Dear #CCSDfam,

It’s been awhile since we could say we’re bringing you good news, but I hope many of you will see this message as such.
 
Working with our graduation host, First Baptist Church of Woodstock, we are excited to announce a plan that will allow us to accommodate up to two guests per Class of 2020 graduating senior for our in-person ceremonies, as scheduled (https://bit.ly/CCSD2020), later this month.  Graduating seniors will receive an email in their CCSD account from their Principal later this month with instructions on ticketing for guests and arrival.

CCSD's Summer Feeding Program will add weekend meals to the food distributions for the final two dates (July 13 and July 20), increasing the meals per child from 5 days of breakfast and lunch to 7 days.  Cherokee HS site will also have 200 boxes of fresh produce to give away the next two pickup days, one box per family.  The produce boxes are made possible through USDA's Farmers to Families program.  Meal distribution sites, times and guidelines are on the website here.

Dear #CCSDfam,
 
I begin this message by expressing gratitude: thank you to the School Board for its unanimous approval tonight of our CCSD Reopening of School Plan, thank you to the citizens who attended to share their opinions and thank you to those who, instead of attending, emailed or called to share their thoughts.  You can read a recap of tonight’s meeting online at https://bit.ly/CCSDbbb7920. 

The Cherokee County School Board at its called meeting tonight unanimously approved the Superintendent’s recommended CCSD Reopening of School Plan, which calls for both the return to schools for traditional learning and the launch of an improved digital learning choice.

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that Cherokee County School Board Chair Kyla Cromer has called for a School Board meeting to be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2020 to consider approval of the Superintendent’s recommended CCSD Reopening of School Plan. 

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

A Cherokee County School District teacher has won a national award recognizing inspiring educators!

Free Home Elementary School teacher Keith Furstenberg is the Georgia winner of the national Sanford Teacher Award, which includes a $10,000 prize.  He now advances to be considered for the National title and a $50,000 prize.  The awards program is sponsored by Sanford Programs, which was established through a gift from philanthropist and businessman Mr. T. Denny Sanford.

Dear #CCSDfam 

We are sending the message below to all of our high school students, many of whom have reached out to us with concerns about the issues of diversity, equity and tolerance.  We’re sharing this message with not only the parents of our high school students, but also the parents of all of our students, so you will be aware of its contents and can consider having a conversation at home about this topic.  We are very aware of where our role ends and where yours begins, and that we must work together to help our students succeed.  

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

The Cherokee County School Board at its work session and regular meeting this evening reviewed the proposed CCSD budget for next school year, which balances a State funding shortfall without the need for furlough days or a tax rate increase, and heard an update on school reopening plans.

Six Cherokee County School District Class of 2020 graduates have earned scholarships from ABM Industry Groups LLC.

Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy has earned an award for its outstanding school garden!

The school has won the Cherokee County Farm to School Third Annual Golden Shovel Award, which includes a $100 grant.  The award is presented annually by the Cherokee County Farm to School Committee, made up of local agriculture leaders and educators, to one CCSD school garden each spring.

If you have not completed your 2020 U.S. Census Survey, there is still time!  95% of households receive their census invitation in the mail (these were sent in March, with reminders sent in April).  As of June 14, 62% of Cherokee County residents have responded (compared to 57% in Georgia and 61% across the U.S.).  Every household has the option of responding online, by mail or by phone.  Households that have not responded may receive a visit from a census worker between Aug. 11 and Oct. 31 to help complete the form and ensure everyone is counted.  For more about the census and how the data is used, go to www.2020census.gov

Cherokee County School District middle and high school students competed at the Georgia 4-H Northwest District Project Achievement Competition, with five earning first-place honors.

Thirty-eight CCSD students in grades 7-12 participated in the event, competing in a field of 582 students.  For the contest, students choose an area of interest, research it, create a portfolio and make a presentation.  Students are judged on their presentation and their portfolio, which includes their project work, as well as information about their leadership and citizenship activities and community service.

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

A Sequoyah High School Class of 2020 graduate has earned the annual $5,000 college scholarship awarded by Waste Management/Pine Bluff Landfill.

Boston Elementary School has earned national certification for digital citizenship!

The school has been recognized as a Common Sense Certified School for Digital Citizenship by Common Sense Education.  The national nonprofit organization guides educators in teaching students how to use technology safely and adopt positive digital skills and habits.

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

Dear #CCSDfam, 

In any other time, a potential 11% cut in State education funding would not be a cause for optimism, but we are in challenging times.  As the initial forecast called us to brace for a 14% cut and a $32 Million loss for our School District, we are grateful for the 3% difference now projected by the Governor.

Dear #CCSDfam,

Over the summer break, our high school campuses usually stay busy as student athletes and coaches prepare for fall sports.

REMINDER: The summer schedule for our #CCSDserves to-go meal distribution by CCSD School Nutrition begins Monday, June 1!  Some locations and times have changed – check the flier above for details.  Please remember: a child must be present to receive a bag; do not come sick; do not stay at the site after picking up food.  More information is posted at bit.ly/CCSDserves  Thank you! #CCSDfam

Dear #CCSDfam,

The message below is to our graduating Class of 2020 seniors.  I am sharing it with all of you, for I know you hold in your hearts the same hopes as I do for their success.  You can see each of their names posted on our website at https://bit.ly/CCSD2020.

7/4/2020 UPDATE: Graduates will be permitted up to two guests. Details: https://www.cherokeek12.net/News/message7420

7/4/2020 UPDATE: Graduates will be permitted up to two guests. Details: https://www.cherokeek12.net/News/message7420Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2020, made up of 3,035 students, will celebrate the end of its senior year today!

CCSD high schools will host senior parades from 7 to 9 p.m. today (May 29) to celebrate with students and their families.  Students will be able to pick up, via a drive-through station, their diplomas and special recognition items.  Students are encouraged to wear their caps and gowns.

To help parents keep their children on track for a great start back to school, CCSD has created a Summer Learning Adventure website of vetted resources for students of all ages!

While Cherokee County School District schools and office remain closed, registration for students new to CCSD for the 2020-21 school year is underway.