Dear #CCSDfam, 
 
While we know the past week has not been easy, and the news that Georgia’s schools will remain closed through April 24 caused many families more stress, I am filled with hope.

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that the Governor has extended the statewide closure of all schools, including the Cherokee County School District, through April 24, 2020.  The Governor said he will make a decision prior to April 24 as to whether schools will re-open this school year.  This extended closure also means all events scheduled to take place at CCSD schools, all CCSD special events and extra-curricular activities and all community leases of CCSD facilities are cancelled through April 24.  CCSD will continue Digital Learning Days through April 3 and then again from April 13-24; Spring Break will be observed as scheduled from April 6-10 with no Digital Learning Days.  Also during this extended closure, CCSD will continue providing technology, Canvas and other learning support, as well as the #CCSDserves to-go meal program.  Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower again expressed how much he appreciates the dedication of our students, parents and employees during this challenging time: we are here to support you -- we are all in this together. #CCSDfam

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that CCSD’s Office of Technology is ending its successful distribution of CCSD laptops for students to borrow for use during the school closure.  This distribution initially was only to take place on the last day of classes at schools on March 13, but Technology staff have worked hard to continue the process to meet students’ needs.  CCSD has distributed 3,112 devices to students and will fulfill another 500 pending requests by Friday.  If you are a CCSD parent and your child is without any access to any device on which to do their Digital Learning Days assignments, please notify your child’s teacher by 5 p.m. today, March 31, 2020.  If Technology is unable to fulfill your request, staff will let your child’s teacher know immediately so you can make other arrangements.

A Cherokee County School District junior has achieved a perfect score on the ACT!

River Ridge High School junior Reilly Amason earned the top composite score of 36 on the challenging college entrance and placement test. Less than one-half of 1 percent of the 1.8 Million students who take the ACT each year accomplish this feat.

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s outstanding teachers… and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school’s Teacher of the Year every week... please help us celebrate 2020 Clayton Elementary School Teacher of the Year Katherine Dobson!

CCSD is partnering with Mountain Education Charter High School for its evening high school program beginning in June … and more employees are needed to staff the program!

Dear #CCSDfam, 
 
Our entire CCSD family continues to impress me as we navigate through this storm together.

Online teaching and learning continues to strengthen, as our teachers gauge success and trade best practices, and as our students and families adjust to this challenge and develop new routines.  We continue to loan technology to students in need and provide technology and Canvas support.  We know online teaching and learning isn’t easy – we are here to help you succeed. 

Please share our new job listing for CCSD School Nutrition culinary specialist!  This professional will assist with planning and developing culinary processes for our School Nutrition Program. This position offers a competitive compensation package with outstanding benefits (including State Health Benefit Plan & Teachers Retirement System), a great work calendar and schedule, and a wonderful work environment and team. Job description & minimum qualifications posted at https://bit.ly/ccsdjob32320 Questions? Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@Cherokeek12.net. Join the #CCSDfam & apply now: http://bit.ly/jobsCCSD

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s outstanding teachers… and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday approved the appointment of several new leaders for next school year following additional retirement announcements.

Dear #CCSDfam, 

I have never been as proud to serve as your Superintendent as I have been this week.

Our CCSD community always rises to overcome challenges and meet needs, whether it’s a family devastated by a house fire or a student who can’t afford eyeglasses.  And our students and educators always impress me with their daily hard work that has resulted in admirable academic, athletic, and artistic accomplishments.

The Cherokee County School Board tonight heard plans to further extend the closure of all Cherokee County School District schools and offices through the previously scheduled Spring Break. 

The School Board, as part of its monthly required meeting, reviewed a status update from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower that included his announcement that the closure would be extended.

The Cherokee County School Board tonight heard plans to further extend the closure of all Cherokee County School District schools and offices through the previously scheduled Spring Break. 

Basketball season officially came to a close for CCSD’s high school seniors last Tuesday night, as they played their final high school games together March 10 at Creekview High School in the Varsity Brands Senior Classic.  Senior players made the most of the evening, cutting up and having fun, taking a few playful shots at each other as well as the rim.

CCSD is expanding its school closure to-go student meals program to include additional sites and to extend to Spring Break.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said, although CCSD will not earn federal funding reimbursement for the additional sites or for feeding students during spring break, it is the right thing to do.

A local nonprofit foundation is sponsoring two new college scholarships for CCSD students!

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s outstanding teachers… and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam

The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) has announced the week of March 16-20, 2020 as “School Board Member Appreciation Week.” 

Dear Parents:

On behalf of the Superintendent, this message is to update you on resources you may need during the two-week closure of CCSD schools from Monday, March 16, 2020 through Friday, March 27, 2020.

The Cherokee County School District for the third consecutive year has earned 4.5 stars on the state's Financial Efficiency Star Rating. This score is among the best ratings in the State-- only 10 other school districts of the 180 in Georgia earned a 4.5..  

Summer Discovery, CCSD's summer enrichment program for elementary students, is back for 2020!  Summer Discovery's expanded program in 2019 was a hit with students and parents, offering opportunities for students to explore everything from arts and crafts to high tech tactics, in fun classes taught by CCSD teachers.  A full schedule of class offerings can be found here.  

The Cherokee County School District’s School Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting our students and staff every day. We’re thankful for their service, and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam #SafeCherokee

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s outstanding teachers… and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam

A Cherokee High School student has won a regional essay contest!

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school’s Teacher of the Year every week... please help us celebrate 2020 Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Karen Garland!

A Director for the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) visited Creekland Middle School last week to see first-hand how CCSD teachers are incorporating technology in the classroom.

The latest issue of our CCSD Connections parent newsletter is online now: https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter Thanks to Credit Union of Georgia for its sponsorship! #CCSDfam

It's National School Social Work Week! Shout out to CCSD’s four social workers who assist the families of our 42,000 students! They are on pace to work 1,000 referrals and serve 220 homeless students. Stay tuned this week as we highlight our social workers. #CCSDfam #CCSDcares

The Cherokee County School District’s School Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting our students and staff every day. We’re thankful for their service, and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam #SafeCherokee

The Cherokee County School District is kicking off its new partnership with Mountain Education Charter High School, with classes set to begin in Woodstock this summer.

The Cherokee County School Board recently unanimously approved contracting with Mountain Ed to take over CCSD’s evening high school program, currently known as Polaris Evening Program.  Beginning in June, Mountain Ed will run the evening school program at the Etowah East building on the Etowah HS campus, and expand services using the same successful model already in place in counties across north Georgia.  Just as with Polaris, there will be no charge to students to enroll in evening classes with Mountain Ed; classes are open to students ages 15-21, and to age 22 for special education students.

It's National School Social Work Week! Shout out to CCSD’s four social workers who assist the families of our 42,000 students! They are on pace to work 1,000 referrals and serve 220 homeless students. Stay tuned this week as we highlight our social workers. #CCSDfam #CCSDcares

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s outstanding teachers… and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam

Freedom Middle School won the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Academic History Bowl!

A Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy teacher is continuing to stack up impressive honors and awards!

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school’s Teacher of the Year every week... please help us celebrate 2020 Cherokee High School Teacher of the Year Tracie Galvis!

The Cherokee County Council PTA has set the schedule for its Parent University program presented in collaboration with CCSD and community partners.

The Georgia Department of Education's Special Education IDEA Parent Survey is now open to all families of students with disabilities through May 31.  Survey results help the State determine parents’ perception of the success of schools' parent engagement efforts. 

Safe Schools Alert

Please watch this brief video to learn more about SafeSchools Alert - CCSD's system to report a school safety concern by text, email, phone call, online message or app to school police and administrators. Reminder: This system does not replace 911; please call 911 in an emergency. #SafeCherokee