CCSD Connections
A Monthly Parent Newsletter - April 2024
Superintendent's Message
Dear CCSD Family,
Today marks one month since I officially began in my role as your Superintendent of Schools and it's been an inspiring experience for me each day.
As I've leaned in to listen and learn, I've heard from students, parents and families, teachers, support staff and school and district leaders, volunteers, business and community partners. A consistent theme has echoed in each of these conversations: how proud you are of our school district and the opportunities you see for us to improve it together.
Over the next month, I will continue to visit schools and meet with our community as I prepare a summative reflection and strategic priorities report to present to the School Board in May. As I committed to as part of my 100 day entry plan, I shared a progress report with the School Board at its March meeting (which you can read and watch online here), and I will share a second report at its April meeting, which also will be posted on the same webpage.
The opportunity to take this time to hear your feedback and thoroughly review our school district's operations is incredibly important to ensure we construct the best solutions possible to better prepare our students for future success.
Coming soon, we will be sharing a brief survey with you to gain even more of your feedback ... whether you're a parent, employee, business or community partner, taxpayer or embody a combination of these valuable perspectives. Please consider sharing a few minutes of your time to participate when you receive this email.
Thank you,
Mary Elizabeth Davis
Superintendent of Schools
THANKS TO THIS MONTH'S SPONSOR
TOP STORIES
Board Business Briefs
The School Board heard a presentation from Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis on her first two full weeks in the new role. The school board also approved new school leaders for next school year and heard updates on new school construction projects. Learn more here.
Sparking Careers
A Woodstock HS student in the school’s Career Pathway program for Fire and Emergency Services and Firefighting became the first CCSD students to participate in a live burn training exercise with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and its current recruit class. Learn more here.
Playing to Win
The Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram raffle for a new Jeep Wrangler Sport raises funds for CCSD high school athletics and band programs, thanks to the generosity of the dealership. Creekview HS sold the most tickets this year, raising $38,000 for its extra-curricular programs. Learn more here.
ACCOLADES
Governor's Honors
Ten CCSD high school students have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program. The statewide summer honors program for Georgia’s top rising high school juniors and seniors offers four weeks of college-level instruction. Learn more here.
Science Olympians
CCSD students recently demonstrated their science skills at a countywide competition. More than 525 students from elementary schools throughout CCSD competed in the Cherokee County Science Olympiad's science challenges. Learn more here.
Technology Champs
Six CCSD students earned top honors at the Georgia Educational Technology Fair. The contest invites students in grades 3-12 to create projects in a range of real-world technology industry categories such as mobile apps, project programming and productivity design. Learn more here.
Teacher of the Year
CCSD saluted educators at the 2024 Legacy Makers: CCSD Teachers of the Year Celebration and Crystal Bennett of Ball Ground ES STEM Academy was named CCSD’s Teacher of the Year! A 13-year educator who teaches fifth-grade math, science and social studies, she now advances to the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition. Learn more here.
Counselor of the Year
Etowah High School counselor Whitney Morberg recently was surprised with the honor that she’s the Cherokee County School District 2024 Counselor of the Year! An 18-year school counselor and three-time Innovation Zone Counselor of the Year award winner, Ms. Morberg now advances to the statewide Counselor of the Year competition. Learn more here.
Schools Care
Two CCSD schools recently were recognized for their support of the Georgia Department of Education’s Georgia Schools Care project. Schools across the state raised funds to support children in need through a partnership with Clark’s Christmas Kids. Mountain Road ES and River Ridge HS earned recognition for their generous giving. Learn more here.
MORE GREAT #CCSDfam NEWS
CCSD Students Earn Honors at State Technology Careers Competition
Eight CCSD Seniors Named 2024 Georgia Scholars
CCSD Student Recognized for Astronomy Advocacy
JROTC Drone Team Places in Regional Championships
2024 Coach of the Year Finalists Named
CCSD Students Advancing to State Writing Competition
180 Young Musicians Perform in Middle School Honor Band
CCSD's School Nutrition Summer Meals Program Earns National Honors
CCSD Students Succeed at Regional 4-H Competition
Nine CCSD Students Earn Honors for Adobe Technology Skills
CCSD Juniors Graduate from Regional Leadership Program
CCSD Hosts Community Service Fair
CCSD Students Named to All-State Band, Chorus and Orchestra
Braves' Host Knocks It Out of the Park as Avery Guest Reader
CCSD Celebrates Agriculture Week with Special Event
School Board Members Visit Boston ES
Optimist Club Honors Outstanding Middle School Students
CCSD Students Win at State Career Skills Competition
Third Annual Employability Fair Delivers Skill Sessions for Students
PATHWAY PROFILE
Career Pathway: Sports and Entertainment Marketing Program Now Offered
CCSD has increased its Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives, to 41 this school year. This CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on the Sports and Entertainment Marketing program, which launched this school year at River Ridge High School. Learn more here.
PARENT RESOURCES
Annual Review
The Cherokee County School District will hold its annual Consolidated LEA Improvement Plan Review Stakeholder meetings later this spring and invites parents to share their feedback on how we can continue to improve. Learn more here.
From CCSD Kitchens
CCSD's award-winning School Nutrition department shares a recipe of the month from its kitchens as part of its monthly newsletter. Check out the new issue here including a recipe for Strawberry Shortcake featuring the Georgia Harvest of the Month.
Stay on Track
CCSD's "School to Home Connections" newsletter's primary audience is families of children learning English as a second language, but it provides useful info for all families. Read the new issue online here, which offers tips on staying engaged at school.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April: Month of the Military Child
April: National School Library Month and April 7-13, National Library Week
April: Occupational Therapy Awareness Month
April 18-20: 7 p.m., Creekview HS theatre program presents “School of Rock." Tickets: $10.
April 18-20: Woodstock HS theatre program presents “Peter and the Starcatcher” at 7 p.m. April 18-19. Tickets: $10.
April 18: 7 p.m., School Board Auditorium at Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo Educational Services Facility, Cherokee County School Board Meeting.
April 18-20: Cherokee HS theatre program presents “Grease” at 7 p.m. April 18-20, 2 p.m. April 20. Tickets: $15
April 21-27: Administrative Professionals Week and April 24, Administrative Professionals Day
April 22-26: Public School Volunteer Week
April 22: The City of Canton on April 22 will present its Third Annual Teen and Young Adult Job & Volunteer Fair showcasing full time, part time and seasonal employment and volunteer opportunities. The free event is from 3 to 6 p.m. at Canton City Hall.
April 22-26, 29: 7 p.m., River Ridge HS theatre program presents “12 Angry Jurors." Tickets: $15.
April 25-27: 7 p.m., Sequoyah HS theatre program presents “Mamma Mia." Tickets: $20.
May 2-4: Woodstock HS theatre program presents “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.” at 7 p.m. May 2-3, 2 p.m. May 4. Tickets: $10.
May 21: Digital Learning Day for all students due to Primary Elections and use of schools as voting precincts.
May 23-25: CCSD High School Graduation Ceremonies.
May 24: Last day of school.
CONTACT US
Email: communications@cherokeek12.net
Website: www.cherokeek12.net
Location: PO Box 769, Canton, GA 30169
Phone: 7704791871
Facebook: facebook.com/CherokeeGASchools/
Twitter: @CherokeeSchools