At the December Board of Education meeting, Calhoun City Schools proudly celebrated academic growth across the district — progress made possible by the dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and supportive families.
This growth is reflected in the latest College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) results. Unlike a single test score, CCRPI provides a comprehensive view of student success by measuring learning and growth over time, progress in reading and math, support for English Learners, and how effectively schools prepare students for future success.
CCRPI focuses on several key areas highlighted during the meeting:
Closing Gaps, which measures how well schools support all student groups and ensure continued progress
Content Mastery, reflecting student understanding in core subject areas based on Georgia Milestones assessments
English Learner Proficiency, measuring growth in English language skills through the ACCESS assessment
Progress, tracking year-to-year student growth on Georgia Milestones assessments
Highlights Across Our Schools
Calhoun Primary School demonstrated strong growth in supporting young learners, with notable success in closing achievement gaps in third grade. CPS English Learner students met critical targets for closing gaps in both Reading and Math.
The CPS ESOL team — Shelly Hood, Rita Dixon, and Heather Hamilton — was recognized for meeting the 3% target for Closing Gaps.
CPS third grade teachers — Meredith Banta, Keisha Burns, Mardee Burton, Heather Duncan, AnnTyler Eads, Meredith Elakman, Ashley Everett, Cullen Glaze, Selena Johnson, Ashley Lang, Annabelle Poarch, Emily Rhinehart, Jenny Stewart, Hailey Swilley, Bree Thomas, and Amy Wright — were commended for their role in significantly increasing the school’s overall CCRPI performance.
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Calhoun Elementary School demonstrated gains across all grade levels, with consistent achievement and growth on End-of-Grade assessments in fifth grade Math and Science. Fifth grade Science showed particularly strong improvement in content mastery. CES also recognized continued progress among English Learners in ELA, Math, and Science.
The fifth grade Math and Science team — Jamie Williams, Deena Walker, Heather Morris, Mandy Wallin, Leslie Moen, Jessica Harris, and Jana Greeson — was commended for consistent achievement and growth.
CES ESOL teachers Jessica Silvers and Jessica Trimble were recognized for meeting targets in Closing Gaps across multiple subject areas.
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Calhoun Middle School achieved significant accountability improvements, including strong gains in Closing Gaps and content mastery in Social Studies. CMS was also recognized as a Georgia Department of Education Math Leader School for the second consecutive year.
CMS teachers Carrie Gordon, Tracy Lester, and Matt Veal were recognized for improved eighth grade Georgia Studies performance on the Milestones assessment.
A special commendation was given to Algebra instructor Megan Woodman for exceptional results, including a 100% Algebra EOC success rate, exceeding both state and regional averages.
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Calhoun High School made notable strides in Closing Gaps, with strong progress among English Learners.
The CHS ESOL Department, led by Terri Vest and Peggie Pridemore, was recognized for increased English Learner proficiency in the Progress domain.
The CHS ELA team — Jenny Chadwick, Kelli DeGuire, Dawn Pruett, Michael Hillman, Taylor Brooks, Barbara Hall, Ginger Rudd, Erin Strickland, and Brittney Phinazee — was commended for achieving strong gains in Closing Gaps and progress while successfully implementing new standards, curriculum, and course sequencing.
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Special Recognition
The Board also recognized Deidra Ross and Emily Stallings for their leadership of the CCS Technology Competition. This milestone year marks 20 years since Deidra founded the event, and their continued leadership creates meaningful pathways for students as they advance from district competition to RESA regionals and beyond.
The Board of Education commended educators across all schools for the heart, hard work, and teamwork they bring to classrooms every day. Together, Calhoun City Schools is proud of this progress and remains committed to supporting every student’s success.