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58 Georgia educators earn "Master Teacher" certification

58 Georgia educators earn "Master Teacher" certification

ATLANTA -- Governor Nathan Deal announced on Tuesday that 58 educators of Georgia schools have earned the "Master Teacher" certification. 

The certification is based on how each teacher demonstrated excellence in student achievement and growth across the 2013 academic year, reported a spokesperson from the Governor's office. 

The "Master Teacher" program began in 2005 with the help of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. A Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) measured classroom performance and academic growth, along with the teachers' professional practice. 

The "Master Teacher" certification lasts seven years, and as long as they qualify, teachers can renew their certificates. 

Kelly Henson, Executive Secretary for the Georgia Professional Standards Commission said, "The 2013 Master Teachers join a group of Georgia's highly skilled and dedicated educators who share a passion for teaching and student learning." 

50 Ga. students earn Horatio Alger Scholarship

50 Ga. students earn Horatio Alger Scholarship

ATLANTA -- Fifty recent high school graduates have received this year's Horatio Alger Georgia Scholarship.

The $5,000 award is given annually to students who overcome personal obstacles to demonstrate academic strength, dedication to community service and outstanding personal character.

"It is a privilege to play a part in these young people's college education," Horatio Alger Association president and CEO Tony Novelly said in a statement. "They have already shown perseverence and courage in the face of adversity, and with opportunities made available through higher education and our free-enterprise system, there is no limit to the things they may achieve."

The Horatio Alger Association have provided nearly $2 million in scholarships to Georgia high school seniors since 1987.

This year's scholarship recipients from Georgia include:

* Megan L. Bauer
Ridgeland HS, Rossville

* Keith A. Berry
Hebron Christian Academy, Dacula

Lassiter band director retires after creating world-renowned program

Lassiter band director retires after creating world-renowned program

MARIETTA, Ga. -- More than 30 years ago, when Alfred Watkins took a position at Lassiter High School, he replaced someone who declared the school community would never support a music program.

Boy, was he wrong.

Watkins retires this month as a true icon.

The numbers tell the story: four performances in the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade; three appearances in the esteemed Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade; two Bands of America National Grand Championships: and one big building at the school with his name on it.

"His reputation is outside of it here. It's bigger than Cobb County. It's bigger than Georgia. It's bigger than the Southeast," said Stephen Hamlin, parent of four former and current band students and former president of the Lassiter High School Band Boosters. "They're (the Lassiter Band) renowned everywhere they go."

School is (almost!) out in Marietta

School is (almost!) out in Marietta

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

For Marietta City Schools, the last day is Friday, May 24.

Other last days of school in the Atlanta area include:

Thursday, May 16
Barrow County

Friday, May 17
Clarke County

Wednesday, May 22
Atlanta Public Schools (traditional)
Cherokee County
Gwinnett County

Thursday, May 23
Clayton County
Cobb 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
Newton County
Paulding County

Cobb school board approves tentative budget

Cobb school board approves tentative budget

MARIETTA, Ga. -- Efforting to cut more than $86 million dollars from next year's budget, Cobb County school board members wrestled for nearly two hours before adopting a tentative budget.

Stressing that changes can still be made before a final vote next month, members have agreed to eliminate 182 positions through attrition.

Teachers are looking at five furlough days which will be taken on instructional days meaning parents will have to find other arrangements for their children on those days.

While class sizes will not increase for elementary students, Cobb's middle schools and high schools will take on an extra student per class.

A bit of good news for teachers.  The proposed cuts first talked about numbered more than 300.  They'll also receive half a year worth of step increases, or raises.

School district announces graduation schedule

School district announces graduation schedule

MARIETTA, Ga. -- Graduation is right around the corner for high school seniors in Cobb County.

The school system has announced the graduation dates, times and venues for its high schools. Family members and friends who can't attend the actual ceremonies can purchase DVDs and, in most cases, watch live Web broadcasts of the events.

Visit cobbk12.org for information on how to watch the graduations or order DVDs.

Graduation ceremonies include:

Allatoona HS
Friday, May 24 at 9 a.m.
Allatoona Stadium

Campbell HS
Friday, May 24 at 7 p.m.
KSU Convocation Center

Harrison HS
Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m.
KSU Convocation Center

Hillgrove HS
Thursday, May 23 at 8 p.m.
KSU Convocation Center

CTC student may redesign chamber's landscaping

CTC student may redesign chamber's landscaping

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- A horticulture student at Chattahoochee Technical College may soon get the opportunity to see one of his designs come to life in Bartow County.

Marietta resident Bob Rothman recently won a contest to spruce up the landscaping outside the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce.

His design includes an outdoor meeting and dining area, and a metal trellis to frame one side of the building. Rothman incorporated materials that reflect England, Germany and Japan, all of which have had a major influence on the chamber.

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