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 There are many pieces to the puzzle when deciding a location to build or buy a house. Some of the puzzle pieces include:

Have you ever heard of the phrase "every penny counts"? You might have heard someone say this and think that it's just a phrase people say to try to rope you into donating your money to a cause. Well, there's a reason that phrase is used so frequently – it's because it's true!

This is a hot topic as people debate if utilizing technology in the classroom is harmful or helpful to the learning experience. There are great arguments for both as some teachers find it to be distracting while others enjoy the benefits technology has to offer. There was a time when libraries and paper documents were the only reliable source for academic information. Phones only made calls. If you wanted portable music, you had to have a Walkman. Social media didn't exist, and if you wanted to get somewhere you either looked at a map or printed off MapQuest instructions before you left for your trip. The times have certainly changed.

Current school-aged kids were born between 2001 and 2016. This means the students that now occupy classrooms have barely known a life without Google, iPods, GPS, Wi-Fi, or social media. While there are some issues that come with the world revolving around devices, what if these devices and advances in technology could benefit a student's education? What if they could make a difference in the classroom? Good news, they already are making a difference! With the advance of technology, there have been so many doors opened for students and teachers alike.

Here are 5 benefits of utilizing technology in the classroom!

By Bobby Blount 

Technology has become an important part of the classroom, and as it has gained traction in the school system, it has become necessary to implement a data protection plan to protect the students of Cherokee County. The Cherokee County School District has implemented several strategies for protecting student information and investments as it relates to technology use. With an environment of continuous threats throughout the world, we find that we must remain vigilant to maintain and sustain a secured networked environment for our teaching and learning community.

While much of the responsibility for data security and protection falls upon the Division of Technology & Information Services, all users in the CCSD education community have a significant part to play in helping to keep information and devices protected. Here are some ways CCSD protects the students!

In our previous blog, Giving Tuesday – A Reason to Give, we were asking for donations in honor of Giving Tuesday. We wanted to show you just what you're giving to when you choose to donate to the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. Your contributions make a difference in children's lives as they navigate their education. Not every journey is the same, and some students have to get creative to consume information in a way that will be truly beneficial.

The last couple of weeks, we have been discussing the power that your donations have on the students of Cherokee County. Last week in our blog, When Little Ears are Straining to Listen, we went into the details of an IMPACT grant that went towards devices that helped students who may have auditory struggles hear their teachers and classmates better. This helped students focus better and gave them a fun way to contribute to classroom conversations. This week, we will be discussing another approved grant that has helped students develop additional skills. This program will ultimately help students obtain skills that will help them as they head into high school, higher education, and the workforce.

It's an exciting time of year for everyone! There's a buzz of energy as parents are rushing around for gifts, students are taking their last tests, and teachers wrap up grading before heading home to their own families. After a couple of weeks of holiday treats, an abundance of gifts, and plentiful family time, students and teachers alike may be avoiding thoughts of heading back to school. Alas, it will come if you're ready or not – so might as well be ready! Teachers, here are 4 tips for a smooth transition back into school after your holiday break.

Parenting isn't for the faint of heart, and anyone who is a parent knows the struggles that come with helping your child navigate through school academically and socially. Not only are parents helping their children navigate school life, but they're also helping them sift through all of the physical and emotional changes that come with being a kid. And boy is the world a different place than when many of us were young! That's why the Cherokee County School District has stepped in as a resource through Parent University.

It's that time of the decade... 

It's 2020 and with the new decade comes the Census Bureau in search of information about you and your household. Despite it being your civic duty, you should be eager to participate in this as it has an impact on the community and decisions that are being made. 

By Lisa-Marie Haygood  

If asked to reflect on someone that taught you something in life, memories would vary from person to person. Learning to ride a bike, or bake a cake, or tie your shoes. Teachers come in many shapes and sizes, and life lessons come in a variety of containers as well. We have seen life lessons and history being shaped right in front of us. 

You probably know that the Georgia Lottery donates towards education – specifically for Pre-Kindergarten and college students. However, the real question is this: Is Cherokee County directly affected by the Georgia Lottery? Do our students actually experience the benefits of the lottery? While K-12 public education districts do not directly benefit, the answer is yes! 

As you may have already heard, this year's Chick-fil-A Moo've It 5K has been converted to a virtual Race in Place. We are saddened that this event is unable to occur as it was originally planned, but we're thankful that we're able to move forward with the race in the safest way possible. Though the race isn't quite what we had planned for, our incredible sponsors, such as Carriage Kia of Woodstock, have been so gracious to still offer their support to both the Cherokee County Special Olympics and the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 

by Jenny Miller 

While it's not a formal medical diagnosis, nature-deficit disorder is no less alarming. The term was coined by author Richard Louv in his book, Last Child in the Woods, to describe the physical and psychological costs of the disconnect between humans and nature. This is concerning kids today who are spending less time in nature and more time indoors with their noses in electronic gadgets. This is not only depriving them of nature's innate benefits, but also giving rise to various learning, developmental, and health problems. Needless to say, understanding the disorder is as important as mitigating it. Here's what you need to know. 

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation's (CCEF) Celebration of Education Gala, held on March 9 at the Northside Cherokee Conference Center in Canton, was a grand success. Over 400 guests gathered, setting a new attendance record. This year's gala raised nearly $200,000, with all proceeds going to support students, classrooms, teachers, and staff within the Cherokee County School District. 

Cherokee County boasts not only some of Georgia's finest schools but also a list of remarkable alumni who consistently contribute to their community. Every year, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) honors two alumni for their exceptional service, commitment, and contributions to the Cherokee County School District. For 2024, CCEF is proud to recognize Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison and Ken White as our distinguished Alumni of the Year!

With the first day of Spring taking place last week, now is the perfect time of the school year to take care of some much-needed spring cleaning! Just think about how nice it would be to return to a clean, clutter-free classroom after the Cherokee County School District Spring Break, priming you and your students for a strong finish to the 2023-2024 school year!

It's that time again when February has 29 days instead of 28 days. That's right, 2024 is a Leap year! As we approach the end of the month, let's look at the scientific explanation, the history behind it, and what teaching avenues it provides for the classroom.