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In case you missed it, here’s a recap of recent media coverage!Back To School I PAGE 5Davis-Edwards-Harris Educational Complex Ribbon Cutting I PAGE 7JROTC Leadership Camp | PAGE 12School Spotlight | PAGES 13 & 14
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 | July 2024Message from the SuperintendentBoard RecapStudent of the MonthBack To School!Graduation 2024Davis-Edward-Harris Educational Complex Ribbon Cutting CeremonyHuman ResourcesINGITE For Success!May Day At Massie Heritage CenterOperation 15, EnmarketJROTC Leadership CampGroves High School: We Are FamilyWoodville Tompkins: Preparing Women for the Future2345678910111213 14
I hope you will stay connected with us through our various communication channels and actively participate in the myriad of opportunities available to support our students' growth and development. Watch for exciting new developments on our website and through our social media. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we can take our schools to new heights and bring out the best in our students and staff! Join us because #togetherwecan!Warm regards,S. Denise Watts, Ed.D.Superintendent’s MessageJuly 2024 | 2Dear Friends,As we prepare for the start of the 24/25 school year, I want to say how proud I am of each and every one of our scholars and our educators. I’ve just finished my first year as your superintendent and it has been a remarkable year for me in many ways. I’ve gotten to know many of you through your students, or through your service to those students. It gives me immense pleasure to see the growth and development happening in our schools!I hope everyone has had time to relax and recharge with family and friends this summer. In just a week or so, we will be heading back to class. I’ve got to say, I’m pretty excited about that! I won’t be the “new superintendent” anymore! And we will be ALL IN on our strategies and performance objectives for improving student achievement. Our leaders and educators have spent the last few weeks getting prepared to welcome our scholars back to the classroom. We’ve offered enrichment and professional development for our staff and we are moving with purpose and intention toward our shared goals. We encourage you to join us on this journey because as I’ve said many times, together we CAN, and together we WILL!If you received this from a friend and want to receive it in your inbox, just reach out to our communications team at communications@sccpss.com and we will be sure to get your connected with the SCCPSS family!
3 | July 2024Video highlights from the July Board Meeting from Public Information Manager Sheila Blanco. CLICK HERE TO WATCH.July Board Meeting RecapBand Uniforms Contract ApprovedThe Board approved a contract with Stanbury Uniforms, LLC with a total estimated cost for school year 2024/2025 of $106,794.00 to provide band uniforms for District high schools on a prioritized schedule rotated on an annual basis – with Jenkins and Savannah High Schools being supplied for SY25. The contract will have three (3) optional one-year renewals.https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D6MQCK68AA1ELeader in Me Expansion ApprovedThe Board approved funding provided by the Georgia Department of Education for the expansion of the Leader in Me model. Leader in Me is a comprehensive school improvement process that builds leadership and life skills in students and staff members, creates high-trust cultures, and accelerates academic achievement. The Leader In Me model focuses on the interpretation of change theory that begins with training teachers and staff in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D6MQCK68AA1EScience Lab Kits Purchase ApprovedThe Board approved the sole-source purchase of secondary science lab kits for districtwide 8th grade and high school use from Fisher Scientific at an estimated cost of $169,081.18. The kits will support engaging science instruction and mastery of the content by providing students with access to hands-on learning opportunities, especially in the testable courses: 8th grade and high school physical science and biology.https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D6JGMJ447BFBUpcoming EventsAUGUST 1 | First Day of School! |AUGUST 7, 2024 | Informal Meeting of the Board of Public Education | Whitney Administrative Complex | 11:00 a.m.AUGUST 7, 2024 | Formal Meeting of the Board of Public Education | Whitney Administrative Center | 2:00 p.m.View the entire board agenda here!
Superintendent’s Student of the Month for JuneJames Aubrey OutlandRobert W. Groves High SchoolOur Student of the Month for May is a rising senior at Robert W. Groves High School. James Outland is described as “A Fighter Not a Quitter.” He has endured many adversities during his high school career. Early on the morning of November 6, 2022, James and his family woke up to a fire in their duplex that spread to their unit. While he made sure his family was safe, our student could not save any personal belongings. The family lost everything. Completely displaced, they had to move in with his grandparents. This was a major life change, and he could have given up. Even though he struggled, he perevered. He rose above the circumstances and was able to complete his sophomore year successfully, maintaining a B average. In his junior year, James decided to join the Maritime Logistics Pathway and pursue the offered certifications. He’s become very focused and a hard worker! He did not let adversity stop him from moving forward. As he begins his senior year, the resilience, determination, perseverance, and positive mindset that are part of his character will make him successful. James will receive multiple gifts from our community partner. James and students in his English Language Arts class next term will receive copies of his favorite book from our sponsor, E. Shaver Booksellers. Lastly, he will take home a portrait by Upscale Photography provided by Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Again, congratulations to James, his family, and the Groves High School family! And special thanks to his nominator, Dr. Gina Smith. July 2024 | 4“James is the epitome of hard work and commitment. I am proud of this young man and all that he as accomplished in spite of tremendous odds."Dr. Gina SmithLogistics Instructor and nominator of Mr. Outland
5| July 2024BACK TO SCHOOL!Teachers and Students Set To Return to Learn!Teachers and students lined up early to get the jump on back to school information at the annual Back To School Expo. The Savannah Civic Center was buzzing with excitement as students met their teachers and learned about the offerings for this school year. Sponsors arrived with back to school supplies, uniforms and book bags to make sure every student is #FirstDayReady! Food trucks added to the festive atmosphere. School leaders provided treats and helpful tips for easing back into the routine.Even teddy bears got checked out!“We always enjoy seeing our students for the first time after the summer break,” said Dr. Angie Lewis, Executive Director of the office of College and Career Readiness.See more pictures from the event HERE and watch a short video from the event HERE.
6| July 2024From School to the World: Over 2,000 Students Cross The Stage At SCCPSS Graduation CeremoniesJoy and excitement filled the atmosphere of the EnMarket Arena May 20th-23rd, 2024, as 2,060 students received their diplomas and became graduates of the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our graduates as they embark on their future endeavors, whether it be enrolling in college, enlisting in the armed forces, pursuing employment, or embarking on entrepreneurial ventures. The Class of 2024 boasts:● Three students earned their high school diplomas AND also earned their associate degrees: Bashiah McNutt, Cameron Straughter, and Ne'Ali Scott● Five Gates Scholars: Kamryn Middleton, Jamari Sharp, and Timothy Williams - Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School; Taniah Truell - Alfred Ely Beach High School; Isabela Chabrier-Diaz - Johnson High School● Over $38,000,000 earned in scholarships Congratulations to the Class of 2024! See all the photos from graduation HERE.
July 2024 | 7Ribbon Cutting Celebration Held for Davis-Edwards-Harris Educational ComplexMore than a hundred people gathered Friday, May 10, 2024, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new ESPLOST-funded 6-12 Multicampus in Garden City. The expansive school facility, newly named the Davis-Edwards-Harris Educational Complex, will be home to Mercer Middle School and Groves High School students starting this summer when school resumes on August 1st.The new facility is close to 400,000 square feet in three stories and has a capacity of 2,400 students. The campus includes state-of-the-art technology, a digital media lab, CTAE labs for aviation and logistics as well as business and family consumer sciences. An extensive solar array will produce approximately 30% of the school's power needs.The school boasts two cafeterias (with a single kitchen), two media centers and two gyms, one each for high school and middle school. In addition, an athletics complex will be built on campus, including a football stadium with a field house and a competitive track & field area, multipurpose soccer fields, a high school baseball field, a high school softball field, a little league field, and more. The campus also features a two-story, 750-seat auditorium with a full-scale performance production stage. Three paved parking lots with a capacity of more than 660 parking spaces will serve the facility. The facility was funded by the one penny sales tax in Chatham County at a cost of approximately $150,000,000. https://www.wtoc.com/2024/05/10/ribbon-cutting-held-new-sccpss-multi-site-complex/See more photos from the event here.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY #3Talent Management for Optimal Employee PerformanceSCCPSS Human Resources Division Receives State Awards of ExcellenceThe SCCPSS Human Resources division was recently recognized by the Georgia Association of School Personnel Administrators (GASPA) with a Gold Award of Excellence-Best in Class in the area of Retention Practices. This award recognizes innovative practices (e.g. employee induction models, mentoring programs and recognition programs) implemented to retain highly effective employees. They also earned the Silver Award of Excellence in the area of Strategic Partnerships (recognizing innovative and strategic partnerships with colleges/universities or industry to promote the hiring of the best teachers, administrators and support staff) and the in the area of Recruitment. The recognitions were bestowed on SCCPSS staff at GASPA’s spring conference last month on St. Simon’s Island.8| July 2024SCCPSS Hosts Annual Retirement CeremonySCCPSS Human Resources Division hosted the annual Retirement Ceremony at the Armstrong Ballroom at Georgia Southern. Colleagues, friends, and family gathered to honor the dedicated individuals who have contributed their time, talent, and passion to the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Laughter mingled with bittersweet moments as retirees shared memories from their time in service,. As they embark on this new chapter of their lives, their impact on the SCCPSS community will be fondly remembered and cherished.
9 | July 2024IGNITING EXCELLENCE: SCCPSS Hosts Summer Leadership ConferencePrincipals, assistant principals, and district leadership convened at the Savannah Convention Center for the IGNITE Summer Leadership Conference in May. Over three days of intense sessions and collaborative discussions, attendees were empowered to elevate their leadership skills and pave the way for a successful 2024-2025 academic year. Under the leadership of Dr. Denise Watts, Superintendent of Schools, the conference served as a platform for SCCPSS leaders to delve into key topics, ranging from district initiatives to innovative pedagogical strategies. Attendees enjoyed food trucks, music by our talented students and a keynote address by EJ Carrion, co-founder and CEO of Student Success Agency. The success of the IGNITE Summer Leadership Conference reflects the District's commitment to empowering educational leaders and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Special thanks to the Professional Learning team and the Office of Strategy, Innovation, and Performance for their hard work in making this conference a success! See more pictures HERE.
SCCPSS Hires Executive Director of Community Engagement and OutreachMeet Tameka Tribble! Tameka joins SCCPSS with an extensive background in outreach and engagement at the school level. We are excited to have her join the District staff to bring an increased focus on partnerships, volunteers and engagement. Interested in getting involved with our schools? Contact Tameka at tameka.tribble@sccpss.com. Massie Heritage Center Celebrates May DayThe May Day Festival in Taylor Square at the Massie Heritage Center was another success as this 168-year celebration continues. Massie Common School opened in 1856 in Savannah, GA hosting its first May Day in the Spring of that same school year in what was then Calhoun Square. This beautiful festival to celebrate springtime's joys is a tradition that continues today.Congratulations to the 2024 May Day King and Queen: Sabine Carcamo of Rice Creek K-8 School, and Beckham Buttimer of May Howard Elementary. July 2024 | 10
SCCPSS School Resource Officers Host Camp for StudentsThirty students in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System participated in Operation 15, the summer camp is designed to make students more comfortable around school resource officers and law enforcement.Officers say they see an uptick in crime throughout the summer, and by keeping students engaged and busy, they feel they’re less likely to become a part of that statistic. Along with building discipline, Operation 15 allows students to build social skills, learn how to problem solve, explore careers,and have a lot of fun along the way. Over 30 students took part in the experience, where they built relationships with our School Resource Officers and each other. “We want them to learn how to get along with others - how to carry relationships - and we think we’re doing a pretty good job of it through the program,” said Deputy Chief Arron Graves, Board of Education Police Department, SCCPSS.https://www.wtoc.com/2024/06/20/sccpss-school-resource-officers-host-camp-students/https://www.wtoc.com/video/2024/06/20/sccpss-school-resource-officers-host-camp-students/Enmarket, American Heart Association Donate Hundreds of Sporting Balls to Heard ElementaryThank you to Enmarket for their generous donation to Virginia Heard Elementary School of over 200 sporting balls of all kinds to promote physical activity. The American Heart Association and Enmarket collaborated under the Southern Coast Heart Ball program to donate sports balls to help students in the Savannah area live more active and healthy lives. 11 | July 2024
Challenge Accepted: JROTC cadets rappel Hunter Army Airfield's 50-foot towerKudos to Lt. Col. David London and the team who lead our JROTC cadets through the Cadet Leadership Challenge Camp this summer! This year’s JLDC experience included science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities, in addition to rappelling and other expected activities. This year, the academy focused on the aviation industry and included visits to Gulfstream, the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, and the aviation campuses of Savannah Technical College, Georgia Southern University, and Georgia Tech. https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/local/2024/06/06/hunter-army-airfield-cadets-take-part-in-stem-academy-learn-about-aviation/73997105007/https://www.wjcl.com/article/jrotc-stem-academy-underway-this-week-in-savannah/61008057 July 2024 | 12
Secret Sauce: “We Are A Family,” says Groves High School PrincipalIf you asked the “Head Rebel,” Dr. Monique Hazzard-Robinson, what the secret sauce is for holding Groves High School together during this time of flux, she will answer, “we are a family.”Hazzard-Robinson has been principal of Robert W. Groves High School since 2020. She has navigated the school through the tumultuous storm of the pandemic, and the demolition of their school building.Ask her about the next ingredient, she will likely tell you, “I want to be the boss that I wish that I had all of the time. We are in this building to support these kids, we are here for the same reason — the kids. We are in this together.”https://www.connectsavannah.com/news/secret-sauce-we-are-a-family-says-groves-high-school-principal-2223964913 | July 2024
WOODVILLE-TOMPKINS HIGH SCHOOL: Preparing Women for SuccessWoodville-Tompkins High School is training the next generation of diverse and fierce women who will shatter that ceiling.Serani Hassan, a sophomore at Woodville-Tompkins High School, is not what you might expect in an automotive pathway program - wearing a hijab as she is under the hood of cars that she is working on, next to her male counterparts. Of the automotive pathway, Hassan says, “Funny enough, it wasn’t my first choice, I wasn’t expecting to get into the automotive program, but then once I got there, after my first class, I couldn’t stop, I was just so in love with the class, I was so in love with what I was learning.”Of the automotive pathway, Hassan says, “Funny enough, it wasn’t my first choice, I wasn’t expecting to get into the automotive program, but then once I got there, after my first class, I couldn’t stop, I was just so in love with the class, I was so in love with what I was learning.”https://www.connectsavannah.com/community/woodville-tompkins-high-school-preparing-women-for-success-2199182914 | July 2024