-place finish in the Junior Division!

Congratulations to all of our FFA members for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding representation of ESMS. We are proud of you!

#4theT
10 minutes ago, Krista Griffin
Navy and gold Eighth Street Middle School FFA graphic recognizing three teams that competed at the Albany Fair. Three photo frames have captions listing members from left to right. Floriculture: Lily Goodman, Anita Howard, Ella Moore, Lizvet Rios, and Brooklyn Dickey. Veterinary Science: Elizabeth Nipper, Emily Garza, Peyton Taylor, and Emma Crawford. Livestock Evaluation: Davis Thompson, Jackson Walker, Zoey Claunch, Tessah Suggs, and Dahlia McRae. A gold ribbon recognizes Livestock Evaluation’s 4th-place finish in the Junior Division. Gold fair illustrations decorate the bottom.
🏀 Middle School Girls Basketball Results 🏀

Our Middle School Lady Devils traveled to Hahira yesterday for some basketball action!

🔵 7th Grade: WIN! 36–24 💪

🔵 8th Grade: Fell short, 18–31

Congratulations to our 7th grade team on the victory, and great effort by both teams! Keep working hard!

#4theT
about 5 hours ago, Dana Spurlin
Middle School Girls scores
🎨🎭 Celebrate the Arts in Downtown Tifton! 🎶🖌️

Make plans to attend the Arts Affair this Saturday, November 7th, from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM!

Sponsored by the Tifton Council for the Arts, this special event is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the arts in the heart of Downtown Tifton!

📅 Saturday, November 7th
⏰ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 255 Love Avenue

Bring your family and friends and enjoy a day celebrating creativity and the arts! 🎨✨

#4theT
about 7 hours ago, Dana Spurlin
Arts Affair Flyer
📚🍂 Turn the page to November!

Check out the Tifton–Tift County Public Library’s November calendar of events and plan a visit with your family. It’s a great way to spend time together, explore new interests, and keep the love of reading growing!

📅 Find the English and Spanish versions of the calendar on our Community Events page: https://www.tiftschools.com/page/community-events

#4theT
about 24 hours ago, Dana Spurlin
Library Calendar of Events
💙 A new week means plenty happening at ESMS!

Check out The Weekly T for November 2–6 to stay up to date on athletics, club practices, breakfast and lunch menus, and important upcoming dates!

🥫 Our ESMS Food Drive kicks off this week and runs through November 13! Students are encouraged to bring ready-to-eat food items to their homerooms. The homeroom collecting the most items at each grade level will receive a reward!

🏀🏊 We've also got basketball, wrestling, swimming, and several club practices on the calendar this week.

🎶 Looking ahead, All-State Chorus Auditions are Saturday, November 7!

Take a look at this week's newsletter, mark your calendars, and help us keep our Blue Devil families informed!

#4theT
about 24 hours ago, Krista Griffin
The Weekly T newsletter for Eighth Street Middle School, November 2–6, 2026. The navy, white, and gray newsletter features the weekly Athletics/Clubs schedule, ESMS Food Drive, breakfast and lunch menus, important upcoming dates, and a family reminder. Monday, November 2: ATE Practice and Land Judging Practice at 3:45 PM; boys basketball versus Hahira at 4 PM in the ESMS Gym; girls basketball at Hahira at 4 PM; and One Voice Practice from 6–8 PM. Tuesday, November 3: Floriculture Practice and All-State Chorus Practice at 3:45 PM. Wednesday, November 4: Floriculture Practice, Wildlife Management Practice, and All-State Chorus Practice at 3:45 PM; middle school wrestling versus Lowndes at 4 PM. Thursday, November 5: ATE Practice from 3:45–4:45 PM; boys basketball at Colquitt County and girls basketball versus Colquitt County in the ESMS Gym at 5 PM; swimming at Ducktona from 6–7:30 PM. Friday, November 6: Swimming at Coffee County from 2–6 PM and Livestock Practice at 3:45 PM. The ESMS Food Drive runs November 2–13. Students are encouraged to donate ready-to-eat items such as macaroni and cheese cups, ramen, and ravioli. Homerooms will collect donations, and the homeroom collecting the most items within each grade level will receive a reward. The breakfast and lunch menu lists daily meals for November 2–6, including Walking Taco Tuesday and Wednesday's Blue Devil Brunch. Assorted pizza, salad bar, and colorful fruits and vegetables are available daily at lunch. Important upcoming dates include All-State Audition Day on November 7, Thanksgiving Break November 23–27, the last day of the first semester December 18, and Winter/Christmas Break December 21–January 1. The Family Reminder asks families to ensure students arrive on time, prepared for the day, and following the ESMS dress code.
🍎🥞 Breakfast & Lunch Menus | November 2–6 🍽️

What's cooking this week in Tift County Schools? Check out our weekly breakfast and lunch menus to see what's being served in our cafeterias!

📱 Remember! Menus are always available on our district website and in the TiftSchools App under the Dining section.

#4theT
2 days ago, Dana Spurlin
Nov 2 - 6 Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Nov 2 - 6 Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Nov 2 - 6 Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Nov 2 - 6 Breakfast and Lunch Menus

🍎🥪 November Breakfast & Lunch Menus Are Now Available! 🍽️

Planning ahead? We've got you covered! The breakfast and lunch menus for the entire month of November are now posted!

📱 Did you know? School menus are always available on our websites and in the TiftSchools App under the Dining section.

We'll continue sharing weekly menus right here, too!

👉 View November menus at any time at: https://www.tiftschools.com/documents/school-nutrition/menus/november-monthly-menus/26649224

#4theT

4 days ago, Dana Spurlin
November Breakfast and Lunch Menu
November Breakfast and Lunch Menu
November Breakfast and Lunch Menu
November Breakfast and Lunch Menu
🌟 SEPTEMBER BLUE DEVILS OF THE MONTH | CONNECTIONS 🌟

Congratulations to our September Connections Blue Devils of the Month! 💙

These students have been recognized for the positive examples they set in their Connections classes at Eighth Street Middle School. We are proud of their efforts, their attitudes, and the way they represent ESMS each day!

👏 Way to go, Blue Devils!

#4theT
4 days ago, Krista Griffin
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
🌟 SEPTEMBER BLUE DEVILS OF THE MONTH | 8TH GRADE 🌟

Congratulations to our September 8th Grade Blue Devils of the Month! 💙

These students have been recognized for the positive examples they set in their classrooms at Eighth Street Middle School. We are proud of their efforts, their attitudes, and the way they represent ESMS each day!

👏 Way to go, Blue Devils!

#4theT
4 days ago, Krista Griffin
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
🌟 SEPTEMBER BLUE DEVILS OF THE MONTH | 7TH GRADE 🌟

Congratulations to our September 7th Grade Blue Devils of the Month! 💙

These students have been recognized for the positive examples they set in their classrooms at Eighth Street Middle School. We are proud of their efforts, their attitudes, and the way they represent ESMS each day!

👏 Way to go, Blue Devils!

#4theT
4 days ago, Krista Griffin
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
🌟 SEPTEMBER BLUE DEVILS OF THE MONTH | 6TH GRADE 🌟

Congratulations to our September 6th Grade Blue Devils of the Month! 💙

These students have been recognized for the positive examples they set in their classrooms at Eighth Street Middle School. We are proud of their efforts, their attitudes, and the way they represent ESMS each day!

👏 Way to go, Blue Devils!

#4theT
4 days ago, Krista Griffin
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Eighth Street Middle School graphic celebrating the September [6th/7th/8th and connections] Grade Blue Devils of the Month. The graphic features the students selected for this recognition and highlights their achievement as Blue Devils of the Month.
Hard work in the show ring deserves a spotlight! Congratulations to ESMS student Will McClendon on his accomplishments at the Georgia National Fair Livestock Show!

Will earned 10th place in 7th Grade Showmanship and 8th place in his class. We’re proud of the time, care, and dedication he puts into showing his goat. Way to represent Eighth Street Middle School, Will!
4 days ago, Krista Griffin
Eighth Street Middle School congratulates Will McClendon on his results at the Georgia National Fair Livestock Show. Will is pictured in the show ring wearing a blue checked shirt and handling a brown-and-white goat. Blue-and-gold award ribbons highlight 10th place in 7th Grade Showmanship and 8th place in his class. The graphic has a navy, light blue, and white background with gold accents.
💙 A little extra help makes a big difference!

Our ESMS FBLA members have been busy getting everything ready for Friday’s Teacher Luncheon! These students took the initiative to help prepare a special setting for our teachers and staff, adding some Halloween spirit along the way. 🎃

We love seeing our students put their time and talents toward showing appreciation for the people who make ESMS a great place to learn and work. Thank you, FBLA, for stepping up and making a difference!
5 days ago, Krista Griffin
Eighth Street Middle School thank-you graphic recognizing ESMS FBLA members for decorating for Friday’s Teacher Luncheon. The navy, white, and silver design features three students standing in front of a colorful Halloween bulletin board decorated with pumpkins, stars, spiderwebs, and a ghost. The graphic includes a large “Thank You” heading, ESMS FBLA branding, and a message expressing appreciation for the students’ efforts to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere for faculty and staff.
🚀 Emerging Young Leaders is officially underway!

The Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce kicked off this year’s program with President/CEO Melody Cowart sharing valuable insights into leadership and the qualities that make a great leader. Students then put their teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test as they worked together to build the tallest spaghetti and marshmallow tower! 🍝🏗️

A special thank-you to the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce for providing this valuable leadership opportunity for eighth-grade students from Eighth Street Middle School, Northeast Middle School, and Tiftarea Academy. We also extend our appreciation to Coca-Cola of Tifton for providing refreshments and serving as the program's drink sponsor this year! 🥤

We’re excited to see these young leaders learn, grow, and lead throughout the program! 💙
5 days ago, Krista Griffin
Students representing Eighth Street Middle School, Northeast Middle School, and Tiftarea Academy pose for a group photo outside the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce during the kickoff event for the 2026–2027 Emerging Young Leaders Program. Students are arranged in several rows, with some kneeling in front and others standing behind them.
Five students work together around a conference table, carefully connecting uncooked spaghetti and marshmallows to construct a tower during the 2026–2027 Emerging Young Leaders kickoff event. Additional students are visible behind them.
A group of students smiles for a photo inside the Chamber meeting room while other participants continue working on spaghetti and marshmallow towers in the background.
Students gather around a conference table covered with spaghetti and marshmallow structures during the Emerging Young Leaders kickoff event. Several students pose in the foreground while others stand behind their creations.
Students pose for a group photo in front of a conference table filled with spaghetti and marshmallow towers, showcasing their teamwork and creativity during the Emerging Young Leaders kickoff activity.
A group of students collaborates around a conference table, carefully balancing spaghetti strands and marshmallows to build a tower during the Emerging Young Leaders teamwork challenge.
Five students work together to stabilize a tall spaghetti and marshmallow tower, carefully holding and adjusting its structure during the Emerging Young Leaders kickoff event.
Students participating in the 2026–2027 Emerging Young Leaders Program work together around a conference table, using uncooked spaghetti and marshmallows to construct a tower during the kickoff event hosted by the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce. The hands-on challenge encourages teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Students participating in the 2026–2027 Emerging Young Leaders Program pose around a conference table displaying a large spaghetti and marshmallow tower. Several students stand behind the table while others kneel in front, showcasing their teamwork during the kickoff event hosted by the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce.
Students participating in the 2026–2027 Emerging Young Leaders Program pose around a conference table displaying a large tower made from spaghetti and marshmallows. Several students stand behind the table while others kneel or sit in front, showcasing their completed teamwork challenge during the kickoff event hosted by the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce.
📅 ESMS Local School Governance Team Meeting Update

Our next Eighth Street Middle School Local School Governance Team (LSGT) meeting will now take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. in Room 110 at ESMS.

We wanted to share this update early so our school community can plan ahead.

We appreciate the continued time, dedication, and support of our LSGT members as we work together to make ESMS the best it can be!

#4theT
5 days ago, Krista Griffin
Eighth Street Middle School Local School Governance Team (LSGT) meeting announcement featuring navy blue, white, and silver school branding. The meeting has been rescheduled to Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. in Room 110 at ESMS. The graphic includes the official ESMS crest, the 2026–2027 LSGT member roster, and the words “Collaborate, Learn, Achieve.”
📱Everything You Need, All in One Place!

Wondering what's for breakfast or lunch today? 🍎
Want to see what events are happening across the district? 📅
Need to purchase tickets for the next Blue Devil athletic event? 🎟️

There's an app for that — the TiftSchools App!

From school menus and upcoming events to athletic tickets and district news, these are just a few examples of the information available right at your fingertips!

Staying connected to your child's school and everything happening across Tift County Schools has never been easier!

One App. One Place. Stay Connected!

📲 Stay Informed. Download the TiftSchools App TODAY!

Available FREE in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

#4theT
6 days ago, Dana Spurlin
TiftSchools App Social Media
Congratulations to our Blue Devils of the Month for September! We are proud to recognize these students and celebrate the example they set at ESMS.

Parents and guardians of our honorees, you’re invited to join your student for a special breakfast:
📅 Friday, October 30
🕘 9:00 a.m.
📍 ESMS Cafeteria

Come share this proud moment with your student. We would love to see you there! 💙

#ESMS #BlueDevilPride
6 days ago, Krista Griffin
Navy blue and gray graphic congratulating ESMS Blue Devils of the Month for September, with a photo of the school in the background. Honorees are listed by group: 8th grade: Ellie Porter, Landyn Holloway, Emily Martinez, Jeremiah Johnson, Harlee Wilkerson, and Collin Fowler. 7th grade: Sharene Johnson, Jessie Durham, Danae Jimenez, Ashton Mobley, Carmen Soto, and Veer Patel. 6th grade: Mckenziyanna Robinson, Brock Walker, Bess Herzog, Trevin Taylor, A'zhiya Doyle, and Thomas Harpe. Connections classes: Charlee Cate Ogletree, Zaiden Burley, Ivyanna Johnson, and Max Cook.
⚽ CALLING ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER PLAYERS! ⚽

Interested in hitting the field with the Blue Devils? There will be an interest meeting for all students interested in trying out for the Middle School Boys Soccer Team!

📅 Interest Meeting
Thursday, November 5th
⏰ 5:15 PM
📍 Northeast Middle School Media Center

⚽ Soccer Tryouts
📅 November 9th–13th
⏰ 4:00–5:30 PM
📍 Northeast Middle School

❗ IMPORTANT: All prospective players MUST have a current physical form on file to participate in tryouts.

#4theT
6 days ago, Dana Spurlin
MS Boys Soccer Announcement
🏀💙 MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL IS BACK! 🤍🏀

The 2026–2027 Tift County Middle School Basketball season tipped off earlier this week. The MS Lady Devils hosted Coffee County in their first game.

Girls' Opening Game Results:
🏀 7th Grade: Tift County 48 – Coffee County 37 | WIN! 🎉
🏀 8th Grade: Tift County 25 – Coffee County 40

📣 Meet Your 2026-2027 MS Lady Devils! Check out the attached graphics for this year's team rosters and their season schedule. Come out to support our student-athletes, and help make this a great basketball season!

#4theT
6 days ago, Dana Spurlin
MS Girls BB Rosters
MS Girls BB Schedule