Knox ES Earns National Certification for Digital Citizenship Knox Elementary School was recently named a Certified School for Digital Citizenship by Common Sense, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of digital media and technology. The school earned the recognition by preparing students to use digital media safely by avoiding dangers such as plagiarism, loss of privacy, and cyberbullying. The school and its staff deserve high praise for giving students the foundational skills they need to compete and succeed in the 21st-century workplace and participate ethically in society at large, said Liz Kline, vice president of education programs for Common Sense Education. Media Specialist Leslie Hicks, K-2 Counselor Jenilee Curtis, and Principal Tammy Sandell coordinated the schools certification process. The Cherokee County School Board recently recognized these faculty members. Principal Sandell said, By preparing our students to use technology safely and responsibly, were providing them unlimited opportunities to maximize and personalize their learning.
CCSD Schools Earn High Marks for School Climate According to new data from the Georgia Department of Education, the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) earned high marks from students, parents, and employees for school climate. CCSD earned an average of four stars on a five-star scale in the annual rating, which measures how a school community views the quality of its schools culture and character. The highest possible rating is five stars. The rating is calculated based on a survey of students, parents, and teachers; student discipline issue rates; and daily attendance. Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy earned a perfect score of five; all CCSD middle schools earned four stars each; and no CCSD school scored less than three stars. Reports on individual schools climate ratings are posted online by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). According to the GaDOE, research has found that schools with positive school climates usually report better test scores and graduation rates, and they create a culture of feeling socially, emotionally, and physically safe. While much of the focus on how to measure a schools success is placed on academic achievement and progress, its just as important for us to know that students, their families, and our employees feel welcomed, safe, and appreciated, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. Were committed to improving our schools culture and ensuring that every child, parent, employee, volunteer, and partner feels like theyre part of a family that cares about them and their future success.
Healing Hands Youth Ranch Golf Tourney Recently, Healing Hands Youth Ranch (HHYR) held their 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. There were 56 players who participated, which was held at Towne Lake Hills Golf Club. The Tournament was presented by EDCO, Inc. and the Allen Family in loving memory of Justin David Allen. The tournament successfully raised nearly $45,000! Over a dozen volunteers worked to make the event a success. The funds raised will benefit the programs of HHYR, founded by Jennifer Simonis. HHYR partners young people with horses in a healing environment, providing opportunities to learn the benefits of healthy relationships, effective communication, and leadership skills. The tournament raises a large portion of the annual funding for the program.
First Ever Cherokee Celebrity Feud Raises Significant Funds for the Malon D. Mimms Boys and Girls Club This years Boys & Girls Club annual fundraiser featured fabulous entertainment, fantastic food, an auction and great fun! In his best Harvey mode, Punchline Comedy Clubs owner and professional comedian Jamie Bendall served as game show host and moderator, and it was an evening of surprises, slip ups and zany answers provided by local celebrities from the Cherokee County community. According to their website, the local Malon D. Mimms Boys & Girls Club serves as a home away from home for hundreds of local kids and teens each year. Dedicated staff members work with them to help them reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Programs focus on helping kids succeed in school, improving health and fostering future leaders. This years event raised nearly $90,000 to help the Malon D. Mimms Boys & Girls Club!The fundraiser was chaired by board member, Laura Mikszan. Other members of the committee included Doug Foley, Steve Divine, Mike Byrd, Marla Prince, Jeff Mitchell and Joshua Lewis.
Cherokee Sheriffs Office Graduates Inaugural Citizens Academy Class The Cherokee County Sheriffs Office recently graduated its first Citizens Academy class after ten weeks of instruction about its uniform patrol division, administration and adult detention center, K-9 unit, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, court services, special operations, Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad and warrants, and gun safety and training. Deputy Josh Watkins conducted the overall course in which several personnel members of the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office enlightened citizens about their specific area of expertise. The purpose of the Cherokee Sheriffs Office Citizens Academy is to provide citizens with a deeper understanding of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to be a deputy in modern day law enforcement. This course is only open to residents of Cherokee County. Additionally, Sheriff Frank Reynolds stated, This class is also for the Sheriffs Office to connect with Cherokee County citizens in an effort to partner with them in helping to keep our community safe. None of us is as smart or as strong as all of us.
Cherokee County Clerk of Courts and Staff Sponsor Senior Citizens for Christmas Jeans for Genes Cherokee County Clerk of Courts Patty Baker and her staff are sponsoring over fifteen senior citizens for Christmas this year. The Clerk of Courts staffs charitable project, Jeans for Genes, has already raised approximately $1,000 to directly benefit Cherokee County Senior Services. The donated funds are raised by the Clerk of Courts staff, who may contribute $3.00 each week to be allowed to wear jeans at work on Fridays. This is a project that many of the staff members hold dear to their hearts. The Clerks office has already made arrangements to give their sponsored senior citizens warm, new, heartfelt presents for Christmas and to continue to raise more money and create more gifts each week.
Toys for Tots Drop Off Your Donation at Family Life Publications! This year, Family Life Publications is an official drop-off location for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign. Family Life Publications is the only location in downtown Canton where you can drop off a new, unwrapped toy, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, through December 18 at their NEW office location:630 E. Main Street, Canton, GA 30114The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.
Marine Corps League Detachment 1311 Awards Marine of the Year Award to Cherokee Resident At the Birthday Ball celebrating the 242nd birthday of the founding of the Marine Corp, John Newport was presented the Marine of the Year Award by Craig (Doc) McNabb, detachment commandant of Detachment 1311 in Woodstock.The event was the most successful event in the young Detachments history. There were 115 people in attendance to enjoy the evenings festivities.The Marine Corps League voluntarily renders assistance to all current and former Marines as well as to their widows and orphans. The League also works to perpetuate the history of the Marine Corps by observing the anniversaries of historical occasions that are of interest to Marines.
Fundraisers Raise Big Funds for Local Causes! Thanks to Cherokee County citizens, three recent fundraisers successfully raised significant funds to aid worthy, local charitable causes. Reinhardt Universitys 3rd Annual 5k for ADay raised more money than ever. The 2017 race brought out more than 300 runners and raised more than $20,000, all of which will go to student scholarships. ADay for Reinhardt is a scholarship program that was formed in the 1980s to benefit Cherokee County students attending Reinhardt University. The program was also expanded into Pickens County this year. Next Step Ministrys Run Walk or Roll 5k hosted 156 runners, raising $7635 including donations and sponsorships, which is a significant increase over last years event, and funds are still rolling in from grants and additional donations that will help Next Step Ministries reach their $10k goal! This race supports continued efforts to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities in the community. This years proceeds will support the purchase of a new bus for transporting clients into the community. And finally, the 33rd Annual Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival is the historic cornerstone of the Service League of Cherokee Countys fundraising efforts. The festival has earned a notable reputation for its family-oriented approach and warm relationship with its vendors. Riverfest is a juried show, featuring original, creative, handmade work from artisans all over the region. Additionally, the event showcases incredible entertainment throughout the weekend - as well as a fun-filled childrens area. This years attendance numbers were close to 26,000! Monies generated from Riverfest will go to help fund various childrens charities in Cherokee County. Past organizations include Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, MUST Ministries, Boys and Girls Clubs, Cherokee Family Violence Center and Anna Crawford Childrens Center to name a few.
Renovated Hill Freeman Library and Spruill Learning Center Unveiled Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce recently teamed up with Reinhardt University for a ribbon-cutting reception that celebrated a transformed Hill Freeman Library and Spruill Learning Center. The change here is marvelous, Chamber President Pam Carnes said at the ceremony. The renovated second floor of the library was filled with community leaders, residents, Reinhardt faculty and staff, and members of the Reinhardt Board of Trustees. Days like this are days that college presidents live for, Reinhardt President Dr. Kina S. Mallard said, smiling. My heart is full. President Mallard thanked Cherokee County Manager Jerry Cooper, the Sequoyah Regional Library System and Waleska Mayor Doris Jones for their partnership and support. The renovation created a multi-use space for the Reinhardt family and community. It was made possible by approval of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners to release $1 million of voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax money (SPLOST). SPLOST funds are one percent of the Countys overall sales tax. Renovations completed this summer in the 14,411-square-foot space include a new community room, six collaborative learning rooms, childrens area, career and vocational counseling office, tutoring rooms, technology lab and more. The community room seats 96 people and is for everyone to use, Mallard said. Director of Library Services Joel Langford said the renovation has changed the dynamic of the library. Students are loving the new space and the collaborative study areas. The top floor is much busier since the renovation, and we also have twenty laptop computers that can be checked out.
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