"Educating the Emerging Generation"
Dear #CCSDfam,
One of the best parts of my role as your Superintendent is visiting our schools to see our students and educators working together.
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
Four longtime Cherokee County School District leaders have retired this year following successful careers of service to the community.
Congratulations to this year’s retiring senior staff: Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operations Officer Trey Olson, Executive Director for Administrative Leadership Beth P. Long, Director of Facility Maintenance Ronald Barnes, and Supervisor of Facility Maintenance Randy Evans.
The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its educators and support staff who are retiring after exemplary service!
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!
The Cherokee County School Board during its May meeting, which was held this evening virtually and streamed online, heard school reopening plans and a budget update.
Fourteen Cherokee County School District students placed at the statewide Georgia 4-H Project Achievement Competition!
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 a ceremony on Monday held virtually online.
On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised of the following updates:
GRADUATES: The Superintendent has authorized a special #2020CCSDGrads recognition for the Class of 2020 on Friday, May 29. As part of the last weekly observance when our high school football stadiums are illuminated for 20 minutes at 8:20 p.m. (20:20 military time) on Fridays, we will hold Class of 2020 parades at the schools from 7 to 9 p.m. Principals will send more information about this event to the parents of seniors. Graduates will drive through a pick-up area for honor cords, medals and other special regalia and, as a gift to every senior from their Principal, each will receive an embroidered school patch to affix to their keepsake graduation robes. These patches, which have adhesive backing, feature the same design as those on the rental gowns used for past commencement ceremonies.
The Cherokee County School District has earned national recognition for its effective use of educational technology!
The District has been selected by the District Administration educational leadership organization as the Districts of Distinction award winner in the Educational Technology category.
On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that CCSD’s Office of Technology is ending its successful distribution of CCSD laptops for students to borrow for use during the school closure. This distribution initially was only to take place on the last day of classes at schools on March 13, but Technology staff have worked hard to continue the process to meet students’ needs. CCSD has distributed 3,112 devices to students and will fulfill another 500 pending requests by Friday. If you are a CCSD parent and your child is without any access to any device on which to do their Digital Learning Days assignments, please notify your child’s teacher by 5 p.m. today, March 31, 2020. If Technology is unable to fulfill your request, staff will let your child’s teacher know immediately so you can make other arrangements.
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.
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
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.
On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that the Governor has mandated school closures through March 31, 2020. (https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2020-executive-order/03162001/download) This will extend CCSD’s current Digital Learning Days by two more days. We will keep you updated on any further extensions.
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.
On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that all Cherokee County School District schools and offices will be closed for two weeks from Monday, March 16, 2020 through Friday, March 27, 2020. We will use Digital Learning Days during this closure to continue teaching and learning.
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..
A Director for the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) visited Creekland Middle School last week to see first-hand how CCSD teachers are incorporating technology in the classroom.
The latest issue of our CCSD Connections parent newsletter is online now: https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter Thanks to Credit Union of Georgia for its sponsorship! #CCSDfam
The Cherokee County Council PTA has set the schedule for its Parent University program presented in collaboration with CCSD and community partners.
Today is PTA Day in CCSD, as proclaimed by the Cherokee County School Board! We appreciate our PTA and its volunteers who give so much of their time, talent, treasure and hearts to support our students, staff and schools. More: http://bit.ly/PTAday20 #CCSDfam
We’re proud of our CCSD family’s outstanding teachers… and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam
The Cherokee County School District on Thursday conducted a multi-agency emergency response drill to practice school evacuation and reunification plans.
The drill was held during the winter break to avoid disrupting classes, with activity taking place at Cherokee High School in Canton, CCSD’s offices in Canton, and First Baptist Church of Woodstock. Hundreds of law enforcement and public safety officers, volunteer role-players including students and parents, and CCSD employees worked together to act out an emergency scenario at the school, evacuation of the school, and reunification of students and staff with their families at the church.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 approved the appointments of new Principals and other leaders for next school year.
The Cherokee County School District next month will present its second annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards!
The celebration on March 12 will honor one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions. Each honoree will be recognized by the Superintendent of Schools and School Board members, receive a plaque and gifts of appreciation, and enjoy a reception with their family and Principal.
The Cherokee County School District and its Superintendent of Schools are finalists for national awards recognizing the best in school spirit and dedication to schools and students!
The Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards celebrate schools, organizations and individuals who “go above and beyond the call of duty to build school pride, student engagement and community spirit.”
The Cherokee County School District will host its annual job fair on Saturday, March 7 for hiring new teachers, bus drivers, school nurses and school nutrition workers. The District is also looking for psychologists and speech language pathologists.
Cherokee County School District students excelled in this year’s Student Technology Competition, with 53 placing first at Regions!
The statewide Georgia Student Technology Competition program includes 16 categories of competition for students in Grades 3-12. Three hundred and thirty-seven students put their technology skills to the test at the Piedmont Regional Technology Competition recently held at Woodstock MS: School.
The window for school choice reassignments for 2020-21 within the Cherokee County School District is February 1-March 1. This includes applications for CCSD STEM and Fine Arts Academies.
The Cherokee County School District is opening online registration for 2020-21 kindergarten students and first graders new to CCSD on Monday, January 27. The Registration Gateway allows parents to log in from home via CCSD’s website and get enrollment forms filled out online, rather than filling them out by hand while waiting at a school office.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020 approved the appointment of a longtime CCSD leader as its next Chief Operations Officer.
Dr. Debra Murdock, a past Georgia High School Principal of the Year who currently serves as an Executive Director in the Office of School Operations, will begin leading the division this spring.
The Cherokee County School District earned positive credit ratings from the world’s top agencies, benefitting the community’s taxpayers.
Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s financial service companies this month reaffirmed CCSD’s Aa2 and Aa+ ratings, respectively, and awarded Stable outlooks to both, which places the District in an outstanding position for future growth.
Dean Rusk Middle School sixth-grader Riley O’Neill correctly spelled “piratical” and then “hurriedly” to claim the title as the county’s top speller at the 2020 Cherokee County School District Spelling Bee Thursday night at Cherokee High School. Brayden McPhillips of Woodstock Middle School captured second, and Laura Hand of Creekland Middle School placed third.
The January edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online here and includes updates on safety and security and other important information. Thanks to Credit Union of Georgia for its sponsorship! #CCSDfam
EXP will resume this year on Jan 25th.
Every holiday season, CCSD students, staff, parents & community partners join together to show how much CCSD cares about its families in need. We hope you enjoy these photos from just a few of their many service projects. #CCSDfam #CCSDcares
Attention 8th grade parents and students! Don’t miss the very important Parent Night/Elective Fair for rising 9th graders @ CVHS on Tuesday, January 14th @ 6:30 in the auditorium/cafeteria! Learn important facts about 9th grade, and all the exciting elective courses that Creekview has to offer! This is a great way to get all the facts before deciding on next year’s electives!
The Cherokee County School District’s Social Studies Fair saw impressive participation, with 26 first-place winners advancing to the Northwest Regional Social Studies Fair in February!
The Cherokee County School District’s third annual VILLA Program, which encourages and celebrates parent engagement, saw record participation this year.
The November edition of the CCSD Connections parent e-newsletter now online here is filled with important information including two updates to the school calendar.
There will be early dismissal for middle school and high school students on Friday, Dec. 20; elementary school dismissal will be on time, but After School Program will not be offered.
There will be no school on Tuesday, March 24, the date of the Presidential Primary Election, in order to ensure the safety and security of students, as many schools are used as polling sites. March 24 will be a Digital Learning Day, with assignments provided online for students to complete at home. More information about how Digital Learning Days will work on March 24, as well as on any inclement weather days this fall and winter, is in the newsletter.
Save the date: The Georgia Probe College Fair will make its annual stop in Cherokee County from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29 at Cherokee High School (Cherokee North Campus) at 930 Marietta Highway, Canton. Learn more: http://gaprobe.org #CCSDfam
Due to the anticipated high heat index for today and Tuesday, August 13, 2019, the Cherokee County School District is cancelling all outdoor activities from 12:00 noon to 6:00 PM. This includes curricular and extracurricular classes and activities.
The Cherokee County School District is asking local businesses and organizations to Partner Up with CCSD!
Businesses and organizations are invited to learn more about partnering with CCSD schools by dropping in at the free event anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo Educational Services Facility auditorium (1205 Bluffs Parkway, Canton, 30114). Participants can visit tables of school leaders, who will be grouped by geographic area, to share coffee and conversation with them about partnership opportunities.
Parent Letter
Parent Letter Spanish
UPDATE 1:30 p.m. - The Gateway is back online and running - thank you!
The Back-to-School Gateway is currently offline due to technical difficulties. CCSD Technology staff are working with the system vendor to correct the issue as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience — we will post here when it's back online and ready to use.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, April 18, 2019 approved the appointment of a new CCSD School Police Chief and new assistant principals to fill vacancies for next school year.
The School Board unanimously approved naming Major Buster Cushing, who currently serves as commander of field operations for the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, as the next CCSD School Police Chief effective July 1. Major Cushing will fill the role held by retiring Chief Mark Kissel since the Department’s establishment 20 years ago.
The Cherokee County School District’s online system for registering new students for the 2019-20 school year now is open to parents!
Parents can log in from home to the New Student Gateway by clicking here. Parents who missed the window for online kindergarten registration in March also can register their children using the New Student Gateway.
Tickets are on sale now for the 8th Grade Dance.
If your upcoming 8th grader is enrolled in High School Credit classes for next year, make plans to attend an informational meeting on Thursday, April 18th at 6:00 in the Cafeteria.
The April edition of the CCSD Connections parent newsletter now is online here and features an important update on the school calendar issue -- and much more!
Please join CCSD in supporting April as the Month of the Military Child by wearing purple on Wednesday, April 10, for Purple Up Day! #GAMilitaryChildMonth #CCSDfam Learn more here.
This is National Social Work Month, and CCSD has four full-time social workers who assist the families of our 42,000 students in overcoming challenges that might affect their education. Our social workers strive daily to connect families with community resources and provide interventions to address situations like homelessness, hunger, truancy, drug abuse, neglect and other challenges. Last year, CCSD’s three social workers made 793 home visits; handled more than 800 cases; made 1,500 parent contacts and provided assistance to 146 homeless students. This year, with the addition of a fourth member to the social worker team, they are on a pace to work 1,000 referrals and serve more than 230 homeless students.
Cherokee County School District students excelled in this year’s Student Technology Competition, with 53 placing first at Regions and six placing at State!
The statewide program includes 16 categories of competition for students in Grades 3-12. Two hundred and eighty students put their technology skills to the test at the Piedmont Regional Technology Competition held earlier this school year at Woodstock Middle School.
Celebrating these Awesome Students this month - Congratulations!
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 ages 3 to 21.
The Cherokee County School Board is celebrating the CCSD School Police Department for its 20 years of exemplary service.
Led since its establishment by Chief Mark Kissel, who has announced he will retire at the end of this school year, the Department consists of 20 police officers certified by the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council, an Emergency Management Facilitator and office staff.
Cherokee Art Council
94 North Street
Canton, Ga 30014
Open House Reception: Thursday, April 11th from 6-8 pm
Gallery Hours:
Friday, April 12th from 11:00 - 5:00
Saturday, April 13th from 12:00 - 5:00
Come out to see our Drama Club's production of Oklahoma. Thursday, March 21st and 22nd at 6:30.
CCSD's Communications Division today released the District's 2018 Annual Report of District Progress, showcasing CCSD student achievement and School District accountability across multiple metrics. The report can be viewed here.
Missed our job fair, but still want to learn more about joining the #CCSDfam for next school year? We're participating in the Cherokee Career Expo from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center (1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton 30114). We're hiring teachers, school nurses, bus drivers, school nutrition cafeteria staff, clerical support and more! #CherokeeByChoice Click here for more: https://www.cherokeega.org/career-expo/
Don't forget to order your Grizzly a t-shirt for Grizzly Games this year - deadline is March 15th. See this Information and Order Form.
The March edition of the CCSD Connections parent newsletter now is online here and features an important update on the State-mandated school calendar issue and new troubling education legislation. The newsletter also includes two brief surveys on our Strategic Plan and communications… please participate to help CCSD continuously improve!
Do you know the rules of the road when encountering school buses? When to stop and when you can keep going? Check out this video - http://bit.ly/stop4bus - to learn more. #SafeCherokee
The Cherokee County School District’s award-winning School Nutrition department will celebrate National School Breakfast Week from March 4 to 8 with special items on the menu at all CCSD school cafeterias including a fruit parfait on Tuesday and breakfast for lunch on Wednesday. The week’s theme is “School Breakfast: Start Your Engines.”
#CCSDfam #NSBW19
The Cherokee County School District is celebrating the importance of literacy with its second annual month-long “Get CCSD Reading” campaign!
In support of the statewide Get Georgia Reading initiative, the program kicks off with Read Across America Day on Friday, a nationwide reading event that coincides with renowned children’s book author and illustrator Dr. Seuss’s March 2 birthday.
The Cherokee County School District has kicked off a significant update to its five-year Strategic Plan and began the process with community engagement.
The School District, with the support of the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA), is developing a new plan aligned with the community’s vision for the future and designed to be better understood and appreciated by the community and more accurately implemented and measured by CCSD staff.
The Cherokee County School District next month will present its first-ever Support Staff Employee of the Year Awards!
The celebration on March 5 will honor one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions. Each honoree will be recognized by the Superintendent of Schools and School Board members, receive a plaque and gifts of appreciation, and enjoy a reception with their family and Principal.
The two academic teams, the veterans and the novice, placed second and first respectively in their divisions yesterday in the second annual North Gwinnett Middle School Invitational Tournament. The novice team finished 8-0 and the veterans concluded the tournament with 8-1 record.
Please help the Georgia PTA learn more about family engagement in our schools by taking this quick survey by Feb. 15: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4338471/8e40728cd90f #CCSDfam
Due to forecasts for possible inclement weather tomorrow, all CCSD schools and offices will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019. We will continue to monitor conditions tomorrow to determine if further action is needed. Updates will be posted & emailed to parents. How do we decide? Learn more here (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/school-closure-decision-process). #SafeCherokee
Meet Emma Smithwick, our 8th Grade Girls Player of the Week (week of 1/8). So thankful that she is a Grizzly.t Emma, our 8th grade Player of the Week for Lady Girzzlies. So thankful that Emma is a Grizzly.
Meet Dacey, our 7th Grade Girls Basketball Player of the Week for week of Jan 8th. So glad she is a Grizzly!
Cherokee County School District middle and high schools will have an early release day on Dec. 21, as students begin their winter holiday break.
On Friday, Dec. 21, all CCSD high schools and middle schools will dismiss on a half-day schedule, with buses departing early. Elementary school dismissal is not affected and will remain 2:15 p.m. Preschool program dismissal also is not affected. The After School Program will not be offered at CCSD elementary schools.
Don’t miss the very important Information Night/Elective Fair for parents & rising 9th graders @ CVHS on Tuesday, January 15th @ 6:30 in the auditorium/cafeteria!
We are proud of our December Students of the Month. Thank you all for being awesome Grizzlies!
Due to forecasted icy road conditions, all CCSD schools and offices will operate on a 2-hour delay Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018. Buses will pick up 2 hours late; school will end on time. We will closely monitor conditions overnight to determine if further action is needed. Updates will be shared on our website and social media, and by email to parents. How do we decide? Learn more here (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/school-closure-decision-process). #SafeCherokee
Get some GRIZZLY wear for your favorite Grizzly. Place your order on- line here. Hurry - Deadline is Friday, Nov. 30th.
We would like to recognize Reese Brauer as our 8th Grade Player of the Week. Read more about this awesome young lady.
We would like to recognize Camryn Deaton as our 7th Grade Girls Player of the Week. Read more about this fantastic young lady.
The Cherokee County School District and Georgia Bureau of Investigation next week will co-host a summit on youth suicide prevention.
The Cherokee County Youth Suicide Prevention Summit, which is open to the public, is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, at the Cherokee County Conference Center at 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton 30114.
Be a hero! Support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) by paying $2 to wear a cape on Friday, October 19th. All proceeds go to CHOA.
The Cherokee County School District next week will host a PTA-sponsored program for parents on drug addiction and prevention with guest speakers including Cherokee Sheriff Frank Reynolds.
Great Tryouts - thanks to all that came out. Click the link above to view the team members.
Parent and Student informational meeting is on 8/31 @ 4:00 in Mr. Dodge's room.
Be sure to join us in celebrating Chicken and Waffles Day on Friday, Aug. 24th. The cafeteria will be serving Chicken and Waffles for lunch.
Join us on Mondays and Wenedsdays for Drama Club. See flyer for all of the info. Drama Information
Are you interested in an award winning academically challenging program that will provide you with multiple opportunities to travel locally and out of state? Stop by room 202 and ask Dr. Nazemzadeh for more information. The tryouts for this year’s team will be held on August 14th and August 15th 3:45-5:50 in room 202.
The Cherokee County School District today launches its Back-to-School Gateway, an online system designed to reduce paper waste and wasting parents’ valuable time!
The Back-to-School Gateway is a paperless, online registration system for students already enrolled in CCSD schools that replaces the dreaded stack of “first-day forms” with a quick digital check and update of students’ existing contact and emergency notification information in CCSD’s records system.
Summer Externship program gives CCSD counselors a peek into careers in local industries
CCSD Farm to School program wins kudos
Creekland Summer Office & Registration Hours
CMS Summer Office Hours:
May 29th - June 8th: 7:30 - 3:30
July 17th - July 24th: 8:00 - 3:00
July 25th - July 31st: 8:00 - 4:00
Three of the Chamber of Commerce "Top 10 in 10" Young Professionals this year are CCSD administrators.
Grizzly Families, make plans to attend 2018-19 Walk-Through:
Friday, July 27th (1:00-3:00): All returning 7th and 8th Graders
Saturday, July 28th (9:00-11:30): 6th Graders “Bear Walk”
Five Cherokee County School District students earned top honors at the State Social Studies Fair!
The statewide competition capped off the annual contest through which students explore a social studies area -- Sociology/Social Psychology, History, Anthropology, Economics, Geography or Political Science -- and complete a research project. The Georgia Council for the Social Studies, which organizes the program, moved the competition online due to school closures and announced winners this week.
* This is not a school sponsored sport
Job well done by all!
Congratulations to all that made the 2019-20 basketball teams!
BOYS:
7th grade: 1,3,5,11,12,13,15,17,20,22,23,24
8th grade: 7,8,11,12,13,15,16,17,18,22
Girls were made aware of the teams at tryouts today.
The Back-to-School Gateway is a paperless, online registration system for students already enrolled in CCSD schools that replaces the dreaded stack of “first-day forms” with a quick digital check and update of students’ existing contact and emergency notification information in CCSD’s records system. Forms should be completed by Friday, August 9.
Gabby and Madison are our Players of the Week. Learn more about these wonderful young ladies that we are so proud to call Grizzlies.
The Superintendent of Schools will make an announcement by Jan. 31 as to whether classes will be held during the last three days of February Break.
As you know, schools are scheduled to be closed on Monday, Feb. 18, and Tuesday, Feb. 19 for student holidays. The CCSD school calendar designates Wednesday, Feb. 20, through Friday, Feb. 22, as possible school holidays or inclement weather make-up days.
We have some of the VERY BEST here at CMS. Meet our 8th Grade Player of the Week.....Kayla Ward. Glad she is a Grizzly.
The Cherokee County School District is celebrating National School Lunch Week next week with special entrees!
The National School Lunch Program serves 30 million children every day, and this year’s celebration theme, “Lots 2 Love,” encourages students and school nutrition professionals to share what they love most about school lunch.
Let's go Grizzlies! Sign up for this fun event to support CMS.
Register here: https://www.cfamooveit.com/
CCSD school nurses and Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services trained more than 300 school employees on how to stop severe bleeding in a victim.
Student & Parent Info about High School Credit Classes.
CMS Book Fair –
Aug 30 – Sept 6th
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Parent night is Tuesday, September 3rd from 4:00 pm through the end of Curriculum night. Parents receive 5% off on book purchases on parent night. The homeroom on each grade level that purchases the most books receives a coke social.
SIGN UP TO WORK THE BOOK FAIR HERE
CCSD is continuing its participation in the USDA Seamless Summer Option, which offers free meals to children during the summer – and rolling out a new delivery bus!
The meals are available to youth 18 years of age or younger; the program runs June 5 to July 19, Monday through Friday, with no meal service July 1-5. All meals must be consumed on site; the distribution sites and times are listed on the flier above; a menu is online here.
We have some of the BEST! A huge Thank You to Kathy Harris, Angela Wilson, and Kevin Dibble for everything they do to help our students and staff.
We have some of the VERY BEST here at CMS. Meet our Player of the Week for 7th Grade.......Sydney Shipley. Glad she is a Grizzly.
We spotlight a player each week. Meet Camryn Yokley - 8th Grade. So happy she is a Grizzly!
Shout out to Emma for being reconized as the CCSD Student of the Day. A super deserving young lady. Glad she is a Grizzly!
Join us for the Back to School Bash (Dance) on Thursday 8/9. Students will stay after school and need to be picked up at 6:00. Cost is $5
A school in the first week of May overflows with joy and appreciation.
Children march through the door carrying carefully wrapped packages – plenty of coffee mugs, yes, but also handmade treasures. Teachers enjoy catered lunches and desserts baked up by PTA volunteers. Hallways glitter with Teacher Appreciation Week posters, and the celebration spills over to social media, where we scroll through tributes to teachers of today and yesterday.
Attention: Current 7th Graders that,are interested in taking a High School Credit Elective class or being a peer helper next year - COMPLETE the on-line application here. DEADLINE is Feb 8th.
Current 7th graders have the opportunity to apply to be considered for the following High School Credit Elective Classes and Peer Helper Class:
Visual Arts: APPLY HERE
Introduction to Business and Technology: APPLY HERE
Peer Helper Class: Complete this application and hand deliver to Ms. Cody in room 204
Current Band and Chorus students have the opportunity to take a high school credit band or chorus class. These students will need to see Mr Boyle (band) or Ms. Reed (Chorus) for information about applying for these classes.
Shout out to Christina Warren, our 7th grade girls player of the week. So glad this awesome young lady is a Grizzly!
We spotlight a player for each week. Meet Lindsay Cork - 7th Grade. So glad she is a Grizzly!
* UPDATED INFO......If you are intrested in trying out for our 7th or 8th grade CMS basketball teams please see the REQUIRED physical form below and the try-out schedule.
Smile Grizzlies
Picture Day is Wednesday, Aug 15th.
The December edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online here. Thanks to Credit Union of Georgia for its sponsorship! #CCSDfam
Lions International Peace Poster Contest Winners
1st Place Winner: Kinley Sikes
2nd Place Winner: Charlotte Selman
3rd Place Winner: CharliAnne Clemens
CCSD high school and middle school basketball teams ended their regular seasons last week and begin tournament play tonight, lasting through the week. All six of CCSD's high schools will have both their boys' and girls' teams involved in regional tournaments to determine seeding/eligibility for the state tournament, which kicks off February 15. CCSD middle schools will begin the county tournament schedule tonight to determine the county champion for boys and girls teams, 7th and 8th grade. Schedules/brackets can be found here.
Shout Out to this Outstanding young lady!! Rylee is our 8th grade player of the week. So glad she is a Grizzly!!
Jostens is running a promotion this week only where anyone that purchases a book is entered into a chance for a $1,000 Amazon Gift Card as well as other prizes. Order Here.
You don't want to miss this performance. This will be a great show for all ages. We are proud of these students and sponsors.
The Technology Fair is earlier this year. The registration deadline is Nov. 15th. See Mrs. Bennett (room 201)ASAP if you are intrested in competing. Get more information here. The Regional fair will be held on Dec 15th at Woodstock Middle School.
Grizzlies, make sure you plan on visiting our Book Fair. You can even order books on-line.
Order early and save money. Place order before 8/31 and icons are FREE. Read here for more info:
Yearbook Information
We lined up in the warm gym, waiting in the alphabetical order we knew by heart. We scanned the crowded bleachers for familiar faces, including the permitted three we knew best. And though my only role was to walk across a stage and accept my diploma, my palms stayed anxiously damp.
CCSD this fall held its first-ever student video PSA contest to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping.
Freedom Middle School earned the top trophy at this year’s Cherokee County School District Middle School Academic Bowl! Creekland Middle School came in second and Teasley Middle School placed third at the event, which is organized by CCSD’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction and was hosted this year by Dean Rusk Middle School. The cost of this year’s event was sponsored by a community partner, Garth Gherardini with Modern Woodmen of America!
#CCSDfam
An informational meeting for parents of 8th graders enrolled in high school credit classes will be held on Aug.6th @ 6:30 in the CMS cafeteria.
Meet Reagan, our 8th Grade Player of the Week. We are so glad she is part of our Grizzly Family. Learn a little more about this awesome young lady.
Huge Shout Out to Karina Harrington - She is our 7th grade player of the week. We are super glad she is a Grizzly. Learn a little more about this wonderful young lady.
While Cherokee County School District schools and office remain closed, registration for students new to CCSD for the 2020-21 school year is underway.
Please support the Food Drive that is sponsored by our Student Council that benefits Must Ministries.
Find the list of needed items here.
Explore the option of Dual Enrollment! The Cherokee County School District invites students and parents who are interested in learning more about Dual Enrollment to our annual information nights coming up November 7 and 11.
Let's Dance: Aug. 8th 4:00- 6:00 in the CMS Cafe.
All Medicine(s) must be picked up by a parent or guardian by the last day of school (May 29th).
Thanks, Nurse Carol
Meet Olivia, our player of the week. Proud to say that she is a Grizzly! Learn a little more about this wonderful young lady.
Huge Shout Out to Nicole Frausto - She is our 8th Grade Player of the Week. Learn a little more about this fantastic young lady. We are so glad she is a Grizzly.
The Academy Street Theatre Group is having auditions for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" on Sept. 26th or 27th. Read Flyer for more information.
For the fourth consecutive year, Cherokee County School District students exceeded State averages on the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade and End-of-Course tests! CCSD has exceeded State averages every year since the tests that measure mastery of Georgia Performance Standards began.
“We are focused on increasing students’ mastery of the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in college, career and life,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. “These Milestones results show our students and teachers are consistently and successfully getting the job done. I’m so proud of them, their families and our partners and volunteers -- we’re in this together with the same goal: making our community’s future the best it can be.”
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 heard an update on CCSD’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative, including projects underway to increase counseling services and create a “parent university” program for providing parents more information to help their children’s safety and well-being.
The Cherokee County School District’s performance has improved, and, for the seventh consecutive year, has exceeded the State’s average College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) accountability system score.
The scores, released today by the Georgia Department of Education, annually calculate student academic achievement and progress. The School District’s 2018-19 CCRPI average is 83, an increase from 79 the previous year, and exceeding the State average of 76. Scores at all three levels of CCSD schools also improved from the previous year and surpassed State performance: 86 elementary (77 Georgia); 80 middle (72); 82 high (77).
CCSD students are invited to enter CCSD's Fire Safety Essay & Poster Contests by Sept. 9.
To raise awareness in observation of National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6-12, CCSD's Office of Safety & Security, in collaboration with Cherokee County Office of Fire & Emergency Services and Woodstock Fire Department, will sponsor districtwide fire safety contests. The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) theme is: “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”
7th and 8th grade basketball tryouts are Sept. 30th - Oct. 2nd.
REQUIRED Athletic Physical Forms
On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that the School Board has unanimously approved a new tougher anti-vaping policy for next school year.
While CCSD’s student discipline code already prohibits the possession or use of vaping devices and oils anywhere on campus, this new policy (click here to read) adds more serious repercussions.
Cherokee County School District high schools and middle schools will have early release days later this month, which will affect traffic in the surrounding areas.
The Superintendent of Schools has determined the February Break will be a full week-long break for students.
Due to a mild winter so far, resulting in the need to close schools for only one full day, coupled with positive long-range forecasts, all CCSD schools will be closed Monday, Feb. 18, through Friday, Feb. 22, for the student holiday. CCSD central offices will remain open as previously scheduled.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, approved its annual Legislative Partnership Program outlining requests for the local Legislative Delegation’s consideration during the upcoming session, and local control topped the list.
Fantistic race. Thanks to our amazing PTA and all the volunteers. See race results here.
Our school provides academic support during our Extended Instruction Program (ExP). During this time, students may receive additional tutoring in ELA/Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies as well as getting assistance with class and/or homework in a supervised environment.
EXP Information Letter
EXP Enrollment Form
Applications for free and reduced-price meals must be completed every school year under Federal guidelines. If your student was approved for free of reduced-price meals last school year, the approval has been extended for the first 30 operating days of the school year. Previous year meal benefits will expire on Sept. 12, 2018 unless a new application is received.
How many students are expected in CCSD schools this school year?
How many new teachers will be in the classrooms?
Who is my new Principal?
Find the answers to these questions and many more in the 2018-19 First Day Facts publication, which shares new information about the upcoming school year.
The Cherokee County School District’s newly published Annual Report of District Progress offers the community a snapshot of the past year’s successes.
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 age 3 to 21 years old.
Hundreds of athletes and volunteers participated in the CCSD Special Olympics Awareness Games on Friday morning at River Ridge High School.
Read more info here.
The Cherokee County School District School Nutrition program has scored a three-peat with its third consecutive Platinum-level Georgia Golden Radish Award!
CCSD’s program, which serves 5 million meals each year in school cafeterias, again earned the top award from Georgia’s Departments of Agriculture, Public Health and Education, and Georgia Organics.
CCSD middle schools will send about 100 students to the Battery at SunTrust Park this Sunday to participate in the Atlanta Braves Science of Baseball STEM Showcase, showing off what they've learned this year using the Science of Baseball curriculum.
Way to go Jr. Grizzlies Lacrosse. U13 Champs
Huge THANK YOU to these wonderful Grizzlies! They were reconized as Students of the Month for January.
Join us on Nov 30th to shop at our Merry Marketplace as you come out to support our Grizzly Basketball and Cheer Teams. The marketplace will be open from 4:00 - 8:00 in the cafeteria at CMS.
Here is information about this awesome event: Holiday Flyer
If you are intrested in being a vendor at this event see this Informational Flyer
The Cherokee County School District is focused on further improving suicide prevention training for its staff and offering more support to students in need.
This important issue long has been a part of professional development for staff, but CCSD is increasing its training and programs in response to the national rise in teen suicide rates, as well as the tragic deaths of students, teachers and parents in the community.
Please plan on supporting The Red Cross at our annual CMS Blood Drive on Nov. 6th from 7:00am - 5:00 pm here at CMS. Sign up here
If you have questions contact Traci Palmer
There will be prizes for students that recruit donors and for the homeroom with the most donors.
The Cherokee County School District’s graduation rate has reached a new high, with 87.4% of the Class of 2018 earning a diploma within four years of entering high school.
If you are intrested in appliying for this club - complete this application.
Please see the following message to parents from Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower:
Today, we found silver linings in our rain clouds.
No one wants to hear a forecast for rain on the first day of school. It soaks those new school clothes and backpacks, but, of greater importance, it also makes the morning traffic more challenging and dangerous.
Our teachers and leaders carried on, many getting drenched as they greeted car riders in the process, but remaining enthusiastic and welcoming. And you carried on, too, and we appreciate the patience and kindness you showed, especially as buses were slowed by the rain and car rider lines grew long.
Amid the memes floating around, there’s one reminding us “we’re not all in the same boat” in this sea change.
While online learning is working well for many students and families, it is not for all. We see this in system data; technology requests; teacher and parent feedback; and in our survey results, especially the thousands of comments from students and parents.
Meet our 6th Grade Junior Tennis Team.
The September edition of the CCSD Connections parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter, and is filled with important news & updates. Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia! #CCSDfam
Want to learn more about the Cherokee County School District and how you can better support your child's education? CCSD's VILLA parent academy program is the answer!
CCSD is accepting applications through Sept. 6 for its third annual VILLA program that provides parents with a behind-the-scenes look at their School District.
No matter what’s in your vape, you’re breaking CCSD rules by having it on campus. The punishment is as tough as suspension and expulsion, so don’t risk your future success. #SafeCherokee
The Cherokee County School District will host its annual job fair on March 2 for hiring new teachers, bus drivers and school nutrition workers!
The fair is from 9 a.m. to noon at River Ridge High School in Woodstock, and offers job candidates the opportunity to meet CCSD and school leaders. Candidates not only will have the opportunity to introduce themselves, but also the chance to ask questions.
Reporting safety concerns to the Cherokee County School District now is easier than ever with the roll-out of a new smartphone app! The School District in August launched the new SafeSchools Alert system, which allows students, parents, school staff and everyone in the community to report safety concerns to CCSD School Police and administrators by text, email, online message or phone call, with the option to do so anonymously. To further increase accessibility, the system now includes a new smartphone app, which can be downloaded at no cost.
CCSD's Office of Safety & Security, in collaboration with Cherokee County Office of Fire & Emergency Services and Woodstock Fire Department, is sponsoring a districtwide fire safety contest for students!
National Fire Prevention Week is October 7–13, 2018, and the theme is: “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”
Plan to participate in the CMS Intramural Progam. See the Intramural Form for information and permission.
The Cherokee County School District is expanding to all schools its system that allows parents to track their child’s school bus on a smart phone or computer!
The Transportation Department began testing the Versatrans My Stop system last school year, and after a successful pilot, the system will be available to all CCSD parents beginning July 30 – just in time for the first day of school on Aug. 1.
CMS Digital Learning t-shirts
It's National School Psychology Awareness Week! We greatly appreciate all that our CCSD school psychologists do to help our students succeed. #CCSDfam
October 21-25 is National School Bus Safety Week, and this is also the time we honor our school bus drivers and thank them for the great job they do keeping children safe on the ride to and from school. Thanks to sponsors Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and the Chick-fil-A restaurants in Cherokee County, CCSD drivers were treated to breakfast on Tuesday and given Chick-fil-A gift cards and a bag of treats. CCSD schools also held special events or provided tokens of thanks for their drivers.
Twenty-eight Cherokee County School District schools have been honored at the State level for excellence in health and PE programs!
The schools all earned recognition on the Governor’s SHAPE (Student Health and Physical Education) Honor Roll, which rewards outstanding commitment to the health and well-being of Georgia’s students through fitness and nutrition.
Congratulations to CCSD's School Teachers of the Year!
At the start of every school year, 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 2020 Teacher of the Year!
Please share our new job listing for CCSD Director of Facility Maintenance! This leadership 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.
If we could have ordered up a perfect morning for the first day of school, I’m not sure it would have been prettier than today.
Not only did the beautiful weather exceed expectations, so did our entire #CCSDfam.
The Cherokee County School District is beginning a new service for families registering students for school.
The Centralized Summer Registration Center will allow parents to complete the process for registering students -- in any grade who will be new to CCSD for the 2019-20 school year -- early in the summer break, rather than waiting for school front offices to reopen.
The Cherokee County School District will offer a variety of summer school learning opportunities from June 5-25 for high school students including rising ninth-graders.
In addition to offering a wide selection of courses for students who need to retake classes not passed during the regular school year, Personal Fitness and Health courses will be offered for initial high school credit.
The Transition Academy helps young adults with cognitive disabilities make a smooth transition into the community after they exit the school system.
You don't want to miss the CMS Color Run on Saturday, Oct. 27th. . Sign up here
Learn more about applying for Friends Club here.
The Cherokee County School District will begin offering students and parents a closer look at school cafeteria menus this school year with the new MealViewer To Go app and website.
The system, which launches today, not only lists what’s on the breakfast and lunch menu each day, but includes photos and nutritional information. The menu for the first day of school is available now through MealViewer, with more menus, photos and nutritional information being added daily in preparation for the start of school.
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 Creekland Middle School Teacher of the Year Ana Cahill!
Can you remember a teacher or another school staff member from your childhood who made a positive difference in your life? Did you ever thank them?
“We know our School District is a family of caring teachers, counselors, bus drivers, cafeteria staff and many more, all focused on doing their best to serve our students … and a new districtwide initiative will now give students the opportunity to thank them!” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. “We’re excited to begin #thanksCCSD and honor those among us who go above and beyond.”
The October edition of the CCSD Connections parent e-newsletter now online here is filled with important information including an update on CCSD’s Digital Learning Day plan for inclement weather. Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia. #CCSDfam
The Cherokee County School District’s graduation rate continues to exceed State averages with 87% of the Class of 2019 earning a diploma within four years of entering high school.
CCSD’s performance tops the State’s rate of 82% -- an all-time high since the State began using a new formula required by Federal law. Georgia’s rate has increased by 12 percentage points since 2012, while CCSD has climbed nearly 15 points.
November Jr. Beta meeting this Wed., Nov. 13th in the CMS Cafe AFTER 2nd load.
Bring in 2 canned goods or non-perishable food items to donate to those in need.
As always, check our website for more information.
Go to our Jr. Beta Club website for additional information and meeting dates. Please check often for frequently updated information.
Remember, the REMIND app will not be used this year to send out reminders.
The School Board's Strategic Work Session and regular School Board meeting originally scheduled for August 15 (which were cancelled due to a gas main leak in the vicinity) have been rescheduled for Thursday, August 22. The Superintendent/School Board Strategic Work Session will be held at 6:00 p.m., and the School Board meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. The Superintendent’s recommended, updated agenda will be re-posted to the School District website on Monday, August 19.
CCSD is ready to celebrate the first day of school tomorrow, Aug. 1. We hope you enjoy this welcome-back video featuring messages from each of our schools! Please use the hashtag #CCSD1stDay tomorrow to share your photos with us. #CCSDfam #CCSDcares
Georgia STEM Day 2019 had students in CCSD middle school classrooms working in teams to creatively solve problems and generate solutions. Using videos and materials developed by the Georgia Tech Research Institute, students tackled their assigned problems across multiple subject areas throughout the day—and got to pitch their ideas to GTRI scientists and researchers to determine feasibility and get feedback to tweak their proposals.
The Cherokee County School District presents an annual Agency Information Fair for parents, grandparents, teachers and caregivers to learn more about services in the community for children with special needs. This year's free event is on March 21. Please see the flier posted online here for more info, as well as this list of participating organizations.
Cherokee County School District schools have earned high ratings for cultivating a positive school climate! The District earned a 4-star average on the 5-star scale in the Georgia Department of Education’s annual ratings, which measure how a community views the quality of its school’s culture and character; the highest possible rating is 5 stars. The rating is based on a survey of students, parents and teachers; student discipline issue rates; and daily attendance.
CCSD high school students improved their performance on College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams in 2018, with 74% of students scoring a 3 or higher, up from 71% in 2017 and again exceeding state and national averages.
Sean Czerner(8th) and Brayden Fuentres(8th) we selected to be part of the State Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. There were a total of four students selected from CCSD. Two of them are our Grizzlies - we are very proud of them.
Congratulations to these outstanding students, who we know will be excellent representatives for their schools and our School District on this important statewide council,” Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools said. “We look forward to seeing them further extend their influence as young leaders.”
Members were selected, from 1,000-plus applicants submitted by students statewide, based on their community service and answers to essay questions about public education and how it can improve. The students will talk with Superintendent Woods about topics including how State policies affect their classrooms; participate in service projects; and serve as the Superintendent’s student ambassadors.
The Cherokee County School District for the second consecutive year has earned Georgia’s top honor for preparing and serving fresh, healthy meals to students!
CCSD’s School Nutrition program, which serves 5 million meals each year in school cafeterias, earned the Golden Radish Award at the Platinum Level from the Georgia’s Departments of Agriculture, Public Health, Education and Georgia Organics.
Congrats to these awesome Grizzlies for being selected as a student of the month for August.
The Cherokee County School District is adding an expanded system for reporting safety concerns!
The SafeSchools Alert system will allow students, parents, school staff and everyone in the community to anonymously report safety concerns by text, email, online message or phone call. This system will replace the previous anonymous tip hotline.
The School Board on Thursday evening also approved monthly personnel recommendations, which included the appointment of new assistant principals and a new head girls basketball coach for Creekview HS.
The new assistant principals are filling vacancies created by retirements, advancements and enrollment growth.
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.
Cherokee County School District schools continue to score high among their community members for fostering a positive school climate and culture!
The District earned a four-star average on the five-star scale in the Georgia Department of Education’s annual ratings, which measure how a community views the quality of its school’s culture and character; the highest possible rating is five stars. The rating is based on a survey of students, parents and teachers; student discipline issue rates; and daily attendance.
Want to learn more about what's next for CCSD?
The Cherokee County School Board recently approved CCSD Blueprint: a long-range plan for continued success. This strategic plan will guide CCSD's work for the next five years. You can learn more about Blueprint, and keep up with CCSD's progress in accomplishing the goals set by the plan, by visiting this new webpage.
We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here every week -- congratulations to Creekland Middle School 2019 Partner of the Year Northside Hospital Cherokee!
The Partner of the Year from every CCSD school is recognized at an annual ceremony sponsored by the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 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! #CCSDfam
Five Cherokee County School District teachers have earned international certification for excellence in effective use of educational technology in the classroom!
The teachers -- Kim Bennett, Kerri Gainer, Connie Garrison, Elizabeth Huffaker and Traci Rollman – who all serve at Creekland Middle School, are the first in CCSD to achieve ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Certification.
What's cooking, #CCSDfam?
If you're a CCSD parent who loves to cook, please enter our first-ever CCSD School Nutrition Parent Recipe Contest... you could win a $100 Kroger gift card and see your side-dish recipe featured on CCSD school lunch menus in October!
Please remember that applications for free or reduced-price meals must be updated every school year, per Federal guidelines. Applications for this school year are due by Sept. 12 to avoid an interruption in status.
You can apply online at www.lunchapplication.com or pick up a paper application in the front office of your child's school.
If you have questions, please contact Paula Hilton at 770 721-8443 or paula.hilton@cherokee12.net. Para español: Viri Gates a 770 721-8460 o Viri.Dudoit@cherokeek12.net.
The Cherokee County School District is sponsoring a video contest with a $500 prize to seek students’ help in raising awareness of the dangers of vaping.
CCSD students in grades 6-12 are invited to create and enter by Oct. 1, 2019 a short public service announcement-style video that educates students about the health dangers of vaping. Entries will be judged for message, quality and creativity. One winner will receive $500 sponsored by the Service League of Cherokee County.
The Cherokee County School District is increasing its efforts to support the emotional and mental health and well-being of students and staff through a new Social and Emotional Learning initiative. Dr. Debra Murdock, who’s heading up the districtwide effort, has launched a new Twitter account @CCSDCares to share news about CCSD’s efforts… and to hear ideas from CCSD educators, parents and the community at large. #CCSDCares #CCSDfam
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, June 20, 2019 unanimously approved the Superintendent’s proposed budget for next school year and celebrated the swearing-in of a new CCSD School Police Chief.
Thanks to the support of partner Northside Hospital Cherokee, the Cherokee County School District received EpiPens at no cost for all of its schools! The cost of the pens – auto-injectors that can be life-saving in cases of serious allergic reaction - was waived by manufacturer, Mylan, as part of its EpiPen4Schools program. CCSD’s participation in the program was made possible by NHC Dr. Matthew Simmons, who wrote prescriptions for each school’s clinic.
Come support your favorite Grizzlies on the basketball court this year.
Basketball Schedule
Express Gateway update portal, the online system for parents to change phone, email or important information for students, is now available.
The Cherokee County School Board this evening unanimously approved the Superintendent of Schools’ recommendation to end school early on May 8 and to postpone a decision on high school graduation ceremonies until July 1.
The Cherokee County School District’s School Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting our students and staff every day. We’re thankful for their service, and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam #SafeCherokee
The CCSD Transportation Department has earned recertification of its prestigious National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Blue Seal of Excellence!
CCSD in 2015 became one of the first school systems in the State to obtain this level of certification, and just learned that this important seal of approval has been extended again based on a close review of its staff’s knowledge and practices.
It's almost time for CCSD school buses to start rolling! Do you know the rules of the road when encountering school buses? When to stop and when you can keep going? Please check out this video - http://bit.ly/stop4bus - to learn more. #SafeCherokee
Today is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, advocated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The Cherokee County School District joins in this observance as we care deeply about the health and well-being of all of our students. Our school counselors, nurses, social workers and psychologists are here to help. We have developed a resource page for parents to learn more about mental health resources and suicide awareness and prevention: http://bit.ly/ccsdresources #CCSDfam #NCMHAD
More Cherokee County School District Class of 2018 students took the ACT exam than any previous class, while maintaining impressive averages and exceeding National and State averages!
Results released today show the Class of 2018 posted an excellent overall score of 23, while a record number took the challenging college entrance and placement examination: 1,809 students -- an 11-percent increase from the previous year. The score ranks CCSD third among metro Atlanta counties and seventh in Georgia – out of 180 school districts!
We need your help in spreading an important message as our students head back to school: #SafeCherokee Please check out this brief video - http://bit.ly/CCSDSafeCherokee - featuring Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower and Cherokee Sheriff Frank Reynolds, and a united force of our community’s law enforcement and public safety officers and first-responders.
We have learned many lessons over the past month, and some of those have been lessons re-learned.
Like that our school families connect and strengthen even if our buildings are closed. Our children show us their resilience, their optimism — their best, when put to the test. And that it sometimes is hard to see the rainbow beyond the storm clouds, but it’s still there.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 approved Blueprint, a new long-range plan for the Cherokee County School District’s continued success, developed based on community input.
The creation of the new five-year strategic plan, which is posted here, evolved over six months of meetings with students, families, teachers, support staff, business and community partners to determine what matters most to them and how CCSD could better serve them.
Intramural Information and Sign Up Form
Cherokee County School District students topped State averages on the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade and End-of-Course tests for the fifth consecutive year, with important gains in early literacy and math!
The test assess students’ mastery of Georgia Performance Standards, which set expectations for what lessons students will learn in each grade. Students in Grades 3-8 take Milestones End-of-Grade exams every spring in select core subjects; high school students in specific courses (and eighth-graders taking the classes for high school credit) take Milestones End-of-Course exams. Parents will receive their children’s scores next month.
Please join us in thanking our school nurses today on National School Nurse Day! They provide exceptional care for our students, staff and visitors each day. #SND2019 #CCSDfam
Going once, going twice, gone! 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. 9, at the CCSD Central Warehouse (201 Mountain Brook Court, Canton, 30115). The sale preview starts at 7:30 a.m. More information is listed on the auctioneer's website: http://jeffdobson.com/ Look for the "Upcoming Auctions" heading.
CCSD is participating in Georgia’s Farm to School month celebration with special menu items including a Kickin’ it with Kale salad on Wednesday!
The fresh kale, cranberry and apple salad will be available throughout CCSD cafeterias as a side choice at lunch on Wednesday, with students encouraged to try kale, a vegetable that may be new to them.
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
The August edition of the CCSD Connections parent e-newsletter is now online here, and is filled with important news & updates.
You now can read CCSD's first-ever Class Act magazine online!
Thanks to the Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News and Cherokee Life Magazine, CCSD is able to share more news with you through this new publication.
Our Principals are dedicated leaders, and we’ll be introducing you over the coming days to Principals who are new to the role or who are serving at new schools this year. Please help us celebrate Dr. Richie Carnes, who will be leading Creekland Middle School! #CCSDfam
All six Cherokee County School District high schools have been named to U.S. News and World Report’s “Best High Schools” list!
The magazine’s prestigious list is based on factors including academic performance, college readiness, graduation rates and success of disadvantaged students.
Please help us spread the word: online registration for kindergartners and all students who will be new to CCSD for the 2019-20 school year is underway at https://registration.cherokeek12.net/. You can complete the online process in about 15 minutes and set up a time to visit the school and verify your required legal documents. Want to learn more about the learning that happens in our kindergarten classrooms? Check out the report: Ready to Learn: A Parent’s Guide to CCSD Kindergarten at http://bit.ly/CCSDkready #CCSDfam
The Cherokee Sheriff's Office is seeking more dedicated crossing guards to protect our students and keep traffic moving safely around our schools! #SafeCherokee
The academic team finished first and second in the veteran and the novice divisions of the GATA north respectively. This was the first of 2018-2019 school year competitions.
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
Today is National Teacher Appreciation Day! We appreciate our outstanding teachers and all that they do every day to serve our community. #CCSDfam #ThankATeacher
We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize one here every week. Please join us in thanking and congratulating 2019 Creekland Middle School Support Staff Employee of the Year Kathy Murphy!
The Support Staff Employee of the Year from every CCSD school and central office division is recognized at an annual ceremony sponsored by the Cherokee County Educational Foundation, and ABM Industry Groups LLC and Credit Union of Georgia. #CCSDfam
CMS will spend each week focusing on different character education word. Find the list here.
Please share this opportunity! We are so appreciative of the Cherokee Sheriff's Office and its dedicated crossing guards. #CCSDfam
Need help setting up your parent accounts in Canvas?
Canvas Parent Instructions
The Cherokee County School District this week launched a three-year partnership with a global education leader to improve STEM learning opportunities for elementary and middle school students!
CCSD, already recognized nationally for its commitment to STEM education, now is working with Discovery Education, part of the same company as the Discovery TV network, so its classroom resources and professional development for teachers can enhance lessons and incorporate more real-world learning experiences.
The May edition of the CCSD Connections parent newsletter now is online here and features info on graduation, summer camp (the deadline to apply for CCSD Summer Discovery is Friday) -- and much more! Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia.
It’s Curriculum Night time! CCSD Curriculum Night programs provide parents with an overview of what their children will learn this school year. Find the event for your child's school in the schedule posted online here.
What's new for CCSD this school year? What do I have left on my back-to-school to-do list? Check out CCSD's annual First Day Facts report - a two-page, quick read of important information to start your school year off right! #CCSDfam #CCSD1stDay
Sat. July 27th:
6th Grade 8 (Bear Walk) 8:30 - 11:30 (parent meeting 10:30)
Tues. July 30th:
7th & 8th (drop in) 3:00-5:00
Many students choose to take the 9th grade classes Personal Fitness & Health over the summer to open a spot for another class in 9th grade. Cherokee County offers an excellent opportunity at Cherokee H.S. that is only 3 weeks long, and offers credit for both Personal Fitness & Health. Please see the attached information about how to register for these classes.
Information Form
Information Form (Spanish)
Please share our new job listing for school nurses -- this position offers a competitive compensation package with outstanding benefits, a great work calendar and schedule (work while your kids are in school... and enjoy vacation with them!), and a wonderful work environment and team. Join the #CCSDfam & apply now: http://bit.ly/JoinCCSDfam
June 3rd – June 12th 7:30am-3:30pm
July 8th – July 19th 7:30am – 3:30pm
Read about more summer and registration info here
Registration forms now are online for CCSD's summer school learning opportunities from June 5-25 for high school students including rising ninth-graders.
The July edition of the CCSD Connections parent e-newsletter is now online here, and is filled with important back-to-school information! Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia.
No matter what you call it - vaping, Juul-ing, e-cigarettes – or how harmless the devices may seem, let’s clear the air: these are dangerous devices not permitted in schools.
CCSD takes vaping as seriously as any other tobacco product or marijuana, and the repercussions to a student’s health and school record are not worth risking. A 2018 national study released reported 1 in 5 high school students have tried vaping.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, July 18, 2019 appointed a longtime CCSD leader to head up the new Social and Emotional Learning initiative, as well as several resulting Principal changes.
Dr. Debra Murdock, the former Principal of Cherokee High School and Georgia High School Principal of the Year, who has most recently served as the School Operations’ executive director overseeing middle and high schools, will take on the newly created role focused on developing new ways to better support students’ and employees’ emotional and mental health and well-being.
CCSD stays busy over the summer break, as departments continue to serve students through special programs and work begins to prepare for the new school year. This slideshow video and the information below represents just some of the many projects underway over the summer.
Please share our new job listing for Facility Technician -- this position offers a competitive compensation package with outstanding benefits, a great work calendar and schedule, and a wonderful work environment and team. Join the #CCSDfam & apply now: http://bit.ly/CCSDFacilityTech Questions? Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.
Please share our new job listing for a School Psychologist -- this position offers a competitive compensation package with outstanding benefits, a great work calendar and schedule, and a wonderful work environment and team. Join the #CCSDfam & apply now: http://bit.ly/jobsCCSD Questions? Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.
If you are an upcoming 8th grader, read below about the High School credit classes and year long classes you may be able to take during your connection time next year.
The high school classes are year long classes and students will be unable to withdraw after the first quarter. The grade received will be count toward the the student's high school GPA.
Students are encouraged to apply if interested, space is limited. Students will be notified if they get selected to take the course.
Congratulations to our winners from Cherokee County’s Annual Art Show:
1st Place goes to: Kaelin Kerschner and Mackenzie Miles
2nd Place goes to: Devon Hall and Lauren Denereaz
3rd Place goes to: Camryn Yokley and Aaliyah Butts
Honorable Mention goes to: Devon Hall, Julia Barfield, Sydney Howard, Connor Vitak and those who helped with the Grizzly Bear from Visual Arts Class.
Please read application below about the Peer Helper Program/Class. Upcoming 7th graders have the opportunity to apply to be part of this program - complete the application below.
This class will take place during one of your connection classes next year. Students will be notified if they are selected to participate.
Application
Current FCA 8th graders, if you are interested in a leadership FCA position next year at Creekview, complete this application: FCA Leadership Application
REMINDER… ALL student medications must be picked up from the clinic by 3pm on May 25th. Any medication left after that will be destroyed.
Thank you,
Carol Reed, RN
Creekland MS Nurse