CCSD News - 2023-2024
January 9, 2024 - CCSD students among the first to experience new JA Discovery Center of the CSRA
January 9, 2024 - CCSD students among the first to experience new JA Discovery Center of the CSRA
EVANS, GA -- Today was a great day for students in the CSRA.
Sixth graders from Greenbrier Middle School were the very first to kick off the Biz Town experience at the new JA Discovery Center. Another group will attend tomorrow, followed by sixth-grade students from Riverside, and Stallings Island. A rotation of classes will continue from there.
Our students’ parents have joined in serving as volunteers for the day-long experience, and we encourage our parents of sixth and seventh-grade students to sign up to volunteer on the day their child’s class is scheduled to visit. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our parents. There are spaces available, but they are limited. 
The community will be able to see inside the Discovery Center at the official grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, January 11, from 5 – 7 p.m.
Community engagement is an important component to student achievement and success so we are eager to continue those connections through ongoing volunteer opportunities available at the center.
The Discovery Center of the CSRA's first group of volunteers consisted of middle school parents and district staff.
A student is sworn in as the "town Sheriff," to keep order, one of the many roles students participate in as part of the simulated economy at the Discovery Center. Students also hold roles like CEO, CFO, CMO, and Commissioner, among others.
Volunteers run the Discovery Center. Volunteering for the day is easy. All you need is a job and to have paid a bill to be eligible.
Students participated in jobs at a variety of storefronts located right here in the CSRA. This provides a real-world scenario for students to implement their lessons in financial literacy such as paying bills, earning a paycheck, paying taxes, owning a business, and much more.
Columbia County School District Dr. Steve Flynt speaks with students during their lunch break at the new JA Discovery Center of the CSRA. The students are the first to experience the simulated economy.
January 11, 2024 - Community celebrates grand opening of Discovery Center of the CSRA
January 11, 2024 - Community celebrates grand opening of Discovery Center of the CSRA
From left: Richmond County Board of Education Chairman Charllie Walker Jr., and Columbia County Board of Education Chairman David Dekle deliver remarks ahead of the ribbon cutting.
January 17, 2024 - CCSD Spelling Bee Winners
Stevens Creek Elementary 5th Grader Wins District Spelling Bee
The annual District Spelling Bee was held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Lakeside Middle School.
School-level spelling bee winners from each elementary and middle school competed for the opportunity to represent the district at the region spelling bee and beyond.
The winner of the 2023-2024 Columbia County School District Spelling Bee is Sreeya Lakkimsetti, fifth-grade student at Stevens Creek Elementary.
After 10 rounds, Sreeya was named the winner with the correct spelling of the word “surrealist.” She is the sister of the 2023-2024 District Spelling Bee winner Sai Lakkimsetti, who went on to compete at the National Spelling Bee.
In second place is third grader Raghav Thumsi from Blue Ridge Elementary, followed by third place winner Riddhi Boga, a fifth grader from River Ridge Elementary.
Pictured from left: Second place winner Raghav Thumsi, third grader from Blue Ridge Elementary; District Champion Sreeya Lakkimsetti, fifth-grader from Stevens Creek Elementary; and third place winner Riddhi Boga, fifth-grader from River Ridge Elementary.
All three of these students will represent the Columbia County School District at the Region 7 Spelling Bee on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Putnam County Middle School in Eatonton.
Congratulations, to all of our outstanding student spellers.
See a complete list of all school-level winners here: https://www.ccboe.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4147921&type=d&pREC_ID=2540053
January 25, 2024 - Inaugural Health Careers Expo brings students and health care professionals together
January 25, 2024
EVANS, GA -- The inaugural Columbia County Health Careers Expo welcomed more than 400 students from all five high schools, for the opportunity to meet with practicing health care professionals across a variety of careers in healthcare.
Students who participated in the event are currently enrolled in a second-year healthcare pathway, which is available at all CCSD high schools. The event was designed to allow students with a vested interest in the medical profession to explore their own interests and potential careers.
Representatives from local healthcare businesses and organizations from across the CSRA provided important information on health careers such as respiratory therapy, dentistry/dental hygiene, emergency medical tech, pharmacy/pharmacy tech, and more. At each career booth, students were able to learn about salaries, educational requirements, and more.
Representatives from Augusta University, Augusta Technical College, Aiken Technical College, and USC Aiken, were also in attendance to share important admissions and program information.
This learning opportunity is made possible in partnership with the Columbia County School District, MPC40, Georgia Statewide AHEC, and the Foothills AHEC.
January 29, 2024 - Student-athletes medal in annual Special Olympics State Bowling Competition
Student-athletes medal in annual Special Olympics State Bowling Competition
Evans High
- Kate Daly - Silver Medal
- Sara Wahman - Bronze Medal
- Skyler Leung - Silver Medal
Greenbrier High
- Olivia Davis - Fourth Place
Grovetown High
- Michael Barker - Gold Medal (Michael won Gold in a last-frame victory! Michael was down by 8 pins. He bowled a 9-pin knockdown in the final frame to win Gold by one pin!)
- Bryan Belton - Silver Medal
Harlem High
- Abdias Colon - Bronze Medal
- Ky-Mani Session - Silver Medal
Lakeside High
- Jevon Dunn - Silver Medal
- Cooper Claus - Bronze Medal
Congratulations, to all of these outstanding athletes!
February 15, 2024 - Grovetown High SRO Named CCSD Police Officer of the Year
Grovetown High School Resource Officer Kenny Curtis named
CCSD Officer of the Year
February 15, 2024 - The annual Columbia County School District Police Officer of the Year recognition was awarded Thursday, February 15, 2024, to Grovetown High School Resource Officer Kenny Curtis.
The award was created to recognize excellence among the dedicated School Resource Officers of the Columbia County School District for their dedication to keeping students and staff safe.
The award is based upon the recommendation of the school principal and staff. In addition, examples are provided detailing how the officer has enriched school safety and security, enhanced positive relationships with students and staff, and demonstrated a positive image of the district.
Officer Curtis was surprised with the recognition during lunchtime in the cafeteria at the school, on National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day.
“This is special,” Officer Curtis said after receiving the award. “Every officer in our district could probably deserve this.”
“I have loved this job since the day I walked into this school. It’s the only school I’ve ever worked at. I’ve had my good days and bad days, but most of them are very good days. We have great kids here.”
Officer Curtis began his career in law enforcement in 1996, and has served Grovetown High School and the Columbia County School District since 2013.
Grovetown High School Principal Andrew Young called Officer Curtis a role model for the students and staff, adding that he takes pride in his school, by attending athletics and programs both on and off campus. Young said Officer Curtis takes pride in his school by assisting custodial and nutrition staff, and even volunteers as a DJ during lunch, homecoming dances and other school events.
“Through his years of dedicated service at the largest high school in the CSRA, Officer Curtis has shown a tremendous sense of service to our students and to our community,” Young said. “Kids love him, the staff loves him, and our community is a better and safer place because he Leads the Way every day!”
Congratulations to Officer Curtis, the 2023-24 Columbia County School District Police Officer of the Year.
February 16, 2024 - CTAE Workforce Showcase
February 16, 2024 - CTAE Workforce Showcase
The fourth annual Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Workforce Showcase took place on February 16, 2024, and was held in partnership with Columbia County, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Columbia County Chamber Foundation. Students in CTAE pathways from each of the CCSD's five high schools participated in a variety of events showcasing industry skills they have learned.
New this year, students engaged in a career expo the evening before the showcase which allowed them time to network and engage with representatives of business and industry associated with their respective pathways.
Additionally, the newly established Columbia County School District Foundation awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a work-based learning student through an interview-based competition. The winner of that competition was Sebastian Velasquez Villar from Evans High School.
Special thanks to event sponsors with Columbia County, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the Columbia County Chamber Foundation, who understand and value the importance of community engagement and its positive impact on student achievement and success.
2024 CTAE Workforce Showcase Winners
- Beginner - Matthew Morris, Harlem High School
- Intermediate - Cody Price, Harlem High School
- Advanced - Jacob Quarles and Collier McGowan, Harlem High School
- Health Career Display - Maya Ferguson and Alex Peric, Greenbrier High School
- HOSA Bowl - Pete Herron, J.T. Wicker, Meghan Nadkarni, and Natalie Horne, Evans High School
- Tactical Skills Competition: Gio Arroyo, Claire Duffie, Ellie Beattie, Hailey Butler, Sheridan Carrier, and Emma Jacobs - Harlem High School
- Crime Scene: Georgia Heath, Naomi VanVoorhis, and Lola Lu - Harlem High School
- High-Risk Traffic Stop: Braxton Gross, Yasmin Pless, Annabelle Summers, and Eli Bisel - Harlem High School
- Lesson Plan Creation Competition: Aly Rogers and Rhyanna Orman - Harlem High School
- Bulletin Board Creation Competition: Shelby Bennett, Nytavious Carter, Marlea Griffis, and Catherine Holmes - Lakeside High School
- LET 1 and 2: Noal Brown - Grovetown High School
- LET 2 and 3: John Brown - Grovetown High School
- Residential Electrical: Neil Whatley - Evans High School
- Beginner: Jaret Grotz - Grovetown High School
- Intermediate: Nick Cerasaro - Grovetown High School
- Advanced: Jay Stretch, John Pittman, and Keon Perry - Grovetown High School
- Vex Robotics Skills Challenge: Mason Cannon, Chance Henry, Clayton Doyle, and Dallas Williams - Harlem High School
- School CTAE Pathway Promotion: Zae Johnson, Adam Foulks, and Glenn Graves - Evans High School
- Tractor Pull Competition: William Tyler - Harlem High School
- Mower Competition: Jakob Moore - Harlem High School
- Event logo design competition: Gavin Infante, and Tucker Presley - Evans High School
- Pathway Promotion Competition: Shelbi Miller - Grovetown High School
- Cupcake Challenge: Natali Ho, Karina Evans, and Jakasia Gray - Grovetown High School
- Circuit Soldering: Zander Conner - Evans High School
- Skills Challenge: Emmett Hudson - Evans High School
- Wedding/Special Events Style Competition: Taylor Hentges - Grovetown High School
March 6, 2024 - McDowell named Top 10 State Finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year
CCSD Teacher of the Year Named Top 10 State Finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year
For the first time since 2011, the Columbia County School District (CCSD)’s Teacher of the Year has been named a Top 10 Finalist in the running for Georgia Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Crystal McDowell, a science teacher at Greenbrier High School, was recognized during a surprise presentation in her classroom by State School Superintendent Dr. Richard Woods, CCSD Superintendent Dr. Steve Flynt, Greenbrier High School Principal Chip Fulmer, and others. Ms. McDowell will go on to meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches prior to the selection of the 2025 Teacher of the Year.
She is the ninth CCSD Teacher of the Year to be named a state finalist.
“What an honor. I just want to say, that first and foremost, the students are who this is all about, they’re why I do what I do every day. It means the world to be able to represent our county, and potentially represent our state, and to be able to do everything I can to make it a wonderful experience for our kids.”
Ms. Crystal McDowell is pictured with students in her Anatomy Class at Greenbrier High School. The students were part of the celebration when the announcement was made that Ms. McDowell was a State Finalist.
Pictured from left: Greenbrier High School Principal Chip Fulmer; State Finalist Crystal McDowell; State School Superintendent Dr. Richard Woods; and CCSD Superintendent Dr. Steve Flynt; the group and others surprised Ms. McDowell with the announcement during class on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
March 20, 2024 - CCSD High Schools named Advanced Placement Honor Schools
March 20, 2024 - All five CCSD High Schools named Advanced Placement Honor Schools
The Georgia Department of Education has released the list of 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools, and all five Columbia County School District high schools have been recognized.
The recognition is based on eight categories from the results of each schools’ 2023 AP courses and exams. All five high schools are recognized for achievement in at least two out of eight categories. Since 2020, CCSD high schools have consistently been recognized for excellence in multiple categories. This year, two schools added new honor school recognitions over last year in AP Humanities Achievement Honor Schools and AP STEM Achievement Honor Schools.
The list of 2024 CCSD honor schools are as follows:
- AP Access and Support School – Grovetown High School
Schools with at least 30% of AP exams taken by students who identified as African American and/or Hispanic (minimum of 16 students) and 30% of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher. At least 25 exams must be administered.
- AP Expansion Schools – Harlem High School
AP schools with 25% growth in AP student participation from May 2022 to May 2023 and a minimum of 25 students testing in May 2022.
- AP Humanities Schools – Evans High School, Greenbrier High School, Grovetown High School, and Lakeside High School
Schools with at least five exams administered in each of the following AP categories: one ELA course, two social studies courses, one fine arts course, and one world language course and a minimum of 25 total exams administered.
- AP Humanities Achievement Schools – Evans High School, Greenbrier High School, Grovetown High School, and Lakeside High School
AP Humanities schools (see above definition) with at least 50% of all AP Humanities exams earning scores of 3 or higher.
- AP Schools of Distinction – Evans High School, Greenbrier High School, and Lakeside High School
Schools with at least 20% of the total student population taking AP exams and at least 50% of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher.
- AP STEM Schools – Evans High School, Greenbrier High School, Grovetown High School, Harlem High School, and Lakeside High School
- AP STEM Achievement Schools – Evans High School, Greenbrier High School, Grovetown High School, and Lakeside High School
About the CCSD Advanced Placement Program
The Advanced Placement program in the Columbia County School District continues to grow each year. In 2023, a total of 2,127 students completed 3,653 AP exams, for the highest number of students taking AP exams since the inception of the CCSD’s AP Program. As the enrollment in AP courses continues to increase each year, approximately 65% of students earned a passing score of 3 or higher on the AP exams.
College Board reports that 85% of selective colleges and universities consider a student’s AP experience favorably when making admissions decisions. Additionally, College Board research shows that students who receive a score of 2 on their AP Exams are ready for college work, and students who receive a score of 3 or higher on AP exams typically experience greater academic success in college and have higher graduation rates than their non-AP peers. Lastly, 3 out of 4 AP students enrolled in a four-year college start school with some AP credit.
April 3, 2024 - GHS 2023 State Champion Girls Golf team experience Augusta National Women's Amateur
GHS 2023 State Champion Girls Golf team experience Augusta National Women's Amateur
All CCSD High Schools ranked among Best Public High Schools in state, nation
April 25, 2024 - In the U.S. News & World Report’s recent analysis ranking the best public high schools, all five high schools in the Columbia County School District (CCSD) earned recognition as a Best High School for 2024.
Of the nearly 25,000 public high schools across the nation, approximately 17,655 high schools were ranked. Similarly, of the nearly 472 public high schools in the state, approximately 432 were ranked.
Greenbrier High School landed among the top 12% of high schools ranked in the state and the nation. Lakeside High School came in among the top 19%, and Grovetown and Evans High Schools were among the top 40% of the best-ranked high schools in the state and the nation. Locally, Greenbrier High School was in the top five best ranked public high schools in the Metro-Augusta area, and Lakeside, Grovetown and Evans High schools were all in the top 10.
The school rankings list is based on excellence in serving students in six key areas: college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency and performance, and graduation rate. Nearly 17,655 public high schools across the nation are ranked in the report, including 432 high schools in the state of Georgia.
The vision of the CCSD is to lead the nation in educational excellence in which each student is engaged, enriched, and inspired. We celebrate the successes of our students and staff, while also remaining focused and engaged in identifying areas in need of improvement to ensure each student receives a high-quality education. Under the direction of the CCSD’s Five Year Strategic Plan, maximum student achievement and success remains our focus.
Congratulations, to all of the students and staff, who have helped each of our high schools earn this distinction.
To read the full report, CLICK HERE.
