On May 14, more than 200 Fulton County Schools employees were honored for their years of service to students and the education profession. The event drew an overflowing crowd of fellow employees, friends and family at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The annual dinner and reception was sponsored by Fulton County Schools and the Fulton Education Foundation.

The Fulton County School System proudly announces its 2008-09 Employees of the Year: Ellen Hungerford (River Eves Elementary) as Elementary School Teacher of the Year, Nick Cassidy (Haynes Bridge Middle) as Middle School Teacher of the Year and Rebecca Perkins (Alpharetta High) as High School Teacher of the Year.

Perkins also was named the county's Overall Teacher of the Year. She now represents Fulton in the 2009 Georgia Teacher of the Year program.

Teachers couldn't do their jobs quite as well without the support of others. For that reason, two additional employees are recognized by the school system. Lorenzo Combs, a school resource officer at Holcomb Bridge Middle School, was named the School Professional of the Year while Lillie Ford from the Administrative Center's Human Resources Division was named Support Professional of the Year.

All five of these employees, including each individual school's Teacher of the Year and School Professional of the Year, will be honored at special luncheon this fall.

On May 15, the Fulton County Board of Education gave tentative approval to an $857.3 million general fund budget for the 2008-09 school year. Final adoption is expected June 12.

The proposed budget grants a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment to all employees and a step increase to those who are eligible.

Most school systems in Georgia are experiencing lower-than-expected scores in several areas of the 2008 Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests. In particular, low scores were experienced in the sixth- and seventh-grade social studies tests, which concerns local and state education leaders.

State Superintendent Kathy Cox provided an update to all school system superintendents on May 21. The Georgia Department of Education has decided to invalidate the scores in social studies for grades six and seven only.

The Fulton County School System is home to the brightest and most talented educators in Georgia -- and the nation.

Each month teachers and staff members receive awards or other honors that bring pride and recognition to their schools as well as the school system.

You may have seen posters like these hanging in your school. So what is Employee Self Service -- or ESS, as it's commonly called?

ESS is a function of SAP, our district's new business software system, that provides employees easy access to the information and applications related to their employment. It enables employees to create, view and modify personal data as well as manage routine HR tasks -- any time, anywhere.

Next school year, all employees will use ESS at some point. Basic computer literacy classes (optional and unpaid) are ongoing this summer for employee groups that don't have regular access to computers. If you're reading this e-newsletter, it's likely you're not one of these employees. However, it's important to help all our school system colleagues feel comfortable using technology. Printed posters about these trainings have been sent to each school.

The last few weeks of school were busy for several schools as they celebrated historical milestones. Fulton's three newest schools -- Woodland Middle, Renaissance Middle and Oakley Elementary (pictured right) -- held dedication ceremonies to celebrate a succesful first school year.

Ridgeview Charter School also hosted a groundbreaking to kick-off its new building addition and major renovation project. In August, the newly named Lake Forest Elementary School will become Sandy Springs' newest school and the replacement Westlake High School will open its doors.

Workday calendars are available for the upcoming school year. They are posted individually in the Microsoft Outlook Public Folders under Personnel Services>2008-09 Workday Calendars or can be downloaded as one file below.

Thinking of retirement? The Pension Department is hosting a summer workshop to answer many of the questions you may have. This workshop is recommended for those who are planning to retire within the next three years.

Space is limited at the July 29 workshop. RSVP to pension@fultonschools.org no later than July 11.

It never hurts to be reminded: Be safe this summer.

You are part of the Fulton Family and we want you back safe-and-sound next fall. If you're traveling, taking an extended break this summer or just relaxing at home, keep a watchful eye over yourself and your loved ones. As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.

Feeling the heat to save money this summer? Then soak up the savings with Sparkfly's discounts for all your summer needs. From amusement park tickets to hotel accommodations, the offers can help save money and make your summer both fun and affordable.