Happy Holidays

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and best wishes for 2017!

Dr. Taylor and  the Calhoun City Schools Board of Education

Calhoun City Schools Achieves 2016 GSBA Exemplary School Board Status For Consecutive Year

Calhoun City Schools has once again received exemplary status! We are proud to announce the achievement and status of the Georgia School Boards Association’s (GSBA) 2016 Exemplary School Board recognition.

The recognition program was designed to showcase best practices in school governance and leadership. GSBA recognizes good school board governance to foster educational community cultures in order to advance student learning and achievement.

Calhoun City Schools met and or exceeded the criteria set forth by GSBA to earn this honor of a 2016 Exemplary Board. The GSBA Governance Team Recognition Program was developed by Georgia superintendents and board members based on the state board of education’s standards for effective governance to recognize exemplary leadership. In 1998, the Georgia School Boards Association was one of the first school board associations in the nation to develop a program of standards for local boards of education. The GSBA Board recognition program is a three-year, three tiered program.

Dr. Taylor, President of GSSA

Dr. Michele Taylor is serving as President of the Georgia School Superintendents' Association and was honored to open the GSBA/GSSA Annual Winter Conference where school board members from approximately 180 school districts gathered to learn how leaders can work together to support students and teachers across the state. 

Beacon Award Presented to 

Brandi Owczarz

The Times was honored at the Georgia School Boards Association Annual Conference with a Beacon Award, for its exceptional work in the field of education reporting. 

The newspaper was recognized along with four other newsprint institutions at the Georgia School Boards Association/Georgia School Superintendents Association Annual Conference. The GSBA Beacon Award is given annually to media organizations or individual reporters or editors who have shown a willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to report educational issues to their communities.

The Calhoun City Board of Education nominated the Times for the award because of the dedication it has shown to the profession and to providing citizens with thorough and accurate information about the school system.“Student and teacher activities at all grade levels and in all schools receive coverage at some point during the year, as do school sporting events, stated Michele Taylor, superintendent. "Our community is well-informed about state and federal school issues, school construction, major curricular initiatives, budgets and tax issues, state legislation impacting local school systems and all facets of education."

Don't Forget - the Hairspray!

Reminder: If you are located at the Middle or High School Campus, you need to move all your files from your H Drive to either OneDrive (Microsoft 365) or GoogleDrive (GAFE). If you need assistance please contact, Jenny Vowell, Instructional Technologist at vowellj@calhounschools.org 

WE ARE CALHOUN

Great teachers inspiring students! 

Calhoun City Schools this week has been ranked number six on the 2017 Districts with the Best Teachers in Georgia list by Niche.com.The ranking is derived from analysis of academic and teacher data from the U.S. Department of Education, along with reviews from students and parents. Factors considered for the list includes academic grades based on state assessment proficiency and SAT/ACT scores; teacher absenteeism from Civil Rights Data Collection; teachers in first and second year of teaching; average teacher salaries comprised from National Center for Education Statistics; the teacher salary index from the U.S. Department of Education; student-teacher ratio numbers from the National Center for Education Statistics; and parent/student surveys on teachers.

“We were proud to learn that Niche.com validated what we already knew about our teachers,” said Dr. Michelle Taylor, superintendent of Calhoun City Schools. “In today’s political climate, our teachers are often beaten up over test scores and school report cards. And that is sad because there is so much more than a single test score.

“I was able to spend several days this week in the schools hosting fireside chats and listening to our teachers,” continued Taylor. “I left inspired and extremely grateful for the teachers we have leading our children. They are committed to our students and never give up on them. They quietly work miracles in the classroom each and every day, asking for no recognition. It is often a thankless job and it is great when others notice and recognize their efforts. Calhoun is extremely blessed. As we close out American Education Week and the Thanksgiving holiday, I encourage our entire community to take time to thank a teacher in Calhoun and Gordon County for making a difference in the lives of our children.”

Niche.com, headquartered out of Pittsburg, Pa., is a website that provides data on schools and neighborhoods nationwide. The company rigorously analyzes dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews to produce comprehensive rankings, report cards and profiles for every K-12 school, college, and neighborhood in the United States. Niche.com has over 100 million reviews and poll responses along with transparent statistics and comparable grades to help readers find the right school or neighborhood for their family.The number one 2017 District with Best Teachers in Georgia went to Decatur City Schools in Decatur. Credit for this article goes to Brandi Owczarz of the Calhoun Times.

Making Plans? Don't forget Hairspray!

Do you have any AlphaSmarts that you aren't using? We need them if you don't.

These AlphaSmarts were used at CCS a few years ago, before Chromebooks and iPads. We are going to repurpose the AlphaSmarts. 

There is only one little problem. We can't find all of them.    We are asking you to look in storage rooms, cabinets, book rooms, and any other place where you put things that aren't being used but can't be tossed. 

Please note they might be in bright blue cloth bags with a zipper. If you do find them, please give them to the lead Special Education Teacher in your building or you can contact Jenny Vowell, Instructional Technologist at vowellj@calhounschools.org 

Happy Thanksgiving

Celebrate! 

We need your input

Please take time to share your thoughts regarding next year's school calendar.  Thank you for your feedback and support! Click here 

Fall Back into Shape at the

$20/month

NO Enrollment Fee for new members!

When: November & December 2016

Who: New Members

Programs: Aqua Fit (M & W; 5:00-6:00am), 

Evening Liquid Fitness (M, W & Th 6:30-7:30pm)

& Fitness Room (All CAC hours)

Note: Does not include lap swim, silver sneakers, or 

morning liquid fitness (9:30-10:30am) classes.

Visit www.calhounaquaticcenter.com or call 706-602-6817

Do you want to create and customize columns in Google Docs 

without using workarounds? 

Watch this video from BetterCloud Monitor. 

Vote, Donate, Exercise, and honor a Veteran - Opportunities for YOU!

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Please VOTE! 

Click here for information about Gordon County Voting Precincts 

Voluntary Action Committee Needs Your Help

Stacy Long, Executive Director of VAC, needs your help spreading the message to donate food items to the VAC. Please help by posting a picture of you or your child donating canned  food items. Please share this post with your friends and share on Facebook and Instagram. You could win a $15 Dairy Queen gift card to the post with the most likes for Gordon County Schools and Calhoun City Schools.  Let’s all work together to make this food drive the best in our history! Contact Stacy Long at www.voluntaryactioncenter.org or 770-548-6423.

Fall Back into Shape at the

$20/month

NO Enrollment Fee for new members!

When: November & December 2016

Who: New Members

Programs: Aqua Fit (M & W; 5:00-6:00am), 

Evening Liquid Fitness (M, W & Th 6:30-7:30pm)

& Fitness Room (All CAC hours)

Note: Does not include lap swim, silver sneakers, or 

morning liquid fitness (9:30-10:30am) classes.

Visit www.calhounaquaticcenter.com or call 706-602-6817

Veterans Day Celebration at the Complex

The CPS/CES Complex will host our annual Veterans Day celebration and Recognition event on Friday, November 11th at 8:15. 

For more information click here. #Thankyouveterans

More Opportunities to get involved at CCS  

• Fireside Chats 
• The Central Office exists to support our schools. We are always open to new ideas and ways we can improve and we'd love to hear from you!  Please make plans to stop by to share your ideas, ask questions, etc. at one of our scheduled Fireside Chats.  If you are unable to stop by on the designated days, please know our doors are always open to meet with you.  Thank you for all you do for Calhoun City Schools!  Go Jackets!
  
  
  Calhoun Middle / High School Campus
  Thursday, November 17th
  7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  Media / College and Career Center
  
  
  Calhoun Primary / Elementary School Complex
  Friday, November 18th
  7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  Media Center
• Tech Fair
• Jacket Pride at the Jackets' Nest
• MOWR Summit for Students

Happy Halloween

We hope you enjoy a fun and safe Halloween!

CCS 11th Annual Technology Fair

Tuesday, December 6th at Calhoun High School. The Technology Fair is a student technology competition. Students create a project in 1 of 15 possible categories. Students compete against other students in the following grade divisions: 3/4; 5/6; 7/8; 9/10; & 11/12. For more information and registration, visit the CCS Tech Fair Website. 

Calhoun's National Honor Society is having a Georgia Pecan Fundraiser. Shelled pecan halves from Appling County are shipped within 24 hours of picking.  These pecans will be available in the CHS School Store.  Get an order form from the front office.

Do you know how to search, find, and use images that 

do not violate a copyright? 

Simply navigate to www.creativecommons.org then 

click the orange SEARCH THE COMMONS button  

Enter what you are searching for (i.e.> pumpkin, basketball)

Choose what you want to search (i.e.> Google, Flicker)

Download the item(s) you wish to use.

For more information about Using Creative Commons Licenses please go to http://thepowerofopen.org/

Don't forget!

JACKETS IN JEANS FOR UNITED WAY

If you would like to wear jeans and donate $5.00 any day during the month of October please do so.  We are raising money for the United Way Annual Campaign.  You may wear jeans any day that you donate.  

Please sign in / donate at the following locations: 
PreK / C.O. – Joyce or Diane 
CPS – KaKa Vinson 
CES – Cari Craig 
CMS – Robyn Greeson 
CHS – Ranae Padgett 

Thanks!  Go Jackets for United Way! 

CALHOUN HIGH SCHOOLS’ MUSICAL THEATRE PROGRAM WILL PRESENT URINETOWN – THE MUSICAL IN THE CHS BLACKBOX THEATRE ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 AT 7:00 P.M.
GENERAL ADMISSION IS $10
TICKETS ARE ON SALE AT CHS OR CENTRAL OFFICE AND CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED ONLINE @
HTTPS://WWW.SHOWTIX4U.COM/

Parent Conferences 

will be October 26th and 27th for students at the Complex. 

For students at the Campus, please read this post by 

Principal Coombe explaining

 the new parent conference model.  

Teachers, students and parents the Media Centers of Calhoun City Schools are full of digital resources that make learning fun and easy. 

Please click on the links below to browse the resources. 

Calhoun Educational Complex

Calhoun Middle and High School Campus 

The National Honor Society is selling pecans to raise funds for needy families during the holidays. To purchase, please contact Susan Dobson at dobsons@calhunschools.org

Happenings in the Hive

JACKETS IN JEANS FOR UNITED WAY

If you would like to wear jeans and donate $5.00 any day during the month of October please do so.  We are raising money for the United Way Annual Campaign.  You may wear jeans any day that you donate.  

Please sign in / donate at the following locations: 
PreK / C.O. – Joyce or Diane 
CPS – KaKa Vinson 
CES – Cari Craig 
CMS – Robyn Greeson 
CHS – Ranae Padgett 

Thanks!  Go Jackets for United Way! 

We are excited about the upcoming production of Urinetown! Calhoun High Schools’ Musical Theatre Program will present Urinetown – the Musical in the CHS Blackbox Theatre at the following times:
Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.
Monday, October 24, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
General Admission is $10
Tickets are on sale at CHS or Central Office and can also be purchased online @
https://www.showtix4u.com/

Parent Conferences 

will be October 26th and 27th for students at the Complex. 

For students at the Campus, please read this post by 

Principal Coombe explaining

 the new parent conference model.  

ESSA Public Hearings

The Georgia Department of Education and State School Superintendent Richard Woods are urging anyone interested in the future of Georgia’s public education system to attend one of eight public feedback sessions on the 

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Meeting Details

Each ESSA feedback session will include a welcome from Superintendent Woods and an introduction to the Every Student Succeeds Act. Participants will then choose specific topics to discuss in working groups. The public will also be informed of next steps and additional opportunities to provide feedback. Before attending the meeting, we encourage you to review this one-page overview of ESSA topics. For those unable to attend an in-person meeting, a survey opportunity will soon be announced and posted on this website. Feedback can also be emailed to essa@doe.k12.ga.us.

October 17: Gordon County

Gordon County College & Career Academy

305 Beamer Road, Calhoun, GA 30701

ESSA is the replacement for the law commonly known as No Child Left Behind, and offers an enormous opportunity for Georgia’s students, teachers, parents and communities because it replaces the top-down federal approach required by NCLB. The new law allows states and local schools/districts to make education decisions that are best for their students, and requires states to develop plans that address standards/assessments, school and district accountability, and special help for struggling schools and students.

“For all those invested in the future of Georgia’s education system – and those interested in a more holistic approach for students – whether you’re a parent, a student, an educator, or a community member, I strongly encourage you to offer your feedback as we develop our ESSA state plan,” Superintendent Woods said. “If you can, please attend a meeting – you’ll invest two hours of your time in exchange for many years of education policy. If you’re not able to attend in person, there will be opportunities to offer your feedback online and via email. Again, I urge you to join us as we shape the future of education in our state.”

Well Hello October!

FAFSA Questions?

Parents, do you have questions regarding FAFSA? If you do, please attend an informational session this Tuesday night at 6:00 pm in Calhoun High School's PLC. The session will provide you with an opportunity to begin the FAFSA, ask questions, and find out what you need to be doing to prepare for the financial obligations that come with having a son or daughter in college. Please bring your 2015 tax return with you to the meeting. Contact Kendra Arnold at Calhoun High School if you have any questions. 

Jackets in Jeans for United Way

If you would like to wear jeans and donate $5.00 any day during the month of October please do so.  We are raising money for the United Way Annual Campaign.  You may wear jeans any day that you donate.  

Please sign in / donate at the following locations: 
PreK / C.O. – Joyce or Diane 
CPS – KaKa Vinson 
CES – Cari Craig 
CMS – Robyn Greeson 
CHS – Ranae Padgett 

Thanks!  Go Jackets for United Way! 

Mark your Calendar

Calhoun High Schools’ Musical Theatre Program will present Urinetown – the Musical. General admission is $10.00. The musical will be in the CHS Blackbox Theatre at the following times: 

     Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.   

   Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. 

   Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. 

   Monday, October 24, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. 

Fall Break for students in October 10-14, 2016

Parent Conferences will be October 26th and 27th for students at the Complex. 

For students at the Campus, please read this post by Principal Coombe explaining

 the new parent conference model.  

Transition to OneDrive and GoogleDrive

If you weren't able to attend the STING sessions on how to transfer files

from the H drive to either Microsoft 365 OneDrive or GoogleDrive, 

please contact Jenny Vowell at vowellj@calhounschools.org or 

vowellj@ccsjackets.org.  Thank you. 

Focus on students

Arrangements for Francisco "Paco" Topete

Calhoun City Schools experienced the loss of a student last week when Francisco "Paco" Topete, current junior at CHS,  lost his prolonged battle with cancer.  Many have asked about arrangements.  Paco's family are meeting tomorrow morning to finalize arrangements, but at this time we anticipate that the funeral will be held on Thursday with visitation on either Tuesday or Wednesday evening.  Once we know all dates, times and locations we will share more specific information.  Please continue to pray for this family as they grieve the loss of their beloved son.

Professional Learning Opportunity

E-course announcement featuring online, self-paced, continuing education courses offered cooperatively with Valdosta State University. Click here for more information. 

Third grade is rocking!

CES 3rd Grade graders made models of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. These students in Mrs. Rollins' class used Starburst candies to make their models. 

Pictured above Bella Barajas, Edwin Reyes, April Pena,  Sam Dixon, Olivia Adcock, Catelyn Payne, Nick Adcock, Edgar Brito, Keyli Chavez-Vargas, Briana Esquivel-Avila, and Braxton Burton are all smiles while learning a lot about science.

A New Tool for Chromebooks

Here’s an awesome and easy way to take notes while watching videos. VideoNot.es lets you watch any video and take notes side by side on the same screen. It also automatically syncs your notes and video. Plus, your notes are stored in Google Drive for easy access and sharing. Please watch this video or read this post from BetterCloud. You will be glad you did!

Transition to OneDrive and GoogleDrive

Last week Jenny Vowell, our district Instructional Technologist, trained The Campus faculty on how to transfer files from the H drive to either OneDrive or GoogleDrive. If you weren't able to attend the STING sessions, please contact Jenny Vowell via email at vowellj@calhounschools.org or vowellj@ccsjackets.org. By the way, we are currently working on plans to train all the support staff as well. Thank you. 

More helpful links

A message from Principal Coombe

Calhoun Community Education 

Go Jackets! #Gameon

Congratulations CCS Teachers 

of the Year! 

Homecoming 2016 Recap

STEM LAB WANTS YOUR OLD STUFF 

Deconstruction is the selective dismantlement of building components, specifically for re-use, repurposing, recycling, and waste management. In our STEM lab we are going to use this term to describe the purposeful dismantling of everyday objects so that we can understand what makes them work. We also plan to repurpose motors, servos, and circuit boards for future robotics and engineering projects.

What Do We Need For Deconstruction Zone:

• Computers
• Printers
• Kitchen Appliances
• Electronic Games
• Remote Controls
• RC Toys

The object does not have to be working. Since we are going to deconstruct it you will not get it back! Contact Greg Green, STEM Coordinator (greeng@calhounschools.org) to arrange for pickup.

If you create a lot of PowerPoint presentations with specific terminology, you can use this feature to create a miniature shorthand library. You’ll find that your work will take a fraction of the time it used to. 

Watch this video by BetterCloud Monitoring to learn how. 

Calhoun City Schools

Calhoun Community Education

Calhoun High School Celebrates 2016 Homecoming Week

Calhoun High School Homecoming 2016 Information 

STEM LAB WANTS YOUR OLD STUFF 

Deconstruction is the selective dismantlement of building components, specifically for re-use, repurposing, recycling, and waste management. In our STEM lab we are going to use this term to describe the purposeful dismantling of everyday objects so that we can understand what makes them work. We also plan to repurpose motors, servos, and circuit boards for future robotics and engineering projects.

What Do We Need For Deconstruction Zone:

• Computers
• Printers
• Kitchen Appliances
• Electronic Games
• Remote Controls
• RC Toys

The object does not have to be working. Since we are going to deconstruct it you will not get it back! Contact Greg Green, STEM Coordinator (greeng@calhounschools.org) to arrange for pickup.

Here are seven keyboard shortcuts, from BetterCloud that will make using Microsoft Word quicker and easier.

Calhoun City Schools Website

A message from Principal Coombe