State of the Schools 2008

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:
Student achievement, as measured by Georgia’s Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests
n

(CRCT), is on the increase in nearly every grade and every subject in our elementary and
middle schools.
More high school students are passing all five sections of the Georgia High School
n

Graduation Test and our on-time graduation rate is improving.
More students than ever are taking college-level Advanced Placement courses in our
n

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
Rev. David Nunnally Sr.
During the last school year, the Clarke
District 5
County School District, its students Mr. John Knight
and its faculty were recognized for District 7
Mr. Chester Sosebee
outstanding achievement at the state
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

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.

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
building for children to learn in,
students back in January 2008. The landmark
school building, which opened in 1922, has been
it’s a wonderful place for teachers
restored while completely new construction has
to teach in, and it’s a fabulous
replaced a series of additions built over the years.
The finished product has been applauded by
addition to the neighborhood.
students, teachers, parents and the community.

– Dr. Bonnie Jackson, Chase Street Principal
“The assignment for the architects early on was
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.


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 that met or that met or that met or that met or
Grade
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
n/a*
n/a*
91%
79%
3rd
third and fifth graders passed the CRCT
in reading. Following the intensive 70%
53%
90%
79%
5th
and focused summer program and the 72%
56%
87%
81%
8th
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.

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
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
University of Chicago, Stanford University, University of Georgia, Duke
University, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),
California Institute of Technology
Intel Science Talent Search Finalist, National Advanced Placement Scholar,
President’s Volunteer Service Award


Alayna LeCroy
“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
Georgia Institute of Technology, Sewanee: The University of the South,
College of Charleston
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
Yale University, Duke University, Emory University, University of North
Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of Georgia

7

Sarah Weber
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
University of Georgia
2008 Prep Scholar Athlete Award, Marge Schneider Memorial Science
Award, 2008 Principal’s Scholarship Award

Amarachi Anukam
“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:
Vanderbilt University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Agnes
Scott College, Davidson College, Emory University, Washington and Lee
University
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)


Joseph Stunzi
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:
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
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
“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
University of Georgia (Honors Program), Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology
Rose-Hulman Merit Scholar, 2008 University of Georgia Charter
Scholarship

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
number of students taking
CCSD College Board Advanced
college-level AP courses,
Placement Courses Clarke County students
the number of AP exams
attempted, and the diversity
have traditionally scored
English Language and Composition
n

of students taking AP classes
higher than the state
English Literature and Composition and exams all increased
n

substantially.
average on AP exams.
Calculus AB
n

The number of students
n

Statistics taking AP classes and
n

exams increased from 346 last year to 425 this year.
Biology
n

The number of AP exams attempted by our students increased from 509
n

Chemistry last year to 626 this year.
n

The number of economically-disadvantaged students taking AP exams
Physics B n
n

increased from 88 last year to 115 this year (more than a quarter of all
Physics C: Mechanics
n
students attempting AP exams).
Over the past decade, enrollment in College Board Advanced Placement
Physics C: Electricity
n

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
World History
n
students have traditionally scored higher than the state average on AP
exams. In 2007, Clarke County students earned a score of 3 or better on
Government and Politics
n

68% of AP exams attempted. The state average was 53%. (Data for 2008 was
Macroeconomics not available at press time.)
n

Graduation Rates on the Rise
Spanish Language
n

In addition to the success of the Clarke County School District’s Advanced
Latin Literature
n

Placement program, our high school students demonstrated improvement
Studio Art: 2D Design
n
in other measures. For the second consecutive year, the percentage of high
school juniors who passed all four sections of the Georgia High School
Studio Art: 3D Design
n

Graduation Test on their first attempt increased. Students demonstrated
Music Theory significant gains on the science section of the GHSGT, traditionally the most
n

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%.

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.

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:
Reading: 82% of students in grades 1-8 met or exceeded standards, an
n

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.
English/Language Arts: 78% of students in grades 1-8 met or exceeded
n

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.
Math: The percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards in grades
n

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:
Reading: The gap between black students and white students in grades 1-8
n

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.
English/Language Arts: The gap between black students and white students
n

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.


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
0
+2
+2
+13
85
83
72
1st
+1
+4
+3
+10
87
83
77
2nd
+2
+8
+4
+7
79
71
72
3rd
+2
+6
+6
+14
80
74
66
4th
+2
+6
+6
+10
79
73
69
5th
+2
0
+4
+2
81
81
79
6th
+3
+4
+8
+10
77
73
67
7th
+3
+4
+1
+2
81
77
79
8th

CRCT English/Language Arts
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
+2
+8
+5
+16
77
69
61
1st
0
+2
0
+6
73
71
67
2nd
+1
+7
+5
+14
81
74
67
3rd
+2
+2
+7
+12
77
75
65
4th
+2
+5
+5
+12
83
78
71
5th
+1
-1
+3
0
75
76
75
6th
+1
-4
+7
+7
79
83
72
7th
+1
+6
+2
+6
82
76
76
8th

CRCT Mathematics
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
+4
+13
81
68
1st
+4
+8
74
66
2nd
+4
+7
52
45
6th
+6
+1
66
65
7th

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.


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
There is a long history of
Celebration of Music and Dance.” The theme reflected
visual artists that have been
the efforts of Clarke County School District art teachers
to build bridges with other disciplines. For the past two
inspired by music, dance and
years, the art teachers have been working as part of a No
Child Left Behind grant to create integrated lessons that
theater so we knew that was
connect visual arts and fine arts.
a great connection.
“The work at this particular exhibit is visual art that
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.

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.


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.

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
Graphic Design: mPrint Design Studio

State of the Schools 2008

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State of the Schools 2008