Hapeville Charter School is receiving $3.2 million to create a Career Academy as a partnership program with Atlanta Technical College.

Once approved by the state Board of Education, the Hapeville Charter Career Academy will open in August 2008.

Congratulations to Wendy McCarron, a math teacher at Northview High School, who recently was awarded the prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.

In addition to the extraordinary honor and recognition this award brings, McCarron received a $25,000 unrestricted monetary gift.

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

Fulton enjoys a reputation for having some of the highest test scores in the metro Atlanta area as well as the state.

Recently released ITBS and GHSGT scores show that Fulton is again out-pacing its peers.

The next phase of SAP implementation Human Capital Management -- or 'HCM' -- is on the way.

Even though not all Fulton County Schools employees currently use SAP programs in their line of work, everyone will be affected by new changes beginning in January 2008.

The Fulton County Board of Education revised its graduation policy in November. Seniors are now required 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.

This is a change from past practice where schools allowed non-graduating seniors 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 this policy will provide this achievement the honor and respect it deserves.

In recognition of Veterans Day observed earlier this month, the Fulton County School System salutes those who not only have served our country, but now are also serving our students as teachers, administrators, bus drivers, resource officers, and other staff members.

Several Fulton County employees currently are on military leave. We keep them in our hearts and minds as we await their safe return.

Any concerned employees of the Fulton County School System and the public may in good faith report allegations of school-related fraud, waste, inappropriate conduct and/or abuse.

By mid-December the school system will launch a reporting system that allows employees to anonymously submit reports for investigation. Reports can be accessed and/or submitted by email, fax, web site, or in-person. Look for more information in the near future.

November 12-16 was 2007 School Psychology Week in Georgia. This year's theme was "Resilience: Building Strength for Life."

As in previous years, Fulton County school psychologists celebrated by donating books to their schools. Also, the credits earned through Scholastic book sales will be used to purchase reading and math materials for elementary schools focused on improved student reading skills.

Looking for a discount at one of your favorite restaurants or clothing stores? On your auto, home and life insurance? Maybe on your next car, hotel room or vacation? Who doesn't like to save a little money now and then? Well, here's your chance to save a lot.

In January, the Professional Learning Department will roll out its first class in the new Teacher Leader Training series.

This course is specifically designed for potential or existing teacher leaders. Participants will learn skills that enhance leadership capacity for the roles of curriculum support teachers (CSTs), instructional support teachers (ISTs), instructional coaches, department chairs and grade level chairs.