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Rome, Ga. – Floyd County Schools (FCS) is proud to announce that four schools have been recognized as Literacy Leaders for the 2023-24 school year by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).
The following schools have earned distinguished awards:
● Armuchee Elementary: 6th Grade Gateway Growth Award
● Garden Lakes Elementary: 3rd Grade Gateway Growth Award
● Model Middle: 5th and 6th Grade Gateway Growth Awards
● Pepperell Middle: 6th Grade Gateway Growth Award
Schools were recognized for achievement or growth in the percentage of students reading at or above grade level. The criteria for the Literacy Leader awards recognize the crucial importance of grade-level reading in third and sixth grades and require higher growth from schools with lower achievement levels.
Awards were given at the elementary, middle, and high school levels based on the American Literature EOC, which is the state test for ELA in high school.
“I am so proud to announce this year’s Literacy Leader schools,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “These schools are moving the needle on literacy in our state – and, as a result, changing the lives of the students they serve. The ability to read opens the doors to lifelong learning – that’s why we remain laser-focused on literacy at the Georgia Department of Education and as a state. I am honored to recognize these schools, educators, students, families, and communities for their outstanding work.”
Literacy Leaders Criteria for Gateway Growth:
Schools earned this award when the percentage of third-grade, sixth-grade, or high school students reading at or above grade level increased according to the tiered growth criteria below:
● Schools with fewer than 50% of students in the identified grade or course reading at or above grade level in 2023-24 needed a 15-point or higher increase compared to the 2022-23 Georgia Milestones assessment
● Schools with at least 50 but less than 70% of students in the identified grade or course reading at or above grade level in 2023-24 needed a 10-point or higher increase compared to the 2022-23 Georgia Milestones assessment
● Schools with at least 70 but less than 90% of students in the identified grade or course reading at or above grade level in 2023-24 needed a 5-point or higher increase compared to the 2022-23 Georgia Milestones assessment
● Schools with at least 90 but less than 98% of students in the identified grade or course reading at or above grade level in 2023-24 needed a 3-point or higher increase compared to the 2022-23 Georgia Milestones assessment
About GaDOE’s Literacy Efforts
The Georgia Department of Education is focused on increasing literacy achievement across all grade levels, including:
● Developing a tiered, statewide literacy coaching model – including using federal school improvement funds to place coaches in the lowest-performing 5% of elementary schools
● Partnering with the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy to offer the Georgia Literacy Academy – proven training in structured literacy and the science of reading – at no cost to all Georgia educators
● Adopting new K-12 English Language Arts (ELA) standards that embed structured literacy
● Developing instructional resources, progressions, lessons, and videos to support evidence-based literacy instruction in schools
● Launching a public-facing dashboard to provide transparent access to detailed literacy results
The 2023-24 Georgia Milestones assessment scores showed some positive indicators in the area of early literacy, with the percentage of students scoring Proficient & Above increasing more for fifth-grade ELA than any other assessment. Additionally, Georgia students’ ACT and SAT scores were higher on the reading and writing assessments than any other subject area.
About Floyd County Schools
The Floyd County School (FloydBoe.net) system provides opportunities for schools and students to achieve academic excellence. Floyd County teachers focus on academic basics mixed with innovative teaching methods to build a strong foundation for student learning. In Floyd County Schools, the academic programs are available to prepare students for the most demanding college, university, technical college or other post-secondary training. It is the mission of FCS to foster productive citizens while building on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust. Located in Rome, Georgia, the school system serves 16 different schools.
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Floyd County Schools College & Career Academy’s Film, Art, Media, and Entertainment (FAME) Pathway students had the exciting opportunity to attend the Student Film Academy hosted by the Rome International Film Festival at Georgia Highlands College last Friday, where they took home four awards in the student film contest.
Their film Playtime’s Over won the first-place overall award, The Newspaper Place earned the Audience Choice award and an honorable mention for Best Comedy, and No Nose received an honorable mention for Best Sound Editing.
Competing against students from Floyd and Bartow counties including Rome High School, Darlington, Cartersville High School, and Bartow County CCA, the FAME team showcased their storytelling and technical skills, receiving praise from a panel of industry professionals.
This annual event, which brings together aspiring filmmakers and seasoned industry professionals, allows students to dive deeper into the world of film and media production through interactive workshops, hands-on experiences, and a film contest.
The event also featured a variety of classes led by film industry experts, covering a wide range of topics. Students learned the art of stage combat, the growing world of esports, how to use professional film equipment and the intricacies of acting for the camera. Specialized classes delved into the horror film genre and film hair and makeup. Each workshop was designed to give students a comprehensive look at different facets of the film industry, helping them gain valuable skills and insights for their future endeavors in media and film production.
Rick Williams, FAME instructor, emphasized the importance of real-world learning opportunities like this field trip. “The students were able to experience firsthand what it’s like to work in the film industry and learn from professionals who have real industry experience. These workshops go beyond what we can teach in the classroom and give them a chance to understand the dedication and passion that goes into filmmaking. It was an invaluable experience for our students,” said Williams.
The event also highlighted the importance of fostering young talent in the local community. Seth Ingram, Creative Director of RIFF, shared his thoughts on the festival’s commitment to engaging with students. “The Student Film Academy is one of our favorite events of the year. It gives students a platform to learn, create, and network with professionals who can help guide them in their film journeys. We’re excited to see how these young filmmakers grow and continue to contribute to the industry,” Ingram said.
FAME students were equally enthusiastic about the experience. “I’ve always been interested in film, but this really opened my eyes to all the different roles involved. I especially loved the directing and screenwriting workshop, where I got to learn how to bring characters to life,” said Rachel Usry, a FAME and CHS senior.
As the students returned from the event, they brought back not only new skills but also renewed inspiration to continue exploring their passion for media and filmmaking. The trip marks an important milestone in their educational journey, as they continue to build the foundations of their future careers in the media industry.
For more information on the FAME program and the student films, please contact Rick Williams at RickWilliams@floydboe.net or visit FAME’s YouTube, FAME Student Films, to view the award-winning films.
About Floyd County Schools
The Floyd County School (FloydBoe.net) system provides opportunities for schools and students to achieve academic excellence. Floyd County teachers focus on academic basics mixed with innovative teaching methods to build a strong foundation for student learning. In Floyd County Schools, the academic programs are available to prepare students for the most demanding college, university, technical college or other post-secondary training. It is the mission of FCS to foster productive citizens while building on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust. Located in Rome, Georgia, the school system serves 16 different schools.
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22 students from Floyd County Schools (FCS) were selected as district finalists and will advance in the Governor's Honors Program (GHP) selection process.
Congratulations to the following students selected:
Ryder Ashmore, PHS, Theatre Performance
Alex Brown, AHS, Mathematics
Shantel Burdette, PHS, Social Studies
Caedmon Burnett, CHS, Theatre Performance
Elijah Cranford, AHS, Social Studies
Turner Crawford, PHS, Computer Science
Robert “Charlie” Cross, MHS, Music: Percussion
Madeline “May” Earnest, AHS, Music: Voice/Soprano
Alison Escutia, PHS, World Languages: Spanish
Jesus “Rey” Garcia, PHS, World Languages: Spanish
Emily Hernandez, AHS, World Languages: Spanish
William Hosford, MHS, Music: Percussion
Emerson Laipple, PHS, Communicative Arts
Caroline Looney, MHS, Visual Arts
Avery McChargue, PHS, Communicative Arts
Matalene “Mattie” Middleton, MHS, Biology/Environmental Science
Alicia Miranda, MHS, Social Studies
Eva Grace Petty, MHS, Visual Arts
Gisselle Segura, PHS, World Languages: Spanish
Avi Singh, MHS, Biology/Environmental Science
Manrajpreet “Mannu” Singh, AHS, Computer Science
Joseph Wofford, AHS, Engineering
GHP is a four-week summer instructional program designed to provide intellectually gifted and artistically talented high school students with challenging and enriching educational opportunities not usually available during the regular school year. The 22 sophomores and juniors selected will complete the state-level online application for the opportunity to be selected as a semifinalist and represent FCS in the in-person GHP interviews to be held in late February.
GHP will take place on the campus of Georgia Southern University this summer. Rising juniors and seniors in Georgia public and private high schools are eligible to be nominated by their teachers to participate in the program. The program is fully funded by the Georgia General Assembly, so there is no charge for students to attend. For four weeks, students spend the morning in their major area of nomination, exploring topics not usually found in the regular high school classroom.
During the afternoons, students choose one of the other areas in which to study. The curriculum in all areas is challenging and engaging. Evenings are filled with seminars, activities, concerts, and performances.
Each applicant must go through a very extensive selection process to be invited to participate in the program. Transcripts of grades and records, nomination forms, endorsements, and other pertinent information are submitted to substantiate the nominations and the students must interview with a local screening committee.
Major instructional areas are agricultural research, biotechnology and science, communicative arts, computer science, dance, engineering, mathematics, music, science, social studies, theatre performance, visual arts, and world languages. Students also select a minor area outside their major area of study. These include all the major instructional areas as well as additional offerings that reflect the interests and abilities of the instructional staff.
About Floyd County Schools
The Floyd County School (FloydBoe.net) system provides opportunities for schools and students to achieve academic excellence. Floyd County teachers focus on academic basics mixed with innovative teaching methods to build a strong foundation for student learning. In Floyd County Schools, the academic programs are available to prepare students for the most demanding college, university, technical college or other post-secondary training. It is the mission of FCS to foster productive citizens while building on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust. Located in Rome, Georgia, the school system serves 16 different schools.
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The Floyd County Schools College & Career Academy’s film, arts, media, and entertainment class (FAME), is proud to officially announce the launch of its latest initiative, “FCS Flash News”, a fast-paced, Instagram-centric news show delivering the most important headlines from the five high schools in our county: Armuchee, Coosa, Model, Pepperell, and the CCA. Since the start of the school year, the show has received over 16,000 views, highlighting its popularity among students, parents, and the wider community.
This innovative show captures the essence of each school week, showcasing everything from sports achievements and academic milestones to student-led initiatives and upcoming events. Viewers can expect short, sharp updates that keep them informed without taking up too much time—perfect for the fast-paced lives of students and parents with new episodes released every Friday.
FAME teacher Rick Williams, who conceived the idea at the end of last school year, shared his excitement. "We did a test sample at the end of last year to see how people would respond. We started it again at the start this year and FCS Flash News has quickly become a staple in our school community. It gives everyone a chance to feel connected, whether they're students, staff, or parents. It's great to see this level of engagement." With an average of 2,500 views per week, the show continues to gain momentum as it connects more people across the county.
Slone Shank, a CHS senior in FAME, reflected on the impact of the show: "It's really cool to see what’s happening at other schools. It brings everyone together, and the fact that it's so quick and easy to watch makes it even better."
“Working on Flash News has been phenomenal,” said FAME and MHS junior Finn Gentry. “We get to use our phones to film, and we play with in-camera transitions that are really popular on TikTok. It feels like we’re speaking directly to our generation, and that makes it more fun and engaging for us and our audience.”
Brooke Brumbelow, the FCS Public Relations Coordinator, emphasized the broader significance, "FCS Flash News is not just a news show; it's a celebration of the achievements and vibrancy of our schools. The response has been incredible, and we’re excited to see how it continues to grow."
FCS Flash News is updated every Friday on FAME’s Instagram page, giving each school and its students a chance to shine. Stay up to date with the latest episodes and updates, by following @fame_cca on Instagram or simply click the link to visit FAME’s page. FAME Instagram
For more information about FAME, Flash News and sponsorship opportunities for businesses, please contact Rickwilliams@floydboe.net
About Floyd County Schools
The Floyd County School (FloydBoe.net) system provides opportunities for schools and students to achieve academic excellence. Floyd County teachers focus on academic basics mixed with innovative teaching methods to build a strong foundation for student learning. In Floyd County Schools, the academic programs are available to prepare students for the most demanding college, university, technical college or other post-secondary training. It is the mission of FCS to foster productive citizens while building on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust. Located in Rome, Georgia, the school system serves 16 different schools.
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Floyd County Schools (FCS) Class of 2024 achieved an impressive average ACT composite score of 21.5, surpassing the national average of 19.4 and the state average of 21.2. This remarkable performance places FCS second in the Northwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) and 19th overall in the state.
112 FCS students took the ACT exam, scoring students on a scale from 1 to 36. Scores are averaged for the students who graduated in 2024 (no other students are in this average score) and it is based on the last time the student took the ACT.
These scores reflect the performance of 2024 high school graduates who took the ACT during their sophomore, junior, or senior years. The average scores by subject for FCS students are as follows: English - 20.3, Math - 20.3, Reading - 23.2, and Science - 22.
Dr. Glenn White, FCS Superintendent, expressed his pride in the students and teachers, stating, “I am very proud of the class of 2024, along with the hard-working teachers who worked to open up opportunities for them. Our students and teachers are working hard each and every day.”
“The class of 2024 continues to make us proud here in Georgia – from beating the nation on both the SAT and ACT to achieving an all-time-high graduation rate for our state,”State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “It’s encouraging to see that investing in academic recovery, despite the challenges of the last several years, has paid off for our students and their futures. I offer my congratulations to the class of 2024 and their teachers, parents, and communities who made this possible.”
About Floyd County Schools
The Floyd County School (FloydBoe.net) system provides opportunities for schools and students to achieve academic excellence. Floyd County teachers focus on academic basics mixed with innovative teaching methods to build a strong foundation for student learning. In Floyd County Schools, the academic programs are available to prepare students for the most demanding college, university, technical college or other post-secondary training. It is the mission of FCS to foster productive citizens while building on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust. Located in Rome, Georgia, the school system serves 16 different schools.
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