NOVEMBER ICYMI : simplebooklet.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. KachmarDistrict 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 | November 2024Message from the SuperintendentBoard RecapStudent of the MonthUSNews & World Report: SCCPSS Schools RankingREACH Scholars Sign AgreementMath Leaders Bloomingdale Tops Out!Positive Peer InfluencerState Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council: Rorrick LavoieESPLOST UPDATEVideo Corner; Did you see it? Attendance Matters2345678910 111213

Page 3

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 you connected with the SCCPSS family!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!Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving!S. Denise Watts, Ed.D.Superintendent’s MessageNovember 2024 | 2Dear Friends,As we approach this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you—our dedicated community partners, local leaders, elected officials, parents, and especially our incredible staff—whose unwavering support and commitment make a profound difference in the lives of our students.This year, we’ve continued to face challenges and celebrate triumphs together, and it’s your involvement, care, and collaboration that help us thrive. Our teachers, administrators, and support staff have shown remarkable resilience, creativity, and compassion as they work tirelessly to provide the best education for our students. They truly are the heart of our district, and I am deeply thankful for their dedication to fostering a positive, inclusive, and enriching learning environment for every child.Whether it’s through volunteering in our classrooms, advocating for policies that benefit education, providing resources, or going above and beyond to support our students' needs, your collective contributions have a lasting impact on our school community.Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, let’s continue to be thankful for the collective efforts that enrich our schools and strengthen our community. I look forward to the continued partnership and success in the months ahead.This version highlights the vital role of staff and their dedication, while still acknowledging the broader community's contributions.

Page 4

3 | November 2024Video highlights from the November Board Meeting from Public Information Manager Sheila Blanco. CLICK HERE TO WATCH.November Board Meeting RecapDual Enrollment/Work Based Learning UpdateAt the Informal Meeting of the Board a report was presented on Dual Enrollment and Work-Based Learning in Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Participation is on the rise, with an 84% success rate. Learn more here. https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA9L5U5464DD2025 Legislative Priorities AdoptedThe Board adopted 2025 Legislative Priorities placing a focus on early childhood education, student wellness, and resource allocations. The Legislative Priorities were discussed during the informal meeting of the Board on October 9, 2024. The priorities will be circulated among the Chatham County Delegation. The priorities will also be featured during the Board’s Legislative Breakfast scheduled on December 5, 2024.https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA2NXQ6219F3Literacy Leaders RecognizedThe Georgia Department of Education recognizes achievement or growth in the percentage of students reading at or above grade level as Literacy Leaders. These awards recognize the crucial importance of grade-level reading in third and sixth grades and the impact of students’ ability to read on their entire educational career. 14 Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools were awarded the honor! Read more here. Upcoming EventsCapital Improvement CommitteeWednesday, December 4, 2024-9amWhitney Administrative ComplexDecember BOE MeetingWednesday, December 18, Informal; - 11:00; Regular – 2pmWhitney Administrative ComplexView the entire board agenda here!Proclamations: American Education Week and Retired Educators DayThe Board proclaimed November 18-22, 2024, as the 102nd annual observance of American Education Week, and November 3rd at Retired Educators Day. encourages our citizens to recognize the lasting contributions of retired educators all throughout the month of November.

Page 5

Superintendent’s Student of the Month for OctoberJoana Da Silva CarvalhoJenkins High SchoolOur Student of the Month for October is Joana Da Silva Carvalho, a senior at Jenkins High School. Joana is a School of Engineering student currently ranked in the Top 5 students for the Class of 2025, with a grade point average of 98.4. She also participates in AP courses as well as Dual Enrollment courses at Georgia Southern. Joana has been recognized as an AP Scholar earning a score of 4 or higher on 3 of her 4 AP exams thus far. In addition to her rigorous coursework, Joana leads both the HV Jenkins Model United Nations team and the civic engagement Student Ambassadors program. She also worked to organize a voter registration drive at Jenkins for eligible students. Joana will be taking home several gifts from our sponsors, including Members First Credit Union, Advertising Specialties, Georgia Southern University, Gulfstream, and more. In addition, Joana and her Language Arts class will receive copies of her favorite book "The Memory Police" by Yoko Ogawa, donated by our sponsor E. Shaver Bookseller. Again, congratulations to Joana, her family, and the Jenkins Warrior Nation! What’s next for Joana? She’s got her sights set high! Find out more in this video produced by SCCPSS Videographer Ken Slats. November 2024 | 4“Joana is an outstanding student in every respect. She represents Jenkins High School well!"Justin DurhamPrincipal, Jenkins High School

Page 6

5 | November 2024U.S. News & World Report Releases New Elementary and Middle School RankingsU.S. News & World Report just released their 2025 elementary and middle school rankings in each state. The digital media company used data from the U.S. Department of Education to base their rankings of over 70,000 public schools on four indicators: mathematics proficiency, reading proficiency, mathematics performance and reading performance. Analyzed schools were then given a score based on a formula which factored in the four criteria and socioeconomic context.Top six Savannah-Chatham Elementary Schools and state rank out of 1,923 Georgia Elementary Schools analyzed:1) Jacob G. Smith Elementary / #170 in Georgia2) May Howard Elementary / #266 in Georgia3) Savannah Classical Academy / #270 in GA4) Garrison School for the Arts / #283 in GA5) Marshpoint Elementary / #536 in GA6) Tybee Maritime Academy / #638 in GATop six Savannah-Chatham Middle Schools and state rank out of 1,095 Georgia Middle Schools analyzed: 1) Garrison School for the Arts / #52 in GA2) STEM Academy at Bartlett Middle / #63 in GA3) Savannah Classical Academy / #218 in GA4) Coastal Middle School / #301 in GA5) Tybee Island Maritime Academy / #345 in GA6) Charles Ellis Montessori Academy / #392 in GASee the rest of the rankings from U.S. News & World Report here.

Page 7

6 | November 2024Eighth Grade Scholars REACH for the Stars!Six SCCPSS students signed their pledges at the REACH Georgia Signing Day Ceremony at the Beach High School Auditorium. These middle school students and their parents took part in the ceremony committing them to fulfill the requirements of the REACH Scholars program in return for the promise of a scholarship to college. Congratulations to these 2024-2025 REACH Scholars! ● Khionna Edge: Savannah Classical Academy● Brielle Sayers: Georgetown K-8 School● Shawn Smith: Southwest Middle School● Caleb Thomas: Derenne Middle School● Nathalie Vincent: Isle of Hope K-8 School● Aaliyah Williams: Mercer Middle SchoolREACH Georgia is a needs-based mentorship and scholarship program that begins in 8th grade. REACH Scholars are paired with a mentor and an academic coach through middle and high school. Scholars must maintain good grades (2.5 GPA), behavior and attendance through middle school and high school. Scholars who successfully complete the program and graduate from high school are awarded a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500/year) that can be used at any HOPE-eligible institution in Georgia. The scholarship is in addition to any other grant or scholarship the student receives.

Page 8

7 | November 2024Recognizing the fundamental importance of mathematics in students’ educations and future careers, the Georgia Department of Education is recognizing schools with exceptional achievement or growth in mathematics as Math Leaders. Eleven SCCPSS schools are included in the 624 schools recognized statewide. Schools were recognized for achievement or growth in the percentage of students scoring at the Proficient Learner level or above in mathematics. The criteria for the 2023-2024 Math Leader Awards recognize the crucial importance of numeracy skills in fifth and eighth It All Adds Up! 11 SCCPSS Show Math Gainsgrades, and require higher growth from schools with lower achievement levels.State School Superintendent Richard Woods said, “Congratulations to our first-ever Math Leader schools! The skill of numeracy is an essential one, both as students progress through their K-12 education and in their futures. These schools and their educators, students, families, and communities have worked hard to implement the new K-12 Mathematics Standards and prepare all students for life. I commend them on their outstanding work.” See all the schools here!Southwest Elementary Students Book BlastSouthwest Elementary School recently took steps to put new, fun, age-appropriate books into the hands of every one of its students through participation in the Book Blast program through the Books are Fun company. On a mission to make reading cool again, school Media Specialist, Mrs. Stephanie Donnelly, decided to meet with the team at Books Are Fun to learn more about their book enrichment program – Book Blast.With its innovative approach to creating more book worms, Book Blast guarantees at least one new book into the hands of every student at absolutely no cost to the school, little work from the school team, and no financial requirement of the parents. In two short weeks, with the help of the community far and wide, the students at Southwest Elementary School had over 1100 brand new, age-appropriate books heading their way.

Page 9

Bloomingdale Elementary Celebrates “Topping Out”8 | November 2024The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Public Education and TQ Constructors, Inc., held a “topping out” ceremony for the replacement Bloomingdale Elementary School facility on November 5. A “topping out” ceremony is a customary way to celebrate a significant milestone during the construction of a new building—when the final steel beam is put in place. The beam was transported to the temporary site of Bloomingdale Elementary School to allow students to sign it before it was lowered into place at at the new school. The Bloomingdale Elementary School is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2025-2026 school year. The building is being funded by ESPLOST, at a cost of $64M. The new Bloomingdale Elementary School is being be built on the site of the old school and will have all the enhancements that come with a brand, new building! The 150,641 square foot school will house 64 classrooms, ranging from Pre-K to 5th grade. Art and Music will have well appointed spaces, and the learning commons will house a state-of-the-art broadcast studio and computer lab. The Cafeteria will be equipped with a stage and high-quality audio-visual equipment, making it an ideal location for performances, meetings and gatherings. A gymnasium with retractable bleachers completes the plan. See video coverage here.

Page 10

November 2024 |9Positive Peer Influencer Program ExpandsSavannah-Chatham County Public Schools , The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire and the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) recently joined forces to announce the expansion of the Positive Peer Influencer Program, which is designed to help local teens make healthy choices and to educate them to the dangers of opioids, including fentanyl. The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire has trained more 140 students from seven SCCPSS high schools during the 2024-2025 school year, compared to 60 students from four SCCPSS high schools during the 2023-2024 academic year. The Positive Peer Influencer program recently expanded to Windsor Forest High School, Groves High School and Johnson High School as well as Georgetown K-8, Mercer Middle School and Isle of Hope K-8. The pilot program originally launched with students at New Hampstead High School, Alfred E. Beach High School, Islands High School and Herschel V. Jenkins High School serving as mentors for local middle school students at four middle schools. Today, the Positive Peer Influencer program is making an impact at eight SCCPSS middle schools, marking a significant expansion. This innovative peer-to-peer program is designed to encourage students to have courageous conversations and to create conditions that allow students to be influenced in constructive ways. Positive Peer Influencers are trained to speak to other students about positive decision making, strategies to respond to peer pressure and the dangers of fentanyl. The ultimate goal is to equip young people with the tools they need to make positive decisions that set them up for a bright, healthy future.Positive Peer Influencers are trained high school students who act as positive influences on their younger peers in middle school by educating them about the dangers of drugs. The PPIs 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 students discuss the dangers of tobacco, vaping and opioids, specifically fentanyl, which is involved in 84% of teen overdose deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.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 Positive Peer Influencer program is aligned with the Georgia Department of Education’s Health and Physical Education Program Standards.Read more about the Positive Peer Influencer program here.

Page 11

Superintendent Woods selects 24/25 Student Advisory CouncilState School Superintendent Richard Woods has selected 74 Georgia students from 1,550 applicants to serve on his 2024-2025 Student Advisory Council. Throughout the year, these students will meet with Superintendent Woods to provide feedback on the impact of state policies in the classroom. Members of the Student Advisory Council will discuss other education-related issues, serve as the Superintendent’s ambassadors to their respective schools, and participate in service projects to benefit schools and students.Rorrick LaVoie, a junior at Groves High School, was selected to represent the First District RESA. “I am thrilled to welcome this new group of students to our 2024-2025 Student Advisory Council," Superintendent Woods said. "These young leaders represent the future of Georgia, and their voices are crucial as we continue to shape the direction of education in our state. I look forward to hearing their ideas, insights, and perspectives as we work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed."Students in grades 10-12 attending a Georgia public school (including charter schools) may fill out an application to be considered for the Council. The application includes short essay prompts that allow students to share their ideas for public education. This year, students selected for the Council wrote essays addressing a variety of issues in education, including curriculum and graduation requirements; the impact of federal- and state-mandated assessments in the classroom; the importance of teacher recruitment and retention efforts to students’ classroom experience; and access to opportunities and resources for students in rural areas.November 2024 | 10

Page 12

ESPLOST UPDATE: THE POWER OF THE PENNYWindsor Forest High School and Bloomingdale Elementary School Projects On ScheduleAt the November meeting, the Board approved the purchase of Fixtures and Equipment for the new Windsor Forest High School using the approved annual contract Bid C19-05, as well as Georgia Statewide Contracts for an amount not to exceed $1,985,827.https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DAKJBF4C5EF0The Board approved the purchase of Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment for the new Bloomingdale Elementary School using the approved annual contract as well as Georgia Statewide Contracts for an amount not to exceed $1,557,609.https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DAKJBF4C5EF0Montgomery Swing Site Renovations Approved to BeginThe Board approved the start of the work at the Montgomery Swing School site and payment of up to $9,801,481 within the GMP to Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC for the work in RFP C24-05 (ESPLOST) CMR Services for J.G. Smith Elementary School Renovations.https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA9LVE586336Athletic Facility.Police Annex Nears CompletionThe Athletic Facility and Board of Education Police Annex at the Davis-Edwards-Harris Educational Complex - which includes a Fieldhouse, Athletic Complex, and Athletic Fields is nearly complete. Fields will be ready for Jan 2025 baseball and softball sports and tje Athletic facility/Police HQ complete in July 202511 | November 2024Bloomingdale Elementary School Windsor Forest High SchoolAthletic Facility/BOEPD Annex Jacob G, Smith Rendering

Page 13

Board Committed To LMWB ProgramNovember 2024 | 12SCCPSS recognizes the importance of minority business participation and has established an effective program to encourage the participation of minority owned business and workers in the District's facilities construction, maintenance and repair programs. The district seeks to achieve measurable outcomes of minority engagement in school district projects, and to be open and transparent in this area. Recently, through the Board’s Capital Improvement Committee, a presentation on this topic was provided and an open forum for feedback on Board policy was offered for interested stakeholders. To learn more, click here. LMWBR Presentation slides begin on page 65.Video Corner: Did you see that?Videographer Ken Slats has been busy sharing the successes in our schools and with our staff! Did you see the latest? If not, here are a samples! You can watch all our video work by visiting our YouTube Channel or on our Featured Videos page on sccpss.com.Building BridgesIslands High SchoolStudent Spotlight: Steven Garcia

Page 14

Attendance Matters: Celebrations Continue!With renewed focus on attendance this year, several schools have found exciting ways to celebrate attendance achievements. Last month, Mobile Communications America. MCA collaborated with SCCPSS to surprise two classrooms (at Gadsden and Haven) with a pizza party to celebrate their hard work with attending school. They also emphasized the importance of reading and positive school culture with treasure boxes filled with incentives for good behavior and dog tags with inspiring quotes to celebrate reading progress. The team had several meetings with MCA to select schools and encourage alignment with our major impact areas of reading, attendance, and positive school culture!! Hubert Middle School celebrated their achievement with an A-TEN-DANCE! Students who missed fewer than 10 days, had no tardies and passing grades were invited to a dance and pizza party. A student DJ provided tunes!November 2024 | 13

NOVEMBER ICYMI

Page 1

Page 2