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Last month 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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The Fulton County School System is conducting its
annual Parent Perception Survey now through January
14, 2008. Please take a moment to share what you
think about your child's education.
The confidential answers you provide help your
school's leaders plan improvement strategies. No
identifying information about you or your child is
collected. The survey takes less than five minutes to
complete.
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Proposed calendars for the 2008-09 and 2009-10
school years are being considered by the Fulton
County Board of Education. Calendar adoption is
expected at the December 13 board meeting.
The 2008-09 calendar calls for a starting date of
August 11, 2008, and an ending date of May 22, 2009.
The 2009-10 calendar calls for a starting date of
August 10, 2009, and an ending date of May 21, 2010.
Also, similar to this school year, the proposed
calendars include five early release days where
students are dismissed early so that teachers and
staff can participate in special training sessions.
Before using these dates to plan vacations or other
events, please note that these calendars are not
official until the school board approves them.
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As reported in the Fall issue of "Connections," school
construction is booming in Fulton County thanks to the
Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST)
program. SPLOST III calls for 14 new schools, 11
school additions, selected renovations, technology
and safety upgrades, school bus purchases and new
equipment for classrooms.
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The December 10 meeting at North Springs High
School was the final one in a series to discuss
attendance boundaries for two new Sandy Springs
elementary schools -- one being built along Lake
Forrest Drive and Cliftwood Drive and the other
along Ison Road and Roswell Road.
The proposed boundaries will be first presented to the
school board in January, with a final vote expected in
February. The new boundaries take effect for the Lake
Forrest school in 2008-09 as the new school opens.
The Ison Road school opens in 2009-10, with
boundaries taking effect at that time.
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Fulton enjoys a reputation for having some of the
highest test scores in the metro Atlanta area as well
as the state.
Recently released Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS)
and Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT)
writing scores show that Fulton again out-paces its
peers.
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For a third year, one-third of all Fulton County schools
received recognition for continuing high achievement
or for impressive improvement. This year 31 schools
earned awards.
The Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS)
recognition program, co-sponsored by the
Georgia Department of Education and the Governor's
Office of Student Achievement, annually bestows
awards on schools that acheived (1) Greatest Gains
in meeting and exceeding academic standards, or (2)
Highest Percentage of students meeting and
exceeding academic standards.
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Paul D. West and Woodland middle schools were
added to the list of Georgia's Distinguished Title I
schools. They are two of 24 Distingished
Schools in Fulton that serve as an improvement
model for schools of similar demographics
throughout the state.
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Water is a precious resource. Unfortunately, the
growing population and ongoing drought in Georgia
are squeezing our water resources dry. Luckily, the
Fulton County School System has stepped up to the
plate (or glass, so to speak) and is doing its part to
conserve water.
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In October, the school board adopted a new policy
to stop possible fraud, waste and abuse of
school system resources. Concerned parents and
employees can anonymously submit reports for
investigation by email, fax, web site or in-person.
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In October, the Fulton County Schools Curriculum and
Instruction Division hosted seven forums to address
questions about the state's new math curriculum. The
forums were well attended, a positive sign that our
parents and community care deeply about what
children are learning.
If you weren't able to attend the forums, take a look
and see if the FAQ documents posted on the
system's web site answers any questions you may
have.
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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 Avenue SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30315, or by phone at
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Fulton County School System | 786 Cleveland Avenue SW | Atlanta | GA | 30315 |