Better Together
News from the Clarke County School District • 8/26/22
Come Meet Superintendent Finalist Dr. Robbie Hooker
The Clarke County Board of Education has scheduled a community meet-and-greet with Dr. Robbie Hooker, sole finalist for the position of Clarke County School District Superintendent, and his family on Sunday, Aug. 28, from 3-4 p.m. in the Vernon Payne Meeting Hall at the CCSD administrative offices building, 595 Prince Ave., Athens.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend. During the hour, Dr. Hooker will share his goals and vision for the Clarke County School District, and those in attendance will have the opportunity to speak with him one-on-one.
The called meeting during which the Board will vote on Dr. Hooker’s appointment has been rescheduled for Thursday, Sept. 1, and will take place before the Board’s monthly 6 p.m. work session that evening.
Click here for more information.
Hilsman Health Center Now Offering Dental Services for CCSD Students, Staff, Families
The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday (closed from noon to 1 p.m. every day for staff lunch) and Friday from 7:30-11:30 a.m. Call 706-546-7463 to make an appointment.
The first school-based health clinic to open in northeast Georgia, the Hilsman Health Center is a partnership between CCSD and the Athens Neighborhood Health Center and is staffed by a nurse practitioner, dentist, and support staff.
Click here for more information on the center.
Employee of the Month Nominations Open
The Employee of the Month program recognizes and rewards staff members for their service and dedication to CCSD students and families. Parents/guardians, staff, students, and community members can nominate any employee. A selection committee selects a winner for each month September through May, and the winner is announced at the monthly Clarke County Board of Education regular meeting. The September winner will be announced at the Sept. 8 BOE meeting.
Click here to nominate an employee and here for more information on the program.
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council Application Deadline Extended
All 11th- and 12th-grade students interested in serving on this year’s Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council are invited to complete the short online application by Friday, Sept. 2.
Through participation in the council, students will learn about CCSD initiatives and share their perspectives on being CCSD students. All students will also have a chance to develop their leadership and advocacy skills.
The council will meet six times over the course of the year, and students are asked to commit to attend all meetings.
Family and Community Engagement Updates
21st Century After-school Program Registration Open for Elementary School Students
Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) offer students a broad array of services, programs, and activities designed to complement the regular academic program. Activities include youth development activities, counseling programs, arts, music, physical fitness, wellness, financial literacy, environmental literacy, career, and technical programs. 21st CCLC programs also offer families opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their child’s education, including literacy and related educational development opportunities.
The program for the 2022-23 school year begins Monday, Sept. 12, and will run Monday through Friday throughout the year. Elementary school students are served at the east side and west side Boys & Girls Clubs locations:
- East Side — Smilow Boys & Girls Club, 705 4th St., Athens
- West Side — H.T. Edwards Boys & Girls Club, 440 Dearing Ext., Athens.
Click here for the elementary school student application.
For more information on the programs, click here, or contact:
- Derrick Floyd, 706-546-5910, floydde@clarke.k12.ga.us
- Dedra Evans (Smilow site coordinator), 706-546-5910, evansd2@clarke.k12.ga.us
- Cherene Williams (H.T. Edwards site coordinator), 706-357-5368, williamsc4@clarke.k12.ga.us
'Bridging the Gap' Forums Coming Up
- 10 a.m. to noon — Rocksprings Community Center, 291 Henderson Extension, Athens.
- 12:30-2:30 p.m. — Rolling Ridge Apartments, 100 Rolling Ridge Dr., Athens.
CCSD administrators and support staff will be on hand to listen to families, answer questions, and offer support in several areas. (See the flyer above for more information.)
These are the initial stops. However, the goal is to reach all areas supported by CCSD. We are doubling our partners, and our collaboration is committed to "making good better."
Helping Families, Removing Barriers
Recently, the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity donated a washer and dryer for use at Classic City High School. Also, Cynthia Griffith and Keith Carver from the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia are in partnership with CCSD to provide support to students and families impacted by food insecurities. These recent donations will directly impact Classic City High, Cedar Shoals High, and Gaines Elementary.
Upcoming Family University Sessions Planned
Starting next month, the department will resume "Family University" — formerly known as "Parent University" — sessions for the community in person at the CCSD administrative offices building, 595 Prince Ave., Athens.
Upcoming sessions include:
- 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 — "Student Code of Conduct"
- 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11 — "Trauma"
- 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15 — "Restorative Practices"
How to Address Questions, Concerns
Please click here to view this information. You can also go to CCSD's main site at clarke.k12.ga.us, go to the "I Want To" tab at the top of the page, and select “Ask a Question/Submit a Concern.”
Calendar Reminders
Click to view the 2022-23 Academic Calendar. Important dates:
- 9/5: Labor Day
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.
Board of Education 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, Sept. 8, 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.
CCSD COVID-19 Testing Clinics
CCSD is providing free COVID-19 testing clinics for students and staff. Clinics will be held in schools across the district. Rapid antigen tests (results in 15 minutes) and PCR tests (results in 24-48 hours) will be available. No appointment is necessary, but registration is required.
Testing Clinic Information
- Aug. 29 - Sept. 16 (rotating schools)
- View dates/locations and registration link
CCSD COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Vaccine Clinic Information
- Aug. 29 - Sept. 15 (rotating schools)
- View dates/locations
Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible for another order of free at-home tests on USPS.com. Fill in this form with your contact and shipping information to order your tests.
Here’s what you need to know about your order:
- Each order now includes 8 rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
- Your order of 8 tests will come in 2 separate packages (4 tests in each package), each with its own tracking number
- Packages will ship free.
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 at Hilsman Health Center - 706-546-7463.
- GaDPH COVD-19 FREE Testing Sites
CCSD COVID-19 Reporting Tool
Registration Open for College Factory's Go Succeed Program
The program helps CCSD students set career goals, choose an appropriate educational program, improve reading and math skills, and prepare for admissions and financial aid applications. The 13-week program will be held after school Cedar Shoals, Clarke Central, and Classic City high schools starting in September.
For more information on the program and a link to register, click here.
Broadband Connectivity Project Survey, Speed Test Open through Sept. 30 for ACC Residents
Part of the research includes a public connectivity and broadband survey available through www.accgov.com/speedtest. Residents are encouraged to take the survey, which is currently live and runs through Sept. 30, at their homes. The survey will help gather information about technology needs, costs related to existing and future Internet services, resident satisfaction with services, and lack of internet options. If a resident is connected to the internet through a broadband connection, the survey will also perform a speed test of their existing connection. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Results of the survey will be part of the SPLOST 2020 Project 22 project concept that is tentatively scheduled for discussion by the Mayor and Commission in November and December. Additional community engagement sessions are being planned for September.
For more information on the SPLOST 2020 Broadband Connectivity Enhancement Project, visit www.accgov.com/broadband, or call 706-613-3025.
211 – Get Connected. Get Help.
Community Food Resources
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.
New Teen Newsletter from ACC Library
Search for Jobs in Athens-Clarke County
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
Twitter: @clarkecoschools