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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 Two Savannah Early College Seniors Graduate with Associates Degrees6 Four SCCPSS 2024 Graduates Named Gates Scholars7 Celebration of Excellence8 Instructional Support Person of the Year9 Georgia Science and Engineering Fair10 Decision Day Ceremonies 11 Superintendent's Cup Competition11 May Day Celebration12 Books, Blankets, and Family Fun13 Davis-Edwards-Harris Educational Complex Ribbon Cutting14 Teach Savannah Completion Ceremony14 Business Partner Appreciation 15 Budget Development Process15 Teacher Features16 Connect With Us

Welcome to the May edition of our newsletter! As weapproach the end of another school year, theexcitement is palpable, especially with Graduation2024 just around the corner. Our seniors haveworked tirelessly to reach this milestone, and wecouldn't be prouder of their achievements. Thegraduation ceremonies will take place from May 20thto May 23rd, marking the beginning of a new chapterfor our graduates as they embark on their futureendeavors, whether it be enrolling in college,enlisting in the armed forces, pursuing employment,or embarking on entrepreneurial ventures.In addition to celebrating our graduating class, wealso want to acknowledge the success of ourstudents in completing the GMAS testing. Theirperformance reflects not only their academicpreparedness but also the dedication and supportprovided by our staff, parents, and communitymembers.As we reflect on the end of the year activities andachievements, I am filled with gratitude for thededication and hard work of our students, faculty,staff, and families. Together, we have navigated thechallenges of the past year with strength andperseverance, and I am confident that we willcontinue to thrive as a community. Thank you foryour unwavering support and commitment toeducation. Here's to wrapping up another successfulschool year and looking forward to the bright futureahead!Warm regards,S. Denise Watts, Ed.D.Superintendent of SchoolsSuperintendent’sMessageMAY 2024 | 2FY25 BudgetDevelopment ProcessI am pleased to invite you to review thepreliminary budget for the fiscal year 2025.Your engagement ensures transparency andaccountability throughout the budgetdevelopment process.Learn MoreView the FY25 Preliminary Budget DocumentView the May 8th Informal BoardPresentation.

3 | MAY 2024Video Board Brief Video highlights from the May Board Meeting from Public Information Manager Sheila Blanco. Click here to watch. May Board Meeting RecapNew Name for 6-12 Multi-Campus Complex ApprovedSince the April Board meeting, the Committee has reviewed the sequence of the names proposed for the complex and concluded that a revised naming order should be offered for the Board’s consideration prior to adoption. The Board approved the name sequence listed in alphabetical order as: Davis, Edwards, Harris Educational Complex. Click here to learn more. Strategic Waivers Contract ResolutionThe Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) requires SCCPSS to provide notification of its intent to continue operating under a Strategic Waivers School System contract by May 31, 2024. The Board approved the application and contract for the Strategic Waiver School System and its components to be submitted to the Georgia Department of Education for final state approval. Click here to learn more. Teacher Appreciation Week ProclamationThe board proclaimed May 6-10, 2024 as National Teacher Appreciation Week in recognition of the lasting influence teachers have on us all through their many roles as listeners, explorers, role models, motivators, and mentors. Click here to learn more. Click here to access the Board agenda National School Nurse Day ProclamationThe Board proclaimed May 8, 2024 at National School Nurse Day to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments of school nurses everywhere and their efforts to meet the needs of today’s students by providing and advocating for quality student-centered care. Click here to learn more.

Superintendent’s Student of the MonthJUSTIN HA, May Howard Elementary School Our Student of the Month for April is Justin Ha, a fifth grader at May Howard Elementary School. This young scholar is in the Robotics club and participated in the first Lego League Competition this year. He is part of the Gifted Education program, Advanced Mathematics, and has maintained High Honor Roll all year. As a fifth grader it is not easy to maintain a 97 GPA, but Justin certainly works hard to attain this goal, said Ms. Lynes, who nominated him. “He is always smiling and wants to put his best foot forward. He is working at a 6th-grade level in math, 99th percentile in I-Ready, and has shown tremendous growth all year.”When describing Justin, Ms. Lynes said: “We started a robotics club this year at May Howard and one student would always find new strategies to code because he wanted to learn but also wanted to help his teammates. He went above and beyond and would even work during his lunch period to help his Robotics Team succeed.” Our student explained his experience at the robotics competition and said, “It was the best day of my life! We were learning while having fun!”When asked what motivates him to strive for academic success, our Justin said, “I like making my family happy and proud of me. Most of my cousins attend the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech and I want to follow in their footsteps.’”Congratulations to Justin, his family, and the May Howard Elementary School family! And special thanks to his nominator, Christina LynesMAY 2024 | 4“I like making my family happy and proud of me. Most of my cousins attend the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech and I want to follow in their footsteps.”Justin HaMay Howard Elementary School

5 | MAY 2024Two Savannah EarlyCollege Seniors Graduate with Associates DegreesIn a remarkable showcase of dedication and academic prowess, Savannah Early College High School witnessed two of its seniors, Bashiah McNutt and Cameron Straughter, walk across the stage at the Savannah State University's 204th commencement ceremony on Friday, May 3, 2024. Both of these outstanding students earned their Associate degrees in Fine Arts, marking a monumental milestone. The Early College Program, a beacon of educational innovation, offers a unique pathway for high school students to pursue their academic dreams while simultaneously earning college credits. Designed to empower students with the tools to excel in both high school and college, this program stands as a testament to inclusivity and academic excellence. By providing access to a rigorous high school curriculum alongside college courses, Savannah Early College High School paves the way for a brighter future.For Bashiah McNutt and Cameron Straughter, this journey began with a vision, nurtured by perseverance and fueled by ambition. Their names now grace the roster of Savannah State University alumni, and on May 23rd, 2024, they will walk across the stage as graduates of Savannah Early College High School. As we celebrate the achievements of Bashiah McNutt and Cameron Straughter, we also celebrate the ethos of Early College – a commitment to empowering students, fostering academic excellence, and bridging the gap between dreams and reality.

MAY 2024 | 6Four SCCPSS 2024 Graduates Named Gates ScholarsThree seniors from Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School and one senior from Alfred Ely Beach High School will be receiving a full ride to college after being named 2024 Gates Scholars. Kamryn Middleton, Jamari Sharp, and Timothy Williams of Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School and Taniah Truell of Alfred Ely Beach High School are four of only 300 students selected nationwide each year for the honor.Recipients of this prestigious honor receive:● Support for the cost of education by covering unmet need and self-help aid.● Renewable awards for Gates Millennium Scholars maintaining satisfactory academic progress.● Graduate school funding for continuing Gates Millennium Scholars in the areas of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science.● Leadership development programs with distinctive personal, academic and professional growth opportunities.The Gates Scholarship launched in 2017 as an expansion of the Gates Millennium Scholars program, which was established in 1999. The program aims to support talented, low-income minority students in their pursuit of higher education.Through the Gates Millennium Scholars program, the Gates Foundation invested over $1.6 billion in scholarships, mentoring, and support services to help thousands of students achieve their educational goals.The Gates Scholarships continue this legacy of empowering exceptional students to unlock their full potential.

7 | MAY 2024Celebrating Student ExcellenceThe Savannah-Chatham County Public School System welcomed parents, educators, and distinguished guests to its annual Celebration of Excellence event, held on a memorable Wednesday, April 17th, 2024. Amidst an atmosphere brimming with pride and admiration, the occasion stood as a testament to the outstanding academic achievements of our high school students.Central to the evening's festivities were the valedictorians, salutatorians, and STAR students from each of our high schools. These exceptional individuals, through their unwavering commitment to academic excellence, have distinguished themselves as leaders and role models among their peers. Each one was presented with an award, recognizing their outstanding achievements and contributions to their schools.Beyond honoring the academic achievements of our top scholars, the Celebration of Excellence also spotlighted the invaluable presence of our International Students. These students, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, including countries like Italy and France, have enriched our school communities through their cultural perspectives and unique experiences. Their participation in the Foreign Exchange program serves as a testament to our commitment to fostering global awareness and understanding among our student body.With gratitude to the educators, administrators, and supportive communities that have played pivotal roles in nurturing the academic success of our students, the Celebration of Excellence stands as a tribute to the collective efforts and unwavering commitment to excellence within the SCCPSS family.Click here to see photos Read articles here:Savannah Morning News | Fox 28

MAY 2024 | 8Dolores Borden Named 2025 Instructional Support Person of the YearEach year the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System recognizes support staff to include nurses, paraprofessionals, custodians, cafeteria workers, media clerks, counselor clerks, and secretaries. Each school chooses a site-based representative who competes to be named the District's Instructional Support Person of the Year (ISPY). Oglethorpe Charter School's Dolores Borden, School Nurse, was chosen as the 2025 Instructional Support Person of the Year. With a career spanning over three decades, Mrs. Borden began her journey in healthcare at the young age of 13 as a candy striper, igniting a lifelong passion for caring for others. Graduating with honors and earning degrees in both business and nursing, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education and excellence. From roles in personnel management to outreach nursing, she has touched countless lives with compassion and expertise. Balancing the responsibilities of work, education, and raising a family, she embodies resilience and dedication. As a school nurse with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools for over six years, Mrs. Borden continues to make a profound impact, exemplifying the true essence of nursing: touching lives every day. The Year (ISPY) will act as a representative for all Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools' instructional support personnel. Responsibilities include: serving on the Superintendent's Professional Senate, providing updates during monthly School Board Meetings, serving on the ISPY Selection Committee, and acting as an advocate for the school system. Click here to see photos from the event

9 | MAY 2024Students Earn Recognition at Georgia Science and Engineering FairMiddle and high school students from across Georgia gathered in Athens, Georgia earlier this month to present their original research, compete for awards, and interact with top-level professional scientists and engineers at the Georgia Science & Engineering Fair (GSEF). Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools had six students from two schools earn recognition this year, including a nomination to the National Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge for STEM Academy at Bartlett student Piper Mott.Formerly the Broadcom MASTERS competition, the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge is sponsored by the Society for Science and is the nation’s premier science fair competition for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. If Piper’s project titled Biodegradable Plastic Alternatives selected as a finalist, she will be awarded an expense-paid trip to Washington, DC in October to compete for more than $100,000 in prizes.Click here to learn moreClick here to see photos from the event

MAY 2024 | 10Sol. C. Johnson High School hosted its 2nd annual College Decision Day to celebrate its graduating seniors as they commit to their decision to enroll in college, enlist in the military, be employed in the workforce, or pursue entrepreneurship. The goal of Decision Day is to recognize high school seniors for their postsecondary plans and encourage younger students and families to prepare early for postsecondary education. Decision Day is held annually on or around May 1 and is designedto coincide with the date that most seniors must inform a college of their plans to enroll. Mrs. Angela Corinthian, one of the school counselors, coordinated this event for students to declare their post-secondary plans. Dr. Tiffany Mackey, C/O 2007, and Ms. Alexius Wright-Morris, C/O 2016, provided words of wisdom and encouragement to our seniors. Mr. Derrick Dozier-Muhammad, Sol. C. Johnson High School Principal, presented the recipients with certificates to culminate this event.See photos here. Sol. C. Johnson High School Hosts Second Annual Decision DayAlfred Ely BeachHigh School HostsThird AnnualDecision DayAlfred Ely Beach High School hosted its 3rd annual College Decision Day to celebrate its graduating seniors as they commit to their decision to enroll in college, enlist in the military, be employed in the workforce, or pursue entrepreneurship.Coach Khalila Watson, A.E. Beach High School Dean of Students and Athletic Director, coordinated this event for students to declare theirpost-secondary plans. Dr. Estella Shabazz, 5th District Alderwoman for the City of Savannah, brought greetings to the Alfred Ely Beach High School seniors and attendees. She delivered a powerful message that inspired all. Following Dr. Shabazz, Dr. Tiffany Mackey and Mr. Michael Grant brought words of wisdom. There was also a special presentation by Malcolm Allen of David Cha's Crab House. We would like to give special thanks to Sigma Graphics, Upscale Photography, Lee Lighting & Productions, Couture Expressions, David Cha's Crab House, Holman Events, DP Da DJ, DJ Pat, and the Alfred Ely Beach High School Class of 1991 for sponsoring this event.See photos here

11 | MAY 2024Seventh Annual Superintendent’s Cup CompetitionOn Saturday, April 15, 2024, Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools hosted the seventh Annual Superintendent’s Cup JROTC Competition at Jenkins High School. The competition includes an academic bowl, color guard, squad drill, modified cadet challenge, rifle match and a basketball tournament. The judges are representatives from the various Armed Services.SCCPSS high school cadets in the SCCPSS Army, Navy, and Air Force JROTC programs from throughout the district competed in the skills tests and an award ceremony where Windsor Forest High School’s JROTC Unit was named the overall winner. The Windsor Forest Knights finished in first place for Rifle Team and Color Guard, second place in Cadet Challenge and Basketball, along with third place in Squad Drill.Jenkins High finished in second place overall with Savannah High finishing third. Savannah High also boasted the Top Shot among male competitors with Ein Young finishing in First Place. The female Top Shot is Connor Mischa, a student at Windsor Forest High School.Click here to see photosAnnual May DayCelebration at Massie Heritage CenterThe annual May Day Festival in Taylor Square at the Massie Heritage Center was yet 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 the joys of springtime is a tradition 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. Thank you to our dedicated Mistress of Ceremonies for the past consecutive years, WSAV’s Kim Gusby, and cheers to Savannah Arts Academy senior, Ansley McKee, who sang the melodious National Anthem. Click here to see photosRead news articles here:FOX28

MAY 2024 | 12Community Fills Daffin Park for Books, Blankets, and Family Fun!On Saturday, April 26th, thousands of students, families, faculty, staff, and community members filled Daffin Park for the annual Books, Blankets, and Family Fun family engagement and literacy event! Books, Blankets, and Family Fun is an annual event hosted by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System to promote literacy. During the event, community partners distribute books to students, and celebrity readers host reading sessions with students. In addition to reading and literacy activities, Books, Blankets, and Family Fun also offers a Teddy Bear Clinic for students and families to utilize. The Teddy Bear Clinic allows students to receive a free health check-up through the support of community partners. Students are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal to help alleviate the jitters of visiting the doctor. We want to give a special thanks to Members First Credit Union, Gulfstream Aerospace, International Paper, Georgia Power, MGreen Productions, and the Career Education Advisory Council for their support and for sponsoring this event for our families and our community. Click here to see photosRead articles here:Savannah Morning News article | WSAV

13 | MAY 2024Ribbon Cutting for Davis-Edwards-Harris Educational ComplexHundreds gathered on 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 $160,000,000.See photos from the event hereRead articles here: WSAV | WTOC | WJCL| Connect Savannah | Savannah Morning News | ESPLOST

MAY 2024 | 14In a celebration of dedication and achievement, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System hosted the Teach Savannah Learning Academy (TSLA) Cohorts 7 and 8 Completion Ceremony on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024. The event marked a significant milestone for a group of aspiring educators who have embraced the noble journey of teaching.TSLA is SCCPSS’ Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP) program. This program serves as a beacon of opportunity for individuals venturing into the realm of education from diverse career backgrounds. For many of the teacher candidates, this ceremony symbolized the culmination of their transformative journey as they transitioned into the realm of teaching, driven by a passion to make a difference in the lives of students.The Completion Ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of its participants but also served as a testament to the transformative power of education and the boundless potential of those who dare to answer the call to teach. See photos here. Teach Savannah Learning Academy Cohorts 7 and 8 Completion CeremonySCCPSS Hosts Annual Business Partner AppreciationEventOn Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, SCCPSS staff and esteemed business partners came together at the picturesque Oatland Island Wildlife Center for an enchanting evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and heartfelt appreciation. It was a joyous occasion as we gathered to express our deepest gratitude to our invaluable business partners.In SCCPSS, we recognize the pivotal role our business partners play in the continued success of our school system. Their unwavering support enables us to provide unique and enriching opportunities that significantly impact the lives of our students. Whether it's through financial contributions, mentorship programs, or collaborative initiatives, our business partners demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our shared mission of nurturing and empowering our students. Our business partners are a cornerstone of our success, and we look forward to continuing our journey together, creating brighter futures for generations to come.See photos here.

15 | MAY 2024Elizabeth Miegel - Islands High SchoolElizabeth Miegel is an agriculture teacher at Islands High School. Miegel has been teaching Animal Science classes at Islands High for the last five years. "I don't think you accidentally teach," she said. "It takes a lot. There are so many decisions you have to make that are constantly going on and it's mentally taxing but now that I'm here I'm like 'yeah, this is it."Click here to learn more. Karla Griggs - Islands High School Karla Griggs is a co-math teacher at Islands High School. Griggs has spent nearly 25 years in the classroom. Griggs has mostly taught high school students with the exception of a few years."Just a pleasant experience. A pleasant memory. This can be a very tough time of life for teenagers so maybe that was an easy time when you were in my class. We really have a lot of wonderful kids. We really have wonderful kids here and it's worth it," she 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!The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) is currently navigating the intricacies of developing the fiscal year 2025 budget. This process entails a delicate balance between managing escalating operational expenses, responding to enrollment dynamics, and ensuring fair compensation for our valued staff, all while aligning with the goals outlined in our strategic plan. The Preliminary Budget Document is available online for any citizen to view, ensuring that all stakeholders have the opportunity to review and provide feedback on this crucial aspect of our district's operations.SCCPSS is committed to a transparent and inclusive budget development processes. Learn more online at sccpss.com/budgetFY24-25 Budget Development Process View the FY25 Preliminary Budget DocumentView the May 8th Informal Board Presentation.

MAY 2024 | 16Connect With Us!Upcoming EventsGraduation Ceremonies | Monday, May 20th through Thursday, May 23rd - 9:00am/1:00pm/5:00pm | EnMarket Arena | Click here to access the graduation scheduleInformal Meeting of the Board of Public Education | Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 – 10:00am | Whitney Administrative ComplexRegular Meeting of the Board of Public Education | Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 – 2:00pm | Whitney Administrative ComplexBecome 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.