GLAD NEWS

AP Exams will be held Monday, May 5th through Friday, May 16th.

AP teachers will begin offering review sessions on March 31st. Students should have received emails from these teachers regarding dates, times, and formats. Reach out to your teachers if needed.

Mock AP exams will be offered on Sunday, April 27th. Students who are interested in taking these practice tests can find more informatio here and can register through this form. The deadline for registration is Friday, April 18th.

Find details about these opportunities and other important AP Exam resources for Clarke Central students here.

All Gladiator juniors will take the ACT on Tuesday, April 15th at Clarke Central. Students must complete the registration process in advisement. Test preparation resources can be found on the ACT website here. Students can speak with their advisers if they have any questions or concerns.

Last week, Clarke Central Visual Arts students took a field trip to Athica: Athens Institute for Contemporary Art to view the CCSD high school student art exhibit Confluence 3. They were able to respond to the work of their peers and share artist talks about their own artwork. Students shared their process and inspiration, and several students described the frustrations of having to work through an unexpected paint or water spill. The trip was a resounding success to both celebrate and inspire CCHS student artists, with the following student feedback:

"I always love having the opportunity to showcase my own work and get comments and questions about it. It really forces you to stop being critical of yourself because people don't want to hear you complaining about minute details they don't even notice."

"It was really inspiring to see how other people have different styles to their art. When it comes to making art a big thing is inspiration and being able to draw from others' work, so this was very encouraging and I saw some things I want to try out."

A huge THANKS to Clarke Central's incredible Visual Arts teachers- Dr. Amanda Price, Heather Garland, Jessica Shelden, Cammi Newby, and Laura Lee D'Huyvetter- for their dedication to our students and community. Go Glads!

Congratulations to Jamya Brock, Clarke Central's Work-Based Learning Student of the Month! Jamya has excelled in her position at University Childcare Center. Starting out as a substitute teacher, she received a promotion to Closing Teacher in January. Jamya has proven to be a reliable leader in the classroom. When a child tripped and fell, hitting their head, Jamya remained calm and followed UCC's protocol perfectly. Well done, Jamya! We are proud to have you represent Clarke Central High School in the workforce!

Students intersted in participating in Work-Based Learning should contact Ms. Brook Thompson at thompsonb2@clarke.k12.ga.us.

Last week, Gladiator students volunteered at Whitehead Road Elementary’s Science Night. Copper Callahan, Estera Pirra, Cortni Veasley, and Khadijah Bhuyian hosted tables to teach students and families about arthropods and density. A huge shoutout to these science superstars and their commitment to supporting the community. Go Glads!!!

Ms. Granados and Ms. Jewell's Environmental Science class visited Memorial Park last week to find macroinvertebrates in order to assess the health of Tanyard creek as a part of their Water Unit. Ms. Granados reported, "We mostly found species somewhat tolerant to pollutants, one tolerant, and one sensitive, meaning that the area we sampled was pretty healthy!"

Last week, a team from the Georgia Department of Education and Georgia Power visited the Clarke County School District for a look at our Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education pathways and programs as part of our application to become an Economic Development Partnership District, a designation which recognizes school districts for their strong CTAE programs, work-based learning opportunities, and commitment to workforce development. The team had a chance to tour the instructional labs and learning spaces at the Athens Community Career Academy and the new CTAE building in progress at Cedar Shoals High School and hear from panels of students and teachers representing ACCA, Cedar Shoals, and Clarke Central High School about how the programs are providing students with more access to well-paying jobs across multiple areas that meet local and regional workforce demands. The group capped the day off with a tour of one of our key industry partners, ABB, which provides internship and work opportunities for CCSD students.

Shouts to the Gladiator students and teachers who represented Clarke Central and their programs!

Students: Maria Rivera, Adrian Rangel, Max Burnham, Katherine Dale, Evan Cornish, Mariah Carson, Jayda Shelton, Brody Fiamingo, Maria Rivera

Teachers: Ms. Jaclyn Brown (Business), Mr. Chris Sugiuchi (Engineeering), Ms. Brook Thompson (Work-Based Learning)

CCHS teachers Ms. Jaclyn Brown (Business), Mr. Chris Sugiuchi (Engineering), and

The Clarke Central High School JROTC drill teams competed in the Area Championship Round at Elbert County High School on March 22. The Gladiators won first place in the Male Armed Squad and Male Unarmed Platoon making them Area Champions; additionally, the Gladiators received second place in the Female Armed Platoon, Female Unarmed Platoon and Mixed Armed Platoon categories. “I am incredibly proud of how they have carried themselves throughout this journey,” JROTC Army Instructor Kenneth Washington wrote in an email to CCHS staff. “I know they will continue to make us proud as we set our sights on the Army Drill National Convey in Daytona, Florida on May 2.” Photo courtesy of Kenneth Washington, story by Liya Taylor of Odyssey Media Group.

The Clarke Central High School boys track and field team competed at the Athens Clarke/Oconee County Area Championship at Oconee County High School on March 22. The Gladiators won first place in three events, second place in four events and third place in four events, making them Area Champions. “The team is on a great trajectory and I can’t wait to see what we all do. I think our distance (running) team is really elite, and we will make an impact at (the) region and state (competitions),” CCHS varsity boys track and field athlete James Daniel said. Photo courtesy of Zach Howard, story by Liya Taylor of Odyssey Media Group.

This spring, we are thrilled to bring you Mamma Mia!—the beloved musical packed with ABBA’s greatest hits, a heartwarming story, and non-stop energy. Set on a sun-kissed Greek island, this feel-good production follows a young bride-to-be on a quest to discover her father’s identity—leading to laughter, surprises, and plenty of dancing!

This is a show you won’t want to miss! Get your tickets here.

Gladiator Youth Sports will offer a Basketball Camp and a Soccer Camp during Spring Break. The camps will be Tuesday, April 8 - Thursday, April 10 from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm at Clarke Central High School. The camps are for ages 8-14 and the registration fee is $75 for each camp. Click HERE to register today.

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) was formed by the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA)

to allow high school students to provide meaningful input to school board members. The goal of the feedback is to help aid school board members in their decision-making and implementation processes.

The YAC Committee is comprised of GSBA staff and will serve as a resource to students enrolled

in the program. Through this program, we hope that students and school board members can achieve greater awareness regarding academic programs and school climate.

Applications are now open for the 2025 GSBA YAC. Applying is a single-step process that requires completing all sections of the electronic application and uploading a video on a topic of your choice. To apply, review the details here and submit your completed application by 11:59 PM on Friday, April 18, 2025.

The Athens Rotary Foundation is proud to co-sponsor the Madelyn Forbes Service Above Self Scholarship and offers a $1,500 scholarship to a community-minded high school senior at each public high school in Athens-Clarke County. The scholarship will be awarded at the end of the current

school year. Seniors can find more information and the application here. Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 11, 2025.

Find more scholarships in the CCHS Scholarship Database at bit.ly/cen-scholarships.

The Class of 2025 Senior Brunch will be held on the morning of Friday, April 18th at the CCSD Offices. Senior attendees will ride school buses to and from the event. Seniors must:

1) Submit this RSVP by Friday, March 28th

2) Submit a hard copy of the permission slip to signed by a parent/guardian to Mrs. Hill in the front office by Friday, April 4th

Each member of the Class of 2025 who has paid their Junior/Senior Dues will receive a graduate yard sign which does not identify them by name.

Seniors who would like a personalized yard sign can purchase one for $30 on the 3rd Ascent website.

Both the non-specific and personalized yard signs will be picked up by students at the senior field day scheduled for Friday, May 2nd.

Need help adding counselors, advisers, and recommendations to Common App? Find detailed instructions from Mr. Zayas here. If you have any questions or need help with applying to college, contact Mr. Zayas at zayasa@clarke.k12.ga.us.

Class of 2025! It is time to order your cap and gown! Go to www.3rdascent.com to place your order. Select Clarke Central High School then Cap & Gown Packages. The cost is currently $92 but the price will go up as we approach the end of the school year.

Gladiator seniors and families, be aware that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened on December 1st.

If you need help completing the FAFSA, contact CCHS's College & Career Adviser Mr. Zayas at zayasa@clarke.k12.ga.us or make an appointment in the counseling office.

Juniors and seniors, if you have not yet paid your Junior/Senior Dues, do it TODAY. The current cost is $100. Pay for them on GoFan here.

Junior/Senior Dues pay for your:

• prom ticket for junior and senior years

• admission to Senior Brunch

• admission to Senior Picnic

• Senior t-shirt

• Senior yard sign

You will not be admitted to these events nor receive these items if you have not paid your Junior/Senior Dues.

Note: Seniors, if you paid your Junior/Senior Dues last year, you do not have to pay them again. Pay your dues once, and you are done.

“Nothing will work unless you do.” - John Wooden

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Mar 31 - Varsity Baseball vs. Winder-Barrow (H)

• Mar 31 - Girls Tennis vs. Habersham Central (A), Region Tournament First Round

• Apr 1 - JV Baseball vs. East Jackson (H), DH

• Apr 2 - Varsity Baseball vs. Winder-Barrow (A)

• Apr 2 - Boys and Girls Track and Field at Winder-Barrow Invitational

• Apr 3 - Tennis at Region Tournament (Victor Lord Park, Winder)

• Apr 3 - Freshmen and JV Boys Soccer vs. Jackson County (H)

• Apr 4- Varsity Soccer vs. Alcovy (A)

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Congratulations to the Boys Tennis team for their wins over Jackson County.

• Congratulations to the Boys Varsity Soccer team for their wins over Lakeside and Apalachee.

• Congratulations to the Girls Varsity Soccer team for their win over Apalachee.

• Congratulations to the Varsity Baseball team for their wins over Alcovy, Cedar Shoals and Monroe Area.

• Football and Basketball Cheerleading Tryouts will be March 31 - April 3. For more information email jewelll@clarke.k12.ga.us.

• Piedmont Sports Medicine will provide free physicals for all rising 9-12 Clarke Central athletes on Saturday, April 26. Athletes must have the Medical History section of the Athletic Sports Physical completed and signed. Transportation will be provided. Details will follow.

• Gladiator Youth Sports will offer a Basketball Camp and a Soccer Camp during Spring Break. The camps will be Tuesday, April 8 - Thursday, April 10 from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm at Clarke Central High School. The camps are for ages 8-14 and the registration fee is $75 for each camp. Click HERE to register today.

• Purchase Gladiator Spirit Wear online. Click HERE to purchase today.

• Purchase Digital Tickets and Digital Season Passes through GoFan. Digital Season Passes are $70.

• Support Clarke Central! Become a Gladiator Athletics Corporate Sponsor. Click HERE for more details.

• Watch Gladiator Athletics on NFHS Digital Network. Subscribe to the NFHS Network and a portion of your subscription purchase will be given back to Clarke Central High School. Watch live sporting events and stats whenever you want, wherever you are. Click HERE to subscribe.

• Visit the Clarke Central Athletic Website for more information.

A GOOD READ

• Why athletes make good employees

Gladiator Families! Need help navigating Campus Parent Portal? Find a detailed guide for accessing your student's grades and attendance in this slideshow.

Instructions for creating a Parent Portal account can be found here.

If you have previously created an account but can no longer access, it send an email with your name, your student's name, their birthdate, and the problem you are having to campus@clarke.k12.ga.us. CCSD technology will reset your log-in to get you back in the system.

Clarke Central's Attendance Office website can be found at bit.ly/cenattendance. It includes everything students and families need to know about submitting excuse notes, early checkout, the school's tardy policy, and our Every Day Counts initiative. Questions regarding attendance can be directed to the school's front office at 706-357-5200.

• All Gladiator parents/guardians are asked to complete this form to ensure the school has students' current medical information.
• Parents of students with a chronic condition (asthma, diabetes, seizures, allergies) must complete a medical release form which is available from the school nurse.
• Additional forms:
• Consent for Prescription Medicine
• Consent to Carry OTC Medicine
• Consent to Carry Prescription Medicine

• Students' immunizations must be updated in order to attend school per Georgia State Law.
• ALL students need the MCV4 (Meningitis) within 30 days of their 16th birthday.
• If you’d like to know if your student is up to date, reach out to your medical physician.
• Questions can be directed to Nurse Jackie Coyle at coylej@clarke.k12.ga.us or 706-357-5200, ext. 17253.

As a parent, you can monitor your student’s performance by using Campus Parent Portal. Parent Portal provides current information on course and assignment grades as well as attendance. It can be accessed through a computer or your phone. For instructions on how to create an account, click here. Questions? Email campus@clarke.k12.ga.us.

The Gladiator Resource provides student in need with food, clothing, and hygiene products.

Students can register to visit the room by going to bit.ly/gladresourceroom. Visits can occur only once or be scheduled for every Friday during 2nd block.

Questions can be directed to Mr. Barner at barnerc@clarke.k12.ga.us.

Gladiator students can find this year's SAT and ACT testing schedules here.

Students in need of a fee waiver should complete the form at bit.ly/testingfeewaiver.

Attendance reminders for students, parents, and guardians:

• Students can not be checked out of school after 2:55 pm.

• Students can not enter the school until 8:00 am.

• Students must leave the building after the 3:35 pm dismissal bell unless they are attending a school event and under the supervision of a CCHS faculty member.

• Absence excuse notes should be submitted through the online form here.

Find dditional information at bit.ly/cenattendance

If you park in the lots of fraternity/sorority houses or those of nearby businesses, you are at risk of being towed.

You can park on campus in the Baxter Street lot with a CCHS Student Parking Permit. In order to acquire a parking pass, you must:

1. Pay a $40 fee on Gofan. You can also pay with cash to Ms. Savage in the counseling office (see step 4).

2. Complete and have your parent/guardian sign a parking pass application. Printed copies are available in the front office.

3. Bring your completed application to Officer Pecos Williams to verify payment as well as present your driver's license and proof of insurance. He will sign your parking pass application. Officer Williams is available in room 211 on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:00 am and 11:00 am as well as in Mell Lobby during lunch on Wednesdays.

4. Take your signed application to Ms. Savage in the counseling suite, who will issue the permit.

5. Students who park on the CCHS campus without a displayed permit after September 30th, 2024 may have their vehicles towed.

The ODYSSEY Newsmagazine is an award-winning student-produced magazine with the intent to inform, entertain and give voice to the Clarke Central High School community, as well as to educate student journalists. You might have seen us in the Flagpole.

We print four magazines a year and want to make sure you receive your copy mailed right to your home. Subscriptions are available on GoFan for $32 plus service fee. We can’t wait to keep you informed!