HGRESA HEARTBEAT

Hearts come together during this special season to celebrate faith, family, and friends. Hopefully, it is a time to seek more: love, kindness, patience, empathy, joy, helpfulness, understanding, compassion, safety, health, flexibility, forgiveness, goal-setting, and enjoyment. Treasure the moments and capture the memories...Reach out to family, friends, and others to tell them how much they mean to you. We never know if there will be another chance. Don't be afraid to show that HEART! Remember to tell educators and other school staff members how impactful they have been in your life. Merry Christmas and Happy 2025!

In Spring 2024, several Boards of Education in the Heart of Georgia RESA area received GSBA recognition. According to the GSBA posted information, "The GSBA Board Recognition Program is designed to foster excellence in board governance through a three-tiered system consisting of Quality, Distinguished, and Exemplary levels, with Exemplary being the pinnacle of achievement. This program aligns with state governance standards, offering school boards innovative avenues to enhance their effectiveness and earn recognition for their commitment to excellence." Those districts earning Exemplary status included Bleckley, Dodge, Dublin City, and Wilcox. Pulaski received Distinguished status.

According to information posted on the GSBA website, "In 2018, the Georgia School Boards Association introduced the GSBA Governance Team of the Year (GTOY) Award, in recognition of the board/superindent team that exemplifies commitment to enhancing student achievement and fostering public education trust and support within their community. This award underscores the importance of effective governance in educational success and community engagement." Dodge County received the Small Category Award which included 1-3000 students.

Congratulations!!!

GDOE will host a Teaching and Learning Summit at the Heart of Georgia RESA on Tuesday, February 4 from 9:00 until 2:30. Sign-in will occur from 8:30-9:00. GDOE staff members are working on finalizing the proposed schedule which includes an online presentation from Dr. John Almarode and three breakout sessions. Please go ahead and register so that we can reach the goal of 100 plus participants.

Registration Link: 3976.2, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, DOE, Teaching and Learning Summit

According to the GSBA website, "The Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy​ (VILLA), tailored exclusively for Georgia’s school boards and districts, aims to empower school districts in educating their communities about the operation and significance of school systems. This initiative fosters a well-informed community that actively supports and understands the goals and functioning of public schools."

VILLA LINK

Seize this unique opportunity to shape the future of education in Georgia by applying to the GSBA Youth Advisory Council – your voice matters!

Student applications are currently closed but will reopen in March of 2025. Please read and review the YAC information packet for more information about the application process.

GDOE has provided different options for printing the new ELA Standards which will be implemented and tested during 2025-2026. Please register using the following link, and you will be provided direct links to the FY26 K-12 standards which are posted on INSPIRE and on SUITCASE.

6183, Resource, GDOE, NEW ELA Standards for FY26 (Printable Versions K-12)

After registering, a direct link will be sent to the FY26 New ELA Standards Learning Progressions. These are posted on the GDOE Inspire site.

6185, Resource, GDOE, New ELA Standards Learning Progressions for FY26

To go directly to the GUM Chart that has been provided by the GDOE on Inspire, please register below and a direct link will be sent. The following description comes directly from GDOE: "The Grammar, Usage, & Mechanics (GUM) Chart shows the progression of K-12 expectations for standard K-12.L.GC.1. Each expectation belongs to one of three categories, which are coded as follows: Grammar: G | Grammar is the system and structure of a language. It describes how the parts of speech are used to craft and structure meaningful sentences. Usage: U | Usage refers to how words and phrases communicate meaning in context. Mechanics: M | Mechanics are the rules and conventions that govern the technical aspects of written language: capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. (Please note that spelling expectations are outlined in the K-5 Foundations Domain as part of the Phonics Big Idea.) Students learn, practice, and master grammar, usage, and mechanics skills through explicit instruction and in context as they routinely interpret and construct texts. Mastery is achieved when students apply skills appropriately and consistently both in and out of context. Skills that are more complex often take more than one academic year to master. Upon achieving mastery, students will continue to apply these skills as they read and write increasingly complex texts. These skills should be periodically formatively assessed and reinforced as needed to ensure that students maintain proficiency as text complexity increases."

After registering, a direct link will be sent to the document which comes from the GDOE Inspire site. The following description comes directly from the GDOE Inspire site: "This resource is designed to support word analysis skills in grades 3-12 as they are outlined in standard L.V.2 of Georgia’s K-12 English Language Arts (ELA) Standards, which will be implemented in the 2025-2026 school year. While this resource aligns to Georgia’s K-12 ELA Standards, teachers may use it at any time when selecting prefixes, roots, and suffixes to support instruction. Standard L.V.2 is situated in the Language domain and the Vocabulary big idea of Georgia’s K-12 ELA Standards, which are outlined below. Each grade level page in this document includes a list of grade-appropriate prefixes, roots, and suffixes along with definitions and examples of each. Each page also highlights examples of content and disciplinary terms pulled from the standards of other academic content areas in Georgia. Teachers may find these lists particularly helpful as they work to create cross-disciplinary connections in their ELA lessons. Taken together, the grade level lists produce a progression of prefixes, roots, and suffixes that supports vertical teaching and learning in grades 3-12. The examples provided in this resource are not all-inclusive, and teachers should supplement their lessons with examples found in the texts students are studying. A student’s proficient use of these prefixes, roots, and suffixes constitutes evidence of successful grade-level learning."

6186, Resource, GDOE, Word Analysis for the New ELA Standards for FY26

• 3597, Resource, GaDOE, Aligning State Literacy Policies & Practices Updated 9-16-24
• 6144, Resource, GaDOE, The Georgia Early Literacy Act Resources
• 6145, Resource, GaDOE, Georgia Literacy Academy Resources
• 6146, Resource, GaDOE, Dyslexia Resources
• 6147, Resource, GaDOE, Adolescent Literacy (Grades 4-12)

The Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) has developed an Adolescent Assessment of Literacy tool. According to the website, "Developed by the team at FCRR and the National Center for Improving Literacy, the AAL has been specially developed as a screener to assess literacy skills of students from the 3rd to the 12th grade."

Register: 6203, Resource, Florida Center for Reading Research, Adolescent Assessment of Literacy

The University of Florida Literacy Institute has many Science of Reading resources available for leaders and teachers. The Heart of Georgia RESA has linked these to the available resources under the CODE (Classes/Courses on Demand for Educators) located on the www.hgresa.org website in the top navigation bar. To directly access registering for the different postings, please click on the following:

Two HGRESA Writing Contests have already occurred. There is one more online contest which is scheduled for January 23 and 24. K-2 should be uploaded by January 24.

K-2 Writing Contest 3 Submission Form

The Young Georgia Authors' Event is not sponsored by the Heart of Georgia RESA. It is a Georgia Language Arts' Supervisors event. However, HGRESA is responsible for getting the papers judged and sent to the state level. Papers must be uploaded electronically and be received by February 20. Only one paper per grade level per district. Check the guidelines.

The next scheduled ART is in the heART contest is centered on the topic Peacefulness. Papers must be uploaded as a JPEG or PDF file in large format, NOT thumbnail. Papers should be uploaded by December 13.

Heart of Georgia RESA hosts an annual job fair for teachers seeking jobs. The event will occur on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM at the HGRESA building located at 717 Smith Street, Dublin, GA 31021.

To register as a Teacher Job Seeker, please use this site.

6205, F-F, Onsite, HGRESA Prospective Teacher Job Fair

To register as a district hosting a booth, please use this site.

6204, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, HGRESA School/District Participants in HGRESA Job Fair

Generation Genius is available to all math and science teachers in Grades 3 through 8 in the Heart of Georgia RESA area. If you are not using this tool, please check it out. The Science videos are AWESOME! To gain access, register on the www.hgresa.org website for 5058.Resource. Information will be sent via email confirmation.

5058. Resource, Generation Genius Subscription for Grades 3-8 Math and Science

The Heart of Georgia RESA is contracting with Oconee RESA, via Dr. Kim Ward, to provide additional math support. Dr. Kim Ward has provided the following videos for teachers about assessment items for mathematics.

1. Unit Assessment Items: All grades K-8 and all mathematics courses, including Enhanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections, Algebra: Concepts & Connections, Geometry: Concepts & Connections, Advanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections, Precalculus/AP Precalculus, and Enhanced AA & AP Precalculus.
2. Milestones Assessment Items: K-8 and Algebra Concepts and Connections
3. Solution Keys: The solution keys for the unit assessment items are located in the GaDOE community.

The HGRESA Annual Service Learning/Academic Awards' Event will occur on Thursday, April 17, 2025, beginning around 6:00 PM (TBD). The event will take place at the DuBose Porter Building. Students scoring 1st and 2nd in the writing, math, and art contests will receive certificates. Others recognized will include the State Superintendent's Student Advisory Council members, GA Movie Academy Winners, Civic Engagement Diploma Seals, and Senior Service Learning Participants.

The Heart of Georgia RESA has been recognizing Seniors who earn documented, verified Service Learning Hours for over 25 years. Mrs. Vicki Burt, a former Service Learning Ambassador for the state, helped us get the program started. For many years, she was our guest speaker at the annual banquets and trained all attendees. It is with great gratitude that we honor her for her many years of dedication to the HGRESA Service Learning Program! The following information was provided on the Valdosta State University website (2016) when she was inducted into the VSU Educators' Hall of Fame:

"Vickie Jones Burt retired in 2002 from Valdosta City Schools after 30 years of service as a classroom teacher and direct administrator. For 14 years, she has continued her service in the field of education as a state and national education consultant, author, and speaker. She is also an administrative volunteer at Lighthouse Christian Ministry and is writing a series of children’s books based on her childhood in Cairo.

Burt earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in elementary education in 1972, a Master of Education in early childhood education in 1981, and an Education Specialist in educational administration and supervision in 1983, all from VSU’s Dewar College of Education and Human Services. She was a Georgia Teacher of the Year finalist in 1979. Her other honors include Sallas Mahone Elementary School Teacher of the Year in 1973 and 1979, Valdosta City Schools Teacher of the Year in 1979, a Communities in Schools of Georgia Outstanding Administrator Finalist in 1996, the Georgia School Public Relations Association Gold Award of Excellence, the Georgia Department of Education Learn and Serve Diamond Award of Excellence, and the Presidential Lifetime Gold Award of Service.

Burt also received honorary awards for initiating the International Service Learning Exchange between Valdosta City Schools and Colne Community School in England. She is the author of “Digging for Buried Treasure” and “PASSport to Success” and is currently completing the third of 12 Granny B character training series publications for children."

The Heart of Georgia RESA was very fortunate to have Mrs. Vicki Burt work with us on building a Service Learning legacy. We love and appreciate her so much. We continue to honor Seniors each year for their verified hours earned from 9th to 12th grades. Thank you, Mrs. Vicki Burt, for helping us shine the light on our students and provide them opportunities to "work the heart."

Service Learning Information

Each year the Heart of Georgia RESA collaborates with the Georgia School Boards' Association to host Whole Board Trainings and Individual Board Trainings. Dodge County, under the leadership of Dr. Susan Long, graciously will host both events. The scheduled dates and registrations are included below. For the Whole Board Training, superintendents will be contacted after board members register, to determine the focus for each board attending. Mr. Cory Kirby and Dr. Donna Hinton will present at the Individual Board Training.

5062.1, F-F, Onsite Dodge High, GSBA, Whole Board Training (Dodge County High School)

5062.2, F-F, Onsite Dodge BOE, GSBS, Individual Board Member Training (Dodge County Board)

STATE BOARD RULES

EDUCATION-RELATED LAWS

DISTRICT FLEXIBILITY

GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

GEORGIA OPEN RECORDS LAW

FERPA

Did you know there is a Roman Numeral converter? LINK

If you need a refresher, you might consider a review with many examples located at LINK or LINK.

Why some think it is necessary to know about Roman Numerals? A Google search revealed the following places where Roman Numerals are used: Building cornerstones, movie credits and titles, names of monarchs and popes, names of ships, sporting events like the Olympics and the Super Bowl, astronomy to designate moons, chemistry to denote groups on the Periodic Table, and numbering chapters in books.

🎶 The Christmas season is near—it’s happening!

Parties, projects, musicals, plays, parades, Christmas tournaments, playoffs, special faith-based events, light shows, movies, family events, cards, heart gifts, songs, kids getting excited, etc.!

May we always remember the reason for the Christmas season in all we do.

Many may be counting days until vacation is here...

When it's one week to go, get ready! The students will be so excited and dancing around!

If you were in a community musical, would you rather be

Frosty, Santa, Elf on the Shelf, or Rudolph? (or add your own)

Please justify your choice. Use this Padlet link to post your responses.

]https://padlet.com/jlewis248/christmas-iwvyrqzqgque9v9d

The following was copied directly from an Edutopia posting: "Teachers can move ‘Would You Rather’ questions beyond brain breaks, using them to boost engagement during all stages of instruction. Most people are familiar with the game “Would You Rather” (WYR), sometimes called “This or That.” In it, you’re given two options and must choose one—for example, “Would you rather eat pizza or tacos every day for dinner?” It’s fun and fairly simple, often used in classrooms as a brain break. But it can also serve a purpose for learning. By playing this game with upper elementary students and requesting an explanation for their answers, you can move basic questions up the Bloom’s Taxonomy ladder, supporting higher-order thinking. Making your questions pertinent to classroom content further raises the bar, in any subject area, offering an engaging way to introduce concepts, check in during a lesson, or assess students’ understanding at the end of a unit." (Please think through your selections carefully for age, grade, topic, or standards' appropriateness.)This posting can be directly accessed by registering and receiving the direct link.

6192, Resource, Edutopia, How ‘Would You Rather’ Questions Can Support Higher-Order Thinking (Sept. 23, 2024)

The HEART network helps us establish wonderful, long-lasting, professional friendships; educational support systems; and friendly academic, extracurricular, and athletic competitions. This 10 district area inclusive of Bleckley, Dodge, Dublin City, Laurens, Montgomery, Pulaski, Telfair, Treutlen, Wheeler, and Wilcox is very, very blessed! Have a beautiful Christmas!

Kindness never goes out of style.

Let's remember to include the heart, as we navigate through each day.

Please click on this link to see if you recognize anyone:

Priceless, Heartfelt Memories