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Eight Cherokee County School District Class of 2024 graduating seniors won STEM scholarships from a local organization! 

The Holly Springs Optimist Club recently honored eight CCSD students, along with an outstanding teacher and a paraprofessional at its annual High School Awards breakfast, which recognizes outstanding special needs students and their supportive teachers and staff.

Fifty-four Cherokee County School District student athletes this week signed commitment letters to compete at the college level! The students were honored with ceremonies at their high schools to celebrate their signing of National Letters of Intent.  This week’s National Signing Day was the earliest day on which high school seniors can sign a binding commitment to play competitive college sports other than football.

Cherokee County School District theatre programs excelled at regional One Act Play competitions and earned top student awards!

A Cherokee County School District senior is a semifinalist for a national honor! Etowah High School senior Ixchel Avila is one of only 1,500 high school seniors nationwide selected as 2023-2024 Coca-Cola Scholars Program semifinalists.  She is one of only 37 seniors from Georgia selected.

Cherokee County School District high school students last school year increased their participation and success in Advanced Placement college-level courses, earning international honors for their schools.

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its latest class of AP Capstone graduates, including the first cohort from River Ridge High School and a perfect score by a Sequoyah High School student!

The Cherokee County School Board at its Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 meeting approved plans to expand a school and heard important budget updates.

A Cherokee County School District teacher is among an elite group of educators selected for a state leadership program!

Cherokee County School District's theatre programs are taking the stage for a new season! 

A Cherokee County School District student has won a local art competition.  Etowah High School senior Marissa Migneco created the winning entry for the “Painting with a Purpose” mural design contest sponsored by the local nonprofit organization, Goshen Valley.  

The Cherokee County School District Class of 2023 ACT scores increased and continued to exceed national and state averages!

Cherokee County School District high school seniors have been named National Merit Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation!  

CCSD's high school marching bands put on an amazing show Monday night at Tommy Baker Field in Canton at the Cherokee County Marching Band Exposition.

The Cherokee County School District’s graduation rate for the Class of 2023 continues to exceed the state average and ranked second in metro Atlanta.

Cherokee County School District students recently earned their pilot wings through the U.S. Air Force JROTC Flight Academies!  Cherokee High School senior Sydney Watson and Etowah High School senior Luke Foresman both successfully completed the summer program to earn their private pilot’s certificates, as did Cherokee HS Class of 2023 graduate Andrew Solano.  

A Cherokee County School District student has been named to the State School Superintendent’s 2023-24 Student Advisory Council!  Etowah High School senior Cristina Garcia is among the 69 high school students from across the state selected for the prestigious role.  State School Superintendent Richard Woods chose his student advisors based on their applications and answers to essay questions about improving public education.

Cherokee County School District’s SAT scores increased and continue to top statewide and national results, according to results released today by the College Board.

Microsoft Education has recognized 40 Cherokee County School District teachers, staff and school and school district leaders as among the world’s top instructional technology experts!  One of those Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts honorees, CCSD Instructional Technology Specialist Merry Hofmeister, additionally has earned the prestigious Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow honor for the fifth consecutive year.  

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2023 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Etowah High School: Lisa Funderburk! #CCSDfam

Lisa serves as the instructional lead strategist. She has eight years of service with CCSD, including four in her current role.

In her principal’s words: “Lisa truly understands her role and how to use it to positively impact our teachers and students. She has built strong, positive and trusting relationships with the staff by being actively involved in team meetings and implementing ways to recognize staff and showcase the great things happening in our classrooms. This building of trust has impacted teaching and learning; she has challenged teachers to step outside their comfort zones to help our students be more successful. Lisa is the embodiment of exceptionalism among support at Etowah High School.”

An impressive number of Cherokee County School District students have earned national AP Scholar awards!  Every September, the AP Program recognizes an elite group of high school students from across the country who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP exams.  

The College Board honored 146 Cherokee County School District students through its National Recognition Programs awards!  The programs are designed by the College Board to provide recognition opportunities for high school seniors and juniors in underrepresented groups.  

The Cherokee County School Board at its Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023 regular meeting welcomed its new Student Advisor and Student Delegates for the school year!

A Cherokee County School District teacher has earned a statewide education award!

A CCSD high school career skills program has earned a national honor!  

The Cherokee County School District is expanding its Career Pathway program to prepare future teachers thanks to a new state grant!

A team of Cherokee County School District students has placed at an international career skills competition!

The Cherokee County School District is seeking an experienced business professional to serve as its Coordinator of Procurement overseeing a centralized purchasing department.  This position offers competitive compensation packages (salary range, based on experience: $73,000 - $107,600) with excellent benefits including Georgia State Health Benefit Plan, an outstanding work calendar, a wonderful work environment and caring team, and opportunities for professional development and advancement. 

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, June 16, 2023 approved a budget for next school year that improves teacher and support staff compensation and keeps class sizes low without a millage rate increase.

The Cherokee County School District and School Board celebrated the Class of 2023 Valedictorians and Salutatorians at its 23rd Annual Scholar Recognition Banquet.

Four Cherokee County School District students have earned Positive Athlete Georgia scholarships!

This message from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower is to our graduating Class of 2023 seniors.  We are sharing it with all of you, as they are the future of our community.  You can see each of their names posted below his message.

The Cherokee County School District congratulates its School Board Delegates on completing their year of service!

Members of Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2023 have committed to military service, including one selected for a prestigious U.S. Service Academy!

Six Cherokee County School District Class of 2023 graduates have earned scholarships from ABM Industry Groups LLC!

Congratulations to the Valedictorians and Salutatorians for the Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2023! 

Some of our most extraordinary students are now some of our most extraordinary employees! Here, we will regularly celebrate CCSD alums who are now CCSD employees … meet a Homegrown Hero! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, May 18, 2023 reviewed the proposed budget for next school year, which increases salaries for teachers and support staff, and approved the construction contract for the new replacement Cherokee High School campus.

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here – congratulations to Etowah HS 2023 Partner of the Year: Cherokee County Senior Services (Silver Roamers)!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/partners) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating thirty-six graduating seniors who plan to pursue careers in skilled professions!

Be Pro Be Proud Georgia and the Cherokee Workforce Collaborative, an initiative of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development that includes CCSD, local businesses and industries and colleges, recently presented the annual Skilled Professions Signing Day event.  

The Cherokee County School District this week honored retiring employees as legends at a new ceremony and reception.

One hundred and twenty-four retiring employees, including teachers, support staff and administrators, were celebrated at the CCSD Retiring Legends Reception and Recognition Ceremony presented Thursday evening in the school board auditorium.

Three Cherokee County School District graduating seniors have earned the prestigious 2023 National Merit Scholarship!

Kylie Buchanan of Creekview High School, Braden Flournoy of Cherokee High School and Ty Phillips of Etowah High School today were among the top 2,500 seniors in the U.S. awarded the $2,500 scholarship by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.  

Congratulations to the winners of the fifth annual Cherokee Student Film Festival, presented by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development in partnership with CCSD Career Pathway film and video teachers!

National School Nurse Day is May 10, 2023, and this week, we will introduce you to CCSD’s 2023 Innovation Zone Nurses of the Year! Stay tuned as we highlight our winners each day. Thank you to all CCSD nurses for the care you provide daily to our students and staff! #CCSDfam #snd2023

Two Class of 2023 graduating seniors have earned community scholarship awards!

Please check out the May edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter online here for the latest CCSD news including announcements and upcoming events.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia! #CCSDfam
 

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Work Based Learning, which is offered at all CCSD high schools.  CCSD offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

The Cherokee County School District celebrated its future educators this week!

High schools across the country held “signing day” events as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week to honor graduating seniors who plan to pursue careers in education.  All of CCSD’s high schools hosted events.

A message to the community from Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower …

Twenty-three Cherokee County School District students placed in the statewide Georgia PTA Reflections fine arts contest!

Cherokee County School District student athletes have been honored by Positive Athlete Georgia with 10 regional awards, as well as top honors for a Woodstock High School coach and for Creekview High School!

Twelve Cherokee County School District Class of 2023 graduating seniors will be honored by the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame! 

Cherokee County School District students placed in a prestigious statewide architecture career skills competition!

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Veterinary Science and Equine Science, with both programs offered at Creekview High School and the former offered at Etowah High School.  CCSD offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

The Cherokee County School District will offer summer school learning opportunities from June 5-23 for high school students including rising ninth-graders.

A dozen Cherokee County School District high school students have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program! 

CCSD will host a job fair for paraprofessionals, bus drivers and School Nutrition workers from 2:30 to 5 p.m. April 26 at 1020 Keeter Road, Canton 30114.

Mark your calendars! The annual spring plant sales with plants grown by CCSD agriculture program students are this week at Cherokee High School and Etowah High School. #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District saluted educators Thursday night at the 2023 Legacy Makers: CCSD Teachers of the Year Celebration. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower opened an envelope at the event’s conclusion to announce that Etowah High School science teacher Lara McDonald is the 2023 CCSD Teacher of the Year!

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Plant and Floral Design Systems and Companion Animal Systems, which is offered at Etowah High School.  Five different agriculture Career Pathway programs are available in CCSD high schools. 

Cherokee County School District high school students recently participated in a workshop to refine their employability skills.

Six Cherokee County School District high school seniors have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Scholar recognition! 

The Georgia Department of Education program honors high school seniors who exhibit excellence in their school and community life.  Honorees demonstrate dedication to academic success, participation in interscholastic events and leadership through extra-curricular activities.  

Hector Vicinte of Canton was the winner of the annual Shottenkirk Jeep Wrangler raffle, which raised more than $180,000 for CCSD high school athletics and arts programs this year.  School Board member Patsy Jordan drew the winning ticket on Saturday at the dealership in Canton. High school sports and arts programs sell the raffle tickets for $5 each throughout the fall and winter, and the schools are able to keep all the proceeds. 

A Cherokee County School District high school Career Pathway program has nailed its state industry certification!

Etowah High School’s Career Pathway Construction and Carpentry program, which is led by teacher Ty Casteel, several years ago began the challenging process of earning industry certification from the Georgia Department of Education and industry affiliate Construction Ready.  Certification is considered an additional “stamp of excellence” for a Career Pathway program.  

Cherokee County School District students earned top honors at the annual Georgia Student Technology Competition!

The Cherokee County School District participates in the statewide Child Find program to help identify students eligible for Special Education services.

The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting on Thursday, March 16, 2023 approved the appointment of new principals and other new leaders for next school year.

Cherokee County School District high school and middle school students won seats in the prestigious Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Band, Chorus and Orchestra.

Six Cherokee County School District student artists have been selected for the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition!

The exhibition is presented by Arts Festival of Atlanta to recognize and encourage high school student artists from the 12-country metro Atlanta region.  

A team of Cherokee County School District students earned first place in a statewide career skills competition and is advancing to nationals!

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Healthcare Science: Therapeutic Services - Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology.  Sports Medicine is offered at Cherokee, Creekview and Etowah HS; Exercise Physiology also is offered at Etowah HS.  Five different Healthcare Science programs are available in CCSD high schools.  CCSD offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

The College Board is honoring 86 Cherokee County School District students through its National Recognition Programs awards!

Learn more about CCSD's Cherokee College and Career Academy (C3) and its unique job skills programs by visiting the campus this month!  

The Cherokee County School District is beginning kindergarten and new student registration for the 2023-24 school year with a new online registration system.

Please check out the March edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter at https://bit.ly/CCSDconnections for the latest CCSD news including announcements and upcoming events. 

The Cherokee County School District is kicking off its month-long celebration of the importance of literacy!

Every March, CCSD celebrates literacy beginning with Read Across America Day, a nationwide reading event that coincides with renowned children’s book author and illustrator Dr. Seuss’s March 2 birthday.  CCSD’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction coordinates the campaign, which supports the statewide Get Georgia Reading initiative and CCSD’s continued focus on improving literacy.

The Cherokee County School District celebrated outstanding school community partners and volunteers at the annual CCSD Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year Recognition Ceremony.

The Cherokee County School District Annual Job Fair for next school year is THIS SATURDAY! Pre-register today to join us: https://bit.ly/2023CherokeeJF #CCSDfam

Cherokee County School District’s high schools, for the 13th consecutive year, have earned the state’s top honors for outstanding Advanced Placement (AP) programs and performance!

All of CCSD’s high schools this week were named 2023 AP Honor Schools for exceptional student performance and participation on AP exams, which offer students more challenging coursework and the opportunity to earn college credit.  

The Cherokee County School District again has earned national honors for its School Nutrition summer meals program!

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Air Force JROTC - Government and Public Administration, which is offered at Cherokee HS, Etowah HS, River Ridge HS and Sequoyah HS, with other JROTC Pathways also offered at Creekview HS (Army) and Woodstock HS (Navy).  The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  

The Cherokee County School District today surprised four exemplary teachers with the news they are finalists for the 2023 CCSD Teacher of the Year award!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower visited their classrooms to announce that the judging committee selected them as the top four teachers of all CCSD schools’ and centers’ Teachers of the Year. 

The Cherokee County School District on Thursday night celebrated 259 outstanding high school juniors as Superintendent’s Key Scholars!  

These top students were recognized, through the 18th Annual Superintendent’s Key Scholar Recognition Ceremony, for scores achieved on the PSAT that rank them in the top 10% nationwide.  

Cherokee County School District students excelled in this year’s Student Technology Competition, with more than 40 placing first at regions and now advancing to the state contest!

The statewide Georgia Student Technology Competition program includes 14 project categories for students in Grades 3-12.  Nearly 200 students from more than 20 CCSD schools put their technology skills to the test at the Piedmont Regional Technology Competition.  Students submitted videos to present their projects for judging. 

The Cherokee County School District congratulates the districtwide winners of the annual PTA Reflections fine arts contest!

The annual competition offers students in all grades and of all abilities the opportunity to create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts 2D and 3D.

It’s National School Counseling Week ... the perfect week to announce CCSD’s 2023 Innovation Zone Counselors of the Year!  Stay tuned this week as we highlight each winner.  Thank you to all CCSD counselors for the impact you make in our community! #CCSDfam #CCSDcares #NSCW2023

Seven Cherokee County School District Class of 2023 seniors have been named candidates for a top national honor!

As candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, they are among only 5,000 students from the more than 3 million graduating seniors in the nation’s Class of 2023 selected to participate in the prestigious recognition program.

Reminder: CCSD's Job Fair is a month away ... please join us from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 4, at River Ridge High School (400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 30188).  Pre-register today at https://bit.ly/2023CherokeeJF #CCSDfam

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Healthcare Science - Therapeutic Services and Allied Health and Medicine, which is offered at Creekview and Etowah High Schools.  The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

Please check out the February edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter at https://bit.ly/CCSDconnections for the latest CCSD news including announcements and upcoming events.  You also can learn more about the opportunity to nominate a deserving teacher or support staff member for a chance to win a $250 Visa gift card sponsored by Credit Union of Georgia.  #CCSDfam

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2023 STAR Students and Teachers!

The STAR, or Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, Student honor is awarded to the high school senior from each Georgia public and private high school with the highest score on any single test date of the SAT and who also ranks in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of his or her class based on grade point average.  Each honored student is invited to select his or her favorite teacher to be named that school’s STAR Teacher.

More than 500 female athletes from Cherokee County's six high schools participated in the county's annual celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), held Monday, January 30, at Woodstock High School.

The Cherokee County School District’s School Nutrition program has added a Halal menu item.
 
CCSD School Nutrition continuously updates school menus to keep up with student preferences, and last semester tested a new item in response to a request from students’ parents.

February is School Choice Month for the Cherokee County School District!  

In February, CCSD opens the opportunity for parents to request a school reassignment for the next school year, including our STEM, STEAM and Fine Arts Academies, and our online high school, i-Grad Virtual Academy.  

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2023 School Teachers of the Year winners!

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Law Enforcement Services and Criminal Investigations, which is offered at Woodstock and Etowah High Schools.  The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Cybersecurity, which is offered at the Cherokee College & Career Academy that is open to all CCSD high school students …

The Cherokee County School District will present its next Parent University program on Tuesday, Jan. 31, with a focus on cyber bullying and social media.

CCSD's Parent University regularly presents free programs for parents on topics of interest to families with school-age children.  The Jan. 31 program is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Woodstock City Church (150 Ridgewalk Way, Woodstock 30188).  The target audience is parents/guardians and students age 11 and older.

Some of our most extraordinary students are now some of our most extraordinary employees! Here, we will regularly celebrate CCSD alums who are now CCSD employees … meet a Homegrown Hero! #CCSDfam

We are closely monitoring weather conditions and the potential for severe weather this afternoon. 

The forecast calls for high winds and heavy rain, which could delay bus routes.  If any change is made to dismissal times, we will notify parents immediately by email and text, as well as through a post on our website and Facebook page. 

All after-school and evening extra-curricular activities including athletics have been cancelled.  After School Program care will be offered at elementary schools as planned until 6 p.m.

The Cherokee County School District on Friday, Jan. 20, will host a virtual job fair for Special Education positions for next school year including: school psychologists, speech language pathologists, board certified behavior analysts and occupational and physical therapists.  

Every school year, each CCSD high school selects one Student Delegate to the School Board to represent the student voice. One Delegate is named the Student Advisor and sits with the Board at its meetings. We’ll introduce you to them all this year! #CCSDfam!

CCSD schools celebrated the holiday season by serving the community through donation drives and volunteering. Thank you to the teachers and staff who organized these projects. We hope you enjoy this slideshow of photos from just a few of these many activities. Happy Holidays to our #CCSDfam!
 

Save the date: the CCSD Certified Job Fair will be 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 4, at River Ridge High School (400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 30188).  Pre-register at https://bit.ly/2023CherokeeJF #CCSDfam

CCSD’s new CTAE handbook, “Focus on the Future,” went home with 8^th graders this month as they prepare to register for their high school classes.  The handbook highlights the 38 Career Pathways offered at CCSD schools, with information on the classes required and possible career options in various fields.

On behalf of the Superintendent, this is to advise that, after carefully reviewing the weather forecast for tomorrow morning (Friday, Dec. 23), and at the recommendation of State officials to remain off of the roads if at all possible at that time, he has declared that tomorrow will be a remote work day for CCSD employees, with duties as assigned by worksite supervisors.  As a result, all schools and offices will be closed, and staff will not be answering phones.  Friday is a school holiday for students, so this decision does not impact a school day.  #SafeCherokee 

Three Cherokee County School District students have been selected for an elite aviation program!

The Cherokee County School District celebrated the important role of support staff at its Fifth Annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards on Thursday evening.

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Transportation: Collision Repair - Painting and Refinishing, which is offered at Etowah High School, with Cherokee HS and Sequoyah HS offering other automotive programs …

Please check out the December edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter at https://bit.ly/CCSDconnections for the latest CCSD news including announcements and upcoming events.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner! #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District student has earned first place in a statewide career skills competition.

Etowah High School senior Avery DiGirolamo won the top prize in the mental health education in action competitive event at the Georgia HOSA Future Health Professionals fall leadership conference.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 approved mid-year bonuses for teachers and support staff and heard plans to increase salaries for next school year.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower proposed the one-time supplemental payments of $1,000 for eligible full-time employees and $500 permanent part-time employees, which will be issued in this month’s paychecks, to show appreciation for their continued service.

The Holly Springs Optimist Club recently honored eight CCSD students, along with an outstanding teacher and a paraprofessional at its annual High School Awards breakfast, which recognizes outstanding special needs students and their supportive teachers and staff.  

On behalf of the Superintendent of Schools, please be advised that Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, the date of the General Election Runoff, will be a Digital Learning Day for all CCSD students.  

A Cherokee County School District team has been named the national champions in a Junior ROTC competition!

A team of Etowah High School JROTC students this month won first place in the Raider National Championships, a multi-event military style athletic competition.

The Cherokee County School District next month will celebrate outstanding service at its fifth annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards!

The recognition ceremony on December 8 will honor one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions.  Each honoree is congratulated by the Superintendent of Schools and School Board members and receives a plaque and gifts of appreciation before an audience of honorees and their families, Principals and CCSD leaders.

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Nutrition and Food Science, which is available at all CCSD high schools …

Please check out the November edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter at https://bit.ly/CCSDconnections for the latest CCSD news including announcements and upcoming events.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner.  #CCSDfam
 

The Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 ACT scores topped national and state averages!

The class scored an outstanding 22.2 average, topping Georgia’s 21.6 and the Nation’s 19.8 averages on the competitive college entrance and placement examination.  The scores ranked CCSD in the top 10% in the State.  

The Cherokee County School District will host a fall job fair from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at 1020 Keeter Road.  We are hiring for mid-year teaching positions due to retirements, as well as for immediate openings for bus drivers, paraprofessionals and school nutrition assistant managers and subs. 

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated teachers … and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is offering 2023-24 high school students the opportunity to participate in an educational travel experience to Greece and Italy during June 2024!

CCSD will hold its annual sale of surplus equipment and vehicles on Saturday, November 12.  Preview begins at 8 am, sale begins at 9 am. 

It’s National School Bus Safety Week, and we want to recognize those who are responsible for keeping our students safe on the bus and training our new bus drivers to do the same! Meet school bus driver and trainer Dawn Benton! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District’s Superintendent of Schools has been named a finalist for the Georgia Superintendent of the Year award!
 
Dr. Brian V. Hightower, who has led CCSD since 2016, was announced as one of four finalists for the top honor today at the Georgia School Superintendents Association’s fall conference in Athens.  

It’s National School Bus Safety Week, and we want to recognize those who are responsible for keeping our students safe on the bus and training our new bus drivers to do the same! Meet school bus driver and trainer Christine Minter! #CCSDfam

Four Cherokee County School District students have been named to the State School Superintendent’s 2022-23 Student Advisory Council!

Cherokee High School senior Brighton Cux, Creekview High School senior Jacob Mavromatidis, Etowah High School senior Madison Borsetti and River Ridge High School senior Nandita Bipin are among the 67 high school students from across the state selected for the prestigious role.

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Computer Science - Cloud Computing, which is offered at Woodstock HS and Etowah HS …

The Cherokee County School District’s graduation rate has soared to a new high, with 92.3% of the Class of 2022 earning a diploma within four years of entering high school!  

Please check out the October edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter at https://bit.ly/CCSDconnections for the latest CCSD news including announcements and upcoming events.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner.  #CCSDfam
 

The curtain will rise this month for the Cherokee County School District's 2022-23 theatre season! All CCSD high schools, as well as select middle schools and the districtwide Academy Street Theatre Group program for elementary through high school students, will present shows throughout the school year. 

This annual show is a great night of entertainment and an opportunity to support our outstanding band program! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here – congratulations to Etowah High School 2022 Partner of the Year: Gotcha Covered!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District has again earned a top state honor for providing outstanding meals and service to students!

CCSD’s School Nutrition program, which serves 5 million meals each year in school cafeterias, won the Golden Radish Award from the Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Division.  

Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022 outscored the state and nation on the SAT college entrance exam, according to results released today by the College Board.

The CCSD Class of 2022 earned an average total score of 1091 on the curriculum-based college entrance and placement exam.  CCSD’s score exceeds the national public school average by 63 points and the State by 39 points and ranks CCSD in the top 10% of districts statewide.  

This message is to update you on the incident today that led to the evacuation of Etowah HS.

The EHS evacuation was completed quickly and safely.  We greatly appreciate the cooperation of students, staff and families, and the outstanding support of local law enforcement agencies.

In anticipation of the expected severe weather moving into the area on Friday, all CCSD varsity football games have been moved to Thursday night at 7:30 pm.  These games are: Creekview HS (Homecoming vs Etowah HS); Sequoyah HS (Homecoming vs River Ridge HS); Woodstock HS (Homecoming vs Rome HS). Cherokee HS does not have a game this week. #SafeCherokee

The College Board has honored 88 Cherokee County School District students through its National Recognition Programs awards!

CCSD’s honorees are among the only 62,000 students from across the country being recognized for their academic success.  To be considered for recognition, students must have a GPA of at least 3.5 and either exceptional test scores placing them in the top 10% in their state on the 2021 PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or scores of 3 or higher on two of more 2022 Advanced Placement (AP) exams and meet recognition guidelines.  

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Engineering Drafting and Design and Architectural Drafting and Design, which is offered at Sequoyah High School and Etowah High School.

The Cherokee County School District has earned international recognition for excellence in education!

The district is one of only 38 school districts in the world to today be named a 2022 Cognia School System of Distinction by the international accreditation organization.

Five Cherokee County School District high school seniors today were named 2023 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!

They are: of Cherokee HS, Griffen C. Bon and Braden R. Flournoy; of Creekview HS, Kylie A. Buchanan; of Etowah HS, Ty S. Phillips; and of Sequoyah HS, Paige L. Falcomata.  Less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors earn National Merit Semifinalist recognition. 

The September edition of the CCSD Connections parent newsletter now is online at https://bit.ly/CCSDconnections with the latest CCSD news, including the announcement of an Oct. 12 Digital Learning Day for high school students not taking the PSAT or SAT at school that day.  

Microsoft Education has recognized 36 Cherokee County School District teachers and staff as among the nation’s top instructional technology experts!

They have been named to the 2022-23 class of Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIEE).  The technology company selected only 830 educators, support staff and school and school district leaders nationwide, considered among the best at understanding how technology can improve learning, for this elite recognition. 

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its latest class of AP Capstone program graduates, including the first cohort from Sequoyah High School!  

AP Capstone is a two-year project-based learning program designed to help students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are crucial to academic success.  The elite program, which was developed by The College Board in partnership with colleges and universities, is offered in select high schools nationwide, with Etowah High School graduating its first class in 2019 and Sequoyah High School graduating its first class in 2022.  River Ridge High School will be eligible to graduate its first class in 2023, and Woodstock High School started the program this school year.  

The Cherokee County School District’s School Nutrition department is searching for the best kid-friendly spinach recipes!

The fourth annual CCSD School Nutrition Parent Recipe Contest in celebration of National Farm to School Month offers parents the opportunity to earn a $100 Visa gift card sponsored by Credit Union of Georgia and see their recipe featured on school lunch menus.  This year’s featured vegetable, which is selected annually by Georgia Organics, is spinach, and the contest theme is “Are you ‘Spinach to Win It?!’”

We are proud of our CCSD alums and the great things they are accomplishing! We will be sharing some of our #CCSDNotables with you throughout the year. #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on the Construction and Carpentry program, which is offered at Etowah and Cherokee High Schools:

The Cherokee County School District’s Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting our students and staff every day. We’re thankful for their service and will regularly introduce you to our officers through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam #SafeCherokee

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday evening welcomed its new Student Advisor and Student Delegates for the school year!

The School Board has included a Student Advisor position on its board since 1999, and, for the past 11 years, a Student Delegate from each high school also has been selected.  

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on the Arts, A/V Technology and Communications program, which is offered at all CCSD high schools:  

Please check out the August edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter at https://bit.ly/CCSDconnections, which includes CCSD news and a message from the Superintendent.  If you have not already done so, please visit the Back-to-School Gateway at https://bit.ly/CCSDb2s to update your child’s emergency contacts and provide other important information.  Thank you to this month's newsletter sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia!  #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is accepting applications for its annual parent academy program.

VILLA (Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy) is a free six-session program that offers CCSD parents the opportunity to learn more about their school district and how to be more engaged in our schools.  CCSD earned the Georgia School Boards Association’s 2019 Leading Edge Award for helping to develop and pilot the statewide program.

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school’s Teacher of the Year every week ... please help us celebrate 2022 Etowah High School Teacher of the Year Margo Kemmerer!

Etowah High School Teacher of the Year Margo Kemmerer has positively influenced many students over her 15-year career, all of which has been served on Eagle Mountain.

The following message is from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower:

Today’s skies may be cloudy, but our schools were filled with sunshine.

As I visited schools across our community today, the smiles shone brightly among students and teachers and staff celebrating the first day of our new school year.

The Cherokee County School District celebrated school nurses today with the presentation of the annual CCSD School Nurse of the Year Awards!

The awards program, now in its second year, was developed with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a CCSD Partner.  As part of National School Nurse Appreciation Day and National Nurses Week in May, a top school nurse from each CCSD Innovation Zone (a high school and its feeder schools) was announced.  The Zone winners advanced to the CCSD School Nurse of the Year Award judging, with the winner selected by a panel of nursing professionals and retired educators. 

A Cherokee County School District student earned national honors through the 2021-22 National PTA Reflections fine arts contest! 

The annual competition offers students in all grades and abilities the opportunity to create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.  Students can earn recognition at the school, district, state and national levels.  This year's theme was “I Will Change The World By... .”

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Etowah High School: Penny Jones! #CCSDfam

Cherokee County School District students for the seventh consecutive year exceeded State averages on the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade and End-of-Course tests, with significant gains on most tests. 

The annual tests assess students’ mastery of Georgia Performance Standards, which set expectations for what lessons students will learn in each grade.  Teachers and administrators use the results to improve instructional best practices.

The Cherokee County School District is bringing back the popular option of part-time employment for specific certified jobs!  For the upcoming school year, this “49%” option of working 3.5 hours per school day is available for specific teaching roles, school psychologists and speech language pathologists.  This is an outstanding opportunity for parents of young children, professionals who also work in private practice and retirees. 

It’s less than two weeks until the first day of school for CCSD on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022!  Please check out the July edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter online here, which includes important back-to-school info and a message from the Superintendent about school safety and security.  Don’t forget to visit the Back-to-School Gateway at https://bit.ly/CCSDb2s when it opens July 25 to update your child’s emergency contacts and provide other important information.  Thank you to this month's newsletter sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia!  #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District this week congratulated the winners of its new Bus Driver of the Year Awards!

The awards recognize one outstanding school bus driver from each Innovation Zone (high school and feeder middle and elementary schools) and one from CCSD’s team of Special Education drivers; from this pool of winners, one overall CCSD winner was selected.

We have been pleased to offer to-go meal service at no charge during summer break for any child age 0-18 in Cherokee County.

The last CCSD meal pick up for the summer break will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 18, at Cherokee High School’s North Campus at 930 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114 - North Campus is to the right of the main campus, and Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy at 3219 Hunt Road, Acworth, GA 30102.

The Cherokee County School District’s 2022-23 school year will begin on Monday, Aug. 1.  

For students who are new to CCSD, parents may register them online this summer using our New Student Gateway; parents still will need to present copies of legally required documents in person to complete enrollment.  For information, visit http://bit.ly/ccsdenrollment.  

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday night approved the budget for next school year, which calls for a tax rate reduction, increased investment in school safety and pay raises for teachers and support staff.

The 1.5 mills decrease in the tax rate, which was unanimously approved, is the first reduction proposed since 2014 and was prompted by the rise in property values.  While most homeowners will see an increase in their tax bill due to their property value rising, the increase will be less due to the School Board’s action.   

Six Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduates have earned scholarships from ABM Industry Groups LLC!

The company, which provides custodial services for CCSD schools, each year awards a $1,000 scholarship to one graduating senior from each of CCSD’s traditional high schools.  The six winners are selected by a scholarship committee of retired CCSD educators and ABM representatives based on a student’s involvement in school and community activities and service; personal essays; and references.

A Cherokee County School District teacher has earned a top national honor!

Etowah High School Air Force Junior ROTC Lt. Col. (Retired) Stephen Bergey has been named the 2022 Overall AFJROTC Instructor of the Year.  He was selected as the best out of more than 1,900 AFJROTC instructors worldwide.

The Cherokee County School District is seeking a professional with experience in nutrition, dietetics and/or food service to serve as a School Nutrition Coordinator.  This leadership position supports the department’s operations, including training programs and promotions.  It offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, a great work calendar and schedule, opportunities for professional development and career advancement, and a wonderful work environment and team!  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net  For more information, please call 770.721.8419 or email Tina.Farmer@cherokeek12.net.

A Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduate has earned a local scholarship from a CCSD Partner!

Etowah High School Class of 2022 graduate Ella Daugherty is the winner of the 2022 East West Bank Scholarship. 

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its retiring educators and support staff!

The majority of the retirees noted below are ending their careers this week; some retired earlier in the year based on their retirement eligibility date.

Sixty members of Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022 have committed to military service, including six selected for prestigious U.S. Service Academies!

“Thank you to each of these students for making the important decision to serve our country,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “We’re proud of you and grateful to you and your families, and I know our entire community appreciates your service.”

The Cherokee County School District and School Board celebrated the Class of 2022 Valedictorians and Salutatorians at its 22^nd  Annual Scholar Recognition Banquet.

Dear Class of 2022, 

Every day, we write another page in the story of our lives.  

This week marks the start of a new chapter for you, as you graduate from high school and begin your next adventure.

Dear CCSD Families,
 
Our hearts are with Uvalde. 
 
And just as after Sandy Hook and Parkland, we know that this tragedy not only has filled you with the same heartbreak, but also with anger and worry. 
 

Congratulations to the Valedictorians and Salutatorians for the Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022! 

These outstanding students and their parents will be honored on Wednesday by the School Board and Superintendent of Schools at the Annual Scholar Recognition Banquet.  The event is sponsored by CCSD Partners including presenting sponsors the Cherokee County Educational Foundation and LGE Community Credit Union.  Each student also is invited to select a favorite teacher, and these teachers are honored at the banquet as well.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday night reviewed the proposed budget for next school year, which calls for a reduction in the tax rate for all property owners and well-deserved pay increases for teachers and support staff.

The proposed 1.5 mills decrease in the tax rate is the first reduction proposed since 2014 and has been recommended by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower in light of rising home values.

UPDATE 5/23/22: Great news! The USDA waiver has been extended for July so the weekly to-go bag model will continue in July. #CCSDfam #CCSDserves

The CCSD School Nutrition Summer Feeding program will kick off June 6, and community donations are requested to make it a success.

“We care about our students’ well-being all the time, and we know that providing meals over summer break is a hardship for some families,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “We’re so fortunate to have a dedicated School Nutrition team, an outstanding partner in MUST Ministries and a supportive community working together to feed our students over the summer.”  

A Cherokee County School District team placed in a statewide environmental competition!

The Etowah High School team of Emma Garcia, Zoe Goins, Ryan Kennedy, Jonathan Linville, Rheagan Murtadi and Alayna Roper placed third overall in the Georgia Envirothon Contest, as well as first place in the event’s wildlife competition.  The team is coached by teacher Lara McDonald. 

Cherokee County School District student athletes have been honored by Positive Athlete Georgia, with 11 regional winners, two state winners and two state scholarship winners!

The 2022 Positive Athlete Georgia Awards are presented by the Positive Athlete Georgia organization, which promotes the benefits of positivity to young athletes around the world.  Football star player Hines Ward formed Positive Athlete with businessman Scott Pederson.

Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022 will walk across the stage for graduation ceremonies next week!

The ceremonies for CCSD’s 2,936 graduating seniors will be held at First Baptist Church of Woodstock (11905 Highway 92, Woodstock, 30188).  The ceremonies will be streamed on www.fbcw.org so family and friends who are unable to attend still can participate.

Cherokee County School District students, educators and volunteers were honored by the PTA with regional awards!

The Georgia PTA District 13 Spring Conference & Awards Ceremony, which recently was held in Woodstock, recognized outstanding PTA volunteers, teachers, nurses, administrators and students from Cherokee and Forsyth Counties.

Cherokee County School District high school students excelled at the statewide literary championships!

The students earned individual and team honors at the Georgia High Schools Association event, which includes writing, public speaking, acting and singing competitions, and Cherokee High School’s team was named the 7A State Champion.

Eighty-six Cherokee County School District high school and middle school students won seats in the prestigious Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Chorus and Reading Chorus.

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation helped celebrate the end of the school year by presenting Cherokee County School District teachers and support staff with $50,000 in grants!

The nonprofit organization, since its 2012 formation to raise funds for CCSD teachers, programs and schools, has awarded more than $1 Million in grants to support teaching and learning.

National School Nurse Day is May 11, 2022, and this week, we will introduce you to CCSD’s 2022 Innovation Zone Nurses of the Year! Stay tuned as we highlight one winner each day. Thank you to all CCSD nurses for the care you provide daily to our students and staff! #CCSDfam #SND2022

Twenty-seven Cherokee County School District students earned state honors through the 2021-22 Georgia PTA Reflections fine arts contest! 

The annual competition offers students in all grades and abilities the opportunity to create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.  Students can earn recognition at the School, District, State and National levels.  This year's theme was “I Will Change The World By... .”

The Cherokee County School District celebrated its future educators this week!

High schools across the country held “signing day” events as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week to honor graduating seniors who plan to pursue careers in education.  Cherokee, Creekview, Etowah, Sequoyah and Woodstock High School all hosted events.

Friday May 6 marked the 10^th year of recognizing School Lunch Hero Day, which is celebrated the first Friday of May to pay tribute to the heroes of School Nutrition who keep students supplied with nutritious meals for breakfast and lunch throughout the school year.

The Cherokee County School District will present a Job Fair focused on hiring support staff for next school year from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at our technology campus at 1020 Keeter Road, Canton, 30114.

The May 2022 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink] and includes important end-of-year announcements including May 27 early dismissal for middle and high school students and plans for the summer meal program.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia! #CCSDfam

Two Cherokee County School District teachers will be inducted into the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame this month!

Etowah High School head baseball coach and PE teacher Greg Robinson and Creekview High School career tech teacher Wyatt Wilkie will be inducted as part of the organization’s annual enshrinement banquet scheduled on Friday.

A message to the community from Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower …

Many years ago, rural families would thank their valued teachers with the crops from their farms. 
 
After this tradition had passed, the apple, the prettiest of these crops, continued to be given for generations as a gift to favorite teachers. 

Cherokee County School District students earned Regional and State honors through the annual Georgia Student Technology Competition!
 
The statewide competition offers students in Grades 3-12 the opportunity to showcase their skills through 16 categories and vie for honors at Regional and State fairs.  

NOTICE: Due to the rising volume of false information currently being circulated about our school district and our outstanding teachers and staff, we will be updating our Fact vs. Fiction webpage at https://bit.ly/CCSDfacts on a more frequent basis.  If you have a question about something you’ve seen on social media or received via mail or email about our schools, our staff or our curriculum, please reach out to your school or contact us directly at the Ask CCSD Helpdesk at https://bit.ly/AskCCSD  #CCSDfam
 

Twelve Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduating seniors will be honored by the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame! 

The community organization each spring recognizes the most outstanding male and female senior athletes from each of CCSD’s high schools.  Honorees are nominated by high school administrators based on the outstanding athletic contributions the seniors made during their high school career.  This recognition is a separate program from the Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony honoring individuals who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics in Cherokee County. 

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday heard good news about the school district’s financial outlook due to increasing home values and discussed ways to reduce the burden on taxpayers, while also using some of the windfall to make teacher and staff pay more competitive.

Seventeen Cherokee County School District high school students have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program! 

The statewide summer honors program for Georgia’s top rising high school juniors and seniors offers four weeks of college-level instruction at Berry College in Rome.  Students tapped for the competitive program receive academic instruction, and cultural and social enrichment focused on helping them become the “next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators and leaders.”  Students are selected based on overall excellence in academics, extra-curricular activities and leadership, as well as exceptional skills and talents in a specific area of study. 

Twenty-eight Cherokee County School District high school and middle school students won seats in the prestigious Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Band and Orchestra.

Students audition for these selective performance opportunities.  This year's All-State Band and All-State Orchestra events were recently held at the Classic Center in Athens.

Cherokee County School District students recently participated in the Optimist Club’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communication Contest.

This year’s theme was “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times,” and Johnston ES fifth-grader Amelia Nelson won first place in the oral competition held at Woodstock High School and Teasley MS seventh-grader Aidan Dyke placed first in the signing competition.

Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy celebrated the news of its State STEAM certification on Monday with cake, snacks, balloons and beads, as well as party horns—to blow off STEAM! Oak Grove is the first STEAM certified school in Cherokee County.

Cherokee County School District students are advancing to the state level of the Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition!

The annual writing contest is open to students in grades kindergarten through 12 and provides an opportunity for schools to encourage writing in a variety of genres.  Each CCSD school submits a top entry for each grade level to compete at the district level.  District first-place winners then advance to regional competition for the opportunity to compete statewide.

CCSD High School 2022 Summer School will be offered from June 6 - 24, 2022 with options for Credit Recovery and Initial Credit as detailed below.  

The April 2022 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink] and includes a message from the Superintendent about the district’s accreditation renewal, as well as other important information.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia!

There will be no school on Tuesday, May 24, the date of the Primary Election, in order to ensure the safety and security of students due to the use of schools as polling sites.  May 24 will be a Digital Learning Day, with assignments provided online for students to complete at home.  Bags with a breakfast and lunch for students will be available for pick up at all schools that morning at no charge; order forms will be emailed to all parents on Friday, May 20.

The Cherokee County School District is offering 2022-23 high school students the opportunity to participate in an educational travel experience to explore London and Paris during Spring Break 2023!

A limited number of additional spots have been opened for this district-wide tour announced earlier this year.  A virtual informational session will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2022.  Students are welcome to attend the informational session, but at least one parent or guardian must be in attendance.

Cherokee County School District’s high schools, for the 12th consecutive year, have earned top honors for outstanding Advanced Placement (AP) programs and performance!

All of CCSD’s high schools have been named Georgia 2022 AP Honor Schools for exceptional student performance and participation on AP exams, which offer students more challenging coursework and the opportunity to earn college credit.  Overall, CCSD students who took the exams earned passing scores of 3 or higher on 73% of the 5,028 tests administered last school year, exceeding the Georgia rate of 60% and the National rate of 54%.  This passing rate ranks CCSD 10th in the State and 2nd among metro Atlanta counties.  

The Cherokee County School District received excellent news today: the district’s international accreditation as a high-quality school system is recommended for renewal for another five years!

“Accreditation is the gold standard for school districts – it provides independent assurance to parents, employees and taxpayers as to the excellence of their public schools,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “I’m incredibly proud of the work that all of our employees do every day to provide the best possible education and care to each of our students.  Thank you to the amazing parent volunteers and business and community partners who support us.  None of this would be possible without the outstanding leadership of our School Board, its vision for our future and its strong stewardship of the resources entrusted to them by our community.”

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that serious misinformation about CCSD is being circulated on social media. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower has no plans to ask the School Board to privatize bus drivers or School Nutrition or any other part of CCSD operations.  The School Board also has had no discussions about privatizing these services.

As part of national Sunshine Month, observed every March to highlight the importance of open government and transparency, the Cherokee County School District has updated its Open CCSD website.

CCSD is committed to transparency and accountability.  Open CCSD at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/open-ccsd [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink] was established in 2013 to provide the community with a clear understanding of its operations and stewardship of fiscal resources.  

Cherokee County School District students are advancing to State 4-H Competition, with two students elected to statewide leadership roles.

The 4-H extra-curricular program, sponsored locally by the UGA Cooperative Extension Office, offers students the opportunity to learn new skills, improve their teamwork and leadership skills and serve their community.

Two Cherokee County School District students have been selected to show their work in a prestigious art exhibit!

A sculpture by Etowah High School senior Amelia Ganues and a graphite pencil drawing by Sequoyah High School junior Paige Wolosiewicz will be featured in the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition.  

More than 50 CCSD high school students spent the day sharpening their workforce skills recently thanks to a new venture created by CCSD and community partners.

The Cherokee County School District has earned national honors for its School Nutrition summer meals program!

The school district every summer participates in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Seamless Summer Option, which offers free meals to children in need during the summer.  The high quality of CCSD’s program earned the USDA’s Silver Turnip the Beet Award.  CCSD School Nutrition is one of only a dozen school districts in Georgia to earn the national honor and one of only 84 nationwide.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Etowah HS 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Scott Strickland! #CCSDfam

It’s Georgia School Board Appreciation Week, and we’ll be shining the spotlight on each of our representatives to thank them for their service.  #CCSDfam 
 

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, March 17, 2022 approved a budget amendment to accept state funding for eligible part-time and full-time staff to receive a one-time bonus and appointed new school leaders for next school year. 

CCSD presents an annual Agency Information Fair for parents and teachers to learn more about services in the community for children with special needs. This year's event is on March 28. #CCSDfam

It’s Georgia School Board Appreciation Week, and we’ll be shining the spotlight on each of our representatives to thank them for their service.  #CCSDfam

In recognition of National School Social Worker Week, please join us in thanking CCSD’s six social workers and two student support specialists who are dedicated to their mission of “ensuring that no student in Cherokee County gains less than full advantage of the educational opportunities provided by the school system as a result of family problems or school attendance problems.” We appreciate their service and dedication to the families of our 42,000 students! Learn more about our school social workers at https://www.cherokeek12.net/.../divisions-school... [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink]. #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District JROTC program has received the highest accolades awarded!

The Etowah High School Air Force Junior ROTC program recently earned an overall unit assessment score of Exceeds Standards, the highest rating available.  Only one time prior in its 27-year history has Etowah’s JROTC earned this elite score, which ranks the program in the top 12% worldwide.

The March 2022 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink] and includes a message from the Superintendent about special reading and math events and the district’s upcoming accreditation review.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia!  #CCSDfam 

It's Read Across America Week and #GetCCSDReading Month! CCSD schools are celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday, the importance of literacy and favorite books ...with guest readers, dress-up days, reading challenges and incentives and much more! We hope you enjoy this slideshow of photos from some of the festivities.

A Cherokee County School District student is one of the top 21 youth leaders in Georgia! 

Etowah High School junior Ila Prabhuram has been honored by the 21st Century Leaders nonprofit organization with its 2022 Georgia Youth Leadership Award.  The annual awards recognize the “extraordinary achievements of 21 inspirational high school students from across Georgia and their commitment to leadership in their communities and schools.”

The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 17, heard an update on CCSD’s student support services efforts including suicide prevention.

A Cherokee County School District student is considered one of the best musicians in the nation!

Etowah High School senior Ryan Lofland was selected for the National Association for Music Education’s All National Symphony Orchestra and earned the position of sitting top chair in the country for tuba.  A three-year member of the Georgia All-State Band, Ryan won a spot in the national group by undergoing a rigorous audition process.  

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating 229 exemplary high school juniors as Superintendent’s Key Scholars!  

These top students were recognized, through the 17th Annual Superintendent’s Key Scholar Recognition Ceremony on Thursday night, for scores achieved on the PSAT that rank them in the top 10% nationwide.

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2022 STAR Students and Teachers!

The STAR, or Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, Student honor is awarded to the high school senior from each Georgia public and private high school with the highest score on any single test date of the SAT and who also ranks in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of his or her class based on grade point average.  Each honored student is invited to select his or her favorite teacher to be named that school’s STAR Teacher.

Don’t miss your opportunity to become a teacher in an outstanding metro Atlanta school district!  The Cherokee County School District on Saturday, March 5, will host its annual Teacher Job Fair for next school year.  There will be both an in-person event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 5, at River Ridge High School (400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, 30188), and virtual online interview appointments also will be available.  

We are continuing to closely monitor COVID-19 cases among students, staff and our community at large and to review our related protocols.  

While community case levels remain at a very high range, we are seeing a definite trend of declining cases -- both for our schools and our community.  If case levels continue to decline, we anticipate parent visits to the cafeteria and extended parent/volunteer visits to classrooms can safely resume on Feb. 28 following February Break (Feb. 21-25).  

The February 2022 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink] and includes an important message from the Superintendent about school choice, enrollment, CCSD’s reaccreditation and the opportunity to nominate a CCSD teacher or support staff member to win one of four $250 gift cards through the CCSD Share the Love contest.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its top school Partners of the Year and Volunteers of the Year!

The annual recognition program, now in its ninth year, recognizes a Partner of the Year and a Volunteer of the Year for each individual school and center who are selected based on their outstanding service for the past year.

February is CCSD School Choice Month, which includes both the opportunity to request a reassignment and the kickoff for Pre-K, kindergarten and Grades 1-12 new student enrollment for the 2022-23 School Year. 

Every school year, each CCSD high school selects one Student Delegate to the School Board to represent the student voice. One Delegate is named the Student Advisor and sits with the Board at its meetings. We’ll introduce you to them all this year! #CCSDfam!

Cherokee County School District students excelled in this year’s Student Technology Competition, with 41 placing first at regions and earning a spot at the upcoming state championships! 

Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower this week participated in the annual “State of the County” program.

Presented by the regional Council for Quality Growth nonprofit organization, the luncheon on Wednesday featured reports by Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Harry Johnston, Cherokee Office of Economic Development President Misti Martin and Dr. Hightower.

Mark your calendar!  The Cherokee County School District’s first-ever Job Fair focused on support staff will be from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, at our technology campus at 1020 Keeter Road, Canton, 30114.  

The Cherokee County School District has been named a national District of Distinction in a competition to prepare students for cybersecurity careers!

The school district earned the designation from CyberStart America, a national organization established to provide high school students with free access to cybersecurity learning resources written and developed by industry professionals.  

As shared with you earlier this month, in preparation for our on-time return to in-person learning on Jan. 4, we implemented several changes in CCSD COVID-19 protocols, with a timeline to review those changes today. 

Save the Date!  The Cherokee County School District’s annual Teacher Job Fair will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 5, with in-person interviews at River Ridge High School and virtual online interview appointments available.  The event will focus on hiring teachers for the 2022-23 school year, with a separate event to be announced for positions including bus drivers, paraprofessionals, technology professionals and School Nutrition workers.  We will post instructions at www.cherokeek12.net [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink] and on CCSD social media next month explaining how you can sign up for online appointments if you choose to participate virtually.  #CCSDfam

The January 2022 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink].  The Superintendent’s message includes an announcement about the expansion of CCSD’s school choice program.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Jan. 13, reviewed a progress report on accomplishing Blueprint strategic plan goals and heard operational updates including the planned expansion of CCSD’s school choice program.

The Cherokee County School District winners of the annual PTA Reflections fine arts contest have been named, with top district winners now advancing to state competition!

The annual competition offers students in all grades and of all abilities the opportunity to create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts 2D and 3D.  Students can earn recognition at the school, district, state and national levels.  This year's theme is “I Will Change the World By... .”

The Cherokee County School District on Friday, Jan. 28, will host a virtual job fair for applicants for Special Education positions for next school year including: board certified behavior analysts, educational audiologists, occupational and physical therapists, physical and health impairment teachers, school psychologists, Special Education facilitators, speech language pathologists and vision teachers. 

As we prepare for the reopening of schools on Tuesday, Jan. 4, please be advised of several changes in CCSD COVID-19 protocols in response to new Department of Public Health guidance and the rising cases resulting from the Omicron variant.

CCSD schools have been busy celebrating the holiday season by giving to others and serving the community through volunteering.  Thank you to all the teachers and staff who coordinate these opportunities for meaningful service learning!  We hope you enjoy this slideshow of a few of the many outstanding activities.

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised we are aware of the national news reports and social media posts about a TikTok challenge related to school violence today. This challenge did not originate locally, and there have been no threats reported in regard to any CCSD schools. The challenge, according to news reports, was started by a student in Utah who did not want to attend school today. We take all threats seriously, and our CCSD Police Department will continue to be on alert, monitor the situation and communicate with local law enforcement agencies.

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2022 School Teachers of the Year winners!

Every fall, each CCSD school is asked to select its own Teacher of the Year.  These school-level winners now are eligible for the honor of Cherokee County School District 2022 Teacher of the Year. 

The Cherokee County School District has added Free Little Libraries to more of its elementary school campuses in time for students to begin using them over the winter break.

With the cost sponsored by Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner, the little library boxes are being built by CCSD high school students in the construction Career Pathway program.  

The Cherokee County School Board has earned top state honors for exemplary leadership and innovation practices in recognition of its Social and Emotional Learning initiative.

For the third consecutive year, the Georgia School Boards Association has awarded the Cherokee County School Board its Leading Edge Award in the Culture, Climate & Organizational Efficacy category.  The awards, presented in seven categories, recognize innovative practices by School Boards and School Districts that make a significant and positive impact on students.  This year, the districtwide Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative earned the honor, following previous wins for CCSD’s Student Advisor and Student Delegates to the School Board program and VILLA parent academy.  

The Cherokee County School District has earned the State’s highest honor for leadership and dedication to providing the best education possible to every child.

The Governance Team of the Year Award is awarded to the School Board and Superintendent of Schools of only one Georgia school district in each of the three size categories -- small, medium and large – by the Georgia School Boards Association.  CCSD earned the honor for large districts, which are those with more than 10,000 students.     

The December 2021 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter and includes an important message from the Superintendent about CCSD earning the State’s highest honor for leadership and dedication to providing the best education possible to every child!  Thank you to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia.  

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 18, approved its 2022 Legislative Partnership Priorities, which advocate for continued local control of public education decisions and the end of State educational funding budget cuts.

CCSD School Nutrition is pleased to offer to-go meal service at no charge for all CCSD students for the Friday, Nov. 19, Digital Learning Day.  The meal kit will include one breakfast and one lunch.

Please be advised that false rumors are deliberately being spread in our community about CCSD and COVID-19 vaccinations.  CCSD is NOT holding ANY COVID-19 vaccination events for our students at our schools or elsewhere.  

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated teachers … and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District next month will celebrate excellent service at its fourth annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards!

The recognition ceremony on December 2 will honor one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions.  Each honoree will be congratulated by the Superintendent of Schools and School Board members and receive a plaque and gifts of appreciation before an audience of honorees and their families, Principals and CCSD leaders.

On behalf of the Superintendent, we recognize and celebrate the historic World Series win by the Atlanta Braves, a valued CCSD Partner.  We love our hometown team and are so proud of their accomplishments this season.  While we are not cancelling school for Friday’s victory parade and celebration, any student absences for students who attend that event will be counted as “unexcused but without academic penalty.”  While our policies do not permit excused absences for such occasions, the designation of “unexcused but without academic penalty” provides students the important opportunity to make up all missed work and tests next week.  For those families who choose to attend Friday’s celebratory parade that will travel through Fulton and Cobb Counties, we hope you have a safe and memorable experience and we’ll see you back in class on Monday!

The November 2021 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter and includes a message from the Superintendent.  Thank you to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia! #CCSDfam