After weeks of hard work, focus, and determination during Georgia Milestones Testing, our YES students finally had an opportunity to take a well-deserved breath and enjoy some time outdoors.

With testing officially behind them, students spent the afternoon doing what kids do best—having fun! Some students organized friendly football and volleyball games, showcasing teamwork, sportsmanship, and plenty of laughter. Others chose to relax, socialize with friends, and simply enjoy the fresh air and beautiful weather.

While the activities may have looked like simple fun, moments like these are important. They provide students with an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and celebrate the effort they have put forth throughout the school year. After spending weeks demonstrating their academic knowledge and perseverance, our students earned the chance to enjoy a little freedom and fellowship.

At YES, we believe growth happens both inside and outside the classroom. Whether students were competing on the volleyball court, tossing a football, or sitting back and enjoying nature, they were building relationships, strengthening social skills, and creating positive memories together.

We are incredibly proud of the hard work our students demonstrated during testing season and look forward to finishing the school year strong. Sometimes the best reward for a job well done is simply enjoying the moment—and that's exactly what our students did!

Great job, YES Scholars! You conquered the Milestones and made time for fun along the way.

The YES Program is proud to congratulate our very own Mrs. Alicia Johnson, Co-Coordinator of the YES Program, on her appointment as Baldwin High School’s new Instructional Coach for Math and Science!

For the past 19 years, Mrs. Johnson has dedicated her career to educating, mentoring, and inspiring students as a high school mathematics teacher. Her passion for teaching, commitment to student success, and unwavering work ethic have made a lasting impact on countless students throughout Baldwin County. This well-deserved promotion is a testament to the excellence she has demonstrated throughout her career.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Mrs. Johnson has been an integral part of the YES Program for approximately 11 years, serving in various roles and helping shape the program into the supportive environment it is today. She has devoted countless hours to ensuring that students have a safe, welcoming, and enriching place to come after school. Her dedication has helped create opportunities for academic growth, personal development, and meaningful connections for generations of YES scholars.

Mrs. Johnson’s influence extends far beyond mathematics. She has consistently encouraged students to believe in themselves, work hard, and strive for excellence in all they do. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment to education have made her a respected mentor among students, families, and colleagues alike.

As she begins this exciting new chapter as Instructional Coach, we know she will continue to inspire educators and students while helping strengthen teaching and learning across Baldwin High School. Her experience, knowledge, and passion for education make her the perfect fit for this important role.

Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Johnson and this incredible achievement. We are grateful for her years of service to the YES Program and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make in her new position.

Congratulations, Mrs. Johnson! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to students continue to open doors and inspire those around you. We are proud of you and excited for all that lies ahead!

Milestone Madness is in full effect, and our students are sharpening their math skills with none other than Mr. Nelson leading the charge! Bringing both expertise and energy, Mr. Nelson is helping students build confidence in key math concepts they need for success.

During this session, students dove into the Pythagorean Theorem, learning how to solve for missing sides in right triangles and apply it to real-world scenarios. They also explored how to find the circumference of a circle, making connections between radius, diameter, and π.

But the learning didn’t stop there! Students took it a step further by working with three-dimensional figures—calculating the area and volume of cylinders, spheres, and cones. Through guided practice and hands-on problem solving, students strengthened their understanding of how math applies beyond the classroom.

What makes this experience even more impactful is Mr. Nelson himself. Serving as both the Math and Science Instructional Coach and the Interim Assistant Principal at Baldwin High School, he continues to pour into students while supporting staff and school leadership. We are excited to celebrate that in the upcoming school year, he will officially step into the role as one of Baldwin High School's Assistant Principals!

Thus, Milestone Madness is more than just test prep—it’s about building skills, boosting confidence, and connecting students with leaders who inspire. Thank you, Mr. Nelson, for making math meaningful and empowering our students to succeed!

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.

Homework Help in Action ✏️📚

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. 🌱