✨ Big things are happening at Dewar as we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year! 🍎📚
While many of our upcoming introductions will feature new faces, today's spotlight is on a familiar one. Today, we are excited to celebrate Mrs. Mary Beth Sebring. While she is certainly no stranger to Dewar, she is beginning a new chapter as Principal of Dewar Elementary School. Congratulations, Mrs. Sebring! ❤️💙
Mary Beth Sebring is a dedicated educational leader with more than 18 years of experience serving students, educators, and families across South Georgia. Throughout her career, she has established a reputation for excellence in instructional leadership, school improvement, teacher development, and student achievement. Her passion for education is rooted in a steadfast belief that every child deserves access to high-quality learning experiences and the support necessary to reach their fullest potential.
Mrs. Sebring earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education, Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, and Educational Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership from Valdosta State University. She further strengthened her leadership expertise by earning her Tier I Educational Leadership Certification through Valdosta State University and a Teacher Support and Coaching Endorsement through Coastal Plains RESA.
Mrs. Sebring began her educational career with Valdosta City Schools, where she dedicated eight years to serving students and families. During her tenure, she taught third grade, co-teaching and working collaboratively to deliver high-quality instruction and support the academic growth of all learners. In addition to her classroom and grade-level leadership responsibilities, she served as the school's Community Partners in Education (CPIE) Coordinator, where she cultivated meaningful partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and stakeholders. Through these collaborative efforts, she helped secure resources, expand opportunities for students, and strengthen the connection between the school and the community. These experiences fostered her passion for collaboration, servant leadership, and building systems that support student success both inside and outside the classroom.
Mrs. Sebring later joined Lowndes County Schools, where she continued to broaden her impact on teaching and learning through a variety of leadership roles. She served as a third-grade teacher, an Early Intervention Program (EIP) Reading and Math Interventionist, and an Instructional Coach. In these positions, she worked closely with students and teachers to improve academic outcomes through data-driven instruction, targeted interventions, curriculum implementation, and professional learning. As an instructional coach, she provided job-embedded support for teachers, facilitated professional development, analyzed student achievement data, and partnered with instructional teams to strengthen classroom practices and improve student performance.
Recognized for her ability to build relationships, inspire educators, and lead continuous improvement efforts, Mrs. Sebring transitioned into school administration. She served as Assistant Principal of Dewar Elementary School, where she provided leadership for a wide range of programs and initiatives, including special education, Response to Intervention (RTI), the Early Intervention Program (EIP), Section 504 services, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), school improvement planning, student discipline, teacher evaluation and support, and statewide assessment coordination. In this role, she played a pivotal part in advancing instructional excellence, fostering a positive school culture, and supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth.
Mrs. Sebring currently serves as the Principal of Dewar Elementary School, where she leads with a vision centered on student achievement, educator empowerment, and continuous improvement. She is committed to fostering a culture of excellence in which students are challenged, supported, and inspired to succeed, while teachers are provided with the resources, professional learning, and collaborative opportunities necessary to thrive. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in building strong relationships, developing others' leadership capacity, and creating systems that ensure every student succeeds.
Known for her collaborative and servant-hearted approach to leadership, Mrs. Sebring values meaningful partnerships with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders. She believes that the most successful schools are built on trust, shared responsibility, high expectations, and a collective commitment to excellence.
While many of our upcoming introductions will feature new faces, today's spotlight is on a familiar one. Today, we are excited to celebrate Mrs. Mary Beth Sebring. While she is certainly no stranger to Dewar, she is beginning a new chapter as Principal of Dewar Elementary School. Congratulations, Mrs. Sebring! ❤️💙
Mary Beth Sebring is a dedicated educational leader with more than 18 years of experience serving students, educators, and families across South Georgia. Throughout her career, she has established a reputation for excellence in instructional leadership, school improvement, teacher development, and student achievement. Her passion for education is rooted in a steadfast belief that every child deserves access to high-quality learning experiences and the support necessary to reach their fullest potential.
Mrs. Sebring earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education, Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, and Educational Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership from Valdosta State University. She further strengthened her leadership expertise by earning her Tier I Educational Leadership Certification through Valdosta State University and a Teacher Support and Coaching Endorsement through Coastal Plains RESA.
Mrs. Sebring began her educational career with Valdosta City Schools, where she dedicated eight years to serving students and families. During her tenure, she taught third grade, co-teaching and working collaboratively to deliver high-quality instruction and support the academic growth of all learners. In addition to her classroom and grade-level leadership responsibilities, she served as the school's Community Partners in Education (CPIE) Coordinator, where she cultivated meaningful partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and stakeholders. Through these collaborative efforts, she helped secure resources, expand opportunities for students, and strengthen the connection between the school and the community. These experiences fostered her passion for collaboration, servant leadership, and building systems that support student success both inside and outside the classroom.
Mrs. Sebring later joined Lowndes County Schools, where she continued to broaden her impact on teaching and learning through a variety of leadership roles. She served as a third-grade teacher, an Early Intervention Program (EIP) Reading and Math Interventionist, and an Instructional Coach. In these positions, she worked closely with students and teachers to improve academic outcomes through data-driven instruction, targeted interventions, curriculum implementation, and professional learning. As an instructional coach, she provided job-embedded support for teachers, facilitated professional development, analyzed student achievement data, and partnered with instructional teams to strengthen classroom practices and improve student performance.
Recognized for her ability to build relationships, inspire educators, and lead continuous improvement efforts, Mrs. Sebring transitioned into school administration. She served as Assistant Principal of Dewar Elementary School, where she provided leadership for a wide range of programs and initiatives, including special education, Response to Intervention (RTI), the Early Intervention Program (EIP), Section 504 services, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), school improvement planning, student discipline, teacher evaluation and support, and statewide assessment coordination. In this role, she played a pivotal part in advancing instructional excellence, fostering a positive school culture, and supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth.
Mrs. Sebring currently serves as the Principal of Dewar Elementary School, where she leads with a vision centered on student achievement, educator empowerment, and continuous improvement. She is committed to fostering a culture of excellence in which students are challenged, supported, and inspired to succeed, while teachers are provided with the resources, professional learning, and collaborative opportunities necessary to thrive. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in building strong relationships, developing others' leadership capacity, and creating systems that ensure every student succeeds.
Known for her collaborative and servant-hearted approach to leadership, Mrs. Sebring values meaningful partnerships with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders. She believes that the most successful schools are built on trust, shared responsibility, high expectations, and a collective commitment to excellence.
📚 Teachers Read in the Summer Too!
This summer, we’re highlighting Dewar staff members to remind our students that reading doesn’t stop when the school year ends. Whether it’s a book, audiobook, magazine, graphic novel, newspaper, devotional, or cookbook, reading can happen anywhere!
This week’s reader is Mrs. Dillard, Dewar’s new media specialist! While she usually prefers listening to audiobooks throughout the year, a beach trip always means a physical book in hand. 🏖️
No matter where you are or what you’re doing, don’t forget to make time for reading. Just 20 minutes a day can help keep your reading skills strong, your imagination growing, and the summer slide at bay!
Families, remember that one of the best ways to encourage young readers is to let them see the adults in their lives reading, too.
What are you reading this summer? 📖☀️
This summer, we’re highlighting Dewar staff members to remind our students that reading doesn’t stop when the school year ends. Whether it’s a book, audiobook, magazine, graphic novel, newspaper, devotional, or cookbook, reading can happen anywhere!
This week’s reader is Mrs. Dillard, Dewar’s new media specialist! While she usually prefers listening to audiobooks throughout the year, a beach trip always means a physical book in hand. 🏖️
No matter where you are or what you’re doing, don’t forget to make time for reading. Just 20 minutes a day can help keep your reading skills strong, your imagination growing, and the summer slide at bay!
Families, remember that one of the best ways to encourage young readers is to let them see the adults in their lives reading, too.
What are you reading this summer? 📖☀️
📊 Dewar was proud to be represented at District Data Days this week by our administrative team, instructional coach, and teacher leaders. Together, we reflected on the successes of the 2025-2026 school year, celebrated student growth, and began planning for an even stronger 2026-2027. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and can’t wait to see what our Vikings accomplish next! ❤️
✨ Big things are happening at Dewar as we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year! Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing some new faces joining our team. ✨
First up, please help us welcome our new assistant principal, Mrs. Ashley Berry!
Ashley Berry is a dedicated and student-centered educational leader with over 15 years of experience supporting students, educators, and school systems through specialized behavior intervention, special education leadership, instructional support, and capacity building. She joins Dewar Elementary School in the Lowndes County School District after serving in a variety of leadership and support roles within Valdosta City Schools, where she developed extensive expertise in behavior intervention, trauma-informed practices, instructional coaching, and equitable student support systems.
Throughout her career, she has led professional learning and staff development initiatives focused on behavior management, crisis de-escalation, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior supports. She has mentored Behavior Intervention Specialists, facilitated district-wide professional development, and supported teachers in strengthening instructional practices that increase student engagement and improve learning outcomes. Her leadership is grounded in relationship building, collaborative problem solving, and creating safe, supportive learning environments where all students can thrive.
Prior to her district-level leadership roles, she served as Lead Special Education Teacher at Valdosta Middle School, where she supported instructional programming, IEP implementation, compliance processes, and professional learning for special education staff. This classroom and leadership experience provided a strong foundation in differentiated instruction, instructional leadership, data-informed decision making, and systems-level student support.
Her background also includes extensive expertise in MTSS implementation, behavior analysis, crisis intervention, and consultative coaching. She is certified as a Mindset De-escalation and Restraint Instructor and has completed advanced training in behavior analysis, trauma competency, and behavior intervention systems. Her leadership consistently emphasizes empathy, consistency, high expectations, and collaborative partnerships among schools, families, and communities.
First up, please help us welcome our new assistant principal, Mrs. Ashley Berry!
Ashley Berry is a dedicated and student-centered educational leader with over 15 years of experience supporting students, educators, and school systems through specialized behavior intervention, special education leadership, instructional support, and capacity building. She joins Dewar Elementary School in the Lowndes County School District after serving in a variety of leadership and support roles within Valdosta City Schools, where she developed extensive expertise in behavior intervention, trauma-informed practices, instructional coaching, and equitable student support systems.
Throughout her career, she has led professional learning and staff development initiatives focused on behavior management, crisis de-escalation, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior supports. She has mentored Behavior Intervention Specialists, facilitated district-wide professional development, and supported teachers in strengthening instructional practices that increase student engagement and improve learning outcomes. Her leadership is grounded in relationship building, collaborative problem solving, and creating safe, supportive learning environments where all students can thrive.
Prior to her district-level leadership roles, she served as Lead Special Education Teacher at Valdosta Middle School, where she supported instructional programming, IEP implementation, compliance processes, and professional learning for special education staff. This classroom and leadership experience provided a strong foundation in differentiated instruction, instructional leadership, data-informed decision making, and systems-level student support.
Her background also includes extensive expertise in MTSS implementation, behavior analysis, crisis intervention, and consultative coaching. She is certified as a Mindset De-escalation and Restraint Instructor and has completed advanced training in behavior analysis, trauma competency, and behavior intervention systems. Her leadership consistently emphasizes empathy, consistency, high expectations, and collaborative partnerships among schools, families, and communities.
🎒 School supply lists for the 2026-2027 school year are now available! ✂️
Summer break just started, but it’s never too early to start watching for those back-to-school deals. ✏️📚
Need a printable supply list for your child’s grade level? Click the link below! ⬇️
https://tinyurl.com/DESsupplies2627
Summer break just started, but it’s never too early to start watching for those back-to-school deals. ✏️📚
Need a printable supply list for your child’s grade level? Click the link below! ⬇️
https://tinyurl.com/DESsupplies2627
Huge congratulations to Dewar Elementary School alum Jakob Walker for earning a top spot in the Lowndes High School graduating class of 2026. Out of 738 students, Jakob achieved the phenomenal distinction of 5th Honor Graduate.
We are incredibly proud to have been the place where his journey as a Viking began, and watching him achieve such greatness is a true joy.
Jakob is continuing his education at the University of Georgia this fall. Your Dewar family is cheering you on as you head to Athens.
We are incredibly proud to have been the place where his journey as a Viking began, and watching him achieve such greatness is a true joy.
Jakob is continuing his education at the University of Georgia this fall. Your Dewar family is cheering you on as you head to Athens.
These students have worked incredibly hard to meet their Lexia goals this year. To recognize their achievements, we celebrated with an end-of-the-year ice cream party!! 🍦🍦🍦
Great class behavior = ICE CREAM PARTY for these amazing second graders! Ms. Swopes’ students showed tremendous effort working together to earn smiley faces in their class jar through kindness, teamwork, listening ears, and making great choices each day. Their hard work paid off with a sweet celebration they had been looking forward to — an ice cream party!
The entire day was sprinkled with ice cream fun from the decorations, to bingo, to sweet math equations and activities. These second graders proved that hard work, kindness, and responsibility can lead to something super sweet! So proud of them for continuing to shine and make great choices every day!
The entire day was sprinkled with ice cream fun from the decorations, to bingo, to sweet math equations and activities. These second graders proved that hard work, kindness, and responsibility can lead to something super sweet! So proud of them for continuing to shine and make great choices every day!
Congratulations to these 7 students who had NO absences and NO tardies for the entire school year! They were given a certificate and a $25 Chick-fil-A gift card from Smith Tire Company!
Astrid Aumiller - 1st grade
Adley Stewart - 2nd grade
Catherine Lambert - 3rd grade
Dallas-Ray Puryear - 3rd grade
Brae'Leigh Gordon - 4th grade
Kameron Pigeon - 4th grade
Isaiah Miller - 5th grade
Astrid Aumiller - 1st grade
Adley Stewart - 2nd grade
Catherine Lambert - 3rd grade
Dallas-Ray Puryear - 3rd grade
Brae'Leigh Gordon - 4th grade
Kameron Pigeon - 4th grade
Isaiah Miller - 5th grade
Ms. Swopes’ second graders are officially authors! 📚 They worked so hard in April to bring their class book to life. From rough drafts to edits to final drafts, students put so much time, creativity, and effort into every page. Each student wrote their own page and illustrated a picture to match. Once the books got delivered, they took turns reading their pages aloud to their classmates, and it was such a special moment filled with smiles, excitement, laughter, and so much pride! Watching their creativity and confidence shine made this project even more meaningful. We are so proud of all the hard work, imagination, and teamwork that went into creating our very first class book!
Students in Mrs. Godwin’s classes celebrated passing their multiplication facts with a disco party. They were rewarded with a movie, popcorn, soda, and candy. A glow party was the best way to end the school year!
Early Dismissal on Wednesday, May 20th!
Community Partnership Spotlight 🌟
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing CPIE partners, Jennifer McCraine with BankSouth Mortgage and Olivia Laverenz with Mercer Hughes Real Estate, for sponsoring our May Teacher & Staff of the Month gifts! 💙🍎
Your generosity and continued support help us celebrate and recognize the incredible staff members who make a difference for our students every single day. We are so thankful for community partners who continuously invest in Dewar Elementary and help make our school such a special place. ❤️
We truly appreciate all you have done for our teachers and staff this year and look forward to continuing our partnership next school year! 🛡️✨
#DewarElementary #DESCommunityPartners #TeacherAppreciation #ThankYouPartners #StrongerTogether #DESVikings
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing CPIE partners, Jennifer McCraine with BankSouth Mortgage and Olivia Laverenz with Mercer Hughes Real Estate, for sponsoring our May Teacher & Staff of the Month gifts! 💙🍎
Your generosity and continued support help us celebrate and recognize the incredible staff members who make a difference for our students every single day. We are so thankful for community partners who continuously invest in Dewar Elementary and help make our school such a special place. ❤️
We truly appreciate all you have done for our teachers and staff this year and look forward to continuing our partnership next school year! 🛡️✨
#DewarElementary #DESCommunityPartners #TeacherAppreciation #ThankYouPartners #StrongerTogether #DESVikings
Huge shoutout to three of our Dewar girls who represented our school in volleyball! They finished the regular season ranked 9th out of 10 teams, were placed in another pool with 10 more teams, and fought their way to the championship game this morning.
Charley Ann Parramore, Callie Lopez, and Ava Smith played their hearts out and left it all on the court. They battled to a third set and came up just short 10-15, but their grit, teamwork, and determination were incredible to watch.
I’m so proud of the way our Dewar girls represented us this season!
Donuts at Dewar!!
Miss Flythe’s class took a sweet trip across Georgia today! Students explored Georgia's different regions by decorating cookies inspired by each area while learning about geography, agriculture, and landmarks.
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of the school year—extra yearbooks are officially on sale for just $25! These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you’ll want to act fast before they sell out. You can secure your copy easily by purchasing through the Dewar Online Store or by bringing cash to the front office today. Grab yours now to ensure those memories last a lifetime!
Takis Chips!
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing community partners for helping us celebrate our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎✨
Your kindness, generosity, lunches, treats, and support made our staff feel so loved and appreciated this week. We are so grateful for each business and organization that poured into Dewar Elementary!
Thank you for supporting our teachers and our school family! ❤️💛💙 #TeacherAppreciationWeek #DewarElementary #CommunityPartners #ThankYou #DESFamily
Your kindness, generosity, lunches, treats, and support made our staff feel so loved and appreciated this week. We are so grateful for each business and organization that poured into Dewar Elementary!
Thank you for supporting our teachers and our school family! ❤️💛💙 #TeacherAppreciationWeek #DewarElementary #CommunityPartners #ThankYou #DESFamily
We are sorry for the weather delay, but we are happy to share that our final Kona Ice visit is set for Monday, May 18th. The Kona link was reopened and will remain open only until this Friday, May 15th, at 6:00 am. The purchase link will not be available over the weekend or on Monday, 5/18. All purchases must be made by Friday, early morning. Thank you so much for your support this year!
https://customer.kona-ice.com/#/K3749238366
https://customer.kona-ice.com/#/K3749238366
