Victories Clinched at State Elementary Science Olympiad

Half of the top 10 teams at the 2011 Georgia Elementary Science Olympiad are from Fayette County.

Fayette’s elementary schools battled 65 teams from throughout the state to secure their top 10 victories. Kedron’s team finished in second place followed closely by Huddleston in third. Teams from Peeples, Crabapple Lane, and Oak Grove took fifth, seventh and ninth places, respectively.

The Georgia Elementary Science Olympiad is the largest science Olympiad in the United States; the competition challenges students with team events that cover earth, life, and physical science topics, each aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards.

The event was held May 14 at Kennesaw State University.

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Air Force JROTC Recognized for Stellar Performance

Air Force Junior ROTC at Sandy Creek High continues its tradition of excellence. The unit has been selected as one of 80 to receive the 2010-2011 Air Force Junior ROTC Outstanding Organization Award.

This marks the seventh year the unit has received the award since the program started at Sandy Creek nine years ago. Recipients must demonstrate that they have performed above normal expectations, and distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community while meeting the Air Force Junior ROTC mission of producing better citizens for America.

“The cadets this year worked very hard to earn this recognition by accomplishing all the cadet goals, showing leadership within the school, and in supporting activities benefitting the local community,” says Colonel Doug Pearson, senior aerospace science instructor.

Contact Colonel Pearson at Sandy Creek High for more information about the Air Force Junior ROTC, 770-969-2840, ext. 278.

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Students Earn College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarships

Georgia Tech and Emory College, the undergraduate division of Emory University, has awarded National Merit Scholarships to three students who will begin studying at their institutions in the fall.

Justin Buchanan, Starr’s Mill High, has received a scholarship from Georgia Tech where he will major in mechanical/electrical engineering; Graham Bloomsmith, Starr’s Mill High, and Erika Burgess, McIntosh High, both received scholarships from Emory. Graham plans to major in economics; Erika is planning to study forensic pathology.

The college-sponsored scholarships provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. These three students are among 2,900 graduating seniors nationwide who were awarded scholarships in the first announcement of winners. Another group of winners will be announced in July, bringing the total number of college-sponsored scholarship recipients to approximately 4,800.

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Fayette Leads State in High School Graduation Test Pass Rates

More good news has just been released about the pass rate results of Fayette’s Spring 2011 Georgia High School Graduation Test.

In a report showing pass rate percentages for all of the state’s 11th grade first-time test takers released today by the Georgia Department of Education, Fayette is top in the state, compared to the number of students tested, coming in at number one in Math, Science, and English/Language Arts, and second in Social Studies. Systems that finished ahead of Fayette in Math, Science and English/Language Arts are smaller, with six to 400 students tested compared to over 1,600 in Fayette.

Fayette’s pass rate percentages are 98, Science; 97, English/Language Arts; 95, Math; and 90, Social Studies.

Fayette stands alone as first in the state in Science and Math; the county is tied with Forsyth for first in English/Language Arts. The school system is tied for second in Social Studies with Columbia County.

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Booth Secures Third at Olympiad

The Science Olympiad team at J.C. Booth beat their fourth place finish from last year, making them one of the top three ranked teams in the nation.

Booth came in third out of 60 teams competing at the 2011 Science Olympiad National Tournament held May 20-21 at the University of Wisconsin. There were 46 competition categories spanning the sciences from chemistry, biology, and physics to engineering, robotics and astronomy.

This year marked Booth’s 18th trip to the national competition. In order to get an invitation, a team must place first or second at the state competition. The Booth team won the state championship this year as it has done every year since 1999.

Tammy Pakulski is the team’s coach.

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Fayette’s Graduates Perform Best at College Level

Fayette County produces the state’s top academic talent for Georgia’s public colleges and universities, according to a report released by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

The report tracks the cumulative college grade point average (GPA) by graduating high school of first-time freshmen that entered one of the state’s institutions in the fall of 2009. Both private and public high schools throughout Georgia are included.

McIntosh High and Starr’s Mill High are in the top 1 percent with their graduates posting average GPAs of 2.96 and 2.92, respectively, after finishing their first college semester. Schools that finished ahead of McIntosh and Starr’s Mill had fewer first-time freshmen enrolled in a state institution, 1-98, in comparison to McIntosh with 186 and Starr’s Mill with 274.

Fayette’s three other high schools also placed high on the list. Sandy Creek’s graduates posted a GPA of 2.67, placing the school in the top 12 percent in the state. Whitewater and Fayette County, with GPAs of 2.59 and 2.57, respectively, placed in the top 13 percent.

McIntosh Principal Lisa Fine is proud that graduates from her school have the highest GPA in the state compared to other public and private high schools with comparable enrollments. She credits the success to her team of teachers who prepare students to meet the demands of today’s society.

“McIntosh High School students and teachers strive for excellence in all of our endeavors. Teachers provide a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for post-secondary success and lifelong learning. In addition to teaching academic content, teachers focus on creating well-rounded students who are critical thinkers, good communicators, and visionary--equipping students for success in the real world,” says Fine.

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Students Put Energy Into Conservation Plan

Georgia Power has turned the spotlight on Whitewater High, selecting the school as a top winner of its Campus Energy Challenge.

Five teams of students from Krystin Glover’s marketing classes developed a marketing plan to successfully get the student body to conserve energy. Some specific tasks included getting students to fan the Campus Energy by Georgia Power Facebook Page, the program’s primary marketing platform, view the YouTube “Mascots for Campus Energy” video, and implement energy conservation methods at school and at home.

Teams were judged on creativity, strategic approach and measurable results aimed at reaching the stated goals. Students who worked on the challenge are (Team 1) Lena Alston, Erin Mahlbacher, and Kayla Maxwell; (Team 2) Andrew Avrit, Helen Menchinger, and Tanner Sweatman; (Team 3) Mikayla Stewart and RoShonda Welch; (Team 4) Case Jackson, Lauren Morrison, and Katherine Spits; (Team 5) Jordan Garrett, Ryan Gray, and Tori McCrite.

The school will be recognized on the Campus Energy Facebook Page and through other promotional efforts organized by the Georgia Power’s Corporate Communications team. Whitewater High has also been given the Spotlight School Award in recognition of outstanding participation in the program.

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Four Students Are Georgia Scholars

Graduating seniors selected as Georgia Scholars embody traits of all-around excellence: high academic achievement, involvement in school activities, and participation in community service.

Four Fayette seniors have been named 2011 Georgia Scholars by the Georgia Department of Education. They are Bernadette Green, Jessica Heimann, and Lori Schachle, all from Whitewater High; and Thomas Marion, Starr’s Mill High.

Some of the requirements for Georgia Scholar consideration are a score of 1360 on the SAT or 31 on the ACT, at least a 3.75 GPA, participation in a minimum of three different interscholastic events, holding at least two different leadership positions in school-sponsored activities, and assuming a leadership role in a minimum of two different youth activities outside of school.

Local school system Georgia Scholar Program Coordinators nominate students for the recognition.

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Pollard Second to Hold Distinguished Honor in Fayette

A meeting location mix up with the school system’s superintendent brings one elementary school principal to tears.

Tyrone Elementary Principal Eddie Pollard arrived on time at the Board of Education yesterday for a scheduled meeting with School Superintendent Dr. Jeff Bearden only to discover that the superintendent was actually waiting for him at his school. Pollard immediately headed back to Tyrone preparing to apologize for the mix up, but little did he know he was about to get one of the biggest highlights of his career.

As Pollard rounded the corner of the cafeteria where Dr. Bearden was waiting, he was surprised by the cheers and claps of the school’s students, staff, parents, and fellow principals, all who had come for the official announcement that he is Georgia’s 2011 National Distinguished Principal.

Hal Beaver, executive director of the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals (GAESP), delivered the news along with Pollard’s parents and son who were also in on the surprise. Following words of praise from the superintendent, Pollard was asked to make an impromptu speech.

“One thing I have learned in all of my years as a principal is that you always have to be ready to deliver a speech,” he said jokingly as he tried to hold back tears of joy. “You are only as good as the people you work with. You all are wonderful; I’m honored to be your principal.”

Pollard was nominated and selected by his fellow principals through a statewide search process conducted by the GAESP. Every state, the District of Columbia, plus private and overseas schools select one principal each year for the national honor that is sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the U.S. Department of Education.

Selection criteria requires that the honorees are active principals of schools where programs are designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students, and where there are firmly established community ties with parents and local business organizations.

Pollard is the second elementary school principal from Fayette to ever receive the national honor. Jeanie Miller, retired principal of Cleveland Elementary, was the county’s first recipient in 2008.

Pollard has served as principal of Tyrone Elementary since July 1, 1999. He began working in Fayette in 1987 as the principal of North Fayette Elementary. He has also been principal of Braelinn Elementary and Flat Rock Middle. During his years as an administrator, six out of nine of his assistant principals have become principals, and he has lead two schools to be recognized as “Georgia Schools of Excellence.”

He currently sits on the GAESP Board of Directors as the Federal Relations representative. Pollard has also served as the organization’s District Four Director, District President, District President-Elect, and District Legislative Chairperson.

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Grandmother Turns Tables, Uses Day to Show Appreciation

One determined and thankful grandmother has declared May 17 as Exceptional Children’s Teachers Day at Fayette Middle.

Life circumstances have left Rachel Pittman the responsibility of raising her grandson, Derek. Although Pittman’s situation is similar to that of many grandparents today, hers is a bit more complicated because Derek has a disability and requires special education.

“This is all new to me. I want to do my best for Derek, but I need guidance in meeting his needs,” she said.
Pittman sings the praises of the Exceptional Children’s staff at Fayette Middle who work with both her and Derek to ensure that he excels to the best of his ability. Now that she is rearing her grandson, Pittman is learning quickly how to help him both emotionally and intellectually. She credits the school’s teachers and paraprofessionals for advising her on procedures and activities she can do at home to help with his education and growth.

“Not only are they teaching him, they are teaching me. They have spent hours answering my questions, giving me advice and showing me exactly what I need to do to help him. I am so grateful,” she said.
Pittman wanted to show her appreciation to the staff for all that they have given her and Derek. She had hoped to find a special day dedicated to honoring Exceptional Children’s teachers, but finding none, she took it upon herself to create one.

On the very day the staff planned to host a Mothers and Grandmothers Appreciation Tea, Pittman decided she would turn the tables and declare it a day to honor the staff instead. In the middle of the staff serving finger foods and tea to mothers and students, Pittman made her presentation.

“You have helped me so much; I wanted to honor you today. Thank you for all of the help you have given me. Thank you for all that you do for these kids. You deserve a special day of thanks,” she told the staff.
Pittman, with Derek’s help, handed out gift boxes and appreciation certificates. She also baked and decorated a cake in their honor.

Derek was as excited about thanking his teachers as was his grandmother. It was a monumental week for him, he was one of the torch runners for the Georgia Summer Olympic games “Flame of Hope” torch relay that came through Fayetteville on May 18.

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SCHS Air Force Junior ROTC Earns Highest Rating

The Air Force Junior ROTC program at Sandy Creek High continues its tradition of excellence.

Every three years units are rated to ensure that they are compliant with Air Force standards and policy. The Sandy Creek unit earned the highest rating possible, “Exceeds Standards,” which places it in the top 20 percent of all 824 Air Force Junior ROTC units worldwide.

Rating officials cited instructors Colonel Douglas Pearson and Chief Master Sergeant Mark Davidson as having created a dynamic and supportive learning environment coupled with excellent community outreach.

The cadets were also lauded for performing exceptionally well and taking great pride in leading and accomplishing their unit goals, as well as making a positive impact on the school and community through their citizenship program.

In addition to the exceptional rating, the unit has also received the annual Distinguished Unit Award or Outstanding Organizational Award seven of the nine years that the program has been in place at Sandy Creek.

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Gains in Pass Rates for 2011 GHSGT

Fayette County Public School System’s scores on the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) remain strong in all subjects, even with the math section of the test aligned to the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) for the first time.

The 2011 spring administration results for first time 11th grade test takers show the percentage of passing scores are up in English/Language Arts (97 percent passing) and Science (98 percent passing) by 1 and 2 percent, respectively, compared to last year. Social Studies remained the same (90 percent passing) while Math (95 percent passing) dropped 2 percent compared to the test give last year under Quality Core Curriculum (QCC).

State comparisons show that Fayette has higher pass rates across the board: 6 percent higher in English/Language Arts, 11 percent higher in Math, 5 percent higher in Science and 10 percent higher in Social Studies.

Not only are Fayette’s scores up in English/Language Arts and Science, but also are the percentages of students scoring in the “advanced proficiency” and “honors” categories. In English/Language Arts, the percent scoring in “honors” increased 2 percent; those scoring in “advanced proficiency” in Science increased 6 percent.

Special Education and Hispanic students increased their passing score in English/Language Arts by 12 and 2 percent, respectively, compared to last year. Even with math being aligned for the first time to the GPS, both groups increased their pass rate. Special Education students had a 10 percent increase with Hispanic students increasing their rate by 3 percent.

Passing percentage increases were also seen in science for Hispanic students, up 10 percent, and Black students, up 6 percent.

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Math Teacher Earns “Master” Status

Only an elite few hold the designation of “Master Teacher.” Dr. Carol Taylor, an eighth grade math teacher at Rising Starr Middle, is now a member of this distinguished group.

She joins 85 other teachers throughout the state who have earned their Master Teacher Certification based on demonstrated excellence in student achievement and student growth for 2011.

Fayette currently has nine Master Teachers spread among two elementary and three middle schools.

Georgia’s Master Teacher Certification Program was established in 2005 and is coordinated by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC). Based on classroom performance on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT), documentation of student growth, and exemplary professional practices, superior teachers are designated as “Master Teachers” for a period of seven years.

Master Teachers are eligible to automatically renew their teaching certificates as long as they continue to qualify for Master Teacher status.

Dr. Taylor was also Fayette County’s 2009 Teacher of the Year.

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Kedron, Braelinn and Peachtree City Elementary Fourth Graders Take Top Spots at Annual Math Competition

It took four tiebreakers to determine the fourth grade winners of the 11th Annual Fayette County Elementary Math Tournament, but in the end Kedron Elementary was declared the county champs.

The team of Katie Austensen, Ian Buckalew, John Norris, and Clay Lawhead (alternate) answered the most questions correctly and lead their team to victory. Last year Kedron placed third in the competition.

The Braelinn Elementary team of Brady Meyer, Yuna Shimizu, Dylan Yost and Ian Fertig (alternate) finished second with Peachtree City Elementary and the team of Iain Hemenway, Owen Henahan, Jonathan Zhang, and Lucy Stone (alternate) taking third.

The top three teams each received a trophy to take back to their school to celebrate their achievement. In addition, as the county’s fourth grade champion, Kedron’s name will be added to the plaque of champions that is displayed in the math classroom at the LaFayette Educational Center.

All 17 elementary schools had teams of three plus one alternate at the tournament. Participants were determined through each school’s math competition with the four highest scoring students advancing to the county competition.

 1st Place Kedron Elementary: (L-R) Katie Austensen, Ian Buckalew, Clay Lawhead (alternate), and John Norris with teacher Laura Griffies and daughter Susanna.

 2nd Place Braelinn Elementary: (L-R) Ian Fertig (alternate), Brady Meyer, Yuna Shimizu, and Dylan Yost with teacher Dr. Mary Lou Goehring.

3rd Place Peachtree City Elementary: (L-R) Iain Hemenway, Owen Henahan, and Jonathan Zhang with assistant principal Karen Oot. Not pictured is Lucy Stone (alternate).

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Mentor Breakfast Celebrates Another Successful Year

Mentoring changes lives, that was the message that resounded throughout the annual Fayette County School System’s Friends Mentoring Appreciation and Awards Breakfast.

The mentors were not just talking about the students they help every week, they were also referring to themselves, stating that they get as much out of the experience as they give. Both adult and teen mentors alike say the experience has enriched their lives in ways they didn’t expect.

“It taught me how to be there for someone and taught me how to care for someone other than myself,” says Malcolm Belton, a senior at Fayette County High who has mentored at Fayetteville Intermediate for two years. “The greatest achievement I got out of mentoring was a life lesson, a lesson that will be useful in my future. That life lesson is that you should always give one hundred and five percent on anything you do because that percentage could have a huge impact on someone. The feeling of having an impact on someone is huge. It is a good feeling that doesn’t happen often.”

A number of mentors attended the breakfast spanning age groups and different walks of life. Some were high school students from the Hi Teen program, while others were retired teachers and administrators, current school system employees, retired community members, and local business people. All have made a commitment to devote at least one hour a week during the school year to helping a child. Many have been involved with the program for years.

New this year was the presentation of Outstanding Service Awards, one to a teen mentor and the other to an adult. Persons were nominated by school counselors and After School Program site coordinators as those who personify the foundations of mentoring: showing up, having a positive attitude and empathy, giving their best, and demonstrating a love of mentoring.

The first award recipients are Kathryn Aquino, a senior at Whitewater High who has mentored for four years at Sara Harp Minter Elementary, and Tanya VanHoozer, a community member who has also been in the program for four years starting at Spring Hill Elementary then following her student to Fayette Middle where she continues to mentor her today.

While it is nice to have public recognition and appreciation, the mentors say they are not looking for accolades, just an opportunity to have a positive impact on someone’s life.

“Mentors are like Navy Seals, they work in the shadows and they are willing to extend themselves to go the distance. We don’t need pats on the back; we’re not looking for accolades. We’re doing this because we’re making a difference,” says Julius Pryor III, a mentor and member of the program’s advisory board.
This marks the 18th year for the Friends Mentoring Program. Through the years nearly 800 volunteers have helped Fayette County Public School students. This year, 144 registered mentors and tutors worked with over 200 students.

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor or learning more about the program can contact mentoring coordinator Jane Gough, 770-460-3990, ext. 255.

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Burch, Spring Hill and Inman Elementary Winners of Fifth Grade Math Tourney

The sum of all the prime factors of 42 is subtracted from the sum of all the odd factors of 42. What is the result?

If you don’t know the answer, chances are the fifth grade math team at Robert J. Burch Elementary does. They are the champions of the 11th Annual Fayette County Elementary Math Tournament, fifth grade division.

After calculating 15 timed word problems, Anna Bridgeman, Jordan Hinnant, Shon Hoberg, and Mia Williams (alternate) took their team to victory with the most correct answers.

Also placing in the competition was second place winner Spring Hill Elementary with team members Nicholas Koenig, Albert Lambert, Aliaahil Lilywala, and Kirsten Gillette (alternate), and third place winner Inman Elementary with the team of Seth Holloway, Keagen McCartha, Juwan Wesley, and Isabel Henares (alternate).

The top three teams each received a trophy to take back to their school to celebrate their achievement. In addition, as the county’s fifth grade champion, Robert J. Burch’s name will be added to the plaque of champions that is displayed in the math classroom at the LaFayette Educational Center.

All 17 elementary schools had teams of three plus one alternate at the tournament. Participants were determined through each school’s math competition with the four highest scoring students advancing to the county competition.

 1st Place Robert J. Burch Elementary: (L-R) Anna Bridgeman, Jordan Hinnant, Shon Hoberg, and Mia Williams (alternate) with teachers Kim Watson (L) and Venita Jones (math bowl coach).

2nd Place Spring Hill Elementary: (L-R) Kirsten Gillette (alternate), Nicholas Koenig, Albert Lambert, and Aliaahil Lilywala with teacher Barbara McMillan.

3rd Place Inman Elementary: (L-R) Isabel Henares (alternate), Seth Holloway, Keagen McCartha, and Juwan Wesley with teachers (L-R) Melissa King, Sue Paggen, and principal Louis Robinson.

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Discount to Pre-Register for After School

The Fayette County Public School System’s After School Program (ASP) is accepting pre-registrations for the 2011-2012 school year May 13-27.

Parents who register their students by May 27 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. on days when school is in session. More information on the program can be obtained by visiting www.fcboe.org.

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Volunteers Needed to Help Build New Therapeutic Garden at Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center

The excitement is "growing" and so is the long-awaited building of the new therapeutic garden at Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center located at 4 Center Drive in Fayetteville. With help from the Fayette County Master Gardeners the 500 plants that were started from seeds, thanks to greenhouse space on loan from the University of Georgia, are ready for planting. Grading has been completed as well as the concrete main pathway and platform where the greenhouse and storage shed will stand.

The space is designed to be functional, tranquil, and aesthetically pleasing to enrich the physical, social, mental, and spiritual health of those whose visit. The garden will also provide a means of exercise through activities such as planting, weeding, and harvesting. Produce and herbs will be enjoyed by those who use the garden and will also benefit the Ultimate Café at Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center as well as the organization’s Meals On Wheels program. Fundraising for the garden has been ongoing and will continue throughout the year.

Volunteers are needed from May 16-24 to help prepare the soil, plant, build raised beds, and prepare pathways. The opportunity is open to individuals, civic groups, scout troops, churches, and businesses. Please call 770-461-0813 if you are interested in volunteering. Any amount of time and help is appreciated. For more information about Fayette Senior Services visit www.FayetteLifeEnrichment.org.

International Teachers Get Lessons on Economics

Spring Hill teacher Shelby Garner (standing second from right) explains the Mini-Society program to Latin educators (L-R) Claudia Sicoli from Lima, Peru; Carmen Leticia Jemenez from Guadalajara, Mexico; Santiago Foguet from Tucuman, Argentina; and interpreter Patricia Yanez Ibanez while students (L-R) Shruti Patel, Michael Baker and Tye Mitchell complete work in their notebooks.

Latin American educators spent their first Monday in Georgia observing how Fayette’s teachers deliver lessons on economics.

Two of the school system’s top economics teachers, Chris Cannon, 12th grade at Sandy Creek High, and Shelby Garner, third grade at Spring Hill Elementary, were selected by the Georgia Council on Economic Education as classroom hosts for the Latin delegation taking part in a study tour on economic education in the United States.

Fayette’s classrooms were the first of several the visiting educators planned to see during their weeklong stay May 2-6 in the metro Atlanta area. The educators are participants of the Cooperative Education Exchange Program (CEEP) offered through the national Council for Economic Education and funded by the U.S. Department of Education in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State. After Georgia, they will travel to Michigan and Washington, D.C.

Mini-Society, a program used in all of Fayette’s third grade classrooms to teach students about economics, government, entrepreneurship, career opportunity, consumer issues, and values, was the focus of the observation at Spring Hill Elementary.

Students studied production methods by examining the assembly of hamburgers done by one individual compared to an assembly line with seven persons each assigned a particular task. Teacher Shelby Garner had the students participate in a hands-on burger making activity to demonstrate. While nearly twice as many burgers were completed using the assembly line, the students quickly learned areas where they needed to hire additional workers to keep the line moving and quality control in place.

The international visitors, representing the countries of Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico, and Peru, spent nearly three hours in Garner’s classroom observing her teaching methods and talking to students. They will take what they learned from their visit and apply it to their economic education curriculum at home.

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Foundation Awards Money for Education

The Fayette County Education Foundation has awarded over $9,000 this year in grants and scholarships to educators in the Fayette County Public School System.

More than $7,800 was given to 17 teachers at all school levels throughout the county to implement innovative learning programs in their classrooms, grade levels, and in some cases, the entire school. Awards are given to unique programs that are in addition to what is already being funded by the school system. Because these are supplemental programs, many would never come to fruition without monetary assistance from the Fayette County Education Foundation.

Three employees studying to become teachers received $500 scholarships to help offset their college expenses. The scholarships were awarded to the following paraprofessionals: Laurie Cannata, Braelinn Elementary; Autria Hairston, Fayetteville Intermediate; and Patricia Sanders, Oak Grove Elementary. Scholarship recipients must be employed as paraprofessionals in the school system and enrolled in an accredited teaching program through a college or university.

Counting this year’s grants and scholarships, the Fayette County Education Foundation has given nearly $190,000 to educators since its first awards in 2002. Funding would not be possible without the generous support of the business community, Fayette County Public School System employees and local individuals.

The foundation is a cooperative effort between the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce and the Fayette County Public School System. Anyone interested in becoming a supporter of the Fayette County Education Foundation can contact Melinda Berry-Dreisbach at the Fayette County Board of Education, 770-460-3535.

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ATM stolen from Fayetteville Walgreens

Walgreens located at 880 South Glynn Street Fayetteville, Georgia was burglarized and ATM machine stolen.

At approximately 3:30AM on May 2, 2011 two men in a silver truck backed into the Walgreens building, loaded the ATM Machine in the truck and drove off. The ATM was located near the front door. The truck is possibly a Dodge, silver with black trim on the tailgate. There is damage to the tailgate, right rear corner, and the right taillight is broke or missing.

Anyone having any information is asked to call Detective Todd Chitwood at the Fayetteville Police Department, 770-461-4441.

School System Seeks Stakeholder Input

Stakeholders can help the Fayette County Public School System improve its educational program by providing input through an online survey. School system employees, parents and community members are invited to participate.

The online survey will be available May 2-20 on the school system’s website, www.fcboe.org, and individual school websites.

Input from stakeholders is extremely valuable as the school system continues to strive for excellence. Survey results will help the school system determine where improvements need to be made.

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Money Management Skills Earn National Ranking

Anyone needing advice on how to save and spend money wisely in today’s tough economic times may consider asking some local high school students.

Fourteen students at Sandy Creek High proved their financial skills by ranking in the top 20 percent on the National Financial Capability Challenge sponsored through the US Department of the Treasury. The following students are among the over 18,000 nationwide, 156 statewide, and the only ones from Fayette to place in the top 20 percent on the Challenge’s exam: Hong Cheng, Tyler Fields, Aundrey Flewellen, Ryan Hamill, Jordan Harrison, Alexander Hughes, Corey Kent, Jamarcus Mathis, Michael Munson, Jo-Marie Redley, Joshua Reynolds, Aaron Rynders, Levoyd Wardlow, and Aisha Williams.

These students, all from Jaime Nicks’ businesses and marketing classes, were among the more than 84,000 high school students nationwide who participated in the Challenge. Students learned about earning and spending, saving and investing, using credit wisely, avoiding fraud, and paying for college so that they can better navigate their financial futures.

The students and Nicks will receive awards certificates for their achievement.

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Click to read MORE news:
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Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP