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Vision, Mission, and Beliefs
The Mission of the Echols County School System is to provide an excellent education for all students
Our vision is to be a school system that develops independent, responsible, lifelong learners

Our Beliefs (Core Values)
We believe:

All children learn in different ways and at different rates
All children should have an equal opportunity to learn
Environmental, socio-economic, and life experiences influence students’ learning
Parents should be meaningfully engaged in their child’s education
Parents should instill in their children the value of education and the importance of regular attendance, acceptable behavior, and academic success
The school system should communicate clear, high, and attainable expectations for all students, staff, and stakeholders
All students should be provided a broad, coherent, and challenging curriculum related to the real world
Schools should strive to prepare students to be productive, self-sufficient, and contributing members of society
Schools should make educational decisions informed by data and in the interest of all students
School should provide a safe and caring environment for all
The community should have a vested interest in the education of all its children
Together, the school system and the community serve as the foundation for quality of life, growth, and sustainability of the community

In accordance with HB 340 and the Echols County Schools handbooks, the following procedures will be enforced for the 2025-2026 school year:

What is a Personal electronic devices (PEDs)? Any privately owned device that can send, receive, store, or display digital data, images, video, or audio, including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, e-readers, headphones, earbuds, and other devices with functionalities such as wireless communication, internet access, messaging, video recording, gaming, social media access, or data transmission.

What are considered school hours for K-8? The period beginning with the first bell signaling the start of instructional time or entrance into the school building, whichever occurs first, shall include all scheduled instructional time, breaks, transitions, assemblies, and other school-related activities occurring between the start and end of the school day. Students will claim devices at the end of the school day; however, devices should not be powered on or accessed until students leave the school building for dismissal. K-5 and 6-8 instructional hours as defined in the student handbook each year.

What is considered accessing a PED? Viewing, holding, wearing, or otherwise using a device for the purpose of communication, internet access, gaming, recording, listening to music, or any other function commonly associated with personal electronic devices.

How can parents contact their students while they are at school? Parents needing to contact their child during the school day, in an emergency situation, should call the front office of their child’s school or send an email to messagek8@echols.k12.ga.us Messages will be given to students at the end of the day or at an appropriate transition time as deemed by administration. Students will not be called out of instructional time to receive messages.

What about PED usage during athletic and extracurricular events? Electronic devices may be used in accordance with the guidelines set up by the school and are subject to change.