Oconee County Schools Annual Report 2017-18

Annual Report 2017-18

Leading in Achievement and Financial Efficiency

Class of 2018 NOHS and OCHS

Opening Dove Creek Elementary School

Continuing to lead the state and region in achievement, climate, and financial excellence

Celebrating our graduates, their scholarships, and their post-secondary plans

Meeting the needs of our community by opening a new world-class school

From the Board of Education The Oconee County Board of Education is honored to serve the entire Oconee County Schools community. The primary objective and focus of the board is to ensure that a highquality education is offered to the students of our public education system. Ensuring student success is at the center of our mission.

Oconee County has for many years enjoyed and prospered from the benefits of an excellent school system. Recent citizen surveys show that the #1 reason people choose to live in Oconee County is because of the well-deserved reputation of our system. Over the past several years, the school district has consistently ranked as one of the very best in the state, with our two high schools in the top 2% nationwide.

The Board of Education has five primary responsibilities. In fulfilling these responsibilities, we diligently follow several basic principles to ensure a system that fosters a culture of inclusion, respect, and excellence: • Hire a superintendent with the proven and demonstrated ability to develop, lead, and maintain an educational system with both high standards and high expectations.

• Develop a culture and support a process to attract, hire, and retain the very best teachers, administrators, and staff. Success with this effort is at the heart of any exceptional school system.

• Be responsible stewards with the tax dollars that are entrusted to our care. The Board views the annual district budget as an investment plan with one simple objective: prudently apply the available financial resources in the most efficient and effective manner to ensure that a high-quality education is both available and delivered in each of our individual schools.

The consistent availability of this high-quality education at each school is a core belief and tenet of the Board.

• Reach consensus on complex policy issues – before acting. We believe that working together in this manner, with important input and information from the superintendent, ensures the best solution for our school system.

• Plan and set education policy direction for the entire district. Acting as a governing board, while not unnecessarily interfering in the day to day operations of the school system, is a careful balance that we are committed to achieving.

In the last few years, we have seen economic growth return to Oconee County, and with it the inevitable growth in the number of students in our system. The new Dove Creek Elementary School and the current expansion of Oconee County High School are just two visible impacts of this growth. If current projections hold, our school system is expected to grow to 8,967 students by 2022. It will require both sound planning and consensus choices to meet this challenge while maintaining the excellent school system we have all come to expect.

Sincerely, Tom Odom, Board Chair; Kim Argo, Board Vice Chair; Wayne Bagley, Post 5; Tim Burgess, Post 4; and Amy Parrish, Post 2

From the Superintendent

Welcome to another exciting school year in Oconee County Schools! As I enter my 7th year leading one of the premier school districts in our state and nation, I continue to be amazed at the talent of our students, the support of our parents and community, and the knowledge and care of our world-class teachers and staff. Oconee County Schools is indeed a special place!

As we enter the fall of 2018, OCS does so with the highest SAT, ACT, and graduation rates in our system’s history. Our student’s academic achievement has earned Oconee County Schools the distinction of being ranked as one of the elite educational institutions in Georgia and our Board of Education’s fiscal management made OCS the #1 system for financial efficiency in the state last year.

Oconee County is a special place and people want to be part of something special. With a student enrollment that has surpassed 8,000 young people, OCS is the fastest growing system in Northeast Georgia. This rapid growth has necessitated the opening of our 11th school, Dove Creek Elementary School, and a 20-classroom addition at Oconee County High School.

Yet, today’s educational experience is not limited to the four walls of a classroom. Thus, to ensure our students are prepared to succeed in today's digital and global world, we are also launching a one to one technology initiative this year in grades 5-8 with the remainder of the district to be added in the 2019-20 school year. Each student will receive a laptop computer to utilize at school and home to aide in their learning. This advancement will pair nicely with the learning management system that also launches this year – allowing students to interact with digital content and instructional materials regardless of time and location.

To our school community and everyone who calls Oconee County home, please accept my sincere thanks for your support of our schools. I know you join me in looking forward to another year of offering our students a world-class education with a small town feel! See you in our schools beginning August 1!

Sincerely, Dr. Jason L. Branch

Class of 2018 May 19, 2018

UGA Stegeman Coliseum

the class of 2018 was offered over $7 million in Scholarships (not including the hope or zell miller Scholarships) and accepted at the following colleges and universities: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Agnes Scott College American Musical and Dramatic Academy Appalachian State University Arizona State University Armstrong State University Athens Technical College Auburn University Augusta University Ave Maria University Bates College Belmont University Berry College Brenau University Brevard College Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Central Methodist University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University Coastal College of Georgia College of Charleston Columbia University Colorado College Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Columbus State University Cornell University Curry College Davidson College Duke University Eastern Carolina University Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Emmanuel College Emory University Florida State University Fordham University 3 OCS ANNUAL REPORT

Furman University Georgia College & State University Georgia Military College Georgia Southern University Georgia State University Georgia Tech Gordon State College Guilford College Gwinnett Technical College Hanover College Harvard University Howard University Huntingdon College Iowa Wesleyan University Ivy Tech Community College Kennesaw State University LaGrange College Lake Forest College Lanier Technical College Lewis and Clark College Lipscomb University Louisiana State University Mercer University Middle Tennessee State University Mississippi State University Northeastern University Northwest Florida State College Oglethorpe University Pace University Penn State University Piedmont College Point University Prescott College Princeton University Purdue University Reed College Reinhardt University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Savannah College of Art and Design Shepard University Shorter College Spelman College St. Vincent University Stetson University Stevenson University Stony Brook University Syracuse University Taylor University Texas Christian University Texas Wesleyan University The Ohio State University Thomas More College Troy University Tulane University United States Air Force Academy United States Marine Corp.

United States Naval Academy University of Alabama University of Alaska University of Arizona University of California University of Central Florida University of Cincinnati University of Colorado University of Connecticut University of Denver University of Evansville University of Florida University of Georgia University of Iowa University of Maine University of Miami University of Michigan University of Minnesota

University of Mississippi University of Missouri University of New England University of New Hampshire University of North Carolina University of North Georgia University of North Texas University of Oklahoma University of San Francisco University of South Alabama University of South Carolina University of South Florida University of Tampa University of Utah University of West Georgia University of Wisconsin Valdosta State University Vanderbilt University Virginia Commonwealth University Warren Wilson College Washington and Lee University Washington College Webster University West Point Military Academy Western Carolina University Whitman College Winthrop University Wofford College Wooster University Young Harris College

About Oconee County Schools Schools 11 Total 1 Primary 6 Elementary 2 Middle 2 High Students 8,018 Total Gifted - 21% Special Needs - 13% ESOL - 3% Native Languages - 32 White - 79% Asian/Pacific Islander - 6% Hispanic - 6% Black - 5% Multiracial - 3% Other - 1% Employees 981 Total Full Time 598 Teaching Certified 383 Support Staff Over 90% Retention Rate Budget Information 5/5 Financial Star Rating Operating Budget: $78,093,500 Local Revenue: $33,770,724 State Revenue: $39,781,999 Per Pupil Expenditures #1 Financial Efficiency in GA Oconee - $8,624 Clarke - $12,155 Oglethorpe - $9,655 Jackson - $9,163 Barrow - $8,737 Millage Rate One of the lowest in NE GA Oconee - 17.0 Clarke - 20.0 Jackson - 19.1 Oglethorpe - 18.9 Barrow - 18.5 4 OCS ANNUAL REPORT

Graduation Rate Highest in OCS History Oconee (2017) - 96% Georgia - 81% Dual Enrollment Courses 68% increase from 2017 1,114 courses taken by students SAT Achievement #2 in Georgia Oconee (2017) - 1151 Georgia - 1050 U.S. - 1060 ACT Achievement #2 in Georgia Oconee (2017) - 24 Georgia - 21.4 U.S. - 21 Post-Secondary Enrollment In Georgia Colleges and Universities 1,788 - University System of GA 422 - Technical College System of GA School Bus Miles 1,499,557 Total Miles Driven 7,983 route miles daily 1,420,974 total route miles 78,583 total field trip miles Meals Served 604,475 Total Meals Served 3,358 meals served daily 115,473 total breakfasts served 489,002 total lunches served

About Oconee County Schools

#1

A

4

Statewide Financial Efficiency

One of only four districts in GA to be ranked an "A" two years in a row

Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence

Top 2% High Schools Nationwide North Oconee High and Oconee County High as ranked by U.S. News and World Report

96% Graduation Rate Top tier of the state and nation #2 SAT and ACT Second highest averages in the state 4 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools High Shoals Elementary School Malcom Bridge Elementary School Rocky Branch Elementary School North Oconee High School - only HS in GA 2 STEM-Certified Schools Colham Ferry Elementary School Rocky Branch Elementary School National School of Character Rocky Branch Elementary School Governor's Highest Performing Schools High Shoals Elementary School (Bronze) Malcom Bridge Elementary School (Silver) Oconee County Elementary School (Silver) Oconee County High School (Gold) North Oconee High School (Gold) Governor's Greatest Gains Schools High Shoals Elementary School (Bronze) Malcom Bridge Elementary School (Gold) North Oconee High School (Platinum) Oconee County High School (Bronze) GreatSchools College Success Award Only system with winners in Northeast Georgia North Oconee High School Oconee County High School

Top 2% in Technology Nationwide Recognized for the innovative use of technology by the Center for Digital Education and the National School Boards Association Exemplary School Board Highest designation for school boards by the Georgia School Boards Association; less than 20% of school boards receive this prestigious honor Title I Highest Performing Reward District Top 4/181 public school districts in Georgia Title I Highest Performing School Oconee County Elementary School U.S. Presidential Scholars Highest national honor with only 161 named nationwide and a maximum of 3 per state North Oconee High School - Keaton Coletti Oconee County High School - Mina Yu 7 Georgia Scholars Prestigious designation from the Georgia Department of Education; OCS is the only system in Northeast Georgia to have students selected Advanced Placement Honor Schools Recognized for exceptional merit North Oconee High School Oconee County High School 5/5 School Climate Ratings Colham Ferry Elementary School High Shoals Elementary School Malcom Bridge Elementary School Oconee County Primary School Rocky Branch Elementary School Malcom Bridge Middle School Oconee County Middle School 5 OCS ANNUAL REPORT

Colham Ferry Elementary School 91.4 CCRPI 5/5 Positive School Climate 91.4/100 College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) Score - an "A" Overall performance higher than 91% of schools in the state Georgia Department of Education STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)Certified School Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) School Multiple club offerings Partnership with Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation

STEM Certified School

Oconee Area Resource Council Mentor Advocate of the Year WeatherSTEM Center This school is about community.

We honor our history and move forward with innovative teaching and learning practices - but it all comes back to relationships."

- Principal Tony McCullers

191 Colham Ferry Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677 | 706.769.7764 | www.oconeeschools.org/CFES

High Shoals Elementary School 91.6 CCRPI 5/5 Positive School Climate 91.6/100 CCRPI Score - an "A" Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Overall performance higher than 92% of schools in the state Governor's Office of Student Achievement Highest Performing and Greatest Gains School 100% teachers are gifted certified PBIS School

Blue Ribbon Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Lighthouse School School

Outdoor garden and classroom Focus on project-based learning

We have a tremendous group of adults who truly care about kids, and an incredible group of students who are high achieving, kind, and make a positive impact."

- Principal Mike Eddy

401 Hopping Rd., Bishop, GA 30621 | 706.310.1985 | www.oconeeschools.org/HSES

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Malcom Bridge Elementary School 97.8 CCRPI 5/5 Positive School Climate 97.8/100 CCRPI Score - an "A" Overall performance higher than 97% of schools in the state Environmental/sustainability theme with a specialized focus at each grade level Governor's Office of Student Achievement Highest Performing and Greatest Gains School PBIS School Multiple club offerings

Blue Ribbon STEM Lighthouse Certified School

Partnership with Malcom Bridge Middle School for STEM and Reading Buddies Aquaponics lab We share a high standard of excellence among our wonderful teachers and support staff, incredible students, and committed parents."

- Principal Jennifer Haygood

2600 Malcom Bridge Rd., Bogart, GA 30622 | 706.310.1998 | www.oconeeschools.org/MBES

Rocky Branch Elementary School 85.6 CCRPI 5/5 Positive School Climate 85.6/100 CCRPI Score National School of Character Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School Georgia Department of Education STEM-Certified School Common Sense Certified School Outdoor garden and classroom

Blue Ribbon National Lighthouse School of School Character

Focus on combining STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) with character-building Variety of extracurricular offerings We work together as a family to ensure our RBES Rockets are solving real-world problems in a nurturing learning environment."

- Principal Laura Mason

5250 Hog Mountain Rd., Bogart, GA 30622 | 706.769.3235 | www.oconeeschools.org/RBES

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Oconee County Primary School 100% STEM Gifted Certified Certified School

5/5 School Climate 5/5 Positive School Climate 100% of teachers are gifted-certified PBIS School Variety of club offerings Little Chief Ambassador/Leadership Program Makerspace/Lego Wall Partnership with Oconee County High School to provide mentors for students during Primary Partners and Little Chief Time

School garden 30 years of primary school excellence A partnership with the wonderful faculty, staff, and students makes OCPS such a nurturing and engaging learning community!"

- Principal Jennifer Whitaker

2290 Hog Mountain Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677 | 706.769.7941 | www.oconeeschools.org/OCPS

Oconee County Elementary School

Blue Ribbon Title I Lighthouse Reward School School

85.9 CCRPI 85.9/100 CCRPI Score Title I Highest Performing Reward School Governor's Office of Student Achievement Highest Performing School PBIS School Partnership with Oconee County High School for Reading Buddies and mentors Focus on celebrating all members of the school community and their diverse backgrounds

Variety of extracurricular activities and community activities Robust Family Engagement Center We truly embrace every child who walks in the building and celebrate the global diversity we have here."

- Principal Ashley Templeton

2320 Hog Mountain Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677 | 706.769.7991 | www.oconeeschools.org/OCES

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Malcom Bridge Middle School 93.3 CCRPI 93.3/100 CCRPI Score - an "A" Overall performance higher than 92% of schools in the state 5/5 Positive School Climate PBIS School National Beta School of Merit Partnership with Malcom Bridge Elementary School for STEM and Reading Buddies Focus on project-based learning and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)

5/5 STEM Positive Certified School School Climate

Robust extracurricular offerings Comprehensive club opportunities Because service is part of our students' educational experience, the idea of service is something students take with them to consistently make an impact here in Oconee County and beyond."

- Principal Meri Blackburn

2500 Malcom Bridge Rd., Bogart, GA 30622 | 706.310.1992 | www.oconeeschools.org/MBMS

Oconee County Middle School 84.3 CCRPI 84.3/100 CCRPI Score 5/5 Positive School Climate Project-based learning and STEM integrated throughout the school PBIS School Outdoor garden Over $8,000 awarded in Walton EMC grants for hands-on instructional resources

Blue5/5 Ribbon Positive Lighthouse School School Climate

Robust extracurricular offerings Comprehensive club opportunities What we do here makes a difference. We prepare our students to be successful in high school, post-graduation, and to be citizens who give back to Oconee County."

- Principal Keith Carter

1101 Mars Hill Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677 | 706.769.3575 | www.oconeeschools.org/OCMS

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North Oconee High School

Blue Ribbon STEM Lighthouse Certified School

100.6 CCRPI 100.6/100 CCRPI Score - an "A" 96% Graduation Rate Top 2% High Schools nationwide (U.S. News and World Report) Advanced Placement Honor School with over 20 AP courses offered Over 40 extracurricular activities offered in areas such as academics, career, and service Comprehensive athletics program

Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Robust dual enrollment opportunities NOHS graduates are at the very top at elite Ivy League and state institutions. I feel very confident in the direction of our nation with graduates such as these being the next generation of leaders."

- Principal Philip Brown

1081 Rocky Branch Rd., Bogart, GA 30622 | 706.769.7760 | www.oconeeschools.org/NOHS

Oconee County High School 93.2 CCRPI 93.2/100 CCRPI Score - an "A" 96% Graduation Rate Top 2% High Schools nationwide (U.S. News and World Report) Advanced Placement Honor School with over 20 AP courses offered Over 40 extracurricular activities offered in areas such as academics, career, and service Comprehensive athletics program

Blue Ribbon Top 2% Lighthouse High Schools School Nationwide

State and national CTAE achievement Robust dual enrollment opportunities We offer a multitude of academic and extracurricular opportunities at OCHS, and our teachers do an incredible job helping students pursue their passions."

- Principal Ben Wiggins

2721 Hog Mountain Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677 | 706.769.6655 | www.oconeeschools.org/OCHS

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Teachers of the Year Rachel Aaron - CFES

Sharon Golden - HSES

Jill Wayne - MBES

Rachael Hadden - OCES

Charlotte Chromiak - OCPS

Mimi Gaines - RBES

Crystal Melton - MBMS

Tabitha Register - OCMS

Sandra Nash - NOHS

Katie Williams - OCHS

STEM Certified School

Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School

All children want to be loved for who they are; I do my very best to let my students know that they are wonderful just as they are. My job is only to help them polish up because they are all unique gemstones."

Sandra Nash North Oconee High School District Teacher of the Year 2017-18

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Opening Dove Creek Elementary School

Working together with our incredible faculty, staff, students, and parents, DCES will have a culture of high expectations in an incredibly caring and nurturing learning environment."

- Principal Susan Stancil

7921 Hog Mountain Rd., Statham, GA 30666 | 706.310.2019 | www.oconeeschools.org/DCES

High School Facilities Update Oconee County High School 20 Classroom Addition

Oconee County High School Turf and Track

North Oconee High School Turf and Track

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New For 2018-19 School Year 1:1 in Grades 5-8 All students in grades 5-8 will be provided with a Chromebook that they will take home each day. In the 2019-20 school year, the remainder of the school system will be added. View www.oconeeschools.org/digitalvideo for more information!

itslearning In one centralized location, parents and students will be able to access curriculum information, study materials, grades, teacher communication, and more! Students will be able to collaborate, as well as study at their own pace, through this learning management system.

Numeric-only report cards in Grades 4-12 Based on unanimous teacher feedback at the 4th and 5th grade levels, OCS will issue numeric-based report cards to all students in grades 4-12 this school year. Previously, students in grades 4 and 5 received a blended report card with numeric and standards-based reporting. Students in grades K-3 will continue to receive standards-based report cards.

Retiring Educators

Thank you to our retirees for their lasting impacts on the lives of our community's children!

Name Diane Bridges Frankie Broussard Rita Bryant Lindsey Coker Susan Crawford Susan Dodge Kathleen Foster John Gauld David Gibbs Susan Griffeth Stanley Grimes Diana Hendry James Jomes Cyndi Layton Tammy Marlowe Chris McDonald Patricia Pizarek Nyles Porterfield Lynn Renna Sally Robinson Beverly Thaxton James Thomason Brad Tillery MaryLane Todd Susan Usry Gail Venable Joan Williams

Position Paraprofessional Counselor Teacher Maintenance Staff Teacher Teacher Teacher Teacher Teacher School Nutrition Manager Teacher Speech Language Pathologist Bus Driver Bookkeeper Teacher Teacher School Clerk Bus Driver Teacher Paraprofessional Teacher Teacher Teacher Media Specialist Director School Nutrition Assistant Technology Specialist

Location CFES OCPS CFES Operations OCPS CFES CFES NOHS OCHS RBES OCHS HSES Transportation MBMS MBMS OCPS RBES Transportation CFES HSES OCMS MBMS NOHS OCHS Teaching and Learning OCES Technology

Years of Service 23 16 26 22 24 11 18 16 4 29 34 22 11 22 22 19 18 14 19 13 18 26 14 24 2 11 18

496 years of combined service!

Alumni Association The Oconee County High Schools Alumni Association (OCHSAA) hosts the Teacher of the Year program, awards educational grants, holds a multi-year class reunion (photographs below), and much more!

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Connecting Education to Industry Career, Technical, and Agriculture Education (CTAE)

Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) prepares students to be college and career-ready. Through CTAE, OCS offers Work-Based Learning, which provides students with real-world experiences through internships and apprenticeships.

2017-18 Work-Based Learning Employers of the Year Studio.bna Architects and Greg Ware, DMD Family Dentistry

CTAE Programs and Associated Student Organizations Agriculture - FFA Business and Entrepreneurship - FBLA Computer Science - FBLA Early Childhood Education - FCCLA Engineering - TSA Finance - FBLA Graphic Design - SkillsUSA Health Science - HOSA Marketing - DECA

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63% of jobs require post-secondary education or training 1,481 students enrolled in CTAE courses 111 students participated in WorkBased Learning 80 employers participated in WorkBased Learning

Community Partnerships We are fortunate to have numerous business, higher education, government, and non-profit partners. All are so appreciated!

First Responders (EMS, Oconee County Emergency Management Agency, Oconee County Fire and Rescue, Oconee County Sheriff's Office, and the Watkinsville Police Department) contribute in numerous ways to keep our community safe, including directing traffic at schools.

Oconee County Chamber of Commerce supports the Teacher of the Year Program, provides $10,000 annually in grants to teachers, and more!

Oconee Area Resource Council administers Food for Kids and the Oconee County Mentor Program.

Farmers Insurance provides monthly support to schools for a variety of staff and student incentives totaling $3,000.

Walton EMC awarded over $50,000 in classroom grants during the 2017-18 school year.

St. Mary's Healthcare System supports employee wellness with free gym memberships.

Together, Oconee County Parks and Recreation and the YWCO host afterschool programs on-site at all OCS elementary schools.

Zaxby's provides over $8,000 annually to support employee appreciation by providing a meal for each of Oconee County's employees.

Oconee County Library System receives $25,000 annually from OCS to aid in purchasing special items and providing programming.

Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) provides art and cultural activities in a space donated by OCS. Extra Special People (ESP) utilizes two donated portables for its outstanding programs. OCS provides transportation to ESP afternoon programs.

The University of Georgia and the University of North Georgia (Oconee) contribute in numerous and meaningful ways through OCS. And more! Local banks and credit unions, Benson's Hospitality Group, Heyward-Allen, SpringHill Suites, and many more contribute to the success of Oconee County Schools - and indeed all of Oconee County. Thank you to our partners!