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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 2024 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Avery Elementary School: Carrie Gilliam! #CCSDElevateTheExcellence

Our amazing teachers are Elevating The Excellence in our schools … and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. 

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

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Avery ES 2024 Volunteer of the Year: Avery ES PTA Executive Board! #CCSDfam

It’s OK to be a little emotional today … or even a lot.  I know how full my heart felt the day my two children celebrated this milestone.  

It’s national Teacher Appreciation Week, and Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis wrapped up the celebration with a visit Friday morning to Boston Elementary School.

Cherokee County School District students placed in the elementary and high school statewide Science Olympiad competitions and in the middle school regional contest!

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Month, we’re celebrating a school 2024 Teacher of the Year each day!  Fifth-grade teacher Miranda Satterfield, a 14-year educator, is the Teacher of the Year for Avery Elementary School.

Cherokee County School District students earned honors at an annual statewide literary competition, including eight first-place wins.

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its 2024 Yes I Can Award winners!

Cherokee County School District’s top young singers recently performed with the district’s 2024 Elementary School Honor Chorus!

Cherokee County School District students earned top honors at the elementary school State Science Fair!

CCSD's Division of Curriculum and Instruction will offer a STEM enrichment camp for students currently in grades 2-5 on June 4 and 5. 

Cherokee County School District students recently demonstrated their science skills at a countywide competition!  More than 525 students from elementary schools throughout CCSD competed in the Cherokee County Science Olympiad, which offered 18 science challenges and the third annual CCSD Speed Building Competition.

Atlanta Braves In-Game Host Otis Oshow dropped in at Avery Elementary School Friday morning to read to Heather Garrett's third-grade class.

Six Cherokee County School District students earned top honors at the Georgia Educational Technology Fair!  The school district entered 43 projects into the state contest based on students’ outstanding first-place performance at the regional competition.  The six CCSD students who placed first, second or third at state competed there against more than 1,000 other Georgia students.

March begins peak teacher hiring season for school districts, and the Cherokee County School District calls upon a special team to aid in its recruiting success: current teachers.  The CCSD Recruitment Ambassador team is made up of outstanding educators from across the school district selected for their excellence in teaching and knowledge of the district and its opportunities for teachers.

Twenty-nine Cherokee County School District elementary school students are advancing to the Georgia K-5 Science and Engineering Fair!  CCSD’s top young scientists and engineers recently competed at the district level and the best of the best are headed to the state contest in March at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville.

Cherokee County School District students scored at this year’s Student Technology Competition, with 39 placing first at regions and now advancing to the state contest!

The Cherokee County School District offers an annual program to prepare teachers for future leadership roles.  The Superintendent’s Leadership Academies (SLA) initiative gives teachers, support staff and school and district leaders the opportunity for professional development through various classes for different leadership experience levels.  

Several hundred young mathematicians participated in the third annual CCSD Elementary School Math Competition, with Hickory Flat Elementary School named the overall champion!

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 2023 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Avery Elementary School: Maria Vega! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School Board at its Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 meeting approved plans to expand a school and heard important budget updates.

Microsoft Education has recognized 40 Cherokee County School District teachers, staff and school and school district leaders as among the world’s top instructional technology experts!  One of those Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts honorees, CCSD Instructional Technology Specialist Merry Hofmeister, additionally has earned the prestigious Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow honor for the fifth consecutive year.  

Five Cherokee County School District teachers have earned regional “bright ideas” grants from a local organization.  Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation awards classroom grants annually to teachers in its service area using funds donated by customers through its Operation Round Up program.

Cherokee County School District educators and volunteers were honored by the PTA with state and regional awards, with a school nurse earning a top statewide honor!

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here – congratulations to Avery Elementary School 2023 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/partners) 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

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

The Cherokee County School District is seeking an experienced business professional to serve as its Coordinator of Procurement overseeing a centralized purchasing department.  This position offers competitive compensation packages (salary range, based on experience: $73,000 - $107,600) with excellent benefits including Georgia State Health Benefit Plan, an outstanding work calendar, a wonderful work environment and caring team, and opportunities for professional development and advancement. 

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, May 18, 2023 reviewed the proposed budget for next school year, which increases salaries for teachers and support staff, and approved the construction contract for the new replacement Cherokee High School campus.

CCSD graduates first cohort with Dyslexia Endorsement

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 2023 Avery Elementary School Teacher of the Year Rachel Blackman!

National School Nurse Day is May 10, 2023, and this week, we will introduce you to CCSD’s 2023 Innovation Zone Nurses of the Year! Stay tuned as we highlight our winners each day. Thank you to all CCSD nurses for the care you provide daily to our students and staff! #CCSDfam #snd2023

The Cherokee County School District this week honored retiring employees as legends at a new ceremony and reception.

One hundred and twenty-four retiring employees, including teachers, support staff and administrators, were celebrated at the CCSD Retiring Legends Reception and Recognition Ceremony presented Thursday evening in the school board auditorium.

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its 2023 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.  

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

More than 100 Cherokee County School District young singers were selected to perform with the district’s annual Elementary School Honor Chorus!

CCSD will host a job fair for paraprofessionals, bus drivers and School Nutrition workers from 2:30 to 5 p.m. April 26 at 1020 Keeter Road, Canton 30114.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Avery Elementary School 2023 Volunteer of the Year: Amber Palermo! #CCSDfam

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

Twenty-two Cherokee County School District students placed at the elementary school State Science Fair!

The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting on Thursday, March 16, 2023 approved the appointment of new principals and other new leaders for next school year.

The Cherokee County School District is beginning kindergarten and new student registration for the 2023-24 school year with a new online registration system.

The Cherokee County School District is kicking off its month-long celebration of the importance of literacy!

Every March, CCSD celebrates literacy beginning with Read Across America Day, a nationwide reading event that coincides with renowned children’s book author and illustrator Dr. Seuss’s March 2 birthday.  CCSD’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction coordinates the campaign, which supports the statewide Get Georgia Reading initiative and CCSD’s continued focus on improving literacy.

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.

The Cherokee County School District Annual Job Fair for next school year is THIS SATURDAY! Pre-register today to join us: https://bit.ly/2023CherokeeJF #CCSDfam

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

The Cherokee County School District congratulates the districtwide winners of the annual PTA Reflections fine arts contest!

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.

Reminder: CCSD's Job Fair is a month away ... please join us from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 4, at River Ridge High School (400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 30188).  Pre-register today at https://bit.ly/2023CherokeeJF #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District’s School Nutrition program has added a Halal menu item.
 
CCSD School Nutrition continuously updates school menus to keep up with student preferences, and last semester tested a new item in response to a request from students’ parents.

February is School Choice Month for the Cherokee County School District!  

In February, CCSD opens the opportunity for parents to request a school reassignment for the next school year, including our STEM, STEAM and Fine Arts Academies, and our online high school, i-Grad Virtual Academy.  

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2023 School Teachers of the Year winners!

The Cherokee County School District is leveling up students’ computer skills with its first-ever Minecraft Programming Challenge!

The challenge, organized by CCSD’s Office of Technology and Information Services, builds upon the school district’s nationally recognized use of Minecraft: Education Edition, the school version of the popular video game, to further engage students in learning.   

The Cherokee County School District will present its next Parent University program on Tuesday, Jan. 31, with a focus on cyber bullying and social media.

CCSD's Parent University regularly presents free programs for parents on topics of interest to families with school-age children.  The Jan. 31 program is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Woodstock City Church (150 Ridgewalk Way, Woodstock 30188).  The target audience is parents/guardians and students age 11 and older.

We are closely monitoring weather conditions and the potential for severe weather this afternoon. 

The forecast calls for high winds and heavy rain, which could delay bus routes.  If any change is made to dismissal times, we will notify parents immediately by email and text, as well as through a post on our website and Facebook page. 

All after-school and evening extra-curricular activities including athletics have been cancelled.  After School Program care will be offered at elementary schools as planned until 6 p.m.

The Cherokee County School District on Friday, Jan. 20, will host a virtual job fair for Special Education positions for next school year including: school psychologists, speech language pathologists, board certified behavior analysts and occupational and physical therapists.  

Save the date: the CCSD Certified Job Fair will be 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 4, at River Ridge High School (400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 30188).  Pre-register at https://bit.ly/2023CherokeeJF #CCSDfam

On behalf of the Superintendent, this is to advise that, after carefully reviewing the weather forecast for tomorrow morning (Friday, Dec. 23), and at the recommendation of State officials to remain off of the roads if at all possible at that time, he has declared that tomorrow will be a remote work day for CCSD employees, with duties as assigned by worksite supervisors.  As a result, all schools and offices will be closed, and staff will not be answering phones.  Friday is a school holiday for students, so this decision does not impact a school day.  #SafeCherokee 

Several hundred young mathematicians participated in the second annual CCSD Elementary School Math Competition, with Sixes Elementary School named the overall champion!

Students in fourth and fifth grade put their ciphering skills to the test in individual and team competitions during the event held earlier this month at Dean Rusk Middle School.

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

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 approved mid-year bonuses for teachers and support staff and heard plans to increase salaries for next school year.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower proposed the one-time supplemental payments of $1,000 for eligible full-time employees and $500 permanent part-time employees, which will be issued in this month’s paychecks, to show appreciation for their continued service.

On behalf of the Superintendent of Schools, please be advised that Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, the date of the General Election Runoff, will be a Digital Learning Day for all CCSD students.  

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

The recognition ceremony on December 8 will honor one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions.  Each honoree is congratulated by the Superintendent of Schools and School Board members and receives a plaque and gifts of appreciation before an audience of honorees and their families, Principals and CCSD leaders.

The Cherokee County School District will host a fall job fair from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at 1020 Keeter Road.  We are hiring for mid-year teaching positions due to retirements, as well as for immediate openings for bus drivers, paraprofessionals and school nutrition assistant managers and subs. 

Creekview HS was selected for the TODAY show's Friday Morning Lights segment, which was aired live from Creekview HS stadium today (October 28).

CCSD will hold its annual sale of surplus equipment and vehicles on Saturday, November 12.  Preview begins at 8 am, sale begins at 9 am. 

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Avery Elementary School 2022 Volunteers of the Year: Keri Rodes and Kelly Shapiro #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District’s Superintendent of Schools has been named a finalist for the Georgia Superintendent of the Year award!
 
Dr. Brian V. Hightower, who has led CCSD since 2016, was announced as one of four finalists for the top honor today at the Georgia School Superintendents Association’s fall conference in Athens.  

The Cherokee County School District has again earned a top state honor for providing outstanding meals and service to students!

CCSD’s School Nutrition program, which serves 5 million meals each year in school cafeterias, won the Golden Radish Award from the Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Division.  

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.

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. 

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?!’”

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

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.

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 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. 

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.

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.

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.   

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 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

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 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.

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.  

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. 
 

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.”  

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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. 

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
 

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.

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.

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.

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 [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink] was established in 2013 to provide the community with a clear understanding of its operations and stewardship of fiscal resources.  

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 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. 

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 

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

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... [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink]. #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.

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.

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. 

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

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 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).  

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.

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! 

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.  

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. 

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 [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink] 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 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.

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 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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 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.     

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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!

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.  

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.  

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.

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!  

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

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

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.

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.  

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.

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.  

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 [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink] 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

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 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

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

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. 

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
 

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.  

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

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.

CCSD will host its next substitute teacher training workshop on Sept. 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 CCSD HR at 770-479-1871 or katie.munson@cherokeek12.net  #CCSDfam

Cherokee County School District students exceeded State averages on the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade and End-of-Course tests for the sixth consecutive year, with expected decreases locally and statewide due to the pandemic’s impact on instruction.

The annual tests, which were not administered in 2020 due to the pandemic, assess students’ mastery of Georgia Performance Standards, which set expectations for what lessons students will learn in each grade.  Results are used by teachers and administrators to improve instruction for specific students as well as develop new overall instructional best practices. 

Our enrollment has grown to 41,514 students from our opening day enrollment! We see this growth pattern every year, with enrollment usually peaking at the 20th day of school. We will post a 20th day enrollment report at the end of August on our website as we do every year. Welcome to our new families! #CCSDfam

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

The Cherokee County School District is seeking school bus drivers! These positions offer excellent benefits (full-time benefits for part-time work, with at least four hours of pay per day guaranteed), a great work calendar and schedule, and a wonderful work environment and team. A Georgia Class B CDL Driver’s License with School Bus & Passenger endorsements is required; CCSD provides drivers with specialized training. Job details are posted at https://bit.ly/CCSDbusdriver. 

Please see the following message from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower and enjoy some our of #CCSD1stDay photos in the slideshow posted above.

Like many of you, I woke up earlier than usual this morning to celebrate our new year.  While I didn’t have a child’s shoelaces to tie or ponytails to fasten, my day needed to start as early as possible so I could see as many smiles as possible.

As part of the Cherokee County School District’s back-to-school preparations, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower held his first meeting with the Cherokee County Council PTA’s new executive board.

Cherokee County School District’s School Nutrition department is beginning the new school year with announcements including that it will continue to provide breakfasts and lunches to all students at no cost to them … for the entire 2021-22 school year!

CCSD's Transportation Department spends the summer break getting its fleet of big yellow buses inspected and ready for another 4 million miles on Cherokee County roads. In the days before the start of the school year, CCSD’s school buses can be spotted out on the county's roads and highways, running their routes.  One practice run with their bus is required, but many drivers practice more times in their own vehicles.

On behalf of the Superintendent, please review the following updates about CCSD’s Digital Learning program for the 2021-22 School Year. 

We have outlined the highlights of the program and back-to-school preparations below.  We encourage you to review the CCSD Digital Learning Models for SY2021-22 Guidebook, which explains the learning models and expectations in greater detail, and is posted online at https://bit.ly/CCSDdlguide21.

The Cherokee County School District is seeking school bus drivers!  These positions offer excellent benefits (full-time benefits for part-time work, with at least four hours of pay per day guaranteed), a great work calendar and schedule, and a wonderful work environment and team.  A Georgia Class B CDL Driver’s License with School Bus & Passenger endorsements is required; CCSD provides drivers with specialized training.  Job details are posted at https://bit.ly/CCSDbusdriver.  Check out the video at http://bit.ly/CCSDbusvideo to learn more about a day in the life of a CCSD school bus driver!  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net.  Questions? Please contact CCSD Recruitment Coordinator Lindsay Bowley at Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting on Thursday, July 15, 2021 took the following action:

• Approved the monthly personnel report, which included the appointment of Adam Johnson, a 13-year CCSD teacher who has taught and coached track at Cherokee High School, as a new assistant principal at Woodstock High School;

If your children are 0-18 years old, we are pleased to offer summer to-go meal service for them! 

Meal pick up will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 19, at Cherokee High School's Cherokee North building, Creekview High School and Etowah High School's Etowah East building.

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that, based on the Governor’s decision through Executive Order to end the Public Health State of Emergency on June 30, 2021, and the significant improvement of the state of public health, we are returning to pre-pandemic school operations for the 2021-22 school year, which begins Aug. 2.  More back-to-school information will be shared with our families in the July edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter on July 22.

If your children are 0-18 years old, we are pleased to offer summer to-go meal service for them! 

Meal pick up will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 12, at Cherokee High School's Cherokee North building, Creekview High School and Etowah High School's Etowah East building.

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.  
 

If your children are 0-18 years old, we are pleased to offer summer to-go meal service for them! 

Meal pick up will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 28, at Cherokee High School's Cherokee North building, Creekview High School and Etowah High School's Etowah East building.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, June 17, 2021 unanimously approved its budget for next school year, which is balanced without a tax rate increase and includes hiring 125 new teachers above and beyond enrollment growth to help bridge any pandemic-related learning opportunity losses.  

If your children are 0-18 years old, we are pleased to offer summer to-go meal service for them! 

Meal pick up will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 21, at Cherokee High School's Cherokee North building, Creekview High School and Etowah High School's Etowah East building.

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

Four members of the Department of Special Education received its top annual honors during the annual Special Education Staff of the Year Awards ceremony.  They are: CCSD Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist of the Year Amy Peart; CCSD School Psychologist of the Year Laura Killen; CCSD Special Education Facilitator of the Year Kortney Dempsey; and CCSD Speech Language Pathologist of the Year Stacy Irwin.

If your children are 0-18 years old, we are pleased to offer summer to-go meal service for them! 

Meal pick up will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 14, at Cherokee High School's Cherokee North building, Creekview High School and Etowah High School's Etowah East building.

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 Avery ES: Taylor Johnson! #CCSDfam #CCSDunited

The Cherokee County School District School Nutrition program has earned top honors from the Georgia Department of Education.

The program earned the State’s 2020 Vision District award in recognition of its outstanding efforts to use Georgia grown foods on school cafeteria menus.  CCSD has received numerous accolades for its Farm to School initiative and collaboration with community partners including the Cherokee County Farm Bureau.

If your children are 0-18 years old, we are pleased to offer summer to-go meal service for them! 

Meal pick up will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 7, at Cherokee High School's Cherokee North building, Creekview High School and Etowah High School's Etowah East building.

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 Avery Elementary School Teacher of the Year Alicia Thrower!

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

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

“Congratulations to each of our retirees for dedicating your career to serving our community’s children,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “Whether you served in a classroom or behind the scenes, you made a positive difference in the lives of our students.  I know our entire community has benefitted from your exemplary service and joins me in wishing you the best as you enjoy your hard-earned retirement.”

Dear CCSD Family,

The message below is to our graduating Class of 2021 seniors.  I am sharing it with all of you, as they are the future of our community.  You can see each of their names posted on our website at http://bit.ly/CCSDclassof2021.

Dear Class of 2021,

The finish line is in sight.

CCSD is offering a special to-go free meal service for all students on the last day of school! 

Meal pick up will be Friday, May 28, in a designated area of your child’s school (car rider or bus lane) at a designated time.  Here are the locations and times for this distribution: http://bit.ly/CCSDmeals528.

CCSD is seeking skilled Maintenance/Facility Technicians to keep our schools and offices running safely and smoothly.  More information about this opportunity is at http://bit.ly/CCSDfactech.  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 [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink]  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 reviewed the recommended budget for next school year, which includes hiring more teachers to lower class size while not raising the school property tax millage rate, and adopted a resolution that prohibits implementing Critical Race Theory (CRT) and The 1619 Project.  

The Cherokee County School District celebrated National School Nurse Appreciation Day with the presentation of its inaugural Nurse of the Year Awards!

The top school nurse selected for each Innovation Zone (a high school and its feeder schools) was surprised with award presentations on Monday and today.  They now advance to a CCSD Nurse of the Year Award program, with the winner to be selected by a panel of nursing professionals and retired educators and announced at a new professional development event for school nurses this summer.  

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its 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. 

Please see the message below from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower:

Every teacher, whether in his second year or in her 30th year, has them saved.

These treasures take many forms: the handmade cards with imperfect spelling and perfect love, the well-worn first “best teacher” mug turned pens holder and the shiny new one filled with coffee, the dried store-bought carnation and the dried playground dandelion.

The Cherokee County School District is seeking School Nutrition Workers for numerous schools for this school year and next school year.  This position offer competitive compensation and outstanding benefits, a schedule that follows the school calendar, and wonderful work environments and caring teams.  Apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net and selecting any of the School Nutrition Worker listings at various schools.  For more information, please contact Cassandra Higgins at cassandra.higgins@cherokeek12.net and 770.721.8419. #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District saluted educators Thursday night at the long-awaited 2021 Legacy Makers: CCSD Teachers of the Year Celebration.
 
The annual banquet to recognize all of CCSD’s school Teachers of the Year and to announce the overall winner is usually held in the fall.  This year’s program was delayed due to the pandemic, and additional safety measures were enacted for Thursday night including limiting guests.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, April 15, approved school calendars for three more years and appointed several new leaders for next school year.

The approved calendars for the 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 school year now are posted at http://bit.ly/CCSDcalendars.  They were developed by a committee of CCSD employees and parents and use the same balanced calendar model as currently in place.  

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised of the following reminders and updates:

SPRING BREAK
CCSD schools and offices will be closed Monday, April 5, through Friday, April, 9, with classes resuming April 12.  We ask that all students and their families please follow COVID-19 safety precautions over the break, including social distancing, wearing a mask, staying home when you’re sick, and getting tested if you’re symptomatic or if you have had a close contact with someone who is positive.  If you will be travelling during the break, please review the CDC’s guidance at http://bit.ly/covidtravel21; CCSD is not requiring students quarantine due to travel, but if you choose to self-quarantine your children for this reason, please let your child’s school know.

CCSD is offering a special to-go free meal service for all students for Spring Break!

Meal pick up will be Friday, April 2, in a designated area of your child’s school (car rider or bus lane) at a designated time.  Location and Pick up Time by School. (https://bit.ly/CCSDmealpickup)

On behalf of the Superintendent, all after-school and evening extra-curricular activities for today, March 25, 2021, are cancelled due to severe weather.  Elementary School After School Program will be offered as usual.  

Clayton Elementary School’s school counselor sees her mission in three parts: to connect, to educate and to advocate.

Heather Chesnut meets and exceeds that mission with love, hope and a lot of hard work, according to her students, their families and her colleagues.  

“She is a safe haven,” one parent shared, noting her children have been strongly supported by Ms. Chesnut as they navigated through family challenges over the past two years.  “She goes above and beyond what is required of a school counselor.”

Ms. Chesnut earlier this year was selected by colleagues as the Cherokee Innovation Zone’s Counselor of the Year in recognition of her outstanding service for the past nine years, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower surprised her Tuesday with the honor that she’s the Cherokee County School District 2021 Counselor of the Year! 

On behalf of the Superintendent, as announced last week (http://bit.ly/ccsdbbb321), in addition to traditional in-person learning for the 2021-22 School Year, CCSD will continue to offer a Digital Learning option for students in Grades K-12 for the first semester (Aug. 2-Dec. 17).  Any further extension of Digital Learning will be considered in the fall. 

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, March 18, 2021, heard school operations updates on plans for special events including graduation ceremonies and proms, as well as details for next school year including the continuation of a Digital Learning option.  

The School Board also approved several appointments for CCSD school leadership roles for next school year including new Principals for Ball Ground Elementary School STEM Academy and Mountain Road Elementary School, as well as the naming of the District’s first administrator focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.

On behalf of the Superintendent, as shared with the School Board at its meeting tonight, he has announced plans for Digital Learning for next school year; high school prom; and graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021.

On behalf of the Superintendent, due to the threat of severe weather, all CCSD schools will be closed for in-person learning on Thursday, March 18, 2021.  Teachers and staff will not report to schools.  Teachers will post assignments for students in Canvas.  If your child does not have access to technology or should your household be without power due to the severe weather, makeup opportunities will be extended. A decision has not yet been made about extra-curricular activities scheduled for after school and evening.

The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) has announced the week of March 15-19, 2021 as “School Board Member Appreciation Week.” 

CCSD joins a statewide celebration this week to salute the efforts of local school board members.  As constitutional officers of Georgia, school board members are responsible for setting educational policies, employing school personnel, providing buildings and equipment, operating a transportation system and disbursing school funds.  As community leaders, school board members serve as advocates for the children in local public schools and must study, evaluate and decide what actions are in the best interest of those students.

The Cherokee County School District this week will begin a new series for its Parent University program, an annual initiative focused on providing parents with expert guidance to help their children be more successful in school and in their lives overall.

For this school year's series, which begins Tuesday, March 16, and will be conducted through live sessions on Microsoft Teams, CCSD is partnering with Nathan Maynard, author of the bestselling book "Hacking School Discipline," to focus on how to build students' social-emotional competencies through restorative practices. 

For more information click here.

The Cherokee County School District is successfully vaccinating employees at a districtwide event this week in collaboration with the Department of Public Health.

The two-day event began Thursday and continues today at Canton First Baptist, with a goal of vaccinating 2,850 full-time and part-time CCSD employees.  Additional employees, including substitute teachers, will be vaccinated by DPH by special priority appointments next week.

The Cherokee County School District is seeking an outstanding nutritionist/dietitian to serve as a School Nutrition Facilitator.  This position offer excellent compensation and benefits, a great work calendar and schedule, and a wonderful work environment and team. 

The Cherokee County School District today surprised the overall winners of its third annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards!

The awards program honors one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions, and one overall CCSD winner is selected for each of three categories: Elementary School; Middle School/High School/Centers; Central Office.  

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised we have received official confirmation that the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be administered by the Department of Public Health (DPH) to our employees during our mass vaccination event this Thursday and Friday (March 11-12).  This means that we will NOT need to close in-person learning on April 15 and 16 for a second round of vaccinations.  

On behalf of the Superintendent, all CCSD schools will be closed for in-person learning on Thursday, March 11, and Friday, March 12, 2021 in order to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to CCSD employees.  We understand this closing may create hardships, but it is the best way for our organization, in partnership with the Department of Public Health (DPH), to quickly vaccinate all interested CCSD employees as soon possible.  

The Cherokee County School District is seeking school bus drivers for next school year!  These positions offer excellent benefits (full-time benefits for part-time work, with at least four hours of pay per day guaranteed), a great work calendar and schedule, and a wonderful work environment and team.

The Cherokee County School District is seeking RNs or LPNs to join its team of School Nurses.  These positions offer excellent benefits, a great work calendar and schedule, and a wonderful work environment and team.  Details are posted at http://bit.ly/CCSDnurses21  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net  Sign up today for the CCSD Virtual Job Fair on March 6 to learn more and talk with a CCSD School Nurse!  Info at https://bit.ly/CCSDjobs21  

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, approved several appointments for CCSD school leadership roles for next school year.

As part of the monthly personnel report, the School Board accepted the retirements of many longtime educators throughout CCSD including Bascomb Elementary School Principal Kathleen Chandler.  

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 #CCSDunited

CCSD is offering a special to-go free meal service for all students for the February Winter Break!

Meal pick up will be Friday, Feb. 12, in a designated area of your child’s school (car rider or bus lane) at a designated time.  Location and Pick up Time by School. (https://bit.ly/CCSDmealpickup)

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 2020 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Avery ES: Ellie Babb! #CCSDfam #CCSDunited

Sign up now! The Cherokee County School District’s annual Job Fair will be a virtual event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 6. The event will focus on hiring teachers, bus drivers, school nurses, School Nutrition workers and more for the 2021-22 school year. Visit http://bit.ly/CCSDjobfair21 to sign up to participate. #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District today surprised the winners of its poster and video contests to seek students’ help in encouraging mask usage among their classmates.

CCSD students in grades 6-12 were invited to create and enter a short public service announcement-style video that educates students about the benefits of mask usage by students at school, and students in grades K-12 were invited to design and enter a poster promoting the same message.  The winning videos and posters will be used in CCSD schools and on CCSD websites and social media to promote student mask usage.

Please be advised that due to a technical error the weekly grade and attendance reports emailed to parents this morning are inaccurate. We are working to address the issue and will send new reports in as timely a manner as possible.
 

The window for school choice reassignments  for 2021-22 within the Cherokee County School District is February 1-March 1. This includes applications for CCSD STEM and Fine Arts Academies. 

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that all CCSD schools will reopen for in-person learning on Monday, Jan. 25.  

Thank you for your patience during our temporary closure as we worked to return staffing levels to our operational needs.  Thank you to our teachers and support staff for their outstanding work to continue providing engaging instruction and services to students.

The Cherokee County School District's Special Education department will offer a virtual program for parents of Special Education students.

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Avery Elementary School 2020 Partner of the Year: Cherokee Farm Bureau!

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 at its meeting Thursday night heard updates on State education funding and the state of public health.  

CCSD is providing a temporary pay incentive to substitutes. The incentive will begin immediately and expire May 15, 2021.

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that all CCSD schools will remain temporarily closed for in-person learning through Friday, Jan. 22, with a tentative reopening date of Monday, Jan. 25.  This difficult decision was made based on continuing high levels of staff absences and substitute teacher shortages due to positive cases and quarantines, as well as the current level of community spread and its resulting impact on emergency medical services and hospitals.