Clarke County School District -

Scenes from last night at the District Office, where more than 100 teachers, principals, parents, guardians, and community members who make up our 21 local school governance teams came together for LSGTU – an annual training session that gives new members a look at and returning members a refresher on how LSGTs function and the best and required operating practices that the district has in place for these bodies.

LSGTs are a major component of CCSD's work as one of Georgia's largest public charter systems and maximize school-level governance by empowering families and school faculty members to have real input in data-driven decisions made by school leaders.

At last night's session, attendees heard from Interim Superintendent Jennifer Scott, James Barlament and Stephen Nobles from our Department of Innovation, Strategy, and Governance, and other district leaders about the focus of the fourth year in the district's current five-year charter system contract with the state. LSGTs then spread throughout the building for individual breakout meetings where they elected officers and voted to approve their school's School Improvement Plan for 2025-26.

To learn more about LSGTs, go to www.clarke.k12.ga.us/lsgt. You can also access information about each school's LSGT — including member lists and meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes — by going to the school's website and navigating to the "School Governance" tab in the main menu.

Raising the Bar in Pursuit of Excellence! Monthly professional learning community (PLC) sessions for principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, and content coordinators this week have been connected through a shared goal of enhancing our teaching practices so that we can continue the momentum of increasing student achievement in the classroom. In the sessions, these professional learners have been hearing from district leaders and each other about how they can build a greater understanding of instructional practices that drive student learning and put those practices into action to create and promote Optimized Talent and Thriving Students.

A phenomenal Classic City Championship game yesterday with Clarke Central prevailing 13-12 over Cedar Shoals. More photos on our Facebook (@ClarkeCoSchools)!

An AMAZING third day of school for our 800+ second-grade students across the district who took a field trip to Stegeman Coliseum this morning for the "Let the Big Dawgs Read" event – part of former Georgia Football and New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell's "Read with Malcolm" youth literacy initiative! Each second-grader was given their very own copy of Malcolm's book, "The Magician's Hat," and they were treated to a real magician show before doing a read-aloud of the book with Malcolm. Teachers will also be provided with literacy resources as part of the initiative. More photos on our Facebook (@ClarkeCoSchools)!

CCSD is thrilled to announce that every graduating senior in the district this school year will receive $1,000 investment portfolios and financial education through a brand-new partnership between the district and non-profit organizations Gifted Savings and TED-Ed - making Athens-Clarke County in effect the first community in the nation where every public high school senior graduates as an investor!

As part of the program, an anonymous donor has directly gifted the portfolios to more than 800 12th-grade students at Cedar Shoals High School, Clarke Central High School, and Classic City High School. In addition to their portfolios, each eligible senior will be given access to a personal account on the Gifted Savings app, complete with weekly lessons on saving, investing, and using their money with purpose. Upon turning 18 and completing the program, students will take ownership and have full control of their investments. Through the district’s partnership with TED-Ed, students will share what they’ve learned at a special TEDx event at the end of the year.

Students at each school were surprised with the news today during assemblies and will get started right away on their lessons. Thank you to the teams at Gifted Savings and TED-Ed for helping CCSD lead the way and reinforce one of our core beliefs – that we must embrace new ideas, techniques, and technologies to be responsive to the evolving needs of our learners and the rapidly changing world. Together we are Raising the Bar on improving financial literacy and laying the groundwork for a brighter future!

What a PHENOMENAL first day of the school year! Thank you to all the students, staff, families, and community members who made it great! More photos on our Facebook page (@ClarkeCoSchools)!

Congratulations to Anthony "AJ" Lonon Jr., Clarke Central High School 4-star football player and thriving student-athlete for committing to Georgia Football yesterday!

A star on the field and in the classroom, AJ currently is rated as a 4-star recruit, while maintaining a 4.2 GPA and being class Vice President at CCHS, all while being on track to graduate in December with honors!

After making his decision, AJ celebrated with family, friends, and former teachers, principals, and coaches to commemorate the village that helped raise this excellent star student-athlete who continues to Raise the Bar on the field and in the classroom. Congrats to AJ, the Lonon Family, and the several coaches, teammates, teachers, and mentors who joined in the celebrations! More photos on our Facebook (@ClarkeCoSchools)!

Need to do some last-minute school supply shopping on the go this weekend? CCSD school-by-school, grade-by-grade, supply lists are available through TeacherLists!
On your phone, navigate to teacherlists.com:
- Select "I am a parent/guardian"
- Select "Search by state" and pick Georgia
- Start typing in your school's name to find each grade level list!
Remember: If you don't see your school or a list, those schools will be providing all or most supplies. For more information and direct links to each school's lists on TeacherLists, you can reference www.clarke.k12.ga.us/supplies.

The many departments that make up our Academics and Student Supports Division held their official 2025-26 kickoff meeting this morning, led by Interim Deputy Superintendent Dr. Donna Elder. This team of experienced, dedicated professionals is working hard to Raise the Bar in 2025-26 for our students, families, and the community that we serve!

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to 14 CCSD teachers and support staff members who have been announced as the winners of the 2025 Foundation for Excellence in Public EducationTeaching and Staff Awards! See the full list of winners below and more photos on our Facebook page (@ClarkeCoSchools)!

Frieda M. Thomas Teacher of Promise Award:
Rodrigo Valadez - 7th Grade Math Teacher, Hilsman Middle School
Astrid Tarleton - Science Teacher, Cedar Shoals High School

Downs Family District Services Award
Maurice Williams - School Resource Officer, Clarke Central High School
Demarkous Appling - Bus Driver, CCSD Transportation

Howard B. Stroud Community Service Award
Chantel Eaton - School social worker, Barrow Elementary School and Clarke Middle School

Michael Peter Horvat Secondary Coaches’ Award
Daneidra Barnett - 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher and Athletics Coach, Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School

Joan D. Humphries Teacher of Excellence Award
Sara Clarke - Gifted Teacher, Barrow Elementary School

Ken Sherman Double Century Teacher of Excellence Award
Karen Richburg - Special Education Teacher, Cedar Shoals High School

Seasoned Teacher Award
Reneta Elder - Social Studies Teacher, Athens Community Career Academy

Kathryn H.Hug Instructional Leadership Award
Jeanna Wheeler - Instructional Coach, Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School

Martha Comer Chair for Teachers of Languages Award
Susan Lane - ESOL Teacher, Cedar Shoals High School

Cardee Kilpatrick Chair for Middle School Teachers Award
Audrey Hughes - 7th Grade Science Teacher, Clarke Middle School

Ann M. Schindel Chair for Teachers of Mathematics Award
Conor Naughton - 8th Grade Math Teacher, Hilsman Middle School

Thomas H. Whitehead Chair for Teachers of Science Award
Enya Granados - Science Teacher, Clarke Central High School

A HUGE THANK YOU to Java Joy for stopping by Whit Davis Elementary yesterday morning with some great-tasting coffee for the staff to brighten their day as they got started on pre-planning for the new school year! CCSD loves Java Joy and the smiles they bring!

What a fantastic kickoff to the school year yesterday with our districtwide employee convocation at The Classic Center and Akins Ford Arena! Our teachers, administrators, and support staff brought that "Raise the Bar" energy all day long! See more photos on our Facebook page (@ClarkeCoSchools)!

We may be getting ready for the 2025-26 school year to start in a few days, but last night we had a chance to celebrate a few more members of the Class of 2025 during our summer graduation ceremony for Cedar Shoals High School and Clarke Central High School! CONGRATULATIONS to these graduates who never gave up on their educational journeys and best wishes as you enter into the world as proud CCSD alumni! More photos over on our Facebook (@ClarkeCoSchools)!

Today was an exciting day at Clarke Middle School where we held our annual CCSD New Teacher Orientation kickoff event, welcoming the well over 100 educators joining us this year who are either first-year teachers or veteran teachers who are entirely new to CCSD or returning home! See more photos on our Facebook page (@ClarkeCoSchools)!

This week, we held the second half of our summer district leadership retreat at the District Office. Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott, Interim Deputy Superintendent Dr. Donna Elder, and other district department leaders spoke with school leaders about the coming year, and Dr. Scott introduced all new school and district leaders who have either joined CCSD or been promoted to new leadership roles since the start of last school year.

More fun on the way next week as we hold new teacher orientation, our districtwide employee convocation, and make final preparations for the start of the school year. In 2025-26, we are all committed to Raising the Bar in pursuit of excellence!

We were thrilled to have a presence and provide resources at yesterday's Empower Pinewoods family expo yesterday as we help families get ready for a new school year! Pictured, from left to right, are district lead family engagement specialist Sarah Halstead, district translator and interpreter Carol Fernandez, district mental wellness specialist Allyn Carey, and district translator and interpreter Stephanie Lopez Vargas.

A WONDERFUL turnout this past Friday morning as more than 60 current and aspiring educators attended our Find Your Fit hiring fair for teachers and paraprofessionals! Attendees visited with representatives from many of our schools and district departments, and several had the opportunity to interview for openings on the spot! Find Your Fit with CCSD and join our team! Browse current openings and apply at ccsdjobs.org.

The Clarke Middle School Science, Energy, and Adventure Team recently visited Washington, D.C. for the annual NEED Project conference, where they were recognized with three awards – Exemplary School Energy Efficiency Project, Georgia School of the Year, and National Junior School of the Year! Congratulations once again to these Owls on being recognized for the work they do in promoting environmental awareness and energy conservation education efforts throughout the community! See more photos on our Facebook (@ClarkeCoSchools)!

A fun and exciting conclusion to the Athens Youth Development Initiative Summer Mystery Book Club last night as participants wrapped up their discussion on "To Catch a Thief" by Martha Brockenbrough and participated in a murder mystery pizza dinner activity! More photos on our Facebook (@ClarkeCoSchools)! There is still plenty of space available in the upcoming *FREE* YDI Sports Book Club with sessions scheduled for July 1, July 15, and July 29 at Clarke Middle School and led by CMS media specialist Shawn Hinger! Participants will read and receive their own copy of "The Academy" by T.Z. Layton. Even if you can't make one of the sessions, students are still welcome to register! Register today at www.athensyouthdevelopment.com.

Incoming Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott visited the University of Georgia's Delta Innovation Hub yesterday to visit Cedar Shoals and Clarke Central rising 9th-, 10th, and 11th-grade students participating in Innovate U! Launched in 2021, Innovate U is a collaborative initiative between the UGA Office of the President, the UGA Fanning Institute for Leadership, the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, and the Clarke County School District. Designed for rising freshmen through juniors, the summer program equips 25 CCSD high school students with leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through hands-on sessions in leadership development and human-centered design thinking. Over the course of three weeks in June, students work in small teams—guided by UGA student mentors and local industry professionals—to develop innovative solutions to real-world community challenges. This year’s focus is on Community Wellness. The program culminates this week in a showcase where students present their ideas to peers, families, and community stakeholders. More photos on our Facebook (@ClarkeCoSchools)!