Better Together
10/6/23 • News from the Clarke County School District
Scenes around CCSD
100 Years of Barrow Elementary Memories
Generations young and old joined together this past Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Barrow Elementary School Centennial Celebration. See more photos from the celebration here and check out this article from The Red and Black for coverage of the event.
Thank You, Custodians!
Museum Tour
Extra Effort Achievement Awards
Dancing and Fun
New GEORGIA MATCH Initiative Announced for College Admissions
This week, Gov. Brian Kemp announced GEORGIA MATCH, Georgia’s new direct admissions initiative for high school seniors. During the month of October, every public and private high school senior in the state will receive a GEORGIA MATCH letter showing them which Technical College System of Georgia and University System of Georgia institutions they are academically qualified to attend based on their HOPE grade-point average. The three exceptions to this are UGA, Georgia Tech, and Georgia College & State University.
Once students create an account on the Student Dashboard, they can choose to “Request Info” or “Claim My Spot” for any institution they match with. If a student chooses “Request Info,” the college or university will contact them directly with additional information. If they choose “Claim My Spot,” they will be directed to complete application/enrollment information, and the college or university will confirm final admissions eligibility using their usual processes.
More Title I Accolades for CCSD Schools
Following last week's news that Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary (formerly Chase Street Elementary) has been named a Title I Distinguished School for the 2022-23 school year by the Georgia Department of Education, the school has also been named a Title I Reward School and was joined by Fowler Drive, J.J. Harris, and Winterville elementary schools in receiving that recognition.
While the Distinguished Schools designation recognizes the highest-performing Title I schools in Georgia, the Reward Schools designation recognizes Title I schools making the most significant improvements.
Read more here!
CCSD Schools Recognized for PBIS Implementation
All 21 CCSD schools (14 elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools) have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) for supporting positive school climate through the implementation of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. In addition, Winterville Elementary School has been announced as a Distinguished PBIS School for the 2022-23 school year, the highest level of achievement in the state’s recognition system.
PBIS is an evidence-based, data-driven framework proven to reduce the number of disciplinary incidents and improve school climates as well as overall academic outcomes among students.
Read more here!
New Episode of Studio 595!
Check out the latest episode of CCSD's "Studio 595" podcast with Clarke Central juniors Owen Anderson and Jules Station and CCSD Digital Communications Specialist Alex Marchante in the video below!
In this episode, co-host Jules and Producer Alex give their hottest takes to co-host Owen with stakes involved in "Hot Takes with Hot Takis." Also, catch an exclusive interview with Cedar Shoals High School's chapter of HoPE (Hispanic Organization Promoting Education) along with all the biggest news across CCSD and updates from the world of pop culture!
Studio 595 is available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, Google Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.
Student and Staff Spotlights
Cedar Shoals Homecoming Queen, King Crowned
Gladiator Royalty
Vocational Program at Georgia Center Connects CCSD Students with Skill Training Opportunities
CCSD's vocational training program at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel allows eligible special education students to build vocational skills and cultivate post-graduation employment goals. Twenty students are now working in housekeeping and food and beverage at the center.
Read more about the program in the center's newsletter by clicking on the PDF attachment below!
Cedar Shoals Standout Swimmer Featured in Georgia Player Spotlight Video
Cedar Shoals High School sophomore and swim team member Christopher Koch was featured this week in the weekly U-Save-It Pharmacy Georgia Player Spotlight video. Christopher won Georgia State titles with the Athens Bulldog Swim Club in 1,000-yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle, and 400 IM as a 14-year-old in the 13-14-year-old category and is looking to add to his title collection during his time with the Jaguars.
Check out the video below!
Check out Our Daily TOTY/SPOTY Spotlights on Social Media
Fundraisers
CMS SEAT Team Flower Sale Ends Oct. 15
The Clarke Middle School Science, Energy, & Adventure Team (SEAT) works in the school and community to educate others about resource conservation. The team is conducting a fall flower sale and will earn 50% of the customer's purchase price for team field trips and service projects.
The Flower Power fundraiser will continue through Sunday, Oct. 15. Flower Power will ship each customer's order to the address that is provided (continental U.S. only). Click here for more information.
Order Your Christmas Tree, Decorations from Clarke Central Baseball Team
Want to go ahead and plan for your Christmas tree and decorations a little early? Check out the annual Clarke Central Baseball Christmas Tree and Greenery Sale! Now through Oct. 31, place your order and members of the baseball team will deliver your tree to your home (Athens area) for free on Sunday, Nov. 26.
The trees are Fraser Firs, and sizes range from 5 to 11 feet tall. Wreaths (ranging in size from 16 to 32 inches) are also available, and you can also purchase 25 feet or 75 feet of Fraser Fir or White Pine garland.
Proceeds will benefit the CCHS baseball team, and 20% of the money raised will go toward an indoor batting cage for both the baseball and softball programs.
Click here to order with a credit card or check or through Venmo. To order with cash, or for questions regarding the sale, email cchsbaseballtreesale@gmail.com.
Calendar and Other Reminders
Calendar Reminders
Click to view the 2023-24 Academic Calendar.
Important dates:
- 10/9-10/12: Conference Week
- 10/11: Early dismissal (elementary, 12:20 p.m.; middle/high, 1:30 p.m.
- 10/12-10/16: No school for students (no school for staff 10/13 and 10/16)
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, Oct. 12, 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
Updates from ACCGov
Public Input Sought on Growth Concept Plan
ACCGov has begun a series of public input events as part of the Planning Department’s efforts to update Athens-Clarke County’s Growth Concept Plan. Scheduled events will take take place through the end of October.
Residents will have multiple opportunities to share input through a variety of events including interactive group meetings, neighborhood walks, bus tours, and booths at various community events. A public input flyer, online calendar, and map with engagement locations are available at www.accgov.com/compplan.
Public Input Sought on Future North Avenue Improvements
The county Transportation and Public Works Department is seeking public input through Oct. 25 on potential complete street improvements to help reimagine the North Avenue corridor.
Public engagement forums are planned for Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9-11 a.m. at the East Athens Educational Dance Center (390 McKinley Dr.) and Thursday, Oct. 19, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Howard B. Stroud Elementary School (715 Fourth St.). Staff will be available to share information about the project and receive feedback from residents. The first 60 people to arrive at the forum at Stroud will be treated to a barbecue dinner.
An online survey is also available at www.accgov.com/northavenue and will be open through Wednesday, Oct. 25. The website includes background information and a link for subscribing to project updates.
Downtown Parade of Lights Applications Open
The county Leisure Services Department is now accepting applications for the 2023 Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights. The parade will be held Thursday, Dec. 7, starting at 7 p.m., and the deadline for entry applications and payment is Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. The theme is "An Art Filled Holiday."
Online applications may be completed and submitted at www.accgov.com/parade. Late applications will not be accepted. The parade application fee is $40, and payment can be made online or by check payable to "Athens-Clarke County." A parade map is available at www.accgov.com/parade.
Questions? Call 706-613-3800 or email paradeoflights@accgov.com.
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.