Skip To Main Content

Logo Image

Logo Title

View All News

Woodstock High School senior Owen Markette earned first place in the statewide social studies quiz bowl, which focuses on ear

Two Cherokee County School District students won first place in statewide academic quiz bowl competitions!  As part of the Georgia Career and Technical Instruction (CTI) program’s Fall Leadership Conference, students from across the state participate in academic, career readiness and leadership skills events including quiz bowl competitions on core academic topics.  

CCSD Educators Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Call for Nominations

The Cherokee County School District is calling for nominations of outstanding retired educators for its hall of fame!  The CCSD Educators Hall of Fame recognizes retired educators who made significant contributions during their career in CCSD and left a lasting positive impact on the lives of students, colleagues and our community.

2023 SSOTY School Winners collage 111523

The Cherokee County School District next month will celebrate outstanding service at its sixth annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards!  The recognition ceremony will honor one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions.

principal hugs special needs student

The Holly Springs Optimist Club recently honored eight CCSD students, along with an outstanding teacher and a paraprofessional at its annual High School Awards breakfast, which recognizes outstanding special needs students and their supportive teachers and staff.

Fifty-four Cherokee County School District student athletes this week signed commitment letters to compete at the college lev

Fifty-four Cherokee County School District student athletes this week signed commitment letters to compete at the college level! The students were honored with ceremonies at their high schools to celebrate their signing of National Letters of Intent.  This week’s National Signing Day was the earliest day on which high school seniors can sign a binding commitment to play competitive college sports other than football.

CCSD winners of state fall 2023 Career Competitions

Cherokee County School District students placed in several statewide career competitions this fall!  Students recently competed at the Georgia National Fair Technology Student Association (TSA) Tech Day, FFA Day at the Georgia State Fair and the Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC) Metro Skills Competition/SkillsUSA State Qualifier.

CCSD 2023 Fall Bright Ideas Grants 11 7 23

Twenty-two Cherokee County School District teachers earned awards through this fall’s Bright Ideas Grants!  The competitive Bright Ideas Grants are awarded by Amicalola EMC to the most innovative ideas from schools in the energy provider’s service area.  This season’s grant cycle awarded $50,222 to 74 teachers from Cherokee, Dawson, Gilmer, Lumpkin and Pickens counties, including $14,867 awarded to 22 CCSD teachers.

row of buses with lights on

CCSD is in the process of welcoming 30 new additions to its bus fleet, with new vehicles being delivered that will offer more safety features for its drivers and passengers while allowing the oldest buses in the fleet to be taken out of service. 

image CCSD Connections November 2023 newsletter

Please check out the November edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter online here for the latest CCSD news, announcements and upcoming events including the Superintendent’s announcement that Tuesday, May 21, will be a remote Digital Learning Day for all students due to usage of schools for the Georgia Primary Election. 

Reminder: Election Day -- Tuesday, Nov. 7, is a remote Digital Learning Day for all students.

Creekview High School students are collecting and organizing nonperishable food donations to help families in the Creekview c

Cherokee County School District students learn the value of service year-round through charitable projects and volunteering.  During the holiday season, our schools stay especially busy with these projects.  To increase our students’ positive impact in the community, we will regularly share details of these projects with you through CCSDGives posts including how you can help.  #CCSDGives

CCSD Creekview HS GASSP Breakout School Award

A Cherokee County School District school has earned statewide recognition for its work to increase student achievement.  Creekview High School has been named a Breakout School Award winner by the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals.  

The Cherokee County School District this school year began a new program to recognize employees’ important service to the com

The Cherokee County School District this school year began a new program to recognize employees’ important service to the community.  The CCSD Milestones Service Awards celebrate employees’ dedication to serving the community through their vocation.  

child find QR code 2023

The purpose of Child Find is to identify, locate, and evaluate children and youth, who are suspected of having or have a diagnosed disability or developmental delay, in order to provide free appropriate Special Education services.  The Cherokee County School District serves children from age 3 to 21 years old.

image CCSD Connections parent newsletter October 2023

Please check out the October edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter online here for the latest CCSD news, announcements and upcoming events.  Reminders: Oct. 9 is a Student Holiday -- no school for students; Oct. 11 is PSAT DAY/Digital Learning Day for high school juniors and seniors (more details in newsletter).  Thank you to Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner, for sponsoring this month's newsletter.  #CCSDfam
 
 

CCSD logo

The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023 heard an update on its search for the next superintendent of schools.  The school board earlier this month voted to contract with the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) for its support services to aid in the search.  Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower on Sept. 1 announced his plans to retire at the end of this school year.

Collage of photos of CCSD MIEE 23-24

Microsoft Education has recognized 40 Cherokee County School District teachers, staff and school and school district leaders as among the world’s top instructional technology experts!  One of those Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts honorees, CCSD Instructional Technology Specialist Merry Hofmeister, additionally has earned the prestigious Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow honor for the fifth consecutive year.  

CCSD 2023-24 National Merit Semifinalists 9 13 23

Seven Cherokee County School District high school seniors today were named 2024 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!

They are: of Creekview HS, Peter Greenwell, Laura Hand and Kinley Sikes; of River Ridge HS, Rylan Radziewicz; of Sequoyah HS, Livana Lekas and Valor Lekas; and of Woodstock HS, Xavier Olsen.  Less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors earn National Merit Semifinalist recognition. 

APScholarslogo

An impressive number of Cherokee County School District students have earned national AP Scholar awards!  Every September, the AP Program recognizes an elite group of high school students from across the country who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP exams.  

image CCSD Connections newsletter September 2023

Please check out the September edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter online here for the latest CCSD news, announcements and upcoming events.  Learn more about CCSD School Nutrition’s fifth annual Parent Recipe Contest – entries are due Sept. 14.  Thanks to this month's newsletter sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner!  #CCSDfam
 

Georgia Golden Radish Award logo

The Cherokee County School District continues to earn top state honors for serving fresh nutritious meals to students!  CCSD’s School Nutrition program, which serves 5 million meals annually, won the Golden Radish Award from the Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Division.  

College Board National Recognition Program Scholars logo

The College Board honored 146 Cherokee County School District students through its National Recognition Programs awards!  The programs are designed by the College Board to provide recognition opportunities for high school seniors and juniors in underrepresented groups.  

cover of Class Act magazine showing teacher and students blasting off a rocket made in science class

Class Act, the award-winning magazine from the Cherokee County School District, went home with students the first week of school, giving parents a one-stop publication for back-to-school information and a peek at what's new for the coming school year. 

CCSD is hosting a job fair for bus drivers, school nutrition workers and paraprofessionals from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug.

CCSD is hosting a job fair for bus drivers, school nutrition workers and paraprofessionals from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, at 1020 Keeter Road, Canton 30114.

CCSDJobAd-CoordinatorProcurement62023

The Cherokee County School District is seeking an experienced business professional to serve as its Coordinator of Procurement overseeing a centralized purchasing department.  This position offers competitive compensation packages (salary range, based on experience: $73,000 - $107,600) with excellent benefits including Georgia State Health Benefit Plan, an outstanding work calendar, a wonderful work environment and caring team, and opportunities for professional development and advancement. 

Meet a CCSD 2023 School Partner of the Year: Amber Cloy Photography of Creekview High School!

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here – congratulations to Creekview High School 2023 Partner of the Year: Amber Cloy Photography!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/partners) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

CCSDClassof2023Message

This message from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower is to our graduating Class of 2023 seniors.  We are sharing it with all of you, as they are the future of our community.  You can see each of their names posted below his message.

CherokeeHighSchool-studentswithplaques

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating thirty-six graduating seniors who plan to pursue careers in skilled professions!

Be Pro Be Proud Georgia and the Cherokee Workforce Collaborative, an initiative of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development that includes CCSD, local businesses and industries and colleges, recently presented the annual Skilled Professions Signing Day event.  

CCSDRetiringLegends-RollinsCaglioni51223

The Cherokee County School District this week honored retiring employees as legends at a new ceremony and reception.

One hundred and twenty-four retiring employees, including teachers, support staff and administrators, were celebrated at the CCSD Retiring Legends Reception and Recognition Ceremony presented Thursday evening in the school board auditorium.

CCSD2023NationalMeritScholarshipWinners5923

Three Cherokee County School District graduating seniors have earned the prestigious 2023 National Merit Scholarship!

Kylie Buchanan of Creekview High School, Braden Flournoy of Cherokee High School and Ty Phillips of Etowah High School today were among the top 2,500 seniors in the U.S. awarded the $2,500 scholarship by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.  

The film ‘I'm Not a Psychopath’ by Sequoyah High School students Noah Popp, Justin Clark, Lauren Turnage and Ava Roberts won

Congratulations to the winners of the fifth annual Cherokee Student Film Festival, presented by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development in partnership with CCSD Career Pathway film and video teachers!

CCSD Pathway Profile - Work Based Learning

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Work Based Learning, which is offered at all CCSD high schools.  CCSD offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

CCSD 2023 future educators

The Cherokee County School District celebrated its future educators this week!

High schools across the country held “signing day” events as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week to honor graduating seniors who plan to pursue careers in education.  All of CCSD’s high schools hosted events.

screenshot of web page

Welcome to our new website!  We are proud to launch our new site and hope you like its new look.  While many of our most-used features are in a similar place on the new site, a few have moved. 

photos of new hires

The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting on Thursday, April 20, 2023 approved the appointment of a new Cherokee High School principal and improvements to the driveway and parking for Creekview High School and Creekland Middle School.

CCSD Pathway Profile - Veterinary Science and Equine Science

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Veterinary Science and Equine Science, with both programs offered at Creekview High School and the former offered at Etowah High School.  CCSD offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

CCSD 2023 GHSA State Literary Competition Champions

Cherokee County School District high school students triumphed at the statewide literary competition!

The students achieved numerous individual top honors at the Georgia High Schools Association event, which includes writing, public speaking, acting and singing competitions.  

CCSD 2023 Georgia Scholars 3 28 23

Six Cherokee County School District high school seniors have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Scholar recognition! 

The Georgia Department of Education program honors high school seniors who exhibit excellence in their school and community life.  Honorees demonstrate dedication to academic success, participation in interscholastic events and leadership through extra-curricular activities.  

CCSD Tome State Winners 3 27 23

Cherokee County School District students earned honors at an annual statewide literary competition, including two first-place wins!

Tome Student Literacy Society is a national organization dedicated to promoting reading among fourth- through 12th-grade students through club activities, community service and competition.  

jeep drawing

Hector Vicinte of Canton was the winner of the annual Shottenkirk Jeep Wrangler raffle, which raised more than $180,000 for CCSD high school athletics and arts programs this year.  School Board member Patsy Jordan drew the winning ticket on Saturday at the dealership in Canton. High school sports and arts programs sell the raffle tickets for $5 each throughout the fall and winter, and the schools are able to keep all the proceeds. 

2023 COTY SIKES CVHS 4

Creekview High School counselor Kristie Sikes made a positive difference in her students’ education each day as their classroom teacher.

When she took on a new role as a graduation coach, her opportunity to make a positive impact grew schoolwide.  And she found a new calling, which led her to earn a second master’s degree and change her career path to high school counselor.

CCSD 2023 Atlanta High School Art Exhibition Honorees 3 15 23

Six Cherokee County School District student artists have been selected for the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition!

The exhibition is presented by Arts Festival of Atlanta to recognize and encourage high school student artists from the 12-country metro Atlanta region.  

SPORTS MEDICINE

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Healthcare Science: Therapeutic Services - Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology.  Sports Medicine is offered at Cherokee, Creekview and Etowah HS; Exercise Physiology also is offered at Etowah HS.  Five different Healthcare Science programs are available in CCSD high schools.  CCSD offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

CCSD Reading -A Sport for All Seasons 3 1 23

The Cherokee County School District is kicking off its month-long celebration of the importance of literacy!

Every March, CCSD celebrates literacy beginning with Read Across America Day, a nationwide reading event that coincides with renowned children’s book author and illustrator Dr. Seuss’s March 2 birthday.  CCSD’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction coordinates the campaign, which supports the statewide Get Georgia Reading initiative and CCSD’s continued focus on improving literacy.

2023 AP Honor School badge

Cherokee County School District’s high schools, for the 13th consecutive year, have earned the state’s top honors for outstanding Advanced Placement (AP) programs and performance!

All of CCSD’s high schools this week were named 2023 AP Honor Schools for exceptional student performance and participation on AP exams, which offer students more challenging coursework and the opportunity to earn college credit.  

2023 CCSD Teacher of the Year Finalists collage 2 15 23

The Cherokee County School District today surprised four exemplary teachers with the news they are finalists for the 2023 CCSD Teacher of the Year award!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower visited their classrooms to announce that the judging committee selected them as the top four teachers of all CCSD schools’ and centers’ Teachers of the Year. 

Key Scholars 2023

The Cherokee County School District on Thursday night celebrated 259 outstanding high school juniors as Superintendent’s Key Scholars!  

These top students were recognized, through the 18th Annual Superintendent’s Key Scholar Recognition Ceremony, for scores achieved on the PSAT that rank them in the top 10% nationwide.  

Georgia Student Technology Competition logo

Cherokee County School District students excelled in this year’s Student Technology Competition, with more than 40 placing first at regions and now advancing to the state contest!

The statewide Georgia Student Technology Competition program includes 14 project categories for students in Grades 3-12.  Nearly 200 students from more than 20 CCSD schools put their technology skills to the test at the Piedmont Regional Technology Competition.  Students submitted videos to present their projects for judging. 

PTA Reflections Theme Logo 2022-23

The Cherokee County School District congratulates the districtwide winners of the annual PTA Reflections fine arts contest!

The annual competition offers students in all grades and of all abilities the opportunity to create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts 2D and 3D.

CCSD 2023 DECA State Awards 2 8 23

Three Cherokee County School District high school students have placed at a statewide business competition and are advancing to internationals!

The three Creekview High School students competed at the DECA student marketing, management and entrepreneurship association’s State Career Development Conference recently held in Atlanta.

CCSD 2023 US Presidential Scholars Candidates 2 7 23

Seven Cherokee County School District Class of 2023 seniors have been named candidates for a top national honor!

As candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, they are among only 5,000 students from the more than 3 million graduating seniors in the nation’s Class of 2023 selected to participate in the prestigious recognition program.

Therapeutic_Healthcare_CTAE (7)

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Healthcare Science - Therapeutic Services and Allied Health and Medicine, which is offered at Creekview and Etowah High Schools.  The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

CCSD 2023 STAR Students and Teachers

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2023 STAR Students and Teachers!

The STAR, or Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, Student honor is awarded to the high school senior from each Georgia public and private high school with the highest score on any single test date of the SAT and who also ranks in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of his or her class based on grade point average.  Each honored student is invited to select his or her favorite teacher to be named that school’s STAR Teacher.

CCSD School Nutrition Halal 1 30 23

The Cherokee County School District’s School Nutrition program has added a Halal menu item.
 
CCSD School Nutrition continuously updates school menus to keep up with student preferences, and last semester tested a new item in response to a request from students’ parents.

CCSD School Choice and Registration infographic 2023-24

February is School Choice Month for the Cherokee County School District!  

In February, CCSD opens the opportunity for parents to request a school reassignment for the next school year, including our STEM, STEAM and Fine Arts Academies, and our online high school, i-Grad Virtual Academy.  

Cybersecurity Pathway (12)

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Cybersecurity, which is offered at the Cherokee College & Career Academy that is open to all CCSD high school students …

Parent University Flyer Spring 23

The Cherokee County School District will present its next Parent University program on Tuesday, Jan. 31, with a focus on cyber bullying and social media.

CCSD's Parent University regularly presents free programs for parents on topics of interest to families with school-age children.  The Jan. 31 program is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Woodstock City Church (150 Ridgewalk Way, Woodstock 30188).  The target audience is parents/guardians and students age 11 and older.

We are closely monitoring weather conditions and the potential for severe weather this afternoon. 

The forecast calls for high winds and heavy rain, which could delay bus routes.  If any change is made to dismissal times, we will notify parents immediately by email and text, as well as through a post on our website and Facebook page. 

All after-school and evening extra-curricular activities including athletics have been cancelled.  After School Program care will be offered at elementary schools as planned until 6 p.m.

updated SPED 2023 Job Fair

The Cherokee County School District on Friday, Jan. 20, will host a virtual job fair for Special Education positions for next school year including: school psychologists, speech language pathologists, board certified behavior analysts and occupational and physical therapists.  

ames 2

CCSD schools celebrated the holiday season by serving the community through donation drives and volunteering. Thank you to the teachers and staff who organized these projects. We hope you enjoy this slideshow of photos from just a few of these many activities. Happy Holidays to our #CCSDfam!
 

focus on future

CCSD’s new CTAE handbook, “Focus on the Future,” went home with 8th graders this month as they prepare to register for their high school classes.  The handbook highlights the 38 Career Pathways offered at CCSD schools, with information on the classes required and possible career options in various fields.

On behalf of the Superintendent, this is to advise that, after carefully reviewing the weather forecast for tomorrow morning (Friday, Dec. 23), and at the recommendation of State officials to remain off of the roads if at all possible at that time, he has declared that tomorrow will be a remote work day for CCSD employees, with duties as assigned by worksite supervisors.  As a result, all schools and offices will be closed, and staff will not be answering phones.  Friday is a school holiday for students, so this decision does not impact a school day.  #SafeCherokee 

Ag Mechanic

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Agriculture Mechanics Systems offered at Creekview High School … 

CO2 Car Challenge RRHS (10)

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Engineering and Technology, which is offered at Cherokee, Creekview, River Ridge and Woodstock High Schools …

Board Business Briefs 11 18 22

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 approved mid-year bonuses for teachers and support staff and heard plans to increase salaries for next school year.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower proposed the one-time supplemental payments of $1,000 for eligible full-time employees and $500 permanent part-time employees, which will be issued in this month’s paychecks, to show appreciation for their continued service.

group photo of winners

The Holly Springs Optimist Club recently honored eight CCSD students, along with an outstanding teacher and a paraprofessional at its annual High School Awards breakfast, which recognizes outstanding special needs students and their supportive teachers and staff.  

Graphic Design (5)

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Graphic Design and Graphic Communications, which is offered at Woodstock HS and Creekview HS …

CCSD Support Staff of the Year school and division winners 11 4 22

The Cherokee County School District next month will celebrate outstanding service at its fifth annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards!

The recognition ceremony on December 8 will honor one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions.  Each honoree is congratulated by the Superintendent of Schools and School Board members and receives a plaque and gifts of appreciation before an audience of honorees and their families, Principals and CCSD leaders.

FOOD SCI WHS 2022

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Nutrition and Food Science, which is available at all CCSD high schools …

ACT infographic 2022

The Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 ACT scores topped national and state averages!

The class scored an outstanding 22.2 average, topping Georgia’s 21.6 and the Nation’s 19.8 averages on the competitive college entrance and placement examination.  The scores ranked CCSD in the top 10% in the State.  

November Job Fair Flyer

The Cherokee County School District will host a fall job fair from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at 1020 Keeter Road.  We are hiring for mid-year teaching positions due to retirements, as well as for immediate openings for bus drivers, paraprofessionals and school nutrition assistant managers and subs. 

CCSD Amicalola Bright Idea Grant Winners collage 10 28 22

Cherokee County School District schools have earned more than $12,000 in this fall’s Bright Ideas Grants!

The competitive Bright Ideas Grants are awarded by Amicalola EMC to the most innovative ideas from schools in their service area.  Seventeen CCSD projects won a total of $12,020 in this season’s cycle of funding, which was presented to recipients this month.

Healthcare Occupations CHS 2022 (14)

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Healthcare Science - Therapeutic Services and Patient Care, which is offered at Cherokee HS and Sequoyah HS during the school day and after school at River Ridge HS through a dual enrollment program with Chattahoochee Technical College.  Beginning this spring, the program also will be offered after school at Creekview HS through dual enrollment with Chattahoochee Tech.  It is one of five different Healthcare Science Career Pathway programs available in CCSD schools … 

auction ad

CCSD will hold its annual sale of surplus equipment and vehicles on Saturday, November 12.  Preview begins at 8 am, sale begins at 9 am. 

MARKETING CTAE JONES CVHS 2022

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Marketing and Management, which is offered at Creekview HS and Sequoyah HS …

sq HIGHTOWER Dr Brian V

The Cherokee County School District’s Superintendent of Schools has been named a finalist for the Georgia Superintendent of the Year award!
 
Dr. Brian V. Hightower, who has led CCSD since 2016, was announced as one of four finalists for the top honor today at the Georgia School Superintendents Association’s fall conference in Athens.  

Teaching Pathway SHS (1)

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Teaching as a Profession, which is offered at Creekview HS, River Ridge HS and Sequoyah HS …

CCSD Students Named to State School Supt Student Advisory Council 10 12 22

Four Cherokee County School District students have been named to the State School Superintendent’s 2022-23 Student Advisory Council!

Cherokee High School senior Brighton Cux, Creekview High School senior Jacob Mavromatidis, Etowah High School senior Madison Borsetti and River Ridge High School senior Nandita Bipin are among the 67 high school students from across the state selected for the prestigious role.

CCSD 2022-23 Theatre Season

The curtain will rise this month for the Cherokee County School District's 2022-23 theatre season! All CCSD high schools, as well as select middle schools and the districtwide Academy Street Theatre Group program for elementary through high school students, will present shows throughout the school year. 

CCSD School Nutrition Golden Radish Award logo 10 4 22

The Cherokee County School District has again earned a top state honor for providing outstanding meals and service to students!

CCSD’s School Nutrition program, which serves 5 million meals each year in school cafeterias, won the Golden Radish Award from the Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Division.  

CVHS Delegate 22

Every school year, each CCSD high school selects one Student Delegate to the School Board to represent the student voice. One Delegate is named the Student Advisor and sits with the Board at its meetings. We’ll introduce you to them all this year! #CCSDfam!

WELDING CTAE 2022 (1)

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on welding, which is offered at Cherokee High School and, new for this school year, also is offered at Creekview HS as an after-school dual enrollment program with Chattahoochee Technical College.

2022 SAT INFOGRAPHIC

Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022 outscored the state and nation on the SAT college entrance exam, according to results released today by the College Board.

The CCSD Class of 2022 earned an average total score of 1091 on the curriculum-based college entrance and placement exam.  CCSD’s score exceeds the national public school average by 63 points and the State by 39 points and ranks CCSD in the top 10% of districts statewide.  

In anticipation of the expected severe weather moving into the area on Friday, all CCSD varsity football games have been moved to Thursday night at 7:30 pm.  These games are: Creekview HS (Homecoming vs Etowah HS); Sequoyah HS (Homecoming vs River Ridge HS); Woodstock HS (Homecoming vs Rome HS). Cherokee HS does not have a game this week. #SafeCherokee

CollegeBoard logo

The College Board has honored 88 Cherokee County School District students through its National Recognition Programs awards!

CCSD’s honorees are among the only 62,000 students from across the country being recognized for their academic success.  To be considered for recognition, students must have a GPA of at least 3.5 and either exceptional test scores placing them in the top 10% in their state on the 2021 PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or scores of 3 or higher on two of more 2022 Advanced Placement (AP) exams and meet recognition guidelines.  

CCSD_Identity_horizontal_CMYK

The Cherokee County School District has earned international recognition for excellence in education!

The district is one of only 38 school districts in the world to today be named a 2022 Cognia School System of Distinction by the international accreditation organization.

2023 National Merit Semifinalists 9 14 22

Five Cherokee County School District high school seniors today were named 2023 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!

They are: of Cherokee HS, Griffen C. Bon and Braden R. Flournoy; of Creekview HS, Kylie A. Buchanan; of Etowah HS, Ty S. Phillips; and of Sequoyah HS, Paige L. Falcomata.  Less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors earn National Merit Semifinalist recognition. 

Pathway Profiles - Law Enforcement Services and Forensic Science

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on the Law Enforcement Services and Forensic Science program, which is offered at Cherokee HS, Creekview HS and River Ridge HS.

MIE Expert logo

Microsoft Education has recognized 36 Cherokee County School District teachers and staff as among the nation’s top instructional technology experts!

They have been named to the 2022-23 class of Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIEE).  The technology company selected only 830 educators, support staff and school and school district leaders nationwide, considered among the best at understanding how technology can improve learning, for this elite recognition. 

CCSD Parent Recipe Contest Logo 2022

The Cherokee County School District’s School Nutrition department is searching for the best kid-friendly spinach recipes!

The fourth annual CCSD School Nutrition Parent Recipe Contest in celebration of National Farm to School Month offers parents the opportunity to earn a $100 Visa gift card sponsored by Credit Union of Georgia and see their recipe featured on school lunch menus.  This year’s featured vegetable, which is selected annually by Georgia Organics, is spinach, and the contest theme is “Are you ‘Spinach to Win It?!’”

CVHS POTY 22

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Creekview High School 2022 Partner of the Year: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Riverstone!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content/ccsd-school-partnerships) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

CCSD 2022-23 Student Delegates and Superintendent 8 19 22

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday evening welcomed its new Student Advisor and Student Delegates for the school year!

The School Board has included a Student Advisor position on its board since 1999, and, for the past 11 years, a Student Delegate from each high school also has been selected.  

VIDEO FILM (1).

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on the Arts, A/V Technology and Communications program, which is offered at all CCSD high schools:  

image CCSD Connections parent newsletter August 2022

Please check out the August edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter at https://bit.ly/CCSDconnections, which includes CCSD news and a message from the Superintendent.  If you have not already done so, please visit the Back-to-School Gateway at https://bit.ly/CCSDb2s to update your child’s emergency contacts and provide other important information.  Thank you to this month's newsletter sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia!  #CCSDfam

CCSD 2022 VILLA Application announcement 8 9 22

The Cherokee County School District is accepting applications for its annual parent academy program.

VILLA (Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy) is a free six-session program that offers CCSD parents the opportunity to learn more about their school district and how to be more engaged in our schools.  CCSD earned the Georgia School Boards Association’s 2019 Leading Edge Award for helping to develop and pilot the statewide program.

Arnold Mill ES 3

The following message is from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower:

Today’s skies may be cloudy, but our schools were filled with sunshine.

As I visited schools across our community today, the smiles shone brightly among students and teachers and staff celebrating the first day of our new school year.

georgia milestones

Cherokee County School District students for the seventh consecutive year exceeded State averages on the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade and End-of-Course tests, with significant gains on most tests. 

The annual tests assess students’ mastery of Georgia Performance Standards, which set expectations for what lessons students will learn in each grade.  Teachers and administrators use the results to improve instructional best practices.

 job ad CCSD part time 49 percent

The Cherokee County School District is bringing back the popular option of part-time employment for specific certified jobs!  For the upcoming school year, this “49%” option of working 3.5 hours per school day is available for specific teaching roles, school psychologists and speech language pathologists.  This is an outstanding opportunity for parents of young children, professionals who also work in private practice and retirees. 

image CCSD Connections July 2022

It’s less than two weeks until the first day of school for CCSD on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022!  Please check out the July edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter online here, which includes important back-to-school info and a message from the Superintendent about school safety and security.  Don’t forget to visit the Back-to-School Gateway at https://bit.ly/CCSDb2s when it opens July 25 to update your child’s emergency contacts and provide other important information.  Thank you to this month's newsletter sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia!  #CCSDfam

Creekview- Janet Baggett

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school’s Teacher of the Year every week ... please help us celebrate 2022 Creekview High School Teacher of the Year Janet Baggett!

Creekview High School Teacher of the Year Janet Baggett’s teaching expertise benefits more than her own students.

CCSD School Bus Driver of the Year 1 7 15 22

The Cherokee County School District this week congratulated the winners of its new Bus Driver of the Year Awards!

The awards recognize one outstanding school bus driver from each Innovation Zone (high school and feeder middle and elementary schools) and one from CCSD’s team of Special Education drivers; from this pool of winners, one overall CCSD winner was selected.

CCSD National Academic 7 13 22

A Cherokee County School District student placed in national academic competitions this summer!

Creekview High School rising ninth-grader Abigail Moore this past school year qualified at regional contests for the International Academic Competition’s (IAC) Humanities, National (World) History, U.S. History and general Academic Bees.  

SummerFeedingProgram

We have been pleased to offer to-go meal service at no charge during summer break for any child age 0-18 in Cherokee County.

The last CCSD meal pick up for the summer break will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 18, at Cherokee High School’s North Campus at 930 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114 - North Campus is to the right of the main campus, and Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy at 3219 Hunt Road, Acworth, GA 30102.

CCSD_Identity_horizontal_CMYK

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday night approved the budget for next school year, which calls for a tax rate reduction, increased investment in school safety and pay raises for teachers and support staff.

The 1.5 mills decrease in the tax rate, which was unanimously approved, is the first reduction proposed since 2014 and was prompted by the rise in property values.  While most homeowners will see an increase in their tax bill due to their property value rising, the increase will be less due to the School Board’s action.   

CCSD 2022 ABM Scholars 6 16 22

Six Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduates have earned scholarships from ABM Industry Groups LLC!

The company, which provides custodial services for CCSD schools, each year awards a $1,000 scholarship to one graduating senior from each of CCSD’s traditional high schools.  The six winners are selected by a scholarship committee of retired CCSD educators and ABM representatives based on a student’s involvement in school and community activities and service; personal essays; and references.

Job ad school nutrition coordinator 6 15 22

The Cherokee County School District is seeking a professional with experience in nutrition, dietetics and/or food service to serve as a School Nutrition Coordinator.  This leadership position supports the department’s operations, including training programs and promotions.  It offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, a great work calendar and schedule, opportunities for professional development and career advancement, and a wonderful work environment and team!  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net  For more information, please call 770.721.8419 or email Tina.Farmer@cherokeek12.net.

CCSD 2022 Georgia Career Technical Winners 6 2 22

Six Cherokee County School District students placed at Georgia’s Career and Technical Instruction Competition!

The competition offers students the opportunity to demonstrate skills from their chosen Career Pathway, with presentations judged by skilled professionals from that career field.

CCSD 2022 National Merit College Award Scholarship Winners 6 1 22

Two Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduates have earned National Merit college-awarded scholarships!

Sequoyah High School Class of 2022 graduate Riley Hartman earned a National Merit University of Georgia Scholarship, and Creekview High School Class of 2022 graduate Benjamin “Ben” Webster V earned a National Merit University of Alabama Scholarship. 

CCSD 2022 Retiring Teachers and Staff 6 1 22

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its retiring educators and support staff!

The majority of the retirees noted below are ending their careers this week; some retired earlier in the year based on their retirement eligibility date.

CCSD 2022 US Military Service Academies 5 31 22

Sixty members of Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022 have committed to military service, including six selected for prestigious U.S. Service Academies!

“Thank you to each of these students for making the important decision to serve our country,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “We’re proud of you and grateful to you and your families, and I know our entire community appreciates your service.”

GRAD SHOT 2022 (5)

Dear Class of 2022, 

Every day, we write another page in the story of our lives.  

This week marks the start of a new chapter for you, as you graduate from high school and begin your next adventure.

uvalde

Dear CCSD Families,
 
Our hearts are with Uvalde. 
 
And just as after Sandy Hook and Parkland, we know that this tragedy not only has filled you with the same heartbreak, but also with anger and worry. 
 

Class of 2022 CCSD Vals and Sals 5 23 22

Congratulations to the Valedictorians and Salutatorians for the Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022! 

These outstanding students and their parents will be honored on Wednesday by the School Board and Superintendent of Schools at the Annual Scholar Recognition Banquet.  The event is sponsored by CCSD Partners including presenting sponsors the Cherokee County Educational Foundation and LGE Community Credit Union.  Each student also is invited to select a favorite teacher, and these teachers are honored at the banquet as well.

CCSD School Board and Student Delegates 5 20 22

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday night reviewed the proposed budget for next school year, which calls for a reduction in the tax rate for all property owners and well-deserved pay increases for teachers and support staff.

The proposed 1.5 mills decrease in the tax rate is the first reduction proposed since 2014 and has been recommended by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower in light of rising home values.

SummerFeedingProgram

UPDATE 5/23/22: Great news! The USDA waiver has been extended for July so the weekly to-go bag model will continue in July. #CCSDfam #CCSDserves

The CCSD School Nutrition Summer Feeding program will kick off June 6, and community donations are requested to make it a success.

“We care about our students’ well-being all the time, and we know that providing meals over summer break is a hardship for some families,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “We’re so fortunate to have a dedicated School Nutrition team, an outstanding partner in MUST Ministries and a supportive community working together to feed our students over the summer.”  

CCSD Positive Athlete State Winners and Scholarship Winners 5 18 22

Cherokee County School District student athletes have been honored by Positive Athlete Georgia, with 11 regional winners, two state winners and two state scholarship winners!

The 2022 Positive Athlete Georgia Awards are presented by the Positive Athlete Georgia organization, which promotes the benefits of positivity to young athletes around the world.  Football star player Hines Ward formed Positive Athlete with businessman Scott Pederson.

2022 TASSELS (1)

Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022 will walk across the stage for graduation ceremonies next week!

The ceremonies for CCSD’s 2,936 graduating seniors will be held at First Baptist Church of Woodstock (11905 Highway 92, Woodstock, 30188).  The ceremonies will be streamed on www.fbcw.org so family and friends who are unable to attend still can participate.

CCSD School Board Member Honored 4 29 22

Congratulations to Cherokee County School Board member Patsy Jordan, who yesterday was named the Central Region Teacher of the Year for Mountain Education Charter High School!  A longtime educator, Ms. Jordan earned the CCSD Teacher of the Year award during her tenure in our school district and, since retirement, she has served as a teacher for Mountain Ed's evening school programs in Pickens and Dawson counties. 

CCSD 2022 PTA Awards 5 17 22

Cherokee County School District students, educators and volunteers were honored by the PTA with regional awards!

The Georgia PTA District 13 Spring Conference & Awards Ceremony, which recently was held in Woodstock, recognized outstanding PTA volunteers, teachers, nurses, administrators and students from Cherokee and Forsyth Counties.

CCSD state literary champions 5 16 22

Cherokee County School District high school students excelled at the statewide literary championships!

The students earned individual and team honors at the Georgia High Schools Association event, which includes writing, public speaking, acting and singing competitions, and Cherokee High School’s team was named the 7A State Champion.

GMEA logo

Eighty-six Cherokee County School District high school and middle school students won seats in the prestigious Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Chorus and Reading Chorus.

CCSD sawnee scholars 5 16 22

Three Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduating seniors have earned $5,000 scholarships from a local organization!

Anna Connelly of Creekview High School and Tafton Barber and Wesley Lanter of Sequoyah High School each have been named recipients of the Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation Youth Scholarship.

CCSD Golden Apple 1 5 13 22

Thirteen Cherokee County School District teachers have been honored as this year’s Golden Apple Award winners!

The Gamma Eta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a professional organization of active and retired women educators, for the past 24 years has presented the annual awards.  The honor recognizes one teacher from each selected school for distinctive service in education and for demonstrating ethics in all professional relationships, enthusiasm and initiative, and knowledge and skills in his/her education field.  

Ty Hubert

5/12/2022 UPDATE: Congratulations to Creekview High School graduating senior Ty Hubert, who today was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar!

Only 161 graduating seniors nationwide earn this prestigious title, and Ty is one of only three in Georgia! In addition to national recognition, Ty, who will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, will receive an invitation to an all-expenses paid trip to the White House as part of the honor.

“Ty is an incredibly impressive student and leader, and we’re so proud to see him recognized nationally for his dedication to excellence,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. “This award is truly well-earned, as Ty has put in the work: in academics, athletics, school involvement and community service. Congratulations to Ty, his family, his teachers and coaches and everyone who has supported his success, as I know you are just as excited for him. We are fortunate as a nation that he has chosen a military service academy for his next chapter, and we wish him all the best.”

#2022CCSDgrads #CCSDfam

 

Savannah Porter

A Cherokee County School District teacher has earned a statewide award recognizing educators as heroes!

Grace Ed Technologies has named Creekview High School teacher Savannah Porter as one of the three winners of its 2022 Teacher Heroes Awards.

 Justin Bolsen

A Cherokee County School District graduating senior has earned a prestigious 2022 National Merit Scholarship!

Justin Bolsen of Creekview HS is among the top 2,500 seniors in the U.S. to earn the $2,500 scholarship awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.  

CCSD 2022 PTA Reflections 5 10 22

Twenty-seven Cherokee County School District students earned state honors through the 2021-22 Georgia PTA Reflections fine arts contest! 

The annual competition offers students in all grades and abilities the opportunity to create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.  Students can earn recognition at the School, District, State and National levels.  This year's theme was “I Will Change The World By... .”

CCSD Future Educators Day - Creekview HS 5 6 22

The Cherokee County School District celebrated its future educators this week!

High schools across the country held “signing day” events as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week to honor graduating seniors who plan to pursue careers in education.  Cherokee, Creekview, Etowah, Sequoyah and Woodstock High School all hosted events.

super hero lunch day

Friday May 6 marked the 10th year of recognizing School Lunch Hero Day, which is celebrated the first Friday of May to pay tribute to the heroes of School Nutrition who keep students supplied with nutritious meals for breakfast and lunch throughout the school year.

Classified CCSD Goodwill JF Flyer May 26 2022

The Cherokee County School District will present a Job Fair focused on hiring support staff for next school year from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at our technology campus at 1020 Keeter Road, Canton, 30114.

CCSD 2022 Tome Literacy State Individual Winners 5 4 22

Cherokee County School District students earned accolades at the annual statewide literary competition!

Tome Literacy Society is a national organization dedicated to promoting reading among fourth- through 12th-grade students through club activities, community service and competition.  The program also focuses on developing “self-esteem, leadership skills, strong values, and critical thinking, creativity, and imagination in the digital age.”

CCSD 2022 Happy National Teacher Appreciation Day

A message to the community from Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower …

Many years ago, rural families would thank their valued teachers with the crops from their farms. 
 
After this tradition had passed, the apple, the prettiest of these crops, continued to be given for generations as a gift to favorite teachers. 

CCSD_Identity_stacked_CMYK

 

NOTICE: Due to the rising volume of false information currently being circulated about our school district and our outstanding teachers and staff, we will be updating our Fact vs. Fiction webpage at https://bit.ly/CCSDfacts on a more frequent basis.  If you have a question about something you’ve seen on social media or received via mail or email about our schools, our staff or our curriculum, please reach out to your school or contact us directly at the Ask CCSD Helpdesk at https://bit.ly/AskCCSD  #CCSDfam
 

CCSD Sports Hall of Fame Students 4 27 22

Twelve Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduating seniors will be honored by the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame! 

The community organization each spring recognizes the most outstanding male and female senior athletes from each of CCSD’s high schools.  Honorees are nominated by high school administrators based on the outstanding athletic contributions the seniors made during their high school career.  This recognition is a separate program from the Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony honoring individuals who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics in Cherokee County. 

CCSD 2022 Waste Management Scholarship 4 27 22

Creekview High School Class of 2022 graduating senior Ashley Tippens has earned this year’s Waste Management/Pine Bluff Landfill Scholarship! 

The $5,000 scholarship is presented to a graduating senior each year as part of the company’s partnership agreement with CCSD.  The designated school rotates annually, with Creekview HS selected for the Class of 2022 school, and all graduating seniors from the designated school have the opportunity to apply.  This is the 15th anniversary of the scholarship.  A committee of community, Waste Management and CCSD representatives reviews and scores applications to select a winner who has excelled in academic, extra-curricular activities and community service.

CCSD Partner Honored 4 26 22

A Cherokee County School District business partner and volunteer has received a top community award!

Kevin Williams, operator of Cherokee County Chick-fil-A, today was honored with the Liberty Bell Award by the Blue Ridge Bar Association at its annual Law Day observance.

Board Business Briefs 4 22 22

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday heard good news about the school district’s financial outlook due to increasing home values and discussed ways to reduce the burden on taxpayers, while also using some of the windfall to make teacher and staff pay more competitive.

CCSD 2022 Governors Honors 4 21 22

Seventeen Cherokee County School District high school students have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program! 

The statewide summer honors program for Georgia’s top rising high school juniors and seniors offers four weeks of college-level instruction at Berry College in Rome.  Students tapped for the competitive program receive academic instruction, and cultural and social enrichment focused on helping them become the “next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators and leaders.”  Students are selected based on overall excellence in academics, extra-curricular activities and leadership, as well as exceptional skills and talents in a specific area of study. 

CCSD 2022 Young Georgia Authors 4 19 22

Cherokee County School District students are advancing to the state level of the Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition!

The annual writing contest is open to students in grades kindergarten through 12 and provides an opportunity for schools to encourage writing in a variety of genres.  Each CCSD school submits a top entry for each grade level to compete at the district level.  District first-place winners then advance to regional competition for the opportunity to compete statewide.

CCSD Connections April 2022 image

The April 2022 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink] and includes a message from the Superintendent about the district’s accreditation renewal, as well as other important information.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia!

There will be no school on Tuesday, May 24, the date of the Primary Election, in order to ensure the safety and security of students due to the use of schools as polling sites.  May 24 will be a Digital Learning Day, with assignments provided online for students to complete at home.  Bags with a breakfast and lunch for students will be available for pick up at all schools that morning at no charge; order forms will be emailed to all parents on Friday, May 20.

CCSD Georgia Scholars 4 13 22

Ten Cherokee County School District high school seniors have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Scholar recognition!

The Georgia Department of Education program honors high school seniors who exhibit excellence in their school and community life.  Honorees demonstrate dedication to academic success, participation in interscholastic events and leadership through extra-curricular activities.  

CCSD International Trip April 2023 4 1 22

The Cherokee County School District is offering 2022-23 high school students the opportunity to participate in an educational travel experience to explore London and Paris during Spring Break 2023!

A limited number of additional spots have been opened for this district-wide tour announced earlier this year.  A virtual informational session will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2022.  Students are welcome to attend the informational session, but at least one parent or guardian must be in attendance.

AP 2021 Graphic

Cherokee County School District’s high schools, for the 12th consecutive year, have earned top honors for outstanding Advanced Placement (AP) programs and performance!

All of CCSD’s high schools have been named Georgia 2022 AP Honor Schools for exceptional student performance and participation on AP exams, which offer students more challenging coursework and the opportunity to earn college credit.  Overall, CCSD students who took the exams earned passing scores of 3 or higher on 73% of the 5,028 tests administered last school year, exceeding the Georgia rate of 60% and the National rate of 54%.  This passing rate ranks CCSD 10th in the State and 2nd among metro Atlanta counties.  

CCSD_Identity_stacked_CMYK

The Cherokee County School District received excellent news today: the district’s international accreditation as a high-quality school system is recommended for renewal for another five years!

“Accreditation is the gold standard for school districts – it provides independent assurance to parents, employees and taxpayers as to the excellence of their public schools,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “I’m incredibly proud of the work that all of our employees do every day to provide the best possible education and care to each of our students.  Thank you to the amazing parent volunteers and business and community partners who support us.  None of this would be possible without the outstanding leadership of our School Board, its vision for our future and its strong stewardship of the resources entrusted to them by our community.”

CCSD_Identity_horizontal_CMYK

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that serious misinformation about CCSD is being circulated on social media. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower has no plans to ask the School Board to privatize bus drivers or School Nutrition or any other part of CCSD operations.  The School Board also has had no discussions about privatizing these services.

sunshine slider

As part of national Sunshine Month, observed every March to highlight the importance of open government and transparency, the Cherokee County School District has updated its Open CCSD website.

CCSD is committed to transparency and accountability.  Open CCSD at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/open-ccsd [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink] was established in 2013 to provide the community with a clear understanding of its operations and stewardship of fiscal resources.  

CCSD 4-H Leaders and Winners 3 29 22

Cherokee County School District students are advancing to State 4-H Competition, with two students elected to statewide leadership roles.

The 4-H extra-curricular program, sponsored locally by the UGA Cooperative Extension Office, offers students the opportunity to learn new skills, improve their teamwork and leadership skills and serve their community.

CCSD School Nutrition Award 3 24 22

The Cherokee County School District has earned national honors for its School Nutrition summer meals program!

The school district every summer participates in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Seamless Summer Option, which offers free meals to children in need during the summer.  The high quality of CCSD’s program earned the USDA’s Silver Turnip the Beet Award.  CCSD School Nutrition is one of only a dozen school districts in Georgia to earn the national honor and one of only 84 nationwide.

NSSWW 22

In recognition of National School Social Worker Week, please join us in thanking CCSD’s six social workers and two student support specialists who are dedicated to their mission of “ensuring that no student in Cherokee County gains less than full advantage of the educational opportunities provided by the school system as a result of family problems or school attendance problems.” We appreciate their service and dedication to the families of our 42,000 students! Learn more about our school social workers at https://www.cherokeek12.net/.../divisions-school... [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink]#CCSDfam

Creekview HS Vet Science 3 2 22

A team of Cherokee County School District veterinary science students has been named state champions!

The Creekview High School and Creekland Middle School students competed in the Georgia FFA Veterinary Science Career Development Event where they earned first place in the junior division with a 21-point lead.  The competition is designed to “promote college and career readiness by providing opportunities to develop technical knowledge and demonstrate practical skills in the field of veterinary science.”  

It's Read Across America Week and #GetCCSDReading Month! CCSD schools are celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday, the importance of literacy and favorite books ...with guest readers, dress-up days, reading challenges and incentives and much more! We hope you enjoy this slideshow of photos from some of the festivities.

2022 CCSD National Merit Finalists 2 15 22

All seven Cherokee County School District high school seniors named 2022 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists advanced this week to be named Finalists!

They are: of Creekview HS, Justin Bolsen, Callahan “Cal” Pace and Benjamin “Ben” Webster V; of River Ridge HS, Rachel G. Kim; of Sequoyah HS, Riley Hartman and Wesley Lanter; and of Woodstock HS, Leo Blatnik.  

CCSD Share the Love Free Home ES 2 2 14 22

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its first-ever Share the Love contest winners!

Thanks to the sponsorship of Credit Union of Georgia, CCSD this month gave families the opportunity to nominate an outstanding CCSD employee to win a $250 Visa gift card.  The contest was announced in the monthly CCSD Connections parent newsletter, and four winners were selected at random from all of the nominations.

CCSD Key Scholars patches

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating 229 exemplary high school juniors as Superintendent’s Key Scholars!  

These top students were recognized, through the 17th Annual Superintendent’s Key Scholar Recognition Ceremony on Thursday night, for scores achieved on the PSAT that rank them in the top 10% nationwide.

CCSD 2022 College Board National Recognition Awards

The College Board is honoring 37 Cherokee County School District students through its National Recognition Programs awards!

The programs are designed by the College Board to provide recognition opportunities for high school seniors and juniors in underrepresented groups.  Students may apply for the National African American Recognition Award, National Hispanic Recognition Award, National Indigenous Recognition Award and National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award.  To be considered for recognition, students must have a GPA of at least 3.5 and either exceptional test scores placing them in the top 10% in their state on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or scores of 3 or higher on two of more Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

CCSD 2022 STAR Students and STAR Teachers 2 8 22

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2022 STAR Students and Teachers!

The STAR, or Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, Student honor is awarded to the high school senior from each Georgia public and private high school with the highest score on any single test date of the SAT and who also ranks in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of his or her class based on grade point average.  Each honored student is invited to select his or her favorite teacher to be named that school’s STAR Teacher.

Teacher Job Fair Flyer 2022 with BitlyUrl

Don’t miss your opportunity to become a teacher in an outstanding metro Atlanta school district!  The Cherokee County School District on Saturday, March 5, will host its annual Teacher Job Fair for next school year.  There will be both an in-person event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 5, at River Ridge High School (400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, 30188), and virtual online interview appointments also will be available.  

CCSD_Identity_horizontal_CMYK

We are continuing to closely monitor COVID-19 cases among students, staff and our community at large and to review our related protocols.  

While community case levels remain at a very high range, we are seeing a definite trend of declining cases -- both for our schools and our community.  If case levels continue to decline, we anticipate parent visits to the cafeteria and extended parent/volunteer visits to classrooms can safely resume on Feb. 28 following February Break (Feb. 21-25).  

image CCSD Connections February 2022

The February 2022 edition of the CCSD Connections monthly parent e-newsletter is now online at https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/newsletter [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink] and includes an important message from the Superintendent about school choice, enrollment, CCSD’s reaccreditation and the opportunity to nominate a CCSD teacher or support staff member to win one of four $250 gift cards through the CCSD Share the Love contest.  Thanks to this month's sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia! #CCSDfam

CCSD 2022 School POTY VOTY Winners 2 3 22

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its top school Partners of the Year and Volunteers of the Year!

The annual recognition program, now in its ninth year, recognizes a Partner of the Year and a Volunteer of the Year for each individual school and center who are selected based on their outstanding service for the past year.

CCSD Creekview HS Award 2 1 22

A Cherokee County School District program has received a national award for providing outstanding career education.

The Creekview High School agriculture program, led by teacher Pauline Benton, is one of six agricultural education programs nationwide to earn the Outstanding Secondary/Middle School Program Award from the National Association of Agricultural Educators.  Ms. Benton accepted the award at the organization’s recently held annual conference.

CCSD State of the County 1 27 22

Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower this week participated in the annual “State of the County” program.

Presented by the regional Council for Quality Growth nonprofit organization, the luncheon on Wednesday featured reports by Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Harry Johnston, Cherokee Office of Economic Development President Misti Martin and Dr. Hightower.

CCSD Support Staff job fair 2022

Mark your calendar!  The Cherokee County School District’s first-ever Job Fair focused on support staff will be from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, at our technology campus at 1020 Keeter Road, Canton, 30114.  

CyberStart America logo

The Cherokee County School District has been named a national District of Distinction in a competition to prepare students for cybersecurity careers!

The school district earned the designation from CyberStart America, a national organization established to provide high school students with free access to cybersecurity learning resources written and developed by industry professionals.  

CCSD_Identity_horizontal_CMYK

As shared with you earlier this month, in preparation for our on-time return to in-person learning on Jan. 4, we implemented several changes in CCSD COVID-19 protocols, with a timeline to review those changes today. 

Save the Date 2022 CCSD Teacher Fair

Save the Date!  The Cherokee County School District’s annual Teacher Job Fair will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 5, with in-person interviews at River Ridge High School and virtual online interview appointments available.  The event will focus on hiring teachers for the 2022-23 school year, with a separate event to be announced for positions including bus drivers, paraprofessionals, technology professionals and School Nutrition workers.  We will post instructions at www.cherokeek12.net [CONTENT_REVIEW InternalLink] and on CCSD social media next month explaining how you can sign up for online appointments if you choose to participate virtually.  #CCSDfam

2021-22 PTA Reflections CCSD Awards Logo

The Cherokee County School District winners of the annual PTA Reflections fine arts contest have been named, with top district winners now advancing to state competition!

The annual competition offers students in all grades and of all abilities the opportunity to create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts 2D and 3D.  Students can earn recognition at the school, district, state and national levels.  This year's theme is “I Will Change the World By... .”

CCSD Special Education Job Fair Ad

The Cherokee County School District on Friday, Jan. 28, will host a virtual job fair for applicants for Special Education positions for next school year including: board certified behavior analysts, educational audiologists, occupational and physical therapists, physical and health impairment teachers, school psychologists, Special Education facilitators, speech language pathologists and vision teachers. 

CCSD_Identity_horizontal_CMYK

As we prepare for the reopening of schools on Tuesday, Jan. 4, please be advised of several changes in CCSD COVID-19 protocols in response to new Department of Public Health guidance and the rising cases resulting from the Omicron variant.

Carmel ES 2

CCSD schools have been busy celebrating the holiday season by giving to others and serving the community through volunteering.  Thank you to all the teachers and staff who coordinate these opportunities for meaningful service learning!  We hope you enjoy this slideshow of a few of the many outstanding activities.

On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised we are aware of the national news reports and social media posts about a TikTok challenge related to school violence today. This challenge did not originate locally, and there have been no threats reported in regard to any CCSD schools. The challenge, according to news reports, was started by a student in Utah who did not want to attend school today. We take all threats seriously, and our CCSD Police Department will continue to be on alert, monitor the situation and communicate with local law enforcement agencies.

CCSD School TOTY 12 16 21

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2022 School Teachers of the Year winners!

Every fall, each CCSD school is asked to select its own Teacher of the Year.  These school-level winners now are eligible for the honor of Cherokee County School District 2022 Teacher of the Year. 

GSBA Leading Edge Award logo

The Cherokee County School Board has earned top state honors for exemplary leadership and innovation practices in recognition of its Social and Emotional Learning initiative.

For the third consecutive year, the Georgia School Boards Association has awarded the Cherokee County School Board its Leading Edge Award in the Culture, Climate & Organizational Efficacy category.  The awards, presented in seven categories, recognize innovative practices by School Boards and School Districts that make a significant and positive impact on students.  This year, the districtwide Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative earned the honor, following previous wins for CCSD’s Student Advisor and Student Delegates to the School Board program and VILLA parent academy.  

CCSD Governance Team of the Year Award 12 2 21

The Cherokee County School District has earned the State’s highest honor for leadership and dedication to providing the best education possible to every child.

The Governance Team of the Year Award is awarded to the School Board and Superintendent of Schools of only one Georgia school district in each of the three size categories -- small, medium and large – by the Georgia School Boards Association.  CCSD earned the honor for large districts, which are those with more than 10,000 students.     

CCSD_Identity_horizontal_CMYK

Please be advised that false rumors are deliberately being spread in our community about CCSD and COVID-19 vaccinations.  CCSD is NOT holding ANY COVID-19 vaccination events for our students at our schools or elsewhere.  

CCSD Support Staff 11 8 21.

The Cherokee County School District next month will celebrate excellent service at its fourth annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards!

The recognition ceremony on December 2 will honor one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions.  Each honoree will be congratulated by the Superintendent of Schools and School Board members and receive a plaque and gifts of appreciation before an audience of honorees and their families, Principals and CCSD leaders.

CCSD_Identity_horizontal_CMYK

On behalf of the Superintendent, we recognize and celebrate the historic World Series win by the Atlanta Braves, a valued CCSD Partner.  We love our hometown team and are so proud of their accomplishments this season.  While we are not cancelling school for Friday’s victory parade and celebration, any student absences for students who attend that event will be counted as “unexcused but without academic penalty.”  While our policies do not permit excused absences for such occasions, the designation of “unexcused but without academic penalty” provides students the important opportunity to make up all missed work and tests next week.  For those families who choose to attend Friday’s celebratory parade that will travel through Fulton and Cobb Counties, we hope you have a safe and memorable experience and we’ll see you back in class on Monday!