Jag News

Upcoming Events at CSHS:

• 10/3: Homecoming Football Game
• 10/4: Homecoming Dance
• 10/6-9: Parent Conferences
• 10/6: Cap & Gown Orders
• 10/7: Fall Orchestra Concert
• 10/8: Employment Resource Fair
• 10/10 & 13: Student & Staff Holiday (No School)
• 10/15: Financial Aid (FAFSA) Completion Night
• 10/17: Football/Cheer/Band/JROTC Senior Night
• 10/23: ACCA/AP/Dual Enrollment Night
• 10/23: PSAT
• 10/24: Makeup Picture Day
• 10/25: 9th Grade Saturday School

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

Fall parent conferences will be held Wednesday, October 8th from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Thursday, October 9th from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Advisers will discuss students' grades and attendance, 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.

Advisers will be contacting parents and guardians to schedules 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 Please read the following memo for more information about Fall Conferences: English / Spanish

The Homecoming Game against East Forsyth begins at 7:30 pm Friday night in Waters-Wilkins Stadium. Tickets are available through GoFan and at the gate. Our 2025 Homecoming Court will be presented at half time. Come out and support the Jaguars and wear your orange and blue!

The Cedar Shoals Student Government Association is excited to present this year’s Once Upon a Time themed Homecoming Dance on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 7:00–10:00 PM. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, and will be available to purchase through GoFan. Purchase Tickets Here!

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)

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. If your child is a junior, the PSAT offers students the opportunity to enter competitions for scholarships to help pay for college and is also great practice for the SAT. All sophomores will automatically be registered for the test. Please click here to read the PSAT letter for more information.

9th & 11th Grade Registration:

Freshmen and juniors will have the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 9 am at Cedar Shoals. Registration is optional for 9th and 11th graders, but the deadline to register is October 3, 2025.

To register:

1. Complete the registration form here: PSAT Registration Form
   

2. Pay the $20 registration fee using the Cedar Shoals online payment system: Payment Link
   

• Select “P4 – other/donation” as the payment code.
  

• Enter the student’s name and grade in the comments.
  

• Payment may be made by debit/credit card or ACH banking 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

Open to 10th and 11th grade students seeking a school level nomination for the 2026 Governor's Honors Program. The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) is a residential summer program for skilled, knowledgeable, and talented high school sophomores and juniors. GHP offers instruction that is significantly different from the typical high school classroom and is designed to provide students with academic, cultural, and social enrichment necessary to become the next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

GHP is held in mid-summer (mid-June to mid-July) as a residential educational experience on a college or university campus. Students attend classes in the mornings and afternoons in specific areas of study, and they participate in a wide variety of social and instructional opportunities every evening.

Interested in joining our leadership group at Cedar Shoals? Apply to be a JAG Student Ambassador- students who lead by example and show P.R.I.D.E. (Prepared, Respectful, Integrity, Dedicated, Engaged). APPLY HERE: https://forms.gle/CVCG1APi2o3vSaPy9

Why apply?

• Build leadership + communication skills

• Meet and work with students, staff, and community partners

• Make a positive impact on school culture and events

Who should apply?

• 9th graders and new applicants (2024–25 Ambassadors will continue)

Timeline

• Applications due: October 10, 2025

• Announcements: Week of October 17, 2025

Requirements

• Complete application + 200-word essay (“Why I want to be a JAG Ambassador”)

• GPA 2.75+, good behavior, interview

• Two teacher recommendations

Questions? Email Dr. Makeba Clark (clarkma@clarke.k12.ga.us) or Ms. Courtni Reese (reesec@clarke.k12.ga.us).

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

Attention, high school seniors and senior parents/guardians! The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) window is scheduled to open on October 1, 2025. Completing the FAFSA form allows you to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans. But, since some aid is limited, you have to meet the deadlines!

Federal Deadlines

The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2027. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 12, 2027. Please note the 2025-26 window has already opened.

College and Career/Trade School Deadlines

Each college and career/trade school may have its own deadline. Check with the school you’re interested in attending. You may also want to ask about the school’s definition of an application deadline. For example, the deadline could be the date your FAFSA form is processed or the date the school receives your processed FAFSA data. Students in Georgia are encouraged to begin applying on Oct. 1.

Please check in with the college and career advisor at your high school or see your school counselor for more information. You can also click here for more information about FAFSA.

The final date for senior portrait makeups will be November 7, 2025 in the CSHS Auditorium. To schedule your appointment, visit bit.ly/cedarseniornovember26

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.

• Grace Green – Varsity Softball: Recognized for her dedication, teamwork, and leadership both on and off the field.

• Tybias “T. Lay” Lay – Varsity Football: Honored for his work ethic, respect, and commitment to excellence in academics and athletics.
• Reese Pepin – Varsity Volleyball: Celebrated for her positivity, energy, and maturity in stepping up as a leader.

• Makenzi Carter – Varsity Cheer: Acknowledged for her creativity and leadership as captain, bringing new cheers and dances to life.

• Kaitlyn Paige – Varsity Volleyball: Recognized for her passion, drive, and intensity that inspire her teammates and elevate the program.

We are so proud of these outstanding Jaguars for representing #OneCedar with excellence in the classroom and in competition!

The two dozen CCSD high school juniors and seniors who make up the 2025-26 Superintendent's Student Advisory Council held their first meeting of the school year at the District Office this week! Service on the council educates students on the relevant issues in CCSD and allows them an opportunity to interact with the Superintendent, hone their leadership skills, and become an ambassador for their schools and a voice for their peers.

At their first meeting, council members heard from Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott, got to know each other, and got started on the groundwork for a group project they will work on throughout the year.

Congratulations to these students on being selected to serve on this year's council!

• From Cedar Shoals High School: Caitlin Smith, Cesar Castro, Devyn Capuozzo, Gabriel Gordon, Gabrielle Sturdivant, Javen Hutchins, Kaitlyn Paige, Ki'Mora Hall, Kimora Patterson, Ky'esha Gainer, Larriest Bentford, Reece Rodriguez, Savannah Rawls, Stella James, Tanya Calderon-Salazar, Chizoba Emegwam, and Derriana Smith.

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.

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.

Congressman Mike Collins, who represents Athens-Clarke County, will host his 2025 Service Academy Day from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Prince Avenue Christian School, 2201 Ruth Jackson Rd., Bogart. Designed to familiarize students with the application and nomination process for the nation’s five military service academies, the event will feature representatives from the United States Military, Naval, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and Air Force academies.

Students and their families may register by emailing their name, phone number, school, and grade to GA10Noms@mail.house.gov. Please provide names (note relationship) for each person attending with you.

Students who are admitted to our nation’s military service academies must first receive a nomination from at least one member of their state's Congressional Delegation, the Vice President, or the President of the United States. Students seeking Congressman Collins’ nomination should submit a completed application to his office by Friday, October 10, 2025.

Click here to learn more about the nomination process and access the 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. 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