Georgia schools of excellence, 2000

Recognition Programs Georgia Department of Education
Atlanta, Georgia 30334 April 2000
COST QUANTITY

Excellence

2000 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Linda C. Schrenko State Superintendent of Schools Georgia Department of Education

Excellence

Forward
The prestige and the popularity of the Georgia Schools of Excellence (SOE) Program have grown steadily since its beginning in 1984. This program identifies and honors successful public schools throughout the state. It is not a ranking of the schools in Georgia, but an attempt to recognize outstanding programs from all of the state's congressional districts.
Each local school district is invited to nominate one elementary, one middle or junior high, and one high school to the program. It is possible for 33 schools to be named Georgia Schools of Excellence each year: one elementary, one middle or junior high, and one high school from each of Georgia's eleven congressional districts. This year nineteen schools are being recognized as 2000 Georgia Schools of Excellence.
The Georgia Schools of Excellence Program focuses on school self-assessment in the following areas: (1) Student Focus and Support; (2) School Organization and Culture; (3) Challenging Standards and Curriculum; (4) Active Teaching and Learning; (5) Professional Community; (6) Leadership and Education Vitality; (7) School, Family, and Community Partnerships; and (8) Indicators of Success.
This year the review and selection process was more rigorous than in previous years. Several changes were made that helped strengthen the program. These changes were: a review panel of highly qualified educators met in Atlanta in October; reviewers participated in a training session in order to ensure a higher degree of quality and consistency in rating applications; each school's application was read and evaluated by four different individuals who signed assurances indicating that they had no connections with the school; SOE finalists were evaluated against available performance data that indicated whether significant improvement had been made; and site visits were made to all SOE finalists.

Excellence

Linda C. Schrenko
A Message from the State Superintendent of School
With education reform on the minds of every parent, child, and educator in Georgia, communities are seeking innovative ways to improve their local school systems. One needs to look no further for a model to follow than the standards of innovation and achievement provided by the 2000 Georgia Public Schools of Excellence.
The varieties of school improvement strategies used by these 19 schools are as abundant as they are inspiring. Many of the Schools of Excellence find unique strategies that fit the specific needs of their students and staff, while others share common instructional methods or philosophies to reach their goals of improvement.
Whatever means they chose to get the job done, all of Georgia's 2000 Schools of Excellence share one indispensable trait: the willingness to bring together the entire school, parents and guardians, and much of the community to roll up their sleeves and do what is best for their student body.
Throughout this booklet, you will see example after example of school profiles that illustrate the strong arm of this program: community-based effort. The School of Excellence Program recognizes the best of the best in Georgia. To reach such a high status, the schools must have 100 percent commitment from all faculty, administrators, and students to ensure that the learning experience is everything it can possibly be.
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Federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964); sex (Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1990); or disability (Section 504 of the RehabilitationAct of 1973 and The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) in educational programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.
Employees, students, and the general public are hereby notified that the Georgia Department of Education does not discriminate in any educational programs or activities or in employment policies.
The following individuals have been designated as the employees responsible for coordinating the department's effort to implement this nondiscriminatory policy.
Perkins Act--Jimmy Hogg, Vocational Equity Coordinator (404) 657-8317 Title VI--Betsy Howerton, Legal Services (404) 656-4689 Title IX--Betsy Howerton, Legal Services (404) 656-4689 Section 504 and ADA--Betsy Howerton, Legal Services (404) 656-4689
Inquiries concerning the application of the Perkins Act, Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504 and ADA to the policies and practices of the department may be addressed to the Georgia Department of Education, Twin Towers East, Atlanta 30334, (404) 656-2800; to the Regional Office for Civil Rights, Atlanta 30323; or to the Director, Office for Civil Rights, Education Department, Washington, D.C. 20201.
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Each year, the prestige of the Schools of Excellence Program grows, and so does the anticipation and excitement leading up to the awards recognition banquet. This recognition event is special because all the persons who worked so hard behind the scenes to see their school succeed--parents, local businesses, and community members--will be in attendance to witness the public acclaim their efforts have helped to bring to their schools.
I want to sincerely thank the students of this year's Schools of Excellence. They have worked hard in the classroom to make sure they, along with their teachers and administrators, succeed in raising their school to a higher level. Without the efforts of the students and their teachers, there would be no Schools of Excellence today.
As is the case with each of our 19 Schools of Excellence, a program as large in scope as the state's Schools of Excellence Program requires the efforts of many people to succeed. We would not be able to honor these deserving schools without the assistance so generously offered by our corporate sponsors. These companies understand the importance of supporting education, and we are pleased and grateful they are eager to help us honor Georgia's schools.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you who are attending the Schools of Excellence Banquet, as well as those who could not be here tonight but still made contributions to this prestigious program.
Georgia's School of Excellence Program brings together the community and school to provide the best possible education for its students. Being selected as a Georgia School of Excellence is one of the highest honors our public schools can receive. These schools chose to make a difference. Students, teachers, and administrators, along with those in the community, pulled together to achieve the goals of the Schools of Excellence Program. This year's standards were much more rigorous than in previous year, but thanks to you and your efforts, the future promises to be as bright as the faces of every child involved with the 2000 Georgia Schools of Excellence Program.
Thank you and congratulations.

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3

2000 Georgia Schools of Excellence

District

Elementary Schools

Page

4 Evansdale Elementary, DeKalb County ................................ 6 5 Warren T. Jackson Elementary, Atlanta City ...................... 8 6 Rebecca Minor Elementary, Gwinnett County ................... 10 7 Bill Arp Elementary, Douglas County ................................. 12 9 Big Creek Elementary, Forsyth County .............................. 14 10 J. A. Maxwell Elementary, McDuffie County ...................... 16 11 Alps Road Elementary, Clarke County ............................... 18

Middle Schools
2 Early County Middle, Early County .................................... 22 6 Mabry Middle, Cobb County ................................................ 24 7 Chapel Hill Middle, Douglas County ................................... 26 8 Miller Core Knowledge Magnet Middle, Bibb County ........ 28 9 North Forsyth Middle, Forsyth County ............................... 30 11 George L. Edwards Middle, Rockdale County ..................... 32

High Schools
1 Southeast Bulloch High, Bulloch County ........................... 36 3 Fayette County High, Fayette County ............................... 38 6 Campbell High, Cobb County .............................................. 40 8 Dodge County High, Dodge County .................................... 42 9 North Forsyth High, Forsyth County ................................ 44 11 Rockdale County High, Rockdale County ........................... 46

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On behalf of Linda C. Schrenko, State Superintendent of Schools and the Recognition Programs staff, we thank you.
Judy Floyd, Director of Recognition Programs Gerri Heard, Coordinator of Georgia
Schools of Excellence Merri Heidemann, Graphic Designer Jackie Westry, Administrative Assistant Sarah Wyatt, Secretary Ed Sikes, Education Program Specialist Jewell Camp, Special Assistant Marian Dabney, Education Program Specialist
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Excellence

Our sincere thanks to the Bank of America, the Blue Bird Corporation, the Georgia Association of Educators, and the South Trust Bank for their generous support of the 2000 Georgia Schools of Excellence Program. Their sponsorship helped offset the cost of the Celebration of Excellence Banquet, the Principals' Reception, and the purchase of the Schools of Excellence road signs and flags.
We are grateful to the Georgia Review Panel that met in the fall of 1999 to review the school applications and conduct site visits to the selected finalists for the 2000 Georgia Schools of Excellence Honor.
The contributions of the sponsors and the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with the Georgia Schools of Excellence Program have allowed us to recognize these nineteen outstanding Georgia Schools.
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Elementary Schools

Excellence

Evansdale
Elementary School
Evansdale Elementary School is truly a State of M.I.N.D., a place where Motivated Individuals Nurture Diversity. This diversity, embraced by parents, students, and school staff, is profoundly honored as one of our major strengths. Evansdale provides a safe, clean comfortable environment where the school creed, "Every Evansdale student listens well, studies hard, and soars like an eagle," can be manifested each day. It is a place where teachers really can teach and students really can learn. There is a strong partnership between the homes and our school which creates a synergy positively impacting our academic productivity. Open communication and trust accompanies our cooperative efforts; parents have joined us in our endeavors to make data driven decisions and to develop student-centered goals.
There is never a dull moment at Evansdale. A quality education is provided as students progress through a core curriculum enhanced by gifted programs, foreign language, English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and special classes meeting the needs of exceptional children. All students enjoy our computer lab, outdoor classroom, art, music, and physical education. They actively participate in a balanced school day which maximizes their intellectual, physical, and social growth. Opportunities for building citizenship and leadership are available through a variety of
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1999 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
Matilda Harris Elementary .................... Camden County Cross Creek Elementary ....................... Thomas County Ruth Hill Elementary ............................. Coweta County Oak Grove Elementary ........................... DeKalb County Henderson Mill Elementary .................... DeKalb County Morningside Elementary ............................. Atlanta City Shallowford Falls Elementary .................... Cobb County East Central Elementary ............................... Rome City Nicholls Elementary ................................. Coffee County Chestnut Mountain Elementary .................. Hall County Goshen Elementary ........................... Richmond County W. C. Britt Elementary ........................ Gwinnett County
Middle Schools
Leiston T. Shuman Middle .................. Chatham County Eagle's Landing Middle ............................ Henry County Jean Childs Young Middle ........................... Atlanta City Cartersville Middle ................................ Cartersville City Bert Rumble Middle .............................. Houston County South Hall Middle ....................................... Hall County John M. Tutt Middle .......................... Richmond County Memorial Middle ................................. Rockdale County
High Schools
Cook High ................................................ Cook County Hardaway High ................................... Muscogee County Norcross High .....................................Gwinnett County Southside Comprehensive High ................... Atlanta City Lassiter High ............................................ Cobb County Carrollton High ....................................... Carrollton City Jeff Davis High .................................. Jeff Davis County Gainesville High ................................... Gainesville City Lakeside High ..................................... Columbia County Heritage High ..................................... Rockdale County
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1998 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
Odum Elementary .................................. Wayne County Northside Elementary .................................. Tift County Britt David Elementary Magnet ........... Muscogee County Oakcliff Theme ...................................... DeKalb County Sarah Smith Elementary ............................. Atlanta City West End Elementary ................................... Rome City Centerville Elementary .......................... Houston County Battlefield Elementary ........................... Catoosa County Washington-Wilkes Primary .................... Wilkes County Lawrenceville Elementary .....................Gwinnett County
Middle Schools
George W. DeRenne Middle ................. Chatham County West Bainbridge Middle ........................ Decatur County Arnold Middle ..................................... Muscogee County Summerour Middle ..............................Gwinnett County Sutton Middle ............................................ Atlanta City Simpson Middle ........................................ Cobb County Cass Middle .......................................... Bartow County Morgan County Middle .......................... Morgan County
High Schools
Liberty County High ............................... Liberty County Early County High .................................... Early County Eagle's Landing High ............................... Henry County Meadowcreek High ..............................Gwinnett County North Atlanta High ..................................... Atlanta City Milton High ............................................. Fulton County Cartersville High ................................... Cartersville City Calhoun High ........................................... Calhoun City Salem High ........................................ Rockdale County
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clubs and organizations sponsored by several dedicated and talented teachers. Special events that students and the community look forward to each year "dot the calendar." Some favorites are: International Night, Science-Technology Night, Art Night, and the annual production of our drama club. Students also enjoy Red Ribbon Week and Host of Professionals Day.
All staff members are stakeholders and participate in decision making through the Strategic Planning Committee or the Building Leadership Team. Parents are well informed of decisions through grade-level communication, phone trees, PTA Newsletters, and updates presented by the principal at PTA Executive Board meetings. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child's education. This involvement was noted and commended by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools committee in their 1999 review as "exemplary and evident in participatory activities, both in class and outside the classroom."
Evansdale has exceeded national, state, and system averages on test instruments for the past five years. The Atlanta Journal Constitution recognizes our school as a "Five Star School" and state report cards indicate continuous progress. However, there is no honor more gratifying than being named a Georgia School of Excellence. Evansdale Eagles continue to soar as we Motivate Individuals and Nurture Diversity.

Evansdale Elementary School 2914 Evans Woods Drive Doraville 30340 Enrollment: 525 Grades: K-6

Principal Mrs. Sharon Wyrosdick
Superintendent Dr. James R. Hallford

DeKalb County Schools

Fourth District

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Excellence

Warren T. Jackson Elementary School
"What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all of its children." Those words of John Dewey, spoken in 1899, continue to influence the atmosphere at Warren T. Jackson Elementary School today. We are proud to be selected a 2000 Georgia School of Excellence, and attribute much of our success to that underlying principle. We have formed a true partnership of parents and staff to ensure a nurturing and challenging environment for education at Jackson.
Reading is the cornerstone of our instructional program. It is integrated throughout the curriculum and time is set aside for independent reading daily. Our parents support our reading program through leading book clubs (small groups of students reading and discussing various pieces of literature), supervising Accelerated Reader testing (students independently read leveled books and are tested on their content), and working in and for our media center to assure
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1997 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
East Broad Street Elementary ............. Chatham County Early County Elementary .......................... Early County Robert J. Burch Elementary ................... Fayette County Midvale Elementary ............................... DeKalb County Whitefoord Elementary ............................... Atlanta City Baker Elementary ..................................... Cobb County Cartersville Primary .............................. Cartersville City Eastside Elementary ................................ Coffee County Dawson County Primary ....................... Dawson County Hillcrest Elementary .................................... Dublin City J. H. House Elementary ...................... Rockdale County
Middle Schools
Whitewater Middle ................................. Fayette County Shiloh Middle ......................................Gwinnett County S. M. Inman Middle .................................... Atlanta City Coosa Middle ............................................ Floyd County Perry Middle ......................................... Houston County White County Middle ............................... White County Commerce Middle .................................. Commerce City
High Schools
Herschel V. Jenkins High .................... Chatham County Berkmar High ......................................Gwinnett County Chattahoochee High ................................ Fulton County Pebblebrook High ..................................... Cobb County Warner Robins High ............................. Houston County Ridgeland High ...................................... Walker County Loganville High ....................................... Walton County
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1996 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
St. Simons Elementary ............................ Glynn County Lake Park Elementary ........................ Dougherty County Braelinn Elementary .............................. Fayette County C. J. Hicks Elementary ....................... Rockdale County Hapeville Elementary ............................... Fulton County Peachtree Elementary ......................... Gwinnett County Sedalia Park Elementary ........................... Cobb County Perry Elementary .................................. Houston County Fairyland Elementary ............................ Walker County Morgan County Elementary ................... Morgan County Rainbow Elementary .............................. DeKalb County
Middle Schools
Swainsboro Middle .............................. Emanuel County Sumter Middle ....................................... Sumter County Flatrock Middle ..................................... Fayette County Conyers Middle .................................. Rockdale County Thurgood Marshall Middle .......................... Atlanta City Lost Mountain Middle ............................... Cobb County Rome Middle ................................................ Rome City Bleckley Middle .................................... Bleckley County Ringgold Middle .................................... Catoosa County Loganville Middle .................................... Walton County T. J. Elder Middle ........................... Washington County
High Schools
Perry High ............................................ Houston County Sandy Creek High .................................. Fayette County Cross Keys High .................................... DeKalb County D. M. Therrell High ..................................... Atlanta City Roswell High ........................................... Fulton County North Cobb Comprehensive High ............... Cobb County Rome High ................................................... Rome City Dublin High ................................................ Dublin City R. W. Johnson High .................................... Hall County Evans Comprehensive High ................. Columbia County
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all students access to quality reading materials. Our curriculum is comprehensive and includes foreign language (French) instruction daily. We provide extensive services for our gifted students (Challenge), our bright students (Discovery), and our remedial students (REP), as well as our special education students (PEC) and our students for whom English is a second language (ESOL). Every student is important at Jackson, and we provide a plethora of extracurricular activities that includes Junior Beta Club, Student Government, field hockey, tennis, Math Club, reading partners, closed-circuit televised morning announcements, and a tutoring/mentoring program to reach students in need. We are committed to assuring that every child is successful at Jackson and has the opportunity to develop character that focuses on individual effort and responsibility. We expect our students to not only do well, but to do "good." To whom much is given, much is expected.
Teachers and parents work together at Jackson to continually assess and improve our instructional programs. This collaboration has resulted in exceptional learning activities, such as Globe Trek, an annual comprehensive look at countries and cultures around the world, and parent volunteers providing supplemental art and computer instruction. As needs are identified, parents and teachers work together developing solutions. This partnership of home and school best exemplifies the nature of our school and the quality of our efforts. We all work hard to meet the high standards set by our community.
We are proud of our school, of the relationships between our parents and teachers, and of the successes of our students. We regularly score among the top ten schools in Georgia and strive to demonstrate the effective use of best practices throughout the totality of our programs and initiatives. To be recognized as a 2000 Georgia School of Excellence is a rewarding culmination of a satisfying self-appraisal of our school, its programs, and its successes.

Warren T. Jackson Elementary 1325 Mount Paran Road Atlanta 30327 Enrollment: 540 Grades: K-5
Atlanta City Schools

Principal Dr. Lorraine B. Reich
Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall
Fifth District

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Excellence

Rebecca Minor
Elementary School
Rebecca Minor Elementary School was named after a dedicated teacher whose love for children led her to explore many dynamic and effective avenues for teaching them. Our teachers have continued her tradition by continuously striving for educational excellence, while instilling in our students a joy of learning and a sense of responsibility for their actions.
Minor utilizes a Total Quality Management concept for assessing current programs and formulating future plans. Our teachers serve as leaders throughout the school. Everyone on staff participates in a Results Based Evaluation System which ensures accountability for all results. Shared governance between the Instructional Leadership Team, Committee for School Improvement, and Local School Advisory Committee involves our principal, teachers, and parents on cooperative initiatives for establishing Local School Improvement Goals. Student academic success is the ultimate goal of all school programs. Our early primary interventions have contributed to remarkable gains in reading, writing, and math skills.
Our commitment to academic excellence and teamwork has resulted in our students achieving significant improvements in standardized test scores. We are especially proud of fifthgrade student results as compared to their third-grade performance. Furthermore, students participate in exciting
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1995 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
Glennville Elementary ............................ Tattnall County Sumter County Elementary .................... Sumter County Pointe South Elementary ....................... Clayton County M. G. Barksdale Elementary ............... Rockdale County L. P. Miles Elementary ................................ Atlanta City Mountain View Elementary ....................... Cobb County Cave Spring Elementary ............................ Floyd County Westside Elementary ............................... Coffee County Cloud Springs Elementary .................... Catoosa County David C. Barrow Elementary ................... Clarke County Pine Ridge Elementary ........................... DeKalb County
Middle Schools
Mercer Middle .................................... Chatham County A. S. Staley Middle ................................. Sumter County Lovejoy Middle ....................................... Clayton County Snellville Middle ..................................Gwinnett County Ralph Bunche Middle ................................. Atlanta City Taylor Road Middle .................................. Fulton County Pepperell Middle ....................................... Floyd County Cook Middle ..............................................Cook County Sonoraville East Middle .......................... Gordon County Oglethorpe County Middle ................. Oglethorpe County Washington-Wilkes Middle ...................... Wilkes County
High Schools
Windsor Forest High ........................... Chatham County Albany High ...................................... Dougherty County Newnan High ......................................... Coweta County Chamblee High ...................................... DeKalb County Henry Grady High ...................................... Atlanta City Sprayberry High ....................................... Cobb County Houston County High ........................... Houston County John Davidson Fine Arts High ............ Richmond County Jasper County Comprehensive High ........ Jasper County
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1994 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
Windsor Forest Elementary ................. Chatham County Herbert J. Dexter ... Department of Defense, Fort Benning Elm Street Elementary ........................... Coweta County Camp Creek Elementary ...................... Gwinnett County Brookview Elementary ............................. Fulton County Eastvalley Elementary .............................. Cobb County Cartersville Elementary ......................... Cartersville City Annie Belle Clark Elementary ....................... Tift County City Park Elementary ................................... Dalton City County Line Elementary ........................ Barrow County Snapfinger Elementary .......................... DeKalb County
Middle and Junior High Schools
Ware County Junior High ......................... Ware County J. C. Booth Middle ................................. Fayette County George L. Edwards Middle ................... Rockdale County M. L. King Middle ....................................... Atlanta City Nash Middle ............................................. Cobb County Carrollton Junior High ............................ Carrollton City Merry Acres Middle ............................ Dougherty County Ellijay Middle ......................................... Gilmer County Spirit Creek Middle ............................ Richmond County T. J. Elder Middle ........................... Washington County
High Schools
Waycross High ......................................... Ware County Americus High ......................................... Americus City Lovejoy High .......................................... Clayton County W. F. George High ....................................... Atlanta City North Gwinnett High ........................... Gwinnett County Alexander Comprehensive High ............. Douglas County Dodge County High ................................. Dodge County Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High .............. Catoosa County Cedar Shoals High .................................. Clarke County Columbia High ...................................... DeKalb County
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activities in our newest computer research lab, a new student operated video lab, and an ongoing wetlands environmental project.
Professional development opportunities are provided twice weekly. Teachers receive instruction in the most effective strategies for teaching all Academic Knowledge and Skills. An InTech program and schoolwide implementation of technology have made Minor a model school for using and teaching technology skills to both students and teachers.
"Minor Miners--Learning and Working Together" is a motto our students created. It exemplifies their pride in our school and everyone's commitment to teamwork. School surveys from parents, teachers, and students show they are all extremely satisfied. Dedicated PTA members support instructional goals and fund enrichment opportunities from an annual budget exceeding $50,000. Community stakeholders, including Primerica, Gwinnett Medical, SAAB, Kroger, and Publix, regularly provide volunteers and financial assistance for school projects.
The diverse and transient nature of our growing population offers many challenges. Minor's continued success can be attributed not only to our commitment to excellence, but also to our capitalizing on the strengths of all our students. Our student body comprises both hearing students and nonhearing students who communicate in over thirty languages, including sign language. We have created a fine learning environment uniquely characterized by a richness of culture and respect for differences.

Rebecca Minor Elementary School 4129 Shady Drive Lilburn 30047 Enrollment: 1318 Grades: K-5
Gwinnett County Schools

Principal Freddie Williams
Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks
Sixth District

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Excellence

Bill Arp
Elementary School
Building Academic Excellence and Spirit, the motto of Bill Arp Elementary School in Douglas County, exemplifies the attitude of the entire school community. Named twice as a Georgia School of Excellence and as a Pay for Performance recipient, Bill Arp Elementary reflects the spirit of its forebearer, Bill Arp. He was "a man with a bright and cheerful face. He had a good disposition, a generous heart and was a brave man in war, a good citizen in peace."
Bill Arp Patriots, children and adults alike, excel in a variety of arenas. High expectations are the daily fare for all members of the school community; neither teachers nor parents expect less than the best effort from any child. The children take pride both in their school and in its programs that encourage and promote success. Academically, Bill Arp students consistently score above normal, state, and district averages on standardized tests; those scores are impacted by accelerated reading and math classes, alternative scheduling to provide for instruction in small groups, a focus on living history, and an emphasis on each child's natural talents. The faculty lives by the belief that every child is a success story, some of which are just waiting to be told.
The academic programs are supplemented by a variety of cocurricular and extracurricular activities such as Reading Buddies, a before-school, peer tutoring initiative. A schoolwide
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1993 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
Jordye Bacon Elementary ....................... Liberty County Garrison-Pilcher Elementary ................. Thomas County Shirley Hills Elementary ....................... Houston County Dorothy L. Sims Elementary ............... Rockdale County Lena J. Campbell Elementary ...................... Atlanta City Fayetteville Elementary .......................... Fayette County Davis Elementary ..................................... Cobb County Alexander II Magnet Elementary ................. Bibb County Midway Elementary ............................... Forsyth County Mountain Park Elementary .................. Gwinnett County
Middle Schools
Myers Middle ...................................... Chatham County Lowndes Middle ................................... Lowndes County Bert Rumble Middle .............................. Houston County Haynes Bridge Middle .............................. Fulton County Mundy's Mill Middle .............................. Clayton County Rossville Middle ..................................... Walker County Lawrenceville Middle ........................... Gwinnett County
High Schools
Swainsboro High ................................. Emanuel County Northside High ..................................... Houston County Rockdale County High ........................ Rockdale County Benjamin Mays High .................................. Atlanta City Carrollton High ....................................... Carrollton City South Cobb High ...................................... Cobb County Ware County Senior High .......................... Ware County Gainesville High ................................... Gainesville City Lakeside High ..................................... Columbia County
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1992 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
Liberty County Elementary ..................... Liberty County Lee County Elementary ................................ Lee County Kings Chapel Elementary ...................... Houston County Heards Ferry Elementary ......................... Fulton County Graysville Elementary ........................... Catoosa County Patterson Elementary .............................. Pierce County R. D. Head Elementary ....................... Gwinnett County Lincoln County Elementary .....................Lincoln County
Middle Schools
Cook Middle .............................................. Cook County George L. Edwards Middle ................... Rockdale County Adamson Middle .................................... Clayton County McCleskey Middle ..................................... Cobb County T. J. Elder Middle ........................... Washington County Pinckneyville Middle ........................... Gwinnett County
High Schools
Southeast Bulloch High ......................... Bulloch County Bainbridge High ................................... Decatur County Americus High ......................................... Americus City Heritage High ..................................... Rockdale County Benjamin Banneker High ......................... Fulton County Newnan High ......................................... Coweta County Lassiter High ............................................ Cobb County Dodge County High ................................. Dodge County Murray County High .............................. Murray County Shiloh High .........................................Gwinnett County
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character education plan and a peer mediation program also offer students an opportunity to enhance and influence their own education beyond the classroom. Parents, community members, and Partners in Education, in addition to school staff, offer their expertise to all aspects of the school program by volunteering more than 4,000 hours of service to our young Patriots.
Site-based management and consensus decision making define the governing process at Bill Arp. A strong school-based staff development program, designed to emulate the center-based activities that regularly occur in the classroom, provides faculty and staff with opportunities to enhance their knowledge of programs and hone their skills in the delivery of instruction. That focus, like all others at Bill Arp, centers around the education of children and the empowerment of those who provide that education.
Recently, the United States populace has focused on the idea that "It takes a village to raise a child." Most appropriately stated, Bill Arp is a family village that encourages, supports, and challenges all its members to achieve at the highest levels.

Bill Arp Elementary School 4841 Highway 5 Douglasville 30135 Enrollment: 457 Grades: PreK-5
Douglas County Schools

Principal Dr. Diane E. Johnson
Superintendent Mr. Randy M. Brittian
Seventh District

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Excellence

Big Creek
Elementary School
Big Creek's story is a finely-woven tapestry. Created by the threads of its beginnings in a small, rural farming community, it progressed and eventually transformed into a sprawling campus supported by a thriving, highly-technological community.
As our students enter the new millennium, we anticipate the needs of our complex, diverse, and technologically oriented society. Standards and benchmarks have been raised. A rigorous examination of data, accompanied by goal setting and strategizing, have resulted in improved achievement in all academic areas over each of the last several years. In our efforts to provide a world-class education for our students, Big Creek features an evolving K-5 French program. We recognize the importance of the window of opportunity from birth to age ten as the optimal time to learn foreign languages. This forms a sturdy framework to support our richly-woven fabric.
Our School Improvement Plan recognizes the need for a symbiotic relationship between the school and its stakeholders. In this relationship teamwork is the key to preparing students as tomorrow's citizens and leaders. The Partners in Education program involves local businesses working together with educators to ensure that students are prepared for careers of the future. The Read*Write*Now
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1991 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
St. Marys Elementary ...........................Camden County S. L. Mason Elementary ........................... Valdosta City Bonaire Elementary .............................. Houston County M. G. Barksdale Elementary ............... Rockdale County J. W. Arnold Elementary ........................ Clayton County A. L. Burruss Elementary .......................... Marietta City Memorial Drive Elementary ....................... Ware County Arcado Elementary ..............................Gwinnett County Barnett Shoals Elementary ..................... Clarke County
Middle and Junior High Schools
Hinesville Middle .................................... Liberty County Northside Middle .................................. Houston County Conyers Middle .................................. Rockdale County Sandy Springs Middle .............................. Fulton County Taylor Street Middle ............................. Spalding County Coosa Middle ............................................ Floyd County Center Junior High ................................... Ware County Otwell Middle ........................................ Forsyth County Trickum Middle ...................................Gwinnett County
High Schools
Statesboro High ..................................... Bulloch County LaGrange High ....................................... LaGrange City Stone Mountain High ............................. DeKalb County Henry Grady High ...................................... Atlanta City Riverdale High ....................................... Clayton County Cartersville High ................................... Cartersville City Telfair County High ................................. Telfair County Duluth High ........................................Gwinnett County Thomson High ..................................... McDuffie County
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1990 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
St. Simons Elementary ............................ Glynn County Len Lastinger Elementary ............................ Tift County Miller Elementary ................................. Houston County Dolvin Elementary ................................... Fulton County Locust Grove Elementary ......................... Henry County Boynton Elementary ............................. Catoosa County Morton-Gilchrist Elementary ................... Waycross City Peachtree Elementary ......................... Gwinnett County Gaines Elementary ................................. Clarke County
Middle and Junior High Schools
Cook Middle ..............................................Cook County A. S. Staley Middle ................................... Americus City George L. Edwards Middle ................... Rockdale County Pointe South Junior High ....................... Clayton County East Cobb Middle ..................................... Cobb County Sweetwater Middle ...............................Gwinnett County
High Schools
Southeast Bulloch High ......................... Bulloch County Cairo High ............................................... Grady County Warner Robins High ............................. Houston County Dunwoody High ..................................... DeKalb County North Springs High .................................. Fulton County Newnan High......................................... Coweta County Alan C. Pope High ..................................... Cobb County Washington County High ................ Washington County Central Gwinnett High ........................ Gwinnett County Morgan County High ............................. Morgan County
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program involves stakeholders mentoring students who are at risk academically. An active recycling program involves every classroom, as well as the community, in conserving natural resources.
Interlacing the academic framework are the programs which weave the character and spirit of Big Creek. A strong Character Education program reinforces positive traits such as responsibility, honesty, and good citizenship. We spotlight students who exhibit these characteristics as our monthly Shining Stars. Literary horizons are expanded through a PTAsponsored Young Authors Convention featuring both nationally known authors and illustrators of children's books. The many elements of this program enable our children to visualize themselves as future writers and/or illustrators. The Second Step program is designed and used to teach students how to avoid and resolve conflicts.
The tapestry spread before you shows a learning environment woven by and for the community it serves. An intricate pattern of cooperation among students, staff, parents, and community forms our design of success and intensifies our singular goal: to help each child reach his or her potential.

Big Creek Elementary School 1994 Peachtree Parkway Cumming 30041 Enrollment: 996 Grades: K-5
Forsyth County Schools

Principal Dr. Thomas L. Davis
Superintendent Dr. Allene Magill
Ninth District

15

Excellence

J. A. Maxwell
Elementary School
Taking Learning to the MAX! an everyday happening at J. A. MAXwell Elementary School. The MAX faculty and staff strongly believe "We IMPACT the future!" the vision statement at MAX. The belief of each staff member is to work together to ensure that children learn more every day, that they are prepared for the future, that the learning environment is controlled, and that the family and community share in the responsibility for providing the best educational opportunities possible.
To ensure MAXimum learning, an effective MAX schoolwide discipline plan is in place. The discipline plan ensures a safe, secure, controlled learning environment. School procedures and expectations are posted and are highly visible throughout the school building. This plan encourages students to follow procedures, be respectful of one another, and work cooperatively. The schoolwide discipline plan motto, "We believe in you; trust in you; we know you can do it!" is placed on each sign denoting the procedures.
The creative A/B Block Scheduling allows the MAX to be more innovative in structuring the academic programs. This implementation MAXimizes instructional time, devoting three or more hours daily to language arts and one or more hours daily to math. The A/B Block Scheduling allows the MAX to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio in all subject areas for a large
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1989 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
Glyndale Elementary ............................... Glynn County Lee County Primary ..................................... Lee County Tucker Elementary ............................... Houston County Esther S. Jackson Elementary ................. Fulton County Benteen Elementary ................................... Atlanta City Bill Arp Elementary .............................. Douglas County East Side Elementary ............................... Cobb County Wacona Elementary .................................. Ware County Enota Elementary ................................. Gainesville City Gwin Oaks Elementary ....................... Gwinnett County
Middle and Junior High Schools
Matt Wilson Middle ...................................... Tift County Perry Middle ......................................... Houston County Conyers Middle .................................. Rockdale County Inman Middle ............................................. Atlanta City Jonesboro Junior High .......................... Clayton County Dickerson Middle ...................................... Cobb County Center Junior High ................................. Waycross City Summerour Middle ..............................Gwinnett County
High Schools
Vidalia High ............................................... Vidalia City Lee County High .......................................... Lee County Perry High ............................................ Houston County Heritage High ..................................... Rockdale County Cedar Grove High .................................. DeKalb County Henry County High .................................. Henry County West Rome High ........................................... Rome City Calhoun High ........................................... Calhoun City Harlem High ....................................... Columbia County
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1988 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
Risley Elementary .................................... Glynn County Parker Mathis Elementary .................... Lowndes County Reese Road Elementary ...................... Muscogee County Porterdale Elementary ........................... Newton County Sope Creek Elementary ............................. Cobb County Sandersville Elementary .................. Washington County B. B. Harris Elementary ...................... Gwinnett County Comer Elementary ............................... Madison County
Middle and Junior High Schools
Wilder Middle ..................................... Chatham County Nashville Middle .................................... Berrien County Tabor Junior High ................................ Houston County George L. Edwards Middle ................... Rockdale County Crabapple Middle .................................... Fulton County Fayette County Junior High ................... Fayette County Dodgen Middle ......................................... Cobb County Valley Point Middle .............................. Whitfield County Five Forks Middle ................................Gwinnett County
High Schools
Statesboro High ..................................... Bulloch County Bainbridge High ................................... Decatur County Northside High ..................................... Houston County Rockdale High .................................... Rockdale County Northside High ........................................... Atlanta City Griffin High ......................................... Spalding County Marietta High ........................................... Marietta City Mary Persons High ................................ Monroe County Gordon Central Complex ........................ Gordon County Academy of Richmond County ............ Richmond County
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portion of the instructional day. Block scheduling also allows first- and second-grade students to participate in science and social studies instruction with a resource teacher on an A/B day rotation.
The academic standards at the MAX are high, encouraging students to reach their greatest potential. The school is a Georgia Reading First School, Title I Schoolwide School, and currently working on an approved application for Georgia Pay for Performance. Reading is the focus of the instructional program. The major components of the reading program are small group guided reading, the Accelerated Reader program, and intense instruction in the language arts through Saxon Phonics, Individual Language Arts, Power Writing, and Advanced Learning Systems, which is a computer networked individualized program. Instruction in mathematics is based on the strategies used in Saxon Math and Math Their Way.
MAX's standardized tests scores have risen tremendously in the past five years due to the improvements made in the curriculum and daily scheduling. Taking Learning to the MAX! provides much individualized instruction, producing students who will be successful, lifelong learners.

J. A. Maxwell Elementary School 520 Mount Pleasant Road Thomson 30824 Enrollment: 452 Grades: PreK-2
McDuffie County Schools

Principal Hanna W. Fowler
Superintendent Dr. Ed J. Grisham
Tenth District

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Excellence

Alps Road
Elementary School
Excellence at Alps Road Elementary School is not new. The combination of professional academic preparedness of staff, commitment to ongoing reflection, the successful implementation of instructionally sound programs, use of shared decision making by staff and the parent community, identification and effective implementation of available resources, and most importantly, provision of a focused instructional program for students are the distinguishing characteristics of the learning-centered environment found at Alps Road Elementary School.
The school improvement process used at Alps Road is focused on the learning needs of students. Program selection is determined after a thorough data analysis of each student. All resources including personnel, schedules, materials, and funds are shifted to address the needs which emerge. Teachers are committed to continued review of progress for all students throughout the year. Quarterly meetings called KID-TALK are held to review student progress by grade levels which promote a better and more deliberate distribution of support to students. Student needs are driven by data.
Alps Road is a Core Knowledge School. Units of study have been developed by teachers at each grade level to promote and integrate the learning of critical information in a way that
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1987 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
Nevils Elementary .................................. Bulloch County Morven Primary ...................................... Brooks County Jackson Primary ...................................... Butts County M. G. Barksdale Elementary ............... Rockdale County Hutchinson Elementary .............................. Atlanta City Huddleston Elementary ......................... Fayette County Murdock Elementary ................................ Cobb County Wacona Elementary .................................. Ware County Lumpkin County Elementary ............... Lumpkin County Knight Elementary ...............................Gwinnett County
Middle and Junior High Schools
William James Middle ............................ Bulloch County Cook Middle ..............................................Cook County Warner Robins Junior High ................... Houston County Cousins Middle .................................... Newton County Sutton Middle ............................................ Atlanta City Booth Junior High ................................. Fayette County Marietta Junior High ............................... Marietta City Dalton Junior High ...................................... Dalton City Shiloh Middle ......................................Gwinnett County
High Schools
Brunswick High ....................................... Glynn County Colquitt County High ............................. Colquitt County LaGrange High ....................................... LaGrange City Newton County High .............................. Newton County Benjamin Mays High .................................. Atlanta City McIntosh High ....................................... Fayette County East Rome High ............................................ Rome City Ware County High .................................... Ware County Stephens County High ........................ Stephens County Lincoln County High ...............................Lincoln County
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1986 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
Burroughs-Molette Elementary ................ Glynn County Fitzgerald Elementary ............................. Fitzgerald City Russell Elementary ............................... Houston County Rockbridge Elementary .......................... DeKalb County Garden Hills Elementary ............................. Atlanta City College Street Elementary ....................... Carrollton City Mount Bethel Elementary ......................... Cobb County Southside Elementary ...........................Baldwin County South Jackson Elementary ................... Jackson County Warren Road Elementary ................... Richmond County
Middle and Junior High Schools
Lee Roy Myers Middle ......................... Chatham County Hahira Middle ..................................... Lowndes County A. S. Staley Middle ................................... Americus City George L. Edwards Middle ................... Rockdale County Southwest Middle ....................................... Atlanta City Spalding Junior High ........................... Spalding County Pepperell Middle ....................................... Floyd County Center Junior High ................................. Waycross City Duluth Middle ..................................... Gwinnett County Evans Middle ..................................... Columbia County
High Schools
Statesboro High ..................................... Bulloch County Central High ......................................... Thomas County Warner Robins High ............................. Houston County Dunwoody High ..................................... DeKalb County M. D. Collins High ................................... Fulton County Morrow Senior High ............................... Clayton County Wheeler High ............................................ Cobb County Mary Persons High ................................ Monroe County Brookwood High .................................. Gwinnett County Elbert County High .................................. Elbert County
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helps make learning more meaningful. Alps also has a strong focus on literacy development. Alps is a fully implemented Reading Recovery site providing support for first-grade students who are in danger of falling behind in literacy development. Alps Road is in the process of becoming a Literacy Collaborative site which provides a structure for consistent, comprehensive reading and writing instruction throughout the school. Alps is continually looking for ways to connect learning experiences throughout the day. We have a Reading Challenge After School program for fourth and fifth graders, which connects literacy experiences during the day to extensions during the afternoon. Technology has become a critical component of learning at Alps Road as students log in to take Accelerated Reader and/or mathematics test or to search the Internet for information to support units of study.
Instructional opportunities are key to the success of Alps Road, with the focus always remaining on the needs of the child. Future plans are to maintain this focus and to leverage all available resources--local, state, and national--which will continue to support and extend learning experiences for all students.

Alps Road Elementary School

Principal

200 Alps Road

Dr. Sherrie Gibney-Sherman

Athens 30606

Enrollment: 498

Superintendent

Grades: PreK-5

Ernest Hardaway

Clarke County Schools

Eleventh District

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1985 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
Stilson Elementary ................................ Bulloch County Lee County Elementary ................................ Lee County Cherokee Elementary ............................... Americus City M. G. Barksdale Elementary ............... Rockdale County E. S. Jackson Elementary ........................ Fulton County Crescent Elementary ........................... Spalding County West Side Elementary ............................... Marietta City Moore Street Elementary .............................. Dublin City Wauka Mountain Elementary ...................... Hall County Comer Elementary ............................... Madison County
Middle and Junior High Schools
Risley Center Middle ................................ Glynn County Lee County Upper Elementary ...................... Lee County Fort Junior High ................................. Muscogee County Conyers Middle .................................. Rockdale County Ralph Bunche Middle ................................. Atlanta City Evans Junior High ................................. Coweta County Tapp Middle ............................................. Cobb County Ballard Hudson Middle .............................. Bibb County North Whitfield Middle ......................... Whitfield County Oconee County Intermediate .................. Oconee County
High Schools
Brunswick High ....................................... Glynn County Valdosta High .......................................... Valdosta City Hardaway High ................................... Muscogee County Lakeside High ........................................ DeKalb County North Fulton High ...................................... Atlanta City Carrollton High ....................................... Carrollton City East Rome High ............................................ Rome City Central High .............................................. Bibb County Etowah High ...................................... Cherokee County Parkview High .....................................Gwinnett County
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1984 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
May D. Howard Elementary ................ Chatham County Ben Hill County Elementary .................. Ben Hill County Fox Elementary .................................. Muscogee County Rockbridge Elementary .......................... DeKalb County North Roswell Elementary ........................ Fulton County Jackson Road Elementary .................... Spalding County Tritt Elementary ....................................... Cobb County Alexander Elementary ................................ Bibb County Gwin Oaks Elementary ....................... Gwinnett County Oconee County Elementary .................... Oconee County
Middle and Junior High Schools
Glynn County Middle ............................... Glynn County Magnolia-Chappelle Middle ................... Thomas County Rothschild Junior High ....................... Muscogee County George L. Edwards Middle ................... Rockdale County Sandy Springs Middle .............................. Fulton County Fairplay Middle .................................... Douglas County Garrett Middle .......................................... Cobb County Putnam County Middle .......................... Putnam County Five Forks Middle ................................Gwinnett County Columbia Junior High ........................ Columbia County
High Schools
Statesboro High ..................................... Bulloch County Lowndes County High .......................... Lowndes County Shaw High ......................................... Muscogee County Heritage High ..................................... Rockdale County Douglass High ............................................ Atlanta City Lithia Springs High ............................... Douglas County Walton High ............................................. Cobb County Dalton High ................................................. Dalton City Evans High ....................................... Columbia County
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Middle Schools

Excellence

Early County
Middle School
"If I believe that I can, then I will succeed." That motto has been our primary focus at Early County Middle School. It drives our school community to provide varied opportunities and guided educational experiences so that all students achieve academic success and personal growth.
In 1994 the staff developed a comprehensive school improvement plan to assess the strengths and weaknesses of our school and establish priorities for continued growth. Programs that addressed student achievement, discipline, and parental and community involvement were researched and implemented. Varied instructional approaches were emphasized such as the extensive use of cooperative learning and other hands-on activities. Integrated Science and Accelerated Reading have been implemented, and direct instruction in reading and math provide consistency in skill development. Other school programs were developed for meeting individual needs. Reading, math, and writing labs are designed for remediation and enhancement activities. The Opportunity Program, School Prep, and Talent Search are available for at-risk students. Community volunteers tutor students who have fallen behind in their studies. Field trips are encouraged, and incentives are furnished for outstanding performance. Eighth graders who score 200 or above on the state writing assessment are awarded a trip to Six Flags.
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Social Studies offered on our campus by Perimeter College. In the fall of 2000, we will implement a Math, Science, and Technology Magnet program at RCHS for students to excel in these areas. We have also added courses for students pursuing a Technical/Career Diploma. These include Workplace Dynamics, Introduction to Health and Human Services, Health Occupations, Introduction to Engineering, Small Business Ownership, C++ Computer Programming, Photography, Banking and Finance, AutoCAD Drafting, Introduction to Technology, Mass Media Technology, Principles of Technology, Applied Communications, Applied Mathematics, Desktop Publishing, and Web Page Design. In addition, just this year we have begun a Joint Enrollment program with DeKalb Tech which will give our students the opportunity to take classes at Rockdale to be certified Customer Service Representatives. They are currently taking other Joint Enrollment courses at the DeKalb Tech Covington campus. A Ninth-Grade Center for entering freshmen, an excellent guidance program and Career Resource Center, a before- and after-school tutorial program, and outstanding technology resources have helped all students enjoy greater success.

Rockdale also has a very active Local School Advisory Committee (LSAC), made up of 35-40 parents. Our LSAC was actively involved in campaigning for a local option sales tax to fund the current renovation of the school as well as in the planning of this $13 million facilities improvement project. Our PTSA is also very active, involved in numerous activities for the benefit of students and teachers. These include breakfasts and lunches on teacher planning days, landscaping of the school and stadium grounds, the Junior Senior Prom afterProm breakfast, and the graduation breakfast. PTSA parent volunteers are at Rockdale daily, calling absences, working in the school supply store, and helping out in the office, counseling department, and media center. They also serve as speakers for Career Day, as well as for individual classrooms. Parents are highly visible at school activities, serving as chaperones on field trips and supporting cocurricular programs in the arts and athletics. Community leaders also serve on our LSAC and on the Magnet School Advisory Board.

Rockdale County High Schools 1174 Bulldog Circle Conyers 30012-4708 Enrollment: 1246 Grades: 9-12

Principal Dr. Kathy M. Garber
Superintendent Ruel M. Parker

Rockdale County Schools

Eleventh District

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Excellence

Rockdale County
High School
The faculty and staff of Rockdale County High School (RCHS) are committed to the process of continuous school improvement, leading to new methods, new course offerings, and new opportunities for students every year. We adhere to the philosophy that "All students can learn," and we believe that we are here to help all of our students become productive citizens in a high-tech world. Our faculty and staff are constantly changing in order to keep up with the challenges and demands of an every-changing world and workplace. Through faculty liaison groups and the School Improvement Committee, we have vehicles for seeking input from all staff members on the annual School Improvement Plan. As a result of their efforts, we have seen test scores improve and more students actively involved with a sense of pride toward the accomplishments of their school and toward their own individual successes.
As a result of a major restructuring effort, students at Rockdale take seven courses each semester on a modified block schedule. During the past five years, we have expanded course offerings for the College Preparatory Diploma to include Advanced Placement (AP) classes in English Language and Composition, English Literature, U.S. History, European History, Music Theory, Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Art History; and the number of students enrolled in AP classes has grown from 40 to over 200. In addition, students can take Joint Enrollment courses in English and
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The administration and faculty participate in staff development scheduled throughout the year to ensure that our programs are successfully implemented. Moreover, faculty members are encouraged to visit other schools and attend conferences and workshops relating to their needs and specific content areas.
In the fall of 1997, we moved into a beautiful state-of-the-art school building equipped with high-speed data lines allowing the Internet into the classrooms. Each classroom has at least one multimedia computer, and there are three labs located in the school containing 25 computers used for extending learning. Our new home has created an environment conducive to learning and raised the morale of both students and staff.
Our hard work has begun to pay off. Over the past five years, all student populations in the school have dramatically increased their scores in both reading and math. In 1999 reading and social studies scores in eighth grade exceeded the state's scores. A 22-point gain in writing scores has occurred over the past two years. This was accomplished by students who have the third highest poverty rate in the state of Georgia.
Future goals call for all students reading on or above grade level, offering pre-algebra in the sixth and seventh grades, and incorporating an activity period into the school schedule. We will continue to monitor our progress and make revisions based upon the needs of our students because we, at Early County Middle School, know that "If I believe that I can, then I will succeed."

Early County Middle School 413 Columbia Road Blakely 31723 Enrollment: 660 Grades: 6-8
Early County Schools

Principal Betty S. Orange
Superintendent Richard D. Hall
Second District

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Excellence

Mabry
Middle School
The "pursuit of excellence" is the continuous theme at Mabry Middle School. Excellence not only for our students, but also for our staff. We believe that it is our responsibility to become exemplary role models as lifelong learners if we desire our students to become the same. This belief has lead to the selection of Mabry as a Learning for All School, where the faculty examines and studies current research, which has proven to show gains in academic achievement. In 1995 Mabry teachers were recipients of the Georgia Pay for Performance Award. With the collaborative work among the staff and a keen focus on interdisciplinary teaching, our math scores increased significantly. The faculty has agreed again to participate in the Georgia Pay for Performance 2000-2001 school year with a focus on reading and math.
As we strive for excellence, we endeavor to select resources and staff development training which support the theory and practice of Bloom's Taxonomy. Teachers have been trained to develop and use questions that will help our students think critically and creatively. Additionally, the faculty has participated in staff development on action research, which has lead to an action research project. This year our staff is studying this question, "Will the schoolwide application of the Inductive Learning process improve Mabry's students' ability to infer meaning as measured by pre- and post-test, usage, and the ITBS?"
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programs with Gainesville College as well as Industry Certified programs are also offered to students. Students in these programs are able to graduate with college credit or certification in an industry. Courses such as mass media, child care, agricultural science, and business education allow students the opportunity to work toward dual diplomas in both college preparatory and technical preparatory programs.
North Forsyth also boasts a caring and committed faculty. Teachers work hard to make their classes challenging, interesting, and innovative. Meeting each Tuesday during planning blocks to work on the High Schools That Work program and school improvement allows teachers the collegial support to explore new and innovative methods of teaching. Further, a new Professional Assessment Cycle encourages self-evaluation and improvement on a daily basis. As well as professional growth and innovation in the classroom, North Forsyth teachers also enjoy quality relationships with their students. These relationships are built through a variety of extracurricular programs and service-oriented programs. Both the collegial and student/teacher interactions are vital parts of the continued growth of North Forsyth.
Ultimately, students at North Forsyth are afforded every opportunity for a bold new educational experience which will prepare them not only for the rigors of college or technical school but also for the demands of a rapidly changing and growing society. The leaders at North Forsyth truly are committed to the achievement of excellence as the standard, not the exception to the rule.

North Forsyth High School 3635 Coal Mountain Drive Cumming 30040 Enrollment: 1145 Grades: 9-12
Forsyth County Schools

Principal Mike Weaver
Superintendent Dr. Allene Magill
Ninth District

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Excellence

North Forsyth
High School
Six years ago a community, faculty, and administration envisioned a new type of educational experience for the students of North Forsyth County. Excellence would be the standard and not the exception to the rule. With this philosophy in mind, a school was created based on the lasting idea that it takes a whole community of teachers, administrators, parents, and business leaders to achieve the highest standard possible--Excellence. Six years later as students and parents enter North Forsyth High School for the first time, they truly understand what it means to be "Together, in Pursuit of Excellence."
Although North Forsyth High School is a young school, it has already established its reputation as an excellent school. Students achieve not only in curricular areas such as Governor's Honors but are also able to boast of athletic, performing arts, band, and other club successes. Our extensive computer networking system affords our students and teachers greater opportunity for advancement in this growing technological society.
Innovative programs such as our move to the 4x4 block schedule have allowed North Forsyth to be on the cutting edge of educational growth and have given the students the advantage of a higher standard of education. Joint enrollment
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Mabry is particularly proud of our shared-governance plan where staff, students, and parents collaborate on school issues and concerns in order to make wise decisions. Our Partner in Education, Kroger, is another key stakeholder in the site-based management process. Through their support, students and teachers are recognized for outstanding performance. The PTSA supports our school goal and the efforts of our staff through mini-grants. Release time became a valuable commodity this year as our teachers worked in interdisciplinary teams to develop quality literacy units, which supported our school improvement plan.
Our test scores continue to be above national norms with our eighth-grade writing assessment score being the top in the state. Yet, through analyzing test data, the staff develops plans to address weaknesses. We give a careful look at things that we are doing well and those things that we are not doing so well. It is this self-reflection that keeps us looking for ways to improve.
As we prepare our students to meet the challenges of the twentyfirst century, we continue to incorporate technology and computers into the daily instructional program. We recognize that our students will need to be skilled in technology and have the ability to retrieve information from the Internet. Our computer labs allow students to be exposed to "state-of-theart" technology for producing high quality research projects and multimedia presentations. Staff development opportunities in technology allow our teachers the opportunity to stay abreast in this "sea of change."

Mabry Middle School 2700 Jims Road Marietta 30066 Enrollment: 1018 Grades: 6-8
Cobb County Schools

Principal Gerri Anita Ray
Superintendent Dr. Richard Benjamin
Sixth District

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Excellence

Chapel Hill
Middle School
An unwavering belief in the worth and dignity of the individual continues to motivate the staff as it prepares students for their future roles in the ever-evolving global society. "The mission of Chapel Hill Middle School (CHMS) is to develop the whole child academically, physically, emotionally, and socially using different teaching strategies, resources, and technology. We will provide a safe environment for learning. These efforts are based on high expectations for all students. The teachers and faculty of CHMS strive each day to embody this belief." Chapel Hill seeks to accomplish its mission statement every day. The faculty finds ways to support all students on their journey towards maximizing their academic potential. Teachers take pride in providing a warm climate to nurture middle school children as they go through many developmental changes. The vision of CHMS is to create a school where educators, administrators, parents, students, and community members work in cooperation to build a society of lifelong learners.
Chapel Hill Middle School has a long-standing tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Believing in the concept of lifelong learners, the primary goal of CHMS is to educate the whole child while providing a smooth transition from elementary school to high school. CHMS provides, through instructional learning and
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Improving the achievement of ALL students has been a catalyst for change at DCHS, inspiring innovation and cutting-edge leadership. By monitoring data, the staff has been able to determine three contributing factors to DCHS's educational gains: (1) involvement in the Southern Regional Education Board's High Schools That Work, (2) implementation of the Freshman Academy, and (3) collaboration of the school and community in the improvement process. The impact of this concentrated improvement effort has been felt in our curriculum, our instructional strategies, our use of instructional time and space, and the application of technology in the total instructional program.
DCHS houses 880 students and a staff of 90, and school improvement is ongoing. Our primary goals are for our students to become lifelong learners who respect themselves and others, to be determined in their purposes, and to revel in their successes as they learn to be productive citizens in a multicultural and technological society. DCHS is a special place characterized by great school spirit and a shared belief that hard work and cooperation bring satisfaction and success. At DCHS, attitudes create excellence, and we welcome the promise of things to come.
Visit us as http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/1716

Dodge County High School 1001 Oak Street, NW Eastman 31023 Enrollment: 880 Grades: 9-12
Dodge County Schools

Principal Aubrey H. Corbitt
Superintendent Bobby M. Griffin
Eighth District

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Excellence

Dodge County
High School
Since the establishment of Dodge County High School (DCHS) in 1957, its trophy cases have displayed a tradition of successes in academics, the performing arts, and sports. This tradition of excellence has accelerated into the year 2000 with innovative student recognition programs such as McDonald's Perfect Plus Attendance Award, Excellent Effort Citizenship Award, Outstanding Student of the Month, Reader of the Month, Random Act of Kindness Award, and Citizen's Bank and Trust Academic Goal Card. Accepting the challenge to prepare students to be competitive locally, nationally, and globally, DCHS has implemented exciting programs such as the Volunteer Career Training Service, the Student Apprenticeship Program, Achievers International Scotland Project, and dual enrollment programs with Middle Georgia College and Heart of Georgia Tech. DCHS is extremely proud to have been named a 1992 and 1994 Georgia School of Excellence, to have been identified at the 1999 Georgia Association of Educational Leaders Conference by the State Superintendent of Schools Linda C. Schrenko as a Georgia "Dream School," and to have received national recognition as a 1999 Distinguished Title I School for consistently increasing standardized test scores over the last three years. Our achievements at DCHS are the products of the teamwork and commitment of the students, faculty, parents, and community.
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an interdisciplinary approach, opportunities for success through the regular curriculum, exploratory courses, and extracurricular activities. CHMS has a strong tradition of dedication to academic excellence and to demonstrating a genuine concern for individual students, their families, and the broader community. It is apparent that quality is the driving force that guides the school.
School improvement and constant self-evaluation are essential components contributing to Chapel Hill's success. Chapel Hill Middle School has demonstrated continuous growth in all categories on the ITBS at each grade level for the past five years. Discipline concerns and absentee rates have decreased during the last five years, as well. The school successfully met and exceeded the criteria for its Pay for Performance goals during the 1998-1999 school year. CHMS has also been approved for a second Pay for Performance application to be submitted for the 2000-2001 school year. In the recent past the school has been recognized by the Council for School Performance as one of the top ten middle schools in Georgia. The most recent state report card ranked CHMS as twenty-fifth in the state of Georgia.

Chapel Hill Middle School 3989 Chapel Hill Road Douglasville 30135 Enrollment: 930 Grades: 6-8
Douglas County Schools

Principal William S. Foster
Superintendent Randy Brittain
Seventh District

27

Excellence

Miller Core Knowledge
Magnet Middle School
The excellence that exists at Miller Core Knowledge Magnet Middle School becomes obvious immediately upon entering the school. One is enveloped by the atmosphere that pervades every hall and classroom. Student art in the styles of Matisse, Picasso, and van Gogh share the walls with prints of the famous masters' works. Student projects on Twain, Shakespeare, and other writers of our culture are displayed alongside models of cells and arachnids in their habitats. A wall of butterflies commemorates the 1.2 million children who died in the Holocaust. A miniature shanty town in the style of Georgia artist Beverly Buchannan has realistic dirt roads and rock walls. Mobiles of abstract art hang down the hallways. Wherever one looks there is evidence that Miller students are engaged in their learning and have pride in their products.
What makes Miller a school worthy of the designation "School of Excellence" is our commitment to immersing students in the best that our culture has to offer in the areas of history, geography, language arts, science, mathematics, visual arts, and music. We believe that a thorough grounding in the content of Core Knowledge, accompanied by character education, high expectations, and technology, will provide students with the intellectual capital they need to succeed personally and professionally. Students who have not
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At Campbell High School all decisions related to scheduling, teaching assignments, technology, facility use, or allocation of resources support the goal of producing learners who are equipped with the critical reading, writing, reasoning, and technology skills essential in effective communication. Campbell utilizes information from a variety of sources in formulating its School Improvement Plan, test utilization plan, and local staff development plan. The faculty has built a professional community working to support and further student learning and performance through innovative instructional strategies and alternative assessment methods. Classrooms emphasize high expectations, intellectual curiosity, real-world applications, and student-centered learning experiences. A strong sense of collective responsibility by the staff and students has resulted in improved SAT scores, an increased passing rate with higher scores on the Georgia High School Graduation Test, and larger graduating classes. Also, the wide variety of curricular choices, an extensive advisement program, an expanded elective menu, and a hybrid block schedule permit more students to participate in joint enrollment programs, receive dual seal diplomas, and earn additional credits for diplomas with distinction.
Campbell High School is closely identified with the dynamic and growing community in which it is located. The city of Smyrna and Campbell's other Partners in Education promote high achievement in academics, athletics, and the arts. Campbell organizations participate in civic events and philanthropies; in turn, the city reciprocates with active school involvement. Publications, forums, and stakeholder interaction help to better communicate the school's mission, challenges, and accomplishments. As a result of this energetic school and community collaboration, Campbell students from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds can pursue and reach their goals in tomorrow's world.

Campbell High School 5265 Ward Street Smyrna 30080 Enrollment: 1731 Grades: 9-12
Cobb County Schools

Principal Judy J. Whaley
Superintendent Dr. Richard Benjamin
Sixth District

41

Excellence

Campbell
High School
The motto of Campbell High School, "Learning Today for Tomorrow's World," has evolved from a phase routinely published into a work ethic proudly practiced. For its achievement in preparing students with the global learning, living, leadership, and work skills for a new millennium, Campbell has been recognized as a Georgia School of Excellence in the year 2000.
How does a school create unique educational opportunities and empower students to become contributing members of a multi-cultural society? Campbell High School identifies, celebrates, and addresses the diversity of its population. The student body includes international students who speak over thirty languages and provide a variety of cultural and socioeconomic perspectives. Special events and cultural activities foster sensitivity and understanding while raising awareness and cooperation. In response to the broad range of student abilities and academic demands, Campbell offers a variety of curricula, including International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), honors, gifted, English to Speakers of Other Language (ESOL), and special education. Scholastic and vocational initiatives, such as High Schools That Work, Pacesetter, JROTC, flexible pacing in math and English, and a freshman mentorship program, not only meet student needs but also provide enrichment, rigor, and assistance.
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benefited from a home curriculum are thus given the opportunity to access the knowledge, skills, and cultural literacy required to succeed in our global society.
A second reason that Miller is an excellent school and has hundreds on the waiting list is that we adapt both the curriculum and the services we offer students to their needs and abilities. Every student, whatever his or her exceptionality, follows the Core Knowledge curriculum, which is modified for special-needs students. In addition, all Miller students are offered tutoring, our afternoon and summer 3:00 project; peer mediation; academic teams; numerous clubs; intramural teams; and performing arts groups. We believe that much of our success derives from the effort to provide opportunities for every child to find his or her niche.
The past few years have brought radical change to Miller. In addition to implementing Core Knowledge, we have reduced disciplinary infractions by 70 percent by implementing zero tolerance of violence and disruption of instruction policies and a dress code. Our test scores have risen consistently above state and national averages. Parent and community involvement are at an all-time high. It has also been exciting to have been featured in a PBS special on education, a segment of Good Morning America, and a nationally distributed news article on middle school reform. The greatest satisfaction, however, has come from the reduction of our student failure rate from 30 to 3 percent. That alone has made all the effort worthwhile.

Miller Core Knowledge Middle School

Principal

751 Hendley Street

Dr. Martha J. Jones

Macon 31204-3503

Enrollment: 773

Superintendent

Grades: 6-8

Sharon Patterson

Bibb County Schools

Eighth District

29

Excellence

North Forsyth
Middle School
Nature provided the excellent setting: the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of North Central Georgia. The Forsyth County Board of Education provided the excellent facility: a state-of-the-art, 125,000-square-foot building specifically designed to deliver a quality, twenty-first century middle school program. Through the Parent Teacher Student Organization, the community provided the excellent interior decoration. The superintendent provided the excellent leadership to assure a strong, progressive, standards-based curriculum. The parents provided an excellent student body, sent to school with a sense of community and high expectations. The feeder elementary schools provided a sound academic foundation and welldisciplined students. So, is it any wonder that an excellent faculty who never settles for "good enough" and asks "how can we be better for our students" would pursue the coveted Schools of Excellence award?
Since the Schools of Excellence application was written, a debate club was organized; a North Forsyth Middle School team competed in the Academic Bowl for the first time, the art department published a 2000 calendar with original, student artwork; an improvisational jazz band gave its first performance; and six students had original writing or artwork in educational publications. In other words, this school is never satisfied with the status quo!
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passed the Georgia High School Graduation Test on their first attempt.
Our school invites the community to celebrate its excellence on a daily basis. Our website describes programs, praises teacher and student achievement, thanks our business sponsors, and encourages others to join in the throngs of parents and alumni who take such pride in their Tiger identity. Fayette takes its role as a community leader very seriously especially as it offers such a diverse collection of courses to support college prep and technical/vocational classes. We are proud of our state-ofthe-art computer labs, our broadcasting studio WFCH which recently aligned with CNN, and our computer architecture classes that give all students the opportunities they need to become technically sharp in a competitive world.
Student life at Fayette offers an array of more than 35 extracurricular activities that center on personal development through service and intellectual growth. Whether students choose among Science Olympiad, Odyssey of the Mind, or any number of the service clubs, they provide themselves with room to grow beyond their classroom experiences and impact their community in very positive ways. For example, the Beta Club has been delivering Meals on Wheels at the Holidays for more than seven years, the South Dakota Project sends students each year to a Native American Reservation with gifts, books, and friendship for everyone.
Students and teachers thrive at Fayette County High School because of the accepting environment that encourages everyone to seek their own truths in an atmosphere of kindness and beauty, excitement and challenge, idealism and experience.

Fayette County High School One Tiger Trail Fayetteville 30214 Enrollment: 1917 Grades: 9-12
Fayette County Schools

Principal Gary Phillips
Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis
Third District

39

Excellence

Fayette County
High School
Fayette exemplifies a school for the new century. Its atmosphere of excellence, vitality, challenge, and its traditions of 75 years motivate teachers and students who look forward to casting their fresh ideas into this milieu of learning. Although Fayette County has experienced phenomenal growth in the last ten years, it still maintains its sense of individuality and "small town" serenity. As calm as our school may seem, it is fraught with intellectual energy and innovation at every level. That helps to explain our selection as a Georgia School of Excellence.
In 1995 Fayette's faculty and administration committed to implement training for all staff members in learning multiple intelligence methods. Visitors can walk down the halls of our school and see student artwork expressing a literary concept, walls of vocabulary illustrating in art what words used to say, student produced newspapers reporting on an historical event, hear students in math class singing the Quadratic Formula to "Frere Jacques," floor and table lamps, and desks arranged in a circle or possibly in pairs, and hear the quiet strains of classical music. Fayette firmly believes that such strategies have increased not only student involvement but also our student achievement. Our SAT scores have improved 12 points, the passing rate of our Advanced Placement Exams has increased 38 percent and 96 percent of our students have
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There are many reasons North Forsyth Middle School is a school of excellence, but none more important than the dedication to excellence of its staff: teachers who collaborate to improve the climate for staff and students, who plan for growth--individual, team, and school, and who seek new ways of doing things and think out of the box; custodians who take pride in providing a clean, healthy environment; secretaries who welcome the community and clearly see the connection between their work and the total effectiveness of the school; cafeteria workers who care about the nutritional program and the atmosphere provided for their customers; counselors who know their students and participate fully in their academic and affective education; and administrators who empower the staff and rely on their collective wisdom.
North Forsyth Middle School family: faculty, staff, students, and community are honored by the recognition. It is wonderful to be validated by such an award. However, there will be no resting on this laurel. We must be better; we can be better; we will be better.

North Forsyth Middle School 3645 Coal Mountain Drive Cumming 30040 Enrollment: 1050 Grades: 6-8
Forsyth County Schools

Principal Jane B. Fuqua
Superintendent Dr. Allene Magill
Ninth District

31

Excellence

George L. Edwards
Middle School
At Edwards Middle School, our mission is to provide an inspiring learning environment that will empower all students to become responsible members of society. Simply stated, "We aspire to inspire." Our overall educational goal is to use every instructional strategy and resource available to ensure that our students go on to high school confidently able to use information from diverse sources and subject areas for critical thinking and problem solving. Our planning focuses on academics, life skills, and citizenship, and we believe that students, teachers, parents, and community members share the responsibility for the support of our goals.
Edwards has been named a Georgia School of Excellence seven times, beginning in 1984, and has been named a National School of Excellence and a National Blue Ribbon School. We are proud to have earned the state distinction again in 19992000.
Academically, our goals are challenging and consistent. We use as many strategies, programs of instruction, and assessments as necessary to meet the needs of all students. Through interdisciplinary planning and shared teaching/ learning experiences, we embrace the philosophy that every student comes to us ready, willing, and able to learn. This philosophy is our catalyst to finding the ways and means to
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achievement of school improvement objectives. Structured opportunities for collaboration and reflection on the effectiveness of instruction support implementation of improvement interventions. Celebrations of achievement of objectives involve faculty, students, and parents.
School, family, and community partnerships are vital to the preparation of students for careers and postsecondary options. In 1999, 71 percent of the parents participated in student advisement sessions. An interview and job placement service for seniors includes 39 interview partners, and 27 businesses provide field experiences for students in vocational courses. Eighty corporate sponsors support the school, with contributions of $250 to $1,000. Both faculty and students benefit from partnerships with Georgia Southern University and Ogeechee Technical Institute.
Encouraged by a reduction of 8 percent in the ninth-grade failure rate, consistent maintenance of student performance in the top quartile on the SAT and near the top of the cluster group on the Georgia High School Graduation Test, an increase of 40 percent of the most recent graduates exceeding graduation requirements in mathematics and science, and a decrease in dropout rate, Southeast Bulloch is setting new goals for improvement! Undergirding improvement plans will be sound principles of program development, the investment of all stakeholders, and a continuing commitment to provide a quality program that meets student needs.

Southeast Bulloch High School

Principal

Post Office Box 68

Dr. Thomas F. Bigwood

Brooklet 30415

Enrollment: 707

Superintendent

Grades: 9-12

Dr. Lynn Batten

Bulloch County Schools

First District

37

Excellence

Southeast Bulloch
High School
The uniqueness of Southeast Bulloch (SEB) High School lies in the remarkable extent to which the soundest principles of program development are expressed within the context and resources of a small, rural community. The administration and faculty have demonstrated their commitment to excellent in their quest for continuous school improvement. Milestones include recognition as a Georgia School of Excellence in 1990 and 1992, a Blue Ribbon School in 1993, receipt of Georgia's Pay for Performance Program award in 1994, and implementation of block scheduling in 1997.
Professional community at SEB is the result of the purposeful engagement of faculty and other staff in school improvement planning and professional growth focused on student needs. A collective responsibility for student achievement is developed through faculty engagement in analysis of data and planning for improvement. Improvement plans address curricular adaptations, modifications in the delivery of instruction and assessment, and staff training to increase the effectiveness of instruction. To ensure that increased student achievement is "everybody's business," both teachers and students are involved in establishing benchmarks for improvement. Academic teachers, together with students, set class and individual student goals for improvement. All faculty members are on a team responsible for monitoring progress toward the
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help all of our children achieve to their fullest potentials. Opportunities for student success are inherent in everything we do at Edwards because we believe that encouraging selfmotivation and developing personal accountability are crucial parts of our overall educational goals. Upon acquiring these character traits, our students experience improved self-esteem from their success. Our results reflect the true caring of qualified teachers who are ready to extend and expand their expertise for the good of their students. We strive to provide a quality educational experience in a safe, positive learning environment.
We want our students to be prepared for the future and to be confident in the truth that they are important to our society. We model, teach, and expect responsibility as we try our best to reach our students. Our group and individual counseling programs offer a wide range of services that have been expanded to include Peer Mediation, Mentoring, Tutorial, and After-School Care Programs. Programs for gifted students, at-risk students, special education students, and learners on all levels are part of our success. Cocurricular offerings in athletics and the arts complement our academic offerings.
Community service has always been included in our curriculum, and we have enhanced our focus on good citizenship with a Character Education program. Developed by Edwards' staff members, this program is multi-disciplined and is used daily by every teacher for every student to reinforce mutual and selfrespect.
Change is inevitable. In our 20+ years as a school, numerous changes have been implemented, and with each one, we have made adjustments and moved forward. We will continue our ongoing planning, revising, reforming process, and we will continue to try to meet the needs of each and every one of our students to the best of our abilities. Simply stated, "We will continue to aspire to inspire."

George L. Edwards Middle School 2633 Stanton Road Conyers 30094 Enrollment: 1120 Grades: 6-8
Rockdale County Schools

Principal Dr. Wayne Watts
Superintendent Ruel M. Parker
Eleventh District

33

High Schools

The Georgia Department of Education thanks the schools and systems for providing information and photographs for this book.