State of Schools 2011-2012

Enjoy the State of Schools Continuing to raise the bar Welcome back! I am thrilled to embark on my fourth year as superintendent of Forsyth County Schools and honored to have the privilege to lead our outstanding students, staff and schools.

I hope you have the opportunity to visit one of our 35 schools, where you will find some of the best teachers in the nation and a rigorous curriculum created specifically for your child.

We know that more is constantly being demanded of our students academically.

With the ever-changing landscape of the world and workforce, not only must today’s graduates be proficient in core academic subjects, they need to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and effective communicators.

They need global awareness, economic, financial and civic literacy. No matter what the future holds for each student, these 21st century skills will be demanded of them.

We are integrating 21st century learning skills with rigorous and relevant academic instruction which are in line with the district’s strategic plan. One of our top priorities is to continue to raise the bar so students gain the skills they will need to compete in an economy that runs on information and demands vision and innovation. Keeping pace with technology is a focus for our staff.

Although the district is again faced with reduced local and state funding that has led to unprecedented budget challenges, through shared commitment, thoughtful planning and a strong accountability system, we will continue to offer the extraordinary education programs that this community has come to know.

I am looking forward to working with our entire Forsyth County Schools community as we move ahead to meet the needs of every student. I wish you all the best for the 2011-12 school year!

Covering the school system an important job The Forsyth County News is excited to be a partner with the school system to provide you the 2011-12 State of the Schools, which features a wealth of valuable information in one convenient publication. Additionally, we also provide coverage of our local students, staff and schools in both the Forsyth County News and the South Forsyth News. Our newspapers are also complimented with breaking news and video at www.forsythnews.com and www.facebook.com/forsythcountynews.

We are also pleased to be able to bring you valuable advertisements from local businesses. In Forsyth County, we believe a strong school-community partnership is essential for the success of both the school system and our community. As such, I encourage you to take advantage of the offers from local businesses found within these pages.

John Hall, Publisher Forsyth County News

L.C. (Buster) Evans, Superintendent Forsyth County Schools State of Schools 2011-12

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B BEHIND THE SCENES About this publication

Stay connected

Photopraphy

The 2011-12 State of the Schools is produced by Forsyth County Schools Public Information and Communication Department.

For information, contact jcaracciolo@forsyth.k12. ga.us.

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

Graduate photo provided by Lily McGregor Photography, www. lilymcgregorphotography.com. Other photos provided by In&Out Photo, www.inandoutphoto. com, Jinger Davison, and the Forsyth County News.

Copyright 2011, Forsyth County Schools

Sign up to receive electronic newsletters from FCS by contacting fcs@forsyth.k12.ga.us Follow us: www.facebook.com/FCSchools http://twitter.com/FCSchoolsGA

State of Schools 2011-12

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.

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B BEHIND THE SCENES vision, strategies, priorities, leadership, and programs and resources. The external review team will visit the district, interview students, staff, parents, and community members to validate the report. The team will leave the district with a report that includes commendations as well as recommendations for improvement for the district. The process of earning and maintaining accreditation provides the district with clear and compelling direction for implementing changes that foster excellence in education.

For more information, visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/sacs.

‘The process of earning and maintaining accreditation provides the district with clear and compelling direction for implementing changes that foster excellence in education.‘

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B BEHIND THE SCENES

Forsyth County Schools Strategic Vision: Quality learning and superior performance for all!

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

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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.

After completing two very successful Strategic Plans, FCS spent a year constructing a new plan to guide the system from 2009 to 2012. Based on feedback from thousands of students, parents, staff and community members, the new Strategic Plan, “Dream it.

State of Schools 2011-12

B BEHIND THE SCENES

Plan: ‘Dream it. Plan it. Do it!’

Plan it. Do it!” is moving FCS from being among the best to being the BEST! The goals, objectives and metrics for the new plan provide the foundation to which all activities and resources will be aligned to achieve our system’s vision.

2009-12 strategic plan goals: • Increase all student achievement while expanding educational opportunities.

• Recruit, develop and retain a highly qualified workforce.

• Enhance educational programs through increased community involvement.

• Communicate effectively both internally and externally.

• Pursue and secure alternate funding and resources while maximizing operational efficiency.

To review annual progress on the Strategic Plan, such as objectives, action plans and evidence, visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/strategicplan. The annual Strategic Plan update will be presented to stakeholders August through November. FCS is excited to work with students, staff, parents and community members to develop the 2013-15 Strategic Plan, March to June 2012.

State of Schools 2011-12

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D THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

The Board of Education The Forsyth County Board of Education consists of five members who are elected by district to staggered, fouryear 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. 2011 monthly meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the following Thursdays: Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15. Meetings are open to the public and held at 1120 Dahlonega Highway in Cumming.

CHAIRMAN

VICE CHAIRMAN

Connect with the board

Tom Cleveland, District 3

Darla Light, District 4

tcleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us

dlight@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Ann Crow, District 1

Nancy Roche, District 5

acrow@forsyth.k12.ga.us

nroche@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Communicate with your Board of Education at the e-mail addresses to the left 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 e-mail the Friday after each regular meeting.

To subscribe to Board Briefs, send an e-mail to fcs@forsyth.k12.ga.us.

Kristin Morrissey, District 2 kmorrissey@forsyth.k12.ga.us

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State of Schools 2011-12

Cumming Dance Academy, Inc.

D

"The perfect dance facility for both the serious and the recreational dancer."

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL 2011 CLASSES

Professional Instruction in: Ballet ~ Tap ~ Jazz ~ Hip-Hop ~ Irish ~ Lyrical

THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

Ways to stay connected

Contemporary ~ Pointe ~ Modern ~ Kinder-Gym ~ Acro-Cheer ~ Adult Classes ~ Musical Theatre ~ 2 Year Creative Movement

FCS employs a variety of electronic tools in communicating with stakeholders. Please subscribe to the following to stay up to date!

Web site: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us

• Features daily news (RSS feed); redesigned school Web sites; general information, such as attendance lines, menus, bus stops and strategic plan; blogs and surveys; podcasts and a newly expanded video section, and eBoard for district strategic plan information, BOE policies and meeting agendas. Local School Council (LSC) minutes are also available on eBoard.

ParentPortal: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us

• Tool for parents and students to access instant, online, timely and secure student information such as class schedule, assignments, attendance, discipline, report cards and transcripts.

Subscribers also receive automated phone and e-mail messages.

E-newsletters:www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/ enewsletters

Amenities

• Performance Prep Classes and Jr & Sr Performance Companies • 2 Annual Theatrical Performances (Holiday and June) • Saturday Classes • Qualified Professional Staff • Sibling Discounts • Viewing Windows into Each Studio and Suspended Dance Flooring • Sibling Playroom • Large Lobby • Creative classes to enhance each student's dance experience

E-mail fcs@forsyth.k12.ga.us to subscribe!

• The Communicator: monthly overview of FCS news • Board Brief: monthly review of BOE meeting

NEED DANCE SUPPLIES?

R4 Data Dashboard: http://r4dashboard. forsyth.k12.ga.us/

• First and only accountability tool of its kind in Georgia school systems, providing “real-time” data to viewers, such as test scores and demographics, to improve transparency.

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Social media:

Schools are also adding Facebook and Twitter accounts to increase their communication — search for your school today!

• Facebook: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/FCSchoolsGA • Twitter: http://twitter.com/FCSchoolsGA • Linkedin group: Forsyth County Schools, GA

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State of Schools 2011-12

13

D THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

The Superintendent’s Cabinet 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.

Members of the Cabinet include: L.C. (Buster) Evans bevans@forsyth.k12.ga.su Superintendent Susan Atkins satkins@forsyth.k12.ga.us Director of Student Support Services Jennifer Caracciolo jcaracciolo@forsyth.k12.ga.us Director of Public Information and Communications Valery L. Hall vhall@forsyth.k12.ga.us Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education Dan Jones djones@forsyth.k12.ga.us Chief Financial Officer Bill McKnight bmcknight@forsyth.k12.ga.us Director of Facilities Bailey Mitchell bmitchell@forsyth.k12.ga.us Chief Technology and Information Officer Candace Norton cnorton@forsyth.k12.ga.us Chief Human Resources Officer Lissa Pijanowski lpijanowski@forsyth.k12.ga.us Associate Superintendent for Academics and Accountability

Continued on 16

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State of Schools 2011-12

Open House starts July 18th Monday through Friday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Classes start Monday, August 15th, 2011

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S STARS OF THE SHOW

The Principals

Though it takes many leaders within Forsyth County Schools to keep it running smoothly, principals put their hearts and souls into making each school the best it can be.

Big Creek Elementary Sherri Black sblack@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Chestatee Elementary Polly Tennies ptennies@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Daves Creek Elementary Eric Ashton eashton@forsyth.k12.ga.us

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

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

Coal Mountain Elementary Debbie Smith dsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Haw Creek Elementary Amy Davis ardavis@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Matt Elementary Charlley Stalder cstalder@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Chattahoochee Elementary David Culpepper dculpepper@forsyth.k12. ga.us

Cumming Elementary Pamela Pajerski ppajerski@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Johns Creek Elementary Alyssa Degliumberto adegliumberto@forsyth.k12. ga.us

Midway Elementary Todd Smith tsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us

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State of Schools 2011-12

S STARS OF THE SHOW

The Principals Sawnee Elementary Eileen Nix ecnix@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Shiloh Point Elementary Rebecca Johnson rjohnson@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Settles Bridge Elementary Donna Morris dmorris@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Silver City Elementary Kristan Morse kmorse@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Sharon Elementary Amy Bartlett abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Vickery Creek Elementary Ron McAllister rmcallister@forsyth.k12. ga.us

Whitlow Elementary Lynne Castleberry lcastleberry@forsyth.k12. ga.us Lakeside Middle Debbie Sarver dsarver@forsyth.k12.ga.us Liberty Middle Connie Stovall cstovall@forsyth.k12.ga.us Little Mill Middle Connie McCrary cmccrary@forsyth.k12.ga.us

State of Schools 2011-12

North Forsyth Middle Jeff Hunt jhunt@forsyth.k12.ga.us Otwell Middle Steve Miller stmiller@forsyth.k12.ga.us Piney Grove Middle Terri North tnorth@forsyth.k12.ga.us Riverwatch Middle Kathy Carpenter kcarpenter@forsyth.k12. ga.us

Continued on 23

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All donations to our either of our thrift stores benefit the women and children of Abba House Silver City 6800 Dahlonega Hwy. or Hammonds Crossing 3427 Keith Bridge Rd.

Texas Instruments is a proud supporter of Forsyth County Schools.

S STARS OF THE SHOW

The Principals South Forsyth Middle Sandy Tinsley stinsley@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Lambert High Gary Davison gdavison@forsyth.k12.ga.us

West Forsyth High Richard Gill rgill@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Vickery Creek Middle Kathy Rohacek krohacek@forsyth.k12.ga.us

North Forsyth High Beth Hebert bhebert@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Forsyth Central High Includes the STEM Academy Rudy Hampton rhampton@forsyth.k12.ga.us

South Forsyth High Jason Branch jbranch@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Academies of Creative Education (A.C.E.) Includes Forsyth Academy (non-traditional charter high school), Academy@ Night, iAchieve Virtual Academy (6-12 online school) and Gateway Academy (6-12 alternative program).

Brad Smith basmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us

State of Schools 2011-12

23

S STARS OF THE SHOW

Our retirees

Congratulations to Forsyth County Schools’ 81 retirees in the 2010-11 school year, our largest group to date! Thank you for your dedication and service to the students of Forsyth County Schools!

Jeanette Allen Sawnee ES

Nancy Clackum Mashburn ES

Lewis Grogan Otwell MS

Julia Johnson Chestatee ES

Ann Anderson Vickery Creek ES

Janice Collett Vickery Creek ES

Becky Hamm Liberty MS

Edna Jones Forsyth Central HS

Candace Baker North Forsyth MS

Jan Compton Gateway Academy

Gary Headrick Otwell MS

Paula King Riverwatch MS

Roy Barnett Chattahoochee ES

Anne Connor Coal Mountain ES

Becky Hitch Lakeside MS

Irv LaFleur Whitlow ES

Melinda Barrett Whitlow ES

Johanne Daigh Sawnee ES

Susan Hoffman Chestatee ES

Alola Larson North Forsyth HS

Sandy Beck Shiloh Point ES

Gail Day South Forsyth MS

Shad Mason Chestatee ES

Linda Bohrer Chattahoochee ES

Martha Dixon Transportation

Dianne Meyer Midway ES

Susan Bowen Forsyth Central HS

Van Ellison Transportation

Barbara Moore Transportation

Tyna Bracknell Vickery Creek ES

Sharon Ericson Shiloh Point ES

Karen Moore Central Office

Dorothy Breeze Chattahoochee ES Jerry Bryson Lakeside MS Carolyn Caldwell Daves Creek ES Jerry Cauley Forsyth Central HS Eugene Chambers Coal Mountain ES Phyllis Chandler Midway ES Jolynn Cichocki South Forsyth HS

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Betty Fernandez Central Office Laurie Geonis North Forsyth HS Brenda Gossett Chestatee ES Linda Gravitt Transportation Jane Grebe Sawnee ES Beverly Green Big Creek ES

Edith Holbrook Coal Mountain ES

Sheryl Morriss Whitlow ES Susan Mullinax Mashburn ES

Elizabeth Holcomb South Forsyth HS

Judy Newcomer Chestatee ES

Phyllis Holt Chattahoochee ES

Robert Newton Vickery Creek MS

Joan Hubbard Central Office

Byron Orr West Forsyth HS

Paula Jackson South Forsyth MS

Geraldine Panter Transportation

Judith Jaeck Riverwatch MS

Marie Patty South Forsyth HS

State of Schools 2011-12

S STARS OF THE SHOW Annie Pearson Daves Creek ES

Miriam Sabourin Central Office

Linda Spudic Daves Creek ES

Ken Weddermann Transportation

Patricia Pearson Matt ES

Meredith Sams Settles Bridge ES

Dennis Stromie West Forsyth HS

Amanda Wilson Chattahoochee ES

Deborah Ramey Daves Creek ES

Sybil Savage Liberty MS

Patricia Tatum Chestatee ES

Ginger Wilson North Forsyth MS

Karen Rhodes Chestatee ES

Dottie Schmick Central Office

Jeffery Tritt Forsyth Central HS

Chrisilin Wood Chattahoochee ES

Cheryl Roberts Chestatee ES

Robert Sewell Central Office

Dorothy Varano Transportation

Shirley Wood Transportation

Debbie Rondem Central Office

Beatriz Skeens Riverwatch MS

Elayne Warman Daves Creek ES

State of Schools 2011-12

25

M MAKING MOVIE MAGIC

Assessing the success of our students While assessments are not the only measure of quality in education, Forsyth County Schools recognizes the importance of reporting results to our stakeholders.

Within Georgia there are two state assessments that evaluate student performance across academic content areas. For grades 3-8 it is the Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) which assesses Reading, English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. High school students are administered a comprehensive assessment in grade 11, the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT), in the areas of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

These two assessments are most recognized in the state as measures of educational effectiveness and also make up the academic performance indicators for making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) criteria.

FCS teachers and students should be very proud with the scores earned in 2011. These scores consistently top state averages and have increased steadily over the last several years. District leadership has noted the greatest growth in the area of students exceeding the standard, rather than simply meeting the standard.

To achieve and exceed on the CRCT or in the Advanced or Honors range on the GHSGT, students must score in an elite category of students and in the highest range of the scale scores for each assessment.

Forsyth educators have worked diligently to offer a rigorous curriculum and classroom assessments that not only engage students, but that push students to even higher levels of achievement. There is always room to grow and FCS views these standardized assessments as the floor, not the ceiling. For district and school assessment results visit the R4 Data Dashboard at http:\\r4dashboard.forsyth.k12.ga.us.

26

State of Schools 2011-12

M MAKING MOVIE MAGIC

Improving grading and Over the past several years, Forsyth County Schools has worked to improve grading and reporting practices across the district. The work has resulted in changes to elementary, middle and now high school practices.

Grade integrity is reached when the assessments and assignments are of the highest quality and when all other factors, such as work habits and behavior, are not included. FCS has worked diligently to foster shared understanding of high quality practices that lead to communicating to students and parents grades/marks that represent academic achievement only.

In elementary school, kindergarten through third-grade students are assessed using a standards-based report card.

Quarterly performance expectations are sent home with each student, and parents are provided detailed information of their child’s performance in relationship to the standards four times a year.

In grades four and five, the Grade Plus report card provides students with a numeric average (summative) and a breakdown of performance against standards in reading, English language arts, and mathematics (formative).

Middle schools offer students in grades sixth through eighth the Inform ME report card which is based on 80 percent summative grades and 20 percent formative grades.

Additionally, middle school leaders and teachers pioneered the Work Habits categories and began reporting them separately for each child and each course during the 2010 -11 school year. The Work Habits consist of assignment completion, participation, responsibility, and interper-

28

‘FCS has worked diligently to foster shared understanding of high quality practices that lead to communicating to students and parents grades/marks that represent academic achievement only.’ sonal skills. To meet standard in each of these areas a student would earn a 2 on a 3-point scale, which equates to “successful.” The reporting of Work Habits at the middle school level is now being expanded to upper elementary grades four and five and to high schools in grades nine through 12 beginning 2011-12.

High schools students will notice changes to grading and reporting in

State of Schools 2011-12

grades nine through 12 this year with grading weights moving to 75 percent summative and 25 percent formative.

Students will also receive Work Habits scores for all four categories for each class beginning this year. If a student is enrolled in a course requiring an end-ofcourse-test, that test will count for 20 percent of a student’s grade rather than 15 percent in years past.

reporting Terms to Know Summative Grades are assignments/assessments which may integrate multiple standards such as unit tests, projects, essays, research papers, and presentations. They determine student mastery of standards after the learning activity is completed and count as 75 percent of each semester average.

Formative Grades are assignments such as homework, class work, quizzes, drafts or portions of essays, projects, research papers, and presentations. They provide practice while learning. These assignments, observations, and conversations are used to inform both the teacher and student about the learning process and lead to potential success on summative assessments. They count as 25 percent of each semester average.

Work Habits are behaviors that have the potential to increase academic achievement, promote lifelong learning, and foster personal accountability.

The EOCT change was based on a Georgia Board of Education rule change and more information about secondary assessments can be accessed through the Secondary Assessment Transition article in this issue of State of the Schools.

For more information, such as state standards, rubrics and to view sample report cards, visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/grade.

State of Schools 2011-12

29

M MAKING MOVIE MAGIC

System keeps growing Though many school districts in Georgia are facing a downturn in student enrollment due to challenging economic conditions, Forsyth County Schools continues to annually add new students.

As the ninth-largest of 180 school districts in the state, FCS is projected to grow to 37,365 students in 35 schools during the 2011-12 school year.

Kelly Mill Elementary School is scheduled to open in August 2012. To populate this new school, FCS will be redistricting during the fall of 2011. Additionally, during this time period the district will be review-

32

ing the overcrowding at the high school level, particularly North Forsyth High School.

Specifics concerning the redistricting process will be more definite after school begins, starting in early September when drafts of the 2012-13 attendance lines will be created. FCS will have opportunities for local school councils, staff, students and parents to provide feedback as the district works to have a final draft approved before Thanksgiving. Once details become more specific they will be posted at www.forsyth. k12.ga.us.

State of Schools 2011-12

Enrollment history in number of students 2010-11

35,920

2005-06

25,461

2000-01

17,126

1995-96

10,338

M MAKING MOVIE MAGIC

Online school marks successful first year

2010 -11 was a great success for the opening of Forsyth County Schools’ new online school, iAchieve Virtual Academy. More than 200 students in grades six through 12 were enrolled in iAchieve on either a part or full-time basis.

Successful iAchieve students are self-motivated, able to manage their time, advocate for themselves, are technologically savvy and, often, in addition to their academics, excel in co-curricular avocations.

Several of the iAchieve students are dedicated ballerinas

who are studying with the metroarea Royal Dance Academy and performing professionally. Other iAchieve students are competitive athletes or musicians who travel out of the area to work with their coaches. Still other students and their families have opportunities to travel and live in places around the world. The flexibility of the iAchieve structure allows

them the freedom to complete their academic requirements and manage their other activities.

Both middle and high school iAchieve students complete their work virtually using current electronic tools such as webinars and webcams. iAchieve teachers assess the students’ work, provide feedback, reteach and offer students opportunities to

Nutrition in school is key Forsyth County Schools’ Food and Nutrition Department is always looking for ways to better serve students, staff and parents.

For the new school year the department will be sharing more information at www. facebook.com/FCSchools and adding blogs to its Web site.

Be sure to check out the A+ Breakfast Menus that were launched last year in all schools. Each morning students can start up their brain at school with a variety of breakfast choices offered every day. Five-plus menu items are offered daily, so one is sure to find a favorite, lovingly prepared for students. And remember,

34

2011-12 meal prices Lunch Breakfast

all students eligible for free Paid or reduced priced lunch, also qualify for the same Elementary $2.15 benefit at breakfast.

Also, lunch menus Middle $2.25 have been enhanced for 2011-12 with new and High $2.25 improved products and ideas. Don’t just presume High School Grill $3.25 the chicken nugget of yesterday is the same Employee $2.75 today. Parents are invited to join their child for lunch and if you are not Employee $3.75 sure about a product HS Grill offered, simply ask for a sample.

Guest $3.25 Menus, online payments (www.mylunchGuest HS Grill $4.25 money.com), nutrition food ingredient informaExtra Milk $0.60 tion can be found at www. forsyth.k12.ga.us/food.

State of Schools 2011-12

demonstrate mastery of curriculum standards in a myriad of ways. Because students learn differently, iAchieve offers a variety of ways for students to be successful. iAchieve Virtual Academy is a public school, fullyaccredited under the auspices of Forsyth County Schools serving students in grades six through 12. Students from outside the district are also welcome; those students are required to pay tuition. For more information, visit www. forsyth.k12.ga.us/iachieve.

Reduced

Paid

Reduced

$.40

$1.25

$.30

$.40

$1.35

$.30

$.40

$1.45

$.30

$.40

$3.25 $1.75

$2.00

M Become a mentor FCS is in need of caring individuals to mentor elementary, middle and alternative school students.

Research has shown that volunteer mentors can play a powerful role in reducing drug abuse and youth violence, while greatly enhancing a young person’s prospects for leading a healthy and productive life.

A mentor is a volunteer that works to provide a young person with a special, encouraging relationship that will hopefully become a foundation for success in a child’s life. They attempt to foster the child’s self-worth, motivation, coping skills and strength of character.

Put very simply, a mentor lends a child friendly

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MAKING MOVIE MAGIC support and a listening ear. This can be done by just talking to the child, reading a book, playing a game or doing an art activity. This gives children a chance to experience some success in a caring environment removed from the regular classroom setting. Mentoring is a unique way that you can help children and give back to your community.

One person can make a difference. Becoming a mentor involves committing to 30 minutes per week during school hours with your student for the school year.

Join us at our next training, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at 1120 Dahlonega Hwy., and become a mentor. No registration is required; all paperwork is completed at the training.

For more information, contact sbrookshire@ forsyth.k12.ga.us.

State of Schools 2011-12

A ACADEMY AWARDS

Our Partners in Education a key part of success 2010-11 was an outstanding year for Forsyth County Schools’ Partners in Education program, with more than 600 active partners working with 35 schools and various district departments. Partners in Education provide over $1.5 million in funding, thousands of volunteer hours and countless in-kind services to improve student achievement in all subject areas, enrich students’ life experiences, help grow career opportunities, and boost educator sup-

port and morale. The district could not be successful without partners, especially during these challenging financial times.

More than 350 community, business and school representatives attended the 2011 Celebration of Excellence, where the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Forsyth County Schools recognized the Partners in Education for their outstanding contributions during the 2010-11 school year.

• Mentor of the Year: Gaynetta McClain, nominated by Little Mill MS • Friend of the Year: Lanierland Florist, nominated by Central Office Staff • Volunteer of the Year: Todd Jones and Steve Csuka, Dad’s Club Co-Chairs, nominated by Shiloh Point ES • Silver Program of the Year: LensCrafters at The Avenue, nominated by Student Support Services Department; Costco, nominated by Otwell MS; Charlie Feehan of Shane’s Rib Shack, nominated by Brookwood ES and the Student Support Services Department • Gold Program of the Year: Automation Direct, nominated by West Forsyth HS • Don Hendricks Award: The Place of Forsyth County

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The Celebration of Excellence was generously sponsored by: • Title Sponsor: Northside HospitalForsyth • Luncheon Sponsor: Georgia Power • Awards Sponsor: Publix • Gold Sponsors: American Proteins and The Avenue Forsyth • Bronze Sponsor: RBM of Atlanta, North and BJ’s Membership Club To become a Partner in Education, visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/toty.

State of Schools 2011-12

Gabrielle M. Sabini, MD Charles J. Douchy, MD Matthew J. Reschly, MD A. Damian Dhar, MD Anjana M. Patel, PA-C Sara A. Barr, PA-C Tracy Friedman, PA-C Melinda MacKenzie, PA-C Stacey Olivier, PA-C All Board Certified

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STEM Academy High school credit

Opening in August, the STEM Academy focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, while combining rigorous core classes with careertechnical course offerings to give students real-world experience.

As shown by the U.S. Labor Department’s most recent 10-year employment projections, of the 20 fastestgrowing occupations projected for 2014, 15 of them require significant mathematics or science preparation to successfully compete for a job. By opening the STEM Academy, Forsyth County Schools plans to lead the way in preparing graduates to be competitive in this global market.

The district’s STEM Academy is housed at Forsyth Central High School.

In preparation for the program, the campus underwent renovations during summer.

The school now has state-ofthe-art science labs where students will sit at high-top stations and have access to sinks, gas and power, allowing for a more hands-on experience. Additionally, the renovations that support engineering include a new robotics room and materials pro-

40

cessing shop that is designed to maximize access to equipment and provide plenty of space for construction.

The STEM Academy offers engineering and biotechnology programs and co-curricular events such as a science fair, Olympiad, robotics and rocketry. The curriculum is inter-disciplinary and project-based.

Teachers of the STEM Academy have worked to design meaningful, relevant and rigorous course offerings that will engage students in all aspects of academic and career-technical content.

The program also enhances the partnership with the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and local businesses through apprenticeship opportunities with local industries. In addition, partnerships with universities and technical colleges to offer joint enrollment opportunities and foster mentorships leveraging industry and post-secondary researchers, practitioners, expert and leaders continue to expand.

The STEM Academy is open to students entering ninth grade from across the district. To learn more visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/stem.

in middle school

Forsyth County Schools is excited to announce that this year all middle schools will offer high school credit for every student. Students throughout the district will have the opportunity to carry as many as four units of credit with them as they enter their freshman year of high school in 2012 -13.

Middle schools have traditionally offered Accelerated Math I and Spanish I as high school credit-bearing courses for select students. Based on the success of those courses, middle and high school principals worked to develop a plan to increase course offerings at the middle school level with the goal of providing credit opportunities for every student.

As a result, the expanded course offerings for 2011-12 are: Accelerated Math 1, Physical Science, Spanish 1, Beginning Band, Beginning Chorus 1, Dramatic Arts, Visual Arts, Computing in the Modern World and Study Skills.

During the 2010-11 school year, about 2,797 units of credit were awarded throughout the district to eighth-grade students. For the upcoming 201112 year the number of credits to be awarded should exceed 6,200 units.

This increase in credit at the middle school level should benefit students in several

State of Schools 2011-12

ways. Students will be able to enroll in additional advanced courses during their high school career. Students will have space in their high school schedule to take extra courses of interest. Also, students will be able to complete graduation course requirements early or be able to repeat courses, if necessary, to stay on track to graduate with their class.

Each course at the middle school will meet all requirements as a high school course in order to award credit. The course descriptions will be the same as the high school. The courses will be required to use the same standards and all teachers will be highly qualified and hold appropriate high school certification. The end of course tests (EOCT), required for accelerated math I and physical science, will be administered in middle school and will count 20 percent of the final grade, just as required at the high school level.

Offering high school creditbearing courses at the middle school level meets the district strategic goal of increasing student achievement while expanding educational opportunities. This is an exciting step for Forsyth County students and one that should benefit students, parents and the district for years to come. For more information, visit FC school Web sites.

We Offer: • Lock ins for Team Building, prom parties, fundraisers • Fundraising opportunities for bands, orchestras, clubs • Sports and Team Parties • Birthday Parties • Corporate Events • Class Parties, Teacher events and Team Building

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State of Schools 2011-12