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ECMS hosts sixth-grade parent night
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Effingham County Middle School held a parent night to help parents assist their sixth-grade children in making the move from elementary to middle school. - photo by Photo provided

Effingham County Middle School recently hosted a sixth-grade parent night.

The program, called Building Bridges, was designed to help parents of sixth-grade students with their transition from the elementary-school to the middle-school environment.

Sixth-grade students and their parents/guardians enjoyed a light dinner before visiting each of the academic teachers’ classrooms. Teachers shared information covering classroom and school-wide policies and procedures, and offered parents a glimpse into the typical academic day at ECMS.

“We had a fantastic turnout,” said ECMS parent liaison Mariella Manhatton. “Building Bridges was a huge success thanks to the combined efforts of ECMS school personnel, parents and students.”

It was the first time Effingham County Middle hosted a sixth-grade parent night. ECMS plans for it to be an annual event.

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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