Better Together
1/19/24 • News from the Clarke County School District
Scenes around CCSD
CCSD Students Participate in MLK Day Activities
Pictured above: Clarke Central High School senior Emmanuel Thompson sang powerful renditions of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and "What a Wonderful World" this week during the annual University of Georgia Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Breakfast. Elsewhere, members of Megan Makin's and Elsa Zuniga's fifth-grade classes at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary stepped up on the MLK National Day of Service to clean up the school playground, promoting a strong sense of community and environmental awareness.
Book 'Tastings' Make Learning Fun!
Students at Fowler Drive and Cleveland Road elementary schools participated this week in "book tastings," where they explored different genres of books and compared them to find common themes. The lessons are part of the Wit & Wisdom curriculum that CCSD began implementing this school year, helping students to develop reading and writing skills and expand their vocabulary and knowledge of all core academic subjects through reading.
Community Outreach
The Cedar Shoals High School varsity basketball and basketball cheer teams are holding Elementary School Feeder Night games this season, an initiative launched to unite the schools, families, and community on the east side of Athens. Throughout the season, we have welcomed our feeder schools to our campus by inviting each school to Jaguar games. Each school receives tickets for their entire student body to attend, and the teams recognize students and school organizations at halftime. Pictured above are students at Howard B. Stroud Elementary Night. Upcoming School Feeder Nights include Jan. 23 (Winterville), Jan. 26 (Barnett Shoals), Jan. 30 (J.J. Harris and Fowler Drive), and Feb. 3 (Whit Davis).
VIDEO: CCSD Students Celebrate MLK's Legacy
This year, our students participated in CCSD's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Art and Writing Contest with the theme, "Dreams of Peace and Harmony." Here is a video (see below) highlighting the work of the students grades K-12 who placed in the top three or honorable mention in their respective categories. The video premiered this week at the annual University of Georgia MLK Freedom Breakfast.
CCSD Spelling Bee Set for Next Week!
Buzz, buzz, buzz! It's time for the annual CCSD District Spelling Bee! Spelling bee winners from each of our 14 elementary schools and four middle schools will compete in the district bee starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the District Office. The bee will be streamed live on the CCSD YouTube channel, Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) region bee next month with the chance to qualify for the statewide bee in March.
Congratulations to all of the school-level winners:
- Barnett Shoals Elementary – Wyatt Quick, 5th grade
- Barrow Elementary – Rio Kar, 5th grade
- Bettye H. Holston Elementary – Carlos Green, 5th grade
- Cleveland Road Elementary – Slade Jackson, 5th grade
- Fowler Drive Elementary – Ximena Rangel, 5th grade
- Gaines Elementary – Jhoana Castro, 4th grade
- Howard B. Stroud Elementary – Kaedyn Wynder, 5th grade
- J.J. Harris Elementary – Danna Ortiz-Gonzalez, 5th grade
- Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary – Luca Fiscus, 5th grade
- Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary – Gabby Coes, 5th grade
- Timothy Road Elementary – Oskar Vegso, 5th grade
- Whit Davis Elementary – Mikal Yacob, 4th grade
- Whitehead Road Elementary – Raziel Romero Navarro, 5th grade
- Winterville Elementary – Peyton Jordan, 5th grade
- Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle – Awa Touray, 6th grade
- Clarke Middle – Gala Jaumot-Ramos, 8th grade
- Coile Middle – Lizbeth Castro, 7th grade
- Hilsman Middle – Sebastian Marotta, 8th grade.
Other Student Spotlights
Cedar Shoals Band Students Earn All-State, District, Other Recognitions
Congratulations to Cedar Shoals High senior Mason Hardy, who has been selected to the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) All-State Symphonic Band for 11th- and 12th-graders as a contrabass clarinet player! Hardy will perform with the band on March 2 at the Classic Center in Athens.
Hardy was also selected to the GMEA District 14 11th- and 12th-grade Honor Band along with senior clarinet player Chloe Smith and senior trombone player Jonathan Williams. Cedar Shoals students making the 9-12 Honor Band included sophomore Caroline Michael (flute), junior Lily Hefner (clarinet), junior Ryan Xiao (French horn), and junior Lorelai Smith (percussion).
Hardy was also accepted into the University of Georgia's annual January festival for high school bands (JanFest) along with the following Cedar Shoals students:
- Devyn Capuozzo, 9th grade, flute
- Caitlyn Smith, 9th grade, alto saxophone
- Braylen Grier, 9th grade, bass clarinet
- Lorelai Barfield, 9th grade, tenor saxophone
- Mollie Osborne, 9th grade, flute
- Savannah Rawls, 9th grade, flute
- Tatiana Velazquez, 9th grade, clarinet
- Lesley Gonzalez-Flores, 9th grade, clarinet
- Nathalie Allen, 9th grade, clarinet
- Serenity Espeut, 9th grade, clarinet
- Chloe Smith, 12th grade, clarinet
- Dainely Barrera, 9th grade, bass clarinet
- Thomas Wilson-Adkins, 10th grade, contra alto clarinet.
Clarke Central's iliad Wins Top Honor Among Student Literary Magazines
The iliad student literary-art magazine at Clarke Central High has once again won the highest honor from the National Council of Teachers of English in its annual Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) contest.
This year, 375 student magazines in 46 states and five countries entered the contest, and the iliad was one of 108 to be awarded REALM First Class distinction. Click here for more information about the REALM program.
Student Opportunities
ACCA Future Student Fair Next Week
The Athens Community Career Academy, 440-1 Dearing Ext., will hold a Future Student Fair on Thursday, Jan. 25, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Students will be able to learn more about the programs offered at ACCA and tour the building. There will be four identical 30-minute informational sessions. Students should RSVP to attend at bit.ly/ACCA2425.
You can read more about and view flyers for each of the pathways here and go straight to the ACCA application for the 2024-25 school year at bit.ly/accaapp.
Peach State Federal Credit Union Scholarship Available to Graduating Seniors
Peach State Federal Credit Union is awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors throughout the state this year, including the Pomeroy Woods Student Scholarship in Clarke County in the amount of $3,000. Two scholarships will be awarded to CCSD seniors, and they will be based on financial need, academic credentials, and a demonstrated commitment to community service.
Apply here by Thursday, Feb. 29, at 6 p.m. to be considered.
Apply for UGA Young Scholars Program
The Young Scholars Program at the University of Georgia is a paid, five-week summer internship opportunity for high school students interested in agricultural, food, and environmental sciences.
YSP aims to expose selected students to college life and encourage them to apply to the University of Georgia. Selected students work 30 hours per week, Monday through Friday, actively engaged in research under the guidance of a faculty mentor on the UGA campus. Young Scholars will be sent home on weekends and on the Juneteenth and Fourth of July holidays.
Learn more about this program by watching this video and viewing this presentation. Apply by Jan. 31 on the Young Scholars website here.
Family Reminders
Pre-K, Kindergarten Early Registration Now Open!
Do you or does someone you know have a new student to register to attend pre-K or kindergarten in the Clarke County School District next school year? Pre-K and kindergarten early registration for 2024-25 is now open, and pre-K early registration runs through Friday, Feb. 9.
As a reminder, student registration is now completely online, but you may go online and schedule an in-person appointment at our Student Registration Center if you need assistance completing the application. Check out the flyer below for additional information about the application process, and go to www.clarke.k12.ga.us/registration to access the online application (available in English and Spanish) and for additional information about the required documentation.
Please note: Families of current CCSD pre-K students do not have to re-register their student for kindergarten. The student will be automatically enrolled at the school they are zoned for.
Give Your Input on Code of Student Conduct
CCSD invites all communities of interest to review the district’s 2023-24 Code of Student Conduct (Spanish version begins on page 38) and provide feedback through this form (available in English and Spanish).
The feedback received will be evaluated in the development of a draft code for 2024-25 that will go to the Clarke County Board of Education for approval on Feb. 8. The feedback form will close on Friday, Jan. 19.
Apply for Federal Post-secondary Financial Aid for Your Student
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) had a soft launch last month for the 2024-2025 post-secondary school year, and prospective college students and their families who need to apply for federal student aid are encouraged to do so as soon as possible at https://studentaid.gov/.
Click here for more information.
CCSD Seeks Input on Future Health Centers
CCSD currently has two school-based health centers for all CCSD students, staff, and families — the Clarke Middle Health Center and the Hilsman Health Center — and is considering opening clinics at Coile Middle School and on the H.T. Edwards Campus, which includes Classic City High School, the Athens Community Career Academy, and Early Learning Center West.
We would like your help in better understanding our students' and staff's healthcare needs and asks you to complete this brief survey. The survey is available in English and Spanish. Click on the dropdown menu above the introductory text on the screen to select your preferred language. Thank you for taking a moment to share your perspective on this important topic.
Support the ACCA Yellow Jacket Bistro BBQ Fundraiser!
Athens Community Career Academy culinary arts students and ACCA staff will host a barbecue fundraiser for the academy's new Yellow Jacket Bistro on Friday, Feb. 9. Place your order at bit.ly/ACCAbbq by Jan. 31 with the choice of one pound of pulled pork (with buns), one pound of pulled chicken (with buns), or four chicken quarters, along with the option for an additional purchase of a quart-sized side of baked beans.
Order pickup will be Friday, Feb. 9, from 12-5:30 p.m. at ACCA, 440-1 Dearing Ext., Athens.
Calendar and Other Reminders
Calendar Reminders
Click to view the 2023-24 Academic Calendar.
Important dates:
- 2/12 - 2/15: High school conference week (High school students dismiss at 12:45 p.m. on 2/13 and 2/14, asynchronous learning day on 2/15.)
- 2/16, 2/19: Student and school staff holidays (District Office open)
- 3/11 - 3/14: PK-8 conference week
- 3/13: Early dismissal for all CCSD schools (Elementary, 12:20 p.m.; middle/high, 1:30 p.m.)
- 3/14: Student holiday
- 3/15: Student/school staff holiday
- 4/1 - 4/5: Spring break
Update or Create Parent Portal Account
Follow these directions for updating the contact information in your Parent Portal account. Don't have an account yet? Follow these directions to set one up. Having a Parent Portal account allows parents and guardians to access attendance records, class schedules, grades, and assignment information for their students. If you already have an account but forgot your password and need a reset, use the links on the login page to reset your password or username or to request help. You may also email campus@clarke.k12.ga.us for additional assistance.
How to Address Questions, Concerns
Have a question or concern that you'd like to address? CCSD has put together a matrix of who to reach out to depending on the situation. 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.”
Download the Edulog App for Bus Info
Parents/guardians of students who ride a bus to and/or from school can use the Edulog page on the district website or download the Edulog Parent Portal mobile app to find information about their student’s bus.
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Check out our monthly breakfast and lunch menus and find more school nutrition information here.
Take Advantage of our School-based Health Centers!
- The Clarke Middle Health Center (CMHC) is a free clinic that serves students and staff and is an extension of the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership’s mobile clinic. Click here for hours, contact information, and more.
- The Hilsman Health Center, the first school-based health clinic to open in northeast Georgia, is a partnership between CCSD and the Athens Neighborhood Health Center and is a comprehensive medical office. It is staffed by a nurse practitioner, dentist, and support staff. Click here for a list of services provided, hours, contact information, and more.
Board of Education News
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: The board's next scheduled meeting is Thursday, Feb. 8, with the work session beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m. All meetings are held in the Vernon Payne Meeting Hall at the CCSD administrative offices building, located at 595 Prince Ave. in Athens. The public is invited to attend meetings in person. Meetings are also streamed live and are available for on-demand viewing on the CCSD YouTube channel. Click here for the board meeting schedule.
- Agendas: Click here to access board meeting agendas.
- 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 BOE meeting.
- Review Policies for Review: View and comment on district policies pending public review.
Careers at CCSD
Interested in a Career at CCSD?
Community Information and Resources
Spring Baseball, Softball Registration Open for Athens, East Athens Little League
Registration for the spring baseball and softball seasons of both Athens Little League and East Athens Little League is open.
Athens Little League player evaluations will be Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 3-4, and East Athens Little League player evaluations will be Feb. 6. All players in both leagues make a team, and financial assistance is available for those who need help with the registration fees. Visit both leagues' Facebook pages and websites for more information and to register. Registration is open through the end of evaluations, but families are encouraged to sign up now to receive more information about evaluations and league schedules.
Not sure which league you should be signing your child up for? Visit this link to find your league.
Sirius Athletics Spring Track and Field Program Registration Open
Registration is now open for the Sirius Athletics spring track and field program for children ages 6-15. Practice starts Feb. 11. See the flyer below for more information.
Spring Registration Open for Free Kilometer Kids Running Program
Registration is now open for the spring session of Kilometer Kids, a free, 10-week, game-based running program for children grades K-5 designed to teach them about goal setting, healthy habits, respect, and community building, all through exposing them to the sport of running. There is no cost to participate, and all elementary school students are welcome regardless of running ability or experience.
Sessions will be held every Thursday — starting Feb. 29 — from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on softball field #2 at Bishop Park in Athens. Click here to register and for more information. The team name is Athens Kilometer Kids. For further questions, email kilometerkids@atlantatrackclub.org.
Georgia Museum of Art Events
See the museum's calendar of upcoming monthly Family Day events below. The museum also offers Toddler Tuesday programming designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years and a Teen Studio art workshop for ages 13-18. Both programs are free, and seating is limited. Go to georgiamuseum.org for more information and email gmoa-tours@uga.edu to reserve a spot.
UGA to Host Creative Explorers Summer Camp
The Torrance Center for Creativity and Talent Development in the University of Georgia Mary Frances Early College of Education will host Creative Explorers, a six-week summer camp series for rising third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students – starting the week of June 3-7 and ending the week of July 22-26. There will be a different domain covered each week, and you can sign your child up for one or multiple weeks.
Program fees are $400 per week with $350 per week pricing through March 15. Needs-based scholarships are available. See the flyer below or click here for more information about the program. For other questions, email kids@uga.edu.
Casa de Amistad to Offer Free Adult English Classes for Family Members of CCSD Students
Casa de Amistad, with support from the CCSD Title III program, will offer free adult English language classes to parents and family members of CCSD students this semester, starting at the end of January. See the schedule below with days of the week and locations and go to athensamistad.com for more information about the classes and to register.
Information on Medicaid and Peachcare Eligibility Checks
Redetermination is the process that the State of Georgia must follow to make sure current Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® members are still eligible for coverage. Generally, both Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® benefits require renewals every 12 months. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a Public Health Emergency (PHE) was declared, which allowed everyone on Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® to maintain their coverage for the duration of the PHE.
Through May 2024, the State of Georgia will be reviewing all members' cases to determine who is still eligible to receive coverage. Students and their families can be prepared for their redetermination of eligibility by making sure their contact information is correct on gateway.ga.gov.
Click here for a list of resources (available in English, Spanish, and other languages) to help you prepare for your redetermination check.
Teen Newsletter from ACC Library
Click to view the latest ACC Library Teen Newsletter.
Library PLAY Card
As part of a collaboration between CCSD and the Athens Regional Library System, the PLAY Card account provides each CCSD student with free materials (books, magazines, etc.) and online resources from the public library to help your child succeed in school, along with fun resources to support a lifelong love of reading. You and your child can check out materials at the libraries by entering their student ID number.
211 – Get Connected. Get Help.
Community Food Resources
Search for Jobs in Athens-Clarke County
Website: www.clarke.k12.ga.us
Location: 595 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA, USA
Phone: 706-546-7721
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.