Eighth Street Middle School

Scoliosis Screening Information

Parents and Guardians:
Eighth Street Middle School will conduct scoliosis screenings on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. These screenings help identify possible spinal curvature and are quick, noninvasive, and conducted by trained school staff.

All eligible students will participate unless the school has a completed opt-out form on file. Scoliosis screening opt-out forms were sent home with students yesterday.

⏰ Opt-Out Form Due Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Please return the form only if you do NOT want your child to participate in the screening. No action is needed if you would like your student to be screened.

📅 Screening Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

❄️ Join us for the ESMS Winter Wonderland Dance! ❄️
Friday, February 6th from 6:30–8:30 PM in the ESMS gym.
This dance is for For ESMS students only.
Tickets are $10 and include admission, pizza, chips, and a drink.
All tickets must be purchased in advance through School Cash Online by January 30th.

Click on the link below to purchase tickets or set up your account:
https://tiftschools.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/1695/454/False/True

🎉 Mark Your Calendars for the ESMS Registration Rally! 🎉

Parents of rising 6th–8th graders are invited to the ESMS Registration Rally on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 PM at Eighth Street Middle School.

This informational event is designed to help families learn more about the registration process and Connection Classes that will be offered for the upcoming school year. Parents and students will have the opportunity to explore programs, watch Connection Class video presentations, meet teachers, and ask questions so they feel prepared before registration opens.

✨ Meet ESMS teachers
🎥 Watch Connection Class video presentations
📝 Learn about the registration process with your child
🌮 Food provided
🎟️ Raffle prizes available
🗣️ Spanish interpreters available

👉 Click the link to register: https://forms.gle/f1monz2bLXmTduNK8

Or scan the QR code on the flyer.

We look forward to welcoming you to ESMS and helping your family get ready for a successful school year!

As part of our standard safety procedures, the clear bag policy will be in effect, and weapons detection will be used for all guests.

📚🌎 Migrant & ESOL Parent Meeting Tonight– You’re Invited! 🌎📚

Join us for a special ESOL and Migrant Parent Meeting designed to support your family and your child’s success in school.

🗓 Tuesday, January 20, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Tift County Schools Administrative Office - 506 W. 12th Street

✨ What to Expect:
Learn about our ESOL Program and how it benefits students
How to use Infinite Campus to check grades and attendance
Why ACCESS testing is important
An interactive reading workshop with easy strategies to use at home

📖 Bonus for Families:
Each family will receive free bilingual books to take home and enjoy together—our gift to you!

Your involvement matters. When families and schools work together, children succeed.
We truly appreciate your support and hope to see you there!
#4theT

🎾 TOMORROW! Middle School Tennis Tryouts 🎾

Don’t forget—middle school tennis tryouts are TOMORROW, Monday, January 20!

Here’s a last-minute checklist:
✔️ Transportation provided to the tennis courts at Tift County High School
✔️ Make sure your physical is on file
✔️ Bring your own tennis racquet

Questions? Contact Coach Saturday at brian.saturday@tiftschools.com.

Good luck to all our future Blue Devil tennis players! 💙🎾
#4theT

Congratulations to our December Blue Devil Legends at ESMS!
This honor is voted on by our staff and recognizes one certified and one classified staff member who go above and beyond for our students and school community. We are so thankful for the dedication, heart, and leadership you bring to Eighth Street Middle School every day.

🎉 Congratulations to our ESMS Students of the Month for December! 🎉
These students were selected for their hard work, positive attitudes, and commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom. We are so proud of you and the example you set for others at Eighth Street Middle School. Keep shining! 💙

📅2026 - 2027 School Year Calendar Approved📅

At last night's meeting, the Tift County Board of Education approved the calendar for the 2026–2027 School Year!

✔️ 178 instructional days for students
📚 First day of school: Monday, August 3, 2026

As we look ahead, we remain committed to Collaborate | Learn | Achieve as we prepare for another successful year supporting our students, staff, and families. More details and key dates will be shared as we get closer.

#4theT

🎾 REMINDER: Middle School Tennis Tryouts – January 20th! 🎾

Middle school tennis is gearing up, and tryouts are right around the corner! If your student is interested, here’s a quick reminder of what to know:

📅 Monday, January 20
🚍 Transportation will be provided to the tennis courts at Tift County High School
📝 Sign-up sheets are available at both middle schools
🩺 Physicals must be on file by January 16
🎾 Players must bring their own tennis racquet

Have questions? Contact Coach Saturday at brian.saturday@tiftschools.com.

Let’s get ready to serve up a great season!
#4theT

📣 Important 6th Grade Field Trip Reminder! 🚌🌊

The FINAL payment for the 6th grade field trip is due Wednesday, January 14.
💰 No payments will be accepted after this date.
📍 Cash/check may be brought to the school between 8:00–10:00 AM on Jan. 14.

⚠️ Please note: No new payments are being accepted—as the trip is currently full.
Questions about what you owe? Please check with your child’s science teacher.

ATTENTION ALL 8TH GRADE PARENTS!

You’re invited to Pathway Palooza at Tift County High School—an exciting evening designed to help current 8th grade students and their families explore high school opportunities before registration.

📅 January 13, 2026
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM

📍 Tift County High School (event begins in the Commons)

✨ What to Expect:

✅ Tour CTAE classrooms

✅ Meet high school teachers

✅ Explore career pathways and hands-on programs

✅ Learn about certifications, dual enrollment, and real-world skills

✅ Enjoy a meal provided by CTAE

🚗 Parking: Student Parking Lot

This event is a great opportunity for parents and students to make informed decisions about high school classes and pathway options.

📲 Please save the date and RSVP using the link below:

👉 https://forms.gle/MESCXHQ4prPDaGfN7

We can’t wait to see you there!

The Blue Devil Way is to attend school every day!

Can’t be there? Make us aware.
📞📧 Contact your school by phone or email.

This flow chart is designed to help parents understand attendance expectations by explaining:
✔️ What counts as an excused vs. unexcused absence
✔️ What truancy means
✔️ How schools respond to unexcused absences

Being informed helps families support student success—because every day counts.

#4theT