Jag News

Upcoming Events at CSHS:

• 2/25: Japan & Iceland Travel Meeting
• 2/26: Black History Month Program
• 2/28: Jag Fest: Teen Summit (Register here)
• 2/28: 11th Grade Family Meeting

Clarke County School District Updates:

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

Interested in student travel? Cedar Shoals is going to Japan in 2027 and Iceland in 2028! We will have a travel interest meeting on Wednesday, February 25th at 6:30 pm in the CSHS library to learn about both trips. RSVP for the meeting at https://rsvp.eftours.com/psgp4r5 or by scanning the QR code below. Email Ms. Doolittle at doolittleh@clarke.k12.ga.us if you have any questions!

Cedar Shoals families of current 11th graders are invited to attend our 11th Grade Family Meeting on Saturday, February 28th at 10:00 a.m. in the CSHS Auditorium. The Counseling Team will share important information to help juniors prepare for senior year, including graduation requirements, SAT/ACT dates, GA Futures and the HOPE Scholarship, and Dual Enrollment opportunities. Families are strongly encouraged to attend as students plan next steps toward graduation and life after high school.

Mark your calendars for JAG FEST! Jag Fest is a Teen Summit designed to bring students and parents together for a day of connection, learning, and fun! This event will take place on Saturday, February 28th from 10:30 am to 2 pm. Lunch for any students and families in attendance will be provided and there will be childcare for school-aged students (Pre-K through 5th grade). Please Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfno5kxYazdJZVXAHB9UkeAGJHa9uxaZT2LUTMQsSFWmFlUtA/viewform

During Jag Fest, teens and families will explore real-world topics including: career and workforce readiness, healthy habits and stress, healthy relationships, conflict resolution, male empowerment, and identifying school supports while parents gain valuable insight into parenting Generation Alpha.

There will be food, door prizes, a selfie station, games, music and more! Have your whole family join us for an impactful experience that strengthens students, supports families, and celebrates our community. Students who attend will receive admission to a Cedar Fun Day, spotlight points, and a limited edition Jag Fest T-shirt.

Cedar Shoals High School invites you to our Black History Program: Know the Past, Shape the Future. The event will be held on Thursday, February 26th at 6:00 PM in the CSHS Fine Arts Building Auditorium. Join us for an evening of reflection, celebration, and student-led performances. Free admission.

Eleventh-grade students at Cedar Shoals will have the opportunity to take the ACT in April 2026 during the school day. If your student has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) and plans to take the ACT, you may be eligible to receive testing accommodations. In order for us to submit an accommodations request to the ACT, we must have your signed Consent Form for Accommodations on file. Please complete and return the Parent Consent Form for Accommodations by February 28, 2026. Click here to access the form. If you have any questions about the accommodations process or need assistance completing the form, feel free to contact Ms. Fambro at fambrom2@clarke.k12.ga.us or Mr. Price at priceja@clarke.k12.ga.us

Cedar Shoals High School will celebrate Black History Month with the theme Black Excellence, highlighting the achievements and contributions of African Americans past and present. Each week will feature a themed focus and Spirit Day every Friday, including: Black Ink, Bold Stories (Literature); Black Excellence in STEM; Health and Healing in the Black Community; and African Americans and the Arts. The month will conclude with a Black History Program celebrating these themes through performances and presentations.

We are sharing important information regarding Junior Dues for the Class of 2027 and Senior Dues for the Class of 2026. Prom will be held on April 24, 2026 at The Classic Center. Please review the details below carefully, as dues support prom and several end-of-year activities.

Junior Dues: $150: Junior dues cover: Junior prom ticket, Senior prom ticket, End-of-year junior celebration, All senior year gifts and activities (senior breakfast, picnic, t-shirt, legacy gift, and more). Paying junior dues now helps reduce additional costs during senior year!

Senior Dues: $155: Senior dues cover: Senior prom ticket, All senior year gifts and activities (senior breakfast, picnic, t-shirt, legacy gift, and more)

Important Notes:

• Prom date tickets must be purchased separately.

• A form must be completed to bring a guest from another school.

• Dues may be paid in multiple payments.

• All dues must be paid by March 31, 2026.

• Refunds are not available, as dues are used for prom deposits and senior activities.

How to Pay: Dues can be paid online through the Cedar Shoals website under Online Payments (Linked Here), or in person to Ms. Thornton with cash, check, or money order made out to Cedar Shoals High School. If you have questions or are unsure about your payment status, please contact Ms. Thornton at thorntonv@clarke.k12.ga.us

CCSD joins school districts across Georgia in celebrating February as CTAE Month and recognizing the importance of career, technical, and agricultural education programs in our schools!

CCSD offers more than two dozen CTAE career pathways for high school students at Cedar Shoals High School, Clarke Central High School, and the Athens Community Career Academy, all designed to prepare students for regional and local high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand industry sector occupations based on existing and emerging workforce development needs in Athens-Clarke County and the surrounding region. Our agricultural programs also include introductory courses for students at the middle school level.

Visit www.clarke.k12.ga.us/ctae for more information on CCSD's CTAE program and resources for students and families, including our CTAE Career Planner Guide (available in English and Spanish) and our CTAE program highlight video!

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

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Cedar Shoals STAR Student, Christopher Koch! Chris earned this recognition by scoring the highest SAT score on a single test date and is also in the top 10% of his class. Every STAR Student also names a STAR Teacher who has influenced them in their academic pursuits. Chris selected Tara Stuart, Cedar Shoals English teacher Tara Stuart as his STAR Teacher. Read more about these Jaguars here: https://www.clarke.k12.ga.us/article/2716284..

Congratulations to Savannah Rawls, Caitlin Smith, and Elijah Stone for winning 1st place and1st place overall during National History Day with their Documentary on Linnentown. Go Jags!

We are excited to announce that three of our Jaguars have been chosen for the 2026 Youth Leadership Athens class. Congratulations to Lauren Neace, Solomon Caplan, and Tatiana Velasquez. YLA is a premier leadership organization that guides high school sophomores and juniors as they develop and enhance their leadership skills, network with community leaders and peers, and develop a sense of community in the Athens area. Go Jags!

Congratulations to these Jaguars for being named semifinalists for the Governor’s Honors Program this year from Cedar Shoals:

-Savannah Rawls - Communicative Arts - Nominated by Mr. Andrews

-Sebastian Marotta - Computer Science - Nominated by Mrs. Garrett

-Catherine Dennison - Dance - Nominated by Mrs. Mixon

-Jack Justice - Engineering - Nominated by Mr. Dumont

-Spencer Broome - Math - Nominated by Mrs. Hoover

-Evan Greene - Music - Nominated by Mr. Driskell

-Braylen Grier - Music - Nominated by Mr. Driskell

-Caitlin Smith - Science - Nominated by Ms. Tarleton

-Kenia Gonzalez-Chavez - Social Studies - Nominated by Mr. Ginsberg

-John Driscoll - Social Studies - Nominated by Mr. Olin

They will have their next round of interviews or auditions in the next month at either Georgia Southern or Kennessaw State in hopes of attending the summer program. Good luck Jags!

Orchestra students from Cedar and Central performed on January 30th at the annual GMEA American String Teachers Association luncheon at Wall & Broad. Students rehearsed after school at both Cedar and Central in preparation for this performance. Shoutouts to Cedar Orchestra Director Ryan Lopez and our own Dr. Eunice Kang for this excellent collaboration. We look forward to many more!

Congratulations to Cedar sophomore, Kenia Gonzalez-Chavez, who was recognized at the board meeting last night! She recently added two more accolades to her already impressive resume with her selections to the 2026 cohorts of Youth LEAD Georgia and the nationwide Disney Dreamers Academy. As part of the Disney Dreamers Academy, Kenia will travel to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to participate in career workshops and develop professional, career-focused skills.

We are proud of our Cedar Shoals FFA officers! Last week, they had the opportunity to meet with the Mayor of Athens, Kelly Girtz, to discuss agriculture in Athens and the impact it has on our community. Later, they put their leadership into action by serving at our local food bank. Go Jags!

Last Friday, Jaguars in Mr. Montu Miller’s AP African American Studies and Ethnic Studies classes went to Kennesaw State University to participate in its Journeys in Justice program, which focuses on history, justice, and civic engagement and centers particularly around the Freedom Riders. Students participated in a workshop/lecture with Alex Wharton, award-winning writer and former Children’s Poet Laureate of Wales (UK), and then wrote and read aloud their own original works!

Seniors- it is not too late to sign up for the Senior 2026 trip and take advantage of the payment plan. Here is the trip information: https://traveljoy.com/bookings/9jSbPyEVEeTPG1PGrYTBtk8z

2026 Senior Trip/April 17-19, 2026

· Universal Studios Orlando, Florida

· Aquatica Water Park

· Beach Day @ Cocoa Beach Florida

Payment plans for single, double, and quad rooms are available! Seniors, check your email for all trip details, or pick up a trip package from Ms. Thornton.

1. JJ Harris Scholarship (In counseling office)

2. Shirley Daniel Legacy Scholarship for Future Leaders (ATTACHED to CCSD email)

3. Cavalier's Club of Athens (ATTACHED to CCSD email)

4. Bon Bons Scholarship (ATTACHED to CCSD email)

5. Think Before You Move (ATTACHED to CCSD email)

6. Athens Step Up (https://athensstepup.com/)

7. Athens Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.Athens Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Scholarship Application

If you are a high school senior or an adult member of Peach State Federal Credit Union seeking career advancement, you are invited to apply for the credit union's 2026 scholarship program by Feb. 27.

The Peach State FCU Scholarship Program was established more than 20 years ago as a way to honor the educators who founded the credit union, and scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. The student scholarships are open to high school seniors planning to pursue higher education, while the career advancement scholarships are for adult members of the credit union whose accounts are in good standing.

Click here for more information about the scholarships and qualifications and to apply.

We are excited to announce the dates and times for the Cedar Shoals High School Class of 2026 graduation ceremony! Cedar Shoals High School ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 23, at Akins Ford Arena, 300 North Thomas St., Athens, GA at 10 a.m.

Admission is free and open to all, and there is no limit on the number of guests for each graduate. We will communicate directly with seniors and families regarding additional information on the ceremony, including rehearsal dates and times and other details at a future date.

Way to go AquaJags on their competition in the 2026 GHSA 4A State Championship! The Team Score: Boys #17th & Girls #16th (tied)

Top 10 finishes:

Christopher Koch 200 IM: 2nd

Christopher Koch 100 breaststroke: 3rd

Lauren Neace 100 butterfly: 6th

Top 20 finishes:

Lauren Neace 200 free: 11th

Abby Green 100 free: 12th

Abby Green 100 breast: 11th

Boys 200 medley relay: 16th

Boys 200 freestyle relay: 13th

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!

Cedar Shoals Athletics is going cashless! For the 2025-2026 athletic season, all ticket purchases will be available exclusively through GoFan- no cash accepted. Stay prepared and download the GoFan app today!

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.

You are invited to participate in a creative opportunity to design a Leader In Me banner that will be displayed at Cedar Shoals High School!

We encourage you to be imaginative and expressive in your design. Your banner may include ideas such as:

• Illustrating or highlighting the 7 Habits

• Showing examples of how we demonstrate leadership at Cedar Shoals

• Featuring inspiring leadership quotes

• Incorporating artwork, color, and visual elements that reflect our school community

Please make sure that “Cedar Shoals High School” is included somewhere in your banner design. You may utilize the Leader In Me website for ideas.

This is a great chance to showcase your creativity, leadership voice, and school pride. Please submit your designs in PDF or PNG format to wingfieldk@clarke.k12.ga.us

Click here for the information for the Piedmont Athens Regional Teen Volunteer Program summer volunteer program for 16 and 17 year olds. This is a great opportunity for students who have an interest in healthcare and want to know what life in the hospital (from a volunteer/staff side) is like.

Seniors who are interested in volunteering within the hospital, please encourage them to look into our college program (they do not have to be enrolled in college, just college age). We will accept applications for the summer during the first week of March at College volunteers | Piedmont Healthcare.

Please see recurring and NEW programs offered between Spring 2026 – Fall 2026:

• Program: UGA Vet School for a Day 2.0
• Date: Saturday, February 21st from 11:30 – 5pm
• Brief description: Half-day exposure program with short, rotating interactive workshops
• Population: Undergrads, graduate students, professional students and/or college alumni from any accredited college or university
• Location: Athens, Georgia
• Deadline: Tuesday, January 20th
• Website: https://vet.uga.edu/education/k-12-programs/vet-school-for-a-day/
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/2lx4TPrgqMU
• Program: UGA VetCAMP 2026
• Date: Sunday, May 31 – Saturday, June 6
• Brief description: 7-Day summer residency program with veterinarians, vet students, and staff to do deep dives in the profession and field
• Population: 10th – 12th AND must be the age of 16 by the program start date
• Location: Athens, Georgia
• Deadline: Tuesday, January 20th

• Website: https://vet.uga.edu/education/k-12-programs/vetcamp/

• YouTube: https://youtu.be/zG5JE60DQWg
• YouTube Short: https://youtube.com/shorts/hbZqTf2Ub04?feature=share
• Program: UGA Vet School for a Day 1.5
• Date: Saturday, September 12th from 11:30 – 5pm
• Brief description: Half-day exposure program with short, rotating interactive workshops and site visits
• Population: HS 10th – 12th Grade; College students with pre-vet interests
• Location: Tifton, Georgia
• Deadline: Thursday, August 27th
• Website: https://vet.uga.edu/education/k-12-programs/vet-school-for-a-day/
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/lzwjoeQpvx8
• Program: UGA Vet School for a Day 1.0
• Date: Saturday, September 19th from 11:30 – 5pm
• Brief description: Half-day exposure program with short, rotating interactive workshops
• Population: HS 10th – 12th Grade
• Location: Athens, Georgia
• Deadline: Thursday, August 27th
• Website: https://vet.uga.edu/education/k-12-programs/vet-school-for-a-day/
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/UxJFIi8uczw
• Program: UGA Youth Pre-vet BootCAMP
• Date: Saturday, November 7th from 11:30 – 5pm
• Brief description: Half-day exposure program for younger and less experienced students; Focus on fundamentals and short, rotating interactive workshops
• Population: MS-HS 8th – 10th Grade
• Location: Athens, Georgia
• Deadline: Friday, September 25th
• Website: https://vet.uga.edu/education/k-12-programs/vetcamp/
• YouTube: The first program that exists will be held this Fall – there is no video on the experience yet

• 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.

We are excited to welcome Ms. Medina as our new College and Career Adviser at Cedar Shoals! She is here to support students with their post-graduation plans—whether that’s college, trade school, the military, or entering the workforce. Seniors are required to meet with her at least once this year to ensure they are on track for success after high school.

Ms. Medina can help with:

• College applications & financial aid

• Scholarships & SAT/ACT registration

• Career advising & more!

Schedule an appointment: calendly.com/cedarshoalsadvising/30min

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