CCEMS STEM students are learning about 3D printing this year. Our school has four brand new 3D printers that were donated by the Oettmeier Foundation or purchased by our local school board. All of the 3D printers have standard based lessons for students to learn the basics of 3D printing and design.

To kick off our first lesson, students were introduced to Tinkercad, a free online software tool that is used all over the world for 3D design, engineering, and entertainment. This software allows students to design and create what they wish existed in the world around them. Students used this software to design and print Christmas ornaments to take home.

The most exciting part of 3D printing for our school is making STEM connections within our community. As a class, we discussed different factories and companies in Clinch County that may or may not have 3D printers. Students were surprised to learn that Lee Container uses 3D printers to make models of their containers that ship all over. The students are always excited to make real world and local connections to classroom activities.

The world and workforce have changed. Today's employers are seeking more than just technical ability; they are looking for team players who possess strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

CCHS will begin a program in January that will teach and reinforce soft skills to all students. Soft skills or employability skills will be offered to each student during the enrichment part of the day. The students will complete lessons on attitude, time management, character, teamwork, communication and critical thinking among others. After completion of all the modules, seniors will have the opportunity to earn a certificate and a seal for their diploma. Juniors and seniors will create resumes, cover letters and participate in mock interviews.

The Agriculture department at CCHS received $246,000 from the state in the form of a CRE (Construction Related Equipment) grant. These funds allowed the program to dramatically improve the quality of instruction they are able to provide for their students. Dustin O’Neal, Forestry and Horticulture instructor, along with Joey Temperly, Ag Mechanics instructor, used these funds to incorporate new equipment into their classrooms.

The ag mechanics program was able to outfit the shop with new tools and equipment including welding machines, oxy-acetylene torch outfits, metal working equipment, woodworking power tools, small engine and electrical tools, and the prize acquisition of a CNC Plasma Cutting Table. Students use a CAD program to design a project that the CNC machine will cut out. This machine can cut metal up to one inch thick and provides students with many career and problem solving skills that can be applied to local industries. Since the implementation of the new equipment, Mr. Temperly has had two students enroll in Tulsa Welding School.

The forestry program used these funds to purchase equipment used by local foresters to inventory tracts of forest land. From clinometers, diameter tapes, and logger’s tapes to GPS units and a drone, students are able to apply first hand the techniques that are being applied in our local community. The forestry program was also able to purchase a small sawmill that is used by the students. Several industries within the community process lumber and this piece of equipment allows students to take a tree and process it into lumber that is then used to create other projects in the class.

The horticulture program was able to use the funds to retrofit the greenhouse with galvanized tables and new control systems. With the local blueberry industry, greenhouse management is especially important. A new zero turn lawn mower and tractor were also purchased with these funds. Our students have been given the opportunity to to use modern equipment to prepare for jobs and careers that are pertinent to the local community.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture needed for all students to achieve social, emotional, and academic success. Students who meet the requirements of following established positive behavioral expectations are awarded monthly incentives. The October monthly incentive ranked among the students’ favorite. This incentive would not have been possible without the help of our community. The businesses listed helped make “Trunk or Treat” an event to remember. The Clinch County Elementary/Middle School appreciates the continued support from our community partners.

Bruce’s Nut & Honey, Homerville Jewelers, Lee Container, Lutz, Brown, Peagler, & Manley Insurance, Dairy Queen, Clinch County Public Library, City of Homerville, 4-H Office, One Trip, Clinch Brake & Alignment, Piggly Wiggly, Homerville Fire Department, Jesus and Jam, Farm Bureau

You can also click to hear a selection from our high school band concert. Merry Christmas!

Lori James, Superintendent, ljames@clinchcounty.com

Denise Brown, Assistant Superintendent, dbrown@clinchcounty.com

Jason Bell, Director of Operations, jbell@clinchcounty.com

Liane Register, Director of Finance, liane@clinchcounty.com

Alison Smith, Director of Student Services amsmith@clinchcounty.com

Clinch County Elementary/Middle School, (912) 487-5385:

Jerri Lynn Spivey, Principal, jspivey@clinchcounty.com

Jared Hart, Assistant Principal, jhart@clinchcounty.com

Caroline Lankford, Assistant Principal, clankford@clinchcounty.com

Clinch County High School, (912) 487-5366:

Susan Fortner, Interim Principal, sfortner@clinchcounty.com

*Initial Release Date 12/16/20