Good evening Trojan Families,
I hope this message finds you well. Please take a moment to review the important updates and information below.
🏀Game Night – Last Home Game of the Season!
We have a gametonight against Rutland, which is our last home game of the season. If possible, please come out and support our Trojans one last time as they head into the championship playoffs.
Additionally, our boys will begin first-round playoff action this Saturday. More details will be shared after tonight’s game. Let’s show our students the support they deserve!
🎓BETA Club Induction – Tonight at 6:00 PM
We are proud to hostBETA Club Induction this evening at 6:00 PM. This year, we will honorover 37 students, a record numberfor Fort Valley Middle School. These students have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and character. Families are encouraged to attend and help us celebrate this outstanding achievement.
📊Georgia School Climate Survey – Parent Input Needed
All Peach County schools are administering the Georgia School Climate Surveythrough the Georgia Department of Education. This feedback helps us identify strengths and areas for growth within our school community.
Parents, please take a few minutes to complete the family survey for Fort Valley Middle Schoolusing the link below:
Your voice matters, and we truly value your input.
📱Cell Phone & Electronic Device Reminder
Peach County School District policy and state law require thatcell phones and electronic devices(including smart watches, wireless headphones, and smart glasses) be kept in students’ bookbags during the school day. Failure to follow this policy will result in disciplinary consequences. Thank you for your continued support in reinforcing this expectation at home.
📣Clarification Regarding Last Wednesday’s Game
I would like to provide context and clarification regarding an incident that occurred during last Wednesday’s game against Miller Middle School.
Over the last two years, I have worked tirelessly to change the image and reputation of Fort Valley Middle School. While this work has not always been easy, I hold our students to very high standards. When they are wrong, we address it. When they are right, I will stand firmly beside them.
Throughout this game, our team and community were subjected to booing and other unsportsmanlike behavior from patrons on the opposing side. Despite this, our students and community remained composed.
If you have seen videos circulating, please know the following facts:
• A ball was thrown at one of our students.
• When our student did not respond, the opposing student charged him.
• This initiated a physical altercation that coaches and referees were actively managing.
• At that point, a group of opposing parents and patrons rushed the floor and began attacking our players.
This behavior was completely unacceptable. In response, our parents and administrators—including myself and Dr. Walker—also went to the floor in an effort to help bring the situation under control.
I have reviewed this incident from multiple camera angles and was present myself. Let me be very clear:
Our students were not aggressive.
They did not initiate the conflict.
Our parents were not the first to leave their seats.
I am proud of our students, coaches, and community for working to de-escalate a very dangerous situation. I am sharing this information because I have heard inaccurate claims placing blame on Fort Valley Middle School, and I will not stand for that. Our boys demonstrated sportsmanship, and I stand with them.
I also want to be clear that I am not angry with the Miller students. They are kids, and emotions can and do run high during close, competitive games. However, I cannot condone or agree with the actions of the adults who chose to physically engage and attack our players. That behavior is never acceptable and does not reflect the values we expect at school-sponsored events. All adults who harmed children were charged, and I am continuing to work closely withBibb and Peach County law enforcementto ensure nothing of this nature ever happens again.
I would also like to acknowledge Mrs. Gibson, the principal of Miller Middle School,who has been extremely professional and supportive throughout this process. She and her staff reacted promptly, apologized profusely, and have been very forthcoming with information. Mrs. Gibson worked diligently to ensure that Miller students and parents were held accountable for their actions, and I appreciate her leadership and cooperation.
If you have questions or concerns about this event, please feel free to contact me directly at 478-825-2413.
Thank you for your continued support of Fort Valley Middle School. Have a great evening.
Warm regards,
Principal Johnson