America’s First ‘Green Flag’ Flies Over Sustainable Savannah School

Editor's Note:  Kudos to the Savannah Country Day School for this great accomplishment.  Click here if you want information on how to make your school and Ed-School.

Savannah Country Day School in Georgia was named the nation’s first Green Flag Eco-School in a ceremony yesterday (April 28), signifying exceptional achievement in ‘greening’ school grounds, operations and curricula. The school achieved this honor through a combination of excellence by “green” management of its facilities and grounds, providing opportunities for outdoor education and by integrating environmental learning throughout its curricula.

The Eco-Schools USA program, which is hosted by National Wildlife Federation, counts nearly 500 schools and some 205,000 students among its participants, but none has achieved the program’s highest honor, the Green Flag, until now.

“The Green Flag is special – and only awarded to those schools who have demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability and increasing environmental literacy for its students, faculty, and wider school community,” said Laura Hickey, Senior Director of Eco-Schools USA, on hand for the official flag-raising.

Also in attendance for the event were the City of Savannah’s Mayor Pro Tem, Edna Jackson, and Environmental Affairs Officer Laura Walker. Jackson congratulated the school and thanked cheering students and staff for helping to make Savannah a “Green City.”

To win the first Green Flag, Savannah Country Day School, which completed a Silver LEED-certified lower school building in 2008, tackled a variety of sustainability projects, including lunchroom recycling and composting programs, a well-tended vegetable garden, environmental current events coursework and school-supported ‘outdoor classroom time.’ This was in keeping with Eco-Schools USA’s uniquely holistic approach—‘greening’ the school building, the school grounds and the student curriculum and experience.

Hickey’s official certification tour of the school included a visit to the previously-certified NWF Schoolyard Habitat and a demonstration of cistern use and garden upkeep by a student Eco-Action Team, but 'green living isn't limited to a select group---or grade---of students at Savannah Country Day.

In kindergarten, students tend to a natural herb garden, moving on to a fruit orchard in first grade. Second-graders study monarch butterfly eggs, and third-graders take care of a full organic vegetable garden. The entire school supports composting of pre-consumer waste and participates in a "green hour" program allowing children to be outside every week for instruction time (in addition to recess).


Among the more unique elements of sustainable life at Savannah Country Day School is lunchtime, which goes well beyond the usual tater-tots and milk cartons: produce from the school garden is regularly prepared and served to students in the dining hall, with dishes containing it identified with a "From Here" label. The school chef often creates a display of garden vegetables to entice youngsters to try them, and local food vendors are celebrated with "Meet the Farmer" signage. All kitchen scraps and food waste are added to the school's compost pile. The school's dining program is managed by SAGE Dining Services.

Many schools have implemented the Eco-Schools USA program, some earning Bronze- and Silver-level awards for their progress (Georgia alone boasts 14 Eco-Schools). The heretofore unclaimed Green Flag requires a rigorous combination of environmental audits, curriculum reinvention and internal and external monitoring.

The program is designed to help schools in a variety of ways, including saving money, reducing waste and improving student academic performance and environmental awareness (more benefits listed here). Once a school has registered and implemented the Seven Steps of the program, it can apply for an Eco-Schools award. A school is considered to be a permanent Eco-School once it has gained its fourth Green Flag.

The Eco-Schools program is an international network of 38,000 K-12 schools in 51 countries, started in 1994 by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) with support by the European Commission. It was named by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) as a model initiative for Education for Sustainable Development in 2003. NWF was named the stateside host in 2008, thus formally launching Eco-Schools USA.

The award came just days after the U.S. Department of Education announced the creation of the Green Ribbon Schools program, which will similarly recognize schools that have taken great strides in greening their curricula, buildings, school grounds and overall building operations. That program, which is to be modeled on the nearly 30-year-old Blue Ribbon Schools program that recognizes schools whose student bodies have displayed high academic achievement or improvement, will help establish guidelines for overall sustainability in American schools. NWF and other organizations had pushed for the implementation of that program for the past year.

“American schools already led the way on innovation,” said Kevin Coyle, Vice President for Education and Training at NWF. “Now, in addition to revamping their buildings and grounds, they are increasingly setting a high standard for sustainability education and becoming truly green.”

By Max Greenberg
National Wildlife Federation

Source:  National Wildlife Federation

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State Board of Education Approves Waiver Requests For School Systems Impacted by Violent Storms

The State Board of Education today (May 6) unanimously approved State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge’s recommendation to grant requests from five local school systems to waive the required number of instructional days as a result of the violent storms that swept through Georgia last week. Dade, Floyd, Meriwether, Spalding, and Walker County School Systems suffered severe damage to several school buildings during the April 27th storms that have forced them to use up their allotted emergency days. At a special called meeting today, the board voted to allow these five systems to waive the 180 school-day equivalent so that they will not be required to make up these lost days.

“These schools and communities have been struck by a terrible tragedy," said Superintendent Barge. "While we cannot replace the lives that were lost or undo the damage that was done, we can provide the flexibility they need to help facilitate rebuilding and recovery. The families and communities affected by this tragedy are in our prayers. We hope today’s action will make this recovery process a little easier for them.”

Today’s board vote specifically waived SBOE Rule 160-5-1-.02 School Day and School Year for Students and Employees. For the individual waiver requests, please visit https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/meetings/viewmeetingOrder.aspx?S=1262&MID=19505.

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Emory University's School of Nursing Surpasses $20 Million Fundraising Goal - Campaign Continues

Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing has exceeded its $20 million fundraising goal nearly two years ahead of schedule. To date, the School of Nursing has raised more than $20.4 million to support student scholarships, faculty research, service learning projects, and academic programming.

Emory trustee Dr. J. David Allen and his wife Beverly Dew Allen (Class of ‘68C), both Emory alumni, are proud to be leading the fundraising efforts as chairs of the School of Nursing’s campaign. “To have early success is thrilling, but more than anything it is a call to continue our work. Nearly 80 percent of our students need financial aid to pursue an Emory nursing degree. As long as there are initiatives in the School of Nursing that need additional resources — and there are — we have a job to do,” says Dr. Allen.

“This fundraising milestone is a reflection of the School of Nursing’s upward trajectory as an internationally recognized nursing program,” said Linda McCauley, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. “We are immensely grateful to our extraordinary donors whose gifts are having a meaningful impact on the School of Nursing. Because of generous support from these donors, the school is able to invest in key strategic priorities that advance our mission to educate nurse leaders and scholars, generate new knowledge, and improve health and health care—all in service to the global community.”

The School of Nursing’s fundraising success is tied to broad-based support from more than 3,000 individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Since the launch of the campaign in 2005, the School of Nursing has attained a number of notable accomplishments:

Increased the Fuld Segue Program, which provides critical financial aid to Emory nursing students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than nursing who want to become nursing leaders. This program was created with generous support from the Helene Fuld Health Trust;
Received an $8.1 million grant—the largest donation in the nursing school’s 106-year history—from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for a 2 ½ year project designed to improve maternal and newborn survival rates in rural Ethiopia. This historic donation has enabled Associate Professor Lynn Sibley and a team of Emory investigators to create a community-oriented strategy to improve maternal and newborn health care services in rural Ethiopia and position the approach to be expanded throughout the country; and
Raised $100,000 from 265 alumni and friends to create the Elizabeth Mabry Scholarship in honor of longtime faculty member, Elizabeth Mabry. This scholarship provides aid to deserving undergraduate students each year.

“We deeply appreciate the overwhelming support of our alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends,” says Amy Dorrill, associate dean of development and alumni relations for the nursing school. “We also continue to count on their generosity, because although we have reached our overall fundraising goal in terms of numbers, some of our most important priorities—including student scholarships, faculty support, and service learning programs—still are not fully funded. As the School of Nursing continues to seek support for these initiatives, we look to private philanthropy to fuel our work and advance Emory’s legacy of excellence in nursing education and research.”

The School of Nursing’s fundraising campaign is part of Campaign Emory, a $1.6 billion fundraising endeavor that combines private support and Emory’s people, places, and programs to make a powerful contribution to the world. Campaign Emory is the largest and most successful fundraising campaign in Georgia.


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Georgia State a go-to law school for nation’s largest law firms

 In its annual list of the top 50 “Go-To” law schools, the National Law Journal ranks Georgia State University College of Law No. 32 for its percentage of graduates who were hired as first-year associates at the nation’s top firms.

The National Law Journal’s survey shows that 22 of 162 Georgia State Law graduates who earned Juris Doctor degrees in 2010 – 13.58 percent – are working as first-year associates at NLJ 250 firms, the nation’s largest law firms identified in its survey.

The Go-To Law School special report ranks the law schools that the nation's 250 largest firms recruited from most heavily to fill their first-year associate classes. Tuition amounts were based on data for full-time, non-resident students obtained from the 2010 ABA/LSAC guide.

The average annual tuition at the 50 Go-To Law Schools was $40,167. The most expensive law school was University of Cornell Law School, which charged $49,020 and was ranked No. 2 on the Go-To list. Annual tuition at Georgia State Law is currently $11,568 for Georgia residents and $32,592 for non-residents (fall and spring semesters). Georgia State Law also recently was named the No. 1 Best Value Law School by The National Jurist.

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Scholarship to Support School Security Professionals Opens Nominations Process for 2011

/PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) today announced that nominations are being accepted for the 2011 Wren Solutions School Resource Officer (SRO) Scholarship Award. The award is part of a $10,000 donation that Wren, providers of physical security solutions that create safe learning environments, pledged over a four year time period.

The annual scholarship, now in its third year, was created to help SROs further their education, thereby bringing even more expertise and security strategies to protect the schools they serve. Last year's winner, School Resource Officer (SRO) Cody Myers of the Riverton, Wyoming Police Department shares his background story, and how the scholarship will help him to create a safer school environment in a guest blog posting on the Wren School Security Blog.

The deadline for all nominations is April 8, 2011. This new winner will be announced at NASRO's 21st Annual National Conference to be held June 27 through July 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. The award will be offered and administered through NASRO.

In order to be considered for the scholarship, applicants must be a current member of NASRO (or they can join at the time they apply for the scholarship) and enrolled in an associate's or bachelor's degree program in law enforcement, criminal justice or a related field deemed appropriate by the NASRO Scholarship Committee such as business, public administration or psychology. At the time of applying, candidates must be a sworn law enforcement officer.

"Since the scholarship program was established, it has helped two outstanding SROs further their education and bring even more expertise and security strategies to protect the schools they serve," said Mo Canady, Executive Director of NASRO. "With this scholarship, Wren and NASRO look forward to continuing to offer the most committed SROs with the same opportunity: to advance their education and career, in turn bringing new ideas and expertise to school security and protection."

In selecting the award winner, the nomination committee will consider each applicant's contributions to their SRO program, agency, NASRO or the community. Applicants are also asked to address how they utilized technology to enhance the safety and security of people, property and information.

"Our 2010 winner, Cody Meyers, was an outstanding candidate and continues to serve his community as an officer while also balancing a challenging study schedule," said Andrew Wren, president, Wren. "We look forward to our next round of applicants and eagerly anticipate recognizing and awarding another highly-qualified professional with a well-deserved scholarship award."

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Medtech Launches New 10-School Company

/PRNewswire/ -- Medtech today announced the formation of a new 10-school company that is positioned to become a leading post-secondary healthcare career education provider. The schools include four current Midwestern campuses, along with three Sanz Schools in the Washington, D.C. area and three Javelin Technical Training Centers in greater Atlanta that will adopt the Medtech name.

The schools were brought together under single ownership less than a year ago. Medtech President and CEO John L. Hopkins' mission was to create a powerful, extraordinary education company that will provide a distinctive education experience. To achieve that goal, Medtech is establishing new learning and service standards within the industry while preserving each school's legacy and healthcare career training strengths.

"We've created a totally new company, from our corporate culture and philosophy to the way in which we operate, so we can deliver an extraordinary learning environment, along with personal and memorable services for our students, employers and clinical partners," said Hopkins. "We selected the Medtech name because it speaks directly to our campuses' healthcare expertise and is indicative of technological investments we are making within the schools to provide the most advanced resources and services to facilitate an extraordinary experience for our students."

He added that Medtech is dedicated to creating new futures through a set of core values that enable it to "be extraordinary" and, in the process, prepare students for rewarding careers in the in-demand healthcare industry. Several campuses also will offer accredited nursing training.

The company sets itself apart from industry competitors on the basis of providing an exceptional student experience. Medtech's educational method is distinguished by a unique employee culture that instructors and staff played a significant role in shaping; a focus on operational pre-eminence through reinvestment in campuses and the technology and tools to create environments in which students can become extraordinary; and a commitment to maintaining the highest levels of regulatory excellence.

"We are characterized by our people, culture and operational excellence – an authentic distinction that will allow us to redefine the education environment," Hopkins said. "Medtech is moving forward in its quest to create student experiences that are beyond the predictable through our commitment to be extraordinary in everything we do."

Medtech's name speaks directly to each campus' primary focus: preparing career professionals for medical-related fields in strong learning environments that are technologically oriented. It also communicates that Medtech campuses provide personalized hands-on, practical learning experiences so students are prepared to achieve all that is possible while creating new futures for themselves in healthcare.

While its main focus is on healthcare education, Medtech also recognizes the general need for English language training in many of the communities it serves. With growing numbers of students seeking English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to bolster their career aptitude, Medtech offers English as a supplemental program to its core medical training program for students wishing to enhance their language skills.

Students are encouraged to search out new opportunities, develop inquisitive minds, and gain the skills and professional confidence that enable them to reach their full potential. A Medtech education prepares students to establish professional goals and create new futures in existing and emerging healthcare professions.

"We offer a strong learning platform that enables graduates to realize they have extraordinary potential…and the tools to achieve it," Hopkins noted.

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Majority of States Receive Below Average Grades on Education Reform Laws

Georgia's grade is a 'C' for laws governing charter schools.

New report finds that even with federal prodding, most laws fall flat.

/PRNewswire/ -- Only 11 states and the District of Columbia have charter school laws that do not require significant improvements in order to allow for the effective creation and growth of these innovative school options, according to a new study and legislative blueprint released today by The Center for Education Reform (CER). Of the rest, 14 states received a grade of 'C,' and 15 a 'D' or 'F' for their laws governing charter schools in CER's Charter School Laws Across the States.

According to the report, excitement over charter schools—which dramatically increased after both 'Race to the Top' and the release of 2010's critically-acclaimed film Waiting for Superman—has not been matched by substantive improvements to state-level public policy related to these schools. The result, CER says, is increased waiting lists at charter schools and lost years for far too many children who seek access to better learning environments.

"In November, voters across the nation voted overwhelmingly for dramatic and immediate change in state legislative bodies, and a key component of their choices was education reform," said Jeanne Allen, president of The Center for Education Reform. "As lawmakers across the country map out their legislative agendas for 2011, they should match their election-year promises with policy improvements that will allow for the true expansion of charter schools across the nation."

In the 12th edition of Charter School Laws Across the States, CER identifies three specific priorities that lawmakers must incorporate into their 2011 law changes:

Authorizer Reform. One of the hallmarks of a great charter school law is the ability for multiple entities—including universities, mayors, and independent state charter school boards—to allow for the creation of charter schools. Far too many states place authorizing power solely in the hands of local school boards, which have no incentive to allow charter schools.

Cap Removal. In many states, random and arbitrary caps—or limits—are placed on the number of schools that can operate or the number of students who can access charter schools. CER said that eliminating these capricious caps—along with authorizer reform—is a healthy blueprint for charter law improvement.

Funding Equity. Despite the fact that charter schools are public schools, the average charter school receives more than a thousand dollars less, per student, than a conventional public school. This historically inequitable funding formula—embraced by many states—immediately places charter schools, which face higher accountability measures, at a disadvantage.

"By introducing legislation that permits multiple charter school authorizers, eliminates unnecessary caps that only serve to punish children and provides equitable funding for charter schools, the country can witness a new renaissance in American education flourish in this next decade," Allen said.

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GSU featured in Princeton Review’s Best Law Schools

Georgia State University College of Law is one of the nation’s most outstanding law schools in the latest Princeton Review 2010 edition of “The Best 172 Law Schools.”

There are 663 students enrolled at the College of Law, and the majority of those students are full time. Upon graduation, 95 percent pass the bar exam on the first try. Of the 2009 graduates, 93 percent were employed within six months of graduation.

“We are pleased to recommend Georgia State College of Law ... as one of the best institutions they could attend to earn a law school degree,” said Robert Franek, Princeton Review senior vice president of publishing. “We chose the 172 schools for this book based on our high opinion of their academic programs and offerings, as well as our review of institutional data we collect from the schools.”

Princeton Review also considers opinions of students who rate and report on their campus experiences at their schools, according to the survey.

“This accolade confirms what our students tell us – that we’re a law school of choice,” said College of Law Dean Steven J. Kaminshine. “We offer a great value, an unmatched faculty, and an experience that connects the classroom with the outside world.”

The College of Law, opened in 1982, offers an innovative curriculum and a variety of programs. Graduates of GSU’s law school have excellent placement rates, including many of the nation’s top law firms, though some choose public service. The average starting salary for graduates is $79,003 and many leave law school with minimal debt.

Quoting from students who responded to the questionnaire, the survey said, “The College of Law at Georgia State University offers a top-quality law school education. … GSU College of Law offers an incredible value to students, strong academic reputation with a low cost of attendance.”

It also said that professors are “amazing, diverse and open-minded.” One law student who responded to the survey said, “I am challenged every day by brilliant professors who make me think in ways I never thought possible.”

Others said that GSU’s location offers access to the Atlanta legal community with a prime spot in downtown Atlanta. Students can “walk to the 11th Circuit, Supreme Court and Northern District of Georgia courthouses,” the survey said.



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160 high school students attend ‘Vet School for a Day’ at UGA College of Veterinary Medicine

Some 280 people, including 160 high school students from throughout Georgia, visited the University of Georgia campus on Wednesday to attend the sixth annual Vet School for a Day, held at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The day began with a keynote address from Dr. Nina Marano (DVM ’84), who is chief of the Quarantine and Border Health Services Branch for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases. The division is charged with preventing and controlling the introduction of communicable diseases into U.S. borders. Marano, who also practices companion animal medicine, told students about the wide variety of careers available to people who attain a veterinary degree, and emphasized the important role veterinarians play in protecting public health by helping to maintain a healthy food supply and by monitoring diseases in wildlife.

In addition, the students toured the college’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, lunched with a panel of veterinary students to learn about their interests in veterinary medicine, and heard from a panel of faculty and staff who represented the many specialties in veterinary medicine. Students also learned about the high standards for admission to the college, and what they should study to be prepared for veterinary school.

“This event has grown exponentially since we first started it, from a group of 30 students and high school counselors to almost 300,” said Dr. K. Paige Carmichael, the college’s associate dean for academic affairs. “There were many great questions asked and the overwhelming feedback was that this had been a wonderful experience. The college welcomes the opportunity to showcase our profession to interested high school students and looks forward to seeing many of these bright young minds come through our doors in four years time.”

“Vet School for a Day” is sponsored by the David Forehand Foundation, created in memory of alumnus Dr. David Forehand (DVM ’76). Next year’s event will be held in September; the date will be announced in the spring.

The UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, to conducting research related to animal diseases, and to providing veterinary services for animals and their owners. Research efforts are aimed at enhancing the quality of life for animals and people, improving the productivity of poultry and livestock, and preserving a healthy interface between wildlife and people in the environment they share. The college enrolls 102 students each fall out of more than 550 who apply. For more information, see http://www.vet.uga.edu/.

The current UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, built in 1979, serves more than 18,000 patients per year in one of the smallest teaching hospitals in the United States. The college is currently working to raise $15 million toward building a new Veterinary Medical Learning Center, which will include a new teaching hospital as well as classrooms and laboratories that will allow for the education of more veterinarians. The goal is to increase enrollment to 150 when the Veterinary Medical Learning Center is built. http://www.vet.uga.edu/giving/campaign.php.

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GSU only Georgia institution to receive grant from new federal program to train more nurse practitioners

Georgia State's Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing has recently received a new federal grant to help train needed nurse practitioners who are an important part of the health care system.

The $831,600 grant from the Advanced Nursing Education Expansion program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will provide funds for students for up to two years to help reduce the financial burden of attending school full time, and will help increase graduation rates.

"This highly competitive grant will allow GSU to increase the number of primary care providers available to consumers," said Susan Kelley, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. "Because of the quality of care which nurse practitioners provide, the demand for their services has grown immensely."

"We are very excited to receive this grant," said Barbara Woodring, chair of the Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing. "Nurse practitioners will be needed to aid in the health care system in the coming years. The Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing graduates one of the largest numbers of master's prepared nurse practitioners in the region, and the funding will go a long way in aiding our students."

The school of nursing is the only Georgia nursing school to receive a federal grant under this award program, which aims to train 600 advanced nursing professionals nationwide by 2015.

Since they were first trained in 1965, nurse practitioners have aided in the primary health care system, providing services similar to those of a doctor. They diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems, and also focus on health promotion, disease prevention, health education and counseling.

Because of their services, they help to lower the cost of patient care. According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, there are about 14,000 of these professionals in the United States.

Georgia State's program has five areas of focus, including adult health, pediatrics, family health, women's health, and psychiatric/mental health. The federal grant covers all five areas of the program, and must be used for direct support such as tuition, fees and a small stipend for students to attend full time.

The Advanced Nursing Education Expansion program is part of $320 million in grants under the Affordable Care Act.

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Registration begins Aug. 11 for UGA's 'Vet School for a Day'

Registration opens Aug. 11 for the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine’s sixth annual Vet School for a Day.The program will be held Sept. 29.It brings high school students from throughout Georgia to the university’s Athens campus to learn more about careers in veterinary medicine.

The program is held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and includes a tour of the teaching hospital, a panel discussion by faculty veterinarians in a variety of specialties, and the opportunity for the high school students to meet veterinary student leaders. Students also will learn about the high standards for admission to the college, and what they need to study to be prepared for veterinary school.

“Through this program, we hope to encourage students interested in science to pursue one of the variety of careers available in veterinary medicine, especially in underserved areas such as food animal medicine,” said Paige Carmichael, associate dean for academic affairs.

All students must be accompanied by an adult chaperone (parent, counselor or teacher).Students attend for free, but to help offset the cost for food there is a $15 per person fee for each chaperone; the fee is payable on the day of the event.School guidance counselors will be notified by email once registration opens.

“Vet School for a Day” is sponsored by the David Forehand Foundation, created in memory of alumnus Dr. David Forehand (DVM, class of 1976).More information about the event can be found at http://www.vet.uga.edu/academic/events/vs4ad.php.

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Brad Bryant Becomes Georgia's 20th State School Superintendent‏

Brad Bryant  was sworn into office as Georgia’s 20th State School Superintendent on July 1. Previously a member of the State Board of Education, Superintendent Bryant was appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue in June to fill the unexpired term of Superintendent Kathy Cox who resigned to head the U.S. Education Delivery Institute in Washington, D.C.

“It’s an honor and privilege to serve as State School Superintendent,” said Superintendent Bryant. “As a parent who had children in public schools and whose wife continues to work in one, I know the challenges we face and how important a quality education is to our state’s future. I will hit the ground running to ensure we provide the foundation that positively benefits our students, teachers and communities.”

“Brad's experience as a parent, local school board member and state school board member makes him uniquely qualified to help lead our state's education system. He is committed to supporting our superintendents, principals and teachers as they work every day to help our students reach new levels of achievement.”

Prior to his appointment as State School Superintendent, Bryant served seven years as the 4th District representative on the State Board of Education. He is the past President of the National Association of State Boards of Education. Bryant also worked as a Special Liaison to the Clayton County and Warren County school systems to help them regain their accreditation. Bryant served on the DeKalb County Board of Education for twelve years, including seven years as its Chair.


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Safe Schools Initiative Challenges the State Board of Education to Strengthen Rule Prohibiting Restraint and Seclusion in Georgia Schools

/PRNewswire/ -- Five leading Georgia disabilities advocacy organizations gathered today at the State Board of Education to implore its members to pass and strengthen a new rule to protect schoolchildren from restraint and seclusion.

The Coalition behind the "Safe Schools Initiative" - the Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO), Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University, Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia and Parent to Parent of Georgia - declared at a public hearing and press conference its determination to free all children from the harmful practices of restraint and seclusion. They called for the 13-body board to go beyond passing the Rule 160-5-1-.35 as it is currently written but to also strengthen it by adding a safeguard that would require data collection and analysis.

"We applaud the State Board of Education for its commitment to initiate a new rule to better protect our children," said Leslie Lipson, parent leadership support project director, Georgia Advocacy Office. "While this is a milestone, the rule, as it is, isn't enough to stop these widespread, yet hidden, practices. Data collection and analysis are pivotal in identifying schools that need additional support to appropriately maintain a safe educational environment. We must take that next step. We have an opportunity to make history and lead the country in efforts to end the practice of restraint and seclusion."

A 2009 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office revealed that its investigation did not uncover a single web site, federal agency or other entity that collects information on the use of these methods of the extent of their alleged abuse. They also reported finding "hundreds of cases of alleged abuse and death" resulting from the use of physical restraint and seclusion of school children over the last 20 years.

Currently, students in Georgia schools can be restrained or secluded for any reason, in any way and at any time. Rule 160-5-1-.35 would limit the use of restraint and seclusion in Georgia's public schools by prohibiting the use of seclusion, chemical restraints such as prescription drugs, mechanical restraints, or prone restraints. Physical restraint would only be allowed in extreme situations when students are in imminent danger to themselves or others. The board has 30 days to vote on and pass the Rule. The public has the opportunity to provide written comment via email to the BOE at policy@doe.k12.ga.us by July 5.

"This is not a Rule about discipline; it is a Rule about safety. This is not an issue relevant only to children with disabilities or behavioral issues. This issue impacts all of our children," said Eric E. Jacobson, executive director, Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. "We must shift the culture of Georgia public schools so that all students have the right to receive an appropriate education in a safe environment that fosters learning and encourages the use of positive behavior supports."

With the parents of the 13-year-old Jonathan King who hanged himself in a seclusion room in 2004 standing behind them, the Safe Schools Initiative coalition issued three charges to:

1. Educators: to embrace and adopt the concept of Positive Behavioral
Supports as an alternative to restraint and seclusion.
2. Parents: to act as advocates on behalf of their children.
3. The general public: become a part of the process by submitting written
comments to the BOE in support of the Rule.


"There is nothing smart, educational or positive about restraining or secluding a child," Lipson said. "Together, we can create schools that are safe for children and teachers, provide effective oversight and support, and ultimately protect our children."

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Georgia Virtual School Registration Open for 2010-2011 School Year

The Georgia Department of Education today announced that registration for the Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) 2010-2011 school year is now open to public school students.

"The Georgia Virtual School is a great way for students to take courses that may not currently be offered in their school," said State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox. "I encourage parents and students to look into all of the courses available and enroll today."

Georgia Virtual School offers a complete high school curriculum with Advanced Placement and college prep level courses. The courses also offer a perfect solution for students who are hospital/home bound or working in an alternative school environment. GAVS gives public school students access to challenging courses and the opportunity to make up credits through the Georgia Credit Recovery Program so they can graduate on schedule. All GAVS courses are fully accredited and taught by certified teachers.

During Fall 2009, over 3,000 students successfully completed courses, including the Advanced Placement courses the Georgia Virtual Schools offers. This program gives all Georgia students options and opportunities often not available at their local school.

The most popular course offerings are six world languages including: Latin, Spanish, French, German, Japanese and Chinese. The program continues to offer Quality Core Curriculum Math courses including: Algebra I, II, III, Geometry, and Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry. The program also offers a limited middle school curriculum on a tuition basis.

High School Career, Technical & Agricultural Education (CTAE) courses (Marketing, Engineering and Technology, Public Safety, Agriculture, and Health Care Science) and Math II and Math III courses are currently in development.

State funding is available for a one unit course or two half unit courses per student per semester for high school level courses. Students may also pay tuition of $300 per half unit class. All courses must be approved by the student’s local school.

Private and home schooled students may begin registration for 2010-2011 GAVS courses on May 1, 2010.

Nine week mini-semester courses are also still available for spring 2010. These courses begin in March. Parents and students may contact the guidance counselor at their school for registration information.

For more information about Georgia Virtual School, visit the website at www.gavirtualschool.org or call 404-657-0574.

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What is "IRS section 529"?

IRS section 529 or Qualified Tuition Programs (QTP's) are found under Title 26, Subtitle A, Chapter 1, Subchapter F, Part VIII, Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code or "IRC". It is considered the most complicated and hard to read section of the Code and a good treatment for insomnia. This section deals with special tax breaks for families, hence the "insomnia effect".

Parents who desire to overcome the skyrocketing tuition costs can utilize IRS section 529 to start saving early for their children's school expenses. Parents have a direct control over how and where their money is being invested. Under the college savings plans investors are not subject to any minimum income restrictions or area-specification where savings plans are concerned.

The Plan does not restrict participation eligibility; anyone can participate regardless of income. Participants name the beneficiary of the account and he will be the one using the money for educational expenses. The owner of the account can change the beneficiary at any time and maintain control of the account for the purpose of determining assets for the expected family contribution for college expenses.

Participants can contribute up to $13,000 per person for each beneficiary they have without having to pay a federal gift tax. Married participants can contribute a total of $26,000 per beneficiary. Participants can contribute up to $335,000 per account. The value of the account may rise above this amount because of increases in the investments but once this amount is reached or surpassed participants can no longer contribute to it.

One of the benefits that attract families to the 529 plan is the friendly tax treatment it offers. Funds withdrawn for educational expenses are not subject to Federal tax and some states allow the participant/investor to deduct the contributed amount from state tax.

Generally speaking there are two types of 529 plans -Prepaid plans and Savings plans. A Prepaid Plan is effective when one wishes to buy tuition credit at the present rate to be used later and the Savings Plan is dependent solely upon the market performance of principal investments. Most 529 savings plans offer age-based asset allocation choices where the underlying investments become more conservative as the recipient approaches the college-going age.

I can go on and on about the pros and cons of the 529 Plan but I would like to shift gears here and look at the 529 Plan treatment in a bankruptcy proceedings.

A 529 college-savings plan assets are not exempt under bankruptcy law if it is held for less than one year. The law exempts 529 assets held for at least two years. If assets are held between one to two years the exemption is limited to $5,000.00. In other words, individuals who participate in 529 Plans and find themselves in need for bankruptcy protection should look carefully at how long their 529 Plans have been in effect before deciding to file.

Article provided by George R. Belche, Attorney at Law, LLC

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Georgia Tech Creates School of City and Regional Planning

Georgia Tech has announced the creation of the School of City and Regional Planning with responsibilities including a Master of City and Regional Planning degree program, a Ph.D. concentration in City and Regional Planning, and research aimed at advancing the practice of urban planning in Georgia, the U.S. and across the globe.

The School of City and Regional Planning replaces the City and Regional Planning Program, continuing Tech’s work in support of the urban planning profession begun in 1952 when Howard Menhinick came to the Institute from the Tennessee Valley Authority to found the Graduate City Planning Program. In the years since, the Institute has awarded more than 1,100 graduate degrees in the field and now has planning alumni practicing in forty five states and twenty five countries. Nine alumni (and five current faculty) have been inducted as Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Seven degree program specializations are offered: Economic Development, Environmental Planning, Geographic Information Systems, Land and Community Development, Land Use, Transportation Planning, and Urban Design. Dual degrees and certificates are offered in conjunction with Tech’s schools of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Public Policy and with Georgia State University in historic preservation, law and real estate.

Georgia Tech’s Center for Geographic Information Systems and Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development support the School’s mission with interdisciplinary research. These Centers together with School faculty annually conduct in excess of $2.5 million of sponsored research for government, industry and third sector clients. GIS Center Director Steven P. French, FAICP, and Quality Growth Center Director Catherine Ross join School Chair Bruce Stiftel, FAICP, and PhD Program Director Michael Elliott as leaders of the forty teaching and research faculty.

The School’s Strategic Plan anticipates two new master’s degree programs, in Urban Design and in Geographic Information Systems; launch of a named PhD degree in City and Regional Planning; expansion of international focus and linkages; and leadership in designing sustainable cities of the 21st Century. In 2010, the School will host the annual PhD Workshop of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning, and together with Sun Yet-Sen University, will organize the ninth annual conference of the International Urban Planning and Environment Association in Guangzhou City, China.

“The timing is auspicious and I am convinced the creation of the School of City and Regional Planning supports our ambitions to clarify and strengthen the character of the College,” said College of Architecture Dean Alan Balfour. “It matches the scale and reputation of the discipline and solidifies its identity within the designed and built environment professions.”

By Teri Nagel

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2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools Named

Seven Georgia public schools were named 2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools today.

"These seven schools are outstanding examples of how high expectations and hard work can lead to outstanding student achievement," said State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox. "These schools show that, regardless of a school's size, geography or demographics, all students can achieve at high levels."

The No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools award distinguishes and honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the National Blue Ribbon School award winners this morning. (See U.S. Department of Education Release -
http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/09/09152009.html)

Blue Ribbon Schools are chosen in one of three categories (See the full criteria descriptions - http://tinyurl.com/NationalBlueRibbonCriteria)

- TOP 10%: Schools that scored in the top 10 percent in student achievement.

- TOP 10%: (40% Disadvantaged): Schools that scored in the top 10 percent in student achievement AND have at least 40 percent of its students considered economically disadvantaged.

- GREATEST GAINS: Schools with at least 40 percent economically disadvantaged students that have dramatically improved student achievement to high levels.

Five Georgia private schools also were named National Blue Ribbon schools. The selection process for private schools is different. For more information, go to http://www.capenet.org/brs.html.

Georgia's winning schools will join other national winners at an awards ceremony on November 3 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

For more information on the Blue Ribbon Schools program, go to the Blue Ribbon Schools website at http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html.

2009 GEORGIA BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS

Public
- Alice Coachman Elementary School, Dougherty County
- Carter Godwin Woodson Elementary School, Atlanta Public Schools
- DeKalb School of the Arts, DeKalb County
- Hightower Trail Middle School, Cobb County
- Honey Creek Elementary School, Rockdale County
- Trion High School, Trion City Schools
- Tunnel Hill Elementary School, Whitfield County

Private
- Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Johns Creek
- Holy Spirit Preparatory School, Atlanta
- Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, Atlanta
- Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, Tyrone
- St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Brunswick
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Superintendent Cox Launches New Teacher Tools

PBS TeacherLine and Verizon Thinkfinity Save Time and Money

State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox launched two online teacher tools this morning that will save educators and school systems time and money.

"These resources were developed without spending any taxpayer dollars and will help our teachers provide a world-class education to all of our students," Superintendent Cox said. "Time and money are precious commodities, especially in these times, and these teacher tools will help save both."

At an event at Kennesaw Mountain High School in Cobb County, Superintendent Cox announced expanded state partnerships with Georgia Public Broadcasting/PBS TeacherLine and Verizon's Thinkfinity.

"We have partnered with two outstanding organizations to bring high-quality resources to our classroom teachers," Superintendent Cox said. "We will continue to look for opportunities to provide valuable tools to our educators at little or no cost to the taxpayers of Georgia.”

PBS TeacherLine

PBS TeacherLine is an online tool that offers low-cost, high-quality professional development classes to teachers so they can improve their abilities and earn the Professional Learning Units -- or PLUs -- they need to maintain their certification.

"The Georgia Department of Education has reviewed PBS TeacherLine's English language arts and mathematics classes and given them our stamp of approval," Superintendent Cox said. "These classes are well-aligned with our state standards and the high expectations we have for teachers in Georgia."

Marilyn Stansbury, director of education for Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB), said this is just the beginning of this partnership.

"We will continue to work together to find ways we can provide high-quality, low-cost professional development opportunities for Georgia teachers," Ms. Stansbury said. "We are excited to launch this new partnership with the Georgia Department of Education and the state's educators."

Superintendent Cox said school systems can use federal Title 1 or stimulus funds to pay for educators to take TeacherLine classes. More information will be sent to schools this week.

- To learn more about PBS TeacherLine, visit www.gpb.org/education and click on "PBS TeacherLine" or go to http://www.teacherlinesoutheast.org/.

- A list of GaDOE-endorsed classes is attached to this email.

Verizon Thinkfinity

Verizon Thinkfinity is a free, online tool that provides more than 55,000 lesson plans, activities and other resources for classroom teachers. The content has been developed in coordination with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Council for Economic Education, the International Reading Association, the National Council of Teachers of English, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and many other highly-regarded groups.

"Many of the resources in Verizon Thinkfinity are directly linked to the Georgia Performance Standards and can help teachers develop rigorous and relevant lessons for their students quickly and easily," Superintendent Cox said. "Verizon is an outstanding corporate partner for education across the nation, especially here in Georgia."

Verizon began its partnership with Georgia last school year when it donated $50,000 that helped train more than 16,000 teachers on how to use Thinkfinity. On Tuesday, Julie Smith, vice president for external affairs, southeast, presented Superintendent Cox with another $50,000 check from Verizon to continue and expand its partnership.

Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston said the Thinkfinity.org website is a great tool for school and home.

“Whether it’s an English teacher looking for resources to spark a love of reading in a student, or a parent seeking a convenient and user-friendly educational activity to stimulate the mind of a young child, Thinkfinity.org will help them quickly and easily find the information needed to improve student achievement,” said Patrick Gaston, president of the Verizon Foundation.
To learn more about Verizon's Thinkfinity, go to www.thinkfinity.org.

Teachers can access Thinkfinity resources directly tied to the Georgia Performance Standards at www.georgiastandards.org.
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UGA College of Environment and Design Receives Top Rankings in 2009

The University of Georgia College of Environment and Design's landscape architecture programs again received top national rankings. The bachelor's program was ranked first in the nation, and the master's program was ranked second in the 2009 edition of America's Best Architecture & Design Schools.

This continues a history of high ratings for the programs, which have both placed in the top five for the past five years - as long as landscape architecture programs have been nationally ranked. This is the second time that the bachelor's program has been ranked the best in the country.

Graduates of the College of Environment and Design also placed first in three of seven skill assessments considered in the ranking: sustainable design, security design and computer applications. CED graduates ranked second in two other assessments-analysis and planning and construction methods and materials.

Both the graduate and undergraduate programs offer Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification as part of the curriculum. Only 14 percent of the programs surveyed nationally can match that claim, putting the UGA programs on the cutting edge of sustainable design.

The America's Best Architecture & Design Schools rankings are the design industry equivalent of the U.S .News and World Report college rankings. To produce the rankings, trade publication DesignIntelligence asks employers which schools' recent graduates are best prepared to face the demands of the profession. This means that the high rankings will not only attract students to the college, but also serve as an endorsement for graduating students seeking employment.

UGA's College of Environment and Design is the only college in the United States dedicated specifically to landscape architecture and historic preservation, and features the largest landscape architecture faculty anywhere.

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Fayette County PR Department Earns State Recognition

The Fayette County School System’s public relations department has received five awards from the Georgia School Public Relations Association (GSPRA) for distinguished achievement in writing, graphic design and electronic communications.

Entries are judged on content, use of graphics/special effects and color, layout and usefulness to the intended audience. A press release on the Starr’s Mill High Child Care Center and the teacher recruitment brochure each received a Gold Award of Excellence; the financial summary and a Channel 24 video on the Starr’s Mill High Child Care Center each received a Silver Award of Merit and a press release on the Holocaust Memorial at Rising Starr Middle received a Bronze Award of Merit.

“This recognition is truly an honor. The competition is very rigorous with entries competing against each other without the size of the school system or public relations department taken into consideration. Knowing that our projects went up against those from bigger systems with more resources and larger public relations departments makes these awards even more meaningful,” says Melinda Berry-Dreisbach, public information specialist.

The public relations department has received both national and state awards for its communication materials since the office opened in 2001. All totaled, the department has been awarded 61 national and state honors.

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