We're sure you already know, but in case you don't – classes will not be held September 20th-24th for fall break! If you weren't already excited, we hope you are now! Whether you're a CCSD teacher or a CCSD parent, you may need some ideas for fun activities during this break. This is your chance to get into the fall spirit, so here are some ideas for things to do with your family during the break. 

Not only have we started a new school year, but we also have some new Cherokee County Educational Foundation board members and even one returning board member! We couldn't do what we do without our awesome team, and we couldn't be more excited for all of the ways that these outstanding individuals will benefit the Foundation. 

Put yourself in the shoes of your students. Do you remember what it felt like to walk into a new classroom with a new teacher and new classmates? It's scary for some, exciting for others, but inevitable for every student as they seek to find their place in this little world of theirs. Many of us can think of at least one friend from school that has lasted the test of time and now these students just recently walked into a classroom with the potential to meet their best friend. As a teacher, you have the opportunity to help forge these relationships, and here are some ways to do just that. 

Happy July! The school year ended, graduation commenced, and now everyone is nearing the end of summer break. As we look back on the 2020-2021 school year, we see many challenges, yet many triumphs as well. Throughout the year, our team adapted as we had to modify how we ran our usual fundraisers. Nonetheless, we were proud to see it come together for the good of the Cherokee County School District. Let's take a look at the list of 2020-2021 events that continue to make our mission possible.

We're thrilled that the 8th annual Chick-fil-A Moo've It 5K will be held in person this year! Over the years, this race has donated over $200,000 to both CCEF and the Cherokee County Special Olympics. This event is so much fun and we can't wait to see many of our friends and supporters on August 14th at Etowah River Park!

To the class of 2021, 

It may seem cliché, but it's true: You did it! The buzz of excitement will soon be settling, and you will be fully immersed in summer. Some are anxiously waiting to move into their college dorms, and others are preparing for their careers. Either way, you have completed quite the race. As you enter into this in-between time before you continue on your path, there are some things we would like to remind you... 

Math, English, history…these are all subjects that are vital to the educational experience. However, other subjects can prove to be just as important as they inspire students to get in touch with their creative side or turn their eyes to the sky to observe all the vastness and beauty it has to offer. Ms. Panik of Creekview High School and Mr. Akins of River Ridge High School recognize the importance of these opportunities and have created space for students to put down the textbooks and apply what they've learned in class. 

Thrive. This word manifests itself in a lot of different ways in a lot of different people. For some, it may be a series of small successes, while for others it's the "ah-ha" moment that makes it all worth it. Either way, this is our goal for all students – to give each child the opportunity to thrive in their own way. These Cherokee County Educational Foundation Impact Grant winners submitted proposals with ideas that have and will continue to make an impact on students of all ages and abilities. 

If you're a teacher, you take care of your students for a living. Being a teacher comes with a lot of worries and concerns, and sometimes it's hard to disconnect from that and reset. After a school year that has been unlike any other, you may be feeling especially burned out, but with winter break right around the corner, it's important to go ahead and start planning how you can take care of yourself over the break. Depending on your personality, your version of self-care may look different than others. We have compiled a few different ways to take care of yourself depending on your personality type. Determine which type you identify most with and plan out time to do the associated self-care tip. 

Teachers were superheroes long before COVID-19. They spent years in school preparing to be teachers. They love their students and spend time fretting over if they have food when they get home, whether they understand the material, and if they're going to do well on their tests. However, teachers who had been in the classroom for decades were suddenly forced to relearn how to teach. New teachers spent years learning how to manage a classroom but are now having to manage a Zoom call instead. It's safe to say that teachers are exhausted even as many have returned to in-person learning. Thanksgiving is next week and in the spirit of giving thanks, we wanted to share some unique ways to make your child's teachers feel appreciated in the midst of tough times.

As we've all learned this year, connection is crucial to human existence. The connections we make with friends, family, teachers, and students are bonds that can last a lifetime. They aid in the formation of our character, the growth of our intellect, and mold how we view the world. With connection comes compassion, and it's important that we seek ways to be compassionate and create an inclusive environment for all kinds of students so they can experience the same connection and opportunity for growth. Three Cherokee County School District teachers saw the value of inclusivity and connection and went to work to make sure their students have the tools they need to succeed intellectually, socially, and emotionally. 

By. Lisa-Marie Haygood 

The Operators of every Chick-fil-A location in Cherokee County came together again this year to hold the annual "Moo've It" 5K Road Race. This event is held each year at the Etowah River Park and typically draws 1500 participants. The race is a qualifier for the Peachtree and celebrates the return of all our public-school students to a new school year as well.

Music plays a very special part in the lives of so many students. It can become their safe place, their escape from the stressors of life, their breath of fresh air in the middle of a school day, and an opportunity to form a love that could last for a lifetime. Apart from the social-emotional benefits of music education, it has also proven to help develop brain function that can improve language skills, test scores, creativity, and even math. Two of our grant winners recognized just how much music and academics go together.

Every year, we're happy to add new members to our board who bring different ideas, skills, and perspectives to the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. It takes a village and we like to think ours is the best. This year, we are pleased to welcome 5 new board members to CCEF! Read below to learn more about each new board member and what they add to our team. 

Earlier this year, many parents went from helping their children with homework to becoming full-time learning facilitators as schools closed their doors and sent children to complete their school year at home. Upon initial closure, we didn't know this would be the last time our students would step foot in classrooms for the remainder of the school year and parents weren't quite prepared for the constant teaching and entertaining of stir-crazy children. As the school year ended, so did your student's primary occupation. We know that many parents are on the lookout for fun and safe activities for the whole family so we compiled a list of 12 activities you can do at home!

For centuries, society has adapted to changes in its surroundings whether it be the prosperity of the Industrial Revolution, the despair of World War II, or the pandemic of 2020.  We shift, we compromise, we create, and we do what must be done to survive. Though the narrative has been the same, that doesn't make this period of tribulation any less difficult. Everyone has felt it in one way or another, including students both young and old, and their teachers who have made the impossible, possible. 

As a child's brain is developing, food is crucial to the process. Not having the proper food and nutrients can affect many things including a child's mood, academic performance, ability to concentrate, and physical health. We want our students to succeed and live a happy, healthy life. Food security and nutrition can play a big part in this and we aim to make sure our students have all the tools they need to succeed whether they're learning in the classroom or their own homes. Thanks to the community and Kurt Lee Wheeler, we're able to work towards having the resources needed to feed our students. 

Karen Garland Assisting Discovery Statewide

In the words of a great American poet, Mark Van Doren, "The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery." Karen Garland certainly hasn't gone unseen for her passion of assisting discovery. You may know her from social media as she was featured wearing her CCEF shirt all the way in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. Or perhaps you heard of her receiving the Teacher of the Year Award at Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy in 2019. Most recently, she has continuously proven her success as she was selected to serve on a statewide science education board. 

Get Involved!  

You have likely seen #CCSDFam across social media, blogs, and Cherokee County school websites. It's something we truly believe in, and we're constantly blown away by the involvement of our community to make this the best possible school district for our students. We are proud to announce that we have recently developed a partnership with both Carriage Kia of Woodstock and Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw in an effort to raise more funds for more schools!