HGRESA HEARTBEAT
October 27, 2025
Congratulations!
Next Scheduled Contest Dates
Art Contests: November 4 (Kindness), December 2 (Animals), December 12 - Seniors Only (Artists Choice), January 6 (Artists Choice), February 3 (Self-Portrait), March 3 - Seniors Only (Artists Choice)
Writing Contest: November 18, February 6
Georgia Young Authors: Uploaded by February 19; Electronic submissions only
HGRESA State Recognition
2025-2026 Student Advisory Council
"State School Superintendent Richard Woods has selected 79 Georgia students from 1,235 applicants to serve on his 2025-2026 Student Advisory Council. Throughout the year, these students will meet with Superintendent Woods to provide feedback on the impact of state policies in the classroom." Those chosen from the Heart of Georgia RESA area include:
Chelsie Gruber (Wheeler County High School, 10th Grade)
Kuanta Guyton (Dublin High School, 12th Grade)
Sheyla Morales Velazquez (Bleckley County High School, 12th Grade)
Walker Glass (West Laurens High School, 10th Grade)
Congratulations to these students!
Wellness in Action Joint Program with GaDOE, Oconee RESA and Middle GA RESa
The Georgia Department of Education’s Educator Development Division is partnering with RESAs and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to host the upcoming Wellness in Action: Thriving Staff, Thriving Schools workshop. This interactive session from 9 AM-12:30 PM will highlight practical strategies for building positive relationships among staff, creating an authentic system of gratitude, and providing resources and tools that help educators prioritize their own well-being. Participants will leave with actionable ideas and tools to cultivate a supportive, thriving work environment—strengthening teacher retention and building stronger schools. Wellness teams are encouraged to attend! This meeting will be in cooperation with Middle Georgia RESA, Oconee RESA, and Heart of Georgia RESA. The meeting will be held at Heart of Georgia on December 10. Click on this registration link: 6664, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, GaDOE, Wellness in Action: Thriving Staff, Thriving Schools 2025-2026.
Rankings for End of Course and for End of Grade Resource Available
A resource has been developed for comparisons of rankings for end of course and for end of grade assessments for FY 25. Access is available a this link: 26R, 6666, 2025 End of Course and End of Grade Rankings. We are also working on including the Lexile Averages.
ELA New Standards Support
- 6617.3, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, GaDOE ELA, Digging Deeper Foundations K-5 November 12 at 9 AM
- 6617.4, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, GaDOE ELA, Digging Deeper Text 6-12 November 13 at 9 AM
- 6617.5, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, GaDOE ELA, Digging Deeper Language K-5 December 3 at 9 AM
- 6617.6, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, GaDOE ELA, Digging Deeper Language 6-12 December 4 (At the request of GDOE, the Dec. 4th date will be changed. Date TBD) at 9 AM
- 6617.7, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, GaDOE ELA, Writing K-5 January 13 at 9 AM
- 6617.8, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, GaDOE ELA, Writing 6-12 January 14 at 9 AM
These are resources produced by Dr Belita Gordon to assist ELA teachers as they incorporate the new standards in their instruction. Dr. Gordon served as the HGRESA liaison on the GDOE state ELA committee. She has been working with HGRESA for many years helping with writing and reading. She conducted several sessions on how mentor texts could be used to implement the new standards. Dr. Gordon has begun dissecting the standards and providing written documents to help teachers begin to learn about the standards. She has completed grades 3, 4, 5 , 6, 7, and 8.
6139.3-5, Resource, Gordon, You Got This! Grades 3-5 ELA Standards
Dr. Kevin Raczynski has developed and/or modified his writing instructional materials in recognition of the new ELA standards.
6054.K, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade Kindergarten
6054.1, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 1
6054.2, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 2
6054.3, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 3
6054.4, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 4
6054.5, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 5
6054.6, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 6
6054.7, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 7
6054.8, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grade 8
6054.9-10, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grades 9-10
6054.11-12, CODE, Raczynski, Techniques for Providing Feedback on Student Writing, Grades 11-12
26C. 6561.K, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Expository Techniques, Kindergarten
26C. 6561.1, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Expository Techniques, First Grade
26C. 6561.2, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Expository Techniques, Second Grade
26C. 6561.3, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Expository Techniques, Third Grade
26C. 6561.4, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Expository Techniques, Fourth Grade
26C. 6561.5, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Expository Techniques, Fifth Grade
26C. 6561.6, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Expository Techniques, Sixth Grade
26C. 6561.7, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Expository Techniques, Seventh Grade
26C. 6561.8, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Expository Techniques, Eighth Grade
26C. 6561.9, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Expository Techniques, Ninth Grade
26C. 6561.10, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Expository Techniques, Tenth Grade
26C. 6562.K, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Opinion-Argumentative Techniques, Kindergarten
26C. 6562.1, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Opinion-Argumentative Techniques, First Grade
26C. 6562.2, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Opinion-Argumentative Techniques, Second Grade
26C. 6562.3, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Opinion-Argumentative Techniques, Third Grade
26C. 6562.4, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Expository Techniques, Fourth Grade
26C. 6562.5, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Opinion-Argumentative Techniques, Fifth Grade
26C. 6562.6, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Opinion-Argumentative Techniques, Sixth Grade
26C. 6562.6, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Opinion-Argumentative Techniques, Sixth Grade
26C. 6562.7, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Opinion-Argumentative Techniques, Seventh Grade
26C. 6562.8, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Opinion-Argumentative Techniques, Eighth
26C. 6562.9, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Opinion-Argumentative Techniques, Ninth Grade
26C. 6562.10, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Opinion-Argumentative Techniques, Tenth Grade
26C.6600.K, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Narrative Techniques, Kindergarten
26C.6600.1, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Narrative Techniques, Grade 1
26C.6600.2, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Narrative Techniques, Grade 2
26C.6600.3, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Narrative Techniques, Grade 3
26C.6600.4, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Narrative Techniques, Grade 4
26C.6600.5, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Narrative Techniques, Grade 5
26C.6600.6, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Narrative Techniques, Grade 6
26C.6600.7, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Narrative Techniques, Grade 7
26C.6600.8, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Narrative Techniques, Grade 8
26C.6600.9, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Narrative Techniques, Grade 9
26C.6600.10, Raczynski, 360 Writing, Narrative Techniques, Grade 10
LETRS for Administrators
LETRS for Administrators: November 20, March 5
Please register using this LINK. Please register early since this is available state-wide, and there are limited seats.
Dr. Jim Knight's Instructional Coaching Modules
Instructional Coaching Modules: Dr. Jim Knight’s Instructional Coaching Modules licenses have been purchased for a maximum of 3 registrants per system for the eight modules of Instructional Coaching. These modules total 35.5 hours. For those completing all the modules, HGRESA will give copies of three books that accompany the work. Certificates will be provided at the completion of each module, and a copy of the certificate should be sent to jlewis@hgresa.org. Please complete the sign-up sheet for these classes.
DRAFT 2026 HGRESA Job Fair
Sat., Feb. 21, 2025 (This may change to an earlier date.)
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Location: 717 Smith Street, Dublin, GA 31021
Contacts:
Georgia Movie Academy Competition
GEORGIA MOVIE ACADEMY is a digital storytelling competition sponsored by Heart of Georgia RESA and Chattahoochee-Flint RESA for the purpose of recognizing student work in the area of video production and storytelling. This project-based learning opportunity allows students to work in teams to produce a theme-based (GMA 2025 theme is: Curiosity Unleashed), standards-based, three-minute video on a topic of their choice. Teachers serve as coaches or co-coaches. The competition is for student teams in grades K-12.This year's theme is Joy in the Journey. Registration forms are due December 19, 2024. Register to receive the policies and forms handbook.
Classroom Management Modules: Dr. Harry Wong
The company has graciously extended the availability of the The Classroom Management Course for another year. December 31, 2025, will be the end date. We encourage you to take advantage of these powerful resources.
Georgia Digital Curriculum
This information was copied directly from the GDOE website.
(GaVS) provides free access to their course content. Courses have been moved to Canvas and are distributed in a public format. This includes all content that is aligned to the Georgia standards.
Free Georgia Tutor Program
This information came directly from the GDOE website.
GaTutor is groundbreaking program powered by Georgia Virtual Learning. Georgia-certified teachers with solid content area expertise provide one-on-one tutoring sessions tailored for each individual student.
Best of all, it's entirely free! GaTutor offers flexibility for students, with tutoring sessions available outside of regular school hours. Students select the dates and times that workbest for them, making academic success more accessible than ever!
Generation Genius
To help build content knowledge in the Science areas, Generation Genius is available to HGRESA teachers in Grades 3-8. To gain access, register on the www.hgresa.org website for the subscription. Information will be sent via email confirmation. It is vital that the password and username not be changed from the information in the email. Dr. Tim McNamara has correlated the math videos to the Georgia Math Standards. The science was already correlated to Georgia Standards.
5058. Resource, Generation Genius Subscription for Grades 3-8 Math and Science
26R. 6603, McNamara, Alignment of 4th-8th Grade Math Expectations with Generation Genius Videos
Math in the Fast Lane
To set up a Math in the Fast Lane account:
1) Go to https://mathinfastlane.com/
2. Click "Getting Started" and set up an account
3. An email will come saying the account has been approved. Sometimes, this gets trapped in spam.
4. After approval, go to site and log in with ID and Password under "Subscribers."
Dr. Tim McNamara has correlated this program to Georgia Math Standards for grades 3-8.
Math Support
The Heart of Georgia RESA is contracting with Oconee RESA to provide math support. Dr. Kim Ward is employed by Oconee RESA but offers support to both RESAs.
6611, F-F, Laurens Co. PL OWL Center, Ward, Empowering Math Instruction for SWD - GDOE Resources and Strategies10-29-2025 9:00 AM10-29-2025 3:00 PM
HGRESA also provides support via online support resources from Dr. Tim McNamara and Mr. Brad Sanders.
Recent Resources from Dr. McNamara include the following:
4166, Resource, McNamara, Inspire--Grade 6 Math
4167, Resource, McNamara, Inspire--Grade 7 Math
4168, Resource, McNamara, Inspire--Grade 8 Math
4169, Resource, McNamara, Inspire--Grade 3
4170, Resource, McNamara, Inspire--Grade 4
4171, Resource, McNamara, Inspire--Grade 5
4176, Resource, McNamara, Inspire--Algebra I
4182, Resource, McNamara, Inspire--Algebra II
4184, Resource, McNamara, Inspire--Geometry
6017, Resource, McNamara, Inspire--Pre-Calculus
26R. 6602, Greenberg & McNamara, So You Think You Know Algebra I?
26R. 6603, McNamara, Alignment of 4th-8th Grade Math Expectations with Generation Genius Videos
Mr. Brad Sanders is available in the afternoons to provide support, as requested. His primary focus areas are high and middle schools. He is currently providing support to two alternative schools and provides modeling, teacher support, and student assistance.
Dr.Tama Freeman, in addition to Dr. Ward, can provide Numeracy Project support at the elementary school level.
Mrs. Michele Dyal is available to provide math support at the middle and high school levels.
Science Support with Dr. Juan Carlos Aguilar
6638.4, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, GaDOE Facilitated Collaborative Middle and High School Science Lesson Planning and Support 11-19-2025 9:00 AM11-19-2025 3:00 PM
6638.5, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, GaDOE Facilitated Collaborative Middle and High School Science Lesson Planning and Support (Day 5) 12-17-2025 9:00 AM12-17-2025 3:00 PM
Other Dates to Be Determined
School Climate Support
The Heart of Georgia provides much support with school climate. Please refer to the following available resources. If you want to schedule onsite consultative assistance in the school climate area, please email connie@hgresa.org.
School Climate Consultative Assistance
- Dr. Mitch McGhee (PBIS, MTSS Tier I)
- Mrs. Michelle Dyal (School Climate)
- Dr. Darrell May (School Climate)
Online CODE Resources
GACE Information
New GACE Website: https://www.gace.es.pearson.com/
349 Paraprofessional: https://www.gace.es.pearson.com/test/349
Learning Focus Resources
Diploma Seals
Fine Arts Contact GDOE for an application.
Civic Engagement Seals contact jlewis@hgresa.org for completion forms
Communication
HGRESA staff members strive daily to communicate in more effective ways. Emails are sent often using the EMAIL DATABASE. District and school staff members are asked to review this email database and keep it updated to receive current information. If the email is incorrect, staff members are asked to correct.
Each year, an electronic planner is created which includes relevant and current leader roles in each district. When edits are needed, please contact jbeck@hgresa.org, jlewis@hgresa.org, or connie@hgresa.org. PLANNER
Professional learning and registration information can be accessed in various ways.
A) Professional Learning Calendar: This calendar includes all face to face or online sessions that are occurring. If you click on agenda on the right, you can view more details.
B) Quick View: This is a list of everything that is available at HGRESA. This takes a few minutes to upload because of the quantity. This database is searchable with a search box or can be searched via Control F.
C) CODE PL: This is a database of Classes on Demand for Educators at all times and Resources. Please review the two tabs at the bottom that are named: Latest, Categories.
D) FF/Live PL: This is a database of all face to face sessions and online, live sessions that are being offered daily. The list is posted by calendar dates.
E) Job Alike Collaboratives: These sessions are used to communicate information. It is important that those with these job titles try to attend as often as possible to stay abreast of information, but more importantly to develop a network of support in specific areas.
F) HGRESA Heartbeat: A few months ago, the first edition of the Heartbeat was released. This is another attempt to keep district and school leaders informed.
Physical Education Resources
26C.6605,Gophersports, Master PE Teacher Course
The Master PE Course is a comprehensive physical education professional development
course that includes 18 modules designed to help teachers transform their program, improve class management skills, increase positive student behavior, strategically plan lessons, and much more. The course features classroom management video examples, module reflection questions, a PowerPoint presentation, and 6 hours of instruction by Dr. Robert Pangrazi on how to improve your PE curriculum. We have 50 licenses for this course, which will be offered on a first come, first serve basis. Certificates of completion will be awarded.
26C. 6563.1, PE Central, Bullying and Compliance
26C. 6563.3, PE Central, Integrating Brain Breaks and Physical Activity in All Classrooms
26C. 6563.4, PE Central, Introduction to Teaching Personal & Social Responsibility
26C.6563.5, PE Central, Introduction to Teaching Yoga in Physical Education
26C.6563.6, PE Central, After School Classroom Hacks: Tips and Strategies for Behavior Management
26C.6563.7, PE Central, Classroom Management & Student Engagement for Elementary Classroom Teachers
26C.6563.8, PE Central, Conquering Your First Year as a New PE Teacher
26C.6563.9, PE Central, Establishing Effective Protocols in PE Class
26C.6563.10, PE Central, How to Plan and Execute a Field Day
26C.6563.11, PE Central, PE Hacks: Tips & Strategies for Classroom Management
26C.6563.12, PE Central, Playground Supervision and Responsibility
26C.6563.13, PE Central, Secrets of Differentiation in Physical Education (Revised 2024)
26C.6563.14, PE Central, Talk Less, Teach More in PE: Streamline Class Management and Lesson Plans
26C.6563.15, PE Central, Bringing Technology and Library Skills into PE
26C.6563.16, PE Central, Bundle: Integrating Literacy & Math into Physical Education
26C. 6563.17, PE Central, Encouraging Every Student in Your PE Program
26C.6563.18, PE Central, Incorporating STEM/STEAM in Health & PE
26C.6563.19,PE Central, Introduction to Physical Literacy
26C.6563.20, PE Central, Safety First: Handling Disease and Injury in the HPE Classroom
26C. 6563.21, PE Central, Starting a Summer Reading Program
Assistant Principals' and/or Aspiring Leaders Support
6618.3a, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, Hinton, Leadership Support for Assistant Principals/Aspiring Principals: Student Achievement- Part 211-14-2025 8:30 AM11-14-2025 3:30 PM
6618.3b, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, Hinton, Leadership Support for Assistant Principals/Aspiring Principals: Student Achievement- Part 211-14-2025 12:30 PM11-14-2025 3:30 PM
6618.4a, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, Hinton, Leadership Support for Assistant Principals/Aspiring Principals: School Climate Decision Making01-30-2026 8:30 AM01-30-2026 11:30 AM
6618.4b, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, Hinton, Leadership Support for Assistant Principals/Aspiring Principals: School Climate Decision Making01-30-2026 12:30 PM01-30-2026 3:30 PM
6618.5a, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, Hinton, Leadership Support for Assistant Principals/Aspiring Principals: School Climate Staff02-20-2026 8:30 AM02-20-2026 11:30 AM
6618.5b, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, Hinton, Leadership Support for Assistant Principals/Aspiring Principals: School Climate Staff02-20-2026 12:30 PM02-20-2026 3:30 PM
6618.6a, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, Hinton, Leadership Support for Assistant Principals/Aspiring Principals: School Climate Community03-26-2026 8:30 AM03-26-2026 11:30 AM
6618.6b, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, Hinton, Leadership Support for Assistant Principals/Aspiring Principals: School Climate Community03-26-2026 11:30 AM03-26-2026 3:30 PM
6618.7a, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, Hinton, Leadership Support for Assistant Principals/Aspiring Principals: School Climate School Based Planning04-24-2026 8:30 AM04-24-2026 11:30 AM
6618.7b, F-F, Onsite HGRESA, Hinton, Leadership Support for Assistant Principals/Aspiring Principals: School Climate School Based Planning04-24-2026 11:30 AM04-24-2026 3:30 PM
Habits of Mind
Habits of Mind subscriptions for this year have been purchased for a limited number
of physical education teachers per school site. Please see the sign-up form to
recommend teachers for the subscription. A description for these support materials is
on the form for signing up.
Future Curriculum Directors' Meetings
Monday, January 12, 2026 Face-to-Face Meeting at HGRESA No lunch has been scheduled at this time. Meeting is from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
Monday, March 16 is a Zoom meeting. Meeting is from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM.
Lead with data plus the heart
and get it right from the start! (ch)