{"response":{"docs":[{"id":"dlg_ggpd_y-ga-be300-pp8-bs1-be9-b1999","title":"1999 Georgia public schools of excellence","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":["Georgia Public Schools of Excellence Program"],"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Department of Education. Public Information and Publications Division"],"dc_date":["1999"],"dcterms_description":["Title from cover"],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Dept. of Education, Public Information and Publications Division, 1999"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Schools--Georgia--Periodicals","Public schools--Georgia--Periodicals"],"dcterms_title":["1999 Georgia public schools of excellence"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-be300-pp8-bs1-be9-b1999"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-be300-pp8-bs1-be9-b1999"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":["\u0026copy; Georgia Department of Education"],"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["state government records"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"s) \n1999 \nGeorgia \nPublic Schools \nof Excellence \n \nLinda C. Schrenko \n \nState Superintendent of Schools \n \nr.:Dnr\"_-\"\" nro.......-'\"_~_ ... _~ r..J \n \noC:_ \n \n The Georgia Department of Education thanks the schools and systems for providing information and photographs for this book. \n \n Foreword \n \nThis is the sixteenth year for the Georgia Schools of Excellence \n \nProgram. A total of 105 schools participated in the program this \n \nyear. The program, which is open to all public schools, identifies \n \nand honors unusually successful public schools throughout ol!r ~ \n \nq \n \nstate. The goal of the program is not necessarily to find the \n \n\"best\" schools in Georgia, but to identify the schools that are \n \ndoing an exceptional job. This is not a ranking of our top \n \nschools, but examples of outstanding programs from various \n \nregions of Georgia. \n \nThe schools were screened by committees consisting of local Georgia educators from congressional districts other than the ones in which the schools are located. These committees were composed of principals, curriculum directors, teachers, and superintendents. \n \nInformation on each of the following conditions of effective schooling was provided by the participating schools. This information was used as a guide to help the committees during their selection of the 1999 Georgia Schools of Excellence. \n \n Building leadership  Teaching environment  Curriculum and instruction  Student environment  Parent and community support  Indicators of success  Organizational vitality \n \n A message from the State Superintendent of Schools \ncinBa erJ. \ne}cht:enko \nGeorgia communities seeking to improve their local schools benefit from innovative examples, They have this in the standards of innovation and achievement provided by the 1999 Georgia \nPublic Schools of Excellence. \nThe varieties of school improvement strategies used by these thirty schools aTe as abundant as they are inspiring. Some Schools of Excellence share common instructional methods or philosophies 10 reach their school improvement goals, while others find unique strategies that fit their own specific needs. \nHowever. all of the 1999 Schools of Excellence share one indispensable trait. They share the willingness to bring together the \nentire school and much of the community, 10 roll up their sleeves, and 10 get the job done. \n2 \n \n As you review the profiles of the schools in this booklet, you will see examples of this community~based effort. The Schools of Excellence program recognizes the best of the best. To reach such a lofty status. the schools must have total commitment Irom alllaculty, administrators, and students in order to ensure that the learning experience is everything it can possibly be. \nThe prestige 01 the Schools 01 Excellence program grows each year. and so does the excitement leading up to the awards recognition banquet. Many of the behind~the~scenes players who have worked so hard to improve their schools-parents, local businesses, and community members-will be in attendance to witness the public acclaim their efforts have helped bring to their schools. \nLike an outstanding school, a program as large in scope as the Schools of Excellence program requires the efforts of many people to succeed. We would not be able to honor these deselVing schools without the linancial and planning help so generously offered by our corporate sponsors, The Blue Bird Corporation and PBD, Inc.; our sponsor, SouthTrust Bank; and our supporters, NationsBank and Logi-Trans, Inc. All of these businesses understand the importance of supporting education, and they do so with efficiency and a smile. \nAlso, let us thank the students 01 the Schools of Excellence. The grandest plans lor improving student achievement are empty promises until the students demonstrate consistent effort and close cooperation with their teachers. \nFinally, thanks to all 01 you who are attending the Schools 01 Excellence banquet, as well as those who could not be here tonight but still make contributions to this proud program. \nThe luture of our world is being formed right now in countless classrooms across Georgia, the United States, and the world. Thanks to you, that future promises to be as bright as the smiles on the faces of all those involved with the 1999 Schools of Excellence. \nThank you and congratulations_ \n \n /999 !Jporgia c/zools 06 @xceLLence \n \nDistrict \n \nElementary Schools \n \n1 Matilda Harris Elementary School, Camden County \n \n2 Cross Creek Elementary School, Thomas County \n \n3 Ruth Hill Elementary School. Coweta County... \n \n. \n \n4 Oak Grove Elementary School, DeKalb County \n \n4 Henderson Mill Elementary School, DeKalb County \n \n5 Morningside Elementary School, Atlanta City \n \n6 Shallowford Falls Elementary School, Cobb County \n \n7 East Central Elementary School, Rome City \n \n8 Nicholls Elementary School, Coffee County \n \n9 Chestnut Mountain Elementary School, Hall County \n \n10 Goshen Elementary School, Richmond County \n \n11 W. C. Britt Elementary School, Gwinnett County \n \nPage \n6 .8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 \n \nMiddle Schools \n1 Leiston T. Shuman Middle School, Chatham County.. 3 Eagle's Landing Middle School, Henry County.. 5 Jean Childs Young Middle School, Atlanta City 7 Cartersville Middle School, Cartersville City 8 Bert Rumble Middle School, Houston County.. 9 South Hall Middle School, Hall County. 10 John M. Tutt Middle School, Richmond County 11 Memorial Middle School, Rockdale County \n \n...32 ...34 \n36 ..38 . ..40 . 42 \n44 46 \n \nHigh Schools \n \n2 Cook High School, Cook County.. \n \n. \n \n3 Hardaway High School, Muscogee County \n \n4 Norcross High School, Gwinnett County...... . \n \n5 Southside Comprehensive High School, Atlanta City \n \n6 Lassiter High School, Cobb County \n \n7 Carrollton High School, Carrollton City \n \n8 Jeff Davis High School, Jeff Davis County... \n \n9 Gainesville High School, Gainesville City..... .. \n \n10 Lakeside High School, Columbia County.. . \n \n11 Heritage High School, Rockdale County..... \n \n50 52 54 56 58 60 . 62 .64 66 . 68 \n \n4 \n \n @tementa?:'Ij \nechoots \n \n (lUatilBa dJeauis \n@Iementat:y e}chooL \nMatilda Harris Elementary School (MHES), bullt in 1989, was named lor a well-known Camden County educator. Matilda Harris was the first Black female educator in Camden County. She provided 60 years of dedicated service and was a link between uneducated citizens and an educational opportunity: her leadership and education contributions have become legendary. In an effort to live up 10 the reputation of its namesake, Matilda Harris Elementary School strives 10 provide exemplary educational opportunities for all students. \nThe MHE5 faculty and staff work together to maintain a challenging curriculum for its 800 students. The curriculum is based on one goal, 10 teach each child to read fluently. Since Matilda Harris Elementary School is located in a military community, it is quite possible that the move to MHES is nol the first for many students. With children from many backgrounds coming together to learn. reading provides a common ground. The S.O.A.R. (Stop Off and Read) program combined with yearly themes such as \"Up and Away With Reading~ or \"Around the World in 180 Days~ serves as a catalyst for programs that combine reading with other subject areas. The Accelerated Reader is an important part of the reading program. Students set goals for themselves six weeks at a time. After earning 50 points, they are \n6 \n \n honored in a schoolwide parade. By mid-year, many students have earned over 100 points. \nFamilies are involved in the school program. Each year there are four J.e.G. (Jaguars on the Go} events. Families are invited to come enjoy refreshments and activities. Christmas Fun Night featured arts and crafts, science experiments, holiday photographs, and refreshments. Other family events include Camp Read-A-Lot, Winter Wonderland, and the Coffee Cats Coffee Shop. \nSailors from the U.s.s. West Virginia and parents provide an effective \nvolunteer force. A core group of volunteers has established committees that provide assistance in classrooms and other school areas. These volunteers selVe ice cream and slushies at lunch time, conduct Basic Literacy Tests, work in the Outdoor Classroom, and welcome new families to the school. The commitment of the sailors adds a unique dimension of community involvement not often found in schools. \nThe music program at Matilda Harris Elementary School is exceptional. Through the Orlf program. students learn music theory, dance, and play musical instruments beginning in kindergarten. The Noteables. the school chorus, consistently wins local and state competitions. \nA fourth-grade student wrote in her description of the school, \"1 didn't like school until I came to Matilda Harris.\" We feel that she is fortunate to come to a school as special as ours \"Where Children Are Treasured.\" \n \nMatilda Harris Elementary School 1100 Lakes Boulevard Kingsland. Georgia 31548 Enrollment: 830 Grades: PreK-5 Camden County Schools \n \nPrincipal Joey Goble \nSuperintendent David Rainer \nFirst District \n \n7 \n \n erJross erJreek \n(lementary e}clzool \n\"Be Everything You Can Be,\" the motto of Cross Creek Elementary School, exemplifies the strong vision of the administrators and staff to maintain an outstanding school. Everyone is dedicated to meeting the needs of a diverse student population in an environment of acceptance, dignity, and worth. Teaching at Cross Creek is communicating the excitement of learning SO that students are motivated to seek Qut knowledge for themselves. Teachers have high expectations for themselves and for their students, and teachers always motivate students 10 do their personal best. \nThe success of Cross Creek can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of a dedicated staff, parental support and involvement, and close communication between school and home. Academic time is protected and maximized to maintain instructional focus. This schoolwide Title I school offers a variety of instructional programs including a literature-based reading program, SRA Corrective Reading, Accelerated Reader, Discovery Works science, High Touch-High Tech in-school field trips, Saxon Math, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.), and Me-ology, as well as the integration of all content areas to provide a strong instructional focus. Curriculum alignment, in addition to reading and math standards at each grade level, has focused instruction. \n \n Creativity, mental nexibility, and high expectations for achievement are stressed to prepare students for changing work demands and a world of technology. Fifty-two classrooms are equipped with five to six networked computers that are accessible to students in every subject. An automated media center exposes students to databases and advanced information retrieval techniques. A positive school climate is reinforced through a consistent discipline management policy. the Terrific Kids program, and the Positive Action program. All efforts are centered on facUitating and improving instruction. \nIdentifying needs and planning improvements are a continual process al Cross Creek. Student achievement is monitored continuously through curriculum alignment benchmark tests and standardized tests in reading and math. A school improvement planning process that involves the administrators, teachers, parents, students, and community members concentrates all efforts on school improvement and success. Formal and informal data are analyzed and school improvement goals and activities are developed in a School Improvement Plan. Every school employee has ownership in the plan. Staff development is directly related to school improvement goals. Everyone at Cross Creek Elementary School fosters the notion of excellence, and everyone works toward further improvement. \n \nCross Creek Elementary School 324 Clark Road Thomasville 31757 Enrollment: 1.249 Grades: 3-5 Thomas County Schools \n \nPrincipal \nRobert H. Parrish \nSuperintendent Dr. Terrel M. Solana \nSecond District \n \n9 \n \n 8J(ztth dltiLL \n0Lementary e}chooL \nRuth Hill Elementary School has a rich heritage in Coweta County, and school pride is again infectious throughout the school and community. Everyone has truly adopted the student message that echoes throughout the building each morning over the intercom, .. [ Can, You Can, We Can!\" The school, localed near a federal housing project, reaches a population consisting of 79 percent African-American, 20 percent Caucasian, and 1 percent Hispanic children. Seventy-five percent of these students receive free or reduced price lunches. \n[n 1994. the staff created Dare to CARE. (Conflicts Are Resolved Easily), a conflict-resolution, violence-prevention plan, to provide students with peaceful means for solving conflicts. This program has become the cornerstone for building a learning environment where students, faculty, and parents can excel. Through comprehensive test analysis and goal-setting sessions each year, the staff identifies areas for school improvement. Staff development sessions in relevant teaching techniques, such as brain-based learning, are emphasized and planned in order to address those areas in need of improvement. \nIn addition to Dare to C.A.RE., now firmly in place and in response to the identified school improvement needs in 1996- \n \n 97, the staff implemented the components of the current improvement effort by developing the PEACH (Positively Encouraging A's in Children) Plan, the emphasis of the Title I schoolwide plan. Key components of the PEACH Plan include individualized instruction through reduced class size, increased use of technology by all students, full-lime music instruction, an artist-in-residence program, and an emphasis on brain-based learning. \"After-school Adventures,\" an enrichment and remediation program, provided opportunities for the student to experience extracurricular activities that would normally be unavailable to them, such as aviation ground school, chess, cooking, needlepoint, crochet, guitar, and dancing. Leadership opportunities for students include the C.ARE. Squad (trained student mediators), Junior Civitan officers, Breakfast Squad (a job-training program), WRHS News Team, Student Council, and chorus. In the ';Lunch Buddy Program,\" all third, fourth, and fifth graders are paired with primary grade students who eat lunch together every day and often share class activities. Advanced technology projects, such as the College E-Mail Buddies, offer opportunities for increased student involvement in the latest technology. \nThe \"Stepping Stones\" early intervention program establishes that first critical link between home and school as teacher volunteers deliver readiness materials to mothers while they are still in the maternity ward. Additional parent training by the SIA program has strengthened that bond by providing concrete learning activities to begin at home with preschool children. The parent participation, lead by a strong PTO Board, has grown drastically and has played a vital role in Ruth Hill Elementary School's increase in student achievement. \nThe numerous innovative programs that characterize the vision and commitment of the school's PEACH Plan have resulted in exemplary Achievement gains, outstanding Attendance, and positive daily Attitudes for the students. The adoption of the new school mascot, the soaring eagle, speaks volumes about the new vision and positive climate that have developed as does the theme song \"I Believe I Can Ry'\" \n \nRuth Hill Elementary School 57 Sunset Lane Newnan 30263 Enrollment: 419 Grades: PreK-5 Coweta County Schools \n11 \n \nPrincipal Connie Davis \nSuperintendent Richard C. Brooks \nThird District \n \n {]ak ~'CO]}e \n@Lementar'fj e}chooL \nTell us about a school with students whose JTBS scores are consistently among the highest in the state and nation; with teachers who spend more than 900 out-of-school hours each year work- \ning specifically on school improvement strategies; with a principal who every F1iday morning bakes homemade biscuits for his facul- \nty (more than 40,000 biscuits to date); and with parents who volunteer by the hundreds to tutor, photocopy, lead after-.school dubs. and even paint the school. hallways. TeD us about a school whose students shine in the academic three Rs of reading, \"riting, and 'rithmelk but learn that it is just as important to shine in the other three Rs of respect, responsibility, and random acts of kindness. Tell us about a school that lives by W. B. Yeals\" adage, \"Education is not the filling of a pail. but a lighting of a fire,~ and we can say, ~That is our school-Oak Grove Elementary!\" \nAlthough Oak Grove Elementary School is not a magnet school, our students set standards for very high achievement. We fosler a culture of \"flying higher together,\" our school motto. It is a tricky act to challenge 129 gifted students, to bring success to our 115 special-needs students, and to make our regular students feel special and successful, 100. We do this by giving enrichment activities to every student and creating a ~fIow.room ~ for creative learning. \n12 \n \n If schools could leave legacies, ours would be the gift of reading. Students start every day with an open book in our Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) program. Each classroom has mini-libraries containing classic and contemporary children's literature obtained from our Literary Guild program. \nOurs is a school with a profound sense of community. In the past few years, the untimely deaths of several young students inspired students, parents, faculty, staff, and the community to establish tributes. These tributes are a nature trail and wildlife preselVe, a fund-raising walk on behalf of Camp Sunshine, and a multipurpose outdoor pavilion. \nTell us about a school with students who take prizes in the Science Olympiad, the Social Science Fair, math, and chess; with sixth graders who act as buddies for special education students; with teachers who develop special programs after reviewing students' test performance; and with a PTA that raises funds for a foreign language program, teacher appreciation and development activities, and numerous other resources. Tell us about a school like that, and we proudly say, \"That is Oak Grove Elementary School. \n \nOak Grove Elementary School 1857 Oak Grove Road, NE Atlanta 30345 Enrollment: 576 Grades: PreK-6 DeKalb County Schools \n \nPrincipal John Tippins \nSuperintendent Dr. James R. Hallford \nFourth District \n \n13 \n \n dleenaerson @!)liLt \n~tenzentary ~chool \nUpon entering the school building, the warmth. vitality, and uniqueness that set Henderson Mill Elementary School apart from other schools are evident. The brightly painted halls with flags represent- \ning over 65 countries convey the feeling that Mall children are our \nchildren,M our school theme. Henderson Mill staff and parents I.\\IOrk together for the benefit of all students. The cohesiveness of the community and the school is evident in the joint projects that continue to enhance learning experiences. \nThe curriculum is a comprehensive and challenging one and designed to maximize the intellectual. social, ethical, and physical development of all children. The school offers a safe, stable environment required for academic excellence and offers a unique social climate adaptable to change. The pioneering spirit of the administration and faculty plays a significant role in the development and utilization of varied instructional tools and learning opportunities of all our students. The school has an outstanding daily physical education program for all grade levels and an after-school program that promotes the development of physical and social skills. Fifth- and sixth-grade students have the opportunity to participate in overnight outdoor education programs by going to Rock Eagle and Jekyll Island. Approximately 100 gifted students are challenged by the Discovery Program. and 50 students with remediation needs are served through the Potential Achievers in Reading and Math {pAR \n14 \n \n and PAM} programs. These opportunities for students are considered excit~ ing and are looked upon favorably by parents, staff, and students. Students have the opportunity to participate in competitions with other schools, including the African~American Histoty Bowl team, the Academic Bowl team, the Science Olympiad, and the annual Hawk's basketball team. Students also participate in competitions with other Junior Beta Clubs. Henderson Mill Elementary School ranks highly in all of these competitions. \nHenderson Mill enjoys tremendous community support and is encouraged by parents and local residents. The PTA membership reached 100 percent participation from 1996-98. The PTA supports a variety of opportunities for students and staff. The Cultural Arts Committee plans field trips and invites outside groups to provide students many diverse cultural opportunities. The Science Advisoty Committee, composed of parents in the science and technology fields, visits and assists students for preparation for the annual Special Projects Fair where our students continue to place at the local. county, state, and nalionallevels. The PTA Academic Booster Committee offers awards and incentives to motivate students to do their best. The Drug Awareness Commillee sponsors Red Ribbon Week activities to promote a drug-free lifestyle for all students. The International Human Relations Committee sponsors our annual International Week and dinner to celebrate diversity at Henderson Mill. Many other committees work closely with the staff, administration, and students to enhance school improvement initiatives. An open line of communication exists between the home and school through conferences, phone calls, newsletters, and the weekly courier. \nThrough creativity, diligence, and a positive attitude, the school demonstrates excellence as a multicultural American public school. The tradition of excellence continues to motivate students, parents, and staff. Henderson Mill celebrates diversity and brings together students with varying academic abilities, in the spirit of cooperation, accomplishment, and mutual respect. The school believes that learning to interact successfully in a culturally diverse environment is critical to the future success of our nation. Recently, Henderson Mill Elementary School was recognized as the 1998-99 DeKaib School of Excellence and a 1999 Georgia School of Excellence. \n \nHenderson Mill Elementary School 2408 Henderson Mill Road, NE Atlanta 30345 Enrollment: 544 Grades: PreK-6 DeKalb County Schools \n \nPrincipal Mike Gouge \nSuperintendent Dr. James R. Hallford \nFourth District \n \n15 \n \n (5lUornin(jSi()e \n~/et.nentary ~chool \nMorningside Elementary School is truly a School of Excellence and the keystone of the surrounding community. Our school thrives due to the dedication of the teachers, staff, and parents. Our common goal is to motivate each child, no matter what it lakes. \nNeale Walsch said, \"A true leader is not one with the most followers, but one who creates the most leaders.\" We have a lrue leader at Morningside Elementary. Dr. Bockman. principal, believes that teachers are not just teachers, they are lead~rs. OUT teachers feel empowered 10 make decisions and implement new programs. An example is the Accelerated Reader program. which has been a huge success. Using Accelerated Reader. students develop their reading and comprehension independently while teachers monitor progress and plan appropriate reading instruction for each student. \nAlthough 80 percent of our students score at or above the national average in reading and math, we still direct efforts at the others who need extra help, The innovation of Saturday School increases student achievement and self-confidence. The smallgroup atmosphere allows children to take risks without fear of failure. enabling them to see the significance of each success. \n16 \n \n Our family science and technology night provides a glimpse of the inquily approach to science. Students, along with parents, solve scientific mysteries and explore technology. Involving the parents in the students' projects links the family to the learning experience. \nWith PTA membership at 95 percent, parents do not need to be encouraged to participate in school activities. The PTA funds many clubs as well as additional art instruction. The parents provide assistance in the classrooms, office, media center, and lunchroom. Their successful fundraising allows them to provide materials and programs for curriculum enrichment and necessary items for children in need. \n\"A true teacher is not one with the most knowledge, but one who causes the others to have knowledge.- This is the goal at Morningside Elementary School. We create the desire for learning and the children do the rest. \n \nMorningside Elementary School \n \nPrincipal \n \n1053 East Rock Springs Road. NE Dr. Elizabeth Bockman \n \nAtlanta 30306 Enrollment: 753 Grades: PreK-5 \n \nSuperintendent Dr. Belly L. Strickland, Interim \n \nAtlanta City Schools \n \nFifth District \n \n17 \n \n WE'RE GEORGIA'S 1999 EXCELLENCE HOll' '  \nTO \nelzaLtOlv6or\u0026 ~aLts (f;Lementary eclzooL \n\"This is the story of a school who dared to set world-class standards in all disciplines integrating the core areas of reading, language, and mathematics across the curriculum in achieving expected or targeted results. OUT mission is not to sustain but to continuously improve.~ This bold statement is taken directly from the application of Shallowford Falls Elementary School for the National Awards Program for Model Professional Development. The U.S. Department of Education must have agreed, because Shallowford Falls, along wilh just live other schools and two school districts nationwide, was selected to receive this prestigious award. This award was based on the school community aligning its professional development program to a rigorous school improvement plan, which has resulted in improved teacher eifectiveness and impressive student academic gains over several consecutive years. \nSite-based management and consensus-building processes define the governance plan for the school. Along with the faculty, parents and students take an active role in decisions of substance. Stakeholders in the community strongly support increased rigor in academics. Opening in 1990, $hallowford Falls has been a recipient of two Georgia Pay for Performance Grants and currently is working on a third approved application. Parents and \n18 \n \n students actively engage in various extracurricular activities, including the after-school program and academic clubs, Shallowford Falls works 10 identify 100 percent of parent participation at curricular night:!! and dlIytime events pertaining to the school's performance goals. The PTA and Partners in Education integrally support the faculty's continuous professional development programs. Staff-selected professional development includes ~Frameworks. ~ a balanced, literacy-reading model, as well as current brain-based learning research. Together teachers developed a consistent philosophy and approach for the teaching of reading, language, writing, and spelling. Also, the faculty has been trained on TAlENTS Unlimited (the twenty-year-old rigorously researched U.S. Department of Education moclel designed to improve students' criticaland creative-thinking skills). Shallowford Falls is one of thirteen TAlENTS demonstration sites worldwide. \nThe bottom line-at Shallowford Falls we share a common vision. bound together by our annual schoolwide instructional goals. It is this shared vision that has contributed to our overall success during the pasl eight years. The process we use to develop our goals requires that every slaff member focus on how individual accomplishments can enhance and contribute to the overall success of our schoolwide goals. Our faculty has compiled data to assess the strengths and weaknesses of every student in our care. We have a commitment 10 each child. Our data reveal that the longer students stay enrolled in Shallowford Falls the stronger they become (filth graders were ranked sixth in the state on the first statewide ranking in 1997 and again in 1998). We like 10 think of Shallowford Falls Elementary School as \"'a magnifying glass focused on each child and through it we spol strengths and weaknesses. We strengthen weaknesses and enhance strengths, perfect leadership skills, and make students strong readers and mathematicians. ~ \n \nShallowford Falls Elementary School \n \nPrincipal \n \n3529 lassiter Road \n \nDr. Cheryl Hunt Oemenls \n \nMarietta 30062 Enrollment: 652 Grades: K-5 \n \nSuperintendent Dr. Richard Benjamin \n \nCobb County Schools \n \nSixth District \n \n19 \n \n I \n~~~~(f;ast eeJentral (f;ler.nentary ~chool \nFifteen years ago, East Central Elementary School was described by a member of the community, but nol connected with the school, as the \"Cadillac model of schools.\" Today there are a greater variety of luxury cars, but the fact remains thai East Central continues to be a top-ofthe-Iine school. The staff and community lake great pride in a long tradition of excellence. This excellence is demonstrated in a number of ways: high expectations of students and staff members, achievement scores that are consistently above system and stale averages, the high percentage of tuition and zone transfer students, the high degree of participation and support from parents and Partners in Education, the high number of students who participate in volunteer selVice projects, and the successful attainment of the Pay for Performance award in 1994-95, 1995-96, 1997-98, and approved participation in 1998-99. \nThe administration and staff work to build on the past successes and traditions of East Central that helps prepare the students for their journey into the next century. Dr. Phillips, our principal, challenged the entire community by adopting the school motto \"Reaching Beyond the Sky,\" and encouraging everyone to always strive for their personal best. Positive parent reactions resulted in higher parent participation in 1997-98 with over \n20 \n \n 2,600 documented volunteer hours. Total parent support is the key to the school's success. Positive student attitudes toward their school have resulted in a major reduction in discipline problems with referrals reduced 67 percent in 1997-98 from 1996-97 totals. \nThe newest and brightest of our nonacademic programs is StarQuest. This after-school program is the result of a joint effort between the school and the local YMCA to address a pressing community need. Students receive daily homework assistance, reading comprehension workshops, and computer instruction by professionally certified teachers. YMCA staff members provide instruction in swimming, aerobics, gymnastics, basketball, soccer, and more. \nAn on-campus nature trail, butterfly garden, and a soon-to-be-opened wildflower meadow greatly enhance science instruction. East Central has fully implemented Saxon Math in all grade levels and has installed a state-of-the-art computerized music lab. A 24-station computer lab complements the Internet accessible, CD-ROM computers already in each classroom. EClV, our morning news show, is produced and directed by students and each morning broadcasled throughout the school. \nEast Central Elementary School is truly a leader and is consistently \"Reaching Beyond the Sky\" to maintain a tradition of excellence and a reputation in the community as a \"Cadillac model of schools. \n \nEast Central Elementary School 1502 Dean Avenue Rome 30161 Enrollment: 528 Grades: K-6 Rome City Schools \n \nPrincipal Dr. Ransel Phillips \nSuperintendent Dr. Larry B. Atwell \nSeventh District \n \n21 \n \n rz}Viclz0 LLs \n@Lementat:1j eclzooL \nNicholls Elementary School takes pride in the facl that it is a small community school with an unlimited supply of heritage behind it. In 1909, the firs! brick school building was constructed. Today, classroom technology has moved Nicholls Elementary into the twenty-first century, helping to prepare its students 10 become productive and responsible citizens who aTe able to compete in a global society. \n\"Parents, school personnel, and members of the community will work cooperatively to provide a challenging learning environment where all students can achieve maximum success and become active lifelong learners.\"' This school vision derives from a need to respond to student diversity with a comprehensive education approach that promotes individual as well as group success. This approach has successfully increased academic scores and parent involvement. \nGuided by the School Improvement Team, the faculty and staff conllnuously look for ways to increase student achievement and productivity. Impressed by research on effective school practices and staff development for school improvement, the staff has endorsed a mission to utilize all possible resources to produce socially and academically competent students who will become productive members 01 society. \n22 \n \n The response to this mission has been very positive. The process of developing a School Improvement Plan helped cement the faculty and staff in a teamwork approach. resulted in higher test scores at Grades 3 and 5, and increased productive parent involvement. After increased effort by the staff, our teachers were able to confer with 100 percent of our parents on four consecutive Parent Teacher Conferences during 1997 and 1998. To accomplish this, teachers and administrators had to make home visits and go to places of work during the parents' break lime. Parents were also informed about upcoming events via the Phonemaster System. phone calls, and newsletters. \nTeachers at Nicholls Elementary act as instructional leaders, modeling desired social and academic behaviors. A variety of methods and materials is used to meet the individual needs of the students. Cooperatlve learning groups, peer tutors, a computer-integrated instructional program, innovative grouping in continuous progress classes. and reducing the pupil-teacher ratio are a few of the many strategies that have been adopted to meet the needs of a highly diverse student body. \nNicholls Elementary School has risen to the challenges by using collaborative efforts to search for ways to help students reach their potential and by encouraging, pleading and sometimes, also demanding that parents become involved with the education of their children. The staff has adopted a \"whatever it takes\" altitude toward getling the job done. Many of them come early and stay late to plan and discuss better ways of teaching. A team approach has helped faculty, staff, and students become more successful learners. \n \nNicholls Elementary School 704 Atlantic Avenue Nicholls 31554 Enrollment: 300 Grades: PreK-5 Coffee County Schools \n \nPrincipal Gregory Tanner \nSuperintendent James C. Moore \nEighth District \n \n23 \n \n 'fJlzestnut @lI;tountain \n(J,Lementarlj 6clzooL \nPutting the welfare of its students first when striving 10 prepare \nthem to be successful citizens in a fast-changing world is the dri- \nving mission at Chestnut Mountain Elementary School (CMES). CMES focuses strongly on academics while teaching students how 10 develop values and character, how to solve problems and think critically, and how to appropriately interact with others. Technology is viewed as a powerful resource to enrich and to make lives more productive in all areas. \nOne important change instituted at CMES is alternative scheduling. Block and parallel-block scheduling aTe used to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio in all grade levels so that classroom teachers have small groups of students for periods of the day. This has allowed more intense instruction in areas leading to skills development in reading and math. The improvement in student test scores has demonstrated the effectiveness of this scheduling alternative. It has also provided students with opportunities to participate in extension classes. Grades 1 to 3 receive math instruction with much hands-on learning. Third-grade students allend a special multimedia lab each day where they develop projects and conduct research. Fourth- and fifth-grade students receive instruction and practice in utilizing the media center in a variety of ways on a weekly rotation. \n24 \n \n Multicultural experiences are offered to all students through a Japanese teacher exchange program. Students are taught character education in both an academic and a social context. Accelerated Reader. Super Star Math, Too Good For Drugs. the DAR.E. program. and the Outdoor Classrooms are other examples or how the CMES staff reaches out to students to accomplish its mission. \nClose collaboration between the school arK! the community is another reason for the excellent rating of CMES. This includes a strong PTO which provides many needed instructional items. a core of parents who volunteer in various capacities. a high number of Partners in Education who make possible many outstarK!ing motivational programs. arK! a committed group of mentors who give time to meet individual student needs. Shared governance with parent and student participation has contributed to the positive image CMES has within the community. Strong leadership is evident in the school from the administrator all through the staff where each person feels pride in and ownership of the goals that have been mutually established. \nStaff commitment to growth through study. research. and membership in the Georgia League of Professional Schools promises the students at Chestnut Mountain Elementary School continued excellence in their elementary school education. \n \nChestnut Mountain Elementary School \n \nPrincipal \n \n4670 Winder Highway \n \nDr. Martha B. Hale \n \nFlowery Branch 30542 Enrollment: 587 Grades: K-5 \n \nSuperintendent Dr. Dennis L. Fordham \n \nHall County Schools \n \nNinth District \n \n25 \n \n jJoshen ~Ler.nentar~ ~chooL \nIn August of 1993, Goshen 8ementary School opened its doors with the sklgan. -Let the Magic Begin. - A 101 has happened since that time, but the -magic-continues. Each day. students. staff members. and parents enter the school with enthusiasm and excitement for the educational experience awaiting them. \nOne of the strongest qualities of Goshen Elementary is that it is a neighborhood schooL The sense 01 ownership instilled through an extensive parent volunteer program allows parents to feel proud of their school. The continued support of the community members assists Goshen EJementary in becoming even greater each year. \nThe Goshen Elementary staff is committed 10 using a variety of high quality instructional strategies. Faculty members in Grades K-3 are focusing on the Reading First program. Their belief in developing a strong base in the area of reading will give our students a solid educational foundation. Teachers in Grades 3-5 are focusing on the field of technology. The InTech program is enabling the faculty to move the students at Goshen Elementary into the twenty-first century. \n26 \n \n Student involvement in Goshen Elementary is expected and encouraged. Students are active in the decision-making process through the Student Council. In the last two years. the Student Council has been responsible for initiating activities involving both the commlUlity and the student \nbody. The wide ranges of activities have included spirit days, community \ntrash and treasure sales, and fund-raising activities. A school slore began in October of 1998 with the profits being used 10 purchase items selected and recommended by the student body to better the school environment. \nAn awareness of the student as a \"whole\" has been the impetus of our \"Walking for Wellness~ program. Students are encouraged to walk or run during their recess time. An incentive program rewards individual students, as well as classes. with the most mileage. This program has been beneficial in two ways: students are made aware of the importance of exercise in a healthy lif~, and misbehavior is reduced on the playground since students have a focus and a goal. \nThe mission of Goshen Elementary School is to provide a quality program, which includes a variety of learning experiences that will teach students basic skills, higher levels of thinking, and respect for others; thus preparing them to become productive, responsible members of society. The faculty, staff, students, and parents do this by working together as a cohesive unit to get the most and best out of each slakeholder. \n \nGoshen Elementary School 4040 Old Waynesboro Road Augusta 30906-9252 Enrollment: 813 Grades: PreK-5 Richmond County Schools \n \nPrincipal Dr. Usa U. Annis \nSuperintendent Dr. Charles G. Larke \nTenth District \n \n27 \n \n / \nOlJ. cri. eJjl'itt \n~/e~tentaI'V ~chool \nThe staff of W. C. Britt Elementary School is committed to the \ncontinuous improvement of our instructional program so Ihal the \nneeds of our diverse population can be met. OUT mission to pursue excellence in academic knov.rIedge, skills. and behavior for each student is the focus of all imprOYeffieflt efforts. \nOur Local School Plan for Improvement (LSPlj has changed its focus over the past five years from completion of activities 10 seeing measurable goals for student achievement. We are currently in the final year of a three-year plan to increase student achievement in reading, writing. and math. As an extension of our school plan, each grade level meets annually to review standardized test data, set a team goal. and develop an implementation plan. First-grade teachers have made a commitment to teaching \nall students to reac:\\. They have collaboratively planned and studied Guided Reading strategies and Reading Recovery methods on \na regular basis for the past two years. All other grade levels selected improving math achievement as their team goal, based on ITBS data in 1996-97. Both second and third grades showed tremendous improvement on the 1997-98 ITBS math and reading scores. \n28 \n \n Evidence of our LSPI implementation plan in action can be obselVed in every classroom as teachers apply the strategies learned through gradelevel sharing sessions, \"choice\" staff development sessions, colleague ohselValions, and GRITS Club. Early intelVention programs provide students additional support in reading. VJriting, and math. Students use technology in the productivity lab, media center, wrR lab, and the classroom to extend their learning by using Accelerated Reader, Sequoiah Reading software, multimedia equipment, interactive programs, and the Internet. Brill's academic program is enhanced by the fine arts department, which integrates activities supporting the LSPI goals into their programs as well as planning special events that support all curriculum areas. The Brittville Token Economy, the student-run school store, Achiever's Class, and Heritage Days are staff initiatives that promote respect, teach students to accept responsibility, and provide motivation for learning. \n \n\"\"\"'IW.. ... ~H~'~'l.lli..~ \n \nnO. ~'rn::.d. p\"''\u003c\"I.......1. .'.Mpo. ~\\\"\"\"\"\".. '1.\u003c:\u003e\"'\" \"\"l\"\"'o=\"'I.'j \n \nat Britt. We provide activities that involve parents in their children's edu- \n \ncational experiences and inform them about student progress and the \n \nschool's goals. Parents are encouraged to visit and volunteer in class- \n \nrooms, attend special events, and participate in needs assessments to \n \nhelp set our priorities for improvement. \n \nSeveral students recently VJrote essays on why Britt Elementary School is a School of Excellence. One student's closing statement was ''Take my word for it, Britt's definitely the place you want to be,\" \n \nW. C. Britt Elementary School 2503 Skyland Drive Snellville 30078 Enrollment: 795 Grades: K-5 Gwinnett County Schools \n \nPrincipal Gloria Sheppard \nSuperintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks \nEleventh District \n \n29 \n \n  ~if)f)te \n@;choots \n \n deiston C\u0026. ehuman \n~i[N)Le echooL \nIn all things. EXEMPLARY! Our school vision is a clear indicator of what we expect-that Shuman Middle School is a place where students can and do learn. Discipline is give priority as a means of achieving a safe environment conducive 10 learning. However, we understand that the development of adolescents is not limited to academic achievement and wholeheartedly promote aesthetic. physical, and social development. \nIn 1991. Shuman became the Performing and Visual Arts and Communication Technology Academy: a magnet program designed to help Shuman reach school system desegregation guidelines. Through this program. students have the opportunity to study art. dance. drama. music, and radio and television technology in depth. This curricular addition brought about significant changes at the school. The percentage of white students increased meeting federal desegregation gUidelines for the school system. The overall student population grew dramatically creating a wailing list of students from all areas of Savannah and Chatham County. \nWe believe that all students can benefit from arts experiences. We provide after-school arts programs for all students. schoolwide performances by students. faculty and professional guests. \n32 \n \n as well as a variety of exploratory classes for all students taught by magnet teachers. Several teachers are trained in Discipline-Based Arts Education (DBAE). incorporating the arts into the academic cuniculum. \nThree other programs allow us to meet the needs of our students. Shuman is the only middle school with an English to Speakers of Other \nLanguages (ESOL) laboratory in Chatham County: thus helping us to serve our diverse population. The Schoolwide Title I Protect. initiated in \n1997. allows us to use federal resources for all of our students. The Chatham-Savannah Beacons Initiative. founded in 1997 and co-funded by the Dewitt-Wallace Foundation, seeks to link youths and family service organizations with schools to increase youth support and to assist them in building academic and social competencies. Our young people are equipped to be economically self-sufficient. successful parents. and active members of their communities. In conjunction with this program. the city of Savannah built a new community center on the Shuman campus in 1997 and a center for senior citizens in 1998. \nAs a promotion of social skills. all students participate in intramural activities within their academic teams. Every student is prcMded with an agenda planner to help develop organizational and study skills. Each student has an individual Student Success Plan that reviews the responsibilities of the teachers. parents. and students in order to achieve studentdeveloped goals. \nIt is stated in giant letters at the entrance of our school: ALL STU DENTS WILL LEARN-Jtif. ARE RESPONSIBLE. We are taking this responsibility seriously and are using any and all means necessary to move our students to a bright new millennium. \n \nLeiston T. Shuman Middle School 415 Goebel Avenue Savannah 31404 Enrollment: 795 Grades: 6-8 Chatham County Schools \n \nPrincipal Dora Myles \nSuperintendent Virginia A. Edwards \nFirst District \n \n33 \n \n 6afJle's di!-anBinr;; ~iBBle @ChOOl \nEagle's Landing Middle School (ELMS) prides itself on making its learning environment inclusive and supportive for all students. We believe that central to student success is an underlying feeling of security for students as v.oell as ownership of responsibility by students for their own progress and behavior. We strive 10 meet the needs of our students by providing an academk environment thai is constantly adapting 10 students' needs. By stressing the development of a strong, flexible and nurturing environment. we believe that our students\" school experience is greatly enhanced. \nWe have introduced a transition program for sixth graders entitled \"Welcome Every Body,- or WEB. In this program. teacher-selected eighth graders are trained in learn-building and mentoring skills which Ihey then use with small groups of sixth graders who are assigned to them. These groups meet prior 10 the school year. This allows the new students time with their mentors in order 10 learn all of the \"ins and outs\" of our school without the pressure of classes. homework, or strict time schedules. This program is voluntary for all of the students involved. but this past fall over 300 of our 555 sixth graders took part in the program. \nThe staff and students at EUYlS strive to have a healthy and inviting sense of school community. We presently offer 33 dubs in which \n34 \n \n students can participate in activities during and outside school hours. These range from the FellovJship of Christian Athletes to the Junior Beta Oub to our Partners Club. In the Partners Oub, students who are enrolled in regular education classes volunteer to pair with special-needs students, befriending them and taking part in activities such as our community-based instruction program and Special Olympics. With over 10 percent of our sttdents involved in special education programs. the Partners Club fills an important role in our pursuit of an encouraging learning environment for each of our students. \nInstructional improvement is a constant process at ELMS. Each year in June, the leadership team, who are representatives from each grade level, exploratory classes, special education classes, counselors, support staff, and administration, reviews the year's progress and decides on areas of instructional emphasis for the coming year. The leadership team meets bi-weekly during the school year, and so as areas of concern arise, they are dealt with in an ongoing process. This allows a constant flow of communication that helps to quickly resolve problems and celebrate all that is remarkable about our community. \n \nEagle's Landing Middle School 295 Tunis Road McDonough 30253 Enrollment: 1,401 Grades: 6-8 Henry County Schools \n \nPrincipal Paul O'Brien \nSuperintendent Herbert Garrett \nThird District \n \n35 \n \n @i}ean (3hil()s d}jJOlllZr; \n\u0026Ui()()Le echool \nAt Jean Childs Young Middle School, we believe that every child is a gifted child. It is the catalyst that drives our studenls, staff, \nparents. and the community to grealer achievements. With the name change in 1995, a building facelift. a new team of administrators and teachers, and an attitude 10 move toward excellence. \\.\\.Ie accepted the challenge to take Young 10 new horizons. \nReaching for excellence is a ;ourney: every day we strive to instill high standards in our staff, our students. and our parents. Hard work. determination. dedication. positive reinforcements. and a daily affirmation that aU chiklren can achieve excellence is our driving force. \nThe staff receives support through parental involvement and partnerships. All parents are stakeholders and must assume the responsibility to assist with increasing student achievement. Communities and businesses are a part of a network of support for our families and students. \nTo provide our students with the best programs and learning \nopportunities, we have expanded our technology program to \ninclude computers in each classroom. We are participating in the Algebra Project. which provides many students with advanced \n36 \n \n mathematics classes beginning with pre-algebra in the sixth grade. We have an after-school reading program entitled ~ A Time to Read w which \nwas developed by Time Warner and sponsored by Turner Broadcasting \nto assist students in strengthening reading skills. We are in the process of developing a Nature Trail and outdoor classroom on campus. Through the funding of a $30,000 Urban Resources Partnership Grant. this QtO~ along, with OUt Imhoteo Lab will greatlv improve our science instruction. \nOur test scores have greatly improved within the last five years. We increased the number of students attending our after-schooltutorial and the number of those participating in our after-school programs which give students the additional help they need. Our Project S.T.R.O.N.G. and ~Boys to MenW mentoring programs for our female and male students address the social and emotional needs of our at-risk student population. Our 90-minute block scheduling for language arts and math gave us increased time on task. We address the needs of parents with various INOrkshops. Ongoing staff development in reading helps our teachers ~ n){~ Qto{\\cie.t\\\\ \\t\\ \\.eachmg, teadi.ng, and increasing, OUt lest \nUltimately, students are provided assistance in preparing for responsible citizenship in an ever-ehanging world where numerous and distinct ethnic, religious, and cultural groups exist. Therefore, \"Every child is a gifted child\" is not just a molto at Jean Childs Young Middle School, but a heritage we live every day. \n \nJean Childs Young Middle School \n \nPrincipal \n \n3116 Mays Drive, SW \n \nThomas Kenner \n \nAtlanta 30311 Enrollment: 1,049 Grades: 6-8 Atlanta City Schools \n \nSuperintendent Dr. Betty L. Strickland, Interim \nFifth District \n \n37 \n \n 'fiJartersviLLe ~i'iN)Le e}chooL \nCartersville Middle School (eMS) is an innovative and academically productive school located 40 miles north of Atlanta. Serving a progressive city that demands a quality educatlon from its schools. eMS experiences the challenges offered by a diverse micropolitan population. The Cartersville community expects exemplary programs for all of its students, and eMS is committed to meeting these demands. \nIn 1996, eMS became Georgia's first charter middle school. Its charter offers a learner-based approach 10 education. and it enlists community involvement in implementing programs and enhancing the operation of the schooL More than lwo-dozen special programs address the developmental needs of the students. of which 32 percent are classified as transient and 40 percent are on free or reduced price lunch. Among these programs are a Tailored Curriculum Class for at-risk students who score well on normed tests but perform poorly in class. and a sixth-grade Project Success Class which helps students with achievement difficulties make the adjustment to middle school. \nCartersville Middle School promotes participation and active learning. A \"Carded in Cartersville\" program, held in cooperation with Cartersville Public Library, motivated 100 percent of \n38 \n \n the students to obtain library cards to use in the public library. Math, science, and language arts programs encourage hands-on investigation, and students respond by posting some of the states highest test scores, capturing Georgia's number one ranking in math from 1992-97. Over 85 percent of the students participate in the music and fine arts programs where CMS visual artists have gained national recognition for their work, and the music programs rank among the best in the state. Over half of the school\"s eligible students participate in an athletic program whose teams have won league championships in len sports. \nMore than 200 Internet accessible computers form the backbone of a technology-rich environment. Students utilize classroom computers and four fully equipped computer labs, and every teacher has a laptop computer that they can use for e-mail, lesson plans, and record keeping. A curriculumwide focus on computer skills requires students to infuse technology with their academic endeavors, and student-proouced projects have won national and international awards in technology contests and in media festivals. \nTeachers benefit from in-house continuing education classes that are based upon needs identified by annual surveys. Custom-designed continuing education classes enhance their use of technology within their subject area. \n\"We strive to offer our students and the Cartersville community a middle school that is truly a School of Excellence,\" says Cartersville Middle School Principal Geye Hamby. \"Our Charter outlines a plan that will lead us into lhe new millennium with a focus on excellence in teaching, a commitment to progressive programs, and a pledge to continued school improvement. We look forward to fulfilling those goals and to \ncontinue providing a quality education for our students. W \n \nCartersville Middle School 825 Douthit Ferry Road Cartersville 30120 Enrollment: 768 Grades: 6-8 Cartersville City Schools \n \nPrincipal Geye Hamby \nSuperintendent Dr. Harold T. Barnett \nSeventh District \n \n39 \n \n @7jert GJ(,umble \n@!ItiFJtJLe e)chool \nWoven into the richly colored tapestry that is Bert Rumble Middle School. one sees faces that reflect OUT culturally and economically diverse population. One group of threads weaves in our widely traveled military dependents and limited English-.speaking students. while other threads introduce our less traveled students. many who have never left the lov.m of Warner Robins. Intermingled throughout the tapestry are the threads thai include the entire socioeconomic spectrum from the wealthy fa the impoverished. The varied vignettes woven into our tapestry reflect the many programs that help accomplish our missiO{l of meeting the disparate needs of our population. creating students who are contributing. proouctive citizens of society. \nOne priority al Bert Rumble is to meet the social and emotional needs of our students. Our tapestry reflects the programs imple- \nmented to meet these needs. It shOUlS students working with a peer mediation group to resolve connicts before they escalate and small groups engaged in meaningful discussions during a week advisement session. The success of our teacher-student mentor program is captured in the portrayal of a mentor teacher giving lime and support to one of our most at-risk students. \n40 \n \n Three years ago we expanded our tapestry with the implementation of Rumble Assumes Citizenship (RAC): a discipline program designed to reward positive behavior while teaching students to take responsibility for their inappropriate actions. At the conclusion of the year, we saw a decline of approximately 20 percent in the number of office referrals. In the past two years, this number has remained fairly constant, and we continue to have fewer students on our RAe ineligibility list. \nOur tapestry takes on greater dimension as the support and influence of our parents and business partners are intertwined throughout all of our programs. Physically and financially. their influences enrich life at Bert Rumble in both subtle and conspicuous ways. \nOur curriculum spins the tensile foundation upon which the other threads of our tapestry are sewn. Teachers meet monthly with teachers in like subject areas to -plan and coordinate curriculum across grade lev els, to enhance teaching strategies. and to exchange ideas. Striving to increase student success in reading, we have recently adopted schoolwide sustained silent reading and the Accelerated Reader program. \nAlthough some 0\\ the laces have changed, the sense 01 tam\\\\\\} at Bert Rumble Middle School has remained a constant thread that has helped bind together the faculty, stall. parents. students, and others who com prise the community of our schooL There are many reasons why Rumble is excellent, but it is the dedicated people who have made Rumble a great place to learn, and those people work within these brick walls to accomplish the many achievements that have earned us the honor of being named a Georgia School of Excellence. \n \nBert Rumble Middle School 303 South Davi.s Warner Robins 31088 Enrollment: 571 Grades: 6-8 Houston Count\\) Schools \n \nPrincipal Gwen Ta\\}lor \nSuperintendent Dr. Charles A. Holloway \nEighth District \n \n41 \n \n e}outlz @ltaLL \n(lUiBBLc e}clzooL \nSouth Hall Middle School succeeds in excellence because we embrace the belief that all students can achieve their full potential in a caring and challenging environment. We expect our students to not only run with the best, but 10 run ahead of the rest with a commitment to do their best each day. OUT model for excellence is grounded in the three Rs: responsibility, respectfulness, and resourcefulness. \nWe challenge, motivate, and expect high achievement from our student body. We consistently score above the state average in all areas assessed by the ITBS and have consistently been designated as a High-Achieving School. To ensure student success, we correlate curriculum objectives and guide development of academic progress based on standardized and diagnostic test data. The academic team teachers evaluate students and provide the most appropriate instructional method. The best teaching practices and learning opportunities are utilized by teachers; use of time is maximized with flexible schedules. \nWithin our exploratory curriculum, each student has the opportunity to explore areas of interest and talent in the line arts and the practical arts. Computer and exploratory modules are individually selected by the student. Chorus and band programs are available \n42 \n \n to all students who choose to participate, with nearly one-third taking that option. Our physical education program incorporates life skills. career options. life and recreational sports. and health-related topics throughout the curriculum. Citizens of the future must be resourceful as they enter the new millennium. Therefore, we take pride in the development of a computer-literate staff and sludent body equipped with the technological tools needed for future success. Our Technology Plan, funded by the PTSO and the lottery, has provided two instructional computer labs: one designated for all special area classes and the other for regular education classes. In addition, all classrooms have at least one networked computer and over 75 percent of the classrooms have two or more. Presently, we have nearly 200 computer workstations available for student use. These provide access to the Accelerated Reader, learning system software, research, writing, diagnostic assessment, and other instructional software applications. \nWe are a reflection of the South Hall community that embodies the great strengths of a diverse population, working together to grow, excel. and achieve excellence. The success of our endeavors is evident as students work together, respecting and appreciating the contributions of all regardless of race, socioeconomic status. or background. South Hairs superb climate for learning is fostered by a highly motivated, caring faculty dedicated to nurturing the academic and social growth of each student. Each staff member is actively involved in collaboration with colleagues through teams, committees, and advisories to enhance commu' nication, promote leadership, and provide for school improvement. \nTo promote Maverick spirit and pride, awards earned in academics. community selVice, and athletics are displayed throughout our school. Schoolwide student and staff recognition programs are established and supported by our business partners. South Hall's \"Spirit of Excellence\"' is defined by our students high level of responsibility, respectfulness, and resourcefulness. \n \nSouth Hall Middle School 3215 Poplar Springs Road Gainesville 30505 Enrollment: 944 Grades: 6-8 Hall County Schools \n \nPrincipal John Wiggins \nSuperintendent Dr. Dennis L. Fordham \nNinth District \n \n43 \n \n @John~. C(f;utt ~i()()Le e5chooL \nThe faculty and siaff of John M. Tutt Middle School strive to provide students with guidance and training thai will promote success within the family, community, and society through positive academic and social experiences. OUT goals focus on developing the whole child, and the intellectual, social, moral, and physical welfare of the student is the basis on which we develop our programs. \nTuti recognizes that these lofty goals can only be attained with the involvement of all its stakeholders. In an effort to improve parent involvement and home-school communication, students are issued School Agendas, a personal planner in which students write their assignments and grades, and through which teachers and parents communicate. Because of parent support of the agenda, student organizational skills and homework habits have improved. \nTutt Middle School serves a student body having a wide array 01 talents and ability levels. The staff strives to meet each student at their particular instructional level in the least restrictive environment. Programs are available lor gifted students and students with learning, behavioral, or emotional disabilities. Our Exploratory classes provide rich experiences in music, art, technology, computers, and study skills. Many of the students in these programs earn local and state awards. \n44 \n \n Tutt Middle School is especially proud of its cocurricular programs in which 53 percent of its students participate. Because there is a correlation between participation in school activities and academic success, students are encouraged to become involved in any of its 13 clubs and organizations or participate on its athletic teams. Indeed, participation in school athletics, clubs. and organizations is required to qualify for Tutt's most prestigious student award. The Gold T. Residual benefits of such an extensive cocurricular program increase social and citizenship skills and better student-teacher rapport. \n[n their pursuit of excellence, the teachers at Tutt are continuously searching for ways to make classroom experiences authentic. Field trips to local museums, the state's 4-H camps. and the Savannah River Site provide educational experiences outside the classroom. Hands-on instruction allows students to connect classroom theory and lessons with practical application. Even though Tutt is a banner school in Richmond County. the teachers at Tuit have not rested on their laurels. Just before the winter break, Tuti wrote and was awarded a grant for 53 Sony Playstations and curriculum-related Lightspan software lor classroom and lab use or that can be sent home with students for remediation or drill and practice. All of these efforts are made with a view to increase test scores. \nHigh academic expectations are a fundamental aspect 01 our school culture, and students are expected to meet or surpass curriculum objectives. Student success is celebrated with rewards, awards. and public recognition. In the evaluation 01 its programs and services and in forming school improvement goals, the administration, faculty, and staff at John M. Tutt Middle School take to heart the Richmond County Board of Education's molto and pledge, \"Children First. \n \nJohn M. Tutt Middle School 495 Boy Scout Road Augusta 30909 Enrollment: 593 Grades: 6-8 Richmond County Schools \n \nPrincipal William S. Watson \nSuperintendent Dr. Charles G. Larke \nTenth District \n \n45 \n \n (lI4emoriaL \n(lI4iaaLe e5chooL \nMemorial Middle School (MMS) serves a rapidly growing and \ndiverse student population in a suburban area approximately 25 miles east of Atlanta. Established in 1993, MMS has quickly derined a tradition of excellence and caring with an outstanding faculty. a willing and competent slaff, a unified set of core values. and a dedication to the incorporation of technology, character education, community selViee, and interdisciplinary instruction. Already recognized for instructional innovation and a commitment to excellence, MMS has become the only public middle school in Georgia affiliated with the Coalition of Essential Schools. \nWith nearly half of MMS eighth graders enrolled in advanced algebra and foreign language courses for high school credit and approximately two-thirds of the student body involved in a fine arts program, enthusiasm for learning is evident. In every area, our faculty creates a learning environment that maximizes each student's potential. \nSuper Seminoles and Soaring Seminoles are unique programs lhat \nwoo recognize shKlents achieve academically as well as those who \nexemplify lhe ~Memorial Way~ of good citizenship. a positive atti tude. and a commitment 10 personal success. The MMS Junior Beta Club and Junior National Honor Society provide statewide \n46 \n \n and nationwide recognition of students' academic and leadership achievement. \nRecognizing that many students need assistance beyond the academics to achieve success. Memorial offers a mentoring program (with both peer mentors and adult mentors); a Student Assistance Program; and K.A.T.S. (\"K\" aring About Teen StufO Club, a student-created group which promotes positive life choices and community selVice. Accelerated Reader, before- and after-school homework assistance. and \nFamily Reading Nights further emphasize the MMS mission. \nThe Memorial Middle School Belief Statements, using the acronym LEARNERS, specifically address the convictions of the MMS community, inc.\\w\\l'\\C3 -paten\\.s, sruden\\!\u003e. {accl~, and sta({~ \nLearning must be our highest priority; \nEducation is the shared responsibility of students, teachers, parents, and the community; \nAn individual's academic success is promoted by the partnership of students. teachers, and parents; \nReal learning happens best in a safe environment in which students are engaged and emotionally invotved: \nNecessary achievement occurs when high expectations are combined with hard work, [un, and appropriate opportunities for success; \nEach student learns differently and is capable of reaching his or her potential; \nRespected schools adapt continuously to meet the changing needs \n01 their students; Students are unique and worthy of love, acceptance, and respect \nfrom teachers and peers. \n \nMemorial Middle School 3205 Underwood Road \u003c::'on'}e.\"(,!\u003e ~OO\\.~ \\:.nTo\\\\men\\', \\ ,(r~?l \nGrades: 6-8 Rockdale County Schools \n \nPrincipal Patricia D. DeVane \nS\\l.~T\\T\\.\\.enGen\\. \nDr. Dona\\d A.. ?eccia \nEleventh District \n \n47 \n \n   ]'---r \n \nerJook @?tip/It e)cltool \nWith a commitment to continuous school improvement. the administration of Cook High School (CHS) empowered the faculty and staff to be innovative in the methods and strategies used in the delivery of services to the students of Cook County. This came about as a result of self-examination as a faculty and school. examination of other schools UJe deemed excellent. and a determination 10 meet our goals for improvement. We looked in; we looked out; we decided where we wanted 10 go; and we worked to gel there. The philosophy of the CHS faculty and administra~ lion is thai if you are going 10 be on the cutting edge, you have to be willing to bleed a little. Our faculty is willing 10 accept change and risks if the outcome is beneficial 10 the students. We then communicate our needs 10 the parents and community and seek their input and expertise. \nSchool improvement began with an evaluation of the school facilities. We then actively sought the needed improvements. As we saw that we were successful in obtaining these tangible goals, we began to pursue other needs, such as resources for more and better technology, a greater variety of course offerings, and funds to enhance our abilities as teachers, The end result was the change from lhe traditional six-period day to a 4 x 4-block schedule with the addition of several new course offerings and stricler attendance and discipline policies. \n50 \n \n The ultimate goal of all of these endeavors was the improvement of student achievement. While students slated that leachers demanded more of them. grades continued to improve. By using innovative ways to prepare students for the Georgia High School Graduation Test, such as computerassisted preparation for the test while in after-school detention, a prep class for students predicted to have difficulty with the lest. and a two-day junior class review prior to the test. CHS students showed improvement in all subject areas. When compared with the results of the previous year's test. CHS had an increase of 5 percent in English, 11 percent in mathematics. 10 percent in social studies, and 17 percent in science. Still we are not satisfied. We continue to be proactive, always searching for ways to enhance student learning. After all, that is what striving for excellence is all about. \n \nCook High School 1200 North Hutchinson Avenue Adel 31620 Enrollment: 788 Grades: 9-12 Cook County Schools \n \nPrincipal Paula O. Raley \nSuperintendent WiUiam R. Sampson \nSecond District \n \n51 \n \n @ltat:Bamalj \ndltifJh echool \nHardaway High School was a Georgia and National School of Excellence in 1985. This tradition of excellence continues al Hardaway. The school motto, \"Believe It, Achieve It.\" is indicative of Hardaway's commitment 10 the success of every student. The faculty and administration continuously strive to pursue school improvement through educational innovation while retaining the best of traditional educational values. \nAs pari of its continuing success. a number of school improvement initiatives are currently underway at Hardaway. A schoolwide vocabulary initiative is in its second year with the goal of helping student master root INOros, prefixes. and suffixes. The SAT improvement program and the Georgia High School Graduation review program aTe offered before and after school. There are also two improvement programs in place to enhance the faculty's computer skills and increase their use of computer technology in the classroom. Additionally, faculty participation in PTA and other school activities is on the rise due to the Pay for Performance improvement plan currently in place. \n1lle Hardaway faculty works closely with parents and the community to make revisions and refinements in the cuniculum so that they are able to meet more effectively the changing needs of \n52 \n \n students. Two new programs. one academic and one vocational. were added to the curriculum over the past three years. The High Achiever Program was developed when the need for a more rigorous academic program was identified for a certain segment of the student population. This program. which challenges both gifted and non-.gifted exceptional students. has an accelerated curriculum and special activities. The vocational program. which was researched and implemented al Hardaway. is a PC Systems Networking and Repair Program. This course was developed when the Hardaway faculty and local community identified a need for a course that would prepare students for either immediate certification for entry into the workforce or postsecondary training in the area of computer repair and networking. \nHardaway is preparing to make the move to block scheduling next school year; much of the energy in the area of staff development. teacher training. and materials selection over the past two years has been devoted to paving the way for a smooth transition. Teachers are developing new electives and modifying current courses to ensure that students get the maximum benefit from their opportunity 10 take additional courses. \nThe goal for the administrators and leachers at Hardaway is 10 develop enthusiastic, lifelong learners who are productive, contributing members of society. This is accomplished not only in the classroom, but also in a wide variety of extracurricular and cocurricular activities sponsored by Hardaway faculty members. Furthermore, this goal is accomplished with a spirit of leamwork and dedication that is exemplary. At Hardaway High School, excellence is expected from everyone every day. \n \nHardaway High School 2901 College Drive Columbus 31906 Enrollment: 1.547 Grades: 912 Muscogee County Schools \n \nPrincipal Roger Hatcher \nSuperintendent Guy W. Sims \nThird District \n \n53 \n \n eJl)Ol:Cl:088 \nd)liPJh eSchoo/ \nWith the slogan -Norcross. The Place to Be. ~ Norcross High \nSchool encourages all students, teachers. parents, and community members to become a part of the many exciting and diverse programs Ihal address the needs of this unique student population. Norcross High School believes that diversity is a strength: therefore, we have risen to the challenges of a changing society by putting lime and effort into helping students recognize their potential and encouraging them to achieve the highest level possible in academics and extracurricular activities. \nFour years ago. the Norcross community expressed an interest in offering an internationally focused curriculum for students through the International Baccalaureate Program. The faculty and staff applied and were accepted into Ihis prestigious program. The first full International Baccalaureate class was initialed this year. \nTo meet the needs of all students, a support program was implemented this year at Norcross High School to encourage the atrisk, ninth-grade population to achieve academic success through a service-learning program. Service learning provides a method through which ninth graders begin 10 see a direct link between what they are learning in class and real life applications through community-service projects. The administration feels strongly \n54 \n \n that if a child is below grade level in reading then overall academic suc' cess will suffer. Therefore. a reading remediation program was implemented to further help ninth-grade students bridge this gap in learning. The initial results of lx:\u003eth progrnms are very promising. \nWhenever a need is recognized, the administration. staff. and community of Norcross High School seek solutions. Because of this proactive and continued focus on success. students are supported and encouraged in all endeavors. Over 80 clubs and sporting teams exist at Norcross, and there is a high level of participation among students and teachers. The Norcross band has won international acclaim for their musical and marching accomplishments. Technology permeates the school with a student designed and maintained school web site serving as a template for the local lnlernet provider. A Career Resource Cenler and fuJltime staff member assist students in identifying and pursuing work and/or col~ lege goals. Also. a Community Service Center knits the community even closer together by matching students with service activities that boI~ ster the work ethic that everyone can make a difference. \n\"Recognizing that every studenl can achieve al a high level of excellence is al the heart of Norcross High School's philosophy.- slates Principal Judith Rogers. -Every staff member is committed to this belief. and through our variety of programs, we believe we are meeting the needs and challenges of our diverse community.\" \n \nNorcross High School 600 Beaver Ruin Road Norcross 30071 Enrollment: 2.093 Grades; 9-12 Gwinnett County Schools \n \nPrincipal Judith Rogers \nSuperintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks \nFourth District \n \n55 \n \n - \nIII \ne}outhsi{}e er;;omprehensive @}ti'lh e}chool \nSouthside Comprehensive High School, an Atlanta public school, is located in the midst of a diverse commercial and residential districL approximately five minutes from downtown Atlanta. Georgia. Opened in August of 1985. the prize-winning architec- \ntural design of the buikting renects a sense of the high technology institution it was planned 10 be. With spacious hallways and glass- \nenclosed stairwells. along with attractive shrub-filled open spaces. the design of the buikling mixes functionality and aesthetic appeal. providing a pleasant environment conducive to teaching and learning. \nAs a comprehensive high school, with a focus on high technology, Southside provides a curriculum in which students follow a program of study for which they earn either a college preparatory or a career-technology (vocational) seal of endorsement or both. Students may choose a career path from the eight programs of study offered al Southside and gain knowledge and skills in preparation for their prospective careers. \nAs an information processing magnet school, with the explosion of high technology in all of the career-technology areas. our students are able 10 get instructions and firsthand experiences in the use of the latest multimedia computers. the Internet. interactive \n56 \n \n learning systems. and computer applications in the worid of work. As a part of our School Improvement Plan. Southside has revitalized its curriculum by embarking on a program 10 make computers and other technologies an integral part of all classroom instruction. This has created an air of excitement and high interest for students, teachers. and administrators. This air of excitement and high interest have translated into improved test scores on the Georgia High School Graduation Test and the SAT and a decrease in the retention rate for the school. \nRestructuring at Southside has taken the fonn of effective staff alignment in lerms of roles and services that best meet the needs of our students and the community we serve. We have become a child-centered school where the first priority is ~Whars GoOO For Children. ~ The interdisciplinary team approach and the emphasis on project learning are two of the initiatives that we are currently pursuing. \nThe staff has been and continues to be involved in extensive staff development activities related to improving instructional strategies, utilizing technology for instruction. working in interdisciplinary teams, and making learning relevant for students. Our plans for the future include upgrading the curriculum in all career-technology programs of study, as we have done for business education. by meeting the standards required for Industry Certification. l1le Design Drafting program is currently in lhe process of achieving Industry Certification through the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA). Through ongoing improvement efforts, Southside Comprehensive High School VJill continue to be a School of Excellence, \n \nSouthside Comprehensive High School \n \nPrincipal \n \n801 Glenwood Avenue. SE \n \nDr. William Shepherd \n \nAtlanta 30312 Enrollment: 1.116 Grades: 9-12 \n \nSuperintendent Dr. Betty L. Strickland. Interim \n \nAtlanta City Schools \n \nFifth District \n \n57 \n \n ';:assiter \ndJtifJlz eclzooL \n~Reaching Excellence and Climbing Higher- is nol just a slogan 10 the community of learners at Lassiter High School. It is a philosophy that embraces all aspects of school life. The largest high school in Cobb County. lassiter has a broad. competitive academic curriculum designed to prepare students for their interdependent world. For example, any student may take a foreign language for four years, choosing from live difference languages. (Lassiter is the only public high school in Georgia to offer Italian.) Through the Internet-ready foreign language computer lab. students can communicate with other countries in their target language. Inside the new three-story science building. students may choose courses that range from astronomy to zoology. Lassiter's Science Bowl Team has attended slate play-offs eight out of the last ten years. and the Science Olympiad Team took first place in the county division. 1lle latest technology is incorporated into all math classes. which range from pre-algebra to Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus and Statistics. Also. Lassiter's Math Team is consistently among the top five winners in state competition. All subject areas incorporate written composition. emphasizing the importance of verbal skills, Students may also choose such preparatory electives as SAT/ACT Preparation, lntro to Technology, and the Qlizen and the Law. \nIn addition to honors, AP, and gifted courses, Lassiter teachers formed the neuJly created Synergy~ program, which addresses the needs of students who are capable of extraordinary work. Gifted \n58 \n \n freshmen may now take chemistry and gifted sophomores, AP Biology. One of the finest in the state, the Special Education Department serves over 230 student per day in a range of classes and settings. With a 99 percent passing rate on the Georgia Exit Exams, over 60 percent of Lassiter's special education students attend college. \nUndergirding academics is the REACH program. which motivates students to try harder through a system of recognition and reward. Academic incentives are offered in conjunction with the over 40 community business partners who sponsor the REACH program. Recently named a national model, this program awards Honor Cards to students who have shown incremental improvement in their semester grades. Further recognition for achievement comes from the SAT/ACT Wall of Fame, displaying names of over 550 students who have scored over 1200 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT. The formation of an Academic Booster Club also involves parents in the celebration of academic excellence with such projects as awarding academic varsity letters to qualifying students. Lassiter's accomplishments reached global proportions during the past school year when its winter guard became World Champions and its marching band won the Grand Nationals to become the best band in America. \n\"Reaching Higher\" is also the vision for character development in Lassiter's youth. Every sixweek period, the REACH program gives Character Awards to over 150 students who have been nominated by their teachers and who represent the monthly character words emphasized in every classroom. The Leadership Academy is also a unique opportunity for students to be trained voluntarily in leadership skills. Through Peer Helpers, Student Council, the Student REACH team. and over 40 clubs and organizations. students have numerous opportunities, such as their own Habitat for Humanity Chapter, to test their newly found leadership abilities. \nWhether it is in academics. sports. fine arts, clubs, or community projects, the teachers and students at Lassiter High School continually reach for a higher degree of excellence as they prepare for the future. \n \nlassiter High School 2601 Shallowford Road Marietta 30066 Enrollment: 2,638 Grades: 9-12 Cobb County Schools \n59 \n \nPrincipal Fred Sanderson \nSuperintendent Dr. Richard Benjamin \nSixth District \n \n cr3a'l'lOlLton \n@?litJh e)chool \nA sign in Carrollton High Schoofs cafeteria proclaims. ~Excellence is nothing new; it's a tradition.~ Since the school's \ninception in 1887. Carrollton High's leaders have pursued excel- \nlence in academics. athletics. and extracurricular activities. Named a Georgia School of Excellence three times, Carrollton High was recently featured in US News and World Report and was recognized in 1994 and 1995 by Redbook magazine. \nApproximately 40 percent of our students are non-residents who choose to attend Carrollton High not only because of its cunicu- \nJar offerings but also because of its outstanding record in athletics (football. track. basketball, cross-country. golf. and tennis) and its renowned debate. baoel. and performing arts programs. An extensive computer networking system links all the schools in our system with the local hospital and State University of West Georgia and provides all students ample access 10 the Internet. e-mail, and electronic research capabilities. \nJoint enrollment programs and articulation agreements have been established between Carrollton High and Carroll Technical Inslilute and with the Stale University of West Georgia. Technical-career opportunities are oUered through business education. drafting. focx:l service occupations. and nationally \n60 \n \n recognized graphic arts, mass media, and technology programs. OCT students participate in Achievers International through which they have developed a product exchange with a sister school in Scotland. Many students work toward a dual diploma with seals in both vocational and college preparatory studies. \nFor the past four years, teachers and administrators have voluntarily attended a School Improvement Team retreat and developed plans for implementing needed changes in curriculum, assessment. lime, learning environment, and leadership/teamwork. One major change was the conversion to block scheduling implemented this school year; it has registered major satisfaction with students, teachers, and parents. Staff development courses were provided to help teachers prepare for block scheduling and to explore a variety of teaching strategies, learning styles, and reflection on successful teaching activities. \n\"Back to the Future Day\" is an innovative visitation program during which parents allend classes one day in place of their child. Community involvement takes the form of an active speakers bureau, on-site visits to local businesses, work-study programs, and an annual interview day when local personnel directors conduct mock job interviews and offer positive feedback about student performances. Carrollton High acknowledges community contributions through a \"Business of the Month\" recognition program. \nWith its outstanding academic. athletic, and extracurricular programs. it is no wonder that Carrollton High School is the choice of many. Carrollton's leaders are committed to the pursuit of excellence because they have a worthwhile tradition to uphold. \n \nCarrollton High School 202 Trojan Drive Carrollton 30117 Enrollment: 940 Grades: 9-12 Carrollton City Schools \n \nPrincipal Thomas A. Wilson \nSuperintendent Dr. Ronnie A. Williams \nSeventh District \n \n61 \n \n @JetfJ $lJavis \ndltiflh 6chooi \nA stable, dedicated faculty and an experienced, visionary administrative staff have held and fostered a longtime commitment to excellence for the students of Jeff Davis High School (JDHS). Whether it is the morning announcements over the intercom when individual students daily lead their classmates in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag or student performance in class, on the field, and on standardized tests, the pursuit of excellence in life skills and academics is sought on an individual basis. The school motto, \"Where quality is measured one student at a time, ~ upholds the emphasis on the personal consideration given to our students. Every decision that is made, whether by an individual teacher, the school's site-based management team. or the administration, is gUided by one queslion-\"What is best for the students?\" \nOur recent implementation of block scheduling has given teachers more quality time with their students for in-depth instruction and personal support. Students have reaped the benefit of focUsing on just four subjects as opposed to six in the traditional school-day format. Furthermore, students can now possibly earn eight course credits within a school year. \nIn addition to the regular high school programs of study that our students pursue, some add the pursuit of dual high school and \n62 \n \n college credit through college courses offered in the GSAMS distance learning lab. Our GSAMS lab is further used to broadcast stateuoide SAT preparation classes taught by JDHS teachers. Within the past three years, over 1500 students in over 150 schools have received this SAT instruction. \nThroughout the classrooms of JDHS. instruction is enhanced through the utilization of instructional technology provided by classroom computers. Support from both the community and parents is evidenced by grants from a local industry in excess of $150,000 over the past three years, large athletic and band booster clubs which support over 250 students. and active parent atlendance at events such as open houses and SHARE (Share With a Parent) Days. \nDuring the past year, Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) scores by juniors at JDHS have exceeded the passing rates of both the comparison groups and the state. This trend of success can be directly linked to the intensive focus on analyzing instruction and addressing the content found on the GHSGTs by academic area teachers. The SAT 1000 Club. whose members scored over 1000 on the SAT, continues to grow each year. \nVocational courses in the areas of family and consumer science, busi ness, technok\u003egy, and agriculture provide students hands-on training that can lead to future employment. TIle success of these programs is evi denced by both district and state honors presented to students and teachers. \nAs we move into a new facility and a new millennium. Jeff Davis High School Yellow Jackets (faculty. staff. students. and parents) will continue to \\eave their STING in the educational community by pursuing further excellence. \n \nJeff Davis High School Broxton Road Hazelhurst 31539 Enrollment: 778 Grades: 9-12 Jeff Davis County Schools \n \nPrincipaf Ronald M. Dixon \nSuperintendent Dr. Howard Hendley \nEighth District \n \n63 \n \n ~ainesvitLe \ndltifJh echooL \nThe reputation of Gainesville High School (GHS) as a School of Excellence is a long-standing tradition in northeast Georgia. High academic standards have been maintained and lest scores have increased while changes have been made to meet the needs 01 an increasingly diverse student body. Within the minority population of approximately 50 percent, 18 percent are Hispanic and many of them require assistance through our English to Speakers of Other Languages program. Our school's success is based on an involved parent community; a system committed to equitably serving all students: and a highly qualified, motivated faculty and staff. \nAs the needs of our student moved beyond those traditional to our history. our commitment to quality opportunity for an ever-changing population necessitated a thoughtful reorganization of the school and its programs. The resulting changes were products of impressive community-school collaboration. The fundamental change was the move to a four-period block schedule preceded by two years of extensive staff development. Under the new organization. students have many more course opportunities, a higher passing rate, and fewer discipline problems. These are significant benefits for an already successful school. \nThe academic program at GHS has strong honors and college prep sequences in all academic areas and includes Advanced \n64 \n \n Placement (AP) English, AP Biology. AP Calculus, AP U.s, History, and five units of Spanish. French, and German; impressive for a school of this size arK! diversity, GHS has one of the finest drama departments in the state and outstanding barK!, debate. forensic, arK! an programs. all touting many state and national awards and honors. In the vocational area. important reorganization and expansion have updated technology and family and consumer science programs. The latter includes professional foods and hospitality courses sponsored by the Georgia Hospitality and Travel Association. Strong programs in business, drafting, construction. education, and marketing continue to make the vocational area a vilal element for all students at GHS. In addition. the apprenticeship program and a modified, business-marketing concept provide students opportunities to apply academic content to real-life occupations. \nFor most students, the school day does nol end at 3:20 p.m, Approximately 60 percent of all sludents participate in extracurricular activities, always with high expectations. Last year alone VJe won three state championships: girls track. boys soccer. and baseball for the third time in a row. Including all areas, there were 9 region team champi~ onships. 18 individual region championships. 4 individual state championships. 1 team and 2 individual slate runners-up, and 6 more who placed third and fourth in state competitions. Students are equally active in service and civic clubs, serving as mentors and tutors to their peers and younger students and volunteering throughout the school and community in many worthwhile activities. \nGainesville High School is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished in a small school when students. parents. faculty. arK! staff \\VOrl\u003c together to serve the community, Though we are already a School of Excellence. the secret to our consistent success is thai we constantly strive to be even better. \n \nGainesville High School 830 Century Place Gainesville 30501-3002 Enrollment: 902 Grades: 9-12 Gainesville City Schools \n \nPrincipal Wendell Christian \nSuperintendent Dr. Alan Zubay \nNinth District \n \n65 \n \n ~akesi()e \n@?tifJh 6chool \nAn open-minded administration, a sound philosophy, and adaptations of and additions to existing programs have resulted in Lakeside High School becoming a School of Excellence. Moreover, the faculty has grown with the tides of change and has become an experienced group of professional educators who, along with the administration and com- \nmunity. is often the impetus for school improvement. \nLakeside adheres to the philosophy that all students can learn and achieve success. The faculty, parents, and students share responsibility for ensuring that all students are encouraged to learn and to value lifelong learning. Lakeside constantly changes and improves existing programs to meet the needs of the students. For example, Advanced Placement (AP) History students participate in the Morris Museum of Art Docent Program where they volunteer as research assistants and guides and compile histories of various paintings and other artifacts. This program is the only one of its kind in Georgia and the Southeast. Also, the ecology teachers have developed an outdoor classroom at a nearby stream. The students maintain the area as a learning facility. This \"classroom\" gives the students the unique opportunity to experience the environment firsthand. The Savannah River Site (SRS) and Lakeside have a joint program in the SRS ecological lab where selected students work during the summer to learn about ecology. \nDue to changes in society, teaching practices at Lakeside have changed drastically over the last five years. Teachers are now facilitalors who encourage students to participate rather than lecturers \n66 \n \n who dominate the learning environment. An example is our Tech Prep Math IV class that we are piloting for the county and state. This course is designed for seniors who need a more application-based approach to mathematics. \nWith loday's world being more technology oriented, Lakeside's vision includes providing our students with information on how to gain access to the VJOrid in order to meet the challenges of a technological society. The students use CD-ROMs and the Internet to manage their research lime efficiently in every classroom. the writing research Jab. and the media center. \nParental involvement in academics and extracurricular programs is a high priority. The needs and concerns of our families are a driving force. Our exemplary parent volunteer program was developed ten years ago 10 support all areas of our school and has become a mcxlel for the entire county. We also have a large PTSO. active band. and Athletic Booster Club. \nLakeside's SAT, AP. and other lest scores are consistently above the state and national average. Results from lhese test scores are used to determine student needs, to develop and upgrade curriculum, and to plan effective lessons. \nThrough highly motivated students. strong parental involvement, and a caring and competent staff. Lakeside has created a climate of tradition and expectation. We realize we will foce a number of educational challenges in the future. Because of the continuous growth of Columbia County and the diverse population of our students. we will have to constantly review and implement programs that ensure Lakeside students are able to meet the academic and technological expectations of a world class society. In 1998. 77 percent of the graduating class qualified for the HOPE Scholarship. Excluding the HOPE, our 1998 graduates recorded $2.4 million in scholarships. We were ranked as lhe number three high school in Georgia in 1997 and 1998 by the Georgia Public Policy Foundation and cited by the Wall Streef Journal as number eight in the Southeast. AI Lakeside High School. we believe we are doing something right and look forward to meeting the challenges of the future. \n \nLakeside High School 533 Blue Ridge Drive Evans 30809 Enrollment: 1,459 Grades: 9-12 Columbia County Schools \n \nPrincipal Julius McAnally \nSuperintendent Thomas A. Price \nTenth District \n \n67 \n \n @lteritafle \n@ltiflh echooL \nCultural offerings of Atlanta complement the support and enthusiasm of Conyers. a small town in the suburbs. making Heritage High School\" a touch of the country in the city.\" Localorganizational support allows teachers the opportunities to try new instructional ideas and purchase needed supplies. Both business and school leaders consistently attend fine arts presentations, academic competitions, and athletic contests. \nStudents also support each other regularly through the Peer Helper program, peer mediation, and the Beta Club, offering personal and academic assistance as needed. The caring of students and faculty extends beyond the walls of Heritage High SchooL Three examples stand out: the donation of thousands of dollars to the American Red Cross lor Central America relief, the student council's delivery of seven truckloads of food to local agencies, and the VOCA Club's collection of coats for the local clothes c1os,t \nLowell T. Biddy, principal, states the philosophy of Heritage rather succinctly: \"Why do some people succeed while others do not? Successful people act; others don't. Heritage acts until it works, piling success upon success.\" The philosophy works through the school improvement committee that reviews policies \n68 \n \n and procedures and suggests instructional strategies. Success shows itself through increasing nwnbers of students choosing Advanced Placement (AP) courses and availing themselves of postsecondalY options; 19 students recently accepted the designation as AP Scholars. \nHeritage seeks to ITIeet the needs of the whole chikl. Technical and vocational classes prepare students to achieve as consumers and workers. Accomplishments include winning leadership and skill competitions and hokling state and national offices in student organizations. Drama productions provide opportunities to learn through excellent theatrical productions. resulting in state literary awards. The band consistently brings home the Grand Championship trophy. The Academic Quiz Bowl Team has a national reputation. Learning reinforced through these activities supports the philosophy of success breeding success. \nThe Project Success program assists ninth and tenth graders who do not qualify for special education but meet the definition of atrisk for academic, behaviclral. or socioeconomic reasons. Maintaining high standards and expectations, this intervention program uses smaller classes. handson activities, instructional aides, and team teaching to address these students special needs. \nHeritage builds on the basic successful strategy of students, faculty, administration. and community working together. Mr. Biddy often describes Heritage as follows: \"Heritage needs no embellishment as a school of success. The rigorous curriculum and competitive but supportive ideas provide results.\" The \"touch of the country in the city~ empowers each student, faculty and staff member, and community participant to take pride in this School of Excellence. \n \nHeritage High School 2400 Granada Road, SW Conyers 300C)4. Enrollment: 1,306 Grades: 9-12 Rockdale County Schools \n \nPrincipal Lowell T. Biddy \nSupe't,ntendent Dr. Donald A. Peccia \nEleventh District \n \n69 \n \n 06 7984 !J.eol:fJia @-clzoots (xcettence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nMay D. Howard Elementary School Ben Hill County Elementary School Fox Elementary School Rockbridge Elementary School North Roswell Elementary School Jackson Road Elementary School Tritt Elementary School Alexander Elementary School Gwin Oaks Elementary SChool Oconee County Elementary School \n \nChatham County Ben Hill County Muscogee County .DeKalb County \nFulton County Spalding County \nCobb County Bibb County Gwinnett County Oconee County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nGlynn County Middle School Magnolia-Chappelle Middle School Rothschild Junior High School Edwards Middle School Sandy Springs Middle School Fairplay Middle School Garrett Middle School Putnam County Middle School Five Forks Middle SChool Columbia Junior High School \n \nGlynn County Thomas County Muscogee County Rockdale County \nFulton County .Douglas County \nCobb County Putnam County Gwinnett County Columbia County \n \nHigh Schools \nStatesboro High School Lowndes County High School Shaw High School Heritage High School Douglass High School Lithia Springs High School Walton High School Dalton High School Evans High School \n \n.BuIJoch County Lowndes County Muscogee County .RockdaJe County \nAtlanta City Douglas County \nCobb County Dalton City \nColumbia County \n \n70 \n \n 1985 ~eou!ia e}chooLs ot 0xceLLence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nStilston Elementary School...... \n \n. \n \nLee County Elementary School \n \nCherokee Elementary School \n \nBarksdale Elementary SChool \n \nE. S. Jackson Elementary School \n \nCrescent Elementary School.... . \n \nWest Side Elementary SChool \n \nMoore S1. Elementary School \n \n. \n \nWauka Mountain Elementary SChool........... \n \nComer Elementary School \n \nBulloch County Lee County \nAmeTlcus City Rockdole County \nFulton County Spaldfng County \nMorietta City Dublin City \n. Hall County Madison County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nRisley Center Middle School..... \n \nLee County Upper Elementary School \n \nFort Junior High School... \n \n. \n \nConyers Middle School......... \n \nRalph Bunche Middle SChool \n \nEvans Junior High School \n \nTapp Middle School \n \nBallard A. Middle School \n \nNorth Whitfield Middle School \n \nOconee County Intermediate \n \n. Glynn County Lee County \nMuscogee County ... .Rockdale County \n.Atlanta City Coweta County \nCObb County Bibb County Whit/ield County Oconee County \n \nHigh Schools \nBrunswick High School............................ Valdosta High School Hardaway High SChool Lakeside High SChool North Fulton High SChool Carrollton High SChool East Rome High SChool.. Central High SChool Etowah High School Parkview High SChool \n \n..Glynn County Valdosta City \nMuscogee County DeKalb County Atlanta City Carrollton City .Rome City .Bibb County \nCherokee County Gwinnett County \n \n71 \n \n /986 J/eorgirt e5r1lOols of; 6xrcll{'j(C{' \n \nElementary Schools \n \nBurroughs-Mollele Elementary School Fitzgerald Elementary School Russell Elementary School Rockbridge Elementary SChool Garden Hills Elementary SChool College Street Elementary SChool MI. Bethel Elementary SChool Southside Elementary School.. South Jackson Elementary School Warren Road Elementary School \n \nGlynn County \n \nFitzgerald City \n \nHouslon County \n \nDeKalb County \n \nAtlanta City \n \nCarro/lton City \n \nCObb County \n \n. \n \nBaldwin County \n \nJackson County \n \nRichmond County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nLee Roy Myers Middle SchooL \n \nHahira Middle School. \n \n. \n \nA. S. Staley Middle School \n \nEdwards Middle School.............. \n \n. \n \nSouthwest Middle School \n \nSpalding Junior High School \n \nPepperell Middle SChool \n \nCenter Junior High School \n \nDuluth Middle School \n \nEvans Middle SChool \n \nChatham County .Lowndes County \nAmericus City Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Spalding County \nFloyd County Waycross City Gwinnett County COlumbia County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nStatesboro High School \n \nCentral High SChool..... \n \n. \n \nWarner Robins High School.............. \n \n. \n \nDunwoody High School... \n \n. \n \nM. D. Collins High SChool \n \nMorrow Senior High School \n \nWheeler High School \n \nMary Persons High SchooL... \n \n. \n \nBrookwood High SChool.. \n \nElbert County High School \n \nBulloch County Thomas County Houston County DeKalb County \nFultan County Claytan County \nCobb County Monroe County Gwinnett County \nIoort County \n \n72 \n \n 1987 fjforrJirt 25(,/'00/8 O(j 6x('d/{'}/('f \n \nElementary Schools \n \nNevils Elementary School \nMorven Primary School \nJackson Primary School  \nBarksdale Elementary SchooI \nHutchinson Elementary School \nHuddleston Elementary School \nMurdock Elementary SChool Wacona Elementary Schoo!.. Lumpkin County Elementary SChool Knight Elementary SChool \n \nBulloch County Brooks County \nButts County .Rockdale County \nAtfanta Ciry Fayette County \nCobb County Ware County .Lumpkln County Gwinnett County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \n\\N\"\\\\\\'.am James MKldle School Cook Middle Schoo' Warner Robins Junior High School Cousins Middle SChool Sulton Middle SChool \nBooth Junior High SchooI \nMarietta Junior High School \nDalton Junior High SchooI \nShiloh Middle SchooL \n \nBuJloch County COOk County \nHouston Count\\! Newton County \nAtlanta City Fayeue County \nMariefta City Dalton City \nGwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \nBrunswick High SChool Colquitt County High SchooI laGrange High SChool Newton County High SChool Benjamin Mays High School Mclntosh High SChool East Rome High SChool Ware County High SChool Stephens County High School Lincoln County High School \n \nGlynn County COlquitl County \nLaGrange City Newton County \nAtlanta City Fayette County \nRome City Ware County Stephens County .Lfncoln County \n \n73 \n \n 1988 ~eot;fJia ~chooL.s ot (xceLLence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nRisley Elementary School Parker Mathis Elementary School Reese Road Elementary School Porterdale Elementary School Sope Creek Elementary School Sandersville Elementary School B. B. Harris Elementary School Comer ElementaJY School \n \nGlynn County Lowncles County Muscogee County \nNewton County Cobb County \nWashlnglon County Gwinnetl County Madison County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nWilder Middle School \n \nNashville Middle School \n \nTabor Junior High School......... \n \nEdwards Middle School \n \nCrabapple Middle School \n \n, \n \nFayelle County Junior High SChool \n \nDodgen Middle School \n \nValley Point Middle School \n \nFive Forks Middle School \n \nChatham County Berrien County \n. Houston County Rockdale County Fulton County Fayelle County Cobb County Whitfield County Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nStatesboro High School \n \nBulloch County \n \nt \n \nBainbridge High School............... \n \n. \n \nDecatur County \n \nNorthside High School \n \nHouston County \n \nRockdale High School. \n \nRockdale County \n \nNorthside High School \n \nAtlanta City \n \nGriffin High School. \n \n. \n \n.spalding County \n \nMarietta High School.. .. .. \n \n. \n \nMariella City \n \nMary Persons High School \n \nMonroe County \n \nGordon Central Complex \n \n. \n \n. Gordon County \n \nAcademy of Richmond County.. \n \n. \n \nRichmond County \n \n74 \n \n 0'0 1997 J!j.eoui/ia 6chools @xcetlence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nEast Broad Street Elementary School \n \nEarly County Elementary School \n \nRobert J. Burch Elementary School.. \n \nMidvale Elementary School... \n \n. \n \nWhitefoord Elementary SChool \n \nBaker Elementary SChool \n \nCartersville Elementary SChool. \n \nEastside Elementary School \n \nDawson County Primary SChool \n \nHillcrest Elementary School \n \nJ. H. House Elementary School \n \nChatham County orly County \n. Fayette County DeKalb County Atlanta City CObb County Carlersvil/e City Coffee County .Dawson County Dublin City \n.Roc:kdoJe County \n \nMiddle Schools \n \nWhitewater Middle School \n \nShiloh Middle Schoo!.. \n \nS. M. Inman Middle School \n \nCoosa Middle SchooI \n \nPeny Middle SChool \n \nWhite County Middle SChool...... \n \n. \n \nCommerce Middle School \n \nFayette County Gwlnnett County \nAtlanta Cil\" Floyd County Houston County White County Commerce City \n \nHigh Schools \n \nHerschell V. Jenkins High School \n \nBerkmar High School.. \n \n.. \n \nChattahoochee High School...... \n \nPebblebrook High School. \n \n. \n \nWarner Robins High School \n \nRidgeland High SChool \n \nLoganville High SChool... \n \nChatham County Gwinnett County . Fulton County \nCObb County Houston COunry \nWalker Count\" Walton Count\" \n \n83 \n \n 0'0 /998 !JeorfJia eSc/wols @xcellence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nOdum Elementary School..... \n \n. \n \nNorthside Elementary SchooL , \n \nBritt David Elementary Magnet School \n \nOakcliH Theme School...... \n \n. \n \nSarah Smith Elementary SchooL \n \nWest End Elementary School \n \nCenterville Elementary School \n \nBattlefield Elementary School..................... \n \nWashington-Wilkes Primary School............. \n \nLawrenceville Elementary School \n \nWayne County Tift County \nMuscogee County DeKalb County Atlanta City .Rome City \nHouston County . CatooSQ County \n. Wilkes County Gwinnett County \n \nMiddle Schools \n \nGeorge W. DeRenne Middle School Sauannah-Chatham County \n \nWest Bainbridge Middle School \n \nDecatur County \n \nArnold Middle School \n \nMuscogee County \n \nSummerour Middle School................... ..Gwinnett County \n \nSutton Middle School... \n \n. \n \nAtlanta City \n \nSimpson Middle School \n \nCobb County \n \nCass Middle School \n \nBartow County \n \nMorgan County Middle School \n \nMorgan County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nLiberty County High School \n \nLiberty County \n \nEarly County High School. . . . . . . . . \n \n. \n \nEarly County \n \nEagle's Landing High School \n \nHenry County \n \nMeadowcreek High School \n \nGwinnett County \n \nNorth Atlanta High School \n \nAtlanta City \n \nMilton High School \n \nFulton County \n \nCartersville High School \n \nCartersville City \n \nCalhoun High School \n \nCalhoun County \n \nSalem High School ................. .Rockdale County \n \n84 \n \n  Our sincere thanks to the Blue Bird Corporation for its continued and generous financial support of the Georgia Schools of Excellence program. As a corporate sponsor, the Blue Bird Corporation provided complimentary tickets and road signs to each of our Schools of Excellence. \nThe Schools of Excellence flags flown by each of the 1999 Georgia Schools of Excellence are provided by our sponsor, SouthTrust Bank of Atlanta. Our thanks for their faithful support again this year. \nWe welcome PBD, Inc. as a corporate sponsor and Logi-Trans, Inc. as a new supporter for the 1999 Schools of Excellence program. Their contributions have helped offset the total cost of the banquet, thus allowing a greater number of students, teachers, and administrators the opportunity to attend. \nFinally, our thanks again this year to our supporter, NationsBank, for providing the principals' reception preceding the banquet. \n86 \n \n Federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin (ritle VI of the Ciuil Rights Act of 1964); sex mile IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and the Qui D. Perkins \\4xatlonal and Applied Technology Education Act of 1990}; or disability (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990J in educational programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. \nEmployees, students, and the general public are hereby nOlified that the Georgia Department of Education does not discriminate in any educational programs or activities or in employment policies. \nThe following individuals have been designated as the employees responsible for coordinating the department's effort to implement this nondiscriminatory policy. \nPerkins Act-.$ue Dohrmann. Vocational Equity Coordinator (404) 657-8304 Title VJ-Betsy Howerton, Legal Services (404) 6564689 Title IX-Betsy Howerton, Lesal Services (404) 656-4689 Section 504 and ADA-Betsy Howerton, Legal Services (404) 6564689 \nInquiries 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; 10 the Regional Office for Civil Rights, Atlanta 30323; or 10 the DirectOr, Office for Civil Rights, Education Department, Washington, D.C. 20201. \n87 \n \n Policy and Communications Georgia Department of Education \nAtlanta, Georgia 30334 April 1999 \nCOST $7.277 QUANTITY 1.000 \n \n 7989 ~eol:~ia eclwo/s 0'06xceUence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nGlyndale Elementary School.................... Lee County Primary School '1uc'ker Bemen\\()t}l '5choo\\ . Esther S. Jackson Elementary School Benteen Elementary School Bill Arp Elementary SChool........ East Side Elementary SchooL Wacona Elementary School Enota Elementary SChool Gwin Oaks EJementary SChool \n \n...Glynn County .Lee County \n...Houston County Fulton County Atlonta City \n..Douglos County CObb County Ware County \nGainesvilie City Gwinnett County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nMatt Wilson Middle SChool Peny Middle School............................. Conyers Middle School.......... Inman Middle School Jonesboro Junior High School Dickerson Middle SchooL.. Center Junior High School..... Summerour Middle Schoo!......... \n \nTift County \n \n. Houston County \n \n. Rockdale County \n \nAtlanta City \n \nCJayton County \n \n. \n \nCobb County \n \n. Waycross City \n \n. Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nVidalia High School \n \nLee County High School \n \nPeny High SChool \n \nHeritage High SChool.... \n \nCedar Grove High School.. \n \nHenry County High School \n \nWest Rome High School \n \nCalhoun High School \n \nHarlem High School...... \n \n.. \n \nVidalia City .Lee County Houston County .. Rockdale County .DeKalb County Henry County Rome City Calhoun City Columbia County \n \n75 \n \n /990 J}eof'iJia eSchools 066xcellellce \n \nElementary Schools \n \nSt. Simons Elementary SChool Len Lastinger Elementary School Miller Elementary SChool Dolvin Elementary School Locust Grove Elementary School Boynton Elementary School Morton-Gilchrist Elementary School Peachtree Elementary School Gaines Elementary School \n \nGlynn County Tift County \nHouston County Fulton County Henry County \nCatoosa County Waycross City \nGwinnett County Clarke County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nCook Middle School A. S. Staley Middle School G. L. Edwards Middle School Pointe South Junior High School East Cobb Middle SChool Sweetwater Middle School \n \nCook County Americus City Rockdale County Clayton County Cobb County Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nSoutheast Bulloch High School \n \n.Bulloch County \n \nCairo High School \n \nGrady County \n \nWarner Robins High School............. . Houston County \n \nDunwoody High School \n \n.DeKalb County \n \nNorth Springs High School........................... ...Fulton County \n \nNewnan High School \n \nCoweta County \n \nAlan C. Pope High School \n \nCobb County \n \nWashington County High School \n \nWashington County \n \nCentral Gwinnetl High School \n \nGwinnett County \n \nMorgan County High School \n \nMorgan County \n \n76 \n \n /99/ ,f}coujia eSc/tools 00 \u003csxccllCllrc \n \nElementary Schools \n \nSI. Marys Elementary SchooI S. L. Mason Elementary School Bonaire Elementary SchooI Barksdale Elementary School \nJ. W. Arnold Elementary SChool.. A. L. Burruss Elementary School \nMemorial Drive Elementary School Arcado 8ementary SChool.. Barnett Shoals Elementary School \n \nCamden County \\..bldosta City \nHouston County Rockdale County \nC/oyton County Morletta City Ware County \nGwinnett County Clarke County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nHinesville Middle School Northside Middle School Conyers Middle School Sandy Springs Middle SChool Taylor Street Middle SChool Coosa Middle School Center Junior High School Otwell Middle School \nTrickum Middle School \n \nUberty County Houston County Rockdale County \nFulton County Spalding County \nFloyd County Wore County Forsyth County Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nStatesboro High School laGrange High School Stone Mountain High SChool Henry W. Grady High SChool Riverdale High School..... Cartersville High School Telfair County High School.... Duluth High SchooL....... Thomson High SchooL....... \n \n. . \n \nBulloch Counry LaGrange City DeKalb Counry \nAtlanto City .clayton County Cortersuille City \nTelfair County .Gwlnnett County .McDuffie County \n \n77 \n \n 7992 2fteo'lfJia echooLs ot @xceLLence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nLiberty County Elementary School \n \nLee County Elementary School \n \nKings Chapel Elementary School \n \nHeards Ferry Elementary School \n \nGraysville Elementary School.. \n \n. \n \nPatterson Elementary School .. ,.. , , \n \nR. D. Head Elementary School............ . \n \nLincoln County Elementary SChool \n \nLiberty County Lee County \nHouston County Fulton County \nCatoosa County Pierce County \nGwinnett County Lincoln County \n \nMiddle Schools \n \nCook Middle School George L. Edwards Middle School Adamson Middle School Arch H. McCleskey Sr. Middle School. Thomas Jefferson Elder Middle School Pinckneyville Middle School \n \nCook County Rockdale County \nClayton County Cobb County \nWashington County Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nSoutheast Bulloch High School Bainbridge High School.................. . Americus High School................... . Heritage High School............................... . Benjamin E. Banneker High School Newnan High School Leamond N. Lassiter High School Dodge County High School Murray County High School Shiloh High School \n \n.Bulloch County Decatur County \nAmericus City Rockdale County \nFulton County Coweta County \nCobb County Dodge County Murray County Gwinnett County \n \n78 \n \n 7993 ~eol9ia eSc/lOols of; 6xceLlence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nJordye Bacon Elementary School \nGanisonPikher Elementary SChool Shi~ Hills Elementary SChool Dorothy L. Sims Elementary SChool \nLena J. Campbell Elementary SChool \nFayetteville Elementary School. Davis Elementary School Alexander II Magnet Elementary 5chool \nMidway Elementary SchooI \nMountain Park Elementary SChool \n \n.Liberty Counly \n \nThomas County \n \nHouston County \n \nRockdole Counly \n \nAllanta City \n \n. \n \nFayette Couney \n \nCObb County \n \nBibb County \n \nForsyth County \n \nGwinnett County \n \nMiddle Schools \nMyers Middle SChool Lowndes Middle SChool \nBert Rumble Middle SchooI \nHaynes Bridge Middle SChool Mundy's Mill Middle SChool.. Rossville Middle SChool Lawrenceville Middle School \n \nChalham County Lowndes County Houston County \nFuhon County Clayton County Walker County Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \nSwainsboro High SChool Northside High School Rockdale County High SChool.. Mays High School Carrollton High SChool South Cobb High SChool Ware County Senior High SChooJ Gainesville High School Lakeside High SChool \n \nEmanuel County Houston County .Rockdale County \nArJanta City Carrollton City \nCObb County Ware County Gainesuille City Columbla County \n \n79 \n \n /994 !Jeorr;ia 05rltools O{6xrcllmre \n \nElementary Schools \n \nWindsor Forest Elementary School \n \nChatham County \n \nHerbert J. Dexter School Department of Defense, Ft. Benning \n \nElm Street Elementary SChool \n \nCOweta County \n \nCamp Creek Elementary School \n \nGwinneli County \n \nBrookview Elementary SchooI \n \nFulton County \n \nEastvalley Elementary School \n \nCObb County \n \nCartersville Elementary SChool. \n \nCOriersuille City \n \nAnnie Belle Clark Elementary SChool \n \nTift County \n \nCity Park Elementary SChool \n \nDalton City \n \nCounty Line Elementary School... \n \n...Barrow County \n \nSnapfinger Elementary School \n \nDeKalb County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nWare County Junior High SChool J. C. Booth Middle SChool.. Edwards Middle SchooL M. L King Middle SChool.. Nash Middle SchooI Carrollton Junior High School Merry Acres Middle School Ellijay Middle School Spirit Creek Middle SChool \nT. J. EXler Middle SchooI \n \nWare County Fayette County .Rockdale County \nAtlanta City CObb County Carrollton City Dougherty County Gilmer County Richmond County Washington County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nWaycross High School......... \n \n. \n \nAmericus High School \n \nLovejoy High School \n \nW. F. George High School....................... \n \nNorth Gwinnett High School \n \nR. S. Alexander Comprehensive High School \n \nDodge High SChool \n \nLakeview-Fort Oglethorpe Compo High SChool \n \nCedar Shoals High SChool \n \nColumbia High School \n \nWare County Amerlcus City .cJayton County .. ......At/anto City Gwlnnetl County Douglos County Dodge County Catoosa County Clarke County DeKolb County \n \n80 \n \n /995 j}eo((jia 25(/100/.1 of 6x('rI/m('t \n \nElementary Schaals \n \nGlennville Elementary SChool \n \nTattnall County \n \nSumler County Elementary SchooI \n \nSumter County \n \nPointe South Elementary School \n \nClayton County \n \nMargaret G. Barksdale Elementary School \n \nRockdale County \n \nL. P. Miles Elementary School \n \nAtlanta City \n \nMountain View Elementary School \n \nCObb County \n \nCave Spring Elementary SChool........ \n \n. \n \nFloyd County \n \nWestside Elementary SChool \n \nCof/ee County \n \nCloud Springs Elementary School \n \nCOtooso County \n \nDavid C. Barrow Elementary SChool... \n \nClarke County \n \nPine Ridge Elementary School................ . DeKalb County \n \nMiddle Schools \n \nMercer Middle SChool A. S. Staley Middle School Lovejoy Middle School Snellville Middle School Ralph Bunche Middle SChool Taylor Road Middle SChool \nPepperell Middle SchooI \nCook Middle School Sonoraville East Middle School.. Oglethorpe County Middle SChool Washington-Wilkes Middle School \n \nChatham County Sumter County Clayton County \nGwinnetl County Atlanta City \nFulton County Floyd County Cook County ...Gordon County Oglethorpe County Wilkes County \n \nHigh Schools \nWindsor Forest High SchooI \nAlbany High School Newnan High School Chamblee High School \nHenry Grady High SchooI \nSprayberry High SchooL Houston County High SChool John Davidson Rne Arts High SchooI Jasper County Comprehensive High SChool \n \nChatham Counly Dougherty County \nCoweta County DeKalb County \nAl/anta City Cobb County .Houston County Richmond County .Jasper Counly \n \n81 \n \n 7996 /!Jeo'ltjia e}clzooLs of; \u003c:xceLLence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nSI. Simons Elementary School.................. \n \n....Glynn County \n \nLake Park Elementary School \n \nDougherty County \n \nBraelinn Elementary School \n \nFayette County \n \nC. J. Hicks EJement3l)/ School \n \n\u003c   Rockdale County \n \nHapeville Elementary School................. . \n \nFulton County \n \nPeachtree Elementary School \n \nGwinnett County \n \nSedalia Park Elementary School \n \nCobb County \n \nPerry Elementary School \n \nHouston County \n \nFairyland Elemental)! School. \n \n.. Walker County \n \nMorgan County Element3l)1 School \n \nMorgan County \n \nRainbow Elementary School. \n \n. DeKalb County \n \nMiddle Schools \n \nSwainsboro Middle School Sumter Middle School F1atrock Middle School Conyers Middle School Thurgood Marshall Middle School Lost Mountain Middle School Rome Middle School... Bleckley Middle School. Ringgold Middle School.. Loganville Middle School. . T. J. Elder Middle School \n \n.Emanuel County \n \nSumter County \n \nFayette County \n \nRockdale County \n \nAtlanta City \n \nCobb County \n \n... Rome City \n \n..Bleckley County \n \n. \n \nCatoosa County \n \nWalton County \n \nWashington County \n \nHigh Schools \nPerry High School................................ Sandy Creek High School Cross Keys High School D. M. Therrell High School Roswell High School North Cobb Comprehensive High School Rome High School Dublin High School R. W. Johnson High SChool Evans Comprehensive High School \n \n... Houston County Fayette County DeKalb County Atlanta City Fulton County Cobb County Rome City .Du blin City Hall County \nColumbio County \n \n82 \n \n 7997 [}eocfJia echoots o~ @xcettence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nEast Broad Street Elementary School. Early County Elementary School Robert J. Burch Elementary SchooI.. Midvale Elementary School.. Whitefoord Elementary School... Baker Elementary School Cartersville Elementary School Eastside Elementary Schoo!... Dawson County Primary School Hillcrest Elementary School J. H. House Elementary School \n \nChatham County Early County \nFayette County DeKalb County \nAtlanta City Cobb County Cartersville City Coffee County Dawson County \nDublin City Rockdale County \n \nMiddle Schools \nWhitewater Middle School Shiloh Middle School. S. M. Inman Middle School Coosa Middle School Perry Middle School White County Middle Schoo!.. Commerce Middle School \n \nFayette County Gwinnett County \nAtlanta City Floyd County Houston County White County Commerce City \n \nHigh Schools \nHerschell V. Jenkins High SchooI.. Berkmar High Schoo!.. Chattahoochee High School Pebblebrook High School Warner Robins High School Ridgeland High School Loganville High Schoo!... \n \nChatham County Gwinnett County \nFulton County Cobb County \nHouston County Walker County Walton County \n \n83 \n \n 7998 !fjeolfJia @Schoots ofJ 0xcettence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nOdum Elementary School.. Northside Elementary School... Britt David Elementary Magnet School. Oakcliff Theme School Sarah Smith Elementary School.. West End Elementary School Centerville Elementary School.. Battlefield Elementary School... Washington-Wilkes Primary School.. Lawrenceville Elementary School.. \n \nWayne County Tift County \nMuscogee County DeKalb County Atlanta City .Rome City Houston County Catoosa County Wilkes County \nGwinnett County \n \nMiddle Schools \n \nGeorge W. DeRenne Middle School.. West Bainbridge Middle School Arnold Middle School Summerour Middle School. Sutton Middle School. Simpson Middle School Cass Middle School Morgan County Middle School \n \nSavannah-Chatham County Decatur County \nMuscogee County Gwinnett County \nAtlanta City Cobb County Bartow County Morgan County \n \nHigh Schools \nUberty County High School Early County High School Eagle's Landing High School Meadowcreek High School North Atlanta High School Milton High School Cartersville High School Calhoun High School Salem High School \n \nLiberty County Early County Henry County \nGwinnett County Atlanta City \nFulton County Cartersville City Calhoun County .Rockdale County \n \n84 \n \n j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j \n \n Our sincere thanks to the Blue Bird Corporation for its continued and generous financial support of the Georgia Schools of Excellence program. As a corporate sponsor, the Blue Bird Corporation provided complimentary tickets and road signs to each of our Schools of Excellence. \nThe Schools of Excellence flags flown by each of the 1999 Georgia Schools of Excellence are provided by our sponsor, SouthTrust Bank of Atlanta. Our thanks for their faithful support again this year. \nWe welcome PBD, Inc. as a corporate sponsor and Logi-Trans, Inc. as a new supporter for the 1999 Schools of Excellence program. Their contributions have helped offset the total cbst of the banquet, thus allowing a greater number of students, teachers, and administrators the opportunity to attend. \nFinally, our thanks again this year to our supporter, NationsBank, for providing the principals' reception preceding the banquet. \n86 \n \n 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. \nEmployees, 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. \nThe following individuals have been designated as the employees responsible for coordinating the department's effort to implement this nondiscriminatory policy. \nPerkins Act-Sue Dohrmann, Vocational Equity Coordinator (404) 657-8304 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 \nInquiries 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. \n87 \n \n Policy and Communications Georgia Department of Education \nAtlanta, Georgia 30334 April 1999 \n \n "},{"id":"dlg_ggpd_y-ga-be300-pp8-bs1-be9-b1998","title":"1998 Georgia public schools of excellence","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":["Georgia Public Schools of Excellence Program"],"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Department of Education. Public Information and Publications Division"],"dc_date":["1998"],"dcterms_description":["Title from cover"],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Dept. of Education, Public Information and Publications Division, 1998"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Schools--Georgia","Public schools--Georgia"],"dcterms_title":["1998 Georgia public schools of excellence"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-be300-pp8-bs1-be9-b1998"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-be300-pp8-bs1-be9-b1998"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":["\u0026copy; Georgia Department of Education"],"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["state government records"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"GA \nE3DO .P~ 51 \nq \nI~~~ \n1998 \nGeorgia Public Schools of Excellence \nLinda C. Schrenko State Superintendent of Schools Georgia Department of Education \n \n The Georgia Department of Education thanks the schools and systems for providing information and photographs for this book. \n \n Foreword \nThis is the 15th year for the Georgia Schools of Excellence Program. A total of 72 schools participated in the program this year. The program is open to all public schools and is designed to identify and honor unusually successful public schools throughout our state. The goal of the program is not necessarily to find the \"best\" schools in Georgia, but to identify the schools that are doing an exceptional job. This is not a ranking of the top schools in our state, but examples of outstanding programs from various regions of Georgia. \nThe schools were screened by committees of local Georgia educators from congressional districts other than ones in which the schools are located. These committees - composed of principals, curriculum directors, teachers, and superintendents - recommended a maximum of three schools, one from each level (elementary, midciIe and high school) from each congressional district to be forwarded to the Florida Department of Education for review. Committees of Florida educators made the final selections for the 1998 Georgia Schools of Excellence. \nSelection this year was gUided by information provided by the schools on each of the follOWing conditions of effective schooling. \nBuilding leadership Teaching environment Curriculum and instruction Student environment Parent and community support Indicators of success Organizational vitality \n \n A message from the State Superintendent of Schools \nef2inda (9 \nOfJchrenko \nGeorgia communities seeking to improve their local schools benefit from innovative examples. They have this in the standards of innovation and achievement provided by the 1998 Georgia Public Schools of Excellence. \nThe varieties of school improvement strategies used by these 27 schools are as abundant as they are inspiring. Some Schools of Excellence share common instructional methods or philosophies to reach their school improvement goals, while others find unique strategies that fit their own specific needs. \nEither way, all the 1998 Schools of Excellence share one indispensable trait: the willingness to bring together \n2 \n \n the entire school and much of the community to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. \nAs you review the profiles of the schools that follow in this booklet, you will see one example after another of this community-based effort. The Schools of Excellence program recognizes the best of the best, and to reach such lofty status, the schools must have total commitment from all faculty, administrators, and students to ensure that the learning experience is everything it can possibly be. \nThe prestige of the Schools of Excellence program grows each year, and so does the excitement leading up to the awards recognition banquet. Many of the behind-the-scenes players who have worked so hard to improve their schoolsparents, local businesses, and community members-will be in attendance to witness the public acclaim their efforts have helped bring to their schools. \nLike an outstanding school, a program as large in scope as the Schools of Excellence program reqUires the efforts of many people to succeed. We would not be able to honor these deserving schools without the financial and planning help so generously offered by our corporate sponsors, the Blue Bird Corporation, NationsBank, and SouthTrust Bank. All three understand the importance of supporting education, and they do so with efficiency and a smile. \nAlso, let us thank the students of the Schools of Excellence. The grandest plans fot improving student achievement are empty promises until the students demonstrate consistent effort and close cooperation with their teachers. \nFinally, thanks to 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 proud program. \nThe future of our world is being formed right now in countless classrooms across Georgia, the United States, and the world. Thanks to you, that future promises to be as bright as the smiles on the faces of all those involved with the 1998 Schools of Excellence. \nThank you, and congratulations. \n3 \n \n /338 cfjeorgia G2!Jchools ifC!G.zcellence \n \nElementary Schools \nDistrict 1 Odum Elementary, Wayne County 2 Northside Elementary, Tift County 3 Britt David Elementary Magnet, Muscogee County 4 Oakcliff Theme, DeKalb County 5 Sarah Smith Elementary, Atlanta City 7 West End Elementary, Rome City 8 Centerville Elementary, Houston County 9 Battlefield Elementary, Catoosa County 10 Washington-Wilkes Primary, Wilkes County 11 Lawrenceville Elementary, Gwinnett County \n \nPage 6 8 \n10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 \n \nMiddle Schools \n \n1 George W. DeRenne Middle, Savannah-Chatham County 28 \n \n2 West Bainbridge Middle, Decatur County \n \n; \n \n30 \n \n3 Arnold Middle, Muscogee County \n \n32 \n \n4 Summerour Middle, Gwinnett County \n \n34 \n \n5 Sutton Middle, Atlanta City \n \n36 \n \n6 Simpson Middle, Cobb County \n \n38 \n \n7 Cass Middle, Bartow County \n \n40 \n \n11 Morgan County Middle, Morgan County \n \n; \n \n42 \n \nHigh Schools \n \n1 Liberty County High, Liberty County \n \n46 \n \n2 Early County High, Early County \n \n48 \n \n3 Eagle's Landing High, Henry County \n \n50 \n \n4 Meadowcreek High, Gwinnett County \n \n52 \n \n5 North Atlanta High, Atlanta City \n \n54 \n \n6 Milton High, Fulton County \n \n56 \n \n7 Cartersville High, Cartersville City \n \n58 \n \n9 Calhoun High, Calhoun County \n \n60 \n \n11 Salem High, Rockdale County \n \n62 \n \n4 \n \n ~lementartJ c CYDchoolf \n \n dum Gilementarp CfJchool \nA restructuring of county schools, a new administration, and new programs have resulted in a school improvement plan which has transformed Odum Elementary School (OES) into a School of Excellence. With an administrative change in 1993, there was a willingness of the faculty to identify and examine ineffective teaching practices, habits and weak areas. A school improvement committee was formed to examine changes which would unify the faculty, students, parents, and community. Staff development has been focused on areas identified as needing improvement and is an ongoing process toward school improvement. The instructional program is carefully planned to motivate and challenge students. The staff collaborate and work cooperatively to ensure that the needs of all students are successfully addressed and met. \nWhile pursuing school improvement, OES received the School of Excellence distinction in 1998 and was also awarded $48,000 for its successful completion of a Pay for Performance package. OES is currently completing its Southern Accreditation for Colleges and Schools (SACS) initial accreditation. The success of the school improvement process is evidenced in the personal successes of OES teachers during the past two years. OES has produced the Wayne County Teacher of the Year for 1997-98 and 1998-99, the Wayne County Special Education Teacher of the Year for 1997-98, and the Georgia Elementary Science Teacher of the Year for 1998. \n6 \n \n OES has developed several programs as a means to improve school climate. One innovative program at OES is the annual, week-long Science Expo. Daily schoolwide science lab activities lead to \"Science Day\" where fifteen businesses and/or organizations donate their time and expertise. Another area of emphasis is the outdoor classroom and wetland area which allows teachers to plan instruction for all areas of curriculum. OES also implemented Project Insight (a novel-based approach of teaching reading for grades three through five). In addition, the Accelerated Reader (AR) Program is a computerized reading management system which rewards students for reading and correctly answering comprehension test items, while increasing the students' individual reading levels. All of these programs have been instrumental in raising science and reading scores. \nA shared vision of excellence is evident in the willingness of the professional staff to create a child-centered atmosphere, the eagerness of the students to excel, the support of the parents, and the devotedness of a caring community. All involved, students, staff, parents, and community, work hard to bring into reality the school slogan, \"Little School-Giant Commitment. \" \n \nOdum Elementary School Walter Street Odum 31555 Enrollment: 361 Grades: K-5 Wayne County Schools \n \nPrincipal Marlene Dukes \nSuperintendent Jerry Jones \nFirst District \n \n7 \n \n Cf{brthslde Gilementarp CJ1Jch(j(j1 \nNorthside Elementary School provides a nurturing environment for students, a sense of belonging for parents, and a drive for excellence in academics, behavior, teaching, and parenting. Additionally, Northside encourages moral development by extending caring beyond the classroom to community and by providing opportunities for students to develop social awareness and conscience through service. Students discover their capacity for doing good; we enable them to make an impact in our world through community altruism as training for responsible citizenship. These experiences advance moral development, pride in service, involvement in community affairs, and respect for differences. \nNorthside strives to develop in its students the synergy of skill, success, and curiosity that builds lifelong readers and learners. Instructional techniques begin with concrete activities and move to the abstract to guarantee mastery of skills. We stress creativity, research, critical thinking skills, and the connection of subject matter to real life. Our restructured mathematics curriculum and instructional procedures have enabled us to raise or maintain Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) scores since 1992. Staff inservice for a process-based, hands-on approach to science moved our faculty to more effective teaching and encouraged student enthusiasm which was the basis for recognition in the \n8 \n \n GAESP School Bell Award (1996-97). We have worked diligently to mesh instruction with mandated curriculum and to provide appropriate diagnosis and prescriptive remediation to ensure success. Over the past five years, Northside's ITBS scores have consistently been above county and Regional Educational Service Agency levels; in four out of five years, we have scored above state levels. We continue to use test scores to target weak areas for guiding instruction and for meeting student needs. Academic improvements over the past five years are credited to strong goal setting, high expectations, and partnership with parents. We continue to use this philosophy to guide Northside's future. \nA strong PTa, an active volunteer program, and a teamwork approach with parents have compounded the school's positive effect on students; frequent contacts with parents by phone or postcard have been important in integrating parents into the Northside team. Northside's shared leadership philosophy has given everyone a feeling of responsibility to contribute his or her finest to make Northside work; pride in this ownership, drive and creativity inspire students, teachers, and parents beyond expectations. Juggling for Success, effective counseling programs, conflict resolution, and peer mediation programs have helped the students to develop responsibility, self-discipline, and self-esteem. A heavy emphasis on integration of technology, use of mathematics manipulatives, methods of t~ching process writing skills, and intensive science staff development have enabled teachers to maximize pedagogical impact. Use of the Accelerated Reader Program, HOTS, CCC technology, reading incentive programs, and supplementation of basal reading instruction with literature to boost interest have made Northside Elementary's students enthusiastic participants in their own leaming. \n \nNorthside Elementary School 1815 North Chestnut Avenue Tifton 31794 Enrollment: 663 Grades: K-4 Tift County Schools \n \nPrincipal Rosemary Alexander \nSuperintendent Dr. Dan McIntyre \nSecond District \n \n9 \n \n r:5arltt cBaVld GLlementarp cUagnet CJfJch(j(jl \nWhat makes Britt David unique? What changes have occurred over the last five years that dramatically increased its student achievement rates to the number one elementary school in the Muscogee County School District for the last two consecutive years according to the Iowa Test of Basic Skills? \nThe student body is distinct because it is based 100 percent on parental choice. Britt David is in its sixth year as a magnet school with a minority/majority ratio of 50/50. Forty-three percent of its students are currently receiving free or reduced lunch. \nThe faculty and staff have established a scope and sequence for teaching all benchmarks of computer instruction and literacy. Britt David is the only elementary school that assigns a grade and maintains a portfolio for progress in computer literacy. Each class has forty-minute sessions daily in a computer lab designed to increase mathematics and reading skills. This lab is centered around increasing test scores with the use of the CCC software. The principal takes the gains report for each class and analyzes the students that are working at grade level. The principal then meets with each teacher and discusses strategies to increase achievement for these students. \n10 \n \n The Exploratory Lab at our school is utilized by each student to provide large group instruction in computer literacy as well as integration of computer software in academic subjects. The entire school is networked to a centralized file server. The faculty, staff, and students have the capability to utilize our software from any computer throughout the building. With 256 computers, the ratio is one computer for every two students. \nThe Accelerated Reader Program is an integral part of our focus on increasing reading achievement. The reading incentive program includes hundreds of titles linked to computer managed tests. Points are earned based on the accuracy of answers. The points are redeemed for prizes in the media center that are purchased by the PTA and Partners in Education. \nOne of the most distinctive and important factors making Britt David superior in mathematics and reading achievement grew out of the Model Technology Grant received at Britt David in 1994. The grant allowed the establishment of a Technology Training Center for the teachers in the Muscogee district to be trained in the elementary building. The grant established the training of the Britt David teachers to become a model technology faculty for district teachers. The Britt David Training Center also functions as a collaborative project which serves preservice teachers from the School of Education at Columbus State University. \n \nBritt ,David Elementary School 5801 Armour Road Columbus 31904 Enrollment: 525 Grades: K-6 Muscogee County Schools \n \nPrincipal Tommy Hutcherson \nSuperintendent GuyW. Sims \nThird District \n \n11 \n \n Theme schools offer parents a choice in public education. Oakcliff is a public school, and parents choose to send their chtldren here because of the differences from a standard elementary program. No student is required to attend Oakcliff because of attendance lines; we serve students from three school attendance areas. Many parents, who chose private education or home schooling in the past, have now chosen Oakcliff. Oakcliff is located in a working class neighborhood with 73 percent of its students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. The students come from 36 different countries and only 58 percent of them speak English as their native tongue. \nThe Oakcliff Traditional Theme School focuses on core academics. Theme schools emphasize a particular aspect of education. Oakcliff has smaller class sizes, a strict discipline code, and the students are required to wear uniforms. Instruction includes exposure to classic world literature, integrated learning across disciplines, recitation of poetry and proverbs, research, and public presentations. Extra-curricular activities (i.e., band, strings) are scheduled before or after school to allow the maximum time avatlable to be spent in instruction. \nOakcliff is rebuilding from within. The dingy white walls have been painted with splashes of color and murals, the bathrooms were scoured and deodorized, floors striped, carpets laid, flowers \n12 \n \n planted, nature trails established, and furniture replaced. The curriculum has been overhauled too! \nOakcliff emphasizes hands-on instruction. Experiential learning makes education come alive for students. To that end Oakcliff sought out resources that would support this philosophy of education. A science lab has been established, a computer lab installed, a mathematics lab created, the Writing to Read lab refurbished, a parenting center developed, and the media center has been given a face lift and over 2000 new titles added to the permanent collection. The Administrative Team was augmented by an additional counselor and an additional instructional lead teacher. When the Title I Program was expanded to a schoolwide endeavor, funds were allocated to provide additional staff, staff development, parental involvement opportunities, and additional teaching resources. \nOakcliff is structured for success. Students are offered tutoring, remedial instruction, close academic supervision, and regular parent communication. Special instructional services are offered through the inclusion model. Two teachers in a classroom offers twice the help, and children who fall into the gray areas of eligibility benefit from specialized programs that otherwise would not be available to them. We put the pieces in place for students to be successful. \n \nOakcliff Theme School 3150 Willow Oak Way Doraville 30340 Enrollment: 682 Grades: PreK-6 DeKalb County Schools \n \nPrincipal Steve Pemberton \nSuperintendent Dr. James R. Hallford \nFourth District \n \n13 \n \n OfJarah OfJmlth Gilementarp OfJchool \nSarah Smith Elementary School, located in the Buckhead community of Atlanta, attributes its success to setting and maintaining high expectations for every student. Sara Smith Elementary follows the tenet set by Ernest L. Boyer in The Basic School: A Community for Learning that \"literacy is the first and most essential goal. All children are expected to become proficient in the written and spoken word. tt The students and staff are ravenous readers and a number of programs are used to promote lifelong readers. Four times during the year students are recognized in an assembly program for reading a specific number of books. The goal this year is to read 12,000 books. \nSarah Smith Elementary has consistently ranked as one of the top performing schools in Georgia. However, there is always room for improvement. During the past five years we have concentrated on science, mathematics, literacy, higher order thinking skills, and technology. \nOn a daily basis it is expected that the curriculum is not only challenging, but exciting as well. As you travel the halls of Sarah Smith you will see children rehearsing for a Shakespearean play, using Cheerios to reinforce the learning of multiplication, making papyrus during the study of Egypt, or dissecting a fetal pig. \n14 \n \n Learning is viewed as an adventure that can and should take the students as far as they want to go. \nA vital link to the success of any school is a strong collaboration with parents and the community. We have a dedicated and hardworking group of parents who are at school, in volume, on a daily basis. They can be seen tutoring students in the classroom, planting flowers in the front of the school, and teaching a very special hands-on social studies program that exposes every student in their kindergarten through fifthgrade journey through Egypt, Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the 17th through the 19th Century. It should also be noted that Sarah Smith has five business partners who have assisted over the years in funding various programs and projects. \nAs we look toward the future, we must be mindful of the words of Gordon Ambach, Executive Director of the Council of Chief State School Officers who so aptly stated, ''Twentieth-century teaching is not adequate to serve twenty-first century students.\" The goal and mission of Sarah Smith Elementary as we move toward the new millennium will be to enable each child to realize his/her academic potential. While we target the state's and nation's standards, we must always keep in mind that these are our starting blocks, not our finishing lines. \n \nSarah Smith Elementary School 370 Old Ivy Road, NE Atlanta 30342 EnroIlment: 497 Grades: K-5 Atlanta City Schools \n \nPrincipal Lee J. Friedman \nSuperintendent Dr. Benjamin O. Canada \nFifth District \n \n15 \n \n ewest Gind Gilementarp CJtJchool \n\"Together WE Can\" is West End's school motto and call for action. Dedicated staff, mentors, partners, and parents work as a team to provide quality learning experiences for all students. Over the past five years, parents increased volunteerism in the school and maintained 100 percent membership in PTA; teachers established reading as the main instructional goal, scheduled a daily test-taking skills period and developed and implemented a character education curriculum; the school added 30 minutes of daily Spanish instruction for kindergarten through fifth grade; and students increased Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) test scores. \nOur parents are a valuable asset to the school, volunteering 5000+ hours yearly. Parents and friends of West End raise a yearly average of $10,000 for purchasing materials for students. \nTeachers and administrators hold the philosophy that reading is the key to success in all areas of school. And to this end, kindergarten and first-grade teachers immerse students in phonics and whole language reading instruction. Steady reading instruction continues throughout the seven years at West End. Trade books, read-a-thons, computer programs, and the Accelerated Reader Program challenge and encourage all students to read for schoolwork and for pleasure. \n16 \n \n Rather than isolating test-taking skills to springtime testing, students practice test-taking skills all year long. Teachers prepare students daily for test taking by modeling standardized test formats in all testing situations. Teachers plan and teach lessons based on specific ITBS or Quality Core Curriculum objectives. These strategies and more resulted in an increase in test scores in the past five years. For example, first graders scored 62 percent in reading in 1993 and 88 percent in 1997. First-grade mathematics scores were 69 percent in 1993 and 90 percent in 1997. Based on high standardized test scores, West End is ranked the number one school in Floyd County and the number two school in North Georgia. \nIncreasing self-awaren~s, self-esteem, and personal responsibility of students is an important school focus. West End has a long tradition of success and its students work hard to become a part of that success record. Over 90 percent of its students receive schoolwide recognition each year. \nWest End students boast a six-year Spanish curriculum which virtually ensures that every student is bi-Iingual upon entering middle school. Daily classes are spoken exclusively in Spanish. Evidences of our Hispanic cultural awareness are labels in Spanish on everything from doors to desks throughout the building and a springtime celebration of Cinco de Mayo which is enjoyed by students, parents, teachers, and patrons of the Hispanic community. \nWest End Elementary School, located in a quiet and stable neighborhood in the Northeast Georgia city of Rome, is anything but a quiet school by tradition and reputation. As third generation and new students move through seven grades, West End continues to make each year a year of excellence and upholds its proclamation as America's #1 Elementary School. \n \nWest End Elementary School 5 Brown Fox Drive Rome 30165 Enrollment: 606 Grades: K-6 Rome City Schools \n \nPrincipal Jack D. Rogers \nSuperintendent Dr. Larry Atwell \nSeventh District \n \n17 \n \n (YenterVllle ~lementarp Cffjchool \nCenterville Elementary School provides a unique balance of a challenging academic program within a student-centered environment. This positive school setting promotes responsibility and independence. Instruction is individualized and developmentally appropriate; therefore, success is attainable at every level. At Centerville we teach for real success by placing. an equal value on student self-esteem and basic academic skills. \nCenterville's message to parents and community emphasizes that an effective school requires the involvement of all shareholders. Centerville is fortunate to have an active and supportive PTO, a dynamic volunteer program, and a host of community \"Partners in Education\" who contribute incentives, materials, and personal time to creating a stronger school program. Parents appreciate the open-door policy at Centerville and feel welcome to volunteer and participate in classroom activities. Classrooms are often filled to capacity as parents join students during exploratory center activities\"as learning milestones are observed, or as students demonstrate skills in Centerville's state-of-the-art computer lab. Parents realize that their child's success is greatly dependent upon a combined team effort between school and home. \nCenterville operates on a cyclical plan of continuous improvement. The entire staff participates in summer workshops where team building, profesSional growth, and goal setting make up the \n18 \n \n agenda. Improvement plans are refined throughout the year. Staff development plans are directly linked to achieving school goals. The School Improvement Team takes its assigned task seriously and networks to make informed decisions. The Centerville staff is dedicated to personal growth and achievement. Teachers bring a wealth of expertise into the decision making process, and their professional opinions are valued. \nTeacher collaboration has been a continuing priority at Centerville, and significant gains in test scores have resulted. Teachers meet routinely to brainstorm, plan, and reflect on effective teaching practices. \nCenterville's innovative programs have been implemented primarily to help students attain higher levels of literacy. Through training and consultation on brain research, the Centerville staff has created braincompatible classrooms and has initiated early intervention methods to promote greater success in reading. Centerville's reputation as an elementary leader in educational technology has led to Centerville's selection as a pilot school for innovative technology projects. Through Project LEAP (Laptops Enhancing Academic Progress) students have gained confidence as writers, have simplified the Writing process, and have created a new means of classroom communication called \"beaming.\" Significant writing gains have also been realized through writing workshops, creative scheduling, realignment of support personnel, and visitation of exemplary schools. Wee Deliver, an interschool postal delivery program, and the Young Author's Club have provided authentic Writing opportunities and have greatly increased motivation to write. Test results show consistent and significant gains in the highest stag~ of the Writing evaluation. At Centerville Elementary the primary aim is CHILDREN FIRST. With that thought foremost in every decision, excellence has evolved. \n \nCenterville Elementary School 450 Houston Lake Boulevard Centerville 31028 Enrollment: 761 Grades: PreK-5 Houston County Schools \n \nPrincipal Wally Bassett \nSuperintendent Tony Hinnant \nEighth District \n \n19 \n \n c5aattkflefd ~/ementrup OfJchoo/ \nThe atmosphere at Battlefield Elementary School is alive with the excitement and challenge of learning. This is apparent from the moment one enters the building. Parent volunteers are busily working in the lobby assisting teachers by grading papers, cutting out letters, and creating learning centers. Other parents involved in the PTA sponsored Mentor Program are working with individual students boosting academic strengths that move these students further toward Battlefield's mission of Success for Every Student. Members of The Bear's Den Student Advisory Committee work with younger students in a program called Peer Pals to help build study skills that reinforce academic achievement. \nThe faculty and staff at Battlefield Elementary use their talents and desires for excellence to activate schoolwide programs that motivate students to learri, foster a sense of community, and provide a foundation for future successes. Yearly themes such as \"Making a Difference...Through Service\" allow students to complete service projects, make responsible decisions, and apply their academic skills in a safe, risk-free environment. The Wee Deliver mail service, a student-run postal service; The Lion's Quest-International Skills for Growing, a community service and values education curriculum; and The Battlefield Art Gallery are just a few areas in which students demonstrate skills that they have acquired in this learning-rich environment. \n20 \n \n As Battlefield Elementary moves toward the new century, the desire for excellence and Success for Every Student continues as teachers tum their attention to making students technologically proficient. The Battlefield faculty and staff are working diligently at making the use of technology an integral part of every student's instructional day. To further these efforts a team of Battlefield teachers are currently participating in training through the Georgia Department of Education's Integrating Technology Framework after which the entire staff will receive training in making maximum instructional use of available technology. \nThe Battlefield Elementary Strategic Team (BEST) is the site-based management team responsible for maintaining and evaluating Battlefield's strategic plan. The committee, comprised of teachers, administrators, a para-professional, and a parent, provides a vehicle for all school-related concerns and decisions and enables all members of the faculty and staff to influence the success-oriented direction of Battlefield's mission. \nThe care and enthusiasm that is evident in the day-to-day operation of Battlefield Elementary is what makes this school a special place for each student. It is the desire of everyone involved that each student reach his or her fullest potential both as students and as citizens and leave Battlefield remembering it as the place where they learned to succeed. \n \nBattlefield Elementary School 1101 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe 30742 Enrollment: 599 Grades: K-5 Catoosa County Schools \n \nPrincipal Patrick B. McMillen \nSuperintendent Edward R. Vickrey \nNinth District \n \n21 \n \n  \n \n60 \n \nIf \n \n1 \n \n1 \n.~ \n \n \n \n~ \n \n  \u003e~ \n \n \n \n.. _,,- ... '\u0026l8o. 'l.... \n \nCWashington- CW1kes 9!2rimarp Qfjchoo! \nWashington-Wilkes Primary School (WWPS) is a school on a mission-a mission to have students reading above grade level by the end of second grade. The administrators, teachers, student, and parents have this single aim for their school. This reading goal grows out of years of frustration of \"trying hard\" but not succeeding in the goals. Finally, progress is being made. \nWashington-Wilkes Primary School is a Title I Schoolwide Project of 550 students, prekindergarten through second grade. It is located in Washington, Georgia, a small town of 5000 people. \nWWPS has made great strides in improving its test scores due, in part, on its focus on reading. In 1997 WWPS was chosen as a Reading First school which carried with it an intensive teacher training in the teaching of reading, the use of a variety of teaching materials designed to meet varying needs of students, the devotion of large block of time in the school day to the teaching of reading, and the involvement of parents in the education of their children. First-grade students have come from the 40th percentile in reading in 1995 to the 55th percentile in 1997. Second-grade students have come from the 36th percentile in reading in 1995 to the 53rd percent in 1997. \n22 \n \n Three years ago WWPS began using a scheduling method called Parallel Block Scheduling (PBS) in kindergarten through second grade. This method of arranging the school day in large blocks of time allowed homeroom classes to be divided in half for four out of the six class periods. PBS provided smaller class size for directed reading and mathematics instruction and Enrichment Labs for hands-on learning. Classes now have 12 or less students for most of the school day. With the intensive staff development that occurred, teachers are prepared to \"make the most of the time and class size. \" \nIn the Enrichment Labs, teachers are using the subject areas of science and social studies to support the reading program. The students are involved in an Adopt-A-Stream project and have selected a nearby creek that has water pollution problems. They visit the creek three times each year, take water samples and make other analysis of the creek environment. The students report via e-mail on the Internet their findings to other Adopt-A-Stream sites in Georgia. Also, the Enrichment Labs are vital in the development of the outdoor classroom on the school campus. Last year each student planted a pine tree in the outdoor classroom. Other areas include a wild flower area, a butterfly garden, a vegetable garden plot, and a pond. \nThrough effective teaching, exceptional programs, active partnerships with parents and the community, and the ability to initiate and integrate curriculum to best meet the needs of individual students, WashingtonWilkes Primary School is well on its way to achieving its goal of having all children reading above grade level by the end of second grade. It is a great time for learning at WWPS! \n \nWashington-Wilkes Primary School 910 East Robert Toombs Avenue Washington 30673 Enrollment: 414 Grades: PreK-2 Wilkes County Schools \n \nPrincipal Laura Toburen \nSuperintendent Dr. James Parker, Jr. \nTenth District \n \n23 \n \n i2awrenceVllle Gilementarp c::1Jchool \nLawrenceville Elementary School promotes academic achievement, student well-being, and citizenship through its democratic practices, its focus on instruction, and its action research. Numerous programs support the student written covenant for teaching and learning and the value we place on student involvement. This past year the Student Counctl organized a Christmas food drive, created a peace award, produced a play about Martin Luther King, Jr., and visited a nursing home. The Demonstration of Practice Committee promotes and shares democratic practices in the classroom and exemplifies the school's belief in shared decision making. The Governance Council has had a long-standing influence on how business is conducted and how trust is built among the faculty. Leadership development for the Council is ongoing. Teachers have studied problem solving strategies, communication skills, and team building in an effort to strengthen their leadership skills in the classroom and with their colleagues. \nFor the past three years Lawrenceville's literacy goal has promoted student achievement. In three years the third-grade Total Reading scores have increased 18 percent. Reading Comprehension has increased 18 percent as well. We have created a writing assessment this year that will enable us to track \n24 \n \n individual and grade-level student progress. Supportive goals of study skills and technology have also fostered student success. \nTo reduce pupil-teacher ratio, create common planning time, provide for uninterrupted instruction, and offer more academic opportunities, we devised and implemented an Instruction-Based Schedule this year. Midyear surveys strongly support this teacher created plan. A Special Instructional Assistance Early Leaming Lab, daily movement or art classes for our kindergartners, and a fifth-grade Geography class are examples of what our new schedule offers. Parents are very complimentary of this far-reaching program. \nLawrenceville is a goal-oriented, research-based school. Each teacher creates an instructional goal based on student achievement and classroom observation. Twice yearly these goals are shared in cross gradelevel groups. Teachers are also asked to relate how students are involved as part of their goal. This type of dialogue is a direct result of Lawrenceville's work on democratic practices. Each grade level also creates an academic goal based on classroom action research and standardized testing. All of these individual and grade-level goals tie into our schoolwide goal. \nStaff qevelopment is valued and ongoing. We have focused heavily on reading strategies for the past three years, learning how to give running records and strengthen comprehension skills. We will train teachers in Eagle Reading strategies next year to support our low achievers. We have also offered computer courses on the use of the Internet and work processing skills. \nWe are proud and appreciative of the support of our parent community. Through the PTA and Community for School Improvement we have created many opportunities for Lawrenceville's students to experience academic success and personal happiness. \n \nLawrenceville Elementary School 122 Gwinnett Drive Lawrenceville 30045 Enrollment: 931 Grades: K-5 Gwinnett County Schools \n \nPrincipal Jane Robertson \nSuperintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks \nEleventh District \n \n25 \n \n THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK \n \n c:!v(l(;ldle CJ7Jchools \n \n c2Je{jtge CW 02JJe\u0026:.-enne oUidd!e C1fJch{jo! \nDeRenne Middle School works diligently to pursue its mission of providing \"learning today to build tomorrow.\" Its long-standing reputation for high standards of academic excellence is the product of resolute effort on the part of dedicated staff and committed volunteers. \nDeRenne Middle School provides a comprehensive educational program for learners by tailoring programs to meet student needs. In addition to an outstanding general program, DeRenne also houses two unique and effective programs for learners at different levels of the continuum. The Honors Magnet for Scholastic Explorations is an accelerated program that serves middle school students with outstanding academic abilities. It offers a challenging, multigrade curriculum that exposes students to enhanced academic and exploratory experiences. In addition, the school houses the Academy for Creative Education (ACE), a structured learning environment for over-aged students who have not experienced success in the general studies program. The small classes and personalized attention students receive in ACE make a major difference in the future success rate of undermotivated students. \nTo add to its already successful program., DeRenne Middle School, along with an elementary feeder and associated high \n28 \n \n school, was named the Hopkins Street Beacon. The Beacon Program is funded by the DeWitt Wallace Reader's Digest Grant and entails extensive community planning and coordination. Taking the lead from other Beacon Schools in New York City, DeRenne will become the site of a carefully planned year-round program of after-school, evening and weekend activities designed to meet the needs of children and adults in the immediate community. Reaching out to the community will make a significant difference in the quality of the all-around learning experience DeRenne is able to provide its students. \nEmploying concepts of shared governance and total quality management, DeRenne's staff, parents, and community constantly seek to improve the learning process by finding creative solutions to problems. This approach makes DeRenne optimistic about negotiating the challenges facing communities and schools in the twenty-first century. \n \nGeorge W. DeRenne Middle School 3609 Hopkins Street Savannah 31405 Enrollment: 976 Grades: 6 - 8 Savannah-Chatham County Schools \n \nPrincipal Gretchen Reese \nSuperintendent Dr. Patrick Russo \nFirst District \n \n29 \n \n ewes! Daainbrlde cMidd!e CffJchoo! \nWest Bainbridge Middle School (WBMS) is a success, in part, due to the nurturing climate created for students and staff. The school family is focused on its vision, dedicated to quality, and is determined to make a difference. As a small rural school, we have established a reputation as a safe and orderly school and one in which innovative programs abound. Both teachers and students have fun while engaged in the learning process. \nUsing an improvement process derived from SACS, Pay for Performance (both state and local level), and effective school research, the staff at WBMS has made steady progress. WBMS staff has become active grant writers, securing consecutive year funding from the Next Generation Schools Project, mini grants from the Eisenhower Consortium, Georgia Middle School Incentive funding, as well as funding from a variety of other sources at the local, state, and national levels. \nOne school motto is that not only does change in education take vision and courage, but it a/so takes patience, persistence, and a willingness to risk. Evidence of that motto in action can be seen in our innovative programs. Innovations at WBMS are best exemplified in our alternative education program (ALT-O), our Equine Science program (using horses to recapture \n30 \n \n at-risk youth), marine biology and aquatic studies (solving real world problems), a youth legislative session, and a schoolwide wax museum. \nNot only have our academics improved through strategic planning, but the addition of six computers with Internet access in each classroom has truly linked southwest Georgia to the world. Key to a well-rounded program was the strengthening of our exploratories, clubs, and activities. WBMS boasts state-level competitors in vocational activities, winning artists, outstanding vocalists and musicians, a club for every child, and activities that include before school intramural basketball, and service learning projects. The school's many programs and activities have helped to develop students who can solve problems, who are motivated, who have good work habits, and who can work with people that they may not like. \nOur biggest accomplishments are evidenced by improved writing scores, community collaboration, and innovative staff development. According to Principal Suzi Bonifay, West Bainbridge's in-service and collaborative endeavors have been built by \"stepping out of the box\" to create unique learning opportunities for students and teachers. Ingredients and directions for success are as follows: take equal parts of students, parents, educators, and community members; stir in respect; fold in discovery; add a large quantity of flexibility; and sprinkle with a daily dose of laughter. What you produce will be wonderful, humorous, and inspiring. \n \nWest Bainbridge Middle School 1417 Dothan Highway Bainbridge 31717 Enrollment: 556 Grades: 6-8 Decatur County Schools \n \nPrincipal Dr. Suzanne Bonifay \nSuperintendent Dr. James Pate \nSecond District \n \n31 \n \n Arnold cMiddle C':ffJohool \nThe State Superintendent of Schools Linda C. Schrenko, speaking to the Arnold PTSA, tells us, \"Arnold is a great schooH\" The foreman of our roofing project, Senators Max Cleland and Paul Coverdale, and parents make the same comment. This is the theme delivered to the community by the media resulting in over 100 transfer requests each year. Visitors, including the state superintendent of schools, speak of the warm, welcome environment they feel when visiting Arnold. \nTest scores attest to academic excellence. \"New Directions\" turns at-risk students from failure to a future posting outstanding academic gains. Writing scores soar with Arnold's unique writing program. Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) twice a week prioritizes reading. Networked Internet access, media center access, closed-circuit television, Bulletin Board service, computer lab, and an after-school technology lab support world class instruction preparing our learners to thrive in the twenty-first century. Our Outdoor Classroom resulted from grant dollars that teachers initiated. Next Generation Schools teamed Arnold with an elementary and high school to create the district's first cluster program for at-risk students. Our exploratory program boasts a rich array of courses from vocational to fine arts. \nParent workshops, family contact logs, Good News cards, RAC (Rams Assume Citizenship), discipline plan, and our student advisement system all support instruction. Saturday school is \n32 \n \n held bi-weekly to support the RAe and homework plans. Every student \nis involved in community service projects with Arnold contributing thousands of dollars and volunteer hours to charity over the past five year. Achievement and citizenship flourish. \nShared decision making involves all stakeholders. With careful sCrtltiny of the research and a visionary eye to the future, action teams use the wealth of data collected through ongoing assessment to develop school improvement plans. Our family of teachers as learners support each other in mentoring and staff development with an \"each one teach one\" philosophy supporting every teacher's professional development plan. Most staff development courses are taught by school staff. \nThese are exciting times at Arnold. We celebrate Arnold's community involvement with three outstanding Partners in Education. Arnold's \"Dream Team\" was just named a Team of the Year by the Georgia Middle School Association. For the third year we are setting goals for Pay for Performance. Teachers elected to put their first $2000 right back into their classes! \nWe celebrate an environment that stimulates lifelong learning and responsible citizenship by developing a strong cooperative partnership between school, home, and community. Arnold is a true School of Excellence! \n \nArnold Middle School 2011 51st Street Columbus 31904 Enrollment: 734 Grades: 7-8 Muscogee County Schools \n \nPrincipal Ruthie Hamlin \nSuperintendent GuyW. Sims \nThird District \n \n33 \n \n GfJummerour oUiddle GfJchool \nIn 1963 when Summerour Middle School was constructed, the Norcross community was one of neighborhood homes with families of similar make-up. Since that time, tremendous changes have taken place. Today, there are 44 countries represented within our student body. Twenty-one languages are spoken. What a challenge to our students and faculty! To meet those challenges, a special faculty was assembled. The Summerour staff is cohesive and collegial with their focus on student achievement. \nIn 1995, a new class to help students begin working to potential was created. Academic Coaching is a nine-weeks' class which is assigned to those students who are failing one or more classes with an emphasis on language arts and/or mathematics. Fiftyone percent of these students were successful in their academic classes as a result of their enrollment in Academic Coaching. \nSummerour Middle Action Research Tearn (SMARn, a committee made of teachers and administrators who focus on data collection, analysis, and results, studied the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills scores as well the scores on the Georgia Writing Test for the past five years. As a result of this study it was determined that emphasis needed to be placed on student reading levels. The Accelerated Reader Program and STAR testing were purchased. Each morning, students and faculty members begin their day with a 25-minute period of silent reading. Since \n34 \n \n implementing this program, there are 5 percent more sixth graders reading on grade level, 9 percent more seventh graders, and 3 percent more eighth graders. \nSome Summerour students need more one-on-one attention and time on task as evidenced by their academic achievement. These students are placed on our ICT, Intensive Care Teams. Forty sixth-grade students and 40 seventh-grade students were given the opportunity to work with two teacher teams with the idea that reduced numbers in the classes would result in increased student learning. In addition to concentrating on skill building within the academic areas, students and teachers are developing service projects and helping their community. \nAll of the aforementioned programs were developed and implemented based on faculty input. The faculty has the opportunity every two years to elect a colleague to represent them on the Summerour Executive Committee (SEC). SEC members meet each week to discuss the day-today events which occur within a school. In addition, these individuals are involved in updating the mission and vision, as well as developing the goals for the upcoming year. Parent committees are also involved in the school improvement process. \nCreative and innovative programs as well as a focus on improvement are what make Summerour Middle a great place for student learning. Students, faculty, and parents work together to ensure academic progress. Students leave Summerour prepared for high school and the life experiences they will soon encounter. \n \nSummerour Middle School 585 Mitchell Road Norcross 30071 Enrollment: 906 Grades: 6-8 Gwinnett County Schools \n \nPrincipal Dr. Gale Hey \nSuperintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks \nFourth District \n \n35 \n \n CffJu!!on oUiddle CffJchool \nSutton Middle School's ultimate goal is to imbue our students with the knowledge and understanding they must possess to become active, productive, and successful members of the larger society. This then is the driving force behind all academic, as well as non-academic, elements of Sutton Middle School. The focus is in the development of the child as a whole in order to realize full potential. At Sutton, we attempt to establish building blocks upon which a child can grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially. To do this we adopt a multifaceted approach, which addresses this issue on a variety of levels. \nSutton's foundation of education is a sound academic core curriculum which is supported by programming that includes a separate reading class occurring daily, the Accelerated Reader Program, Title I mathematics, and an additional supplementary mathematics program. The social studies department annually embarks on two interdisciplinary units to stimulate citizenship and cross-cultural understanding: Vote USA and International Week. The science department annually participates in the Jason Exploration and utilizes Zoo Atlanta Activity Boxes and Georgia Tech's Edutech Institute. \nSutton has the strongest foreign language department in the city of Atlanta offering full-year programs in both French and Spanish in the seventh and eighth grades. We were the first middle school to have an exchange program with schools in \n36 \n \n Belgium and France, and our students have consistently been awarded first place in annual foreign language festivals, Governor's Honors Program and Academic Achievement Awards. We are the first school to offer a \"content-based\" foreign language education program, the objectives of which are to support, enrich, and supplement the other academic disciplines taught at Sutton. \nSutton has a vibrant fine arts department which consists of band, orchestra, chorus, drama, and art. Our music and art rotation clas,ses are designed primarily to introduce students to creative and performing arts. Our band, orchestra, and chorus classes are taught as performance classes with emphasis on music organization and technique. Drama students are accepted into the seventh- and eighth-grade full-year drama classes by audition only. Sutton arts students are assigned projects which encourage both analytical and creative development, so that these students will have the foundation to be both insightful and innovative in their future pursuits. \nSutton continues to pursue its commitment to provide a comprehensive education by encouraging community interaction. We have vibrant Partners in Education programs, a committed PTA, and a dedicated faculty and staff all of whom have joined forces to produce thoughtful and productive citizens of tomorrow. \n \nSutton Middle School 4360 Powers Ferry Road, NW Atlanta 30327 Enrollment: 856 Grades: 6-8 Atlanta City Schools \n \nPrincipal Hazel Katz \nSuperintendent Dr. Benjamin O. Canada \nFifth District \n \n37 \n \n OfJimpson oUiddle OfJchool \nThe Simpson Middle School community of students, staff, parents, and partners is celebrating a \"Decade of Excellence\"ten years of commitment to achieving academic excellence and to providing an environment dedicated to the joy of learning. Through active teaching and learning, Simpson's staff is dedicated to providing a challenging curriculum of mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, reading, foreign language, exploratory, and physical education for all learners. Each course is designed to prepare students for high school and college and the desire to remain a life-long leamer. \nThe leadership collaboration of the administration, staff, and community has had a powerful impact on the educational vitality of Simpson's instructional program. Teachers and parents share ownership in developing goals and programs to prepare students for the future. The deployment of technology in classrooms strengthens mathematics, science, and Writing skills. The development of new teaching strategies to facilitate student achievement has kept Simpson's goals in line with the National Education Goals for the year 2000. \nSimpson's standardized test scores are indicators of the success of an effective instructional program. Mathematics computation scores on the eighth-grade Iowa Test of Basic Skills soared to second in the state as a result of an academic focus on mathematics. For the last five years, Simpson students have consis- \n38 \n \n tently exceeded state and county norms on standardized tests. A highly effective staff development program ensures that Simpson's professional community remains at the leading edge of current educational trends and technology. In 1995-96 Simpson was one of ten middle schools to be recognized in the state of Georgia as a Pay for Performance School acknowledging Simpson's exemplary performance in academic achievement, client involvement, educational programming, and resource development. \nSimpson offers many services and programs that support the goals and needs of students. Trained parent and community volunteers tutor at-risk students in identified academic areas. At-risk mathematics students take part in a math-mentoring program that involves parents and teachers. All students have daily planners and are involved in a year long organizational and time management program. \nSimpson Middle School is committed to the joy of learning. Personal enthusiasm and the sharing of knowledge and skills foster academic achievement and community involvement. Sensitivity to the needs of students, parents, and staff cultivates a supportive climate in which creativity and the pursuit of individuality thrive. \n \nSimpson Middle School 3340 Trickum Road Marietta 30066 Enrollment: 896 Grades: 6-8 Cobb County Schools \n \nPrincipal Terry Poor \nSuperintendent Dr. Richard Benjamin \nSixth District \n \n39 \n \n ~ass cMiddle ~ch()()l \n\"Together we can make a difference\" is the motto of Cass Middle School in Bartow County, Georgia. This motto guides the faculty and staff of Cass Middle as we strive to make positive changes for the leaders of tomorrow. Through team teaching, hands-on activities which enhance academic excellence, and a fun, friendly environment for the students, the faculty and staff, Cass Middle provides a child-centered curriculum conducive to the needs of each middle school student. For this reason among others, Cass Middle School is a student-focused school that aims to educate the total child in preparation for success in today's changing world. \nCass Middle is one of three middle schools in the Bartow County School System, which is located in the northwest quadrant of the state. The school district is a part of the Atlanta metropolitan area but is actually rural in nature. The school population has steadily increased from 660 students in 1991 to the present enrollment of 867 students. \nOne facet of Cass Middle of which the administrators and teachers are extremely proud is the building itself. The new facility is a source of pride for the small community of Cassville and other residents in the county. Before it was built, a staff, student, and parent committee was organized to give educational input and specifications regarding the new school and its furnishings. The committee visited schools in the surrounding \n40 \n \n counties to gather ideas for the design. From this committee's recommendations, the concept of \"schools within a school\" emerged. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders each have a wing within the building, with the media center and cafeteria in a central location for easy access to everyone. The design is very practical with spacious classrooms, a functional exploratory wing, a large gymnasium with an auxiliary gym, a band room, and a chorus room. Cass Middle is proud to be the model for all new middle schools built by the school system. \nCass Middle's accomplishments are best characterized by the belief that its teachers and administrators are building leaders, not just educating students. Cass Middle is making a difference in the lives of children. Teachers and administrators strive to ensure that each child is treated as a valued individual and is capable of achieving success in today's changing world. In doing so, Cass Middle is preparing its students to be the leaders of tomorrow. \n \nCass Middle School 195 Fire Tower Road, NW Cartersville 30120 Enrollment: 846 Grades: 6-8 Bartow County Schools \n \nPrincipal Gary Boling \nSuperintendent Dr. Davis Nelson \nSeventh District \n \n41 \n \n ~0'3an cYountp oWiddle C1fJchool \nNestled on a residential street just blocks away from historic Madison's town square, Morgan County Middle School (MCMS) strives daily to exemplify its motto: \"MCMS, Where learning is a way of life.\" Within its mellowed brick walls, administrators, teachers, parents, students, and staff work as a team to create a positive atmosphere where learning and excellence are top priority. \nThe common goal at MCMS is always student success. School faculty, parents, and community members collaborate to create and implement programs that help raise student achievement. Students have learned how to solve problems without resorting to violence through the Peer Mediation program. Business partner Georgia Power has helped institute a mentor program where involved students work with their mentors each week. The P.U.P. Club, an after-school program, gives students opportunities for tutoring, computer experience and a variety of other enriching activities. State-of-the-art technology throughout the school provides hands-on computer experience for every student. \nMorgan County Middle School promotes excellence among its faculty and staff as well. This team believes that success is always attainable. They consistently use self-evaluation procedures to \n42 \n \n determine strategies for school improvement. Through staff development, shared decision making, and the effort of all faculty and staff, MCMS achieves its goals. Within the past year, MCMS has earned recognition in Georgia's Pay for Performance program by setting and then reaching a group of faculty generated goals. Additionally, the middle school recently completed the requirements for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation process and was given excellent commendations by the review committee. As a result of these efforts, student achievement has dramatically improved. Test scores on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills in the areas of reading and mathematics have risen steadily over the past four years. \nA key to Morgan County Middle's success is strong parental and community support. As parent involvement increases, so does student success. Parent volunteers are present daily, assisting in a variety of ways. Representatives also serve on the Parent Advisory Council. Since MCMS values this involvement, the school prides itself on maintaining strong communication between school and home. Each quarter, a newsletter is mailed to each student's home. On a daily basis, students are encouraged to keep up with assignments and grades in their school agendas, purchased for the student body by the PTO. Parents are also invited for conferences during team planning times, before and after school, and on two early-release days at the end of the first and third quarters. \nAt MCMS, students come first, everyone works together to achieve goals, and learning really is a way of life. This middle school is determined to excel, and through the dedication and innovation of all, Morgan County Middle School will progress with excellence into the twenty-first century. \n \nMorgan County Middle School 920 Pearl Street Madison 30650 Enrollment: 639 Grades: 6-8 Morgan County Schools \n \nPrincipal Alfred Murray \nSuperintendent Dr. Patricia Stokes \nEleventh District \n \n43 \n \n THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK \n \n cyifjtfh \nb \nCYbchools \n \n ef21bertp cYountp \neJJezg-h 0tJchoo! \nSince Liberty County High School (LCHS) opened in 1991, it has experienced rapid growth and change. This has presented challenges which LCHS's staff and students have readily met. The result is a well-qualified, cooperative staff, innovative instructional programs, strong community support, and an emphasis on \"Panther Pride,\" all of which make LCHS a school of excellence. \nRecognizing specific areas that needed improvement, LCHS implemented innovative programs. For example, in order to improve reading and writing test scores, LCHS introduced a Writing Across the Curriculum Program and a time for Silent Sustained Reading. These techniques have proven to be effective, and students' test scores have significantly improved. Also, Project Success was added to the curriculum to help at-risk students become more successful in school and to aid their transition to the work environment. \nIn order to better prepare students for their future, emphasis is placed on teaching higher-level thinking skills in all classes. Such methods as having a \"math problem of the day\" and having discussion questions on all tests are being utilized to meet this goal. Also, there has been an increase in Advanced Placement offerings, as well as in the integration of technology into the \n46 \n \n curriculum. LCHS presently has student-produced announcements over closed-circuit television, three networked computer labs for tech prep, a network lab for remedial education, computers in the media center with Internet access, and a GSAMS classroom. A team of teachers is currently being trained on integrating computers into science, mathematics, and fine arts instruction, and they, in turn, will train other staff members. Technology currently available, combined with these innovative teaching methods, will ensure that all LCHS students are technologically literate and prepared for the twenty-first century. \nTo improve various aspects of the school environment, parents, and community members participate in an active PTA, as well as a supportive athletic booster club. Three community agencies recently showed their support by funding a school resource officer, who enforces the law on campus, serves as a role model, mediates conflicts, and provides students with a more positive view of law enforcement officers. Also, LCHS was \"adopted\" by the 3rd Infantry Division Military Police Battalion from Fort Stewart. They serve as tutors and mentors for students, help in class- \nrooms, serve as guest speakers, and organize field trips for students, all of \nwhich enhance the educational experience of LCHS students. \nThe cooperative relationship between the faculty, staff, parents, students, and community partners at LCHS exemplifies the African proverb that, \"it takes an entire village to raise a child.\" Working together, all of these factions provide an excellent educational environment, which enables LCHS students to prepare for their ultimate role as America's future. \n \nLiberty County High School 3216 East Oglethorpe Highway Hinesville 31313 Enrollment: 1110 Grades: 9-12 Liberty County Schools \n \nPrincipal Paula Scott \nSuperintendent Don O'Neil \nFirst District \n \n47 \n \n Giarlp cY(juntp d6g-h (J5ch(j(j! \nBeginning in 1996, Early County High School (ECHS) began the implementation of a five-year plan that has resulted in many changes for its staff and students. The catalyst for this change was a willingness on the part of students, parents, staff, and the board of education to make bold changes in the traditional methods of education. \nAfter much study, changes were made in both the structure of the school day and the school year. In 1996 ECHS decided to go to a modified block schedule. The system implemented consists of three 90-minute classes and one year-iong, 50minute class for students. This schedule allows students to concentrate on two major academic classes per semester rather than four and a total of four classes rather than six. The result has been a reduction in the failure rate for our students. Teachers have had time to use technology and cooperative learning activities to enhance teaching and learning. \nOn August 1, 1997, we became the first high school in Georgia to operate on a modified year-round calendar. This calendar allows students to complete the first semester before the long traditional Christmas break, and prevents students who are returning after Christmas break from having to take semester tests shortly after their return. The calendar allows for fall, \n48 \n \n winter, spring, and summer breaks. This system is designed to allow students and staff to recharge and return to school ready to concentrate on teaching and learning. \nThe infusion of technology and cooperative leaming strategies in the class have been accomplished byrpeans of a financial commitment by the administration and the board of education and staff development commitment by the faculty and staff. A student-centered classroom is the goal of each teacher at ECHS. Each teacher has a multimedia computer, LCD panel, Internet access, and software to allow for the latest techniques making learning interesting and meaningful for students. ECHS has over 250 computers in science labs, writing labs, foreign language labs, remedial labs, word processing labs, and technology labs giving students direct use of the latest technology. Many new courses which are designed to give students a hands-on approach to learning have been added to the curriculum. Applied courses in communication, algebra, geometry, biology, principles of technology, and technology have been added to the course offering in the last two years. \nIn 1996 ECHS and Andrew College entered into an agreement for Andrew College staff to come to ECHS and teach twenty hours of college credit for qualifying seniors. This program will allow talented students to start their college careers while still in high school without leaving the high school campus. \nThe excellent academic record and the rich extracurricular activities at ECHS will be expanded and enhanced by the improvements over the last two years. We are proud to be one of Georgia's Schools of Excellence. Change and continued improvement will be an ongoing process at ECHS. This honor will only challenge and encourage us to strive to provide better opportunities for our students in the future. \n \nEarly County High School 420 Columbia Road Blakely 31723 Enrollment: 776 Grades: 9-12 Early County Schools \n \nPrincipal Kenneth Hall \nSuperintendent Richard Hall \nSecond District \n \n49 \n \n I \n~ag!e S ~andlitg \nOCigh c:fJchoo! \nEagle's Landing High School, destined to be one of the premiere schools in the area, opened in 1990 in Henry County, one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. Teachers and staff were selected very carefully with an emphasis on academic excellence and student success. Eagle's Landing High School provides each student the opportunity to excel academically and socially. In addition to maintaining strong standardized scores in all areas, learners also excel in cocurricular activities. Students have received numerous awards in individual and group competitions. Eagle's Landing claims county, regional, state, and national winners for various disciplines, clubs, sports, and teams. From its beginning, Eagle's Landing High School has effectively faced the challenges of a rapidly growing student population while continually upgrading its facilities and course offerings. \nThe school's climate and culture is unique and apparent to all. Positive and supportive interactions between professional staff members and the student body set the tone for the culture of the school. Outside observers express admiration for the professionalism of the staff members and the eagerness with which each educator approaches his or her tasks. The students imbibe the school atmosphere, not only experiencing the energy of the staff but contributing further to the school culture. Staff and students \n50 \n \n together create an underlying synergy that drives an enthusiasm for academic success. \nEvidence of the positive school culture abounds. Students from a variety of nations, backgrounds, and socio-economic and ability levels mesh in classrooms, sports, activities, clubs, and social situations. Students with limited English proficiency, representing 17 different languages, as well as students with minimal to profound physical and academic disabilities are instructed in collaborative formats and are included in every aspect of high school life. An example of this inclusionary spirit is embodied in the Partners Club, a student organization which connects regular education students with special education students. The Partners Club members assist special needs students in their classes, in preparations for Special Olympics and other sports events, and in daily activities. \nThe success at Eagle's Landing High School does not depend on one individual person or attribute, for we are a community of adult and young learners who represent diverse cultures, experiences, and abilities. Through our celebration of this unique experience, we learn from one another as we enjoy the accomplishments of all. Demographically, Eagle's Landing High School directly represents the large community where it is located. Ultimately, Eagle's Landing High School represents the world as it should be: a global community working together for the benefit of all. \n \nEagle's Landing High School 301 Tunis Road McDonough 30253 Enrollment: 1629 Grades: 9-12 Henry County Schools \n \nPrincipal Ralph Lynch \nSuperintendent Herbert W. Garrett \nThird District \n \n51 \n \n cUecrdowcreek OOg-h CJfJchoo! \nMeadowcreek High School in Norcross, Georgia, serves 2,000 students who come from many areas of the United States and more than sixty countries throughout the world. There are twenty-three native languages represented in the school population with 11 percent of the students having limited proficiency in English. Along with its great diversity, Meadowcreek has a 44 percent mobility rate, and 32 percent of the students participate in the free and reduced lunch program. \nIn order to promote academic excellence for each student, Meadowcreek is involved in the development and implementation of the Gwinnett County Academic Knowledge and Skills program (AKS), which sets achievement standards and includes a tenth-grade gateway test that is required for graduation. Meadowcreek has implemented a number of programs to meet the diverse needs of its students. Advanced Placement classes and honors classes challenge students to meet high expectations. The Title I program and CVAE program help students with developmental needs. The ESOL program helps immigrant students gain proficiency in English. By participating in the Southern Regional Education Board's (SREB) High Schools That Work program, Meadowcreek has developed a plan which holds high expectations for students with technical aspirations. Meadowcreek's graduates have been accepted at numerous universities and colleges, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, the University of Georgia, the Georgia Institute of Technology, \n52 \n \n Georgia State University, and the Air Force Academy. Not only is Meadowcreek engaged in meeting students' academic needs but also their cocurricular and extracurricular needs. The girls' basketball team has been in the state playoffs for the last two years. The visual arts program has sent three to five students per year to the Governor's Honors Program since 1989. Meadowcreek had one of the first peer mediator programs in the state, and Meadowcreek's mediators have trained students in many other schools. \nIn order for Meadowcreek to be successful it creates connections with the surrounding community. Parents and community members are involved in the Local School Advisory Committee. The Meadowcreek Community Coalition brings together educators, religious leaders, police officials, health and human services workers, and community agencies in order to build a large community to support the school. The new Meadowcreek Community Stadium, which was constructed with risers from the Olympic Stadium, is the visible center of this community. \nThe International Week Festival, celebrating Meadowcreek's many cultural backgrounds and diverse community, is held each spring and is one of the highlights of the school year. During the school week, student groups from different cultures perform during the lunch period. On Saturday, the total community is invited to participate in a full day of activities including sampling foods, purchasing cultural items, and observing performances. \nLooking forward to the future, Meadowcreek sees itself as the leading partner in creating a community where diverse people live, work, learn, and celebrate together. \n \nMeadowcreek High School 4455 Steve Reynolds Boulevard Norcross 30093 Enrollment: 2015 Grades: 9-12 Gwinnett County Schools \n \nPrincipal Patrick Mahon \nSuperintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks \nFourth District \n \n53 \n \n cJ\u003c'orth Atlanta OOjJh CfJchool \n\"Our strength is in our diversity.\" This motto was used when North Atlanta High School came into being. As the school matured and developed, this motto became reality. North Atlanta has the most culturally diverse student body in the city of Atlanta. Although located in northwest Atlanta, we draw from every neighborhood in the Atlanta Public Schools attendance zone. Students and parents alike are eager to be a part of the North Atlanta family. We are an example of a high-achieving, multicultural urban school. \nNorth Atlanta, in addition to a regular college preparatory and vocational curriculum, has two strong magnets, The Center for International Studies and The Performing Arts Magnet. \nThe Center for International Studies is a nationally and internationally recognized program with a strong emphasis on the study of foreign language and internationally related topics. At the end of the sophomore year, they choose either the International Business or the International Baccalaureate track for the remainder of their high school career. \nIn the International Business track, students concentrate on economics and international trade, East Asian studies, world literature and advanced foreign languages. In addition to regular \n54 \n \n classes, business students run an import/export business, The Atlanta Caribbean Trading Company. The Warrior Warehouse is their retail outlet. \nStudents choosing the International Baccalaureate study world literature, advanced foreign languages, history of the Americas, mathematics, biology and Theory of Knowledge. They must write an extended essay in one of the IB subjects and document creative action and social service activity. The International Baccalaureate diploma is awarded based on success in the examinations administered by the International Baccalaureate Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. \nThe Performing Arts Magnet is a four-year college preparatory program that enables students to discover and develop their talents in the performing arts. Students specialize in either vocal music, orchestra, band, dance, drama, or technical theater. For many years, all performing groups have received recognition in local, state, and national competitions. \nNorth Atlanta has a reputation for being a safe school environment that meets the needs of a wide range of students. We have shown that all children can be high achievers given the opportunity and environment that fosters excellence. We hope to instill in all of our students the desire to be lifelong learners. \n \nNorth Atlanta High School 2875 Northside Drive, NW Atlanta 30305 Enrollment: 1592 Grades: 9-12 Atlanta City Schools \n \nPrincipal Thomas E. Adger \nSuperintendent Dr. Benjamin O. Canada \nFifth District \n \n55 \n \n c::Milton OOg-h CffJchoo! \nMilton High School (MHS) approaches the millennium as a school on the move! Ever mindful of our commitment to equity and excellence, we, the faculty and staff at Milton High School in cooperation with the total learning community, pledge all our efforts, professional expertise, and personal outreach to building a learning-centered school where students are the central focus. The Fulton County School System's logo \"students come first\" is the focus of our learning community. We believe in quality teams comprised of all stakeholders that together make MHS a Georgia School of Excellence. \nAs a learning community, we focus on student-centered learning by infusing technology and parent involvement into the curriculum. It is an exciting time at MHS! We have more teacher and parent involvement than ever before in the school's 75-year history-parents, teachers, students, and administrators are empowered as they come together to study educational innovations and implementation strategies such as block scheduling, authentic assessment, and cooperative learning teams. Presently on a modified block, we continue to explore creative ways to use time to ensure student learning. \nTeachers continue to learn new strategies that foster \"knowledge work\" for students. Our teachers have been moving toward a new day since we first formulated our Vision 2000 goals. The words of one our teachers captures the mood: \"This is a new day in education and it's a little scary for us.\" A new day is \n56 \n \n dawning, and our faculty rises on the wings of eagles to meet that new day. Teachers take classes in interdisciplinary instruction and complete interdisciplinary units to be implemented in the 1998-99 school year. We presently team teach American History and American Literature and conduct interdisciplinary activities in physics and automotive, biology and horticulture, algebra and economics, geometry and physical science, chemistry and foods, and media tech and music. Interdisciplinary instruction also promotes collegiality as teachers open their classrooms to fellow teachers to share ideas and planning time. \nTechnology connects the farthest points of the world via the information highway. Being computer literate is an expectation not just an option for all students. The excitement that our webmasters display as they work on the web page and the excitement of the newspaper student as she formats the paper on the Super Mac or the math student in the math lab, or the biology student dissecting the human being on the Adam software is unparalleled in the traditional classroom. We strive to create classrooms for the twenty-first century-classrooms full of students engaged in real knowledge activities: collecting data, analyzing data, synthesizing data, and applying data. We create and engage students in learning centers in foreign languages and social studies. Our production center in the media center is available for our students to learn to use Power Point for reports and papers. Technology has changed the face of education. \nIt is the willingness to step out and \"break ranks\" that makes Milton High School a Georgia School of Excellence. \n \nMilton High School 86 School Drive Alpharetta 30201 Enrollment: 2034 Grades: 9-12 Fulton County Schools \n \nPrincipal Phil Thomas \nSuperintendent Dr. Stephen D. Dolinger \nSixth District \n \n57 \n \n (jJarterSVl!!e c:#ezg-h (jf;choo! \nThe success of Cartersville High School is due in large part to progress toward the eight goals identified by faculty members in our Charter School application. The adoption of a four-by-four block schedule in combination with a new attendance policy helped improve attendance, giving the high school the highest attendance figures in our system, at nearly 95 percent. Our block schedule has also improved remediation, behavior of students with behavioral problems, achievement in reading and writing, and the transition from middle to high school and from school to work. \nCartersville High School has always enjoyed a reputation for academic success. The parents and teachers in our system and the community at large have high expectations for the achievement of our students. We were the first high school in Georgia to be granted Charter School status, and we remain one of only two such high schools in the state. In fact, we are a part of the only Charter System in the state. \nWe attempt to serve the needs of all our students. Toward this end, every student has an advisor who works with him/her from the end of eighth grade through graduation, helping to smooth the difficult transition to high school. We have also enlarged the scope of our Youth Apprenticeship Program by including the Teacher Cadet Program as an option in addition to several industry-based options. Each department offers an evening \n58 \n \n study hall once a week, providing students an opportunity for academic remediation and enrichment. Our Advance Placement enrollment has nearly doubled, and over 20 percent of our seniors take advantage of the Post-Secondary Options Program to earn college credits while still in high school. The percentage of our students taking the SAT has increased recently from 65 percent to 78 percent, showing a recognition on the part of our students that post-secondary education is for everyone. \nOne of the hallmarks of our success has been the involvement qf parents and community members. In order to make school more accessible to them, we maintain evening hours in both the guidance office/career center and the library. Parents and students from each grade level are represented on our Charter School Leadership Team and regularly bring items of concern to the Leadership Team for discussion and action. Cartersville High School is a School of Excellence due to the dedicated involvement of everyone here - students, faculty, administrators, parents, and community. \n \nCartersville High School 320 East Church Street Cartersville 30120 Enrollment: 836 Grades: 9-12 Cartersville City Schools \n \nPrincipal James S. Morgan III \nSuperintendent Dr. Harold T. Barnett \nSeventh District \n \n59 \n \n \" ..',...'. . . \nrYalhoun OOg-h GfJchool \nFounded in 1902, Calhoun High School (CHS) continues its pursuit of educational excellence. Foremost in the school's success is the dedication and cooperation of the school staff, the community, and the students. Situated in a community that boasts progressive leadership, a diversified industrial base, and an awareness of cultural diversity, CHS is genuinely a studentcentered, community-based school. Many of the town's activities are centered in the school; the campus is used from early morning until late evening by the community education department, nearby colleges, a technical school, evening tutorial sessions, mentor programs, thirty-nine Partners in Education, and various civic organizations. \nIn order to provide an exemplary education which promotes lifelong learning, CHS offers a diverse, comprehensive educational experience for each of its students in a safe, nurturing environment. An integral component of the curriculum is the vocational education opportunities offered; tech prep endorsements are available in automotive technology, business technology, computer technology, drafting, construction trades, technology lab, Ford Academy of ManufactUring Sciences, occupational child care, and consumer home economics. Academically gifted students are offered a college preparatory program which includes Advanced Placement opportunities in each core subject area. The seven-period day affords many students the opportunity to achieve duel endorsements. Addi- \n60 \n \n tionally, CHS is currently seeking affiliation with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization to provide a rigorous, pre-university course of study at the most challenging level. The IB program incorporates core curriculum courses at an advanced level, community service, sports, activities, extensive research, and composition. Ninety-three percent of the school's students enhance their classroom experiences by participating in a variety of cocurricular activities. \n \nAnother significant factor in the school's success is the dedication to the meaningful integration of the latest educational technology. CHS provides its students four computer labs, a technology lab featuring robotics and lasers, multimedia stations in each English and social studies classroom, computers in core curriculum classrooms, and a totally networked and accessible media center. Soon students will be able to access the media center networks from their home computers. The school's use of technology has made possible an extensive, systemwide curriculum alignment project. This project allows teachers in each discipline at every grade level to create benchmark tests, track individual student progress, and create individualized remediation. Through this system, unmastered skills are identified quickly and remediation is timely. This tracking of student achievement would be prohibitively cumbersome without technology. \n \nCalhoun High School is a unique combination of twenty-first century technology and early twentieth century small town life. This blend affords students the best of the future while maintaining many personal values of the past. \n \nCalhoun High School 315 South River Street Calhoun 30701 Enrollment: 538 Grades: 9-12 Calhoun City Schools \n \n. . ! \"'~~--;r~:~iPal \nJ.- Billy Waldrop I \nSupLearriyntHeanrdmeonnt \nNinth District \n \n61 \n \n ~a!em oog-h ~choo! \nBeginning with the very first murmuring of a new high school to open in the fall of 1991 Salem High School has been different. With the leadership of the school Principal Robert Cresswell, the faculty was chosen to begin a new endeavor; a restructured high school to better meet the needs of students. The workshop that all staff members were required to attend before Salem opened its doors, set the tone for the continuing communication, collegiality, collaboration, and cooperation that is infused in the very soul of Salem. Teachers became empowered to solve problems so that \"making school a better place to learn\" could happen. \nWhen the Salem faculty began to talk about \"school\" and how the \"game of school\" could be improved, two innovative methods of restructuring, heterogeneous grouping and teacher teaming, were chosen as the means of major change. Since that time many other methods of restructuring have been employed including the use of interdisciplinary units, student-centered learning, the team streaming of special education students, block scheduling, and the attempt at personalization for each and every student. \nIn order to maintain the uniqueness of the restructured school the Salem faculty is in a constant state of staff development from \"breakfasts on Fridays\" for socialization to \"focus meetings\" each \\.\\leek where teachers give up one planning session to \n62 \n \n attend formal and informal gatherings to discuss various issues. Each year the staff is led by the school principal and others to begin the planning process for the next school year. Students are the main concem in the process and everything that affects students is under consideration for change. \nSome of the results that the Salem staff have seen are the first graduating class of 1995 being offered 2.5 million dollars in scholarships with the class of 1997 acquiring 3.5 million. Salem students have excelled in many ways including the improvement of test scores, many Governor's Honors nominees, prizes in literary competitions, but more importantly the Salem students have excelled as individuals. Students are prepared for the world they will enter whether it be attending a college or university or entering the work force. Not only does the counseling department attempt to decipher and find strategies that meet the needs of individual and groups of students but each faculty member considers it his/her responsibility to advise students in all areas as they move toward their adult lives beyond the Salem doors. This personalization by all staff members is encouraged by the continuing empowerment given by the administration. All persons are considered stakeholders in the educational process at Salem and are encouraged to communicate the needs and solve the problems through the collaborative process. \n \nSalem High School 3551 Underwood Road Conyers 30208 Enrollment: 1289 Grades: 9-12 Rockdale County Schools \n \nPrincipal Robert Cresswell \nSuperintendent Dr. Donald Peccia \nEleventh District \n \n63 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nMay D. Howard Elementary \n \nBen Hill County Elementary \n \nFox Elementary \n \nRockbridge Elementary \n \nNorth Roswell Elementary \n \n; \n \nJackson Road Elementary \n \nTritt Elementary \n \nAlexander Elementary \n \nGwin Oaks Elementary \n \nOconee County Elementary \n \nChatham County Ben Hill County Muscogee County DeKalb County \nFulton County Spalding County \nCobb County Bibb County Gwinnett County Oconee County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nGlynn County Middle School \n \nMagnolia-Chappelle Middle School \n \nRothschild Junior High \n \n; \n \nEdwards Middle School \n \nSandy Springs Middle School \n \nFairplay Middle School. \n \nGarrett Middle School \n \nPutnam County Middle School \n \nFive Forks Middle School \n \nColumbia Junior High \n \n; \n \nGlynn County Thomas County Muscogee County Rockdale County \nFulton County Douglas County \nCobb County Putnam County Gwinnett County Columbia County \n \nHigh Schools \nStatesboro High School Lowndes County High School Shaw High School Heritage High School Douglass High School Lithia Springs High SchooL Walton High School Dalton High School Evans High School \n \nBu//och County Lowndes County Muscogee County Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Douglas County \nCobb County Dalton City \nColumbia County \n \n64 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nStiIston Elementary Lee County Elementary Cherokee Elementary Barksdale Elementary E.S. Jackson Elementary Crescent Elementary West Side Elementary Moore St. Elementary Wauka Mountain Elementary Comer Elementary \n \nBulloch County Lee County \nAmericus City Rockdale County \nFulton County Spalding County \nMarietta City Dublin City Hall County \nMadison County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nRisley Center Middle School Lee County Upper Elementary Fort Junior High Conyers Middle School Ralph Bunche Middle School Evans Junior High Tapp Middle School Ballard A Middle School. North Whitfield Middle School Oconee County Intermediate \n \nGlynn County Lee County \nMuscogee County Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Coweta County \nCobb County Bibb County Whitfield County Oconee County \n \nHigh Schools \nBrunswick High School Valdosta High School Hardaway High School Lakeside High School North Fulton High School Carrollton High School East Rome High School Central High School Etowah High School Parkview High School.. \n \nGlynn County Valdosta City Muscogee County DeKalb County \nAtlanta City Carrollton City \nRome City Bibb County Cherokee County Gwinnett County \n \n65 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nBurroughs-Molette Elementary Fitzgerald Elementary Russell Elementary Rockbridge Elementary Garden Hills Elementary College Street School Mt. Bethel Elementary Southside Elementary South Jackson Elementary Warren Road Elementary \n \nGlynn County Fitzgerald City Houston County DeKalb County \nAtlanta City Carrollton City \nCobb County Baldwin County Jackson County Richmond County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nLee Roy Myers Middle School Hahira Middle School A.S. Staley Middle School Edwards Middle School Southwest Middle School Spalding Junior High Pepperell Middle School Center Junior High Duluth Middle School... Evans Middle School.. \n \nChatham County Lowndes County \nAmericus City Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Spalding County \nFloyd County Waycross City Gwinnett County Columbia County \n \nHigh Schools \nStatesboro High School Central High School Warner Robins High School Dunwoody High School M.D. Collins High School Morrow Senior High School.. Wheeler High School Mary Persons High School Brookwood High School.. Elbert County High Schoo!.. \n \nBulloch County Thomas County Houston County DeKalb County \nFulton County Clayton County \nCobb County Monroe County Gwinnett County \nElbert County \n \n66 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nNevils Elementary Morven Primary Jackson Primary Barksdale Elementary Hutchinson Elementary Huddleston Elementary Murdock Elementary Wacona Elementary Lumpkin County Elementary Knight Elementary \n \nBulloch County Brooks County \nButts County Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Fayette County \nCobb County Ware County Lumpkin County Gwinnett County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nWilliam James Middle School Cook Middle School Warner Robins Junior High Cousins Middle School Sutton Middle School Booth Junior High Marietta Junior High Dalton Junior High Shiloh Middle School \n \nBulloch County Cook County \nHouston County Newton County \nAtlanta City Fayette County \nMarietta City Dalton City \nGwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \nBrunswick High School Colquitt County High School laGrange High School Newton County High School. Benjamin Mays High School McIntosh High School East Rome High School Ware County High School Stephens County High SchooL Lincoln County High School \n \nGlynn County Colquitt County \nLaGrange City Newton County \nAtlanta City Fayette County \nRome City Ware County Stephens County Lincoln County \n \n67 \n \n 1388 cgeorgia CfiJchools 0/(!secellence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nRisley Elementary Parker Mathis Elementary Reese Road Elementary Porterdale Elementary Sope Creek Elementary Sandersville Elementary \nB. B. Harris Elementary \nComer Elementary \n \nGlynn County Lowndes County Muscogee County Newton County \nCobb County Washington County \nGwinnett County Madison County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nWilder Middle School Nashville Middle School Tabor Junior High School ; Edwards Middle School Crabapple Middle School Fayette County Junior High School Dodgen Middle School Valley Point Middle School. Five Forks Middle School \n \nChatham County Berrien County Houston County \nRockdale County Fulton County Fayette County Cobb County \nWhitfield County Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \nStatesboro High School Bainbridge High School Northside High School.. Rockdale High School Northside High School Griffin High School Marietta High School Mary Persons High School Gordon Central Complex Academy of Richmond County \n \nBulloch County Decatur County Houston County Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Spalding County \nMarietta City Monroe County Gordon County Richmond County \n \n68 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nGlyndale Elementary Lee County Primary Tucker Elementary Esther S. Jackson Elementary Benteen Elementary Bill Arp Elementary East Side Elementary Wacona Elementary Enota Elementary Gwin Oaks Elementary \n \nGlynn County Lee County \nHouston County Fulton County Atlanta City \nDouglas County Cobb County Ware County \nGainesville City Gwinnett County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nMatt Wilson Middle Schoo!.. Perry Middle School Conyers Middle School Inman Middle School Jonesboro Junior High Dickerson Middle SchooL Center Junior High Summerour Middle School \n \nTift County Houston County Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Clayton County \nCobb County Waycross City Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \nVidalia High School Lee County High School Perry High School Heritage High School Cedar Grove High School Henry County High School West Rome High School Calhoun High SchooL Harlem High School \n \nVidalia City Lee County Houston County Rockdale County DeKalb County Henry County Rome City Calhoun City Columbia County \n \n69 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nSt. Simons Elementary Len Lastinger Elementary Miller Elementary Dolvin Elementary Locust Grove Elementary Boynton Elementary Morton-Gilchrist Elementary Peachtree Elementary Gaines Elementary \n \nGlynn County Tift County \nHouston County Fulton County Henry County \nCatoosa County Waycross City \nGwinnett County Clarke County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nCook Middle School AS. Staley Middle School G.L. Edwards Middle School Pointe South Junior High East Cobb Middle School Sweetwater Middle School \n \nCook County Americus City Rockdale County Clayton County Cobb County Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \nSoutheast Bulloch High School Cairo High School Warner Robins High School Dunwoody High School North Springs High School Newnan High School Alan C. Pope High School Washington County High School Central Gwinnett High School Morgan County High School \n \nBulloch County Grady County \nHouston County DeKalb County Fulton County Coweta County Cobb County \nWashington County Gwinnett County Morgan County \n \n70 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nSt. Marys Elementary S.L. Mason Elementary Bonaire Elementary Barksdale Elementary JW. Arnold Elementary AL. Burruss Elementary Memorial Drive Elementary Arcado Elementary Barnett Shoals Elementary \n \nCamden County Valdosta City \nHouston County Rockdale County \nClayton County Marietta City Ware County \nGwinnett County Clarke County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nHinesville Middle Northside Middle Conyers Middle Sandy Springs Middle Taylor Street Middle Coosa Middle Center Junior High Otwell Middle Trickum Middle \n \nLiberty County Houston County Rockdale County \nFulton County Spalding County \nFloyd County Ware County Forsyth County Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \nStatesboro High laGrange High Stone Mountain High \nHenry W. Grady High \nRiverdale High Cartersville High Telfair County High Duluth High Thomson High \n \nBulloch County LaGrange City DeKalb County \nAtlanta City Clayton County Cartersville City \nTelfair County Gwinnett County McDuffie County \n \n71 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nLiberty County Elementary Lee County Elementary Kings Chapel Elementary Heards Ferry Elementary Graysville Elementary Patterson Elementary R.D. Head Elementary Lincoln County Elementary \n \nLiberty County Lee County \nHouston County Fulton County \nCatoosa County Pierce County \nGwinnett County Lincoln County \n \nMiddle Schools \n \nCook Middle George L. Edwards Middle Adamson Middle Arch H. McCleskey Sr. Middle Thomas Jefferson Elder Middle Pinckneyville Middle \n \nCook County Rockdale County \nClayton County Cobb County \nWashington County Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \nSoutheast Bulloch High Bainbridge High Americus High Heritage High Benjamin E. Banneker High Newnan High .. , Leamond N. Lassiter High Dodge County High Murray County High Shiloh High \n \nBulloch County Decatur County \nAmericus City Rockdale County \nFulton County Coweta County \nCobb County Dodge County Murray County Gwinnett County \n \n72 \n \n 1333 cgeorgia CYDchools if~$cel!ence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nJordye Bacon Elementary Garrison-Pilcher Elementary Shirley Hills Elementary Dorothy L. Sims Elementary Lena J. Campbell Elementary Fayetteville Elementary Davis Elementary Alexander II Magnet Elementary Midway Elementary Mountain Park Elementary \n \nLiberty County Thomas County Houston County Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Fayette County \nCobb County Bibb County Forsyth County Gwinnett County \n \nMiddle Schools \nMyers Middle , Lowndes Middle Bert Rumble Middle Haynes Bridge Middle Mundy's Mill Middle Rossville Middle Lawrenceville Middle \n \nChatham County Lowndes County Houston County \nFulton County Clayton County Walker County GWinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \nSwainsboro High Northside High Rockdale County High Mays High Carrollton High South Cobb High Ware County Senior High Gainesville High Lakeside High \n \nEmanuel County Houston County Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Carrollton City \nCobb County Ware County Gainesville City Columbia County \n \n73 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nWindsor Forest Elementary Herbert J. Dexter School Elm Street Elementary Camp Creek Elementary Brookview Elementary Eastvalley Elementary Cartersville Elementary Annie Belle Clark Elementary City Park Elementary County Line Elementary Snapfinger Elementary \n \nChatham County Dept. of Defense, Ft. Benning \nCoweta County Gwinnett County \nFulton County Cobb County \nCartersville City Tift County Dalton City \nBarrow County DeKalb County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nWare County Junior High J.C. Booth Middle Edwards Middle M.L. King Middle Nash Middle Carrollton Junior High Merry Acres Middle Ellijay Middle Spirit Creek Middle T.J. Elder Middle \n \n,. Ware County Fayette County Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Cobb County Carrollton City Dougherty County Gilmer County Richmond County Washington County \n \nHigh Schools \nWaycross High Americus High Lovejoy High W.F. George High North Gwinnett High KS. Alexander Compo High Dodge County High Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe Compo High Cedar Shoals High Columbia High \n \nWare County Americus City Clayton County , Atlanta City Gwinnett County Douglas County Dodge County Catoosa County Clarke County DeKalb County \n \n74 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nGlennville Elementary Sumter County Elementary Pointe South Elementary Margaret G. Barksdale Elementary L.P. Miles Elementary Mountain View Elementary Cave Spring Elementary Westside Elementary Cloud Springs Elementary David C. Barrow Elementary Pine Ridge Elementary \n \nTattna/l County Sumter County Clayton County Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Cobb County Floyd County Coffee County Catoosa County Clarke County DeKalb County \n \nMiddle Schools \nMercer Middle AS. Staley Middle Lovejoy Middle Snellville Middle Ralph Bunche Middle Taylor Road Middle Pepperell Middle Cook Middle Sonoraville East Middle Oglethorpe County Middle Washington-Wilkes Middle \n \nChatham County Sumter County Clayton County \nGwinnett County Atlanta City \nFulton County Floyd County Cook County Gordon County Oglethorpe County Wilkes County \n \nHigh Schools \nWindsor Forest High Albany High Newnan High Chamblee High Henry Grady High Sprayberry High Houston County High John Davidson Fine Arts High Jasper County Comprehensive High \n \nChatham County Dougherty County \nCoweta County DeKalb County \nAltanta City Cobb County Houston County Richmond County Jasper County \n \n75 \n \n 1336 cgeorgia Cjohools if~$oe!!enoe \n \nElementary Schools \n \nSt. Simons Elementary Lake Park Elementary Braelinn Elementary C. J. Hicks Elementary Hapeville Elementary Peachtree Elementary Sedalia Park Elementary Perry Elementary Fairyland Elementary Morgan County Elementary Rainbow Elementary \n \nGlynn County Dougherty County \nFayette County Rockdale County \nFulton County Gwinnett County \nCobb County Houston County \nWalker County Morgan County DeKalb County \n \nMiddle Schools \n \nSwainsboro Middle Sumter Middle F1atrock Middle Conyers Middle Thurgood Marshall Middle Lost Mountain Middle Rome Middle Bleckley Middle Ringgold Middle Loganville Middle T. J. Elder Middle \n \nEmanuel County Sumter County Fayette County \nRockdale County Atlanta City Cobb County Rome City \nBleckley County Catoosa County Walton County Washington County \n \nHigh Schools \nPerry High Sandy Creek High Cross Keys High D. M. Therrell High Roswell High North Cobb Comprehensive High Rome High Dublin High R. W. Johnson High Evans Comprehensive High \n \nHouston County Fayette County DeKalb County \nAtlanta City Fulton County \nCobb County Rome City Dublin City \nHall County Columbia County \n \n76 \n \n 1337 cYJeorgia Qf}chools of(;?$cellence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nEast Broad Street Elementary Early County Elementary Robert J. Burch Elementary Midvale Elementary Whitefoord Elementary Baker Elementary Cartersville Primary Eastside Elementary , Dawson Co. Primary Hillcrest Elementary J. H. House Elementary \n \nChatham County Early County \nFayette County DeKalb County \nAtlanta City Cobb County Cartersville City Coffee County Dawson County \nDublin City Rockdale County \n \nMiddle Schools \nWhitewater Middle Shiloh Middle S. M. Inman Middle Coosa Middle Perry Middle White County Middle Commerce Middle \n \nFayette County Gwinnett County \nAtlanta City Floyd County Houston County White County Commerce City \n \nHigh Schools \nHerschel V. Jenkins High Berkmar High Chattahoochee High Pebblebrook High Warner Robins High Ridgeland High Loganville High \n \nChatham County Gwinnett County \nFulton County Cobb County \nHouston County Walker County Walton County \n \n77 \n \n Our sincere thanks go to Blue Bird Corporation for its continued, generous financial support of the Georgia Schools of Excellence Program. Their contributions have provided complimentary tickets and road signs to the recognized schools. The Excellence flags flown by each 1998 Georgia School of Excellence were provided by our sponsor SouthTrust Bank ofAtlanta. We appreciate their contribution. Our thanks also goes to NationsBank who supported the program this year by providing a principals' reception prior to the banquet. \n78 \n \n 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. \nEmployees, 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. \nThe following individuals have been designated as the employees responsible for coordinating the department's effort to implement this nondiscriminatory policy. \nPerkins Act - Sue Dohrmann, Vocational Equity Coordinator (404) 657-8304 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 \nInquiries 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. \n79 \n \n Policy and Communications Georgia Department of Education \nAtlanta, Georgia 30334 April 1998 \n \n "},{"id":"dlg_ggpd_y-ga-be300-pp8-bs1-be9-b1997","title":"1997 Georgia public schools of excellence","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":["Georgia Public Schools of Excellence Program"],"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Department of Education. Public Information and Publications Division"],"dc_date":["1997"],"dcterms_description":["Title from cover"],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Dept. of Education, Public Information and Publications Division, 1997"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Schools--Georgia","Public schools--Georgia"],"dcterms_title":["1997 Georgia public schools of excellence"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-be300-pp8-bs1-be9-b1997"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-be300-pp8-bs1-be9-b1997"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":["\u0026copy; Georgia Department of Education"],"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["state government records"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"Gill E300. PS \nSI .9 19q1 \n1997 \nGeorgia \nPublic Schools \nof Excellence \nUnda C. Schrenko State Superintendent of Schools Georgia Department of Education \n \n The Georgia Department of Education thanks the schools and systems for providing infonnation and photographs for this book. \n \n Foreword \nThis is the 14th year for the Georgia Schools of ExceJIe:nce Program. A total of 98 schools participated in the program this year. The program is open to aD public schools and is designed to ;dentify and hono\u003c unu\u003eUaIJy \"\"\"...tUJ public ochoob throughout OUT state. lhe goal of the program is not necessarily to find the -best- schools in Georgia but to kientify schools that are doing an exceptionally fine job. This is not a ranking of the top schools in our state. but examples of outstanding programs from various regions of Georgia. \nThe schools were saeened by convnittees of 10cal Georgia educators from congressional districts other than the ones in which the schools are located. These committees - composed of principals, curriculum directors, teachers and superintendents - recommended a maximum of three schools, one from each leveJ (elementary, middle and high schoon from each congressional district to be forwarded to the Florida Depart menl of Education for review. Committees of Florida eduClitOrs made the final selections for the 1997 Georgia Schools of Excellence. \nInformation provided by the schools on each of the following conditions of effective schooling guided the selection this year. \n Building leadership  Teaching environment  Curriculum and instruction  Student environment  Parent and community support  Indicators of success  Organizational vitality \n \n A message from the State Superintendent of Schools \n0f2inda rY OiJchrenko \nWhen I think about the 1997 Georgia Schools of Excellence, I find myself contemplating some of the majestic skyscrapers that are visible from my office window in downtown Atlanta_ \nLike these magnificent buildings. the 1997 Schools of Excellence are a testament to the best thaI our society has to offer. The linest school is like the tallest building. Each is made possible by the steady, dependable support of components that are nol always recognized. Our finest schools, like those skyscrapers, often are taken for granted by those who enjoy their benefits. \nThis is true of all schools, but it is especially true of Schools of ExceUence. By means of their determination to succeed. their community involvement, and their \n2 \n \n efforts at planning and rigorous self-assessment, the 1997 Schools of Excellence have done what is necessary to earn one of the highest distinctions a school may attain in Georgia. \nTake, for example. the administrators and support personnel at these schools. These dedicated professionals are the bricks and mortar of their schools; they are strong and they hold fast in their jobs, and because they do it so steadily, like the bricks and mortar, they may be taken for granted. \nLet us not forget the parents and business leaders in each school's community. These fine people are like a building's windows, but instead of supplying fresh air, they supply the school with innovative kleas and school support. \nThen there are the teachers. Teachers are the concrete foundation of a school. Without them, a school buih on a foundation of sand would wash away with the first adverse wind or wave. \nOur corporate sponsors that are the foundations of this distinguished program and this special night are SouthTrust Bank and the Blue Bird Body Company. We thank them for the tremendous support - financial and otherwise - they give to the Schools of Excellence program. \nI would like also to thank Governor zeU Miller for his support of education. \nGovernor Miller is knovJn in Georgia and throughout the nation as Uthe education governor, \" a distinction that is both well-founded and richly deserved. \nMost of all, I would like to thank the teachers and educators who have chosen to work in one of the toughest and most rewarding careers possible - teaching. \nAs for the students, they should not feel left out of this list of 'thank-yous'. After all, they are the reason we have schools; and in the case of the schools represented here tonight, they are the biggest reason why their schools have been judged 'excellent'. \nWithout them, society's highest hopes - like perfectly constructed skyscrapers with no inhabitants - are just an empty dream. \nSo to all of you, I say thank you and congratulations. \n3 \n \n /337 c9C\u003cJrgia: CffJchiJds rfGJ.,zce//ence \n \nElementary Schools \nDisfrict 1 East Broad Street Elementary, Olatham County 2 Early County Elementary, Early County \n3 Robert J. Burch Elementary, Fayette County 4 Midvale Elementary, DeKalb County 5 Whitefoord Elementary, Atlanta City 6 Baker Elementary, Cobb County 7 Cartersville Primary, Cartersville City 8 Eastside Elementary, Coffee County 9 Dawson Co. Primary, DaVJSOf1 County 10 Hillcrest Elementary, Dublin City 11 J. H. House Elementary, Rockdale County \n \nPage 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 \n \nMiddle Schools \n \n3 Whitewater Middle, Fayette County \n \n30 \n \n4 Shiloh Middle, Gwinnett County \n \n32 \n \n6 S. M. Inman Middle, Atlanta City \n \n34 \n \n7 Coosa Middle, Aoyd County \n \n36 \n \n8 Perry Middle, Houston County \n \n38 \n \n9 While County Middle, White County .. . \n \n40 \n \n11 Commerce Middle, Commerce Qty \n \n42 \n \nHigh Schools \n \n1 Herschel V. Jenkins High, Chatham County . . \n \n46 \n \n4 Berkmar High, Gwinnett County \n \n. \n \n.... 48 \n \n6 Chattahoochee High, Fulton County . \n \n. \n \n50 \n \n7 Pebblebrook High, Cobb County \n \n. \n \n. \n \n52 \n \n8 Warner Robins High, Houston County .. \n \n. \n \n54 \n \n9 Ridgeland High, Walker County . \n \n............... .56 \n \n11 Loganville High, Walton County \n \n. \n \n. \n \n58 \n \n4 \n \n Gilementarp \nOSchoo/s \n \n (Ji,tfft r:58T1Jtfd CffJtrat \n(Ji,!ementarp CffJchool \nInnovation, creativity and vision characterize East Broad Street Elementary School, which seems destined to lead the state into the 21st century with exemplary programs, curriculum and approaches 10 education. \nThe school has an array of successful programs. The Talent Pool, incorporating Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, offers advanced science, math, drama, dance and communication labs. The multiage program abolishes traditional kindergarten and first grade structure in favor of a heterogeneously grouped, continuous progress program for five and six year aids. Camp Eagle's Nest, an outdoor science classroom, was created through the efforts of staff, students and the local business community. The 310 school computers are networked, wIth every student and staff member enjoying easy access to Internet services. In Computer Lab 1, the youngest students aTe introduced 10 computer vocabulary, keyboarding and academic software. Computer Lab 2 uses CD-ROM and network software to locus on math and science. Computer Lab 3 is a writing lab in which students use technology to strengthen their writing skills. The school's television production studio has resources that surpass those of some local television stations. East Broad's many effective instructional programs resulted in its participation \n6 \n \n in the 1996 Georgia Bus Trip, which brought state leaders to exemplary schools to view innovative programs. \nAs part of a schoolwide Title I implementation, staff conducted a needs assessment. The data revealed a need for continued emphasis and improvement in academic achievement, parental involvement and student interpeTSOna1 skills. Strategies to address these areas include the implementation of programs such as Accelerated Reader, Reading Recovery and Junior Great Books. Also, an Alternative Learning Strategies teacher helps parents, teachers and students explore all possible avenues for student success. A full-time Parent Involvement Coordinator manages the parent center, visits homes, provides parent training opportunities and plans a variety of activities to promote family involvement. Parents serve on the Building Leadership Team, the Magnet Advisory Council, the Safe School Team, the Media Conunittee and other decision making groups. The Second Step violence prevention curriculum teaches skills to reduce impulsive and aggressive behavior in children and increases their competence in empathy, impulse control and anger management. \nBarbara Knight stated in the September 1995 issue of Guideposts: ~A school is a building with four walls, and tomorrow inside.\" This concept has become a paradigm of East Broad Street Elementary. \n \nEast Broad Street Elementary School 400 East Broad Street Savannah 31401 Enrollment: 867 Grades: K-S Chatham County Schools \n \nPrincipal Marcia T. Clanton \nSuperintendent Patrick J. Russo \nFirst District \n \n7 \n \n ~crr!p rYiJUlllp ~/elllen!crr,p 0iJcl7iJiJl \nWith a belief that all students can and wil1leam, a feeling of \npride exists among Early County Elementary School (EeES) students. parents, faculty and community. School spirit is contagious and no goals are thought 10 be unreachable. Located in rural southwest Georgia, ECES consists of 1,400 students in grades preK through fifth. The school has gained a reputation for being a leader in innovative programs thai translate into success for students. \nThe strength of any school begins at the lop. Richard D. Hall, Superintendent of the Early County School System, and the Early County Board of Education are committed to excellence. They prove their commitment to the children of Early County by providing quality leadership and resources. \nA vilal key to the success of ECES has been the school improvement process. Needs assessment instruments identified areas where improvement was most vital. Reading has become a key locus. Two programs have been implemented to help disabled readers-the Early DetectionlNecessary Action (EDNA) reading intervention program and the Accelerated Reader program. In addition, children-centered programs are abundant. Family Connection (a teenage pregnancy prevention program), peer mediation programs, Good Touch/Bad Touch and a strong \n8 \n \n collaboration cound in the community make it possible for ECES students 10 face a nonviolent, nonthreatening setting within the school. \nTest scores in reading, math and writing are on the upswing. Through the process of curriculum alignment and targeting students who are at risk in these areas, success is noticeable. All staff development activities center around areas for improvement through the school improvement process. Workshops for staff members stress classroom management skiDs and how to align curriculum to meet the objectives of the Quality Core Curriculum. Improvement goals for ECES are to (l) assure first grade EDNA students read on grade level after fifth grade, (2) score at or above state average on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, (3) involve aU parents in the education of their children and (4) help students understand nonviolence as a way of life. \nStaff members puD logether as a family to ensure the best education for students. By instiUing pride and a feeling that good exists in each student, ECES has become a great place to learn. \n \nEarly County Elementary School 400 M.LK., Jr. Boulevard South Blakely 31723 Enrollment: 1400 Grades: PreK5 Early County Schools \n \nPrincipal Terry L. Tedder \nSuperintendent Richard D. HaD \nSecond District \n \n9 \n \n @(obcrl cJ c58urclt \n(/C!1l(Jrtlarp OScItOO/ \nRobert J. Burch Elemental)' School bears the name of an award- \nwinning children's author who weaves tales of growing up in rural Fayette County. Burch Elementary continues the saga by weaving the threads of nurturing and acceptance with those of responsibility and citizenship into the daily lives of children and families in the community. \nThe story of each child is unique and special, Burch recognizes this individuality by continually assessing student strengths and weaknesses. staying abreast of current research and using collaborative planning to ensure that each student can be his or her very best. \nThe school's uniqueness comes from its joint efforts within the walls of the school, through the community, the nation and beyond. At Burch, a student's welfare is the responsibility of all teachers involved. Cooperation among faculty and staff has resulted in teachers taking the initiative in creating expectations and guidelines to provide uniformity and continuity throughout the schooL Burch Elementary School Team (BEST), the leadership vehicle for site-based management, spends hours of planning each year. Each BEST member chairs II BAT (Burch Achon Tearn), which focuses on curriculum, the school improve- \n10 \n \n ment plan and other areas of concern. This system allows faculty and parent representatives an avenue for participation in decision making. \nIntegrated with technology, collaboration enabled students to share kieas with others. WAGA television weather station a1JO\\.VS Burch students to communicate with students in 20 schools across the state and to study weather conditions across the country. Internet capabilities allowed students to interact with a Native American studying Australia's cultures and with scientists experimenting on the Galapagos Islands. Through GSAMS connections and other technologies. students share tnfonnation on history and culture with their partner school in Dairy, Scotland. In an upcoming NASA connection, Burch students wiD attempt to make radio contact with the orbiting shuttle, Columbia, by working with local HAM radio operators. A post-flight visit by two astronauts will highlight this celebration of collaboration beyond the confines of earth. \nThe beauty of collaboration, hoI.u-ever, still comes down to the individual classroom teacher and student: that happy smile and the ~aha~ expression on students' faces when they finally \"get it~; the congratulatory hug, pat on the back or handshake by a teacher; and the brainstonning efforts among teachers to meet students' needs. By collaborating successful\"; Burch interweaves the threads of educaHon, nurturing, acceptance and responsibility to ensure a successful future for students. \n \nRobert J. Burch Elementary School \n330 Jenkins Road Tyrone 30290 Enrollment: 714 Grades: K-5 Fayette County Schools \n \nPrincipal Pamela Riddle \nSuperintendent Dave Brotherton \nThird District \n \n11 \n \n The warm, nurturing environment at Midvale was created by the school's outstanding TEAM, which believes that working Together Everyone Achieves at Midvale. Setting and reaching goals enabled students to succeed far above expectations in their academic performance, Efforts among administrators, parents, students, teachers and community members created a special bond and a terrific sense of school pride. \nMidvale implemented exciting, innovative programs to meet the needs of a diverse student body. Significant gains have been made in promoting the development and growth of underachieving students. Those scoring below the 50th percentile in targeted academic areas on the !c)lNa Test of Basic SkiDs were identified and provided with added academic support and attention. As a result, the nwnber of students scoring below the 50th percentile in each of the targeted areas was decreased by 30 percent. \nTo motivate top achieving students to do their best at all times, Midvale's Triple A club was formed. This organization encourages and rewards achievement in the areas of Academics, Attendance and Attitude. Students who make aU A's, have perfect attendance and demonstrate positive attitudes are invited to become members. These students are given Triple A chJb T-shirts and cards and receive special recognition throughout the year. \n12 \n \n Staff development opportunities are used by Midvale's staff to enhance instructional skills as they teach for excellence. Monetary support from the Strategic Planning for School Improvement committee and from the PTA enabled Midvale teachers to receive more than 2,000 clock hours of staff development credits in one year. These benefits extend beyond professional grOVJth lor stalf members; they also contribute significantly toward enhancing student achievement. \nDiversity among students is reflected culturally, socially, economically and academically. For each Midvale student, achievement remains the locus, \nand a genuine concern for student welfare penneates efforts to provide a strong support system for educational grOUlth. Yet, with the many special \nneeds of students, Midvale proudly maintains the vision that expecting the best produces excellence. \n \nMidvale Elementary School 3836 Midvale Road Tucker 30084 Enrollment: 555 Grades: PreK-6 DeKalb County Schools \n \nPrincipal Pamela A. Bouie \nSuperintendent James R. HaUford \nFourth District \n \n13 \n \n GX?hztrjJord \n~/el1lerzlcrrp 0tJchtJoI \nWhitefoord believes that educating everyone takes everyone. This is the light that guides the cooperative effol'15 of parents, teachers, slaff and community members in raising student achievement, increasing parent involvement, bolstering student self-esteem and spreading tremendous goodwiU throughout the community. \nActivities beyond the school day have made Whitefoord an exciting and challenging learning environment and a safe haven for students. The afterschool program provides homework assistance daily to approximately one third of the student body. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts (led by Whitefoord teachers and volunteers from the Marriott Corporation) give students many opportunities 10 grow and develop. Dedicated vownleers from Hands on Atlanta tutor students in the Saturday Discovery Program, and Whilefoord teachers tutor students after school. \nFourth grade students write an original opera each year through the Metropolitan Opera Education Guild's Creating Original Opera program. Students audition to participate in the opera company and perform one of many assigned jobs. Once the company is named, it takes the rest of the year 10 write the opera script. lyrics and melody to the songs; design and build the set and lights; rehearse the performance and put on the \n14 \n \n show. Students who participate exhibit astonishing growth in their creative abilities, self-esteem and academics. \nOnly a small percentage of U.S. elementary students have the opportunity to leam a foreign language. This is especially true of students from families of lOVJ socioeconomic status. AI Whitefoord, every child in every grade up to the fourth has the opportunity to leam French. ArKl all students have access to computers whkh are used for interactive leaming, problem solving, cooperative leaming, creative VJriting and drill and practice. \nWhitefoord has a comprehensive health clinic staffed by a pediatrician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse and other health care providers who serve students and their younger siblings. Under the auspices of Emory University, this clinic is the only one of its kind located in an Atlanta public school. In addition, the Whitefoord Community Center supports families by providing parenting classes, emploo,tment opportunities, family and individual counseling and a preK program. \nPartnership with the Marriott Corporation has been successful due to participation of so many Marriott employees in the total school program. They have given financial and human resources that have resulted in parent workshops, student field trips, staff development. teacher and student incentives. They also mentor students and volunteer time for various activities. \n \nWhitefoord Elementary School 35 Whitefoord Avenue, SE Atlanta 30317 Enrollment: 610 Grades: K-5 Atlanta City Schools \n \nPrincipal Betty J. Blasingame \nSuperintendent Benjamin O. Canada \nFifth District \n \n15 \n \n \u003c:5Bcrker Gi,/emel1[crrp Cffych(J1J! \nBaker is a fast-growing elementary school with a positive, nurturing environment. The school is a child-centered learning community that gathers the support of staff, students and parents to provide an excellent education. Each year parents, students and teachers sign a Covenant lor Learning pledging to do their part 10 ensure the success of the individual chUd. \nThrough shared planning and decision making the staff sets high expectations, establishes goals and commits to reaching the goals. Baker's high test scores reflect effective instructional strategies and programs based on current research. Tools such as hands-on science and math, the writing process, a balanced literacy program, cooperative learning and an integrated curriculum give students strong preparation for the future. Innovative programs such as AIMS Days, Family Curriculum Nights, Family Days at science centers, science and math clubs support this curriculum. Effective use of technology resources is incorporated through a variety of tools such as Accelerated Reading, 1V production lab, on-line services, electronic field trips and distance learning opportunities in science and Spanish. \nBaker students are equipped with the tools of responsibility and interdependence. Student greeters wekome each new student. Peer tutors and Book Buddies work as intergrade level families. Responsibility and respect are the basis for the positive discipline plan in which students set rules and solve problems together in \n16 \n \n class meetings. The student nevJSpaper, Paws and Read, a studentproduced nevJS program and a strong service-oriented student council are examples of student involvement and leadership. \nBaker Elementary has entered a coUaborative relationship with Kennesaw State University, which offers tutors, student teachers, science programs for the gifted and technology training. Partners in Education employees serve as mentors to Baker students and fund annual staff development retreats. Parents and partner vohmteers are a part of the daily activity at school. Baker's PTA funds a clinic to meet the wide range of student health needs. \nBaker Elementary lives its vision of providing a wealth of opportunities ~in a life lab setting- to prepare chiklren to embrace the future. \n \nBaker Elementary School 2361 Baker Road. NW Acworth 30101 Enrollment: 1450 Grades: K-5 Cobb County Schools \n \nPrincipal L..inda Gruehn \nSuperintendent Richard Benjamin \nSixth District \n \n17 \n \n I, \nrYcrrler.svIl/e 12rimcrrp 0!Jchoo/ \nCartersviUe Primary School (CPS) is a child-centered environ- \nment serving the community's 902 preK, kindergarten. first and second graders \\Alith a staff of 135 employees. An ongoing school improvement process has allowed CPS to become one of only 12 charter schools in Georgia and a part of Georgia's only \ncharter school system. Cartersville Primary was selected as a 1996-97 Georgia Pay for Perfonnance participating school. The faculty is currently working on its performance objectives and coUecting supporting data. In addition, the school has been nominated as a 1997 National School of Excellence and is one \nof 269 schools across the nation chosen to receive a site visit \nfrom the U.S. Department of Education in April 1997. \nHigh standards of excellence permeate CPS's curriculum and programs, which include innovative multiage classes, a Saxon Phonics pilot. a Failure Free Reading pilot, the Accelerated Reader program, the 5uccessmaker computerized curriculum, the GLOBE science program, a teacher mentor program, a Character Education pilot, an outdoor science center proposal. SIA leaming centers, Saxon Math and Spanish language instruction. While at-risk factors increase and free and reduced price meals have grown from 29 percent to 49 percent in two years, standardized test scores have continued to rise. Numerous changes over the last four years have enhanced schoolwide \n18 \n \n improvement enormously. Central among the changes is the team approach. Faculty and staff have organized into teams of two and three teachers at each grade level. Every classroom is staffed by a teacher and a teacher's aide, which ensures that each chUd has the benefit of more than one adult's guidance arx:l attention. Also, computers used throughout the curriculum challenge students to be technologically literate. Multimedia computers are networked systemwide, giving e-mail and Internel access as well as state-of-the-art courseware for student use. \nCartersville's Charter Schools Improvement Plan has afforded teachers, staff and parents a genuine role in decision making. The school has made a special effort to reach out to the community with a new parent volunteer program. The focus of these activities has been to develop a comprehensive, individualized curriculum and high expectations and performance for all children. \n \nCartersville Primary School \n315 Etowah Drive Cartersville 30120 Enrollment: 902 Grades: PreK-2 \nCartersville City Schools \n \nPrincipal Jimmy D. Allen \nSuperintendent \nHarok! T. Barnett \nSeventh District \n \n19 \n \n The success of Eastside Elementary School results from its pervasive sense of community. With a vision to work cooperatively with home and community to provide a safe. caring and enriching environment for aU students. Eastside strives to fuUiU its mission of developing responsible citizens who are lifelong learners. Faculty. staff and parents serve on the school improvement team. a major driving force behind the implementation of innovative and exciting programs. A student advisory team serves the same purpose, advocating for improved programs and facUities for students. \nEastside's curriculum integrates academic, physical. social and vocational skills with the arts, enriched by a dynamic Accelerated Reader program; Learning Links. a mini-exploratory program; and CHOICES, a schoolwide discipline program to help children improve decision-making skills. Students continually improve in objective measures of academic success, with most significant gains in writing. An in-school postal delivery system involves all students in reading, writing and \"real world\" experiences that connect with the arts program. Each student and staff member has an address that reflects the names of musicians, visual artists, dancers and theater artists for whom the school's corridors and walkways are named. \nCreative scheduling to increase instructional time in reading is important to improved academic achievement. Technology, \n20 \n \n maximized by such programs as Writing to Write, contributes to im proved writing skills, while Saxon Math, Galaxy and AIMS programs help increase math and science scores. With the arts at the core of the most recent curriculum improvements, students learn to study, critique, appreciate and produce original works of art from classroom teachers and arts specialists. Works of famous visual artists displayed in the school's minigalleJV and musical selections played each morning before school provide daily enrichment and exposure to the arts. \nThe Butterfly Garden provides an outdoor classroom easily accessible to students and teachers for study of plant and animal life. The garden, created through the collaboration of school and community, provides a colorful vista for students and visitors when viewed from inside through a large glassed corridor. \nEastside reflects the spirit of teamwork that penneates the Coffee County-Douglas community as it continues to strive toward excellence in improved programs for students and enriching partnerships with community organizations. \n \nEastside Elementary School 603 N. McDonald Avenue Douglas 31533 Enrollment: 670 Grades: PreK-5 Coffee County Schools \n \nPrincipal \n8izabeth White \nSuperintendent James C. Moore \nEighth District \n \n21 \n \n C0JtfWS(}fl rYtJlmtp \n12ril1ltfrp 0fJchoo! \nThe busy, happy faces of chiklren, teachers, paTents and slaff at Dawson County Primary School (DCPS) are evidence of a community at work addressing the changes that have affected their school and community in recent years, \nConfronting these changes has resuhed in a positive, progressive school where children aTe encouraged to experiment, take lisks, meet challenges and discover ways to succeed. It is the desire of the school and community to instill in each student an excitement and enjoyment of lifelong learning that will help him or her become a productive member of a changing society. Knowing that DCPS is wann, caring and concerned, the community displays pride, interest and involvement in school activities. Citizens feel ownership in the educational process and believe strongly thaI their children are loved. protected and welleducated by the school slaff. \nDCPS is committed to providing the proper learning atmosphere and positive learning environment to allow for the optimum growth of each child while recognizing each student's uniqueness. Through flexible programming and varied teaching methods, the school endeavors to develop within each student the positive self-esteem and skills necessary to realize his or her potentia!, The reduced student-teacher ratios and presence of \n22 \n \n paraprofessionals increase opportunities for individualized learning experiences. The school provides a strong academic foundation; development of creativity through exposure to fine and perfonning arts; guidance in character development; and opportunities for developing appreciation of and respect for our envirorunent, our nation and its citizens. The learning experiences are based upon sound learning: principles, the student's language development and developmentally appropriate activities. The spiral curriculum is integrated across content areas. \nKey elements which have given DCPS direction and helped establish a vision for the future are the Comprehensive Wellness Tearn, Family Connection, Special Instructional Assistance and teacher-driven initiatives. These activities have helped reduce pup~-teacherratio, increase parent involvement. create a more developmentally appropriate curricu' hJm and establish a sense of pride and commitment within the community to improve the lives of children. \nCommitment is shown daily by parent volunteers. social service agency involvement in Family Connection, businesses as Partners in Education and a staff that genuinely cares for children. Efforts have produced increased test scores, approximately $420,000 in grants over the past five years, a Schoolyard Habitat designation for the school's Discovery Trail, thousands of hours of volunteer, business and agency servke and several awards from state organizations. But more importantly, these efforts have created an atmosphere of love, respect and high expectations for the children of Dawson County. \n \nDawson County Primary School P. O. Box 360, Perimeter Road Dawsonville 30534 Enrollment: 550 Grades: K2 Dawson County Schools \n \nPrincipal Nicky Gilleland \nSuperintendent Herbert F. Burnsed \nNinth District \n \n23 \n \n oo!lcres! (!etlltJJ1tarp OfJcl7(J(J! \nHillcrest Elementary School is kl1O\\.Vll IocaIIy as the Hillcrest family and is recognized for meeting the needs of children and their families. In 1995 Hillcrest Elementary was the first and only school to receive the Golden Shamrock Award from toe mayor and city council for outstanding contributions to the community. \nSchool improvement and student achievement go beyond the confines of the basic curriculum to incorporate many different learning experiences. Outdoor education grants have turned the campus into a learning resource and made Hillcrest a recipient of beautification awards. The Great American Mail Race, Environmental Exchange Boxes and Star Lab make learning come alive. The PTA operates a Cricket Emporium where students purchase items with reading points. The Galaxy Science program fosters the development of higher level thinking. Due 10 the success of the Reading Renaissance program other schools in the area have adopted this strategy. Hillcrest is in the third year of a partnership with a school system in England in which ideas and materials are exchanged among students. \nCurriculum planning takes into account individual and schoolwide strengths and weaknesses, and test scores reflect growth as a result. The entire staff detennines staff development goals lor continued improvement. Some of the areas for 1996-97 inchJde \n24 \n \n Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation, parallel block scheduling, positive discipline and multiple intelligences. \nComputer workstations and televisions networked with the media center are in every classroom. Infonnation Station has a CD-ROM for student research, a production room, satellite receiving and distribution capabilities and the Internet. Special features include a parent resource center and a bibliotherapy section. \nHillcrest was a 1995 national winner in Safe and Drug-Free Schools. A committee continues to generate improvements such as the 1997 Cricket Good Behavior Incentives, which contribute to the school being able to say it has no serious discipline infractions. Hillcrest believes that every school. has the potential for greatness if its parents, staff, students and community are willing to put forth the effort and believe in the importance of what they are doing. \n \nHillcrest Elementary School 1100 Edgewood Drive Dublin 31021 Enrollment: 431 Grades: 3-5 Dublin City Schools \n \nPrincipal Shellie Stroman Jr. \nSuperintendent Charles Wal'T'lOCk \nTenth District \n \n25 \n \n cJ. OC OCouse \n(/emetttcrrp 0ffjchoo/ \nThe J. H. House Elementary oommWlity has moved through \nmajor changes in the form of massive physical renovation, new administration, building leadership team concept, weekly grade lewl curriculum meetings, graduate level staff development, technology advances in staff and student competencies, SACS Accreditation Renewal Process. alliances with parent and community groups and a rapidly changing student population. The strict Hnes which traditionally mark the roles of administrator, teacher support personnel and teacher assistant have been blurred as multiple ways are used to teach, raise standards and ooach. \nStaff development and special programs have been keys to continued school improvement. The entire school staff is in the process of being trained as teachers of the gifted. Extensive study of the theory of multiple intelligences. the use of strategies to increase learning and the results of brain studies are appliljld to learning in the classroom. In addition, the At-Risk Nucleus Team serves to ensure that the needs of children performing below standard are met. Using differentiated staffing, appropriate personnel are plugged in~ to give students maximum servkes. Title I teachers serve both as team and resource teacher and as a home-school bridge. Special Education teachers have extended classroom support through the inclusion model. The counselor \n26 \n \n oversees a mentorship program for children at risk. It ranges from the apprenticeship model for highly gifted students to modeled kindness for the seriously abused. \nPerhaps House's greatest achievement has been to effect a reversal in falling IQ scores. Increased teaching strategies and identification methods have resulted in 25 percent faver referrals to the Student Support Team, thereby slowing referrals for psychological services. The results has been thai faver children qualify for special education. The wide range and number of reading groups has been tremendously reduced also, in some \nareas as much as 50 percent. \nThe curriculum-technology teacher serves not only as a technology trainer but as a partner in instruction. The curriculum technology staff of three assistants team teach, provide lessons, work with individual students and provkle training. Last year, a group of fifth graders combined multimedia, current ne\\llS and computers to win the state Ne\\lIS Bowl USA competition. A navs team keeps the school abreast of global and \nstate ne\\llS through an inschooltelecast. \nThe students of House empower teachers to fulfill their mission of making the school a place that is busy building a future for children. \n \nJ. H. House Elementary School 2930 Highway 20N Conyers 30207 Enrollment: 544 Grades: PreK 5 Rockdale County Schools \n \nPrincipal AnnC.Leonard \nSuperintendent Ellis Dunbar \nEleventh District \n \n27 \n \n e:Middle OfJchools \n \n CWlll!en-U!er o( riddle 0iJchiJoi \nSuccessful and innoyative programs are the catalysts for academic excellence at Whitewater Middle School. The English curriculum created by WMS staff is currently implemented throughout Fayette County. WMS faculty and administrators provide on-site instruction for Clayton College and Siale University students in the area of middle grades education in a hallmark program meeting with great acclaim. Implementation of the University of Chicago School of Mathematics Project and the organization of Achievers International. an international student business exchange. are further evidence of the commitment to provide an excellent academic environment. \nWhitewater science students are the only middle schoolleamers in the county trained 10 make specific environmental observations and report the data via the Internet 10 Global Learning and Obsmvations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE). Additionally, students may participate in academic bowl, Math Counts, Model UN, mock legislature, geography and spelling bees, Future Educators, yearbook staff and membership in one of almost 100 active clubs sponsored by faculty and staff. The arts play an integral part in academic lives at WMS, as aU students participate in arts excellence, with 41 percent of the student population involved in a perfonning group. Furthermore, foreign language explorations are offered in German, French and Spanish. \n30 \n \n Students are exposed to a variety of technological areas. Programs range from Computer Assisted Design drafting and Computer Numerically Controlled vertical miU to robotics and flight technology. Flnally, Project Adventure, a cooperative learning program designed to promote teamwork and self-confKlence, has had a positive effect on all areas of the school's curriculum. The goals of this program are congruent with those of the American business community. \nThe School Improvement Tearn meets monthly to decide topics of \nimportance to academic excellence. Concurrently, an active PTO enhances learning by addressing curriculum and motivational needs. PTO fund raisers supply materials in a combined effort INith the faculty and staff to provide the most optimum learning envirorunent. The PTO is \nencouraged to participate in schooIwide cultural events, projects, volunteer services and field trips. \nWhitewater students consistently rank higher than the state nonn on standardized tests. A 10 percent increase in eighth grade math. 13 percent inaease in social studies (l7 percent higher than the slale average). and a 20 percent higher average in writing are evidence of the pathways to excellence provided at WMS. Excellence is not an end result - it is the direction chosen for the WMS educational journey. \n \nWhitewater Middle School 1553 Highway 85 South Fayetteville 30215 Enrollment: 1244 Grades: 6-8 Fayette County Schools \n \nPrincipal Don Chaplin \nSuperintendent Dave Brotherton \nThird District \n \n31 \n \n Shiloh Middle School is a chik:l-centered, achievement-oriented school organized around the format 01 three schools within one school. Shiloh places a premium on instructional time, on the well-being of the students and on student-teacher rapport. Each decision made is considered against the guiding statement, \"Is this in the best interest of students?\" \nTeaming is the crux of instruction at Shiloh. The annual Academic Fair is a schoolwide celebration that recognizes learning by the sharing and displaying of projects completed through an interdisciplinary learn approach. Emphasis upon writing strategies, writing across the curriculum, math problem solving, hands-on science, and cooperative learning techniques has led to higher student achievement. Commentaries, portfolios and other alternative assessments are reAective of a philosophy that balances both performances and written assessment. \nStudents at Shiloh Middle are excited about technology and perceive themselves on the cutting edge of what's new in the world. Four computer labs, a fully automated media center and numerous computers located throughout the building offer opportunity for keyboarding and other formal skill instruction. Faster retrieval of information; use of CD-ROM to access information; word processing to convert polished writing pieces to print; expedient midterm progress reports for all students; \n32 \n \n and a television production lab that provldes experience in script writing, filming, editing and directing enhance the learning of Shiloh Middle students. A technology coordinator and open scheduling of computer labs promote the use of technology in academic classes. \nShiloh Middle's stimulating climate is characterized by the high levels of involvement on the parts of students, faculty and community. Staff are constantly aware and responsive to the needs of young people. An active PTA enhances the climate through its aVJard winning cuhural arts programs, its Parenl and Family Ufe programs, its hilly funded clink: \nworker and its active partk:ipation in all aspects of school life. \nExtracurricular activilies abound for students. Basketball, cheerleading and intramurals augment physical education skills and generate positive \ncompetition in leam sports. Cubs include Astronomy; Special Club to promote understanding of handicapped pupils; Family, Careers, and Community Leaders of America; Ufe is More Important 1ban Entering Drugs (UMITED); and Pep Dub. Other organizations and service groups \ninclude Junior Beta Scholastic Society, student council, yearbook staff, Math Counts, National Academic League, Odyssey of the Mind and \nPowlead;ng. \n \nShiloh Middle School 4285 Shiloh Road Uthonia 30058 Enrollment: 1562 \nGrades: 6-8 \nGwinnett County Schools \n \nPrincipal Valerie Clark \nSuperintendent Alvin Wilbanks \nFourth District \n \n33 \n \n as olf @nmcm \noU/dd/e aschoo/ \nA retired superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools was knovm 10 \nsay. ~When you're gree:n. you gfOU1; when you're ripe, you rol.~ Inman Middle School thinks it's no coincidence that their signature color is green because they are constantly growing, branching out and reaching toward the beacon of excellence. \nInman's commitment to shared decision making has nurtured a symbiotic community of achievers and believers, empowering students. parents and staff to cultivate innovative programs, challenging curricula and an abundance of mutual respect and support. These efforts have resulted in a haIVest of student and staff achievements and successes, including local, state and national honors. increased computer literacy and consistent academic gains on all measures of assessment. \nTwo staff members have blossomed as models of professional excellence since the schools' recognition as a school of excellence. Christine Abron, an eighth-grade math teacher, has been chosen as a weekly host of Atlanta Public Schools' Mind Busters program, a television show offering academic assistance and enrichment to students throughout the city. Another math teacher, Mrs. Gwendolyn Hudson in seventh grade, was recently selected as Atlanta Public Schools' Middle School Teacher of the Year. \n34 \n \n Paramount to any school's success is the committed support of parents and community. Inman is finnly rooted in its community, drawing upon an ever-increasing source of nurturing and support. Annually, the PTA has raised many thousands of dollars to provide grants for innovative teaching practices, student and staff recognition and incentives and curriculum enrichment resources. Currently, they are over half way to the $20,000 goal in the Fill the Shelves campaign, a drive 10 expand resources of the media center. Also, a community business partner, the Midtown Alliance. has received national recognition for ils program that provides mentors from the business community to almost one tenth of Inman's students. \nInman Middle is not content to rest upon its laurels. It continues to grow and till the fertile minds of t\u003c\u003eday's youth tultil the goals of academic \nexcellence and social responsibility for aU students come to fmiHon. To paraphrase a sage philosopher, \"Knowledge is the sweetest flower of aU \nthis world's perfuming. Education guards it Stul or shower. Detennination keeps il blooming. ~ \n \nS. M. Inman Middle School 774 Virginia Avenue. NE \nAtlanta 30306 Enrollment: 648 \nGrades: 6-8 Atlanta City Schools \n \nPrincipal Barbara Naylor-Hill \nSuperintendent \nBenjamin O. Canada \nSixth District \n \n35 \n \n Coosa Middle is making a difference in the lives of children. Teachers and administrators strive to ensure that each student knO\\WS that he or she is a valued individual and can achieve success. Students. parents, teachers, administrators and staff members know they are an important part 01 the Eagle Team. The leadership team has aided the school in developing a model school program. recognized within the state as outstanding in many respects, and frequently visited by teams Irom other schools. Teacher ideas are woven into the decision making process. This empowerment provides staff with the freedom to propose ideas which are then integrated into the school. \nTeacher input is evident in the creation of the school's Classroom in the Wild, a three-acre outdoor learning center. The center includes more than 40 learning centers created for and by students and teachers to increase hands-on leaming opportunities. The focus of this new interdisciplinary learning center is environmental and historic. Students become involved in activities like planting and haIVesting rice, making archaeological digs. building a log cabin from logs haIVested at the site and making Indian fish traps. The center boasts managed and unmanaged forests and wildlife nesting sites. The amphitheater encourages outdoor presentations of student written productions of historical events. The Classroom in the Wild has proved to be so successful that the faculty is completing four manuals to share with schools who want to create their own outdoor learning centers. \n36 \n \n The Coosa community supports the school through an award-winning PTA, and through business partnerships. An athletic boosters' club brings additional support, aids in training of future athletes, builds school spirit and sponsors a Youth for Christ Chapler. \nAcademics at Coosa are not neglected. Students may become Spectacular Spellers or Math Masters for their level.. Academic exceDence is recognized by business partners offering incentive programs. \nThe school\"s uniqueness may well lie in the fact that commitment to the \nschool and community and to excellence has not faltered. Coosa boasts a \ncaring staff, friendly students, and a clean building. This fOnTIS a veJY special family community, where kids can be kids and where it is okay to be ~in the mkidleM and a little different. \n \nCoosa Middle School 5041 Alabama Highway SW Rome 30165 Enrollment: 498 Grades: 6-8 Royd County Schools \n \nPrincipal Raben Puckett \nSuperintendent Jackie Collins \nSellenth District \n \n37 \n \n 12errp cJv(iddle QfJchod \nPerry Mkkile was the p~ot school for the middle school concept in Houston County. Since that time it has been committed to the middle school program as the best way to serve young adolescents. Perry's successful program inchxles a full range of exploratory offerings which include drama, choral mUSK, band. computer, industrial technology, visual arts, foreign languages, and home economics. Academic course offerings include the traditional mathematics, sciences, social studies and language arts. Included in these areas are special services lor gilted and talented students along with the lull range of special education services. A reading lab offers seventh grade students a special opportunity to set individual goals and attain them. Use of the Accelerated Reader has enabled the school to make a commitment 10 become a school of readers. \nA strong guidance and counseling program is the backbone of support for the students. Classroom guidance, small groups and individual counseling activities can be obselVed at any time. Teams meet with students, parents and support personnel to address strengths and weaknesses and meet the education needs of students. Strong orientation programs in the spring of each year prepare upcoming and outgoing classes. Shadow Day and school visits are important orientation activities. Homeroom buddies make transition smooth for new students. An active Peer Helpers group works with students who are having difficulties. Helpers also serve students at a nearby elementary school. \n38 \n \n When students are happy and feel successful, then parents and faculty are happy and feel successful. An open line of communication is the key to success. The use 01 the student tool kit ensures this open communication. Perry Middle offers a variety of extracurricular activities and a full range of athletics to encourage student success. A WAVE (Weapons and Violence Education) officer is a valuable member of the staff and works with students in and out of the classroom. \nPeny's Program Improvement Council meets weekly to discuss and act upon any needed improvements to the school. Staff set the agenda. Teachers are invited to participate in intervi~ for new personnel. A yearly planning retreat gives everyone a feeling of OUIllership in the kind of governance that makes Peny Middle \"a great place for in-betweenag'\" \n \nPeny Middle School 1500 Sunshine Avenue Peny 31069 Enrollment: 810 Grades: 6-8 Houston County Schools \n \nPrincipal Bobby G. Pennington \nSuperintendent Tony Hinnant \nEighth District \n \n39 \n \n CWlllte [7011ll1p 0{fiddle atJcltoo/ \nWhite County Middle School (WCMS) is a school with a vision. Reaching that vision is not just a destination, but a course sel tOVlard attaining and maintaining excellence. Excellence is viewed as dynamic, not static. Program improwment is a continuous process. Consequently, the staff currently is in the process of evaluating the total school program using the National Study of School Evaluation model, which provides opportunity for all stakeholders to share in school evaluation and improvement. \nWCMS is committed to providing students with opportunities to learn and develop in basic skills and grow as caring individuals who can and do experience success as members of a group. The development of the total child is evident; the climate is pleasant yet productive. Staff members impart high expectations for students and for themselves as individuals. Staff members hold an extremely high percentage of graduate degrees including 15 masters degrees, 10 specialists degrees and four earned doctorates. Commitment to personal excellence rests not with credentials; individual work habits of staff members are representative of excellence and seNe as an invaluable role model for students. \nThe program of study is based on the unique needs of the middle grades child. Staff help students with learning experiences \n40 \n \n rYO!l1!l1erce oUidd/e 0ffjcltoo/ \nCommerce Middle School is a community oriented place with an eye on excellence. The staff's mission is to empower all students 10 become lifelong l(\u003e3mers and to excel as critical thinkers in a culturally diverse, ever-changing society. Commerce's faculty and \nstaff focuses on quaJity in aU endeavors and achievements. Shxlents are encouraged to take risks, be individuals and \ncelebrate the successes of each student. \nExcellence begins with a staff that sets high expectations for students_ A love of learning is stimulated through a variety of instructional methods which allow students to learn in their own way at their own pace. Activities such as tie dyeing T-shirts or creating wall murals, classroom extensions such as an outdoor classroom and field trips, and real-life educational experiences connect with all students' learning needs. From writing and illustrating poems to building sand castles on Tybee Island beach, students are encouraged to be individuals and to do their best. \nThrough Commerce Middle's Renaissance program students celebrate their successes. A partnership with local businesses supports school goals, enhances curriculum and encourages student achievement and self-worth. This program fosters the belief that as students experience achievement, their enjoyment of learning opportunities also increases. Students who improve and excel receive recognition at assemblies and throughout each grading period. Privilege cards for admission to athletic events \n42 \n \n and socials. school and community store discounts, T-shirts and special off-campus trips are earned at the respective academic level if behavior and attendance requirements are met. Students also receive Tiger Bucks as rewards for grades, behavior, work habits, citizenship or attendance. Auctions are held at the end of each semester for students to purchase items ranging from basketballs and CD players to six-packs of soft drinks. \nIn conjunction with committed stalf. the Renaissance program has produced dramatic results in its first two years of implementation. The support and involvement of the community has generated positive results for students in and out of the classroom. Commerce Middle School wiD continue to keep an eye on excellence as the school and community buiki a future together. \n \nCommerce Middle School 825 lakeview Drive Commerce 30529 Enrollment: 253 Grades: 6-8 Commerce City Schools \n \nPrincipal Mark D. Petersen \nSuperintendent Doc Elliot \nElelJenth District \n \n43 \n \n  csJeersche! Ct7 cJenkil1S \ncsJeig\"h CffJcJltJo! \nJenkins High School is living its mission to ensure that students develop to their funest potential ... 10 assume a full and productive role in a dynamk, diverse world society. Faculty and staff recognize that the school's challenges and its strengths both \nlie in Jenkins' diversity: the lop priority is to provide a rigorous, challenging academic program to meet the educational needs of a diverse student population, and a major strength is the diversity found in the programs offered 10 meet those needs. \nThe Engineering and Robotics Magnet Academy provides a challenging college preparatory curriculum to 300 students. And the Engineering and Industrial Career Academy, one of six pilot career academies in Georgia, was established this year as a joint effort of business and education and will prepare students lor skilled technical positions at local industries. The Optional Program with Training, now in its eighth year, has been rated number one in the nation consistently. More than 200 students have obtained their GED through this accelerated alternative program. In addition, two cooperative education work programs and Jobs for Georgia Graduates prepare 120 juniors and seniors for employment. \nJenkins has the largest gifted program in the school district, with 196 students. Advanced Placement classes and Joint enrollment \n46 \n \n programs /:lllow postsecondary credit to be earned while in high school. Approximately ISO juniors and seniors take advantage 01 these programs. \nThe Special Education program is the largest high school program in the district. provkiing services for 140 students. The effectiveness of special education is evidenced by students' academw: successes and involvement in extracurricular activities. In adellllon. the Remedial Education program Senles approximately 175 students. \nAn Introduction to Teaching pilot class provides students with opportunities for practical experience in classroom teaching in a nearby school. \nStrong academw: programs supported by extensive tutorial and enrichment opportunities produce academic success and high standardized test scores. Jenkins' five-year trend in SAT scores indicates an overall increase of 59 points, consistently placing the school above the state average and. in 19%, exceeding the national average. Likewise, Georgia High School Graduation Test scores are consistently the highest in the district and above the state average. A high rate of acceptance at postsecondal)l schools. miUions of dollars annually in scholarships, successful academic competition teams, extracurricular activities, improved promotion rates and decreasing disciplinal)l referrals are additional indicators of student successes. \n \nHerschel V. Jenkins High School 1800 E. DeRenne Avenue Savannah 31406 Enrollment: 1456 Grades: 9-12 Chatham County Schools \n \nPrincipal James Green \nSuperintendent Patrick J. Russo \nFirst District \n \n47 \n \n Berkmar's faculty and student body are the school's primary strengths. There is a strong dedication to teaching and learning on the part of both teachers and students. Students readily accept the notjon that Berkmar is a place 10 learn. to mature and to grow in a diverse setting. \nBerkmar has two primary school improvement areas currently under way. Teachers are in the process of introducing technology across the curriculwn in every classroom. The use of technology for instructional improvement is the number one priority. The second priority is an avid interest in assuring that Berkmar graduates will have polentiallor immediate acceptance into the world of work. The school is engaged in frequent dialogues designed to ensure that the courses taught and the programs emphasized are relevant and useful to students as they enter the work force directly out of high school. \nBerkmar's community school and evening programs are the best in Gwinnett County. More than 39,000 individuals have participated in afterschool programs and classes in the last year. There is a spirit of community at Berkmar that transcends classification, race, color or creed. \nImproved academic achievement is at the forefront 01 Berkmar's endeavors. Though the school's population might be described as one in transition. standardized test scores continue to rise. \n48 \n \n Advanced Placement scores in science and language arts are at the top on both county and national levels. SAT and ACT scores continue to rise \nyearly. Last year more than 96 percent of students passed aU compo- \nnents of the Georgia High School Graduation Test. \nBerkmar High School represents a proud 32-year tradition of servk:e to students and community. It is a family dedicated to the notion that it is making a real difference in the lives of those it serves. \n \nBerkmar High School 405 Pleasant Hill Road U1burn 30247 Enrollment: 1875 Grades: 9-12 Gwinnett County Schools \n \nPrincipal Jim L Markham \nSuperintendent Alvin Wilbanks \nFourth District \n \n49 \n \n Chattahoochee High School is dedicated to the vision of becoming and remaining one of America's lighthouse schools. Principal Robert Burke leads the faculty, staff. students and parents in the common goal of becoming a nationally competitive high school in the areas of academics, the arts. athletics and service to the community. \nIn the neN\" millennium students will need a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge as their foundation for succeeding in a complex. rapidly changing world. Expectations for academic achievement are high at Chattahoochee. Critical thinking skills are taught in all disciplines. Cross'departmental collaboration is stressed to provide a more integrated curriculum. CHS also has significantly expanded use of computer software in classrooms and maintains eight student computer labs. Career technology programs are offered in electronics, graphic communicatlons, automotive sciences and health sciences. Students are involved in programs that improve interpersonal skills so that they may be sensitive to people of all cultures and work cooperatively with others throughout their lives. In every classroom students are continually reminded of The Chattahoochee Way, which states, \"1) Respect the person and property of yourself and others, 2) Take pride in who you are, where you are and what you do, and 3) Exhibit integrity in all aspects of life. M \n50 \n \n School goals are established by the administrative leam and department chairpersons, with input from many faculty-parent-student groups. Goals for the 1996-97 school year include the continued stressing of crossdepartmental efforts, increasing multicultural sensitivity, proactively addressing the needs of 0 and F students and analyzing and improving the Advanced Placement program. This year, participation in the Pay for Performance program has opened the door to establishing additional school improvement programs and objectives. \nOne challenge faced by Chattahoochee in recent years has been continuo ing to provide excellent academic and personal opportunities in an overc~ed environment. Working v.rith a current enrollment of 2,815 students attending a school constructed for 2,000 has meant initiating innovative uses of aU physical and human resources. The most obvious innovation is an overlapping schedule fol1orwed by administrators, teachers and students. Oasses begin at 7 a.m. for some students and at 8:52 a.m. for others. BiUIlChes and lunches are served continuously from 9:08 in the morning until 1:42 in the afternoon. Extracurricular meetings are held sometimes twice a day to serve aD interested students. CHS students, parents, faculty and administrators have cooperated to make this challenging schedule run smoothly through two school years. \n \nChattahoochee High School 5230 Taylor Road Alpharetta 30202 Enrollment: 2815 Grades: 912 Fulton County Schools \n \nPrincipal Robert E. Burke \nSuperintendent Stephen D. Dolinger \nSixth District \n \n51 \n \n A shared vision of leadership and responsibility held by faculty, students and community has propelled Pebblebrook High School to the position of eminence it holds in the county and the state. Amid a diversity of students and a changing student population, Pebblebrook continues to provKle a strong educational program, equipping students for productive citizenship in a society of constant change. \nMajor school restructuring efforts were initiated at Pebblebrook in 1990 when faculty and other shareholders developed a common vision of their mission as educators. Simultaneously, teachers, administrators. students and support personnel combined efforts to make leadership and decision making a shared responsibility. Faculty and student leadership teams were fonned, and student needs established the basis for all positive changes at Pebblebrook. Specific educational goals are set yearly, and assessment of progress toward goal completion is ongoing. One significant change has been the addition of the Ninth Grade Center to assist freshmen with transition into high school. Strategies that address such critical issues as student attendance, achievement, motivation and involvement have been implemented. When measured by test scores, student and teacher attitude and student participation and attendance, strategic planning has been quite successful. \n52 \n \n To provide for an increasingly diverse student population, Pebblebrook offers both the college and the technology preparatory diplomas. As the performing arts magnet school for Cobb County, the performing arts program serv~ some 250 students with concentrations in choral music, dance and drama. Advanced Placement courses are offered in cakulus, English, economics. history and physics; fourth-year levels of study have been added in Latin, French and Spanish. Applied courses are offered in English, science, math and technology. To better prepare students for a high-tech future, a writing lab, interactive language lab, three upgraded computer labs and a media center complete with CD-ROM and Internet r~earch capabilities are available. To further address student needs, Pebblebrook offers regularly scheduled tutorial opportunities in math, English and SAT preparation. \nPebblebrook uses several media to keep the lines of communication between school and parents open. Falcon Flyer, Pebblebrook Pride Sheet, Center Star and the PTSA nev.\u003esletler are used to update parents. Additionally, homework hotline and a website on the Internet have been added. \nPebblebrook's faculty is dedicated and willing to share the responsibilities of leadership and to initiate change to promote student success. Students who experience gains in academic achievement and in practicing mutual respect for individual differences further manifest the success wrought by positive change. \n \nPebblebrook High School 991 Old Alabama Road Mableton 30059 Enrollment: 1267 Grades: 9-12 Cobb County Schools \n \nPrincipal Sue Gunderman \nSuperintendent Richard BenJamin \nSeventh District \n \n53 \n \n F.__~ \n \n \n \nBr J \n \n \n \n \n(Warner @2..obim \nd6h C'ffJchoo! \nSo many things about Warner Robins High School {WRHSl are sources of pride. Outstanding academic and vocational programs empower all students to strive for their personal best. Numerous athletic programs and a variety of dubs permit maximum participation for those students interested in exlracunicular activities. An active faculty executive committee, strongly supported by a receptive administration, foslers shared decision making on issues. First and foremost as a source of pride are the strong academic programs maintained and the high expectations students strive to meet. \nSince 1990 five new Advanced Placement courses have been added to WRHS's cUrriculum, bringing the total from which students may choose to 11. As course offerings have increased so has the number of students taking these courses and their exams. Even with increased numbers. scores have been consistently higher than the national average, with last year's scores exceeding the nation's average by 21 percent. The success of this program resulted in the school being named a Five-Star school in the Advancement Placement category by the Council of School Performance. \nThe addition of tech-prep classes, apprenticeship programs and four new writing labs, along with the continued efforts of \n \n54 \n \n dedicated teachers and counselors, have contributed to decreased dropout rates and increased standardized test scores, This perfonnance qualified WRHS as a High Achieving Exempt School by the Georgia Board of Education. \nThis type of success by students and faculty can come about only in a positive learning environment. Students and faculty know that their opinions truly matter and that their ideas are always welcome. The planning retreat in June 1996 brought faculty and administraUon together for two days in Atlanta revievJing data acCtunulated from the entire staff to establish goals for the coming YaT. Students are frequently surveyed or asked to serve on committees to address issues or to help redesign traditional events to make them more relevant. \nExcellence in education is not just a cliche at Warner Robins High School. When everyone works together, positive outcomes are the resuh. The school's mission requires that students are taught both content and concept. They must leave school with a vast amount of content and a finn concept of ......nat it is to be responsible citizens of a responsive community. Subscribing to the philosophy that one's reach should exceed one's grasp, WRHS aims high. Students and facuhy have a sense of communal pride that motivates a continued quest for exceUence. \n \nWarner Robins High School 401 S. Davis Drive Warner Robins 31088 Enrollment: 1362 Grades: 9-12 Houston County Schools \n \nPrincipal Marianne Melnick \nSuperintendent Tony Hinnant \nEighth District \n \n55 \n \n @?'idgdcmd d6gh CffJchoo! \n'Together We Make it Happen\" was and is the motivating attitude behind the successful consolidation in 1989 of two high schools into Ridgeland High School. The catalyst to Ridgeland's becoming a school of excellence was the willingness on the part of two divergent communities to fann unified teams to work together. raise expectations and challenge each other and the students to become one exceptional school. A school improvemenl team composed of teachers, parents, students, business and community leaders and central office staff set a plan that has culminated in a strong awareness of the school's potential for greatness and the realization of IT\\Clny of its major goals. \nTo gain insight into other materials and methods, school personnel have become involved in the High Schools That Work consortium, national conventions and regional workshops. Insights gleaned from these sources have been used to institute a curriculum for 21st century education, Experimentation and implementation of the educational process is continuing, and better attendance, grades and attitudes are resulting. Team teaching, applied classes, advanced placement classes, freshman orientation and study skills classes, alternative school, special needs classes and more flexible scheduling have upgraded standards and heightened expectations for learning. Summer reading requirements, accelerated reading programs, daily reading and writing assignments as well as research requirements have helped 10 raise tesl scores. \n56 \n \n Students are being prepared for a tedmologically advanced world of college or work because of computer writing labs, mathematics labs, a music lab, business labs, a technology lab and keyboarding labs. Classrooms are being networked to the media center to facilitate research and retrieval capabilities. The Internet is accessible to teachers and students for woridwide research in a state-of-the-art equipped media center. And, communkation using e-mail is possible between some classrooms. \nAny excellent school must have parental involvement. Open house. \nevening performances of dramas and musicals, sports events. individual student-parent-teacher advisement, registration nights. Emphasis Week and conferences have fostered parent participation in their chikiren's education. Community resources used by the school and vic:e-versa have made the community become a part of the education process. \nThe excellence achieved at Ridgeland High School has not been achieved by accident. It has been achieved daily by diligence and hard work. Programs have been initiated and implemented by teachers, parents. students and community leaders who have dared to dream about possibili- \nties. A school is excellent when it involves all stakeholders in the educa- \ntional process. \n \nRidgeland High School 2478 Happy Valley Road Rossville 30741 Enrollment: 1198 Grades: 9-12 Walker County Schools \n \nPrincipal Donald T. Swafford \nSuperintendent Truman T. Atkins \nNinth District \n \n57 \n \n 62iJcmm!!e aJ6h 0lJchiJlJ! \nFour years ago a vision of high expectations for all students and a concerted effort to involve parents and community members in every aspect of school life were initiated at Loganville High School. The results of this continuous improvement effort have been rising lest scores, a dramatic increase in the number of honor roll students and honor gmduates. declining dropout and failure rates. a decrease in student discipline referrals and \nabsenteeism. along with nearly 100 percent paTent involvement \nin yearly student advisement meetings. As the vision has been refined, redefined and nurtured, aU staff members have become \nkey participants in decisions that affect the school. \nOne of the first programs initiated was a student incentive and recognition program. Students earn privilege ID cards which entitle them to free or reduced admission to school events, discounts at local businesses and restaurants, and other ~perks~ such as reduced parking and locker fees, along with early dismissal to lunch. Students who maintain exemplary attendance earn free yearbooks, class rings, portrait packages and graduation supplies. As the faculty and staff became more involved in dialogue about ways to bolster academic achievement, the school became heavily committed to the Southern Regional Education Board's High Schools That Work program. Through this program students who do not plan to allend a four-year college or university are pushed to complete the same demanding curriculum but in an applied approach. At Loganville, Iow-Ievel \n58 \n \n courses were eliminated and more time and effort devoted to helping all students plan a meaningful and focused program of study that is connected to their eventual career goals. \nRelevant and focused professional development is linked to school improvement at Loganville. Each year a postplanning teacher institute helps staff revisit and refine the school's mission and commitment to increasing student achievement. LHS staff selVe as instructors for in' house staff development. obselVe each other and visit other schools known for outstanding practices. At LHS the teacher training grO\\lJS directly out of the school's vision of excellence for all students. \nParent and community involvement is very strong at Loganville. The ParentTeacher-Student Organization leads the way in promoting academic excellence through support of the yearly Honors Night program, the sponsoring of report card ~Open Houses, n and the collecting of thousands of dollars each year in scholarships. A school advisory council was created 10 provide a monthly forum for parents and commu nity leaders to hear new program ideas and provide feedback on changes. Finally, the staff believe so strongly in the need for parents 10 stay involved in their children's education that they seNe as faculty advisors to small groups of students for their entire high school experience. Each year these faculty advisors meet in individual planning and review conferences with parents of every advisee. \n \nLoganville High School 150 Clark McCullers Drive Loganville 30209 Enrollment: 993 Grades: 912 Walton County Schools \n \nPrincipal Kenneth Prichard \nSuperintendent Edith Belden \nEleventh District \n \n59 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nStUston Elementary \n \nLee County Elementary \n \nCherokee Elementary \n \nBarksdale Elementary \n \nE.S. Jackson Elementary.. \n \n. \n \nCrescent E1ementaJY \n \nWest Side Elementary \n \nMoore St. Elementary \n \nWauka Mountain Elementary \n \nComer Elementary \n \nBulloch County \n \n. \n \nLee County \n \n. \n \nAmericus City \n \n. Rockdale County \n \nFulton County \n \nSpalding County \n \nMarietta City \n \nDublin City \n \nHall County \n \nMadison County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nRisley Center Middle School \n \nLee County Upper Elementary \n \nFort Junior High \n \nConyers Middle School \n \nRalph Bunche Middle School.... . \n \nEvans Junior High \n \nTapp Middle School \n \nBallard A Middle School............. \n \n. \n \nNorth Whitfield Middle School.................. \n \nOconee County Intermediate \n \nGlynn County Lee County \nMuscogee County Rockdale County \nAtlanta City . Coweta County \nCobb County Bibb County ... Whitfield County Oconee County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nBrunswick High School \n \nValdosta High School \n \n_ \n \nHardaway High School \n \nLakeside High School....... \n \n. \n \nNorth Fulton High School \n \nCarrollton High School.................... \n \nEast Rome High School \n \nCentral High School...... \n \n. \n \nEtowah High School...... \n \n. \n \nParkviav High School \n \nGlynn County Valdosta City MU5cogee County DeKalb County \nAtlanta City .. UJrroJlton City \nRome City Bibb County Cherokee County Gwinnett County \n \n61 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nBurroughs-Molette Elementary \n \nFitzgerald Elementary \n \nRussell Elementary \n \nRockbridge Elementary \n \n. \n \nGarden Hills Elementary \n \nCollege Street School \n \nMt. Bethel Elementary \n \n. \n \nSouthside Elementary \n \nSouth Jackson Elementary \n \nWarren Road Elementary \n \nGlynn County Fitzgerald City Houston County DeKalb County \nAtlanta City CArrollton City \nCobb County Baldwin County Jackson County Richmond County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nLee Roy Myers Middle School.... \n \nHahira Middle School... \n \nA.S. Staley Middle School \n \nEdwards Middle School........ \n \nSouthwest Middle School.................. \n \nSpalding Junior High \n \nPepperell Middle School......... \n \nCenter Junior High \n \nDuluth Middle School \n \n_ \n \nEvans MkkIleSChool \n \n_ \n \n. \n \nChatham County \n \n. Lowndes County \n \nAmericus City \n \n. Rockdale County \n \n. \n \nAtlanta City \n \nSpalding County \n \n. \n \nFloyd County \n \n. Waycross City \n \nGwinnett County \n \nColumbia County \n \nHigh Schools \nStatesboro High School Central High School Warner Robins High School Dunwoody High School M.D. Collins High School Morrow Senior High School Wheeler High School................... . \nMary Persons High School \nBrookwood High School \nElbert County High School. \n \nBulloch County Thomas County Houston County DeKalb County \nFulton County Clayton County \nCobb County Monroe County Gwinnelt County \nElbert County \n \n62 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nNevils Elementary \n \n. \n \nMorven Primary \n \nJackson Primary \n \nBarksdale Elementary \n \nHutchinson Elementary \n \nHuddleston Elementary \n \nMurdock Elementary \n \nWacona Elementary \n \nLumpkin County Elementary \n \nKnight Elementary \n \nBulloch Counly \n \n. \n \nBrooks County \n \nButts County \n \n. \n \nRockdale County \n \nAtlanla City \n \n. \n \nFayette County \n \nCobb County \n \nWare County \n \nLumpkin County \n \nGwinnett County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nWilliam James Middle School. Cook Middle School Warner Robins Junior High Cousins Middle School Sutton Middle School Booth Junior High Marietta Junior High Dalton Junior High Shiloh Middle School \n \nBulloch County \n \nCook County \n \nHouston County \n \nNewton County \n \n Atlanta City \n \nFayette County \n \nMarietta City \n \n. \n \nDolton City \n \nGwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nBrunswick High School .. \n \n. \n \nColquitt County High School \n \nlaGrange High School ..... \n \nNewton County High School .. \n \nBenjamin Mays High School \n \nMclntosh High School . \n \n. \n \nEast Rome High School ..... \n \nWare County High School. \n \nStephens County High School \n \nUncoln County High School. \n \nGlynn County \n \n.... Colquitt County \n \n. LaGrange City \n \n.Newton County \n \n................. Atlanta City \n \nFayette County \n \n. Rome City \n \n... Ware County \n \n. Stephens County \n \n. \n \nLincoln County \n \n63 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nRisley Elementary Parker Mathis Elementary Reese Road E1ementaJY Porterdale Elementary $ope Creek Elementary Sandersville Elementary B. B. Harris Elementary Comer EJementary \n \nGlynn County Lowndes County Muscogee County \nNewton County Cobb County \nWashington County Gwinnett County Madison County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nWilder Middle $chool \n \nNashville Middle School \n \nTabor Junior High School..... \n \n. \n \nEdwards Middle School \n \nCrabapple Middle School.................. \n \nFayette Cowlty JWlior High School \n \nDodgen Middle School \n \nValley Point Mkklle School \n \nFive Forks Middle School \n \n._ \n \nChatham County Berrien County Houston County \nRockdale County . Fulton County \nFayette County Cobb County \nWhitfield County Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \nStatesboro High School Bainbridge High School \nNorthside High School \nRockdale High School Northside High School Griffin High School Marietta High School Mary Persons High School Gordon Central Complex Academy of Richmond Cowlty \n \nBulloch County Decatur County Houston County Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Spalding County \nMarietta City Monroe Countv . Gordon County Richmond County \n \n64 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nGlyndale Elementary \n \nLee County Primary \n \nTucker Elementary \n \nEsther S. Jackson Elementary \n \nBenteen Elementary \n \n_ \n \nBin Arp Elementary \n \nEast Side Elementary \n \nWacona Elementary \n \nEnola Elementary \n \nG.vin Oaks E1et'J1entary \n \nGlynn County Lee County \nHouston County Fulton County Atlanta City \nDouglas County Cobb County Ware County \nGainesville City Gwinnett County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nMatt Wilson Middle School Perry Middle School Conyers Middle School Inman Middle School Jonesboro Junior High Dickerson Middle School Center Junior High Summerour Middle School \n \nnft County Houston County Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Clayton County \nCobb County . Waycross City \nGwinneti County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nVidalia High School \n \nLee County High School.... \n \n. \n \nPerry High School......... \n \nHeritage High School........ \n \nCedar Grove High School. .. \n \nHenry County High School. \n \nWest Rome High School.. \n \nCalhoun High SChool.................. \n \nHarlem High School....... \n \n. \n \nVidalia City Lee County Houston County . Rockdale County DeKalb County . Henry County .. .... Rome City .. ...... Calhoun City Columbia County \n \n65 \n \n of 1330 c9(J(Jrgia 02Jchools (li,$C(J//tJl1C8 \n \nElementary Schools \n \nSt. Simons Elementary \n \nLen Lastinger EJementary \n \nMUier Elementary \n \nDoJvin Elementary \n \nLocust Grove Elementary \n \nBoynton Elementary \n \n. \n \nMorton-Gilchrist Elementary \n \nPeachtree Elementary \n \nGaines Elementary \n \nGlynn County \n \nTift County \n \nHouston County \n \nFulton County \n \nHenry County \n \nCatoosa County \n \n. \n \nWaycross City \n \n, \n \nGwinnett County \n \nClarke County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nCook Middle School A.S. Staley Middle School G.L. Edwards Middle School Pointe South Junior High East Cobb Mkklle School 5vJeetwater Middle School \n \nCook County Americus City Rockdale County Clayton County Cobb County Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nSoutheast Bulloch High School \n \nCalro High School........ \n \n. \n \nWarner Robins High School \n \nDunwoody High School \n \nNorth Springs High School \n \nNewnan High School.... \n \n. \n \nAlan C. Pope High School \n \nWashington COUIlty High School \n \nCentral Gwinnett High School \n \nMorgan County High School...................... \n \nBulloch County Grady County \nHouston County DeKa/b County Fulton County Coweta County \nCobb County Washington County \nGwinnett County ... Morgan County \n \n66 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \n51. Marys Elementary \nS.L Mason Elementary \nBonaire Elementary Barksdale Elementary J.W. Amok:! Elementary AL Burruss Elementary Memorial Drive EJementary Arcado Elementary Barnett Shoals Elementary \n \nCamden County \n \nValdosta City \n \nHouston County \n \nRockdale County \n \nClayton County \n \n. \n \nMarietta City \n \nWare County \n \nGwinnett County \n \nClarke County \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nHinesville Middle \n \nNorthside Middle \n \nConyers Middle \n \nSandy Springs Middle \n \nTaylor Street Middle \n \nCoosa Middle \n \n. \n \nCenter Junior High \n \nOtwell Middle \n \nTrickum Middle \n \nLiberty County Houston County Rockdale County \nFulton County Spalding County \nFloyd County Ware County Forsyth County ... Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nStatesboro High laGrange High Stone Mountain High. Henry W. Grady High Riverdale High.. Cartersville High Telfair County High Duluth High Thomson High \n \nBulloch County \n \nLaGrange City \n \n. DeKalb County \n \n.. \n \nAtlanta City \n \n.. Clayton County \n \nCartersville City \n \nTelfair County \n \nGwinnett County \n \nMcDuffie County \n \n67 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nUberty County EJementary \nLee County Elementary \nKings Chapel EJemenlary Heards Feny Elementary Graysville Elementary Patterson Elementary R.D. Head Elementary Lincoln County Elementary \n \nLiberty County Lee County \nHouston County . Fulton County \nCatoosa Counlv Pierce County \nGwinnet! County Lincoln County \n \nMiddle Schools \n \nCook Middle George L Edwards Middle Adamson Middle Arch H. McOeskey Sr. Middle Thomas Jefferson Elder Middle Pinckneyville Middle \n \nCook County \n \nRockdale County \n \n. \n \nClayton County \n \nCobb County \n \nWashington County \n \nGwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nSoutheast Bulloch High Bainbridge High Americus High Heritage High Benjamin E. Banneker High Newnan High Leamond N. Lassiter High Dodge County High Murray County High Shiloh High \n \n. Bulloch County \n \nDecatur County \n \nAmericus City \n \n. \n \nRockdale County \n \nFulton County \n \nCoweta County \n \nCobb County \n \nDodge County \n \n. Murray County \n \nGwinnett County \n \n68 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nJordye Bacon Elementary Garrison-Pilcher Elementary Shirley HiUs Elementary Dorothy L. Sims Elementary \nLena J. Campben Elementary Fayetteville Elementary Davis Elementary Alexander II Magnet Elementary .__ Midway Elementary Mountain Park Elementary \n \nLiberty County Thomas County . Houston CountV Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Fayette County \nCobb County Bibb County Forsyth County Gwinnett County \n \nMiddle Schools \n \nMyers Middle Loo.vndes Middle Bert Rumble Middle Ha~es Bridge Middle Mundy's Mill Middle Rossville Middle Lawrenceville Middle. \n \n. \n. _. . \n \nChatham County Lowndes County Houston County \nFulton County Clayton County . Walker County Gwinnett County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nSwainsboro High Northside High Rockdale County High Mays High Carrollton High South Cobb High Ware County Senior High Gainesville High Lakeside High \n \n. Emanuel County \n \n. Houston County \n \n. Rockdale County \n \nAtlanta City \n \nCarrollton City \n \n. \n \nCobb County \n \nWare County \n \nGainesuille City \n \nColumbia County \n \n69 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nWindsor Forest Elementary Herbert J. Dexter School Elm Street Elementary _._. Camp Creek Elementary \nBrookvieo.v Elementary \nEastvalley Elementary Cartersville Elementary Annie Belle Clark Elementary City Park Elementary County Line Elemental)' Snapfinger Elementary \n \nChatham County \n \nDept. of Defense, Ft. Benning \n \n. \n \nCoweta County \n \nGwinnett County \n \n,._ \n \nFulton County \n \nCobb County \n \nCartersville City \n \nTift County \n \nDalton City \n \nBarrow County \n \nDeKalb Countv \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n \nWare County Junior High J.e. Booth Middle Edwards Middle M.L. King Middle Nash Middle Carrollton Junior High Merry Acres Middle Ellijay Middle Spirit Creek Middle T.J. Elder Middle \n \n. \n. . \n. \n \nWore County Favette County Rockdale County \nAtlanta City Cobb County Carrallton City Doughertv County Gilmer County Richmond County Washington County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nWaycross High \n \n. \n \nAmericus High \n \nLovejoy High \n \n. \n \nW.F. George High \n \nNorth Gwinnett High \n \nR.S. Alexander Compo High \n \nDodge County High \n \nLakeview-Fort Oglethorpe Compo High \n \nCedar Shoals High \n \nColumbia High \n \nWare County \n \nAmericus City \n \nClayton County \n \n. \n \nAtlanta City \n \nGwinnett County \n \nDouglas County \n \nDodge County \n \nCatoosa County \n \nClarke County \n \nDeKalb County \n \n70 \n \n Elementary Schools \n \nGlennviUe Elementary \n \nSumter County Elementary \n \nPointe South Elementary.. \n \n. \n \nMargaret G. Barksdale 8ementary \n \nLP. Miles Elementary \n \nMountain View Elementary \n \nCave Spring Elementary..... \n \n. \n \nWestside Elementary \n \n. \n \nC\\ol.xl Springs Elementary .' \n \nDavid C. Barrow Elementary \n \n. \n \nPine Rkige Elementary \n \nTalmall County . Sumter Countv Cloyton County Rockdale County \nAtlanta CUy Cobb CounlV \nFloyd County Coffee County Catoosa County Clarke County DeKaib County \n \nMiddle Schools \n \nMercer Middle \n \n. \n \nA.S. Staley Middle \n \nLovejoy Middle \n \n. \n \nSnellville Middle \n \nRalph Bunche Middle \n \nTaylor Road Middle .. \n \n. \n \nPepperell Middle \n \nCook Middle \n \nSonoraville East Middle \n \nOglethorpe County Middle \n \nWashington-Wilkes Middle \n \nChatham County Sumter County Clayton County \nGwinnett County Atlanta City \nFulton County Floyd County Cook County Gordon County Oglethorpe County Wilkes County \n \nHigh Schools \n \nWindsor Forest High \n \nAlbany High \n \nNewnan High \n \n. \n \nChamblee High \n \nHenry Grady High \n \n. \n \nSprayberry High \n \nHouston County High \n \nJohn Davidson Fine Arts High....... \n \nJasper County Comprehensive High \n \nChatham County Dougherly County \nCoweta County DeKalb Counly \nA/tanto Oly Cobb Counly Houslon County ... Richmond County Jasper County \n \n71 \n \n 13 c!jJeorgia C'JSchiJOls if~$Ce//ence \n \nElementary Schools \n \nSt. Simons Elementary Lake Park Elementary Brae/inn Elementary C. J. Hicks Elementary Hapeville Elementary Peachtree Elementary Sedalia Park Elementary \nPerry Elementary Fairyland Elementary \nMorgan County Elementary Rainbow EJementary \n \nGlynn County \n \nDougherty County \n \n. Fayette County \n \nRockdale County \n \n. \n \nFulton County \n \nGwinnett County \n \nCobb County \n \nHouston CountV \n \nWalker CountV \n \nMorgan CountV \n \nDeKaib Countv \n \nMiddle Schools \n \nSwainsboro Middle Sumter Middle Flatrock Middle Conyers Middle Thurgood MarshaU Middle Lost MOlmtain Middle Rome Middle............. Steckley Middle Ringgold Middle Loganville Middle T. J. Ekler Middle \n \nEmanuel Countv \n \nSumter Countv \n \nFayette CountV \n \nRockdale CountV \n \nAtlanta CitV \n \nCobb Countv \n \n. \n \nRome Cllv \n \nBleckley County \n \nCatoosa CountV \n \nWa/lon CountV \n \nWashington CountV \n \nHigh Schools \nPerry High Sandy Creek High \nCross Keys High D. M. Therrell High Roswell High North Cobb Comprehensive High Rome High Dubtin High R. W. Johnson High Evans Comprehensive High \n \nHouston County Fayette County DeKalb County \nAtlanta City Fulton County \nCobb Countv Rome City Dublin CitV \nHall CountV Columbia Countv \n \n72 \n \n Ou,. since,.e thanks go to Blue Bi,.d Body Company of Fo,.t Valley foro its continued. gene,.ous financial suppo,.t of the Geo,.gia Schools of Excellence p,.og,.am. Thei,. cont,.ibutions have p,.ouided complimentary tickets and ,.oad signs to the ,.ecognized schools. The Excellence flags flown by each 1997 Geo,.gia School of Excellence we,.e provided by our sponsor SouthTrust Bank of Atlanta. We app,.eciate their contribution. NationsBank also supported to the program this year. and we thank them also. \n73 \n \n 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. \nEmployees, students and the general public aTe hereby notified that the Georgia Department of Education does not discriminate in any educa tional programs or activities or in employment policies. \nInquiries 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; to the Regional Office for Civil Rights, Atlanta 30323; or to the Director, Office for Civil Rights, Education Department, Washington, D.C. 20201. \n75 \n \n Legislation and Special Projects Georgia Department of Education \nAtlanta. Georgia 30334-5010 April 1997 \n!XIST se '10 \n~'.'OO \n \n "},{"id":"dlg_ggpd_y-ga-be300-pp8-bs1-be9-b1994","title":"1994 Georgia public schools of excellence","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":["Georgia Public Schools of Excellence Program"],"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Department of Education. Public Information and Publications Division"],"dc_date":["1994"],"dcterms_description":["Title from cover"],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Dept. of Education, Public Information and Publications Division, 1994"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Schools--Georgia","Public schools--Georgia"],"dcterms_title":["1994 Georgia public schools of excellence"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-be300-pp8-bs1-be9-b1994"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-be300-pp8-bs1-be9-b1994"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":["\u0026copy; Georgia Department of Education"],"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["state government records"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"     Elementary Schools \n \nDistrict \n \nPage \n \n. 1 Windsor Forest Elementary. Chatham County ..........................6 \n2 Herbert J Dexter School. Dept. of Defense. Ft. Benning ..........8 3 Elm Street Elementary. Coweta County ..................................10 \n \n4 Camp Creek Elementary. Gwinnett County .............................12 \n \n5 Brookview Elementary. Fulton County ....................................14 \n \n6 Eastvalley Elementary. Cobb County ......................................16 \n \n7 Cartersville Elementary. Cartersville City ...............................1. 8 \n \n8 Annie Belle Clark Elementary. Tift County ............................20 \n \n9 City Park Elementary. Dalton City .........................................2. 2 \n \n10 County Line Elementary. Barrow County ................................24 \n \n11 Snapfinger Elementary. DeKalb County .................................26 \n \nMiddle Schools and Junior High Schools \n1 Ware County Junior High. Ware County ...............................3.0 3 J.C. Booth Middle. Fayette County ..........................................32 4 Edwards Middle. Rockdale County........................................... 34 5 M.L. King Middle, Atlanta City ...............................................3. 6 6 Nash Middle, Cobb County ....................................................3..8 7 Carrollton Junior High, Carrollton City ..................................4. 0 8 Merry Acres Middle, Dougherty County ..................................4. 2 9 Ellijay Middle, Gilmer County .................................................4.4 \n. 10 Spirit Creek Middle, Richmond County ..................................4.6 \n11 T.J Elder Middle, Washington County.....................................48 \n \nHigh Schools \n1 Waycross High. Ware County ................................................5..2 2 Arnericus High. Americus City ................................................5.4 3 Lovejoy High. Clayton County................................................5..6 5 W.F. George High. Atlanta City .............................................5..8 6 North Gwinnett High. Gwinnett County ..................................6. 0 \n7 R.S. Alexander Comp.High. Douglas County ........................62 \n8 Dodge County High. Dodge County .......................................6. 4 \n. 9 Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe Comp High. Catoosa County ......66 \n10 Cedar Shoals High. Clarke County ........................................6..8 11 Columbia High. DeKalb County ..........................................7. 0 \n \n                                                                                 "}],"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":null,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":1,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":4,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":true},"facets":[{"name":"type_facet","items":[{"value":"Text","hits":4}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":16,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"creator_facet","items":[{"value":"Georgia. Department of Education. 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