Weekly Update
April 30, 2021
The STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) honor is awarded to the senior at each high school with the highest score on any single test date of the SAT and in the top 10 percent of their class based on GPA. Each STAR Student selects their favorite teacher to be named STAR Teacher. Congratulations to William Fang, Cedar Shoals' STAR Student, and Sophie Caillault, Clarke Central's STAR Student!
Cedar Shoals STAR Student and Teacher
- "Ms. Johnson is the most influential teacher within the walls of Cedar Shoals. Under her guidance, the Peer Leadership program has changed the culture of the school—it has reignited school pride and created a robust support system for incoming freshmen. In my three years of having her as a teacher, I have learned to become empathetic and invested in my community. Mrs. Johnson has truly changed countless lives; I am just one testament to her impact on the student body."
CSHS STAR Teacher Katie Baker-Johnson has taught at Cedar Shoals for eight years, including 9th grade English and World Literature, and for the past three years, Peer Leadership. She has directed the Poetry Outloud Club and Freshmen Academy Mentoring Program.
- “I could tell you all about Will’s class rank or his contribution to conversations in AP classes or how his strength runs deep. But that’s not why I love teaching Will. I am most proud of his kindness. I teach better when Will is present in my class. I want to learn more, do more and be more when Will is in class. He makes me not only want to be a better teacher but also a better person. I have a deep faith he will enrich his next learning community in the same way he has enriched my classes and life for the last four years."
Clarke Central STAR Student and Teacher
CCHS STAR Student Sophie Caillault will attend the University of Georgia. Accepted to the Honors Program, she is considering majoring in French, horticulture, or plant biology. Sophie, who plays viola, was accepted into the GMEA All-State Orchestra all four years of high school. Sophie chose Ian Altman as her STAR Teacher.
- "I took AP Language from Mr. Altman, and above all else, he cared about his students' learning. He always encouraged us to be critical thinkers, and he made a special effort to include topics in his curriculum that were of practical value to us. Mr. Altman's sense of humor made his class fun and engaging, and his genuine care for his students and love of knowledge made him a wonderful teacher."
CCHS STAR Teacher Ian Altman has taught at CCHS for 15 years and is the Philosophy Club sponsor. He teaches 11th Grade Literature and Composition as well as AP English Language.
- "Sophie is generally a quiet student who thinks through what she has to say thoroughly before explaining her thoughts to a class, and her patience and willingness to deliberate on complex issues is something we all could learn from. Sophie is a gifted writer and has the ability to see her way to the heart of complicated arguments, taking careful note of their nuances and saying her case with proper force and clarity. She is a powerful intellectual force and a deeply humane one. I am proud to have had some small part in her education.”
Cedar Shoals Senior Anthony Heiges Named a 2021 Georgia Scholar
Congratulations to Cedar Shoals Senior Anthony Heiges, for being named one of 323 graduating seniors recognized as a 2021 Georgia Scholar! Students eligible for Georgia Scholar recognition are high school seniors who exhibit excellence in all phases of school life, in community activities, and in the home. Each Georgia Scholar receives a seal for their diploma.
These students have carried exemplary course loads during their four years of high school; performed excellently in all courses; successfully participated in interscholastic events at their schools and in their communities; and have assumed roles in extracurricular activities sponsored by their schools. Click here to read the full release.
School Calendar Reminders
- Last Day of School: Thursday, May 20
- Cedar Shoals Graduation: Friday, May 21
- Classic City Graduation: Friday, May 21
- Clarke Central Graduation: Saturday, May 22
- 2021-22 Academic Calendar
AthFest Awards Special Grant for Orchestra Program at Stroud Elementary
AthFest Educates announced it will award a special $35,000 grant for a multi-year afterschool
orchestra program at Howard B. Stroud Elementary that is a partnership with UGA's Community Music School (UGA CMS). Thank you, AthFest for your continued support of music and arts education for our students!
Experience UGA
Experience UGA is a partnership between the University of Georgia and the Clarke County School District to bring every Clarke County student to UGA's campus for an annual field trip. This year, all the trips and activities are virtual, which means they can be completed in the classroom or at home! Visit experienceugavirtual.uga.edu to see a ton of fun educational activities for every grade level from Pre-K through Eighth Grade!
United Way Seeks Volunteers
United Way of Northeast Georgia is seeking volunteers for our Impact Review Panels for the 2022 grant cycle. The first volunteer training date is May 11. Contact Mark Madison at mmadison@unitedwaynega.org with questions.
Now Hiring Substitute Teachers & Bus Drivers
Eviction Protection
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a Moratorium Order postponing evictions based on nonpayment of rent. The protection lasts until June 30, 2021 - see the "Help with Housing" section of http://bit.ly/GALegalCOVID for the most up-to-date information. CDC Moratorium Flyer
ACC Announces "Splash Pad" Opening Dates
Splash pad admission is $1 per person, cash only. For more information, please call the ACC Leisure Services Aquatics Office at 706-613-3589 or visit www.accgov.com/splashpad.
- Walker Park Splash Pad (200 Trail Creek St) opens May 1 (Saturdays only). Regular seasonal days/hours begin Saturday, May 29.
- Rocksprings Park Splash Pad (291 Henderson Ext) opens on May 29.
Student Meals & Food Resources
- Monday, May 3
- Wednesday, May 5
- Friday, May 7
COVID Data & Mitigation Efforts
View current weekly COVID data.
Graduation Schedule
- Cedar Shoals - 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, at Cedar Shoals Football Stadium
- Classic City - 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 21, at Cedar Shoals Gymnasium
- Clarke Central - 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, at Clarke Central Football Stadium
Clarke County School District
Email: webmaster@clarke.k12.ga.us
Website: www.clarke.k12.ga.us
Location: 440-1 Dearing Extension, Athens, GA, USA
Phone: 706-546-7721
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/clarkecoschools
Twitter: @clarkecoschools