2008-09 Calendar
June 20,2008
The end of my time as your Superintendent of Schools is drawing very near, and I want to take this opportunity to say a few parting words. For five years I have had the pleasure of leading your school system and working with your children - the future of our community. During this time I have worked with the teachers and staff, my professional colleagues, to take steps to move us closer to the vision we have for our schools and education in Habersham County. Our staff members have carefully studied our school system to know what the needs of our children are and then determined how we can work TOGETHER to bring about the results we all desire for our children. Through this process, I have had affirmed the fact that Habersham County is blessed with a very strong, high quality team of professionals who work diligently and go the extra mile to serve our children, our schools, and our community. I am proud and I hope that each of you shares this pride.
In early June I traveled to Atlanta with Dr. Jan Otter, our retiring Director of Elementary Schools, to attend the Excellence Recognition Program at the state Title I conference. Habersham County was recognized as one of four Georgia school systems as Title I Distinguished District. The test data from our school system demonstrated that Habersham County is making significant strides in closing the achievement gap between economically disadvantaged students and those who are not. This is being accomplished while maintaining high achievement standards. We were given a very impressive banner recognizing our accomplishment, and this banner is displayed in our Board Meeting Room. In addition to this, we were given a plaque and an award of $50,000. These funds will be used to provide training for staff members as they implement new, more rigorous standards in our instructional program.
TOGETHER we have made progress as a school system, and this must continue. Much has been done, but there is still much to do. I encourage you to continue in your support of our schools and our system. The schools do belong to the community, and we need you. I thank you for the greatest professional opportunity of my lifetime. May God bless you, our children, and our community.
June 9,2008
Dr. Judy Forbes presented the Extra Mile Award to Misty Turpin, Assistant Principal at Cornelia Elementary. She was nominated by her staff for the support that she gives teachers and the work that she does to maintain high standards at her school. Dr. Forbes presented her a framed certificate of recognition and a gift certificate to Gusben’s.
Dr. Forbes also presented the Habersham Sunrise Rotary Service Above Self Award to Daniel Seales. Mr. Seales provides translation assistance for the schools and the system. Most of the system forms are been translated by Mr. Seales so that all parents receive communication from the schools. He was nominated by his peers because of the diligence, poise, and positive attitude he demonstrated during the busy spring months as many meetings were held with parents. Dr. Forbes presented him a framed certificate of recognition and a gift certificate to Fenders.
May 7,2008
The Habersham Central Air Force Jr. ROTC Honor Guard presented the colors at an arena football game for the Georgia Force on May 3rd at the Gwinnett Center.
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May 5,2008
Today North Habersham Middle School officially became Georgia's only Light House School to Watch for 2008. On hand to present the award and explain the selection process were Linda Hopping, co-chair of the Georgia Lighthouse Schools to Watch program; and John Lounsbury, widely credited with being the father of the middle school movement. Other distinguished speakers were commissioner Doug Vermilya, and Mike King of North Georgia Technical College.
The NHMS band and chorus performed, as well as HCHS student Trey S. Student essays were presented by 7th graders Will K. and Kayla T.; and 8th graders Meredith T., Amy F., and Drew F. Greg R. welcomed our guests, and Kerra C. lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Nadia C. This afternoon there is a school wide activity planned for students.
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April 15,2008
Chairperson Gilbert Barrett announced that the choice for the finalist was Mr. Robert Costley who currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for the Hart County School System. Board members expressed their ideas and opinions regarding the process and the choice which they had made. The Board unanimously approved Mr. Robert Costley as Superintendent of Habersham County Schools. Mr. Costley was recognized by the Board and introduced to the audience. Mr. Costley expressed his appreciation to the Board for the opportunity to serve in Habersham County and stated that he looked forward to being here.
Photo: The Northeast Georgian
April 7,2008
On April 7th Dr. Forbes announced that the school system had received notification from SACS that the AdvancED Accrediting Commission unanimously approved District Accreditation for the Habersham County Schools on March 15, 2008. Dr. Forbes stated that "This is a stellar accomplishment which comes as a result of your hard work to make sure that our focus is on school improvement. When the visiting review team came into our system office and the school on February 10-13, they saw what a wonderful system we have and what outstanding educators we have working with our students. This is an accomplishment which I take very seriously, and I am pleased that we have once again affirmed the work of our school system."
Founded in 1895, SACS CASI accredits over 13,000 schools and school systems throughout the United States and overseas. SACS CASI is an accreditation division of AdvancED. AdvancED is also the parent organization of the National Study of School Evaluation (NSSE).
April 1,2008
The Habersham Board of Education has announced that Mr. Robert Costley has been selected as the finalist for the position of Superintendent of Habersham County Schools. After reviewing a number of excellent candidates, the Habersham County Board of Education has determined that Mr. Costley is the best qualified applicant for the position of Superintendent, and he is being announced as the single finalist. The Board selected Mr. Costley as the finalist from among 35 applicants at it’s meeting on March 31, and it announced its intention to name him as Superintendent after the required 14-day period of public notice.
