greater-brooks-2014_flipbook_1

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Brooks County Table of ConTenTs

Superintendent’s Greeting ............................................. 2

Brooks County Board of Education .............................. 3

History of Brooks County Schools ................................ 5

Central Office ............................................................... 6

Special Education / ESOL .................................... 7

Curriculum .......................................................... 8

Teaching & Learning, ECHOES ........................... 9

Facilities, Transportation, & Finance ................. 10

Parental Involvement .......................................... 11

Title I Schools .................................................... 13

Our Schools

North Brooks Elementary School ....................... 14

Quitman Elementary School .............................. 15

Brooks County Middle School ........................... 17

Brooks County High School .............................. 18

School Nutrition Program .......................................... 21

STEM and SACS/CASI Report ................................... 22

CCRPI ........................................................................ 23

EOCT Testing Information ......................................... 24

Academic Enhancement Program ............................... 25

Student Services .......................................................... 25

Alumnus Spotlight ...................................................... 26

Our Community Partners ........................................... 27

Technology Department ............................................. 28

BROOKS COUNTY SCHOOLS NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICEThe Brooks County Board of Education continues its policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color,

or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964); sex (Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act of 1990); or disability (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990) in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Employees, students, and the general public are hereby notified that the Brooks County School System does not discriminate in any educational program or activity or in employment policies.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Sharah Denton, Wes Sewell (Wes Sewell Photography), Zach Krahmer (Hatchet Photographer)CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Melanie Alfaro-Salazar, Melissa Alexander, Sharah Denton, Emily Dukes, Beth Lee, Amari Miller, Laura WaltonDATA COLLECTION: Tonja HealeyBROOKS COUNTY SCHOOLS HISTORY: Quitman - Brooks County Museum and Cultural CenterPUBLISHER: Dykes Publishing Group, Inc.PRINTER: Panaprint

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Greetings From Our Esteemed Superintendent of Schools

It is with great pride and excitement as Superintendent of the Brooks County School System that I welcome you to this inaugural edition of GREATER BROOKS Magazine. On behalf of the Brooks County Board

of Education and our dedicated and committed employees of the Brooks County School System, I present to you highlights and achievements of our talented students and staff who were a part of the Brooks County Schools during the 2013-14 school year. There are new and exciting things happening in the Brooks County School System.

Our school district, through our talented staff, is completely dedicated to meeting the needs of our students, parents, and community. The Brooks County Board of Education leads and supports the efforts of the school district with impressive levels of resources and facilities that encourage the highest quality of learning and achievement in our students. Increasing our students’ success is the ultimate mission of our school district. We must do everything to directly support each student’s progress toward graduating from the Brooks County School System, fully ready to participate in the world around us, thus being Learners Today… World Leaders Tomorrow.

As we all know, there are many challenges with each school year. Unfunded state and federal mandates, new state mandates, continued maintenance of school facilities, and seeking resources to continue our technology upgrades are just a number of issues that we face in the coming year. Our greatest challenge is to always do our best to meet the needs of each and every student. We are working together in an effort to provide a globally competitive education that empowers students to achieve academic and personal goals as they become college, career, and workforce-ready, productive, responsible citizens.

This magazine has been published free of any tax payer funds. The solicitation of advertisements seen throughout the magazine allowed the school system to incur no cost for its production. With the support and contributions of these great businesses and individuals, we proudly present to you GREATER BROOKS Magazine.

With extraordinary enthusiasm and excitement, I eagerly share with our parents, community, and stakeholders, some of the great and exciting things that are happening in the Brooks County School System.

Sincerely,

Owen Clemons, SuperintendentBrooks County School System

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Brooks County board of eduCaTion

The Georgia School Board Association and the Georgia School Superintendents Association have entered into partnership for the purpose of creating a new vision for public education in the state of Georgia.

The Board is the official governing body of the Brooks County School System. The Brooks County Board of Education is elected by citizens and is responsible for governing the school system through the development of local policies. The Georgia State Board of Education policies, legislation, and court rulings also affect the educational policies in the Brooks County School System.

A Vision for Public Education in Georgia

Wayne Carroll [email protected]

Robert Lawrence Cunningham [email protected]

Elizabeth Diane [email protected]

Linda [email protected]

Board Members

PresidentDr. Nancy [email protected]

Vice PresidentFrank Thomas

[email protected]

SuperintendentOwen Clemons

[email protected]

Brady [email protected]

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Highlights HisTory of eduCaTion in brooks CounTy

When the southern part of Georgia opened for settlement after the Creeks ceded the land in 1814, people began moving into the area; setting up homesteads. Present day Brooks County was first a part of Irwin County, then Lowndes County, and finally became Brooks County in 1859. In those early years, education of the young was left up to the individual families. They either hired a tutor in the home or built a one-room structure for all children within walk-ing distance. All families involved would join to hire a teacher who taught all grades. Modern conveniences and high standards of cur-riculum grew within the first two decades.

Horizon-broadening for students was possible through extracur-ricular interaction with students from schools throughout the state of Georgia in aesthetic and athletic competition as well as academic related and character-building organizations.

1894 - There were 44 white schools and 31 colored schools in the county. 1894 - Quitman schools were recognized by the county board to be an

independent system. 1896 - A new two-story, eight-room school with steam heat was built to replace

the old Academy building. 1897 - Quitman High School held its first commencement for seven graduates. 1897 - During the summer, QHS burned, and another wooden structure was built

immediately to replace it. 1900 - The County Board of Education began making a small contribution toward the

construction of school buildings. Most of the cost was paid for by private donations. 1942 - South Side School was built.1959 - Brooks County High School opened, consolidating all county high schools. 1970 - Westbrook opened. 1992 - Quitman Elementary School opened. 1993 - North Brooks Elementary School opened. 1996 - Brooks County Middle School opened.

A Past to Cherish

Pine Grove School, 1899

Brooks County Training School

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Brooks County CenTral offiCe

The Brooks County School System is an award-winning school district that serves approximately 2,440 students in one of five facilities: Brooks County High School (grades 9-12), Brooks County Middle School (grades 6-8), Quit-man Elementary School (grades PreK-5), North Brooks El-ementary School (PreK-5), and the Academic Enhancement Program located in the Board of Education Annex. With the exception of North Brooks Elementary, all facilities are located in the county seat of Quitman. North Brooks El-ementary is located 12 miles northeast of Quitman in Mor-ven, Georgia. The Brooks County Academic Enhancement Program is the district’s Alternative Education Program that serves grades 6-12. The Alternative Program is an ad-ditional avenue to support students’ continuation of aca-demic progression.

The Brooks County School System has obtained District Accreditation with distinction by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS-CASI).

Brooks County Schools are the proud recipient of the Geor-gia Department of Education Title 1 Distinguished District Small Category for the 2009-10 School-Year! The Georgia Department of Education recognizes school districts each year that have made the greatest gains in meeting or exceed-ing state standards on assessments administered in the previ-ous year compared to assessments administered in the current school year. Brooks County Middle School was named a 2011 National Title I Distinguished School for closing the achieve-ment gap between economically disadvantaged students and students that are not economically disadvantaged.

Our MissionEducating all children by providing quality instruction in a safe environment.

Our VisionCreating a system of excellence for all learners.

Our GoalsF Attaining high student achievement and success

F Developing organizational effectiveness

F Ensuring student, staff, and community satisfaction

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Brooks County speCial eduCaTion deparTmenT

Special Education is a service which supports children three to 21 years of age who meet eligibility guidelines in various areas: Special Education services are provided in all school systems in Georgia and are free of charge to parents.

A student may be eligible to receive services in one or more of the following categories:• Autism• Deaf/Blind• Deaf/HardofHearing• EmotionalBehavioralDisorder• IntellectualDisability• OrthopedicImpairment• SignificantlyDevelopmentallyDelayed• SpecificLearningDisability• Speech/LanguageImpairment• TraumaticBrainInjury• VisualImpairment• OtherHealthImpairments

Brooks County Schools believe that students with disabilities shall be provided with opportunities to learn through the use of research-based instruction, supportive services, supplemental aids and supports, including ongoing training for teachers, in order to ensure that all students have an opportunity to learn and demonstrate what they know. If you suspect that your child may have a disability, please contact the Brooks County Schools Special Education Department.

Special education programs need to be individualized to meet the needs of the given student. Students with special needs are assessed to determine their specific strengths and weaknesses. A student’s goals and services are determined on the basis of the student’s need.

esol and migranT eduCaTion

The Brooks County Schools Migrant Education Program (MEP) is designed to improve educational opportunities for migrant children who change schools frequently and often miss school due to their parents’ transient work in agricul-ture. The staff works in close partnership with schools, par-ents, health, and social service agencies, and the community at large to identify and serve migrant families. The program offers academic support and addresses family needs. It is free and confidential.

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Brooks County TeaCHing & learning

Excellence every day is the standard for teaching and learning in Brooks County Schools. Brooks County Schools are com-mitted to providing students and teachers with the strategies and resources vital for success in grades Pre-K through 12. Pro-viding opportunities that are challenging is the primary focus of all instructional programs in the school district.

The purpose of the Brooks County School System’s Pre-Kin-dergarten through 12 curriculum is to ensure that all students have access to the significant content at a specific instructional level, from teacher to teacher, and school to school. Brooks County Schools provide information regarding the curriculum, the instructional program, professional development opportu-nities, federal programs (Title I, Title II), and the state-testing program.

Georgia joined with 47 other states well over a year ago to develop a set of core standards for K-12 in English language arts and mathematics. On June 2, the Common Core State Stan-dards were released. These standards provide a consistent frame-worktopreparestudentsforsuccessincollegeand/orthe21stcentury workplace. These standards are a logical next step from the Georgia Performance Standards. The Georgia State Board of Education adopted the CCGPS on July 8, 2010.

What do they mean for Georgia?

•Rigorousknowledgeandskillsneededtosucceedincollegeand/orcareers

•Consistentexpectationsacrossstates,regardlessofwhether they decide to go to school at Georgia Tech or UCLA, or find a job in Georgia, Maine, or Indiana

• Relevantcontentandapplicationofknowledgethrough high-order skills

Educators of Georgia: • Clear,focusedexpectationsthatassisttheminbeing

on the same page and working together with students and parents for shared goals

• AlogicalnextstepthatisalignedtoourGeorgia Performance Standards (GPS) Taxpayers of Georgia: • Long-termpotentialsavingsontextbooksand

instructional resources that come with consistent materials developed throughout the country

• LedbyNationalGovernorsAssociation(NGA)andCouncil of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)

• GovernorPerduewasselectedbyNGAtoco-chairtheinitiative

• Developedbystandardsexpertsandeducators• Receivedmultipleroundsoffeedbackfromstateand

national organizations representing educators (e.g., International Reading Association (IRA), National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE))

*From the Georgia Department of Education.

About the Common Core State Standards

Common Core Georgia Performance Standards

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eCHoes 21sT CenTury CommuniTy learning CenTers

ECHOES is the Afterschool and Summer Learning and En-richment Program in the Brooks County School System. The federal program entitled “21st Century Community Learning Centers during the 2014-2015 school year,” will be serving ap-proximately 300 students, grades K-12. There is also a Summer Program at each school during the month of June.

The program hires certified teachers from the participating schools, who work with students in the classroom on homework, basic skills, test preparation, tutoring, and academic reinforce-ment. The students also have access to STRIDE Academy com-puter curriculum, based on the new Georgia Milestones standards. Students also participate in Enrichment and Recreation activities, such as Arts and Crafts, Drama, Fitness, Nutrition, and organized team sports.

Bus transportation is provided at the end of the program each day and during the summer at no cost for students. Students are taken to designated drop-off points throughout the county. A large component of the program is Parent and Family Involve-ment. Family meetings are held monthly, with instructional

programs planned for parents and others who are involved with the ECHOES students. Family members receive support in such areas as assisting students with homework, study habits, and test preparation. Parent involvement with a student’s schoolwork is es-sential for successful students, and successful students are invalu-able to a community.

ECHOES provides a safe, structured environment for approxi-mately 300 students in the afterschool hours, a time when many children are on the streets or home alone. Research has proven that those hours are when the majority of juvenile crime and crimes against young people occur. Over the past eight years, ECHOES has seen significant increases in standardized test scores, promo-tion rates, homework completion, and even school attendance, class participation, and behavior among our students.

Our 2014 Credit Recovery and Credit Repair Summer Pro-gram at Brooks County High School and Credit Repair Program at Brooks County Middle School were extremely successful, with several students completing lessons and tests, enabling them to either graduate or be promoted to the next grade level.

Brooks County TeaCHing & learning

The Department of Teaching and Learning is committed to empowering teachers by providing support of resources needed to meet the instructional needs of a diverse student population, Pre-Kindergarten - High School. The primary focus of all in-structional programs in Brooks County Schools is to provide quality work that is challenging.

Teachers and other instructional staff are provided high quality professional development training that focuses on student achievement. The Brooks County School System’s curriculum, Pre K-12, is designed to ensure that all students have access to the same core of significant content at a spe-cific instructional level, from teacher to teacher, and school to school.

Brooks County faCiliTies & TransporTaTion

The Facilities Department is responsible for the mainte-nance and upkeep of four school buildings, the Board of Education Office, and the athletic ball fields and facilities. Our primary goal is to provide a safe and appealing environ-ment for the continued success of faculty, staff, and students of the Brooks County School System.

  •  Facility Construction/Renovation 

  •  Building Maintenance 

  •  Grounds Maintenance

The Transportation Department is responsible for the safe transportation of approximately 1,550 students daily. Our number one priority is the safety of all students we transport. We have 29 regular route buses and nine spare buses which are used when route buses are being repaired. The Trans-portation Department is also responsible for repairs and the mandated Georgia Department of Education preventive maintenance inspections. All school buses in our fleet are inspected every 20 school days.

finanCe deparTmenT

The Finance Department is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial and business operations of the Brooks County School System. We process the payroll and benefits associated with each of our current employees that vary from teachers, para-pros, substitutes, maintenance staff, and custodial staff. In addition, the department is responsible for the filing and processing of workers compensation claims and property claims.

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Brooks County parenT involvemenT program

F Parents and Brooks County Schools will work together to create a supportive environment for learning readiness both in and out of the classroom.

F Parents and Brooks Schools will work together to create a partnership to support a child’s academic success both in and out of the classroom.

F Parents and Brooks County Schools will work together to maximize prevention and intervention strategies to help children with the challenges they face both in and out of the classroom.

F Parents and Brooks County Schools will work together to provide a healthy, safe environment for children both in and out of the classroom.

Improving student performance is a community-wide effort which directly involves teachers, administrators, parents, families, and the community. Parental involvement is a necessity as we make every effort to build up a total child. Brooks County Schools are committed to involving parents in shared decision-making and encouraging parents to become active participants in their child’s educational process. Brooks County Schools focus on effectively communicating instructional goals, creating an environment that is inviting for parents, and establishing the school as the hub of the community.

By working together, Brooks County Schools will provide the knowledge, tools, nurture, and support children need to excel in school, and ultimately, prepare them for success in post secondary endeavors and the workplace.

The Mission

Our Beliefs

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Brooks County TiTle i sCHool-Wide programs

The purpose of school-wide Title I programs is to improve the entire educational program in a school which should result in improving the academic achievements of all students, particularly the lowest achieving students. The goal of such a program is to encourage those students to demonstrate proficiency in academic standards.

The core elements of a school-wide program are a comprehensive needs assessment, a comprehensive plan, and an evaluation. The program and plans are reviewed yearly.

The comprehensive plan must be developed by a school that operates a school-wide program using the results of the comprehensive needs assessment. The plan must describe how the school will improve academic achievement throughout the school, particularly for students who have not achieved proficiency so that all students will demonstrate proficiency on the state’s academic standards

The school-wide program must incorporate the following reform strategies:

•Provideopportunitiesforallstudentstomeetthestate’sproficientandadvancedlevelsofstudentacademicachievement

•Addresstheneedsofallstudentsintheschool,particularlytheneedsoflow-achievingstudentsandthoseatrisk of not meeting proficiency

•Addresshowtheschoolwilldetermineifthoseneedshavebeenmet•Useeffectivemethodsandinstructionalpracticesthatarebasedonscientificbasedresearch

A school-wide program must ensure instruction by highly qualified teachers and provide ongoing professional development.

A school-wide program must involve parents in the planning, review, and improvement of the school-wide pro-gram plan and must have a parental involvement policy.

A school-wide program school must include activities to ensure that students who experience difficulty attaining the proficient or advanced levels of academic achievement standards will be provided with effective, timely addi-tional support, including to:

•Ensurethatthosestudents’difficultiesareidentifiedonatimely basis

•Providesufficientinformationonwhichtobaseeffectiveassistance to those students

•(inaschool-wideprograminanelementaryschool)makeplans for assisting preschool students in the successful transition from early childhood programs, such as Head Start, EvenStart, Early Reading First, or a preschool pro-gram under IDEA or a state-run preschool program, to the school-wide program

Brooks County Title I school-wide programs include:North Brooks Elementary, Quitman Elementary, Brooks County Middle, and Brooks County High School

Brooks County norTH brooks elemenTary

North Brooks Elementary School (NBES) is one of two elementary schools in the Brooks County School District. A part of the Valdosta, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area, North Brooks is located on the north end of Brooks County in Morven, Georgia. Morven is rich with agriculture, farm land, natural wildlife, and is known for the annual Peach Festival that has been a part of the community for over 25 years.

In 2013, NBES ranked better than 59.7 percent of ele-mentary schools in Georgia on the mandated Georgia Crite-rion Referenced Competency Test. The student population is currently 446 which includes 61 percent white students, 25 percent black students, 11 percent Hispanic students, and approximately 3 percent of American Indian, Asian and multi-racial students. Five percent of the student popula-tion receives gifted education services. In 2013, the Brooks County School system qualified for the Community Eligibil-ity Provision for the National School Lunch Program grant, and as a result, 100 percent of our students eat at no cost.

All teachers at NBES are fully certified and highly quali-fied. Faculty and staff at NBES strive for high student achievement and success for all students. Teachers participate in high quality professional learning communities and work to create a strong partnership among parents, community members, and other stake holders. Academic achievement is supported through collaborative planning among faculty and staff. Common Core Georgia Performance Standards are the curriculum foundation. Faculty and staff have been trained in curriculum and instruction to meet the needs of all students.

Student achievement is celebrated each nine weeks and at the annual honors night program. An academic celebra-tion is held each nine weeks to spotlight students who have achieved academic excellence and notable achievements that include perfect attendance, most improved, and Accelerated Reading Achievement. The annual honors night program that is held in May celebrates the academic and behavioral accomplishments of students at NBES. Awards for these cel-

ebrations are sponsored by our very own Parent Teacher Or-ganization (PTO) and com-munity partners.

Parent Engagement is vital for the success of NBES. We strive to create collaborative partnerships with parents. Our Parent Involvement Co-ordinator provides workshops to equip parents with the best strategies and resources avail-able to help their children succeed in school. Parents to Lunch-n-Learn, Fifth Grade Writing Workshop, Pre-K Par-ent and Child Time (P.A.C.T), CRCT Parent Night, Open House, Title 1 Parent Annual Meeting Night and Parent Partners are just a few of the activities held at NBES that are provided to parents. These meetings are designed to pro-vide parents with materials and training that will sup-port students’ learning. Regu-lar, two-way and meaningful communication is achieved through parent conferences, School Phone Messenger, emails, newsletters, progress reports, the Brooks County School’s webpages, area newspapers, and surveys.

We strive daily to implement our school’s purpose. At NBES we believe in Nurturing the Brilliance in Every Stu-dent so they are able to achieve our district motto of “Learn-ers Today become Leaders Tomorrow” through strong fami-ly-school partnerships.

Nurturing the Brilliance In Every Student

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Brooks County QuiTman elemenTary sCHool

Quitman Elementary has many good aspects and qualities. The environment, staff, and activities make this a great school that we take pride in. Our school is a great place where all students get the education they want and deserve. Quitman Elementary demonstrates the best qualities in all areas. Our motto is, QES where Quality Education Starts!

With over 700 students, a safe environment is required, and having a place that feels safe is part of what makes our school great. Teachers and staff continuously watch over the students from the time they get out of cars or off buses, until it is time to go home in the afternoon. Procedures are in place and re-viewed regularly to ensure safety for the entire school. Quitman Elementary has local community support services, including: Family Connections, Brooks County Recreation Department, Brooks County Department of Family and Children Services, Cooperative Extension Services (4-H and Character Lessons), Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and the Chamber of Commerce.

The teachers and administration are vital to Quitman Elemen-tary. Our teachers strive to create those moments that are neces-sary to learning. Students are expected to perform at their high-est potentials. Exemplary teachers lead by doing, and students benefit from their leadership. Students play a leadership role, as well. We have two student leadership groups at our school. One is our Student Council and the other is our Superintendent’s Advisory Council. QES students have a supporting role that extends beyond Quitman Elementary into the community. As with a body, there are many individual parts working together, and in our case, the staff is the backbone to the school.

Education is the focus in our school. We have instructional time that is protected from interruptions, and our teachers are always maximizing the learning time. All classes and activities are integrated to ensure opportunities for learning in ways that fit the needs of every student. Over the past few years there has been growth in all academic areas. Quitman Elementary School has been recognized as a High Progress Reward school. In or-

der to sustain growth in student performance at the school level, our teachers continue to analyze student achievement data through formative and summative assessments to promote academic growth through instructional strategies and interventions.

As an integral part of learning, testing happens to evaluate strengths and reinforce skills. All of the opportunities afforded to students at Quitman Ele-mentary, from group work, individual assignments, and activities such as art fairs and writing fairs, pro-vide for skills to build upon and lead to a future where learning is important and exciting. The students of Quitman Elementary are tomorrow’s leaders, and we demonstrate leadership qualities at every opportu-nity.

Quitman Elementary is an exemplary school con-sisting of many parts. From instruction to safety, our school shows quality. There are many reasons to show our pride. By doing their best in all areas, the students and staff are role mod-els for the rest of the community.

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Where Quality Education Starts

Brooks County brooks CounTy middle sCHool

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Building Character, Mastering Standards

An integral part of the middle school concept revolves around the team concept. Each grade level is comprised of two academic teams. Students receive instruction in the core classes: math, lan-guage arts, social studies, and science. In addition to the core content areas, students also attend connections\exploratory class-es. In these classes, students are able to try a variety of different classes which allow students insight into the various pathways of-fered at the high school level. Brooks County Middle School of-fers sixth, seventh, and eighth graders classes in career education, computer science, agriculture, music, and technology. Physical education and health are also taught at the middle school level. While students receive instruction in the content areas for the entire academic term, connections and P.E. and health classes last for nine weeks. The only exception to this nine week rota-tion in the connections schedule is that of the musically talented students. Band is a year-long commitment, and students receive instruction in this area throughout the school year.

Brooks County Middle School offers a variety of clubs for its students. The largest club at the school is the Future Farmers of America (FFA). FFA fosters opportunities to make a positive dif-ference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Another of the clubs offered at the middle school is Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). FBLA of-fers students a variety of events and opportunities to enable stu-dents to develop the skills needed to be successful in the business world. The Technology Student Association (TSA) is available for students who aspire to become engineers, scientists, and tech-nologists. The History Club is also a vital component of the clubs available for students. The History Club members are exposed to a variety of historical events and places through field trips and other learning endeavors. Students yearning to exercise leader-ship skills may campaign for a position in the school’s Student Council. Each grade level is represented in this government-based organization. Academic scholars and leaders execute and develop service learning projects and ideas as members of the

National Junior Beta Club. This club is involved in various en-deavors to improve community relations, and students gain valu-able knowledge while being a service to others. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is the largest Christian sports organiza-tion in America. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering, and encouraging people to make a dif-ference for Christ. By participating in one or more of these clubs, students create lifelong relationships with advisors, teachers, and their peers.

Sports are important in the South, and this is no different at Brooks County Middle School. The students are able to partici-pate in different sports including football, cheerleading, volley-ball, soccer, cross country, track, softball, basketball, and golf. The Brooks County Middle School sports teams are feeder pro-grams for the high school programs, and coaches strive to create student-athletes who are successful in the classroom and on the playing field. To be eligible to participate in these various sport-ing opportunities, students must first be successful in their aca-demic endeavors.

Parental involvement is also a critical component of Brooks County Middle School’s success. Parents are encouraged to be proactive and involved in their child’s education. Parents-to-lunch are organized to ensure opportunities for parents to inter-act with their child during the school day. These luncheons also allow students to share their work and progress through student-led presentations. Parents are also invited to attend major assem-blies and functions at the school. Each grading period also offers the parents the chance to meet with the teachers to discuss the grading process and student success at Report Card Pick-up.

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Brooks County brooks CounTy HigH sCHool

Brooks County High School serves 560 students in grades 9-12. Brooks County High School is the only high school in Brooks County and serves students of Quitman as well as those from the outlying county communities of Morven, Barwick, Barney, and Boston, Georgia. The county is small and mostly rural with a population of 15,403 according to the US census of 2012.

Brooks County High School has a strong relationship with the community as well as the local community stakeholders. The school has employed a Parent Engagement Coordinator to promote stakeholder engagements in supporting the school’s purpose and direction. Parent involvement includes parent activities on campus during the school day and after scheduled school hours. School personnel and community stakeholders are informed of school news in the forms of teacher websites, BCHS Facebook page, parent newsletters, Community Stakeholders meetings, School Council meetings, and Community Cares meetings. The school partners with Wiregrass Technical College and Valdosta State University to provide on-site college courses and opportunities for students to participate in early admissions programs. The school’s CTAE department’s General Medicine classes partner with community healthcare facilities and doctors in the student shadowing program. The CTAE department also sponsors a blood drive and health fair for the school’s staff. The work-based learning program partners with community businesses who employ students as part of their education program.

School clubs such as DECA, the Art Club, TSA, and the Student Leadership team are involved in community service projects throughout the year in Quitman and surrounding communities. The agriculture department sponsors a yearly Ag Day that brings local farmers and their livestock to the campus to benefit from our services. The school also sponsors a Relay for Life team every year. And finally, BCHS has just begun a partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services in its fostering program which works with the school vocational department to introduce students to local natural resources and opportunities available to them for training in environmental jobs and services.

One hundred percent of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch with 17 percent of the students qualifying for remedial education. Currently, the school is serving 29 gifted students and offering Advanced Placement classes in each of the academic departments. An equity plan is used in the selection and retention of employees. Students are provided appropriate and accessible services based on a thorough assessment of individual needs. Support services are provided by the ninth grade transition coach, the graduation coach, and the school guidance counselor. Other support services include: ESOL, alternative education, RTI, SST, READ 180, and hospital homebound.

Brooks County High School has a staff of 74 employees on campus and one employee at the alternative school. The staff includes: one principal, one assistant principal, 38 teachers, four instructional coaches, one guidance counselor, one graduation coach, one ninth grade transition coach, one media specialist, five custodians, two paraprofessionals, five clerical personnel, one ESOL teacher, one parent involvement coordinator, one SIG coordinator, and one DOE coordinator.

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Tomorrow’s Leaders

Gaining What We Need So We Can Better Succeed

Brooks County sCHool nuTriTion

The Brooks County School Nutrition program provides quality meals and nutrition education that contribute to the nutritional well-being of our students and their performance at school. The school nutrition program (SNP) participates in the national school lunch and school breakfast service programs. All the programs are regulated and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture with the School and Community Nutrition Unit of the Georgia Department of Education overseeing the program administration.

Since nutrition affects physical growth and intellectual development, well-nourished children are better able to learn. It is our goal to provide quality food items that are (1) acceptable to customers, (2) accommodating to children with special needs, (3) consistent with the Dietary Guidelines and (4) served in a pleasant, attractive, and safe environment by caring people. We plan, prepare, and offer food choices as healthful examples for Brooks County students to increase the likelihood they will learn to choose a healthful diet.

The nutrition program is committed to the continuous development of a knowledgeable professional staff. New staff members complete a thirty-hour course including the food safety training in the nationally recognized O.N.E. program. Managers and assistant managers hold national certification in the advanced O.N.E. program Program. Effective management and fiscal responsibility are also critical with our employees. Brooks County Schools received the CEP Community Eligibility Provision where all students eat at NO COST.

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The Brooks County Board of Education and The Georgia Department of Education are dedicated to preparing our students for the 21st Century workplace careers by providing high quality educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. In Georgia, STEM education is defined as an integrated curriculum (as opposed to science, technology, engineering,andmathematicstaughtinisolation)thatisdrivenbyproblemsolving,discovery,exploratoryproject/problem-basedlearning, and student-centered development of ideas and solutions. The saturation of technology in most fields means that all students – not just those who plan to pursue a STEM profession – will require a solid foundation in STEM to be productive members of the workforce.

Brooks County School system explores science, technology, engineering, and math to the STEM education program is one dedicated to the STEM education and curriculum of select students within the school system. A STEM program may be a school within a school or a group of teachers and students who are designated as instructors and students within the STEM program, while other students in the school continue in the existing curriculum. Students may participate in the STEM program by whatever selection process the school chooses. State certification involves an application with appropriate documentation, an exploratory visit by state officials, and a final alignment consultation analyzing the documentation and the results of the visit by Department of Education officials. Brooks County Schools will follow the nine step protocol to Georgia STEM school certification.

Brooks County sTem

SACS/CASI Accreditation Balanced Accreditation

Analysis and Evaluation of •ImpactofTeachingandLearning•LeadershipCapacity•ResourceUtilization

The External Review Team•Comprisedofprofessionalpeerswithdiverseexperienceandrichcontextualperspective•Determinestheinstitution’seffectivenessinmeetingtherequirementsofaccreditation•TheExternalReviewProcess•Providesanalysisandevaluation•Deliversvaluablefeedbackanddirectionforimprovement

Interviews & Observations•132Interviews – 14 District Administrators – 5 Board Members – 7 School Administrators – 32 Teachers – 32 Students –42Parents/CommunityMembers 60 Effective Learning Environment Observations

Powerful Practice of Brooks Co. SchoolsA comprehensive mentoring and induction program is implemented and is aligned with the district values and beliefs. The district

is committed to addressing individual student needs when administering informal and formal assessments with a high level of fidelity. System and school leaders effectively communicate information regarding student learning and achievement of system and school improvement goals to stakeholders.

Required ActionsDevelop district policies and procedures for administration of the AdvancEd Stakeholder Surveys, to include participation levels,

and disaggregation and analyses of the results for impact on the system’s continuous improvement process. Develop district policies and procedures for regular review and revision of the district vision and purpose, including all stakeholder groups, as part of the system continuous improvement process. Develop and implement a comprehensive professional development plan that aligns with the purpose and direction of the district and addresses the identified instructional needs of all students.

Final Thoughts•OnbehalfoftheExternalReviewTeam,weextend: – Our appreciation for your hospitality, support, and professionalism; – Our respect and acknowledgement of your efforts to improve quality; and – Our congratulations for your progress toward achieving Accreditation as a quality institution.

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Brooks County CCrpi

Brooks County eoCT TesTing informaTion

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3rd

Grd.

Number Tested

Mean Scale Score

% Did Not Meet the Standard

% Meets the

Standard

% Exceeds the

Standard

% Met or Exceeded

the Standard

Reading 176 839.78 9.1 47.7 43.2 90.9

ELA 173 835.10 9.2 60.1 30.6 90.8

Math 175 841.19 20.0 35.4 44.6 80.0

Science 174 833.63 21.3 38.5 40.2 78.7

Social Studies

173 837.74 16.2 41.6 42.2 83.8

5th Grd.

Number Tested

Mean Scale Score

% Did Not Meet the Standard

% Meets the

Standard

% Exceeds the

Standard

% Met or Exceeded

the Standard

Reading 173 831.20 11.0 61.3 27.7 89.0

ELA 172 831.08 9.9 63.4 26.7 90.1

Math 172 826.64 25.0 48.8 26.2 75.0

Science 172 828.07 24.4 41.3 34.3 75.6

Social Studies

172 809.87 36.0 59.3 4.7 64.0

4th Grd.

Number Tested

Mean Scale Score

% Did Not Meet the Standard

% Meets the

Standard

% Exceeds

the Standard

% Met or Exceeded

the Standard

School

Reading 176 839.78 9.1 47.7 43.2 90.9 QES

76 843.64 2.6 48.7 48.7 97.4 NBE

ELA 90 821.53 20.0 63.3 16.7 80.0 QES

78 835.15 5.1 61.5 33.3 94.9 NBE

Math 90 829.81 18.9 52.2 28.9 81.1 QES

77 844.92 10.4 44.2 45.5 89.6 NBE

Science 90 823.54 26.7 47.8 25.6 73.3 QES

78 834.60 20.5 37.2 42.3 79.5 NBE

Social Studies

90 805.88 43.3 52.2 4.4 56.7 QES

78 822.26 19.2 62.8 17.9 80.8 NBE

6th Grd.

Number Tested

Mean Scale Score

% Did Not Meet the Standard

% Meets the

Standard

% Exceeds the

Standard

% Met or Exceeded

the Standard

Reading 146 836.55 3.4 70.5 26.0 96.6

ELA 146 823.97 15.1 70.5 14.4 84.9

Math 147 813.33 26.5 65.3 8.2 73.5

Science 147 802.93 40.8 56.5 2.7 59.2

Social Studies

146 820.79 25.3 50.7 24.0 74.7

8th Grd.

Number Tested

Mean Scale Score

% Did Not Meet the Standard

% Meets the

Standard

% Exceeds the

Standard

% Met or Exceeded

the Standard

Reading 155 835.79 5.8 61.9 32.3 94.2

ELA 157 830.50 10.8 63.7 25.5 89.2

Math 156 819.40 27.6 52.6 19.9 72.4

Science 158 810.01 32.9 57.0 10.1 67.1

Social Studies

157 823.57 19.7 58.6 21.7 80.3

9th Grd.

Number Tested

Mean Scale Score

% Did Not Meet the Standard

% Meets the

Standard

% Exceeds

the Standard

Rounded Scale Score

Mean Grade

Conver-sion

Score

LiteratureComposition

82 420.24 22.0 68.3 9.8 420.00 78.00

AmericanLiterature

71 431.93 12.7 68.3 22.5 432.00 83.00

CoordinateAlgebra

109 375.37 88.1 11.0 0.9 375.00 61.00

AnalyticalGeometry

107 381.40 79.4 17.8 2.8 381.00 63.00

Biology 64 407.03 42.2 46.9 10.9 407.00 73.00

US History 70 393.37 57.1 34.3 8.6 393.00 68.00

Economics 38 404.84 47.4 44.7 7.9 405.00 72.00

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Brooks County sTudenT supporT serviCes

How to Register Your Child for SchoolTo register your child(ren) you will need to go to the Brooks

County Board of Education Office. It is located at the J.H. Wells Educational Center at 1081 Barwick Road, Quitman, Georgia 31643

What to Bring? Parents or Legal Guardians will need to bring the following documentation to register their child for school.

•BirthCertificate •SocialSecurityCard •GeorgiaImmunization(Form3231) •Eye,Ear,andDentalCertificate(thiscanbedonebythe

Health Department or by your child’s doctor) •ProofofResidence(Utilitybill,rentalagreement,or

sanitation bill, all of these must show parent’s name and street

address, not a P.O. Box)

enrollmenT/ regisTraTion

Brooks County Schools utilize a central enrollment process for student registration.

**Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.****Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.** **In order to complete the registration process and

allow staff adequate time to process paperwork prior to closing, all parents must arrive prior to 2:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday or 12:00 p.m. on Friday in order for the enrollment process to be completed.

Registration can be completed at the J.H. Wells Education Center located at 1081 Barwick Rd. Quitman, GA 31643; 229-263-7531 ext 2004.

The Academic Enhancement Program serves students in grades six through 12. The program provides instruction for students that are academically behind in a small classroom setting where the teacher to student ratio has been reduced so students will be able to get more individualized instruction. The program also provides instruction for students that exhibit behaviors that do not allow them to stay in the regular school setting.

AEP’s goal is for each student to leave the program well-prepared for their next educational experience. The primary focus will be to prepare a strong foundation for the middle school students so that they will be successful when they enter high school. The program will also focus on ensuring high school students are able to meet state-mandated gradu-ation requirements.

aCademiC enHanCemenT program

4th Grd.

Number Tested

Mean Scale Score

% Did Not Meet the Standard

% Meets the

Standard

% Exceeds

the Standard

% Met or Exceeded

the Standard

School

Reading 176 839.78 9.1 47.7 43.2 90.9 QES

76 843.64 2.6 48.7 48.7 97.4 NBE

ELA 90 821.53 20.0 63.3 16.7 80.0 QES

78 835.15 5.1 61.5 33.3 94.9 NBE

Math 90 829.81 18.9 52.2 28.9 81.1 QES

77 844.92 10.4 44.2 45.5 89.6 NBE

Science 90 823.54 26.7 47.8 25.6 73.3 QES

78 834.60 20.5 37.2 42.3 79.5 NBE

Social Studies

90 805.88 43.3 52.2 4.4 56.7 QES

78 822.26 19.2 62.8 17.9 80.8 NBE

9th Grd.

Number Tested

Mean Scale Score

% Did Not Meet the Standard

% Meets the

Standard

% Exceeds

the Standard

Rounded Scale Score

Mean Grade

Conver-sion

Score

LiteratureComposition

82 420.24 22.0 68.3 9.8 420.00 78.00

AmericanLiterature

71 431.93 12.7 68.3 22.5 432.00 83.00

CoordinateAlgebra

109 375.37 88.1 11.0 0.9 375.00 61.00

AnalyticalGeometry

107 381.40 79.4 17.8 2.8 381.00 63.00

Biology 64 407.03 42.2 46.9 10.9 407.00 73.00

US History 70 393.37 57.1 34.3 8.6 393.00 68.00

Economics 38 404.84 47.4 44.7 7.9 405.00 72.00

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Brooks County alumni spoTligHT

Alumni are intricate partners to Brooks County Schools. Our alumni commit themselves to giving back to their school by supporting initiatives, community conversations and recognizing current students for their various achievements. Many alumni from Brooks County School system go on to pursue their dreams whether its to be a business owner, doctor, manager, military leader or teacher. Brooks County Schools ensure that their students are leaders for the workforce and are prepared to go out into the real world by leading as examples.

Brooks County Schools continuously receieve the support and strong rela-tionship with its alumni and many alumni give back to their alma mater by providing ongoing support and that Trojan Pride! The school district is proud of its alumni, teachers past and present and current student population and further excited to see the world leaders that new alumni will soon become. It is great being a Brooks County Trojan!

Marcus Stroud, Retired, Professional Football Player *Media Credit: Zach Krahmer | Hatchet Photographer

Kendall Blankumsee,LFD/MorticianBTW (Blankumsee, Thomas & Wright) Funeral Services

David Hanks, Nobel Peace Prize Recipient, Author and Sr. International Nuclear Safeguards Analyst & U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Jocelyn Chisholm Carter, Plan President for United Healthcare’s Mississippi health plan

McGhee Siblings,Stevens-McGhee Funeral HomeListed from left to right: J. Rashodd McGhee - Co-Owner, Delphanie S. McGhee, Licensed Funeral Director & Mortician, Ashley N. McGhee, Licensed Funeral Director & Mortician, and Jim McGhee, Jr. - Owner of M&R Monument Company

Patricia Hancock,Retired Principal of Brooks County High School34.5 years

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Brooks County our CommuniTy parTners

Community Partners in Education (CPIE) is a combined effort between the Brooks County School System, local businesses, organizations, and members of the community. The purpose is to encourage greater student achievement in the school system by developing partnerships between individual schools and area businesses, industries, civic, church, and community groups.

Today, CPIE has a total of 160+ partnerships, and new partnerships continue to be formed each year. From spending an hour each week tutoring a student in reading to landscaping a schoolyard, to making presentations on career readiness, CPIE partners make a positive contribution by helping to better prepare the leaders of tomorrow - our children!

What is CPIE? Community Partners in Education helps schools and businesses develop partnerships that support schools and students.

The parties commit to specific activities intended to benefit students, improve student achievement, and accomplish school improvement goals.

Who qualifies as a partner? GoodNews, businesses/individuals, community-based organizations, and government agencies are eligible.The only

quality every partner must have is a dedication to improve public education through their service.

Why become a partner? Your participation as a partner will influence our children, our community, and our future. The benefits of becoming a

partner are endless. You can choose what type of partner you want to be and what services you wish to provide. The three types of partnerships are partners-at-large, school partners, and contributing partners.

How do I become a partner? Getting your partnership started is easy. Just call: Parent & Community Relations Specialist, Sharah Denton sdenton@

brooks.k12.ga.us; 229-263-7531 ext 2004; or 229-563-7731.All individuals involved in a partnership are required to complete the Partner Commitment form prior to working with

students.

Where will I volunteer? As a partner, you may choose to be a partner-at-large (PAL) or

to partner with an individual school(s). Together, you will work with the school coordinator to plan what services you or your business can provide.

When should I start? Today! We are ready to begin a lasting partnership with your

business. Once you fill out and submit a CPIE partnership form, you will be contacted by a CPIE coordinator within two weeks.

Brooks County TeCHnology deparTmenT

The technology department is committed to providing the most effective form of technology to our students and staff. We strive to be up-to-date with all advances in technology as it relates to education. The technology staff is motivated, knowledge-able, and helpful. One of our goals is to provide a seamless process in the integration of technology in the classroom. Another goal of ours is to provide prompt attention to any and all technology-related concerns. We feel that technology will increase classroom engagement and improve on our students’ retentions. Under our superintendent’s direction, we will provide tools and training today for our students who will become world leaders tomorrow.

Technology will be an integral part of the learning environment as students acquire knowledge and skills and as they develop projects and create products to demonstrate mastery of the CCGPS and to meet the International Society for Technology in Education Standards for Students.

Working collaboratively, curriculum specialists, instructional technology specialists, academic coaches, teachers, administra-tors, and media specialists will maintain a focus on higher order thinking skills and on using technology to promote student-centered activities of analyzing, evaluating, and creating.

Through comprehensive professional development, teachers will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to integrate technology into a challenging curriculum which addresses students’ specific needs, learning styles, and developmental levels. Professional devel-opment will be relevant, based upon identified needs, responsive to teacher and administration requests, and will develop those capabili-ties identified in the International Society for Technology in Educa-tion Standards for Teachers.

Administrators will expect that appropriate technology tools be used to facilitate rigorous and challenging instruction, and they will demonstrate proficiency in using technology to promote instruction in their schools and for the efficient operation of their organization. Professional development for administrators will develop the capa-bilities identified in the International Society for Technology in Education Standards for Administrators.

The Technology Department will work collaboratively with teacher representatives from elementary, middle, and high school and with the departments of Teaching and Learning, Title programs, Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE), and Special Education to identify needs and to leverage resources to provide hardware and software to facilitate student learning with equitable access by all students.

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