Fayette County Public Library Hosts Free “Career Choices” Information Session for Parents on Saturday, May 10 at 11 a.m.

The Fayette County Public Library is hosting a free information session on “Career Choices” on Saturday, May 10, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The session is designed for parents whose children are currently college students or recent high school graduates.

The workshop will be presented by Amy Anderson, a life direction coach and founder of Your True You. Ms. Anderson will talk to parents about “Future Directions,” a program designed to build confidence and self-esteem in students as they make important choices about college and career.

Amy Anderson brings 17 years of work/life training to her coaching practice. A graduate of Michigan State University and Coaches Training Institute, she is certified to work with the Highlands Ability Battery assessment tool. According to Ms. Anderson, the Highlands Battery has proven reliable in providing direction to students while creating focus on personal and professional fulfillment.

The Fayette County Public Library is located behind the Fayette County administration complex in downtown Fayetteville, at the southwest corner of Highways #85 and #54. For additional information about the Career Choices presentation, please contact the library at 770-461-8841 or visit online at http://www.fayettecountyga.gov/public_library

Fayette Middle School's Cub Chorus Takes First Place!

Spring Concert May 15th at Sams Auditorium

Many of Fayette Middle School’s 7th and 8th grade chorus students recently returned from a 4-day trip to Orlando, Florida. The Cub Chorus performed at the The MusicFest competition in Orlando. The Fayette Middle School Cub Chorus came in First Place (Junior High Choral Division). Additionally, the Chorus was also named Superstar Champion - for the highest scores in the choral division (Jr. High & Sr. High combined). This was a first for Fayette Middle Chorus! Ms. Risë Rudy, the Chorus Director stated that the students who performed provided the evidence of what hard work and dedication can achieve and she was proud of the their commitment to excellence in their art.

The Fayette Middle School’s final Spring Concert is Next Week - Thursday, May 15, 7:00 PM at Sams Auditorium.

Chambliss Praises Georgia Charter Schools during National Charter Schools Week

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today expressed his support for Georgia’s charter schools and applauded those working to expand the charter schools system. This week, May 5 - May 9, 2008, is National Charter Schools Week.

“Georgia’s excellent charter school system continues to raise the bar for educational standards, and I applaud the Georgia Charter Schools Association for their commitment to education,” said Chambliss. “Charter schools' emphasis on empowerment, innovation, and local control provide quality alternatives for many families, and they give our students a good foundation to succeed. I am proud to offer my praise for Georgia’s charter schools during National Charter Schools Week.”

Charter public schools in Georgia have grown from 37 three years ago to 73 this school year, with numerous communities looking at chartering as a way to provide parents and students with more choice. For the fourth year in a row, charter public schools have outperformed traditional public schools in Georgia with regard to percentage of schools making AYP, percentage of students passing the Georgia High School Graduation Test, and percentage of minority students passing AYP while serving a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students.

Charter schools now serve nearly 1.2 million students in over 3,400 schools across the nation.

Clayton State University’s Rosalind Williams Accepts Two New Positions

Clayton State University’s Rosalind Williams has been selected to serve as the administrative assistant for the newly appointed Director of Public Safety, Bobby Hamil, as well as serving as the University Rideshare coordinator.

“I truly have my work cut out for me, but I can honestly say that there is never a dull moment,” says Williams of her new endeavors.

Williams began working at the University in September 2004. Most recently, she served as the interim administrative assistant to the Interim Chief, Rex Duke, while being a part of the security staff of Clayton State University.

She has previously worked in the payroll office of the Norfolk Public school system Board of Education, the U.S.D.A. office with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and owned and operated a bookstore and herb shop.

“I bring to the table my people skills as well as communication skills which enable me to maintain a high level of integrity while encouraging others. Furthermore, being business minded has played a key role in my ability to be professional in problem solving matters,” Williams explains.

Williams, a longtime resident of Georgia, says she considers it a joy to work on such a beautiful campus and work in such an exciting department.

“I look forward enthusiastically to the many challenges that my new endeavor brings, so I am grateful to have this opportunity to be a part of a winning team,” she says.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

Stockbridge’s Nolan Hyde Honored by Clayton State

For the first time, the Political Science Department at Clayton State honored a student at the University’s yearly Honors Convocation. Nolan Hyde (Stockbridge) is the first recipient the Political Science Program Award.

“Nolan Hyde is an exemplary student with a very strong GPA, an exceptional legislative intern, and a natural leader; someone who both brings a great deal to the classroom and also generates an energy among fellow students,” says Dr. Joe Trachtenberg, professor of Political Science and program coordinator.

Hyde is a member of the Clayton State University Honors Program and a charter member of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. He has held the office of president in two clubs at Clayton State; the Clayton State University Political Science Association and the Clayton State University Philosophy Society.

“Being the first to win the Political Science Award is an immense honor, being able to represent the Political Science Program at Clayton State is a distinct privilege,” expresses Hyde.

Hyde just finished his internship with the Georgia Legislative Intern Program. He was placed with the House of Representatives as an intern in the House Appropriations office.

“Through my position I was able to follow many appropriations’ bills from committee and subcommittee to floor votes on both sides of the Gold Dome,” explains Hyde.

Hyde will graduate from Clayton State this May. He plans to attend law school in the fall.

“Nolan has been a pleasure to have in my upper level political science course, not only because he always is well prepared and willing to participate, but also because he is a natural leader whose positive attitude and friendly disposition encourages others to take part as well,” says Trachtenberg.

“Being recognized for the Political Science Award is an incredible tribute, however the true reward for all of the hard work will be on graduation day when for those few fleeting moments my name will be heard over a loud speaker in the presence of my family and friends and then the presentation of my diploma,” says Hyde.

In his spare time he enjoys playing golf and fishing. He is married to Clayton State alumna Amanda Hyde. They are very active in their church, Highland Christian Center in McDonough, where she teaches Sunday school and he is a member of the praise and worship team.

“I am and have been successful because of the support of my wonderful wife, my parents, and my grandparents. These individuals helped and supported me when I needed them the most,” he says.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

Clayton State University SEEDS Chapter Awarded Two Grants

The Ecological Society of America (ESA) has awarded Clayton State University’s Strategies for Ecology Education, Development and Sustainability (SEEDS) Chapter two special grants.

A special project grant of $4,900 was awarded to the SEEDS Chapter for their grant proposal on “An Evaluation of the Jesters Creek Restoration Project.” This grant will fund a multi component assessment project to include outreach and education as well as assessments on the vegetation, soil characteristics, insect, bird, and bat communities in recently restored sections of Jesters Creek in Morrow, Ga.

“This project is multi-faceted and it is hoped that it will not only help improve restoration projects in Georgia, but also provide experience and exposure to ecology for students,” explains Serge Farinas, SEEDS Chapter President.

Student project leaders will train other students, including an ecology class, to assess and monitor the restoration efforts. The SEEDS chapter along with other project participants will make presentations to Clayton State students through a biology seminar and campus poster sessions. A panel discussion will be held with representatives from the Clayton County Water Authority and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Being awarded this grant feels great! It is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to gain experience and do good work at the same time. I know for myself, it is very motivating to know that my hard work can affect things in a positive way. I hope that this project will be a good contribution to facing the daunting ecological problems affecting us all,” says Farinas.

The Clayton State SEEDS chapter was also awarded a $500 chapter maintenance grant. This grant will help the chapter through funding events and activities. The chapter is working on plans to visit the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Research (GCE-LTER) Project on Sapelo Island. The group is also organizing a caving expedition.

“Understanding and awareness of our native ecosystems can lead to a better appreciation and concern for them. Activities are a really good way to get people immersed in ecology and to get people interested in ecology,” says Farinas.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

Fayette Honored for Excellence in Economic Education

Fayette County Schools has received the state's highest recognition for being a leader in K-12 economic education.

The Georgia Council on Economic Education has awarded the system its Economic Education Program of Excellence for comprehensive system-wide implementation of economic education at all grade levels. The selection committee cited two factors that lead to the county receiving the award: the dedication of Fayette's teachers and the exemplary leadership of Social Studies Coordinator Cathy Geis.

The council defines an exemplary program as one that is based on a curriculum of framework consistent with the National Council on Economic Education Curriculum Framework and Georgia Council on Economic Education guidelines. It recognizes complete programs that encourage articulation, balance of content, a variety of teaching strategies and the involvement of teachers, students and the community.

For an economics program to receive the award, teachers must show expertise in the curriculum they teach, participate in all aspects of the development of the curriculum and show sound instructional theory and practice in the implementation of the program. The curriculum must be guided by clearly stated goals and objectives, based on sound scholarship from the content of economics, related appropriately to the age, maturity, interests and needs of the students, incorporate effective instructional strategies that engage students in learning and set high expectations for students and use of a variety of systematic measures to evaluate student performance. And, students must be able to examine content, issues and events from a variety of perspectives, demonstrate comprehensive decision making and active participation in school, community and world and show an understanding of democratic principals and participation in the democratic process as they affect the economic system.

This marks the second time in five years that the school system has received the excellence award. The award was given in 2003 for the Mini-Society program.
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Students Perform Well on Graduation Test

An overwhelming majority of Georgia's students are meeting expectations on the Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT), including two of the exams that are aligned to the state's more rigorous curriculum.

"Overall, these results are good news: most of Georgia's students are showing that they have the basic knowledge they need in order to graduate from high school," said State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox. "However, the results of the two new GHSGTs show that we still have work to do in getting students fully prepared to be highly successful in college and the work world."

For the first time this year, the GHSGTs in English Language Arts and Science are fully aligned to the state's new curriculum, the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS). Besides testing more rigorous material, the new exams call for higher order thinking. These new exams are scored at four levels -- below proficiency, basic proficiency, advanced proficiency and honors.

About 90 percent of first-time test takers scored at basic proficiency or above on the new GHSGT in English Language Arts. Slightly more than 86 percent scored at basic proficiency or above on the new GHSGT in Science.

"These exams are definitely more challenging," Superintendent Cox said, "so, it's clear that our teachers are doing a great job delivering a more focused and engaging curriculum that sets high expectations for all students."

However, Superintendent Cox said the state must also keep an eye on the percentage of students scoring at Advanced Proficiency or above -- an indication of being able to do college level work without remediation. In English Language Arts, 53.4 percent of students scored at Advanced Proficiency or Honors. On the science exam, slightly more than 50 percent scored at the highest two levels.

"If Georgia is going to be competitive in the 21st century, we must demand more from ourselves and our students," Superintendent Cox said. "Working together at all levels of education, I know we will see more and more students scoring at the highest levels on these tests and being successful in college and the work place."

Mathematics and Social Studies

The results of GHSGTs in Mathematics and Social Studies remained very strong, but were essentially flat when compared to 2007.

In Mathematics, 92.5 percent of first-time test takers passed the exam, a slight increase from 2007 (91.7 percent). On the social studies exam, 86.4 percent passed the exam, a slight decrease from 2007 (87.1 percent).

These exams are still aligned to the Quality Core Curriculum (QCC) and are scored the same as in the past with three performance levels -- did not pass, pass and pass plus.

The Social Studies GHSGT will be GPS-based starting in 2010 and the Mathematics GHSGT will be GPS-based starting in 2011.

Clayton State School of Business Honors Two Students

Photo: Left to right; Jacob Chacko, Michael Deis, Momoh Kerkula, Michelle Terrell, Michael Tidwell

Dean Dr. Jacob Chacko and the faculty of the Clayton State University School of Business recently honored two of their students, Momoh Kerkula and Jonathan Howard, under what could only be called unique circumstances.

Chacko, along with Associate Professor of Management Dr. Michael Deis, Student Advisor Michelle Terrell and Associate Professor of Management Dr. Michael Tidwell, first journeyed to Kindred Hospital in Midtown Atlanta where Kerkula has been hospitalized since a November 2007 automobile accident. Standing by Kerkula’s beside with this fellow faculty members, Chacko performed the native of Liberia’s graduation ceremony, presenting Kerkula, who has been residing in Jonesboro while attending Clayton State, with a framed diploma.

Later that same day, Chacko joined with Assistant Professors of Business Dr. Nikki Finlay and Dr. Anita Whiting in what was most likely a first for the School of Business, if not the University as a whole. A native of Griffin, the founding president of the Clayton State Marketing Association, and one of the School of Business’ outstanding students, Howard died unexpectedly this past winter. As part of the School’s annual Beta Gamma Sigma induction ceremony, Howard’s father, Steve Howard, was presented with his son’s posthumous diploma – believed to be the first posthumous degree awarded by the University. At the same time, Jonathan Howard was also posthumously inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society in business, management, and administration for AACSB accredited business schools.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

State Board Member Linda Zechmann to Hold Meeting in The First Congressional District

Are you interested in learning more about public education in Georgia? Do you have suggestions that may help Georgia lead the nation in improving student achievement? If so, you may want to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to speak directly to the State Board of Education Member Linda Zechmann representing your area – the First Congressional District.

Ms. Zechmann welcomes you to an open public hearing taking place Tuesday, April 29, 2008, from 7-8 p.m. at Liberty County Board of Education, 200 Bradwell Street, Hinesville, 31313.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, student, or simply a concerned citizen – you are encouraged to take part in this important event. Your feedback is critical as the State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Schools work together to insure that all Georgia students are receiving an excellent education.

Those wishing to speak at the meeting are asked to sign in when they arrive. For more information contact Ms. Lynn Roberts at 404-657-7410 or by e-mail: lroberts@doe.k12.ga.us

The Georgia Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services or activities. Individuals who need assistance or auxiliary aids for participation in this public forum are invited to make their needs known to Ms. Lynn Roberts, Georgia Department of Education at (404) 657-7410.

Gordon College Early Childhood Education Program Passes First Step to Obtain Accreditation

The Gordon College Early Childhood Education program is one step closer to being fully accrediting after a successful site visit by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

All eight standards were met which included, candidate knowledge, skills and disposition; assessment system and unit evaluation; field experiences and clinical practice; diversity; faculty qualifications and performance; unit governance and resources; specific requirements and standards and appropriate program content standards.

While all eight standards were met, three were met with areas for improvement noted. Those included diversity, faculty qualifications, performance and unit governance and resources.

“Meeting these standards means that our first graduating class of teachers in May, 2009 will have completed an NCATE accredited program and will be eligible to obtain their teaching certificates,” said Jerry Stinchcomb, interim chair of the division of education at Gordon College. “We knew that with this being a new program there would be areas for improvement and we will work hard to make the recommended improvements.”

“This ‘developmental accreditation’ is the first step for new programs like ours,” Stinchcomb added. “In two years, when we have data from our graduates, Gordon College will then be eligible for ‘initial accreditation’ which will cover the next seven years.”

Stinchcomb, a Fayette County native, taught for many years in Fayette County and is a former Superintendent of the Fayette County school system.

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission, PSC, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, NCATE, are the professional accrediting organizations for schools, colleges, and teacher preparation programs in Georgia. NCATE is the accrediting body for programs across the United States. It is a coalition of more than 30 organizations representing teachers, teacher education, policymakers and the public. NCATE currently accredits 632 colleges of education with 78 more seeking NCATE accreditation.

The five-day visit involved meetings with teacher-candidates as well as administrators, instructors and representatives of the Teacher Education Council, a group of local educators assisting in the development of the Gordon program.

Review team members included representatives from Albany State College, Augusta State University, Columbus State University, Florida State University and Georgia Southern University.

There are currently 30 teacher-candidates in the first class that will graduate in spring 2009 with degrees in Early Childhood Education, Gordon's first baccalaureate degree. The second class of juniors will begin this fall.

Gordon College, in Barnesville, is a residential state college of the University System of Georgia and offers more than 80 programs of study to more than 3,700 students. There are more than 350 students from Fayette County enrolled at Gordon College.

Alice Smith Staff Award Nominees Announced

Clayton State University has announced the five finalists for the University’s 2008 Alice Smith Staff Award. They are: Kathy Garrison; from the Center for Academic Success, Mary Alice Gladin; from the School of Business, Sandy Haught; from Plant Operations, Vicky Stewart; from the School of Nursing; and from Administrative Systems, Celeste Wade.

Clayton State’s 2008 Alice J. Smith Awards, for both faculty and staff, will be presented at Clayton State’s Faculty/Staff Awards Ceremony on Apr. 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Spivey Hall. An annual event since 1995, the Smith Awards are presented to the faculty member and staff member ranked most outstanding as determined by committees of their peers. The two, $1000 awards were established by local philanthropist Joseph Smith in honor of his wife, Alice. The winners of both categories will be announced at the Apr. 30 ceremonies.

Garrison is completing her 20th year at Clayton State University. Currently she is the assistant director of the Center for Academic Success in which she oversees peer tutoring and supplemental instruction programs. Garrison earned a master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences from Clemson University and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from North Georgia College.

Garrison lives with her husband and two children in Social Circle. She enjoys traveling and camping with her family, attending sporting events, and participating with the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, or her church youth group.

“It is such an honor to be nominated, much less a finalist. It is just overwhelming to believe that my colleagues feel that I am worthy of such an honor,” she says.

Gladin has worked as the administrative assistant in Clayton State University’s School of Business since 2004.

“Being nominated is a very humbling experience because I feel the least qualified of all the candidates and I just sincerely enjoy being a small part of Clayton State. The faculty and staff here are an inspiration to me each day. I'm truly blessed that they allow me to have a part of their lives,” she says.

After 36 years dedicated to International Paper, Gladin retired in 1998 only to come out of retirement in 2001 when she began part time work as the evening secretary for the School of Business. She grew up in Rome, Ga., but has lived in Jonesboro with her husband since 1969. They have two children and two granddaughters. She enjoys bowling and golfing with her husband, reading, and watching the Braves.

Haught, from Selma, Ala., and now living in Griffin, Ga., has been a part of Clayton State’s Plant Operations since 1989. As the business manager, she works closely with the Director of Plant Operations on all projects, including contracts and pay requests for architects and contractors. She interacts with all departments on campus and enjoys working at Clayton State because of the people and its surroundings.

“This award is a great honor and to be nominated by my peers means so much to me,” she says.

When Haught is not spending time with her family, she enjoys working in the yard and spending time with her family and their black Lab, Levi. Haught and her husband have been married for 39 years and they have one son and an eight month old grandson.

As the administrative coordinator for the School of Nursing, Stewart enjoys many aspects of her work. She described it as including enough variety to keep things interesting and says that the Dean and faculty of the School of Nursing are an energetic group. She has been a part of the Clayton State staff for 13 years and gladly refers to her fellow co-workers as her extended family.

“For me, to be considered, let alone nominated by your peers for such an award is an honor and humbling experience,” she says.
Stewart received a certificate in accounting from North Georgia Technical College, graduating with honors. She is married with one child and resides with her family in Griffin, Ga. When she isn’t spending time with her family, she enjoys reading, gardening and interior decorating.

In 1995, Wade began working in Plant Operations as a clerk and in 1999 moved to Administrative Systems to work as an analyst. Since 2005 she has also provided IT support for the accounts receivable side of Banner and PeopleSoft Financials as part of the Budget & Finance Office.

“Being nominated for the Alice Smith Award was a surprise and an honor. Everyone around me has always made me feel so appreciated,” expresses Wade.

Wade enjoys her job for many reasons, namely the outstanding people with whom she works with, the challenge of her job, and the opportunity to learn and grow.

Wade earned her certificate in Information Technology in 2004 from Clayton State. She lives in Locust Grove and has two daughters. She enjoys getting together with her sister and extended family.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.