Better Together
News from the Clarke County School District • 2/11/22
“Not only has he mastered his craft as an electrician, but has shown time and time again he is here to make CCSD a better place by going above and beyond not only for our shop but also when other departments need help. Bryan stepped in when our only plumber was injured, filled in when 1 of the 2 HVAC techs was injured, and kept up with his electrical work orders – he was actually working 3 different trades at the same time!” ~ Submission Entry
EMC Grant Powers Book Vending Machine
Congratulations to Whit Davis Elementary media specialist Lauren Knowlton for receiving a 2021-22 School EmPOWERment Grant from Walton EMC.
On Wednesday, Feb. 9, EMC representatives kicked off the first round of 63 school visits in the area — including a stop at Whit Davis — where they presented a $7,150 check to Ms. Knowlton to fund her “Wild About Books” book vending machine to help foster a love of reading.
"I'm so excited that we will be able to offer Whit Davis students free books — of their own selection — for rocking out (behavior-wise) in the library and as PBIS rewards!" Ms. Knowlton states.
Thank you, Walton EMC, for awarding more than $2 million to schools in its 10-county service area for teacher projects!
Thirteen Students Advance to the State Science & Engineering Fair
Thirteen students qualified for the Regional Science and Engineering Fair, held January 25, 2022, presenting their projects to judges and explaining their research and findings.
Congratulations to the students behind the first-place projects, who will proceed to the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair at the Classic Center in late March. Thank you to the teachers for inspiring and guiding their work!
- Project: Juicy Germs - Margo McDaniel - BHL
- Project: Comparing the Strength and Size of Joro Webs vs. Native Spider Webs - Adrian Holdo and Cooper Callahan - Clarke Middle
- Project: Wifi and Plant Growth - Caroline Michael - HMS
- Project: Apple Oxidation - Noah Kilpatrick - Clarke Middle
- Project: Drone Wars - Kariah Butler and Kailynn McClain - HMS
- Project: Does the Length of the Arm on a Mouse Trap Car Change the Distance and Speed of the Car? - Alex Fishburn - Clarke Middle
- Project: HVAC Status and Carbon Dioxide Levels - Clara Pardue, Grady Dunston and Anthony Jacobo-Acuna - Clarke Middle
- Project: This is a bright idea? - Thomas Brown and Konner Davis - BHL
UGA, ACC Community Events Celebrate Black History Month
Dr. Barbara McCaskill, professor of English and associate academic director of the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts at the University of Georgia, shares the story of what Black History Month meant to the historian and scholar who launched it, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson (1875-1950).
In addition, Dr. McCaskill shares resources for a deeper exploration of Black Athens history. Learn about vanished Black Athens communities such as Linnentown, the Bottom, and Lickskillet. Discover the names behind the faces painted on the Hot Corner mural. View a list of virtual or in-person humanities, arts, or cultural events hosted on the UGA campus and across the Athens-Clarke County community.
BBQ Fundraiser for Foundation for Excellence
We know we are “Better Together” because of our partnerships with community organizations such as the Foundation for Excellence in Public Education in Clarke County, Georgia. In addition to supplying cash awards for our Teacher/Parapro of the Year programs, FFE awards thousands of dollars to encourage and celebrate CCSD staff.
Support FFE through their BBQ fundraiser. Click here to place an order (deadline March 3) for pickup on March 10. Contact: Tad MacMillan / tadmacmillan@gmail.com / 706-338-1047
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
- February 11 through March 11 (rotating schools)
- View dates/locations and registration link.
CCSD Communications Surveys
The Clarke County School District is requesting your participation in a survey to help us:
- Learn how parents/guardians prefer to receive communications, for example, via email, website, social media, etc.;
- Gauge the effectiveness of communications at the district and school level;
- Identify communication gaps and receive suggestions for improvement.
Survey Notes
- It will take approximately seven (7) minutes to complete the survey.
- Your responses to the questionnaire are completely anonymous – we are not collecting email addresses, and we will not be able to attribute responses to any individual.
- The survey can only be submitted one (1) time from a device.
- The survey will be available online until Friday, February 18, 2022.
Survey Links
Bling Your Prom
The Athens-Clarke County Library will host a special "Bling Your Prom" event on February 18 and 19. Teens in grades 9-12 can shop for one FREE outfit (dress or suit) plus accessories, including shoes, ties, and jewelry!
- Friday, 2/18: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, 2/19: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- 2025 Baxter Street, Athens, GA 30606
Donations Accepted
Interested in donating your old formalwear and accessories to this worthy cause? Just bring your new or gently-used items to the Teen Services Desk on the first floor of the ACC Library at 2025 Baxter Street by February 17. Questions? Email ya@athenslibrary.org.
Register for Pre-K and Kindergarten for 2022-23 School Year
Early registration for 2022 pre-k and kindergarten will be held:
- February 21-26, 2022
- 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- 595 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30601
- 706-546-7721
- Click here for registration information
Surplus Sale of Pews from Chapel Renovation
As a result of recent renovations of the district's new central office location, surplus church pews left from the chapel will be offered for sale. These pews are clean and ready to use. Due to their historical value, the pews will be sold only to CCSD employees or Clarke County residents (I.D. is required).
Sale Date & Info
- Saturday, February 12, 2022
- 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Old Piedmont College Gym - 595 Prince Avenue, Athens, 30601
- $50 per pew (cost may vary slightly due to size). Limit 2 per person.
- Debit or Credit Card only.
- Pews must be removed immediately.
- Questions? Contact Veronica Jackson (jacksonv@clarke.k12.ga.us / 706-546-7721 x79711).
How To Address Questions or Concerns
If you have a question or concern you want to share with CCSD, please view this guide on how to connect to the appropriate department/manager within the Clarke County School District.
Calendar Reminders
Click to view the 2021-22 Academic Calendar. Important dates:
- 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.
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, March 17, at 6:00 p.m. (in-person and broadcast on the CCSD YouTube channel).
- Board Briefs: Click to read the "Board Brief" 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.
Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from 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:
- Limit of one order per residential address;
- One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests;
- Orders will ship free starting in late January;
- USPS will only send one set of 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests to valid residential addresses.
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 at Hilsman Health Center - 706-546-7463.
- GaDPH COVD-19 FREE Testing Sites
CCSD COVID-19 Reporting Tool
ACC Leisure Services - Spring Programs
The ACC Leisure Services Department announces its 2022 Spring Program, with activities in arts, environmental science, recreation, sports, and holiday events planned for adults and children. Click to view the complete list of activities, with descriptions and registration information.
YMCA Spring Programs
Player Registration Now Open!
- Player evaluations 2/12.
- For ages 6-16.
- All players make a team.
- Scholarships are available.
- Sign up at www.athenslittleleague.org.
New Teen Newsletter from ACC Library
Search for Jobs in Athens-Clarke County
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.
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