Better Together
News from the Clarke County School District • 3/31/23
We also want to say thank you again to our families and community members for your continued readership and support of this weekly newsletter. We hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to our next edition on Friday, April 14!
Strategic Plan Listening Session Schedule Finalized
CCSD is partnering with The Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement (GLISI) to support the development of a new five-year strategic plan for our district and schools. This work begins with hearing from the community to understand its vision for the future of our school district.
We are planning four public listening sessions in April at the following times and locations. Sessions are scheduled for:
- 4 p.m. Sunday, April 16 - Tuckston United Methodist Church, 4175 Lexington Rd., Athens
- 6 p.m. Monday, April 17 - Clarke Central High School media center, 350 South Milledge Ave., Athens
- 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 - Cedar Shoals High School cafeteria, 1300 Cedar Shoals Dr., Athens.
- 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 — Athens-Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter St., Athens.
Click here for more details. We look forward to hearing from you!
Cedar Shoals Senior Named Georgia Scholar
Congratulations to Aiden Dowling of Cedar Shoals High, who has been named a 2023 Georgia Scholar by the Georgia Department of Education!
Aiden was one of 154 graduating seniors across the entire state selected this year for the Georgia Scholar Program, which identifies and honors seniors who have “achieved excellence in school and community life” by carrying exemplary course loads during their four years of high school, performing excellently in all courses, successfully participating in interscholastic events at their schools and in their communities, and assuming leadership roles in extracurricular activities sponsored by their schools.
Click here to read more!
Winterville Elementary 'Medical Center' Provides Unique Learning Opportunity for Students
Enjoy these photos and more here.
School and Community Safety Forum Set for April 11
Panelists will include CCSD Superintendent Dr. Robbie Hooker, representatives from the CCSD and Athens-Clarke County police departments, other local leaders, as well as teachers, students, and parents.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Magic of Special Olympics Returns
Enjoy these photos, and see more here!
CCHS Female JROTC Team Wins State Title
The female drill team members that marched in the trophy-winning sequence included Taylor Motton (Commander), Natasha Harley, Kiareiyah Paschal, Karla Pastor, Anahi Rodriguez, Tamya Fanning, Litzy Reyes, Gisselle Martinez, Gianna Holt, Gabby Campbell, Katerin Benitz, Kennedi Hamilton, and Taylor Young. Other female drill team members include Adrianna Hillman, Santeria Mitchell, Desiree Melendez, Zi'mari Hancock, Jazlyn Lumpkin, and Rianna Holt (manager). The coaches are SFC Donald Hollman and First Sergeant Antione Clark.
Congratulations to all!
Barrow Elementary Students Make Splash in Local Film Festival
Congratulations to these Barrow Buddies!
LSGT Candidate Declaration Window Open!
During this time, individuals interested in serving a two-year term (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2025) can complete a Declaration of Candidacy Form. The declaration window will remain open until April 12, and voting will take place April 19-26.
Click here for more information.
Nominations Open for 2023 FFE Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2023 Foundation for Excellence in Public Education in Clarke County teaching and staff awards!
The deadline for nominations is April 11 at 11 p.m. Click on this link to get started on nominating a teacher/staff member for one of the awards. Find out more about each of the awards here.
Family and Community Engagement Updates
Join us for Family Fun Day on April 22
The event is perfect for families and children of all ages. Enjoy a variety of activities, including face painting and balloon animals, as well as food and music. This is a great opportunity to connect with other families in the community and engage with local organizations offering information and resources.
The event is also a great opportunity for nonprofits and community agencies to showcase their organizations, interact with members of the community, and provide information about your programs and services. If you are interested in reserving a spot at the event, please fill out this form.
WEBINAR: 'Best Practices to Engage Diverse Families'
Join us at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, for a national webinar series, "Best Practices to Engage Diverse Families," organized by the Family and Community Engagement Learning Network. This webinar will feature CCSD’'s own Soraia Felgenhauer, Director of Family and Community Engagement, and Alex Borges, Family and Community Engagement Specialist, who will share their expertise on engaging diverse families.
Throughout the series, participants will learn about effective strategies for building relationships with families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, developing meaningful family engagement programs, and overcoming common barriers to family engagement. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from leaders in the field of family and community engagement! Register here to secure your spot in the webinar series.
Owls Empowerment Series Helps CMS Students, Families
In an effort to build a stronger community, Ms. Stephanie Anderson, Community School Organizer at Clarke Middle, has started an Owls Empowerment Series for students and families.
The introductory event held earlier this month was a session on financial literacy, led by wealth advisory professionals from Athens-based Elwood & Goetz. There were two simultaneous sessions, one for parents and one for students.
"It was so awesome to see our students learn all about finances in a fun interactive way," said Ms. Anderson. "The parents were also very engaged and asked so many questions about things they can do to position themselves for better financial outcomes."
Ms. Anderson plans to continue this series monthly into next school year with planned topics including budgeting, home ownership, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and more!
REMINDER: Register for FESCON!
The conference will feature a wide range of topics, including family engagement in early childhood education, community outreach and partnership building, effective communication strategies, and ways to increase family involvement in school decision-making. Click here to learn more.
Registration is required and limited to 125 people, and spots are filling up quickly! Click here to register!
Calendar Reminders
Click to view the 2022-23 Academic Calendar. Important dates:
- 4/3-4/7: Spring Break
- 5/24: Last day of school
How to Address Questions, Concerns
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 at CCSD. Daily pay increases and monthly bonuses! Click here to learn more or call ESS at 877-983-2244.
Interested in a Career at CCSD?
Board Contact Information, Meetings
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, April 13, at 6 p.m. (in-person and broadcast on the CCSD YouTube channel).
- Board Briefs: Click to read the "Board Briefs" overview from meetings.
- 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.
Bike Safety Rodeo Event at Gaines Elementary
Children ages 6-12 will learn basic bicycle safety, helmet safety, visibility best practices, and basic maintenance tips. Children should bring their bikes, and parents/guardians are required to attend as well. There will also be a bike raffle.
Spaces for the event are limited. To reserve your free space, call 762-400-8106.
211 – Get Connected. Get Help.
Community Food Resources
Search for Jobs in Athens-Clarke County
Teen Newsletter from ACC Library
Library PLAY Card
Clarke County School District
Website: www.clarke.k12.ga.us
Location: 595 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA, USA
Phone: 706-546-7721
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarkeCoSchools