Clark Creek Elementary STEM Parent Named to Advisory Council

Submitted by the Cherokee County School District

Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy parent Cassandra Leah Hazelwood has been selected as one of 30 parents across Georgia to serve on the State School Superintendent’s 2014-15 Parent Advisory Council.

Hazelwood has two sons at Clark Creek and has served as an officer in the PTA. She is also involved in Title I planning at the school and is known for encouraging parent volunteerism.

“Hazelwood’s ability to share a parent’s perspective with teachers and other stakeholders is unique and multiplies her considerable potential,” said Clark Creek Principal Dr. Jennifer Scrivner. “I believe her enthusiasm and dedication to students will make her a valued part of any Advisory Council.”

Hazelwood hopes to be able to reinforce the concept of parent engagement and its importance in a child’s academic success.

“Despite growing up underprivileged, in a single parent home, I was blessed to attend a school with amazing parent volunteers who helped me realize a love of reading and the beginnings of a strong educational foundation,” she said in her application. “The memories of those parent volunteers led me to want to make a difference at my own child’s school. I strive to be a smiling face that new parent volunteers will come to with questions, that teachers/staff will be glad to see, and that would encourage students.”

The Council members will meet with Georgia School Superintendent John Barge throughout the year, with the first meeting scheduled for Oct. 20. Council members will also participate in a Family Engagement Conference and meet with administrators from their local school district to share new information and ideas.

The Council will also include the six statewide winners of the Parent Leadership Award (announced in December 2013), which will bring an additional Cherokee County School District parent to the table — Kim Fisher of Oak Grove Elementary School Fine Arts Academy.

(Photo: Cassandra Leah Hazelwood, right, is shown here with Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal. Credit: Clark Creek Elementary/Cherokee County School District)