State of schools 2015-16 by Forsyth County Schools

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Welcome from FCS & Forsyth County News

Jeff Bearden Superintendent Forsyth County Schools

Vince Johnson Publisher Forsyth County News

Forsyth County Schools and The Forsyth County News are pleased to provide parents, newcomers, school district staff, and local businesses the 2015-16 State of the Schools magazine. This back-to-school magazine features the information you need to know for a successful school start and also showcases the very best from local businesses. We know that an exceptional public school district is a large factor in the high quality of life that we enjoy in Cumming-Forsyth County. Last year voters approved $195 million in bonds for capital improvements. We started many of these construction projects this summer and will continue working on them for the next three years. As with any renovation project we will face inconveniences on our existing campuses to gain major final improvements. We appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this process, and invite you to read our monthly progress updates at www.forsyth.k12. ga.us We are excited for the opportunities that are before us, and look forward to working collaboratively to serve all in Forsyth County. Jeff Bearden, Superintendent Vince Johnson, Publisher

FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS’ CENTRAL OFFICE The Superintendent’s Cabinet is responsible for assisting the superintendent in addressing the school board’s major system priorities. The cabinet provides input to the superintendent on major operational, programmatic and fiscal issues that affect the school system. n

To contact a cabinet member, call 770.887.2461 or email as listed below: Jeff Bearden, Superintendent jbearden@forsyth.k12.ga.us Sandi Abbott, Executive Secretary for the Superintendent and Board of Education sabbott@forsyth.k12.ga.us Valerie Bowers, Director of Food and Nutrition Services vbowers@forsyth.k12.ga.us Marty Bray, Chief Technology and Information Officer mbray@forsyth.k12.ga.us Jennifer Caracciolo, Director of Public Information and Communications jcaracciolo@forsyth.k12.ga.us Dan Jones, Chief Financial Officer djones@forsyth.k12.ga.us Fonda Harrison, Associate Superintendant of Teaching and Learning fharrison@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Bill McKnight, Director of Facilities bmcknight@forsyth.k12.ga.us Joey Pirkle, Deputy Superintendent of Schools jpirkle@forsyth.k12.ga.us Garry Puetz, Director of Transportation gpuetz@forsyth.k12.ga.us Cindy Salloum, Associate Superintendant of Human Resources and Legal Services csalloum@forsyth.k12.ga.us Todd Shirley, Director of School Safety and Student Discipline tshirley@forsyth.k12.ga.us Debbie Smith, Director of Student Support Services dsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us Sarah Taylor, Director of Special Education staylor@forsyth.k12.ga.us

State of Schools 2015-2016

Inside the 2015-16 State of Schools Welcome �� 3 Student Assessment �� 6 Food and Nutrition ��10 Accountability ��13 itslearning ��16 Principals ��18 Board of Education ��24 Strategic Planning ��26 Student Support Services ��28 New Schools & Redistricting ��32 Retirees ��34 Transportation ��35 Teachers of the Year ��37 Academies for Creative Education ��38 New Construction ��39 Become A Mentor! ��42 School Delays & Closings ��43 Parent Toolbox �� 44 School Calendar ��47 Infographics Facts

Graduation Rate �� 4 Assessment Results �� 7

M&O Millage Rates ��14

About this publication

Stay connected

The 2015-16 State of the Schools is produced by the Forsyth County School’s Public Information and Communication Department. For information, contact jcaracciolo@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Mail: 1120 Dahlonega Highway Cumming, Georgia 30040. Telephone: 770-887-2461 Website: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us

Sign up to receive newsletters from FCS via email! Join at www.forsyth.k12. ga.us/enewsletters Follow us: www.facebook.com/FCSchools http://twitter.com/FCSchoolsGA FOR A LIST OF SCHOOL FACEBOOK AND TWITTER PAGES,

visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/socialmedia

About Forsyth County Schools FCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or gender in employment decisions or educational programs and activities, including athletic programs. The accuracy of the content within this publication is subject to change prior to dissemination.

State of Schools 2015-2016

Transportation ��14 Our Staff ��19 FY16 General Operations ��20 Acheivements ��26 Student Support ��28 Student Demographics ��29 Student Enrollment ��29 Current & Future Construction ��32 Construction & Enrollment ��39 Technology in Schools ��41

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State of Schools 2015-2016

TEACHING and LEARNING Student Assessment in Forsyth County Schools What is a SGP? What is a SLO? What is Georgia Milestones? These acronyms and titles represent changes that began altering the landscape of assessment practices across the state of Georgia in 2014-2015 and will continue this year. Student Growth Percentiles (SGPs) are measures of student progress on state-mandated assessments. A growth percentile is generated for each student which describes his or her “rank” on current achievement relative to other students with similar score histories. A growth percentile can range from 1 to 99. Lower percentiles indicate lower academic achievement growth and higher percentiles indicate higher academic growth. Given their child had two prior scores on state-mandated assessments, parents received a Student Growth Percentile report for the first time in March of the 2013-2014 school year. For more information, including informative videos, go the Georgia Department of Education’s Student Growth Model webpage.

studies. Students in grades 3 – 8 will take an End of Grade (EOG) assessment in each content area, while high school students will take an End of Course (EOC) assessment for each of the eight courses designated by the State Board of Education. Our first year of administering the GA Milestones assessment in 2014-2015 was a success! Students and teachers were prepared for the increased rigor of content and changes in format, which included open-ended questions, writing tasks, and multi-step problems in both ELA and math. In addition, online administration was introduced at varying capacities in elementary and middle schools.

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While SGPs are calculated for students in tested subjects (grades and courses which administer state-mandated assessments), Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) are growth measures for students who are in non-tested courses. The primary purpose of SLOs, like SGPs, is to improve student achievement at the classroom level. An equally important purpose of SLOs is to provide evidence of each teacher’s instructional impact on student learning. The process of setting and using SLOs requires teachers to use assessments to measure student growth. This allows teachers to plan for student success by ensuring that every minute of instruction is moving students, teachers, and schools toward the common vision of exemplary instruction and high levels of student academic growth. For more information about SLOs in the state of Georgia, go to the state’s Student Learning Objectives webpage. Georgia Milestones will span grades three through high school and consist of summative assessments in the content areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social 6

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Additional Information regarding Georgia Milestones: 1. Results delayed As you know, scores from the 2014-2015 Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EOG) and End of Course (EOC) assessments were delayed last year. We anticipate receipt of scores in Fall 2015. 2. Scores will be different Results will differ from previous years. Student achievement will be classified in four performance levels, instead of three, and cut scores will be content and grade level specific. We will no longer see Exceeds, Meets, and Does Not Meet. The new performance levels have not yet been identified by the Georgia Department of Education. Once performance levels and cut scores are determined and scores are received, Forsyth County Schools will host informational sessions to familiarize all stake holders with the changes. 3. Increase online capacity Through collaboration between FCS Technology Department, Teaching and Learning Department, and school administrators, Forsyth County will increase online capacity each year to reach the GADOE requirement of 100% online testing by the 2018-2019 school year.

For further information on SGPs, SLOs, or Georgia Milestones, please contact Forsyth County’s Teaching and Learning Department at 770-887-2461.

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FOOD and NUTRITION Food and Nutrition Services welcomes you to a year of healthy eating in Forsyth County Schools. Here are some important things to know about Forsyth County school meals. School meals remain the best value in town. Students can enjoy a variety of cereals, fresh fruit, juice and 1% or low fat milk everyday for breakfast. Lunch features student favorites, a variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grain-rich products. Check your school’s website for menus and additional items offered that add variety, great taste and nutrition to school meals. All meals and snacks served in our cafeterias meet federal standards for fat, sugar, sodium and are age appropriate for calories. As a matter of fact, Food and Nutrition Services has been certified by the United States Department of Agriculture as meeting nutrient standards since the new requirements were implemented over three years ago. We eliminated fryers in our kitchens long before then and now only oven bake, roast or steam to ensure the healthiest preparation possible. Fresh fruits and vegetable are an important component of good

health so we are continuing to expand our Farm to School efforts. We’ve partnered with Leonard’s Farmer’s Market, right here in Cumming, to deliver the freshest Georgia Grown produce to our schools. In several of our schools we are also making a fresh connection between the cafeteria and the school garden. A Cumming Elementary student confirms that the carrot he picked from the school garden was the best one he ever tasted! Funding a meal account can be handled in several ways, making it easy and convenient to pay for school meals. We accept cash or check at the register every day. Checks can be divided among siblings in the same school. Simply include student ID numbers and the amounts to post to each account. If you’d rather handle your transactions on-line, log on to www. mypaymentsplus.com to set up an account. You will need your

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State of Schools 2015-2016

student’s ID number to complete the registration process. Please contact the school if you do not know the ID number. Already registered? Your student’s account from last year is still available and any balance on the account at the end of May 2015 will be available for use at the beginning of school this August. At no cost, MyPaymentsPlus allows families to monitor account balances as well as see purchases made to the account. Manage your account on-the-go by downloading the free mobile app. MyPaymentsPlus charges a small fee to make on-line deposits using a check, credit card, or debit card. Log on to www.mypaymentsplus. com for further information about this payment method.

2015-16 Meal Prices

DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW

LUNCH Elementary

$2.50

Middle

$2.60

High

$2.60

High School Grill

$3.60

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Guest

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$1.40

Middle

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High

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Employee

$2.00

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Guest

$2.25

$69/mo. $251/session (save $35) $483/yr (save $69)

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7:15-8:15 ~ Basic Actor: 12-18 Yr old Available at the Hill Center registration office, through the school cafeteria manager or front office, or you can apply on-line at https:// schoolmealapp.forsyth.k12.ga.us.

$100/mo. $350/session (save $50) $700/yr (save $100)

Students receiving meal benefits may enjoy both breakfast and lunch daily. All information is held in the strictest confidence. Students approved for free meals for the 2015-16 school year may eat one breakfast and lunch meal free each day. Additional foods/ beverages selected above the standard meal must be purchased with additional funds at the a la carte price.

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The student lunch meal offers 5 meal components (an entree that includes a meat/meat alternate and whole grains, fruit, vegetable, and milk). The meal is sold as a unit for the meal prices indicated above and students must select at least 3 of the meal components from the many choices offered, declining no more than 2 meal components. The student breakfast meal offers an entree of whole grains or whole grains and protein source, 4 oz 100% juice, additional 1/2 cup serving of fruit, and milk. Based on preferences, students must select 3 of the meal components offered at breakfast.

Come taste the great things we’re doing at Forsyth Food and Nutrition Services this school year! State of Schools 2015-2016

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Accountability in Forsyth County Schools Georgia was granted a waiver from the mandates of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in February 2012. The result of the waiver was a new statewide accountability system, College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI). Scores for 2012 - 2014 can be accessed via the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) webpage. The 2015 CCRPI indicators have been updated to reflect the recent changes in required state assessments and is set to be released in late Fall 2015. For additional information, please visit the GaDOE Accountability webpage. Forsyth County Schools (FCS) elected to operate as an Investing in Educational Excellence (IE2) school system and entered into an initial five year partnership contract with the State Board of Education (SBOE) in August 2009. The contract was extended one year, to June 30, 2015, in order to allow time for review of the fifth and final year of student achievement data. All schools attained their overall IE2 goal of meeting performance

targets for at least three out of five years. FCS will enter into a new partnership contract effective on July 1, 2015 and, unless extended or renewed, will end on June 30, 2022. The contract was approved by the Forsyth County Board of Education on May 21, 2015, and by the State Board of Education on June 11, 2015. Due to the recent passing of HB 502, effective July 1, 2015, districts that choose IE2 flexibility will be known as Strategic Waivers School Systems (SWSS/IE2). This new contract will have performance targets tied to CCRPI. This school year (2015-16) will serve as the baseline year for setting these targets. For additional information, please visit the FCS IE2 webpage at www.forsyth.k12. ga.us/ie2. For further information on CCRPI or SWSS/IE2, please contact Forsyth County’s Teaching and Learning Department at 770-887-2461.

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State of Schools 2015-2016

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itslearning Forsyth County Schools uses itslearning as a learning management system. This system provides students and teachers online access to resources and activities which are meant to supplement the teaching and learning that occur in the classroom. Students are able to log in with their student ID and password, and parents can log in using their Parent Portal username and password. After logging in, students are able to view all courses and access lesson plans for each course. With any questions or concerns, users are also able to contact teachers by emailing through itslearning. Teachers oftentimes send emails to students by itslearning to discuss homework, tell of upcoming events, and send reminders for class. The online platform is also useful for universal resources that are necessary throughout the school year. Teachers are able to post classwork, homework, resources, and assignments in the course planner so students and parents can easily view and access daily activities. Through the use of dropboxes, students are able to turn in work by computer. Teachers have access to setting open and close times for the dropbox as a way of a virtual deadline for students. Tests are also among the many activities that are available on itslearning. These tests can be written and administered in a variety of ways and teachers can set answer keys so that students will see instant results. A variety of parent and student resources to assist with accessing and using itslearning are located within itslearning and also at http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/ itslearning. Parents are also encouraged to attend virtual or face-to-face itslearning training sessions facilitated by their local schools. Additionally, for 2015-16 FCS does not have inclement weather days built into the student calendar so the recovery of instructional time lost due to school closures is facilitated by students and teachers using itslearning. This Online Learning for School Closures Plan was utilized by the district for the first time during the 2014-15 school year. Based on input from students, parents and teachers, FCS will be announcing revisions to this plan during the fall of 2015. n 16

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State of Schools 2015-2016

FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS Elementary Schools

Haw Creek Elementary

Ms. Sherri Black sblack@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Johns Creek Elementary

Big Creek Elementary

Forsyth County Schools ended the 2014-15 school year with 42,687 students, which was a 1,851 student increase from the previous year. The district is projected to grow to over 44,000 students for 2015-16. Last year Forsyth County Schools was the seventh largest of 181 school districts in Georgia.

FCS is home to 35 schools:

Brookwood Elementary Ms. Kathie Braswell kbraswell@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Chattahoochee Elementary Ms. Barbara Vella bvella@forsyth.k12.ga.us

• 20 elementary • 9 middle • 5 high • The Academies for Creative Education (A.C.E) that includes one school iAchieve Virtual Academy, and two programs, Forsyth Academy and Gateway Academy.

Chestatee Elementary

Five schools have new principals this year. They include Shiloh Point ES, Liberty MS, Vickery Creek MS, North Forsyth HS and South Forsyth HS. The list of school principals includes:

Daves Creek Elementary

Ms. Polly Tennies ptennies@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Coal Mountain Elementary Ms. Kimberly Davis kdavis@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Cumming Elementary

Ms. Pamela Pajerski ppajerski@forsyth.k12.ga.us Mr. Eric Ashton eashton@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Dr. Amy Coker ardavis@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Ms. Alyssa Degliumberto adegliumberto@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Kelly Mill Elementary

Mr. Ron McAllister rmcallister@forsyth.k12.ga.us.

Mashburn Elementary Ms. Tracey Smith tbsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Matt Elementary

Ms. Charlley Stalder cstalder@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Midway Elementary

Mr. Todd Smith tsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Sawnee Elementary Dr. Eileen Nix ecnix@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Settles Bridge Elementary Ms. Lee Anne Rice lrice@forsyth.k12.ga.us

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State of Schools 2015-2016

Sharon Elementary

Piney Grove Middle

Shiloh Point Elementary

Riverwatch Middle

Silver City Elementary

South Forsyth Middle

Ms. Amy Bartlett abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us Mr. Derrick Hershey dhershey@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Ms. Paige Andrews pandrews@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Vickery Creek Elementary Ms. Kristan Riedinger kriedinger@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Whitlow Elementary

Dr. Lynne Castleberry lcastleberry@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Middle Schools Lakeside Middle

Ms. Debbie Sarver dsarver@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Liberty Middle

Ms. Cheryl Riddle criddle@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Little Mill Middle

Ms. Connie McCrary cmccrary@forsyth.k12.ga.us

North Forsyth Middle Mr. Jeff Hunt jhunt@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Ms. Terri North tnorth@forsyth.k12.ga.us Ms. Kathy Carpenter kcarpenter@forsyth.k12.ga.us Ms. Sandy Tinsley stinsley@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Vickery Creek Middle

Mr. Drew Hayes dhayes@forsyth.k12.ga.us.

High Schools

Forsyth Central High

Mr. Mitch Young myoung@forsyth.k12.ga.us

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Lambert High

Dr. Gary Davison gdavison@forsyth.k12.ga.us

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North Forsyth High

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South Forsyth High

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Mr. Jeff Cheney jcheney@forsyth.k12.ga.us Ms. Laura Wilson lwilson@forsyth.k12.ga.us

West Forsyth High

Ms. Heather Gordy hgordy@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Otwell Middle

Mr. Steve Miller stmiller@forsyth.k12.ga.us

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State of Schools 2015-2016

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State of Schools 2015-2016

The Cumming Playhouse proudly presents... Smoke On The Mountain October 1 - 25, 2015 Smoke on the Mountain tells the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. Pastor Oglethorpe, the young and enthusiastic minister of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, has enlisted the Sanders Family in his efforts to bring his tiny congregation into “the modern world.” Between songs, each family member “witnesses” -- telling a story about an important event in their life. Though they try to appear perfect in the eyes of a congregation who wants to be inspired by their songs, one thing after another goes awry and they reveal their true — and hilariously imperfect — natures. By the evening’s end, the Sanders Family have endeared themselves to us by revealing their weaknesses and allowing us to share in their triumphs. Presented fall 2015 by Swan Rise Productions, under the direction of Jeneen Hammond

Doctor Faustus

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October 29-November 1, 2015 T, F, S 8:00pm & Sun 3:00pm MAT $15 + tax

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BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Forsyth County Board of Education consists of five members who are elected by district to staggered, four-year terms. The primary role of the board is the legislation of the school system policies, which are executed under the direction of the school superintendent.

Meetings of the board are held monthly, with agendas and meeting minutes available for review at www.forsyth. k12.ga.us/boe. Video broadcasts of the meetings are available at www.forsyth.k12.ga.us the Friday after each meeting and also on TV Forsyth, Comcast Channel 23. 2015 monthly meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the following Thursdays: August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19 and December 10. Meetings are open to the public and held at 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming.

Communicate with your Board of Education at the email addresses listed below board memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name on the map or by mail to Board of Education, Forsyth County Schools, 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, GA 30040. Highlights of Board of Education work sessions and regular meetings are communicated to the public in Board Briefs, which is sent by email the Friday after each regular meeting. To subscribe visit www.forsyth.k12.ga. us/enewsletters

State of Schools 2015-2016

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School Program, Church, Park & Rec team or other approved Non-Profit program. As one of the areas top real estate teams, John Heath & “Your Results Team” believe in investing in our community, our children and our schools with both our time and our money. Your Results Team has already given over $80,000 to area schools and youth mentoring programs through sponsorships, donations and our unique referral rewards program. Please help us reach our goal of $100,000 by 2016.

Your Partners In Education Call John at (678) 908-7002 Email to jheathrealty@hotmail.com www.NorthGaHomeFinder.com

Name of person moving:____________________________ Contact Info:_____________________________________ Please make $1,000 donation to: Organization Name________________________________ Program Name___________________________________ Donation made in the name of:_______________________ *Donation made upon closing of referred client’s property.

*Don Hendricks Partners In Education Award Recipient* John Heath & “Your Results Team” will donate $1,000 to the School, Church, Park & Rec or other approved Non-Profit of your choice upon closing ~OR~ If you are the one moving, you can choose to have $500 donated to the program of your choice and we will Rebate the other $500 back to you!

National League of Junior Cotillions South Forsyth County Chapter Now accepting enrollments for the 2015-2016 season Serving students in 5th to 9th grades Junior Cotillion accommodates busy schedules by only meeting once per month from September to March

Teaching Dining Etiquette, Everyday Manners, Formal Manners, Character Education and Ballroom Dance

Have fun while learning important life skills! For more information, contact the State of Schools 2015-2016 chapter director at Monica.Brademann@nljc.com

www.nljc.com

STRATEGIC PLANNING Forsyth County Schools is proud to be one of the top districts in Georgia and the United States. This success has been accomplished through dedication to our mission and a commitment to continuous improvement (www.forsyth.k12. ga.us/continuousimprovement) through the cooperative efforts of all stakeholders. The district’s 2013-2016 Strategic Plan (www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/strategicplan) supports achieving our vision. With clear goals and outcomes, the plan describes our priorities and provides a strong Path to Greatness.

CORE VALUES Our Vision

Quality Learning and Superior Performance for All

Our Mission

The mission of Forsyth County Schools is to prepare and inspire all students to contribute and excel.

Beliefs:

• Trust among all stakeholders is vital. • Expectations influence accomplishments because everyone has the capacity to learn. • A school-community partnership is essential. • Change creates opportunity. • High-performing leadership makes visions reality.

Who We Serve

Forsyth County Schools’ primary customer is the individual student. The district works collaboratively with other customers, such as staff, parents, citizens and businesses, to support the primary customer.

The Learner Profile and Data Dashboard

The Learner Profile describes the attributes of students attending and graduating from a Forsyth County school. With these academic skills and personal characteristics, Forsyth County Schools’ students are college and career ready. The district’s success in achieving the Learner Profile for an individual student is reported annually in the Georgia Department of Education’s College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) (http://www.gadoe.org/CCRPI) and FCS’s Data Dashboard (http://fcsdashboard.forsyth.k12.ga. us). FCS looks forward to working with students, parents, staff and community members to create a new Strategic Plan in 2016 for implementation during 2017 to coincide with the next AdvancED Accreditation visit.

State of Schools 2015-2016

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STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Building Leaders For Tomorrow’s Success Student Support Services is committed to working with our schools, parents, and our community to support student academic achievement. This includes providing the social and emotional learning opportunities that will build the persistence, accountability, communication, and social skills to ensure our children are successful in school and in life. The Forsyth County Learner Profile provides our “end in mind” for students. This advanced profile describes the desired attributes of students graduating from all Forsyth County Schools. Our educational professionals, including counselors, social workers, psychologists, graduation coaches, special education facilitators, and nurses, will be working collaboratively in vertical high school feeder teams to determine student and family needs and set goals to meet the attributes of this profile. Working collaboratively with our school leaders and educators, we will help provide educational opportunities that address the needs of the “Whole Child”. Our school teams are proactive, and many are already implementing excellent programs. Some of our schools are using the research and work from 7 Mindsets, Dr. Tim Elmore,

and Steven Covey’s, The Leader in Me, while other schools are using the House Model from the Ron Clark Academy. All of these programs provide excellent social and emotional learning opportunities for students. Whatever the choice of programs that support social and emotional skill building, it is important to remember that the key factor is the positive relationship between the student, family, and school who work closely together and communicate effectively. This triangulation will provide a firm foundation for students’ academic and social/ emotional growth by involving students in their own learning and goal setting and ensuring adult guidance and support. As Jack Shonkoff, from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, states, “Resilience depends on supportive, responsive relationships and mastering a set of capabilities that can help us respond and adapt to adversity in healthy ways. It’s those capacities and relationships that can turn toxic stress into tolerable stress.” We look forward to working and partnering with you to provide opportunities for all of our children to grow and prosper!

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State of Schools 2015-2016

Welcomes our two new physicians Dr. Gretchen Mitchell and Dr. Alex Eaccarino

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(770) 886-3555 www.npobgyn.com State of Schools 2015-2016

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New Schools & Redistricting Denmark HS, Opening August 2018

The sixth traditional high school the district will open will be Denmark HS, named after Dr. Leila Denmark. It is located between Fowler and Mullinax roads south of Midway ES. Opening in August 2018, Denmark HS is adjacent to where Dr. Denmark, one of the first women pediatricians in Georgia, lived and operated her last medical office. Working with Eli Lilly and researchers at Emory University, Dr. Denmark helped develop a successful vaccine for whooping cough in 1932. She retired at the age of 103 as one of the oldest practicing physicians in the nation. She passed away in 2012 at the age of 114 as the fiftholdest living person in the world.

Redistricting

Attendance lines for Brandywine ES and DeSana MS will be determined the fall of 2015. The timeline, which will include opportunities for stakeholder input, will be published at www. forsyth.k12.ga.us in late August. At this time, the redistricting is projected to impact Big Creek ES, Shiloh Point ES, Vickery Creek ES, Piney Grove MS, South Forsyth MS and Vickery Creek MS. Attendance Lines for Denmark High School will be determined the fall of 2017.

Brandywine ES, Opening August 2016

FCSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; twenty-first elementary school is located on Martin Drive, one block south of McFarland Parkway. Brandywine ES is named after the former Brandywine School that burned in 1953. The former Brandywine School students later combined with Bethelview School students to form Midway Elementary School in 1961. The name Brandywine honors a Revolutionary War veteran who lived in this area and fought in the 1777 Battle of Brandywine. The school will be one-story and similar in design to Kelly Mill ES.

DeSana MS, Opening August 2016

FCSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tenth middle school is located at 625 James Road, Alpharetta, one block south of McFarland Road off of Union Hill Road. The two-story design will be similar in design to Lakeside MS. DeSana MS is named after Jim and Jeanne DeSana. The couple supported multiple Forsyth County schools by sharing their knowledge in their chosen careers (Jim was an engineer and Jeanne was a genetic scientist, both were artists); serving on school councils and other school wide committees; raising funds for student projects; performing at school functions (Jim was a pianist) and establishing a scholarship fund with their life savings. Since 1998, the DeSana Educational Fund has awarded 53 scholarships to Forsyth County public school seniors totaling more than $300,000.

State of Schools 2015-2016

FORSYTH

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RETIREES Congratulations and THANK YOU to our 98 staff members that retired in 2014-15. Melba Abernathy Food Service Assistant, West Forsyth HS

James Galpin Bus Monitor, Transportation

Mao Nuan Custodian, Matt ES

Linda Agnello Music Teacher, Midway ES

Mary Cathie Gober Grade 1 Teacher, Midway ES

Marion Ogden IRR Parapro, Coal Mountain ES

Barbara Aiello Parapro, Sawnee ES

Marsha Gravitt Gifted Teacher, Matt ES

Anita Perez-Studdard Gifted Teacher, West Forsyth

Beverly Anglin Accounts Payable Clerk, BOE/PDC

Rita S. Green Food Service Asst, Piney Grove MS

Donna Pinson Music Teacher, Little Mill MS

Lee Archer Secretary, South Forsyth MS

Janet Green Food Service Asst, South Forsyth HS

Ann Plant Food Service Automation Specialist,

Judy K. Austin Parapro, Midway ES

Susana Hernandez Mead ESOL Teacher, Midway

Cynthia Babcock Counselor, Lakeside MS

Colleen Hicks Grade 3 Teacher, Vickery Creek ES

John Baine Health & PE Teacher, Shiloh Point ES

Toni Hobgood English Teacher, West Forsyth HS

Pamela Bell Grade 2 Teacher, Chattahoochee ES

Stephanie Holton Cosmotology Teacher, West Forsyth

Lisa Bennett Asst Director of Special Ed, BOE/PDC

Isabel Hullender Custodian, Lakeside MS

James Borzak Tech Ed. Teacher, Little Mill MS

Dana Hunley Social Studies Teacher, Riverwatch MS

Lucy Bozeman Food Service Asst, West Forsyth HS

Janie Ingram Custodian, Forsyth Academy

Diann Branch Counselor, Chattahoochee ES

Randy E. Ingram Special Ed Parapro, Liberty MS

Dianne Brock Grade 3 Teacher, Coal Mountain ES

Susan Javors Grade 1 Teacher, Sharon ES

Christina W. Brown Grade 2 Teacher, Midway ES

Chere Kaye Parapro, Midway ES

Sheila Buice Parapro, Big Creek ES

Alicia Klingler Kindergarten Teacher, Coal Mountain

Vilma Bungard Food Service Asst, North Forsyth MS

Becky Kohler Special Ed Parapro, Little Mill MS

Margaret Ann Cannon Science Teacher, Liberty MS

Virginia Ledbetter Bus Driver, Transportation

Phyllis Case EIP Teacher, Sawnee ES

Dorothy Lee Secretary, Facilities

JoAnn Chapman Secretary, Little Mill MS

Craig Levan Science Teacher, Gateway Academy

Janice Coats Kindergarten Teacher, Kelly Mill ES

Junella Lynn Science Teacher, North Forsyth MS

Gail Cotton Social Studies Teacher, North Forsyth HS

Brenda S. Martin Grade 4 Teacher, Chestatee ES

Barbara J. Day Bus Monitor, Transportation

Sue Mashburn Kindergarten Teacher, Kelly Mill

Betsy Dennison Art Teacher, Shiloh Point ES

Ann McDonald Language Arts Teacher, North Forsyth

Susan Devereaux Bus Driver, Transportation

Phil McWhorter Maintenance Worker, Facilities

Mary Drone Grade 4 Teacher, Big Creek ES

Linda Metzler Graduation Specialist, Forsyth Academy

Pamela Felker EIP /IRR Teacher, Coal Mountain ES

Lee Mitchell English Teacher, South Forsyth HS

Cira Feuerbach ESOL Teacher, Sawnee ES

Ann Moore Nurse, Vickery Creek ES

Becky Fleming Secretary, Sawnee ES

James Moran Bus Driver, Transportation

Penny Flowe Math Teacher, Lambert HS

Denise Murphy ESOL Teacher, Cumming ES

Angelia Tylene Foster Math Teacher, Vickery Creek MS

Mary Myers Secretary, Chattahoochee ES

Laura Fowler ITS, ACE

Miriam Niemira Parapro, Mashburn ES

Jane French Art Teacher, Johns Creek ES

Candace J. Norton Chief HR Officer, BOE/PDC

State of Schools 2015-2016

Food Services

Kristy Prillaman Grade 3 Teacher, Chestatee ES Bonita Pruitt Counselor, Liberty MS Judy Ramey Special Ed Parapro, Vickery Creek Harold Reid Bus Driver, Transportation Deborah Rich Grade 1 Teacher, Coal Mountain ES Gail Rich Food Service Asst, West Forsyth HS Bill Richardson Health & PE Teacher, Forsyth Central Carol Ridarick Bus Driver, Transportation Kathy Rohacek Principal, Vickery Creek MS Kelly Russell English Teacher, Forsyth Central HS Sandra Scruggs Bus Driver, Transportation Rhonda Sloyer IRR Teacher, North Forsyth HS Brad Smith Principal, ACE Mazie Songer Food Service Assistant, Little Mill Lee Steiner Grade 2 Teacher, Whitlow ES Barbara Stewart Secretary, Lakeside MS Harley Stoller Head Custodian, Lambert HS Joyce Thomas Cosmetology Teacher, West Forsyth Brenda Thompson Food Service Asst, Cumming ES Dianne Tidwell Food Service Asst, Cumming ES Deborah Upchurch IRR Teacher, South Forsyth HS Gladys Valdes Spanish Teacher, Lambert HS Mary Frances Waters Custodian, Sawnee ES Thomas “Ed” Wigley Science Teacher, West Forsyth Beth Willis Kindergarten Teacher, Sawnee ES Jody Wilson Boling Social Studies Teacher, Otwell MS Ronald Zeliski Technology Ed. Teacher, Otwell MS

TRANSPORTATON

Safety of Students a Priority We admit we’re biased. School buses are the safest, most effective form of pupil transportation available. We also admit we have a vested interest in promoting student transportation. We believe that every school bus driver, parent, motorist and school administrator wants exactly the same thing. We want “our” students to be protected while traveling to and from school! Each individual’s goal is the same. It is the ONLY acceptable goal. 100% of the students must be protected 100% of the time while they travel to and from school on the school bus. So the goal is clear. The path to achieving that goal may not be so clear.

depends on all of us choosing to work together by making good choices that protect them. Won’t we all commit to taking that path?

During the course of any school bus route, hundreds of students, motorists, parents and school bus drivers come to thousands of “decision intersections.” Should I stand 12 feet away from the road or should I “play around” with my classmates in the road? Should I check my mirrors before I leave a stop or should I just pull away so I can get back into traffic quicker? Should I look both ways before I cross the street or should I assume the cars will stop when they see me? Should I supervise my child at the stop or do I need to get ready for work? Should I honor the child pick-up lights of the school bus or should I pass the bus because I have an appointment downtown?

Over 25,000 Forsyth County students begin and end school every day by stepping up to, or down from the “safest form of school transportation” available; the yellow school bus! Thousands more ride the school bus to learning opportunities outside the school classroom on activity trips. That means for the vast majority of Forsyth County children “the door to the schoolhouse is yellow!” You can help protect them. It only requires two things of you; understanding and commitment. Join Forsyth County Schools Transportation Department as we work to teach students about the important safety behaviors that will help protect them.

Each decision-maker has to choose which path to follow. Each choice either increases or decreases the risks to students; none is neutral. The choice seems clear. Student well-being

But do you understand what is needed? We want to do a better job of explaining the choices that must be made. We want to partner with Forsyth County parents, motorists and administrators to achieve our goal. We invite all school bus safety stakeholders to actively participate in the process of learning about school bus safety and applying what they learn to protect students.

Visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/transportation to learn more about school bus safety. You’ll find everything you need to learn about school bus safety and help us protect 100% of our students, 100% of the time.

State of Schools 2015-2016

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State of Schools 2015-2016

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR Forsyth Central HS’

Marlo Miranda 2015 Forsyth County Teacher of the Year

Marlo completed the teacher certification program for Career and Technical Education at the University of Central Florida. He is an ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician, a General Motors Master Certified Technician and holds Advanced Level Certification in Engine Performance. Marlo taught in Florida prior to joining Forsyth County Schools in 2004. His accomplishments also include: • Advisor with the Skills USA Clubs of America • Evaluator for the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation • Southeastern Regional Champions-National Engine Builders Challenge, 2014 • State Champions-National Engine Builders Challenge, 2014 • ASE Industry Education Alliance Instructor of the Year, 2014 • AYES National Instructor of the Year Runner Up, 2006 • Valvoline National Automotive Instructor of the Year, 1999 and 2000 • General Motors Regional Service Manager’s Award, 2000 • Seven-time State Finalists at the Ford AAA Troubleshooting Contest • Four-time finalist at the National Automotive Technology Competition in New York City • Member of the Society of Automotive Engineers-Service Technicians Society • Member of National Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES) Instructor Roundtable Forsyth Central’s Automotive Technology program is the only comprehensive high school in the nation to become a master accredited program by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

TOTY finalists included: 2015 Elementary School Teacher of the Year Dawn James, Brookwood ES 2015 Middle School Teacher of the Year Jennifer Davies, Vickery Creek MS

School-Level Teachers of the Year Big Creek Elementary �� Jody Barbre Brookwood Elementary �� Dawn James Chattahoochee Elementary ��Shelley McCannon Chestatee Elementary ��Rock Reed Coal Mountain Elementary ��Nancee T. Worley Cumming Elementary �� Christie Zerkel Daves Creek Elementary �� Rebecca Ray Haw Creek Elementary �� Christi Phillips Johns Creek Elementary ��Jamie Latini Kelly Mill Elementary �� Brittney Shadburn Mashburn Elementary ��Michelle Abrams Matt Elementary ��Claire Johnson Midway Elementary �� Ashley Zatorsky Sawnee Elementary �� Shellie Keys Settles Bridge Elementary ��Lisa Rodriguez Sharon Elementary �� Susan O’Malley Shiloh Point Elementary ��Penny Latimer Silver City Elementary ��Christian Leaphart Vickery Creek Elementary. ��Katherine Knowles Whitlow Elementary ��Katie Grindle Lakeside Middle ��Neal Daniels Liberty Middle �� Dana Reid Little Mill Middle �� Chris Duncan North Forsyth Middle ��Joy Parham Otwell Middle ��Emily Harrison Piney Grove Middle �� Tara Hawkins Riverwatch Middle ��Kerry Masterson South Forsyth Middle ��Kimmy Wood Vickery Creek Middle ��Jennifer Davies Forsyth Central High �� Marlo Miranda Lambert High �� Andra Cruse North Forsyth High �� Brad Kudlas South Forsyth High �� Matthew Thompson West Forsyth High �� Rick Zacholski

State of Schools 2015-2016

ACADEMIES FOR CREATIVE EDUCATION iAchieve Virtual Academy

iAchieve Virtual Academy serves students in grades 6-12. It offers students the opportunity to engage in a digital learning environment to achieve their individual potential through innovative, flexible, and student-focused education. iAchieve students may be residents of Forsyth County entering the school system for the first time from home school or private school. Students may also be current FCS students transferring from an existing school. Non-resident students may apply and will be assessed tuition. iAchieve is 100% virtual, with instruction via the district’s learning management system, itslearning. Students access their course work via itslearning, follow the teachers’ instructional strategies and directions and complete their assignments using that internet based tool. Students respond to their teachers and to their peers via itslearning email and chat features and demonstrate mastery of standards by uploading completed assignments and assessments to the teachers. Students take mandated state assessments and are able to take the PSAT, SAT and ACT. Students receive standards based instruction and are evaluated on their mastery of standards just like in the traditional schools. However, iAchieve students are able to access and complete their work in a time-based schedule that suits the individual student’s circumstances and/or the family’s needs. The school has many students who are pursuing state, regional, national and international excellence in golf, gymnastics, dance, music and theater. The flexible school schedule allows the students opportunities to meet the high demands of their training while maintaining their good standing and making progress toward graduation from a Forsyth County School. To learn more visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/iachieve

Forsyth Academy

Forsyth Academy is a small, non-traditional high school program geared toward students who are seeking an educational experience outside of the traditional school setting or those that wish to accelerate their learning and graduate early. Classes are held in the morning (8:00 - 12:00) or in the afternoon (12:30 4:30). Students are scheduled into predominately morning or afternoon classes creating the flexibility that some students need. The Academy’s environment challenges students to complete assignments at an accelerated pace using online, computer-based

curriculum. The low student / teacher ratios allow the students to receive the one-on-one attention they need to be successful in class.

Requirements to attend Forsyth Academy

1. Student and parents must be Forsyth County residents and the student must already be enrolled at one of the base high schools. 2. Student and parents must complete an application for Forsyth Academy and submit it to the base school counselor. 3. The base school counselor must complete the school portion of the application and submit the entire application to Forsyth Academy. 4. Student must be identified as a student that can be successful in a non-traditional setting. For more information on Forsyth Academy visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/forsythacademy

Gateway Academy

Gateway Academy is an alternative program for middle and high school students enrolled in a Forsyth County school. The focus is on providing students a disciplined environment with an opportunity to modify unproductive behavior and remediate any academic inadequacy. Students will continue to work toward completing requirements to exit middle school or to receive their high school diploma from their base school. Gateway Academy has high expectations for their students and strict guidelines to help them succeed. For more information on the Gateway Academy visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/ gatewayacademy.

Mountain Education Charter High School

Mountain Education Charter High School (MECHS) is a collaborative effort of Elbert, Fannin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, Rabun, Towns, Union, and White County School Systems. In addition to the Forsyth County location, the MECHS collaborative organization also operates sites in Habersham and Stephens Counties. They are an academic, selfpaced, individualized, evening high school that serves students who are seeking a non-traditional school environment and who desire a Georgia high school diploma. MECHS also serves students who need to make-up missed credit from their regular high school, enabling them to stay on academic track and graduate with their peers. MECHS is a year-round high school that offers all Georgia required curriculum courses, as well as, a variety of vocational courses and state-mandated testing. For more information on MECH visit http://www.mymec.org

State of Schools 2015-2016

NEW CONSTRUCTION Numerous existing Forsyth County middle and high schools are receiving bond 2014 funded renovations/ additions over the next two years. For middle schools, Riverwatch MS and South Forsyth MS have 24 classroom additions each being added to their schools which will build out both schools to an estimated 1400/1425 student capacity. Proposed redistricting occurring fall of 2015 for the opening of DeSana MS in

August of 2016 will impact the attendance lines for Piney Grove MS, South Forsyth MS and Vickery Creek MS. A full list of projected 2014 bond projects for middle and high schools is posted at www.forsyth.k12.ga.us. Additionally, monthly construction updates are posted at www.forsyth. k12.ga.us/construction.

High School Projects in the Works Forsyth Central

5/15 Enrollment: 1,887 • East-west connector & new main entrance with media center, cafeteria, counseling & admin. Project Opening - Aug 2016 • Field house • 16 classrooms, some of which includes chorus, drama, automotive & STEM/science labs • Intensive Intervention Special Ed. Center Project Opening - Aug 2017

Lambert

5/15 Enrollment: 2,724 • 19 classrooms some of which includes band, healthcare Project Opening - Aug 2016 & engineering

North Forsyth

5/15 Enrollment: 2,302 • Cafeteria, counseling & admin. connector Project Opening - Aug 2016 Project Opening - Oct 2016 • Gymnasium with ROTC annex & range • 22 classrooms Project Opening - Aug 2017 • Visitors stadium concession and restroom Project Complete

South Forsyth

5/15 Enrollment: 2,567 • Cafeteria connector with counseling and admin. To create new main entrance, gymnasium Project Opening - Aug 2016 • 21 classrooms some of which includes chorus, band, hospitality & engineering technology labs Project Opening - Aug 2017

West Forsyth

5/15 Enrollment: 2,180 • Band/chorus & restrooms Project Opening - Aug 2017 * Proposed redistricting occurring fall of 2017 for the opening of Denmark HS 8/2018. After construction is complete, all high schools (including DeSana HS) can be further expanded with the exception of Lambert HS and North Forsyth HS, which will be built out to an estimated 2450/2500 student capacity. Funding for future projects is not available at this time.

Thank you Forsyth County voters! State of Schools 2015-2016

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State of Schools 2015-2016

SCHOOL DELAYS & CLOSINGS To ensure the safety of our students and staff FCS has a comprehensive plan that is executed when there is consideration of a school closing or delay due to inclement weather. WHO IS WATCHING THE WEATHER? The superintendent and administrative staff carefully monitor weather conditions during seasons of inclement weather. WHERE DO THEY GET THEIR INFORMATION? The school district staff remains current on weather forecasts. The director of transportation monitors and tests road conditions on bus routes and the maintenance department checks school power conditions. Local and state law enforcement agencies and neighboring school systems are consulted about road conditions. Careful consideration is given to the most dangerous bus routes in the district. WHAT FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED WHEN MAKING THE DECISION TO CLOSE SCHOOL? Even if it looks clear on your street, dangerous conditions may exist in some other part of the district. Delay or closing decisions apply to all schools in the district, meaning individual or areas of schools are not closed/opened independently outside of others in the system. In deciding whether children will be safe, the following factors are considered: • Information on road conditions from the director of transportation and law enforcement agencies, including whether roads are iced or icing • Time snow or ice starts and the amount • Weather predictions • Building conditions (e.g., whether we have power and heat) • Parking lot and sidewalk conditions • Temperature and wind-chill factor

IF THERE IS NO CLOSING MESSAGE ON FCS’ WEBSITE OR MAIN VM GREETING, THEN SCHOOL IS OPEN. WHAT IF SCHOOL CLOSES DURING THE DAY? If school closes during the school day all students will be sent home in the usual manner (bus, day-care van, etc.) unless other directions are on file with the teacher. It is impossible for the school staff to accept phoned or emailed directions during emergency closures. Parents should plan in advance for early school closings. Make sure that the child knows where to go, how to get there and what to do upon arrival. The public will be notified by the same methods listed above. WHAT IF SCHOOL OPENING IS DELAYED? If school opening is delayed, please follow the same routine/ schedule as normal, but push back the start time by two hours. ARE THERE INCLEMENT WEATHER DAYS BUILT INTO THE CALENDAR? No, FCS recovers lost instructional time due to school closings by using itslearning, the district’s learning management system. For more information see www.forsyh.k12.ga.us/itslearning FEEDBACK ON SCHOOL CLOSING OR DELAY DECISIONS FCS understands that school closings or delays affect families in a variety of ways. Feedback on decisions should be submitted through the “contact us” form at www.forsyth.k12.ga.us. FCS is unable to respond to individual phone calls, emails or social media posts during inclement weather events. n

WHO MAKES THE DECISION? The superintendent of schools is responsible for making the final decision, based on the above factors and recommendations from the district staff. The superintendent tries to make the decision by 5:30 a.m. HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED? Forsyth County school closings are announced on the local and metro broadcast media outlets, the school system website, www.forsyth.k12.ga.us , and on the automated voice service at (770) 887-2461. Subscribers to FCS’ enewsletters/ParentPortal also receive an email notifying them on closings or delays. Additionally, closings are posted on www.facebook.com/ FCSchools and www.twitter.com/FCSchoolsGA. Please note that multiple tools are used to communicate in case one of the above options is not available, so the public is encouraged to use various sites.

State of Schools 2015-2016

Parent Toolbox We believe in working collaboratively with our team at the district office, our schools, and our families to support our studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; achievement. To support this goal, our Communications, Student Support Services, Teaching and Learning, and Technology departments have developed an updated version of our Parent Toolbox. The Parent Toolbox provides parents access to information, by grade level, on academics, health and wellness, and information on building social and emotional skills at home. It also houses information and resources, on a variety of topics, to support our families.

To access the Parent Toolbox visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/toolbox.

OPPORTUNITY IS KNOCKING! Do you want to be part of a dynamic, team-oriented organization? Are you ready to make a meaningful contribution to our children and the community? Drive a School Bus for Forsyth County Schools Full-time Benefits, Excellent Wages, Part-time Work! We are currently scheduling training classes for successful applicants who are interested in becoming one of our school bus drivers.

Positions are currently available! APPLICATIONS MAY BE ENTERED ONLINE at http://tinyurl.com/fcsbusdrivers To learn more about this great opportunity call Sylvia at 770-888-1234 ext 220126 44

State of Schools 2015-2016

WHEN IT’S URGENT CARE,

YOU CAN STILL GET

CHILDREN’S CARE. Minor illnesses and injuries can happen at any time. When they do, you don’t have to settle for anything less than doctors and nurses specially trained to care for your child. Find the Children’s Urgent Care Center near you at choa.org/urgentcare.

CHILDREN’S AT FORSYTH - 410 PEACHTREE PKWY., CUMMING, 404-785-3100

Cumming • Dahlonega • Gainesville • Oconee • www.ung.edu

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