As we look at the November calendar to Thanksgiving (and some well-deserved time off with family and friends!) we want to thank you for allowing us the honor of teaching your children. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure they receive the best academic education possible.
Speaking of calendars, the school Board votes annually on new instructional calendars for the upcoming two school years. Each calendar draft aims to honor the instructional calendar parameters voted on by the Fulton County Board of Education in September 2022. After careful consideration by the Board, the proposed calendars reflect some significant changes from past calendar years. Highlights include:
The school year will start in August for students and end before Memorial Day to ensure students have a full summer.
The calendars have been revised to better align Spring Break with other metro counties that have approved calendars so far.
A significant number of professional development days and teacher workdays have been included while ensuring there are as many full instructional weeks as possible to support continuous learning and help keep students’ routines.
The calendars include a full week off in November for Thanksgiving break and at least ten weekdays off for the holidays in December.
The calendars are set for final approval at the November 17 Board meeting. Learn more about the proposed calendars here.
Dates To Remember
School Psychology Week
November 7-11
REMOTE LEARNING DAY FOR STUDENTS
Election Day / Professional Development Day
Tuesday, November 8
School Board Work Session
North Learning Center
Tuesday, November 8
REACH Signing Day
Friday, November 11
“Family Matters” Celebration
November 14-17
School Board Meeting
South Learning Center
Thursday, November 17
SCHOOLS CLOSED Thanksgiving Break
November 21-25
November is:
Native American Heritage Month
National Family Engagement Month
National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
FCS Recognized for Positive School Climate
Congratulations to 45 FCS schools recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for supporting a positive school climate through the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. PBIS is an approach schools use to promote school safety and good behavior. With PBIS, kids learn about behavior expectations and strategies. In addition to 16 ‘distinguished’ schools, FCS has 28 ‘operational’ schools, which represents 48% of its schools implementing PBIS at the highest levels possible. Read more.
Legacy of Excellence Awards Honors Employees
We truly believe our employees are the heart of Fulton County Schools. Last month, FCS hosted its annual Legacy of Excellence Awards at the Georgia World Congress Center. This exciting celebration which honors each school’s teachers and professionals of the year was hosted by WSB-TV Anchor Fred Blankenship and featured outstanding musical performances by some talented students from Westlake HS, Campbell ES, Brookview ES and Banneker HS, whose drumline escorted Overall Teacher of the Year Precious Bayan to the stage with an energetic entrance. Meet our honorees.
Join Us for National Family Engagement Month
We love our FCS families and want to honor them during National Family Engagement Month in November. Four exciting “Family Matters” events are available for all families at four locations from November 14-17. These fun-filled celebrations feature activities for the whole family. We hope you will join us!
The mood at Chattahoochee High School is a little "fluffier" on Fridays – thanks to Hudson, the school's resident therapy dog. Hudson heals hearts weekly with visits to Chattahoochee, dubbed "Fluffy Friday." Read more.
Tri-Cities Holds Ribbon Cutting
“There is no right way to do a wrong thing right.” With the dedication of the new In School Academy at Tri-Cities High School, a new generation of students will continue to understand the meaning behind that mantra. Read more.
FCS Bests State and National ACT Participation Rates
Fulton County Schools (FCS) students outscored the state and national average ACT score for the sixth consecutive year, while also showing a 60% increase in participation rate. Read more.
Flu Season is in Full Swing: Tips for Staying Healthy
Unfortunately, Georgia is experiencing widespread flu activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Georgia currently has some of the highest rates of flu cases, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is reporting an increase in admissions due to flu and other viral infections. In addition to the flu vaccine, the FCS Health Services department encourages precautions you can take to help prevent the spread of flu and germs. Get more information.
Riverwood Chef is ProStart Teacher of the Year
Award-winning Chef Elissa Oliver, who heads Riverwood International Charter School's popular culinary arts program, has done it again. She was just named 2022 Georgia ProStart Teacher of the Year. By guiding and instructing in techniques, life skills and work ethic, Chef Oliver ensures her students are prepared for job readiness and real-world experiences. Read more.
"Let's Talk Schools!" | New College & Career Program
Superintendent Mike Looney’s interview program, “Let’s Talk Schools,” is online and packed with important information for parents. In recent episodes, learn how students can get a jump on college and career success through our FCS Middle College program, opening in 2024. Explore how the district provides safe and effective technology for schools, staff, and students. Coming up in November, hear from our very own Teaching Museum curator and FCS archivist. Watch all episodes now.
