District News

The September edition of the CCSD Connections parent newsletter now is online at https://bit.ly/CCSDconnections with the latest CCSD news, including the announcement of an Oct. 12 Digital Learning Day for high school students not taking the PSAT or SAT at school that day.  

Every school year, each CCSD high school selects one Student Delegate to the School Board to represent the student voice. One Delegate is named the Student Advisor and sits with the Board at its meetings. We’ll introduce you to them all this year! #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 2022 Knox Elementary School STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Christina Parker!

Knox Elementary School STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Christina Parker grew up as the daughter of an immigrant and understands the importance of helping every child to feel welcome.

Four Cherokee County School District educators have earned top state awards for physical education teachers!

Jason Bermudez of Indian Knoll Elementary School has been named the Georgia Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.  The three teachers who make up the PE department for Liberty Elementary School -- Jose Lago, Rick Myers and Lucy Pence -- together earned the association’s Award of Excellence in Physical Education.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here. Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for CCSD’s Office of Financial Management: Tammie Hunter! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on welding, which is offered at Cherokee High School and, new for this school year, also is offered at Creekview HS as an after-school dual enrollment program with Chattahoochee Technical College.

Indian Knoll Elementary School for the second consecutive year has earned a global honor recognizing its dedication to effectively using technology for teaching and learning!

The school has been selected by Microsoft as a 2022-23 Microsoft Showcase School in honor of its successful use of educational technology to benefit students and teachers.  Only 43 U.S. schools were selected as Showcase Schools, and only two Georgia schools were named to the list.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Sequoyah High School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Mark Lucas! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District’s Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting our students and staff every day. We’re thankful for their service and will regularly introduce you to our officers through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam #SafeCherokee

This message is to update you on the incident today that led to the evacuation of Etowah HS.

The EHS evacuation was completed quickly and safely.  We greatly appreciate the cooperation of students, staff and families, and the outstanding support of local law enforcement agencies.

Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022 outscored the state and nation on the SAT college entrance exam, according to results released today by the College Board.

The CCSD Class of 2022 earned an average total score of 1091 on the curriculum-based college entrance and placement exam.  CCSD’s score exceeds the national public school average by 63 points and the State by 39 points and ranks CCSD in the top 10% of districts statewide.  

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here – congratulations to Little River Elementary School 2022 Partner of the Year: Taekwondo of Woodstock!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

In anticipation of the expected severe weather moving into the area on Friday, all CCSD varsity football games have been moved to Thursday night at 7:30 pm.  These games are: Creekview HS (Homecoming vs Etowah HS); Sequoyah HS (Homecoming vs River Ridge HS); Woodstock HS (Homecoming vs Rome HS). Cherokee HS does not have a game this week. #SafeCherokee

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

The College Board has honored 88 Cherokee County School District students through its National Recognition Programs awards!

CCSD’s honorees are among the only 62,000 students from across the country being recognized for their academic success.  To be considered for recognition, students must have a GPA of at least 3.5 and either exceptional test scores placing them in the top 10% in their state on the 2021 PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or scores of 3 or higher on two of more 2022 Advanced Placement (AP) exams and meet recognition guidelines.  

The Cherokee County School District is seeking an interpreter for deaf and hearing impaired students!  This position offers a competitive compensation package with outstanding benefits, a balanced school calendar, a wonderful work environment and caring team, and opportunities for professional development and advancement.  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now: visit www.cherokeek12.net and click Jobs @ CCSD.  Questions?  Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

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 2022 Johnston Elementary School Teacher of the Year Paige Chandler!

Johnston Elementary School Teacher of the Year Paige Chandler teaches in the “heart” of the school: the media center.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Boston ES: Michelle Helvey! #CCSDfam

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Carmel Elementary School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Ann Farmer! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to L.R. Tippens Education Center 2022 Partner of the Year: Allegro Business Products!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated 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 2022 Indian Knoll Elementary School Teacher of the Year Tara Costello!

As a child, Indian Knoll Elementary School Teacher of the Year Tara Costello’s extended family experienced many challenging times.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday approved the annual school improvement plans for all CCSD schools.

As part of the district’s plan to continuously improve schools, every school is required to prepare an improvement plan for each new school year.  

Every school is required, as part of its plan, to establish two three-year specific measurable goals to improve student achievement.  The plan must include research-based strategies addressing student learning at all learning levels, teacher professional development plans, timelines for student learning intervention strategies and explain how student learning progression will be monitored and measured.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Ball Ground ES STEM Academy: Donna Mele! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Engineering Drafting and Design and Architectural Drafting and Design, which is offered at Sequoyah High School and Etowah High School.

The Cherokee County School District has earned international recognition for excellence in education!

The district is one of only 38 school districts in the world to today be named a 2022 Cognia School System of Distinction by the international accreditation organization.

Five Cherokee County School District high school seniors today were named 2023 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!

They are: of Cherokee HS, Griffen C. Bon and Braden R. Flournoy; of Creekview HS, Kylie A. Buchanan; of Etowah HS, Ty S. Phillips; and of Sequoyah HS, Paige L. Falcomata.  Less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors earn National Merit Semifinalist recognition. 

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Knox ES STEM Academy 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Melissa Owens! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District’s Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting our students and staff every day. We’re thankful for their service and will regularly introduce you to our officers through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam #SafeCherokee

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy 2022 Partner of the Year: Rotary Club of Woodstock!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

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

Some of our most extraordinary students are now some of our most extraordinary employees! Here, we will regularly celebrate CCSD alums who are now CCSD employees … meet a Homegrown Hero! #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 2022 Holly Springs Elementary School STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Karen Schnell!

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for CCSD’s Department of Transportation: David Ammons! #CCSDfam 

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on the Law Enforcement Services and Forensic Science program, which is offered at Cherokee HS, Creekview HS and River Ridge HS.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Creekland Middle School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Robert Moore! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District’s Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting our students and staff every day. We’re thankful for their service and will regularly introduce you to our officers through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam #SafeCherokee

Microsoft Education has recognized 36 Cherokee County School District teachers and staff as among the nation’s top instructional technology experts!

They have been named to the 2022-23 class of Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIEE).  The technology company selected only 830 educators, support staff and school and school district leaders nationwide, considered among the best at understanding how technology can improve learning, for this elite recognition. 

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Liberty Elementary School 2022 Partner of the Year: Guthrie’s!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

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

We appreciate the support of our partners and the difference they are making in our schools! Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #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 2022 Hickory Flat Elementary School Teacher of the Year Gina Haggerty!

Hickory Flat Elementary School Teacher of the Year Gina Haggerty teaches fourth-graders English language arts, social studies … and community.

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its latest class of AP Capstone program graduates, including the first cohort from Sequoyah High School!  

AP Capstone is a two-year project-based learning program designed to help students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are crucial to academic success.  The elite program, which was developed by The College Board in partnership with colleges and universities, is offered in select high schools nationwide, with Etowah High School graduating its first class in 2019 and Sequoyah High School graduating its first class in 2022.  River Ridge High School will be eligible to graduate its first class in 2023, and Woodstock High School started the program this school year.  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy: Christine Ruff! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on the Health Science: Diagnostics/Clinical Lab program offered at River Ridge High School, which is one of five different Healthcare Science Career Pathway programs available in CCSD schools. 

The Cherokee County School District has earned national recognition for the second consecutive year for excellence in financial reporting!

CCSD’s Office of Financial Management this week received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Financial Officers Association for its Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.  

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Freedom Middle School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Theresa Spivey! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District’s Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting our students and staff every day. We’re thankful for their service and will regularly introduce you to our officers through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam #SafeCherokee

A Cherokee County School District student is taking flight after graduating from an elite program!

Cherokee High School senior and Air Force JROTC Cadet Col. Lexi Ly completed the AFJROTC Flight Academy with “flying colors,” according to instructors. 

The Cherokee County School District’s School Nutrition department is searching for the best kid-friendly spinach recipes!

The fourth annual CCSD School Nutrition Parent Recipe Contest in celebration of National Farm to School Month offers parents the opportunity to earn a $100 Visa gift card sponsored by Credit Union of Georgia and see their recipe featured on school lunch menus.  This year’s featured vegetable, which is selected annually by Georgia Organics, is spinach, and the contest theme is “Are you ‘Spinach to Win It?!’”

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Creekview High School 2022 Partner of the Year: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Riverstone!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

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

We are proud of our CCSD alums and the great things they are accomplishing! We will be sharing some of our #CCSDNotables with you throughout the year. #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 2022 Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy Teacher of the Year Allison Hawkins!

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Tippens Education Center: Nikki Quinn! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on the Construction and Carpentry program, which is offered at Etowah and Cherokee High Schools:

Little River ES unveiled its technology lab makeover this week, giving PTA officers and a few students a sneak peek at the colorful new room with work stations, new furniture and fun features like LED light strips and gaming themes. 

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Boston Elementary School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Tiffani Hairgrow! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District’s Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting our students and staff every day. We’re thankful for their service and will regularly introduce you to our officers through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam #SafeCherokee

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to E.T. Booth Middle School 2022 Partner of the Year: Nothing Bundt Cakes Woodstock!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

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

We are proud of our CCSD alums and the great things they are accomplishing! We will be sharing some of our #CCSDNotables with you throughout the year. #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 2022 Freedom Middle School Teacher of the Year Kim Hester!

Cherokee County School Board members regularly visit schools for tours with the Superintendent of Schools, members of his staff, and the school’s Principal and administrative team.  This month, the visit was to Woodstock Elementary School, where the group met with Principal Ann Jordan and her leadership team, toured the school and enjoyed a School Nutrition lunch from the cafeteria. 

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday evening welcomed its new Student Advisor and Student Delegates for the school year!

The School Board has included a Student Advisor position on its board since 1999, and, for the past 11 years, a Student Delegate from each high school also has been selected.  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Johnston Elementary School: Tammy Scanlon! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on the Arts, A/V Technology and Communications program, which is offered at all CCSD high schools:  

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Woodstock Elementary School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Kathy Mangieri! #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District high school senior has placed in a national career skills competition!

Woodstock High School senior Madeline Ambery earned fifth place in the U.S. Technology Student Association (TSA) national competition held this summer in Texas.  She earned the national honor in the communications technology – children’s stories category, which followed her first place Georgia TSA statewide competition win in the same category.

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Cherokee High School 2022 Partner of the Year: Revolution Church!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated 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 2022 Free Home Elementary School Teacher of the Year Kristin Davis!

Free Home Elementary School Teacher of the Year Kristin Davis brings a unique perspective to fostering parent engagement.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for CCSD's Offices of Communications/School Operations/Superintendent: Anne Reed #CCSDfam

Please check out the August edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter at https://bit.ly/CCSDconnections, which includes CCSD news and a message from the Superintendent.  If you have not already done so, please visit the Back-to-School Gateway at https://bit.ly/CCSDb2s to update your child’s emergency contacts and provide other important information.  Thank you to this month's newsletter sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia!  #CCSDfam

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Macedonia Elementary School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Macedonia ES PTA Executive Board! #CCSDfam

Two Cherokee County School District schools have earned top state honors for excellence in education!

Clayton Elementary School and R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy have won the prestigious School Bell Award from the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals. 

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Hickory Flat Elementary School 2022 Partner of the Year: NT Nails, Hickory Flat!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is accepting applications for its annual parent academy program.

VILLA (Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy) is a free six-session program that offers CCSD parents the opportunity to learn more about their school district and how to be more engaged in our schools.  CCSD earned the Georgia School Boards Association’s 2019 Leading Edge Award for helping to develop and pilot the statewide program.

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated 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 2022 Etowah High School Teacher of the Year Margo Kemmerer!

Etowah High School Teacher of the Year Margo Kemmerer has positively influenced many students over her 15-year career, all of which has been served on Eagle Mountain.

The Cherokee County School District is offering a new paid internship program for school psychologists and speech language pathologists!  This is an excellent opportunity for students who are nearing completion of their school psychology or SLP graduate degree program.  Minimum requirements are posted in our online job listings.  These positions offer competitive compensation packages with full pay and outstanding benefits, a balanced school calendar, a wonderful work environment and caring team, and the opportunity to transition to a full-time position with CCSD.  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now: visit www.cherokeek12.net and click Jobs @ CCSD and select any of the listings that note paid internship.  Questions?  Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Teasley Middle School: Lori Duffy! #CCSDfam

As is part of the start of every new school year for the Cherokee County School District, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower today held his first meeting with the Cherokee County Council PTA’s executive board.  

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to CCSD Preschool Centers 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Bonny Keheley! #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District school has earned two national awards in recognition of its character education programs!

Liberty Elementary School has been honored by Character.org with two 2022 Promising Practices awards, which celebrate the best character education and service learning programs among schools nationwide.

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Indian Knoll Elementary School 2022 Partner of the Year: Rising Hills Church!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

Two Cherokee County School District schools have been honored by the National PTA for excellence!

Boston Elementary School and Little River Elementary School this week were named winners of the National PTA School of Excellence award, a two-year title that recognizes outstanding partnerships between local PTAs and schools “to build an inclusive and welcoming school-community where all families contribute to enriching the educational experience and overall well-being for all students.”  

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

The following message is from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower:

Today’s skies may be cloudy, but our schools were filled with sunshine.

As I visited schools across our community today, the smiles shone brightly among students and teachers and staff celebrating the first day of our new school year.

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 2022 E.T. Booth Middle School Teacher of the Year Lori Salvino!

E.T. Booth Middle School Teacher of the Year Lori Salvino begins her 27th year of teaching next week.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Free Home Elementary School: Amy Lathem! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is raising the bar for its already exceptional School Nutrition department with a new awards program.

The inaugural School Nutrition Team of the Year initiative was announced Wednesday at CCSD School Nutrition’s annual back-to-school training day for all of its staff.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Arnold Mill Elementary School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Jason Quinn! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District celebrated school nurses today with the presentation of the annual CCSD School Nurse of the Year Awards!

The awards program, now in its second year, was developed with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a CCSD Partner.  As part of National School Nurse Appreciation Day and National Nurses Week in May, a top school nurse from each CCSD Innovation Zone (a high school and its feeder schools) was announced.  The Zone winners advanced to the CCSD School Nurse of the Year Award judging, with the winner selected by a panel of nursing professionals and retired educators. 

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Mill Creek Middle School 2022 Partner of the Year: Nothing Bundt Cakes Woodstock!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District student earned national honors through the 2021-22 National PTA Reflections fine arts contest! 

The annual competition offers students in all grades and abilities the opportunity to create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.  Students can earn recognition at the school, district, state and national levels.  This year's theme was “I Will Change The World By... .”

Our Principals are dedicated leaders, and we’ll be introducing you this month to our school district’s new Principals.  Please help us celebrate Charley Ingham, who this school year will lead Woodstock High School!

Charley Ingham brings a triple crown record, as an award-winning teacher, coach and leader, to his new role as Woodstock High School’s Principal.

Indian Knoll Elementary School today celebrated earning its first national character education award!

The school has been honored with a Promising Practices Award by Character.org, a national nonprofit organization that promotes developing positive character among students.  Indian Knoll is one of only 152 schools honored nationwide and one of only four in Georgia; Liberty Elementary School, a multi-year honoree, also was among those recognized.

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 2022 Dean Rusk Middle School Teacher of the Year DeLaney Campbell!

Dean Rusk Middle School Teacher of the Year DeLaney Campbell sums up her teaching style in four words: “high expectations, high support.”

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Etowah High School: Penny Jones! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is bringing back the popular option of part-time employment for specific certified jobs!  For the upcoming school year, this “49%” option of working 3.5 hours per school day is available for specific teaching roles, school psychologists and speech language pathologists.  This is an outstanding opportunity for parents of young children, professionals who also work in private practice and retirees. 

Cherokee County School District students for the seventh consecutive year exceeded State averages on the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade and End-of-Course tests, with significant gains on most tests. 

The annual tests assess students’ mastery of Georgia Performance Standards, which set expectations for what lessons students will learn in each grade.  Teachers and administrators use the results to improve instructional best practices.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday night approved the first step to sell two properties to the county government.

The intergovernmental agreement and memorandum of understanding with the Cherokee County government will allow both sides to proceed with the sale of the former Tippens Elementary School in Canton as well as unused acreage on Hunt Road near Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy.

It’s less than two weeks until the first day of school for CCSD on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022!  Please check out the July edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter at https://bit.ly/CCSDconnections, which includes important back-to-school info and a message from the Superintendent about school safety and security.  Don’t forget to visit the Back-to-School Gateway at https://bit.ly/CCSDb2s when it opens July 25 to update your child’s emergency contacts and provide other important information.  Thank you to this month's newsletter sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia!  #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is seeking applicants for several newly opened Special Education – Elementary School teacher jobs for the upcoming school year!  These positions offer competitive compensation packages with outstanding benefits, a balanced school calendar, a wonderful work environment and caring team, and opportunities for professional development and advancement.  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now: visit www.cherokeek12.net and click Jobs @ CCSD.  Questions?  Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Dean Rusk Middle School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Suzy Griffies! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Clayton Elementary School 2022 Partner of the Year: Waleska First Baptist Church Women on Missions!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

Our Principals are dedicated leaders, and we’ll be introducing you this month to our school district’s new Principals.  Please help us celebrate Sandi Harrison, who this school year will lead Liberty Elementary School!

Liberty Elementary School’s outstanding reputation for high quality teaching and community engagement has met its match in new Principal Sandi Harrison.

We appreciate the support of our partners and the difference they are making in our schools! Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDFam

CCSD Principals pictured, from left to right, bottom row: Christy Rich, Kerry Estep, Melinda Roulier, Ashley Polito, Jennifer McIntosh; top row: Dr. Maria Rosario-Regan, Dr. Carrie O’Bryant, Sandi Harrison, Julie Peppers, Ann Jordan and Kim Cerasoli. Also pictured: Atlanta Area Council BSA District Executive, Joshua Cole.

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 2022 Creekview High School Teacher of the Year Janet Baggett!

Creekview High School Teacher of the Year Janet Baggett’s teaching expertise benefits more than her own students.

The Cherokee County School District this week congratulated the winners of its new Bus Driver of the Year Awards!

The awards recognize one outstanding school bus driver from each Innovation Zone (high school and feeder middle and elementary schools) and one from CCSD’s team of Special Education drivers; from this pool of winners, one overall CCSD winner was selected.

Four Cherokee County School District students have earned statewide honors for science!

The students, who will be recognized by the Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent of Schools at this month’s School Board meeting, placed at the Georgia Elementary Science Olympiad.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Little River Elementary School: Melinda Belisle! #CCSDfam

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to ACE Academy 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Patti Tressler! #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District student placed in national academic competitions this summer!

Creekview High School rising ninth-grader Abigail Moore this past school year qualified at regional contests for the International Academic Competition’s (IAC) Humanities, National (World) History, U.S. History and general Academic Bees.  

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Sixes Elementary School 2022 Partner of the Year: Townsend Realty Group!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

Eight Cherokee County School District cybersecurity students earned scholarships through a national career skills competition, with four more receiving special honors.

The students earned the $500 scholarships and accolades from CyberStart America, a national organization established to provide high school students with free access to cybersecurity learning resources written and developed by industry professionals.  

We have been pleased to offer to-go meal service at no charge during summer break for any child age 0-18 in Cherokee County.

The last CCSD meal pick up for the summer break will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 18, at Cherokee High School’s North Campus at 930 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114 - North Campus is to the right of the main campus, and Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy at 3219 Hunt Road, Acworth, GA 30102.

Our Principals are dedicated leaders, and we’ll be introducing you this month to our school district’s new Principals.  Please help us celebrate Matt Kimbrell, who this school year will lead R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy!

A longtime leader, teacher and coach, Principal Matt Kimbrell is ready to lead his new team: R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy.

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 2022 Creekland Middle School Teacher of the Year Jennifer Camp!

Creekland Middle School Teacher of the Year Jennifer Camp sees her mission as helping her students become not only better learners, but also better people.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Woodstock Middle School: Melissa Barsh! #CCSDfam

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Karen Brown! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Holly Springs ES STEM Academy 2022 Partner of the Year: Nothing Bundt Cakes Woodstock!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #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 2022 Clayton Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jennifer O’Connell!

Clayton Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jennifer O’Connell’s students leave her first-grade lesson with more than mastery of their learning standards.

The Cherokee County School District’s 2022-23 school year will begin on Monday, Aug. 1.  

For students who are new to CCSD, parents may register them online this summer using our New Student Gateway; parents still will need to present copies of legally required documents in person to complete enrollment.  For information, visit http://bit.ly/ccsdenrollment.  

Two CCSD schools have earned top honors from a statewide organization dedicated to safety!

Bascomb Elementary School and Clayton Elementary School both earned the Gold Partner Award from Safe Routes to School in recognition of their efforts to encourage students to walk and bike more and stay safe at the same time.  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy: Amy Zaski! #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District teacher has earned an international art education honor!

Lisa Spence, the art teacher for Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy, has been named a Crayola Creativity Ambassador by the National Art Education Association and Crayola Education.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Indian Knoll Elementary School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Michelle Kramer! #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduate has been named a Gatorade Player of the Year!

Will Sumner, who graduated last month from Woodstock High School and is headed to the University of Georgia in the fall, today was named the 2021-22 Gatorade Georgia Boys Track & Field Player of the Year.  He is the school’s first Gatorade Georgia Boys Track & Field Player of the Year and now advances to Gatorade’s national competition.

The Cherokee County School District congratulates the winners of its middle school writing contest!

Shelby Gibbs of Freedom Middle School won the seventh-grade division for her historical fiction children’s book, “The Unseen Heroes of 9/11,” and Hadley Duncan of Creekland Middle School won the eighth-grade division for her short story, “Cold Cost,” in the 2022 Middle School Writing Contest organized by CCSD’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction.  

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to River Ridge High School 2022 Partner of the Year: The Premier Group!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

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

A Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduate has earned a $10,000 national scholarship recognizing community service, volunteerism and mentorship!

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 2022 Clark Creek ES STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Kim Harrison!

The corporate world’s loss was education’s gain when 2022 Clark Creek ES STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Kim Harrison embarked on her second career.

Freedom Middle School has earned the renewal of its national digital citizenship certification!

The school has received Common Sense School re-certification through 2023 from the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  Schools achieve this designation by demonstrating a strong commitment to teaching students to use technology responsibly and to think critically.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Creekland Middle School: Maralee Tabor! #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District school has been honored with a national award for its charitable spirit!

Woodstock High School has earned the Spirit of St. Jude Award from Varsity Brands in recognition of its support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is a major recipient of company’s philanthropy.  Varsity Brands is made up of BSN Sports, Varsity Spirit and Herff Jones, which provide schools with athletic, spirit and special events products.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Cherokee High School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Rose Garcia! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating four of its outstanding Special Education team members!

Four members of CCSD’s Special Education department recently received top honors during the annual Special Education Staff of the Year Awards ceremony.  They are: CCSD Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist of the Year Karen Reeves; CCSD School Psychologist of the Year Dr. Megan Foster; CCSD Special Education Facilitator of the Year Susie Okerblad; and CCSD Speech Language Pathologist of the Year Ashanta Posey.

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Mountain Road Elementary School 2022 Partner of the Year: Chick-fil-A, Hickory Flat!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District has earned seven national awards for excellence in communications and public relations! 

The National School Public Relations Association annually honors the best publications and electronic media produced by school districts nationwide as part of their communications efforts.

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

Dean Rusk Middle School has earned national digital citizenship recognition!

The school has received Common Sense School certification from the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  Schools earn this recognition by demonstrating a strong commitment to teaching students to use technology responsibly and to think critically.

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 2022 CCSD Preschool Centers Teacher of the Year Catrina Wilson!

CCSD Preschool Centers Teacher of the Year Catrina Wilson is early on in her career, but like her little learners at Ralph Bunche Center, she is a quick study.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday night approved the budget for next school year, which calls for a tax rate reduction, increased investment in school safety and pay raises for teachers and support staff.

The 1.5 mills decrease in the tax rate, which was unanimously approved, is the first reduction proposed since 2014 and was prompted by the rise in property values.  While most homeowners will see an increase in their tax bill due to their property value rising, the increase will be less due to the School Board’s action.   

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Sequoyah High School: Cindy Brown! #CCSDfam

Six Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduates have earned scholarships from ABM Industry Groups LLC!

The company, which provides custodial services for CCSD schools, each year awards a $1,000 scholarship to one graduating senior from each of CCSD’s traditional high schools.  The six winners are selected by a scholarship committee of retired CCSD educators and ABM representatives based on a student’s involvement in school and community activities and service; personal essays; and references.

A Cherokee County School District teacher has earned a top national honor!

Etowah High School Air Force Junior ROTC Lt. Col. (Retired) Stephen Bergey has been named the 2022 Overall AFJROTC Instructor of the Year.  He was selected as the best out of more than 1,900 AFJROTC instructors worldwide.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Ball Ground ES STEM Academy 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Ball Ground ES STEM Academy PTA! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is seeking a professional with experience in nutrition, dietetics and/or food service to serve as a School Nutrition Coordinator.  This leadership position supports the department’s operations, including training programs and promotions.  It offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, a great work calendar and schedule, opportunities for professional development and career advancement, and a wonderful work environment and team!  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net  For more information, please call 770.721.8419 or email Tina.Farmer@cherokeek12.net.

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Woodstock Elementary School 2022 Partner of the Year: Camellia Place!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

Cherokee County School District employees and volunteers have been honored by the PTA with state awards!

The Georgia PTA at its annual convention, which was held last weekend in Columbus, recognized outstanding PTA volunteers and school district employees from across the state, with several top honors presented to Cherokee County winners.

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

A Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduate has earned a local scholarship from a CCSD Partner!

Etowah High School Class of 2022 graduate Ella Daugherty is the winner of the 2022 East West Bank Scholarship. 

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 2022 Carmel Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jessica Million!

Carmel Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jessica Million grew up surrounded by children.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Liberty Elementary School: Beth Major! #CCSDfam

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Woodstock High School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Jim Kivikoski! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Avery Elementary School 2022 Partner of the Year: Buffalo’s Café - Canton!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

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

A Cherokee High School Class of 2022 graduate has won the annual Maritza Mott Scholarship!

Adriana Chavez-Mejia earned the $1,000 memorial scholarship, which is open to one graduating senior and awarded based on an application, essay questions and references. 

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 2022 Boston Elementary School Teacher of the Year Debbie Howell!

The students in Boston Elementary School Teacher of the Year Debbie Howell’s class begin every day with a clean slate.

Cherokee County School District students placed in the statewide architecture career skills competition!

Three Sequoyah High School students in the Career Pathway for pre-architecture won honors in Georgia’s American Institute of Architects High School Design Competition, which is considered the top competition in the state for high school architecture students.

Carmel Elementary School has earned national certification for teaching digital citizenship!

The school has received Common Sense School certification from the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  Schools earn certification by demonstrating a strong commitment to teaching students to use technology responsibly and think critically.

The Cherokee County School District congratulates the winners of its third annual Minecraft Student Build Challenge!

The contest, presented by the Office of Technology & Information Services, gives students across the district the opportunity to demonstrate their technology skills and creativity.  This year’s challenge was to build their ideal colony on Mars using select materials in the Minecraft: Education Edition computer program. 

Six Cherokee County School District students placed at Georgia’s Career and Technical Instruction Competition!

The competition offers students the opportunity to demonstrate skills from their chosen Career Pathway, with presentations judged by skilled professionals from that career field.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for CCSD Preschool Centers: Sara Lightcap! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is seeking a Special Education - Physical and Health Disabilities teacher for next school year!  This position offers competitive compensation packages with outstanding benefits, a balanced school calendar, a wonderful work environment and caring team, and opportunities for professional development and advancement.  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now: visit www.cherokeek12.net and click Jobs @ CCSD.  Questions?  Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

Cherokee County School District students scored through the annual CCSD Math Madness competition!

The month-long celebration planned by the Office of Curriculum & Instruction encourages problem-solving, real-world math application and fun.  

The Cherokee County School District is seeking a Special Education - Vision Impaired teacher for next school year!  This position offers competitive compensation packages with outstanding benefits, a balanced school calendar, a wonderful work environment and caring team, and opportunities for professional development and advancement.  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now: visit www.cherokeek12.net and click Jobs @ CCSD.  Questions?  Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to E.T. Booth Middle School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Valorie Duckworth! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its retiring educators and support staff!

The majority of the retirees noted below are ending their careers this week; some retired earlier in the year based on their retirement eligibility date.

Two Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduates have earned National Merit college-awarded scholarships!

Sequoyah High School Class of 2022 graduate Riley Hartman earned a National Merit University of Georgia Scholarship, and Creekview High School Class of 2022 graduate Benjamin “Ben” Webster V earned a National Merit University of Alabama Scholarship. 

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Knox ES STEM Academy 2022 Partner of the Year: Johnny's New York Style Pizza, Riverstone!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

Sixty members of Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022 have committed to military service, including six selected for prestigious U.S. Service Academies!

“Thank you to each of these students for making the important decision to serve our country,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “We’re proud of you and grateful to you and your families, and I know our entire community appreciates your service.”

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 2022 Bascomb Elementary School Teacher of the Year Rhonda Ryder!

Bascomb Elementary School Teacher of the Year Rhonda Ryder centers her teaching philosophy on the whole child.

Superintendent Dr. Brian V. Hightower recently recognized two extraordinary educators for their instructional excellence! 

A Cherokee County School District graduating senior has won a National Merit corporate scholarship!

Alexis “Lexie” Montfort of River Ridge High School has earned the National Merit James E. Casey Scholarship.  She will use the $10,000 award toward her studies at the University of Georgia, where she will major in biological sciences to pursue a career in pharmacology and developing medicines.

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its 2022 Yes I Can Award winners.

The Yes I Can Awards celebrate the achievements of children and youth with exceptionalities.  The awards encourage students to seek their highest potential, and increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of those with disabilities.  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Hickory Flat ES: Robert McCright! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District and School Board celebrated the Class of 2022 Valedictorians and Salutatorians at its 22^nd  Annual Scholar Recognition Banquet.

Dear Class of 2022, 

Every day, we write another page in the story of our lives.  

This week marks the start of a new chapter for you, as you graduate from high school and begin your next adventure.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Clark Creek ES STEM Academy 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Hetal Pandya! #CCSDfam

Dear CCSD Families,
 
Our hearts are with Uvalde. 
 
And just as after Sandy Hook and Parkland, we know that this tragedy not only has filled you with the same heartbreak, but also with anger and worry. 
 

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Bascomb Elementary School 2022 Partner of the Year: Smile Doctors by Williams Orthodontics!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

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

Congratulations to the Valedictorians and Salutatorians for the Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022! 

These outstanding students and their parents will be honored on Wednesday by the School Board and Superintendent of Schools at the Annual Scholar Recognition Banquet.  The event is sponsored by CCSD Partners including presenting sponsors the Cherokee County Educational Foundation and LGE Community Credit Union.  Each student also is invited to select a favorite teacher, and these teachers are honored at the banquet as well.

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 2022 Ball Ground Elementary School STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Julie Miles!

Ball Ground Elementary School STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Julie Miles found her career path as a college student volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday night reviewed the proposed budget for next school year, which calls for a reduction in the tax rate for all property owners and well-deserved pay increases for teachers and support staff.

The proposed 1.5 mills decrease in the tax rate is the first reduction proposed since 2014 and has been recommended by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower in light of rising home values.

UPDATE 5/23/22: Great news! The USDA waiver has been extended for July so the weekly to-go bag model will continue in July. #CCSDfam #CCSDserves

The CCSD School Nutrition Summer Feeding program will kick off June 6, and community donations are requested to make it a success.

“We care about our students’ well-being all the time, and we know that providing meals over summer break is a hardship for some families,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “We’re so fortunate to have a dedicated School Nutrition team, an outstanding partner in MUST Ministries and a supportive community working together to feed our students over the summer.”  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for CCSD’s Office of Human Resources: Mary Shea! #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District team placed in a statewide environmental competition!

The Etowah High School team of Emma Garcia, Zoe Goins, Ryan Kennedy, Jonathan Linville, Rheagan Murtadi and Alayna Roper placed third overall in the Georgia Envirothon Contest, as well as first place in the event’s wildlife competition.  The team is coached by teacher Lara McDonald. 

Three Cherokee High School students have earned a new community scholarship focused on aviation to honor the memory of a longtime pilot.

The Don Stevens Memorial Scholarship supports Cherokee High School students who are pursuing their private pilot's license.  Mr. Stevens was a retired captain for Delta Airlines and the longtime chairman of the Cherokee County Airport Authority.  His family created the scholarship, with the assistance of the Cherokee County Educational Foundation, to both honor his memory and help students with the expenses of training and obtaining their private pilot’s licenses. 

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Teasley MS 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Tiffany Bird! #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District team placed at the national rocketry competition!

Creekview High School’s aeronautics program qualified two teams for The American Rocketry Challenge National finals held this past weekend in The Plains, Va., with one team placing sixth in the nation overall.  The contest challenged teams with building a rocket, with specific weight requirements, to carry two eggs to an altitude of 835 feet in a flight of 41 to 43 seconds without breaking the eggs.  

Cherokee County School District student athletes have been honored by Positive Athlete Georgia, with 11 regional winners, two state winners and two state scholarship winners!

The 2022 Positive Athlete Georgia Awards are presented by the Positive Athlete Georgia organization, which promotes the benefits of positivity to young athletes around the world.  Football star player Hines Ward formed Positive Athlete with businessman Scott Pederson.

Just last week, CCSD received its 1,200th online #thanksCCSD submission!  Dr. Hightower made a special recognition presentation to Mill Creek MS sixth-grader Anya Chand, who made the submission, and Mill Creek MS teacher Lee Smith, whom she had thanked.  Through the generosity of Credit Union of Georgia, each received a $100 Visa gift card presented by Cherokee Area Manager Jason Blakey! #thanksCCSD  #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Dean Rusk Middle School 2022 Partner of the Year: Modern Woodmen of America!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

Cherokee County School District recognized Woodstock High School’s Jeff Brown as its 2022 Coach of the Year on Friday by surprising him at school with a plaque and gifts from sponsors.

Cherokee County School District students, educators and volunteers were honored by the PTA with regional awards!

The Georgia PTA District 13 Spring Conference & Awards Ceremony, which recently was held in Woodstock, recognized outstanding PTA volunteers, teachers, nurses, administrators and students from Cherokee and Forsyth Counties.

Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022 will walk across the stage for graduation ceremonies next week!

The ceremonies for CCSD’s 2,936 graduating seniors will be held at First Baptist Church of Woodstock (11905 Highway 92, Woodstock, 30188).  The ceremonies will be streamed on www.fbcw.org so family and friends who are unable to attend still can participate.

Congratulations to Cherokee County School Board member Patsy Jordan, who yesterday was named the Central Region Teacher of the Year for Mountain Education Charter High School!  A longtime educator, Ms. Jordan earned the CCSD Teacher of the Year award during her tenure in our school district and, since retirement, she has served as a teacher for Mountain Ed's evening school programs in Pickens and Dawson counties. 

Cherokee County School District high school students excelled at the statewide literary championships!

The students earned individual and team honors at the Georgia High Schools Association event, which includes writing, public speaking, acting and singing competitions, and Cherokee High School’s team was named the 7A State Champion.

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

Three Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduating seniors have earned $5,000 scholarships from a local organization!

Anna Connelly of Creekview High School and Tafton Barber and Wesley Lanter of Sequoyah High School each have been named recipients of the Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation Youth Scholarship.

Eighty-six Cherokee County School District high school and middle school students won seats in the prestigious Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Chorus and Reading Chorus.

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 2022 Avery Elementary School Teacher of the Year Heather Massey!

Avery Elementary School Teacher of the Year Heather Massey is known among students, parents and colleagues as not only an exceptional teacher, but also a role model, cheerleader and caring listener.

National School Nurse Day is May 11, 2022, and this week, we introduced you to CCSD’s 2022 Innovation Zone Nurses of the Year! Meet our last winner to be highlighted. Thank you to all CCSD nurses for the care you provide daily to our students and staff! #CCSDfam #SND2022

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation helped celebrate the end of the school year by presenting Cherokee County School District teachers and support staff with $50,000 in grants!

The nonprofit organization, since its 2012 formation to raise funds for CCSD teachers, programs and schools, has awarded more than $1 Million in grants to support teaching and learning.

Thirteen Cherokee County School District teachers have been honored as this year’s Golden Apple Award winners!

The Gamma Eta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a professional organization of active and retired women educators, for the past 24 years has presented the annual awards.  The honor recognizes one teacher from each selected school for distinctive service in education and for demonstrating ethics in all professional relationships, enthusiasm and initiative, and knowledge and skills in his/her education field.  

National School Nurse Day is May 11, 2022, and this week, we will introduce you to CCSD’s 2022 Innovation Zone Nurses of the Year! Stay tuned as we highlight one winner each day. Thank you to all CCSD nurses for the care you provide daily to our students and staff! #CCSDfam #SND2022

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Creekview HS: Lisa Sheehan! #CCSDfam

Two CCSD schools have received renewals of their national digital citizenship certification.

Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy and Macedonia Elementary School have received Common Sense School re-certification through 2023 from the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  Schools achieve this designation by demonstrating a strong commitment to teaching students to think critically and to use technology responsibly.

5/12/2022 UPDATE: Congratulations to Creekview High School graduating senior Ty Hubert, who today was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar!

Only 161 graduating seniors nationwide earn this prestigious title, and Ty is one of only three in Georgia! In addition to national recognition, Ty, who will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, will receive an invitation to an all-expenses paid trip to the White House as part of the honor.

“Ty is an incredibly impressive student and leader, and we’re so proud to see him recognized nationally for his dedication to excellence,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. “This award is truly well-earned, as Ty has put in the work: in academics, athletics, school involvement and community service. Congratulations to Ty, his family, his teachers and coaches and everyone who has supported his success, as I know you are just as excited for him. We are fortunate as a nation that he has chosen a military service academy for his next chapter, and we wish him all the best.”

#2022CCSDgrads #CCSDfam

National School Nurse Day is May 11, 2022, and this week, we will introduce you to CCSD’s 2022 Innovation Zone Nurses of the Year! Stay tuned as we highlight one winner each day. Thank you to all CCSD nurses for the care you provide daily to our students and staff! #CCSDfam #SND2022

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Johnston ES 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Casey Hall! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District today recognized a local business leader for his educational advocacy and CCSD’s School Nutrition director for her leadership!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower presented the 2021-22 Superintendent’s Game Changer Award for Instructional Advocacy to Jason Blakey of Credit Union of Georgia and the award for Instructional Support to CCSD School Nutrition Executive Director Tina Farmer.  The presentations were made at a CCSD senior staff meeting, and Mr. Blakey’s colleagues from Credit Union of Georgia were invited to attend as part of the surprise.

A Cherokee County School District graduating senior has earned a prestigious 2022 National Merit Scholarship!

Justin Bolsen of Creekview HS is among the top 2,500 seniors in the U.S. to earn the $2,500 scholarship awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.  

A Cherokee County School District teacher has earned a statewide award recognizing educators as heroes!

Grace Ed Technologies has named Creekview High School teacher Savannah Porter as one of the three winners of its 2022 Teacher Heroes Awards.

National School Nurse Day is May 11, 2022, and this week, we will introduce you to CCSD’s 2022 Innovation Zone Nurses of the Year! Stay tuned as we highlight one winner each day. Thank you to all CCSD nurses for the care you provide daily to our students and staff! #CCSDfam #SND2022

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy 2022 Partner of the Year: Rotary Club of Canton!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduating senior has earned a $25,000 college scholarship from a community foundation!

It is the third year of the annual college scholarships presented by the Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation.  The scholarship requirements, beyond the perennial requirement for community service, are set by the foundation each year.   This year’s scholarship application was limited to students planning a career in veterinary medicine, with one scholarship awarded.

Twenty-seven Cherokee County School District students earned state honors through the 2021-22 Georgia PTA Reflections fine arts contest! 

The annual competition offers students in all grades and abilities the opportunity to create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.  Students can earn recognition at the School, District, State and National levels.  This year's theme was “I Will Change The World By... .”

National School Nurse Day is May 11, 2022, and this week, we will introduce you to CCSD’s 2022 Innovation Zone Nurses of the Year! Stay tuned as we highlight one winner each day. Thank you to all CCSD nurses for the care you provide daily to our students and staff! #CCSDfam #SND2022

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

A Cherokee County School District student has won the Georgia Award of Excellence!

Cherokee High School Class of 2022 graduating senior Sarah Liebert earned the award presented by the Georgia Department of Education to recognize graduating seniors who overcome special needs to achieve academic and/or extracurricular accomplishments.

Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy has earned national digital citizenship recognition!

The school has received Common Sense School certification from the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  Schools achieve this designation by demonstrating a strong commitment to teaching students to think critically and to use technology responsibly.

National School Nurse Day is May 11, 2022, and this week, we will introduce you to CCSD’s 2022 Innovation Zone Nurses of the Year! Stay tuned as we highlight one winner each day. Thank you to all CCSD nurses for the care you provide daily to our students and staff! #CCSDfam #SND2022

Every school year, each CCSD high school selects one Student Delegate to the School Board to represent the student voice. One Delegate is named the Student Advisor and sits with the Board at its meetings. Meet the last one for this school year! #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 2022 Arnold Mill Elementary School Teacher of the Year Alisha Talley!

Friday May 6 marked the 10^th year of recognizing School Lunch Hero Day, which is celebrated the first Friday of May to pay tribute to the heroes of School Nutrition who keep students supplied with nutritious meals for breakfast and lunch throughout the school year.

The Cherokee County School District celebrated its future educators this week!

High schools across the country held “signing day” events as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week to honor graduating seniors who plan to pursue careers in education.  Cherokee, Creekview, Etowah, Sequoyah and Woodstock High School all hosted events.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Freedom MS: Cassie Fainter! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District will present a Job Fair focused on hiring support staff for next school year from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at our technology campus at 1020 Keeter Road, Canton, 30114.

The May 2022 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter and includes important end-of-year announcements including May 27 early dismissal for middle and high school students and plans for the summer meal program.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia! #CCSDfam

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Free Home ES 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Kristin Hornsby! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District this week celebrated two district award-winning administrators and recognized retiring district and school leaders.

The recognitions were made during the school year’s final monthly Principals’ meeting, which was attended by all CCSD school principals and district leadership staff, as well as by School Board Chair Kyla Cromer.  

Two Cherokee County School District teachers will be inducted into the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame this month!

Etowah High School head baseball coach and PE teacher Greg Robinson and Creekview High School career tech teacher Wyatt Wilkie will be inducted as part of the organization’s annual enshrinement banquet scheduled on Friday.

Cherokee County School District students earned accolades at the annual statewide literary competition!

Tome Literacy Society is a national organization dedicated to promoting reading among fourth- through 12th-grade students through club activities, community service and competition.  The program also focuses on developing “self-esteem, leadership skills, strong values, and critical thinking, creativity, and imagination in the digital age.”

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Boston ES 2022 Partner of the Year: New Victoria Baptist Church!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

A message to the community from Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower …

Many years ago, rural families would thank their valued teachers with the crops from their farms. 
 
After this tradition had passed, the apple, the prettiest of these crops, continued to be given for generations as a gift to favorite teachers. 

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated 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 2022 ACTIVE Academies Teacher of the Year Whitney Robinson!

Whitney Robinson, a math teacher at ACE Academy, earned the respect of her ACTIVE Academies campus colleagues by demonstrating daily her commitment to help struggling students succeed.

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its Exemplary English for Speakers of Other Languages Teacher of the Year and Exemplary English Learner Student of the Year!

The 2022 honorees are teacher Denise Terrezza of Freedom Middle School and Sequoyah High School senior Daniel Chirinos Gil.  The Georgia Department of Education annually recognizes one outstanding ESOL teacher and EL student from each school district.  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy: Jodi Henderson! #CCSDfam

Cherokee County School District students earned Regional and State honors through the annual Georgia Student Technology Competition!
 
The statewide competition offers students in Grades 3-12 the opportunity to showcase their skills through 16 categories and vie for honors at Regional and State fairs.  

NOTICE: Due to the rising volume of false information currently being circulated about our school district and our outstanding teachers and staff, we will be updating our Fact vs. Fiction webpage at https://bit.ly/CCSDfacts on a more frequent basis.  If you have a question about something you’ve seen on social media or received via mail or email about our schools, our staff or our curriculum, please reach out to your school or contact us directly at the Ask CCSD Helpdesk at https://bit.ly/AskCCSD  #CCSDfam
 

The Cherokee County School District congratulates the winners of its annual Elementary School Academic Bowl!

Organized by CCSD’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction, the event held earlier this month at Dean Rusk Middle School offered teams the opportunity to demonstrate their academic knowledge through competition.  Schools were divided into leagues, with league winners then advancing to semi-finals, with a final round to determine the overall winners.

Cherokee County School District students earned honors at the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair, including a top prize!

CCSD’s top young scientists and engineers earlier this year competed at the Northwest Georgia Regional Science and Engineering Fair.  Eight middle and high schools students placed at regionals to earn the opportunity to advance to the state fair held this month at the University of Georgia.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Oak Groves ES STEAM Academy 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Chelsey Queen! #CCSDfam

Creekview High School Class of 2022 graduating senior Ashley Tippens has earned this year’s Waste Management/Pine Bluff Landfill Scholarship! 

The $5,000 scholarship is presented to a graduating senior each year as part of the company’s partnership agreement with CCSD.  The designated school rotates annually, with Creekview HS selected for the Class of 2022 school, and all graduating seniors from the designated school have the opportunity to apply.  This is the 15th anniversary of the scholarship.  A committee of community, Waste Management and CCSD representatives reviews and scores applications to select a winner who has excelled in academic, extra-curricular activities and community service.

Twelve Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduating seniors will be honored by the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame! 

The community organization each spring recognizes the most outstanding male and female senior athletes from each of CCSD’s high schools.  Honorees are nominated by high school administrators based on the outstanding athletic contributions the seniors made during their high school career.  This recognition is a separate program from the Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony honoring individuals who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics in Cherokee County. 

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Woodstock MS 2022 Partner of the Year: Nothing Bundt Cakes Woodstock!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District business partner and volunteer has received a top community award!

Kevin Williams, operator of Cherokee County Chick-fil-A, today was honored with the Liberty Bell Award by the Blue Ridge Bar Association at its annual Law Day observance.

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

CCSD will be expanding its Pre-K program and adding a class at Holly Springs ES STEM Academy for the 2022-23 school year.  Applications can be submitted starting today; the application window will close at 12 noon on Friday, May 13.  Children who will turn 4 on or before September 1, 2022 are eligible.  For more information, go to https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/pre-k-registration

CCSD is seeking skilled Maintenance/Facility Technicians to keep our schools and offices running safely and smoothly.  CCSD offers employees excellent compensation and benefits, a great work calendar and schedule, and a wonderful work environment and team.  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net.  Questions about this opportunity?  Contact Rocky Simpson via email at rocky.simpson@cherokeek12.net or by phone at 770.721.8452.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday heard good news about the school district’s financial outlook due to increasing home values and discussed ways to reduce the burden on taxpayers, while also using some of the windfall to make teacher and staff pay more competitive.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Indian Knoll Elementary School: Lois Boggs! #CCSDfam

Seventeen Cherokee County School District high school students have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program! 

The statewide summer honors program for Georgia’s top rising high school juniors and seniors offers four weeks of college-level instruction at Berry College in Rome.  Students tapped for the competitive program receive academic instruction, and cultural and social enrichment focused on helping them become the “next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators and leaders.”  Students are selected based on overall excellence in academics, extra-curricular activities and leadership, as well as exceptional skills and talents in a specific area of study. 

Cherokee County’s Superintendent of Schools has earned state recognition for his leadership!

Dr. Brian V. Hightower was presented with the Georgia School Superintendents Association President’s Award for Outstanding Leadership today during the association’s spring conference.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Tippens Education Center 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Becky Thompson! #CCSDfam

Twenty-eight Cherokee County School District high school and middle school students won seats in the prestigious Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Band and Orchestra.

Students audition for these selective performance opportunities.  This year's All-State Band and All-State Orchestra events were recently held at the Classic Center in Athens.

Cherokee County School District students recently participated in the Optimist Club’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communication Contest.

This year’s theme was “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times,” and Johnston ES fifth-grader Amelia Nelson won first place in the oral competition held at Woodstock High School and Teasley MS seventh-grader Aidan Dyke placed first in the signing competition.

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Macedonia ES 2022 Partner of the Year: Chick-fil-A, Canton Marketplace!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy celebrated the news of its State STEAM certification on Monday with cake, snacks, balloons and beads, as well as party horns—to blow off STEAM! Oak Grove is the first STEAM certified school in Cherokee County.

Cherokee County School District students are advancing to the state level of the Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition!

The annual writing contest is open to students in grades kindergarten through 12 and provides an opportunity for schools to encourage writing in a variety of genres.  Each CCSD school submits a top entry for each grade level to compete at the district level.  District first-place winners then advance to regional competition for the opportunity to compete statewide.

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

A Cherokee County School District team won at a statewide robotics championship!

Sequoyah High School’s team earned runner-up at the Georgia FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, the highest finish for any CCSD team since the competition began. 

Every school year, each CCSD high school selects one Student Delegate to the School Board to represent the student voice. One Delegate is named the Student Advisor and sits with the Board at its meetings. We’ll introduce you to them all this year! #CCSDfam!

CCSD High School 2022 Summer School will be offered from June 6 - 24, 2022 with options for Credit Recovery and Initial Credit as detailed below.  

UPDATE 4/15/22: CCSD Media Specialist of the Year Leslie Hicks of Knox ES STEM Academy has been named the Region winner! Ms. Hicks now advances to represent the region in the Georgia Library Media Association’s competition for Georgia Library Media Specialist of the Year. Congratulations!

You won’t hear “shhhhh” in Knox Elementary School STEM Academy’s media center.

The bright and cozy library buzzes with learning and fun under the leadership of media specialist Leslie Hicks, who today was named Cherokee County School District’s 2022 Media Specialist of the Year.  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Mill Creek Middle School: Johnny Gibson! #CCSDfam

The April 2022 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter and includes a message from the Superintendent about the district’s accreditation renewal, as well as other important information.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia!

There will be no school on Tuesday, May 24, the date of the Primary Election, in order to ensure the safety and security of students due to the use of schools as polling sites.  May 24 will be a Digital Learning Day, with assignments provided online for students to complete at home.  Bags with a breakfast and lunch for students will be available for pick up at all schools that morning at no charge; order forms will be emailed to all parents on Friday, May 20.

The Cherokee County School District will hold its annual Consolidated LEA Improvement Plan (CLIP) Review Stakeholder meetings later this month.

Under authorization of the Every Student Succeeds Act, CCSD, as a Local Educational Agency (LEA), is provided federal funds for initiatives designed to meet the educational needs of eligible students.  

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Little River ES 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Little River ES PTA Executive Board! #CCSDfam

Ten Cherokee County School District high school seniors have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Scholar recognition!

The Georgia Department of Education program honors high school seniors who exhibit excellence in their school and community life.  Honorees demonstrate dedication to academic success, participation in interscholastic events and leadership through extra-curricular activities.  

Cherokee County’s School Board Chair was honored today with a top award for community service!

Kyla Cromer, who has served on the School Board since 2014, received the Jean Harris “Service Above Self” Award from the Rotary Club of Canton.  The prestigious award, presented by the county’s oldest civic club, recognizes one non-Rotarian a year for significant contributions through volunteerism in education, health or economic and personal development to benefit the lives of women and children.

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to ACE Academy’s 2022 Partner of the Year: Northside Hospital Cherokee!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

Four Cherokee County School District students earned top honors at the state technology careers competition!

The students won first-place awards at the annual competition sponsored by the Georgia Technology Student Association, which is one of the state’s Career and Technical Student Organizations designed to provide extra-curricular opportunities aligned with Career Pathway programs.  These organizations give students the opportunity to participate in career-oriented extra-curricular activities including community service, leadership roles and demonstrating their career skills at statewide competitions.

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

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Carmel ES: Yudy Soro! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Creekland Middle School 2022 Partner of the Year: EF2 Realty Team!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District teacher and one of her classes enjoyed a surprise today: a visit from State Superintendent of Schools Richard Woods!

The statewide education leader visited the classroom of Indian Knoll Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Chelsea Leming to congratulate her on recently being named one of Georgia’s 10 Teacher of the Year finalists.

The Cherokee County School District is offering 2022-23 high school students the opportunity to participate in an educational travel experience to explore London and Paris during Spring Break 2023!

A limited number of additional spots have been opened for this district-wide tour announced earlier this year.  A virtual informational session will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2022.  Students are welcome to attend the informational session, but at least one parent or guardian must be in attendance.

Cherokee County School District’s high schools, for the 12th consecutive year, have earned top honors for outstanding Advanced Placement (AP) programs and performance!

All of CCSD’s high schools have been named Georgia 2022 AP Honor Schools for exceptional student performance and participation on AP exams, which offer students more challenging coursework and the opportunity to earn college credit.  Overall, CCSD students who took the exams earned passing scores of 3 or higher on 73% of the 5,028 tests administered last school year, exceeding the Georgia rate of 60% and the National rate of 54%.  This passing rate ranks CCSD 10th in the State and 2nd among metro Atlanta counties.  

Cherokee County School District students demonstrated their science skills at a countywide competition, with eight teams advancing to the state contest!

More than 520 students from elementary schools throughout CCSD competed in the Cherokee County Science Olympiad, which offered 18 science challenges and the first-ever CCSD Speed Building Competition.  Cobb Electric Membership Corporation and Gas South sponsor the annual event, which gives students the opportunity to test their knowledge and skill in challenges like Bridge Building, Egg Drop and Water Rockets.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Holly Springs ES STEM Academy: Kaitlyn Childers! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District saluted educators Thursday night at the 2022 Legacy Makers: CCSD Teachers of the Year Celebration.

The Legacy Makers event held at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center in Canton honored the Teacher of the Year for every CCSD school, including four finalists who were announced in February.  Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower opened an envelope at the event’s conclusion to announce that Cherokee High School teacher Jonathan Gustin, is the 2022 CCSD Teacher of the Year! 

The Cherokee County School District received excellent news today: the district’s international accreditation as a high-quality school system is recommended for renewal for another five years!

“Accreditation is the gold standard for school districts – it provides independent assurance to parents, employees and taxpayers as to the excellence of their public schools,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “I’m incredibly proud of the work that all of our employees do every day to provide the best possible education and care to each of our students.  Thank you to the amazing parent volunteers and business and community partners who support us.  None of this would be possible without the outstanding leadership of our School Board, its vision for our future and its strong stewardship of the resources entrusted to them by our community.”

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that serious misinformation about CCSD is being circulated on social media. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower has no plans to ask the School Board to privatize bus drivers or School Nutrition or any other part of CCSD operations.  The School Board also has had no discussions about privatizing these services.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Liberty ES 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Myrieé Graham! #CCSDfam

As part of national Sunshine Month, observed every March to highlight the importance of open government and transparency, the Cherokee County School District has updated its Open CCSD website.

CCSD is committed to transparency and accountability.  Open CCSD at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/open-ccsd was established in 2013 to provide the community with a clear understanding of its operations and stewardship of fiscal resources.  

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Woodstock High School 2022 Partner of the Year: Credit Union of Georgia!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

Cherokee County School District students are advancing to State 4-H Competition, with two students elected to statewide leadership roles.

The 4-H extra-curricular program, sponsored locally by the UGA Cooperative Extension Office, offers students the opportunity to learn new skills, improve their teamwork and leadership skills and serve their community.

Johnston Elementary School has earned national technology education recognition!

The school has earned digital citizenship certification from the national nonprofit Common Sense.  The designation recognizes Johnston ES for demonstrating a strong commitment to teaching students to use technology responsibly and think critically.

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

Two Cherokee County School District students have been selected to show their work in a prestigious art exhibit!

A sculpture by Etowah High School senior Amelia Ganues and a graphite pencil drawing by Sequoyah High School junior Paige Wolosiewicz will be featured in the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition.  

River Ridge High School counselor Kati Kong says, in many ways, she sees herself as a Band-Aid.

An experienced counselor with a master’s degree in her field, Ms. Kong for 16 years has helped hold students together during their most challenging moments.

More than 50 CCSD high school students spent the day sharpening their workforce skills recently thanks to a new venture created by CCSD and community partners.

A Cherokee County School District team has won a statewide academic bowl event!

The Freedom Middle School academic bowl team for the second consecutive year earned first place at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site History Bowl.  The competition for middle and high school students focuses on U.S. history including presidential history, world history, geography and economics.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Clayton Elementary School: Dan Wolfe! #CCSDfam

Ball Ground ES STEM Academy held a ribbon cutting this week for its expanded and enhanced food pantry, complete with a new name:  Ball Ground Cares Closet.

The Cherokee County School District has earned national honors for its School Nutrition summer meals program!

The school district every summer participates in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Seamless Summer Option, which offers free meals to children in need during the summer.  The high quality of CCSD’s program earned the USDA’s Silver Turnip the Beet Award.  CCSD School Nutrition is one of only a dozen school districts in Georgia to earn the national honor and one of only 84 nationwide.

The Cherokee County School District participates in the statewide Child Find program to help identify students eligible for Special Education services.

What is Child Find?
The purpose of Child Find is to identify, locate, and evaluate children and youth, who are suspected of having or have a diagnosed disability or developmental delay, in order to provide free appropriate Special Education services.  The Cherokee County School District serves children from three years through 21 years of age.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Etowah HS 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Scott Strickland! #CCSDfam

Cherokee County School District middle schools recently competed in a countywide contest testing their STEM knowledge!

Presented by the Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority (CCWSA), the fifth annual local Georgia Association of Water Professionals’ Model Water Tower Competition gives students from all CCSD middle schools the opportunity to plan, design and build a water tower. 

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Ball Ground ES STEM Academy 2022 Partner of the Year: Modern Woodmen of America!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is seeking school psychologists for next school year to support Special Education services.  These positions offer a competitive compensation package with outstanding benefits, a great work calendar and schedule, a wonderful work environment and team, and opportunities for professional development and advancement.  Valid Service Certification in school psychology is required.  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now: visit www.cherokeek12.net and click Jobs @ CCSD.  Questions? Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

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

The Cherokee County School District is seeking a computer science and cybersecurity teacher for the Cherokee College & Career Academy program for next school year!  This position offers a competitive compensation package with outstanding benefits, a great work calendar and schedule, a wonderful work environment and team, and opportunities for professional development and advancement. Join the #CCSDfam & apply now: visit www.cherokeek12.net and click Jobs @ CCSD.  Questions? Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

Cherokee County School District students have earned top honors in a statewide career skills competition!

A team of Cherokee High School students placed in welding and healthcare science events at the Georgia Skills USA competition, with students advancing to nationals for welding fabrication.

Knox Elementary School STEM Academy has earned national digital citizenship recognition!

The school has received Common Sense School certification from the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  Schools achieve this designation by demonstrating a strong commitment to teaching students to think critically and to use technology responsibly.

It’s Georgia School Board Appreciation Week, and we’ll be shining the spotlight on each of our representatives to thank them for their service.  #CCSDfam 

It’s Georgia School Board Appreciation Week, and we’ll be shining the spotlight on each of our representatives to thank them for their service.  #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 2021 Woodstock Middle School Teacher of the Year Amanda Williams!

Woodstock Middle School 2021 Teacher of the Year Amanda Williams tells a story every year in her reading class to encourage discouraged readers.

It’s Georgia School Board Appreciation Week, and we’ll be shining the spotlight on each of our representatives to thank them for their service.  #CCSDfam 
 

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, March 17, 2022 approved a budget amendment to accept state funding for eligible part-time and full-time staff to receive a one-time bonus and appointed new school leaders for next school year. 

The Cherokee County School District on Thursday evening hosted a New Leaders Reception for the School Board to meet the educators recommended by the Superintendent of Schools for school and district leadership roles.  

It’s Georgia School Board Appreciation Week, and we’ll be shining the spotlight on each of our representatives to thank them for their service.  #CCSDfam 

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Macedonia Elementary School: Joan Watkins! #CCSDfam

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Macedonia Elementary School: Joan Watkins! #CCSDfam

It’s Georgia School Board Appreciation Week, and we’ll be shining the spotlight on each of our representatives to thank them for their service.  #CCSDfam 

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Woodstock MS 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Maria Salazar! #CCSDfam

CCSD presents an annual Agency Information Fair for parents and teachers to learn more about services in the community for children with special needs. This year's event is on March 28. #CCSDfam

It’s Georgia School Board Appreciation Week, and we’ll be shining the spotlight on each of our representatives to thank them for their service.  #CCSDfam 

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Arnold Mill ES 2022 Partner of the Year: Nothing Bundt Cakes Woodstock!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District student is attending a national educational conference as a state delegate and has earned a prestigious leadership award!

Cherokee High School junior Laney Cline will represent Georgia at the National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. this month.  Laney also earned the elite title of Master 4-H’er -- the highest award offered in 4-H -- by achieving selection to the national conference.  To earn the title, students must demonstrate the core 4-H concepts of belonging, mastery of learning, generosity and independence.  

It’s Georgia School Board Appreciation Week, and we’ll be shining the spotlight on each of our representatives to thank them for their service.  #CCSDfam

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

The Cherokee County School District has successfully completed the first step of accreditation renewal, with the process accomplished last week for its Pre-K program!

Accreditation is the highest level of overall accountability for school systems.  The independent review assesses not only success in teaching, but also governance and stewardship of taxpayer resources.  The school district’s accreditation by Cognia, which is considered the top accreditation organization in the world by both public and private schools and school systems, colleges and universities, is up for its five-year review this month. 

Mill Creek Middle School has earned national recognition for teaching students to safely use technology.

The school was awarded Common Sense School digital citizenship certification by the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  Mill Creek MS achieved the certification through its outstanding efforts to educate students to think critically, use technology responsibly and navigate the technology safety challenges of cyberbullying, plagiarism and privacy issues. 

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 2021 Woodstock High School Teacher of the Year Stacy Ambles!

Woodstock High School 2021 Teacher of the Year Stacy Ambles brings both professional and personal perspectives to her role as a Special Education teacher.

The Cherokee County School District celebrated outstanding school community partners and volunteers at the annual CCSD Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year Recognition Ceremony held Thursday night.

The ceremony honored a Partner of the Year and a Volunteer of the Year for each individual school and center.  The evening included the surprise announcement of the CCSD Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year selected from that pool of 79 honorees.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for CCSD’s Office of Technology & Information Services: Stefan Zimmerman! #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District senior has won a National Merit corporate scholarship!

Rachel G. Kim of River Ridge High School, who earlier this year was named a National Merit finalist, this week earned the National Merit Raytheon Scholarship.  She plans to study computer science.

Georgia’s State Superintendent of Schools visited the Cherokee County School District today and promoted the importance of studying the U.S. Constitution.

The statewide education leader met with all of Hickory Flat Elementary School’s fourth-graders and answered their questions about his role in government. 

In recognition of National School Social Worker Week, please join us in thanking CCSD’s six social workers and two student support specialists who are dedicated to their mission of “ensuring that no student in Cherokee County gains less than full advantage of the educational opportunities provided by the school system as a result of family problems or school attendance problems.” We appreciate their service and dedication to the families of our 42,000 students! Learn more about our school social workers at https://www.cherokeek12.net/.../divisions-school.... #CCSDfam

Boston Elementary School has earned national digital citizenship recognition!

The school has been awarded Common Sense School certification by the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  Schools earn this designation by demonstrating their commitment to preparing students to think critically and use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate, while also preparing them for the perils that exist in the online realm, such as loss of privacy, cyberbullying and plagiarism. 

A Cherokee County School District JROTC program has received the highest accolades awarded!

The Etowah High School Air Force Junior ROTC program recently earned an overall unit assessment score of Exceeds Standards, the highest rating available.  Only one time prior in its 27-year history has Etowah’s JROTC earned this elite score, which ranks the program in the top 12% worldwide.

The Cherokee County School District earned top awards for communications and community engagement including “Best in State” honors!

The Georgia School Public Relations Association’s annual awards program recognizes outstanding work by public schools, school systems, post-secondary institutions, and educational agencies and associations.  The winners were announced by the association on Friday; CCSD earned 19 awards, including 13 Gold Awards, four Silver, and two “Best in State” awards – a tie for the most of these highest honors.

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

The Cherokee County School District Teacher of the Year today was named a Georgia Teacher of the Year Finalist!

Chelsea Leming, a fifth-grade teacher at Indian Knoll Elementary School, is one of 10 outstanding educators announced today as one step closer to the statewide title.

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 2021 Woodstock Elementary School Teacher of the Year Laurie McArthur! 

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Bascomb Elementary School: Linda Wilson! #CCSDfam

The March 2022 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter and includes a message from the Superintendent about special reading and math events and the district’s upcoming accreditation review.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia!  #CCSDfam 

It's Read Across America Week and #GetCCSDReading Month! CCSD schools are celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday, the importance of literacy and favorite books ...with guest readers, dress-up days, reading challenges and incentives and much more! We hope you enjoy this slideshow of photos from some of the festivities.

Twenty-one Cherokee County School District students are advancing to Georgia Science and Engineering Fairs this month!

CCSD’s top young scientists and engineers recently competed at the Northwest Georgia Regional Science and Engineering Fair, where 21 students placed to earn the opportunity to advance to the State events.  

A team of Cherokee County School District veterinary science students has been named state champions!

The Creekview High School and Creekland Middle School students competed in the Georgia FFA Veterinary Science Career Development Event where they earned first place in the junior division with a 21-point lead.  The competition is designed to “promote college and career readiness by providing opportunities to develop technical knowledge and demonstrate practical skills in the field of veterinary science.”  

A Cherokee County School District cafeteria team has earned its 20th consecutive perfect health inspection score!

The River Ridge High School cafeteria staff recently achieved this impressive milestone, which is an exceptional run even in a district where school cafeterias average 99.06% on the health inspections held twice each year.

A Cherokee County School District student is one of the top 21 youth leaders in Georgia! 

Etowah High School junior Ila Prabhuram has been honored by the 21st Century Leaders nonprofit organization with its 2022 Georgia Youth Leadership Award.  The annual awards recognize the “extraordinary achievements of 21 inspirational high school students from across Georgia and their commitment to leadership in their communities and schools.”

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

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Dean Rusk Middle School: Hector Solis! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 17, heard an update on CCSD’s student support services efforts including suicide prevention.

Woodstock Middle School was awarded $20,000 through the McDonald’s Golden Grants Program this week and plans to use the funding for new technology in the school's Computer Science classroom. 

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Cherokee High School: Liz Garced! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District today surprised four outstanding teachers with the news they are finalists for the 2022 CCSD Teacher of the Year award!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower visited their classrooms with balloons, flowers and the announcement that they were selected by the judging committee as the top four teachers of all CCSD schools’ and centers’ Teachers of the Year. 

All seven Cherokee County School District high school seniors named 2022 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists advanced this week to be named Finalists!

They are: of Creekview HS, Justin Bolsen, Callahan “Cal” Pace and Benjamin “Ben” Webster V; of River Ridge HS, Rachel G. Kim; of Sequoyah HS, Riley Hartman and Wesley Lanter; and of Woodstock HS, Leo Blatnik.  

Free Home Elementary School’s digital citizenship program has earned national recognition.

The school was awarded Common Sense School certification by the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  The honor recognizes schools that demonstrate exemplary commitment to educating students to use technology responsibly, think critically, and handle the challenges of technology use including cyberbullying, plagiarism and privacy issues. 

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

A Cherokee County School District student is considered one of the best musicians in the nation!

Etowah High School senior Ryan Lofland was selected for the National Association for Music Education’s All National Symphony Orchestra and earned the position of sitting top chair in the country for tuba.  A three-year member of the Georgia All-State Band, Ryan won a spot in the national group by undergoing a rigorous audition process.  

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its first-ever Share the Love contest winners!

Thanks to the sponsorship of Credit Union of Georgia, CCSD this month gave families the opportunity to nominate an outstanding CCSD employee to win a $250 Visa gift card.  The contest was announced in the monthly CCSD Connections parent newsletter, and four winners were selected at random from all of the nominations.

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 2021 Tippens Education Center Teacher of the Year Maggie Power!

Tippens Education Center 2021 Teacher of the Year Maggie Power’s students are small, but face big challenges.

It’s National School Counseling Week ... the perfect week to announce CCSD’s 2022 Innovation Zone Counselors of the Year! We highlighted one winner each day this week, and here's our last one. Thank you to all CCSD counselors for the impact you make in our community! #CCSDfam #nscw2022

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating 229 exemplary high school juniors as Superintendent’s Key Scholars!  

These top students were recognized, through the 17th Annual Superintendent’s Key Scholar Recognition Ceremony on Thursday night, for scores achieved on the PSAT that rank them in the top 10% nationwide.

It’s National School Counseling Week ... the perfect week to announce CCSD’s 2022 Innovation Zone Counselors of the Year! Stay tuned this week as we highlight each winner. Thank you to all CCSD counselors for the impact you make in our community! #CCSDfam #nscw2022

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Sixes Elementary School: Teresa Foster! #CCSDfam

The inaugural CCSD Elementary School Math Competition drew several hundred young mathematicians to the event last week, putting their ciphering skills to the test in timed individual and team competitions.   When all the answers were submitted and checked, Knox ES STEM Academy took first-place honors with the most accumulated points, with Avery ES claiming second place. 

A Cherokee County School District robotics team placed at the state tournament!

The Mill Creek MS Lego Cats - Navy team earned the third place overall Champion’s Award at the statewide First Lego League competition held this month at Georgia Tech.  This success followed their win of the Core Values trophy for their bracket both at Regionals and Super Regionals competitions.  

It’s National School Counseling Week ... the perfect week to announce CCSD’s 2022 Innovation Zone Counselors of the Year! Stay tuned this week as we highlight each winner. Thank you to all CCSD counselors for the impact you make in our community! #CCSDfam #nscw2022

Bascomb Elementary School has earned national recognition for its digital citizenship program.

The school has achieved Common Sense School certification, which is awarded by the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  The award honors schools that have shown outstanding commitment to educating students to think critically and use technology responsibly, while also preparing them for the challenges of using technology including privacy issues, cyberbullying and plagiarism.

The College Board is honoring 37 Cherokee County School District students through its National Recognition Programs awards!

The programs are designed by the College Board to provide recognition opportunities for high school seniors and juniors in underrepresented groups.  Students may apply for the National African American Recognition Award, National Hispanic Recognition Award, National Indigenous Recognition Award and National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award.  To be considered for recognition, students must have a GPA of at least 3.5 and either exceptional test scores placing them in the top 10% in their state on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or scores of 3 or higher on two of more Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

It’s National School Counseling Week ... the perfect week to announce CCSD’s 2022 Innovation Zone Counselors of the Year! Stay tuned this week as we highlight each winner. Thank you to all CCSD counselors for the impact you make in our community! #CCSDfam #nscw2022

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2022 STAR Students and Teachers!

The STAR, or Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, Student honor is awarded to the high school senior from each Georgia public and private high school with the highest score on any single test date of the SAT and who also ranks in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of his or her class based on grade point average.  Each honored student is invited to select his or her favorite teacher to be named that school’s STAR Teacher.

It’s National School Counseling Week ... the perfect week to announce CCSD’s 2022 Innovation Zone Counselors of the Year! Stay tuned this week as we highlight each winner. Thank you to all CCSD counselors for the impact you make in our community! #CCSDfam #nscw2022

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

It’s National School Counseling Week ... the perfect week to announce CCSD’s 2022 Innovation Zone Counselors of the Year! Stay tuned this week as we highlight each winner. Thank you to all CCSD counselors for the impact you make in our community! #CCSDfam #nscw2022

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 2021 Teasley Middle School Teacher of the Year Beth DuLong!

Teasley Middle School 2021 Teacher of the Year Beth DuLong loves reading.  She loves helping students improve their ability to read and increase their enthusiasm for reading even more.

We are continuing to closely monitor COVID-19 cases among students, staff and our community at large and to review our related protocols.  

While community case levels remain at a very high range, we are seeing a definite trend of declining cases -- both for our schools and our community.  If case levels continue to decline, we anticipate parent visits to the cafeteria and extended parent/volunteer visits to classrooms can safely resume on Feb. 28 following February Break (Feb. 21-25).  

Don’t miss your opportunity to become a teacher in an outstanding metro Atlanta school district!  The Cherokee County School District on Saturday, March 5, will host its annual Teacher Job Fair for next school year.  There will be both an in-person event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 5, at River Ridge High School (400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, 30188), and virtual online interview appointments also will be available.  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for CCSD’s Office of Safety & Security: Mary Hansen! #CCSDfam

The February 2022 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter and includes an important message from the Superintendent about school choice, enrollment, CCSD’s reaccreditation and the opportunity to nominate a CCSD teacher or support staff member to win one of four $250 gift cards through the CCSD Share the Love contest.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its top school Partners of the Year and Volunteers of the Year!

The annual recognition program, now in its ninth year, recognizes a Partner of the Year and a Volunteer of the Year for each individual school and center who are selected based on their outstanding service for the past year.

A River Ridge High School senior has earned a Positive Athlete Georgia award for her exemplary community service.

Tressie Polk recently was honored with a $1,000 award sponsored by Academy Sports + Outdoors in recognition of outstanding student athletes who also contribute to their schools and communities through significant volunteer service.  

The Cherokee County School District congratulates the winners of the 2022 CCSD Reading Bowl!

The annual event, which was held at E.T. Booth Middle School, is a timed competition designed by the Office of Curriculum & Instruction to encourage reading, develop reading comprehension skills and offer a fun extra-curricular academic opportunity.  

February is CCSD School Choice Month, which includes both the opportunity to request a reassignment and the kickoff for Pre-K, kindergarten and Grades 1-12 new student enrollment for the 2022-23 School Year. 

A Cherokee County School District program has received a national award for providing outstanding career education.

The Creekview High School agriculture program, led by teacher Pauline Benton, is one of six agricultural education programs nationwide to earn the Outstanding Secondary/Middle School Program Award from the National Association of Agricultural Educators.  Ms. Benton accepted the award at the organization’s recently held annual conference.

The Cherokee County School District is seeking a Supervisor for Professional/Staff Development to join our outstanding leadership team for next school year.  This district leadership position offers a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits, a balanced school calendar, opportunities for professional development and career advancement, and a wonderful work environment and team.  Candidates must have education experience and a master’s degree; education administration experience is preferred.  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net  Questions?  Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

Every school year, each CCSD high school selects one Student Delegate to the School Board to represent the student voice. One Delegate is named the Student Advisor and sits with the Board at its meetings. We’ll introduce you to them all this year! #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 2021 Sixes Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jessica Jones!

Sixes Elementary School 2021 Teacher of the Year Jessica Jones understands her students’ struggles on a personal level.

Cherokee County School District students excelled in this year’s Student Technology Competition, with 41 placing first at regions and earning a spot at the upcoming state championships! 

Two Cherokee County School District First Lego League teams won at Super Regionals, with one advancing to the State Tournament!

The Mill Creek MS Lego Cats - Navy team and the Clark Creek ES STEM Academy BrickMasters team each won the Core Values trophy for their bracket, and the Lego Cats – Navy team also earned a high enough overall score to move on to the state event.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Avery Elementary School: Dedra Turner! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District will present its first districtwide elementary school math competition next week!  

Designed by the Office of Curriculum & Instruction, the event’s goals are to encourage students’ interest in math, develop their problem-solving skills and inspire them to excel and have fun with mathematics.  

Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower this week participated in the annual “State of the County” program.

Presented by the regional Council for Quality Growth nonprofit organization, the luncheon on Wednesday featured reports by Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Harry Johnston, Cherokee Office of Economic Development President Misti Martin and Dr. Hightower.

Mark your calendar!  The Cherokee County School District’s first-ever Job Fair focused on support staff will be from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, at our technology campus at 1020 Keeter Road, Canton, 30114.  

The Cherokee County School District has been named a national District of Distinction in a competition to prepare students for cybersecurity careers!

The school district earned the designation from CyberStart America, a national organization established to provide high school students with free access to cybersecurity learning resources written and developed by industry professionals.  

The Cherokee County School District is seeking a Director for Capital Improvements to oversee major construction projects as a member of our outstanding leadership team.  This district leadership position offers a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits, opportunities for professional development and career advancement, and a wonderful work environment and team.  Candidates must have supervisory or administration experience in construction or a related field and a bachelor’s degree, with a master’s degree preferred.  Full details about the position are online at https://bit.ly/ccsdjobDCI  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net  Questions?  Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

Woodstock Elementary School has been honored with a national digital citizenship recognition.

The school has earned Common Sense School certification from the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  Schools earn this designation by demonstrating their commitment to preparing students to think critically and use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate, while also preparing them for the perils that exist in the online realm, such as loss of privacy, cyberbullying and plagiarism. 

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated 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 2021 Sequoyah High School Teacher of the Year Travis King!

Sequoyah High School 2021 Teacher of the Year Travis King makes a positive impact on his students’ lives in the classroom, on the field and throughout their lives.

The Georgia Department of Education's annual Special Education parent survey is open through May 31.

To access the survey, visit the website at www.gadoe.org/Parent-Survey or scan the QR code in the image above.

CCSD students are 100 days smarter! We hope you enjoy these photos of today's many 100th day of school celebrations ... students (and teachers) marked the milestone with a dress-up day, counting to 100 activities, special crafts and more. #CCSDfam

CCSD is looking for School Nutrition Workers to join us in serving our kids!  The starting hourly rate has been increased to $14 an hour -- and includes full benefits for a 6 to 6.5 hour work day.  This position follows the school calendar and offers professional development and advancement opportunities, as well as a great work team and environment.  Apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net and selecting any of the School Nutrition Worker listings at various schools.  Questions?  Contact School Nutrition at cassandra.higgins@cherokeek12.net and 770.721.8419. #CCSDfam

As shared with you earlier this month, in preparation for our on-time return to in-person learning on Jan. 4, we implemented several changes in CCSD COVID-19 protocols, with a timeline to review those changes today. 

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Clark Creek ES STEM Academy: Tiffany Gilbert! #CCSDfam

Save the Date!  The Cherokee County School District’s annual Teacher Job Fair will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 5, with in-person interviews at River Ridge High School and virtual online interview appointments available.  The event will focus on hiring teachers for the 2022-23 school year, with a separate event to be announced for positions including bus drivers, paraprofessionals, technology professionals and School Nutrition workers.  We will post instructions at www.cherokeek12.net and on CCSD social media next month explaining how you can sign up for online appointments if you choose to participate virtually.  #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is seeking a Curriculum Director to join our outstanding leadership team for next school year.  This district leadership position offers a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits, a balanced school calendar, opportunities for professional development and career advancement, and a wonderful work environment and team.  Candidates must have a master’s degree or higher in education, as well as at least five years of teaching experience; educational leadership experience preferred.  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net  Questions?  Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

The Cherokee County School District is seeking school Principals to join our outstanding leadership team for next school year.  These positions offer competitive compensation packages with excellent benefits, a balanced school calendar, opportunities for professional development and career advancement, and a wonderful work environment and team.  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net  Questions?  Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated 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 2021 River Ridge High School Teacher of the Year Autumn Hamilton!

River Ridge High School 2021 Teacher of the Year Autumn Hamilton is “not just an English teacher,” according to her students.

The January 2022 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter.  The Superintendent’s message includes an announcement about the expansion of CCSD’s school choice program.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Jan. 13, reviewed a progress report on accomplishing Blueprint strategic plan goals and heard operational updates including the planned expansion of CCSD’s school choice program.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Arnold Mill Elementary School: Patti Eisenhauer! #CCSDfam

Creekland Middle School eighth-grader Huck Wallace correctly spelled “reggae” and then “resplendence” to claim the title as the county’s top speller for the second year in a row at the 2022 Cherokee County School District Spelling Bee Wednesday night at Cherokee High School.  Miller Inthirathvongsy of Clark Creek ES STEM Academy (fourth grade) captured second, and Isabella Melo-Moreira of Arnold Mill ES (fifth grade) placed third. All three will advance to the regional Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) bee, which will be held at Etowah HS February 26. 

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated 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 2021 R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Patty Corneillie! 

Hundreds of former students are better readers thanks to the dedication of R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy 2021 Teacher of the Year Patty Corneillie.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for River Ridge High School: Sara D'Antuono! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District on Friday, Jan. 28, will host a virtual job fair for applicants for Special Education positions for next school year including: board certified behavior analysts, educational audiologists, occupational and physical therapists, physical and health impairment teachers, school psychologists, Special Education facilitators, speech language pathologists and vision teachers. 

The Cherokee County School District winners of the annual PTA Reflections fine arts contest have been named, with top district winners now advancing to state competition!

The annual competition offers students in all grades and of all abilities the opportunity to create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts 2D and 3D.  Students can earn recognition at the school, district, state and national levels.  This year's theme is “I Will Change the World By... .”

The Cherokee County School District has published its fourth Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, an optional additional level of transparency considered the gold standard in government financial reporting.  

Compiled by Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Owen and the Office of Financial Management, the 2021 fiscal year report presents financial records already created by CCSD, such as budgets, audits and management reports, in one consolidated publication designed for the community as a whole to better understand their school district’s finances.  

A Woodstock Middle School student is a regional essay contest winner! 

Seventh-grader Sawyer Swift was named the Cherokee County overall winner by the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District for his entry into its 20th annual water essay contest.

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

As we prepare for the reopening of schools on Tuesday, Jan. 4, please be advised of several changes in CCSD COVID-19 protocols in response to new Department of Public Health guidance and the rising cases resulting from the Omicron variant.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for CCSD’s Office of Support Services: Biff McGhee! #CCSDfam

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Mountain Road Elementary School: Dawn Patini! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Tippens Education Center 2021 Partner of the Year: Allegro Business Products!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

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 2021 Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy Teacher of the Year Christy Cook!

CCSD schools have been busy celebrating the holiday season by giving to others and serving the community through volunteering.  Thank you to all the teachers and staff who coordinate these opportunities for meaningful service learning!  We hope you enjoy this slideshow of a few of the many outstanding activities.

Cherokee County School District teams succeeded at the First Lego League Regional competition, with three earning trophies and four advancing to Super Regionals!

R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy’s Braves Build Masters earned the Grand Champion prize at the Regional competition held last weekend at Mill Creek Middle School. Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy’s BrickMasters claimed the Innovation Project award, and Mill Creek Middle School’s Lego Cats - Navy Team won the Core Values honor.  All three teams will be headed to the next level of competition in January, along with the Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy Apex Eagles team, which also qualified at Regionals to advance.

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised we are aware of the national news reports and social media posts about a TikTok challenge related to school violence today. This challenge did not originate locally, and there have been no threats reported in regard to any CCSD schools. The challenge, according to news reports, was started by a student in Utah who did not want to attend school today. We take all threats seriously, and our CCSD Police Department will continue to be on alert, monitor the situation and communicate with local law enforcement agencies.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for E.T. Booth Middle School: Missy Venezia! #CCSDfam

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2022 School Teachers of the Year winners!

Every fall, each CCSD school is asked to select its own Teacher of the Year.  These school-level winners now are eligible for the honor of Cherokee County School District 2022 Teacher of the Year. 

The Cherokee County School District has added Free Little Libraries to more of its elementary school campuses in time for students to begin using them over the winter break.

With the cost sponsored by Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner, the little library boxes are being built by CCSD high school students in the construction Career Pathway program.  

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Mill Creek MS 2021 Partner of the Year: Truett’s Grill, Chick-fil-A!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

The Cherokee County School District is seeking School and District administrators for next school year, with openings for school Principals and Assistant Principals and an Executive Director for Staffing.  These leadership positions offer competitive compensation packages with outstanding benefits, a great work calendar and schedule, and a wonderful work environment and team.  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net  Questions?  Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

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

Every school year, each CCSD high school selects one Student Delegate to the School Board to represent the student voice. One Delegate is named the Student Advisor and sits with the Board at its meetings. We’ll introduce you to them all this year! #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 2021 Mountain Road Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jenny Sullivan!

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Dec. 9, celebrated the School District winning the Georgia 2021 Governance Team of the Year Award with a review of accomplishments from the past year.

A Cherokee County School District team has won a community wellness challenge!

The Walk This Weigh Team from Cherokee High School was the overall winner in the Northside Hospital Cherokee Fall Wellness Challenge, a community competition sponsored by the hospital with prizes for teams that met health, fitness and wellness goals.  Team members are Chrissy Davis, Lori Johnson, Jennifer Pittman and Rene Swanson.  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Woodstock Elementary School: Jennifer McInnis! #CCSDfam

Cherokee County School Board members regularly visit schools for tours with the Superintendent of Schools, members of his staff, and the school’s Principal and administrative team.  This month, the visit was to E.T. Booth Middle School, where the group met with Principal Todd Sharrock and his leadership team, toured the school and enjoyed a School Nutrition lunch from the cafeteria. 

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy 2021 Volunteer of the Year: Soleil Book Clubs! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Macedonia ES 2021 Partner of the Year: McDonald's at Woodmont Village!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated 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 2021 Mill Creek Middle School Teacher of the Year Ryan Brumbelow!

Mill Creek Middle School Teacher of the Year Ryan Brumbelow is “that” teacher, according to his colleagues, who makes connecting with his students look easy.

The Cherokee County School Board has earned top state honors for exemplary leadership and innovation practices in recognition of its Social and Emotional Learning initiative.

For the third consecutive year, the Georgia School Boards Association has awarded the Cherokee County School Board its Leading Edge Award in the Culture, Climate & Organizational Efficacy category.  The awards, presented in seven categories, recognize innovative practices by School Boards and School Districts that make a significant and positive impact on students.  This year, the districtwide Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative earned the honor, following previous wins for CCSD’s Student Advisor and Student Delegates to the School Board program and VILLA parent academy.  

The Cherokee County School District celebrated the important role of support staff at its Fourth Annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards on Thursday evening.

The celebration honored one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions.  Each of the honorees was recognized by the Superintendent of Schools and School Board members, received a plaque and gifts of appreciation including a $150 Visa card funded by sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation, and Platinum Sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia.

The December 2021 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter and includes an important message from the Superintendent about CCSD earning the State’s highest honor for leadership and dedication to providing the best education possible to every child!  Thank you to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia.  

The Cherokee County School District has earned the State’s highest honor for leadership and dedication to providing the best education possible to every child.

The Governance Team of the Year Award is awarded to the School Board and Superintendent of Schools of only one Georgia school district in each of the three size categories -- small, medium and large – by the Georgia School Boards Association.  CCSD earned the honor for large districts, which are those with more than 10,000 students.     

A Cherokee County School District teacher has been named a 2022 Georgia STEM Scholar!

Mill Creek Middle School teacher Ann-Margaret Somers, who teaches eighth-grade science and physical science and serves as the school’s science department chair, earned the honor from the Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers.  Only about two dozen elementary and middle school teachers from a pool of statewide nominees are recognized each year as STEM Scholars.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Freedom MS 2021 Volunteer of the Year: FMS PTSA Executive Board! #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District school has won a State award for family engagement!

Teasley Middle School was named a winner in the Family School Partnership Competition sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education as part of Family Engagement Month.  

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to River Ridge HS 2021 Partner of the Year: Buffalo’s Woodstock!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

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

Indian Knoll Elementary School has been recognized as a Common Sense School by the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.

The school earned the designation by demonstrating its commitment to preparing students to think critically and use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate, while also preparing them for the perils that exist in the online realm, such as plagiarism, loss of privacy, and cyberbullying.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Sequoyah High School 2021 Volunteer of the Year: Jacob Carnes! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Mountain Road ES 2021 Partner of the Year: Capovilla and Williams Law Firm!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Little River Elementary School: Annette Fountain! #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 2021 Macedonia Elementary School Teacher of the Year Robin Ballew!

Macedonia Elementary School Teacher of the Year Robin Ballew from a young age felt called to teach, especially children with special needs.

Creekland Middle School earned the top trophy at this year’s Cherokee County School District Middle School Academic Bowl!  

Dean Rusk Middle School’s team placed as runner-up at the event this week, which is organized by CCSD’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction and sponsored by the Cherokee County Educational Foundation.  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Liberty Elementary School: Irinda Lundeen! #CCSDfam 

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 18, approved its 2022 Legislative Partnership Priorities, which advocate for continued local control of public education decisions and the end of State educational funding budget cuts.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Creekland Middle School 2021 Volunteer of the Year: CMS PTSA Executive Board! #CCSDfam

Today is National Educational Support Professionals Day ... thank you to all CCSD employees who support our teachers and students by keeping our schools safe, healthy and operating smoothly. #CCSDfam #EducationalSupportProfessionalsDay #WeLoveOurESPs

CCSD School Nutrition is pleased to offer to-go meal service at no charge for all CCSD students for the Friday, Nov. 19, Digital Learning Day.  The meal kit will include one breakfast and one lunch.

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy 2021 Partner of the Year: Rotary Club of Woodstock!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

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

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Tippens Education Center: Kortney Dempsey! #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 2021 Little Elementary School Teacher of the Year Stephanie Telaro!

Little Elementary School Teacher of the Year Stephanie Telaro knows firsthand the struggles some of her students face.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for the CCSD Transportation Department: John Chadwick! #CCSDfam

Cherokee County School District students have been learning about and honoring veterans this week, with observances continuing today on Veterans Day. Thank you to all the veterans in our community! #CCSDfam

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Teasley Middle School 2021 Volunteer of the Year: Melissa Fournier! #CCSDfam

CCSD Leadership toured the ACTIVE Academies campus recently,  where two new programs were added for 2021-22 to give high school students additional flexibility and choices for their education.  i-Grad Virtual Academy and C3 Academy joined ACE Academy and Transition Academy on the campus this year, located on Knox Bridge Highway in Canton, greatly expanding the opportunities for high school students looking at alternatives to the traditional classroom or college/career path.

Please be advised that false rumors are deliberately being spread in our community about CCSD and COVID-19 vaccinations.  CCSD is NOT holding ANY COVID-19 vaccination events for our students at our schools or elsewhere.  

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Johnston ES 2021 Partner of the Year: Education First Fund Realty Team!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

A Cherokee County School District school nurse has been honored by the Governor with the prestigious Georgia RISE (Recognizing Inspirational School Employees) Award!

Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy School Nurse Nadia Jones is one of only two Georgians selected by Governor Brian P. Kemp for the award, which honors school support staff.

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

CCSD School Board Members and District leaders recently toured Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy to get an overview of how the school is blending STEM into its Fine Arts instruction.  Oak Grove ES is the District's first STEAM academy, adding a new component to the District's Academies program, which was founded in 2012. 

The Cherokee County School District next month will celebrate excellent service at its fourth annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards!

The recognition ceremony on December 2 will honor one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions.  Each honoree will be congratulated by the Superintendent of Schools and School Board members and receive a plaque and gifts of appreciation before an audience of honorees and their families, Principals and CCSD leaders.

Every school year, each CCSD high school selects one Student Delegate to the School Board to represent the student voice. One Delegate is named the Student Advisor and sits with the Board at its meetings. We’ll introduce you to them all this year! #CCSDfam!

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Holly Springs STEM Academy: Gladys Stubbs! #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 2021 Liberty Elementary School Teacher of the Year Tracy Wagoner!

Liberty Elementary School 2021 Teacher of the Year Tracy Wagoner has been a teacher for her whole life.

CCSD is seeking Special Education professionals to join our team of Special Education Facilitators!  Facilitators manage educational services for students served through IEP plans, lead parent-team IEP meetings, and train teachers and staff among other roles.  These positions offer competitive pay and benefits including outstanding healthcare and retirement plans, professional development, advancement opportunities and a great work schedule, team and environment.  More information about the position is at https://bit.ly/CCSDspecialfac.  Apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net.  Questions?  Contact CCSD Recruitment Coordinator Lindsay Bowley at lindsay.bowley@cherokeek12.net or 770.704.4256. #CCSDfam

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Indian Knoll ES: Maria Hicks! #CCSDfam

The November 2021 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter and includes a message from the Superintendent.  Thank you to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia! #CCSDfam 

On behalf of the Superintendent, we recognize and celebrate the historic World Series win by the Atlanta Braves, a valued CCSD Partner.  We love our hometown team and are so proud of their accomplishments this season.  While we are not cancelling school for Friday’s victory parade and celebration, any student absences for students who attend that event will be counted as “unexcused but without academic penalty.”  While our policies do not permit excused absences for such occasions, the designation of “unexcused but without academic penalty” provides students the important opportunity to make up all missed work and tests next week.  For those families who choose to attend Friday’s celebratory parade that will travel through Fulton and Cobb Counties, we hope you have a safe and memorable experience and we’ll see you back in class on Monday!

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to CCSD Preschool Centers 2021 Volunteer of the Year: Kim Cordrey! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Hickory Flat ES 2021 Partner of the Year: Credit Union of Georgia!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

The Cherokee County School Board proclaimed Sunday, Nov. 7, as Retired Educators Day in recognition of the outstanding service by educators during their careers and their continued service as volunteers.  As part of CCSD’s partnership with the Cherokee Retired Educators Association, since 2015 we have recorded Storycorps-inspired oral history interviews with select retired educators to celebrate Retired Educators Day.  The trailer for this year’s “Learning from Legends: Retired Educators Share Their Wisdom” video, featuring Jim Brookshire, Les Conley and Dr. Janice Fuller, is above.  The full hour-long video, as well as several videos from past years, are on the CCSD YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/CherokeeGASchools  In its proclamation, the School Board asked “students, staff and the community to reflect upon and show appreciation for the contributions of educators in their lives” … please thank a retired educator today! #CCSDfam

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

CCSD Reminder: Tuesday, Nov. 2, is a student holiday for Election Day as a safety precaution due to the use of many schools as polling sites.  It is not a Digital Learning Day.  It is a Professional Learning Day, with teachers and staff attending training sessions focused on improving instruction and support services in areas including reading, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), history, Career Pathways, Special Education and Gifted education.  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Woodstock ES: Ana Vescio! #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 2021 Knox ES STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Jill Oliver!

A new agri-science lab on the Creekview HS campus is allowing students to learn new skills and think about possible career paths, thanks to Ed SPLOST construction dollars. 

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Woodstock MS: Renee McClelland! #CCSDfam

CCSD School Board members toured the new classroom addition at Woodstock Middle School as well as the new auxiliary gymnasium at Woodstock High School Oct. 22 to see the School District's latest Ed SPLOST funded projects. 

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Holly Springs ES STEM Academy 2021 Volunteer of the Year: Gwen Parker! #CCSDfam

Cherokee County’s 1-percent Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (Ed SPLOST) is up for a renewal on the Nov. 2 General Election ballot, with early voting underway now.  This post is design to provide the community with accurate information about the continuation of the existing penny sales tax.  More information about the Ed SPLOST is on our website at https://bit.ly/CCSDsplostinfo.  

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Etowah HS 2021 Partner of the Year: Heritage Presbyterian Church!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated 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 2021 Johnston Elementary School Teacher of the Year Meredith Peacock!

The Cherokee County School Board at its Thursday, Oct. 21 work session, reviewed projects proposed for the Education Special Purpose Location Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) renewal up for a vote on Nov. 2, with Early Voting now underway.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy: Nora Vizuete! #CCSDfam

It’s National School Bus Safety Week, and we want to recognize the ones who are responsible for keeping our students safe on the bus!   Meet school bus driver Louisa Rodriguez-Vital! #CCSDfam

Q.  What led you to become a CCSD bus driver?

A. I had a child in school and no family in this Country, but I needed to work.  My husband suggested that I should try driving a bus – that way, when my child was out of school, I would be out of school and not have to put him in daycare; this worked out great for us.  I enjoyed driving right away. 

Q.  What do you love most about your job?

A.  I love the children and their different personalities.  I enjoy hearing the stories they tell, whether it's about a vacation trip or birthday party … whatever comes to mind, even questions about math just like your own kids would ask. 

Q.  What would you like others to know about driving a bus for CCSD? 

A.  If you’re thinking about becoming a bus driver, you must have patience and a love for children.  Discipline and bus safety rules should come first.  Show the children respect, and they will do the same.   Be positive and smile as you greet your students and parents, as well.  You will be trained by CCSD trainers - just give it a try!

The Cherokee County School District’s graduation rate has hit a new high, with 90.82% of the Class of 2021 earning a diploma within four years of entering high school!  

Cherokee County School Board members regularly visit schools for tours with the Superintendent of Schools, members of his staff, and the school’s Principal and administrative team.  This month, the visit was to Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy, where they met with Principal Dr. Maria Rosario-Regan and her leadership team and enjoyed a School Nutrition lunch from the cafeteria. 

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Creekview HS 2021 Volunteer of the Year: Creekview HS PTSA Executive Board! #CCSDfam

It’s National School Bus Safety Week, and we want to recognize the ones who are responsible for keeping our students safe on the bus!   Meet school bus driver Gail Hyde! #CCSDfam

Q.  What led you to become a CCSD bus driver?

A.  My youngest child started to school, and I found I had more time.  A friend asked me to sub for her and that got me started.  I loved it and have made many great friends through driving a bus.

Q.  What do you love most about your job?

A.  I love working with children.  I have been driving so many years that I'm driving second and third generation children of my former students. 

Q.  What would you like others to know about driving a bus for CCSD?  

A.  It's a great job with wonderful benefits.  It is perfect for all ages, but especially mothers with school age children because you are away the same hours your children are.  In this season of life, it is great because I have time to work around home and attend appointments during the off hours.

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Little River ES 2021 Partner of the Year: Little River United Methodist Church!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

It’s National School Bus Safety Week, and we want to recognize the ones who are responsible for keeping our students safe on the bus!   Meet school bus driver Christine Minter! #CCSDfam

Q.  What led you to become a CCSD bus driver?

A.  After 11 years as a full-time stay-at-home mom, I became a CCSD bus driver to supplement our family's income.  My almost three-year-old son was still at home with me;  I needed a job but did not want to pay daycare expenses.  When my older kids' bus driver told me that my son could be on the bus with me once he turned three, I was sold!  Good pay, amazing job, take my last child with me … Amen - sign me up!

Q.  What do you love most about your job?

A.  I love being able to interact with so many different kinds of people, especially my students.

Q.  What would you like others to know about driving a bus for CCSD? 

A.  When you drive a school bus for the CCSD, they train you well, pay you well and provide excellent benefits.  It is by far the most rewarding, challenging and fun job I have ever had.  I genuinely look forward to going to work every day.

Creekview Zone parent Brittany Dean’s “Southern Okra Corn Salsa” won over the judges’ taste buds and made her the winner of CCSD’s 3rd Annual Parent Recipe Contest! 

CCSD recognized its school bus drivers on Tuesday morning with a drive-through breakfast and gifts.  

The Cherokee County School District participates in the statewide Child Find program to help identify students eligible for Special Education services.

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

It’s National School Bus Safety Week, and we want to recognize the ones who are responsible for keeping our students safe on the bus! Meet school bus driver Tammy Stephens! #CCSDfam

Q.  What led you to become a CCSD bus driver?

A.  I graduated from Cherokee High School in 1979, and Mr. Bell (Principal of then Ralph Bunche ES) came to our house and asked who wanted a job.  I said, ‘me,’ and he hired me for the Head Start program and later as a parapro at Tippens and Johnston.  Then, in 1986, I became a bus driver because I love kids and wanted to continue working with them - being a bus driver allowed for that, but also worked for my schedule, because I could be off when my son was off.

Q.  What do you love most about your job?

A.  I enjoy what I do and have always had a passion for children.  I feel they need an advocate, and I’m it. Driving for Cherokee County has been an experience that I would not trade for anything!

Q.  What would you like others to know about driving a bus for CCSD?  

A.  If you love kids, it’s the job for you, but you really have to have a passion for them because it can sometimes be difficult.  You must have patience, good driving skills and a love for children!

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 2021 Holly Springs Elementary School STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Paula Neubert!

Holly Springs Elementary School STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Paula Neubert sees her greatest accomplishment in the lasting relationships she builds with students.

Going once, going twice..... sold! Your bid can be the winning one at CCSD’s annual surplus equipment auction, which is open to the public, and begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, at the CCSD Central Warehouse (201 Mountain Brook Court, Canton, 30115). The sale preview starts at 8:00 a.m.

Hundreds of athletes, peer helpers, CCSD staff and community volunteers participated in the annual CCSD Awareness Games on Friday, October 15, at River Ridge HS.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here. Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for CCSD’s Office of Financial Management: Vicki Holroyd! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District has been named a finalist for the 2021 Governance Team of the Year Award presented by the Georgia School Boards Association!
 
Three awards are presented annually to recognize top School Boards and Superintendents of Schools for outstanding leadership and dedication to continuous improvement.  One winner is selected in three categories based on school district enrollment: small, 1-3,000 students; medium, 3,001-10,000 students; and large, 10,000+ students.  

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Boston ES 2021 Volunteer of the Year: Courtney Dewitt! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District Class of 2021 increased average ACT scores and exceeded National and State scores!
 
The Class scored an outstanding 23.2 average, increasing from 22.6 in 2020, and topping Georgia’s 22.6 and the Nation’s 20.3 averages on the competitive college entrance and placement examination.  The scores ranked CCSD in the top 10% in the State.  Students earn a score on a scale of 1 to 36.  The average CCSD scores by subject on the ACT used to calculate the overall composite average are: English, 22.4; Math, 22.8; Reading, 23.9; Science, 23.3.

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Liberty ES 2021 Partner of the Year: Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram! Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated 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 2021 Hickory Flat Elementary School Teacher of the Year Rebecca Wooten!

Hickory Flat Elementary School Teacher of the Year Rebecca Wooten teaches students who face significant challenges completing tasks most people take for granted.

CCSD Pre-K sites celebrated Georgia Pre-K Week (Oct. 4-8) with a variety of events, including guest readers and special activities. 

Community leaders gathered at the historic Hickory Flat Gym this week to celebrate the preservation and conversion of the 1950s building into a community center through a partnership between CCSD and the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. 

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Woodstock HS: Terry Vorobel! #CCSDfam

The October 2021 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter and includes a message from the Superintendent.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia! #CCSDfam

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Mill Creek MS 2021 Volunteer of the Year: Mill Creek MS PTSA Executive Board! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to E.T. Booth MS 2021 Partner of the Year: The Premier Group!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

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

Please be advised that the Versatrans My Stop Bus Tracking System began experiencing technical difficulties today and will be down for maintenance tomorrow (Oct. 5, 2021).  This is the app that CCSD parents can use to track the location of their child's school bus on its way to the bus stop each morning and afternoon.  We apologize for the inconvenience.

Every school year, each CCSD high school selects one Student Delegate to the School Board to represent the student voice. One Delegate is named the Student Advisor and sits with the Board at its meetings. We’ll introduce you to them all this year! #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 2021 Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy Teacher of the Year Cristin Bell!

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Sequoyah HS: Erin Krantz! #CCSDfam

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Woodstock MS 2021 Volunteer of the Year: North Georgia Knitting Guild! #CCSDfam

The curtain will rise next month for the Cherokee County School District's 2021-22 theatre season! 

All CCSD high schools, as well as select middle schools and the districtwide Academy Street Theatre Group program for elementary through high school students, will present shows throughout the school year. 

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Freedom MS 2021 Partner of the Year: Warrior Xpress!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

A Cherokee County School District student has been named to the State School Superintendent’s 2021-22 Student Advisory Council!

Cherokee High School junior Weston Olds is among the 66 high school students from across the state selected for the prestigious role.  They were chosen by State School Superintendent Richard Woods from more than 1,000 applications statewide based on their answers to essay questions about improving public education.

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

A Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy parent has been named to a statewide education panel!  

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its first class of AP Capstone Program graduates!

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Johnston ES: Travis Colkitt! #CCSDfam

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Knox ES STEM Academy 2021 Volunteer of the Year: Jennifer Puckett! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Indian Knoll ES 2021 Partner of the Year: Rising Hills Church!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

CCSD is looking for School Nutrition Workers to join us in serving our kids!  The work day is 6.5 hours and the schedule follows the school calendar.  The starting hourly rate has been increased to $12.59 an hour for School Nutrition Workers, as well as to $12 an hour for part-time School Nutrition workers and substitutes, and $10.50 an hour for lunchroom monitors.  The School Nutrition Worker position offers full time benefits, professional development, advancement opportunities and a great work team and environment.  Apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net and selecting any of the School Nutrition Worker listings at various schools.  Openings for part-time School Nutrition workers and substitutes and lunchroom monitors also are posted.  Questions?  Contact School Nutrition at cassandra.higgins@cherokeek12.net and 770.721.8419. #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, reviewed plans for the Education SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) up for renewal by voters in the Nov. 2 election.

The Cherokee County School District, for the past 24 years, has used a 1-percent Education SPLOST to fund capital improvement projects, which include constructing new schools and facilities and renovating existing ones; funding technology infrastructure; buying school buses; and purchasing land for future schools.  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Ball Ground ES STEM Academy: Julie Fowler! #CCSDfam

Twenty-seven Cherokee County School District teachers and staff have been recognized as instructional technology experts, and one has earned a national fellowship!

They have been named to the 2021-22 class of Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIEE), and CCSD Instructional Technology Specialist Merry Hofmeister additionally is one of only 32 educators in the U.S. and three in Georgia named a Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Hickory Flat ES 2021 Volunteer of the Year: Sarah Aker! #CCSDfam

Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2021 increased average SAT scores by 25 points and outscored the State and Nation, according to results released today by the College Board.

The CCSD Class of 2021 earned an average total score of 1125 on the curriculum-based college entrance and placement exam, which exceeds the National public school average by 87 points and the State by 48 points.  The gap between CCSD and U.S. averages widened by 17 points.

Seven Cherokee County School District high school seniors today were named 2022 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!

They are: of Creekview HS, Justin Bolsen, Callahan “Cal” Pace and Benjamin “Ben” Webster V; of River Ridge HS, Rachel G. Kim; of Sequoyah HS, Riley Hartman and Wesley Lanter; and of Woodstock HS, Leo Blatnik.  Less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors earn the title of National Merit Semifinalist. 

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Cherokee HS 2021 Partner of the Year: SERV International!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

What's cooking, #CCSDfam?  

If you're a CCSD parent who loves to cook, please enter our third annual CCSD School Nutrition Parent Recipe Contest ... you could win a $100 Visa gift card and see your side-dish recipe featured on CCSD school lunch menus in October!  

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated 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 2021 Freedom Middle School Teacher of the Year Dr. Chad Barner!

Freedom Middle School Teacher of the Year Dr. Chad Barner has conducted his own science experiment for the past 28 years.

A Cherokee County School District teacher recently came to the rescue for a student!

Mill Creek Middle School seventh-grade teacher Leslie Coleman performed the Heimlich maneuver to rescue student Chloe Weeks from choking.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for the Office of Human Resources: Vicki Ross! #CCSDfam

The September 2021 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter and includes a message from the Superintendent.  Thank you to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia. #CCSDfam

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Dean Rusk MS 2021 Volunteer of the Year: Marc and Madolyn Rudloph! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Avery ES 2021 Partner of the Year: EF2 Education First Fund Realty Team!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

Indian Knoll Elementary School has earned global recognition for its dedication to effectively using technology for teaching and learning!

The school has been selected by Microsoft as a 2021-22 Microsoft Showcase School in honor of its successful integration of educational technology in the classroom to benefit students and teachers.  Only 38 schools were selected as Showcase Schools, and Indian Knoll ES is the only school in Georgia named to the list.

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated 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 2021 Free Home Elementary School Teacher of the Year Katie Garrison!

Free Home Elementary School Teacher of the Year Katie Garrison heard the calling to become a teacher as a student volunteer at Vacation Bible School.

The Cherokee County School District’s Special Education leader has earned National Board Certification!

Executive Director Charlette Green earned the Board Certified Specialist in Child Language designation in child language from the American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders.  The honor recognizes her expertise in child language and language disorders and significant contributions to the field.  The national organization is dedicated to “promoting high-quality services by speech-language pathologists to children and adolescents ages birth through 21 years whose language learning may be characterized as typical, at-risk, or atypical.” 

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in thanking the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Creekview HS: Cindi Blevins! #CCSDfam

CCSD is looking for substitute teachers to join us in serving our kids!  We recently increased our sub rate to $150 for daily subs and $185/day for certified long-term subs.  Subs can hand-pick how frequently they want to work as well as where they want to accept jobs.  Although no previous teaching experience is required, we train our subs on how to foster a seamless learning experience for our students.  Please help us share this opportunity with those who might be interested!  The next workshop is Sept. 14.  Applications can be submitted to our 2021-22 Substitute Teacher posting at https://bit.ly/JobsCCSD  Contact Katie.Munson@cherokeek12.net with questions.  #CCSDfam
 

Enrollment for the Cherokee County School District has increased beyond expectations, but for the ninth consecutive year, no schools are considered “critically overcrowded.”

The annual Inventory of School Housing report, which is developed based on the 20-day enrollment count (Aug. 27) of 41,901 and is posted below, shows the impact of sustained enrollment growth and highlights where additional classroom space soon will be needed. 

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Clark Creek ES STEM Academy 2021 Volunteer of the Year: Mandi Fishback! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Bascomb ES 2021 Partner of the Year: Affinity Home Lending!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

The Cherokee County School District Cybersecurity program’s first class of students took a field trip to CCSD’s Technology & Information Services offices.

The new Career Pathway program is the inaugural offering for the CCSD College & Career Academy, also known as the C3 Academy, housed on the ACTIVE Academies campus in Canton.  The 23 students, who are led by teacher Brent Hollers, spent a morning at CCSD’s Technology offices to learn how its staff protects the School District from external and internal threats on a daily basis. 

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated 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 2021 Etowah High School Teacher of the Year Joshua Saye …

Over his 19 years as an art teacher, Etowah High School Teacher of the Year Joshua Saye has created many masterpieces.

Fourth-grade students at Clark Creek ES STEM Academy were able to visit the State's Mobile Agriculture Classroom this week, which was parked just outside their backdoor thanks to the support of the Cherokee Farm Bureau.

The Cherokee County School District Police Department has earned State recognition!

The Department was notified this month that its status as a Certified Agency, first achieved in 2006, has been renewed by the Joint Review Committee of the State of Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program.  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Cherokee HS: Jenn Bradley! #CCSDfam #CCSDunited

The Cherokee County School Board recently congratulated its new class of Student Delegates!

The School Board has included a Student Advisor position on its board since 1999, and, for the past 11 years, a Student Delegate from each high school also has been selected.  These outstanding high school seniors serve for one year to give input and feedback to the School Board and to the Superintendent of Schools and his senior staff; the advisor role, which includes the opportunity to sit on the dais with the School Board, is rotated among the district's high schools.  The innovative engagement program earned the School Board the Georgia School Boards Association’s 2020 Leading Edge Award.

CCSD will host its next substitute teacher training workshops on Sept. 2 and 14 and now is accepting applications.  Please sign up today by applying online for 2021-22 Substitute Teacher at https://bit.ly/JobsCCSD  Questions? Please contact Katie Munson at 770-479-1871 or katie.munson@cherokeek12.net  #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District school has received a grant from Subaru!

Woodstock Elementary School recently accepted the $3,000 donation from Subaru of Kennesaw to support teachers and students through Subaru of America’s Subaru Loves Learning initiative.  

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Arnold Mill ES 2021 Volunteer of the Year: Allison Turner! #CCSDfam #CCSDunited

Representatives from Publix Supermarkets donated  $63,540 in Publix gift cards to the Cherokee County School District on Wednesday, August 24, to help families in need as the 2021-22 school year gets underway.  The gift cards are the result of the annual “Tools for School” community outreach fundraiser conducted by Publix, with the proceeds from each store going back into the local community. 

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to ACE Academy 2021 Partner of the Year: Northside Hospital Cherokee!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction

The Cherokee County School District is seeking After School Program (ASP) workers and lunchroom monitors!  These part-time jobs offer the opportunity to work on school days close to home to support your community’s children.  Lunchroom Monitors work during school hours; ASP is offered at elementary schools until 6 p.m.

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

Cherokee County School Board members regularly visit schools for tours with the Superintendent of Schools, members of his staff, and the school’s Principal and administrative team.  This month, the visit was to Free Home Elementary School, where they met with Principal Julie Peppers and her leadership team and enjoyed a School Nutrition lunch from the cafeteria. 

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 2021 E.T. Booth Middle School Teacher of the Year Cathy Fernandez …

In the hands of E.T. Booth Middle School Teacher of the Year Cathy Fernandez, even a Rubik’s Cube becomes a social studies lesson.