YES SPOTLIGHTS⚡
Paige Jenkins
Zyiah Daniels
Georgette Saulsbury
Black history is often told through the stories of trailblazers who paved the way in the past. While honoring those legacies is important, it is equally important to recognize the individuals who are actively shaping the future today.
In Baldwin County, one such individual is the Director of Afterschool Achievement at Georgia College & State University, Mrs. Sequena Moon-Stanton. Through her dedication and leadership, she works tirelessly to ensure that students in our community have meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed beyond the traditional school day.
Her work includes writing and managing grants that support impactful programs such as the YES Program and High Achievers, initiatives that provide students with a safe, enriching place to go after school. These programs open doors for academic support, personal growth, and life-changing experiences that help students reach their fullest potential.
Because of her commitment and vision, countless students in Baldwin County are given opportunities to explore their interests, build confidence, and develop skills that will serve them for years to come. Her efforts remind us that Black history is not only something we honor—it is something we continue to create every day through leadership, service, and dedication to our communities.
In recognition of Love Month, our students participated in an engaging mental health session focused on self-love and accountability as it relates to success in school and everyday life. The session was presented by India Williams, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, owner and provider of Lotus Health and Wellness, and a community partner. (pictured above)
During the session, Ms. Williams guided students through meaningful conversations about ownership, power, and control—helping them understand how their choices, behaviors, and attitudes impact their academic success and overall well-being. Students reflected on the importance of taking responsibility for their actions, managing emotions, and developing healthy habits that support both personal growth and mental wellness.
Students were reminded that while they cannot control every situation, they always have the power to control their effort, mindset, and response. This message reinforced the importance of building self-awareness and accountability as part of maintaining positive mental health.
Parents who are interested in learning more or scheduling personal sessions for their students—or even for themselves—can visit www.visitlotushealth.com to connect with Lotus Health and Wellness. Supporting mental health is a vital part of helping our students thrive both inside and outside the classroom, because mental health truly matters.
Under the Hood 🔧🚗
During Life Skills Enrichment, Mr. Holsey had students learning real-world skills by exploring under the hood of his truck. Students worked together to locate important parts like the battery, engine, and oil cap—with plenty of laughs as everyone tried to prove they knew exactly where everything was!
Hands-on moments like this help students build practical knowledge while having fun learning skills they can actually use in the real world.
UPCOMING EVENTS
📄 March 18, 2026 – 3rd 9 Weeks Reports Go Home
Parents and guardians should be on the lookout for students’ 3rd 9 weeks progress reports coming home on this date.
👨👩👧👦 March 26, 2026 – YES Parent Night
Our YES Parent Night will take place March 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM in the cafeteria at Lakeview Academy, in conjunction with the LVA Parent Night.
This meeting is mandatory, and each student must have at least one adult (18 or older) in attendance. Your presence helps ensure students stay supported and successful in the program.
✨ Remember: YES attendance matters!
YES SPOTLIGHTS⚡
Ian LeFranc
Vincent Jackson
Jennifer McCall
Mrs. Warthen and Ms. Byrd are enjoying their cupcakes.
✨ Staff Appreciation, Always ✨
Ms. Shinholster treated our amazing team to a delicious cupcake from Sweet Peas, a local Milledgeville favorite—or a treat of their choice—as a small token of our gratitude. This was her way of saying thank you for the countless, tireless hours our staff dedicate each day to supporting students academically and giving them a safe space to unwind, be themselves, and feel supported after school. We truly couldn’t do this work without you, and we appreciate you more than words can say. 🧁✨
After the basketball 🏀 season ends, two of our Oak Hill Middle School basketball coaches step into a new role—Life Skills enrichment leaders, Mrs. Valencia Barksdale and Mr. Dennis Holsey. Bringing a youthful, relatable, and real-world perspective, they serve as powerful examples of success beyond the classroom and the court. This enrichment focuses on essential life skills students need to navigate everyday challenges, such as changing a tire, checking and changing oil, and understanding basic car maintenance. Students will also learn the importance of physical fitness and how maintaining a healthy body supports long-term success in life. This hands-on enrichment empowers students with practical knowledge, confidence, and habits that will serve them well beyond middle school.
The Afterschool Rundown 📚🎉
Our students have been hard at work during after-school hours, teaming up with their assigned teachers for dedicated homework help sessions. These moments aren’t just about finishing assignments—they’re about building confidence, strengthening academic skills, and creating positive study habits that will carry into the regular school day.
Teachers have been guiding students one-on-one and in small groups, making sure questions are answered, concepts are understood, and everyone leaves with a stronger grasp of their classwork. Students are also learning how to organize their time, manage tasks, and ask for help when they need it—essential skills for long-term success.
The best part? We’re already seeing smiles, “aha” moments, and that sense of accomplishment when students realize, “I can do this!” 🌟
Exciting News! 🚀
As we move into the Spring semester, our students have begun participating in new enrichment opportunities designed to extend learning beyond the classroom. Enrichment classes have officially kicked off, giving students hands-on STEAM experiences that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. Through interactive projects and engaging activities, students are diving into science, technology, engineering, art, and math in ways that spark curiosity and build real-world skills. We are also excited to collaborate with community members and local organizations this spring, whose knowledge and expertise help bring these enrichment experiences to life. 🌱
Due to the tremendous turnout this month, we have reached our maximum number of participants. We will be inviting students on our waitlist as soon as spots become available.
THIS IS WHERE ATTENDANCE IS CRITICAL!
Students who are not attending consistently will be removed from the program, and we will start accepting students who are on the waiting list. After 5 days, you will receive an email regarding an attendance warning. After 10 days, we will notify you that your child will no longer be able to participate in the YES program due to lack of attendance.
Eric Little
The Baldwin County Transportation Department has been working daily to ensure that we have bus routes that include all after school students.
Please make sure that you update your address with the bus garage as well as the YES staff as soon as you know that there is a change.
Transportation Director
eric.little@baldwin.k12.ga.us - (478) 457-2405