The look of Fulton County is changing – Fulton County Government, that is. Newspapers are full of articles concerning the formation of new cities or annexation by existing cities. And, in some areas, there are discussions about a complete break and creation of a new county, which would include a newly-formed school system.

Fulton County School System employees naturally want to know, “What does it all mean to me?”

Educators long for more opportunity for quality professional development, but the thought of attending classes after the end of a long school day or on Saturdays puts a damper on any plans for continuing education.

The schools in the Milton and Alpharetta clusters believe they have found the answer. This school year’s calendar includes five Early Release days for the 13 schools in the area. September 28 and October 25 marked the first Early Release days. The proposed 2007-08 school year calendar includes a systemwide expansion of the Early Release initiative.

Every time you turn on your computer you agree to follow our electronic network’s Acceptable Use Agreement. If you haven’t reviewed the agreement recently, it might be time for a brief reminder.

The school system tries to filter spam and junk mail, but messages still get through to our network. You can help control unwanted emails by refusing to participate in chain letters and by using your computer only for school-system related purposes. Fulton County Schools prohibits access for non- employees to our resources or network facilities. We also do not allow competitive commercial activity via our network. Any messages you get from commercial vendors requesting personal information should be deleted immediately. Finally, remember that large attachments place a strain on our network, slowing access for everyone.

The last day of the Open Enrollment period for insurance is November 9. During the Open Enrollment period, you may change your coverage, enroll for coverage (if you are not a current participant), maintain current coverage, or elect to discontinue coverage.

Benefits options available during Open Enrollment include health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term/short-term disability, long-term care insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

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.

As an employee of one of the county's largest employers, you may benefit from discounts offered by certain local and national merchants. These programs are approved by the school system's Contracting Department and/or the Partners & Volunteers Office.

The south Fulton area is growing by leaps and bounds. Since Fall 2003, south Fulton County has added more than 5,000 new students, and over the next three years, the population is expected to grow an additional 8,000 students. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held in October for four new schools – Oakley Township elementary, Jones-Hall middle, South Fulton high school, and the new Westlake High School. Oakley Township elementary and Jones-Hall middle are scheduled for a 2007-08 opening. The new high schools are planned to to open in August 2008.

Though the construction of these new schools is exciting, it means that the attendance zones of existing schools must be modified – a process that can create uneasiness. Understanding the process and criteria used to draw redistricting proposals can help us ease any anxiety felt by students or parents.

The week of November 5-11, 2006, has been proclaimed “School Psychology Week” in Georgia. The Fulton County Schools Psychological Services Department will celebrate by hosting two “Read to Achieve” literacy events on November 8 at the College Park Branch Public Library (3647 Main Street in College Park) and November 9 at the Sandy Springs Regional Public Library (395 Mount Vernon Highway, NE in Atlanta). Both events will be held from 5-7 p.m. and will spotlight story and poetry reading.

Fulton students and staff took time on October 23 to say thanks to our bus drivers. Bus Driver Appreciation Day provides an opportunity to share student-created cards, special meals, and smiles with our dedicated drivers.

In addition, October 15-21 was observed as National School Bus Safety Week, a time to learn about bus safety and to recognize Fulton’s 650+ bus drivers who safely transport students to and from school every day.