March 2017

Marietta City Schools Honored with

State Senate Resolution and Charter System Innovator of the Year

Commending the Work of the Graduate Marietta Student Success Center

Marietta City Schools (MCS) was recently honored before the Georgia General Assembly commending the work of the Graduate Marietta Student Success Center (GMSSC). Lt. Governor Casey Cagle recognized MCS for the Charter System Innovator of the Year Award; and Senator Lindsey Tippins introduced a Senate Resolution in honor of the GMSSC. Two Marietta High School (MHS) students also spoke before the Senate about how the center has favorably impacted their lives.

“The Graduate Marietta Student Success Center is a state-of-the-art example of our commitment to students beyond the classroom,” said Marietta City Schools Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera. “The work that the program Director Leigh Colburn and her staff have completed is the very reason it has grown into a success in only two years. It is a wonderful honor to see the district recognized in this way and one of the many reasons I am so very proud to be a part of this community.” More>>

FEATURES

E-SPLOST Vote, March 21

What is E-SPLOST?

A Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for Education (E-SPLOST) is a countywide, one-cent (penny) tax on all consumer goods that must be approved by voters in a referendum and is in effect for five years. A sales tax is based on consumption and is shared by all consumers. Estimates show that up to 30% of these funds are paid by non-Cobb County residents. If approved by voters, E-SPLOST is expected to collect $62.486M for Marietta City Schools to construct, renovate, and revitalize aging school facilities district-wide to ensure a well-maintained and secure learning environment for students and staff at all campuses; and, keep pace with rapidly changing technology for student learning. 

What a Penny Can Do — Highlights of E-SPLOST
Since the first Education SPLOST (E-SPLOST) was approved in 1998, Marietta City Schools has seen:

• Numerous maintenance and capital improvements, including new roofs, asphalting and paving, painting, plumbing, landscaping, electrical, heating & air, etc.
• Safety improvements, including lighting, fencing, video surveillance cameras, and keyless access control systems for elementary and secondary schools. Installed visitor screening systems at all schools.
• New technology for student learning, including interactive whiteboards, technology infrastructure upgrades, teacher laptops, and computer labs for elementary, middle, and high school. Added technology labs and digital devices to support the district’s 1:1 initiative and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) magnet elementary and middle grades programs. Increased bandwidth to support Internet access. Installed wireless networking in all schools, e-mail system (server and software upgrade), and new student information system (ASPEN).
• Funded $6.9M renovation and construction project at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy (MSGA). Building improvements provided an enhanced media center, expanded science labs, classroom upgrades, a remodeled gym and art areas (band room extended), and a keyless entry system with video surveillance. Other facility improvements included updated ceilings, energy efficient lighting (automatically shuts off), new flooring (porcelain tile and carpet), renovated courtyards (poured with aggregate concrete), new HVAC systems, roofing, painting, and new electrical systems.
• Construction of Sawyer Road Elementary including site development, main building equipped to accommodate approximately 600 students, furnishings and equipment, and technology for student learning.
• Major renovations funded - West Side Elementary added ten additional instructional units and two labs to increase student capacity. Hickory Hills Elementary renovations and modifications to accommodate Arts Academy and increase student capacity. Renovations and modifications of Northcutt Stadium and surrounding area.
• Purchase of musical instruments, playground equipment, and items to support arts education district-wide as well as additional vehicles for the district Driver Education fleet.

               Learn More>>

E-SPLOST V Dates and Information

    Referendum date: March 21, 2017

    Effective date: January 1, 2019

    Expiration date: December 31, 2023

    Projected total Marietta City Schools revenue: $62,486,000

View E-SPLOST V Project List>>

MCS Welcomes Nathifa Carmichael

Board Appoints Nathifa Carmichael

Assistant Superintendent of Human Capital and Development

Carmichael, Current Human Resource Director of Fulton County Schools

The Board of Education of the City of Marietta has named Nathifa Carmichael, the current Human Resource Director for Fulton County Schools, as the new Assistant Superintendent of Human Capital and Development for Marietta City Schools (MCS). She assumes the post Monday, April 10, 2017.

Carmichael brings 17 years expertise in education, including six in human resources, four as a special education department administrator and teacher coach, and seven years as a classroom teacher. She earned her Educational Leadership Certification from Kennesaw State University; Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Secondary English Education and Bachelor of Arts in English, both from Emory University.

Learn More>>

School Accolades and Honors

Marietta High School Named

2017 Georgia AP Honor School

Among 674 schools named statewide

For the eighth consecutive year, Marietta High School (MHS) is recognized as an Advanced Placement (AP) Honor School. Based on the results of 2015-2016 AP classes and exams, MHS received this Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) distinction in the categories of AP Access & Support School, AP Humanities School, AP STEM School, and AP STEM Achievement School.

“This recognition affirms the incredible efforts of the Marietta High School staff and students,” said MHS Principal Gabe Carmona. “We take pride in offering an abundance of courses and programs to meet the needs of all students.” Learn More>>

Marietta City Schools Awarded by the State

for Student Achievement

Governor's Office of Student Achievement Award

 

The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) recently named Marietta Center for Advanced Academics (MCAA), Marietta Sixth Grade Academy (MSGA), and West Side Elementary (WS) as 2016 Single Statewide Accountability System Award (SSAS) Schools.  MSGA earned the Platinum Award for Greatest Gains. MCAA received the Platinum Award and WS received the Silver Award status – both in the category of Highest Performing Schools. 

“This award is the result of commitment, dedication, and high expectations set forth by each of these schools - including the collaboration of staff, students, and parents,” said Dr. Grant Rivera, Superintendent of Marietta City Schools. “We celebrate their achievement and focus toward consistent student success.” Learn More>>

MCS Hosts Invitation Only Recruitment Event

Marietta City Schools is hosting an invitation only “Teach Marietta” Job Fair on Saturday, March 11, 2017.  Job fair invitations will be issued based upon district needs and applicant qualifications. Individuals interested in joining the MCS team are encouraged to submit an online application and resume at its new recruitment website: www.teachmarietta.org.

Scholarship Opportunities

Marietta Kiwanis 2017 Scholarships Available

March 15, 2017 - Deadline

Marietta Kiwanis has nine scholarships available for students.  Applications are due by the March 15, 2017 . Information on each scholarship and application forms are available on the club's website at: www.mariettakiwanis.org/scholarships. 

Marietta Schools Foundation Scholarships

March 24, 2017 - Deadline

The Marietta Schools Foundation has paid out over $2M from scholarships and endowments through its expanding commitment to promoting educational achievement and excellence, as evidenced by Marietta City Schools and alumni accomplishments.  Information on each scholarship and application procedures are online at: mariettaschoolsfoundation.com/endowments-scholarships

Parent Feedback for School Climate

Your Opinion Matters

Parents are encouraged to participate in the Georgia Parent Survey. Data will be used to inform the School Climate Star Rating for each school.

Click here to complete the Survey>>

Mark Your Calendars

Communities In Schools Adult Spelling Bee

Friday, March 10 

The Adult Spelling Bee is a fundraiser for Communities In Schools of Marietta/Cobb County and is scheduled for Friday, March 10, 2017, at the historic Strand on the Marietta Square.

Corporate and team sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations raised will fund Communities In Schools’ programs, including Reality U, the Georgia Literacy Connection events and training and development of CISMCC’s Site Coordinators. Learn More>>

Help Light the Way to Graduation

Saturday, May 6

Run, walk, or push a stroller in the 5K or 1-Mile to help the Kiwanis Club of Marietta raise funds to support literacy and “Light the Way” to Graduate Marietta! Learn More>>

• March 3 - 4, 2017                BOE Planning Retreat
• March 13, 2017                   Teacher Planning Day, (students do not report)
• ​March 14, 2017                   BOE Work Session/Special Called Meeting
• March 21, 2017                   BOE Regularly Scheduled Meeting

• April 3 - 7, 2017                 Spring Break
• April 11, 2017                    BOE Work Session/Special Called Meeting
• April 18, 2017                    BOE Regularly Scheduled Meeting

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The Board of Education of the City of Marietta does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or gender in its employment practices, student programs and dealings with the public.