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Back to Connections Archive
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Welcome Back
This is the Fall 2008 edition of Connections, Fulton County Schools' online newsletter for parents. Published quarterly, it contains information on new programs, important dates, system news and much more.
Your email address came from information you supplied to your child's school. If you change your email address, please notify the data clerk at your local school.
We hope you find the newsletter useful. However, if at any time you wish to unsubscribe, simply click on the "SafeUnsubscribe" feature at the bottom of this email. |
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Fulton begins using new balanced math approach
 This school year, Fulton began using a balanced approach to teaching the new Georgia Performance Standards mathematics curriculum. The approach weaves the new math standards into a more traditionally taught curriculum.
Over the summer, teachers received additional training, which will be continued throughout the school year. In addition, traditional textbooks were purchased to accompany previously adopted middle school textbooks as well as to support instruction and learning for the high schools. A traditional textbook is already available and used at the elementary level to support a balanced K-5 curriculum.
Parents who have questions about the new blended approach can contact their child's teacher or school principal.
Other program changes:
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AYP report shows schools are hitting the mark
 The 2007-08 Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) report, released in July by the Georgia Department of Education, shows that Fulton County schools are improving or reaching higher levels of achievement.
According to state reports, 76 -- or 82 percent -- of Fulton's schools achieved Adequate Yearly Progress as compared to the state's average of 69 percent.
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Results of superintendent's survey released
Last spring, staff members, parents and community members were asked for their opinions concerning the overall direction of the Fulton County School System.
More than 2,800 people responded. Results released over the summer indicate that most are pleased with the quality of education offered in Fulton County.
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Early Release Days set
The 2008-09 school year calendar has five Early Release Days built in so that staff can receive professional development throughout the year. On these days, schools dismiss students approximately three hours earlier from their regular dismissal time.
- Sept. 17, 2008
- Oct. 15, 2008
- Nov. 19, 2008
- Feb. 25, 2009
- March 25, 2009
Early release days were piloted in 2006-07 in the Alpharetta and Milton clusters of schools. Due to its success, the initiative was expanded districtwide in 2007-08. |
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Monthly vodcasts produced
 For eight months now, the Fulton County School System has produced vodcasts.
"Fulton Schools In Focus" is a free, monthly vodcast produced by the school system's Broadcast & Video Technology and Communications departments.
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Affidavit of Residence returns with minor changes
This year, parents are again required to submit a notarized Affidavit of Residence form for each child.
However, the school board has made the process more streamlined from its previous requirement of needing all students to submit proof of residence.
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Fulton's SAT average tops all in metro Atlanta
 SAT scores released Aug. 26 by The College Board show that the Fulton County School System not only has the highest average in the metro Atlanta area but is nearly tops in the state.
Fulton is second only to Trion City Schools in North Georgia which had 23 students taking the test. Fulton had participation of nearly 4,000 students.
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Lake Forest Elementary, Westlake High open doors
Last month, two new schools opened to students. Lake Forest Elementary School is the first new public school to open in Sandy Springs since the area became its own city.
The replacement Westlake High School opened beside its former campus on Union Road in Southwest Atlanta.
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Fulton's Yearbook:
A look back at 2007-08
 The 2007-08 yearbooks are in. Produced over the summer, the publication takes a snapshot look at key activities, awards and news that occurred during the 2007-08 school year.
Check out the Fulton County School System's year-in-review below.
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Free breakfast offered at selected schools
 For a fourth year, the Fulton County School System is providing breakfast free-of-charge to all students attending schools not meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) targets or those in Needs Improvement status. The program provides each student access to a nutritional meal so they can remain focused on learning.
Twenty-five schools participate this year: Conley Hills ES, Heritage ES, High Point ES, Hamilton E. Holmes ES, Oak Knoll ES, Oakley ES, Parklane ES, Bear Creek MS, Camp Creek MS, Elkins Pointe MS, Holcomb Bridge MS, McNair MS, Renaissance MS, Ridgeview MS, Sandtown MS, Sandy Springs MS, Paul D. West MS, Banneker HS, Creekside HS, Independence HS, McClarin HS, Tri-Cities HS, Westlake HS, Crossroads/Second Chance North and Crossroads/Second Chance South.
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Homework Hotline is available for students
Homework Hotline (404-843-7700) is a service designed to assist all students with homework assignments in math, science, social studies and language arts.
The hotline is staffed by Fulton County teachers and operates from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. each Monday through Thursday. | |
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 'Connections' is an informational publication produced quarterly by the school system's Communications Department. Your email address came from information you supplied to your child's school. This information will not be shared or provided to any organization outside the Fulton County School System without your permission. If you change your email address, please notify the data clerk at your local school.
It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any program, activity or service. If you wish to make a complaint or request accommodation or modification due to discrimination in any program, activity or service, contact the Compliance Coordinator (Ron Wade) at 786 Cleveland Ave. S.W., Atlanta, GA 30315, or phone 404-763-4585; TTY 1-800-255-0135.
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Fulton County School System | 786 Cleveland Avenue SW | Atlanta | GA | 30315 |
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