Jag News

Upcoming Events at CSHS:

• 1/25: Classic City Championship
• 1/28: Greece Interest Meeting
• 1/29: Letter Jacket Orders
• 1/31: Last Day for Senior Yearbook Ads to be purchased
• 2/6: Cap & Gown Orders During Lunch
• 2/7: Blood Drive
• 2/10: First Day of PSP
• 2/11: Rising 9th Grade Parent Night
• 2/14-17: No School for Staff or Students

Clarke County School District Updates:

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

Get ready for an exciting day of basketball as Cedar Shoals hosts the Classic City Championship tomorrow!

• Varsity Girls Game: 2:00 PM
• Varsity Boys Game: 3:30 PM

Tickets are available for purchase on GoFan here: https://gofan.co/event/3101957?schoolId=GA4880

Please remember that Cedar Shoals has a clear bag policy in place for all sporting events. Additionally, middle and elementary school students must be accompanied by an adult to attend the game.

Come out to support our Jaguars and show your school spirit! Go Jags!

Our after school tutoring program, Pathways to Success, is starting back on February 10th!

1. PSP Start Date: February 10th after school until 5:45 PM.
2. Saturday School Start Date: To be announced via email.
3. Transportation Guidelines:
   • Students are not allowed to stay after school just to ride the bus home the same day.
   • If a student needs to ride the PSP bus, send their name to me and wait for confirmation after the Transportation Department clears them.
   • Advance notice is required for bus arrangements.
   • Students already on the route sheet from last semester are cleared to ride the PSP bus.

Please feel free to reach out to Ms. Richburg at richburgk@clarke.k12.ga.us with any questions, comments, or concerns!

A new semester means a fresh start and new opportunities! Our goal for every student is to be in class on time every day and work hard to pass all classes to earn the credits needed for graduation. Let’s stay focused, stay motivated, and make this semester a success!

PARENTS STAY INFORMED!

Jaguar parents can stay connected and informed by checking emails from Cedar Shoals High School regularly. Parents can see student grades and attendance daily by downloading Parent Portal. Instructions English/Spanish For assistance with setting up a Parent Portal account, you can come to the school in person or email Ms. Reese at reesec@clarke.k12.ga.us

Shaun Hemly with AMG Brands will be in the main gym at Cedar Shoals on Wednesday, January 29th from 4:00-6:00 pm to take letter jacket orders. You must have payment ready at the order. Please see the order form attached for pricing: Letter Jacket Prices!

Students and families can purchase senior recognition ad space in the 2025 yearbook.

• 1/8th page - $65

• 1/4 page - $80

• 1/2 page - $105

You can click here to use our publisher Jostens' online tools to design the ad or you can e-mail images and text to Mr. Ginsberg (ginsbergm@clarke.k12.ga.us) and pay via cash or check (to Cedar Shoals) at the school. The deadline for senior recognition ads is January 31, 2025. Examples are attached. The ad spaces will go toward the end of the book in front of the index section.

The sign-up deadline has been extended to February 7, 2025! New sign-ups must pay the full amount of $406 at the time of booking. Secure your spot today by visiting the group booking website to complete your travel forms and payment: Booking Website

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to celebrate your graduation with an unforgettable trip to Universal Studios, Orlando!

Cedar Shoals is going to Italy and Greece in Summer 2026, and you’re invited! We’re excited to tell you more about the trip we’re planning with EF Tours, our educational travel partner. Please be sure to register for this info session to be considered for this opportunity: https://rsvp.eftours.com/2dsuyc4 This info session is on January 28th at 6:30pm in the Cedar Shoals Library.

In this info session, we’ll talk about:

• How this opportunity will benefit your student
• What we’ll see and do on our trip
• Everything that’s included in this experience
• How your child can earn academic credit
• How we’re keeping this safe and affordable
• How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF’s risk-free enrollment period

This travel opportunity is open to current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. There are limited spots left on this trip, so we would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

Click below on our Class of 2025 Scholarship Database to explore scholarships available for Cedar Shoals High School seniors. Don't miss out on opportunities to earn money for college—start applying today!

The Cedar Shoals track and field program is raising funds to provide our student-athletes with:

• Snacks and drinks for meets
• Updated track equipment and uniforms
• Sponsorships for our hardworking athletes
• A much-needed track tent for competitions

Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in helping our Jaguars excel on and off the track. Donate today at here on GOFAN to show your East Side pride and support the our student athletes!

Our 2025 Varsity Baseball season is just around the corner and we need your support! Our Diamond Jags have been working hard this off-season and would gain a competitive advantage with YOU in attendance! Can't make a game? No worries! There are two major ways that you can support our Jaguars:

1 - Grab yourself a piece of Jaguar Baseball Apparel from our Online Store. A small portion of each purchase will be donated to the Jaguar Baseball Program.

https://bakerssport.chipply.com/cedarshoalsbsb/?action=viewall

2 - Consider donating through GoFan. Your donation will go towards vital meals and equipment that will help your student athletes thrive.

https://gofan.co/event/2602573?schoolId=GA4880

It is time for the Class of 2025 to get geared up for graduation! Cap & gown packages are $86.40 (including taxes and shipping) You can purchase with cash, money order, or debit/credit card. You can also purchase a cap & gown online here: Cedar Cap & Gown Order

A representative from Herff Jones will be at Cedar Shoals outside of the lunchroom during all 4 lunches on the following dates for in person orders:

• Thursday, February 6th
• Monday, March 3rd

All cap and gowns will be delivered to the school for student pick up on Friday, May 2nd.

Jag Nation, please be reminded that in order to ensure the safety of all students, food deliveries through parents or third-party vendors such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, etc., are NOT permitted.

If your student does not eat school lunch, we kindly ask that they bring their lunch with them at the start of the school day. We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Together, we can ensure a safe and smooth school experience for all students!

The Georgia Department of Education has partnered with Varsity Tutors to offer a series of statewide virtual tutoring sessions. Don’t miss these upcoming sessions!

•College Admissions 101 - 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23. Intended for students in grades 8-11, parents, families, and counselors. Learn what colleges look for, how to build strong transcripts and extracurriculars, navigate school research and visits, and track important deadlines.

•Habits of Successful Test Takers - 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12. Intended for students, parents, counselors, and educators. This session is designed to help students and parents discover tools to improve test performance and build confidence, including effective study techniques, using answer choices strategically, overcoming mental blocks, managing time, and reducing test anxiety.

Visit this link for additional information and to register for one or both of the sessions: https://www.varsitytutors.com/school-solutions/georgiadoe

We are excited to announce that Cedar Shoals High School's Graduation for the Class of 2025 will take place on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 6:00 pm. The ceremony will be held at the Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center, located at 300 N Thomas Street, Athens, GA 30601.

Please note the following important details:

• Graduation Rehearsal:
  Date: Wednesday, May 21st
  Time: 4:00 pm
  Location: Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center

• Graduation Ceremony:
  Date: Thursday, May 22nd
  Time: 6:00 pm
  Location: Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center

Admission is free and open to all, and there is no limit on the number of guests for each graduate. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with you all! Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Reese at reesec@clarke.k12.ga.us

Cedar Shoals spent the morning giving back to the community on MLK Day of Service! We had a food drive hosted by the Alumni of Cedar Shoals High, where volunteers came together to distribute food to those in need. Thank you to the members of the CSHS Wrestling Team and Coach Stanley Lattimore for showing their Jag Pride and giving back to our school by cleaning up campus on MLK Day! Your hard work and dedication make a difference. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and donated to make this day possible!

We are proud to announce that Cedar Shoals sophomore Nate Guidry has been selected for the 2025 Youth LEAD Georgia Class! This prestigious program, hosted by the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, recognizes outstanding young leaders across the state. Nate is one of 30 10th- and 11th-graders, representing 29 different counties, were selected by an external committee from more than 340 nominations received by UGA. Way to represent Cedar Shoals, Nate! We’re excited to see all the great things you’ll accomplish in this program!

Cedar senior Sebastian Caillault, who this week was named among the nation's top 300 scholars in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors!

The 300 scholars were selected out of a field of 2,500 entrants from 795 high schools across 48 states, Washington, D.C., American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and 14 other countries and were awarded $2,000 each while their schools also received $2,000 for each scholar.

Scholars were chosen based on their outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions, and exceptional promise as STEM leaders demonstrated through the submission of their original, independent research projects, essays, and recommendations

Congratulations to these Cedar seniors who have been selected to receive an Athens Area Human Relations Council, Inc. (AAHRC) scholarship. These Jaguars will be recognized at the 46th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Banquet. Congratulations to Sara Whitehead, Fallon T. Green, Siniyah Huntley, Alyssa Weiszer, Kameran Brown, Aya Ibrahim, and Zakayli Naomi Tyrell!

Pathways to Success After-School Program (PSP) provides academic tutoring for any student with an academic need after school each week.

Tutoring Schedule:

• Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM

• Zero Period for E2020 students: Monday–Friday from 7:45 AM – 8:45 AM (Room D104)

Students are encouraged to attend PSP to receive additional academic support. Transportation is provided for students who attend PSP. Please complete this form for transportation.

Seniors can receive a seal on your diploma and a black & white honor cord if you:

• Complete a Fine Arts Pathway

• (3 Fine Arts Credit in a Content Sequence (for example, Band I, Band II, Band III)

• Complete a 4th Fine Arts Credit

• (same area as pathway or different)

• Complete 2 Extracurricular Fine Arts activities in 2024-25

• 20 hours of Arts-related Community Service in 2024-25

• Complete a capstone presentation of Fine Arts experience in CCSD (Here is the Fine Arts Seal Capstone Template)

If you are approved, you will receive a seal to be applied to your diploma and black and white honor cord to wear at graduation. This distinction will honor and recognize your dedication and achievement in the CCSD Fine Arts. Please see the following presentation and attached flyer for more information. Please submit all required information to Dan Smith, Fine Arts Curriculum Coordinator no later than April 12, 2024, at 3 p.m.

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

Volunteer Opportunities:

Please consider volunteering in support of any of the 24-25 events:

February : Counselor Appreciation Week

March: Conference Week — providing dinners for teachers during student conferences

May: Teacher Appreciation Week

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/shop/mens/tops-t-shirts

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.

Congratulations to our December Student Athletes of the Month! Deston Foote (Varsity Basketball), Harmony Smith (JV Basketball), Ky’Esha Gainer (JV Basketball) and Kayla Harris (Varsity Basketball) were nominated by their coaches below. Check our their nominations below:

• Deston Foote - Varsity Basketball (Nominated by Coach Thomas): Deston led us in every statistical category through our 1st 5 games this season. He has emerged as a leader on our basketball team.

• Kayla Harris - Varsity Basketball (Nominated by Coach Wall): Kayla is currently leading the Lady Jags basketball team in points scored, rebounds, and steals. She is determined to help the team win and her energy on the floor helps to uplift her teammates.

• Harmony Smith - JV Basketball (Nominated by Coach Prince): Harmony is being nominated for her dedication to the team, hard work in games and practices, and her great sportsmanship. Not only does she excel in the classroom, but she is coachable and continues to improve her game each day.

• Ky’Esha Gainer - JV Basketball (Nominated by Coach Prince): Ky’Esha is being nominated for her hardwork and determination to get better. She also pushes her teammates to be better. She is a great team player, coachable, and willing to learn for improvement.

Support the Jaguars! Students can purchase an all-sport pass here for $45 and adults can purchase an all-sport pass here for $60. This pass will admit one person to every regular season home athletic event - Freshman/Junior Varsity/Varsity.

Please be reminded that CSHS has a clear bag policy at all sporting events. This policy will be similar to policies in place at college and professional stadiums and coliseums. There will be no entrance into sporting events without a clear bag (this includes bookbags). The following types of bags are permitted inside of CSHS sporting events: Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12”x6”x12”, one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5”x6.5” Please see the graphic attached for examples of approved and prohibited bags.

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