In this episode of the NCS Parent Connect Podcast, host Shebrie Jones sits down with Mrs. Nicole Pullens, School Social Worker and Education Support Person of the Year, to discuss the vital role social workers play in supporting students and families across Newton County.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how social workers address students' social and emotional needs, connect families to valuable community resources, and collaborate with scholars staff to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. This episode offers practical information for parents on recognizing when support is needed and how to access available services, reinforcing the importance of school-family partnerships.

The Georgia Milestones testing season is approaching, and families across all grade levels are preparing for what to expect. In this episode of the NCS Parent Connect Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ebony Smith, Director of Assessment, Accountability, Research, and Evaluation, to provide clear, helpful insight into the Georgia Milestones Assessment. Dr. Smith breaks down the purpose of the assessment, what families can expect and assessment resources for practice. Whether you have a student in elementary, middle, or high school, this episode offers practical guidance and reassurance to help your family feel informed and confident heading into testing season. Listen in and stay connected with NCS Parent Connect because informed families make empowered learners.

In this episode of NCS Parent Connect, we spotlight the Newton County Schools Virtual Instructional Program (VIP)and how it offers families a flexible, student-centered learning option—without sacrificing connection to school community. Joined by Dr. Angela Woods, VIP Program Specialist, we explore how the program supports academic success, keeps students engaged, and allows participation in activities at their home schools.

Whether you’re considering virtual learning or simply want to learn more about the options available in Newton County Schools, this episode provides helpful information and answers to common questions.

Parents and families can find more information about the Virtual Instruction Program by visiting the Newton County Schools -Virtual Instructional Program website. Stay informed, stay connected, and tune in to NCS Parent Connect.

In this special encore episode of the NCS Parent Connect Podcast, we’re joined by Ms. DeMia Rogers, a high school counselor with Newton County Schools, to help guide families through the college application process. Ms. Rogers provides invaluable insights on FAFSA, scholarships, test preparation, and early acceptance options. We also discuss Georgia Apply to College Month and highlight key resources like Georgia Futures and the College Board to support students on their journey to higher education.

Whether you’re just starting the college process or need help finalizing applications, this episode is filled with tips to make the path smoother for students and their families.

In this episode of the NCS Parent Connect Podcast, host Shebrie Jones chats with Dr. Sophia Seide, ESOL Coordinator for Newton County Schools, to explore how the district supports students whose first language is not English. Dr. Seide will explain the purpose of the English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)program, how students are identified and supported, and the important role families play in helping their children grow in both language and learning. Whether you are a parent of an English learner or simply interested in learning more about the diverse programs within Newton County Schools, this conversation offers valuable information, resources, and encouragement for all families.

In this episode of the NCS Parent Connect Podcast, we sit down with Mrs. Brooke Dial, Director of Special Education for Newton County Schools. She shares information on the services, resources, and support available to students with diverse needs. Parents will learn practical tips for navigating the IEP process., partnering with teachers, and helping their children thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Discover how families and schools can work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

This month we’re going Inside Newton County Schools Athletics with special guest Carl Green. Hosted by Shebrie Jones, this episode dives deep into everything parents need to know about supporting their children in school sports.

From understanding eligibility requirements and academic expectations to exploring the various athletic opportunities available, Carl shares his expert insights on how parents can help their student-athletes thrive both on and off the field. We also discuss the role of athletics in personal growth, teamwork, and leadership development, giving families the tools they need to guide their children toward a successful and fulfilling experience.

Whether your child is already part of a team or considering joining one, this episode is packed with practical advice, tips for staying involved, and answers to common questions parents often have about school athletics. Don’t miss this informative and engaging conversation that empowers parents to support their students every step of the way.

Season 3 of the NCS Parent Connect Podcast kicks off with an in-depth discussion on a topic that directly impacts students and families across Georgia, the state’s newly adopted English Language Arts (ELA) standards. This important update affects how students will build essential literacy skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, from elementary school through high school.

In this episode, Dr. Robin Cartright, English Language Arts Program Manager for the Georgia Department of Education, provides a comprehensive overview of the changes. Dr. Cartright explains why the state has updated the standards, how the revisions are designed to better prepare students for real-world communication, and what these shifts will look like in classrooms across the state.

Parents and caregivers will learn what to expect as the new standards are implemented and receive practical tips on how to reinforce these literacy skills at home. The episode is designed to equip families with the knowledge and tools they need to stay actively involved in their child’s learning journey.

For ongoing updates, resources, and additional information about Georgia’s new ELA standards, families are encouraged to visit the Georgia Department of Education’s English Language Arts website at gadoe.org/learning/english-language-arts.

In this episode of the NCS Parent Connect Podcast, we sit down with Ms. Deena Sams, director of the After-School and Community Affairs for Newton County Schools, to explore the powerful impact of the After School Academic Program (ASAP) and Communities in Schools initiative. Ms. Sams breaks down how ASAP supports students academically through homework help, tutoring, enrichment, and innovative learning activities in subjects like ELA, math, science, and more. 

In this episode of the NCS Parent Connect Podcast, we’re highlighting the incredible work of the Student and Family Support Department and their mission to promote student success in every aspect of life—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Keith Benton, Director of Student and Family Support, as he shares how his dedicated team of school counselors, social workers, school climate specialists, and school-based mental health clinicians are helping to build positive school climates and support the whole child.

We’ll explore impactful initiatives like PBIS, Rethink ED, Sources of Strength, and our partnership with Hazel Health, which brings accessible mental health care to students directly in the school setting.

You’ll also learn about the resources available through the Newton County Community Partnership, including local services that support student and family well-being beyond the classroom. Visit newtonpartnership.org/resources/local-resources to explore valuable community-based supports.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, this episode will give you a deeper look at the collaborative work happening every day to ensure every student has the tools they need to thrive.