Jag News
Upcoming Events at CSHS:
- 4/17-19: Cedar Theatre Presents: Mamma Mia!
- 4/18: Final Day to Request Virtual Learning
- 4/22: Earth Day Cleanup
- 4/29: 9th-11th Grade Honors Day (check emails for invitations)
- 4/25: Senior Breakfast
- 4/25: Senior Decision Day
- 4/26: Free Physical Day
Clarke County School District Updates:
- Link to the CCSD Academic Calendar
- Link to the High School Lunch Menu
Free Sports Physicals: Saturday, April 26th
All students who plan to participate in athletics at Cedar Shoals during the 2025-2026 school year are encouraged to attend the Free Sports Physical Day on Saturday, April 26, 2025. This opportunity is offered in partnership with Piedmont Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.
- Students should arrive at the CSHS gym by 9:00 AM (Report to the bus at the front of the gym) Students will be bussed over to Piedmont Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- This event is for any student who plans to participate in sports at Cedar Shoals next school year
- Physicals take approximately one hour. Students will need to be picked up from Cedar Shoals after all students have received physicals.
- Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
9th-11th Grade Honors Day Celebration
We’re excited to celebrate the achievements of our Jaguars at the 9th–11th Grade Honors Day Ceremony on Tuesday, April 29th at 9:30 AM in the Cedar Shoals Gymnasium. Students who are receiving an award — and their parents — should check their email for an official invitation from Ms. Reese (reesec@clarke.k12.ga.us) Parents are warmly invited to attend and help us recognize the hard work and accomplishments of our amazing students!
Cedar Shoals Prom 2025: A Night at the Masquerade!
We are excited to announce that the Cedar Shoals High School Junior-Senior Prom will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Classic Center (300 N Thomas St, Athens, GA 30601). This year’s theme is “A Night at the Masquerade”, so get ready for an evening of elegance, mystery, and unforgettable memories!
Guest Form Requirement:
If you plan to bring a guest who is not currently enrolled at Cedar Shoals, you must complete the updated Prom Guest Form and turn it into the Counseling Office by 3:00 PM on Friday, May 2, 2025. No exceptions will be made. Click here to access the updated Prom Guest Form or pick up a paper copy in the counseling department.
Ticket Prices:
We are continuing with presale pricing until April 29:
Guest Tickets (Non-Cedar Shoals Students): $45, Cedar Shoals Student Tickets: $65
Starting April 30 through May 7, prices will increase to:
Guest Tickets: $65, Cedar Shoals Student Tickets: $75
Students who have paid their junior or senior dues do not need to purchase an additional prom ticket for themselves. Admission is already covered. However, junior and senior dues do NOT cover tickets for guests.
How to Pay:
In person: Pay with cash or check to Cedar Shoals High School to Ms. Thornton in the Counseling Office or at lunch with Ms. Reese starting next week.
Online: Visit the Cedar Shoals website, select "C7 - Prom" as the payment code, and include the student's name and/or guest's name in the comment section here.
We encourage all students to purchase tickets early to take advantage of presale pricing.If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Doolittle at doolittleh@clarke.k12.ga.us We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!
Earth Day Volunteer Opportunity
Join us on Earth Day to make an impact! After school on Tuesday, April 22nd there will be an opportunity to clean up around campus and show PRIDE in our school community. This is a great opportunity to earn volunteer hours, bond with other students, and take care of the place we all call home. This event is open to all clubs, organizations, and individuals ready to make a difference! Students planning to participate in the event should report to room A102 at 3:45 pm on April 22nd. Contact Ms. Paige with any questions about the event at paigek@clarke.k12.ga.us Sign up here: https://forms.gle/5JM4Avb6ci2Gq78M9
Join CSHS Colorguard!
Jaguar Students who love to perform, dance, and be part of a team- join the Cedar Shoals Color Guard! There will be an interest meeting on April 28th from 4:00–5:30 pm. Auditions will be held May 1st from 4:00–5:30 pm and May 2nd from 4:00–6:30 pm. All activities will be held in the band room! Led by instructors Zowee Strong & Emily Teague. Email Ms. Strong at strongz2@clarke.k12.ga.us with any questions. Go Jags!
Senior Blue Letters
The CSHS Counseling Department is continuing the “Blue Letter” tradition! We are giving relatives, friends, community members, and teachers an opportunity to honor Seniors by sending them a special letter of congratulations on their May 2025 graduation. Letters can be submitted electronically at bit.ly/CEDletters25 or mailed, or hand delivered to the school.
We will carefully keep cards and letters for each student and distribute them at Graduation Practice to students who have completed graduation requirements. Every graduate will receive a large blue envelope containing these messages and well wishes. All cards and letters must be received at school by Thursday, May 1, 2025. We encourage you to send your letters as early as possible.
Let’s show the class of 2025 that they are special to us and that we acknowledge their achievements!
Grief Support: Honoring a loved one at graduation
Graduation is an exciting time, but moving through one of the most significant moments of your life without your loved ones can be challenging. That doesn't mean we cannot keep them with us for these moments, even if it is not how we once thought it would be!
Please register for our grief support activity to learn ways to honor your loved one as you prepare for graduation. Once registered, you will receive an email with more information regarding dates and times. We will create tassels that are approved for graduation that you can wear at the ceremony. For more information, reach out to Ms. Wingfield at wingfieldk@clarke.k12.ga.us
Register here: Grief Support Registration Link. The activities will take place in May.
Dance Recital- Friday, May 2nd
Join Us for an Unforgettable Night of Dance! Cedar Shoals High School proudly presents “New Beginnings”, a dance recital showcasing the talent, passion, and hard work of our incredible students. The recital will be on May 2, 2025 @ 7:30 pm at East Athens Educational Dance Center 390 McKinley Dr, Athens, GA 30605. Admission- Adults: $7 and Students: $5
Scan the QR code on the flyer or click the ticket link below to reserve your spot today: https://gofan.co/event/3546170?schoolId=GA4880
Got questions or looking for volunteer hours? Contact us at: midgettec@clarke.k12.ga.us Come support our dancers as they take the stage and shine!
Cedar Shoals and Clarke Central Present: Mamma Mia! The Musical
Get ready for a dazzling performance filled with ABBA hits, spectacular dancing, and an unforgettable story from Cedar Theatre and Central Theatre! Join us at Mell Auditorium at Clarke Central High School for three nights of fun:
- April 17-18 at 7:00 pm
- April 19 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
- Tickets: $5 for students | $10 for adults
Don’t Miss Out- Order Your 2025 Yearbook!
The 2025 Cedar Shoals Yearbook is on sale now for $85!
- Purchase online at: bit.ly/cedaryearbook2025
- Pay with cash or check directly in Room A206.
Athens Alumni Scholarship
Application Opens: March 21, 2025
Application Closes: April 21, 2025
Scan the QR code to apply and take advantage of this amazing opportunity! Let’s celebrate our Jaguar legacy and support the next generation of alumni.
School Choice Application
The School Choice application period for the 2025-26 school year is now open and runs through May 9, 2025. The link below provides school options, applications, as well as additional information regarding the process. School Choice / House Bill 251
Freshman Transition Camp
Cedar Shoals will host a one-day summer transition camp for incoming ninth-graders July 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These sessions will be an opportunity for students to be introduced to the Cedar Shoals campus, meet classmates, and learn the responsibilities of high school. Families of current eighth-grade students at Coile and Hilsman middle schools as well as those of any eighth-graders who will be moving and zoned for Cedar Shoals next school year are encouraged to sign their student up for one of the sessions at bit.ly/FreshmanCamp25. The deadline to register is May 20. For more information, contact Courtni Reese, Cedar Shoals Family Communication Specialist, at reesec@clarke.k12.ga.us.
Request for Virtual Learning: Due April 18th!
The window for requesting virtual school courses is now open, and will close on April 18, 2025. After this date, no additional requests for Fall 2025 will be accepted. If, after reviewing the information provided, you feel virtual learning is a good fit for you and your student, please complete the following form prior to April 18, 2025. After this date, no additional requests will be accepted.
Before making a virtual learning request, please review the the following links and information:
IMPORTANT: Virtual learning is not “Zoom School” or Edgenuity and requires time management skills that in-person learning does not.
Virtual learning is only recommended for students who are able to manage their own time effectively, or are accompanied by parents or guardians who are able to provide this structure.
Virtual learning works well for some students, but it is not right for everyone.
Is Clarke Virtual Academy Right for Me? (Informational Video)
If, after reviewing the information provided, you feel virtual learning is a good fit for you and your student, please complete this form prior to April 18, 2025.
Class of 2025: Cap & Gown Orders
It is time for the Class of 2025 to get geared up for graduation! Cap & gown packages are $86.40 (including taxes and shipping) You can purchase with cash, money order, or debit/credit card. You can also purchase a cap & gown online here: Cedar Cap & Gown Order
All cap and gowns will be delivered to the school for student pick up on Friday, May 2nd.
Seniors, it's time to secure your future!
Click below on our Class of 2025 Scholarship Database to explore scholarships available for Cedar Shoals High School seniors. Don't miss out on opportunities to earn money for college—start applying today!
Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony
We are excited to announce that Cedar Shoals High School's Graduation for the Class of 2025 will take place on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 6:00 pm. The ceremony will be held at the Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center, located at 300 N Thomas Street, Athens, GA 30601.
Please note the following important details:
Graduation Rehearsal:
Date: Wednesday, May 21st
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Akins Ford Arena at The Classic CenterGraduation Ceremony:
Date: Thursday, May 22nd
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center
Admission is free and open to all, and there is no limit on the number of guests for each graduate. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with you all! Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Reese at reesec@clarke.k12.ga.us
FFA Recognition at the Rotary Club
Members of the Cedar Shoals High School FFA were recognized at today's Rotary Club of Athens, GA, USA meeting for their placings in the National FFA Agriscience Fair last fall. FFA faculty advisor Julie Throne also gave remarks. Congratulations to Derriana Smith, Stephanie Emegwam, Alessandra Perez, Amelia Hembree, and Lawrence Hodges, and thank you to the Rotary Club for helping sponsor the FFA's trip to Indianapolis for the convention!
New BluePrints Magazine Available!
The newest edition of BluePrints Magazine is here! Grab your copy today outside of Mr. Ginsberg's room A206!
Georgia Certificate of Merit Recipients
Congratulations to the CSHS class of 2026 juniors who have received the Georgia Certificate of Merit from the University of Georgia! These students were selected based on their current rank in the top ten percent of their class and join a group of nearly 13,000 juniors chosen for this state award. Go Jags!
Jag PRIDE Faculty Winners
Congratulations to this month’s JAG PRIDE Faculty Award winners! These staff members have been chosen by their colleagues for their hard work and dedication to Jaguar Nation. We are grateful for our amazing staff here at Cedar Shoals!
Lady Jags Historical Season
The Lady Jags Soccer team is making history! For the first time in over two decades, your Lady Jags have finished with a winning season. Congratulations to these coaches and athletes for their hard work and dedication. It is all paying off!
Cedar Baseball
Congratulations to the Cedar Baseball team for completing the season with a 12-11 victory, completed with a walk off hit. GO JAGS!
Garrett and Neace Represent CSHS!
Last Wednesday, Cedar Shoals student-athletes Lauren Neace and Gretta Garrett attended the GHSA Student Athlete Leadership Conference in Macon, GA! They had the opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers, engage in leadership activities, and connect with student-athletes from across the state. This conference, hosted by the GHSA Student Athlete Advisory Council, helps equip young leaders with the skills to positively impact their teams and school communities. We are proud of Lauren and Gretta for representing Cedar Shoals at the state level!
Work Opportunity: Bread for Life
We’re excited to announce that we are now hiring a The Classic Center for the Summer session of Bread for Life (BFL)—a workforce development program that has quickly become one of the most sought-after opportunities for first-time job seekers ages 16–21 and pays $13.96/hour!
The summer session begins June 3 and runs for four weeks, meeting Tuesday through Friday daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It’s a BIG commitment—but one that pays off in lasting value.
More information here: Bread for Life in Athens | Classic Center, GA
GSBA Youth Advisory Council
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) was formed by the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA)
to allow high school students to provide meaningful input to school board members. The goal of the feedback is to help aid school board members in their decision-making and implementation processes.
The YAC Committee is comprised of GSBA staff and will serve as a resource to students enrolled
in the program. Through this program, we hope that students and school board members can achieve greater awareness regarding academic programs and school climate.
Applications are now open for the 2025 GSBA YAC. Applying is a single-step process that requires completing all sections of the electronic application and uploading a video on a topic of your choice. To apply, review the details here and submit your completed application by 11:59 PM on Friday, April 18, 2025.
Get Access to Free Tutoring Help, More Resources!
CCSD has a new partnership with Varsity Tutors that provides students with virtual, asynchronous assistance and extended learning opportunities at all levels. These support services include free tutoring anytime, enrichment classes, essay reviews, read-aloud sessions, and self-study resources to name a few! CLICK HERE for information on how to access Varsity Tutors. Check out the programs below and stay tuned for more information: High School You can also check out answers to these frequently asked questions in English and Spanish for more details.
Pathways to Success After School Program
Pathways to Success After-School Program (PSP) provides academic tutoring for any student with an academic need after school each week.
Tutoring Schedule:
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM
Zero Period for E2020 students: Monday–Friday from 7:45 AM – 8:45 AM (Room D104)
Students are encouraged to attend PSP to receive additional academic support. Transportation is provided for students who attend PSP. Please complete this form for transportation.
Fine Arts Seal for Seniors
Seniors can receive a seal on your diploma and a black & white honor cord if you:
Complete a Fine Arts Pathway
(3 Fine Arts Credit in a Content Sequence (for example, Band I, Band II, Band III)
Complete a 4th Fine Arts Credit
(same area as pathway or different)
Complete 2 Extracurricular Fine Arts activities in 2024-25
20 hours of Arts-related Community Service in 2024-25
Complete a capstone presentation of Fine Arts experience in CCSD (Here is the Fine Arts Seal Capstone Template)
If you are approved, you will receive a seal to be applied to your diploma and black and white honor cord to wear at graduation. This distinction will honor and recognize your dedication and achievement in the CCSD Fine Arts. Please see the following presentation and attached flyer for more information. Please submit all required information to Dan Smith, Fine Arts Curriculum Coordinator no later than April 12, 2024, at 3 p.m.
Parents Stay Informed!
Jaguar parents can stay connected and informed by checking emails from Cedar Shoals High School regularly. Parents can see student grades and attendance daily by downloading Parent Portal. Instructions English/Spanish For assistance with setting up a Parent Portal account, you can come to the school in person or email Ms. Reese at reesec@clarke.k12.ga.us
Join our Parent Teacher Organization!
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
Volunteer Opportunities:
Please consider volunteering in support of any of the 24-25 events:
March: Conference Week — providing dinners for teachers during student conferences
May: Teacher Appreciation Week
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
Order Jag Gear Today!
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/shop/mens/tops-t-shirts
Connect with Cedar Shoals
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