Cherokee School District Wins 3 National Awards For Communications

WOODSTOCK, GA -- The Cherokee County School District has earned its first-ever National recognition for communications by bringing home three awards from the National School Public Relations Association!

The association, consisting of school communications and public relation leaders and experts from across the nation, each year honors outstanding publications and electronic media produced by school districts as part of their communications efforts.

“Effective communication plays an important role in fulfilling our school district’s mission,” said Barbara Jacoby, CCSD chief communications officer. “It increases accountability, transparency and engagement and furthers our school district’s reputation and standing as an educational leader. We’re honored to have earned this national recognition and appreciate the collaboration with our divisions and schools to continuously improve communications.”

The school district won a Merit Award for its video, “School Closure Decision Process,” animated by Etowah High School teacher Brandon Grummer based on a script by Carrie McGowan, the Office of Communication’s supervisor of strategic planning, community relations and publications. Teasley Middle School Assistant Principal John Carter provided the video voiceover.

Two district publications won Honorable Mention awards: the 2016 Annual Report of District Progress, which compiles important achievements and data from divisions and schools; and the 2016 First Day Facts, which provides a snapshot of what’s new for the coming school year. Both publications were redesigned last school year by McGowan to be more reader-friendly and useful to schools and the community at large.

“It is very rewarding to see the school district and, specifically its Office of Communications, receive these honors for our intentional efforts to provide timely, relevant and professional communications with our community,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Hightower said. “For us, these awards represent further validation of our philosophy of transparency and quality in the area of communications and public relations."

The department, its staff and those who assisted will be recognized by Dr. Hightower and the Cherokee school board at the Aug. 17 meeting.

Photos: Images for the front page/first screen of the projects. Credit: Cherokee County School District