Jag News

Upcoming Events at CSHS:

• 10/17: Football/Cheer/Band/JROTC Senior Night
• 10/20-22: Basketball Tryouts
• 10/23: ACCA/AP/Dual Enrollment Night
• 10/23: PSAT
• 10/24: Makeup Picture Day
• 10/25: Saturday School Begins
• 10/25: Free Your Feels Mental Health Workshop

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

Thank you to all Jaguar families who attended fall conferences! Advisers and teachers are always available to support you and your student. If you attended a conference and did not do so already, please take 30 seconds to complete our Fall Conferences Sign-In so we can track participation and share any follow-up resources:https://clarkesd.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6h4udYd5IBKeCj4

If you were unable to attend last week, please reach out to your student’s adviser to reschedule, or contact Ms. Reese at reesec@clarke.k12.ga.us

We’re proud to recognize Principal Dr. Clark for her steady, student-first leadership at Cedar Shoals. Dr. Clark models “One Cedar” every day- listening to students and families, supporting teachers with clear expectations and resources, and celebrating the wins that make our school special. She is visible in classrooms, at events, and on the sidelines, always focused on safety, strong instruction, and meaningful partnerships with our community. Thank you, Dr. Clark, for your integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to Jaguar PRIDE.

As we celebrate October as National Principals Month, staff, students, families, and community members are invited to leave a message of support for one or more of our principals by completing this form. Your message may be showcased on our CCSD Facebook page (@clarkecoschools) the week of Oct. 27-31 during our full week of School Principals Month celebrations!

Please join us for ACCA/AP/Dual Enrollment Night on Thursday, October 23rd from 6-7:30 pm in the Cedar Shoals High School Cafeteria. This event is a great chance for students and families to learn about opportunities at Athens Community Career Academy (ACCA) and learn how Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment can help students earn college credit and stand out on applications.

All students and families are welcome- especially students in grades 9–11 who are planning next year’s courses!

Why come?

• Understand the differences between AP and Dual Enrollment
  

• Learn admission/eligibility requirements and how credits transfer
  

• Get tips for course selection and balancing rigor with extracurriculars
  

Makeup picture day for grades 9-11 is Friday, October 24. All students grades 9-11 who did not get their pictures taken in August will get photographed. Retakes are also available for students who are unhappy with their original picture.

The final date for senior portrait makeups will be December 6, 2025 in the CSHS Auditorium. These are not for retakes. This is only for students who did not get an appointment yet. To schedule your appointment, visit: https://form.jotform.com/213274918615056

Don’t miss this opportunity to capture this special milestone! Please reach out to Mr. Ginsberg at ginsbergm@clarke.k12.ga.us with any questions.

-Opens: Sept 1, 2025 (register for Term 1 and/or Term 2)

-Deadlines: Term 1 — Nov 8, 2025 | Term 2 — Mar 6, 2026

-Important: Online/Virtual, full-year, and homeschooled students must order all exams by Nov 8, 2025.

-Two-step process (both steps required). Students and parents should complete together—don’t wait until the last minute.

-Students should save usernames/passwords for exam day access.

Please read the full instructions on how to register here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ee976dbowvJE6VbPYI4EyypzYkLa4CzE/view?usp=sharing

We will be giving the PSAT to all sophomores on Thursday, October 23, 2025 during the school day. The PSAT is an important test that provides many benefits that can help students along the path to college. All sophomores will automatically be registered for the test. Please click here to read the PSAT letter for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. James Price, Associate Principal & Test Coordinator at 706-546-5375 x21204 or priceja@clarke.k12.ga.us

We’re gearing up for our annual Safe Trick-or-Treat on Friday, October 24 at Cedar Shoals! Last year, more than 1,000 children and families joined us, and we expect even more this year.

We’re asking the Athens community to donate individually wrapped Halloween candy to help make the night a success. Drop-off: Front office, attention Mr. Flores or Ms. Barnett.

Bring the whole family for a fun, safe evening of treats and costumes at Cedar Shoals High School on Thursday, October 24, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM.

Where: 1300 Cedar Shoals Dr., Athens, GA 30605
Who: All Cedar Shoals families and the Athens community
What: Trick-or-treat stations, school groups, and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere

Cedar Theatre Presents: Antigone

Join us for an unforgettable performance by our talented Jaguars!
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 29 & Thursday, Oct. 30
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Fine Arts Theater
🎟️ Students $3 | Adults $5

Come out and support Cedar Theatre! 💙

In addition to our after-school tutoring through the PSP program, we will be starting Saturday School, specifically for 9th graders, but other EOC and credit recovery sessions will also be available beginning October 25. This additional support aims to provide a focused environment where students can catch up on their work, receive extra help, and develop better study habits.

Saturday School Details:

• Dates: Saturday, October 25, November 1st, 8th, and 15th. Saturday, December 6th

• Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Subjects Available: Biology, 9th Grade Literature, 10th Grade Literature, US History, American Government, and Algebra 1

• Transportation: Provided (please sign up for the Bus Sign-up by October 18th)

Any boys interested in playing Jaguar basketball should attend tryouts this week. Here is the Tryout Schedule:

-Grade 10-12: Monday, October 20 4:00 - 6:00

-Grade 9: Wednesday, October 22 4:00 - 6:00

You must have a current athletic physical. If you get a new physical, please have your parent follow the instructions for uploading your physical to Rank One. No physical, No tryout. Rank One instructions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t2B5M3EzefRjsHHsFRteLducE9AsCLRBGhNMjMC-rUI/edit?usp=sharing

We are GROWING a culture of reading at Cedar and we need your help! Every t-shirt sold will help us buy a book for a Cedar student. Let’s show everyone that jaguars read! We LOVE our Cedar Readers and we love seeing your in our Cedar Library merch! Get yours today here: https://stores.inksoft.com/cedar_readers_apparel/shop/home

In partnership with our Leader In Me program, our school will be administering the Measurable Results Assessment (MRA), a survey and reporting system designed to provide insights into the progress of our school. In order to provide a holistic picture of what is going on in our school, the MRA includes three different surveys; 1) one completed by all school staff, 2) one completed by students in grades 4 and above, and 3) one completed by the families of students in all grades.

We hope you will participate so we can use the feedback to make our school an even better place for students and families. The survey is now available for you to take through November 5, 2025. The survey can be taken from any computer, smartphone, or tablet with internet access,

● Simply click on this link: MRA Fall 2025 family link

CCSD, in partnership with Voices for Georgia's Children, will hold the second annual "Free Your Feels" Youth Mental Health Summit for students ages 12-18 on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Athens Community Career Academy, 440-1 Dearing Ext., Athens. This *FREE* event will include peer-to-peer support and information about mental health resources available to students in their school and the community. A Caregiver Cafe will also be available for parents to learn about mental health, vaping, and how to support their students. Please register 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

Georgia Possible is a program led by the University of Georgia Fanning Institute for Leadership in partnership with CCSD designed to help high school students succeed academically and showcase the variety of postsecondary education and career options available to them to continue their educational journeys while also helping them and their families better understand the college admissions process.

Check out this story about how Georgia Possible has impacted Genesis Rodriguez-Hernandez, a Cedar Shoals High School Class of 2025 honor graduate who joined the program as a high school freshman and is now a college freshman with a full-ride academic scholarship at Duke University! She is on a pre-med track and is the first in her family to pursue a four-year college degree.

CONGRATULATIONS to our very own, Stephanie Lewis, who is one of the three district finalists for 2025-26 CCSD Teacher of the Year! The finalists were chosen from a field of 22 school-level teachers of the year whose applications were evaluated and scored by a district committee in partnership with the Foundation for Excellence | Athens, GA. The winner, along with the district Support Professional of the Year, will be announced on Oct. 23 at the district’s Teacher/Support Professional of the Year awards banquet.

Congratulations to our October Athletes of the Month- Ella Conway (Varsity Volleyball) and McKenzie McArthur (JV Cheer)!

Coach Paige says Ella is a creative, mindful, and hardworking teammate who brings positivity and determination to every match. Her joyful energy and thoughtful leadership make her a standout on the court.

Coach Reese says McKenzie demonstrates outstanding dedication and leadership in cheer. She leads by example- never missing practice, encouraging her teammates, and taking initiative to teach and call cheers during games.

We’re proud of both athletes for representing Jag PRIDE on and off the court. Special thanks to Kendra Scott and Cedar PTO for donating gifts for these amazing young women.

Congratulations to our Cedar Shoals High School Orchestra students and director who participated in North GA Honor Orchestra this weekend. We are so proud of you for an excellent performance and for representing our school and district!!

Congratulations to Cedar Shoals English teachers Tara Stuart and Hannah Doolittle, who received an AthFest Educates grant! Their award will fund an excursion to the ancient Greek archaeological site in Delphi, Greece as part of Cedar’s upcoming Rome + Athens trip in May 2026. We’re so proud of their commitment to bringing enriching, real-world learning experiences to our students!

Congratulations to the 2025 Cedar Shoals High School Homecoming Queen and King, Gabrielle Odister and Deston Foote! #OneCedar

Cedar Shoals High School senior girls' soccer star Zulma Valdivieso-Gutierrez, who led the entire state (all classifications) in scoring last season with 58 goals, will be the featured student athlete on the Georgia Player Spotlight segment at halftime of the Georgia Public Broadcasting high school football game of the week! Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Girl0uv8_3o&authuser=0

Congratulations to the varsity girls cross country team for taking home 2nd place at the Washington County meet!

The AquaJags Team Captain Christopher Koch is headed to Georgia Tech! Let's gooooo, Chris! "I am incredibly honored and excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at Georgia Tech. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support of so many people who have shaped me along the way. Thank you to my family for their unwavering support, and to all my teammates for pushing me every day. A huge thank you to my coaches, Harvey and Adam, and the entire ABSC program for their guidance and for helping me become the swimmer and person I am today. And finally, thank you to the Georgia Tech coaches for believing in me and giving me this amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to be a part of the Yellow Jacket family! Go Jackets!" Says Chris. Read more here: https://swimswam.com/georgia-tech-lands-in-state-verbal-from-ga-state-runner-up-christopher-koch-for-2026/

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.

Teen students and families: CCSD is pleased to partner with First American Bank & Trust on an amazing opportunity for students ages 13-18! Students are encouraged to enter the local portion of the American Bankers Association's national "Lights! Camera! Save!" contest. FABT will sponsor the local winner, give them a $500 checking account in their name, and submit their entry to the national contest for a chance to win $10,000!

To enter the local contest, go to bit.ly/SavingVideoSubmission, complete the entry form, and submit a video (30 seconds or shorter) on a topic related to personal finance! Find all contest details and information at bit.ly/SavingVideo.

The deadline to enter is Nov. 30! Questions? Email communications@clarke.k12.ga.us.

CCSD's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Writing and Art Contest is now underway and open to students in grades K-12! We will be sharing contest details and guidelines with students and families. The submission deadline is Monday, Nov. 3. Schools will submit their winners' work in the district contest, and district winners will be announced later this fall. District winners will be showcased in a special video and are invited to attend the annual Freedom Breakfast at the University of Georgia in January and will also be honored at a Clarke County Board of Education meeting.

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.

We wish all of our seniors a great year and we look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 in May!

The CCSD Family Advisory Board (FAB) is made up of representatives from every elementary, middle, and high school in CCSD. Its purpose is to advise the administration on issues related to the overall success of the district. The board invites families to share their feedback and concerns by completing this form. You can learn more about the FAB at www.clarke.k12.ga.us/fab.

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