MCSD News

 
  • May - 2023
  • 15
    Office of Communications
    Tonight's Board Meeting Streamed Live

    May 15th, 2023 - Tonight's Board Meeting Streamed Live. Click Here: : https://bit.ly/33GErzo

  • 12
    Office of Communications
    Proposed New Elementary School Name

    Dear Community members of Dawson Elementary & St. Mary’s Magnet Academy in Columbus, Georgia,

    The Muscogee County School District recognizes that school names are an essential part of students’ learning environments and should cultivate a sense of pride in the history and traditions of those in the communities surrounding the school. Our goal is to ensure that all students, staff, and families feel respected, seen, and heard. As we draw closer to the completion of the building of our new school that will combine Dawson and St. Mary’s, the time has come to select a name before the grand opening. We have been a part of the groundbreaking ceremony and can watch with anticipation and excitement the opening of our new school scheduled for August 2024. This is an exciting time, and we are requesting community engagement.

    We want to invite you to take an active part in naming our school. Parents, students, faculty and staff members of Dawson and St. Mary’s, and community members are all encouraged to propose a name. When you submit a name, you must include an explanation of why the name was proposed and why it is a good fit for the school. The name selected will meet the guidelines proposed by the naming committee to include but not limited to the historical, current name, or geographical features of the community or local area, names of persons who have made outstanding educational or societal contributions in the local area, or someone who has significant meaning to members of the school community. We are not looking for a name that other school districts have widely used but a unique name that embraces our community's guiding principles and values. Please keep in mind that no living person is eligible for nomination.

    The deadline for submitting a proposed name is June 15, 2023. Names will not be accepted after this date. We look forward to you sharing your ideas and participating in naming our new school. Please complete the survey using the link or QR code provided below or on the MCSD website or return the survey form to Mrs. Cassandra Downing at Dawson Elementary, Mrs. Sasha Smith at St. Mary’s Magnet Academy, or to Mr. Trent Chester at Chester’s Barbeque on North Star Drive. Thank you in advance for your participation.

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkClULPCEug546diVL28ZuDhB1d1X5QkTcOw2iGnZCXslAhQ/viewform


    Best Regards,

    The New School Naming Committee:
    (Naomi Buckner, Seritha Love, Mary Farley, Cassandra Downing, Sasha Smith, Kimberly Wright, Trenton Chester)



  • 8
    Kimberly A Wright
    Tonight's Board Work Session Streamed Live

    May 8th, 2023 - Tonight's Board Work Session Streamed Live. Click here: https://bit.ly/33GErzo

  • 8
    Office of Communications
    Application Window for Hardship and Open Seat Tranfers

    Columbus, GA- The Muscogee County School District has set the window for the school year 2023-2024 Hardship and Open Seat Transfer requests in accordance with Georgia House Bill 251 (HB 251). Applications will be available online from 12:00 a.m. to May 15, 2023 to May 23, 2023. Application submissions for Open Seat Transfers will close at 11:59 p.m. on May 23, 2023; late submissions will not be considered for selection. Exceptions to the deadline include parents or legal guardians of students who are new to the district. Approvals and/or denials statuses will be emailed to the parent and/or legal guardian by June 30, 2023.

    *NOTE: An Online Registration application for the 2023-2024 school year MUST be completed in order to be considered for a Hardship or Open-Seat Transfer.

    Parents and/or legal guardians should note the following information if preparing to apply for Open Seat Transfers in accordance with HB 251.

    • HB 251 allows parents or guardians of students enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school in Georgia to elect to enroll their student in a public school that is located within the school district in which the student resides, other than the one to which the student has been assigned if such school has permanent classroom space available after its assigned students have been enrolled.
    • The parent/guardian shall assume the responsibility and cost of transportation of the student to and from the school.
    • If the student receives Special Education services, the school being applied to must already have the Special Education services in place, as required by the student's current Individual Education Plan (IEP), or the transfer request will be denied.
    • Students eligible for transfer under the unsafe school choice option will receive first priority for any available seats.
    • If the number of requests exceeds the number of spaces available at a school, the requests will be selected via a lottery. There will be no appeals.
    • The parent and/or legal guardian will have 14 days from the receipt of approval to confirm enrollment. Failure to confirm enrollment by the deadline will forfeit the transfer approval.
    • Any change of school placement not resulting from a bona fide change of residence, such as transfers under HB 251, may impact a student's eligibility to participate in Georgia High School Association (GHSA) sanctioned varsity activities and events for a period of one calendar year. The parent and/or legal guardian are responsible for investigating and determining the impact of such a transfer.
    • There will be no sibling priority, with the exception of a student with simultaneous multiple births (e.g. twins, triplets, etc.) who are selected for a seat. Siblings of that exception will be drawn simultaneously during the lottery, with the other sibling(s) of that set receiving placement if a seat is available.
    Please note, the following schools are not available for Open Seat Transfers due to seat availability:

    • Britt David Elementary
    • Columbus High School
    • Rainey-McCullers Magnet
    • Downtown Elementary
    • Northside High School
    • Clubview Elementary
    • Eagle Ridge Elementary
    • Mathews Elementary
    • North Columbus Elementary
    • Veterans Memorial Middle
    Please click on the following link to complete your Hardship or Open-Seat Transfer application:

    https://apps.muscogee.k12.ga.us/transfers

    The Muscogee County School District maintains attendance zones for school assignments. Parents are encouraged to register students at the school of assignment based on their legal residence. For more information related to transfer requests or assignments, parents and guardians should contact the zoned school of assignment or Central Registration at centralregistration@muscogee.k12.ga.us.



    The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Central Registration at 706.748.2219 or centralregistration@muscogee.k12.ga.us .

    # # #


  • 1
    Office of Communications
    Proposed Bell Schedule FAQ's

    Though the purpose of the proposed bell schedule change is to better support academic performance of older students and to better align with guidelines from the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics, very few questions were asked about projected outcomes in those areas. During the community forums, most questions were in two categories:

    -Impacts to sports
    -Impacts to student transportation

    IMPACT TO SPORTS

    Q: Will high school athletes miss more class time as a result of the proposed change?
    A: The amount of class time high school athletes miss depends on several variables. One variable is the time in which athletes leave campus for away games.

    Currently, high school athletes are leaving campus for local away games (playing other schools in the District) well before the end of the school day, requiring them to miss class. This is because the Transportation Department has to transport high school athletes to their away games before transporting other students throughout the District home from school.

    The proposed change will decrease the amount of class time missed for local away games because high schools will have the latest school day end time.

    Currently, when teams travel to long-distance away games, athletes miss afternoon classes to travel to the game. Because of the distance for some away games, students travel three hours or more to the game. The proposed bell schedule ends the high school day 35 minutes later than the current schedule. Therefore, under the proposed bell schedule, students will miss an additional 35 minutes of class time for long-distance away games.


    Q: How does the proposed bell schedule impact practices and conditioning for high school sports?
    A: Since the proposed schedule starts the high school day later than it currently does, the option for before school practices and conditioning can be more widely used. Some teams already have before school practices and conditioning. The proposed schedule gives those teams more time for before school practices and may make this a viable option for other teams allowing them to avoid the afternoon heat. Practices held after school would need to start 35 minutes later than they currently do.


    Q: How does the proposed bell schedule impact middle school sports?
    A: Since the proposed schedule ends the middle school day earlier, practices, conditioning, and games can start and end earlier. This is a huge benefit for middle school athletes as middle school fields are not as well-lit as high school fields.


    IMPACT TO TRANSPORTATION

    Q: How does the proposed bell schedule impact the Transportation Department?
    A: The proposed bell schedule creates a three-tier bell schedule which allows the Transportation Department to focus all resources on transporting one grade level at a time. This improves the Transportation Department’s ability to deliver students to school on time and home in the afternoon in a reasonable amount of time.


    Q: Will the earlier start time for elementary schools require elementary students to be at the bus stop earlier?
    A: One of the byproducts of the proposed bell schedule is increased efficiency in student transportation. Though the school day will start earlier for elementary school students, many may have later morning bus stop times. The proposed schedule creates a true three-tier bell schedule allowing Transportation’s resources to be focused on transporting one group of students in a given time frame. These improvements equate to later morning bus stop times and shorter bus routes.


    Q: Will Magnet students have shorter bus rides?
    A: One of the byproducts of the proposed bell schedule is increased efficiency in student transportation. The proposed schedule creates a true three-tier bell schedule allowing Transportation’s resources to be focused on transporting one group of students in a given time frame. These improvements equate to more resources to support students attending schools outside of their neighborhood-zoned schools. The additional resources should decrease the length of time magnet, ESOL, and Pre-K students spend on the bus.


    Q: Will high school students get home really late in the evening?
    A: One of the byproducts of the proposed bell schedule is increased efficiency in student transportation. The proposed schedule creates a true three-tier bell schedule allowing Transportation’s resources to be focused on transporting one group of students in a given time frame. These improvements equate to on-time pick-up at the end of the school day and shorter afternoon bus routes. We anticipate the latest afternoon drop-off time to be before 5:30 pm.

    For more information, please click the link to view the Adjusted Bell Schedule Proposal Presentation: Adjusted Bell Schedule Proposal.pptx or click to view the Proposed Bell Schedule Video: Bell Schedule Proposal.mp4

  • April - 2023
  • 26
    Office of Communications
    Muscogee County School District Announces 2022-2023 Graduation and Rehearsal Dates

    Columbus, GA – The Muscogee County School District (MCSD) released the 2022-2023 Graduations Dates and Rehearsal dates.

    In partnership with the Columbus Civic Center, the Muscogee County School District is committed to the safety and welfare of our students, their families, and the community when attending an MCSD event.

    Below is the “Graduation Know Before You Go” information from the Columbus Civic Center.

    • Firearms and Weapons are strictly prohibited at Columbus Civic Center. Please ensure to take this into account when planning your visits.
    • No Outside Food or drinks are allowed.
    • Balloons, Banners & Noise Makers are prohibited.
    • Cameras: No professional cameras are allowed.
    • BAG POLICY: Clear bags will be permitted inside the Columbus Civic Center. For more information on the Clear Bag Policy, please visit the Clear Bag Policy page at https://www.columbusga.gov/civiccenter-2/Plan-Your. Guests who arrive at the venue with prohibited bags will be asked to return them to their car.
    • Security Screening: All security screenings and ticket scans will now take place outside prior to entry into the Civic Center. Guest Services will assist with traffic flow and social distance guidelines.

    Muscogee County School District
    Columbus, Georgia
    High School Graduation Information
    Graduation Ceremony Schedule
    Wednesday, May 17, 2023
    Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts
    		 7:00 pm
    Thursday, May 18, 2023
    Columbus High School
    		 5:00 pm
    William Henry Shaw High School
    		 8:00 pm
    Friday, May 19, 2023
    Hardaway High School
    		 5:00 pm
    Jordan Vocational High School College and Career Academy

    		 7:30 pm
    Saturday, May 20, 2023
    George Washington Carver High School
    		 9:00 am
    William Henry Spencer High School
    		 11:30 am
    Northside High School
    		 2:00 pm
    Kendrick High School
    		 5:00 pm
    Graduation Rehearsal Schedule
    Wednesday, May 17, 2023
    Columbus High School
    		 8:00 am
    Hardaway High School
    		 10:30 am
    William Henry Shaw High School
    		 1:00 pm
    Thursday, May 18, 2023
    Jordan Vocational High School College and Career Academy
    		 8:00 am
    George Washington Carver High School
    		 10:30 am
    William Henry Spencer High School
    		 1:00 pm
    Friday, May 19, 2023
    Northside High School
    		 8:00 am
    Kendrick High School
    		 10:30 am
    All ceremonies will be held at the Columbus Civic Center

    Exception: Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts will be held at Rainey-McCullers School of the
    Arts’ Concert Hall




    The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

    # # #


  • 21
    Office of Communications
    School Start Times Community Informational Meeting

    The Muscogee County School District will host an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. that will be presented in both English and Spanish to share with the community the need to revise the school start times that was presented to the Board of Education at the March Board meeting. The meeting will be held at the Pentecostal Church of God I.M. (Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal M.I.)

    The Board of Education tabled the vote at the Board Meeting on Monday, April 17, 2023, until the May 15, 2023, Board meeting to allow time to hear from the community.



    The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

    # # #



  • 17
    Office of Communications
    Georgia Milestones Assessment System Parent Information

    The Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) is an annual test given to students in grades 3 -12. The Georgia Milestones measures how well students have mastered the skills outlined in the state-adopted standards for English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Students in grade 3-8 will take the End of Grade (EOG) and students in 9-12 will take the End of Course (EOC). The End of Course test counts for 20% of a student’s final grade in that course.

    The Georgia Milestones Assessment (GMAS) will be administered beginning April 24th and ending May 5th.

    For school specific subject test dates and times please contact your student’s school/ view their website.

    1. Elementary school:
      1. 3rd grade: ELA & Math
      2. 4th grade: ELA & Math
      3. 5th grade: ELA & Math & Science
    2. Middle School:
      1. 6th grade: ELA & Math
      2. 7th grade: ELA & Math
      3. 8th grade: ELA & Math & Science & Social Studies
    3. High School:
      1. American Lit
      2. Algebra 1
      3. Biology
      4. US History
    Helpful tips for success:

    1. Work hard in classes on a daily basis, this is the best way to ensure success on GMAS!
    2. When testing, students should read all instructions and test questions thoroughly
    3. Complete a practice test and be familiar with how the platform will work: http://www.gaexperienceonline.com/
    4. Get a good night’s sleep, and be well rested for testing
    5. Be on time (or a little early) for school
    6. Eat your normal breakfast or arrive at school on time to eat breakfast in the cafeteria!
    7. The days of testing are not the time to try something new for the first time! Our students perform best when they have their normal routine followed!

    The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

    # # #


  • 17
    Office of Communications
    Tonight's Board Meeting Streamed Live

    April 17, 2023 - Tonight's Board Meeting Streamed Live. Click here: https://bit.ly/33GErzo

  • 14
    Office of Communications
    Proposed Bell Schedule Stakeholder Feedback

    The Muscogee County School District (MCSD) held a series of community meetings regarding the school start times which were held on March, 28th, 2023, April 11th, 12th and 13th, 2023. The informational meetings shared with the community the need to revise the school start times that was presented to the Board of Education at the March Board meeting.

    MCSD greatly appreciates your attendance and feedback. The Board of Education will vote at the next Board Meeting Monday, April 17th at 6:00 p.m.

    Below is the link to the presentation that was presented at the Community Forum.
    Community Meetings Adjusted Bell Schedule.pdf

    Below is Stakeholder Feedback:
    Stakeholder Feedback - 4-14-2023.pdf

    If you have any questions, please send them to bellschedule@muscogee.k12.ga.us or contact your district board member.

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