It takes a village to ensure we're providing the most accurate information on our official school websites for our families and community. This past week, our school website managers gathered for a best-practices training and are hard at work making updates to their sites. Thank you to these dedicated members of our school communities who manage their websites on top of their full-time, everyday school roles, whether it be as a media specialist, family engagement specialist, counselor, receptionist, or any other role!
There can't be many better combinations than books and donuts! First-graders around CCSD are beginning Module 2 of their Wit and Wisdom English Language Arts curriculum, and Timothy Road Elementary School kicked things off this morning with a "book tasting" for students to sample books, review and discuss them with their classmates, and rate them! Excellent job by Ms. Dametrice Johnson, Ms. Bria McIntyre, Ms. Obergenia Kennedy, Ms. Lauren Lamphier, and their students, and thank you to all the parents who contributed the breakfast-time snacks! Literacy never tasted so good! More photos on the CCSD Facebook page!
We were honored to be the Platinum Sponsor for last night's "Uncommon Valor" event at the District Office, hosted by the Athens Georgia ASALH Branch, which honored the group of educators who integrated Clarke County schools! In addition to a pre-screening of the documentary, "Integrating Athens" from the Athens Film Project, the organization presented plaques to the families of the following trailblazers:
• Dr. Walter Allen Sr., who began his career as a music teacher and band director at the all-Black Athens High and Industrial School, later helped integrate Hilsman Middle School, and served as an assistant principal at previously all-white Athens High School during its transition to Clarke Central High School
• Johnnie Lay Burks, the first Black teacher at the previously all-white Chase Street Elementary School, which was renamed Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary School in her honor in 2023
• Jeanette C. Browning, the first Black librarian at previously all-white Clarke Junior High School, now known as Clarke Middle School
• Ruth D. Hawk Payne, the first Black teacher on the faculty of Athens High School, now known as Clarke Central
• Bettye Henderson Holston, the first Black teacher assigned to previously all-white Alps Road Elementary School, which was renamed Bettye H. Holston Elementary School in her honor in 2023
• Victoria Baker Stroud, the first Black teacher assigned to the previously all-white Barnett Shoals Elementary School.
This was also a multi-generational event, as Whitehead Road Elementary School second-grader Micah Watkins gave the youth oration, Clarke Central Class of 2026 graduate Jourden Adams recited Rudyard Kipling's poem "If," and eighth-graders from Hilsman Middle served food during the post-event reception.
Well done by all!
• Dr. Walter Allen Sr., who began his career as a music teacher and band director at the all-Black Athens High and Industrial School, later helped integrate Hilsman Middle School, and served as an assistant principal at previously all-white Athens High School during its transition to Clarke Central High School
• Johnnie Lay Burks, the first Black teacher at the previously all-white Chase Street Elementary School, which was renamed Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary School in her honor in 2023
• Jeanette C. Browning, the first Black librarian at previously all-white Clarke Junior High School, now known as Clarke Middle School
• Ruth D. Hawk Payne, the first Black teacher on the faculty of Athens High School, now known as Clarke Central
• Bettye Henderson Holston, the first Black teacher assigned to previously all-white Alps Road Elementary School, which was renamed Bettye H. Holston Elementary School in her honor in 2023
• Victoria Baker Stroud, the first Black teacher assigned to the previously all-white Barnett Shoals Elementary School.
This was also a multi-generational event, as Whitehead Road Elementary School second-grader Micah Watkins gave the youth oration, Clarke Central Class of 2026 graduate Jourden Adams recited Rudyard Kipling's poem "If," and eighth-graders from Hilsman Middle served food during the post-event reception.
Well done by all!
Exciting news to share, as Melissa Demaray, math teacher at the CCSD Learning Center, was named the Georgia Association for Alternative Education's Teacher of the Year at its statewide awards luncheon today! Additionally, Learning Center Director Dr. Utevia Tolbert was named runner-up for the Administrator of the Year award! Congratulations to both of these women, and thank you for the amazing work you are doing making a difference in the lives of students!
More than 100 people representing CCSD's three large advisory groups — the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, Teacher Advisory Board, and Classified Staff Advisory Council — came together this afternoon to discuss key areas of work for this school year, including those identified by last year's Student Advisory Council to continue work on this year.
Student Advisory Council members representing Cedar Shoals High School, Clarke Central High School, and Classic City High School led small-group discussions on communication with students about resource availability, cross-school collaboration opportunities, post-graduation college and career readiness, school safety, wellness, and CCSD's Culture of Literacy. They then reported out the highlights of their discussions to the large group. Each of these advisory groups will hold several meetings throughout the year to discuss issues affecting CCSD and how we can all Raise the Bar together to make this the best school year yet. Thank you to all for your service!
More photos on the CCSD Facebook page!
Student Advisory Council members representing Cedar Shoals High School, Clarke Central High School, and Classic City High School led small-group discussions on communication with students about resource availability, cross-school collaboration opportunities, post-graduation college and career readiness, school safety, wellness, and CCSD's Culture of Literacy. They then reported out the highlights of their discussions to the large group. Each of these advisory groups will hold several meetings throughout the year to discuss issues affecting CCSD and how we can all Raise the Bar together to make this the best school year yet. Thank you to all for your service!
More photos on the CCSD Facebook page!
It's a bittersweet day at CCSD as we're saying goodbye to a true legend among us. Inez Eberhart, head custodian at the District Office on Prince Avenue, is retiring today after many years of faithful service to the district. We are so grateful for Ms. Inez and everything she has done for us - not just for leading her team in always making the office a clean and welcoming place for everyone - but for always checking in on us, asking about our families, and making sure we have everything we need. While we are sad to see her go, we are also excited for her and the next adventure in her life. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Inez and wishing her a happy retirement!
Our 2026-27 VILLA (Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy) cohort began its work last night! This group of 40 parents, teachers, and community members will meet monthly throughout the rest of the school year to gain a deeper understanding of CCSD operations and how they can be informed ambassadors for the district. Last night's session included an overview of the district leadership structure and organizational charts from Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott; words from Board of Education President Mark Evans about the board's role and responsibilities; and a presentation from James Barlament and Stephen Nobles from the Department of Innovation, Strategy, and Governance covering the district accreditation process, CCSD's five-year Strategic Plan, the district's charter system status, the role of local school governance teams, and the many ways innovations are present in our schools and student learning. Cohort members also participated in interactive activities testing their entry knowledge of district and board functions.
Eat Local - Invest in Our Students! CCSD Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator Ben Smalley has been on the trail today checking in on our participating #CCSDDining4Dividends locations! Dine with one or more of our 19 participating locations and help fund Gifted Savings investment portfolios for the Class of 2028!
We're all set for the Classic City Championship tomorrow night between Cedar Shoals High School and Clarke Central High School at Billy Henderson Stadium! Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
A few reminders:
• Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
• Tickets must be purchased through GoFan online or in the app - bit.ly/classiccitychampionship26
• CCSD staff get in free with their work badge.
• CCSD's clear-bag policy will be in effect.
• Children middle school age and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
• Only authorized people with appropriate credentials will be allowed on the field and track.
• Fans will not be allowed to switch from side to side in the stands during the game.
Good luck to all of our players, coaches, cheerleaders, and bands! We'll see everyone there!
A great panel discussion yesterday morning (Wednesday, September 16) on the formation of the integrated Clarke Central High School in the 1960s and the first Gladiator football team, as chronicled by local author Mark Clegg. Clegg was joined by Clarence Pope, Doc Eldridge, Robert Hawkins, Mac Coile, and, later, Michael Thurmond for their perspectives on that pivotal time, and the group participated in a second public event last night.
"History is important. The things I went through 60 years ago opened up the doors for you," Hawkins told an auditorium full of current Clarke Central student-athletes. "Somebody opened up the door for you, and you have to open up the door for someone else because you, right now, you’re the future."
"History is important. The things I went through 60 years ago opened up the doors for you," Hawkins told an auditorium full of current Clarke Central student-athletes. "Somebody opened up the door for you, and you have to open up the door for someone else because you, right now, you’re the future."
"Whatafieldtrip!" Students served by Family Connection-Communities in Schools of Athens at Bettye H. Holston Elementary School, Howard B. Stroud Elementary School, and J.J. Harris Elementary School had the opportunity to enjoy lunch at Whataburger on Atlanta Highway and receive gift bags with school supplies and personal-care products. The trip was made possible by Communities In Schools National , which selected Athens as one of seven stops nationwide on its "Ready, Set Learn!" tour, with the support of CareSource and Whataburger. Thank you to CIS National, CareSource, and the team at the Atlanta Highway Whataburger for providing our students with a terrific experience! Congratulations FC-CIS Athens, and thank you for the work you do every day in our schools. We are grateful for your continued partnership in connecting our families with valuable community resources!
KOALITY TIME WITH THE DAWGS: It was an exciting morning at Whitehead Road Elementary School as Georgia Football players AJ Lonon (a Whitehead "Koality Kid" alum and Clarke Central High School Class of 2026 graduate), Jordan Hall, and Gunner Stockton surprised second-grade teacher Tucker Crumpton with a $1,000 check through the College Football Playoff Foundation's Extra Yard for Teachers program. On this annual day of giving designated by the foundation, WRES also received a $1,000 grant, meaning that $2,000 will go toward classroom materials and learning resources at the school! Congratulations to Mr. Crumpton, and thank you and the Whitehead team for going the Extra Yard for your students! And thank you to AJ and his teammates for going the Extra Yard to spend time with our students! Go Dawgs!
More photos on the CCSD Facebook page!
At last night's Board of Education meeting, we recognized Sarah Thomas, School Nutrition Assistant at Winterville Elementary School, for being named CCSD's Employee of the Month for September and the winners of the Foundation for Excellence in Public Education in Clarke County's 2026 Teaching and Staff Awards. Congratulations to all!
We were excited last night to hold the organizational meeting of our Literacy Advisory Council! This group of more than 25 parents, teachers, school leaders, and community members from across Athens-Clarke County is charged with building our district's formal Literacy Plan that will be presented to the Board of Education later this year. Thank you for leading the way in strengthening our Culture of Literacy! Learn more at www.clarke.k12.ga.us/literacy.
We are excited to announce Sarah Thomas, School Nutrition Assistant at Winterville Elementary School, as our September Employee of the Month! Ms. Thomas was nominated by a Winterville teacher who shared that she goes way beyond taking care of each child at breakfast and lunch but also regularly attends school functions and celebrates their achievements! Ms. Thomas was surprised with the award this morning by Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott and the Winnerbee nutrition team and will be publicly recognized tomorrow night at the Board of Education meeting! Thank you to this School Lunch Hero for being a champion for our students, and congratulations!
Nominate any full-time CCSD employee with at least one full year of experience for Employee of the Month at bit.ly/CCEmployeeAward.
An exciting development in our partnership with Athens Neighborhood Health Center! Today, ANHC's mobile dental bus made its first CCSD stop at J.J. Harris Elementary School and will be there twice a week throughout September. Additional schools will be announced at a later date. Services include cleanings, X-rays, fillings, sealants, and other preventative care.
Thank you to ANHC for being an invaluable partner in helping meet our students' dental care needs and serving our families. They saw three patients for appointments today and have seven more scheduled later this week with more to follow! ANHC also offers dental care at the Hilsman Health Center, which is one of four school-based health centers across CCSD that are open to all district students and staff!
Thank you to ANHC for being an invaluable partner in helping meet our students' dental care needs and serving our families. They saw three patients for appointments today and have seven more scheduled later this week with more to follow! ANHC also offers dental care at the Hilsman Health Center, which is one of four school-based health centers across CCSD that are open to all district students and staff!
Your Presence Matters! As we begin September, CCSD is proud to join the nationwide Attendance Awareness Month campaign.
Regular school attendance is the key to Thriving Students - from developing critical social skills, friendships, and good habits at a young age, to learning to read and write, to staying on track for high school graduation, and succeeding in life.
Our district remains committed to strengthening relationships with our families and community partners to help reduce chronic absence and to fostering safe and welcoming school environments that allow every child to learn, grow, and thrive. We invite you to join us in this effort!
Regular school attendance is the key to Thriving Students - from developing critical social skills, friendships, and good habits at a young age, to learning to read and write, to staying on track for high school graduation, and succeeding in life.
Our district remains committed to strengthening relationships with our families and community partners to help reduce chronic absence and to fostering safe and welcoming school environments that allow every child to learn, grow, and thrive. We invite you to join us in this effort!
Another thank you to all those who attended last night's Progress and Plans session with Dr. Scott! This was the third and final session for this round, but stay tuned for a full report on the sessions and more updates on the Superintendent's 90-day entry plan!
Our September breakfast and lunch menus are now available for viewing!
• Access this week's menus and printable monthly menus at www.clarke.k12.ga.us/menus
• Get daily menus for your child's school every morning by downloading the official CCSD mobile app!
Thank you to those who attended our second "Progress and Plans" session with the Superintendent last night! There is one more opportunity to hear from Dr. Scott in this round of meetings, so make plans to join us this coming Monday, August 31, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Rhema Christian Fellowship, 1850 Danielsville Road! The presentations include a Q+A period, and you may submit questions in advance by emailing feedback@clarke.k12.ga.us or filling out the form at bit.ly/AskDrScott
