a vision for excellence 2008 State of the Schools Report superintendent’s message

I am excited to present you with this year’s State of the Schools report, which highlights many of the accomplishments of our students, our schools and our district. From academic achievement, to fine arts performances, to athletic victories, the Clarke County School District enjoyed a banner year in 2007-2008. We are poised for even greater success this year. Our mission in the Clarke County School District is to prepare our students to be productive members of society by providing a challenging and meaningful education. While we have much work to do to reach our goals, there is much to celebrate: n Student achievement, as measured by Georgia’s Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT), is on the increase in nearly every grade and every subject in our elementary and middle schools. n More high school students are passing all five sections of the Georgia High School Graduation Test and our on-time graduation rate is improving. n More students than ever are taking college-level Advanced Placement courses in our high schools, including more minority students and more economically-disadvantaged students. During the last school year, the Clarke County School District, its students and its faculty were recognized for outstanding achievement at the state and national level. Our district was one of the first in Georgia to earn district-wide accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Our non-traditional high school, Classic City Performance Learning Center, received the National School Boards Association’s Magna Award for innovative educational programs. Fowler Drive Elementary School teacher Halley Page was recognized as the Georgia Science Teacher of the Year. The list goes on and on. We’re also excited about the new ways our district is moving forward and providing each student an opportunity for a rigorous and relevant experience in our schools. One example is the tremendous expansion of our early learning programs for the youngest students and their families. We’ve also launched expanded career and technical education options, including a groundbreaking partnership with the University of Georgia and Athens Technical College. This partnership, known as “Young Dawgs,” provides unique internships to our students in UGA and ATC academic and support areas. As we begin a new school year, don’t miss the opportunity to be involved in our schools. If you are a parent or guardian, help your child succeed by attending the many programs and activities planned for the year. You can also be involved by keeping in touch with your child’s teacher, making sure your child reads daily and completes his or her homework assignments. Simply talking to your child about the importance of school and doing his or her best will go a long way toward making this a great year. If you are a community member, we welcome your involvement and support. Opportunities for helping our students, teachers and schools include the Clarke County Mentor Program, the Foundation for Excellence in Public Education in Clarke County, the Adopt-A-Class program and many more. Contact our Office of Public Relations and Communications or one of our schools to learn more. Athens-Clarke County is a great community and deserves great public schools. We are working toward that vision, “a vision for excellence.” If we work together, I am confident that vision will become reality.

Sincerely,

James H. Simms Superintendent Clarke County Board of Education President (District 6) Mr. Charles Worthy Vice President (District 4) Mrs. Allison Wright District 1 Dr. Denise Mewborn District 2 Mr. Vernon Payne District 3 During the last school year, the Clarke Rev. David Nunnally Sr. District 5 County School District, its students Mr. John Knight and its faculty were recognized for District 7 outstanding achievement at the state Mr. Chester Sosebee District 8 and national level. Mrs. Sidney Anne Waters

– James H. Simms, Superintendent District 9 Ms. Ovita Thornton

Superintendent and Cabinet Superintendent Mr. James H. Simms Deputy Superintendent Mr. Ernest Hardaway Associate Superintendent for Instructional Services Dr. Noris Price Associate Superintendent for District Services Mr. Ted Gilbert Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Dr. Mike Blake Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Mr. Robert Bierly Director of Technology Services Ms. Lynn Pace Director of Public Relations and Communications Mr. Mike Wooten

2008 State of the Schools Report 1 major accomplishments

District-wide Accreditation The Clarke County School District became one of the first school systems in Georgia to earn district-wide accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS/CASI) in 2007. The designation recognizes Clarke County as a school district with “a clear process of continuous improvement focused on increasing student achievement.” A SACS/CASI Quality Assurance Review Team announced the unanimous recommendation for district accreditation following a three-day visit by education leaders from Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Florida. The team visited the school district’s administrative offices and nine schools and interviewed more than 200 teachers, administrators, parents and students. The team also reviewed detailed data on every aspect of the school district’s operations. In its report to the Clarke County Board of Education, the SACS/CASI team recognized the commitment and high expectations of the school district’s administrators and teachers, its “abundant” classroom technology resources, its open culture, and its “happy and engaged” students. In addition, the team issued several professional commendations to the school district. The commendations included creating the new Office of Accountability and School Improvement, building understanding and commitment for the district’s mission, vision and core values, hiring additional staff to provide common planning time for elementary teachers. The district also received commendations for its charter school initiative, its investment in safety, and its use of multiple communications methods to reach parents.

2 Clarke County School District CCSD Earns Largest-Ever Early Learning First Grant The Clarke County School District Office of Early Learning received the largest single Early Learning First grant awarded since the inception of the federal literacy program. The $6.4 million grant allowed the school district to develop the Ready Readers program, which is designed to help our community’s children build a solid foundation for success in school. Ready Readers supports fundamental early language and literacy skills in three and four-year-olds by providing additional resources and intensive intervention for at-risk children. The program served 471 children in 27 classrooms in Clarke County in the 2007-2008 school year. Classic City PLC Wins National Applause Since opening its doors in 2003, Classic City High School has been recognized locally and around the state as a bold initiative to help high school dropouts return to the classroom and earn their diplomas. The school earned national recognition for its work this year when Classic City was named one of three grand prize winners in the American School Board Journal’s 14th annual Magna Awards program. In the past three years, students at Classic City High School have successfully completed 83% of the 627 courses they have attempted. More importantly, 133 students have earned their diploma from Classic City during that period. The PLC also promotes service-learning, with students gaining work experience that will make them more employable.

In the past three years, students at Classic City High School have successfully completed 83% of the 627 courses they have attempted.

2008 State of the Schools Report 3 Chase Street Renovation Highlights SPLOST Successes Building for the future doesn’t mean you have to ignore the past. When the Clarke County School District renovated historic Chase Street Elementary School with proceeds from the community’s local option sales tax for education, the goal was to blend new construction with the character and scale of the school’s original 1920’s architecture. The results speak for themselves. The school is a wonderful The “new” Chase Street Elementary welcomed students back in January 2008. The landmark building for children to learn in, school building, which opened in 1922, has been it’s a wonderful place for teachers restored while completely new construction has replaced a series of additions built over the years. to teach in, and it’s a fabulous The finished product has been applauded by students, teachers, parents and the community. addition to the neighborhood. “The assignment for the architects early on was – Dr. Bonnie Jackson, Chase Street Principal to make sure the scale was appropriate for the neighborhood,” noted Ted Gilbert, Associate Superintendent for District Services. “That’s always a concern because you have a great, historic neighborhood and a great, historic 1920’s school.” The Chase Street project, along with similar renovation and new construction at Barrow Elementary (1923) and Clarke Middle (1959) led the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation to present the Clarke County School District with its 2008 President’s Award. The organization honored the school district for its “exemplary use of historic school buildings.” As the 2008-2009 school year begins, work is well underway on several other SPLOST-funded projects in the Clarke County School District. Winterville Elementary is being rebuilt with a combination of new construction and renovation. A completely new elementary school is under construction on Danielsville Road. Both schools are scheduled to welcome students next fall. Other major school improvement projects in the planning stages include major renovations and additions at Timothy Elementary and construction of a district services building designed to consolidate most of the school district’s support functions in one location.

4 Clarke County School District Summer School Boosts Achievement The Clarke County School District’s 2008 summer school program was decidedly different from years past. Students attended a full day of classes and the summer session lasted a full month. The results of the program were Total students meeting or exceeding before and after Summer School. decided different as well: an impressive number of students did well enough to % students % of students % students % students meet or exceed standards on a retest Grade that met or that met or that met or that met or of Georgia’s Criterion-Referenced exceeded exceeded exceeded exceeded Competency Test (CRCT). Spring after retest Spring after retest Reading Reading Math Math This spring, 79% of Clarke County’s third and fifth graders passed the CRCT 3rd 79% 91% n/a* n/a* in reading. Following the intensive 5th 79% 90% 53% 70% and focused summer program and the 8th 81% 87% 56% 72% retest, the percentage jumped to 91% *3rd grade students did not test in math. for third grade and 90% for fifth grade. In eighth grade, 81% passed the CRCT in reading this spring. After the summer retest, the percentage rose to 87%. “We really needed to make the curriculum more rigorous,” said Dr. Monica Knight, Director of Student Achievement and Educational Equity. “In the years I’ve worked in Clarke County, we’ve never offered a summer program this comprehensive.” Georgia’s new, more rigorous mathematics performance standards proved to be a challenge for students across the state in 2008. While many Clarke County students struggled on the math section of the CRCT in the spring, the hard work of students and teachers in the district’s summer school program led to a dramatic increase in the percentage of students meeting and exceeding standards. In the spring, 53% of third graders and 56% of eighth graders met or exceeded standards in math. Following the summer retest, those numbers jumped to 70% and 72% respectively.

Quick Facts: A Year of Progress SOAR Academy The Clarke County School District has restructured its alternative education program by creating SOAR Academy. The school for students who have violated the district’s code of conduct will offer more comprehensive academic and behavioral support. The change is designed to help students find success in the classroom so they will be less likely to repeat negative behaviors.

Project GROW A short-term program designed to meet the educational, behavioral, and social needs of elementary students who have not met behavioral standards, Project GROW demonstrated great potential in its first year. A year-end assessment indicated both behavior and school attendance improved for students who attended the program.

2008 State of the Schools Report 5 a vision for student success

De’Joire Hall Cedar Shoals High School “I was very blessed to have had some of the most caring and talented teachers in our nation. I believe that I would not have accomplished as much as I have without all of their support. They have prepared me to step out into the world and be successful. I will never forget my years at Cedar Shoals nor will I forget those who helped me make it this far.” College choice: Georgetown University Other college acceptances: Johns Hopkins University, Emory University, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill, University of Miami Major scholarships and honors: National Achievement Scholarship, Kimberlee Nicole Chatmon Delta Scholarship, Principal’s Award

Yihe Dong Cedar Shoals High School Salutatorian “I really appreciate the constant support I received from my teachers and counselors. They not only taught me, but they also instilled important values in me that have and will shape my personality and character in countless different ways.” College choice: Princeton University Other college acceptances: University of Chicago, Stanford University, University of Georgia, Duke University, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), California Institute of Technology Major scholarships and honors: Intel Science Talent Search Finalist, National Advanced Placement Scholar, President’s Volunteer Service Award

6 Clarke County School District Alayna LeCroy Cedar Shoals High School “I have had a great education in both the math and science departments. My advanced and AP courses were challenging but my teachers knew that I could handle the intensity of the course. Having supportive teachers always encouraged me to work harder and be a better student.” College choice: Berry College Other college acceptances: Georgia Institute of Technology, Sewanee: The University of the South, College of Charleston Major scholarships and honors: Berry College President’s Scholarship, Berry College Dean’s Scholarship, Cedar Shoals Principal’s Scholarship, Athens Area Human Relations Council Scholarship

Athena Lao Clarke Central High School 2008 Valedictorian “I believe that my “Baxter Street Education”—from Alps Road Elementary to Clarke Middle and finally Clarke Central—has molded me into the person I am today. Throughout those twelve years, I’ve had wonderful teachers who nurtured my love of learning. I’ve forged strong friendships with classmates from all walks of life, and I’ve found my niche through the multitude of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Armed with my public school experiences, I am certain that I can tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.” College choice: Harvard University Other college acceptances: Yale University, Duke University, Emory University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of Georgia

2008 State of the Schools Report 7 Sarah Weber Cedar Shoals High School 2008 Valedictorian “Thanks to the dedicated teachers and diverse student body at Cedar Shoals High School, I have received an exceptional education in not only academics, but also in life. I am proud to be a Jaguar!” College choice: Georgia Institute of Technology Other college acceptances: University of Georgia Major scholarships and honors: 2008 Prep Scholar Athlete Award, Marge Schneider Memorial Science Award, 2008 Principal’s Scholarship Award

Amarachi Anukam Clarke Central High School “My high school experience has been a unique blend of challenge, triumph and excitement. In classes, I was motivated to excel by enthusiastic teachers. With peers, I delighted in the diversity of our student body. I am truly grateful for the chance to attend Clarke Central. I would be hard- pressed to find another school that fully prepared students for higher education. I am certain that my experience at Clarke Central has provided me with the skills necessary to be successful in the future.” College choice: University of Georgia Other college acceptances: Vanderbilt University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Agnes Scott College, Davidson College, Emory University, Washington and Lee University Major scholarships and honors: Discover Card Tribute Award, Dr. Patricia Pelham-Harris Memorial Scholarship, Harris Scholarship, University of Georgia CURO Apprenticeship (one of approximately 15 chosen in each incoming freshman class)

8 Clarke County School District Joseph Stunzi Clarke Central High School 2008 Salutatorian “Personally, I feel that Clarke Central has not only given me a thorough enrichment in academia but also deep appreciation for the world around me. CCHS offers a world-class education with dedicated teachers, unique students, strong leadership, and a loving school environment. I couldn’t imagine having spent the last four years anywhere else.” College choice: University of Georgia Other college acceptances: Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, Duke University, Emory University, Georgetown University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, University of Chicago, Yale University Major scholarships and honors: University of Georgia Foundation Fellowship, Discovery Channel Science Scholarship, Scholarship from Applied Academy of Science, Intel Foundation Scholarship, Scientific America Scholarship, U.S. Army-State and National Science and Humanities Symposium Scholarships, American Chemical Society Scholarship, 4-H Dean’s Award, Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Award, Jackson EMC Science Award

Kyle Davis Cedar Shoals High School “I had the good fortune to have some excellent teachers at Cedar Shoals. I received support from those who challenged me, gave me guidance and became my mentors, while allowing me to be myself.” College choice: Georgia Institute of Technology Other college acceptances: University of Georgia (Honors Program), Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Major scholarships and honors: Rose-Hulman Merit Scholar, 2008 University of Georgia Charter Scholarship

2008 State of the Schools Report 9 a vision for achievement

Advanced Placement Enrollment, Success Grows The Clarke County School District has earned a reputation for having one of the strongest College Board Advanced Placement programs in the area. That reputation continued to grow during the 2007-2008 school year, as the CCSD College Board Advanced number of students taking college-level AP courses, Placement Courses the number of AP exams Clarke County students n English Language and Composition attempted, and the diversity have traditionally scored of students taking AP classes n English Literature and Composition and exams all increased higher than the state substantially. n Calculus AB average on AP exams. n The number of students n Statistics taking AP classes and exams increased from 346 last year to 425 this year. n Biology n The number of AP exams attempted by our students increased from 509 n Chemistry last year to 626 this year.

n Physics B n The number of economically-disadvantaged students taking AP exams increased from 88 last year to 115 this year (more than a quarter of all n Physics C: Mechanics students attempting AP exams). n Physics C: Electricity Over the past decade, enrollment in College Board Advanced Placement and Magnetism courses has doubled in the Clarke County School District, from 213 students in 1997-1998 to 425 in 2007-2008. In addition, Clarke County n World History students have traditionally scored higher than the state average on AP n Government and Politics exams. In 2007, Clarke County students earned a score of 3 or better on 68% of AP exams attempted. The state average was 53%. (Data for 2008 was n Macroeconomics not available at press time.) n Spanish Language Graduation Rates on the Rise

n Latin Literature In addition to the success of the Clarke County School District’s Advanced Placement program, our high school students demonstrated improvement n Studio Art: 2D Design in other measures. For the second consecutive year, the percentage of high

n Studio Art: 3D Design school juniors who passed all four sections of the Georgia High School Graduation Test on their first attempt increased. Students demonstrated n Music Theory significant gains on the science section of the GHSGT, traditionally the most difficult for students across the state. Note: All courses may not be available each term or each year. The high school graduation rate for both Cedar Shoals High School and Clarke Central High School improved in 2008. Cedar Shoals’ graduation rate rose to 61%, a three point increase, while Clarke Central’s graduation rate increased by five points to 68.4%. 10 Clarke County School District Moving Forward in 2008-2009 To build on the momentum of the past two years, the school district will focus its efforts on making sure the new Georgia Performance Standards are the focus of classroom teaching. The district plans to implement a new benchmark assessment program in 2008-2009 that is designed to give teachers regular updates on students’ progress toward the state’s performance standards. Clarke County will also increase professional learning time for teachers this year, a strategy included in the school district’s Continuous Improvement Plan. The 2008-2009 calendar includes four early release days dedicated to professional learning on the Georgia Performance Standards, differentiated instruction and assessment.

2008 State of the Schools Report 11 Building Toward Academic Excellence for All Students Even as Georgia implements a more rigorous and challenging curriculum for the state’s public schools, the Clarke County School District is making progress toward its goal of improving academic achievement for all students. Clarke County students’ scores on the state’s Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) improved almost across the board this year in subjects where Georgia’s new curriculum has been in place at least two years.The results are even more impressive when Summer retests are included (see page 5). In addition, the rate of improvement posted by local students on the CRCT outpaced growth statewide in most grades and in most subjects. Among the highlights of CCSD students’ performance on the CRCT: n Reading: 82% of students in grades 1-8 met or exceeded standards, an increase of five percentage points in one year. In two years, the number of students meeting or exceeding standards has increased by 10 percentage points. n English/Language Arts: 78% of students in grades 1-8 met or exceeded standards, an increase of 3 percentage points over last year. In two years, the number of students meeting or exceeding standards has increased by 9 percentage points. n Math: The percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards in grades 1, 2, 6 and 7 improved. These are the only grades where Georgia’s new math curriculum has been in place for at least two years. Closing the Achievement Gap The Clarke County School District also continued its progress in closing the achievement gap between minority students and white students, even as achievement increased for racial subgroups in most grades and in most subjects. Highlights include: n Reading: The gap between black students and white students in grades 1-8 fell to 17%, a 4% decrease from 2007 and a 10% decrease from 2006. The gap between Hispanic students and white students fell to 13%, a 6% decline from 2007 and a 14% decline from 2006. n English/Language Arts: The gap between black students and white students in grades 1-8 fell to 18%, a 4% decrease from 2007 and a 12% decrease from 2006. The gap between Hispanic students and white students fell to 15%, a 6% decline from 2007 and a 16% decline from 2006.

12 Clarke County School District CRCT Reading Percentage of Clarke County students meeting or exceeding standards and comparison of Clarke County improvement to statewide improvement.

CCSD Change Georgia Change CCSD Change Georgia Change Grade 2006 2007 2008 2006-2008 2006-2008 2007-2008 2007-2008 1st 72 83 85 +13 +2 +2 0 2nd 77 83 87 +10 +3 +4 +1 3rd 72 71 79 +7 +4 +8 +2 4th 66 74 80 +14 +6 +6 +2 5th 69 73 79 +10 +6 +6 +2 6th 79 81 81 +2 +4 0 +2 7th 67 73 77 +10 +8 +4 +3 8th 79 77 81 +2 +1 +4 +3

CRCT English/Language Arts Percentage of Clarke County students meeting or exceeding standards and comparison of Clarke County improvement to statewide improvement

CCSD Change Georgia Change CCSD Change Georgia Change Grade 2006 2007 2008 2006-2008 2006-2008 2007-2008 2007-2008 1st 61 69 77 +16 +5 +8 +2 2nd 67 71 73 +6 0 +2 0 3rd 67 74 81 +14 +5 +7 +1 4th 65 75 77 +12 +7 +2 +2 5th 71 78 83 +12 +5 +5 +2 6th 75 76 75 0 +3 -1 +1 7th 72 83 79 +7 +7 -4 +1 8th 76 76 82 +6 +2 +6 +1

CRCT Mathematics Percentage of Clarke County students meeting or exceeding standards and comparison of Clarke County improvement to statewide improvement (this chart reflects data from only those grades where new Georgia Performance Standards in mathematics have been in place for two years).

CCSD Change Georgia Change Grade 2007 2008 2007-2008 2007-2008 1st 68 81 +13 +4 2nd 66 74 +8 +4 6th 45 52 +7 +4 7th 65 66 +1 +6

2008 State of the Schools Report 13 a vision for... service Clarke Students Unite to Battle Poverty Not content to accept the status quo, a group of high school students in the Clarke County School District decided to tackle the ambitious task of battling persistent poverty in Athens. The students from Cedar Shoals, Clarke Central and Classic City Performance Learning Center hosted a teen summit Dec. 7 to help young people better understand the impact of poverty on their community. The students call themselves Young Partners for a Prosperous Athens (YPPA), taking a cue from the grassroots Partners for a Prosperous Athens (now OneAthens) initiative. The group’s three primary goals are to promote education, to bridge cultural divides, and to initiate service projects. The teen summit, which attracted more than 100 juniors and seniors from Clarke County high schools, included a hands-on poverty simulation, in-depth discussions with grassroots activists, information about service opportunities and the creation of action plans to attack poverty. YPPA is just one example of how Clarke County students serve their community. From National Honor Society, Interact Club and other active student organizations in our high schools to Salvation Army Holiday Can-A-Thon activities in our elementary and middle schools, our students are learning the value of connecting to the world around them.

14 Clarke County School District the arts Students’ Talent Shines Since the creation of the school district in 1956, Clarke County’s public schools have recognized the importance of the arts in education. That tradition of excellence continues today with opportunities for students to enroll in a variety of fine arts, music, and drama courses. Among the highlights of the 2007-2008 school year was the Clarke County School District’s biennial art exhibition. More than 150 works by young artists in our schools were on display during the exhibition at the Lyndon House Arts Center from August 26 to November 3. This year’s show was titled “Artists of Note: A Visual Celebration of Music and Dance.” The theme reflected There is a long history of the efforts of Clarke County School District art teachers visual artists that have been to build bridges with other disciplines. For the past two years, the art teachers have been working as part of a No inspired by music, dance and Child Left Behind grant to create integrated lessons that theater so we knew that was connect visual arts and fine arts. “The work at this particular exhibit is visual art that a great connection. is inspired by music, dance and drama,” said Dr. Mary – Dr. Mary Lazzari, Clarke County Lazzari, the Clarke County School District’s fine arts School District’s Fine Arts Specialist specialist. “There is a long history of visual artists that have been inspired by music, dance and theater so we knew that was a great connection.” Lazzari said the connections Clarke County’s art teachers are working to build go beyond the district’s art classes. “We designed learning opportunities for students to interact with works of art so that they could develop their ability to think, to reason and to analyze. Music teachers focused on the connections between music and math by developing an integrated K-5 music and math curriculum.” In addition to artwork created by students in at all grade levels, the exhibition’s closing reception featured musical and dance performances by Clarke County School District students.

2008 State of the Schools Report 15 community involvement CCSD Reaches Out to Community Making our schools the best they can be is not a job the Clarke County School District can accomplish on its own. Teachers, paraprofessionals, principals and administrators obviously play a major role in the success of our students. To reach our vision of ensuring a rigorous and relevant education for every student, however, the school district needs the support of parents, citizens, businesses and community organizations. During the 2007-2008 school year, CCSD launched several major initiatives designed to build closer links between our community and our schools. Working with the Junior League of Athens, the school district hosted the “Seeing is Believing Tour” in the fall. The event gave dozens of community members a first-hand look at the progress we’re making in our classrooms. Participants toured schools, talked with students and learned about the district’s plan for improvement. This spring, the school district hosted a breakfast with the community’s faith leaders at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. More than 100 clergy members and district staff members spoke frankly about the challenges facing our schools and discussed ways faith- based organizations can help support the community’s students. During the 2008-2009 school year, the community will notice a new media campaign designed to encourage families to become more involved in their children’s education. Clarke County is one of the first school districts in Georgia to join the “Be There” campaign, which focuses on everyday opportunities for parents to connect with and encourage their children.

To reach our vision of ensuring a rigorous and relevant education for every student, however, the school district needs the support of parents, citizens, businesses and community organizations.

16 Clarke County School District rigor and relevance

New Partnerships Boost Job Skills The mission of the Clarke County School District’s Office of Applied Learning and School-to-Career Education is simple, but ambitious: to create a world-class workforce for Athens-Clarke County. The office plans, develops, monitors and evaluates all vocational education programs in the school district. Make no mistake, this isn’t your grandfather’s shop class. Career and Technical Education courses in the Clarke County School District span fields as diverse as food services, marketing, agriculture/agriscience, video production and technology. Students are able to complement their hands-on classroom experience with real-world internships and apprenticeships. During the 2007-2008 academic year, the Clarke County School District formed a new partnership with the University of Georgia and Athens Technical College known as “Young Dawgs.” The partnership provides internships and apprenticeships to students in a variety of career areas at UGA and ATC. The Clarke County School District is committed to connecting what happens in the classroom with what happens in the world of business and industry. In addition to “Young Dawgs,” other unique community and business partnerships in the area of career and technical education include the Adopt-A-Class program. A joint effort of the school district and the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, Adopt-A-Class brings representatives of local companies into middle schools for regular presentations and discussions.

2008 State of the Schools Report 17 2008-2009 Teachers and Paraprofessionals of the Year

Alps Road Elementary Gaines Elementary Stacie Tarbet, Teacher of the Year Shonda DeBord, Teacher of the Year Linda Crowley, Paraprofessional of the Year Nancy Potter, Paraprofessional of the Year Barnett Shoals Elementary Hilsman Middle Joseph Ravenell, Teacher of the Year Diane Scott, Teacher of the Year Thomas Cornish,Paraprofessional of the Year JoAnn Griffith,Paraprofessional of the Year Barrow Elementary Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary Donna Carney, Teacher of the Year Sheila Marshall, Teacher of the Year Meghan Beshara, Paraprofessional of the Year Tonya Cosby, Paraprofessional of the Year Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle Howard B. Stroud Elementary Robyn Baxter, Teacher of the Year Deborah Owens, Teacher of the Year Michelle Pierce, Paraprofessional of the Year Walter Avila, Paraprofessional of the Year Cedar Shoals High Timothy Elementary Andrew Spires, Teacher of the Year Lindsay Williamson, Teacher of the Year Patricia Torrey, Paraprofessional of the Year Rebecca Alpaugh, Paraprofessional of the Year Chase Street Elementary Whit Davis Elementary Jana Corbett, Teacher of the Year Steven King, Teacher of the Year Kitty Lay, Paraprofessional of the Year Sonja Winfrey, Paraprofessional of the Year Clarke Central High Whitehead Road Elementary Buddy Sims, Teacher of the Year Dianne Elam, Teacher of the Year Jamie Bray, Paraprofessional of the Year Arnold Correll, Paraprofessional of the Year Clarke Middle Winterville Elementary Peggy Bailey, Teacher of the Year Benjamin Adams, Teacher of the Year Roderick Brightwell, Paraprofessional of the Year Katherine Patterson, Paraprofessional of the Year Classic City PLC Dr. Jim Maudsley, Teacher of the Year Cleveland Road Elementary Joe Weinmeister, Teacher of the Year Diana Moody, Paraprofessional of the Year Coile Middle Jermica Barefield,Teacher of the Year Barbara Brown, Paraprofessional of the Year Fowler Drive Elementary Mary Lynn Lane, Teacher of the Year Carolyn Thomas,Paraprofessional of the Year

Contact: Clarke County School DIstrict 240 MItchell Bridge Road Athens, GA 30606 | 706.546.7721 clarke.k12.ga.us

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