East Lake
Elementary School
East Lake Elementary News
![clipart of an eagle sharing news]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786468112/henryk12gaus/uooxypkkbmogp83vm7wz/IMG_89731.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786468112/henryk12gaus/uooxypkkbmogp83vm7wz/IMG_89731.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786468112/henryk12gaus/uooxypkkbmogp83vm7wz/IMG_89731.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786468112/henryk12gaus/uooxypkkbmogp83vm7wz/IMG_89731.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786468112/henryk12gaus/uooxypkkbmogp83vm7wz/IMG_89731.jpg","width":1320}])
AUGUST
27th: Book Fair Begins!
SEPTEMBER
1st: Grandparent Breakfast for K - 1st grades
2nd: Grandparent Breakfast for 2nd - 3rd grades
3rd: Grandparent Breakfast for 4th - 5th grades
3rd: Book Fair Ends
3rd: Back to School Bash
4th: Asynchronous Learning Day - Students at home
7th: Labor Day - no school
`11th: Patriot Day - First Responder Appreciation Breakfast
Celebrating Our Teacher & Educational Support Person of the Year!
Congratulations to Staci Stimmel, our Instructional Effectiveness Facilitator and Teacher of the Year! Staci’s dedication to supporting teachers and students makes a positive impact throughout East Lake.
Congratulations to Amy Galaviz, our kindergarten paraprofessional and Educational Support Person of the Year! Amy’s kindness and dedication to our youngest Eagles make her a valued part of our school family.
Congratulations, Staci and Amy! We are so proud to celebrate you!
![The Georgia Milestones Assessment System logo superimposed over a photo of students working]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786037972/henryk12gaus/ri0luaghqugfoyljlwte/GeorgiaMilestones1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786037972/henryk12gaus/ri0luaghqugfoyljlwte/GeorgiaMilestones1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786037972/henryk12gaus/ri0luaghqugfoyljlwte/GeorgiaMilestones1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786037972/henryk12gaus/ri0luaghqugfoyljlwte/GeorgiaMilestones1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1786037972/henryk12gaus/ri0luaghqugfoyljlwte/GeorgiaMilestones1.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786037972/henryk12gaus/ri0luaghqugfoyljlwte/GeorgiaMilestones1.png","width":1920}])
Henry County Schools students continued to show improvement on the 2025-2026 Georgia Milestones assessments, according to data the Georgia Department of Education released today.
![Three students engage with a VEX robotics set while sitting on a Kindergarten classroom rug]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777920137/henryk12gaus/dsimlyzkm6fozrjfjany/VEXroboticsinKindergarten.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777920137/henryk12gaus/dsimlyzkm6fozrjfjany/VEXroboticsinKindergarten.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777920137/henryk12gaus/dsimlyzkm6fozrjfjany/VEXroboticsinKindergarten.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1777920137/henryk12gaus/dsimlyzkm6fozrjfjany/VEXroboticsinKindergarten.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1777920137/henryk12gaus/dsimlyzkm6fozrjfjany/VEXroboticsinKindergarten.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1777920137/henryk12gaus/dsimlyzkm6fozrjfjany/VEXroboticsinKindergarten.jpg","width":2200}])
Henry County Schools (HCS) has been selected as one of only 10 school districts across Georgia to participate in a new initiative launched by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and the Institute for Self-Directed Learning to help districts develop innovative learning models.
![Nine HCS district officials pose with the Innovative School District banner from the Center for Model Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774896762/henryk12gaus/dkqzwvhel84bvtbdgtiy/HCSLeaderswithInnovativeSchoolDistrictbanner.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774896762/henryk12gaus/dkqzwvhel84bvtbdgtiy/HCSLeaderswithInnovativeSchoolDistrictbanner.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774896762/henryk12gaus/dkqzwvhel84bvtbdgtiy/HCSLeaderswithInnovativeSchoolDistrictbanner.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1774896762/henryk12gaus/dkqzwvhel84bvtbdgtiy/HCSLeaderswithInnovativeSchoolDistrictbanner.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1774896762/henryk12gaus/dkqzwvhel84bvtbdgtiy/HCSLeaderswithInnovativeSchoolDistrictbanner.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774896762/henryk12gaus/dkqzwvhel84bvtbdgtiy/HCSLeaderswithInnovativeSchoolDistrictbanner.jpg","width":1921}])
The Center for Model Schools recently named Henry County Schools an Innovative School District and will recognize awardees at the 34th Annual Model Schools Conference in Orlando this summer.
![Fuentes on stage holding large check surrounded by family, Dr. Pace, and other HCS personnel.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774285380/henryk12gaus/sqobsefe5tm9pyrveioi/2025HCSESPYWinnerwithFamilyandDistrictLeaders.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774285380/henryk12gaus/sqobsefe5tm9pyrveioi/2025HCSESPYWinnerwithFamilyandDistrictLeaders.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774285380/henryk12gaus/sqobsefe5tm9pyrveioi/2025HCSESPYWinnerwithFamilyandDistrictLeaders.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1774285380/henryk12gaus/sqobsefe5tm9pyrveioi/2025HCSESPYWinnerwithFamilyandDistrictLeaders.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1774285380/henryk12gaus/sqobsefe5tm9pyrveioi/2025HCSESPYWinnerwithFamilyandDistrictLeaders.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1774285380/henryk12gaus/sqobsefe5tm9pyrveioi/2025HCSESPYWinnerwithFamilyandDistrictLeaders.jpg","width":2200}])
Lisa Fuentes-Moure, school office assistant at Austin Road Middle School, is the district’s 2025 Educational Support Person of the Year (ESPY).
![Graphic showing dates times and locations of HCS' community conversations, along with the logos for each cluster]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773685235/henryk12gaus/pvu5qf6jhuvytf4961ot/March2026CommunityConversationsSlidev23-16-2026.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773685235/henryk12gaus/pvu5qf6jhuvytf4961ot/March2026CommunityConversationsSlidev23-16-2026.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773685235/henryk12gaus/pvu5qf6jhuvytf4961ot/March2026CommunityConversationsSlidev23-16-2026.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1773685235/henryk12gaus/pvu5qf6jhuvytf4961ot/March2026CommunityConversationsSlidev23-16-2026.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1773685235/henryk12gaus/pvu5qf6jhuvytf4961ot/March2026CommunityConversationsSlidev23-16-2026.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1773685235/henryk12gaus/pvu5qf6jhuvytf4961ot/March2026CommunityConversationsSlidev23-16-2026.jpg","width":2200}])
Henry County Schools invites students, families, and community members to participate in the district’s spring “Community Conversations” across all 10 school clusters.
![Partial shot of participant reviewing one of several math books]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772725730/henryk12gaus/s37gaskw7cj9ef4mjixy/ResourceReview2026.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772725730/henryk12gaus/s37gaskw7cj9ef4mjixy/ResourceReview2026.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772725730/henryk12gaus/s37gaskw7cj9ef4mjixy/ResourceReview2026.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772725730/henryk12gaus/s37gaskw7cj9ef4mjixy/ResourceReview2026.jpg","width":1050}])
In accordance with Board Policy IFAA, Henry County Schools will provide instructional resources for community review and feedback at the district office, located at 33 N. Zack Hinton Parkway in McDonough.
![HCS STAR Student, STAR Teacher, and Dr. Pace in front of PAGE step and repeat]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772037202/henryk12gaus/auoovrqruvvqbmhvhxbm/STARStudentandTeacherwithSuptPace.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772037202/henryk12gaus/auoovrqruvvqbmhvhxbm/STARStudentandTeacherwithSuptPace.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772037202/henryk12gaus/auoovrqruvvqbmhvhxbm/STARStudentandTeacherwithSuptPace.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772037202/henryk12gaus/auoovrqruvvqbmhvhxbm/STARStudentandTeacherwithSuptPace.jpg","width":1100}])
Union Grove High School senior Owen Schrock and his architecture teacher, Amanda McClure, are the countywide winners of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce 2026 Student/Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Award.
![Thompson on stage with family, Gabriel, Superintendent, board members, and other district leaders]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771424712/henryk12gaus/p3gxfijvntnz9mi1iidw/HCS2026SCOTYJessicaThompson.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771424712/henryk12gaus/p3gxfijvntnz9mi1iidw/HCS2026SCOTYJessicaThompson.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771424712/henryk12gaus/p3gxfijvntnz9mi1iidw/HCS2026SCOTYJessicaThompson.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771424712/henryk12gaus/p3gxfijvntnz9mi1iidw/HCS2026SCOTYJessicaThompson.jpg","width":1000}])
Locust Grove Middle School counselor Jessica Thompson is Henry County Schools’ 2026 School Counselor of the Year (SCOTY).
![HCS employee greeting candidate across table at 2025 Job Fair in school auditorium.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771345363/henryk12gaus/invlkxwydtrvxgpp42ni/HCSJobFair.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771345363/henryk12gaus/invlkxwydtrvxgpp42ni/HCSJobFair.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771345363/henryk12gaus/invlkxwydtrvxgpp42ni/HCSJobFair.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771345363/henryk12gaus/invlkxwydtrvxgpp42ni/HCSJobFair.jpg","width":1048}])
Henry County Schools will participate in three upcoming job fairs designed to connect passionate educators with rewarding teaching positions across the district’s 53 schools.
![Rendering of main Henry County STEM High School buildings]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770391124/henryk12gaus/jzqhwjsetmdmdnhspbrx/HenryCountySTEMHighSchool.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770391124/henryk12gaus/jzqhwjsetmdmdnhspbrx/HenryCountySTEMHighSchool.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770391124/henryk12gaus/jzqhwjsetmdmdnhspbrx/HenryCountySTEMHighSchool.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1770391124/henryk12gaus/jzqhwjsetmdmdnhspbrx/HenryCountySTEMHighSchool.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1770391124/henryk12gaus/jzqhwjsetmdmdnhspbrx/HenryCountySTEMHighSchool.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770391124/henryk12gaus/jzqhwjsetmdmdnhspbrx/HenryCountySTEMHighSchool.jpg","width":1640}])
Henry County Schools will host in-person and virtual informational sessions to introduce its new STEM high school, set to open in fall 2027.
![Elementary school boy and girl working on class assignment at desk in classroom.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768243835/henryk12gaus/kciqnckofrbor0rwmmnx/HCSElementaryStudentsinClass.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768243835/henryk12gaus/kciqnckofrbor0rwmmnx/HCSElementaryStudentsinClass.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1768243835/henryk12gaus/kciqnckofrbor0rwmmnx/HCSElementaryStudentsinClass.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768243835/henryk12gaus/kciqnckofrbor0rwmmnx/HCSElementaryStudentsinClass.jpg","width":1156}])
Five Henry County Schools elementary schools were listed among the Georgia schools exiting or making progress to exit federal identification, according to a report released by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) in December.
![Board Chair Sophe Pope and Vice Chair Makenzie McDaniel standing on either side of podium at front of HCS board room.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769617938/henryk12gaus/salpiyor7cwziyyx20px/BoardChairSophePopeandViceChairMakenzieMcDaniel_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769617938/henryk12gaus/salpiyor7cwziyyx20px/BoardChairSophePopeandViceChairMakenzieMcDaniel_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1769617938/henryk12gaus/salpiyor7cwziyyx20px/BoardChairSophePopeandViceChairMakenzieMcDaniel_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769617938/henryk12gaus/salpiyor7cwziyyx20px/BoardChairSophePopeandViceChairMakenzieMcDaniel_1.jpg","width":1041}])
The Henry County Board of Education unanimously re-elected Sophe Pope (Dist. 4) as Board Chair and unanimously elected board member Makenzie McDaniel (Dist. 5) as Board Vice Chair during a special called meeting on Jan. 8.
![City, state, and county representative, HCS board members and other district leaders in front of HCS step and repeat in HMS media center.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764797112/henryk12gaus/uqrdjsbrvykbrih0reea/HCS2025LegislativeBreakfast2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764797112/henryk12gaus/uqrdjsbrvykbrih0reea/HCS2025LegislativeBreakfast2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764797112/henryk12gaus/uqrdjsbrvykbrih0reea/HCS2025LegislativeBreakfast2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764797112/henryk12gaus/uqrdjsbrvykbrih0reea/HCS2025LegislativeBreakfast2.jpg","width":950}])
More than a dozen dignitaries representing city, county, and state government joined the Henry County Board of Education on Nov. 18 for its annual Legislative Breakfast and presentation of its 2026 Legislative Priorities.