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Changes to the new
math curriculum have been a hot topic in Georgia as well as in Fulton
County. Some are in favor of how math concepts will be taught under the
new Georgia Performance Standards; others have expressed a desire to
return to more traditional teaching methods. The school board has
been listening to both sides, trying to determine which approach will be
best for students. What has emerged is a proposal to integrate the "old
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Fulton County School
System Superintendent James Wilson announced his plans to re-retire at the
end of the current school term. His retirement becomes effective June 1. A
search is under way for his replacement. During his tenure,
Wilson increased student achievement, brought test scores to all-time
highs, and advocated for greater fiscal responsibility and accountability.
He championed school construction projects, including the third passage of
Fulton County's one-penny education sales tax. The sales tax will build 11
new schools over the next five years. | ||
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Spring registration
dates for new kindergarten and first-graders is April 30, 8 a.m. to 4
p.m., and May 1, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. During these two days, parents of
incoming kindergarten students, as well as other new elementary students
entering school in August, can register their children for the 2008-09
school year. Registration will occur at all Fulton County elementary
schools. Nearly 1,600 spaces
in pre-kindergarten classes are available at 37 elementary
schools.
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Running a public
school system is a challenging enterprise, especially with a district as
large as Fulton County's. With 93 schools, 86,000 students, 14,000
employees and a geographic span of more than 80 miles, there are lots of
day-to-day issues and opportunities to address. Our reputation as a
premier school system didn't happen by chance. Leadership, strategic
planning, teamwork, collaboration, innovation and accountability are all
key ingredients for Fulton's success.
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Does your child
flourish in a non-traditional environment? Like to think for her or
himself? Welcome educational flexibility and real-world integration? Need
a new educational landscape? Then Connected Academy might be the
answer. Connected Academy, a
Fulton County charter high school, opened in August to its first class of
students. Recruitment is ongoing for its fall 2008 class. Could this
school be right for your junior or senior?
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The Georgia
Department of Education establishes maximum class sizes for schools in the
state. The Fulton County School System is pleased to share that its class
sizes are actually much lower than state requirements. For example: Did you
know that the grades 9-12 state maximum is 32 students, and Fulton's is
22.27? The state requirement for grades 6-8 is 28, and Fulton's is 21.72?
Or that the state's requirement for kindergarteners is 20 maximum per
class -- but only 16.68 for Fulton? Some pretty interesting numbers,
showing that we really do put students first. | ||
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The Fulton County
Board of Education approved the 2008-09 and 2009-10 school year calendars
at its Dec. 13 meeting. The 2008-09 calendar calls for a starting date of
Aug. 11, 2008, and an ending date of May 22, 2009. The first day of
school for the 2009-10 school year is Aug. 10, 2009, and the last day is
May 21, 2010. Having this information well in advance will certainly help
parents plan vacations, schedule doctors' and dentists' appointments and
coordinate other important activities.
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As mentioned in the
winter edition of "Connections," the Fulton County Board of Education
revised its graduation policy. The revisions require seniors to pass all
sections of the Georgia High School Graduation Test (or have received a
state-approved variance/waiver) in order to participate in graduation
ceremonies. The changes go into effect this school
year. This is a change from
past practice where some schools allowed non-graduating seniors the option
to walk across the stage and receive a "certificate of attendance" instead
of a diploma. High school graduation is an accomplishment not to take
lightly. Tightening the policy provides this achievement the honor and
respect it deserves. | ||
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Are you hearing
buzzing in your neighborhood? It might be bees hovering around spring
flowers -- or it could be the sounds of power tools. School renovation and
other construction projects, including the replacement Westlake High
School (pictured left), are bountiful this spring. Their buzzing is the
sweet sound of progress.
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The Fulton County
School System is home to many of the highest-performing schools in the
state and nation. Although awards and
recognitions are received continously throughout the year, we want to call
attention to some of the most recent accolades our schools and school
system achieved.
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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. If you change your email address, please notify the school's data clerk. This information will not be shared or provided to any organization outside the Fulton County School System without your permission.
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 Avenue SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30315, or by phone at
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