Fulton County Schools – News To Know Change to School CalendarSince January 5 is a run-off election date and more than 60 schools are polling sites, the FCS Board approved changing January 5, 2021, from a regular school day to a teacher workday/student holiday. January 6, 2021, will be the first day of the second semester for students.Academics UpdateChief Academic Officer Clifford Jones reported on the district’s Advanced Placement exam performance for the Class of 2020 and shared that the district’s average AP exam score is 3.29 (out of 5). Eight high schools have average scores above 3.0: Alpharetta, Cambridge, Centennial, Chattahoochee, Johns Creek, Milton, Northview, Riverwood, and Roswell. Chattahoochee HS has the highest average AP score in the district – 3.83 out of 5. Virtual School and Program Evaluation Updates Deputy Chief Academic Officer Dr. Gyimah Whitaker provided an overview of a potential virtual school being developed as an option for students, while Jhanelle Adams, coordinator of the Program Evaluation Department, explained the school system’s process for evaluating the effectiveness of district programs and other research efforts. Video of all presentations can be found on the district’s website (FultonSchools.org).Textbook Adoption FCS is hosting an online reading/language arts textbook adoption review for grades kindergarten through second grade. Due to gathering restrictions caused by the pandemic, no school sites are displaying the materials, but they are available virtually. Three FCS administrative locations are housing materials for in-person, socially distanced reviews until January 22 (excluding the winter break). For questions, please call 470-254-4943 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The FCS Board will take the community’s input into consideration before deciding whether to adopt the materials in March, so they can be in place for the 2021-2022 school year. Students Produce Text4Help VideoStudent Government Association presidents from high schools across the FCS system came together to produce a public service announcement for struggling teens. The student leaders lent their faces and voices to a video promoting “Text4Help,” a resource for Fulton County students needing a listening ear, self-care tips for stress and anxiety, or even resources for major crises. Text4Help enables students to text a number (844-201-9466) then type their unique middle or high school code. Within 3-5 minutes, a licensed clinician from a vetted mental health partner responds and engages in conversation. Using Text4Help is anonymous, safe, and free. Given these challenging times, students need mental wellness resources more than ever.State Board of Education Withdraws 10% EOC ProposalAfter receiving community input, the State Board of Education has withdrawn its recommendation of a 10% course grade weight for Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) exams in 2020-2021. Instead, it will uphold State Superintendent Richard Woods’ original recommendation of a .01% weight, which was proposed after Georgia’s request to waive standardized testing requirements was denied by the U.S. Department of Education.Board Member Sworn in for New Term FCS Board Member Katha Stuart was issued her oath of office after being reelected for another four years. Stuart, representing District 1, was sworn in for her second term. District 1 encompasses Alpharetta, Milton, Mountain Park, and Roswell.
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