CCSD School Wins State Honor for Excellence in Education

A Cherokee County School District school has earned a top state honor for excellence in education!

Sixes Elementary School has won the prestigious School Bell Award from the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals. 

The association presents the School Bell Award to no more than 10 schools in Georgia each year in recognition of outstanding curriculum and organizational leadership initiatives.  Fourteen CCSD schools now have been honored over the past 12 years, an exceptional record.

Sixes ES, led by Principal Dr. Ashley Kennerly, earned the award for its Teacher Toolbox professional development program.  The program for all of the school’s teachers is designed to “add additional instructional tools to their toolbox, so that as they recognize needs among students in their class, they have a diverse repertoire and materials necessary to address individualized learning needs,” Dr. Kennerly said.  The school’s PTA provided important support by donating funds to purchase additional classroom supplies for implementing new instructional techniques and class activities.

“Coaching and mentoring have naturally occurred as teachers are building up one another, and teacher leaders have emerged and have had opportunities to plan and lead professional development that is well-received and is making a positive impact on students at Sixes Elementary School,” Dr. Kennerly said of another benefit realized through the program.  “Teacher Toolbox has invested in teachers in an ever-changing educational world, and it has helped ensure that teachers understand the what, the how and the why behind specific instructional strategies.  We realize that teachers matter and investing in their success also invests in the success of students and our future.  We can’t wait to see our students continue to shine bright!”

Sixes ES will be formally recognized and presented with its award at the association’s Fall Principals’ Conference.  Dr. Kennerly and teacher leaders who helped lead the initiative will be recognized by the Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower at an upcoming school board meeting.

“Continuous improvement is our constant goal in CCSD, and this award recognizes how Sixes answers that bell with amazing success,” Dr. Hightower said.  “I’m so proud of Ashley, her team of teachers and support staff and the dedicated PTA volunteers who worked together to make the Teacher Toolbox initiative a success.  Through this program, teachers grow as educators and leaders, which in turn, fulfills our mission of providing the best education possible to our students.  Congratulations on this honor and thank you for all the work invested to earn it!”

Dr. Ashley Kennerly

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