Better Together
News from the Clarke County School District • 11/19/21
Thanksgiving Message from Students
The Clarke County School District will be closed for the Thanksgiving break from November 22 -- 26. Students return to school on Monday, November 29.
Celebrating Family Engagement Specialists
When families are engaged we see improvements in student attitudes, attendance, behavior, learning, homework completion, testing scores, and graduation rates.
As we continue to celebrate Family Engagement Month we recognize the work of our Family Engagement Specialists, who are a crucial link between home and school.
Thank you Family Engagement Specialists for your hard work, creativity & advocacy as you help to build agency in our families to speak up for the needs of their students. You are true change agents!
First CCSD Family Fun Day a Success!
The Clarke County School District, with support from many community organizations, including the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, hosted our first "Family Fun Day" last Saturday. The event was created to share information about the many wonderful community groups that work with our students and families and will be an annual event. Thank you to all our partners for making the event such a success!
Youth Leadership Athens Accepting Applications!
Youth Leadership Athens (YLA) is Athens-Clarke County’s premier leadership program for area high school students. Since 1990, YLA has provided the opportunity for teens to experience civic education and leadership development with other Athens area students. Participants develop themselves not only as future leaders in our community, but as individuals to become better leaders, friends, classmates, and family members.
Applications are open to Athens are high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Applications are due electronically on November 30 and include two references and parent/guardian agreements.
Youth COVID Vaccine Clinic Schedule
Great news! The Pfizer COVID vaccine is now available for 5-11-year-olds, and CCSD is hosting vaccine clinics at our schools! This vaccine is optional, and this opportunity is offered as a convenience to families.
CCSD Vaccine Clinic Information
- A parent/guardian must be present for their student to receive the COVID vaccine at school. A DPH consent form is required.
- Students can attend alternate clinic dates where their school is assigned
- Students will receive second doses at school (schedule TBD).
- Please complete this Vaccine Interest Survey (Ages 5-11) to reserve a spot for your student. A CCSD school nurse will contact you to schedule your student’s vaccination at an event convenient for you.
- Middle school students who are 11 years of age are welcome to attend any of the elementary events to receive their vaccination. A school nurse will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Additional Vaccine Opportunities
Clarke County Health Department
706-389-6921
345 North Harris Street
Athens, GA 30601
Book an appointment with DPH online: https://gta-vras.powerappsportals.us/en-US/.
Saturday, 11/20/21 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Fowler Drive Elementary School
400 Fowler Drive, Athens
Calendar Reminders
Click to view the 2021-22 Academic Calendar. Important dates:
- November 22 - 26: Thanksgiving Break
- Updated 2022-23 Academic Calendar
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.
BOE 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, December 9 at 6:00 p.m. (in-person and broadcast on the CCSD YouTube channel).
- Board Briefs: Click to read the "Board Brief" overview from each meeting.
- 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.
COVID-19 Mitigation Plan Update: School Visitors
CCSD will use positivity rates as a metric for determining when to provide access to the school for parents and other visitors. When the Clarke County positivity rate is at or below 5%, the following practices will be permitted in schools between November 29 and December 17, 2021. Should the positivity rate rise above 5%, all practices will be re-evaluated.
- Parents/mentors/volunteers/visitors are allowed in the building and will be asked to comply with all building mitigation measures.
- Field trips are allowed.
- School-based events are allowed as long as individuals are wearing masks, and the participants are staggered to minimize the number of participants within a given area at a given time.
- Masking, social distancing, and precautionary quarantines will remain in place at least thru the end of the semester.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Jillian Whatley, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Student Support Services
Masks Required at School
COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination Information
View this message from a Nurse Practioner at the Hilsman Health Center about the importance of receiving the vaccine and testing if symptoms are present.
- COVID vaccine info & appointments
- PCR testing for CCSD students, families, staff: Hilsman Health Center - 706-546-7463.
- GaDPH COVD-19 FREE Testing Sites
CCSD COVID-19 Reporting Tool
Downtown Parade of Lights on Thursday, December 2
The annual Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights is scheduled for Thursday, December 2 starting at 7:00 p.m.
This year’s theme is “A Super Hero Holiday.” Performing units will be judged during the parade itself. Entries will compete for such prizes as “Most Original Float,” “Best Use of Theme,” and “Best Use of Lights.” The best overall float will receive the “Mayor’s Award.”
The parade will begin on the corner of Hancock Avenue and Pulaski Street and include the traditional tree lighting ceremony at City Hall hosted by none other than Santa. Due to construction on Clayton Street, the parade will have an adjusted route this year. The updated parade route map is available at www.accgov.com/parade.
New Teen Newsletter from ACC Library
YMCA Fall/Winter Programs
ACC Leisure Services Newsletter - Program Registration Open
Stay up-to-date on all the services and programs offered by ACC Leisure Services in their electronic newsletter "Leisure Pursuits."
Community Food Resources
211 – Get Connected. Get Help.
CAPS Increasing Child Care Support
Child care can be expensive, and finding safe and high-quality child care at an affordable price can be difficult. That’s why the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program exists -- now more funding is available for child care for families.
Clarke County School District
Website: www.clarke.k12.ga.us
Location: 440-1 Dearing Extension, Athens, GA, USA
Phone: 706-546-7721
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarkeCoSchools
Twitter: @clarkecoschools