I am thrilled to announce that at January's Board of Education meeting, I was approved to be HNGA's new principal. This school has meant so much to me, and I am confident the relationships I've built and the lessons I've learned here over the last 6 years as the assistant principal will help me tremendously in this new position. Throughout my time here, I have always been so impressed with the parent involvement and community support, and I look forward to working with you all in my new capacity.

The plan for finishing this school year safely and with the objective of getting 100% of our students to HCHS in the fall, is as follows. Dr. Franklin's last day at HNGA will be Feb. 25, and my first day as Principal will officially be Feb. 28. On Feb. 14, we will be adding two Assitant Principals for the remainder of this school year, both of whom have multiple years of experience as a building principal. Dr. Darlene Hudson recently retired from Level Grove Elementary and will be working 60% for the remainder of the school year. Mr. Scott Kersh was previously an Assistant Principal at HCHS and a principal at Stephens County High School. He has been working at North Habersham Middle School for the last several years. He will be full-time at HNGA as of Feb. 14. I am excited to welcome these additions to our HNGA Family, and I feel so fortunate to have two former principals to help us finish out the year.

I would be remiss if I didn't thank Dr. Franklin for her investment in my life and career. Throughout the laughs and the tough times alike, she has handled every situation with the utmost professionalism and class. I will forever remember and heed the wisdom she's taught me, and I look forward to carrying on the tradition of excellence she built here last 8 years.

Even though there will be new faces here over the next several weeks, our mission will remain the same. We will always be FOR STUDENTS.

If I can ever be of assistance to you or your student, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. I look forward to continuing the high achievement for which HNGA is known.

For Students,

David Leenman

One of the best ways to ensure our freshmen graduate on time is to pass all their classes. Research shows that 85% of students with 0 semester failures will graduate on time. It is vital that our students end the year without any course failures.

We will continue to motivate our students, and the first step towards graduation is to earn all 8 credits as a 9th grader, including core content credits in science, history, math, and English.

Report Cards will be sent home on January 11.

Research shows that one of the main indicators of a freshman's future high school graduation is his/her attendance. While we ask that you keep your student at home if his/her temperature is higher than 100.4 or if he/she is experiencing any ill symptoms, good school attendance directly impacts a student's grades, emotional wellness, and more. It is our goal that each student is absent no more than 5 school days throughout the school year. Simply being at school each day moves a student closer to graduation!

Congratulations to Mrs. Russell (November) and Mrs. Irvin's (December) homerooms for winning recent monthly attendance trophies. And congratulations to the House of Uaminifu for winning the 2nd 9 weeks attendance challenge! Students and teachers in the House of Uaminifu will be treated to ice creams during their lunch!

There is free transportation for all students. Please reach out to your student's math teacher with any questions.

For more information or questions, please contact HCHS's 10th grade counselor, Dan Keef at DKeef@habershamschools.com.

Also as a reminder, sweatshirt hoods are not allowed to be worn in the building as this is a safety issue.

For more information, please reference page 17 of your student's handbook.