SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2013
2013 BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE
A publication of
MEET FIVE NEW SCHOOL LEADERS Between Gainesville and Hall County Schools, there are five new principals this year. They have varied backgrounds but similar goals and hopes for their schools, which include Flowery Branch High, Chestnut Mountain Creative School of Inquiry, North Hall Middle, Oakwood Elementary and Wood’s Mill Academy.
Most of these men and women believe an increased reliance on technology is something they must embrace, but the effects of the digital world on students is also a concern in education. Another concern is overcoming poverty’s impact on many students. Learn more about these new leaders and their outlook for the school year. Pages 4-5
SCHOOLS WORK TO
MEASURE UP
No matter the subject, there will be a test to go with it. And those tests may be tough as school systems across the state move to a more difficult curriculum.
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Photo illustration by SCOTT ROGERS | The Times
New schools and renovated spaces
SCOTT ROGERS | The Times
Gainesville City Schools’ biggest project by far is the new Fair Street School, which is set to open in October. The city school system also completed updates to Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy. In Hall County, existing space is being reinvented to house a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math academy at North Hall High School. Students must apply for the program, which aims to prepare them for technical careers. Elsewhere in the county, Johnson High is getting a bigger cafeteria. Page 6
Transportation mostly unchanged Student transportation will look much the same this year, with the exception of three new buses for Gainesville City Schools. The big concerns for officials, however, are navigating routes in which roads have washed out this summer due to periods of heavy rain. Work continues on McEver and Stephens roads in Flowery Branch as well as Lenox Drive in Gainesville, and officials are keeping a close eye on the progress to determine whether routes need to be adjusted. Page 7
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Sunday, July 28, 2013
The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |
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Fair Street nears completion
Gainesville City Schools District office Where: 508 Oak St., Gainesville Contact: 770-536-5275; gcssk12. net Superintendent: Merrianne Dyer Board of Education: David Syfan, Willie Mitchell, Maria Calkins, Delores Diaz, Sammy Smith
2013-14 calendar
SCOTT ROGERS | The Times
Construction nears completion on Gainesville’s Fair Street School, but it won’t quite be ready by the first day of school. The expected opening date is in October, and until then, more than 600 Fair Street elementary students will begin their school year in the Wood’s Mill Academy building, located at 715 Woodsmill Road. Once the switch is made, the students will once again be at 695 Fair St. Construction began at the site in 2011, and was originally expected to be finished this December. Rising second-grader Ella Campbell is ready for the new school’s doors to open. “My classroom will be on the second floor,” she said. “I’m also thankful ... we’ll have nice, new bathrooms.”
Gainesville City Schools Centennial Arts Academy Where: 852 Century Place, Gainesville Contact: 770-287-2044; gcssk12. net/cesweb
Gainesville Contact: 770-531-9457; hallco. org/ehms Flowery Branch Elementary School Where: 5544 Radford Road, Flowery Branch Contact: 770-967-6621; hallco. org/fbes
Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy Where: 1340 Enota Ave. NE, Gainesville Contact: 770-532-7711; gcssk12. net/eesweb
Flowery Branch High School Where: 6603 Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch Contact: 770-967-8000; hallco. org/fbhs
Fair Street School Where: 715 Woodsmill Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-536-5295; gcssk12. net/fsweb
Friendship Elementary School Where: 4450 Friendship Road, Buford Contact: 770-932-1223; hallco. org/friendshipes
Gainesville Exploration Academy Where: 1145 McEver Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-287-1223; gcssk12. net/gesweb
Johnson High School Where: 3305 Poplar Springs Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-536-2394; hallco. org/johnsonhs
Gainesville High School Where: 830 Century Place, Gainesville Contact: 770-536-4441; gcssk12. net/ghsweb
Lanier Charter Career Academy Where: 2327 Tumbling Creek Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-531-2330; hallco. org/eschool
Gainesville Middle School Where: 1581 Community Way, Gainesville Contact: 770-534-4237; gcssk12. net/gmsweb
Lanier Elementary School Where: 4782 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-532-8781; hallco. org/lanieres
New Holland Core Knowledge Academy Where: 170 Barn St., Gainesville Contact: 770-287-1095; gcssk12. net/nhweb
Lula Elementary School Where: 6130 Chattahoochee St., Lula Contact: 770-869-3261; hallco. org/lulaes
Wood’s Mill Academy Where: 715 Woodsmill Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-287-2021; gcssk12. net/wma
Lyman Hall Elementary School Where: 2150 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville Contact: 770-534-7044; hallco. org/lhes
Hall County Schools
Martin Technology Academy of Math and Science Where: 4216 Martin Road, Flowery Branch Contact: 770-965-1578; hallco. org/martines
Chestatee High School Where: 3005 Sardis Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-532-1162; hallco. org/chs Chestatee Academy Where: 2740 Fran Mar Drive, Gainesville Contact: 770-297-6270; hallco. org/cms; chestateeacademy. com Chestnut Mountain Creative School of Inquiry Where: 4841 Union Church Road, Flowery Branch Contact: 770-967-3121; hallco. org/cmes Chicopee Woods Elementary Where: 2029 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-536-2057; hallco. org/chicopeewoodses Da Vinci Academy Where: 3215 Poplar Springs Road, Gainesville Contact: 770 533-4004; hallco. org/dva C.W. Davis Middle School Where: 4450 Hog Mountain Road, Flowery Branch Contact: 770-965-3020; hallco. org/cwdms East Hall High School Where: 3534 East Hall Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-536-9921; hallco. org/ehhs East Hall Middle School Where: 4120 East Hall Road,
McEver Arts Academy Where: 3265 Montgomery Drive, Gainesville Contact: 770-534-7473; hallco. org/mceveres Mount Vernon Exploratory School Where: 4844 Jim Hood Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-983-1759; hallco. org/mves Myers Elementary School Where: 2676 Candler Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-536-0814; hallco. org/myerses North Hall High School Where: 4885 Mount Vernon Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-983-7331; hallco. org/nhhs North Hall Middle School Where: 4856 Rilla Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-983-9749; hallco. org/nhms Oakwood Elementary School Where: 4500 Allen St., Oakwood Contact: 770-532-1656; hallco. org/oakwoodes Riverbend Elementary School Where: 1742 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville Contact: 770-534-4141; hallco. org/riverbendes
Sardis Enrichment School Where: 2805 Sardis Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-532-0104; hallco. org/sardises South Hall Middle School Where: 4335 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch Contact: 770-532-4416; hallco. org/shms Spout Springs School of Enrichment Where: 6640 Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch Contact: 770-967-4860; hallco. org/sses Sugar Hill Elementary School Where: 3259 Athens Highway, Gainesville Contact: 770-503-1749; hallco. org/sugarhilles Tadmore Elementary School Where: 3278 Gillsville Highway, Gainesville Contact: 770-536-9929; hallco. org/tadmorees Wauka Mountain Multiple Intelligences Academy Where: 5850 Brookton-Lula Road, Gainesville Contact: 770-983-3221; hallco. org/wmes West Hall High School Where: 5500 McEver Road, Oakwood Contact: 770-967-9826; hallco. org/whhs West Hall Middle School Where: 5470 McEver Road, Oakwood Contact: 770-967-4871; hallco. org/whms White Sulphur Elementary School Where: 2480 Old Cornelia Highway, Gainesville Contact: 770-532-0945; hallco. org/wses World Language Academy Where: 4670 Winder Highway, Flowery Branch Contact: 770-967-5856; hallco. org/wla
Private schools Chattahoochee Christian School Where: 640 Main St., Clermont Contact: 770-983-9433; chattahoocheechristian.org Jubilee Christian Academy Where: 1221 Harmony St., Gainesville Contact: 770-531-7576; jubileestallions.com Lakeview Academy Where: 796 Lakeview Drive NE, Gainesville Contact: 770-532-4383; lakeviewacademy.com Maranatha Christian Academy Where: 5135 McEver Road, Oakwood Contact: 770-536-6334; mcageorgia.com North Georgia Christian School Where: 5285 Strickland Road, Flowery Branch Contact: 770-534-1081; northgeorgiachristian.org Riverside Military Academy Where: 2001 Riverside Drive, Gainesville Contact: 770-532-6251; cadet.com Information compiled by The Times
Aug. 5-6: New teacher orientation Aug. 7-9: Teacher planning Aug. 12: First day of school Sept. 2: Labor Day holiday Oct. 14-15: Fall break Nov. 25-29: Thanksgiving break Dec. 19-Jan. 3: Winter break Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Feb. 14-17: President’s Day holiday March 17: Spring holiday April 4-11: Spring break May 23: Last day of school May 26: Memorial Day holiday May 27-28: Teacher post-planning *Date that may be restored for staff: Oct. 15, Nov. 25-26, Jan. 2-3, Feb. 17, May 29 *Dates that may be restored for students and staff: Dec. 19, Feb. 14, April 4
Testing calendar Sept. 9-13: Georgia High School Graduation Test at high schools Sept. 16-27: End of Course Test retakes Sept. 16-27: Georgia High School Writing Test at high schools Oct. 16-25: End of Course Test retakes Nov. 11-15: Georgia High School Graduation Test at high schools Jan. 22-23: Eighth Grade Writing Test Feb. 26-27: Georgia High School Writing Test retakes March 5-6: Fifth Grade Writing Test March 6-7: End of Course Test retakes March 24-28: Georgia High School Graduation Test at high schools Apr. 21-25: Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests May 5-16: Advanced Placement exams May 12-23: End of Course Tests
Operating times
Back to school May 27-28: Teacher post-planning *In case of inclement weather, make-up days will be May 27-28 and post-planning will be May 29-30
Testing calendar Sept. 9-13: Georgia High School Graduation Test retakes Sept. 16-20: End of Court Tests retakes Sept. 25-27: Georgia High School Writing Test Oct. 16: Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test Nov. 4-8: Georgia High School Graduation Test retakes Jan. 22-23: Eighth Grade Writing Test Feb. 26-27: Georgia High School Writing Test retakes March 5-6: Fifth Grade Writing Test March 17: Third Grade Writing Test March 17-21: Georgia High School Graduation Test April 16-24: Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests April 28-May 9: End of Course Tests May 5-16: Advanced Placement exams May 20-21: Criterion-Referenced Competency Test retakes July 14-18: Georgia High School Graduation Test retakes
School operating times Elementary schools: 7:45 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. Middle schools: 8:20 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. High schools: 8:25 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. Hours at some schools may vary slightly due to bus schedules.
Registration info All children can be enrolled at their assigned school. Registration for middle school and high school students is 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 5-6. Parents must bring a birth certificate; Georgia certificate of ear, eye and dental examinations; Georgia certificate of immunization; proof of residence, such as a utility bill; and Social Security card. A child entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to be admitted. International families must show proof of a child’s birth.
Elementary schools: 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Gainesville Middle School: 8:20 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Gainesville High School: 8:20 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hours at some schools may vary slightly due to bus schedules.
Open houses
Registration info
Breakfast: 85 cents for elementary students; $1 for middle school and high school students; 30 cents for reduced-price lunches Lunch: $1.50 for elementary students; $1.60 for middle school and high school students; 40 cents for reduced-price lunches
Registration for all city schools will open July 29 at Wood’s Mill Academy, 715 Woodsmill Road, Gainesville. Registration hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students enrolling at Gainesville High School may contact the school before the open registration date to schedule an enrollment conference at 770536-4441. International families must register at the International Center, which is located at Wood’s Mill Academy. Parents must bring a birth certificate; Georgia certificate of ear, eye and dental examinations; Georgia certificate of immunization; proof of residence, such as a utility bill; and Social Security card. A child entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to be admitted.
Open houses Elementary schools: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Aug. 8 for Centennial, Enota, Gainesville Exploration and New Holland; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Aug. 9 for Fair Street Middle schools: 3-6 p.m. Aug. 8 for Gainesville Middle School; 9-10 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 for Wood’s Mill Academy High schools: 9:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 8 for Gainesville High freshmen and noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 8 for Gainesville High upperclassmen; 9-10 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 for Wood’s Mill Academy
Elementary schools: 3-6 p.m. Aug. 8 Middle schools: 3-6 p.m. Aug. 9 High schools: 3-6 p.m. Aug. 9
Meal prices
Banks County Where: 102 Ga. 51 S, Homer Contact: 706-677-2224; banks. k12.ga.us
Buford Where: 2625 Sawnee Ave., Buford Contact: 770-945-5035; bufordcityschools.org
Commerce Where: 270 Lakeview Drive, Commerce Contact: 706-335-5500; commerce-city.k12.ga.us
Dawson County Where: 517 Allen St., Dawsonville Contact: 706-265-3246; dawsoncountyschools.org
Forsyth County Where: 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming Contact: 770-887-2461; forsyth. k12.ga.us
Habersham County
Breakfast: Free for all students Lunch: Free for all students
Where: 132 Stanford Mill Road, Clarkesville Contact: 706-754-2118; habershamschools.com
Hall County Schools
Jackson County
District office
Where: 1660 Winder Highway, Jefferson Contact: 706-367-5151; jackson. k12.ga.us
Meal prices
Where: 711 Green St., Gainesville Contact: 770-534-1080; hallco.org Superintendent: Will Schofield Board of Education: Bill Thompson, Nath Morris, Craig Herrington, Sam Chapman, Brian Sloan
2013-14 calendar Aug. 5-6: New teacher orientation Aug. 7-9: Teacher planning Aug. 12: First day of school Sept. 2: Labor Day holiday Oct. 14-15: Fall break Nov. 25-29: Thanksgiving break Dec. 18-Jan. 6: Winter break Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday Feb. 17: President’s Day holiday April 7-11: Spring break May 23: Last day of school May 26: Memorial Day holiday
Jefferson Where: 345 Storey Lane, Jefferson Contact: 706-367-2880; jeffcityschools.org
Lumpkin County Where: 56 Indian Drive, Dahlonega Contact: 706-864-3611; lumpkincounty.schoolinsites.com
White County Where: 136 Warriors Path, Cleveland Contact: 706-865-2315; white. k12.ga.us
BACK TO SCHOOL
The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |
gainesvilletimes com
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Congratulations to the 1438 Graduates of Hall County High Schools’
2013 2013 Graduates have been awarded over
$5,364,979 in scholarship funding in addition to HOPE Scholarships and Grants.
We celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates as they advance to higher levels of learning. Academy of Beauty American University Anderson University Andrew College Armstrong Atlantic University Art Institute of Atlanta Augusta State University Baylor University Benedict College Berry College Brenau University Brigham Young University Carson Newman College Chattahoochee Technical College Chowan University Columbus State University Cornell University Covenant College Darton College Defiance College East Georgia State College East Tennessee State University Emmanuel College Emory University Fort Valley State University Furman University Gardner-Webb University Geneva College Georgia College and State University Georgia Gwinnett College
Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Perimeter College Georgia Regents University-Augusta State Georgia Southern University Grambling State University Gwinnett Technical College Hofstra University Johnson & Wales University Indiana State University Kennesaw State University LaGrange College Lanier Technical College Lee University Lees-McCrae College Lenoir Rhyne University Liberty University Lindsey Wilson College Mansfield University Mercer University Middle Georgia State College Mississippi State Newberry College Northern Mississippi State Oglethorpe University Oklahoma State University Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School Perdue University Piedmont College Point University Presbyterian College
Reinhardt College Sanford University Savannah College of Art & Design Savannah State University Seminole State College Shorter University Southern Polytechnic State University Suwanee University of the South Texas A & M University Toccoa Falls College Trevecca Nazarene University Truett-McConnell College United States Army United States Marine Corps United States Navy University of Alabama University of Alabama at Birmingham Universidad de El Salvador University of Georgia University of Hawaii University of Louisville University of North Georgia University of South Carolina University of Southern Mississippi University of West Georgia Valdosta State University West Georgia Technical College Western Carolina University Winthrop University Young Harris College
Hall County School System is very proud of its International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs at Johnson, North Hall and West Hall High Schools. Limited seats are available in each of those programs, and applications are currently being accepted from any rising 11th-grade student, regardless of attendance zone or county of residence. Annual tuition for out-of-district students will be $1500/year plus the cost of IB exams. For additional information, please see www.hallco.org, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/372502879484051 or contact Dr. Sally Krisel, Director of Innovative & Advanced Programs at sally.krisel@hallco.org or 770-534-1080.
711 Green Street Gainesville, GA 30501 770.534.1080 This ad presented by The Times in conjunction with the Hall County School System as a community service.
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The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Back to school
gainesvilletimes com
New school leaders It’s not just the first day of school for students. Five principals — four in the Hall County system and one in Gainesville — are new to their schools, though not to the world of academia. In fact, many have moved from previous leadership positions.
Daryl White Principal, Wood’s Mill Academy
Nat Gurley | The Times
Jason Carter Principal, Flowery Branch High School Previously: Assistant principal at Johnson High School Education: Master’s degree from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, doctorate from University of Alabama Family: Wife Courtney and daughters Madilyn and Ellisyn Hobbies: golf, jogging and tennis What goals do you have as principal? I feel like we need to help our students to start producing with technology. Students use technology and have access to it in our school, but I feel like we need to find ways for them to produce a product(s) with the technology. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing those with careers in education today?
Finding the balance in meeting the demands of standardized testing and being able to go more in-depth with their subject. What do you think is the biggest challenge that students face? They have grown up in a digital world, and we are just now starting to catch up to the digital world in education. Sometimes they have to “power down” at school, and this may be difficult for a lot of our students. Why did you choose a career in education? I had a high school counselor, Lois Roba, who had a huge impact on me during my high school career. I also wanted to remain active in athletics/ coaching, and a career in education afforded me that opportunity.
Previously: Freshman Academy principal at Gainesville High Education: Bachelor’s degree from Piedmont College, master’s from Piedmont College, Education Specialist from University of Alabama Hobbies: Cub Scouts, basketball, outdoor activities, competing in mud runs and obstacle runs What goals do you have as principal? Increasing attendance and results. Recruiting students to the academy at Wood’s Mill through a program that focuses on academic rigor, character building, development of creativity and talent, service learning, internships and dual enrollment. For this year, to revision, rebrand and revitalize Wood’s Mill to better prepare its students for college or career and to promote a system of care in the school and greater community. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing those with careers in education today?
SCOTT ROGERS | The Times
Keeping the focus of what we do on our students. There are so many things that are legislated and mandated that it is easy for those in education to focus on the hoops they need to jump through rather than on the young men and women whose lives they impact daily. Our students are our future; they’re so much more than a test score or a piece of data on a chart or graph. They need to know we care
about them as an individual first and as a student second and positive results will follow. What do you think is the biggest challenge that students face? There are many challenges for our students. Technology is both a boon and a bane and can help or hurt us very quickly. One quick moment of a poor decision can go viral and have a life of its own in a cyberworld
for all to see including college admissions, coaches, recruiters and prospective employers. Another challenge is to live a humble and selfless life. Why did you choose a career in education? I became an educator because I believed I could make a positive difference in the lives of others. I believe education is a calling and a great service to individual students and a greater community.
Wade Pearce Principal, Chestnut Mountain Creative School of Inquiry Previously: Director of education, Eagle Ranch Children’s Home Education: Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, master’s from Georgia State University, Education Specialist from Georgia State University Family: Wife Chris, daughters Jamie and Lindsey and son J. Wade Hobbies: Reading, basketball, camping and boating What goals do you have as principal? My focus this year is to get to
know the staff, students and parents in the CMCSI community. I look forward to seeing the school in “action” — visiting classrooms, working with students and building relationships with teachers and parents. One of my primary goals is to successfully integrate our school’s new technology into each classroom. We had the privilege of purchasing a substantial number of stateof-the-art instructional tools with charter funds this past spring and our hope is to fully utilize this
great resource. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing those with careers in education today? Meeting the needs of a diverse population of students and preparing them to succeed in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world . What do you think is the biggest challenge that students face? Students today battle distractions at every turn. In our media-rich
culture, students must use a greater amount of discernment and self-discipline than ever before to achieve academic goals. Why did you choose a career in education? I wanted to create a classroom environment where all students were treated with dignity and challenged to grow socially, emotionally and intellectually. A career in education provided me the opportunity to invest my life in others.
SCOTT ROGERS | The Times
CMYK Back to school
The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |
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Sunday, July 28, 2013
Shane Rayburn
Other principals
Principal, North Hall Middle School
Gainesville
Previously: Principal of Oakwood Elementary Education: Bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University, master’s from Augusta College, doctorate from University of Georgia Family: Wife Jennifer, son Trent and daughter Alexis Hobbies: Reading, writing, boating, scuba diving and photography What goals do you have as principal? Students will be our focus. Our next generations are requiring us to rethink how we provide an education to them. Our goal at NHMS will be to move beyond “schooling” students and instead educate them by creating an environment that promotes intellectual curiosity about the world. My goal: I hope we can foster a culture that empowers students and promotes opportunities for empathy through relevant, authentic, rigorous, interconnected learning opportunities. During the first year, I’ll do a lot of listening. I’ll ask students what we need to do and how we can improve. I hope to build strong relationships and create spaces to dream new ways of doing school. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing those with careers in education today? The world is changing at light speed and schools are struggling
effectively. So, I’d challenge that students seem to struggle with creating and maintaining authentic, genuine relationships ... learning to see the greater need beyond oneself and equipping to change the world for the better. The challenges that students face are really signals for educators to pay attention; it’s our jobs to reassess and reshape what we do to meet the demands of this generation of students.
SCOTT ROGERS | The Times
to keep up. Our students are already digital consumers and producers, and the way they engage in their worlds is often in conflict with what is offered in schools. The possibilities for accessing knowledge and creating new knowledge are just “clicks” or “taps” away for our students. Thus, schools have a new challenge of changing, too. The landscape of teaching is shifting, and there are competing voices at the table, especially on issues of accountability and measures of success. I think one of the greatest challenges for teachers is for them to remain true to their calling and feel
Dana Magill
empowered enough to raise their voices among competing voices in the educational arena. What do you think is the biggest challenge that students face? Students are usually highly engaged in their “out-of-school” worlds and yet not necessarily engaged in school, because it seems to lack relevance to who they are as people. I think there is often a disconnect that happens between school and home and society. Students are bombarded with immediate-ata-click content but are often not prepared to process or organize that information efficiently and
Previously: Principal of Mount Yonah Elementary School in White County Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of South Florida, master’s from Georgia Southern, Education Specialist from University of Florida Family: Husband Michael, daughter Savanna and son Drayton Hobbies: Fishing and boating
Principal, Oakwood Elementary
What goals do you have as principal? Refine our response to intervention programs and increase overall student achievement. The main goal is to establish long and lasting relationships with staff, students and the Oakwood community.
SCOTT ROGERS | The Times
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing those with careers in education today? The challenges are too numerous to count and are ever-evolving, as is the field of education. The challenge that I do wake up to every day is one of making a positive difference for those that I serve: kids, colleagues and community — whatever it takes!
Why did you choose a career in education? School always worked for me, so it seemed like a great place to prepare to spend my life. My story of being a teacher starts with my years as a student. I followed the rules. I learned to read and write with relative ease. I knew early on that I wanted to be a teacher. In contrast, however, I had friends that did not fare so well in schools. They had different stories and they did not match the “one size fits all” notion in schools. They marched to the beat of different drums, and I found that fascinating and at the same time, puzzling. Students learn in myriad ways and have helped me to listen differently, to view them through different lenses and to ultimately tailor an education for them. That’s why I do what I do.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that students face? Currently, I see the economy as a huge challenge for our students as it brings with it increased hardships on many already fragile families. I believe, as educators, many of us are seeing record numbers of homeless and hungry children whose basic needs are not able to be met by traditional measures. Why did you choose a career in education? I began teaching dance at age 12. I loved the little ones and the excitement they brought for learning to the studio every day. That was my first teaching experience. Later on, my mom, who was also a teacher, suggested a career in education. Although my dad wanted an attorney, I chose the path of an educator and have never looked back. It truly has been a career full of rich experiences!
Centennial Arts Academy: Charlene Williams Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy: Matt Maynor Fair Street School: Will Campbell Gainesville Exploration Academy: Renee Boatright Gainesville High: LaCrisia Larkin Gainesville Middle: Ken Martin New Holland Core Knowledge Academy: Pam Wood
Hall County Chestatee High: Suzanne Jarrard Chestatee Academy: David Robles Chicopee Woods Elementary: Hank Ramey Da Vinci Academy: Paula Stubbs C.W. Davis Middle: Eddie Millwood East Hall High: Jeff Cooper East Hall Middle: Vickie Tribble Flowery Branch Elementary: Susan Miller Friendship Elementary: Berry Walton Johnson High: Stan Lewis Lanier Charter Career Academy: Cindy Blakley Lanier Elementary: John Wiggins Lula Elementary: Matthew Alexander Lyman Hall Elementary: Robert Wilson Martin Technology Academy of Math and Science: Tamara Etterling McEver Arts Academy: Catherine Rosa Mount Vernon Exploratory: Connie Daniels Myers Elementary: Beth Hudgins North Hall High: Joe Gheesling Riverbend Elementary: Debra Smith Sardis Enrichment: Neil Yarrington South Hall Middle: Paula Stubbs Spout Springs School of Enrichment: Steven McDaniel Sugar Hill Elementary: Beth Skarda Tadmore Elementary: Robin Gower Wauka Mountain Multiple Intelligences Academy: Jo Dinnan West Hall High: Greg Williams West Hall Middle: Karla Swafford White Sulphur Elementary: Betsy Ainsworth World Language Academy: David Moody
Accelerate Career & College! 40 Majors Hands-on Skills Low Tuition Rate HOPE Grant Available 98% Job Placement Rate SACS COC & COE Accredited
Lanier Technical College www.laniertech.edu Ph. 770.531.6300
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Sunday, July 28, 2013
The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |
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Back to school
Some schools will open with renovated spaces BY CARLY SHAREC
csharec@gainesvilletimes.com Students aren’t the only ones who will hopefully be renewed and refreshed at the beginning of the school year. Many schools, within both the Hall County and Gainesville systems, are currently being remodeled to be ready by the beginning of the school year. One, a newly constructed Fair Street School, won’t quite make it in time, opting instead for an October reveal. But minor changes at Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy in Gainesville will be finished way ahead of the Aug. 12 school opening date. The two main projects in the Hall County system, North Hall and Johnson high schools, will be complete as well. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Academy at North Hall is a renovation of an existing building, meant to serve students in that program. The cafeteria at Johnson is for all students, with an increase in room allowing for more students to be seated at a time and for students to have a little bit longer to enjoy lunch.
Photos by SCOTT ROGERS | The Times
Cruz Aguilar cleans newly installed tile on the floor at Johnson High. The school’s cafeteria is getting a face-lift and a larger dining space for students.
Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy Also renovated in a significant construction project this year was Gainesville’s Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy. The work was basic but necessary. Construction involved replacing the roof and 32 air conditioning units. Lighting, the ceiling grid and ceiling tiles also were all replaced. Project administrator David Shumake said the project is nearly complete, well ahead of the beginning of the school year. Total costs are $763,388.
Fair Street School It’s not just a renovation — it’s a complete reconstruction of the historic school, a reconstruction unique in and of itself. When it opens in October, the $17.9 million Fair Street School will give a nod to its place in community history but also be a representation of what’s in store for the future. “It is not like any elementary school you’ll ever see,” Principal Will Campbell said. “It’s a historic piece of our community.” The school was reconstructed to be a true piece of the community, including a heritage hall open to the community for events and meetings. Campbell envisions family reunions and weddings being held in the hall. “On both sides will be trophy cases with memorabilia from the 76-year history of Fair Street,” Campbell said. “Like the football championship the high school won in the mid-1950s, yearbooks, report cards and various historically significant items.” At a recent meeting of the Gainesville City School Board, Campbell was presented with the college diploma of Frances Mead-
North Hall High School’s STEM Academy The Fair Street School student drop-off area is in the location of the original driveway of the school. School buses drop kids off on the back side of the building.
ows, as well as a certificate from Meadows’ time as a county commissioner. Meadows was a graduate of Fair Street when it was a high school, and Campbell will place these items in the hall for viewing. Any events in the hall will be separated from the school, Campbell said, so there will be no meetings between students and people from the groups. Safety should not be an issue, he said. The gymnasium is not the small
space sometimes seen at the elementary school level, but is a fullsize, fully equipped gym. Fair Street students will begin their year at Wood’s Mill Academy, where they have been for the last year, with the new school expected to be inaugurated at some point in mid-October. An official opening date has not been set, but Campbell is confident that the students will be moved into the school by Oct. 31 at the latest.
North Hall High students are in for a treat when they view the building’s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics wing for the first time. The STEM academy is taking over the right-hand wing of the building, if you’re outside looking from the front. The classes originally located in that area were similar tech courses, like drafting and welding, which still will be located in that area. “We want these kids to have everyday experiences, where the skills that they learn here they can transfer into the workplace,” Damon Gibbs, executive director of
facilities with Hall County Schools, said. “We’re already planning for next summer; we’re going to do the roofing and HVAC next summer in this building. The main difference will be that the originally large classrooms will be split up, making for six classrooms in that section of the building, which Gibbs said will better use the space. It will also be friendlier to technology, with all rooms set up for Internet access. “It will all be wireless technology,” Gibbs said. The project was more extensive than Gibbs had anticipated, including completely redoing the brick exterior. It’ll be more energy-efficient, he said, but it was a snag that was not originally planned. The cost of the project was around $1.6 million, Gibbs said. That particular wing of the school was originally the cafeteria, but had been made into classrooms over the years. Now it will be specifically for the focused STEM program as national and state expectations lean more toward encouraging students in technical careers to compete on both a national and global scale. According to the North Hall High School website, students will enter the STEM academy as freshmen, and will continue the program as they meet certain qualifications. The STEM academy application requires test scores, teacher recommendations and a student essay.
Johnson High School The cafeteria at Johnson High School will seat up to 600 students at a time, up from the current 300, which made for a tight fit and shorter lunch sessions for students. With the expanded cafeteria, Gibbs said the plan now is to seat around 450 students comfortably. “There are over 1,200 kids, and we only had four possible serving times at lunch,” he said. “We can feed them in three sittings instead of four, which will give them a little bit longer.” There will be no changes to the lunch lines themselves. There were already three serving lines in place, with Gibbs saying there is no need at the moment to add another station. The project cost around $1 million, according to Gibbs. It included a little bit of exterior work on the ramps.
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CMYK Back to school
The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |
gainesvilletimes com
Sunday, July 28, 2013
7
New tests roll out for students BY CARLY SHAREC
csharec@gainesvilletimes.com
SCOTT ROGERS | The Times
Rains are keeping crews from completing work on the washed-out portion of McEver Road in Flowery Branch. Hall County Schools Director of Transportation Jewel Armour said if the road is not repaired before the start of school, buses likely will have to drive around the problem areas, coming in from the other side to pick up children.
Officials keep eye on roads weakened by summer rains BY CARLY SHAREC
csharec@gainesvilletimes.com Just as important as being in school is getting to school. That’s where the transportation department steps in and coordinates hundreds of school buses on routes throughout Gainesville and Hall County. Both school systems are keeping an eye on roads that have been closed after being washed out from summer rains. The main concern for the Gainesville route is Lenox Drive off Athens Highway, which remains closed after a storm drain pipe failed. “I think that it’ll be ready for the first of August,” Jerry Castleberry, Gainesville director of transportation, said. But, just in case, there is a plan in place. “We would use an extra bus that would go in off of Floyd Road and pick up in the 25002600 blocks of Lenox Drive,” he said. Hall County’s concern is with the closed McEver Road and
Stephens Road near Flowery Branch. Both of those roads are still closed, as well. “We’ll just drive around them,” Hall Director of Transportation Jewel Armour said. “Go in from the other side.” He said that he is hopeful the roads will be repaired before school, and in the meantime is keeping his fingers crossed that no other roads end up closed. The Gainesville bus fleet welcomes three new vehicles for this upcoming school year, each with the capacity of 90 passengers. “We have new buses, no new routes,” said Castleberry. “It’s pretty much the same as last year.” There are no new bus routes in Hall County either, said Armour. He said that some routes may be slightly changed, but nothing specific. “We always tweak our routes during the summer because we have to allow for the new students ... and make room for them,” Armour said. Hall added 20 LP buses last year for more fuel efficiency.
The LP buses run on propane liquefied petroleum gas, making them more fuel-efficient and cost-effective. Armour added that bus routes will be posted at each school, so parents may go up and see when and where a school bus is expected to pick up and drop off students. Gainesville schools are continuing something that began last school year, which is having two satellite drop-off locations, one at Estates Drive, off of Riverside Drive, and one on Green Street. “It worked well last year, and we plan to continue that,” Castleberry said. As both school systems continue to monitor the skies and the road conditions, they ask motorists to be careful around school buses and their passengers over the course of the upcoming school year. “They need to be really careful,” Armour said. “Watch for children waiting at the bus stops, and watch for school buses. Slow down around both.”
If the keyword of last school year was Common Core, this year’s word may just be testing. A new End of Course Test for analytic geometry will be in place, and schools will also begin the implementation process of the Student Learning Objectives, which will be the tests in place for classes that don’t currently fall under either EOCT or Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests. Students, teachers and parents can expect to see more difficult tests, designed to increase standards. Some of the CRCT tests, for example, have been redesigned to reflect the more rigorous Common Core standards. More of that should be expected for the upcoming school year as well, said Eloise Barron, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning with Hall County Schools. The goal is to build standardized tests that calculate understanding, not just regurgitation of facts. “It’s a good thing,” Barron said, “because a lot of times, multiple choice tests were very focused kind of answers. They have tried to take multiple choice tests and turn them into deeper depth-ofknowledge questions.” The analytic geometry test is expected to follow in the footsteps of the recently added coordinate algebra. Students across the state scored abysmally on the test, with just slightly more than 30 percent meeting or exceeding the standards. Education leaders said that the low scores were due to the more rigorous standards, and it would take students and teachers time to adjust. There are concerns that the results from the geometry EOCT will follow the trend of low scores with coordinate algebra. “I would imagine those same students that had difficulty with coordinate algebra, if they squeaked through, they very well may have problems with the geometry,” Barron said, pointing out that math classes are sequential. “If you don’t have a strong foundation in algebra, there are algebraic concepts that you have to carry into geometry.” Sarah Bell, director of academic programs and standards with Gainesville City Schools, said she also expects the test to be as rigorous as the coordinate algebra test. She anticipates lower scores as students and teachers adjust. “I feel like our teachers have done an
‘My guess is whether we stay with Common Core or drop it ... nothing’s going to change that much.’ Eloise Barron, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning with Hall County Schools
excellent job of learning the new standards, teaching them well and getting our students prepared,” she said. “We just know it’s going to take some time.” Generally speaking, coordinate algebra is taught to freshmen, and the analytic geometry course would be for high school sophomores, Barron said. From a curriculum and standard viewpoint, not a lot will change in the classroom this year. The state had been considering adopting the Next Generation Science Standards, also known as the Common Core for science, but that adoption as been postponed as the state continues its review. Common Core was in place for math and English/language arts for the 201213 school year, and both Barron and Bell expect that it will only get easier from this point. Though Georgia leaders have announced they will develop their own assessments for Common Core, the standards themselves are expected to remain in schools. “My guess is whether we stay with Common Core or drop it ... nothing’s going to change that much,” Barron said. “I directed the development of (the Georgia Performance Standards) at the Department of Education, and we worked with a lot of national groups. We hired national experts to help us develop that curriculum. “So we weren’t that surprised when the Common Core came out, because they were pretty much aligned to the GPS,” she added. She said teachers should not be concerned about significant changes in curriculum. Bell said she is “really thankful to have this time to practice with all of (the) new initiatives.”
CMYK 8
Sunday, July 28, 2013
The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |
gainesvilletimes com
BACK TO SCHOOL
Points of Pride 2012 - 2013 DISTRICT RECOGNITIONS AND HONORS Charter System Application Renewed by State Board for 2013-2023 Opened the P.K. Dixon Field House at Bobby Gruhn Field United Way Chairman’s Award UCLA-Scholastic-AASA Comprehensive System of Learning Supports Exemplar District ACADEMIC AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS Gainesville High School Literary Region 8-AAAAA Championship Gainesville High School Varsity Academic Bowl Region 8-AAAAA Championship Gainesville High School Family Consumer Careers Leadership Association (FCCLA) State STAR Event Winners: Four Teams to National Competition in July 2013 Gainesville High School Health Occupations: 9 Students Qualified for State Finals Gainesville High School Thespian Troupe 2445: GOLD Honor Status Award Highest Achievement Gainesville High School Robotics Alliance: VEX Robotics Regional Winner Placed 35th at World Championships Gainesville Middle School Robotics: Highest Score in FIRST Competition Gainesville High School and Gainesville Middle School Drug Free Coalition Video Production Winners Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy: Department of Education Family Friendly School Award Wood’s Mill Academy: Edgenuity Exemplary Blended Learning Program 2013 Gainesville Middle School Ruffin Reading Bowl 3rd Place State Centennial Arts Academy Ruffin Reading Bowl: 2nd Place State, 1st Place in Essay Gainesville High School JROTC: 1st Place Area 12 (State) Championship Elite 22: 2nd Place in Navy National Competition Gainesville High School 2013 Georgia Advanced Placement Honors Awards: AP STEM School and AP Achievement School Gainesville High School: U.S. News and World Report Best High Schools in Georgia Gainesville Middle School Chorus and Band: Superior Ratings in High Note Competition Gainesville High School Band: Superior Ratings High Note Competition Gainesville Middle School: 16 Students Qualified for Duke Talent Identification Program Fair Street IB World School and New Holland Knowledge Academy Family and Early Literacy Program Recognition for “Read and Rise” ImpactEd
Gainesville Middle School: Hall County Cross Country Championship Gainesville High School Boys Basketball: Region 8-AAAAA Championship State Runner Up AAAAA Champioship Todd Cottrell: Region 8-AAAAA Coach of the Year State AAAAA Coach of the Year Gainesville High School Girls Tennis Region 8-AAAAA Championship State Quarterfinals Kellie Smith: Region 8-AAAAA Coach of the Year Gainesville High School Boys Tennis 2nd Place Region 8-AAAAA State Qualifier Round 2 C.J.Weaver: Region 8-AAAAA Coach of the Year Gainesville High School Boys Soccer: Region 8-AAAAA Runner Up Sweet 16 State Play-offs Ricardo Gomez: Region 8-AAAAA Player of the Year Gainesville Middle School Boys Soccer: Hall County Championship Gainesville High School Girls Soccer: Region 8-AAAAA 4th Place 1st Round State Playoffs Hartley Carter: Region 8-AAAAA Player of the Year Gainesville High School Baseball Region 8-AAAAA Championship State Quarterfinals Jeremy Kemp: Region 8-AAAAA Coach of the Year Gainesville Middle School Baseball: Hall County Championship Gainesville High School Women’s Golf: Region 8-AAAAA Championship Clay McDonald: 8-AAAAA Coach of the Year 3rd Place State AAAAA Championship Gainesville High School Men’s Golf: Region 8-AAAAA Championship Bryson Worley: 8-AAAAA Coach of the Year State AAAAA Championship INDIVIDUAL AWARDS OF NOTE Pam Ware “Woodruff Salutes the Arts” Award 2012 William Morris: Georgia STAR Student 2013 Alex Longoria: Gates Millenium Scholar Ben Lieu: Recipient of Congressional Appointment U.S. Naval Academy Jerry Castleberry: Phillip Wright Award Sue Williamson: Centerpoint Counselor of the Year Kathy Kelley: Liberty Bell Award Northeast Georgia Bar Association COLLEGE AND CAREER READY HIGHLIGHTS Over $3 Million of Scholarship Awards (Including the HOPE Scholarship Awards)
Gainesville Exploration Academy: High Flying School Award 2012 National Drop Out Prevention Network Gainesville High School: Two Governors Honors Finalist Gainesville High School: 3 National Merit Nominees 1 Semifinalist ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS Gainesville High School Football: State AAAAA Championship Bruce Miller: AAAAA Coach of the Year Deshaun Watson: Region 9 and State AAAAA Player of the Year Gainesville High School Girls Volleyball: Region 8-AAAAA Runner Up Sweet 16 State Finals
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