2001 Georgia schools of excellence

Recognition Programs Georgia Department of Education
Atlanta, Georgia 30334 April 2001

2001 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Linda C. Schrenko State Superintendent of Schools Georgia Department of Education

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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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, 20 schools are being recognized as 2001 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 rigorous. A review panel of highly qualified educators met in Atlanta in October; reviewers participated in a training session in order to ensure a high 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.

Linda C. Schrenko
A Message from the State Superintendent of Schools
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 2001 Georgia Public Schools of Excellence.
The varieties of school improvement strategies used by these 20 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 2001 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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Our sincere thanks to the Bank of America, Blue Bird Corporation, Columbus Bank and Trust, Georgia Association of Educators, Georgia Association of Educational Leaders, Professional Association of Georgia Educations, and SouthTrust Bank for their generous support of the 2001 Georgia Schools of Excellence Program.
We are grateful to the Georgia Review Panel that met in the fall of 2000 to review the school applications and conduct site visits to the selected finalists for the 2001 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 twenty outstanding Georgia Schools.
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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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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 succeedparents, local businesses, and community membersare 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 20 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.
The Georgia Schools of Excellence Program brings together the community and the 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. The standards are rigorous, but thanks to you and your efforts, the future promises to be as bright as the faces of every child involved with the 2001 Georgia Schools of Excellence Program.
Thank you and congratulations.
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2001 Georgia Schools of Excellence

District

Elementary Schools

Page

1 Oglethorpe Point Elementary, Glynn County ...................... 6 2 Mitchell County Primary, Mitchell County ........................... 8 4 Montgomery Elementary, DeKalb County .......................... 10 6 Mountain Park Elementary, Fulton County ....................... 12 7 W. C. Abney Elementary, Paulding County ........................ 14 8 Alexandar II Magnet, Bibb County ...................................... 16 9 Chattahoochee Elementary, Forsyth County ..................... 18 10 Waynesboro Primary, Burke County ................................... 20
11 Honey Creek Elementary, Rockdale County ...................... 22

Middle Schools

7 Carrollton Junior High, Carrollton City .............................. 26 7 Turner Middle, Douglas County .......................................... 28 8 Warner Robins Middle, Houston County ............................. 30 9 Calhoun Middle, Calhoun City ............................................ 32 10 Riverside Middle, Columbia County .................................... 34 11 Clarke Middle, Clarke County ............................................. 36
High Schools

3 McIntosh High, Fayette County .......................................... 40 4 Chamblee High, DeKalb County .......................................... 42 5 Grady High, Atlanta City ..................................................... 44 9 Forsyth Central High, Forsyth County ............................... 46 11 Collins Hill High, Gwinnett County ..................................... 48

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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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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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Oglethorpe Point
Elementary School
"Soaring for Excellence in Student Learning" is a motto created and embraced by the school family of Oglethorpe Point Elementary on St. Simons Island. This energized way of thinking is intertwined into the fabric of every classroom, innovative program, Parent Teacher Association (PTA)sponsored activity, community partnership, and professional development found at our school.
It is apparent that students' success is what we are all about at Oglethorpe Point Elementary. Classrooms buzz with the excitement of learning. Programs like Salsa and Salsa II, the on-site digs recovering actual artifacts in our archaeology lab, or the daily closed-circuit broadcast by students are only a few of the activities that go on every day. Outdoor Classrooms and Wetland Areas, located on the school grounds, contain a wealth of exploratory stations. Each of these demonstrate the many and varied avenues for excellence offered for student learning.
Key to our overall success is the involvement of our Partners in Education and a dynamic and supportive PTA. Both provide active mentoring programs and fund-raising events and sponsor a variety of student clubs and organizations that are ongoing during and after school. Clubs such as Chess, Storytelling, Student Council, Science, Chorus, or TV Production give parents, community members, and school staff opportunities to work in a collegial setting while offering
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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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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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students the chance to express their talents, expand their interests, and challenge their minds.
Our staff is involved in a comprehensive program of staff development that focuses on the diverse needs of students. Planning for this program includes active, ongoing assessment of instruction and student performance that works to identify areas where effective training and innovative insights result in improved overall instruction. The data gathered through this purposeful assessment creates the instructional success found at Oglethorpe Point Elementary. Yearly benchmarks are assessed, monitored, and analyzed, enabling teachers to plan for appropriate instruction of students at all levels. This demonstrates our belief that students who are taught at their appropriate instructional level will achieve success and will consistently score at or above their potential on standardized tests.
Our future at Oglethorpe Point Elementary is full of promise as we continue our quest of "Soaring for Excellence in Student Learning." Each year we reach for loftier heights in meeting our expanding goals. Our students continue to exceed expectations and are focused on developing critical-thinking skills that will help them learn well in the new millennium.

Oglethorpe Point Elementary School 6200 Frederica Road St. Simons Island 31522 Enrollment: 512 Grades: PreK-5
Glynn County Schools
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Principal Tina Kirby
Superintendent Dr. Bob Winter
First District

Mitchell County
Primary School
Mitchell County Primary School's framework is defined by our vision and mission statements. Our school provides opportunities for all students to learn. Teachers, parents, and students show genuine excitement, concern, and commitment to education. We believe it is our responsibility to create an environment where all students become lifelong learners and achievers in an ever-changing society. The faculty and staff work diligently to maintain a safe and orderly academic environment.
The implementation of Parallel Block Scheduling (PBS) impacts the entire instructional program of the school. This scheduling model reduces the teacher-pupil ratio and increases time on task for reading and math instruction. It is our belief that the use of PBS contributed to an increase in student achievement. Technology in the classroom, a newly adopted phonics program, the Accelerated Reader Program, and the use of manipulatives throughout the curriculum also positively influenced student achievement.
The Mitchell County Primary School (MCPS) receives the support of businesses through the Business/Education Partnership Project. This program is vital to the success of our school, as well as the growth of the children in Mitchell County. Good working relationships between the school and
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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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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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the business community strengthen our school and enhance our economic growth. This relationship was evident during the tornado of 2000 when the community rallied together for support. Our Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Local School Advisory Council (LSAC), and Teacher Advisory Council (TAC) are composed of parents, teachers, and members of the community. These organizations focus on the strengths and the traditional values of our community.
In our continuous pursuit of excellence, we have an extensive staff development program for our teachers and paraprofessionals. Our instructional strategies are continually revised because of knowledge acquired at in-service sessions. As part of meeting the challenges of educating our students, MCPS was chosen as a Reading First School. Participation in this program broadened teachers' understanding and implementation of reading instruction techniques. Remedial and enrichment programs are ongoing to address the diverse learning needs of our students. As we prepare to meet challenges of the future, reading and math goals have been set. Writing, technology, and character education have been targeted as supporting goals. We refer to our school as the "B.E.S.T." Primary School, because Better Education Starts Today.

Mitchell County Primary School 50 Griffin Road Camilla 31730 Enrollment: 545 Grades: K-2
Mitchell County Schools

Principal Patricia McCaskill
Interim Superintendent Dr. David (Butch) Mosley
Second District

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Montgomery
Elementary School
"Weaving a Tapestry for Success," the motto of Montgomery Elementary School in DeKalb County, reflects the richly woven threads of excellence from students, staff, parents, and community. Recently named as a Pay for Performance recipient, Montgomery's entire school organization centers on providing an inclusive learning environment that facilitates differentiated instruction for learners at all readiness levels. Our staff is participating again in 2000-2001 Pay for Performance, working collaboratively to continue significant gains in academic achievement realized over the past five years.
A plethora of services and programs are available to Montgomery students. Our students benefit from a strong mentoring program from community businesses. Partnerships with BellSouth and Solomon Smith Barney sponsor JobShadow days each year with corporate leaders. Volunteer hours from community supporters are six times the state average. Our after-school Incentive Based After School Training (IBAT) Program allows for both remediation and enrichment activities. Student Council and Junior Beta Club encourage leadership and service projects outside the school. Academic programs reflect high expectations and data-driven instruction for all students. The Literacy Collaborative Program provides the instructional framework for reading and writing instruction in kindergarten through second grade. Last year our students read more than 15,000 books in the Accelerated Reader Program. Internet and multimedia projects foster integration of technology across the curriculum. The
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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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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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arts are a rich thread in our tapestry. Fine Arts Night, Fine Arts Night, Artist-in-Residency Programs, and our foyer's student Art Gallery foster our students' creativity.
Montgomery teachers are the frontline resource for preparing our students for the world of the new millennium. Staff development, driven by our School Improvement Plan, is site-based. Training in technology, best practices, coteaching, and differentiated instruction reflect purposeful engagement of staff in-school improvement. The "Collaborative Moment" shared by staff members at each staff meeting demonstrates the importance of influencing and teamwork. Training in the WINS Project facilitates the inclusion of many special education students in regular education classes. Staff commitment to school goals is evident as their attendance ranked number one in the county for the past two years.
Our richly woven fabric boasts many indicators of success. Standardized test scores are above county, state, and national averages. Trends in test scores indicate Normal Curve Equivalent (NCE) gains of 10 points in composite scores over the past five years. Parent Teacher Association membership has been 100 percent for the past three years. Truly, Montgomery's "Tapestry for Success" represents the threads of all stakeholdersrichly woven together for excellence.

Montgomery Elementary School 3995 Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta 30319 Enrollment: 389 Grades: PreK-6
DeKalb County Schools
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Principal Deborah T. Loeb
Superintendent Dr. James R. Hallford
Fourth District

Mountain Park
Elementary School
With a primary focus on student learning, Mountain Park Elementary School is a school of excellence everyday! Our school community consists of high-performing students, quality staff, dedicated parents, and supportive business partners who strive collaboratively to create an ambitious and safe learning environment. Mountain Park Elementary School is a place where our students learn beyond what is already known. Here, students prepare to become inventors of new knowledge, solvers of challenging problems, and continual learners in an ever-changing global society.
Mountain Park Elementary School actively employs The Schoolwide Enrichment Model as a practical model for infusing higher-level, critical- and creative-thinking skills which reach across the curriculum to all students. The program is uniquely adapted to us based on our student population, faculty strengths and talents, and community resources. Student achievement improves as all students are challenged by a creative delivery of the curriculum. Students are afforded the opportunity to develop their interests, learning styles, thinking skills, and achievement levels.
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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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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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As a part of our enrichment program, our second-grade students participate in an outside archaeological simulation in which they dig for fossils and graph the site of their finds. As a culminating activity to the study of Westward Expansion, fourth graders dress as pioneers and participate in square dancing, spelling bees, candle-dipping, quilting, old-fashioned games, and of course, eat pinto beans, jerky, and hoecakes.
Moving into the new millennium, a new paradigm for arts education at our school has evolved. We added to the three "Rs" the big "A"the arts. Based on research that addresses the impact of arts on learning, our school arts program provides opportunities for students to take a handson, active role in the learning process. We believe that when the arts are infused into the core curriculum, students' grades improve.
We have infused the arts into the core curriculum through the receipt of Artist-in-Residence grants. One such grant, awarded by The Georgia Council for the Arts, brought us an artist who taught the history and art of papermaking. The students were able to create large paper quilts which depicted birds of the rainforest. These quilts were donated to our Partners in Education and are on display at their businesses.
Mountain Park Elementary School has been recognized as a top Fulton County elementary school in national standardized test scores for the past five years. The Georgia Public Policy Foundation's Georgia School Report Card for Parents ranked us third in 1999 and second in 2000 for the entire state. We attribute this and our other numerous accolades to the exceptional level of student, staff, and community commitment to excellence. We are dedicated to a mission that compels us to work together to provide an environment that promotes our enthusiastic quest for continued excellence.

Mountain Park Elementary School 11895 Mountain Park Road Roswell 30075 Enrollment: 791 Grades: K-6
Fulton County Schools
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Principal Carolyn Clarke
Superintendent Dr. Stephen Dolinger
Sixth District

W. C. Abney
Elementary School
W. C. Abney Elementary School is proud of its role as an educational innovator in the dynamic Paulding County School System. With rapid growth comes the challenge to maintain and improve high academic standards for all students. The Abney team of faculty and staff meets this daily challenge by implementing programs with specific goals which impact the lives of our students.
A four-time recipient of Georgia's Pay for Performance Award, W. C. Abney Elementary School's consistent results in meeting the needs of our population is a direct result of a unified team. With dependable support at the district level, valuable input from the school leadership team, comprehensive planning among our teachers, and close communication with parents, we are focusing all of our efforts toward our students' preparation for today's world and tomorrow's future.
W. C. Abney Elementary School's ongoing school improvement process has led to constant inquiry, investigation, and solution-seeking. All school decisions are made using improved student achievement as our litmus test. The impact of this single, shared vision has directed the daily instructional programs of each student and resulted in improved, measurable student-achievement gains.
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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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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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To accomplish our vision, mission, and goals, W. C. Abney Elementary faculty recognizes that students need rigorous learning standards. Through a high quality of instruction intervention programs to minimize at-risk behavior and home involvement in learning, the faculty consistently strives to keep the focus needed to reach high levels of student achievement. Aligning instruction to Georgia's Quality Core Curriculum, teachers differentiate instruction according to various student needs by measuring student progress through a variety of assessment tools. Accurately assessing student need, followed by direct instruction, is an ongoing process that equips our students with the skills necessary for success.
All stakeholders at W. C. Abney Elementary unite to exemplify our school motto, "Abney Eagles Soaring Together." What was once a school slogan has become a daily creed as staff, students, and community share a singular vision for our children: to significantly improve student achievement through comprehensive, integrated curriculum. Never satisfied with yesterday's "met" goals, all of our cohesive efforts continue to enable our students to "soar" at W. C. Abney Elementary School.

W. C. Abney Elementary School 4555 Dallas-Acworth Highway Dallas 30132 Enrollment: 512 Grades: K-5
Paulding County Schools
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Principal Susan Bonner
Superintendent Trudy Sowar
Seventh District

Alexander
Magnet School
It is said that there are two sides to every story, and that is indeed the case at Alexander II, an elementary math and science magnet school in Bibb County. One side of the story could include the school's location in a 98-year-old building in the inner city; the long bus ride across the county for many of the students; what could be perceived as limited resources from a small enrollment and not being eligible for funding from special programs; and a teaching and support staff numbering only in the low 20s. The other side of the story is a school community which has consistently created excellence in the midst of these conditions. To learn how we have done this, let the following paragraphs guide you through our school.
When approaching our school, notice that we are surrounded by a housing project that is home to some of our students, historic homes that are part of a revitalization program, a beautiful 100-year-old park, and Mercer University, our dependable community partner. As you come up the front walk, look at our building, erected in 1902, one of the oldest schools in Georgia in continuous operation and the first magnet school in the state. Glance at our Nature Center, a certified wildlife habitat which is an integral part of our science program. Also note the blue signs which proclaim that Alexander II was named a Georgia School of Excellence in 1984, 1993, and 2001.
As you stroll through the building, you will see many indicators that we have a school culture characterized by continuous striving for excellence. Among these are walls covered with the winning
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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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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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entries from our monthly schoolwide writing contests, math and science questions of the week, posters featuring historic persons of extraordinary accomplishment and artwork that is connected to academic disciplines. You will hear the bells clanging when students celebrate passing another Accelerated Reader test. Go to our fully equipped lab where every student comes twice weekly for hands-on activities with the science lead teacher; or visit the math lab where advanced students in Grades two through six engage in problem-solving activities facilitated by a math lead teacher. Perhaps you will see the two lead teachers in classrooms, conducting collaborative lessons with the other teachers. If it is Friday, you will see one of our videoproduction teams present a live newscast through closed-circuit TV, with segments they have previously taped and edited in our fully equipped, television studio. Wherever you look, you will find students actively involved in learning and decision making. It is no surprise that our test scores at all grade levels consistently exceed state and national averages. Additionally, leadership and enrichment activities abound, with 84 percent of last year's students in Grades three through six participating in cocurricular activities. In an atmosphere that promotes responsibility and caring, you will see older students assisting younger ones, both spontaneously and through our peertutoring program.

How have we created this environment? Observe our teachers when you visit our school. They will be interacting with many students, not just the ones in their classes, reflecting the philosophy that all the children belong to all of us. Long before and long after the instructional day, they will be engaged in true collaboration, sharing their time, materials, strategies, and concerns about students. Their excitement and creativity are contagious, as each new idea expressed spurs another one from a colleague. Their expertise expands beyond our walls through their leadership in system and statewide initiatives.

Do not overlook the other important elements in our success, our parents. You will see them helping in the office, assisting in learning centers in kindergarten classes, cheering our Quiz Bowl team, or planning evening activities to bring our widespread school community together. What you cannot see is the value they place on education or other support they give us from home, but these things are apparent in their children's accomplishments.

Yes, we are small, our building is an old one in the heart of the city, and many students must travel a great distance. These factors do not deter us because excellence is the target that beckons us.

Alexander II Magnet School 1156 College Street Macon 31201 Enrollment: 300 Grades: K-6

Principal Dr. Rochelle Simms
Superintendent Sharon Patterson

Bibb County Schools

Eighth District

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Chattahoochee
Elementary School
At Chattahoochee Elementary School it is no small secret that Champions come in all sizes and colors and with a myriad of needs. The success of every Chattahoochee Champion is the goal that drives our school community to strive for excellence in everything that we do. A daily commitment to our mission to "create quality work, provide a safe, nurturing environment, promote personal responsibility, embrace individual differences, and teach and learn with enthusiasm" is the foundation of student success.
Chattahoochee Champions are active participants in the learning process as they prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow. In the Outdoor Classroom, for example, students take learning beyond the boundaries of the classroom walls. A unique character education program, designed by the Chattahoochee staff, strengthens interpersonal skills, promotes personal responsibility, and empowers both teachers and students. Daily lessons in French, a schoolwide focus on multicultural studies, a superior fine arts program, and incorporation of technology into the instructional program prepare our students to succeed amid the challenges of the twenty-first century.
Preparation in a variety of cocurricular activities affords Chattahoochee students the opportunity to learn and practice interpersonal skills. The Student Council provides students with an opportunity to have a voice in decision making and
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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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2000 Georgia Schools of Excellence
Elementary Schools
Evansdale Elementary ........................... DeKalb County Warren T. Jackson Elementary ................... Atlanta City Rebecca Minor Elementary ................... Gwinnett County Bill Arp Elementary .............................. Douglas County Big Creek Elementary ............................ Forsyth County J. A. Maxwell Elementary ..................... McDuffie County Alps Road Elementary ............................. Clarke County
Middle Schools
Early County Middle ................................. Early County Mabry Middle ........................................... Cobb County Chapel Hill Middle ................................ Douglas County Miller Core Knowledge Magnet Middle ......... Bibb County North Forsyth Middle ............................. Forsyth County George L. Edwards Middle ................... Rockdale County
High Schools
Southeast Bulloch High ......................... Bulloch County Fayette County High .............................. Fayette County Campbell High ......................................... Cobb County Dodge County High ................................. Dodge County North Forsyth High ................................ Forsyth County Rockdale County High ........................ Rockdale County
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develop their awareness of democratic values. Grade-level, servicelearning projects help students understand their responsibility to the community.
The professional community, led by an elected Leadership Team, embraces the philosophy of shared governance and consensus decision making. Staff development is embedded in the daily work of the school and is vitally important to realizing our goal of student success. Regularly scheduled on-site learning opportunities reflect best practice in teaching, learning, and leadership.
Partnerships with parents and the community are essential to student success. Chattahoochee's Parent Teacher Organization actively recruits parent and community volunteers to support teachers in the classroom, mentor students with academic and social needs, and donate funds to buy educational supplies. Last year alone, volunteers logged 4,500 hours of service to Chattahoochee and continue to offer their support and encouragement so that all of our students are able to succeed.
The phenomenal growth of Forsyth County, the second fastest growing county in the nation, is impacting the Chattahoochee student population in number and in need. Throughout the changes and challenges, students, parents, teachers, and the community are working collectively to maintain a commitment to excellence and an environment where everyone is a Champion!

Chattahoochee Elementary School 2800 Holtzclaw Road Cumming 30041 Enrollment: 733 Grades: PreK-5
Forsyth County Schools
19

Principal Dr. Cindy Styles
Superintendent Paula Gault
Ninth District

Waynesboro
Elementary School
Take pride in what you do and how you do it is the philosophy behind Waynesboro Primary School's motto, Panda Pride. In the community, the school is known for its outstanding educational program and warm, welcoming "family" atmosphere. Through their support and volunteer efforts, parents and community members are an integral part of the success experienced. Within the walls of Waynesboro Primary School (WPS), unity of purpose, high expectations, and a sense of excitement about learning are fostered on a daily basis. It is evident that children and their needs are the primary objective.
Waynesboro Primary School personnel believe that setting high standards, coupled with hard work and diligence, enables children to experience success. This can be seen in the dramatic increase of standardized test scores brought about through the implementation of the Four Blocks Literacy Program, curriculum alignment, intensive reading tutoring, reduced class size for at-risk learners, and ongoing assessment of instruction. Test scores have risen an average of 25 percentile points for first and second graders since 1995.
Instruction is interactive and connected. Beginning in kindergarten and continuing through the fifth grade, writing skills are assessed using the Georgia Department of Education's writing rubic. Student achievement information is maintained in individual student portfolios and is essential
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technology is a goal embedded in all content courses in order to prepare students to continue their education at the postsecondary level and/or to join the work force. Special education, English to Speakers of Other Languages, and "at-risk" programs deliver instruction and assistance for students needing learning modifications. One unique state and nationally recognized special education program uses art for students to manage their own in-house screen printing business. A fine arts curriculum enhances the core curriculum with award-winning programs in band, orchestra, chorus, dance, drama, and visual arts.
Community service and volunteerism are major goals of the school. Through numerous local grants and a Georgia Service Learning Grant, the student-run volunteer center logged 45 activities last year with students recording over 24,000 hours of volunteer service. An active Parent Teacher Student Association provides financial assistance and coordinates various parent committees that work diligently for the success of students. Additionally, 17 booster clubs provide physical and financial assistance for 48 clubs and 39 athletic teams.
A culture of continuous improvement permeates all decisions made for the students of CHHS. Through a decision-making process entitled Shared Governance, parents, teachers, and students meet regularly to formulate policies and goals and to produce an annual Local School Plan of Improvement. Through the Gwinnett County Results-Based Evaluation System, the school conducts surveys, collects assessment data, and evaluates itself annually. Through this evaluation process for continuous improvement, excellence is viewed not as a spontaneous act, but as a habit.
Collins Hill High School soars with eagles. Thus, excellence has become the wind beneath our wings.

Collins Hill High Schools 50 Taylor Road Suwanee 30024 Enrollment: 3560 Grades: 9-12
Gwinnett County Schools
49

Principal Coley M. Krug
Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks
Eleventh District

Collins Hill
High School
Collins Hill High School's (CHHS) Eagle mascot is the most appropriate because the school has "soared" since its opening seven years ago. Collins Hill is now the largest high school in the state of Georgia, having grown from an initial enrollment of 1377 in 1994 to 3560 in 2000. "Soaring" student success in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities has shaped Collins Hill in spite of exploding growth.
Just how high do the Eagles soar? Last year, 92 percent of the graduates earned a college preparatory diploma. The Georgia Department of Education recognized the school for having improved SAT scores for the three previous years. Passing Advanced Placement scores have increased from 58 to 72 percent over the last five years. Last summer, 12 students participated in the prestigious Governor's Honors Program. Recent athletic victories have earned both region and state titles.
The mission of CHHS is to pursue excellence in academic knowledge, skills, and behavior for each student resulting in measured improvement against local, national, and worldclass standards. Thus, each student is provided four years of rigorous work in a safe and orderly environment. Advanced Placement, gifted, honors, college preparatory, and technical courses are provided in a student-focused curriculum. Developing confidence and competence in applying the latest
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in providing continuity of learning. Individual Reading Inventories are vital in pinpointing students' progress and diagnosing their needs. Technology in the form of the Waterford Early Reading Program in kindergarten, Lightspan in first grade, and Accelerated Reader in first and second grades have extended student learning. The Monthly Book Club, volunteer readers from the community and other schools within the county, business involvement and support through the Partnersin-Education Program, and parent interaction through avenues from Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to parent conferences vitalize and renew the school on a continuous basis.
Children are at the heart of what we do and how we do it. We realize that the personal growth of each individual is desirable and healthy and that each child has unique gifts. PTA Programs; PTV, the school's morning broadcast; character education; chorus; and activities such as the Media Festival and Young Georgia Authors Writing Contest give students a variety of ways in which to shine. Providing opportunities for children to recognize their own potential and to experience success enables them to be viable, responsible citizens both within the school and within the community.
WPS personnel are committed to excellence. Their level of commitment can also be seen through other honors and awards received. These include the 1997 International Reading Association's Exemplary Reading Award for Georgia; Pay for Performance, Reading First and selection as a Professional Development School by Augusta State University and the Central Savannah River Area's P-16 Council in 1998; developing Project SAIL, a guide to the Four Blocks Literacy Program, through an Innovation Grant in 1999; selection by Augusta State University to participate in a Teacher Pilot Program; and approval of a second Pay for Performance application in 2000. These honors signify the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to providing the best possible education for the children of Burke County.
Success is the product of a shared vision for learning, focus on priorities, and a multifaceted approach to the implementation of goals. Teamwork is an integral part of the WPS story. Attitude is the premise behind the philosophy of Panda Pride. Take pride in what you do and how you do it! By the way, we come with a guarantee. We guarantee that you will never want to leave once you experience the joy of learning at WPS!

Waynesboro Elementary School 352 Southside Drive Waynesboro 30830 Enrollment: 960 Grades: PreK-2
Burke County Schools

Principal Linda S. Bailey
Superintendent C. Doug Day
Tenth District

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Honey Creek
Elementary School
Honey Creek Elementary School is a unique community devoted to preparing students to meet future challenges. Our school symbol is the quilt. Colorful handmade quilts decorate the halls of Honey Creek. The quilt represents a patchwork of achievement as our school attempts to piece together various programs to support our students. Our success has been achieved through a partnership among staff, parents, students, and community.
For the past five years, despite a changing population, student scores on the ITBS have averaged above the system and national norms. At Honey Creek, leadership builds from collaborative planning and decision making. Faculty members, as well as parents, are involved in setting objectives for accomplishing goals within a reasonable time frame. One example of diagnosing a need and prescribing solutions through shared decision making was the commitment to implement schoolwide reading intervention. When the school's ITBS scores indicated a drop in reading comprehension skills, the staff decided to "trade in" teacher assistant hours in order to hire a reading intervention teacher to work with students and plan with faculty. We also were awarded grants to become a Georgia Reading First and a Reading Challenge school. This year we are implementing various models of the Georgia Early Intervention Program in kindergarten through third grade.
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Curriculum and methods are constantly evaluated and enhanced to meet the needs of a diverse and rapidly growing student body. Our development of a School Improvement Plan and our participation in Forsyth County's Professional Appraisal Cycle, High Schools That Work, and The Standard Bearer Schools Network have provided us with a framework for school improvement. Advanced Placement offers challenging courses ranging from English, Chemistry, and Statistics to Studio Art and Music Theory. A full-time Horizons facilitator supervises Directed Study and Apprenticeship Programs. Counselors place interested students in Postsecondary Option and Joint Enrollment Programs. A full-time ESOL teacher serves Limited English Proficient students through English and study-skills classes and collaboration with subject-area teachers. Special education teachers work in collaborative settings with regular education teachers in English, math, science, social studies, and Workplace Spanish classes. A comprehensive counseling and advisement program addresses the needs of students at each grade level.
The future of Forsyth Central is very exciting. Next year, our NinthGrade Learning Center will open, requiring a reorganization of curriculum, programs, and facilities. Technology abounds and continues to expand in the curriculum through laptops in the classroom, students designing the school website, and the availability of PreEngineering and Cisco.

Forsyth Central High School 520 Tribble Gap Road Cumming 30040 Enrollment: 1204 Grades: 9-12
Forsyth County Schools
47

Principal Kenny Foxx
Superintendent Paula Gault
Ninth District

Forsyth Central
High School
Visitors to Forsyth Central High School (FCHS) are greeted by the motto, "Excellence in the Three A's: Academics, Arts, and Athletics," which is prominently displayed in the foyer of the school. High expectations for all have resulted in great successes in the classrooms and laboratories and on the playing fields and stage of Forsyth Central. Strong academic programs have led to greater student achievement and higher test scores. FCHS's fine arts program has been recognized at both the state and national levels for its outstanding performances.
Central's family atmosphere has played a major role in the overall success of the school. A caring, committed staff, a student body of well-adjusted, accepting teenagers; and concerned, supportive parents share a common goal: for students to become thinking, productive and responsible members of our changing society. Parents demonstrate their tireless support by attending performances and supporting events, participating in booster clubs, chaperoning trips, serving as volunteers, becoming members of the SAFE Homes Program, and attending informational meetings. The school and community come together through the Partners-inEducation Program, internships, apprenticeships, scholarships, schoolwide participation in Kids for Kids, a student-led program providing clothing and toys for needy children at Christmas, and numerous other activities both on and off campus.
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Our school serves 685 students including about 100 gifted students each day at the Program Challenge Center and 94 special education students. Weaving this diverse population together is accomplished through our schoolwide positive discipline plan, student government, extracurricular activities, and our character education program. "Character First," an innovative educational program, has fostered a greater sense of respect and caring for others. Honey Creek is the first public school in Georgia to pilot this delivery model of character education based on a program developed in Oklahoma Public Schools. Each week, young adults trained in the Character First Program conduct lessons on the trait-of-the-month and act as mentors and role models for our students. The After-School Enrichment and Before-School Care Programs provide a unique and motivating setting in which students may participate in art, science, dance lessons, reading, and music lessons. Our award-winning daily news program, BTV News, celebrates the accomplishments of groups and individuals.
A finished quilt is a masterpiece of accomplishment. With students, teachers, community members, and parents working together, we have created a school culture and learning environment that is dynamic, fun, innovative, and effective.

Honey Creek Elementary School 700 Honey Creek Road Conyers 30094 Enrollment: 595 Grades: K-5
Rockdale County Schools
23

Principal Nancy Cornwell
Superintendent Ruel Parker
Eleventh District

interns working on advanced degrees are assigned for the entire year. They provide group and individual advisement to the ninth and tenth graders. They also work on providing informational sessions for parents. During the four years of implementing this initiative, the ninth-grade failure (retention) rate has decreased from 31 to 13 percent; the school's overall promotion rate has increased from 80 to 92 percent; the average student attendance for ninth graders has increased from 82 to 91 percent; and the overall school attendance has improved from 84.7 to 92.9 percent. Grady students have a tradition of having the highest SAT scores in the Atlanta Public School System, and the number of students scoring 1000 or higher continues to increase.
The Grady community values the racial, economic, and academic differences within its population. The school motto reflects this: Individually, we are different; together, we are Grady. Students from diverse backgrounds work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and friendship. At a time when many people have given up on public schools, Henry Grady High School offers proof that public education in the inner city can be something to celebrate.
Grady's innovative approach to instruction, its dedicated faculty, and its strong administrative leadership have earned praise at local, state, and national levels. Our successes include: noted in the October 19, 1998, issue of Time for the success story of Anjolique Aytch (class of 1999); identified in the January 18, 1999, issue of the U.S. News & World Report as an outstanding high school in the U.S.; received Pay for Performance in 1999 and system incentive awards in 1999 and 2000; won Atlanta Public School Teacher of the Year for 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 and Atlanta Public School High School Teacher of the Year for 1998-1999 and 2001-2002; began the first forensic program in Atlanta Public Schools in 1983; represented Georgia in national competitions every year since 1988; named a Title I Distinguished School by the United States Department of Education in May 2000.
Perhaps the greatest honor is to be found in the words of a graduate of the class of 1999. "Grady has the diversity of backgrounds that you want in a public school with the educational standards that you expect in a private school." It is a wonderful accolade to be recognized as a school of excellence by the students served.

Grady High School 929 Charles Allen Drive, NE Atlanta 30309 Enrollment: 815 Grades: 9-12
Atlanta Public Schools
45

Principal Dr. Vincent D. Murray
Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall
Fifth District

Grady
High School
Named for Henry W. Grady, editor of The Atlanta Constitution and a proponent of a "New South" in the post-Civil War era, Grady High School has a long tradition of producing Atlanta's leaders. Grady was established in 1947 when young women joined the students of Boys High and Tech High to form a single school. In 1961, it became one of the first white high schools in Georgia to open its doors to African-American students.
Grady remains committed to excellence in public education for all students. Located in Midtown, the school draws its student body from the entire socioeconomic spectrum of Atlanta. It offers instruction for students at all levels, including the learning disabled and the highly gifted. A major school initiative, the Student Success Program, focuses on assisting ninth graders in making a smooth transition into high school. For the past two summers nearly 20 percent of the entering freshman class accepted the invitation to a two-week summer program concentrating on reading, mathematics, study skills, and time management. All freshmen are assigned to small (12-15 students) homerooms, allowing homeroom teachers to serve as academic coaches closely monitoring student progress for the entire school year. Freshmen are given first priority when assigning tutors or mentors from the school's community partners, the United States Department of Labor, and the Environmental Protection Agency. In another partnership with Georgia State University, two counselor
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Carrollton Junior
High School
Carrollton Junior High School (CJHS), a unique and innovative school, is committed to the middle school concept. We celebrate our students as individuals and strive to provide them with opportunities for maximum growth in knowledge, self-discipline, and citizenship. Through ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement, we develop and implement challenging programs that enhance and support our mission and philosophy: Focus on success for all students. Guided by a dedicated and professional staff, our students learn in a caring environment that encourages academic excellence, student involvement, and mutual respect.
Providing a rigorous, well-rounded education for our students is a number one priority at CJHS. Curriculum guides in every subject are aligned to the Quality Core Curriculum, worldclass standards, national standards, the SCANS report, Stanford-9 and CRCT objectives, and include quality content, effective instructional strategies, and current resources. Carefully sequenced and closely monitored, our curriculum meets the needs of individual students while addressing the challenges of assessment and accountability. As a result, the ITBS Reading Comprehension, Language Total, Math Total, and Composite Scores of CJHS students in spring 2000 were significantly above the national mean. Furthermore, 88 percent of our eighth-grade students last year scored at or above proficient levels on the Georgia Middle Grades Writing Assessment.
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of life at Chamblee through monetary support of academic programs and staff development, as well as providing over 75 mentors who visit weekly with students.
Chamblee's faculty is a strong one, averaging 14 years of teaching experience. Forty-five of seventy-eight faculty members hold certification at the master's level and beyond. Teachers are encouraged and supported in obtaining additional training and encouraged to attend conferences and workshops including vertical teams' training and AP seminars. On-site staff development to encourage the integration of new technology within the core curriculum has been a focus of the 2000-2001 school year.
Chamblee students consistently score well above the state and local averages on the Georgia High School Graduation Tests. Moreover, during the 1999-2000 school year, 87 percent of students taking AP exams scored a 3 or higher. Based on the previous year's PSAT scores, fall 2000 saw one student recognized as a semifinalist in the National Hispanic Recognition Program, 16 students selected as National Achievement semifinalists with 14 additional commended students, and 17 recognized as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists with 22 additional commended students.
Never content merely to bask in success, Chamblee applied for and has been granted status as a charter school beginning with the 20002001 school year. Technology in the classroom and character education will provide the dual focus for the 2001-2002 school year.

Chamblee High School 3688 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Chamblee 30341 Enrollment: 1250 Grades: 9-12
DeKalb County Schools
43

Principal Dianne Clark
Superintendent Dr. James R. Hallford
Fourth District

Chamblee
High School
Chamblee High School represents diversity grounded in excellence and prides itself on meeting the needs of its multiracial, multicultural population. As one of DeKalb County's magnet schools for high achievers, Chamblee serves this third of its population, as well as its many high-achieving resident students, by offering a solid and demanding curriculum. This includes 12 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a math curriculum that extends through BC and Multivariable Calculus. For the past five years, Chamblee has also been home to the only Army Junior ROTC Program in DeKalb County. The 1999-2000 school year witnessed the introduction of a broadcast communications curriculum, a teacher cadet program, and a journalism elective. In addition to a diverse curriculum, Chamblee also offers a wide spectrum of clubs, sports, and academic teams in which over 70 percent of the students participate. The sports teams at Chamblee have been very successful, earning a berth to state tournaments in basketball, tennis, swimming, wrestling, and cross-country. One of its greatest strengths and sources of pride is the interaction between teachers and students, both inside the classroom and in extracurricular activities.
Chamblee draws additional strength from a strong Parent Teacher Student Association and valuable Partner-inEducation support. Many parents serve as volunteers in the school as well as lead fund-raising and beautification projects. Cox Enterprises, Inc. contributes much to the overall quality
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With enthusiastic devotion to their profession, accompanied by challenging and innovative approaches to teaching and learning, all of our teachers are committed to providing our students with unparalleled opportunities for success. Using quality management techniques and data analysis tools, CJHS offers an effective and meaningful education for all students. Individualized remedial classes, an expanded gifted program, schoolwide character education and antiviolence programs, abundant extracurricular activities, a model after-school program, multiple opportunities for student recognition, and strong parent and community involvement all contributed to our selection as a Georgia School of Excellence.

Carrollton Junior High School 510 Ben Scott Boulevard Carrollton 30117 Enrollment: 829 Grades: 6-8
Carrollton City Schools
27

Principal Jackie Fillingim
Superintendent Dr. Ronnie A. Williams
Seventh District

Turner
Middle School
The diversity of the Turner Middle School (TMS) community is the thread of the "Excellence" fabric that binds it together. A population of students from diverse backgrounds and varying academic levels blends together at TMS to strive to be, as Principal Jay Grimmett would say, "the best we can be." Constantly evaluating the various needs of the school community and implementing new programs which allow students to excel both personally and academically provide a rewarding challenge for the TMS faculty and staff.
The collaborative efforts of the faculty have been the backbone of success as all of Turner's stakeholders strive toward excellence. The integration of diverse populations has been made possible by specialized teachers working as team members with the core academic teachers. For example, the "collaborative model" of teaching is used to reach all levels of learners as students with disabilities are integrated into the regular education classroom and academically gifted students are enriched in regular classes. Special education teachers and program challenge teachers coteach with their regular education partners, which increases support to all students. Each year the leadership team interprets test scores to ascertain the greatest needs of the students. To address those needs, an SRA Reading Program has been established. The faculty, parents, and students have been rewarded with increased standardized test scores for students in all populations at TMS.
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The parents and community share in the success of MHS. The community puts forth the necessary effort and resources to make the many programs successful and to allow them to continue. The parents are genuinely concerned with the success of their children and facilitate that success with support and encouragement. Both parents and the community offer support to the faculty and staff at McIntosh and allow us to perform the necessary tasks required to guarantee the success of the students. Our Partners-in-Education Program funds many of the programs necessary to promote the broad-based learning that occurs at McIntosh. Without the support of these groups, McIntosh would not be the unique learning environment that it is today.
As our students continue to see the importance of a quality education, we expect to see our already impressive statistics continue to improve. With the enhancement of our Technical and Career Preparatory (TCP) Program, our SAT scores for these students have increased 30 points in just one year. While many of these students enter the work force upon graduation, the trend is beginning to show evidence of change. Our TCP students have begun to realize the importance of postsecondary education and are going on to technical schools and community colleges to increase their opportunities for success in society. Seventy-four percent of our students enter college with the benefit of the HOPE Scholarship, and a large number of these students retain the HOPE Scholarship into their second and subsequent years. Without student recognition of education importance, the goals set by the faculty and staff would be difficult to achieve. The high expectations of faculty, staff, students, parents, and community translate into academic excellence at McIntosh.

McIntosh High School 201 Walt Banks Road Peachtree City 30269 Enrollment: 1457 Grades: 9-12
Fayette County Schools
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Principal Gregory W. Stillions
Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis
Third District

McIntosh
High School
Innovative programs, a dedicated faculty and staff, and enthusiastic students combine to make McIntosh High School (MHS) a unique and successful learning environment. McIntosh has a commitment to excellence that has resulted in frequent recognition as one of Georgia's top ten high schools. Most recently, the Public Policy Foundation of Georgia recognized McIntosh as the number one high school in Georgia for the 2000-2001 school year. Along with these commendations, McIntosh has achieved an average SAT score of above 1100. These accomplishments, along with recognition as a 2001 Georgia School of Excellence, evidence the dedication put forth by all who are associated with McIntosh High School.
Through programs such as project success, peer leadership, and advancement placement, MHS offers a firm foundation on which its students can build either through postsecondary education or entrance into the work force. We allow students the opportunity to prepare for a number of postsecondary options while gaining the basic life skills required for success in an increasingly technological society. Faculty members are dedicated to the promise of ensuring the sound education of all students. Programs such as ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) offer students with diverse backgrounds the opportunity to experience success. The focus of the McIntosh staff is on preparing our students for the future, and it is important that no student be left out or let down.
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As Turner strives for academic achievement, the goal is to select programs that will be most beneficial to the greatest number of students. A great deal of time, effort, and energy is spent on the selection of programs needed to fulfill the needs of Turner's unique population. When challenged with the concern over the large number of students going home to spend unsupervised hours alone, TMS implemented an after-school program. The program provides a safe environment where students can receive academic assistance and participate in stimulating activities such as a martial arts program.
Cocurricular and extracurricular activities supplement the academics at Turner. The athletic teams consistently do well and have won many championships. The National Beta Club wins awards annually at their convention, and the math team is consistently one of the best in the county. The old saying, "There is something for everyone at Turner" holds true. There are programs and activities offered to aid and enrich every child at Turner Middle School. Given the challenges of such a diverse population, Turner Middle School strives to be the best that it can be in all arenas.

Turner Middle School 7101 Junior High Drive Lithia Springs 30122 Enrollment: 704 Grades: 6-8
Douglas County Schools
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Principal E. Jay Grimmett
Superintendent Randy M. Brittain
Seventh District

Warner Robins
Middle School
As students tumble in and out of our school, we strive to be as a kaleidoscope, ensuring that each one gets to shine in a unique way and that everyone works together as a successful whole. When each child contributes his/her tile of talent, we come together to create a picture of success. Kaleidoscopes embody the beauty of constant changemade even more attractive when the tiles are more diverse. No matter how chaotic change is elsewhere, Warner Robins Middle School (WRMS) brings it into harmony for our students. And when the light catches each individual student just right, they are changed into stars. Our students have access to our diverse extracurricular programs from our Broadway musicals to our All Sports Champions. The faculty, parents, and community of WRMS have committed to "Leave No Child Behind!"
Our reading test scores have seen a marked improvement since we implemented a schoolwide Accelerated Reading Program, a reading connections class for at-risk readers, and other reading initiatives to target students from gifted to special education. These reading improvements and a decline in discipline referrals over the last five years have taken place at a time when our student population has changed from 23 percent on free or reduced lunch to 31 percent. We want all of our students exposed to the latest technology. In our efforts to achieve this goal, we are constantly training and updating our staff on the latest technology and equipment. Community and parental support have been key to our
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successes. Our commitment to parental and community involvement has borne amazing fruit this year with volunteers in the office and media center, an engineering firm providing tutoring services, an expanding Tomahawk Talk newsletter, and record-breaking funds raised by our band booster club.
In examining the results of these initiatives this year, we are excitedly setting priorities for next year, such as new math tutorial programs, retailoring our reading initiative, and recommitting ourselves to continue the excellence in education at Warner Robins Middle School. We are a 2001 Georgia School of Excellence because we have self-reflective educators who use test scores, research, and other indicators to target our efforts. The swirling patterns of our kaleidoscope are not chaotic but part of a harmonious design created through the unified leadership of parents, teachers, and administrators working with community support. This is a place for everyone; we will "Leave No Child Behind!"

Warner Robins Middle School 425 Mary Lane Warner Robins 31088 Enrollment: 797 Grades: 6-8
Houston County Schools

Principal Henry C. Eldridge
Superintendent Dr. Charles A. Holloway
Eighth District

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Calhoun
Middle School
Calhoun Middle School (CMS) is the epitome of excellence in education. The school is composed of a network of teachers, parents, administrators, and community leaders who are committed to the achievement of one common goal: to provide the very best education possible for all students. The school places a strong emphasis on academics. Its rigorous curriculum is designed to accommodate the academic needs of all students. The regular curriculum, which includes classes ranging from remedial to honors, is complemented by a rotation of meaningful connections classes which include the following: art, music, band, chorus, drama, career connections, economics, Spanish, Latin, keyboarding, database, word processing, computer-based instruction, explorations in technology, multimedia production, and Internet research.
Exemplary programs, which are a particular source of pride, include the areas of technology, the gifted, special education, foreign language, and field trips. The school's accessible technology has expanded to include three fully equipped labs with multimedia capability and Internet access. All classrooms are equipped with one or more computers of multimedia capability and Internet access while all classrooms and labs are networked to the media center. The gifted program has expanded to include many gifted-certified teachers and has resulted in students being served in all of their areas of giftedness. The special education program includes
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During the past decade, test scores have risen dramatically and consistently. Our ITBS scores now rank in the top third statewide, and we exceed the national average. Equally impressive gains have been made in the Georgia Writing Test, and our students are highly successful in academic bowls and competitions.
Clarke Middle School staff members use a powerful shared decisionmaking governance structure that focuses on student achievement, overall school improvement, and their own professional growth. Perhaps our greatest strength is our ability to reach out beyond the school. In addition to having a strong Parent Teacher Organization, we work closely with the community through school-to-work initiatives and through such improvement programs as Adopt-a-Space. We collaborate with the University of Georgia, Piedmont College, and other local schools of higher learning in many areas including student teaching, curriculum and instruction, and technology.
We are proud of our successes, but also keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead, the greatest of which is to ensure that all students find the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for success and happiness in their future lives.

Clarke Middle School 1235 Baxter Street Athens 30606 Enrollment: 650 Grades: 6-8
Clarke County Schools
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Principal Dr. Ken Sherman
Superintendent Dr. Lewis Holloway
Eleventh District

Clarke
Middle School
Clarke Middle School has a long tradition of excellence. During the past decade, the faculty and staff at Clarke Middle School have redoubled their efforts to create a responsive, communitycentered school that provides for the success of all its students.
Clarke Middle School became a school of excellence by developing a commitment to comprehensive school improvement based on reflection, study, and professional growth; implementing research-based practices; establishing high academic and behavioral standards, with input from staff, parents, and the community; teaching a rigorous curriculum, integrating technology; and linking instruction to the needs of the community and local businesses. These areas are tied together through honest assessment of student and staff performance and the use of empirical data to improve the school program.
These efforts have resulted in powerful programs. Our gifted collaboration model became the template for delivery of gifted instruction throughout Georgia, and has provided an equitable, educationally-sound way to make instruction more challenging for all. We recognize the importance of linking school instruction to the larger community and the world of work; our service learning/school-to-work program teaches and develops work ethic and job skills. Major improvements have occurred in student behavior and citizenship. Our efforts to reduce bullying were part of a pilot project that now forms the basis of a national multisite, violence-prevention project.
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remarkable activities including student writing grants to acquire funds, materials, and manpower to create an outdoor classroom available for use by everyone. The foreign language program has expanded to include Spanish and Latin. CMS students participate in meaningful field trips to Washington, D.C. and Williamsburg, Virginia. They participate in the Special Education Tour of Georgia and an archaeological dig sponsored by the Coosawattee Foundation.
Calhoun Middle School's extremely dedicated teachers are constantly adapting to an ever-changing world. Successful, innovative programs have resulted in students being much better equipped to meet academic challenges placed before them. The school's consistently strong standardized test performance throughout the years is indicative of the strength of the educational programs offered to all CMS students.
Calhoun Middle School's primary goal is to increase academic achievement through improved instruction. Staff development initiatives drive the school to realize that goal. Teacher training provided through staff development in areas such as the use of technology for instruction, reading strategies, and curriculum mapping has resulted in higher academic achievement for all. Parents and community leaders provide vital support by raising and contributing funds, supplies, volunteers, and valuable time.
Calhoun Middle School plans to continue to seek out worthwhile programs and implement whatever is necessary for students to achieve. The school plans to secure the necessary funding for the institution of a language academy for the ever-increasing population of non-English speaking students and for the implementation of the next phase of the laptop program: to issue laptop computers to CMS students. In addition, Calhoun Middle School will continue to expand its technology program by following technological developments to wherever they lead in the twenty-first century.

Calhoun Middle School 510 Oothcalooga Street Calhoun 30701 Enrollment: 576 Grades: 6-8
Calhoun City Schools
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Principal Paul Sabin
Superintendent Larry Harmon
Ninth District

Riverside
Middle School
Riverside Eagles are "Soaring to New Heights!" The eagle has long been used as a sign of power, strength, courage, and freedom. We believe our mascot fits us well. Our desire as educators is to instill in our students a desire to soar to greater heights through hard work and achievement.
Academic excellence is the primary focus at Riverside Middle School, and our faculty is committed to ensuring our eagles the freedom to succeed by planning meaningful, quality instruction. Although our test scores are above state and national averages, there is always room for self-reflection and planning for improvement. As role models for our students, the majority of our faculty and administrators are dedicated, lifelong learners who bring special insights and knowledge to the classroom.
Riverside Middle School believes there is power in the knowledge and use of technology as an integral part of bringing the world to our classrooms. Access to computers for every student is a priority as evidenced by our two stationary computer labs, portable laptop lab, technology lab, career connection lab, and computers in every classroom. Our entire faculty is completing InTech training this year in order to facilitate the growth of our students in these essential skills of the twenty-first century. Our eagles are ready to take flight in this new millennium.
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The students of Riverside Middle School have inherited the strength of the eagle through a commitment to principles of character. Each morning in our television broadcast, Eagle View, there are segments that include character development through our active counseling department. Choices are key and fundamental at the middle grades level, and through programs and curriculum our students get a greater sense of well-being by understanding Character Words of the Week, participating in Red Ribbon Week and Stop the Violence Week, honoring Veteran's Day, and celebrating cultural diversity throughout the school year.
Our eagles also have the courage to venture beyond the boundaries of their home and school by actively helping others within our community. Our students choose to help needy families at Christmas, participate in reading to the elderly, and volunteer at Camp Free to Be Me, a summer camp for special needs students. As a school, we have forged partnerships in the community with the Savannah River Sites Corps of Engineers, the Medial College of Georgia, the Greater Augusta Astronomy Club, local businesses and organizations, area lawmakers, and most importantly, the parents of our children through our active Parent Teacher Student Organization. The real-life lessons our partners bring to Riverside Middle School allow the enrichment of our classrooms and the expansion of knowledge for our students.
To obtain the attributes of the eagle, we set high standards that provide students with experiences that will prepare them for a future in a diverse and global society. We are ready to face the challenges that lie ahead, and with the support of our students, parents, and the community in which we serve, we will establish educational goals that meet and exceed the expectations of the finest learning facilities in the nation. Without a doubt, when our eagles leave us they are truly "Soaring to New Heights."

Riverside Middle School 1095 Fury's Ferry Road Evans 30809 Enrollment: 831 Grades: 6-8
Columbia County Schools
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Principal Sandra Carraway
Superintendent Thomas A. Price
Tenth District

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

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 Rehabilitation Act 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.