Better Together
12/8/23 • News from the Clarke County School District
Scenes around CCSD
CCSD Elementary Schools Take Over Stegeman Coliseum!
Students in grades 3-5 at all 14 CCSD elementary schools had a blast attending the University of Georgia women's basketball annual Elementary School Day game on Wednesday, Dec. 6. The students' cheers made for an electric atmosphere at Stegeman Coliseum as they watched the Lady Dawgs defeat Troy University. Each school's teacher and support person of the year were also recognized during halftime. See many more photos here!
Holiday Season
Whitehead Road Elementary's youngest students got in festive spirits this week as they wore holiday lights to school.
Chefs Hard at Work
Barnett Shoals Named 'Leader in Me' Lighthouse School
Congratulations to Barnett Shoals Elementary for being certified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by Franklin Covey Education! Leader in Me is an evidence-based PK-12 model designed to prepare students with college-, career-, and life-readiness skills.
Click here to read the full press release and here for more information about the Leader in Me model implementation at Barnett Shoals.
Community Resource Fair for Families Next Week
CCSD will host its next resource fair on Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 6-8 p.m. at the Nellie B Community Center, 200 Zatella Ln.
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.
Student and Staff Spotlights
Clarke Central Student Selected to be Part of Inaugural Youth LEAD Georgia Class
Congratulations to Evan Cornish, a sophomore at Clarke Central High, who was one of 30 students across the state to be selected for the new Youth LEAD Georgia program at the University of Georgia. More than 300 students applied for the program, which "equips youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to be future leaders” of Georgia.
Read more here.
OAES Teacher Named STEM Scholar, Receives Grant
Congratulations to Leigh Ann Lindsey, STEM teacher at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary, who has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 Don Cargill STEM Scholar award by Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers.
Headquartered at Kennesaw State University, GYSTC is a private, not-for-profit educational organization designed to increase interest in and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as subjects for serious study for K-8 grade level teachers and students.
The STEM Scholar Award recognizes educators for their outstanding efforts to engage and improve student learning in STEM disciplines. As a part of this special recognition, Ms. Lindsey and OAES will receive a $500 grant to purchase STEM education materials for her classroom.
Clarke Central Senior Receives $20K Merit Scholarship
As high school students around the district make post-graduation plans, CCSD encourages all students preparing for life after high school to "choose your 'E'," whether that be enrolling in college, entering the workforce, or enlisting in the military. Clarke Central senior Zailee Green chose her "E" and has received a $20,000 Merit Scholarship to attend Mercer University in Macon. Congratulations, Zailee!
Cedar Shoals DECA Students Win Awards at Regional Competition
Fourteen members of the Cedar Shoals DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) attended the regional competition at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville this week — featuring schools from 19 counties in north Georgia — and had three students earn top-three finishes in their event. Students were given a word problem about a fictional business and had 10 minutes to come up with a solution and then present their solution to a judge.
Congratulations to the following placers:
- Nayla Villafana (12th grade) – second place in Job Interview
- Jaretsi Munoz-Salgado (12th grade) – third in Entrepreneurship
- Morgan Foster (9th grade) — third in Principles of Business Management and Administration.
Performing Arts Groups to Perform around District
We have many talented performing arts groups who will be showcasing their talents over the next week. Be sure to attend one of the many events (listed below) happening around the district. Admission is free unless otherwise noted.
- The Clarke Central High School Drama Club will present its production of Pat Cook's "You Have the Right to Remain Dead" all weekend in the school auditorium, 350 South Milledge St. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Tickets can be purchased here.
- The Clarke Central Chorus will hold its Holiday Concert at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, in the auditorium.
- The Clarke Central Band will hold its Winter Concert at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, in the auditorium.
- The Coile Middle School Band will hold its Winter Concert at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, in the school gymnasium, 110 Old Elberton Rd.
- The Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School Orchestra will hold its Winter Concert at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the school, 1600 Tallassee Rd.
- The Cedar Shoals High School Orchestra will hold its Winter Concert at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, in the school auditorium, 1300 Cedar Shoals Dr.
- The Hilsman Middle School Choir will hold its Winter Concert at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the school, 870 Gaines School Rd.
- The Cedar Shoals Band will hold its Winter Concert at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, in the auditorium.
- The Clarke Middle School Band and Orchestra will hold their Winter Concert at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, in the Clarke Central auditorium.
- The Clarke Central Orchestra will hold its Winter Concert at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, in the auditorium.
- The Fowler Drive Elementary School Chorus will hold its Holiday Singalong at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the school, 400 Fowler Dr.
- Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary School, 757 North Chase St., will hold its Holiday Musical at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14.
- The Hilsman Middle School Band will hold its Winter Concert at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14.
- The Hilsman Middle School Orchestra will hold its Winter Concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14.
- Cedar Shoals High School Theatre will present its "Murder at the Masquerade" murder-mystery dessert event at the school. Reservations are required. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. Email milsapr@clarke.k12.ga.us for information on reservations and tickets.
Sports Updates
Elementary Basketball League Playoffs Set!
The CCSD Elementary Basketball League playoffs begin next week with first-round games scheduled for Monday, Dec. 11, followed by the semifinals on Tuesday, Dec. 12, and the finals on Thursday, Dec. 14. Check out the schedule below.
1st Round at CCSD Gym (595 Prince Ave.)
- 4 p.m. - Howard B. Stroud boys vs. Barrow
- 5 p.m - Howard B. Stroud girls vs. Timothy Road
- 6 p.m. - Barnett Shoals boys vs. Timothy Road
- 7 p.m. - Johnnie Lay Burks boys vs. J.J. Harris
1st Round at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary
- 4 p.m. - Bettye H. Holston girls vs. Winterville
- 5 p.m. - Fowler Drive girls vs. Oglethorpe Avenue
1st Round at Whitehead Road Elementary
- 4 p.m. - Whitehead Road girls vs. Barnett Shoals
- 5 p.m. - Whitehead Road boys vs. Winterville
Semifinal games will be played at both Cedar Shoals and Clarke Central on Dec. 12 with the girls games beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the boys. The championship games will be played at Clarke Central on Dec. 14 with the girls game beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.
Check the Athens Youth Development Initiative Facebook page for full brackets and updates!
High School Sports Updates
- Congratulations to the Clarke Central Esports team, which had two teams compete in the state playoffs. The Gold team advanced all the way to the state Super Smash Bros. quarterfinals before falling to Carrollton. A job well done on a great season by the Gladiators!
- Clarke Central's flag football team finished a successful season this week, advancing to the second round of the playoffs with a win over Jackson High School, Atlanta, before losing to Therell.
- The Cedar Shoals football team had six players earn All-Region 8-AAAA recognition recently. Senior receiver Devin Hester and senior offensive lineman Jose Balver were first-team offense selections, while senior defensive lineman Jaylan Ransom, senior linebacker Jeffrey Bailey, senior safety Kayden Scott, and senior cornerback Jace Williams were named first-team defense.
Student Opportunities
Apply to the Athens Community Career Academy
All CCSD high school students grades 10-12 are now invited to apply to take high school- and college-level pathway courses at the Athens Community Career Academy for the 2024-25 school year.
Students interested in high-school level courses (grades 10-12 for 2024-25) must have at least a cumulative high school GPA of 2.0 and no more than 36 unexcused period absences to be eligible. Students interested in college-level courses (11th and 12th grade only) must have a 2.6 or higher HOPE GPA and no more than 36 unexcused period absences to be eligible.
Go to bit.ly/accacatalog to read more about our pathways and go to bit.ly/accaapp to apply.
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 on the Young Scholars website here.
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."
Upcoming Events around CCSD
Check out the Barrow Holiday Market
Shop local for the holidays! Barrow Elementary School, 100 Pinecrest Dr., will hold its 18th annual Holiday Market and Children's Market from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. More than 50 vendors will be on-site selling handmade jewelry, baked goods, ornaments, arts and crafts, soaps, candles, handmade notecards and stationery, and children's items.
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.