Monday, January 19, 2026
Dear SMES Families,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your continued support during this unique time in our school year. I am incredibly proud of our staff, who have gone above and beyond to ensure our students continue to receive high-quality instruction while we are temporarily located at the College of Coastal Georgia in Kingsland, Georgia. Having our students with us this week has truly been the one constant that has brought a sense of normalcy to our days.
I would also like to assure you that while students are on the College of Coastal Georgia campus, their safety, supervision, and daily routines remain a top priority. Please know that the following measures are in place:
- Students are always escorted by a SMES or a CCS District staff member.
- CCG Security, along with local law enforcement, is present throughout the day.
- Breakfast and lunch are served at our regularly scheduled times.
- PE, Art, Technology, and Spanish classes continue on their regular schedules.
- All necessary school supplies are provided.
- Student services, including Nurse Kim and our school counselor, Mrs. Norton, are available on-site.
Thank you again for your patience, flexibility, and partnership as we work together to support our students. We are grateful for our SMES community and remain committed to providing a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment for all children.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Cobb
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 16, 2026
Extended Temporary Relocation Notice for St. Marys Elementary School
Camden County Schools has extended the temporary relocation of St. Marys Elementary School to the College of Coastal Georgia, located at 8001 Lakes Boulevard in Kingsland, due to the extensive remediation required following the discovery of a bat colony roosting within the school building, Tuesday, January 20, through Thursday, January 22. All Camden County Schools are closed Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
The St. Marys Elementary School campus will remain closed through January 22, 2026. A teacher workday will be needed on Friday, January 23, for staff to prepare classrooms and instructional spaces for students’ return on Monday, January 26.
Please use the link below to view the entire media release and Parent FAQs:
https://www.camden.k12.ga.us/article/2640417
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 16, 2026
Extended Temporary Relocation Notice for St. Marys Elementary School
Camden County Schools has extended the temporary relocation of St. Marys Elementary School to the College of Coastal Georgia, located at 8001 Lakes Boulevard in Kingsland, due to the extensive remediation required following the discovery of a bat colony roosting within the school building, Tuesday, January 20, through Thursday, January 22. All Camden County Schools are closed Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
The St. Marys Elementary School campus will remain closed through January 22, 2026. A teacher workday will be needed on Friday, January 23, for staff to prepare classrooms and instructional spaces for students’ return on Monday, January 26.
Please use the link below to view the entire media release and Parent FAQs:
https://www.camden.k12.ga.us/article/2640417
UPDATE: CCHS was given the all clear by the fire department. Buses have been released. We are 15 minutes behind on our normal schedule. Thank you for your patience and support.
Camden County High School will operate on a delayed schedule until fire officials have determined it is safe to reenter the building.
Due to the situation at Camden County High School, there will be delays at other school sites as well. Updates will be shared as they become available.
GM SMES Families,
We are looking forward to seeing our Shark students today at Coastal College of Georgia! Our District and Staff have worked hard to prepare and be ready to receive our students today.
If you need to communicate with the front office, please email Mrs. Dumont (adumont@camden.k12.ga.us) or Mrs. Fournet (kfournet@camden.k12.ga.us).
A few reminders:
- Please send students with their backpacks, ensuring the backpack tag is in place.
- Breakfast and Lunch will be provided; students can also bring in their lunch.
- Car Rider Tags in the vehicle must be displayed at our PM dismissal.
- Please refer to the map posted on Dojo for drop-off and pick-up information.
- Law Enforcement will be on campus for additional support.
- Students will be under the supervision of a SMES staff member at all times.
We are looking forward to a SHARKTASTIC day!
SMES Staff
We are looking forward to seeing our Shark students today at Coastal College of Georgia! Our District and Staff have worked hard to prepare and be ready to receive our students today.
If you need to communicate with the front office, please email Mrs. Dumont (adumont@camden.k12.ga.us) or Mrs. Fournet (kfournet@camden.k12.ga.us).
A few reminders:
- Please send students with their backpacks, ensuring the backpack tag is in place.
- Breakfast and Lunch will be provided; students can also bring in their lunch.
- Car Rider Tags in the vehicle must be displayed at our PM dismissal.
- Please refer to the map posted on Dojo for drop-off and pick-up information.
- Law Enforcement will be on campus for additional support.
- Students will be under the supervision of a SMES staff member at all times.
We are looking forward to a SHARKTASTIC day!
SMES Staff
Good Evening SMES,
There will be a bus at the SMES bus port each morning this week at 8:00 AM to transport our walkers from SMES to the College of Coastal Georgia Camden Campus.
The bus will depart promptly at 8:15 AM, and the approximate return time to the SMES bus port will be 4:00 PM.
Our SMES regular buses will run as close to the normal schedule as possible, picking up/dropping off our students at their regular bus stops and delivering/picking up students at the College of Coastal Georgia.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions,
Mrs. Cobb
There will be a bus at the SMES bus port each morning this week at 8:00 AM to transport our walkers from SMES to the College of Coastal Georgia Camden Campus.
The bus will depart promptly at 8:15 AM, and the approximate return time to the SMES bus port will be 4:00 PM.
Our SMES regular buses will run as close to the normal schedule as possible, picking up/dropping off our students at their regular bus stops and delivering/picking up students at the College of Coastal Georgia.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions,
Mrs. Cobb
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 13, 2026
________________________________________
Temporary Relocation Notice for St. Marys Elementary School (January 14–16)
Camden County Schools continues to work closely with licensed wildlife and facilities professionals at St. Marys Elementary School to address the presence of bats on campus. Based on their assessment, additional time is needed to fully complete the removal process, seal affected areas of the building, and conduct thorough cleaning and sanitation to ensure the campus is safe for students and staff.
As a result, St. Marys Elementary School will temporarily relocate from January 14–16 to the College of Coastal Georgia, located at 8001 Lakes Boulevard in Kingsland.
Bus transportation will be provided for students who currently ride the bus. Students who typically walk to school will be transported to and from St. Marys Elementary School and the College of Coastal Georgia. School hours will remain the same. Morning EDP will not be available; however, after-school EDP will be offered. Breakfast and lunch will be served, and recess will be scheduled for all students.
Students who do not attend school during this temporary relocation will receive an excused absence. Make-up work will be provided upon students’ return following the holiday weekend on Tuesday, January 20.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause and appreciate the patience and understanding of our families as we work to ensure a safe learning environment.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the College of Coastal Georgia for graciously offering their space during this time. We also thank Coastal Pines Technical College for their willingness to provide support if needed. Their partnership and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
Additional updates will be shared by school administration as appropriate. Please contact the school office administration via email if you have any questions. Email addresses can be found at the following link:
https://smes.camden.k12.ga.us/o/smes/page/administration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 13, 2026
________________________________________
Temporary Relocation Notice for St. Marys Elementary School (January 14–16)
Camden County Schools continues to work closely with licensed wildlife and facilities professionals at St. Marys Elementary School to address the presence of bats on campus. Based on their assessment, additional time is needed to fully complete the removal process, seal affected areas of the building, and conduct thorough cleaning and sanitation to ensure the campus is safe for students and staff.
As a result, St. Marys Elementary School will temporarily relocate from January 14–16 to the College of Coastal Georgia, located at 8001 Lakes Boulevard in Kingsland.
Bus transportation will be provided for students who currently ride the bus. Students who typically walk to school will be transported to and from St. Marys Elementary School and the College of Coastal Georgia. School hours will remain the same. Morning EDP will not be available; however, after-school EDP will be offered. Breakfast and lunch will be served, and recess will be scheduled for all students.
Students who do not attend school during this temporary relocation will receive an excused absence. Make-up work will be provided upon students’ return following the holiday weekend on Tuesday, January 20.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause and appreciate the patience and understanding of our families as we work to ensure a safe learning environment.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the College of Coastal Georgia for graciously offering their space during this time. We also thank Coastal Pines Technical College for their willingness to provide support if needed. Their partnership and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
Additional updates will be shared by school administration as appropriate. Please contact the school office administration via email if you have any questions. Email addresses can be found at the following link:
https://smes.camden.k12.ga.us/o/smes/page/administration
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 12, 2026
St. Marys Elementary School Will Remain Closed Tomorrow, January 13, 2026
Licensed professionals will be on site to complete the humane removal of the bats, seal affected areas of the building, and conduct a comprehensive cleaning and sanitation process. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Public Health have been consulted and are providing guidance to ensure all health, safety, and environmental protocols are followed.
There is no immediate danger to students or staff. The temporary closure is a precautionary measure to allow the remediation work to be completed thoroughly and safely.
School officials anticipate that St. Marys Elementary School will reopen as scheduled the following day. Families and staff will be notified promptly should there be any changes.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 12, 2026
St. Marys Elementary School Will Remain Closed Tomorrow, January 13, 2026
Licensed professionals will be on site to complete the humane removal of the bats, seal affected areas of the building, and conduct a comprehensive cleaning and sanitation process. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Public Health have been consulted and are providing guidance to ensure all health, safety, and environmental protocols are followed.
There is no immediate danger to students or staff. The temporary closure is a precautionary measure to allow the remediation work to be completed thoroughly and safely.
School officials anticipate that St. Marys Elementary School will reopen as scheduled the following day. Families and staff will be notified promptly should there be any changes.
🚨 UPDATE – SMES REUNIFICATION INFORMATION 🚨
The reunification site for St. Marys Elementary School is St. Marys Middle School.
Students who had already been picked up by school buses have been redirected to the reunification site. Parents and guardians should pick up students at St. Marys Middle School.
Please bring a photo ID and follow staff instructions upon arrival.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to ensure everyone’s safety.
Good Morning SMES Parents/Guardians,
Happy New Year! Beginning today, January 6th, our last student check-outs will be at 3:00 p.m. It is vital that students remain in class, as instruction continues until 3:15 p.m. Every minute of instructional time matters, and being present through the end of the day ensures students receive the full benefit of learning with their teachers. I appreciate your support in helping us protect instructional time for all students.
As a reminder, when your child is absent, please send in a written note or doctor’s excuse upon their return to school. If submitting a written note, it must clearly state the reason for the absence. To ensure the note is received and turned in to the front office, I encourage you to also follow up with a message to your child’s teacher letting them know the note has been placed in your child’s folder. Your support and partnership in maintaining accurate attendance records are greatly appreciated.
We are looking forward to a successful 2nd semester,
Mrs. Cobb
January Dates to Remember:
9: Progress Reports come Home
13: Huey Magoo's Spirit Night
15: Dental Van at SMES
19: MLK Holiday
23: Kona Ice
29: SMES Family Engagement Night: Winter Wonderland
Pre-K Lottery Registration is coming soon!
To learn more about the Pre-K Lottery and eligibility requirements, please visit: https://www.camden.k12.ga.us/o/ccsd/page/pre-k-parents
#BElieveinCAMDEN #WeAreCamden
To learn more about the Pre-K Lottery and eligibility requirements, please visit: https://www.camden.k12.ga.us/o/ccsd/page/pre-k-parents
#BElieveinCAMDEN #WeAreCamden
UPDATE: Our Early Release day is tomorrow, Dec. 19th. SMES dismissal will begin at 12:00. Correction on date.
Last day to shop the SMES Santa is tomorrow from 8:00-11:30! Thank you for your support!
Reminder: Our Early Release day is tomorrow, Dec. 18th. SMES dismissal will begin at 12:00.
GM SMES! The front circle is closed to traffic this morning due to our Dental Van visit. It will reopen for car riders this afternoon. Thank you!
SMES! Just a reminder that Kona Ice is coming tomorrow! 🍧
Students can purchase a small Kona Ice for $3 or a color-changing cup for $6. If your child already has a Kona Ice cup, refills are $4.
Please send money with your child if they’d like to participate!
Happy December, SMES! Please see the following annoucements:
- Our dress-up days next week are:
o Grinch Day, Monday, Dec. 15
o Elf Day, Wednesday, Dec. 17th
o PJ Day, Friday, Dec. 19th
- Dec. 19th is our Early Release Day: 12:00: Walkers, 12:05: Car Riders, 12:15: Buses
- All lost and found jackets will be donated after Friday, Dec. 19th.
Mrs. Cobb
- Our dress-up days next week are:
o Grinch Day, Monday, Dec. 15
o Elf Day, Wednesday, Dec. 17th
o PJ Day, Friday, Dec. 19th
- Dec. 19th is our Early Release Day: 12:00: Walkers, 12:05: Car Riders, 12:15: Buses
- All lost and found jackets will be donated after Friday, Dec. 19th.
Mrs. Cobb
SMES Families, our Church Street parking lot next to the small playground will be reserved for staff parking only starting this afternoon for the safety of our students. Please refrain from picking up your child in this location.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
GM SMES: Volunteer Training will be held tomorrow, Monday, Nov. 17th, from 9:00-9:30 AM. Please plan to arrive by 8:40 AM to allow time for check-in. Anyone arriving after 8:45 AM must attend the next scheduled session. Childcare is not provided, and children may not participate in the training due to sensitive content.
➡️ Important: You must have a completed and cleared background check before attending the training.
➡️ Important: You must have a completed and cleared background check before attending the training.
Dear Shark Families, Kona Ice has been cancelled for tomorrow due to unforeseen circumstances. We will reschedule for a later date and share the new time as soon as it’s confirmed. Thank you for your understanding