Better Together
12/1/23 • News from the Clarke County School District
Scenes around CCSD
Falcon Hall of Famers
At Fowler Drive Elementary's November assembly, the school revealed and celebrated its inaugural Georgia Milestones Hall of Fame winners. The Hall of Fame celebrates students who received a 4 (Distinguished Learner level) on one or both of their Georgia Milestones English Language Arts and Math tests. Banners with the students' pictures will be hung up the school cafeteria. The school plans to continue the tradition every year going forward. Congratulations to these students!
See more recent photos around CCSD below!
Student Art on Display
Clarke Central and Cedar Shoals high schools recently held their fine arts student showcases with visual art displays and several musical and dance performances.
Future Broadcasters
Students from the Timothy Road Elementary TRTV crew took had the opportunity to learn more about broadcast journalism with a visit to the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism TV/broadcast studio. Along with the tour of the studio, these Roadrunners also had fun learning about advertising, interview skills, and creating storyboards.
Remember to Recycle
Clarke Middle School celebrated America Recycles Day in an event organized by the school's Science Energy and Adventure Team. Students signed a pledge to learn about recyclable materials, take action by reducing waste, and encourage others to recycle.
CCSD Receives Leading Edge Award from GSBA
CCSD has been announced as one of the winners of the 2023 Leading Edge Award by the Georgia School Board Association (GSBA)! In its fifth year, the award recognizes school systems throughout the state for their innovative design and implementation of projects and programs that are having a significant positive impact on student achievement and engagement.
CCSD won the award based on its collaboration with the University of North Georgia’s Oconee campus on the Nighthawks Student Opportunities for Accelerated Readiness (SOAR) summer academic enrichment program. Launched in 2019, the three-week, camp-like program is held on the UNG campus in Watkinsville and is designed for middle school students (grades 6-8) from economically disadvantaged and/or English Language Learner households who do not qualify for summer school but who CCSD believes would benefit from a program that keeps them academically engaged during the summer break. Click here to read more about the program.
CCSD was presented the Leading Edge Award on Friday, Dec. 1, during the Awards Breakfast at the GSBA’s annual conference in Atlanta. Superintendent Dr. Robbie Hooker and Board of Education President Dr. LaKeisha Gantt accepted the award on the district’s behalf.
Student Spotlights
MLK Writing and Art Contest Winners Announced
All of the winners listed above (first place, second place, third place, honorable mention) in each category will be recognized at a future meeting of the Clarke County Board of Education, and several will be featured in a video that will debut at the University of Georgia annual MLK Freedom Breakfast in January.
Congratulations to all of these deserving students!
Cedar Shoals JROTC Raiders Finish 4th at Nationals
The Jaguar Raiders competed in the All Services Division (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines) and won fourth place in three different categories to finish fourth overall.
Cedar Shoals Student's Medal Design Selected for Classic City Marathon
Congratulations to Zach Jarrett, a senior at Cedar Shoals High, whose original sketch will be used on the medals at the upcoming Classic City Marathon!
In his submission, Zach wrote: "When I created these designs, I was heavily inspired by the athletic components of the race itself but also the Greek-inspired style, aesthetic and atmosphere of Athens. I am grateful for this opportunity to create this design. Having real-life connections in creating art expanded my own artistic vision and interest."
Sign Up Now for Adapted Basketball!
CCSD will begin offering adapted sports programming this school year, and families of eligible students are encouraged to sign their student up today for the upcoming adapted/wheelchair basketball season!
The basketball season will start in December, and the first game is in January. Practices will be once a week, and the season schedule includes three games. Participation is free, and there will be one districtwide co-ed team open to male and female students in grades 6-12.
Students with a qualifying disability do not need to currently use a wheelchair. Wheelchairs will be provided as part of the adapted sports equipment for students who do not use a wheelchair for mobility on a daily basis.
In addition to basketball, CCSD will also offer adapted football and handball later this school year. If your student is interested in participating in any of these sports this year, please click here or complete the embedded form below.
Apply for PEACH Education Tax Credit and Support Programming at ACCA!
With tax season approaching, want to put your tax dollars directly toward supporting local educational programming at the Athens Community Career Academy?
Individual taxpayers and local business owners who are preparing to file their taxes are encouraged to apply for the 2023 Georgia PEACH Education Tax Credit. The credit allows you the opportunity to choose where the tax dollars you owe are allocated by selecting the specific project/fund you want to support in your application. Funds raised for the Athens Community Career Academy will be used to develop biotechnology and biology labs at the school that will prepare CCSD students for high-demand jobs in various life science fields.
The tax credit is approved on a first-come, first-served basis, so submit your application today! Click here to get started and here for a quick explanatory video. Please note that when selecting a fund on your application, ACCA is marked, "Athens College Career Academy."
Support Animals through Clarke Central Humane Society Club Fundraiser
The Clarke Central High School Humane Society Club is selling T-shirts for $20 and sweatshirts for $30.
Proceeds from the sale will be donated to support local animal shelters. This financial assistance — especially around the holiday season — helps ensure that local cats and dogs have access to the shelter, food, and the care/treatment that they may need. The sale ends Monday, Dec. 4, so place your order at bit.ly/HSCshirtsFall2023 today!
Upcoming Events around CCSD
Hilsman Holiday Market Accepting Donations
Hilsman Middle School is now accepting donations for its holiday market through Friday, Dec. 8.
As you are preparing for your holiday breaks, shopping, and house cleaning, please consider purchasing and/or donating gently-used/like-new items that our students would like to “purchase” for their families at the market. This is a student incentive where students can spend points they earn for positive behaviors so that they can go holiday shopping for their loved ones with no cash required.
Some items of interest include, but are not limited to: toys, games, electronics, books, jewelry, small stuffed animals, dolls, gloves, hats, scarves, mugs, candles, balls, fidgets, dishes, vases, ceramics, journals, art supplies, holiday decor, photo frames, bath and body products, fleece blankets, homegoods, reusable water bottles, make-up, gift cards, crafts, ornaments, and art.
You can also donate by purchasing items off the school's Amazon Wish List. For more information, contact Conor Naughton at naughtonc@clarke.k12.ga.us.
Next CCSD Community Resource Fair Set for Dec. 12
Principals and counselors from the schools that serve the Nellie B community will be on hand to answer questions about students’ credit-earning process, scheduling, attendance, and other topics of concern to caregivers, while representatives from various district departments will also be present to provide information, answer questions, and offer assistance to caregivers. CCSD Superintendent Dr. Robbie Hooker and Athens Housing Authority CEO Connie Staudinger will also be on hand to answer questions.
Food will be provided for the public at the event.
Register for the Joshua Sampson Memorial 5K Run/Walk
Cedar Shoals High School will host the second annual Joshua Sampson Memorial 5K Run/Walk in honor of the late CSHS teacher at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at the school, 1300 Cedar Shoals Dr.
There are three ways to register:
- online registration here
- mail in the attached PDF form (make checks payable to Fleet Feet Athens)
- or on-site, which will begin at 7 a.m. on the day of the event in the school gym.
Registration is $20 if received by Jan. 18 and $25 after that date. Only participants pre-registered by Jan. 18 will be guaranteed a T-shirt. Awards will be provided to overall Male/Female, Masters Male/Female and first, second, and third places in standard five-year age groups.
For more information, contact Dustin Shinholser at 706-207-5054 or dustin@fleetfeetathens.com or Carole Black at classicraceservices@gmail.com.
Calendar and Other Reminders
Calendar Reminders
Click to view the 2023-24 Academic Calendar.
Important dates:
- 12/19-12/20: High school early dismissal days (12:45 p.m.)
- 12/20: Last day of term
- 12/20 - 1/7: Winter Break (Students return Jan. 8)
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, Dec. 14, 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
Northeast Georgia Hockey Association Winter Registration Open
Looking for an opportunity for your child to participate in ice hockey in Athens? Registration for the Northeast Georgia Hockey Association winter youth ice hockey season is now open! The co-ed program is for players ages 4-18. Players don't need any previous experience, and players can come out and try hockey for two weeks for free before committing to the whole season. The season runs Nov. 25 through Feb. 26, and practices and games are held at the Classic Center Pavilion in Athens.
For more information, contact Dr. Kellie Templeman (templemank@clarke.k12.ga.us) or
visit www.NEGAhockey.org for additional information on schedules, equipment (loaner gear is available to new players at no cost), and registration. Please note: You will need to create a free account on the website to register.
Georgia Museum of Art to Host 'Winter Holiday Spectacular'
The Georgia Museum of Art, 90 Carlton St., Athens, will host its next monthly Family Day event on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The theme of this free event is "Winter Holiday Spectacular." Check out wintry works of art in the galleries, sing along with your favorite carols, enjoy holiday treats, and create your own festive work of art to take home. Those attending are asked to check in at the lobby when they arrive. For those who cannot attend in-person, to-go kits will be available for pick-up starting at 1 p.m. Dec. 9 through the end of day Sunday, Dec. 10, while supplies last.
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.