Columbus, GA – The Muscogee County School District’s Purchasing Department of the Division of Financial Services has been awarded the 2019 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® (AEP) award from the National Procurement Institute, Inc. (NPI). The program has been in existence for 24 years. The District is one of 23 school districts in the United States and Canada and one of 12 agencies in the state to earn this prestigious award.

The AEP Award is earned by public and non-profit agencies that demonstrate a commitment to procurement excellence. According to the NPI, this annual program recognizes procurement organizations that embrace innovation, professionalism, productivity, leadership and e-procurement demonstrated within the following criteria:

1. Establishment of procurement ethics standards
2. Published electronic procurement manual
3. Established staff professional development program
4. Maintenance of a continuous improvement program
5. Centralized procurement authority based in law
6. Organizational structure
7. Utilization of electronic commerce
8. Procurement (P) card system
9. Use of term/requirements contracts
10. Professional certifications
11. Educational attainment
12. Association leadership positions
13. Participation at a national, state, provincial, territorial or regional conference or a seminar as a presenter or co-presenter on a public procurement topic or author of a published article on public procurement topic
14. Adoption of Best Value Procurement Method
15. Environmental procurement policy
16. Cooperative procurement strategy
17. Authority of the Chief Procurement Official to solicit and award contracts
18. Continued pursuit of excellence

In addition to the National Procurement Institute, Inc. (NPI), the AEP is sponsored by the California Association of Public Procurement Officials (CAPPO), Canadian Public Procurement Council / Conseil canadien des marchés publics (CPPC), Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials (FAPPO), National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP), National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement and Texas Public Purchasing Association (TxPPA). The AEP is supported by the Airport Purchasing Group (APG), OMINA Partners, Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) and the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC).

Award recipients will be recognized at the National Procurement Institute’s Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 6-9, 2019.

The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

WHEN: Thursday, August 15, 2019, 12:00 A.M.-Friday, September 30th, 2019, 11:59 p.m.

WHO: Students in grades 1-12; Kindergarten students cannot be referred until the Spring window (January 15-February 29, 2020).

WHERE: The link for the application can be found online under the "Families" page of the District website.

Please note: Parents must have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal in order to submit a gifted application. Your child's home school can provide you with information on how to create and access that account. ALL gifted referrals MUST go through the online gifted application for the 2019-2020 school year.

Columbus, GA—The Woodall GNETS Program was recently recognized by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) for successfully implementing 100 percent of its strategic plan components.

The review was conducted on-site by the GNETS state program manager in accordance with the end of year strategic plan compliance reviews assessed by GaDOE. Samples of evidence were required for the following components:

• Program Leadership- Activities that support the implementation of the strategic plan initiatives.
• Behavior and Therapeutic Supports- Activities and documentation that supports students’ participation in social-emotional/behavioral supports that meet their needs.
• Instruction and Academic Supports- Lessons and activities to support students’ access to standards and skills-based instruction as well as data to monitor proficiency and growth.
• Program Funding and Fiscal Management- Documentation of procurement procedures and fiscal management of GNETS grant funds.
• Integration and Capacity Building-Documentation of activities of collaboration with external stakeholders to ensure opportunities for students to receive services and supports in the least restrictive environment.
• Accountability- Documentation or activities to support stakeholders’ engagement in the expectations and outcomes of the strategic plan ratings and areas for improvement.
• Facilities- Documentation of ongoing communication with key stakeholders to advocate for and maintain safe and healthful facilities for students.
• Overall success with implementing components of the strategic plan:
  • Below 70%: Limited success with evidence of implementation
  • Between 70%-79%: Good success with evidence of implementation
  • 80% and above: Great success with evidence of implementation

The sum of the ratings was divided by the maximum score that could be earned from each section of the plan to generate an overall percent.

The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O21oVXcN5Y8&feature=youtu.be

Columbus, GA –Muscogee County School District students, at specific sites, will receive special meal assistance through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, allowing schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students at CEP locations without collecting household applications.

The CEP was authorized by Congress as a part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and became available nationwide in 2014. CEP is a meal service option for schools and school districts in low-income areas.

This alternative provision will provide meals at no charge to District students at the following locations:

Allen Elementary School
Arnold Magnet Academy
Baker Middle School
Blanchard Elementary School
Brewer Elementary School
Carver High School
J.D. Davis Elementary School
Dawson Elementary School
Dimon Magnet Academy
Dorothy Height Elementary School
Double Churches Middle School
Downtown Magnet Academy
East Columbus Magnet Academy
Eddy Middle School
Forrest Road Elementary School
Fort Middle School
Fox Elementary School
Gentian Elementary School
Georgetown Elementary School
Hannan Magnet Academy
Hardaway High School
Johnson Elementary School
Jordan High School
Kendrick High School
Key Elementary School
Lonnie Jackson Academy
Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School
Midland Academy
Midland Middle School
Reese Road Leadership Academy
Richards Middle School
Rigdon Road Elementary School
River Road Elementary School
Rothschild Leadership Academy
Shaw High School
South Columbus Elementary School
Spencer High School
St. Mary’s Magnet Academy
Waddell Elementary School
Wesley Heights Elementary School
Wynnton Arts Academy

The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

Nondiscrimination Statement: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.



Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.



To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:



(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;



(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or



(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

As the first day of school approaches on Thursday, August 8, 2019, it is important to note the school start and end times below.

School Name / Level	Doors Open	Start Time	End Time
Elementary Schools	7:15 a.m.	8:00 a.m.	2:30 p.m.
Middle Schools	8:20 a.m.	8:50 a.m.	3:50 p.m.
High Schools	7:40 a.m.	8:10 a.m.	3:25 p.m.
Eagle Ridge Academy	7:00 a.m.	7:45 a.m.	2:15 p.m.
North Columbus Elementary	7:00 a.m.	7:45 a.m.	2:15 p.m.

For more information on what you need to know heading back to school, click here: Back to School 2019-2020

Columbus, GA- According to a recent release from the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), the Muscogee County School District (MCSD) has increased its percentage of students identified as Proficient and Distinguished Learners in 70.8% (17 out of 24) of the content areas assessed by the 2019 Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EOG) and End of Course (EOC) tests. The District outperformed other Tier II comparison groups throughout the state in 17 out of 24 (70.8%) assessed content areas.

“The hard work and dedication of all our students, teachers, and administrators is to be commended. We are pleased with the results overall and the gains with English Language Arts, in particular. Our focus on literacy continues to have a positive impact as reflected in the decrease of beginning learners and moving more students toward proficiency,” said Dr. David Lewis, Superintendent of Education, Muscogee County School District.

“In addition, the overwhelming majority of our high school courses continue to trend upward with more students moving towards mastery across multiple subjects. We will continue to build on our foundation in literacy while we provide additional supports for the areas of math that have improved, but not yet realized our full expectations.”

Georgia Milestones EOG and EOC tests report student learning with four levels of achievement:

• Beginning Learners do not yet demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students need substantial academic support to be prepared for the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.
• Developing Learners demonstrate partial proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified by Georgia’s content standards. The students need additional academic support to ensure success in the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.
• Proficient Learners demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students are prepared for the next grade level or course and are on track for college and career readiness.
• Distinguished Learners demonstrate advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students are well prepared for the next grade level or course and are well prepared for college and career readiness.

Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) End-of-Grade Assessment (EOG) Highlights

• MCSD increased or maintained the number of Proficient and Distinguished Learners in 12 of 16 (68.8%) areas.
• MCSD decreased or maintained the number of Beginning Learners in 11 of 16 (68.8%) areas.
• MCSD increased the number of Proficient and Distinguished Learners in 5 of 6 (83.3%) of grade levels in English Language Arts (ELA).
• MCSD increased or maintained the number of Proficient and Distinguished Learners in 4 of 6 (66.7%) of grade levels in Mathematics.
• MCSD increased the number of Proficient and Distinguished Learners in both 5^th and 8th grade Science, which represents 100% of grade levels assessed for Science.

GMAS End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment Highlights

• MCSD increased or maintained the number of Proficient and Distinguished Learners in 7 of 8 (87.5%) areas.
• MCSD decreased the number of Beginning Learners in 7 of 8 (87.5%) areas.
• MCSD increased the number of Proficient and Distinguished Learners in 2 of 2 (100%) of courses in English Language Arts.
• MCSD increased the number of Proficient and Distinguished Learners in 2 of 2 (100%) of courses in Math.
• MCSD increased or maintained the number of Proficient and Distinguished Learners in 2 of 2 (100%) of courses in Science.
• MCSD increased the number of Proficient and Distinguished Learners in 1 of 2 (50%) of courses in Social Studies.

Comparison: 2018 to 2019		MCSD EOG	State EOG
Developing and above	Increased	7	6
	Same	0	1
	Decreased	1	1
Proficient and above	Increased	6	4
	Same	1	3
	Decreased	1	1

“Our continued focus is on providing high-quality professional development and the implementation of key instructional resources tied to our Balanced Literacy Program, such as Achieve3000, Lexia Core5, and Fountas and Pinnell. That has been the key to the progress we are seeing in literacy,” said Keith Seifert, Chief Academic Officer.

“While we are seeing progress in ELA, the results indicate that we need a constant focus on mathematics. We plan to continue to implementing our new math curriculum resources in middle and high schools to help teachers with targeted instruction and resource implementation.”

The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

The July 15, 2019 Board Meeting was not streamed live to our Official YouTube Board Channel. This Board meeting was recorded for replay on the Columbus Consolidated Government Channel (CCG-TV) and is uploaded to a temporary YouTube channel at the following link: https://youtu.be/hd3lCbpcDo8

MEDIA ADVISORY



WHEN: Tuesday, July 23 and Thursday, July 25 | 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: MCSD Public Education Center
2960 Macon Road
Columbus, GA 31906

WHAT: The Muscogee County School District will host a meeting for employees and community members to provide feedback on the 2019-2020 Community Comprehensive LEA Improvement Plan. Attendees will learn the overall focus and process of the plan. There will also be an opportunity to provide feedback.


The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

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3 THINGS YOU NEED to know about BACK TO SCHOOL

1. Registration vs. Verification: There’s a difference…

• Registration is only for students who are not currently enrolled in the system or have had a change of address.
• Registration and/or change of address processes can be completed at the assigned school. You can check your school assignment zone here: http://bit.ly/2XE5Iti
• Verification is for currently enrolled students, who have received a school assignment and occurs at the school.
• Registration should only occur at the Public Education Center if a student has an IEP, change of guardianship, needs ESOL services or needs McKinney-Vento services.

2. Important dates

• System-wide Verification Day: August 2, 2019 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Additional times and dates might be offered by your child’s school. Contact the school directly for details.
• First day of school: August 8, 2019

3.What you need to verify or register

CURRENT STUDENTS

• TWO proofs of address: 1. Lease/mortgage/property tax AND 2. A current utility bill stating name and service address
• Withdrawal form from previous school or last report card during June and July
• NOTE: If you are living with someone, that person must come with you and provide proof of address and a photo ID

NEW STUDENTS

• Your child’s Birth Certificate
• Your child’s Social Security Card
• GA Immunization Form (3231) or waiver form giving more time to get form 3231
• GA Eye, Ear & Dental Form (3300) or waiver form giving more time to get form 3300

Resources:
2019-2020 Registration Packet.pdf
MCSD Basic Supply Lists 2019-20.pdf