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.
about 10 hours 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.

🍎🥪 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

about 5 hours 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
about 7 hours 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
about 7 hours 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
about 7 hours 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
about 7 hours 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!
about 10 hours 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!
1 day 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! 💙
1 day 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
1 day 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
2 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
2 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
3 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
3 days ago, Dana Spurlin
MS Girls BB Rosters
MS Girls BB Schedule

📚Sunday, November 1st is National Family Literacy Day!

This Sunday, Tift County Schools invites all families and community members to spend at least 15 minutes reading, talking, and playing together. Share a favorite book, ask questions, sing a song, or tell a story—every moment helps build strong minds and bright futures!

Everyone can help nurture a child’s love of reading!

✨ 15 Minutes . One Book. A Lifetime of Possibilities!

#4theT

3 days ago, Dana Spurlin
National Literacy Day

💼 Exploring careers. Connecting learning. Planning for the future.

Our 8th graders from Eighth Street Middle School and Northeast Middle School explored real-world career opportunities during the 8th Grade Career Fair on Friday, October 23, in the Eighth Street Middle School gym!

The event connected classroom learning to future possibilities, encouraging student engagement, career readiness, and purposeful planning for high school and beyond. From healthcare and skilled trades to public safety, technology, and more, students discovered possibilities for their futures.

👏 Thank you to the partners who shared their time, expertise, and career insights:

• ABAC
• Georgia Forestry Commission
• Georgia State Patrol
• Quailwood Animal Hospital
• Quality Employment
• Southern Regional Technical College — Automotive, Criminal Justice, Phlebotomy/CNA, Welding, and Construction
• Southern Regional Technical College/TCHS — Cosmetology
• Southwell/Tift Regional Medical Center
• Synovus Bank
• Tift County Sheriff’s Office
• Tift County Fire Department/Fire Rescue/EMS
• TCHS Information Technology
• TCHS JROTC

Your partnership helps our students see how what they learn today can open doors tomorrow! Check out more photos from the event at: https://www.facebook.com/20531316728/posts/10154009990506729/

#4theT

4 days ago, Dana Spurlin
8th Grade Career Fair
Another busy week ahead for our Blue Devils!

🗓️ Check out the ESMS Weekly T for October 26–30! Stay up to date on athletics, club practices, school activities, breakfast and lunch menus, and important upcoming dates!

One Voice takes place Monday, October 26, from 6:00–8:00 PM!

Red Ribbon Week Dress-Up Days begin Wednesday!
Wednesday, Oct. 28 – Twin Day
Thursday, Oct. 29 – Camo Day
Friday, Oct. 30 – Neon/Bright Colors Day

All-State Chorus Practice takes place Tuesday through Thursday from 3:45–4:45 PM, with auditions coming up Saturday, November 7!

Take a look, mark your calendars, and get ready for a great week at ESMS!

#4theT
4 days ago, Krista Griffin
The Weekly T newsletter for Eighth Street Middle School, October 26–30, 2026. Navy blue and white newsletter featuring athletics, club practices, school activities, breakfast and lunch menus, Red Ribbon Week dress-up days, and important upcoming dates. Monday, October 26: Floriculture Practice and Land Judging Practice at 3:45 PM; boys basketball at Coffee County and girls basketball versus Coffee County at 4:00 PM; One Voice from 6:00–8:00 PM. Tuesday, October 27: ATE Practice at 3:45 PM and All-State Chorus Practice from 3:45–4:45 PM. Wednesday, October 28: Floriculture, Livestock, and Wildlife Management practices at 3:45 PM; middle school wrestling versus Colquitt County at 4:00 PM; All-State Chorus Practice from 3:45–4:45 PM. Thursday, October 29: Boys basketball versus Valdosta at 4:00 PM; ATE Practice and All-State Chorus Practice from 3:45–4:45 PM. Friday, October 30: TCHS football at Veterans at 7:30 PM. Red Ribbon Week Dress-Up Days: Wednesday, October 28, Twin Day, “Friends Don't Let Friends Do Drugs!”; Thursday, October 29, Camo Day, “Don't Let Drugs Sneak Up on You!”; Friday, October 30, Neon/Bright Colors Day, “My Future Is Too Bright for Drugs!” The breakfast and lunch menu includes daily meals for October 26–30, with milk and fruit available for lunch daily. Important upcoming dates: Saturday, November 7, All-State Audition Day; November 23–27, Thanksgiving Break; December 18, last day of the first semester; and December 21–January 1, Winter/Christmas Break. The Family Reminder encourages students to arrive on time, come prepared, and follow the ESMS dress code.
🏊‍♀️🏊‍♂️ Making waves and taking FIRST! 🥇

Congratulations to our Tift County Middle School girls’ and boys’ swim teams for BOTH earning 1st place finishes at Saturday’s meet!

We’re proud of our swimmers and coaches for their hard work, teamwork, and strong start to the season. Way to go, Blue Devils!

📋 View individual results: https://aptg.co/vmq9h9

#4theT
5 days ago, Dana Spurlin
Middle School Results
October 26th – 30th

🎃 Here’s what’s cooking this week! Take a look at the breakfast and lunch menu for October 26th – 30th.

You can always find the latest daily menus on your child’s school website by selecting Explore > Dining. Breakfast and lunch continue to be provided at no cost to all Tift County students! 🍎

#4theT
5 days ago, Dana Spurlin
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
💙 LAST CHAPTER. SAME LEGACY.💙

🏫 One building. Generations of students. A lifetime of memories!

As we prepare to say goodbye to our historic Eighth Street Middle School building, we're celebrating the memories, friendships, and traditions that have filled its halls for more than 60 years!

👕 Our limited-edition commemorative T-shirts are ON SALE NOW! Whether you walked these halls as a Tift County High School Blue Devil or an Eighth Street Middle School student, this shirt is a special way to celebrate our shared history.

💲 $20 each

🛒 Order online through SchoolCash Online** or pay with cash or check at ESMS from 9 AM–2 PM through November 1!

📍 Shirt pickup: November 19, from 5–6 PM, in front of ESMS.

Once a Blue Devil, always a Blue Devil! 💙

#LastChapterSameLegacy #ESMS #TiftCountySchools #BlueDevilPride #OurHistoryOurLegacy
7 days ago, Krista Griffin
Promotional flyer announcing limited-edition commemorative T-shirts celebrating the history of the Eighth Street Middle School building. Large navy and white lettering reads “Last Chapter, Same Legacy,” with a watercolor illustration of the historic school building in the center. The flyer explains that the building served as Tift County High School from 1962 to 1998 before becoming Eighth Street Middle School. Two gray T-shirts display the commemorative designs. Shirts cost $20 and may be ordered through SchoolCash Online or purchased with cash or check at ESMS from 9 AM to 2 PM through November 1. A QR code is provided for online ordering. Shirt pickup is November 19 from 5 to 6 PM in front of ESMS.