Alpharetta-Milton Cluster-Learning Matters


Alpharetta Elementary Cogburn Woods Elementary Crabapple Crossing Elementary Creek View Elementary Independence High Manning Oaks Elementary Northwestern Middle New Prospect Elementary Summit Hill Elementary Webb Bridge Middle Area Supertindendent Webmaster Alpharetta Cluster Milton Cluster Connected Academy Alpharetta HS Creek View ES Lake Windward ES Manning Oaks ES New Prospect ES Webb Bridge MS Alpharetta ES Cogburn Woods ES Crabapple Crossing ES Hopewell MS Independence High School Milton High School Northwestern MS Summit Hill ES Our Mission Learning Matters Attendance Zones Meet the Administrators Area News

Alpharetta Elementary Cogburn Woods Elementary Crabapple Crossing Elementary Creek View Elementary Independence High Manning Oaks Elementary Northwestern Middle New Prospect Elementary Summit Hill Elementary Webb Bridge Middle

Area Supertindendent Webmaster

Alpharetta Cluster

Milton Cluster

Connected Academy

Alpharetta HS Creek View ES Lake Windward ES Manning Oaks ES New Prospect ES Webb Bridge MS

Alpharetta ES Cogburn Woods ES Crabapple Crossing ES Hopewell MS Independence High School Milton High School Northwestern MS Summit Hill ES

Our Mission Learning Matters Attendance Zones Meet the Administrators Area News

	Learning Matters Initiative The Principals, PTA and LSAC leaders from the 13 schools in the Alpharetta/Milton clusters asked and received permission to modify the 2006-2007 school day in order to implement the Learning Matters Initiative. The initiative allows five early release days for teachers to participate in planned, meaningful professional development designed to improve overall instruction in the schools. This initiative was suggested by parent leaders. A working group, under the direction of Area Superintendent Dr. Vicki Denmark, has spent several months planning for the program and addressing logistics. The initiative has the support of all 13 LSACs in the two clusters. The primary benefit of the program is to provide dedicated time to teachers for professional learning, training, and collaborative planning. Professional learning opportunities will be closely aligned to advance each school's strategic plan. Topics/workshops considered included: Learning Focus Instruction Georgia Performance Standards implementation Writing assessments for instructional units Applying and utilizing technology Sharing of best standards-based teaching practices Vertical Teaming/Collaboration across grade levels and schools Strategic Planning Logistical planning addressed items such as day care and transportation. The following plans are in place for this year: The school day begins at the regular start time. Dismissal times begin with elementary schools at 11:30 a.m. and middle and high schools following at approximately 12:15 p.m. The school day is compressed with lunch provided prior to dismissal. The early-release days are September 28, October 25, November 29, January 24, and March 1. Bus service is provided for students who live within the Alpharetta and Milton district. Bus service is not provided for students who live outside the Alpharetta and Milton district; therefore, educational and recreational programs have been provided for them at their schools. Day care and enrichment providers have been notified of these potential early-release days and have verbally committed to providing care for children enrolled in these programs. If successful, the initiative could be expanded to the entire system with future calendar.
	The Alpharetta and Milton Area Schools have successfully completed two early release days that provided staff with approximately 8 hours of professional development training. Please review the two schedules below for information on the sessions. September 28, 2006 October 25, 2006

Learning Matters Initiative

The Principals, PTA and LSAC leaders from the 13 schools in the Alpharetta/Milton clusters asked and received permission to modify the 2006-2007 school day in order to implement the Learning Matters Initiative. The initiative allows five early release days for teachers to participate in planned, meaningful professional development designed to improve overall instruction in the schools.

This initiative was suggested by parent leaders. A working group, under the direction of Area Superintendent Dr. Vicki Denmark, has spent several months planning for the program and addressing logistics. The initiative has the support of all 13 LSACs in the two clusters. The primary benefit of the program is to provide dedicated time to teachers for professional learning, training, and collaborative planning. Professional learning opportunities will be closely aligned to advance each school's strategic plan. Topics/workshops considered included:

Learning Focus Instruction
Georgia Performance Standards implementation
Writing assessments for instructional units
Applying and utilizing technology
Sharing of best standards-based teaching practices
Vertical Teaming/Collaboration across grade levels and schools
Strategic Planning

Logistical planning addressed items such as day care and transportation. The following plans are in place for this year:

The school day begins at the regular start time.
Dismissal times begin with elementary schools at 11:30 a.m. and middle and high schools following at approximately 12:15 p.m.
The school day is compressed with lunch provided prior to dismissal.
The early-release days are September 28, October 25, November 29, January 24, and March 1.
Bus service is provided for students who live within the Alpharetta and Milton district.
Bus service is not provided for students who live outside the Alpharetta and Milton district; therefore, educational and recreational programs have been provided for them at their schools.
Day care and enrichment providers have been notified of these potential early-release days and have verbally committed to providing care for children enrolled in these programs.
If successful, the initiative could be expanded to the entire system with future calendar.

The Alpharetta and Milton Area Schools have successfully completed two early release days
that provided staff with approximately 8 hours of professional development training.
Please review the two schedules below for information on the sessions.
September 28, 2006 October 25, 2006