Return to flip book view

Message In case you missed it, here’s a recap of recent media coverage and content posted to sccpss.comINTRODUCING THE NEW SCCPSS.COM

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System208 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401S. Denise Watts, Ed.D.Superintendent of SchoolsRoger Moss Board PresidentDenise R. GrabowskiDistrict One; Vice PresidentDr. Dionne Hoskins-BrownDistrict Two RepresentativeCornelia H. HallDistrict Three Representative Shawn A. KashmarDistrict Four RepresentativePaul E. SmithDistrict Five; Vice President Pro-TemporeDr. David BringmanDistrict Six RepresentativeMichael JohnsonDistrict Seven RepresentativeDr. Tonia Howard-HallDistrict Eight RepresentativeMISSION: Together, we ignite and foster lifelong learning at the highest levels for allVISION: From school to the world; All students prepared to be successful and productive citizensTABLE OFCONTENTS1 | April 20242 Message from the Superintendent3 Board Recap4 Student of the Month5-6 SCCPSS Launches New Website7 Positive Peer Influencers Program Launches8 Wolverines Take Fourth State-Wide Victory In Georgia Stock Market Game9 Tybee Island Maritime Principal Named Georgia Charter School Leader of the Year10 Ready to Work Job Fair Draws Hundreds of SCCPSS Students10 Forsyth Farmers’ Market Pilots Harvest to Table Program11 Attendance Matters12 More Than 50 SCCPSS Music Students Selected for GMEA All-State Honors13 SCCPSS and SEDA Partner on Economic Development for Educators Course14 Thirteen SCCPSS Students NamedFinalists and Alternates for Governor'sHonors Program15 Teacher Features16 Connect With Us

Welcome to the April edition of our newsletter! After Spring Break, the excitement starts to build for the end of the year. The anticipation of Graduation 2024 is palpable! I am so proud of our Seniors! They have worked hard to get to this milestone, and we know they are ready to soar. In this edition of In Case You Missed It, we celebrate the launch of our new website as well as some of the stories you may have missed in the media. I hope you have had a chance to explore our new site and share your feedback with our Communications team. The new site is a modern and inclusive communications tool that will strengthen engagement with our families and share the remarkable achievements of our students, faculty, and staff. During my “Listen and Learn” tour, I heard from parents and stakeholders that our website was an important source of information, and we want to make sure we meet your expectations!From academic accomplishments to artistic endeavors, our school family shines brightly with talent and passion. Each success story in this publication is a testament to the efforts and perseverance of all involved in our district. I encourage you to dive into this newsletter, as it illuminates the extraordinary accomplishments of our students and staff. And visit us online to learn more about the exciting news from our schools! Thank you for your continued support and dedication. Your commitment to education and collaboration paves the way for collective excellence. #TogetherWeCanWarm regards,S. Denise Watts, Ed.D. Superintendent of SchoolsSuperintendent’s MessageApril 2024 | 2We Want Your Feedback!The SCCPSS Budgeting Services team is seeking input for the development of the FY25 Budget through a brief survey. This budget, when adopted, will serve as the key operating plan for the district as we work daily to ensure a world-class school system is provided where ALL children are learning at high levels. Each year, the budget document is the product of much planning and effort on the part of both staff members and faculty to meet district and school benchmarks within available resources.Click here to take the survey

3 | April 2024Video Board Brief Video highlights from the April Board Meeting from Public Information Manager Sheila Blanco. Click here to watch. April Board Meeting RecapNew Name for GMG K-12 Multi-Complex ProposedA committee has been appointed to provide recommendation for renaming the GMG K-12 Multi-Complex. Two committee meetings were held, and the proposed name Harris Edwards Davis Educational Complex was read into record during the regularly scheduled Board meeting. Those are the last names of families who owned the property before it was taken by eminent domain decades ago to build Groves High School. Click here to learn more. National School Library Month ProclaimedThe Board proclaimed the month of April 2024 as National School Library Month to recognize Library Media Technology Specialists who actively encourage students to read to expand their abilities, interests, and curiosity in the world they live in and beyond. This year the theme for National School Library Month is “Ready, Set. Library!” Click here to learn more. Bell Modifications Approved for 2024-25 SYThe Board approved Bell Time Modifications at three district schools for the 2024-25 SY. Those changes are:Pulaski: Moves to K-8 tier 8:15am-3:15pmMercer Middle School: Aligns with high school tier 7:30am-2:30pmLearning Academy @ Isle of Hope: 8:00am-2:45pmClick here to learn more. Click here to access the Board agenda | SCCPSS Invests in Additional Vape DetectorsThe District remains committed to taking steps that enhance school safety, climate, and positive learning environments. Additional detectors will be installed at twenty-three (23) identified sites. This multi-sensor provides vape detection, smoke detection, THC detection, and sound detection of abnormalities like gunshots and shouting.Click here to learn more.

Superintendent’s Student of the MonthMAKAYLA OATES, Savannah High School Our Student of the Month for March is Makayla Oates, a senior at the School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High School. This outstanding student is president of the National Honor Society, Drum Major of the Savannah High School band last Fall, and was nominated for the Governor’s Honor Program AND State Superintendent Richard Woods’ Student Advisory Committee! In a few short weeks, she will take the stage at Enmarket Arena as Valedictorian of her class and a Superintendent’s Honor Graduate. Makayla is a member of the varsity volleyball and basketball teams, and the track and field and power weightlifting teams. She has completed three pathways during her time at Savannah High: Culinary Arts, Fine Arts, and Foreign Language. She is a senior ambassador for 3DE, a member of FCCLA and DECA, and is the Graphic Designer and Photographer for the yearbook. Our student serves her community through her church media team, ensuring those who cannot attend in person can view the services online. She also volunteers with the Archonette Group of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority with such services as making sandwiches for the homeless and easter baskets for less fortunate children. Listen to what Principal Pottenger said about Makayla: “This scholar has demonstrated drive, grit, and determination by continuing to take the most rigorous courses offered at Savannah High School including Honors, Advanced Placement, and Dual Enrollment through Savannah State. She encourages her peers to excel academically, to get to class and school on time, builds positive relationships with peers, and sets examples in the classroom for others to follow.”Again, congratulations to Makayla, her family, and the Savannah High Blue Jacket family! And special thanks to her nominator, Principal Stacie Pottenger.April 2024 | 4“My faith and family motivate me to strive for academic success. Being better than the day before and living by the scripture from Second Thessalonians, chapter 3, verse 10: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”Makayla OatesSchool of Liberal Studies at Savannah High School

A WHOLE NEW LOOKOur district has partnered with Finalsite to provide a new and refreshed online experience for our users.USER-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCEAs we built-out our new website, our users were at the forefront of decisions regarding design and layout.ALL NEW FEATURESCheck out our new features and tools including Find It Fast Links, news and calendar subscriptions, and more!5 | April 2024SCCPSS Launches New District WebsiteThe Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is pleased to present our new and improved district website. Our district has partnered with Finalsite to provide a new and refreshed online experience for our users. As we make this transition, we are excited to elevate our online presence and improve the experience for our students, parents, staff, and community as you seek important information about our schools and the school district. We encourage you to take a look and explore our new site. As you navigate through the site, we welcome you to share your thoughts and feedback with our Public Affairs team. Send them an email at communications@sccpss.com to share your feedback on the new website.

April 2024 | 6A User-Friendly ExperienceOver the past year, we have been on a mission to enhance our online presence and improve the user experience on our district and school websites. Today, we are proud to announce that our new SCCPSS website will launch this spring. Our website is a vital tool for communicating with our students, staff, and community. It is important that we ensure the information our users are looking for is available easily and quickly. Click here to learn more about the new website. We Speak Your LanguageWe are pleased to provide our users with a site that is accessible in any language. SCCPSS serves a diverse population with over 26 languages spoken. Our new website utilizes a translation service called Weglot. Our website can be translated into any language you desire with the click of a button. To translate our site, click the globe icon at the top of the screen and select the language of your choice. Within seconds, our entire site will be translated so that you can explore our site with ease. Find It Fast LinksIn order to ensure that important information can be located quickly and easily, we have implemented a Find It Fast section on our website. In this section, you can access important information such as menus, bus routes, and student enrollment in the click of a button. These links will change throughout the year to reflect the most popular links among our users.Accessibility at the ForefrontOur key focus when designing our new website was to ensure that all content is accessible for our users. As you explore our website, you will notice that many documents have moved to a new format. We are committed to ensuring that all content on our site is accessible to all users regardless of language or unique accommodation.

7 | April 2024New Positive Peer Influencer Program LaunchesA partnership between the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire and the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team aims to help teenager make good choices. The three organizations have joined forces to launch the Positive Peer Influencer Program. The pilot program recently trained a select group of 60 students at New Hampstead High School, Alfred E. Beach High School, Islands High School and Herschel V. Jenkins High School to serve as mentors for local middle school students. The Positive Peer Influencer program officially launched at Myers Middle School in Savannah on March 19, 2024.Positive Peer Influencers will model good decision making, speak with students about how to navigate peer pressure, discuss the potential consequences of bad decisions and offer advice about how to make healthy choices. The goal of the program is to help local teens learn how to handle social and emotional pressures and to build a relationship with an older student that will carry over when the middle schooler arrives at high school. Positive Peer Influencers will discuss the dangers of tobacco, vaping as well as fentanyl, which is involved in 84% of teen overdose deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Positive Peer Influencers will deliver a presentation sharing facts about fentanyl, opioids and other dangerous drugs, encouraging local middle school students to “choose to refuse.” The State Board of Education requires all schools in grades K-12 to provide instruction regarding alcohol, tobacco, vapor products and other drug use on an annual basis. The ultimate goal is to scale up the Positive Peer Influencers pilot program and to replicate the model in all SCCPSS high schools and middle schools. This innovative new program is designed to encourage students to have courageous conversations and to create conditions that allow students to be influenced in constructive ways.Click here to learn more about the program. Click here to access the WTOC story.Click here for the WTOC interview.

April 2024 | 8Woodville-Tompkins High School has, yet again, claimed a state-wide victory in the Georgia Stock Market Game. For ten weeks, over 3,800 teams from across the state of Georgia have been competing in the Georgia Spring 2024 Stock Market Game. Teams were given $100,000 (fake money) to invest in real companies. Woodville-Tompkins High School not only took first place in the Georgia Stock Market Game, but also took second and third place state-wide. Click here to learn more about the Georgia Stock Market GameWolverines Take Fourth State-Wide Victory In The Georgia Stock Market GameJimmy Slack is the state-wide first place winner for the Georgia Stock Market Game. In ten weeks, he earned nearly $215,000 in equity. Jimmy is the first person to take first-place three consecutive times at the state-level. Trailing behind Jimmy were two more teams from Woodville. Jonathan Presa, Jake Garza, and Moneeb Belgacem claimed second-place, and Kayin Miles claimed third-place.The teams were led by Dr. John Cook, Economics and Business Teacher at Woodville-Tompkins High School. Each of the teams at Woodville-Tompkins were sponsored by our valued business partners at MembersFirst Credit Union. Each of these teams will go on to attend an awards banquet at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on May 9th to celebrate their outstanding achievements. Jimmy Slack will be receiving two trophies for both of his state-wide wins (Fall 2023 and Spring 2024. The Georgia Stock Market Game is sponsored by the Georgia Council on Economic Education. The Stock Market Game is an exciting simulation that gives students in grades 4-12 the opportunity to invest a virtual $100,000 for 10 weeks in real stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. At the end of the 10 weeks, teams with the highest total equity are eligible for a variety of prizes and awards.

9 | April 2024Tybee Island Maritime Principal Named Charter School Leader of the YearTybee Island Maritime Academy (TIMA) Principal Peter Ulrich, has been named the Charter School Leader of the Year by the Georgia Charter School Association. Mr. Ulrich was presented the award at the organization's annual conference in Atlanta on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. The Charter School Leader of the Year Award honors high-capacity educational leaders who effectively harness their vision to drive school culture and performance.“I am deeply honored to be named Georgia Charter School Leader of the Year by the Georgia Charter Schools Association," said Ulrich. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire charter school community, including our colleagues, students, families, and supporters. Together, we have worked tirelessly to foster a common belief that every student in Georgia can thrive and reach their fullest potential. I am incredibly humbled by this award and grateful for the opportunity to serve such an amazing community!"An article about the award on the GCSA website states the following in support of the recognition:“Ulrich's leadership shines through in his exceptional efforts to cultivate a positive and effective school culture that supports both students and staff at TIMA. One of Ulrich's key strategies is his emphasis on community integration. By involving community partners in education, he not only enriches students' learning experiences but also strengthens economic development in the area. This collaborative approach equips students with essential skills for the modern world while fostering a sense of belonging and engagement within the broader community.Furthermore, he demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring access to education for all students by providing transportation at the school's own expense. This proactive measure not only removes barriers to learning but also contributes to a culture of inclusivity and support.Click here to see the full GCSA article.Savannah Classical tapped as finalist for Georgia Charter School of the YearThis prestigious award honors excellence in education throughout the charter sector in the state of Georgia. Congratulations to CEO Barry Lollis and the team at Savannah Classical Academy. Click here to learn more.

April 2024 | 10The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System held its Spring "Ready to Work" Spring Student Job Fair at the Lower Woodville Campus on Thursday, March 28, 2024. From 9:00 a.m. to Noon, students from SCCPSS high schools had the opportunity to cycle through the fair. The fair was filled with representatives from a large number of local employers ranging from manufacturers to law enforcement and government among others. There were also representatives from colleges and the military.The job fair provides employers and recruitment officers an opportunity to meet sophomores, juniors, and seniors from all SCCPSS high schools who are interested in obtaining employment and exploring other endeavors. The district holds the event twice each school year – once in the Fall and once in the Spring.See more photos from the event here.Read the Fox 28 article here. Spring 2024 Ready to Work Job Fair Draws Hundreds of SCCPSS StudentsForsyth Farmers'Market Pilots Harvest to TableProgram at Johnson High The Forsyth Farmers’ Market is piloting the Harvest to Table program at Johnson High School. This program teaches local high school students how to grow, harvest, and cook fresh, nutrient-dense produce at school using sustainable urban farming techniques as well as an aeroponic system. The program aims to educate the next generation about food systems. Students within Johnson High School's Family and Consumer Science track, under the guidance of lead teacher Tracy Richardson, plant seeds in the garden and then harvest the produce. They also learn meal preparation, which provides the students with life as well as technical skills.Students grow crops including collard greens, lettuce, and beets. Harvest to Table is in its first year, serving as a pilot program at Johnson High School. The program has the potential to be expanded to other high schools in the district.To see media coverage, use the links below: Savannah Morning News WJCL FOX 28

11 | April 2024AttendanceMattersSCCPSS “AttendanceMatters” Campaign Aims to Foster Student SuccessThe Savannah-Chatham County Public School System has announced the launch of its Attendance Matters! Campaign in an effort to prioritize education and empower students for success. The campaign was launched at a press event on Friday, March 22, 2024, with Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, School Board members, district staff, and community partners in attendance.The initiative aims to address the critical issue of chronic absenteeism by raising awareness, engaging stakeholders, and implementing strategies to ensure every student attends school regularly. Following the press event, Board of Education Police Officers, district social workers, and SCCPSS Superintendent Dr. Denise Watts headed out to knock on doors, offer support, and encourage parents of chronically absent students to ensure they make it to school each day.Chronic absenteeism poses a significant barrier to academic achievement and personal growth for students across Chatham County. According to recent statistics, absenteeism not only hampers academic progress but also increases the likelihood of students dropping out of school, thus limiting their future opportunities. Last year 52% of SCCPSS students missed 10% or more of school days. When students are not in school, they miss out on vital instruction, as well as socialization, nutrition, and emotional well-being support. "Our goal with this campaign is to underscore the importance of regular school attendance in fostering academic excellence and laying a strong foundation for students' future success," said Dr. QuentinaMiller-Fields, Director of the SCCPSS Student andFamily Service Center. "We believe that every day a student misses school is a missed opportunity for learning and personal development."The campaign will leverage a multifaceted approach to combat chronic absenteeism, including:Community Outreach: Engaging with parents, guardians, educators, and community members to raise awareness about the impact of chronic absenteeism and the importance of regular school attendance.Student Support Services: Providing resources and support services to address the underlying issues contributing to chronic absenteeism, such as family dynamics, mental health challenges, or socioeconomic barriers.Innovative Solutions: Collaborating with schools to implement innovative strategies, such as mentorship programs, attendance incentives, and technology-driven interventions, to encourage and track student attendance.The Attendance Matters! campaign invites stakeholders from all sectors to join hands in combating chronic absenteeism and creating a culture of attendance and accountability within our schools and communities. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and pave the way for a brighter future.Learn more about the campaign here.See photos from the event here. Read the Savannah Morning News article here.

April 2024 | 12More than 50 SCCPSS Music Students Selected for GMEA All-State HonorsMore than 50 students from Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools recently performed with the All-State Bands, Orchestras, and Chorus. Middle school and high school music students from all over the state audition for the opportunity to perform in this prestigious event. Regional, then state auditions, were held earlier in the year and thousands of students participated in the audition process. The auditions consist of scales, prepared etudes, and sight-reading.The All-State Band and Orchestra weekend was held February 29 through March 2 in Athens, Georgia. It featured middle school ensembles, 9th and 10th grade ensembles, and 11th and 12th grade ensembles. The All-State Chorus weekend was held February 15th through 17th in Athens.Also, Campbell Tunney of Savannah Arts Academy was selected for and performed with the All-State Jazz Band January 25-27 in Athens. Samuel Anneken of Islands High School was selected for and performed with the All-State Reading Chorus which also took place that weekend.In addition, Aiden Lee of Savannah Arts Academy served as the concertmaster for the 9-10 full orchestra Click here for a full list of students who participated.

13 | April 2024SCCPSS and SEDA Partner on Economic Development for Educators CourseBusiness and Education interests need to work together in order to produce a highly skilled and competitive workforce that meets the needs of the community. The Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) and Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools are partnering to do that in our community with the development of an Economic Development for Educators course.Each year, a group of twenty-five SCCPSS staff members - comprised of teachers, principals, assistant principals, counselors, and other district staff – have the opportunity to engage in a three-day course to learn more about current local economic drivers from SEDA. The knowledge they gain allows them to strengthen and grow the relationships between SCCPSS and local employers with the goal of opening lines of communication and laying the groundwork for meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships. The course also helps to showcase some lesser known and unique employers, occupations, and industries in our area, which expands knowledge of the local economy. In addition to that valuable knowledge, the Economic Development for Educators Course provides experiential learning that allows educators to better understand their role in economic development and the opportunities available for students who work for local employers.This, in turn, can improve the local workforce pipeline by ensuring that those who have direct access to students (principals, teachers, counselors, etc.) understand the needs of employers and the opportunities available for students before and after graduation. Course participants are expected to share this valuable information with their students and peers throughout the district.The 3-day course is delivered during the academic school year and participants are chosen by SCCPSS leadership.

April 2024 | 14Thirteen Students Named Finalists and Alternates for the Governor’s Honors ProgramOver 4,200 students were nominated to the state level Governor's Honors Program competition this year and nearly 1,500 of them participated in this year's state interview/audition selection process. Following that month's long process, twelve SCCPSS students have been chosen as finalists, plus one as an alternate.The Georgia Governor's Honors Program (GHP) is a residential summer program for gifted and talented high school students who will be rising juniors and seniors during the program. The program offers instruction that is significantly different from the typical high school classroom and that is designed to provide students with academic, cultural, and social enrichment necessary to become the next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.The 2024 Governor's Honors Program is scheduled to be held June 16 to July 13 at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.Each year, thousands of nominations are received from each of the twelve economic development regions in Georgia. Finalists progressed through several rounds of intensive competition, including interviews and performances, to be named as finalists for the 2024 Governor's Honors Program.Congratulations to this year's SCCPSS Governor's Honors Program finalists and alternates!Elizabeth Ghon – Finalist - Dance – Savannah Arts AcademyVanessa Johnson – Finalist – Dance – Savannah Arts AcademyReese Scott – Finalist – Music/Brass: Trombone – Savannah Arts AcademyHarmon Shinall – Finalist - Music/Strings: String Bass - Savannah Arts AcademyAnnette Park - Finalist-Music/Strings: Viola - Savannah Arts AcademyAiden Lee – Finalist – Music/Strings: Violin - Savannah Arts AcademyWilliam Dunn – Finalist – Music/Voice: Tenor - Savannah Arts AcademyAmeera Washington – Finalist – Social Studies – Johnson High SchoolLiam McDaniel – Finalist – Social Studies – Jenkins High SchoolZoe Wagner – Finalist – Social Studies – Savannah Arts AcademyEdward Bradford – Finalist – Theatre Performance - Savannah Arts AcademyOlivia Shockey – Finalist – World Languages - French – Savannah Arts AcademyTunney Campbell – Alternate-Music-Brass: Tuba – Savannah Arts AcademyThe Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) is a residential summer program for skilled, knowledgeable, and talented high school sophomores and juniors. GHP offers instruction that is significantly different from the typical high school classroom and is designed to provide students with academic, cultural, and social enrichment necessary to become the next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

15 | April 2024Teacher FeaturesLindsey Bussell - New Hampstead K-8Lindsay Bussell is a PACE teacher at New Hampstead K-8 School. She says that teaching these students is special to her. While they have needs different from those of other inclusion students, she says a day in her classroom is similar to any typical classroom. "It’s a lot of fun to see the glimmer in their eye when they’re able to do something or even just the silly little things they do," Bustle says. Click here to learn more. Leskeina Knowles-Gastin - A.B. WilliamsLeskeina Knowles-Gastin is a third grade teacher at Andrea B. Williams Elementary School. Originally from the Bahamas, Knowles-Gastin said she always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She taught first grade before switching to third grade. Knowles-Gastin's favorite subject to teach is reading."These kids are going to be something someday and that's what I'm proud of," she says. Click here to learn more. Briana Shaddle - Juliette LowBrianna Shadle is a third grade teacher at Juliette Gordon Low Elementary School. She is a graduate of SCCPSS, and today, she is back in our classrooms as a teacher. "It’s awesome honestly because it has always been a dream of mine to give back to the community that raised me and made me who I am. Every day I just love being able to come in here and be able to do what I do," Shadle said.Click here to learn more. Join WJCL 22 as we honor local educators in our Teacher Feature. Nominate a worthy teacher using the link below to recognize their outstanding contributions in the classroom and the community!Click here to nominate a teacher!

April 2024 | 16Connect With Us!Upcoming EventsFinance Advisory Committee Meeting | Wednesday, April 24, 2024 | 9:00am | Whitney Administrative ComplexWhole Board Governance Training | Wednesday, April 24, 2024 | 10:00am | Whitney Administrative ComplexAudit Committee Meeting | Thursday, April 25, 2024 | 8:00am | Whitney Administrative ComplexBooks, Blankets, and Family Fun | Saturday, April 27, 2024 – 10am to 3pm | Daffin ParkBecome A VolunteerInterested in getting involved with our schools? Simply log on to create a profile, then browse the opportunities to mentor, read, beautify, and more! Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and strengthen the bonds that make our community truly exceptional!Register online at sccpss.com/volunteersJoin #Team5600SCCPSS is hiring, and we want YOU to join our team! Learn more at sccpss.com/careersFacebookStay connected with us and see the photos, videos, good news, and important updates we share daily! InstagramFollow us on Instagram to see engaging photos and videos and to see the good news we share.XStay connected with us for daily updates and highlights about our district. YoutubeWatch current and past Board meetings and see exciting videos from our district. SmugMugSee beautiful photos from current and past district events. You might see you! PeachjarSee flyers from our district to learn more about fun and engaging school and community events.