Students enjoyed lunch and snacks and big win by the Lady Dawgs. Several of our school-level teachers and support people of the year were also recognized on the floor at halftime.

Check out more photos here!

Thank you to all the members of the public, school-level building leaders, and district staff who came out over the last month for the series of town hall meetings with CCSD Superintendent Dr. Robbie Hooker. The sixth and final town hall of this initial slate was held Monday, Dec. 5, at the Pinewood Estates library and community center.

Stay tuned as we announce additional opportunities to hear from and speak with Dr. Hooker in the new year!

The national contest serves to raise awareness of the harmful effects of elevated levels of indoor radon gas and promote testing and mitigation of indoor radon. By participating in this activity, students learn about radon and how to reduce their risk of exposure. The contest is organized and sponsored by the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors and the American Lung Association, with support from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In addition to her poster being submitted to the national contest, Poppy will receive a cash prize

provided by the Southeast American Association of Radiation Scientists and Technologists.

Team members Juliana Hardman, Max Burnham, McKinzie Johnson, and Da’oud De Lane will now advance to the state competition, which will feature 12 teams from around the state, in February.

The Early Head Start Home-based Program won Best Use of Lights in its division, and the Gaines Elementary Cheer Eagles won Best Performing Unit in Dance and Gymnastics! Thanks to Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services for the photo of the Early Head Start team, and see the video below of the Gaines Cheer Eagles.

Winterville Elementary has launched a campaign to unite the school, the city, businesses in Winterville, and current and future Winnerbee families through reading and literacy.

The school is taking a recently-received donation of 2,000 books from KPMG Family for Literacy Atlanta and placing the books in participating businesses around town. When families — students and adults — visit those businesses, they will be able to take a book and bookmark from the display shelf. The school also purchased window clings for the businesses to display to show they are participating in the campaign.

This week, Winterville Elementary principal Dr. Carletha Pearson and media specialist Katie Bullock made several deliveries to the businesses and establishments that are participating so far: Those include:

• Angels in Motion Learning Center, 260 Cherokee Rd.
• City Hall, 125 North Church St.
• Marigold Market (open Saturdays, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17), 115 Parkview Rd.
• Little City Diner, 135 Cherokee Rd.
• Off the Vine Produce, 302 Athens Ln.
• Winterville Community Center, 371 North Church St.
• Winterville Library, 115 Marigold Ln.

Visit these establishments, support these local businesses, and take a book while you're at it! And don't forget to take a photo and post to social media with these hashtags: #wintervillelementary #wintervilleisbuzzingforliteracy #(business name), and #CCSD.

Have a business in Winterville and interested in becoming a part of the campaign? Email Dr. Pearson at pearsonca@clarke.k12.ga.us!

Connecting Families with Schools, Community

CCSD’s family engagement specialists and community school organizers are continuing the important work of connecting families with their children’s schools and the local community and often in fun and engaging ways.

For example, recently, Winterville Elementary hosted its annual fall festival, which was organized by the school’s family engagement specialist, Jemet Perry. Numerous families attended the event, where kids snacked on hot dogs, cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn and enjoyed face painting, cake walking, sack-hopping races, and other activities.

In addition, the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office played games with students, the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department gave tours of one of their fire trucks, and City of Refuge gave away grocery boxes to families. To top the night off, there was a gift basket auction of more than 25 baskets from community partners and local businesses. It was an awesome night for families!

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, Dec. 15, 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.