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Message In case you missed it, here’s a recap of recent media coverage!Pre-K Week I PAGE 5Celebrating Hispanic Heritage I PAGE 6Literacy Week | PAGE 7National Lunch Week | PAGE 10
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 | October 2024Message from the SuperintendentBoard RecapStudent of the MonthLiteracy WeekPre-K Week in SCCPSSPeace in the Park and Hispanic Heritage Attendance MattersSavannah Arts Takes Gold in One Act CompetitionNational School Lunch Week and Pre-K Music DonationClosing the Digital DivideRaising the Flag of Learning and LibertyWindsor Forest Topping Out and Meet Ken Slats2345678910 111213
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!Warm regards,S. Denise Watts, Ed.D.Superintendent’s MessageOctober 2024 | 2Dear Friends,As I write this, I am basking in the afterglow of our recent Literacy Week celebrations, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible support we received from our parents, volunteers, and community members. This year's Literacy Week was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of those who joined us to celebrate the power of reading and learning.Throughout the week, we saw our students engage in a variety of enriching activities—each designed to foster a love for reading and to deepen their literacy skills. What made this week truly special was the involvement of our families and volunteers. Parents learned techniques to help their student and worked alongside teachers to create a vibrant learning environment. Volunteers, many of whom are parents themselves, gave their time and energy to ensure our events ran smoothly and that our students were encouraged every step of the way.The impact of this partnership between home, school, and community cannot be overstated. When we work together, we create a strong foundation for our students to thrive. It is through these collaborative efforts that our children develop not only their literacy skills but also a lifelong love of learning.I encourage everyone to continue to support and celebrate every child’s journey in literacy, whether by reading together at home, volunteering, or simply showing up to cheer them on. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported Literacy Week. I look forward to many more opportunities to work alongside you as we continue to empower our students for success.
3 | October 2024Video highlights from the October Board Meeting from Public Information Manager Sheila Blanco. CLICK HERE TO WATCH.October Board Meeting RecapThird Grade Reading ReportAt the Informal Meeting of the Board received a third grade “Reading on Grade Level” report. A look at scores over the past three years show gains trending upward. While still behind the state scores, SCCPSS has exceeded those of the comparison group over the past two years. The report detailed current challenges and opportunities, as well as key literacy strategies for this school year.https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D7HP42623750Waiver of School DaysMultiple instructional days have been missed this school year due to the impacts on our area of Hurricanes Debby and Helene moving through the Southeast. The District’s Strategic Waiver Contract offers flexibility from identified state law, rules, and regulations. In accordance with Board Policy BDH through Administrative Regulation BDH-R(1): Suspension of Policies/Waivers, the Board approved the use of waivers for missed school days August 6, 7 and 8, and September 30, October 1 and 2. Staff has determined the use of this waiver is appropriate and limits further disruptions to the academic calendar. Based on the timing of school days missed at the very beginning of the school year and those additional days missed near the close of first quarter, the remaining school year provides ample time to overcome instructional impacts.https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D96EE73A082EGrant Approved for Literacy Support CoachesThe Georgia Department of Education has awarded SCCPSS $244,025 for the FY25 Title I-A School Improvement Literacy Support Coaches Grant. The Board approved to increase the FY 2025 Grant revenue and expenditure budgets by $244,025 to align the local budget.https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D92Q6467B969Upcoming EventsOCTOBER 31, 2024 I ESPLOST V Board Workshop I Whitney Administrative Center | 9:00 a.m.NOVEMBER 6, 2024 | Meeting of the Board of Public Education | Whitney Administrative Center | Informal at 11:00 a.m/ Regular at 2:00 p.m.View the entire board agenda here!
Superintendent’s Student of the Month for SeptemberSteven GarciaGould Elementary SchoolOur Student of the Month for September is Steven Garcia, a fourth grader at Gould Elementary School. His nominator said, “Earning straight A's through hard work and determination, his growth in both reading and math has been especially impressive. He has also excelled in science, where his inquisitive mind has driven him to explore concepts beyond the curriculum, and in social studies, where his understanding of history and current events has deepened significantly!” Steven is an outstanding student in his school. His inquisitive nature and eagerness to learn make him a standout in the classroom. Always ready with a thoughtful question and a genuine interest in expanding his knowledge, he is a model of curiosity and engagement. His love for discovering and understanding the world around him is what drives his continuous effort and achievement in school. He consistently follows directions, sets a positive example for his peers, and embodies the qualities of a good citizen. In addition, he has perfect attendance! Steven will receive multiple gifts from our community partners. Steven and students in his English Language Arts class 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 Steven, his family, and the Gould Elementary School Gators! October 2024 | 4“Steven’s commitment to learning and consistent effort have truly paid off, making him a standout student in every way. We couldn’t be prouder of his achievements."Shawna FarleyNominator of Steven Garcia
October 2024 | 5SCCPSS Celebrates Literacy Week 2024!The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System celebrated Literacy Week in Chatham County October 14 through 19, with a series of events designed to empower families, students and the community to exercise their #righttoread! “Reading is a fundamental right,” said Dr. Denise Watts, Superintendent of SCCPSS. “Reading means our students will be able to graduate and become productive citizens; becoming employed, contributing to the economy, providing for their families. And if we don’t, the consequences can be negative not just for the student themselves, but for our community. So, it is imperative that we, as a school district and as a community, work together to make certain our students have every opportunity for choice filled lives.”The week kicked off with a parent workshop, Donuts and Decodables, where parents learned how to support their student with free resources. That evening, Kareen Weaver, Executive Director and Co-founder of FULCRUM, a literacy focused organization that helps school districts shift to evidence based curricula for teaching reading, delivered a keynote address at the Community Partnership Presentation.This free event, held at the Lucas Theater, brought community partners together to learn more about the direction of SCCPSS Literacy efforts.The week also included workshops for educators and culminated in a free Parent University Day for Literacy. Hundreds of parents came out for a day of family activities designed to empower readers of all ages. ● See coverage of the week here:https://youtu.be/PzyJOdF23NA ● Read Dr. Watts’ OpEd in the Savannah Morning News.● Watch Our Literacy Journey, a video about our literacy work
6 | October 2024Pre-K Week: Young Learners at their bestCommunity members and leaders from around the state joined with SCCPSS to celebrate Georgia Pre-K Week, an annual event to celebrate the state’s nationally recognized Pre-K program and other quality early learning centers. Now in its 14th year, Georgia Pre-K Week raises awareness for the importance of quality early childhood education, and community leaders and elected officials commemorate the occasion by visiting Pre-K centers to see early learning in action and read a favorite children’s book to the young learners. Key supporters include various state commissioners and elected officials. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System has 65 Georgia Lottery Funded Pre-K classes serving more than 1400 students. Students heard from celebrity readers like Mayor Van Johnson, Board President Roger Moss, and State Representatives Anne Westbrook and Jesse Petrea!
7 | October 2024HOLA! SCCPSS! SCCPSS teachers, students, and staff participated in the Hispanic Heritage Parade on Saturday, September 21. It was a beautiful day to celebrate our community with wonderful music, food and family. Thanks to Metropolitan Savannah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and to our friends from Migrant Equity Southeast who partnered with our several local municipalities to pass proclamations and recognizing September 15, 2024, through October 15, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month. Hats off to our friends at The Mediation Center for an outstanding “Peace in the Park” event on September 22. The day honored those bridging divides, being kind, and taking action to co-create a healthier, conflict-resilient community. We are so proud of our scholars, Patrick Finnegan from Charles Ellis Montessori and Leah Spann from Savannah Early College, for being selected as Youth Peace Builders. AND we are equally proud of our own board member, Dr. Dionne Hoskins-Brown, for being selected as the Elected Official Peacebuilder of the Year. https://www.wsav.com/community/young-talent-tuesday-peacebuilders/Congratulations to our Peace Builders!
Campaign To Encourage Attendance Features Students and StaffSCCPSS wants parents, staff and students to know that attendance matters. Students and schools thrive when students attend every day, and both students and parents are actively engaged. Regular school attendance has been linked to increased academic success, better social skills, and on-time graduation for students. When students miss school, they miss important opportunities to gain knowledge, build skills, and develop important relationships that contribute to success. Attending school regularly provides social engagement opportunities. Through service learning opportunities, participation in school-based organizations, pep rallies, and more, attending school regularly offers students the opportunity to learn from one another and share important experiences. The District Attendance Team meets regularly to monitor attendance data and evaluate progress to improving school attendance. In addition, schools are celebrating their successes with pizza pirates, parades and more! Watch some of our recent videos promoting attendance.https://youtu.be/0vJl6z9YfBUhttps://youtu.be/4sF1qumLqwE https://youtu.be/6X3AnrsasxI https://youtu.be/cy9dMW2fdcQ , 8 | October 2024
9 | October 2024Savannah Arts Academy One Act Play Triumphs at the Georgia Theatre ConferenceSavannah Arts Academy One Act play, Blood Wedding, by Federico Garcia Lorca, has won the prestigious Ray Horne Theatre Festival at the Georgia Theatre Conference. This achievement highlights the talent and dedication of our students and faculty. As the winners of the festival, Savannah Arts Academy will represent Georgia at the upcoming Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) in Baltimore, Maryland, this March. This opportunity will allow our students to showcase their artistry on a national stage and engage with fellow young performers from across the region.Blood Wedding, directed by David I. L. Poole, captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling and stunning performances, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of its source material. The cast and crew have worked tirelessly to bring this evocative piece to life, and their hard work has truly paid off.“We are incredibly proud of our students' accomplishments and their dedication to the craft of theatre," said David Poole. "This recognition at the Ray Horne Theatre Festival is a testament to their passion and creativity."“Blood Wedding” is Federico Garcia Lorca’s poetic folk tragedy of death and desire, a bride struggles with unresolved feelings for a former suitor. On the night of her wedding, a moonlit escape ignites a chain of events that will forever haunt the families of those involved. *Blood Wedding* confronts passions driven by love and vengeance while challenging Spanish traditions of marriage and honor.
Donation to Pre-K Classes Hits All the Right Notes!A donation to SCCPSS Pre-K classes by the Little Star Foundation had students moving and shaking last month! Students at the Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey, Jr. were the first to try out the new “Band In A Box” kits, and by all indications, they are a HIT! Each wooden box has everything preschoolers need to begin exploring music, rhythm, and a wide range of sounds - including a tambourine, cymbals, maracas, clacker, tone blocks, and a triangle. According to research, children who can keep the beat have improved fluency in language. And are more likely to be better readers. “We think music can change lives and the boxes can get the youngest kids moving, grooving, and feeling the beat,” said Tommy Holland, Executive Director of the Foundation.Watch the video from the presentation!https://youtu.be/4AuWTzkKjQAAhoy, Mateys! Celebrating National School Lunch Week!To recognize the National School Lunch Program, serving nearly 30 million children each day, SCCPSS schools celebrated National School Lunch Week from October 14-18 with a pirate theme!. “School lunches offer students fruits and vegetables, whole grains and milk, and meet federal nutrition standards limiting fat, calories and sodium,” said SCCPSS Executive Director of School Nutrition Diane Ganci. “National School Lunch Week helps us educate parents and students about all the wonderful benefits of our lunch program.” See more photos from our visit to Heard!October 2024 | 10
Donation to Pre-K Classes Hits All the Right Notes!A donation to SCCPSS Pre-K classes by the Little Star Foundation had students moving and shaking last month! Students at the Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey, Jr. were the first to try out the new “Band In A Box” kits, and by all indications, they are a HIT! Each wooden box has everything preschoolers need to begin exploring music, rhythm, and a wide range of sounds - including a tambourine, cymbals, maracas, clacker, tone blocks, and a triangle. According to research, children who can keep the beat have improved fluency in language. And are more likely to be better readers. “We think music can change lives and the boxes can get the youngest kids moving, grooving, and feeling the beat,” said Tommy Holland, Executive Director of the Foundation.Watch the video from the presentation!https://youtu.be/4AuWTzkKjQAAhoy, Mateys! Celebrating National School Lunch Week!To recognize the National School Lunch Program, serving nearly 30 million children each day, SCCPSS schools celebrated National School Lunch Week from October 14-18 with a pirate theme!. “School lunches offer students fruits and vegetables, whole grains and milk, and meet federal nutrition standards limiting fat, calories and sodium,” said SCCPSS Executive Director of School Nutrition Diane Ganci. “National School Lunch Week helps us educate parents and students about all the wonderful benefits of our lunch program.” See more photos from our visit to Heard!October 2024 | 10
SCCPSS families receive free laptop computers through Community Family Learning WorkshopThank you to community partners Ispiredu,, Hyundai Motor Group and the Live Oak Public Library for their support of our first Community Family Learning Workshop. Inspiredu is a non-profit organization whose aim is to close the digital divide in our communities. They serve low- and moderate-income families in Georgia through digital skills training workshops and device distribution. 60 families took home a laptop that day, AND got a refresher on important training on using Power School, and other engagement tools. Inspiredu also provided an interactive workshop where pre-registered students and their parents explored core concepts of basic digital literacy skills, educational games, introduction to Microsoft Office, online safety, and more.See our video coverage of the event here. Hubert Middle School Teacher Selected as 2024 High School Teacher of Excellence11 | October 2024Hubert Middle School teacher Melanie West has been selected by the National Council of Teachers and the Georgia Council of Teachers of English as a national recipient of the 2024 High School Teacher of Excellence Award. The award is sponsored by the Secondary Section of the National Council of Teachers of English. This award honors and celebrates exemplary high school classroom teachers who demonstrate excellent practices and contributions in the classroom. Ms. West will be recognized at the Secondary Section Luncheon during the 2024 NCTE Annual Convention in Boston, Mass in November.
Flying The Colors: Flag of Learning and Liberty Raised at Islands High SchoolOctober 2024 | 12The Superintendent, Board members, district and school staff gathered at Islands High School to raise the Flag of Learning and Liberty last month, which will fly over the school throughout this school year to symbolize to all that the current Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Teacher of the Year is educating students there.Emily Graham is the SCCPSS Teacher of the Year. She attended Columbus State University, earning her Bachelor of Music in Music Education followed by her Master of Music in Music Education. Graham started the band program at Islands High School in the same building where she attended school when that building was known as Coastal Middle. This is her fourteenth year teaching 9th through 12th grade band at Islands. In that time, she has grown the band program, instrument and music library, started a marching band and jazz band, composed the Islands Fight Song and the music for the Alma Mater, and most recently started teaching AP Music Theory. Watch the feature video produced about Emily!
We’re telling our story…in video! Meet Ken Slats!If you haven’t noticed the videos popping up on our social media and on our website, then you really SHOULD. The man behind all these videos is the new Video Services Specialist in the Communications Department. Formerly with the City of Savannah, Ken joined the SCCPSS team in July and hit the ground running! His videos have been showing up in all the right places…Facebook, LinkedIn, sccpss.com and more! We are so excited to have Ken on the team and want to share some of his work with you. You can find his featured videos on sccpss.com and on our social media channels. So far, Ken has produced several Staff Spotlights and Student Spotlights. His latest achievement was the video “Our LIteracy Journey” (see page 5!) Here are a few more we really like!Staff Spotlight: Rodney WilliamsStudent Spotlight: Wilmer RuizWindsor Forest High School Celebrates “Topping Out” District staff joined staff and construction crews from JE Dunn as they celebrated the progress on the replacement facility for Windsor Forest High School at a topping out ceremony last month. The new building will house 1,000 students at a cost of $92,000,000. The new construction is funded by ESPLOST IV, The new space will include 32 classrooms, 8 science labs, 10 CTAE labs with a mock pre-K classroom, 1 actual pre-K classroom, 2 computer science labs, 3 SPED classrooms, 2 art classrooms, and a learning commons area. There will also be a band hall, a choral hall, JROTC area with 2 classrooms and an October 2024 | 13an auditorium with support facilities, a indoor range, a student service area, a dining hall with seating for 350 and food service area, conference rooms and offices.See the video story of the event here.