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 math" and the "new math" beginning in August.

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.

To ensure the student population's needs are met year-to-year and well into the future, school system staff continually monitors demographic and housing trends and their impact on student enrollment. Patrick Burke, executive director of operational planning, recently presented the annual enrollment forecast update to the board of education.

Fulton County was selected as a "best practice school district" in a national study on data-driven decision making. The study is coordinated by APQC, a nonprofit educational research group, and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Best practice districts were selected by an advisory group of national experts, representing universities, the U.S. Department of Education and national research organizations. Fulton County was the only school system in the nation to be recommended by all parties in the advisory group. The study will include a data collection survey, visits to other best practice districts, webcasts and a knowledge transfer session. As part of its selection, Fulton will host a site visit on March 26.

What are the key educational issues facing Georgia this year? Ranging from charter schools and vouchers, to teacher quality and student poverty, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, a local think-tank headed by former Fulton Superintendent Stephen Dolinger, has produced a report identifying those subjects and offering analyses on how they will impact our state.

Click here for the report.

Georgia Superintendent Kathy Cox announced nine Fulton County high schools as "AP Honor Schools" during a recent speech to the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders.

Westlake High School is one of 40 "AP Access and Support Schools" and Alpharetta High School, Centennial High School, Chattahoochee High School, Milton High School, North Springs High School, Northview High School, Riverwood High School and Roswell High School are "AP Merit Schools."

Employee transfers. The annual window to apply for an employment transfer began Feb. 15 and ends April 30. Information recently was emailed to all employees by the Human Resources department. Those requesting a transfer should submit paperwork directly to the principal or director at the school or site they desire.

Changes to personal information. Have you recently changed your name or marital status? Perhaps you've moved or have a new phone number? If so, the Human Resources department needs you to report any changes using the form below so its personnel files will be accurate and up-to-date. Once completed, it should be mailed to the attention of "Personnel Records" at the Administrative Center.

Workday calendars for 2008-09. Workday calendars are available for the upcoming school year. They are posted individually in the Microsoft Outlook Public Folders under Personnel Services>2008-09 Workday Calendars or can be downloaded as one file below.

Forms

Do you know the single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of illness in your school or workplace? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is as simple as washing your hands.

While we know this, it is sometimes hard to remember this simple task during a busy day. In addition, soap and running water are not always available. What else can you do?

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.

March is "National School Social Work Month," "Music in Our Schools Month" and "Youth Art Month." Celebrations are being held across the county in our schools.

A special acknowledgement is extended to the school social workers who nurture our students through their support and to the art and music specialists who share their knowledge and appreciation of the fine arts.

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.