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No surrender at sleepover
candydance boys
SES fourth grade boys dance to Native American music as part of the “candy dance” until the music stops and they race to pick up as much candy from the ground as possible until the music starts again and they have to dance. - photo by Photo by Calli Arnold
Seventy-five eager fourth-graders fidgeted around the edges of a circle in the grass of their soccer field, as Chico Francisco of the Muskeegee American Indian tribe performed a traditional warriors dance. Alex Schaner explained to the students that Francisco never stepped backwards because they never retreat and never surrender.
 
The fourth grade classes at Springfield Elementary camped out at the school Friday as a conclusion to their lessons on Native American culture.
 
Teacher Lauren Locklair said they wanted students to see what it’s like to sleep outside, and with help from one of the SES teacher’s husband, the Creeks came out to teach students about traditional dances and customs.
 
Teachers also had a telescope set up to teach their students about astrology.  They ate hot  dogs, chips and made s’mores. Locklair said that the students were excited about seeing their friends and teachers outside of school and about each of the centers planned for the night. A number of parents volunteered to help chaperone as well.

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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