EMMA GODBY IS THE 2026 STAR STUDENT FOR SEMINOLE COUNTY MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL
The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program is sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Department of Education. Since its inception, the STAR program has honored thousands of students and teachers selected on the basis of their SAT scores, class standing, and scholastic averages. The STAR student is the graduating senior who has earned the highest SAT score and is in the top 10% of the graduating class.
It is with great pride that Seminole County Middle High School announces the STAR Student and STAR Teacher for 2026. This year’s STAR student is Emma Michelle Godby. Emma has selected Mrs. Peggy Thompson as her STAR teacher.
Emma Godby is the daughter of Michael and Holly Godby of Iron City. In the fall, Emma will attend the University of Georgia, pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with the goal of becoming a controls engineer.
Emma shared, “Being STAR Student to me is a materialization of the effort, care, and knowledge poured into me by my family, teachers, and mentors over the years. While I have put in the work, I never would have had the opportunity to achieve this honor if it weren’t for the constant support of what I like to call my village. Everything I have ever achieved can be traced back to their dedication to helping me realize my full potential.”
Mrs. Peggy Thompson is a proud Donalsonville native and 2002 graduate of Seminole County Middle High School. Mrs. Peggy Thompson has taught Emma for three years in Honors World Geography, AP World History, and AP US History. “Emma only aims for the absolute best,” she said. “I can’t wait to see her future achievements, and am proud that I got to be a part of her journey.”
The STAR Recognition Program was established to highlight Georgia’s exceptional high school students and the teachers who have played a pivotal role in their academic growth. Seminole County is truly fortunate to have such deserving students and faculty supporting this esteemed program. We extend our congratulations to Emma and Mrs. Thompson for receiving these well-deserved honors. Mrs. Mary Jean Albritton, Principal of SCMHS, stated, “One of the greatest rewards of being an administrator is the opportunity to witness students and faculty being recognized in such a meaningful way, as Emma and Mrs. Thompson are through the STAR Program. I am incredibly proud of our faculty and students at Seminole County Middle/High School and honored to contribute to providing them with the best possible education, preparing them to become the leaders of tomorrow.” Congratulations once again to Emma, Mrs. Thompson, their families, and all those who have played a role in this remarkable achievement!
The Georgia School Climate Survey (GSCS) is a statewide, anonymous survey that identifies issues that affect student achievement and school climate. The survey is designed to provide data for school and district leaders to improve schools. Please use the link below to fill out the survey. The deadline is March 31, 2026. Thank you for your participation!
https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=495A07DB
Seminole County middle and high school science teachers recently participated in a Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Science Professional Development workshop focused on strengthening instruction aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence.
Workshop sessions emphasized 3-D Science "Three-Dimensional Science Teaching", guiding educators in moving beyond “flat” lessons to fully integrated instruction that blends disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. Teachers actively planned, edited, and designed lessons and resources to deepen student understanding.
A second session, “Bridging the Gap: From Traditional Lab to Phenomenal Investigation,” highlighted how small instructional shifts can transform labs into student-driven investigations. Teachers explored ways to redesign lab activities around phenomena, placing students at the center of scientific thinking and inquiry.
These hands-on sessions provided practical strategies and collaborative time, empowering teachers to elevate science instruction and engage students more meaningfully in the learning process.
Seminole County Middle High School will host its annual Registration Information Night on January 15 in the Seminole County All Purpose Room (old Middle High School cafeteria). This event is designed to give parents and students the opportunity to meet with teachers and explore course options for the upcoming school year before registration begins later this month.
Students will be able to learn more about different academic tracks, available electives, and expectations for each course, while also having the chance to ask questions and connect with teachers. Representatives from our Dual Enrollment partners will also be on hand to share information with students interested in taking college courses while still in high school.
The Middle School session will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the High School session at 6:30 p.m. We encourage all families to attend this informative evening as they plan for a successful year ahead.
One Week Away: Important Traffic Reminders for Our New School Campus
We are just one week away from opening our new Seminole County Middle High School campus, and we want to thank our families in advance for your cooperation as we begin this exciting transition. With a new building comes new traffic patterns and procedures, all designed to keep students safe and traffic moving as smoothly as possible.
This post includes a Traffic Guidelines Quick Sheet, map diagrams for each drop-off and pick-up area, and a short video explaining the new procedures. Please take a few minutes to review all materials before our first day back.
❓ Frequently Asked Question: If I have students in BOTH Elementary and Middle High, where do I pick up and drop off?
👉 Always follow the procedure for your youngest student.
Example:
• If you have a 3rd-grade student and a 7th-grade student, you will:
– Drop off in the morning in the 3rd–5th grade lane
– Pick up in the afternoon at the front of the building
Older students will go to the pick-up and drop-off location of their youngest sibling.
As we work through the first few days, we ask for your patience and flexibility. Staff members will be on duty to assist with traffic flow and help answer questions. Small delays are expected at first, but things will improve quickly as everyone becomes familiar with the new routines.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure a safe and successful start in our new school. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next week! 💚
One Week Away: Important Traffic Reminders for Our New School Campus
We are just one week away from opening our new Seminole County Middle High School campus, and we want to thank our families in advance for your cooperation as we begin this exciting transition. With a new building comes new traffic patterns and procedures, all designed to keep students safe and traffic moving as smoothly as possible.
This post includes a Traffic Guidelines Quick Sheet, map diagrams for each drop-off and pick-up area, and a short video explaining the new procedures. Please take a few minutes to review all materials before our first day back.
❓ Frequently Asked Question: If I have students in BOTH Elementary and Middle High, where do I pick up and drop off?
👉 Always follow the procedure for your youngest student.
Example:
• If you have a 3rd-grade student and a 7th-grade student, you will:
– Drop off in the morning in the 3rd–5th grade lane
– Pick up in the afternoon at the front of the building
Older students will go to the pick-up and drop-off location of their youngest sibling.
As we work through the first few days, we ask for your patience and flexibility. Staff members will be on duty to assist with traffic flow and help answer questions. Small delays are expected at first, but things will improve quickly as everyone becomes familiar with the new routines.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure a safe and successful start in our new school. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next week! 💚
We have a home basketball game on Saturday, January 3, 2026! Come on out and support your Indians!!
Our fishing team spent a great Saturday on the water competing in a tournament on Lake Seminole, launching out of Big Jim’s on December 20. The day brought good fishing, great sportsmanship, and plenty of time enjoying the lake.
🥇 1st Place: Liam Shingler with 12.22 lbs, also landing Big Fish at 6.41 lbs
🥈 2nd Place: Will Melton with 6.40 lbs
🎣 Tight Line Winner: Reed Phillips
Everyone had a great day and enjoyed being out on the lake. A special thank you goes to all of the boat captains for generously giving their time to take our boys fishing.
We also appreciate Coach Brandon Ingram and his assistant Jessica for organizing the tournament and running the weigh-in. Great job to everyone involved!
The Seminole County HOSA – Future Health Professionals chapter had an amazing time celebrating Christmas with a fun holiday party full of good food, lots of laughs, and gift giving. Along with celebrating together, our chapter also took time to give back by shopping for our Secret Resident at Seminole Manor.
Our HOSA president delivered the gifts to the manor to help make Christmas extra special for a very deserving resident. Being able to spread happiness and bring joy to someone else during the holidays reminded us what HOSA is all about—service, leadership, and compassion.
Our chapter is led by our HOSA officers:
President: Jayla Coachman
Vice President: Brooke Robinson
Secretary: Chloe Herrin
Reporter: Emma Ernest
From our HOSA officers and members, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!
Today, our middle school students who showed growth in both reading and math on i-Ready were treated to a well-deserved reward party! They enjoyed hot chocolate, donuts, and Christmas movies as we celebrated their hard work and academic progress.
