Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Starr’s Mill High School Wins 2009 CEE/Goldman Sachs Foundation National Economic Challenge

Economic students at Starr's Mill High School in Fayette County are the statewide winners of the David Ricardo Division 2009 Council on Economic Education (CEE)/Goldman Sachs Foundation National Economics Challenge in Georgia.

Led by economics teacher Mark DeCourcy, the team will go on to the Southeast Regional competition at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta on April 27. Sixteen teams from across the 11-state Southeast region will travel to Atlanta, with the winner from each division moving on the national competition May 16 in New York City. Additionally, regional winners and their teachers will each receive $1,000 U.S. Savings Bonds with runner-up teams and their teachers each receiving $500 U.S. Savings Bonds.

The CEE/Goldman Sachs Foundation National Economics Challenge tests the economics knowledge of high school teams from across the country in an exciting quiz bowl-styled competition. Working individually and in teams, students answer questions related to micro-, macro-, and international economics and current events.

The competition is divided between the Adam Smith Division for students in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, honors, or two-semester courses, and the David Ricardo Division for students enrolled in a general economics course of one semester or less.

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Peachtree City's Booth Middle School Team Advances to National Science Olympiad

Fayette County's middle schools had a strong showing at the 2009 Georgia Science Olympiad with J.C. Booth Middle School securing its 16th trip to the national competition.

Bennett’s Mill, Fayette, J.C. Booth, Rising Starr and Whitewater Middle schools all secured wins at the regional tournament, allowing them to advance to the state competition on March 28 at Gainesville State College. Each of the schools earned at least first-fourth place medals in a variety of events at the state level, but it was Booth that emerged as the first place winner advancing to the national competition hosted this year by Augusta State University May 15-16.

Booth won the state competition medaling in 19 of 23 events with 79 points. Rising Starr placed third in the state with 159 points.

Booth has won a total of nine first place finishes at the national level. Science teacher Mary Wilde coaches the team. This will be her final year as coach; she will retire from teaching at the end of the school year.

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Monday, March 30, 2009

School’s German Award Lands Fayette County Student a Free Trip to Germany


Competing against 349 schools and 38,865 students throughout the United States and Canada, Whitewater High School in Fayetteville emerged as one of seven schools in North America to receive the Goethe-Institut Award of Excellence in German.

As one of the winning schools, Whitewater High School received the grand prize: an all expenses paid trip for one student to attend a Young Learner’s Course in Germany, sponsored by the Goethe-Institut. Lee Frye, a junior currently in German II, was selected as the deserving student of the trip.

German teacher Candace McCollough Dixon organized the contest, which began in the fall when students watched a video titled “Greenagers: Battling Climate Change in Germany,” and completed a multiple-choice quiz on the content. All students enrolled in world language courses were eligible to participate. Results of the quizzes were used by the Goethe-Institut to determine the winning schools.

Whitewater students who scored a 100 on the quiz were eligible to participate in an essay competition to determine the winner of the trip. Students were asked to explain why they should be chosen and how they would support the German program at the school. A committee read and scored each essay with Frye emerging as the overall winner.

Frye will travel to Germany in July. He will select the language course and city for his studies.

The Goethe-Institut was founded in 1951 to promote a wider knowledge of the German language and foster cultural cooperation between Germany and other countries. It is a non-profit, publicly funded organization involved in a variety of cultural relations activities. With 144 branches in 80 countries, including seven in the United States and two in Canada, the Goethe-Institut plays an important role in providing access to German language and culture all over the world.

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Sunday, March 29, 2009

Wondering About the Yellow Markers on the Peachtree City Paths?

Peachtree City Begins Effort to Help Navigation, Emergency Response on Path System

The City of Peachtree City’s hallmark feature is its 90–mile network of multi-use paths that connect the community. Most of the paths wind through beautiful wooded areas and between neighborhoods to connect residents with shopping, dining, education, recreation and business in the city. But how do you really know where you are on the path system? What do you do if you have an accident or want to report a problem on a path but don’t know what to call it?

The City recently started a new program to assist citizens, staff, and emergency response personnel to help navigate the path system. City staff is publishing a numbering system for each of the city’s paths. Additionally, small yellow markers are being placed in specific distances on each path to help users know what path they are on.

City I.T. Systems Administrator Matthew Robinson commented, “The markers show a path number, followed by two digits locating where they are in relation to the beginning of each section of path. Each of the markers is supposed to face north to help in setting direction. The markers are generally spaced every 520 feet (or every 1/10th of a mile) when space is available; shorter paths will have a marker placed in the centerpoint of the path or at a visible point along the path. The markers are also being GPS located, and the GPS locations will be available to both emergency response personnel and the general public.”

The cost of the 1,100 markers ($4,750) was funded through existing cart path maintenance funding in the 2008 budget, and markers are being put out through the City’s I.T./GIS Department and Public Works Department as time permits. Volunteer groups to assist in this effort are also being considered.

Robinson said, “We have a fairly good process in place, and we’ve made initial contact with Keep Peachtree City Beautiful in conjunction with the Adopt-A-Path program and Peachtree City’s CERT teams. We’re approaching the process slowly to ensure the markers are placed well and GPS located so we can make the information available to everyone through our mapping website.”

Citizens may track the status of the path marker project on the City’s maps website, maps.peachtree-city.org, winner of the 2008 ARC Create Community Award for Innovation in Technology.

The City is also finalizing the publication of new, accurate street and path maps that will be available in mid April. The new map will also show the path IDs for a majority of the city’s paths, and this information will be available to City staff as well.

“We encourage citizens to begin using the path IDs if they need to contact Public Works or call 911”, said Robinson. “By having an identification system, our hope is the City will be able to respond to citizen needs faster and more accurately, and we hope this will lead to a few less people wondering where they are on the path system.”

If you are interested in assisting with this project, the City asks that you contact Keep Peachtree City Beautiful at 770-632-3195 or the City’s Public Works Department at 770-487-5183 to sign up for the Adopt-A-Path program to help the City keep the path system clean and litter-free.
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Thursday, March 26, 2009

Rising Starr Students Tour Justice Center

Judge Judy Jones gave Rising Starr Middle students Natalie Kravchuk, Corrie Williamson, Matthew Werner, Nicholas Sanchez and Alex Werner a tour of her courtroom.

From holding cells to the courtroom, a group of Rising Starr Middle students got a first-hand look into the justice system.

Students in Molly Monahan’s class had the opportunity to tour the Fayette County Justice Center and talk to officials who are in charge of enforcing and carrying out laws that govern all citizens. Leann Bartlett and Lt. Francis Cavender led the students on a tour of the center while Judge Judy Jones showed them around her courtroom and explained how court cases are carried out. She even let them try on her robe and bang the gavel.

“Judge Jones, Ms. Bartlett and Lt. Cavender were great to us. The students had a great time and learned a lot about how the justice system works,” says Monahan.

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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Fayette County Students Advance to State Geography Bee

The port of Rotterdam is built on the delta of which major European river? If you are struggling with the answer, then you might call on one of Fayette County's State Geography Bee qualifiers for help.

Logan Austin, 8th grade, Bennett’s Mill Middle; Ali Jawad, 8th grade, Flat Rock Middle and Sam Burgess, 6th grade, Rising Starr Middle, will represent Fayette County at the 2008-09 Georgia Geography Bee on April 3 at Georgia College and State University.

They are among 100 of the state’s brightest students in grades 4-8 selected to participate in the competition. Their selection was based on their performance on a written test to determine their eligibility to compete at the state level. In order to take the written test, students must first win their individual school’s competition. The competition is affiliated with the National Geographic Bee.

By the way, the answer to the question is the Rhine River.

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Fayette County High Wins Region Literacy Championship

Starr’s Mill and Whitewater High Earn Top Four Finishes at State Competition


After winning the overall championship trophy at the 2009 Region 2AAAA Literary Meet, Fayette County High’s literary team finished its season with a fifth place victory at the Georgia State literary Championships.

Starr’s Mill, which finished fourth in the region, tied for second at the state competition with Woodland High in Bartow County. Whitewater High, which finished second regionally, placed fourth in the state.

Individual winners from the three schools include (Fayette County High) Sophia Dannar, third place, Girls Dramatic Interpretation; Jennie Lee, second place, Girls Essay and Elena Berptrom, fourth place, Girls Solo (vocal). (Starr’s Mill) Jonathon Trebble-Greening, first place, Boys Extemporaneous Speaking and Molly Munson, first place, Girls Extemporaneous Speaking. (Whitewater) Brent Davis, first place, Boys Solo (vocal) and Brent Davis, Colt Barron, Eric Roche and Robert Blithe, second place, Boys Quartet (vocal).

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Monday, March 23, 2009

Sara Harp Minter ASP Students Learn the Fun of Science

Dr. Fran Norflus, assistant professor of biology at Clayton State University, shows Sara Harp Minter After School Program students how mold and bacteria cultures grow.


Slime and mold got After School Program (ASP) students at Sara Harp Minter Elementary School in Fayetteville interested in learning more about science.

Clayton State University assistant professors Dr. Fran Norflus (biology) and Dr. Rich Singiser (chemistry) visited the students last month to show them the fun of science. The professors brought slides of mold and bacteria for the students to examine as well as showed them how to make slime and gave out samples to take home.

Finding ways to keep students interested in learning is what led ASP Site Coordinator Dianna Robertson to call on the professors to present the science activity. She says she is always on the lookout for activities that disguise learning as fun.

“My staff and I enjoyed the presentation as much as the children. The children were so engrossed in the experiments, they are still talking about them,” says Robertson.

Norflus says she enjoyed the opportunity to talk to the students about science, noting that the United States is in critical need of more scientists and technical professionals.

“There is an obligation to instill a sense of wonder and excitement for science in young students so they may opt for science majors as they advance in their studies,” she says.

Because of the students’ interest in the presentations, more science programs are in the works including one on plants that will be presented by Marion Smith, a horticulturalist from Fayette County High.

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Fayette County High School French Students Immersed in French at Rock Eagle

Pictured are (L-R) front row: Autumn Henderson, Dayna Gomes, Rose Wilmot. Back row: J.R. Glenn, Jaime Rivera, Franklin Lowe

Students in Madame Margaret Topp's French II class at Fayette County High spent a weekend of total immersion in the French language through the American Association of the Teachers of French (AATF) at Rock Eagle February 20-22.

They spoke only French at all meals, during sports and social/cultural activities and events.

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Annual Fundraiser Supports Local Troops

Helen Denton, former secretary to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, (left) takes a break from the fun to pose with Linda Mosley, bus driver and organizer of the cookout.

The smell of hotdogs roasting on the grill and displays of red, white and blue in the bus shop could only mean one thing. It was time for the annual Cookout for the Troops hosted by the Fayette County School System’s Transportation Department.

Seven years and counting, the department has hosted the fundraiser to generate funds to purchase gift cards for the county’s men and women serving in the U.S. military. Approximately, 300 people attended this year’s event that netted $2,500. All proceeds collected will enable the transportation department to send gift cards to deployed troops throughout the year as well as provide Christmas gifts.

Fayette residents who have a friend or loved one serving in the military can request to have a gift card sent to their solider by mailing his or her name and address to: The Troops, 210 Stonewall Avenue, Fayetteville, GA 30214. Please include a local contact and telephone number.

Each March, the county’s school bus drivers and monitors work countless hours organizing the cookout, going door to door to Fayette businesses soliciting prizes for drawings and monetary donations. The drivers also provide the food and desserts that are enjoyed by those who attend.

Businesses throughout the county generously supported this year’s cookout by donating prizes that included handmade quilts, rugs, jewelry, gift certificates and artwork. Those supporting the event were Autera Health Clinic, Classic Landscaping, Trinity Air, Clearly Fun Soap, Bella Bronze Tanning, Mary Kay, Permanent Beauty Solution, Images by Rainey, Publix 799, Andy’s Nursery, Petro Flame, J&J Grading, ACE Hardware, Brooks Hair Boutique, Braelinn Village Family Dentistry, Restored, Play It Again Sports, Second Hand Sam, Odds & Ends Carpentry, Margaret Sullivan (flower pen lady), Juice+, Queen’s Jewels, Kedron Merle Norman, Allan Vigil Ford, Clarks Pressure Washing and Painting, Images Gallery and Studio, Wags to Whiskers, The Way of the Horse, Camm Inspections, Hudson Produce, Pearl Lady, Pinson Trucking, Red Neck Gourmet, Big Daddy’s Oyster Bar, Stevie B’s Pizza and Jafra Cosmetics.

Students in Fayette Middle's after school art class helped promote the fundraiser by designing posters that were used to advertise the cookout. The transportation department gave lollipops to the students as a token of appreciation for their efforts.

As the years go by, more people are learning about the fundraiser and are becoming involved. This year veterans from the Riverdale VFW Post 3650 were in attendance along with a very special member of their post, Helen Denton. Denton, who joined the Army in 1943 at the age of 21, played a major role in the history of the United States. Serving as General Dwight D Eisenhower’s secretary, she typed the plans for the liberation of Europe, better known as D-Day.

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Friday, March 20, 2009

Early Registration Begins for After School Program

The Fayette County Public School System’s After School Program (ASP) will begin registering elementary students for the 2009-2010 school year on March 26.

Parents who register their students by May 15 will receive a 10 percent discount off of the $50 registration fee and the first week’s tuition. Registration will take place at the child’s school of attendance. Parents will need to fill out a three-page application on site to complete the registration process. Hours to register are 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on any school day.

The ASP offers quality supervision with plenty of fun activities to keep children busy including arts and crafts, games, computer classes and homework assistance. Hours of operation begin at the end of the school day and continue to 6:30 p.m. only when school is open. More information on the program can be obtained by visiting www.fcboe.org.

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Is Your Kid Smoking Smarties?

Editor's Note: Smoking Smarties is the latest craze in Fayette County schools. Our staff has determined the local school administrations know of this event that happens during the lunch break. Be aware Fayette County citizens-- smoking candy is not good for your child's health.

Not Smart(ies): Doctors Warn of Dangers in Kids 'Smoking' Sugary Candies

Adolescents and teens have been crushing and inhaling candy, and then exhaling it, in an effort to look as though they’re smoking cigarettes, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

Countless youths have even posted how-to videos, like this one on YouTube, of themselves engaging in this behavior.

Health experts fear the behavior may lead to harmful conditions. Some kids have already shown signs of developing a “smoker’s cough.” Oren Friedman, a Mayo Clinic nose specialist, cautioned that frequent use could lead to infections or even worse, albeit rare, conditions, such as maggots inside the nose.....http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509932,00.html

and another article:

Just Say No....to Smarties? Faux Smoking Has Parents Fuming

Summit Middle School in Frisco, Colo., is a tobacco-free campus. Students who smoke cigarettes are suspended.

But when a lunchtime crew of sixth-graders last fall started "smoking" Smarties,.....http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123750945477390601.html

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Kindness Kids of Braelinn Elementary School Collect Eggs for Adaptive Egg Hunt

Pictured are Kindness Kids Emily Shockley and Katie Shockley, along with school counselor Billie Anderson.

Braelinn Elementary’s Kindness Kids Club collected over 1100 plastic eggs during Exceptional Children’s Week. The eggs will be used in the Adaptive Egg Hunt, a communitywide inclusive egg hunt for children with and without disabilities, to be held at 10 AM on Saturday, March 28 at the Fayette Family YMCA soccer field. The lead sponsor for this event is the Fayette County Navigator Team.

The Kindness Kids Club is a club for 3rd and 4th graders. The club encourages students to help others in their community and to perform "Random Acts of Kindness" for others when possible.

Braelinn Elementary School is a 2008 Gold Award School for Statewide Accountability System from the Department of Education, and is located in Peachtree City, Georgia.

For more information about Braelinn Elementary’s Kindess Kids Club, please contact sponsor, Billie Anderson at anderson.billie@fcboe.org. For more information regarding the Adaptive Egg Hunt, please contact Raissa Chandler at (770) 713-6731 or email at hmhconsultants@hotmail.com.

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Open Mic Night at The Fred

If your dream is to perform in front of a live audience, or if your garage band is convinced they’re ready to go on the road- The Fred has an opportunity for you! Open Mic Night at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City is scheduled for Saturday, May 9. “We are looking for bands, vocalists, even comedians” says Nancy Price, Manager of The Fred. “This is basically a showcase of talent and all of the participants will get the chance to perform in front of a live audience that night with professional sound and lighting.”

Open Mic will take place Saturday, May 9 beginning at 7 pm. Spectators attending the event will be charged a $5.00 fee if purchased in advance and $10.00 at the door to see an evening of diverse and great entertainment. There are a limited number of slots available so applicants are encouraged to register early. The participants will be rated that evening by a panel of judges and the winner will have the opportunity to open for one of the events scheduled this summer at The Fred.

Applications are currently available for Open Mic Night and may be picked up at The Fred Box Office or the Recreation Administration Building. Applications are also available online at www.amphitheater.org There is an application fee of $20 for groups of 2 or more and $10 for solo artists. The deadline for the Open Mic competition is April 20. For further information call 770-631-0630 or email nprice@amphitheater.org. or sdavenport@amphitheater.org.
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Monday, March 16, 2009

School System Meets Expectations for District Accreditation

Based on the review submitted by the Quality Assurance Team of AdvancED in January, the AdvancED Accreditation Committee has unanimously recommended that District Accreditation be awarded to the Fayette County School System. This means that if the accreditation committee approves the recommendation, the school system and all of its schools will be granted a five-year term accreditation.

“On behalf of the Quality Assurance Review Team, SACS CASI and AdvancED, I want to commend and congratulate you, the professional staff, the board of education and stakeholders throughout the community on this achievement to be awarded District Accreditation as a Quality School System. SACS CASI and AdvancED look forward to our continued association with Fayette County Schools and our partnership to improve student learning through accreditation,” said Mark A. Elgart, president and chief executive officer of AdvancED in a letter to Superintendent John DeCotis.

AdvancED District Accreditation provides a national protocol for school systems committed to systemic, systematic and sustainable continuous improvement. The district accreditation process invites school systems to collaborate in reviewing the quality of the district’s systems and their contributions to teaching and learning. The process supports, enhances and stimulates growth and improvement throughout the school system.

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Sunday, March 15, 2009

Police Chief H.C. “Skip” Clark II announces Peachtree City Police Department’s first Reserve Police Officer Program

The Peachtree City Police Department is seeking community members who meet the qualifications and standards necessary to become a Peachtree City Police Department Reserve Officer. The City of Peachtree City and the Peachtree City Police Department invite you to consider becoming a volunteer with one of Georgia's finest law enforcement agencies.

The Police Department’s Reserve Police Officer program will be comprised of community members who volunteer their time to help fulfill many of the duties full-time sworn police officers handle.

Reserve officers do not receive compensation; however, they do receive the same training as fulltime officers and work alongside them in every aspect of department operations.

Applicants must be certified through Georgia POST Council or meet criteria for Peace Officer Certification after attending Basic Law Enforcement Training at a Regional Police Academy (scholarship and/or other financial assistance will be the responsibility of the applicant).

Prospective candidates will be required to successfully complete the same screening and background process required of full-time Peachtree City Police Officers.

Reserve Officer applications (same as Police Officer) may be obtained at http://www.peachtree-city.org/ or City Hall at 151 Willowbend Road Peachtree City, Georgia.

Applications must be submitted by March 24, 2009

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Local Employers to Participate in Second Annual Job Fair for Teens at Fayette County Public Library on Saturday, April 4

Spring is in the air, and many teenagers are starting to think about summer jobs. In these tough economic times, competition is fierce, and this year’s job search may be even more challenging than usual for young people just entering the world of work. The Fayette County Public Library is hosting its second annual Teen Job Fair on Saturday, April 4, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. The job fair is open to everyone between the ages of 15 and 18, and admission is free.

“We had a phenomenally successful job fair for teens last April, and hosting another one this year makes sense for everybody,” says public services librarian Christy Dyson, the teen activities coordinator at Fayette County Public Library. The Teen Job Fair provides an opportunity for job-hunting teenagers and area employers to meet in a relaxed and non-threatening atmosphere. Representatives from businesses looking to hire young people for the summer will have tables set up in the library meeting room. Participating employers will have job application forms ready to fill out, and will be prepared to conduct interviews with job seekers on the spot. Every teenager in attendance will be eligible to enter a drawing for one of two door prizes, courtesy of the Friends of the Fayette County Public Library.

Local businesses in attendance at the Teen Job Fair will include Bruster’s Ice Cream, Upscale Pizza, McDonalds, Chick-fil-A, Stevi B’s Pizza, Marble Slab Creamery, Smoothie King, Monkey Joe’s, and others. Job seekers aged 15-18 are encouraged to dress in business casual attire, put on their best attitudes, and show up at the library on April 4 between 2:00 and 4:00 to get a head start on their summer employment plans.

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 Teen Job Fair, please contact the library at 770-461-8841 or visit online at http://www.fayettecountyga.gov/public_library.
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Friday, March 13, 2009

Hood Avenue Primary School enjoys "Family Movie Night"


To start the 2009 school year, Hood Avenue Primary School hosted a Family Movie Night, where the school accommodated over 200 students, parents, and teachers.

The cafeteria was transformed into a movie theater and the children assembled on the floor in sleeping bags,
and blankets. The line at the concession stand remained long until the movie started.

"The Bee" was the selected feature based on its positive message of bonding, leadership, self-motivation, determination and hard work. This was truly a family event as students in attendance were accompanied by adults.

The immense success of this event was greatly enhanced by the contribution of movie candy,
juice boxes, popcorn, bottle water, sodas, and other movie treats donated by some of Hood Avenue Primary School's partners: Publix Super Market, Fayette Pavilion - (Mr. Bill Blatt), Kroger Grocery Store, Banks Crossing - (Ms. Kitty Pinney), Wal-Mart Super Center, Fayette Pavilion- (Ms.Teresa Thaxton), and Target, Fayette Pavilion- (Ms. Dersiree Woods.)

After this enjoyable Family Movie Night at Hood Avenue Primary, parents asked, "When can we do this again?"

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Students Learn About Forensic Science

Investigator Mary Harris (center) shows students how to take a mold of a shoeprint found outside of the school. (L-R) Matthew Corrigan, Conner Gayda, Lindsey Flanders, Adam Perrett, Ashley Broderick, Ethan Roland and Joshua Tysor.

Young sleuths are learning the ins and outs of forensic science with the help of a seasoned pro from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.

Lifting fingerprints and taking shoe casts were two techniques that fourth grade enrichment students at Peeples Elementary learned could be used to help solve a crime. Investigator Mary Harris with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department spent two days with the students demonstrating techniques for collecting evidence from a crime scene and discussing how investigators use the information to help catch criminals.

Harris’ two-day presentation tied into a yearlong unit the students have been studying called “Thinking Like A Scientist” through which they have been developing the skills of a forensic scientist. Although the students may not grow up to become crime scene investigators, teacher April Degennaro says the information they are learning can help them become citizens who are attune to protecting the order and safety of the community.

“They may be able to help authorities solve crimes if they are knowledgeable about the importance of observation and careful attention to protecting the area where a crime may have been committed,” she says.

Not only did the investigator show students techniques for collecting evidence from a crime scene, but Harris also shared her perspective about her job that tied into the universal theme for this year’s study, “perspectives.” Students learned that investigators use the different perspectives of witnesses, detectives, victims, and sometimes even the criminal, to solve cases.

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Hospice Advantage Fayetteville Dr. Sams Earns Certification

Hospice Advantage of Fayetteville is please to announce that Ferrol Sams, III, MD has passed the 2009 Hospice and Palliative Medicine Certification Examination from the Board of Internal Medicine. As a result of this performance, Dr Sams will be awarded a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ).The American Board of Family Medicine, in a joint venture with the American Board of Internal Medicine and eight other ABMS specialty boards, offers a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Hospice & Palliative Medicine.

“This CAQ is designed to recognize excellence among certified family physicians who emphasize the care of seriously ill and dying patients with life-limiting illnesses in their practice. The field of hospice and palliative medicine is based on expanding scientific knowledge about symptom control when cure is not possible and appropriate care during the last months of life.”

The Hospice Advantage office recently received deficiency free surveys from the State. The certification of Dr. Sams is a solid confirmation of the excellence in hospice care that the Hospice Advantage organization is committed to delivering to area residents needing end of life care.

Dr. Sams is understandably proud of his recent accomplishment. "This is a great achievement. Hospice Advantage has a history of excellence, but it is very gratifying when our quality care, comfort, and compassion are validated by outside sources" said Dr. Sams.

Dr. Ferrol Sams III is the Medical Director for the Fayetteville office.

For more information please contact Hospice Advantage at 1-800-HOSPICE.

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Peachtree City Recycling Center Accepting Plastic and Glass, Saving Money

Beginning March 14, the Peachtree City residents will again be able to take plastics and glass at the Recycling Center at Highway 74 South and Rockaway Road. Both the Recycling Center and the recycling station at Public Works on McIntosh Trail w will begin accepting #1 and #2 plastic containers again. The Recycling Center will also begin accepting separated glass bottles. An agreement with Keep Peachtree City Beautiful (KPTCB) has allowed the City to reinstate both these recycling options at a savings to Peachtree City residents.

Recent decreases in the value of recyclables resulted in Public Works staff having to haul materials to the vendors for recycling. This cost an estimated $24,000 per year in labor and vehicles. Through an agreement negotiated by KPTCB, Jennings Trash Can Removal Company will deliver recycling bins at both the Rockaway Road center and the McIntosh Trail station and remove the recyclables at no charge. Any future revenue generated from the recyclables will be split with KPTCB. The City of Peachtree City will provide one part-time employee to work at the Recycling Center, and KPTC Beautiful will assist with staffing via volunteers in return for a $1,000 per year payment from the City.

City Manager Bernard McMullen said, “The arrangement with KPTCB is a perfect example of a public-private partnership allowing us to better serve our citizens.” McMullen continued, “We have had a lot of requests to reinstate plastics recycling at the center, and we have been able to accomplish that goal at a considerable savings to the taxpayers, thanks to KPTCB.”

In addition to the reintroduction of #1 and #2 plastics, as indicated inside the recycling symbol on the bottom of containers such as water bottles and milk cartons, the Recycling Center will also begin accepting separated clear, brown, and green glass for recycling. The center also accepts aluminum cans ONLY (no steel or tin cans at this time), mixed cardboard, newspapers and magazines, electronic waste, and yard trimmings. The Recycling Center is open on Wednesdays from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM and on Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The recycling station at the Public Works, which is open 24 hours per day, will accept #1 and #2 plastics, aluminum cans (no steel or tin), mixed cardboard, newspapers, and magazines.
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Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Peachtree City Named BusinessWeek’s “Best Affordable Suburb” in Georgia

In March, BusinessWeek Magazine named Peachtree City as Georgia’s Best Affordable Suburb. The selection notes Peachtree City’s lakes and recreation amenities, along with our 90-mile network of multi-use paths and golf carts.

In choosing the best in each state, BusinessWeek focused on towns within 25 miles of each state’s largest city, featuring good schools, low crime, reasonable commutes, strong economies, and overall quality of life.

Peachtree City also ranked in the top 100 CNN/Money Magazine “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” in 2005 and 2007, was named as one of the “Best Places to Retire” by U.S. News and World Report in 2007 and by Retire Georgia in 2008, and was featured in Newmax Magazine’s “10 Great Places for Boomers” in 2009.
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Monday, March 09, 2009

Celebrate 50 Years of Peachtree City on March 9

Join Peachtree City as the official 50th birthday is celebrated March 9 at the Library and City Hall.

The Peachtree City Library will rededicate the Floy Farr and Joel Cowan Rooms at the Library at 11 am in the Floy Farr room. A "sneak peak" of the new book, Images of America: Peachtree City by Rebecca Watts, Ellen Ulkin and Clarence Lyons is slated, along with tours of both rooms and an historic photo display.

An open house will be held at City Hall from noon- 2 pm, featuring a rolling picture display and a display of Peachtree City memorabilia. Cake and punch will be served.

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Friday, March 06, 2009

Gifted Fayette County Student Selected as Distinguished Award Recipient for Georgia

A student at Peeples Elementary is the state’s sole recipient of the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award, which recognizes students in grades 3-6 who have distinguished themselves in academic achievement, leadership or the visual or performing arts.

Conner Jay Gayda, a gifted student, was nominated by Fayette County’s Gifted Coordinator Ann Richardson for the honor that is given to one student in each state through the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC). Conner was nominated for coordinating a fundraising project to benefit the Joey’s Toy Box Foundation, which collects toys for young cancer patients receiving treatment at the AFLAC Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at the Children’s Hospital at Scottish Rite. The foundation was the brainchild of Newnan resident Joey Doolittle, who was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of the muscle, at the age of three months. He died from the disease on July 4, 2008; he was 9 years old.

“Conner is an amazing young man and is extremely concerned about the welfare of others. He decided to organize the fundraising project after hearing the story about the charity in our enrichment class,” says enrichment teacher April Degennaro.

As Georgia’s recipient of the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award, Conner will receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond along with a Certificate of Excellence from the NAGC. He will be honored in a special award ceremony sponsored by the Georgia Association for Gifted Children on March 13 at Callaway Gardens.

The distinguished student award program was established through funds provided by Maggie and Reg Green to honor the memory of their seven-year-old son, Nicholas, who was killed in a drive-by shooting while vacationing in Italy in 1994. The Greens felt if was important to recognize the gifts and talents in children who are now the age that their son was when he died.

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100 Percent of Fayette County Science Projects Place at Regional Fair

All of Fayette County’s middle and high school science students who advanced to the Griffin RESA Regional Science and Engineering Fair earned placements and two of their projects were selected to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

A total of 22 out of 25 projects that were selected for the regional fair brought home first place honors. The first place winners are eligible to attend the State Science and Engineering Fair April 1-4 at the University of Georgia.

Middle school first place winners include: Rebecca Otwell, Fayette; Karson Bobbitt, Flat Rock; Stephanie Clark, Rising Starr; Rebekah Livingston, Rising Starr; Ryan Hogan, Bennett’s Mill; Catherine Delage, Monica Schwingshaki, Elena Jordanov, Bennette’s Mill; Leslie Perez, Sydney Roberts, Bennett’s Mill; Adah Griessbach, J.C. Booth; Julia Roberts, Elizabeth Roshelli, Bennett’s Mill; Shannon McKillip, Rising Starr; Griffin Arnall, Oliver Watkins, Whitewater; Iris Colendrino, Emily Myers, Rising Starr.

High school first place winners include: Krishan Bhagat, Brett Gaglion, Julian Urrego, Fayette County; Sonya Jooma, Sonika Reddy, Fayette County; Regan Chewning, Hannah Feltner, Starr’s Mill; Ryan Kitchens, Starr’s Mill; Michael Martin, Tuure Pasto, Fayette County; Justin Buchanan, Matt Waples, Starr’s Mill; Loreal Leaks, Fayette County; Hannah Chambless, Brahma Natarajan, McIntosh; Janae Strother, Sandy Creek; Aubrey Edkins, Starr’s Mill.

Other placements include William Nase and Adam Sheikali of J.C. Booth Middle, second place; Sarika Reddy, Fayette County High, third place and Ashton Johnson, Sandy Creek High, third place.

The science fair judges selected three high school first place winners from Fayette County to advance to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Sonya Jooma and Sonika Reddy of Fayette County were the only team winners selected for the international competition. Ryan Kitchens of Starr’s Mill was one of two individual students advancing to the international level.

Special awards from various organizations and institutions were also given to the following four teams and one individual. Justin Buchanan and Matt Waples, Starr’s Mill, Mu Alpha Theta Award; Catherine Delage, Elena Jordanov and Monica Schwingshaki, Bennett’s Mill, Ricoh Award; Michael Martin and Tuure Pasto, Fayette County, U.S. Air Force Award; Sonya Jooma and Sonika Reddy, Fayette County, UGA Biological Award; and Ryan Kitchens, Starr’s Mill, ASM Materials Education Foundation Award.

The Griffin RESA Regional Science and Engineering Fair is a regional competition among middle and high schools in the Griffin RESA region that consists of Butts, Fayette, Henry, Lamar, Newton, Pike, Spalding and Upson counties.

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Monday, March 02, 2009

Bennett's Mill Student Receives Volunteer Service Award

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program has recognized Bennett’s Mill Middle student Katherine Burke with its President’s Volunteer Service Award.

The award recognizes young people who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country. Katherine earned her award by working with special needs students.

She created homemade t-shirts for Bennett’s Mill students on the Special Olympics team, and put together scrapbooks of the students as a Christmas gift for their families. At the end of the school year, she created calendars highlighting the special needs students and their accomplishments throughout the year.

“I would encourage other young people to give everyone a chance; they must get over their fears of the special education students and become involved. Other young people need to know that conditions are not contagious, but they can catch a great deal more if they truly connect with one of the kids. Once you are able to connect, you will have the best feeling in the world,” Katherine says.

Sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recognizes young people across America for outstanding community service activities. More than 250,000 young people nationwide have been considered for these awards since the program began in 1995.

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Fayetteville Resident Wins $25,000 from Hooters National Promotion

On February 28 at the Hooters of Downtown Atlanta, Michelle Christensen was presented with a $25,000 check from Hooters as a result of being the grand prize winner from Hooters 25th Anniversary Passport Promotion. Christensen lives in Fayetteville and was randomly selected from over 8,000 people across the country that participated in the promotion.

To be entered into the Hooters 25th Anniversary Passport Promotion, customers had to fill a Hooters Passport with 25 stamps representing 25 different Hooters locations in the US. The completed passports were turned in and were entered into the grand prize drawing. Christensen was the lucky winner and was presented with her $25,000 check Saturday night at Hooters of Downtown Atlanta, located at 209 Peachtree Street NE.

"The 25th Anniversary was a milestone for our company and I couldn't be more excited that the grand prize winner is from Atlanta," stated Tod Dundas, Hooters Regional Manager.

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Isis Freeman's Christopher Columbus Essay Heads to State Competition


Each year, the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution joins the National Society in sponsoring American History Essays for Fayette County Students. Isis Freeman, a junior at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School, was recently named the chapter winner for her engaging entry into the Christopher Columbus Essay Contest.

Freeman's essay has also won the District Competition and is now headed to the Georgia State Society DAR Contest.

Freeman is the daughter of Anthony and Jennifer Freeman. Pictured are (l-r) Anthony Freeman, James Waldrop Chapter DAR Chairman Phyllis King, Isis Freeman and Jennifer Freeman.

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