Jag News

Upcoming Events at CSHS:

• 5/4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week
• 5/4-15: EOC & AP Testing
• 5/8: Dance Recital
• 5/11-12: Senior Finals
• 5/15: Spring Football Game
• 5/18: Senior Honors Night (Invitation Only)
• 5/21-22: Early Dismissal @ 12:45 pm
• 5/21: Senior Graduation Meeting
• 5/22: Last Day of School
• 5/22: Graduation Practice
• 5/23: Graduation

Clarke County School District Updates:

• Link to CCSD Newsletter: English/Español
• Link to the CCSD Academic Calendar
• Link to the High School Lunch Menu

Today we recognize and celebrate Dr. Makeba Clark for her leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the Cedar Shoals community. Her vision, support, and care for students and staff help create a positive and thriving school environment each day. Thank you, Dr. Clark, for all you do to lead, inspire, and uplift our Jaguars!

AP testing will take place May 4–15, with late exams scheduled during the week of May 18. Testing will primarily be held in the JROTC area upstairs in the gym, with select small group sessions on May 5, 7, and 11 in the fieldhouse. Students should arrive at 7:30 AM for morning exams and 11:45 AM for afternoon exams, entering through the doors near the health classrooms. During check-in, cell phones will be collected, and only school-issued Chromebooks, chargers, and approved testing materials will be allowed in testing rooms. Students testing in the afternoon may eat lunch prior to check-in, and those testing in both sessions may bring a lunch or receive a provided option. Reach out to Mr. Ginsberg at ginsbergm@clarke.k12.ga.us for more information.

Cedar Shoals Athletics has an exciting month ahead! If you’re interested in joining a team, see the important dates below:

May Tryouts & Event Dates:

• Spring Football: Begins May 4th. The Spring Game vs. Shiloh will be held on May 15th
• Girls Flag Football: May 4th–6th (4-6:30 pm at the Practice Field)
• Softball (JV & Varsity): May 11th–14th (4:15-6 pm at the Softball Field)
• Volleyball (JV & Varsity): May 12th-14th (4-6 pm in the Main Gym)

Remember- All athletes must have an updated physical on file and be academically eligible to participate.

Don’t miss your chance to get involved and represent Cedar Shoals. See the flyers attached for more information. Reach out to a coach with any questions!

Next week (May 4-8) is Teacher Appreciation Week, and we are excited to bring back the Teacher Appreciation Week Messages of Support form to help celebrate! We want to hear from you (families, students, staff, and community members) about a teacher you appreciate!

Is there a current CCSD teacher who has inspired or had a significant impact on you or your student? Let us know about teachers who are Raising the Bar in CCSD every day in pursuit of excellence! Complete this form, and your message may be showcased on our social media platforms (@ClarkeCoSchools) next week! All messages will be shared with teachers later in May!

Prom 2026 was a huge success! Congratulations to Derriana Smith and Chris Koch for winning Prom Queen & King. Special thank you to Ms. Doolittle for coordinating prom. Event photos were taken by DSI Photography. Please use this link to access photos from prom.

The Cedar Shoals Cheer Team is excited to launch its 2026 fundraiser. These student-athletes are preparing for a strong season as they represent Cedar with energy, pride, and school spirit.

Funds raised will support camp expenses, practice gear, and attendance at FCA Camp this July at Valdosta State University—an opportunity that helps build leadership, teamwork, and cheer skills while strengthening team unity. Thank you for supporting our cheerleaders and helping make this a successful and memorable season. Donate here: https://app.verticalraise.com/fundraiser/cedar-shoals-cheer-spring-2026-fundraiser/c/1768893/

Senior portrait appointments are now open for summer sessions in June and July. Please note that there will be no extended makeup opportunities once school begins, so it is important to attend your scheduled appointment or cancel in advance. Students who do not show up will not be included in the yearbook and will not have a makeup opportunity.

Session Dates & Details:

June 15–16 (Fine Arts Building)- Sign Up Here

July 21–23 (Fine Arts Building)- Sign Up Here

Students may choose between: a Full Senior Session (formal, cap/gown, and casual poses) for $29.99 or a Formal Yearbook Pose Only for $19.99. Sign up for your preferred session using the links above. Links are also provided in the email that went out to juniors and junior parents. For questions, please contact Mr. Ginsberg at ginsbergm@clarke.k12.ga.us

Get ready for an exciting evening of rhythm and movement! The Cedar Shoals High School Dance Department proudly presents “Dancing Through the Decades” on May 8th. This year’s spring recital will take audiences on a journey through time, celebrating the evolution of music and dance while honoring influential artists who have shaped the sounds we love today. Join us as our talented dancers bring energy, creativity, and passion to the stage in a performance you won’t want to miss. Tickets are available now—scan the QR code on the flyer to purchase! Need service hours? Email Mrs. Midgette @midgettec@clarke.k12.ga.us

Cedar Shoals High School is excited to host a transition camp for rising 9th graders this summer! Freshman Camp is free and offered to any student who will be a 9th grade student at Cedar Shoals next year. Camp is a one day experience offered on Monday, July 27th from 9:00 am-2:00 pm at Cedar Shoals High School. Transportation will be provided. This will be an opportunity for rising 9th graders to be introduced to campus, meet classmates, learn the responsibilities of high school, and more! The deadline to register is May 20, 2026. Please contact Courtni Reese with any questions at reesec@clarke.k12.ga.us Registration: bit.ly/FreshmanCamp26

Cedar Shoals proudly celebrated our students at Awards Day, recognizing their hard work, growth, and achievements throughout the year. From academic excellence to leadership and service, our Jaguars continue to set a high standard both in and out of the classroom. We are proud of all that our students have accomplished and look forward to their continued success!

Cap & gowns and graduation yard signs are officially in the hands of the Class of 2026. Let’s finish strong Jags!

Five Cedar Shoals seniors have secured full-time positions with Caterpillar in Athens after completing CCSD’s Work-Based Learning Program and the company’s local apprenticeship. Congratulations to Anthony Castro-Soto, CJ Long, Brandon Morales-Flores, Travon Tucker, and Est Martinez-Calderon as they take this next step into the workforce!

Congratulations to the several Cedar Shoals High School soccer players who have been selected to participate in the annual DiVarsity Georgia High School Soccer All-Star games on Saturday, May 16, at Mount Bethel Christian Academy in Marietta. Players and coaches were selected from schools all across the state and from all classifications. Congratulations to Zeke Hensley-Williams (12th grade), Hank Ruder (12th grade), Ever Barrera (12th grade), Sammy Teran-Juarez (12th grade), Wyatt Gehner (12th grade), and Joshua Malave Guaiquirian (11th grade). Jaguars head coach Conor Naughton was also selected to be a coach in one of the games. Zulma Valdivieso-Gutierrez (12th grade) was also selected to play in one of the girls' games.

We closed out Financial Literacy Month in a big way this week with the Gifted Savings end-of-year assembly on Wednesday, April 29, where seniors received encouragement from their peers and Gifted Savings representatives to finish all of their online learning modules by May 9 to successfully complete the program and gain full access of their investment portfolios. The soon-to-be graduates also heard from many successful CCSD alumni from a wide variety of career sectors who offered them their best advice on smart money management as they enter adulthood.

Cedar Shoals participated in last week's state FFA Convention and brought home a large haul of awards and recognitions. Angel Jones and Savannah Rawls of Cedar Shoals finished first in the state Agriscience Fair in their category and division (Animal Systems, Division 6) and will advance to the national competition this fall. Additionally, 13 more Cedar students placed in the top four of their category and division. Click here for a full list of Cedar awards and recognitions!

Seniors should check their email for a CCSD Senior Exit Survey. This must be completed by ALL graduates as soon as possible. You have a specific link in your email from: CCSD Senior Exit Survey noreply@qemailserver.com -- this is not a spam account! Seniors will receive an email once a day until the survey is completed. Seniors should complete the survey using the specific link sent to their email.

As we move through this important time of the school year, we want to make sure you have access to helpful information and resources. Please use the following website as your go-to resource for all senior information, including important dates, graduation details, and next steps: Cedar Shoals Senior Website We encourage you to check it regularly for updates. If you have any questions or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ms. Reese at reesec@clarke.k12.ga.us

Georgia Ready Summer Institute (GRSI) is a selective, one-week residential program at the University of Georgia designed for high-achieving rising high school seniors across the state. Focused on research and innovation, GRSI immerses students in hands-on learning experiences where they explore academic interests, learn how research is conducted, and engage in entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving. Participants will develop critical thinking and public speaking skills while examining how societal issues shape research and innovation. The program also offers a true college preview—students live on campus, dine in UGA’s award-winning facilities, and explore university labs and resources alongside peers in a collaborative cohort environment. There is no cost to attend. Apply by May 3, 2026 (11:59 p.m.) Learn more and apply HERE.

Cedar Shoals High School is excited to introduce our new Dance Team, Xpression: House of Jaguars! Interested in joining? Clinicals are April 27–28 and auditions are May 13. Students must have no behavioral referrals, be passing at least three classes, and maintain good attendance.
For more information, contact Mrs. Midgette at midgettec@clarke.k12.ga.us or Ms. Strong at strongz2@clarke.k12.ga.us.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is a nationally recognized nonprofit that supports students attending public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Historically Black Community Colleges (HBCCs) through scholarships, leadership development, and career opportunities.

TMCF’s Seeking, Observing, and Achieving Results (SOAR) Program is designed for rising seniors to help them plan for life after high school. Students will learn about the college application process, financial literacy, career pathways, and how to use their strengths to make informed decisions. Participants will also experience HBCU culture through a free, one-week residential program (families only cover transportation), followed by monthly virtual sessions and additional support after graduation.

Learn more: https://tmcf.org/programs/tmcf-soar/
Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/260356809923060
Watch: https://youtu.be/-3vxzZMP6ec?feature=shared

The ACT and SAT are standardized tests that many colleges use to help determine college readiness. All 11th and 12th grade students are eligible to take the National ACT and SAT. All juniors will take the ACT during the school day in April for free.

If you are interested in taking either test, please schedule an appointment with Cedar Shoals’ College Advisor, Ms. Medina, in the counseling office. She can help with registration, questions, and fee waivers if you qualify. Her email is medinak@clarke.k12.ga.us

Seniors: Even if the college you plan to attend does not require the ACT or SAT, it is strongly recommended that you take at least one test, especially if you plan to apply for the Zell Miller Scholarship. Ms. Medina can also assist with scholarship and college planning questions.

Learn more about the Zell Miller Scholarship here: Zell Miller Scholarship | Georgia Student Finance Commission

For the 2025-26 school year, CSHS Athletics will be using, Rank One, to store all pre participation forms. All prospective students must complete the required forms on Rank One before being cleared to participate in any CSHS Athletic program. LINK: Pre Participation Forms 2025-26 School Year

All student-athletes must also have a valid physical on file to participate in any CSHS Athletic program. The link to upload it to the Rank One platform is below. A blank copy of the GHSA Physical form is located below also.Students or parents upload a completed physical directly to Rank One here. Here is a copy of a GHSA Blank Physical. Please reach out to your coach for more information!

Support the Jaguars! Students can purchase an all-sport pass here for $49.25 and adults can purchase an all-sport pass here for $80.75. This pass will admit one person to every regular season home athletic event - Freshman/Junior Varsity/Varsity.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Title I Input Meeting. If you were unable to attend or would like to review the information shared, you can access the presentation here. We are asking all families to complete our Title I Input Survey to help guide decisions, improve programs, and better support our students and school community. Your feedback is important and directly impacts our planning for next year. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey here: bit.ly/cedarfeedback26

We invite our families of students receiving special education services to participate in the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Special Education Parent Survey. Click here to access the survey: 2026 GaDOE Parent Survey Link

Your feedback is extremely important and helps our school and district improve services, supports, and communication for students and families. The survey is now open and will remain available through May 31, 2026. You can also view additional information clicking the flyers below: English Flyer / Spanish Flyer

The Cedar Shoals Counseling Department recently shared important information about Dual Enrollment opportunities with 10th and 11th grade students and families. Dual Enrollment allows eligible students to earn both high school and college credit while taking courses through partnering colleges and universities. Access the Dual Enrollment slides here. For questions or support with the application process, please contact the Counseling Department.

Families are encouraged to review the presentation slides for details on:

• Eligibility requirements
• Application steps and deadlines
• Participating colleges and course options
• Important expectations for student success

The Cedar Shoals Counseling Department recently shared important information about Dual Enrollment opportunities with 10th and 11th grade students and families. Dual Enrollment allows eligible students to earn both high school and college credit while taking courses through partnering colleges and universities. Access the Dual Enrollment slides here.

Families are encouraged to review the presentation slides for details on:

• Eligibility requirements
• Application steps and deadlines
• Participating colleges and course options
• Important expectations for student success

For questions or support with the application process, please contact the Counseling Department.

• Cedar Shoals Pathways to Success Program (PSP) is free to all students each Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday is Language Arts/Social Studies tutoring and Thursday is Math/Science tutoring until 5:30 pm. Transportation can be provided upon request.
• Saturday School is free from 8-12 on select Saturdays for 9th grade students and students in EOC or credit recovery classes. Transportation can be provided upon request.
• Varsity Tutoring is free to all our students, and students can log on to the virtual tutoring via our Clever page.
• Equal Education for Athens is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free online tutoring for students in Athens-Clarke County. UGA students and recent alumni oversee the program. Learn more and find the registration form here.
• GA Tutor offers free online tutoring sessions through scheduled Zoom meetings with certified Georgia teachers. Tutoring is available in all high school core content areas. Sessions are scheduled through student's Campus Student Portal accounts. You can learn more and sign up by visiting the GA Tutor website here.

Athens-based nonprofit Casa de Amistad, with support from CCSD federal funds, will be offering FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) classes this spring for family members of CCSD English Learners. Classes will be available at either of the following locations:

• City of Refuge, 565 Tallassee Rd., Athens, on Mondays, starting Jan. 26, from 6:30-8 p.m.
• Country Corners, 1495 U.S. Hwy. 29, Athens, on Tuesdays, starting Jan. 27, from 6:30-8 p.m.

Click HERE or on the button below for more information and to sign up!

As a parent, you can monitor your student’s performance by using Campus Parent Portal. Parent Portal provides current information on course and assignment grades as well as attendance. It can be accessed through a computer or your phone. For instructions on how to create an account, click here. Questions? Email campus@clarke.k12.ga.us.

Cedar Shoals High School's PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) is easy to join and is a great way to show support to Cedar Shoals High School! Any parents interested in joining PTO should join the GroupMe here for communication. Please contact Brandy Justice with any questions at cedarshoalspto@gmail.com

Donate:

You can support our teachers and staff by donating to the PTO! The mission is to fund events that show our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our educators. Your contributions help us create memorable experiences and provide much-needed support, ensuring our teachers and staff feel valued and motivated. Donate to Cedar Shoals PTO via PayPal here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=JT7YCAS4NYW6L

Do you want Jag Gear? Here is the link to our sideline store where you can get countless Jaguar apparel customized. Check out our Jaguar Sideline Store here!

https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/georgia/athens/cedar-shoals-high-school

This is a friendly reminder that The Georgia Department of Public Health requires all students who are 16 years of age be up to date with the State's Meningitis Immunization requirement. Students who are not in compliance with the State of Georgia's immunization requirements are subject to withdrawal from school. Please contact one of our CCSD School Based Health Centers listed below, or your child’s pediatrician, in order to find out if your child needs an additional vaccination.

CCSD SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTERS:

HILSMAN HEALTH CENTER: 706-546-7463

COILE HEALTH CENTER : 706-352-9244 EXT 4800

CLARKE MIDDLE HEALTH CENTER: 706-208-1190

CLASSIC CITY HEALTH CENTER: 706-389-1095 EXT 4700

Keep up with all things Cedar Shoals! Please contact us if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

Email: reesec@clarke.k12.ga.us
Website: https://www.clarke.k12.ga.us/Domain/26
Location: 1300 Cedar Shoals Drive, Athens, GA, USA
Phone: 706-546-5375
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CedarShoalsHS
Twitter: @CedarShoalsHS