Jag News

Upcoming Events at CSHS:

• 2/28: Jag Fest: Teen Summit (Register here)
• 2/28: 11th Grade Family Meeting
• 3/3: Orchestra Concert
• 3/11-3/12: Parent Teacher Conferences
• 3/11: Early Dismissal at 1:30
• 3/12: Student Holiday: No School
• 3/13: Student/Staff Holiday: No School
• 3/24: Title I & PTO 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

Spring parent conferences at Cedar Shoals will be held Wednesday, March 11th from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Thursday, March 12th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Advisers will discuss students' grades and attendance, schedule courses for next year, provide information on academic and extracurricular opportunities, review students' paths to graduation, and share ways students and families can stay engaged and make the most of their time at CSHS. See the schedule below:

• Wednesday, March 11th, there will be early dismissal at 1:30 pm

• Thursday, March 12th, is a student holiday to allow for flexible conference scheduling.

• Friday, March 13th is a student and staff holiday.

Advisers will be contacting parents and guardians to schedule conference appointments. You can directly contact your student's adviser using information in Campus Parent Portal or reach out to Ms. Reese at reesec@clarke.k12.ga.us

Cedar Shoals High School will be participating in the Georgia School Climate Survey, and we would love for our families to share their feedback! Parents and guardians are invited to complete the Family Survey, which includes 22 questions about your experience with Cedar Shoals and how well we engage and communicate with families. If you have more than one child at Cedar Shoals, please complete just one survey per school.

Your responses are completely anonymous and are not connected to your name in any way. The results will be shared with school leaders to help us continue improving and strengthening our school community. Survey results are also published on the Georgia Department of Education website. Please take a few minutes to share your honest feedback using the link below: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=2CAE05A5

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Mr. Nathan Reincheld at reincheldn@clarke.k12.ga.us Thank you for partnering with us and helping Cedar Shoals continue to grow and thrive!

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.

As we begin planning for Decision Day, we invite you to support our senior Jags by donating or sharing our wishlist. Decision Day is a special annual celebration of our seniors’ postsecondary plans — whether college, military, or career.

Many of our students are preparing for college, and dorm/living essentials make a big difference in their transition. If you’re able, please consider purchasing an item from our Amazon wishlist or dropping off donations to the counseling office.

Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/KL4M894DLDIM?ref_=wl_share

Thank you for supporting the Class of 2026!

The National Honor Society is gathering donations for our homeless senior citizens. As you do some spring cleaning, consider donating! You can find the shelter's wish list at this link and the going home kits at this link.

Donations can be dropped off in the main office.

GaDOE is offering free, live, virtual SAT Prep Classes this spring in partnership with Tutored by Teachers. Students will strengthen foundational math, reading, and writing skills; build confidence with SAT questions; and learn effective test-taking strategies. This accessible virtual series is designed to support students across the state as they prepare for the SAT. The next sessions are March 2-5, 2026. Additional Information: Registration Link

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

• 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