Media Center
Our Media Center is a place where teachers and children come to read, work, learn, and explore. The Mission of the HES Media Center is to facilitate students in becoming effective users of information, and to foster a love of reading. Students are welcome to visit the media center at any time during the school day as a class or independently. We provide students with materials and guidance needed for classroom assignments and pleasure reading.
Meet Mrs. Johnson
Hello! My name is Bonnie Johnson. I was born and raised here in Lowndes County and actually attended Hahira Elementary myself. My husband, Nathan, and I have a precious daughter named Livi and a rambunctious son named Rush. My husband and I were raised in Hahira and are so blessed to be able to raise our family here. When I was very young, I told my kindergarten teacher that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. This desire of my heart stayed constant over the years. After, receiving my bachelor’s degree from VSU in Early Childhood Education, I began my teaching career in Kindergarten and fell in love with it on day one. This is my 21st year as an educator. After teaching Kindergarten and 1st grade, I received my master's degree in School Library Media and Instructional Technology and began my time in the Media Center. I love working with all grade levels to build connections with students and partner with teachers.
When not in school, I enjoy spending time with my family. My "littles" are still little and I love soaking up this time with them as much as I can. We love playing in the backyard, riding bikes, and evening golf cart rides around Hahira!
Meet Mrs. Phelps
My name is Katherine Phelps, and I am the paraprofessional in the Media Center at Hahira Elementary School. I am a native of Lowndes County, and graduate of Lowndes High School. I marched alto saxophone in the Lowndes High School Georgia Bridgemen band during all four years of high school. I am also a graduate of Valdosta State University where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Matt Phelps, and we have two children. Elise (17 years old) is a student at Lowndes High School, and Evan (14 years old) is a student at Hahira Middle School. I was a stay-at-home mom when our children were little, and then taught preschool at Park Avenue United Methodist Church Preschool for three years while our children were students there. When both of our children became students at HES, I started substitute teaching here. In December 2015, I accepted the paraprofessional position in the Media Center. I grew up at HES as both a student and a volunteer. My mother retired from HES in 2016 after 25 years of service. Therefore, working at HES with my children and mother nearby was like “coming home.” I absolutely love working with the students every day, helping them choose books, and assisting Mrs. Johnson and the HES Faculty in any way I can. I also serve HES as Box Top Coordinator and occasionally website and yearbook photographer.
When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with family. I attend all of the LHS football games, and stay very busy with Elise and Evan’s many extracurricular activities that include dance, band (The Lowndes High School GA Bridgemen), archery, and soccer. I also assist Matt with his business Phelps Associated Construction and Engineering (PACE). I am a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church of Valdosta. Among many church service projects, my family and I work with fellow church members and volunteers every February to bring our community the largest Father Daughter Valentine Dance in the nation.
