Archive for August, 2009

If you have questions and/or concerns about anything regarding Clayton County Public Schools, here is another opportunity to bring them directly to the source.

Superintendent Edmond Heatley is hosting a series of public forums throughout September. The purpose is to give attendees an opportunity to interact with, voice concerns, ask questions of and make comments directly to the Superintendent. “I really want to know what our residents have to say about public education in general and our school district specifically,” says Heatley.

The first will be held this Thursday, Sept. 3 at Mundy’s Mill High School (9652 Fayetteville Road, Jonesboro) and the remaining schedule is as follows:

• Thurs. Sept. 10 at Charles Drew High School (6237 Garden Walk Blvd., Riverdale)
• Wed. Sept. 23 at Morrow High School (2299 Old Rex Morrow Rd, Morrow)
• Wed. Sept. 30 at Mt. Zion High School (2535 Mt. Zion Parkway, Jonesboro)

Each forum runs from 6-7:30 PM and interpreters will be available.

Will you …

Continue reading Have your say with Superintendent Heatley »

This may seem an odd topic for us, but perhaps because I love to read the situation in Gwinnett inspired me a bit.

As some already know, the Dacula library could close due to budget cuts. This is really too bad, particularly for students who use that facility. Thankfully Clayton raised the millage rate in order to maintain the status quo with our county services. Now I realize some services (i.e., police, fire) are deemed more vital than libraries, and rightfully so. But as I read about what’s going on there, I’m thankful that it’s not happening here.

I am what most people would probably label a bookworm. Love to read and while I buy more than my fair share of books, I also spend a lot of time at libraries. I even spend some lunch hours at my company’s library just to get in some reading and quiet time. In addition, the computers at my local library saved me when my laptop crashed unexpectedly. I had to complete tasks in 30-minute increments during business hours, but at least …

Continue reading Do you utilize Clayton’s libraries? »

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According to the AJC, more than 600 people showed up to participate in an annual health fair conducted by U.S. Rep. David Scott. This year’s event was like none other since the health care reform bill, created to ensure all Americans have some form of health insurance, is a hot topic.

Although the forum got rambunctious at times, Scott and supporters on both sides voiced opinions without further public displays of ignorance like that swastika incident. According to Scott, 147,000 of his constituents are uninsured.

As per news reports, Scott has actually attempted to slow down the health care bill. Having missed only three votes this year, he usually sides with Democrats. However, thanks in part to the House Democrats’ Blue Dog Coalition of which Scott is a member, Congress will readdress the health care bill after the break.

Have you dared to try and decipher any of the …

Continue reading Does Congressman Scott know where you stand? »

Thanks to President Obama’s stimulus package, Clayton county residents will see more officers on the street.

While part one index crimes collectively (rape, armed robbery, burglary, theft, arson, etc.) that were reported to the FBI are down 6% in Clayton from January-June of 2009, as per Chief Jeff Turner, burglaries and theft are up.

“A lot of people are out of work, our economy is in crisis and some people are taking desperate measures,” says Turner. “That’s not only in Clayton county, but nationwide. Crime is down here, but we want it down further and we’re making a concerted effort to keep it down.”

Operation T.E.A. (”Target Enforcement Area”) Party is a new Clayton County Police Department initiative, which will saturate a different area each week with a constant police presence. Every Monday the CCPD will hold a staff meeting to analyze crime around the county. “We look at the most problematic area during the previous week, strategize and target that specific area,” says …

Continue reading CCPD hosts ‘T.E.A. Party’ for criminals »

After the year Clayton County Public Schools, its children, parents and residents have endured, this particular first day of school will truly be a fresh start for all.

For the past six years, the “Day One” program has recruited volunteers, parents and teachers to welcome students on their first day of class. Complementing its “Celebration of Learning” theme, this event will also serve as a kick-off to acquire volunteers for various needs throughout the school year.

Day One’s success depends solely upon recruiting volunteers. “We need parents and the community to be a part of our students’ lives because it lets them know that their community cares about them and wants them to be successful,” says Day One Coordinator Rhonda Burnough. Over 800 participated in 2008, and the goal is to attain 1,000 volunteers for 2009.

Volunteering will only take about one hour of your time. You are needed to greet students with a smile, offer some encouraging words for the upcoming school year …

Continue reading Encouraging Clayton’s kids starting “Day One” »