Ms. Forrester is in her seventh year at Alps Road and with CCSD and is described by principal Dr. Melanie James as "a born leader and integral part of the Alps Road family." Ms. Forrester also serves as the chair of the school's Enrichment Committee, director of the school's Pathways to Success after-school enrichment program, director of the student leadership program, and a member of the Alps Road LSGT and School Improvement Leadership Team.

Ms. Forrester was surprised with the award this week by superintendent Dr. Robbie Hooker and CCSD staff, along with Alps Road administration, and was recognized at the Thursday, March 9 Clarke County Board of Education meeting.

Any member of the CCSD community (a parent/guardian, student, staff member, community/business leader) may nominate an employee for Employee of the Month. Click here for more information.

Events around the district included live readings with district staff and community members and other fun activities like storybook character parades.

Enjoy these photos and more on the CCSD Facebook page!

Clarke Central's Odyssey Media Group, Odyssey News Magazine, and iliad Literary-Art Magazine and Cedar Shoals' BluePrints all received "All-Southern" recognition, SIPA's highest evaluation rating.

Click here for the full list of awards won by the Clarke Central students and here for the full list of awards won by the Cedar Shoals students.

During this time, individuals interested in serving a two-year term (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2025) can complete a Declaration of Candidacy Form. The declaration window will remain open until April 12, and voting will take place April 19-26.

Click here for more information.

Click here for more information.

The Clarke County Work-Based Learning Program is an educational option that uses academic and workplace learning related to a student’s career goal to aid in the transition to the workforce and postsecondary education. The instruction and learning at school, at the work site, and through independent projects further enhance the personal, professional, and career development of the student.

Here are the admission requirements for students:

• Must be at least 16 years of age or older, entering 11th or 12th grade, and on track for graduation
• Must have previously taken or be concurrently enrolled in a CTAE course
• Must have three recommendations (two current teachers and your counselor)
• Must have reliable transportation
• Disciplinary and/or excessive absences may result in a student not being admitted.

Click here to get started on your application!

The event is in keeping with academy's mission to prepare CCSD students with the skills necessary to meet local and regional workforce needs and help them achieve their post-secondary goals. In addition to academic and technical skills, ACCA is dedicated to ensuring that students have the employability and social skills needed to be successful after high school.

Click here to learn more about the event and for details on how to volunteer!

Students in grades K-8 are asked to help design a T-shirt that will be sold to raise money for this goal. The winner will have their artwork featured on the T-shirt and more!

The contest opened today (Friday, Feb. 24), and submissions are due Wednesday, March 15. The winner will be announced Friday, March 24.

See the PDF links below for the contest information and guidelines, contest entry form, and parent permission form.

Be on the lookout for information about future "Bridging the Gap" forums.

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, April 13, at 6 p.m. (in-person and broadcast on the CCSD YouTube channel).
• 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 regular BOE meeting.
• Review Policies for Review: View and comment on district policies pending public review.

Athens nonprofit Chess and Community will host its 10th annual conference on Saturday, March 18, starting at 9 a.m., at the Classic Center, 300 North Thomas St., Athens.

Clarke Central High principal Dr. Swade Huff and Cedar Shoals High principal Antonio Derricotte will open the conference to discuss their vision for their schools. Former University of Georgia football player Mohammad Massaquoi is the keynote speaker. The conference will also include:

• a youth chess tournament between schools
• a chess match between children and representatives from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and Clarke County Sheriff's Office
• a robotics, coding, and chess tournament between students from across Athens and other parts of Georgia
• four local high school students receiving the Think Before You Move Scholarship
• chess games in virtual reality.

Click here to register for free.

Athens Peer Court, a partnership between the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development at the University of Georgia and the Athens-Clarke County Juvenile Court, is now accepting youth volunteers.

The program is free and open to all Clarke County students, grades 8-12. As part of the program, youth volunteers serve as the lawyers, judge, and jury in sentencing hearings for fellow youth who have been charged with misdemeanor offenses. These youth volunteers receive training on leadership skills, public speaking, and how restorative justice promotes behavioral change and reduces recidivism.

All volunteers are required to attend the following two training sessions:

• Thursday, March 23, from 5:30-8 p.m. (dinner included)
• Saturday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (lunch and refreshments included)

The trainings are held at the Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, located at 1240 South Lumpkin St., Athens. After the training concludes, volunteers are expected to serve at least one Tuesday evening per month. Hearings are held at the courthouse in downtown Athens, 325 East Washington St., and typically last from 5:15-7:30 p.m. at the latest.

Students interested in volunteering should click here or scan the bar code for more information.