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Strengthening our community one student at a time.

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to a new school year at Swainsboro Elementary School, where every student is empowered with the Power to Succeed by being respectful, responsible, and ready. We are excited to partner with you in making this year one of academic achievement, strong character, and meaningful growth.

At SES, our mission is to ensure every child is equipped with the tools and confidence to succeed. Our vision is for all students to achieve academic excellence, demonstrate strong literacy skills, and exhibit positive behavior and character. We are committed to creating a student-centered environment that is academically strong, emotionally supportive, and inclusive of families and the greater community.

We believe that:

  • Every student can achieve high standards with the right support.
  • Literacy and math are the cornerstones of all learning.
  • Positive behavior and strong character are essential to school success.
  • Families and communities are vital to our students’ growth.
  • High expectations, clear goals, and consistent routines build success.
  • Technology should enhance learning and readiness for the future.
  • Real-world, engaging instruction motivates and empowers students.
  • Respectful, inclusive environments promote confidence and pride.
  • Adults must model empathy, integrity, and professionalism every day.
     

These beliefs shape every decision we make, every lesson we plan, and every interaction we have at Swainsboro Elementary.

We know that the partnership between school and home is crucial in helping students reach their full potential. To support your child’s growth this year, we ask that you help us by encouraging your child to:

  • Attend school each day, arrive on time, and stay the full instructional day
  • Practice respectful and responsible behavior in class, on the bus, and throughout the school
  • Read at least 15–20 minutes daily to build strong literacy habits
  • Talk with them about their learning and ask for help when needed
  • Set academic goals and celebrate progress toward achieving them

We place a strong emphasis on reading and literacy, as they are essential to success across all subjects. Students will take the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment three times a year—fall, winter, and spring—which helps us understand each student’s learning needs and adjust instruction accordingly.

School-Wide Expectations:

To maintain a positive and respectful environment for all, our school-wide expectations are simple but powerful:

  1. Treat others with respect
  2. Keep your hands and feet to yourself
  3. Use quiet voices in the building
  4. Follow all adult directions the first time

Stay Connected and Involved:

Family involvement makes a real difference. We invite you to stay engaged by:

  1. Joining our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)- we have several positions open!
  2. Attending school events and conferences
  3. Supporting your child’s learning at home
  4. Communicating regularly with your child’s teacher

Our staff collaborates regularly to provide high-quality, standards-aligned instruction, while also emphasizing safety, character, and school spirit. Please help us by making sure your child arrives at school by 8:00 a.m. daily. Students arriving after 8:05 a.m. will be marked tardy. When signing students out early, be prepared to show photo ID, and always use your official car tag for afternoon pickup.

We’ll keep you informed through weekly newsletters, Kinvolved (KINVO) messages, and updates on our school website, Facebook, and Instagram.

The staff at Swainsboro Elementary and I are honored to serve this wonderful school community. With your support, we are confident this year will be filled with success, growth, and pride for every student.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at lbnorton@emanuel.k12.ga.us or call 478-237-7266.

Please review this Parent/Student Handbook with your child, sign the final page, and return it to his or her teacher.

Thank you for being an essential part of our SES family. Let’s make this an exceptional year—together!

Sincerely,

Lara B. Norton
Principal