Partnerships Key to
Student, School Success I have often heard it said that it “takes a village to raise a child.” I think most of us would agree that when parents are involved with their children’s school, their children are more successful. Recently, one of Cherokee County’s schools was recognized for a strong partnership in this area. Woodstock Elementary School (WES) was chosen as one of only four schools in the state to receive the Georgia Family-Friendly Partnership School Award.This award was bestowed upon the school in a special ceremony attended by State School Superintendent John Barge. I was honored to be invited to attend this wonderful celebration.The families at WES represent 37 different countries among 1,100 students. Faculty, staff and parents of WES are very visible in
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Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2013
By Janet Read
the community and work alongside parents and other community members to ensure that all parents feel valued and appreciated at their child’s school. One of the unique programs at WES is the “Camp Learnalotta,” a robust tutoring/ mentoring program that has more than 30 regular volunteers who assist students one on one.WES truly exemplifies that a village is working together. Throughout the year, many civic organizations work collaboratively for all residents of this county. The Cherokee County Education Foundation is one such organization. The foundation will host its first golf tournament on October 7.The ongoing goal is to support the students and teachers of our district through
fundraising efforts.The foundation will unveil its Impact Grants in the near future.These grants support innovation and creativity in our classrooms. Another outstanding civic organization is the Cherokee Friends of Recovery (FOR) Foundation, which will host the annual Twilight Run on October 26 at Hobgood Park.The Twilight Run includes a 5K, 1K Fun Run, and a Halloween costume contest for all ages.The goal of the FOR Foundation is “keeping our highways safe, making impaired drivers accountable for their actions, and saving taxpayers money.” I am so proud to represent a “village” like ours that cares about all of its residents — especially its children!
Janet Read is chair of the CCSD board. 770-516-1444, Janet.Read@Cherokee.K12.GA.us