News and Events

The Richmond County School System would like to remind families and staff of several important dates coming up in February.

• Thursday, February 12 – Early Release Day for Elementary Schools and Freedom Park K–8 (Excludes C.T. Walker)

• Friday, February 13 – Student Holiday

• Monday, February 16, 2026 – President’s Day: All schools and offices will be closed.

• Tuesday, February 17 – In-Person School Day for all students.

Families are encouraged to plan accordingly. For the most up-to-date calendar information, visit rcboe.org/calendars.

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) – Three Richmond County School System (RCSS) magnet schools received awards from Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools. A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School, and John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School were awarded a National Merit School of Distinction Award, the second-highest recognition offered by the organization.

Dr. David Hall, assistant superintendent of high school administrative services, says, “These awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaborative efforts of our students and staff. We are deeply proud of C.T. Walker, Davidson, and A.R. Johnson for their outstanding achievements and for representing Richmond County and the state of Georgia with excellence.”

C.T. Walker has now received eight merit awards since 2018, while Davidson has a total of 13. Meanwhile, A.R. Johnson celebrates its third consecutive National Merit School of Distinction award.

To qualify for a merit award, Magnet Schools of America members submit a detailed application reviewed by a panel of educators. Schools are evaluated on their ability to raise academic achievement, promote diversity, integrate curricula, and build strong family and community partnerships. Each Richmond County magnet school excels in its unique focus area: C.T. Walker Magnet emphasizes communications; Davidson Magnet specializes in fine arts; and A.R. Johnson Magnet focuses on health sciences and engineering.

The schools will be recognized and receive their awards during a ceremony held at Magnet Schools of America’s National Conference from April 14-17, 2026, in San Diego, CA. 

The “One to Watch” series is a monthly recognition awarded to induction teachers who have demonstrated effective teaching and classroom management practices, established a sense of community in their classrooms, created dynamic learning experiences, and demonstrated high levels of professionalism.

 

This month's “One to Watch” recipients are:

 

Wayne Hall, Hephzibah Comprehensive High School 

Wayne Hall is a Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) business teacher at Hephzibah Comprehensive High School, proudly serving our students for the past two years. Before joining the district, Hall spent 25 years with RBW Logistics’ Records Management Center, rising through the ranks to become Operations Manager. 

As a U.S. Navy veteran, Hall noticed over the years that many students were graduating high school without essential soft skills or financial literacy.  This is what led him to the Richmond County School System, to better prepare kids for the graduation stage and the world beyond. 

Hall says some of the most memorable moments unfold when students make real-world connections to what they’ve learned in class. One standout example was when a student observed an interaction between a manager and employee at a local business. After studying the traits of effective leadership, she was quick to recognize what the manager lacked. Excited by the realization, she shared the story with her mother and returned to class eager to discuss the experience. 

  

Amitabahen Patel, W.S. Hornsby Middle School 

Seventh-grade life science teacher Amitabahen Patel has taught at W.S. Hornsby Middle School for a little over a year. 

Before joining RCSS, Patel spent 20 years as a university professor in India, where she taught, mentored students, and supported academic development within her institution. She joined our school system to expand her impact beyond higher education and contribute her passion for learning to a broader community. 

Patel describes RCSS as an environment where she can continue growing professionally while serving a meaningful purpose. Some of her proudest moments were being named Teacher of the Month at Hornsby Middle and recognized as a “One to Watch” among middle school induction teachers across the county. She says this recognition affirmed her dedication to education and continues to motivate her commitment to excellence in the classroom.

  

Jordan Brooks, Deer Chase Elementary School 

Deer Chase Elementary School art teacher Jordan Brooks joined our school system just five months ago. Before joining RCSS, Brooks worked as a floral designer, a role that nurtured a natural passion for teaching through educating clients about flowers and the significance of art and design. 

“My passion for teaching grew over time, and when the opportunity arose to become an elementary school art teacher, I couldn’t ignore it,” said Brooks. “I am so grateful for the school I am in and the wonderful staff and students I get to learn with each day.” 

Brooks finds joy in watching students embrace art history through hands-on projects and build confidence in their work. She says that seeing students of all grade levels engage with new concepts and take pride in their accomplishments has made her first year in the classroom especially meaningful.

  

Carlton Holden, T. Harry Garrett Elementary School

Carlton Holden is a second-grade teacher at T. Harry Garret Elementary School. His experiences as an accomplished local author, substitute teacher, and paraprofessional reaffirmed his belief that the perfect place to express his creativity and love for learning was in a classroom of his own. 

Although early in his teaching journey, Holden says he has already experienced meaningful milestones. One that stands out was completing his first major classroom observation with a state educator and receiving encouraging feedback from both his principal and mentor. The experience boosted his confidence and served as a reminder that RCSS is exactly where he is meant to be. 

Humbled and grateful for the recognition, Holden says it is an honor to be named the January One to Watch for Elementary Cluster 1 and is excited for what the future holds as he continues growing in the profession.