Calhoun City Schools Partners in Education Program is pleased to announce that Chick-fil-A at Calhoun kicked off their membership drive on November 18th by signing a continued 1 year commitment to the programs and activities in our schools.  Chick-fil-A has consistently supported the field of education through the provision of food, monetary donations, guest speakers, scholarships, work based learning, spirit nights, character education programs, and so much more.  Calhoun City Schools believe in the importance of developing personal relationships with the organizations and businesses present in the community in order to enhance the educational experience of its' students.  Through the Partners in Education Program, CCS strives to build mutually beneficial partnerships and Chick-fil-A at Calhoun is the perfect example of this model relationship.  The staff and faculty of CCS recognizes that they are producing a product... a workforce that will service the community.   Jonathan Purser, operator of CFA, remarked "Over 65% of our workforce are currently enrolled in local schools and we believe it is important to support the schools and programs that produce our staff."  It is with this in mind that our two organizations partner together to share resources and to provide new and unique opportunities for our students.  

            We hosted a Red Carpet Luncheon at the Calhoun Convention Center recently to signal the beginning of our membership drive and were delighted to host local members of our business community interested in partnering with our schools.  The following information was shared with potential partners and an invitation is extended to all who would like to develop a partnership with our school district.

What is Partners in Education (PIE)?

PIE is a non-profit school-business partnership sponsored by the Calhoun City Board of Education. The PIE Program builds bridges between the community and its schools for the mutual benefit of students and the citizens of Calhoun.

Our PIE Program is committed to engaging business partners in our community who will support Calhoun City students.  It was founded to  ensure that we work with the local community to ensure that our students are highly skilled and ready for the workforce, college and / or careers.  

Each partnership is unique and individually planned by the school and potential partner.  Partnerships are based on people resources, not on monetary donations.

How do students and schools receive benefits?

            The schools and students receive benefits primarily through their individual partnerships that are formed between the school and the business or civic organization. There are also Partners at large who help throughout the system, and PIE works to create a network that can allow resources and materials to move throughout the system.

 How are PIE members recruited and retained?

            Partners are recruited by individual schools as well as the system. Organizations wishing to become PIE members can contact the Community Education Department at 706-629-6788.

            Partnerships are fortified and retained through recognition of their efforts at an annual recognition program, through communication links and newsletters and through signs and other tokens of appreciation that the schools can provide.

• Encourage employees to volunteer in schools.
• Provide career information.
• Work with schools in curriculum and course development
• Provide resource materials to schools.
• Donate supplies and surplus equipment to schools.
• Display student artwork and writing samples.
• Provide recognition for outstanding teachers and students.
• Provide intern opportunities for students and teachers.

What Schools can do for Partners?

• Provide choral, band, or string groups for partner functions.
• Provide special recognition for Partner employees (i.e. birthdays, special events, etc.)
• Recognize Partner in school publications.
• Recognize Partner in local media outlets.
• Allow use of school facilities.
• Provide complimentary tickets to school activities.
• Assist Partner with community service projects.
• Volunteer training provided prior to participation
• Volunteer recognition certificates
• Volunteer application forms

Please contact our Community Education office at 706-629-6788 with any questions or concerns you may have regarding our program.  We look forward to talking with you about a potential partnership.