Hello Bobcat Family,
Parents and families, it is a privilege and honor to start serving as your new principal effective April 7, 2025. My desire is to continue the many great practices that are in place and to support you and our staff as we all endeavor to educate students. We begin today with a renewed focus on Bobcat Culture. I have shared with the staff that culture of our school (Bobcat Culture) will be a shared vision between the students, the staff, the parents, and our community. Bobcat culture will be defined as:
I have been a part of our school system since 2001, however, for those of you who do not know me that well or even at all, here is a quick snapshot of my career. I joined the United States Navy in 1991 at the young age of 17 and served on submarines for 10 years. During that time, I was a Navy Instructor for 3 years and completed my Master Training Specialists in 1999. The Navy brought me to Camden County. My wife Marcia and I decided to call Camden County home. I was honorably discharged in June of 2001 and began my teaching career at Camden Middle School in 2001. My daughter, Savannah, was born in 2001, and my son, Camden, was born in 2003. Savannah is finishing up a Journalism degree in Atlanta at Georgia State University, and Camden is in his final year at Georgia Southern University and is completing a degree in Sports Journalism.
I taught 7th grade science for 18 years and 8th grade science for one year. In 2002 I began coaching football and fell in love with the impact a coach has on players. Soon after I was asked to sponsor Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and this experience grew me both professionally and spiritually. I continued to coach football at Camden Middle for 18 years and had the opportunity to serve as the head coach from 2011 - 2020.
In 2009, I was recognized by my fellow teachers as the CMS Teacher of the Year and then was surprised by being selected as the Camden County Teacher of the Year. The surprises kept coming when I was informed that I was a top ten finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year. In the middle of this fun ride, I was also completing my doctorate in Educational Leadership. In the middle of this journey, I became ordained and served as a co-pastor at Ignite Church and I currently serve as the associate pastor of education at Three Rivers Church in Saint Marys.
In 2020, I found myself starting a new adventure as a Teaching and Learning Specialist (Assistant Principal) at Crooked River Elementary. I soon learned many new things including Pre-K director, Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (GKIDS 2.0), and just how many themed dress-up days would soon become a part of my life.
In 2022, I was selected to be the Principal at Crooked River Elementary School and have served in that capacity for the last 3 years. We have developed a wonderful school culture where students and teachers thrive and as we like to say, “Life is better at The River!” I love these students, the staff, the parents, and the wonderful academic gains we have been able to accomplish. I could have stayed there forever and be completely and fully happy and content. But as I have learned, my direction and purpose is to serve and to help everyone around me grow and become better. Although I am deeply saddened to leave my River Family, I am also sincerely excited to begin this next adventure. My full attention and energy is now officially on making SMMS the best school in Camden County. This will only be accomplished with a strong partnership between the school, the parents, and our community. We have an incredible staff, amazing parents, and the best, most supportive community. I am excited to see what we will accomplish together. I will be setting up a meet and greet session with parents soon and look forward to giving you and opportunity for helping us set goals for next year.
I am excited to lead a new staff. I am excited to build new relationships and impact lives. I am excited to learn about my new school family and to learn about all the wonderful things that you have in place that make you such a great school.
Sincerely,
Mark Lang
