Jennifer Lynn • Photo Clay County resident Jezza Johnson enjoyed the back-to-school bash and dancing to the music before the outdoor movie began.
By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
Summer break is over for Clay County students who will return to their classrooms on Monday, Aug. 25. Clay County Schools Superintendent Melissa Godfrey shared her excitement for the new year. "The start of a new school year is always such an exciting time," she said. "Our schools are buzzing with energy as teachers and staff welcome students back into classrooms filled with fresh opportunities to learn and grow."
Godfrey said the schools had 1,328 students registered to start school on Aug. 25, but that number may change once school starts. Enrollment numbers by school are 369 students at Hayesville High School; 300 enrolled at Hayesville Middle School and 298 students enrolled at Hayesville Elementary School. Hayesville Primary School enrollment is currently 361, which includes 59 Pre K students.
For those students being dropped off and picked up at school, Godfrey reminded Hayesville Primary School drop-off begins at 7:28 a.m., but it starts at 7:30 a.m. for the other schools. HPS afternoon pick up starts at 2:58 p.m. while it starts at 3 p.m. for all other schools.
Godfrey explained a few changes for the 2025-2026 school year. "There were no new classrooms added. We did have to shift some teachers from primary to elementary to account
for some larger groups coming through Hayesville Elementary School," she said. "We are offering a new book club at Hayesville Middle School called BookTok. In addition, we are also adding Computer Science Discoveries and Coding with Minecraft at HMS. Global Studies is being added at the high school.
A new state law restricts students using cell phones during the school day. House Bill 959 requires schools to ban cell phone usage during instructional time.
Godfrey provided the best ways for parents and guardians to stay in touch with their students' school. "Our school Facebook pages, along with the district website is a wealth of information," she added. "Also, we will send information out through SeeSaw, HPS, and Remind, third-12, for parents as well as all-calls. Each school also sends out parent newsletters. Joining PTO is also a great way to stay in touch. The student handbook is another great way to make sure parents are informed and those are sent out at the beginning of school. Otherwise, we welcome parents to call and ask questions."
The superintendent ended, "I’m so grateful for the hard work of our staff and the support of our families — it truly takes all of us working together to make Clay County Schools a great place for kids. Most of all, I can’t wait to see what our students accomplish this year. Here’s to a joyful and successful 2025–2026 school year."