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Blandford students have fun preparing for state tests
pumpkins 1
Bill Gates on the right and Neil Armstrong on the left - photo by Photo provided

Mrs. Denison, Ms. McNair and Mrs. Johnson’s fifth grade classes at Blandford Elementary took advantage of the fall season to get creative with fifth grade standards.

Students selected a historical figure and decorated a pumpkin according to the figure’s historical significance. The students also composed a biographical sketch of their respective historical figure.

In addition, students engaged in hands on math activities pertaining to estimation, geometry and measurement also using pumpkins. Each of these activities served as preparation for state mandated testing in areas of math, writing and social studies.

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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