A big congratulations to Sallie Smith, custodian at Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary School, on being named CCSD's Employee of the Month for September! Ms. Smith was nominated by a Burks staff member who praised her for not only providing a welcoming school environment by helping to keep it clean and orderly, but also through the care and behind-the-scenes, emotional support she provides to students and staff.
Ms. Smith was surprised with the award at school today by Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott and Burks principal Matt Snow and will be recognized at tomorrow night's Board of Education meeting.
A big thank you to all who submitted nominations over the past month – many of which are still under consideration! As a reminder, anyone in the community may nominate any full-time CCSD employee with at least one full year of service for this award at bit.ly/CCEmployeeAward.
Ms. Smith was surprised with the award at school today by Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott and Burks principal Matt Snow and will be recognized at tomorrow night's Board of Education meeting.
A big thank you to all who submitted nominations over the past month – many of which are still under consideration! As a reminder, anyone in the community may nominate any full-time CCSD employee with at least one full year of service for this award at bit.ly/CCEmployeeAward.
A few scenes from yesterday's volleyball matches between Judia Jackson Harris Elementary School and Whit Davis Elementary School and between Fowler Drive Elementary School and Winterville Elementary School! Congratulations to J.J. Harris and Winterville on their victories and to all teams on well-played matches. See more photos on our Facebook (@ClarkeCoSchools)! Be sure to come out to the District Office gymnasium on Monday and Wednesday afternoons this fall to support our CCSD Elementary Volleyball League teams! On deck for tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 10):
• 4:30 p.m. - Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary School vs. Whitehead Road Elementary School
• 5:30 p.m. - Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School vs. Timothy Road Elementary School
• 4:30 p.m. - Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary School vs. Whitehead Road Elementary School
• 5:30 p.m. - Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School vs. Timothy Road Elementary School
Yesterday, the more than 40 CCSD teachers who make up our Teacher Advisory Board met for two hours with district leaders for the first of four quarterly meetings this school year to be a voice for their colleagues in expressing ideas and to offer input so that teachers may have a clear voice in district and school-level decisions regarding policies, practices, and other decisions. After an introductory session, members broke out into small groups to have deeper conversations about topics related to professional learning, human resources, and student success. A big THANK YOU to our TAB members for their dedication in being a representative for their schools and for helping us lead the way in Raising the Bar in Pursuit of Excellence! More photos on our Facebook (@ClarkeCoSchools)!
Major excitement yesterday at Howard B. Stroud Elementary School as fourth- and fifth-grade students celebrated their house sorting ceremony into the houses of Delphinus, Aquila, Draconis, and Phoenix! These Superstars also celebrated September as Attendance Awareness Month by honoring both students and staff members who maintained perfect attendance during August. See more photos on our Facebook (@ClarkeCoSchools)!
It was a truly special afternoon at Cedar Shoals High School yesterday as University of Georgia students who are part of the Dream On 3 national network surprised Cedar senior Donovan Collins with a customized VIP Georgia Football package, which not only included field access to stand on the sidelines of Sanford Stadium at today's game but ALSO a limo ride to a hotel and dinner last night with the Bulldog team!
Dream on 3 is a national nonprofit that works to make sports-themed "dreams" come true for children and young adults living with a life-altering condition, including those with mental health challenges and developmental disabilities. The initiative is sponsored at the national level by Volvo Construction Equipment.
Despite living with the many challenges brought on by a stroke, Donovan continues to be a Thriving CCSD Student and shows up to school every day with determination and a smile. He celebrated yesterday's surprise with his family, classmates, the Cedar Shoals band and cheerleaders, and last but not least, the many CCSD teachers and support staff who have helped him overcome his obstacles and remain on his educational journey to success.
See more photos on our Facebook gallery (@ClarkeCoSchools)!
Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott spoke last night at the annual kickoff celebration for the Get Comfortable Storytellers program in partnership with Books for Keeps and Creature Comforts! We are looking forward to expanding this terrific literacy initiative this year and continuing to grow it into the future!
Check out our Facebook gallery (@ClarkeCoSchools) for scenes from the Clarke Central-Cedar Shoals softball JV and Varsity games earlier this week!
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.
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!
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)!
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.
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
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)!
