Better Together
News from the Clarke County School District • 1/14/22
Every year, our students participate in a district-wide art and writing competition designed to provide education about and connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy. Winners will be announced at the end of January, and students will be recognized at the Board of Education meeting in February.
We are happy to share this video of students showcasing their work and explaining how they interpreted the theme “Unity: Working Together for Hope and Peace.” Their inspired messages of hope (along with some sage advice) will resonate with all of us.

Early Registration for Pre-K and Kindergarten
February 21-26, 2022 / 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
595 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30601
706-546-7721

Winter Weather Reminder - Devices & Communication
The CCSD works in close contact with local and state emergency authorities to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff. If there is a change to school operations, CCSD will share information using these methods:
- Email and/or phone call to all phone numbers in the parent notification system;
- Post on district and school social media pages and websites;
- Local Athens-Clarke County media;
- Metro Atlanta media outlets, including WSB TV/Channel 2, WXIA/11 Alive, WAGA/Fox 5, and WGCL/CBS 46.
Please remember to keep your family's contact information current by updating it in the Infinite Campus portal or informing your student's school.
Because there is a chance this weekend that inclement weather may disrupt school operations, students will be instructed to take home all electronic devices, work materials, and textbooks.

New CCSD Central Office Location
Board of Education meetings will be held at the new location beginning in February. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will be scheduled soon.




American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, to speed up the United States' recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing recession.
Click to read about CCSD's Federal Programs and view the district CARES/ARP Budget Dashboard.

Calendar RemindersClick to view the 2021-22 Academic Calendar. Important dates:
| Athens Wellbeing Project The Athens Wellbeing Project (AWP) is an unprecedented collaboration among several Athens-Clarke County area Institutional Partners and Community Stakeholders. Their mission is to empower the Athens community with meaningful data that will lead to more informed decision-making, improvements in service delivery, and greater quality of life for our citizens. Please click here to complete a short survey to help guide this work. | We Want You On Our Team!Sign on as a Substitute Teacher or Paraprofessional in Athens! Lend your passion and talents to the students and staff here in CCSD. Daily pay increases and monthly bonuses! Click here to learn more or call ESS at 877-983-2244. |
Calendar Reminders
Click to view the 2021-22 Academic Calendar. Important dates:
- 1/17: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No school
- 2/14-17: High School Conference Week
- 2/21: Student Holiday
Athens Wellbeing Project
We Want You On Our Team!
Sign on as a Substitute Teacher or Paraprofessional in Athens! Lend your passion and talents to the students and staff here in CCSD. Daily pay increases and monthly bonuses! Click here to learn more or call ESS at 877-983-2244.

BOE News
The Clarke County Board of Education welcomes community feedback. Here are ways you can share your voice:
- Contact BOE Members: Click here to view a list of the BOE members and their contact information.
- Attend a Meeting: Next regular meeting is Thursday, January 20 at 6:00 p.m. (in-person and broadcast on the CCSD YouTube channel).
- Board Briefs: Click to read the "Board Brief" overview from each meeting.
- Public Comments: Click here for information on how to sign-up to speak at a regular BOE meeting.
- Review Policies for Review: View and comment on district policies pending public review.

Masks Required at School CCSD requires that ALL individuals wear a mask in our buildings, regardless of vaccination status. Please remember to wear your mask if you are inside a CCSD building. Thank you! | COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination InformationView this message about the importance of receiving the vaccine and testing if symptoms are present.
| CCSD COVID-19 Reporting Tool The CCSD COVID-19 Dashboard is available on the district website containing automatic hourly updates. |
Masks Required at School
COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination Information
View this message about the importance of receiving the vaccine and testing if symptoms are present.
- COVID vaccine info & appointments
- PCR testing for CCSD students, families, staff: Hilsman Health Center - 706-546-7463.
- GaDPH COVD-19 FREE Testing Sites
CCSD COVID-19 Reporting Tool


University of Georgia's MLK Jr. Freedom Breakfast Now a Free Virtual Event
The University of Georgia's annual Freedom Breakfast celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event was scheduled to be held this morning, but the difficult decision was made to change it to a virtual event.
UGA will release a pre-recorded video as part of the celebration of Dr. King's legacy. The video will be available by Monday, January 17, on the UGA Facebook Page and the Office of Institutional Diversity website (diversity.uga.edu). The district's MLK, Jr. Art/Writing contest video will be a part of the program.

6th Annual Athens-Clarke MLK Day Parade
The parade begins on the corner of Hull and W. Washington Street (195 W. Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601). Spectators can view the parade on Clayton Street, College Ave., Jackson Street, and Washington Street (from City Hall to the Morton Theatre).
Additional activities include:
- Fun Zone, located on Hull Street and on the patio at Little Kings, features inflatables, rides, and outdoor youth activities.
- Main Stage, located near the Morton Theater features multiple bands all afternoon.
- Hip Hop Show at The World Famous from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

ACCGov Seeks Candidates for New Human Relations Commission & Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board by Jan. 19
The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) is seeking qualified candidates to fill appointments on the following newly-created commission and newly-created board:
- 15 positions on the Human Relations Commission
- Nine positions on the Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board
Applicants for any board, authority, or commission positions must be Athens-Clarke County residents. More detailed information about each board, authority, or commission is available online at www.accgov.com/boards. The schedule for meeting times and locations for the new commission and new board will be determined by the members after appointments are made.
Applications can be filled out online at www.accgov.com/boards or obtained from the Clerk of Commission's office in Room 204 of City Hall, 301 College Avenue. The deadline for receiving applications is Wednesday, January 19. A separate application must be completed for each position.
The Mayor and Commission are tentatively scheduled to interview applicants via WebEx on Wednesday, January 26, and Thursday, January 27. Appointments are tentatively scheduled to be made at the Mayor and Commission Regular Session meeting on Tuesday, February 1.
For more information, call Clerk of Commission Jean Spratlin at 706-613-3031 or visit www.accgov.com/clerkofcommission.

ACCGov Leisure Services Scholarship Renewals
The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department reminds the community it is time to renew or apply for a Department scholarship.
- The scholarship program is for qualifying Athens-Clarke County residents under the age of 18. Individuals with expired scholarships and new scholarship applicants must visit a Leisure Services Department facility office at least five business days prior to registering for a program.
- Scholarships must be applied for in person.
- Scholarships are issued at 25%, 50%, and 75% levels, based on income eligibility. There is a $400 annual cap in scholarship funds per child.
- Requirements for documentation: recent utility bill (last 90 days), the most recent IRS Tax Form 1040 (with children listed), and a valid photo ID.
- Individuals must establish an online registration account at www.accgov.com/myrec prior to applying for a scholarship.
- All scholarships expire on December 31.
- For more information, please call 706-613-3800 or visit www.accgov.com/scholarship.


Registration for East Athens Little League is Now Open!
Who’s Ready to PLAY BALL?!?! Registration is now open for Spring 2022 tee-ball, baseball, and softball. Registration includes a jersey and ballcap for each child. (Pants, socks, and belts are not included.) Scholarships are available.
- Teeball (ages 4-6, coed): $55 per child
- Baseball (boys 7-16): $85 per child
- Softball (girls 7-16): $85 per child
**PLEASE NOTE: For baseball, there are four options: rookie, minor, major, and middle school/high school. Rookie players are ages 7-8. Minor is 8-9. Major is 10-12. Middle school/High school is 13-16. Based on skill level, some players may be moved up or down.
Volunteers Wanted! We are in DESPERATE NEED of volunteers—coaches, assistant coaches, team parents, and concession stand. Please indicate your willingness to volunteer on your registration form.

New Teen Newsletter from ACC Library Click to view the latest ACC Library Teen Newsletter. | Search for Jobs in Athens-Clarke County | ACC Leisure Services E-Newsletter |
Search for Jobs in Athens-Clarke County

Community Food Resources Visit ACC Community Food Resources to view dates/times of food distributions in Athens-Clarke County. | 211 – Get Connected. Get Help. 211 is United Way of Northeast Georgia’s health and human service helpline – a free and confidential program accessible to anyone. Call 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit the online database. | Need Help Paying Rent?Georgia landlords and renters are encouraged to apply for rental and utility assistance through the State of Georgia Rental Assistance program! Nearly a billion dollars has been allocated to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs by the U.S. Treasury to provide help for renters who have fallen behind on rent during the pandemic. For assistance, email rentalassistance@dca.ga.gov or call (833) 827-7368. |
Community Food Resources
211 – Get Connected. Get Help.
Need Help Paying Rent?
Georgia landlords and renters are encouraged to apply for rental and utility assistance through the State of Georgia Rental Assistance program! Nearly a billion dollars has been allocated to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs by the U.S. Treasury to provide help for renters who have fallen behind on rent during the pandemic.
For assistance, email rentalassistance@dca.ga.gov or call (833) 827-7368.