Better Together

For the eighth consecutive year, Cedar Shoals High School FFA members will be competing in the National FFA Agriscience Fair, and seniors Angel Jones and Savannah Rawls have been selected as national finalists in the Animal Systems Division 6 competition!

Jones' and Rawls' project focused on improvement of food production and specifically the growth of tilapia in aquaponic systems. The project won first place in the Georgia FFA Agriscience Fair in April, and the pair have been named a top-10 finalist by the National FFA. They are currently preparing for a virtual interview in September that will determine final placing, and the results will be announced at the annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October.

Good luck to Angel and Savannah!

Jones and Rawls conducted their research in the Cedar Shoals Ag Lab under the supervision of their advisor, Julie Throne. They experimented with growing tilapia in two similar systems with different filtering materials to determine their impact on the growth of the fish in each system. The project is an extension of Jones' and Rawls' previous work, which studied the impact of different plans in the systems on the growth of the tilapia. That particular project also won awards at the CCSD (first place), Northeast Georgia regional (first place), and state (second place) levels.

Jones' and Rawls' research impacts controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) production by looking for improvements in production. CEAs are conducted in greenhouses and buildings and can be used to produce food in urban areas without using traditional farming practices. Locating CEAs in urban areas can address urban food deserts and make fresh produce and protein sources available to neighborhoods that lack these resources. These production methods are increasing around the world, and our students' research will be beneficial to this expanding industry.

The amazing work being done by Angel and Savannah is just one example of the opportunities available to CCSD students in career, technical, and agricultural education (CTAE). Students have the opportunity to be introduced to CTAE in middle school (and even in some cases elementary school) and, as high schoolers, can enroll in any of more than two dozen CTAE career pathways. Our CTAE programs help prepare students for life after graduation and connect them with real-world job and internship opportunities in high-demand career sectors. View our CTAE programs overview video and explore www.clarke.k12.ga.us/ctae for more information!

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, and CCSD is proud to highlight the partnerships that help us bring essential vision services directly to our students! In addition to basic services available at our four school-based health centers throughout the district, through collaboration between CCSD School Nursing, special clinics with Prevent Blindness Georgia, and the new MedLink Georgia traveling Vision Van, we are expanding access to vision screenings, comprehensive eye exams, and eyeglasses for CCSD students.

By bringing these services directly into schools, CCSD is helping ensure that more students have the vision support they need to see clearly, learn confidently, and succeed in the classroom. We are grateful to our CCSD School Nursing team and community partners for helping make student eye health and access to vision care a priority.

Margie Varin, one of CCSD district nurses, has been a champion for expanding vision services across CCSD. She often reminds us that “if it’s hard to see, it’s hard to learn.” For Nurse Varin, one of the most rewarding parts of this work is delivering glasses to students and witnessing the moment they put them on and realize they can see clearly.

“There’s nothing better than seeing the look on a student’s face when they put on their new glasses and suddenly realize how much they’ve been missing,” she shares.

The State of Georgia requires that all children entering a school in Georgia have an eye, ear, and dental screening. Pre-K and kindergarten children are screened in the fall and new students are screened as they enter school throughout the year. The state also requires vision screening for students in third and sixth grades. Parents are notified in writing if their child needs to see a doctor, dentist, or eye doctor for more testing.

Additional vision testing is available throughout the school year for any CCSD student. If you ever have any concerns about your child's vision or would like to have them tested, reach out to your child's school nurse for options and recommendations.

The school year has just started, but CCSD understands the importance of being able to plan ahead of time and is pleased to share the dates and times for our Class of 2027 high school graduation ceremonies! The graduation schedule is as follows:

• Classic City High School - Wednesday, May 19, 6 p.m., Vernon Payne Meeting Hall at the CCSD District Office, 595 Prince Avenue, Athens
• Clarke Central High School - Friday, May 21, 10 a.m., Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center, 350 North Thomas Street, Athens
• Cedar Shoals High School - Friday, May 21, 4 p.m., Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center, 350 North Thomas Street, Athens.
• Please note that the physical address for the arena itself is 155 Hickory Street, Athens.

Schools will share additional information regarding the ceremonies, including practice dates and times, as well as rules and expectations, with seniors and their families. CCSD will share its annual graduation guide for guests in early May ahead of the ceremonies.

We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2027 throughout the year!

Athens: We asked, and you have answered the call!

We are incredibly proud that our community has stepped up to raise $400,000 to fully fund the Gifted Savings financial literacy and education program for our Class of 2027! That money unlocked a match of $400,000 from an anonymous donor for a total of $800,000, which means that, for the second year in a row, every CCSD high school senior will receive a real $1,000 investment portfolio that they will watch and learn from throughout the year!

Once our seniors have completed all the Gifted Savings learning modules, graduated, and turned 18, that portfolio will become theirs!

Thank you, Athens, for helping shape the future of our community one student at a time. We look forward to sharing more information starting later this month when year 2 of Gifted Savings in CCSD officially kicks off!

In the meantime, our work is far from done as we turn our focus to raising money to fully fund investment portfolios for the Class of 2028! Learn more about Gifted Savings and how you can help keep the momentum going for the Class of 2028 and beyond with a donation to the CCSD Gifted Savings fund through the Athens Area Community Foundation!

More than 800 CCSD second-graders experienced firsthand the magic of reading during former UGA and NFL football player-turned children's author and literacy advocate Malcolm Mitchell's "Let the Big Dawg Read" event at UGA's Stegeman Coliseum earlier this week! After a read-aloud with Malcolm and other fun activities, all students left with their own free copy of Malcolm's brand-new book, "My Super Duper Me!" Thank you to Malcolm and his Share the Magic Foundation as well as the UGA Athletic Association for once again putting on a terrific event for our students and promoting a Culture of Literacy across CCSD and Athens-Clarke County!

Looking for a great way to get involved in helping promote a Culture of Literacy in CCSD? Sign up to be a literacy mentor with the Storytellers Program, a state-recognized partnership between CCSD, Athens nonprofit Books for Keeps, and Creature Comforts' Get Comfortable child literacy initiative!

This year, Books for Keeps received the Georgia Reads Community Award, a $20,000 grant given to 10 communities to continue and extend their work in literacy improvements in their communities! Originally started at Howard B. Stroud Elementary School, the Storytellers program expanded to Fowler Drive Elementary and is adding a third location this year, J.J. Harris Elementary School!

Each mentor will:

• Meet with a first- or second-grader for 30-60 minutes once a week
• Play provided literacy games during the visit
• Read fun and high-interest books aloud with the student
• Complete online and in-person training totaling approximately four hours.

For more information, email storytellers@booksforkeeps.org.

During its Thursday, August 13 meeting, the Clarke County Board of Education formally approved district leadership changes put into place by Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott at the start of this fiscal/school year in July.

With the split of the Academic and Student Support Division into two separate divisions, Dr. Donna Elder, who served as Interim Deputy Superintendent during the 2025-26 school year, is now Assistant Superintendent of Academics. Dr. Kena Worthy, who had been an Executive Director of Leadership Development with the district since 2021, is now Assistant Superintendent of Student and Family Support.

Meanwhile, Jami Washington is the new Director of Federal Programs, replacing the work of Dr. Elder, who previously served as Executive Director of Federal Programs.

Congratulations to each of these women on their new roles! Read more about them on our website!

The Clarke Central High School Gladiators will be participating this year in the 35th annual Corky Kell and Dave Hunter Classic, a weeklong series of games that ceremoniously kicks off the 2026 high school football season in Georgia!

Catch the Gladiators in action for their season-opener at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, against Pebblebrook on the campus of Kell High School in Marietta. The game will be televised by Atlanta News First and Peachtree Sports Network and will be streamed live on the ANF website. Those planning to attend the game must purchase online tickets in advance through GoFan. Kell High School is located at 4770 Lee Waters Road, Marietta.

Good luck and Go Glads!

Ready to lead.

Ready to serve.

Ready to understand.

Applications are now open for CCSD's 2026-27 Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy (VILLA). Created by the Georgia School Boards Association and tailored to individual public school districts across the state, VILLA seeks to educate communities about their district’s operations and goals and empowers them to become more engaged with their schools.

The CCSD VILLA program is open to all Clarke County residents and will include seven monthly sessions beginning in September. Selected participants will learn about the different areas of school district operations and the role of school board members, visit schools and district offices, participate in question-and-answer sessions with school board members, the Superintendent, and senior staff, and attend a school board meeting.

Anyone interested in developing a better understanding of how the district functions and its role in the community is encouraged to apply by August 31, at bit.ly/CCSDVILLA. This includes parents, caregivers, community members, business owners and leaders, teachers and other school employees, local school governance team (LSGT) members, Board of Education members, and other elected officials.

The Employee of the Month program recognizes and rewards staff members for their service and dedication to CCSD students and families. Parents/guardians, staff, students, and community members may nominate any full-time employee with at least one full year of service for the award. The program is sponsored by the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, and many local businesses contribute gifts to the monthly Employee of the Month gift basket.

An Employee of the Month will be selected each month from September through May, and nominations for the September award are now open! Nominate someone at bit.ly/CCEmployeeAward or go to www.clarke.k12.ga.us/eom for more information!

CCSD Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott will be hosting three public sessions in the final week of August focusing on her first official 90 days in the full-time position and to answer questions from the community! Sessions are scheduled for the following dates, times, and locations:

• 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 25 - Heard Park, McKinley Gym, 400 McKinley Drive
• 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 27 - Athens-Clarke County Library Community Room, 2025 Baxter Street
• 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, August 31 - Rhema Christian Fellowship, 1850 Danielsville Road.

Submit questions in advance by emailing feedback@clarke.k12.ga.us or filling out the anonymous form at bit.ly/AskDrScott.

Learn more on the district website.

High school students interested in serving in our Armed Forces and seeking a congressional appointment to a U.S. military service academy are invited this Saturday, August 15, to an informational event hosted by U.S. Congressman Mike Collins' office.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Prince Avenue Christian School, 3691 Monroe Highway, Bogart. Students should register for the event by emailing their name, phone number, school, and grade to GA10Noms@mail.house.gov.

Learn more information about this event and the nominations process.

All 11th- and 12th-grade students interested in serving this year on the CCSD Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council are invited to complete the brief online application by Friday, September 4.

By participating on the council, students will learn about CCSD initiatives and share their perspectives as CCSD students with Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott. This year, all council members will continue work on ideas and issues identified by last year’s council, including student well-being, restroom safety, and unity across high schools. Students will also have a chance to develop their leadership and advocacy skills.

The council will meet four times over the course of the year during the third block of the high school day. Transportation on a CCSD bus from the home high school to the district office will be provided. The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22.

Youth LEAD Georgia is a statewide youth leadership program for high school students run through the University of Georgia's Fanning Institute for Leadership and is now accepting nominations for the 2027 cohort. Selected participants will have the opportunity for extensive leadership skills development while building a statewide network of peer and professional connections, exploring Georgia industries and businesses, and visiting various colleges, universities, and technical schools around the state.

To be eligible for Youth LEAD Georgia 2027, a student must be in 10th or 11th grade in the 2026-27 school year in the state of Georgia. Interested students must be nominated by an adult and complete an application to be considered for the program. A limited number of students will be chosen by a selection committee based on review of the applications.

Nominations are due Friday, August 14, and students who are nominated must apply by Friday, September 4.

Athens-Clarke County Government (ACCGov) is seeking applications by Sunday, August 16, from high school students in grades 10-12 who are interested in taking part in the Mayor's 2026 Youth Council. Eligible students can attend public or private schools or be homeschooled, but must be Athens-Clarke County residents.

Council members attend bi-monthly meetings and participate in periodic service activities, adding up to a time commitment of around six hours/month from September through December.

Selected applicants will be interviewed in late August, with the first meeting in early September.

High school students: Make your voice heard and be a voice for your peers!

State School Superintendent Richard Woods is seeking students in grades 10-12 to serve on his 2026-27 Student Advisory Council. These students will meet with Superintendent Woods four times throughout the school year to discuss the impact of state policies in the classroom and other education-related issues.

Students must apply by Friday, September 4, at 5 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted.

Do you know a student with a passion for leadership and public service? The 2027 U.S. Senate Youth Program offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from our nation’s leaders in Washington, D.C.

The 2027 U.S. Senate Youth Program application window is now open and runs through September. High school juniors or seniors may apply, provided they meet all program qualifications outlined. Visit this link for the application, program criteria, and an informational brochure. Applications are due by Wednesday, September 30, at 5 p.m.

It's time for another exciting year of Classic City Dawgs adaptive sports!

Classic City Dawgs is a free wheelchair athletics program operated by CCSD and open to all public and private school students in grades 1-12 across northeast Georgia. Qualifying students have the opportunity to compete in wheelchair handball, basketball, and football in an inclusive, team-focused environment.

Adaptive sports wheelchairs are provided, and there are no participation fees. Practices are held once per week at Clarke Central High School, 350 South Milledge Drive, Athens.

Interested in joining the team? Contact CCSD AdaptED Athletic Director Chris Aiken at aikenc@clarke.k12.ga.us.

Through Jaguar and Gladiator Youth Football, the Athens Youth Development Initiative is excited to offer a positive, exciting tackle football and cheerleading experience for the youth of Clarke County. There will be teams at the 6U, 7U, 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, and 7th grade (12 and 13) levels coached by skilled and knowledgeable individuals. The teams are members of the North Georgia Youth Football Association and play their home games in Cedar Shoals’ Waters-Wilkins Stadium and Clarke Central’s Billy Henderson Stadium, respectively. Registration is open through Friday, August 21, and is $50 per family for football and $35 per family for cheer. Needs-based scholarships are available.

For more information, email gladiatoryouthfootball@gmail.com or athensjaguarsfootball@gmail.com.

The Clarke County Board of Education welcomes community feedback. Here are ways you can share your voice:

• Contact BOE Members: Click here to view a list of the BOE members and their contact information.
• Find Your Board Member: Use Athens-Clarke County's online voter information tool at www.accgov.com/voterinfo to enter your address and find your BOE member and your other elected representatives.
• Attend a Meeting: The board's next scheduled meeting is Thursday, September 10, with the work session beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m. All meetings are held in the Vernon Payne Meeting Hall at the CCSD administrative offices building, located at 595 Prince Ave. in Athens. The public is invited to attend meetings in person. Meetings are also streamed live and are available for on-demand viewing on the CCSD YouTube channel. Click here for the board meeting schedule.
• Agendas: Click to access board meeting agendas.
• Board Briefs: Read the "Board Briefs" overview from meetings.
  
• Public Comments: Click here for information on how to sign up to speak at a BOE meeting.
• Review Policies for Review: View and comment on district policies pending public review.

Athens-based nonprofit Casa de Amistad has openings for free GED classes taught virtually in Spanish! The GED is a U.S. high school equivalency credential that can help with jobs, career training, and further education. The program is designed to help people who are looking for new opportunities, continuing their education, or working toward a personal goal. Space is limited so register today! Register using this form.

This summer marks the 30th anniversary of the U.S. women's national soccer team's victory over China in the Summer Olympics gold medal match on Aug. 1, 1996, at Sanford Stadium on the University of Georgia campus, and the Georgia women's team will host a commemorative match in the stadium against James Madison on Thursday, August 20, at 7 p.m. A fireworks show will follow the conclusion of the match. The first 3,000 students will receive a free T-shirt and Chick-fil-A, while the first 4,000 fans will receive a free poster.

Learn more about "Soccer in Sanford," and claim your tickets!

The Georgia Museum of Art, 90 Carlton Street, Athens, will hold its monthly free Family Day event on Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. Experience the newly opened exhibition “Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone.” Learn about Lewis’ legacy and the art of sculpture through gallery activities and a take-home art project. (Note: Please park strollers outside the exhibition.)

Then stick around for the museum's community fall open house, including door prizes, more art activities, the Cafe Racer food truck, a talk by curator Shawnya Harris, tintype portraits by Salvage Sparrow, conversation with sculptor Stan Mullins, and a musical performance by University of Georgia students.

Learn more about the museum's family and youth programming.

Athens-based nonprofit Chess and Community invites CCSD students ages 11-18 who are interested in joining a team to an interest meeting on Saturday, August 22, at 11 a.m. at Youthforce in the Georgia Square Mall, 3700 Atlanta Highway, Athens. Register for the meeting or learn more information by emailing info@chessandcommunity.org.

CCSD female students interested in joining Girl Scouts are invited to one of two upcoming interest meetings in the community.

• Students in grades K-12 and their families are invited to an informational session on Thursday, August 27, from 6-7 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1065 Gaines School Road, Athens.
• Students in grades K-3 and their families are invited to an informational session on Saturday, September 12, from 11 a.m. to noon at Girl Scouts' Clementi Holder Service Center, 185 Newton Bridge Road, Athens.

Adults are required to attend. Complete this brief interest form. For questions, email Ansley Land at aland@gshg.org.

The Athens Regional Library System recently broke ground at the site of the future Eastside Library location and will hold a public celebration from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, August 22, at Hilsman Middle School, 870 Gaines School Road, Athens. The community is invited to enjoy light refreshments and learn more about the newest library branch.

The Georgia Public Library Service is pleased to announce no-cost access to Google Career Certificates and the Google AI Professional Certificate to Georgia public library cardholders. These courses will help Georgians build essential job skills in high-growth fields, including flexible, online training to support career advancement and business growth.

Learn more about Google Career Certificates.

As part of a collaboration between CCSD and the Athens Regional Library System, the PLAY Card account provides each CCSD student with free materials (books, magazines, etc.) and online resources from the public library to help your child succeed in school, along with fun resources to support a lifelong love of reading. You and your child can check out materials at the libraries by entering their student ID number.

Families are invited to attend the upcoming Athens Water Festival on Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sandy Creek Park, 400 Bob Holman Road, Athens. The park entry fee is $2 person. One free admission is allowed if qualified for Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services scholarships. Visit athenswaterfestival.com for more information, or call 706-613-3729.

Click the links to view the Leisure Pursuits newsletter for August, which contains information about upcoming events and programs in Athens-Clarke County:

• English
• Español

Anyone in the community may sign up for email and/or text notifications from the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government in a wide variety of categories with more than 100 different options. Visit accgov.com/notifyme and select the list you'd like to sign up for.

211 is United Way of Northeast Georgia’s health and human service helpline – a free and confidential program accessible to anyone. Call 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit the online database.