newsroom
May 2011
Troup County School System archives news articles for approximately one year on this website. To read an article from a previous month, click on the date link at left.
Chief Human Resource Officer Named
May 26, 2011
At a special meeting of the Troup County Board of Education on Thursday afternoon, Sequita Freeman was named as the Chief Human Resource Officer.
Ms.
Freeman began her teaching career with the Troup County School
System at Berta Weathersbee Elementary School in August 1989. She
was instrumental in the opening of Callaway Elementary School in
2008 where she is currently the principal. Prior positions include
teaching at Gardner Newman Middle School, Instructional Specialist
at Hollis Hand and Cannon Street Elementary School as well as
principal of Mountville Elementary School.
Mrs. Freeman is a graduate of LaGrange High School and obtained a Bachelors of Arts degree in Middle Grades Education from LaGrange College as well as a Masters of Arts degree in Middle Grades Education from LaGrange College. She received her Masters of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from University of West Georgia and holds an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from University of West Georgia.
Standard School Supply list released for elementary students. Click here for list
May 23, 2011
2011 Junior University Information
May 16, 2011
This year, Junior University for select rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will take place on the campus of LaGrange High School.
For parents who opt to transport their children, please use the
parking lot entrance just past Emory Clark-Holder Clinic on top of
the hill just south of the LHS campus. Cars will pull into the
parking lot, circle around to the right and then back around the F
Building door for drop-off and pick-up. Parents will need to turn
right out of the parking lot onto North Greenwood to exit.
Call for Proposals from Outside Organizations
May 12, 2011
Many organizations in our community are directly involved with Troup County Schools, providing supplemental educational programs, involving students in community projects, or seeking the support of students and staff in charitable causes. Twice a year, we review proposals for these types of programs. If your organization would like to propose a program for implementation in any of the Troup County Schools during the fall semester of 2011, please complete the appropriate data form click here and submit by June 10, 2011.
The purpose of the consolidated selection process is to streamline programs in the schools, better manage the time given to programs outside the traditional curriculum, identify duplication of efforts, and most importantly, align all programs with the mission and strategic directives of Troup County Schools.
Thank you for your interest in supporting education in Troup County. If you have any questions regarding the process, please call Deb Myers at 706-812-7900, ext 127.
Troup County Students Outperform the State in Challenging New Graduation Test
May 11, 2011
Local High School Students Top the State in Three out of Four
Testing Categories
The talk around the state all year has been about the rigor of the new math curriculum and the difficulty it would pose to students taking the required Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT). Scores are back, and Troup County students showed that they were up for the challenge. Not only did local students outperform the state on the math portion of the graduation test, they also outscored the state in science and social studies as well. click here to see scores
“We could not be more proud of the students and teachers in Troup County,” said Dr. Tonia Contorno, high school curriculum and CTAE director for Troup County Schools. “To achieve this kind of success in math when the rigor of the curriculum and the expectations for students has increased this much is an extreme credit to their hard work and the dedicated support of our academic coaches.”
At the school level, LaGrange High School outperformed the state in all four categories by a wide margin ranging from five to thirteen percentage points. In the critical area of math, LaGrange High topped the state by 12 percentage points.
As part of the requirements for graduation and a measure of federal accountability for No Child Left Behind, the GHSGT is given to all eleventh grade students throughout the state. This requirement will continue for students currently in high school, but beginning with students who enroll as freshmen next year, End-of-Course Tests (EOCTs) will be the measure of accountability. click here for more information on the new graduation requirements
Of first time test takers in Troup County, 77 percent passed all four sections of the test compared to the state’s average of 74 percent.
Students will receive their individual scores this week. For students who did not pass one or more portions of test, opportunities for retesting are offered over the summer and during the student’s senior year. The Georgia Department of Education will again offer summer assistance for students who did not pass the science or social studies portion of the test. ExPreSS (Exam Preparation for Science and Social Studies) is a two-week, intensive test preparation course funded through the state and free to students. Students who are eligible to apply for participation will be notified by their school’s graduation coach. Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Long Cane Elementary Recognized as a 2010 Georgia School of Excellence
May 11, 2011
State Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Barge Visits to Honor Students and Staff
“This is a school with heart.” These were the words of description, explanation, and pride given by Long Cane Elementary School Principal Patty Lee as State Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Barge visited her campus to recognize their achievement as a 2010 Georgia School of Excellence.
“The heart of this school is demonstrated in the areas of service to others, character development, and achievement in academics, athletics, and fine arts,” said Lee to a crowd of hundreds on Tuesday.
Earlier
in the year, the Georgia Department of Education announced the 22
schools across the state that earned the prestigious designation of
Schools of Excellence. This week the state superintendent
recognized the school personally amidst an audience of students,
staff, parents, district administration, the local board of
education, and District 3 State Board of Education member Helen
Rice.
Long Cane Elementary School was selected as a Georgia School of Excellence based on continuous gains in student achievement.
Writing Scores Increase for 5th and 8th Graders
May 11, 2011
Students in every division of Troup County Schools showed gains in writing scores during the 2010-2011 school year. Middle school scores saw a two percentage point increase this year, while elementary schools increased ten percentage points. Results from the Georgia High School Writing Test reported back in November showed scores surpassing the 90 percent mark.
Each year students in fifth and eighth grade take the state-mandated writing assessment. The high school writing test is administered each year in the fall and is a requirement for graduation.
“Writing continues to be an emphasis in our schools, with measurable results, ” said Dr. Pat Barton, director of Pre-K and elementary curriculum. “In the elementary division this year, we went even further to initiate a writing blitz six weeks prior to the assessment. Academic coaches and classroom teachers worked with students to further explore the different writing genres and practice with specific prompts.”
The work resulted in eight of the elementary schools posting gains of 12 percentage points or better. The system as a whole has improved 15 percentage points since the implementation of the new state writing standards, outpacing the state’s gain of nine.
In the middle school division, eighth grade students have demonstrated steady improvement over the years with gains of 20 percentage points since the new standards were introduced, compared to the state’s gain of 16.
“The progress made by middle schools is evidence of the efforts of teachers to maintain consistent writing instruction across the grade levels,” said Kim Warner, director of middle school curriculum and federal programs. “Through the middle school Writing to Win program, students participate in writing activities in all subjects. Not only are they reinforcing what they’ve learned in all areas, but they are developing valuable critical thinking skills as well.”
Individual student scores for middle school writing were provided to parents in March. Writing scores for fifth grade students will be included with end-of-the-year report cards.
| Fifth | Eighth | |||||||||
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | |
| TCSS | 59 | 71 | 69 | 64 | 74 | 51 | 66 | 64 | 69 | 71 |
| GA | 70 | 77 | 78 | 73 | 79 | 67 | 77 | 75 | 79 | 883 |
"No Shots, No School" Policy in Effect
May 5, 2011
The new No Shots, No School policy is in effect. Parents of students entering 6th grade in the fall are required to present their child’s up-to-date Georgia Immunization form 3231 at the time of registration in August.
Typically, students at this age will require the second dose of Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccine and possibly other immunizations. Two Mass Vaccination Clinics will be held at the Troup County Health Department. Click here for more information.
Make sure your child is ready for Middle School. Contact your child’s doctor or the Troup County Health Department today to beat the rush.
Troup County Schools
Middle School Registration
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
