This is Halloween
Tomorrow is Halloween — a day of costumes, candy and creepy capers. We always had a lot fun on this day when we were children, and we hope children create special memories on this holiday just as we all did.

On Halloween you can be something you’re not for a day, and that is why it is so fun. Sometimes we all need a break from reality.

Since the holiday is on a Saturday this year, parents should be extra careful of their little ones because of increased traffic. Adults like to frolic about when this day falls on a weekend and undoubtedly some will be filled with “evil spirits.”

We say this for every holiday and we will continue to say it: if you drink, please have a designated driver.

Please have a safe and happy Halloween tomorrow.

Wishing a happy retirement
We were surprised to hear that Newton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Whatley will retire at the end of the school year.
Whatley began his teaching career more than 36 years ago and has worked in the county’s central office since 1989. He at his retirement he will have served four years as superintendent.

We will be writing more of Whatley’s accomplishments closer to the date of this retirement.

For now we want to thank him for his leadership of the school system through such trying times.

The issues that face school systems nationwide have changed over the years, especially during the last five years.

Labor issues, the curriculum, parental involvement and infrastructure constantly change and deserve attention almost every day.
We may very well currently have someone in the system who has the knowledge and energy to take our school system to the next level of excellence.

We would strongly suggest that the Newton County School Board look not only from within but also nationwide to find the best applicant to lead our school system through the tough economic times we are experiencing and through the complex situations our school district faces in their efforts to educate our children.