First Week Of School Ends With 561 More Students

CANTON, GA -- The Cherokee County School District's first week of school is in the books, and enrollment has increased each day at a steady pace.

The enrollment for Friday, Aug. 4 reached 41,774 students, which is 369 more students from last year's fourth-day of school.

Enrollment on Tuesday, Aug. 1 -- the first day of school -- was 41,213 while Wednesday's figure stood at 41,566. Thursday's enrollment topped out at 41,723.

While Friday's total is still less than the peak-enrollment prediction of 42,299 by the 20th day of school, the school system notes Friday's enrollment rose by 561 students since Aug. 1.

School district spokesperson Barbara Jacoby told Patch that CCSD had a "successful opening week" for the 2017-18 school year.

"We’ll continue to adjust bus routes over the next several weeks as additional students join routes, and we’ll similarly keep an eye on class sizes to determine if more teachers are needed," she added.

Cherokee County School Board members also spent the first four days of the new year touring district schools with principals. These elected officials also got a first-hand look at teaching and learning in the classrooms, visited staff members from various areas of operations and were the recipients of hugs from students.

"These visits were an excellent opportunity for us to see how well prepared our schools are for the start of the year,” School Board Chair Kyla Cromer said. “Teachers were engaging the students in learning, and we had a wonderful time visiting with them all.”

Board Chair Cromer visited Cherokee High School while Vice Chairman Mike Chapman made a stop at Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy. Board members John Harmon, Patsy Jordan, Clark Menard, Kelly Poole and Rick Steiner all visited Indian Knoll Elementary, Avery Elementary, Woodstock High, Mill Creek Middle and Bascomb Elementary schools, respectively,

“Our school board cares about our students, our teachers and staff and our schools,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Hightower said. “While they may be most associated with their role as thoughtful policy makers and responsible stewards of our community’s resources, these school board members were called to serve because of the kids and the opportunity to make their futures brighter. We appreciate their service and their commitment to our CCSD family.”

Photo 1: While Cherokee High School students hurry past on their way to class, Principal Todd Miller points out to School Board Chair Kyla Cromer some of the renovation projects that were completed over the summer at the district’s largest high school.

Photo 2: School Board member Patsy Jordan, center, smiles for a photo with students during her visit to Avery Elementary School.

Photo 3: Board Chair Kyla Cromer and CCSD Chief of Staff Mike McGowan, right, listen to Cherokee Principal Todd Miller explain some of the changes made in the school media center.

Photo 4: School Board member Patsy Jordan, center, smiles for a selfie during her visit to Avery Elementary School with Principal Dr. Lisa Turner, right, Assistant Principals Michelle Whitmire and Matt Harper, right, and CCSD Chief Information Officer Bobby Blount.

Photo 5: School Board member Kelly Poole, center, stops by the gym to see PE classes in action at Mill Creek Middle School during her visit.

Photo 6: School Board member John Harmon’s visit to Indian Knoll Elementary School included time with PE teachers Coaches Scott Barber and Jason Bermudez and their students.

Photo 7: School Board member Patsy Jordan checks out the school garden at Avery Elementary School during her tour, as CCSD Chief Information Officer Bobby Blount looks on.

Photo 8: School Board member Clark Menard visits with Introduction to Engineering Technology students and teacher Karen Zayance at Woodstock High School.

Photo 9: School Board member Clark Menard is interviewed for Woodstock High School’s live student news show by student Hailey Hovda.

Photo 10: School Board member Clark Menard’s visit included an appearance on Woodstock High School’s live student news show; here he’s pictured in front of the show’s green screen with students Hailey Hovda, left, and Kharli Major.

Image via Cherokee County School District