Friday, January 11, 2013
Block scheduling has been in place since 1999, officials said.
The Clarke County School Board on Thursday voted to end block scheduling for the system's high schools. Instead of taking four 90-minute classes a day, students will now take five 70-minute classes each day. The new system will result in more course contact hours, "allowing more depth and breath of course content and coverage," Superintendent Philip Lanoue told the board. Research has shown students have greater focus with fewer courses and less time in each course. "It's a better model for our students," he said. Students will take seven courses a year. Years ago, the Board of Education jettisoned the schedule of six periods for the block system, under which courses lasted for only one semester. At the time, school systems around the …
Thursday, July 19, 2012
The public schools in Athens, Ga., scored significantly lower than surrounding districts.
If the Clarke County School District were a student, it would be grounded for its poor performance on the End of Course Tests taken last spring. Or maybe start seeing a tutor. The Georgia Department of Education has released those scores for all the school districts in the state. And, according to a story in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Clarke County made three C's, two B's, a D and an F on the applicable tests. The results for individual schools will be released before students return to school in August. The tests now represent 20 percent of a student's final grade. In Georgia, school districts overall did better in U.S. history, economics, biology, physical science, ninth-grade literature, American literature and Mathematics I. …
Sunday, May 20, 2012
High school student from Athens, GA received an all-expense paid scholarship to attend the Bezos Scholars Program at the Aspen Institute.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
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Sunday, May 20, 2012
Clarke Central High School junior, Dory MacMillan, has received an all-expense paid scholarship to attend the Bezos Scholars Program at the Aspen Institute. MacMillan selected Clarke Central English Department Chair Ian Altman as the educator scholar to attend, and they will focus on issues related to undocumented students. “Dory is a student that excels not only academically, but is truly a community-conscious individual who is already making a difference here in Athens,” said Superintendent Philip D. Lanoue. “I commend her and Mr. Altman for being tapped to attend this prestigious program, where they will be able to further gain ideas on how to make a difference locally and globally.” The Bezos Scholars Program brings together 12 of the …
Monday, April 30, 2012
An Essay from the Teaching Georgia Writing Collective in Athens, Ga.
- OPINION
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Monday, April 30, 2012
The end of the CRCT marks the time of the school year that teachers look forward to most. It’s the time when teachers have more freedom and flexibility to teach in student-centered, inquiry-based, and curiosity-driven ways. It’s the time of the year when tensions subside and mandates are over. Well, at least that’s what we used to look forward to. However, this year after the CRCT is over there is a new district mandate in Clarke County to which third and fifth grade teachers must adhere. It's called the “Blitz.” Third and fifth grade teachers across the district have been asked to compile a list of students “projected to fail” the CRCT. Teachers were forced to use previous standardized assessments to determine this list of students. And…
Friday, April 20, 2012
This is a letter from ABH Columnist Myra Blackmon to Clarke County Schools Superintendent Phil Lanoue.
- OPINION
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Friday, April 20, 2012
To: Dr. Philip D. Lanoue, Superintendent Clarke County School Board From: Myra Blackmon Re: Alternatives to Proposed Budget Cuts Date: April 19, 2012 When I set out to gather ideas and opinions about the proposed 2012‐13 district budget, I never imagined the kind of response I would get. I posted a request for input on the Timothy Road Elementary List Serve on Wednesday, April 18. People have subsequently posted it to other PTA lists and forwarded to friends and others in the community. I have talked with about 30 people, and had email exchanges with at least 15 more. And we’re just getting started. Most of the ideas here have been generated in the last few days. I anticipate there will be many more. I have even created a …
Friday, April 13, 2012
A search will soon commence for principal of Whit Davis Elementary in Athens, Ga.
- SCHOOLS
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Friday, April 13, 2012
The Clarke County Board of Education has appointed Katrina Daniel the principal of Gaines Elementary School for the 2012-13 school year. She is currently the principal at Whit Davis Elementary, where she has been since 2006. “I look forward to serving as principal of Gaines Elementary School next year and building strong partnerships with the school community,” said Daniel. “I have gained much from my relationships and experiences at Whit Davis, and look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead at Gaines.” Whit Davis has made Adequate Yearly Progress since 2009, and the school received a Platinum Award for greatest gains in student achievement from the Governor’s Office of Academic Achievement, said Superintendent Philip Lanoue…
Friday, April 6, 2012
Money comes from the Eugene Odum Grants.
- SCHOOLS
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Friday, April 6, 2012
A waste reduction program. Window terrariums. Planting and seeding an organic garden and a nature preserve. Compost bins. A group of environmental crusaders. These projects and programs all received $200 Eugene Odum Environmental Grants. They will help students learn important environmental lessons and improve the general health of Athens schools. Winners include Whit Davis, Athens Montessori, Clarke Central, Clarke Middle and Fowler Drive. This is the 19th year the grants have been presented as a way to encourage young people to learn through hands-on activities. Since 1994, 41 schools have received about $20,400 through the Odum Grants program. This year's winning schools and the teachers who submitted proposals will be recognized at …
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Foundation for Excellence in Public Education recognized nine exceptional teachers in the district with monetary awards.
The Foundation For Excellence in Public Education has recognized nine educators in the Clarke County School District for their exceptional teaching, leadership and community service. The FFE is a privately funded volunteer organization and teachers are nominated for these awards by parents, community members and co-workers each spring. A selection committee reviews the nominations over the summer to select the recipients. “It was a joy for the Foundation for Excellence trustees to make the award presentations to the teachers,” said Sherry Moore Malone, president of the FFE in a media release. “The Foundation is privileged to honor so many outstanding individuals and appreciates the community’s support in making this possible.” The awards …
Monday, July 25, 2011
A report from the Georgia Department of Education shows Eight Clarke County Schools fail to show progress under the No Child Left Behind law, but still reveals academic gains district-wide.
Eight Clarke County Schools fell short of state and federal academic standards under the No Child Left Behind Law this year, according to a report released last week by the state Board of Education. The report measures whether schools across the state were able to meet Adequate Yearly Progress, which is made up of student's performance on standardized tests in math and reading. Schools must also maintain high student participation on tests and keep attendance and graduation rates up to make AYP. This summer's report doesn't count students' scores on retests. Several Clarke County schools may eventually meet AYP standards once the retests are factored into each school's overall performance later this fall. Last year, 13 schools made AYP …
Friday, June 10, 2011
Local revenues alleviate funding decrease from the state.
The hole left by a $4 million decrease in state funding for the FY 2012 budget was patched by an increase in local revenue, said Superintendant Philip Lanoue at the Clarke County School Board meeting Thursday. Associate superintendent Ted Gilbert said the decrease in state funding was "fairly significant." However, due to the increase in local revenue, the FY 2012 budget was approved by the members of the school board. "It's comforting to know we're right on track," he said. Lanoue said the board should continue to make efforts to save money wherever possible. Also approved at the meeting was a continuation of the 20 mills millage rate on property to maintain the school system. The meeting began with a slew of awards, including accolades …
Rebecca McCarthy
9:41 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
They don't go to every class every day. One class may meet three times one week and two times the next week. more ›