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News and InformationTwo Loganville High School students selected as GHP finalists
Loganville High School’s Ray Borchers (10th) and Tudor Hadade (11th) have been selected as finalists and will be attending the Governor’s Honors Program (GHP), a residential summer program for gifted and talented rising high school juniors and seniors. “Being selected to participate in the Governor’s Honors Program is a tremendous honor,” said Superintendent Nathan Franklin. “I congratulate Ray and Tudor for being selected to take advantage of this unique educational opportunity and to represent our district at the state level.” Nearly 3,000 students from across the state were nominated and 1,700 students interviewed and auditioned in February. Since the program is fully funded by the Georgia General Assembly, there is no charge for students to attend. Students from across the state will arrive on Berry College’s campus in Rome, GA on June 18 and for four weeks, they will spend the morning in their major area of nomination, exploring topics not usually found in the typical high school classroom. During the afternoons, students choose one of the other areas in which to study. Evenings are filled with seminars, activities, concerts and performances. Borchers and Hadade’s major areas of nomination are Visual Arts and Mathematics, respectively. School Board Appreciation Week
The Walton County School District is joining in a statewide celebration to salute the efforts of local school board members. March 13-17 has been proclaimed School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia. This weeklong observance calls attention to the positive contributions of our local board of education. “Walton County’s citizens elect board members to represent the community’s voice on education matters and to set the vision for our school district,” said Superintendent Nathan Franklin. “Our board members spend countless hours fulfilling their responsibilities and working together to pursue excellence in our education system.” Board of Education members currently serving our school district: District 1 – Mr. Lynn Hill District 2 – Mr. Jeremy Kilburn District 3 – Ms. Diane Turner District 4 – Mr. Coleman Landers District 5 – Mr. Tom Gibson (Vice-Chair) District 6 – Ms. Gwen Cantrell District 7 – Mr. David Breedlove (Chair) As constitutional officers of Georgia, school board members are responsible for setting educational policies, employing school personnel, providing buildings and equipment, operating a transportation system and disbursing school funds. As community leaders, school board members serve as advocates for the children in local public schools and must study, evaluate and decide what actions are in the best interest of those students. Earlier this year, the Walton County School District Board of Education was recognized by the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) as an Exemplary School Board for their exemplary leadership and dedication to education. The mission of GSBA is to ensure excellence in the governance of local school systems by providing leadership, advocacy and services, and by representing the collective resolve of Georgia’s elected boards of education. Please visit gsba.com for more information. Two elementary schools named GaDOE Title I Reward Schools
The Georgia Department of Education recently named Atha Road and Walker Park Elementary Schools Title I High-Progress Reward Schools based on a three-year average of their CCRPI progress scores. A High-Progress School is a school among the top 10% of Title I schools in the state that are making the most progress in improving the performance of the “all students” group over three years on the statewide assessments. This is the second consecutive year that both Atha Road and Walker Park Elementary Schools have been named High-Progress Reward Schools by the GaDOE. "I congratulate Atha Road and Walker Park Elementary Schools for once again being recognized by the State for helping all students achieve at higher levels,” said Superintendent Nathan Franklin. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our administrators, teachers and staff.” WCSD AP Honor Schools named by the GaDOE
The Georgia Department of Education recently announced the 2017 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools. Loganville High School, Monroe Area High School and Walnut Grove High School all received honors in various categories. “Credit for these AP awards goes to our teachers and students. Walton County has outstanding teachers and AP coordinators who strive for continuous improvement,” said Director of Secondary Curriculum Celeste Cannon. “We are especially proud that our schools continue to earn AP recognition as our student participation continues to grow and expand.” Loganville High School was recognized in the following categories: - AP STEM School: Schools with students testing in at least two AP math courses and two AP science courses (AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C, AP Computer Science A) - AP STEM Achievement School: Schools with students testing in at least two AP math courses and two AP science courses and at least 40% of exam scores on AP math and AP science exams earning scores of three or higher. - AP Humanities School: Schools with students testing in the following AP courses: at least one ELA course, two social science courses, one fine arts course and one world language course. Monroe Area High School was recognized as both an AP STEM School and AP Humanities School. Walnut Grove High School was recognized as an AP Humanities School. 2017 STAR Students and Teachers
Three Walton County School District students were recently named STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Students, and they, along with their STAR Teachers, were recognized at the Walton County Chamber of Commerce’s annual STAR Banquet. Loganville High School’s Cameron James was named one of the System STAR Winners. This year’s STAR Student/Teacher presentation was sponsored by the Walton County Chamber of Commerce, Leggett & Platt and Athens First Bank & Trust. “I congratulate our outstanding, well-rounded STAR Students and Teachers for achieving at such high levels both in and outside of the classroom,” said Superintendent Nathan Franklin. “These students are exceptional role models in our schools and will surely go on to make a difference in the world. Our teachers do an incredible job teaching, influencing and inspiring our student leaders. I want to thank the Walton County Chamber of Commerce, Leggett & Platt and Athens First Bank & Trust for sponsoring this event and allowing us the chance to recognize outstanding individuals from across the county.” Senior Cameron James was selected as the STAR student for Loganville High School and selected Mike Goethals as his STAR Teacher. James said that the amount of time Goethals puts in to see his students achieve is impressive and very much appreciated. Goethals said that teachers have a greater responsibility than just teaching; they must awaken the potential in students. He went on to say that, “Sometimes we are blessed to have a student who strives to see beyond what we teach them and sees what is within themselves. Cameron James is one of those students.” Senior Blair Caldwell was selected as the STAR student for Monroe Area High School and selected Nathan Gray as her STAR Teacher. Caldwell said that the way Gray “brought history to life with his witty humor and out of the box thinking,” made him a great teacher and one that made a lasting impact on her. Gray who taught Caldwell in several classes said, “she truly cares about the material and she loves to learn.” Gray also said Caldwell always challenged him to be a better teacher. Senior Jacob Allen was selected as the STAR student for Walnut Grove High School and selected Cheryl Brazelton as his STAR Teacher. Allen said that he picked Brazelton as his STAR Teacher because she left the most lasting impression on him. He said that she taught him the art of communicating to different audiences by allowing him to see things from different perspectives. Brazelton said that Allen constantly challenges himself to be better with such humility and that he has restored her faith in the future. To be honored as a STAR Student, the following criteria must be met:
Youth Elementary School Honored by Governor Nathan Deal
Youth Elementary School has been awarded Gold Status on the Governor’s Greatest Gains in Student Achievement List for 2016. Gold Status recognition is given to schools earning a three-year average College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) Progress Score in at least the 97th percentile in the state. Youth Elementary is one of only 36 schools in the state that achieved Gold Status in 2016. “We are so proud of being named to the Governor’s Greatest Gains in Student Achievement List for 2016. This recognition affirms that our school community working together and setting high expectations for excellence in all areas focusing on teaching and learning is the formula for success,” said Director of Elementary Curriculum and former Youth Elementary Principal Denise Cobb-Williams. “Our students’ success – whether through safe and nurturing learning environments, student grades, CCRPI scores or literary, math and science achievements – is the result of our teachers, students and community of parents and business partners working together to support achievement. With all these components in place, Youth Elementary School students have a strong and solid foundation.” The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement’s school awards are part of Georgia’s Single Statewide Accountability System. Highest Performing schools must earn a three-year average College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) Achievement Score that ranks in at least the 93rd percentile. Greatest Gains schools must earn a three-year average CCRPI Progress Score that ranks in at least the 93rd percentile, according to the Governor’s Office. “I congratulate all of the students, teachers and administrators in Georgia’s award-winning schools who worked tirelessly toward these accomplishments," Gov. Nathan Deal said. “We must continue to equip Georgia citizens with updated information and tools like the Georgia School Reports website in order to allow parents and students to better understand school performance. The bright minds of Georgia’s students are the state’s most precious resource and I commend the schools that are exceeding expectations in preparing their students for future success.” Walton County School District Placed on the College Board’s 7th Annual AP District Honor Roll for Significant Gains in Student Access and Success
The Walton County School District is one of 10 school districts in Georgia and one of 433 in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the 7th Annual AP District Honor Roll. To be included on the 7th Annual Honor Roll, Walton County had to, since 2014, increase the number of students participating in AP while also increasing or maintaining the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. Reaching these goals shows that the district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are ready for AP. "Our high schools are committed to quality Advanced Placement programs. Rigorous course work is essential for all students,” said Director of Secondary Curriculum Celeste Cannon. “We are proud of the efforts of our AP teachers and school coordinators to recruit and support students who have been traditionally underrepresented in Advanced Placement course work. We look forward to continuing to expand access to AP courses.” National data from 2016 shows that among Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino and Native American students with a high degree of readiness for AP, only about half are participating. The first step to getting more of these students to participate is to give them access. Walton County is committed to expanding the availability of AP courses among prepared and motivated students of all backgrounds. “Congratulations to all the teachers and administrators in this district who have worked so tirelessly to both expand access to AP and also to help students succeed on the AP Exams,” said Trevor Packer, the College Board’s head of AP and Instruction. “These teachers and administrators are delivering real opportunity in their schools and classrooms, and students are rising to the challenge.” Walton County is committed to helping students learn at a higher level and preparing them for their post-secondary careers by providing several opportunities for students to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school. Inclusion on the 7th Annual AP District Honor Roll is based on a review across 37 AP Exams, including world language and culture. To be included, the following criteria must be met:
The complete 7th Annual AP District Honor Roll can be found here. Georgia Department of Education releases 2016 CCRPI scores
The Georgia Department of Education released the 2016 College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) that measures schools and school districts on a 100-point scale based on multiple indicators of performance. The overall scores for WCSD elementary, middle and high schools surpassed the state scores. The CCRPI is an accountability system that was implemented in 2012 to replace No Child Left Behind’s Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) measurement. The 100-point scale helps parents and the public better understand how schools are performing in a more comprehensive manner than the pass/fail system previously in place under AYP. “We are proud that Walton County continues to exceed the state CCRPI score across all three levels,” said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Rusty Linder. "We will continue to evaluate our scores and progress from year to year both at the district level and individual school level to make improvements and continue in our pursuit of excellence.” Walton County School District results are as follows: Atha Road Elementary – 81.4 Bay Creek Elementary – 85.3 Harmony Elementary – 58.1 Loganville Elementary – 79.1 Monroe Elementary – 59.8 Sharon Elementary – 77.8 Walker Park Elementary – 71.6 Walnut Grove Elementary – 74.1 Youth Elementary – 92.6 Carver Middle – 61.4 Loganville Middle – 80.9 Youth Middle – 81.9 Loganville High – 84.4 Monroe Area High – 68.3 Walnut Grove High – 76.1 WCSD Elementary – 76.5 WCSD Middle – 73.2 WCSD High – 76.1 Georgia Elementary – 71.7 Georgia Middle – 71.5 Georgia High – 75.7 Georgia Overall – 73.6 Walton County Board of Education earns exemplary board designation
(Monroe, Ga.) — The Walton County Board of Education has been recognized by the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) as an Exemplary School Board for the second consecutive year. Only 39 out of 180 school boards in Georgia were recognized as exemplary at the 2016 annual GSBA conference. “I congratulate our board on this outstanding recognition and appreciate their dedication to our students and our community,” said Superintendent Nathan Franklin. “Reaching this level of governance recognition requires a lot of time, planning and training. Our school district would not function as effectively without their support and we are truly grateful for their leadership.” The Georgia Board of Education developed state standards for governance that formed the foundation for GSBA’s three-year, three tiered awards and recognition program. The program provides additional ways for school boards to increase their effectiveness. Exemplary status is the highest level of distinction and requires boards to meet several criteria, such as providing evidence of a system strategic plan, demonstrating accreditation compliance and exceeding the minimum training requirements. “It is with great honor that we, the Walton County Board of Education, accept this recognition from the Georgia School Boards Association as an Exemplary Board,” said Board President David Breedlove. “Few boards across the state have received this award and governance status. It is a testament to the faith the citizens of Walton County place in us to represent them and their children. In acceptance of this award, we will continue in our pursuit of excellence and leadership in education.” The GSBA Governance Team Recognition Program was developed by Georgia superintendents and board members based on the state board of education’s standards for effective governance to recognize exemplary leadership. In 1998, GSBA was one of the first school board associations in the nation to develop a program of standards for local boards of education. For more information on the awards and recognition program, please visit the GSBA website at gsba.com or click here to view the criteria for all tiers of the program. Congratulations to the 2016-17 Walton County School District Teachers and Support Personnel of the Year!
Teachers of the Year Atha Road Elementary School – Jeanette Casey Bay Creek Elementary School – Amy Anderson Harmony Elementary School – Shannon Seawright Loganville Elementary School – Kimberly Harrison Monroe Elementary School – Nikki Hillman Walker Park Elementary School – Diana Jenkins Walnut Grove Elementary School – Deanna Cherry Youth Elementary School – Emanita Creekmore Sharon Elementary School – Justin Myers Carver Middle School – Bridget Lynch Loganville Middle School – Barbara Rose Youth Middle School – Seth Brown Loganville High School – Lana Raby Monroe Area High School – Nathan Gray* Walnut Grove High School – Amanda Story Support Personnel of the Year Atha Road Elementary School – Ashly Middlebrooks Bay Creek Elementary School – Gloria Hyde Harmony Elementary School – Deborah Brown Loganville Elementary School – Amanda Beavers Monroe Elementary School – Charlotte Cooper Walker Park Elementary School – Sabrina Atkism Walnut Grove Elementary School – Laura Chumack* Youth Elementary School – Kimberly Patterson Sharon Elementary School – Elizabeth Hince Carver Middle School – Vanessa Baynes Loganville Middle School – Daphne McGeorge Youth Middle School – Linda Trew Loganville High School – Gena Houston Monroe Area High School – Subrina Doty Walnut Grove High School – Joan Griggs Central Office – Jim Fouts Transportation – James Spratlin *District Winners Walton County School District AP Scholars Announced
(Monroe, Ga.) — The College Board recently announced that 89 Walton County high school students earned Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the 2016 AP Exams. “I congratulate and commend our students for their achievements at the highest level for high school students,” said Superintendent Nathan Franklin. “I know these students will continue to succeed in their post-secondary experiences based on their hard work and strong high school foundation.” The College Board’s AP program provides students the opportunity to earn college credit through rigorous college-level work in a high school or online setting.Students must take an exam at the conclusion of a course in order to earn college credit. The scores are weighted based on free response and multiple choice questions. Final scores are reported on a 5-point scale where students who score 3 or higher are eligible to receive college credit and in some cases exempt introductory college courses. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams: Monroe Area High School’s Jordan Anschutz qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average score of 4 or higher on all AP exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. Anschutz took nine exams and had an overall average score of 4.67. She is currently attending Emory University and plans on majoring in Human Biology and Anthropology. Twenty students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Loganville High School students earned an average score of 3.82, Monroe Area High School students earned an average 4.14 and Walnut Grove High School students averaged a score of 3.75. Nineteen students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Loganville High School students earned an average score of 3.68, Monroe Area High School students earned an average 3.73 and Walnut Grove High School students averaged a score of 3.45. Forty-nine students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by earning a score of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Loganville High School students earned an average score of 3.23, Monroe Area High School students earned an average 3.22 and Walnut Grove High School students averaged a score of 3.05. Last year the Walton County School District had 461 students enrolled in 16 different AP courses. WCSD offers an average of 12 AP courses on campus per year, but students have access to all 38 courses offered by College Board through Georgia Virtual at no cost. Walton County School District 2016 Georgia Milestones Results Released
(Monroe, Ga.) — The Georgia Department of Education has released the 2016 Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade (EOG) and End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments results. The Walton County School District’s percent of students scoring at the Developing, Proficient or Distinguished levels exceeded the state in all subject areas of the EOG and EOC Assessments. The Georgia Milestones Assessment System is a comprehensive summative assessment program for students in grades 3 through 12. The assessments cover language arts, mathematics, science and social studies content areas. EOG assessments are taken by students in grades 3 through 8 and cover each content area previously mentioned. EOC assessments, in the WCSD, are given in seven courses designated by the State Board of Education that include: Ninth Grade Literature and Composition, American Literature and Composition, Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, United States History and Economics. "Through the hard work and dedication of our teachers, administrators and students, Walton County continues to meet and exceed targets set by the state," said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Rusty Linder. "District scores indicate progress in all tested areas and I want to commend our teachers and students for their hard work and accomplishments. We, as a district, will continue to review our data in order to make the needed instructional adjustments to ensure that our students continue to excel." Walton County School District Georgia Milestones EOG and EOC Highlights:
Walton County School District AP Results Released
(Monroe, Ga.) — College Board has released the 2016 Advanced Placement (AP) scores for Loganville, Monroe Area and Walnut Grove high schools. The percentage of total students earning a 3 or higher on AP exams at each school increased from 2015 to 2016 and for the second consecutive year Monroe Area maintained the highest percentage. AP courses allow students to earn college credit through rigorous college-level work in a high school or online setting. During the 2015-16 school year, 461 students across all three high schools were enrolled in 16 different AP courses. The Walton County School District offers an average of 12 AP courses on campus per year, but students have access to all 38 courses offered by College Board through Georgia Virtual at no cost. “Advanced Placement continues to be an important part of our comprehensive secondary course offerings,” said Director of Secondary Curriculum Celeste Cannon. “We are proud of our teachers’ and students’ ability to leverage these courses for the creation of competitive transcripts for college admissions.” Students must take an AP exam at the conclusion of a course in order to earn college credit. The scores are weighted based on free response and multiple choice questions. Final scores are reported on a 5-point scale where students who score 3 or higher are eligible to receive college credit and in some cases exempt introductory college courses. Walton County School District Three-Year Score Summaries are as follows: |