Dear #CCSDfam,

Grace. This word has become a mantra for me and for my leadership team over the last three weeks. It defines how I expect all of our employees to always treat students, parents and each other, and especially so in this challenging time.

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that Gov. Brian Kemp has extended his closure of all schools statewide through the close of the school year.  This announcement also cancels all events scheduled to take place at CCSD schools, all CCSD special events and extra-curricular activities, and all community leases of CCSD facilities through May 31, 2020.   Over the coming days, the Superintendent and staff will develop recommendations for School Board approval regarding operations and programming for the remainder of the year.  This will include time-sensitive topics such as the completion of the academic year, final grades and graduation.  In the interim, CCSD will continue Digital Learning Days; Spring Break (April 6-10) will be observed as scheduled with no Digital Learning Days. #SafeCherokee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear #CCSDfam, 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Parents:

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

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

Safe Schools Alert

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

You can now access the attendance office directly.