Blog Topic: School Daze

Culture Briefs: Photo Gallery: CCSD Grads on Parade

By Blake Aued | May 22, 2020 3:12pm

Photo Credit: Whitley Carpenter

Moussa and Amy Sarr.

With official graduation ceremonies postponed until July—if they happen at all—several Athens neighborhoods turned to caravans to celebrate their teenage residents' accomplishment.

One was Cedar Creek, where several dozen newly minted graduates paraded through the subdivision as neighbors cheered. Coronavirus robbed these students of part of their senior year, and the caravans were one way to restore a sense of normalcy.

All photos by Whitley Carpenter.

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In the Loop: Accreditation Agency Puts CCSD on Probation

By Blake Aued | April 28, 2020 10:17am

Former superintendent Demond Means.

Accreditation agency Cognia has changed the Clarke County School District's status from "accredited" to "accredited under review" after looking into allegations of school board members micromanaging made by then-superintendent Demond Means last year.

Cognia—formerly known as AdvancED—told interim superintendent Xernona Thomas about the change in status Apr. 24. The agency gave CCSD until December to make changes and restore accredited status.

Thomas said in a news release that the change in status will not affect graduating seniors, nor does she anticipate it affecting future graduates, since the district is committed to addressing Cognia's directives.

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In the Loop: Kemp Closes K-12 Schools for Rest of School Year

By Blake Aued | April 1, 2020 9:44pm

Many probably saw this coming, with just four weeks between Gov. Brian Kemp's projected return date of Apr. 27 and the end of the Clarke County school year May 21, and no end to the coronavirus pandemic in sight, but Kemp announced today that he will keep public K-12 schools in Georgia closed for the rest of the 2019–2020 school year.

CCSD shifted to online learning three weeks ago and had planned to keep it up at least through the end of the month. The latest announcement, though, throws activities like proms and graduation ceremonies in doubt.

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In the Loop: CCSD Changes How to Pick Up Meals While Schools Are Closed

By Blake Aued | March 31, 2020 10:20am

Interim superintendent Xernona Thomas.

Clarke County School District Officials are holding off on announcing a date for schools to reopen as they await further local, state and federal guidance about the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, Gov. Brian Kemp ordered public K-12 schools to stay closed until at least Apr. 24. In the meantime, SAT and ACT testing dates have been postponed, Advanced Placement tests will move online, and Milestones tests have been canceled. The mid-spring break will take place as planned Apr. 10–13, with no assignments on those dates, according to communications manager Beth Moore.

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In the Loop: Kemp Closes Schools Through Apr. 24

By Blake Aued | March 26, 2020 1:59pm

Gov. Brian Kemp has ordered all public K-12 schools in Georgia to remain closed through Friday, Apr. 24.

"I am deeply grateful to State School Superintendent Richard Woods, the Georgia Department of Education, superintendents, and parents for keeping us informed and helping us make the right decision for our students," Kemp said in a news release. "Throughout this process, we will continue to seek the advice of public health officials, school leaders, and families to ensure the health and safety of the educational community. As we approach April 24, 2020, we ask for continued patience and flexibility since circumstances may change, but we encourage families to stay strong and follow the guidance of federal, state, and local leaders in the weeks ahead."

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In the Loop: Schools Closed Through Apr. 7 and More Coronavirus News

By Blake Aued | March 23, 2020 11:04am

As coronavirus continues to spread in Georgia, Clarke County public schools will remain closed through Apr. 7, interim superintendent Xernona Thomas told parents and staff over the weekend.

Thomas cited Athens-Clarke County's shelter-in-place ordinance, which took effect Mar. 20 and requires residents to stay in their homes unless going out for essential business, like work or grocery shopping, although the ordinance specifically exempts schools.

CCSD had originally planned to close for the week of Mar. 16. Last week Gov. Brian Kemp closed all K-12 schools statewide until the end of the month.

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In the Loop: Tony Derricotte Named Cedar Shoals Principal

By Blake Aued | March 6, 2020 10:04am

Antonio Derricotte will be the principal of the Athens high school where he graduated.

Derricotte, one of two acting co-principals at Cedar Shoals High School, has been named principal at Cedar Shoals High School by interim superintendent Xernona Thomas. The Clarke County Board of Education approved the move at its Thursday meeting.

"Mr. Derricotte is student-focused and values collaboration," Thomas said in a news release. "I am confident he and the Cedar Shoals team will work very well together to set high expectations and provide strong academic instruction and support for students."

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In the Loop: Interim Principal Appointed at Chase Street

By Blake Aued | February 20, 2020 3:44pm

Whitehead Road Elementary assistant principal Laura Kraus will serve as interim principal at Chase Street Elementary through the end of the school year, Clarke County School District interim superintendent Xernona Thomas announced today.

Kraus will replace Nikki Hittle, who abruptly resigned Monday.

"As a strong instructional leader who understands the importance of building a collaborative culture, Mrs. Kraus enjoys and values making connections with students and families," Thomas said in a news release and note to parents. "I am confident in her ability to lead the Chase Street Elementary community until a permanent replacement is selected."

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