Schools

Formula: Graduation rate soars among Georgia high school students

Submitted by Holly Pennebaker, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 8:20pm

Formula: Graduation rate soars among Georgia high school students

(WXIA) -- The number of students receiving diplomas is on a steady rise, as it jumped for a second time using a new formula.

For 2013, Matt Cardoza of the Georgia Department of Education reported, the graduation rate marked 67.4 percent in 2011, followed by 69.7 percent in 2012. The new way to figure the graduation rate is based on the adjusted cohort rate, which is required by the U.S. Department of Education.

The four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate defines the cohort based on when a student becomes a freshman, Cardoza said. The calculation takes the number of students who graduate within four years and includes adjustments for student transfers.

"I am very pleased that our graduation rate continues to increase, no matter how it is calculated," State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge said. "While our graduation rate is still far too low and we have much progress to be made, we are moving in the right direction."

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Springmont students share business ideas

Submitted by Sylvia Small on Wednesday, May 15th, 4:33 pm

New business ideas sometimes come when we least expect them and from unexpected sources. Twelve students, ages six to 13, are getting a jump start on creating their new business as part of The Springmont School's ClubPreneur program.

Springmont's Marketing Director Andrea Horton teaches the steps needed to start a business, including identifying the need, researching the competition, determining pricing and generating buzz for the product or service.

Each student delivers a presentation outlining their business strategy. The concepts recently presented included a lemonade stand with distinctive flavors, a cleaning service, a workout video that allows viewers to earn coins to play a special video game, and custom-designed cases to accessorize your IPhone, IPad, IPodTouch or similar device.

Michael Evangelista (L) and Caitlin Bargouti share details on their custom case company-CasePop.

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Cherokee Schools police chief honored

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013, 2:55pm

CANTON, Ga. -- Mark Kissel, police chief for the Cherokee County School District, received the 2013 Judge Andrew A. Mickle Outstanding Instructor Award.

The honor, which is given annually by Georgia State University, recognizes part-time instructors in the school's Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology.

"I congratulate Chief Kissel for being selected to receive this award and for his accomplishments," department chair Brian K. Payne said in a statement. "This award serves to recognize the important contributions of a dedicated instructor like Chief Kissel to the teaching mission of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology."

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School is (almost!) out in Atlanta

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Monday, May 13th, 2013, 9:03am

ATLANTA -- The last day of school is fast approaching in metro Atlanta, with some districts dismissing as early as this week.

For Atlanta Public Schools, the last day is Wednesday, May 22 for schools that follow traditional calendars, and Friday, May 31 for year-round schools.

Other last days of school in the Atlanta area include:

Thursday, May 16
Barrow County

Friday, May 17
Clarke County

Wednesday, May 22
Cherokee County
Gwinnett County

Thursday, May 23
Cobb County
Clayton County
Decatur City
DeKalb County
Fulton County
Rockdale County

Friday, May 24
Bartow County
Buford City
Carroll County
Coweta County
Fayette County
Floyd County
Forsyth County
Griffin-Spalding County
Marietta City
Newton County
Paulding County

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Twins Kristie and Kirstie Bronner Make Spelman College History

Submitted by Tiffini Gatlin, Editorial Director

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013, 9:42am

Twins Kristie and Kirstie Bronner Make Spelman College History

Identical twins Kirstie and Kristie Bronner are used to sharing monumental milestones in their li

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Life & relationship strategist Kenny Pugh launches program for teen pregnancy

Submitted by T.MORRISON AGENCY, T.MORRISON AGENCY - Your Source for Atlanta's Tastemakers, Movers & Shakers

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013, 9:29pm

In support and partnership with The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Life & Relationship Strategist, Author and Speaker,Kenny Pugh (http://www.kennypugh.com) will launch Abstinence Matters

Life & Relationship Strategist Kenny Pugh

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APS students lead with 2013 Gates Millennium Scholarship winners

Submitted by Holly Pennebaker, Community Web Producer

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013, 1:15pm

APS students lead with 2013 Gates Millennium Scholarship winners

ATLANTA -- Atlanta Public Schools had more winners of the 2013 Gates Millennium Scholarship that any other district in the state of Georgia.

As spokesman for APS Stephen Alford reported, 14 APS high school students have taken the award. The Gates Millennium Scholarship, Alford said, is given to 1,000 students across the country. Winners can use the scholarship toward attendance at their choice college or university.

Along with the funds, students receive personal and professional development through various Gates Leadership programs.

"At a time when the perception of our academic programs have suffered, it is reassuring to see our students compete and achieve some of the most prestigious academic awards offered to high school students," Superintendent of APS Erroll Davis, Jr. said.

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