Remember when school started the day after Labor Day in September? – not anymore. Emanuel County public school students will return to the classroom on August 1. Johnson and Bulloch Counties will also return on August 1. Candler will return on August 2, with Treutlen, Toombs and David Emanuel Academy on August 7. Why do we start early? Schools have a set number of instructional days required by state regulations (180 days). Starting earlier in August allows schools to insure they meet the requirements without extending the school year too far into the summer months.
Regardless of the date, 7-year-old Mason Dykes is ready for the 2nd grade. Mason is the son of Bradi Dykes. Maternal grandparents are Kimberly and Bill Lewis of Swainsboro and Ronnie Phillips of Soperton.