HCBOE Media Kit 2018-2019

Media Kit 2018 – 2019 School Year

Our mission is that our students will be high-achieving.

Our vision is that our system will be world class.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mark Scott Beliefs

     

Safety is our number one priority.

Failure is not an option. We do expect that all children can learn.

We will not be satisfied until all of our schools meet or exceed the highest academic standards.

We are committed to determining what each child needs to fulfill his potential.

We take responsibility for learning, for both our students and ourselves.

We are not afraid of change and will embrace change that is research-based and proven to be effective.

The Houston County Way  Strive for excellence in all that we do.  Have a professional attitude.  Go the extra mile.  Base decisions on what’s best for the child.  Provide quality customer service.  Work hard with dedication and love for children.  Approach work every day with a positive attitude, hope, enthusiasm and compassion.  Do things right; do the right thing.

This Media Kit is provided by the Houston County Board of Education Community & School Relations Department. The HCBOE Community & School Relations Department supports the district’s mission and vision. Our goals are to: develop positive relationships with our employees, students, parents, businesses, Robins AFB leaders, elected officials and media representatives; provide our customers with accurate, timely and transparent information through a variety of communication tools; increase community awareness; promote our students and employees’ successes; and to build support and trust for public education.

For more information, please contact: Mrs. Beth Conley McLaughlin Director, Community & School Relations  478.988.6390  Beth.McLaughlin@hcbe.net 1100 Main Street, Perry, GA 31069  www.hcbe.net

Table of Contents Page Number Working Together: Schools & the Media ........................................ 5 System Quick Reference ..................................................................... 7 Houston County Board of Education Members .............................. 8 Board of Education Meeting Schedule............................................ 10 Central Office Staff ............................................................................ 11 Schools, Addresses, Phone Numbers, Principals & E-mails ....... 12 School System Calendar .................................................................... 13 Test Schedule ...................................................................................... 14 Report Card Dates .............................................................................. 15 Special Dates........................................................................................ 16 Graduation ........................................................................................... 17 Accreditation ....................................................................................... 18 School Start and End Times.............................................................. 19 School Zones........................................................................................ 19 Enrollment History ............................................................................. 20 Budget ................................................................................................... 21 Millage Rate ......................................................................................... 22 Georgia Milestones Assessment System ....................................... 23 College & Career Readiness Performance Index ......................... 25 Advanced Placement ......................................................................... 27 ESOL Program ...................................................................................... 28 Student Services ................................................................................. 29

Table of Contents, Continued Page Number Facilities................................................................................................ 31 Transportation .................................................................................... 32 Map of School Locations ................................................................... 33 School Mascots and Colors ............................................................... 34 Teachers of the Year .......................................................................... 35 Employees of the Year ...................................................................... 37 Exemplary Awards ............................................................................. 38 Educational Web Sites........................................................................ 42 Georgia Department of Education .................................................. 43 Georgia Board of Education.............................................................. 44 Education Acronyms ......................................................................... 46 Education Definitions ........................................................................ 52

Working Together: Schools & the Media Relationship with the Media The Houston County Board of Education invites and welcomes the active participation of newspapers, magazines, radio, television and other mass media of communication in promoting the cause of good education. Our school system appreciates the local media and their interest in our schools. Our system views reporters as representatives of the public at large. We understand that reporters have an important job, and we do our best to be responsive and respectful of deadlines. Our goal is to provide accurate information in a timely manner. Board of Education policies and procedures and federal and state laws govern the system’s public information program.

Key HCBOE Policies and Procedures  Board policy requires that requests for interviews with pupils, teachers and school system employees be approved by the Community Relations Department.  In the event of approval for an interview with a student, the parent must be present for the interview or provide written consent.  All visitors, including media representatives, are to report immediately to the principal’s office upon arrival and to report again to the principal’s office as he/she leaves the building.

References: KB, Community Relations, Public Information Program and KM-R, Community Relations, Visits To The School Federal Law: FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) School systems have a legal and ethical responsibility to protect the privacy of students and their education records. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records and limits information a school system may release about a student without parental or legal guardian consent. For example, school personnel may not disclose students’ grades, disciplinary record or academic program (such as if the student receives special education services).

Georgia Law Regarding Employees Likewise, the Houston County School System has a responsibility to protect the rights of its employees, especially those who may be in the public spotlight. For example, employee home telephone numbers and addresses are exempt from release and would be redacted from files before made available for the public.

Media often request a personnel file or ask for comments about an employee who is facing a disciplinary hearing. The school system follows the Open Records Act, Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 51-18-70 et seq., and discloses information that is legally releasable. At the same time, the system is bound by law to not disclose certain information. For example, per O.C.G.A. § 20-2-210, performance evaluations are confidential and not considered open records. Also, documents used as part of an employee investigation also are not releasable until 10 days after the investigation has concluded or, if necessary, after the Board has taken action.

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Working Together: Schools & the Media, cont.

Georgia Law Regarding Visitors to Schools Maintaining a safe, orderly educational environment on campus and in the classroom is the most important consideration for a principal, including when working with the news media. The principal’s judgment will be the primary factor in determining the extent to which the news media will be allowed access to Houston County schools.

O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1180 requires school visitors to check in at the designated location and give the reason for their visit. As reporters are visitors to the campus, they are required to sign in at the school’s main office. Media representatives will be escorted by the principal or designee while they are in the building. Schools may refuse access to media representatives on school property if their presence or behavior would be disruptive to the school environment. The Georgia Legislature strengthened the law regarding visitors on school property: O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1181 prohibits disruption of a public school.

Crisis or Emergency Situations During a crisis or an emergency, media access to schools and other facilities may be limited to ensure student and staff safety or to maintain order. Administrators, however, may designate an area on school property to conduct news briefings on the crisis or emergency. In these situations, normal access procedures for media and other visitors may be suspended in the interest of student and staff safety and an orderly emergency response.

Media Requests for Public Records The Houston County Board of Education fully complies with the Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 5118-70 et seq.), which exists to foster confidence in government through transparency. Open records requests should be submitted in writing to the Director of Community and School Affairs, the media’s official point of contact for requesting the release of public records. She will share requests with the appropriate department, help arrange inspection of records and assess staff time and copying costs, when necessary, in document retrieval and reproduction. During her absence, forward any requests to the Superintendent of Schools. As required by law, a response will be provided within three business days.

Interviews, Photography and Videography Interviews, photographing or videotaping on school system property must be approved by the Community Relations Department. Requests for interviews are generally granted if the individual from whom the interview is being sought agrees to participate. Students may not be photographed or interviewed without parental permission. General images of children in which no one student is identifiable (such as backs of heads or shots of legs and feet) do not require parental permission.

Media Liaison The media liaison for the Houston County School System is the Director of Community & School Affairs, Beth C. McLaughlin. Mrs. McLaughlin may be contacted by e-mail at Beth.McLaughlin@hcbe.net, by telephone at the office at 478-988-6390, ext. 0, or by cell phone at 478-256-8550. E-mail is best. When calling, please try the office number first.

Suggestions to improve the flow of information are always welcome.

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System Quick Reference 

14th largest school district in Georgia



Enrollment as of October 2018: 29,770; 2018-2019, approximately 30,000



38 Campuses  23 elementary schools (grade ranges Pre-K through 5)  8 middle schools (grades 6-8)  5 high schools (grades 9-12)  1 each – alternative school and Career Academy (charter school)

 ~ 7,000 military-affiliated students, to include more than 2,100 with an active duty military parent  Economically disadvantaged as of October 2018: 58.67%  Students with Disabilities: ~11.6%  Enrolled in Gifted Program: ~12.1%  Ethnicity as of October 2018: ∙Asian 2.62% ∙American Indian ∙Hispanic

.17% 9.65%

∙Black ∙White ∙Multiracial

38.40% 42.90% 6.26%



Female/Male: 48.97% / 51.03%



English Learners: 3.0%  34 different languages are spoken as our students’ native language.



4-Year Cohort Graduation Rate, 2018: Houston County = 87.2%; Georgia = 81.6%



Pupil-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 (total number of teachers divided into enrollment)



Our district employs a total of approximately 5,000 employees. Our 2,248 certified teacher have the following degrees:  3 hold a teaching permit;  604 have a bachelor’s degree;  868 a master’s degree;  641 a specialist degree; and  132 a doctorate degree.



100% of Houston County teachers and paraprofessionals are deemed Professionally Qualified by the Georgia Department of Education.



FY 2019 Total Budget: $367,158,153



Average Expenditure per Pupil FY18: $11,772.31

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Board Members

Mr. Fred Wilson, Chairman, District 4 114 Palm Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088 (478) 929-0605 (home) post4@hcbe.net Term expires December 31, 2022; Member since January 1995

Mrs. Helen Hughes, Vice Chairman, District 5 112 Country Lane, Kathleen, GA 31047 (478) 987-4829 (home) post5@hcbe.net Term expires December 31, 2020; Member since June 2009

Mr. Dave Crockett, District 3 2011 Northside Road, Perry, GA 31069-2224 (478) 987-4194 (home) post3@hcbe.net Term expires December 31, 2020; Member since September 2015

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Board Members, continued Mrs. Lori Johnson, District 2

524 Childers Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088 (478) 284-9547 (cell) post2@hcbe.net Term expires December 31, 2022; Member since September 2015

Mr. Hoke Morrow, At Large, District 6 225 Lake Joy Rd., Perry, GA 31069 (478) 988-4094 (home) post6@hcbe.net Term expires December 31, 2022; Member since January 2015

Dr. Rick Unruh, District 1

102 Durango Drive, Centerville, GA 31028 (478) 923-3829 (home) post1@hcbe.net Term expires December 31, 2020; Member since March 2013

Mr. Bryan Upshaw, At Large, District 7 201 Jadestone Ct., Centerville, GA 31028 (478) 256-3284 (cell) post7@hcbe.net Term expires December 31, 2020; Member since August 2014

In Houston County, we are fortunate to have the best Board of Education that one could find anywhere in the U.S.!

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Board of Education Meetings The Houston County Board of Education typically meets twice a month. The formal session is held the second Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at the Board of Education located at 1100 Main Street in Perry. The work session is held the Monday evening prior to the second Tuesday unless that Monday falls on a holiday. The work sessions are held at 6:00 p.m. either at the central office or a school. Special meetings are called as needed. The purpose of the meetings is to discuss any lawful business that should come before the Board. Meeting dates, locations and times are listed below and are approved through December.

2019 Houston County Board of Education Meetings January 14 January 15

Work Session – Northside Middle – 6:00 p.m.

Meeting – BOE, Perry – 1:00 p.m.

February 11 February 12

Work Session – Parkwood Elementary – 6:00 p.m.

Meeting – BOE, Perry – 1:00 p.m.

March 11 March 12

Work Session – Pearl Stephens Elementary – 6:00 p.m.

Meeting – BOE, Perry – 1:00 p.m.

April 8 April 9

Work Session – David Perdue Elementary – 6:00 p.m.

Meeting – BOE, Perry – 1:00 p.m.

May 13 May 14

Board Retreat – Herman Ragin Center, Perry – 8:30 a.m.

Meeting – BOE, Perry – 1:00 p.m.

June 10 June 11

No Work Session Meeting – BOE, Perry – 1:00 p.m.

July 8 July 9

Work Session – BOE, Perry – 6:00 p.m.

Meeting – BOE, Perry – 1:00 p.m.

August 12 August 13

Work Session – BOE, Perry – 6:00 p.m.

Meeting – BOE, Perry – 1:00 p.m.

September 9 September 10

Work Session – Northside High – 6:00 p.m.

Meeting – BOE, Perry – 1:00 p.m.

September 30 October 1

Board Retreat – Herman Ragin Center, Perry – 8:30 a.m.

Meeting – BOE, Perry – 1:00 p.m.

November 11 November 12

Veterans Day Holiday – No Work Session Meeting – BOE, Perry – 1:00 p.m.

December 9 December 10

Work Session – David Perdue Primary – 6:00 p.m.

Meeting – BOE, Perry – 1:00 p.m.

Note: The Board approves the meeting calendar in January for the calendar year, so the school locations are tentive. All meetings are subject to change.

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Central Office Staff, 2018 - 2019 Superintendent of Schools: Dr. Mark Scott Deputy Superintendent for Administrative Services: Cindy Flesher Assistant Superintendent, for Finance & Business Operations: Stephen Thublin Assistant Superintendent for School Operations: Dr. Richard Rogers Assistant Superintendent for Student Services: Dr. Zabrina Cannady Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning: Dr. Eric Payne Executive Director for Elementary Operations: Lazunia Frierson Executive Director for Secondary Operations: Dr. Chris Brown Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director

Supt. Scott & his Executive Cabinet

of Accounting: Michelle Morris of Career, Technical & Agricultural Education: David McDermott of Community & School Relations: Beth McLaughlin of Employee Benefits: Kristin Smith of Facilities: Scott Hill of Federal Programs: Dana Morris of Gifted Education: Jan Jacobsen of Maintenance: Billy Dollar of Personnel: Tonya Maddox of Professional Learning: Sharon Moore of Purchasing: Jessica Deese of School Nutrition: Meredith Potter of Student Services: Dr. Jenny McClintic of Technology: Brian Trent of Transportation: Tom Walmer

Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator

of Accountability: Steven Hornyak of Assessment: Chuck Dumas of Certification: Michelle Casey of Certification: Marie Porter of Health Related Services: Dana Rollins of Language Arts, K-5: Dr. Amanda Yoh of Language Arts, 6-12 & World Languages: Dr. Amy Fouse of Mathematics K-5 & School Improvement Specialist: Nikki Cooper of Mathematics, 6-12: Dr. Cassie Rape of School Nutrition: Shana Wood of Science, K-5: Tonya Woolfolk of Science, 6-12: Dr. Ann Williams-Brown of Social Studies, K-5: Gretna Soltis of Social Studies, 6-12: Dr. Melanie Watson of Special Education for Instruction: Dr. Shirley Randall of Special Programs: Blanche Lamb of Student Services: Bonnie Brown of Student Services: Jason Pinkney of Student Services: Monica Smith of Student Services Technology: Alissa Green of Cyber Security: Jarett (JC) Hill

Any of these staff members may be contacted at (478) 988-6200.

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School List

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School Calendar

2018 July 25 – 31

Pre-Planning (Opening Session July 25)

August 1

First Day of School

September 3

Labor Day Holiday

October 5

System/Site Collaboration, Parent Conferences, Student Holiday

October 8 - 12

Columbus Day Holiday and Fall Break

November 12

Veterans Day Holiday

November 19 - 23

Thanksgiving Holiday

December 19

Last Day of 1st Semester

December 20 – 31

Christmas Holiday 2019

January 1-3

New Year’s Day Holiday

January 4

Site Collaboration, Student Holiday

January 7

2nd Semester Begins

January 21

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

February 18

Presidents’ Day Holiday

February 19

System/Site Collaboration, Student Holiday

March 25 - 29

Spring Break

May 24

2nd Semester Ends, Last Day of School

May 24 - 25

High School Graduation

May 27

Memorial Day Holiday

May 28 – 29

Post-Planning / Site Collaboration

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Test Schedule Elementary School Assessments August 1 – September 12 August 1 – May 13 August 6 - September 7 August 27 – September 14 September 10 September 17 – October 5 November 26 – December 14 November 26 – December 19 January 14 January 14 – February 1 January 16 – March 8 April 8 – 26 April 22 – May 17 May 14 – 17

GKIDS Readiness Check, Grade K GKIDS Main Administration, Grade K MAP Growth, Grades 2 and 4 HCLI Beginning Year Assessment, Grades K-3 Keenville Operational Launch, Grades 1-2 HCLI Beginning Year Assessment, Grades 4-5 HCLI Mid-Year Assessment, Grades K-3 MAP Growth, Grades 2 and 4 GKIDS DOE Checkpoint HCLI Mid-Year Assessment, Grades 4-5 ACCESS for ELLs / ALT ACCESS for ELLs Georgia Milestones EOG Main Administration, Gr. 3- 5 HCLI End of Year Assessment, Grades K-4 EOG Retest Grades 3 and 5

Middle School Assessments August 6 - September 7 November 26 – December 19 January 16 – March 8 April 8 – 26 May 14 – 17

MAP Growth, Grade 6 MAP Growth, Grade 6 ACCESS for ELLs / ALT ACCESS for ELLs Georgia Milestones EOG Main Administration, Gr. 6-8 EOG Retest Grade 8

High School Assessments August 13 - 17 September 10 - 14 October 15 – 19 October 24 November 5 – 9 December 3 – 7 January 14 – 18 January 16 – March 8 February 11 – 15 March 11 – 15 April 8 - May 3 April 22 – May 14 May 6 – 17

Georgia Milestones EOC Mid-month Georgia Milestones EOC Mid-month Georgia Milestones EOC Mid-month PSAT Georgia Milestones EOC Mid-month Georgia Milestones EOC Winter Administration Georgia Milestones EOC Mid-month / Retest ACCESS for ELLs / ALT ACCESS for ELLs Georgia Milestones EOC Mid-month Georgia Milestones EOC Mid-month End of Pathway Assessments Georgia Milestones EOC Main Administration AP Exams

Note: Dates subject to change based on state updates or system needs.

For more information, please visit our Testing webpage.

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Report Card Dates, 2018 - 2019 2018 – 2019 Report cards are issued as follows, based on 180 days of school:  Elementary School: every nine weeks (about 45 days)  Middle school: every 18 weeks at the end of the semester (about 90 days), with progress reports issued at six and 12 weeks of each semester.  High School: every 18 weeks at the end of the semester (about 90 days), with progress reports issued close to six and 12 weeks of each semester.

Elementary School

Nine Weeks Period Progress Report, Day 21 Report Card (9 weeks), Day 44 Progress report, Day 68 Report Card (9 weeks), Day 88 Progress report, Day 110 Report Card (9 weeks), Day 133 Progress Report, Day 158 Report Card (9 weeks), Day 180

End Date August 29 October 2 November 14 December 19 February 6 March 13 April 24 May 24

Semester s Day 32 Progress Report, Progress Report, Day 61 End 1st Semester, Day 88 Progress Report, Day 117 Progress Report, Day 150 End 2nd Semester, Day 180

End Date September 14 November 2 December 19 February 15 April 12 May 24

Middle School

Date Report Issued August 31 October 15 November 16 January 9 February 8 March 18 April 26 May 24

Date Reports Issued 19 September November 7 January 9 February 20 April 17 May 29

High School Semester s Day 32 Progress Report, Progress Report, Day 61 End 1st Semester, Day 88 Progress Report, Day 117 Progress Report, Day 150 End 2nd Semester, Day 180

End Date September 14 November 2 December 19 February 15 April 12 May 24

Date Reports Issued 19 September November 7 January 9 February 20 April 17 May 29

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Special Dates SEPTEMBER 2018 National School Attendance Awareness Month 9 Grandparent’s Day 11 Patriot Day 17 Constitution Day 22 First Day of Autumn OCTOBER 2018 Down Syndrome Awareness Month National Physical Therapy Month National Principals Month 2 FTE Count 1-5 Georgia Pre-K Week 7-13 Fire Prevention Week 15 Georgia School Bus Driver Appreciation Day 15-19 National School Lunch Week 15-19 National School Bus Safety Week 16 National Boss’ Day 17 Health Tech Appreciation Day 23-31 Red Ribbon Week NOVEMBER 2018 Georgia Apply to College Month Parent Engagement Month 4 Daylight Saving Time Ends (fall back) 5 Custodian Appreciation Day 6 Election Day 11 Veterans Day 12 Veterans Day Observed 12-16 School Psychology Awareness Week 15 Thanksgiving lunch in schools DECEMBER 2018 13 Christmas lunch in schools 15 Bill of Rights Day 21 First Day of Winter JANUARY 2019 Gifted Education Month 23 100th Day of School FEBRUARY 2019 Black History Month Career, Technical & Agricultural Education Month American Heart Month Children’s Dental Health Month

FEBRUARY 2019, CONT. 2 Groundhog Day 4-8 School Counseling Week 11-15 National FCCLA Week 16-23 National FFA Week MARCH 2019 Exceptional Children’s Month Music in Our Schools Month Social Work Month Youth Art Month 1 NEA’s Read Across America 2 Teacher Recruiting Fair, VHS 3-9 National Social Workers Week 4-8 National School Breakfast Week 7 FTE Count 10 Daylight Saving Time Begins (spring forward) 12 Paraprofessional Appreciation Day 19 National Agriculture Day 20 First Day of Spring TBA School Board Member Appreciation Week APRIL 2019 Autism Awareness Month Month of the Military Child Occupational Therapy Awareness Month Month of the Young Child 6 Prom 7-13 National Library Week 7-13 National Volunteer Week 22 Earth Day 24 Administrative Professionals Day 26 National Arbor Day 26 Gifted Day MAY 2019 Better Hearing and Speech Month 6-10 Teacher Appreciation Week 6-10 School Nutrition Employee Appreciation Day 6-10 National Music Week 6-12 Children’s Book Week 7 National Teacher Day 7 Retirement Banquet 8 School Nurse Appreciation Day 13-17 National Police (SRO) Week 18 Armed Forces Day 24-25 Graduation

Graduation Graduation 2019 May 24 - 25, 2019

Georgia National Fairgrounds Miller-Murphy-Howard Building Perry, Georgia Friday, May 24, 2019 Northside High, 4:30 p.m.

Warner Robins High, 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 25 , 2019 Veterans High School, 8:30 a.m.

Perry High, 12:00 p.m.

Houston County High, 3:30 p.m.

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Accreditation In 2014 and 2009, the Houston County School System was granted District Accreditation by the AdvancED Accreditation Commission, the national commission that confers the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) accreditation seal. This means that the system and all 38 schools are accredited, recognizing Houston County across the nation as a quality school system.

The accreditation process involves three ongoing components: 1) meeting high quality standards; 2) implementing a continuous process of improvement; and 3) engaging in quality assurance through internal and external review. Accreditation is good for five years; regular monitoring of progress and reporting occurs during the five-year term.

District Accreditation provides Houston County a nationally-recognized mark of quality for our system overall, as well as all schools within our district. It demonstrates our commitment to excellence, our openness to external review and feedback, and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve. District Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school system on the primary goal of creating lifelong learners.

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School Times Primary and Elementary Schools All Primary and Elementary Schools: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Doors Open at 7:45 a.m.

Middle Schools All Middle Schools: 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p. m.

High Schools All High Schools: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Houston County Career Academy: 7:45 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.

Houston County Crossroads Center: 8:00 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

School Zones School zones are posted online. An interactive tool is available where one may enter an address to see the schools zoned for that specific address, as well as the distance to the school, two closest bus stops, bus number, school times and a printable map. This information is accessible from the HCBOE website Zoning and Transportation pages.

19

Enrollment History School

201819

201718

201617

201516

201415

201314

201213

201112

201011

200910

726

726

685

676

669

Bonaire Elementary

855

834

845

813

747

CB Watson Primary

530

537

545

596

582

Centerville Elementary

628

631

670

680

678

679

704

675

650

601

David Perdue Elementary

661

677

645

656

647

628

639

671

630

561

David Perdue Primary

757

751

766

743

686

690

722

739

719

721

Eagle Springs Elementary

772

825

825

769

768

785

779

800

779

849

Hilltop Elementary

695

660

635

653

624

640

625

601

626

591

Kings Chapel Elementary

544

544

497

504

481

510

498

504

502

484

Lake Joy Elementary

620

630

634

617

615

572

554

577

565

593

Lake Joy Primary

746

684

651

646

634

641

637

643

621

583

Langston Rd. Elementary

783

789

693

611

610

Lindsey Elementary

249

347

383

408

423

434

428

425

404

401

Linwood Elementary

0

0

0

0

0

507

485

459

507

444

Matt Arthur Elementary

792

778

759

705

717

810

799

743

666

683

Miller Elementary

533

563

580

583

571

572

545

554

543

527

Morningside Elementary

488

501

505

481

486

404

401

409

416

431

Northside Elementary

572

484

477

465

505

475

489

486

480

477

Parkwood Elementary

667

659

674

688

708

664

610

618

599

577

Pearl Stephens Elementary

446

443

429

421

395

418

380

344

357

375

Perry Primary

0

0

0

0

0

550

515

517

552

565

Quail Run Elementary

740

731

717

728

765

749

759

729

740

680

Russell Elementary

679

719

700

701

650

737

746

714

700

690

Shirley Hills Elementary

557

593

609

576

573

592

562

558

536

517

Tucker Elementary

499

454

461

470

451

373

356

380

384

396

Westside Elementary

545

525

583

562

577

572

559

493

471

477

14358 1,041

14359 952

14283 930

14076 1,010

13893 1,006

13728 1,012

13518 972

13324 916

13123 862

12892 849

Feagin Mill Middle

935

882

832

779

752

766

719

665

669

641

Huntington Middle

818

826

786

719

717

790

758

775

758

811

Mossy Creek Middle

734

732

689

701

667

690

660

687

683

670

Northside Middle

899

822

786

677

676

708

704

649

636

625

Perry Middle

864

872

856

859

853

854

851

849

794

772

Thomson Middle

779

750

766

794

791

835

812

831

820

848

Warner Robins Middle

835

810

757

782

769

801

784

759

742

753

52

59

58

6,456

6260

6183

6023

6027

TOTAL ES Bonaire Middle

HC Crossroads Middle

40

61

46

43

67

6,945

6,707

6,448

6,364

6,298

HC Crossroads High

97

112

93

117

116

122

139

113

HC Career Academy Houston County High

0 1905

0 1880

0 1859

0 1,791

44 1,710

47 1,712

75 1,717

76 1,766

92 1883

93 2302

Northside High

1827

1885

1840

1,807

1,780

1,752

1,755

1,724

1796

1956

Perry High

1367

1321

1338

1,321

1,243

1,257

1,243

1,184

1224

1238

Veterans High

1659

1651

1600

1,506

1,474

1,344

1,352

1,271

926

Warner Robins High

1612

1575

1542

1,548

1,588

1,652

1,690

1,785

1855

2166

TOTAL HS

8467

8424

8272

8090

7955

7764

7832

7928

7915

7868

TOTAL

29770

29490

29003

28530

28146

27948

27610

27435

27061

26787

TOTAL MS

0

Millage Rate The millage rate is the tax rate at which property is assessed in the county for the purpose of public education. The 2017 millage rate for the Houston County Board of Education (HCBOE) is in the lowest 10 percent in the state, ranked at 165 out of 180 school systems.

Based on the 2017 Tax, the Board approved a rate of 13.297 mills for Calendar Year 2018 Property Taxes. A “mill� is one-thousandth of a dollar. In Houston County, the taxable value is 40 percent of the assessed value, so a $100,000 home assessment would be taxed on $40,000.

The millage has only been raised one time in more than 10 years. The current rate is lower than the 2004 millage rate.

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Academic Performance, GMAS Georgia Milestones Assessment System Scores from the 2018 Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) were released by the Georgia Department of Education on July 27, 2018. Houston County’s students performed above or at the state average in all but one subject. Houston’s students improved over their 2017 scale scores in 13 of 24 content areas.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Scott said, “We are proud of our students’ performance on the Georgia Milestones and commend our teachers, administrators and parents. Our greatest improvement over last year was in high school physical science, up 11 points, and 8th grade social studies, an increase of five points. In comparison to the state, most notable are our high school math scores, with Algebra 1 outpacing the state by 14 points and Geometry above the state by 13 points. We will continue to work to deliver standards-based instruction, which is differentiated for individual students’ strengths and weaknesses.”

Students in grades 3-8 take Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EOG) Assessments. Students in grades 9-12 take Georgia Milestones End of Course (EOC) Assessments. GMAS results are used to calculate the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), Georgia’s accountability system. The Milestones tests are rigorous and aim to better prepare students for college and career and to provide a more realistic picture of academic progress.

GMAS measures student learning on four levels of achievement: 1. Beginning, 2. Developing, 3.

Proficient and 4. Distinguished. The achievement levels help teachers pinpoint where students are in relation to their peers across the state so that teachers may develop individualized strategies to help students continue to improve and be more successful.

On the EOG, Houston County’s students scored above or at the state average for levels 2-4 in all content areas at all grade levels. On the EOC tests, students scored above or at the state average in seven of eight subjects.

Parents received their child’s preliminary scores in May. This fall they will receive a detailed score report showing how their child’s performance compares to the system and state.

System and state scores follow.

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Academic Performance, GMAS, cont.

2018 EOG System and State

Grade

Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

System/ State System State System State System State System State System State System State

Reading

ELA

Math

Science

SS

Grade Level or Above 71% 68% 66% 63% 74% 70% 61% 61% 73% 71% 81% 73%

% at Levels 2, 3, 4 70% 67% 78% 73% 80% 76% 69% 69% 74% 71% 85% 79%

% at Levels 2, 3, 4 87% 83% 90% 84% 80% 75% 81% 77% 84% 77% 87%* 79%*

% at Levels 2, 3, 4 74% 69% 79%* 68%*

% at Levels 2, 3, 4 78% 76% 84% 77%

*Includes students who took Algebra I and Physical Science in 8th grade. These students take the appropriate End of Course Assessment in lieu of an End of Grade Assessment.

System/ State System State System/ State System State

2018 EOC System and State Am. Lit. 9th Gr. Lit. & Am. Lit. & 9th Gr. Reading Reading Composition Composition Grade Level or Above % at Levels 2, 3 and 4 82% 75% 85% 78%

Biology

75%

79%

75%

82%

80%

72%

Econ/Business/ Free Enterprise

Physical Science

U. S. History

Geometry

Algebra 1

82% 69%

86% 72%

79% 77%

% at Levels 2, 3 and 4 77% 80% 73% 76%

Georgia law requires a comprehensive summative assessment program in grades 3-12, with EOG assessments in English/language arts and math for grades 3-8 and EOG assessments in science and social studies for grades 5 and 8. EOC assessments are required in designated core subjects for grades 9-12: 9th grade Literature and Composition, American Literature and Composition, Algebra I or Coordinate Algebra, Geometry or Analytic Geometry, Biology, Physical Science, U.S. History and Economics.

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Academic Performance, GMAS, cont.

A description of the performance levels follows. 

Beginning Learners do not yet demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students need substantial academic support to be prepared for the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.



Developing Learners demonstrate partial proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified by Georgia’s content standards. The students need additional academic support to ensure success in the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.



Proficient Learners demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students are prepared for the next grade level or course and are on track for college and career readiness.



Distinguished Learners demonstrate advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards.

The students are well prepared for the next grade level or course and are well prepared for college and career readiness.

Georgia law requires a comprehensive summative assessment program in grades 3 - 12, to include End of Grade assessments in English/language arts, math, science and social studies for grades 3-8 and End of Course assessments in designated core subjects for grades 9 - 12. During the 2015-16 school year, science and social studies assessments were required in grades 3 – 8; those assessments were only required in grades five and eight as a result of Senate Bill 364 passed by the 2016 General Assembly and signed into law in May 2016.

Georgia Milestones results are used to calculate the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), Georgia’s accountability system. Milestones replaced the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) which was last given in 2013-2014. For more information, please visit the Georgia Milestones Assessment System website.

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Academic Performance, CCRPI College and Career Ready Performance Index Houston Outperforms State in CCRPI Scores Scores from the 2018 Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) were released by the Georgia Department of Education on July 27, 2018. Houston County’s students performed above or at the state average in all but one subject. Houston’s students improved over their 2017 scale scores in 13 of 24 content areas.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Scott said, “We are proud of our students’ performance on the Georgia Milestones and commend our teachers, administrators and parents. Our greatest improvement over last year was in high school physical science, up 11 points, and 8th grade social studies, an increase of five points. In comparison to the state, most notable are our high school math scores, with Algebra 1 outpacing the state by 14 points and Geometry above the state by 13 points. We will continue to work to deliver standards-based instruction, which is differentiated for individual students’ strengths and weaknesses.”

Students in grades 3-8 take Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EOG) Assessments. Students in grades 9-12 take Georgia Milestones End of Course (EOC) Assessments. GMAS results are used to calculate the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), Georgia’s accountability system. The Milestones tests are rigorous and aim to better prepare students for college and career and to provide a more realistic picture of academic progress.

GMAS measures student learning on four levels of achievement: 1. Beginning, 2. Developing, 3.

Proficient and 4. Distinguished. The achievement levels help teachers pinpoint where students are in relation to their peers across the state so that teachers may develop individualized strategies to help students continue to improve and be more successful.

On the EOG, Houston County’s students scored above or at the state average for levels 2-4 in all content areas at all grade levels. On the EOC tests, students scored above or at the state average in seven of eight subjects.

System and state scores follow.

2018 EOG System and State

Grade

Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5

System/ State System State System State System

Reading

ELA

Math

Science

SS

Grade Level or Above 71% 68% 66% 63% 74%

% at Levels 2, 3, 4 70% 67% 78% 73% 80%

% at Levels 2, 3, 4 87% 83% 90% 84% 80%

% at Levels 2, 3, 4 74%

% at Levels 2, 3, 4 78%

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Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

State System State System State System State

70% 61% 61% 73% 71% 81% 73%

76% 69% 69% 74% 71% 85% 79%

75% 81% 77% 84% 77% 87%* 79%*

69% 79%* 68%*

76% 84% 77%

*Includes students who took Algebra I and Physical Science in 8th grade. These students take the appropriate End of Course Assessment in lieu of an End of Grade Assessment.

System/ State System State System/ State System State

2018 EOC System and State Am. Lit. 9th Gr. Lit. & Am. Lit. & 9th Gr. Reading Reading Composition Composition Grade Level or Above % at Levels 2, 3 and 4 82% 75% 85% 78%

Biology

75%

79%

75%

82%

80%

72%

Econ/Business/ Free Enterprise

Physical Science

U. S. History

Geometry

Algebra 1

82% 69%

86% 72%

79% 77%

% at Levels 2, 3 and 4 77% 80% 73% 76%

A description of the four performance levels follows.

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Academic Performance, AP Advanced Placement Advanced Placement (AP) is an international program of college level courses and exams for secondary students. Participating students who earn a qualifying exam score may receive college credit at the same time they are earning high school credit. Each May students have the option to take an AP exam after completing college-level courses at their high school.

Houston County students are encouraged to enroll in AP classes for the rigor and challenge, have the opportunity to take college courses early with highly-trained Houston County teachers, and may take AP exams with the possibility of earning college credit. Each high school offers a variety of AP courses.

The College Board currently offers 38 AP courses. Houston County issued 2,145 AP exams in May 2018. Exams with a qualifying score of 3, 4, or 5 totaled 1,299, saving families tuition money estimated at $4,027,695.

Houston County students scored a mean score of 2.92, alongside of Georgia at 2.91. The district outperformed the U.S. mean of 2.87 and global average of 2.89.

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English For Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning: Dr. Eric Payne Director of Federal Programs: Ms. Dana Morris ESOL Program Goals

The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program goals are to help students obtain English language proficiency and to meet age and grade appropriate academic achievement standards for grade promotion and graduation.

This program assists students to succeed socially and academically in all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing).

The ESOL Program is federally mandated and was established to ensure equal access to the school system’s instructional program for those students who have limited English proficiency.

Program Description

Elementary students participate in mainstream classes and receive ESOL instruction based on each student’s proficiency level and grade level. Small group instruction is designed to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English.

Middle and high school students are scheduled into classes where they are provided extra language support. Some students in middle and high school grades also spend a portion of their school day in selfcontained intensive English classes or content-based ESOL. All students participate in mainstream electives. The scheduling of classes is based on the grade level and English language proficiency of the ESOL student.

Enrollment Procedures for English Learners

All students enrolling in Houston County schools are surveyed using a Home Language Survey to determine language background other than English. ESOL instructional support will be provided after the student qualifies according to the WIDA-ACCESS Placement Test (W-APT) or WIDA Screener. Eligible students are then assigned to a cluster site. English Learners are assessed annually on the state-adopted English proficiency measure (ACCESS) to determine continued eligibility. ACCESS=Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State).

More than 900 students are served.

Languages Represented Arabic Chinese Dutch Farsi French German Gujarati Hindi Haitian Creole Hebrew Italian Japanese Khmer Korean Lao Filipino, Tagalog Portuguese Russian Spanish Swedish Thai Turkish Vietnamese Other African Other Asian Other Indian Punjabi Romanian Ukrainian Urdu Arabic Chinese Dutch Farsi

(As of Nov. 2018)

If any question on the Home Language Survey is answered with a language other than English, students must be screened for possible ESOL services. ESOL instructional support will be provided after the student qualifies based on an English Language Proficiency Test.

Parents have the right to select ESOL program services, remove their child from the ESOL program upon request, or decline ESOL services.

Acronyms BICS: Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills CALP: Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency EL: English Learner LEP: Limited English Proficient PHLOTE: Primary Home Language Other Than English

Student Services Assistant Superintendent for Student Services: Dr. Zabrina Cannady Director of Student Services: Dr. Jenny McClintic The mission of Student Services is to eliminate barriers to student achievement.

We believe that student failure is not an option.

The Houston County School System provides a wealth of services for our students. The departmental goal is to assist school-based personnel with implementing instruction that will maximize student achievement for all students. The Student Services department partners with parents, students, community members and school personnel to meet the Georgia Department of Education criteria for exemplary school status in the areas of academics, attendance, dropout rate and graduation rate. This department encompasses several programs, which are listed below.

Special Education Department: The special education department includes 335 special education teachers, 40 speech language pathologists, and 290 special education paraprofessionals who support the efforts of approximately 3,624 students with disabilities as they strive for academic success. The department includes personnel that serve system-wide: program specialists, behavior and academic intervention teachers, transition specialist, special education technology, an audiologist, assistive technology, physical therapist, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants and a child find team. Itinerant services are offered in the areas of hearing impairment, visual impairment, autism and orthopedic impairment.

Psychology Department: The psychology department consists of 12 school psychologists who work to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally.

They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school and the community for all students. School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education, completing a minimum of a specialist-level degree program that includes a year-long supervised internship. This training emphasizes preparation in mental health and educational interventions, child development, curriculum/instruction, and assessment. School psychologists must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which they work. The National Association of School Psychologists sets ethical and training standards for practice and service delivery. For more information, contact Mrs. Monica Smith.

Health Related Services: Our System employs 8 nurses, 38 health technicians, 2 Occupational Therapist (OT) with 5 Certified OT Assistants, 1 Physical Therapist (PT) with 2 Certified PT Assistants and an Audiologist. We involve parents, students, and teachers in the development of appropriate health related accommodations and procedures. Specific individual health and safety plans are developed and implemented for students with medical conditions that impact attendance and learning. We partner with community agencies to bring programs and opportunities to our schools. For more information, contact our Coordinator for Health Related Services, Mrs. Dana Rollins, RN, MSN.

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Student Services, continued Social Services: The social services department consists of 8 school social workers. School social workers serve as a liaison between school, home, and the community in order to minimize and/or remove psychological, social and economic barriers to educational achievement. Ensuring that every child is present for school is the main focus of the social services department. Through innovative programs and initiatives, school social workers in collaboration with school staff are able to reduce truancy and provide students and parents with resources necessary to ensure a successful school year. For more information, contact Dr. Shirley Randall.

Counseling Department: The counseling department employs 59 school-based counselors. The school counseling program’s mission is to promote the academic, personal/social and career development of students to eliminate barriers to student achievement through the implementation of a school guidance curriculum that is organized, planned, sequential and flexible for all students.

In addition to the counseling department, our school system employs achievement specialists at each of the Title I high schools. Through the use of disaggregated data, our achievement specialists plan for program and activity development to design interventions and to close the achievement gap between specific groups of students and their peers.

School Nutrition Program: The Houston County School Nutrition Program consists of more than 300 employees, including food assistants, managers, area managers, dietitians and even a Chef. This program offers breakfast, lunch, after school snack and a summer feeding program. All schools offer a variety of nutritious menus each day. Meal prices are shown below.

Meal Prices Breakfast, Elementary Lunch, Elementary Breakfast, Middle and High Lunch, Middle and High

Reduced $.30 $.40 $.30 $.40

Paid $1.75 $2.50 $1.75 $2.75

Adult $2.00 $3.75 $2.00 $3.75

Guests $2.00 $3.75 $2.00 $3.75

All school nutrition employees are required to complete a 30-hour employee orientation course within their first year of employment. Employees must attend a six-hour, in-service training each year. Several other training opportunities are offered throughout the year for professional enrichment. Managers must complete 150 hours of coursework and be ServSafe certified.

In accordance with state law and local board of education policy, all kitchens are inspected by the Houston County Health Department. Our schools have an excellent record, with an average system wide score of above 99 percent.

As shown in the chart that follows, millions of meals are served to the students of Houston County each year. For more information, please contact the Director of School Nutrition, Meredith Potter, MBA, RD, LD.

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Student Services, continued

Annual Lunches Served Average Daily Student Lunches Served Annual Breakfasts Served Average Daily Student Breakfasts Served Annual Afterschool Snacks Served Average Daily Afterschool Snack Served Summer Meals Served May, June and July School Nutrition Workers

2017-2018 3,528,283 19,934 2,054,453 11,607 154,046 870 313,372 351

Facilities Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Business Operations: Stephen Thublin; Director of Facilities: Scott Hill Our 38 campuses have a total of 2,044 instructional units. The schools are located on 953 acres county wide. Auxiliary buildings such as the maintenance shop, stadium, warehouse and central office are located on another 76.5 acres. The average building age is 31 years, and the oldest facility is the central office which was built in 1925.

The Facilities Department oversees building, renovations and modifications, to include projects approved by voters through an education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST). As part of managing the facilities, this department handles all security alarms, video surveillance cameras and fire alarms covering more than four million square feet of buildings.

E-SPLOST The 2012-2017 E-SPLOST project improvements included: additional cameras; secured vestibules; updating older HVAC systems; improved lighting; replacing carpet with vinyl composition tile or, in gyms, with sports flooring; renovation of mechanical systems and fixtures; kitchens; and site upgrades such as additional parking and storm water allowance. A new stadium, Freedom Field, opened August 2016. A central Bus Facility, located on Bear Country Blvd. In Warner Robins, opened in 2017.

The citizens of Houston County approved a continuation of this E-SPLOST on March 1, 2016, and the 2017-2022 E-SPLOST began April 2017. Current projects include: upgrading security camera systems, fire alarm panels and access control; parking and drive upgrades; HVAC upgrades; Northside High auditorium renovation and classroom addition; and new competition gyms at four high schools.

For more information, please visit the Facilities Department webpage.

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Transportation Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Business Operations: Stephen Thublin Director of Transportation: Tom Walmer

Children transported Bus routes Total # Buses Route Buses / Used for spares & activities Daily School Bus Stops Bus Drivers Monitors Miles Driven Daily Area Covered Extracurricular trips

2017 - 2018 14,128 students transported twice daily 178 252 178 /74 7,096 198 69 11,394 Houston County, 379.8 square miles 4,412 trips

On average, each bus driver completes two routes twice a day, with most driving either a middle school or high school route and then an elementary school route.

Safety Record / Driver Training Our system has an outstanding safety record. All firsttime school bus drivers in Houston County successfully complete a minimum of 44 hours of training, to include 12 hours in a classroom, 8 hours of bus inspection and 24 hours of behind-the-wheel training. The behind-the-wheel training consists of 12 hours of driving without students and 12 hours of driving with students. In addition all drivers must pass the Commercial Driver’s License test and receive current, nationally recognized instruction in student management.

Bus Inspections In accordance with state law and the local Board of Education policy, all school buses are inspected annually by the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety prior to the beginning of each school year. Additionally, all school buses must be inspected every 30 days by the transportation department.

Fuel Diesel buses are fueled offsite using local fuel suppliers.

Propane buses are fueled onsite.

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District Map

33

School mascots and Colors Elementary Schools Bonaire Elementary C. B. Watson Primary Centerville Elementary David Perdue Elementary David Perdue Primary Eagle Springs Elementary Kings Chapel Elementary Hilltop Elementary Lake Joy Elementary Lake Joy Primary Langston Road Elementary Lindsey Elementary Matt Arthur Elementary Miller Elementary Morningside Elementary Northside Elementary Parkwood Elementary Pearl Stephens Elementary Quail Run Elementary Russell Elementary Shirley Hills Elementary Tucker Elementary Westside Elementary Middle Schools Bonaire Middle Feagin Mill Middle Huntington Middle Mossy Creek Northside Middle Perry Middle Thomson Middle Warner Robins Middle High Schools Houston County High Northside High Perry High Veterans High Warner Robins High Alternative School HC Crossroads Center

Wildcat Warrior Mustang Bulldog Panda Eagles Cougar Hawk Lion Lion Stallion Jet Knight Rockets Panther Falcon Blue Eagle Warrior Cub Patriot Mustang Tiger Wildcat

Red Red & Blue Royal Blue Red, Black & White Navy, Blue & White Royal Blue & Silver Green & Yellow Red and Black Black, Silver, Royal Blue Black, Silver, Royal Blue Red & Blue Blue & Gold Purple, Silver & Black Royal Blue & Orange Burgundy & Gold Silver & Teal Royal Blue & White Red & Blue Burgundy & Blue Red, White & Blue Green & Blue Blue & White Blue & Orange

Jaguar Wolf Hawk Gator Jets Panther Tiger Warrior

Purple, Black & White Black & Silver Red, Black, Gray & White Gold and Black Green, White & Gold Maroon & Gold Blue, White & Orange Orange, Black & White

Bear Eagle Panther Warhawks Demon

Black, Silver & White Blue, White & Orange Maroon & Gold Red, White & Blue Cardinal & White

Cougar

Black & Gold

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2018 – 2019 Teachers of the Year 2018-2019 Houston County Teacher of the Year Mr. Sam Said, Northside High School

2018-2019 Systemwide Finalists  Bonaire Middle ~ Kim Kolmetz  Centerville Elementary ~ Jennifer Pritchard  Lake Joy Elementary ~ Jessica Smith Warner Robins High ~ Libbet Turner 2018 - 2019 Houston County Teachers of the Year Bonaire Elementary............................................................................................................. Gina Suckow * Bonaire Middle.................................................................................................................. Kim Kolmetz C.B. Watson Primary....................................................................................................... Tami Karimoto * Centerville Elementary........................................................................................... Jennifer Pritchard * David Perdue Elementary............................................................................................... Leslie Turner David Perdue Primary........................................................................................................ Teresa Tuten * Eagle Springs Elementary................................................................................................ Angie Foster Feagin Mill Middle..................................................................................................... Georganne Waters Hilltop Elementary............................................................................................................ Dara Seamans Houston County Career Academy................................................................................ Cheronie Blunt Houston County Crossroads Center........................................................................ Shamika Jackson * Houston County High........................................................................................................ Melisa Hunt Huntington Middle............................................................................................................... Janice Clark Kings Chapel Elementary................................................................................................... Daniel Wood * Lake Joy Elementary........................................................................................................ Jessica Smith Lake Joy Primary................................................................................................................ Rachel Dozier Langston Road Elementary.............................................................................................. Kathy Conrad Lindsey Elementary............................................................................................................. Artia Shorter Matt Arthur Elementary..................................................................................................... Erin Gramley Miller Elementary................................................................................................................. Janet Morris Morningside Elementary........................................................................................................ Beth Wynn Mossy Creek Middle........................................................................................................ Lindsay Gentry * Northside Elementary................................................................................................. Adrienne Bickel * Northside High......................................................................................................................... Sam Said Northside Middle....................................................................................................... Tambra Singletary Parkwood Elementary...................................................................................................... Melissa Castle Pearl Stephens Elementary............................................................................................. Alice Gresham Perry High........................................................................................................................ Deidre Williams Perry Middle................................................................................................................... Jeremy Manning Quail Run Elementary......................................................................................................... Tina Jacques Russell Elementary.......................................................................................................... Jessica Fennell Shirley Hills Elementary......................................................................................Samantha Richardson * Thomson Middle.............................................................................................................. Erica Fleming Tucker Elementary............................................................................................................ Kaki Whiddon Veterans High.............................................................................................................. Jennifer Douglass * Warner Robins High....................................................................................................... Libbet Turner Warner Robins Middle.................................................................................................. Shenequia Jones Westside Elementary......................................................................................... Quishawna Henderson * Top 10 semi-finalist for Houston County Teacher of the Year

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2018–19 System Teacher of the Year

Mr. Sam Said Northside High School

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Employees of the Year, 2018 - 2019

Maintenance Employee of the Year Ben Carter

Custodian of the Year Darrien Williams, Houston County High School

School Nutrition Manager of the Year Josephine Durham, Huntington Middle School

Central Distribution Employee of the Year Jonathan Anderson Bus Driver of the Year David English Bus Monitor of the Year Greg McDonald

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Exemplary Awards

National Awards, 2017 – 2018  Eight schools won awards at the national FCCLA conference in STAR competitions, winning a total of 19 awards, to include 13 Gold medals. In addition, Warner Robins Middle was awarded the Middle School National Career Connection Award.  Tucker Elementary was named a Leader in Me Lighthouse School of Academic Distinction for gaining 18.6 points on the CCRPI.  Houston County High and Veterans High were ranked as two of the nation’s best high schools by U.S. News & World Reports.  Three students from Houston County High and Veterans High were named National Beta Scholars.  Nine Houston County Career Academy students earned national Latin Exam Awards.

Their home schools are: Northside, Veterans and Warner Robins.  A Houston County High student placed in the top 10 in two competitions held during the National Conference for Technology Student Association.  A Bonaire Middle student was one of 12 students across the U.S. to receive the Yes I Can! award from the Council for Exceptional Children.  A Houston County High student was elected as the FCCLA State Vice-President of Membership.  Huntington Middle Principal Dr. Gwendolyn Taylor was elected to the National Association of Secondary School Principals Board of Directors as the Middle-level At Large Officer.

Major State Awards, 2017 – 2018 STEM is emphasized in our curriculum, as evidenced by the STEM grants we receive, special activities we offer our students and parents, and the recognition received for STEM programs.  Three of our schools have earned STEM certification from the Georgia Department of Education. Most recently, Thomson Middle was STEM certified. Thomson is the first Title 1 middle school to be granted Whole School certification.  Northside Elementary and Mossy Creek Middle were named Georgia STEM Teams of the Year at the Georgia NASA STEM Conference.

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Exemplary Awards, continued

 In the Georgia Science & Engineering Fair, students from Bonaire Middle, Feagin Mill Middle and Perry High won 1st place and best-in-category awards. Two students from Veterans and Houston County High also qualified for the International Science and Engineering Fair.  In addition, all five of our high schools were named Advanced Placement Honor Schools by the Georgia Department of Education. Our schools are represented in five categories: AP STEM Schools, AP STEM Achievement Schools, AP Humanities Schools, AP Merit Schools and AP Access and Support Schools.  Seven of our elementary schools were named Title 1 Reward Schools by the Georgia Department of Education. For the 2nd consecutive year, Centerville and Quail Run were chosen for Highest Performance. Eagle Springs, Northside, Russell, Shirley Hills and Westside were chosen for Highest Progress.  Mossy Creek Middle and Northside High won 1st place in the Jimmy Carter Academic Quiz Bowl. Both schools have won this award at least three times.  Students won first to 3rd place awards at the State Beta Club Convention from four high schools – Houston County, Northside, Veterans and Warner Robins.  A Houston County High student won first place in the state Gateway Optimist International Club for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Communication Contest.

Our Board is very supportive of our Career Tech programs and student organizations. In fact, our district has more Ag educators than any other district in Georgia. Our schools are very competitive, with our students bringing home many state awards.  In FFA, two schools won state championships - Houston County High in Dairy Cattle and Veterans High in Jr. Meat Judging. In addition, a Northside High student earned the highest score on a plant test (Feb. 6, 2018)  Huntington Middle and Houston County High won seven 1st place awards at State FCCLA.  In FBLA, Perry Middle won 6 state awards, to include one in 1st place.  In SkillsUSA, a Houston County High student won 1st place in Graphic Communications.  In DECA, a Veterans High student won first place at state in the Business Speech category.

As home to Robins Air Force Base, our Air Force Jr. ROTC programs are an important part of our high school curriculum. Our instructors and cadets excel in many ways.  Warner Robins High Senior Aerospace Science Instructor Lt. Col. Michael Barrett was named the Georgia Association Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year

39

Exemplary Awards, continued

 Perry High School’s AFJROTC was one of 276 units world-wide to receive the Distinguished Unit Award.

Our Fine Arts programs have huge enrollments and active participation at the local, state and national levels.  Last year, two of our schools’ bands garnered regional, multi-state recognition when chosen over many applicants from several southeastern states. The Warner Robins High Band performed at the University of Alabama Honor Clinic and Feagin Mill Middle was chosen to perform at the Music For All Concert Festival, sponsored by Georgia State University.  Last year, 43 students were selected for All-State Chorus  Ten students were chosen for All-State Band  Students from Houston County High and Perry High won All State Art Symposium awards.  A Perry High student also won the grand prize in the 8th district 2018 Congressional Art Competition hosted by U.S. Congressman Austin Scott.

Our students also perform quite well in athletic competitions!  This past year, our district won two state championships in one day! Both our Sharks and Warner Robins High won State Basketball Championships!  All of our schools are active in Special Olympics. During the Georgia State Games, students from 7 schools won Gold medals in Bowling and Basketball  State championships in wrestling were awarded to Veterans High and Northside High.  A Veterans High student was named the state’s Positive Athlete for Swimming & Diving.  Track and Field State championships were won by two Houston County High juniors.  Director of Student Services Dr. Jenny McClintic was named the Outstanding New Special Education Director by the Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education.  Shirley Hills Elementary Principal Dr. Traci Jackson was named the Georgia Distinguished Principal for District 11 and runner-up for the state of Georgia.  I was honored to receive the Georgia School Superintendents Association President’s Award.

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Exemplary Awards, continued  Our Community Relations Department won nine Georgia school public relations awards, to include five Gold.  Human Resources Department was presented a Gold Award of Excellence by the Georgia Association of School Personnel Administrators.  Our School Nutrition Program won a USDA Best Practices State Award for Fiscal Management.  Our Business Department earned the “Award of Distinction for Excellent Financial Reporting” from the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts.  Our Board was named an Exemplary School Board for the third year by the Georgia School Boards Association.  In addition, our system is district accredited, meaning all 37 of our schools are also accredited.

We are proud that many of our students and staff serve at the state and national level.  Dr. Jesse Davis is the GAEL President Elect.  Dr. Zabrina Canady is the G-CASE President Elect  Dr. Ann Williams-Brown is the new president of the Georgia Science Supervisors Association  Dr. Amy Fouse was named the state coordinator for the National Council of Teachers of English REALM Program.  Miller Elementary ESOL teacher Ms. Kendra Castelow was elected President of Georgia Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages.  Three employees were chosen for offices on the Executive Committee of the Georgia Council for Exceptional Children – Ms Michelle Starley, Ms. Larissa Beecher and Dr. Damita James.

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Educational Web Sites

Houston County Board of Education, http://www.hcbe.net/ Includes HCBOE goals, school calendar, job openings, Board policy, zone maps, bus routes, Board meetings, facilities plans, school lunch program and links to system schools.

Georgia Department of Education, www.doe.k12.ga.us/ Includes the Georgia Public Education Report Card, education definitions, education acronyms, and information on the curriculum, Georgia public schools and the State Board of Education. View the AYP report.

Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, www.gaosa.org/ The OSA was established to address two major goals that affect all students: student achievement and school completion.

Georgia School Council Institute (GSCI), www.gsci.org/ The GSCI has several tools to include www.GeorgiaEducation.org, which provides student achievement data, school council training and resources, education news and links to education information resources.

Georgia School Boards Association, www.gsba.com Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, www.gpee.org Georgia Association of Educational Leaders, www.ciclt.net/gael/ Organization that provides unity of school leadership groups in Georgia American Association of School Administrators, www.aasa.org National Center for Education Statistics, nces.ed.gov/ National Association of Elementary Schools Principals, www.naesp.org/ National Association of Secondary School Principals, www.nassp.org/ National Education Association, www.nea.org/ U.S. Department of Education, www.ed.gov/ Education Writers Association, www.ewa.org/ Georgia Department of Human Resources View immunization requirements for children entering schools.

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Georgia Department of Education

Mr. Richard Woods, State Superintendent 2066 Twin Towers East, Atlanta, Georgia 30334 800-311-3627; state.superintendent@doe.k12.ga.us Deputy Superintendent for External Affairs Garry McGiboney: 404-657-2965; gmcgiboney@doe.k12.ga.us Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Dr. Caitlin McMunn Dooly: 404-656-2804; cdooley@doe.k12.ga.us Deputy Superintendent for School Improvement Stephanie S. Johnson: 404-651-7277; stjohnson@doe.k12.ga.us Deputy Superintendent for Finance and Business Operations Scott Austensen: 404-656-2492; saustens@doe.k12.ga.us Deputy Superintendent, Assessment and Accountability Dr. Melissa Fincher: 404-656-2668; mfincher@doe.k12.ga.us Chief Information Officer Bob Swiggum: 404-657-0810; rswiggum@doe.k12.ga.us AskDOE, State School Superintendent’s Helpdesk 800-311-3627; askdoe@gadoe.org

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Georgia Board of Education Members First Congressional District Mike Long 404-657-7410, FAX: 404-657-6978, mlong@doe.k12.ga.us Second Congressional District Mike Cheokas 404-657-7410, FAX: 404-657-6978, mcheokas@doe.k12.ga.us Third Congressional District Helen Odom Rice 404-657-7410, FAX: 404-657-6978, hrice@doe.k12.ga.us Fourth Congressional District Lisa Kinnemore, Vice Chair 404-657-7410, FAX: 404-657-6978, lkinnemore@doe.k12.ga.us Fifth Congressional District Kenneth Mason 404-652-7410, FAX: 404-657-6978; kmason@doe.k12.ga.us Sixth Congressional District Barbara Hampton, CPA 404-657-7410, FAX: 404-657-6978; bahampton@doe.k12.ga.us Seventh Congressional District Mike Royal 404-657-7410, FAX: 404-657-6978, mroyal@doe.k12.ga.us ** Eighth Congressional District Vann K. Parrott 404-657-7410, FAX: 404-657-6978, vparrott@doe.k12.ga.us Ninth Congressional District Kevin Boyd 404-657-7410, FAX: 404-657-6978, kevin.boyd@doe.k12.ga.us Tenth Congressional District Lee Anne Cowart 404-657-7410, FAX: 404-657-6978 Eleventh Congressional District Scott Johnson 404-657-7410, FAX: 404-657-6978, scjohnson@doe.k12.ga.us

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Georgia Board of Education Members (cont.)

Twelfth Congressional District Trey Allen 404-657-7410; FAX: 404-657-6978, James.Allen@doe.k12.ga.us Thirteenth Congressional District Vacant Fourteenth Congressional District Larry Winter 706-278-2834, FAX: 404-657-6978, lwinter@doe.k12.ga.us

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Education Acronymns

A AASA ACA ACE ACT ADA ADD ADHD AERA AFT ALA AP AP APEG ASBO ASCA ASCD ASL ASP ASFSA

American Association of School Administrators American Counseling Association American Council on Education American College Testing Americans with Disabilities Act Attention Deficit Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder American Educational Research Association American Federation of Teachers American Library Association Accommodation Plan (Section 504 Students) Advanced Placement Adequate Program for Education in Georgia Association of School Business Officials American School Counselor Association Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development American Sign Language After-School Program American School Food Service Association

B BD BEOG BIP BOE

Behavior Disorder Basic Education Opportunity Grant Behavior Intervention Plan Board of Education

C CACREP CAP CAP CBA CCGPS CCRPI CDA CNA COTA CP CRCT CRCT-M

Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs Central Auditory Processing Corrective Action Plan Curriculum Based Assessment Common Core Georgia Performance Standards College and Career Ready Performance Index Child Development Associate Child Nutrition Act Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Cerebral Palsy Criterion-Referenced Competency Test Criterion Referenced Competency Test – Modified

D

DFACS DOE DHR

Department of Family and Children Services Department of Education Department of Human Resources 46

DJJ DTAE

Department of Juvenile Justice Department of Technical and Adult Education

E EBD ECE EIP EL ELL EOCT ERIC ES ESEA ESOL ESSA ESY ETS

F

Emotional/Behavioral Disorder Early Childhood Education Early Intervention Program English Learner English Language Learner End-of-Course Test Education Resources Information Center Elementary School, Grades K-5 Elementary and Secondary Education Act English to Speakers of Other Languages Every Student Succeeds Act Extended School Year Educational Testing Service

FAPE FBA FBLA FCCLA FERPA FTE FRL FY

Free and Appropriate Public Education Functional Behavioral Analysis Future Business Leaders of America Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Full-time Equivalent Free and Reduced Lunch Fiscal Year

G GAA GACE GACES GACIS GACTE GaDOE GAE GAEA GAEL GAESP GAMEIS GAMSP GaPIE GAPT GAPSS GASBO GASCD GASP GASPA GASSP

Georgia Alternative Assessment Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators Georgia Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors Georgia Association of Colleges of Teacher Educators Georgia Department of Education Georgia Association of Educators Georgia Art Education Association Georgia Association of Educational Leaders Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals Georgia Association of Managers of Educational Information Systems Georgia Association of Middle School Principals Georgia Association of Partners in Education Georgia Association for Pupil Transportation Georgia Assessment of Performance on School Standards Georgia Association of School Business Officials Georgia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Georgia Association of School Psychologists Georgia Association of School Personnel Administrators Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals 47

GCSTME GCTM GED GELI GERA GERSC GFIE GHEA GHP GHSA GHSGT GHSWT G-KAP-R GIMS GKAP GLISI GMAS GMEA GMSA GPA GPB GPEE GPPF GPS GPEE GREAT GSAMS GSBA GSCA GSCI GSDC GSEI GSFC GSFSA GSP GSPRA GSSA GTAPP GTE GTEP GYSTC

H

H/H HEA HEIR HOA HOPE HOTS HS

Georgia Coalition for Science, Technology and Mathematics Education Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics General Education Development (Diploma) Georgia Early Learning Initiative Georgia Educational Research Association Governor’s Education Reform Student Commission Georgia Foundation for the Improvement of Education Georgia Home Education Association Governor’s Honors Program Georgia High School Association Georgia High School Graduation Test Georgia High School Writing Test Georgia Kindergarten Assessment Program – Revised Georgia Initiative in Math and Science Georgia Kindergarten Assessment Program Georgia’s Leadership Institute for School Improvement Georgia Milestones Assessment System Georgia Music Educators Association Georgia Middle School Association Grade Point Average Georgia Public Broadcasting Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education Georgia Public Policy Foundation Georgia Performance Standards Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education Gang Resistance Education and Training Georgia Statewide Academic and Medical System Georgia School Boards Association Georgia School Counselors Association Georgia School Council Institute Georgia Staff Development Council Georgia Superintendent Evaluation Instrument Georgia Student Finance Commission Georgia School Food Service Association Georgia Scholars Program Georgia School Public Relations Association Georgia School Superintendents Association Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program Gifted and Talented Education Georgia Teachers Evaluation Program Georgia Youth Science and Technology Center

Hospital/Homebound Higher Education Act Home Education Information Resource Hands On Atlanta Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally Higher Order Thinking Skills High School, Grades 9-12 48

I

IB IDEA IEE IEP INTASC IQ ISS ITBS IU

International Baccalaureate Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Independent Educational Evaluation Individualized Education Plan Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium Intelligence Quotient In-school Suspension Iowa Test of Basic Skills Instructional Unit

L LAPS LD LEA LEP LKES LRE

Leader Assessment on Performance Standards Learning Disability Local Education Agency Limited English Proficient Leader Keys Effectiveness System Least Restrictive Environment

M MDR MID MOD MS

Manifestation Determination Review Mildly Intellectually Disabled Moderately Intellectually Disabled Middle School, Grades 6-8

N NAEP NAES NAESP NASBE NASDC NASSP NBC NBCC NBPTS NCATE NCES NCLB NCTQ NEA NEGP NGA NGSP NIH NRT NSBA NSF NSPRA NTE

National Assessment of Educational Progress (National Report Card) National Alliance for Effective Schools National Association of Elementary School Principals National Association of State Boards of Education New American Schools Development Corporation National Association of Secondary School Principals National Board Certification National Board for Certified Counselors National Board of Professional Teaching Standards National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education National Center for Education Statistics No Child Left Behind Act National Council on Teacher Quality National Education Association National Education Goals Panel National Governor’s Association Next Generation Schools Project National Institutes of Health Norm-Referenced Test National School Boards Association National Science Foundation National School Public Relations Association National Teachers’ Examination 49

O

O.C.G.A. OCR OEA OERI OHI OI OSR OSS OT

Official Code of Georgia Office of Civil Rights Office of Education Accountability Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education Other Health Impaired Orthopedically Impaired Office of School Readiness Out-Of-School Suspension Occupational Therapy

P PAGE PBIS PDD PDP PDK PFP PID PLOP POI PPC Pre-K PSAT PSC PSO PT PTA PTO PTSA PTSO

Professional Association of Georgia Educators Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports Pervasive Developmental Disorder Professional Development Plan Phi Delta Kappa Pay for Performance Profoundly Intellectually Disabled Present Level of Performance Pyramid of Intervention Professional Practices Commission Pre-Kindergarten Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test Professional Standards Commission Postsecondary Options Program Physical Therapy Parent Teacher Association Parent Teacher Organization Parent Teacher Student Association Parent Teacher Student Organization

Q QBE QCC

R

RBOC REP RESA RTI RYDC

S

SACS SAT SAYRE SBOE

Quality Basic Education Quality Core Curriculum Regional Educational Service Agency Board of Control Regional Education Program Regional Educational Service Agency Response to Intervention Regional Youth Detention Center

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Scholastic Assessment Test Southeastern Association for Year-Round Education State Board of Education

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SDD SDRC SDU SEA SEBD SI SID SIS SLD SLP SLEP SLO SLP SMCP SOE SOP SPAI SREB SRC SRO SSS SST SSW STEM STW SYDC SWSS

Significant Developmental Delay State Data and Research Center Staff Development Unit State Education Agency Severe Emotional/Behavioral Disorder Speech Impaired Severely Intellectually Disabled Student Information System Specific Learning Disability Speech Language Pathologist Secondary Level English Proficiency Test Student Learning Objectives School Lunch Program System Media Contact Person School of Excellence Summary of Performance Speech Pathologist Assessment Instrument Southern Regional Education Board Southern Regional Council School Resource Officer Student Support Service Student Support Team School Social Worker Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics School-to-Work State Youth Development Campus Strategic Waivers School System

T TANF TAP TBI TCT TESOL TFA TIMSS TKES TOEFL TOTY TRSGA TSS

V

VI

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Test of Achievement and Proficiency Traumatic Brain Injury Teacher Certification Test Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages Teach for America Third International Math and Science Study Teacher Keys Effectiveness System Test of English as a Foreign Language Teachers of the Year Teachers Retirement System of Georgia Teacher Support Specialist Visually Impaired

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Education Definitions

A A Plus Education Reform Act of 2000 (H.B. 1187): Education legislation drafted

by Governor Roy Barnes that took effect in April 2000. The law lowered class sizes, developed an accountability framework with state criterion-referenced tests as the measurement system, created school councils and implemented early intervention programs.

Ability Grouping: A way to organize students of like abilities that allows them to remain together for a short period of time – part of the school day, a few days or a few weeks.

Accreditation: The process by which an organization sanctions teacher-education programs.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams: Tests administered by the College Board in various subjects such as European history, calculus and foreign language. High school students take these exams to receive college credit.

American College Testing (ACT) Assessment: National college admission examination that consists of tests in English, reading, mathematics and science reasoning.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal law passed in 1990 that prohibits the discrimination against any disabled individual. Applies to both employment and educational services.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD): A medical term used to describe students with severe inattention and impulsiveness. The disorder can be treated through medication, psychotherapy, behavior modification and training. The most common medications used are Ritalin, Dexedrine and Aderall.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A medical term used to describe students with inappropriate degrees of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsiveness. The disorder can be treated through medication, psychotherapy and behavior modification and training. The most common medications used are Ritalin, Dexedrine and Aderall.

B Behavior Disorder (BD): A term used in special education to describe students whose behavior interferes with their classroom performance. Such students have problems relating to other children and adults, exhibit inappropriate behaviors such as extreme anger, are severely depressed or have a tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears about personal and school problems.

Behavioral Correction Plan: Plan developed for a student with chronic disciplinary problems upon return from an expulsion or suspension.

Benchmarks: Examples of performances that serve as standards against which students’ achievement is scored.

Blue Ribbon Schools Program: A national program established by the U.S. Department of Education in 1982 to honor outstanding public and private schools across the country and share information on the best practices among schools.

Business/Education Partnerships: School-reform coalitions formed by private 52

businesses and schools or districts. Partnerships range from individual school partnerships to systemic school reform efforts.

C Carnegie Unit: One unit of credit awarded in grades 9 through 12 for a minimum of 150 hours of instruction during the regular school year or 120 hours of instruction during summer school.

Certificate of Performance: Certificate for students who do not pass the Georgia High School Graduation Test, but meet all other graduation requirements. Students who leave school with a certificate of performance may take the graduation test again as many times as necessary to qualify for a high school diploma.

College Board: Nonprofit organization that administers the SAT and AP programs.

Communities in Schools (CIS): A community-based organization that helps children succeed in school and prepare for life. Through partnerships with schools, public officials, businesses, parents and the community, the organization provides numerous services to prevent children from dropping out of school.

Community Partnerships: Connections between local organizations and schools to help address students’ needs and improve achievement.

Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT): Tests administered to Georgia students to evaluate students’ acquisition of skills and knowledge described in Georgia’s Quality Core Curriculum (QCC). In grades one through eight, tests are given in reading, math and language arts. In grades three through eight, tests are also given in science and social studies. Test scores will be used in considering the promotion of students in grades three, five and eight beginning with the 2003-2004 School Year. CRCT scores produce information on students, classrooms, schools, systems and state achievement in education.

E Early Intervention Programs (EIP): Programs provided from kindergarten through the fifth grade. These programs provide specialized instruction in smaller classes to students who are performing below grade level.

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA): Federal law passed in 1965 that focuses on children from high-poverty communities and students at risk of education failure. The Act authorizes Title I, Safe and Drug Free Schools and Title VII programs and was reauthorized in 2002 as No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD): Disorders characterized by consistently aggressive, impulsive or withdrawn behavior (i.e. schizophrenia). EBDs impair personal, social, academic and vocational skills.

End-of-Course Tests (EOCT): Assessments for high school students in core subjects to be determined by the Georgia Board of Education. The tests will measure students’ acquisition of skills and knowledge described in the Georgia Quality Core Curriculum.

English as a Second Language (ESOL): Most commonly includes immersion as well as support to individuals in their native languages. Classes are typically composed of students who speak many different languages, but are not fluent in English. They may attend classes for only a portion of every day to work strictly on English skills or attend for a full day and learn both academics and English.

Equalization Grants: State funding to provide additional assistance to the poorer school districts. Equalization funding aims to reduce the disparities as to how much can 53

be raised through local tax dollars between the wealthiest and poorest school districts in the state.

Exceptional Learners: Students with an IQ in the bottom (mentally challenged) or top (gifted) three percent of the population or who have other physical or mental differences that affect learning. All exceptional learners receive special education.

G Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE): Georgia's state-approved educator certification assessment program. The purpose of the assessments is to ensure that the knowledge and skills acquired by prospective Georgia educators are aligned with state and national standards for educator preparation and with state standards for the P–12 student curriculum.

Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT): Passage required by high school students to receive a high school diploma. Covers content in mathematics, language arts, science and social studies. Performance levels are reported at the pass and pass plus levels. A score of 500 is needed to pass each section of the Graduation Test. The pass plus scale scores are 538 or greater for English language arts and 535 or greater for math.

Georgia High School Writing Test (GHSWT): Administered to all 11th grade students. Students are asked to produce a response to a persuasive writing prompt.

Georgia Kindergarten Assessment Program-Revised (GKAP-R): A test administered to kindergarten students in Georgia to determine whether they are ready for first grade. Students are evaluated in the areas of literacy, mathematics and social/emotional development through one-on-one, small group and large group instructional settings throughout the year.

Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE): Founded in 1990 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Economic Developers Association, the Partnership consists of business, education, community and government leaders who share a vision of improved education. Working to be Georgia's foremost change agent in education, the non-profit, non-partisan organization takes lead roles in efforts to shape policy and reform education. The mission of the Partnership is to improve the academic achievement of Georgia students through research, advocacy and communication.

Georgia Schools of Excellence Program: Statewide program that works in conjunction with the Blue Ribbon Schools Program. The program recognizes outstanding Georgia public and private schools and nominates them for the national program.

Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (GTAPP): College coursework and supervised hands-on experience for individuals who hold college degrees and wish to teach in grades K-12, but who have not completed a traditional teacher preparation program.

Gifted: a student who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual and/or creative ability(ies), exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her ability(ies).

Gifted and Talented: Houston County elects to include students in the Gifted and Talented Education (GTE) classes who are not identified as gifted, but who demonstrate exceptional ability and motivation.

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H Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally (HOPE): Funded by the Georgia Lottery, the HOPE program provides qualified Georgia students with tuition assistance in diploma, certificate or degree programs at any public or private college, university or technical institution in the state. To qualify, students must earn a 3.0 GPA in high school, and they must maintain a 3.0 in college to keep the scholarship.

Highly Qualified Teacher: A teacher is considered Highly Qualified when he or she meets the requirements of (1) obtaining an academic minimum of a bachelor’s degree, (2) obtaining a full state certification or licensure, and (3) formally demonstrates a high level of competency in the subject taught.

I In-School Suspension (ISS): An alternative to Out-Of-School Suspension for less severe rule infractions. The goal of ISS is to remove students from interactions with their peers. Students are given specific assignments aimed at improving their achievement levels.

In-Service Workshop: Workshops attended by teachers on various topics pertaining to education.

Inclusion: Term used when special education or ESOL students receive educational services in a general education classroom setting. The students are included in the regular education program rather than being served in individual education classes.

Individualized Education Plan (IEP): A plan developed by a student’s parent and teachers that outlines the student’s program of study and the particular education services the child receives.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): A law passed in 1990 that requires public schools to provide a free and appropriate public education to disabled school-aged children ages three through 21.

Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS): Achievement tests given to students throughout the country. Scores usually are reported as percentiles, with scores in the 50th percentile being the national norm.

L Learning Disability (LD): A term used in special education to describe a disorder in one of the basic psychological processes. These students may have difficulty in listening, thinking, speaking, writing, spelling or doing mathematical calculations.

Limited-English-Proficient (LEP) Students: Students whose first language is other than English and who have not yet mastered English.

M Magnet School: A school with strong emphasis in a particular subject area (i.e. music, science, drama, math). Students may be selected through an application process instead of being assigned based on residence.

Mainstreaming: Moving a special education student from a special environment into the regular school environment.

N National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP): Often referred to as the National Report Card. National testing program administered by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Reading and mathematics tests are given to fourth, eighth, 55

and twelfth grade students nationwide. NAEP reports student performance as average scale scores and by achievement level. Average scale scores reflect the performance of test takers both as a whole and in groups (i.e. by gender, race, etc.). NAEP has three achievement levels: basic (partial mastery), proficient (solid academic performance) and advanced (superior academic performance).

National Board Certification (NBC): Rigorous program for classroom teachers administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards that includes performance-based assessments and peer review. The state and some local school systems reward National Board Certified teachers with additional pay. NBC takes approximately a year to complete and is the top national certification for educators.

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS): A nonprofit organization created in 1987 to advance education reform and establish high standards for teachers. NBPTS administers the National Board Certification program to assess and certify teachers in accordance with these standards.

Next Generation School Project (NGSP): An initiative of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education. It is a grassroots effort that encourages local communities to organize themselves to dramatically improve their local schools. For 10 years, schools receive annual grants to give them necessary resources for innovations. In 2002, schools began to receive grants to change the school calendar from the traditional 180 days to a more balanced calendar that features strong intercessions for remediation and enrichment activities.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act: Law passed in 2001 that emphasizes increased accountability for States, school systems and schools and creates greater choice for parents and students, particularly those attending low-performing schools. The law gives more flexibility for states and local education agencies in the use of federal education dollars, and a stronger emphasis on reading. The law requires all states to implement statewide accountability systems, and allows students attending persistently failing schools to use Title I funds for supplementary education services.

O Office of Student Achievement (OSA): Formerly known as the Office of Education Accountability (OEA), was established to improve student achievement and school completion in Georgia. The OSA will produce annual accountability report cards for K-12 public schools and post-secondary education institutions with the implementation of the reform.

P Per-pupil Expenditures: Money spent on each student in a given school district.

Because public schools are financed in part by local property taxes, there is a disparity in per-pupil expenditures across the state.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT): A practice test for students taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The PSAT is designed to help students identify academic strengths and weaknesses. Since 1997, state funds have paid for PSAT administration to all tenth grade students in Georgia’s public schools.

Professional Learning: A whole range of activities aimed at improving teaching by providing teachers with necessary skills training and information. Professional development activities range from formal courses and seminars to teacher mentoring and collaboration.

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Professional Standards Commission: The agency responsible for certifying teachers, school personnel and administrators in the State of Georgia.

Q Quality Basic Education (QBE) Act: The legal foundation for education in Georgia passed into law in 1986 with the goal of improving education. It provides the framework for such things as funding, educational programs and student and teacher assessments.

Quality Core Curriculum (QCC): The State of Georgia’s mandated minimum guidelines for the curriculum. Objectives are given at each grade level and must be taught. Local systems can add to QCC, but they cannot teach less than is mandated.

R Reconstitution: Process through which the state oversees a low performing school (school receiving Needs Improvement designation on a school report card for two or more consecutive years) and directs the duties of the school principal until school performance improves.

Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs): The primary provider of staff development in Georgia. Georgia’s 16 RESAs provide leadership development, strategic planning, school improvement planning and other services to teachers and local schools.

S Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): Standardized test taken by college-bound students to gain admission to College. The SAT tests students’ verbal and mathematical reasoning ability.

School Choice: Allows parents to enroll their children in the school of their choice.

Section 504: Federal law that prohibits discrimination against disabled students.

Social Promotion: Practice of allowing students who have failed to meet performance standards and academic requirements to pass on to the next grade with their peers instead of completing or satisfying the requirements. Social promotion ended in Georgia in the 2003-2004 school year for Grade 3, in 2004-2005 for Grade 5, and in 2005-2006 for Grade 8.

Special Education: Special instruction for mentally challenged or gifted students.

Special Instructional Assistance (SIA): A state funded program for kindergarten, first and second grade at-risk students. It provides additional funding to the regular instructional program to reduce class size, purchase additional teaching materials and involve parents in their children’s education.

Special Needs: A student who has disabilities or is at the risk of developing disabilities that may require special education services.

T TANF: Georgia Temporary Assistance for Needy Families - the monthly cash assistance program for poor families with children under age 18.

Title I: A federally funded program for K-12 at-risk students that provides additional help on the basic skills. Title I is the largest federal aid program for elementary and secondary schools. The program provides money to school systems based on the number of low-income families in each district.

Title II: A federally funded program that provides assistance to state and local educational agencies and institutions of higher education with teacher education programs. Title II funds programs to improve teaching and learning, reform teacher 57

preparation and certification standards and to develop better performance-based assessment and professional development strategies.

Title VI: Part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, including schools. Title VI prohibits the denial of equal access to education to students with limited proficiency in English.

Title VII: A federal program designed to improve the English proficiency of bilingual students.

Title IX: Law barring gender discrimination in education facilities that receive federal funds. Most Title IX cases filed against K-12 schools involve sex equity in athletic programs.

Tracking: The practice of dividing students into class size groups, which exist for the major part of the school day or year, based on the student’s perceived ability or prior achievement and then designing and delivering instruction to each group.

Transition Plan: Plan separate from the IEP that documents goals for a special education student to aid him or her in making the transition from school to work.

V Values Education: The process of providing opportunities for all students to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes about the following values specified by the Georgia Board of Education: citizenship, respect for others, and respect for self.

Voucher: A state allocation of money given to parents to allow their children to attend a school of the parent’s choice, either public or private. Georgia does not allow vouchers.

Z Zero Tolerance: Policies that mandate predetermined consequences or punishments for a specific offense regardless of the circumstances surrounding it.

Sources: Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education’s “Education-ary” and HCBOE Community & School Relations

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