HGRESA HEARTBEAT
November 18, 2024 (Edition 3)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Reflections of thankfulness...
The HGRESA staff members appreciate the support of the leaders and all other staff from the 10-member districts and partnering organizations. The HEART network "works" because of the mutual respect of all entities working toward a shared vision of always striving to Help, Guide, Reach, Extend, and Serve All. As we reflect on the past, those no longer with us are remembered and cherished. Professional friendships have been established in this HEART network that will last a lifetime. As we look to the future, may we continuously seek to find MORE: Forgiveness, patience, kindness, understanding, empathy, care, helping hands, love, faith, goals, positiveness, peace, and thankfulness. "When we start with the heart, GREAT things happen."
HGRESA has proudly served the 10 school districts of Bleckley, Dodge, Dublin City, Laurens, Montgomery, Pulaski, Telfair, Treutlen, Wheeler, and Wilcox since the mid-1960s. The agency continues to Help, Guide, Reach, Extend, and Serve ALL.
Congratulations!
ART is in the heART and Write from the Heart Winners Announced!
The Family Involvement Grant Participants
We can't wait to see the videos that Georgia Public Broadcasting creates from the research and script that Heart of Georgia leaders and teachers created for parents to help their children become better readers. Members of this group included: Mr. Wes Young (Bleckley High), Mrs. Waukita Wright (Susie Dasher), Mrs. LaRae Tyler (West Laurens High), Mrs. Lisa England (Pulaski), Mr. Brandon Tucker (Treutlen Middle/High), Mrs. Chloe Collins (Wheeler Elementary), Mr. Philip Parker (Wheeler Middle/High), and Mrs. Dori Terry (Wilcox Elementary).
The Georgia Literacy Leaders for Heart of Georgia RESA
DODGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HS Growth
HILLCREST ELEMENTARY 3rd Grade Gateway Growth; 4th Grade Growth
EAST LAURENS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3rd Grade Gateway Growth
EAST LAURENS MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th Grade Gateway Growth
SOUTHWEST LAURENS ELEMENTARY 3rd Grade Gateway Growth
PULASKI COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th Grade Gateway Growth
TELFAIR COUNTY ELEMENTARY 3rd Grade Gateway Growth
TELFAIR COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HS Growth
WILCOX COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th Grade Gateway Growth; 8th Grade Growth
The Georgia Math Leaders for Heart of Georgia
BLECKLEY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HS Growth
BLECKLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL HS Achievement; HS Growth
EAST LAURENS MIDDLE SCHOOL HS Achievement
WEST LAURENS MIDDLE SCHOOL HS Achievement
TREUTLEN MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL HS Growth
WHEELER COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL 8th Grade Gateway Growth
WHEELER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HS Growth
WILCOX COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5th Grade Gateway Growth
Mr. Phil Parker of Wheeler County High School
Congratulations to Mr. Philip Parker (Wheeler County High School) on being named the Gwen Hutcheson Outstanding Social Studies Educator at the 2024 Annual Conference of the Georgia Council for the Social Studies. This prestigious honor is awarded to one high school social studies teacher in the state, and it reflects Mr. Parker's 32-year career of inspiring students to become lifelong learners and productive citizens.
LETRS: Lang. Essentials for Teachers of Rdg./Spelling
- The 2023-2024 Cohort 1, LETRS for Educators is scheduled for December 4. This unit will be "Digging for Meaning: Understanding Reading Comprehension."
- The 2024-2025 Cohort 2, LETRS for Teachers will have session 2 on December 11. Their unit of study is "Universal Instruction at the Word Recognition Level."
- The last day of LETRS for Administrators training will be March 5.
For additional information on the Lexia LETRS program and processes, please refer to this LINK.
- The 2023-2024 Cohort 1, LETRS for Administrators is scheduled for November 6. The 2023-2024 Cohort has already completed the 5th unit on Oral Language and Vocabulary.
- The 2024-2025 Cohort 2, LETRS for Teachers has completed the Face to Face, Day 1 Training.
For additional information on the Lexia LETRS program and processes, please refer to this LINK.
In addition to LETRS, there are still several slots available for Wilson Training and for Orton Gillingham. See the REI sign up link to check availability for each course.
The Georgia Early Literacy Resources
- 3597, Resource, GaDOE, Aligning State Literacy Policies & Practices Updated 9-16-24
- 6144, Resource, GaDOE, The Georgia Early Literacy Act Resources
- 6145, Resource, GaDOE, Georgia Literacy Academy Resources
- 6146, Resource, GaDOE, Dyslexia Resources
- 6147, Resource, GaDOE, Adolescent Literacy (Grades 4-12)
2025 HGRESA Job Fair
Sat., Feb. 22, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Location: 717 Smith Street, Dublin, GA 31021
Contacts:
Federal Programs Cross Functional Monitoring Process
The GDOE Federal Programs Division facilitated a Cross Functional Monitoring session at HGRESA on Oct. 29 from 8:00 - 4:00. HGRESA will facilitate work sessions in preparation for CFM. Wilcox County has agreed to host the first session on January 15 from 9:30 AM -2:00 PM. If another district wants to host a future session, please let us know.
Registration: 6143, F-F, Onsite Wilcox BOE, Federal Programs Cross Functional Monitoring Process Work Session
Available GDOE Resources:
The Georgia Department of Education is offering a series sessions for HGRESA Gifted Coordinators and teachers of the gifted. The following sessions are offered Face to Face at HGRESA: Nuts and Bolts, Creativity, and Talent Development. The other sessions are virtual and include grade band specifics. This link will take you to the list of courses and the registration. Some of the sessions have been recorded for those unable to attend.
Classroom Management Modules: Dr. Harry Wong
The company has graciously extended the availability of the The Classroom Management Course for another year. December 31, 2025 will be the new end date. We encourage you to take advantage of these powerful resources.
Contests
Writing Contests Information
- Contest judging was delayed due to HGRESA trying to support districts with differentiated schedules as a result of the weather conditions.
- District contacts listed on the email database will receive a notice when winners are posted.
- Writing Contest #2 will occur on November 21 or 22. Links were sent out last week.
- K-2 writing papers should be uploaded by November 22.
GEORGIA MOVIE ACADEMY is a digital storytelling competition sponsored by Heart of Georgia RESA and Chattahoochee-Flint RESA for the purpose of recognizing student work in the area of video production and storytelling. This project-based learning opportunity allows students to work in teams to produce a theme-based (GMA 2025 theme is: Curiosity Unleashed), standards-based, three-minute video on a topic of their choice. Teachers serve as coaches or co-coaches. The competition is for student teams in grades K-12.This year's theme is Curiosity Unleashed. Registration forms are due December 20, 2024. Register to receive the policies and forms handbook.
PSC School Safety and Anti-Gang Endorsement
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission will conduct an informational session on November 20 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Specifics will be included for those who want to add this endorsement.
GaDOE ELA Workshops
Last week HGRESA hosted GDOE workshops to help prepare for the new ELA standards in FY26. We were proud that approximately 160 area district and school leaders, academic coaches, and teachers attended the workshops for analyzing the new ELA standards or for an introduction to the science of reading. There will be 2 more sessions in March.
GDOE Sessions to Help with New Standards Implementation in FY26
March 10 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
3975.3, Analyzing Georgia's K-12 ELA Standards: Texts and Practices for Grades K-5
March 11 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
3975.4, Analyzing Georgia's K-12 ELA Standards: Texts and Practices for Grades 6-12
After feedback from the last CD meeting, we have requested that all sessions be whole group. The GaDOE has said that they would take this feedback under advisement.
Georgia Digital Curriculum
This information was copied directly from the GDOE website.
(GaVS) provides free access to their course content. Courses have been moved to Canvas and are distributed in a public format. This includes all content that is aligned to the Georgia standards.
Free Georgia Tutor Program
This information came directly from the GDOE website.
GaTutor is groundbreaking program powered by Georgia Virtual Learning. Georgia-certified teachers with solid content area expertise provide one-on-one tutoring sessions tailored for each individual student.
Best of all, it's entirely free! GaTutor offers flexibility for students, with tutoring sessions available outside of regular school hours. Students select the dates and times that workbest for them, making academic success more accessible than ever!
Generation Genius
To help build content knowledge in the Science areas, Generation Genius is available to HGRESA teachers in Grades 3-8. To gain access, register on the www.hgresa.org website for 5058.Resource. Information will be sent via email confirmation.
5058. Resource, Generation Genius Subscription for Grades 3-8 Math and Science
Other Recent ELA Resources
Explaining New ELA Standards: You Got This! Series by Dr. Belita Gordon
Dr. Belita Gordon served as the HGRESA liaison on the GDOE state ELA committee. She has been working with HGRESA for many years helping with writing and reading. She conducted several sessions this summer on how mentor texts could be used to implement the new standards. Dr. Gordon has begun dissecting the standards and providing written documents to help teachers begin to learn about the standards. She has completed grades 6, 7, and 8.
Dr. Kevin Raczynski's Feedback for Writing Series
Dr. Kevin Raczynski continues to work with us in addressing the ELA Writing area. We have many resources (including videos) that he has completed. These can be found under our CODE classes (Classes/Courses on Demand for Educators). Below are the latest postings that HGRESA has provided.
6054.1, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 1
6054.2, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 2
6054.3, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 3
6054.4, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 4
6054.5, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 5
6054.6, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 6
6054.7, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 7
6054.8, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 8
6054.9-10, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grades 9-10
6054.11-12, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grades 11-12
Math in the Fast Lane
To set up a Math in the Fast Lane account:
1) Go to https://mathinfastlane.com/
2. Click "Getting Started" and set up an account
3. An email will come saying the account has been approved. Sometimes, this gets trapped in spam.
4. After approval, go to site and log in with ID and Password under "Subscribers."
Math Support
The Heart of Georgia RESA is contracting with Oconee RESA to provide math support. Dr. Kim Ward is employed by Oconee RESA but offers support to both RESAs.
HGRESA also provides support via online support resources from Dr. Tim McNamara and Mr. Brad Sanders. Dr. McNamara is currently overseas providing math support.
Mr. Brad Sanders is available in the afternoons to provide support, as requested. His primary focus areas are high and middle schools. He is currently providing support to two alternative schools. He has completed a new teacher resource.
Dr.Tama Freeman can provide Numeracy Project support at the elementary school level.
Mrs. Michele Dyal is available to provide math support at the middle and high school levels.
Upcoming Job Alike Sessions
Please refer to the Job Alike/Collaboratives area on the www.hgresa.org website to locate upcoming sessions. LINK Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.
School Climate Support
The Heart of Georgia provides much support with school climate. Please refer to the following available resources. If you want to scedule onsite consultative assistance in the school climate area, please email connie@hgresa.org.
School Climate Consultative Assistance
- Dr. Mitch McGhee (PBIS, MTSS Tier I)
- Mrs. Michelle Dyal (School Climate)
- Dr. Brad Anderson (Transportation, School Climate)
Online CODE Resources
Paraprofessional Information
Learning Focus Resources
Diploma Seals
Fine Arts Contact GDOE for an application.
Civic Engagement Seals contact jlewis@hgresa.org for completion forms
COMMUNICATION
HGRESA staff members strive daily to communicate in more effective ways. Emails are sent often using the EMAIL DATABASE. District and school staff members are asked to review this email database and keep it updated to receive current information. If the email is incorrect, staff members are asked to correct.
Each year, an electronic planner is created which includes relevant and current leader roles in each district. When edits are needed, please contact jbeck@hgresa.org, jlewis@hgresa.org, or connie@hgresa.org. PLANNER
Professional learning and registration information can be accessed in various ways.
A) Professional Learning Calendar: This calendar includes all face to face or online sessions that are occurring. If you click on agenda on the right, you can view more details.
B) Quick View: This is a list of everything that is available at HGRESA. This takes a few minutes to upload because of the quantity. This database is searchable with a search box or can be searched via Control F.
C) CODE PL: This is a database of Classes on Demand for Educators at all times and Resources. Please review the two tabs at the bottom that are named: Latest, Categories.
D) FF/Live PL: This is a database of all face to face sessions and online, live sessions that are being offered daily. The list is posted by calendar dates.
E) Job Alike Collaboratives: These sessions are used to communicate information. It is important that those with these job titles try to attend as often as possible to stay abreast of information, but more importantly to develop a network of support in specific areas.
F) HGRESA Heartbeat: A few months ago, the first edition of the Heartbeat was released. This is another attempt to keep district and school leaders informed.
Lead with data plus the heart
and get it right from the start! (ch)