Better Together
News from the Clarke County School District • 10/28/22
Scenes from around CCSD This Week...
Enjoy these photos, and see more on our district and school Facebook pages!
Submit Your Questions for Town Halls with Dr. Hooker!
CCSD encourages community members to submit questions in advance for the town hall they plan to attend. Even if you cannot attend one of the upcoming six meetings, you are still encouraged to submit any questions you have, and the Superintendent is committed to responding.
See the full schedule of upcoming meetings in the graphic below, and scan the barcode to access the form to submit your question. You can also access the form here.
FFE Announces Classroom Project Grants
Congratulations to these teachers and their students, and thank you to the FFE for your continued support of our district! Click here for more information on the awards.
Grant Winners
- Donald Hollman, Clarke Central High
- Cheryl Hudson, Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle
- Erika Douglas-Greene, Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary
- Marie Peel, Clarke Middle
- Bethany Forrester, Alps Road Elementary
- Christine Graziano, Cedar Shoals High
- Hannah Doolittle, Cedar Shoals High
- Susan Poss, Whit Davis Elementary
- Catherine Douylliez, Athens Community Career Academy
- Matthew Shuman, Clarke Central High
- Davina Swaim, Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle
- Ivey Hawes, Fowler Drive Elementary
- Leigh Lindsey, Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary
- Jennifer Biddle, Whit Davis Elementary
- Alex Helvey, Gaines Elementary.
Barrow Student Wins Bus Safety Poster Contest, Chase Student Runner-up
In recognition of National School Bus Safety Week last week, the CCSD Transportation Department held a bus safety poster competition for elementary school students to participate in.
CCSD bus drivers voted Barrow Elementary fifth-grader Mica Suiza's poster as the winner and Chase Street Elementary third-grader Lola Haydon's poster as runner-up!
The local contest was part of the Georgia Association of Pupil Transportation 2022-23 "Safely Rolling to My Destination" bus safety poster contest. Mica and Lola will now represent CCSD in the statewide competition in the grades 3-5 division!
Winner
Runner-up
Coile FFA Competes, Wins Awards at Georgia National Fair
Coile Middle FFA members recently traveled to the Georgia National Fair in Perry, where 10 students competed in the Agriscience Research Mini-booth, Floral Design Exhibit, Junior Floriculture ID, Junior Nursery Landscape ID, and Junior Floral Design Contest.
Sylvia Brittian and Katie Smith won first place in their Agriscience Research Mini-booth category, while Brooklyn Hanson, Emmie Adams, Jesus Linan-Guzman, Kylie Barr, and Pasha Kennedy all won third-place awards for their Floral Design Exhibits.
Hanson and Adams were given 30 minutes to prepare a floral design that fit the fair theme, “Bohemian Bonanza.” The students’ arrangements were required to stay within a $25 to $50 total budget, which students proved by submitting a price list of items based on industry costs. Students used concepts of floral design such as balance, line, rhythm, and color to be successful in this event.
The students were trained by Chasity Tompkins, Coile’s FFA faculty advisor.
Halloween Episode of 'Studio 595' Coming Monday
In this Halloween-themed episode, Kalli and Dillon conduct their own tournament to decide the "king of sweets" with a spirited discussion of what Halloween candy is the best, and they weigh in on the worst trick-or-treat items. The pair also attempt to explain slang terms to adults and give their latest pop culture updates. Plus, CCSD news and updates from "Producer Alex!"
In addition to the CCSD YouTube channel, "Studio 595" is available for listening on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Audible, and iHeartRadio.
Modifications to Proposed Academic Calendars
There have been two slight modifications to the originally-posted recommended academic calendars for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.
Originally, elementary and middle school spring conferences were to be held during the first week of March. However, due to state funding requirements and to create balance in the grading terms, the March conferences/holidays were moved back a week in both calendars. In addition, to accommodate high school final exams, high school-only early dismissal days were added to the last two days of each semester in both calendars.
Click here to view the recommended 2023-24 calendar and here for the 2024-25 calendar. As a reminder, the Board of Education is scheduled to discuss the calendars at its Thursday, Nov. 3 work session, and vote is scheduled for the board’s Nov. 10 meeting.
CCSD Accepting Proposals for, seeking Public Input on ‘CCSD Connect’ Initiatives
CCSD is seeking public input on and has opened a second round of proposals for initiatives and interventions that will assist the district in addressing its Strategic Priorities for 2021-2024. We are seeking experienced organizations or individuals to provide innovative enrichment and educational programs for CCSD students. Approved proposals will be funded via federal ESSER III/American Rescue Plan funds.
There will be an informational session at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the district administrative offices building, 595 Prince Ave., Athens, to learn more about the RFP process. Click here to register for the session.
There will also be an online Pre-Proposal Conference via Zoom for interested individuals and organizations, starting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15. Click here to join the meeting.
These sessions will provide an opportunity to present questions and obtain clarification relative to any facet of the proposal solicitation. Individuals or organizations receiving approval for the proposal will receive an award notification letter on Friday, Dec. 16, which will include the next steps for their proposals.
MLK Writing and Art Contest Kicks Off
The competition is open to students in grades K-12. Teachers will be sharing information about the contest with students and families. Entries are due to schools by Friday, Nov. 18, and school winners are due to the district office by Nov. 28.
All entries should address this year's theme — "King's Kindness in Action." A video featuring some of the winners will be created and featured at the University of Georgia Annual Freedom Breakfast, and winners will be honored at a Board of Education meeting as well.
CCHS Baseball Team Holding Christmas Tree, Greenery Sale
If you would like to support the Gladiators, check the prices in the graphic below, and go to givebutter.com/cchsbaseballtreesale22 to order via credit card, check, PayPal, or Venmo, or order via cash or ask questions by contacting cchsbaseballtreesale@gmail.com
Family and Community Engagement Updates
Scenes from Family Fun Day
See more photos here.
Bus Drivers Wanted!
CCSD is now hiring bus drivers. Hourly pay ranges from $18-$26, and we offer part-time and full-time schedules, a $1,500 signing bonus (for full-time employment), and full benefits. It's a rewarding and flexible career move.
Click here to see what's waiting for you behind the wheel!
How to Address Questions, Concerns
Please click here to view this information. You can also go to CCSD's main site at clarke.k12.ga.us, go to the "I Want To" tab at the top of the page, and select “Ask a Question/Submit a Concern.”
Calendar Reminders
Click to view the 2022-23 Academic Calendar. Important dates:
- 11/8: Student/staff holiday
- 11/21 - 11/25: Thanksgiving Break
We Want You On Our Team!
Sign on as a Substitute Teacher or Paraprofessional in Athens! Lend your passion and talents to the students and staff here in CCSD. Daily pay increases and monthly bonuses! Click here to learn more or call ESS at 877-983-2244.
Board of Education News
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, Nov. 10, 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.
CCSD COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Opportunities
As a reminder, COVID-19 testing and vaccinations are available at the Hilsman Health Center. Call 706-546-7463 to make an appointment. The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday.
COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination Information
View this message about the importance of receiving the vaccine and testing if symptoms are present.
- COVID vaccine info & appointments
- PCR testing at Hilsman Health Center - 706-546-7463.
- GaDPH COVD-19 FREE Testing Sites
CCSD COVID-19 Reporting Tool
211 – Get Connected. Get Help.
Community Food Resources
Need Help Paying Rent?
Georgia landlords and renters are encouraged to apply for rental and utility assistance through the State of Georgia Rental Assistance program! Nearly a billion dollars has been allocated to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs by the U.S. Treasury to provide help for renters who have fallen behind on rent during the pandemic.
For assistance, email rentalassistance@dca.ga.gov or call (833) 827-7368.
New Teen Newsletter from ACC Library
Search for Jobs in Athens-Clarke County
Clarke County School District
Website: www.clarke.k12.ga.us
Location: 595 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA, USA
Phone: 706-546-7721
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarkeCoSchools
Twitter: @clarkecoschools