Decision yet to be made concerning 2020 UCHS and Woody Gap graduation
Board of Education, Community April 21, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – During the April 2020 board of education meeting, Superintendent John Hill revealed that Union County High School and Woody Gap principals and graduation committees would prefer to wait until closer to May 22 before finalizing 2020 commencement ceremonies.
COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in school districts across the state thinking outside the box regarding graduation.
“No decision has been made at this time concerning graduation,” said Hill. “Mr. Hussion and Mrs. Knight, along with their graduation committees, have held multiple meetings to discuss all options available to our students – the graduates, the class of 2020.”
Hill affirmed his and the committees’ belief that the correct thing to do is to create several ceremony options, but not decide until closer to graduation.
Some North Georgia school districts have announced commencement plans already. Towns County has pushed the date out until July 31 while White County plans to host a drive-in ceremony on May 22.
“As we have seen over the past few weeks, our situation is very fluid, and it’s changing almost on a daily basis,” explained the superintendent.
The committees will have several graduation ceremony possibilities prepared and make a choice based on the state and federal guidelines in place in May.
“Be patient with us, know that we’re working on this diligently,” Hill stated. “We’re monitoring the situation, and folks are doing a lot of work in the background to prepare for whatever situation [that] we’re in come graduation time. One thing you can be sure of, it’ll be the best decision we can make for these kids to have a fantastic graduation.”
Hill also took the time to thank everyone in the Union County School system and how they came together during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve their students.
The board met via Zoom for the April 2020 meeting.
“You are serving as a board member, in my humble opinion, the premier school district in Georgia. I take this one to the bank. Our employees have led the way for our nation in how this should happen, and how folks should take care of each other and make sure all students are taken care of. It’s been a great success,” declared Hill.
UCS Nutrition Department has prepared meals for children in Union County since Gov. Kemp first closed schools, and the UCS police department, Transportation, and other faculty also aided in delivering meals to those in need. Currently, the school is delivering around 20,000 meals a week.
Teachers, paraprofessionals, special educators, speech-language pathologists, and more have all learned how to navigate virtual learning as well as making themselves available at any time of day to ensure “success for all students.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN3CS9F3swQSTAR students and teachers recognized by board of education
Board of Education, Community February 26, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – STAR students and teachers from Woody Gap and Union County were honored at the February 2020 board of education meeting.
Woody Gap Principal Carol Knight presented Ernest Waldroup as STAR student and Diane Wood was Waldroup’s choice for STAR teacher.
“On thing unusual about [Wood’s] selection is that she was his kindergarten teacher,” explained Knight, “Students tend to select high school or recent or current teacher. In recognition of that, we have gotten Ernest a copy of Robert Fulghum’ s 20th-anniversary edition of ‘All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.’”
Waldroup and Wood are Woody Gap’s Star Student and Teacher.
Union County High School Principal C.T. Hussion conferred the STAR honor on Will Harkins and his chosen teacher Alecia Frizzell.
“Will will be going to Dahlonega to compete, but really it’s to speak with all the district winners in North Georgia in March. We know he’ll do a great job there,” said Hussion.
Assistant Superintendent David Murphy presented both sets of STAR students and teachers with a certificate from Congressman Doug Collins.
Students eligible for STAR student must be a graduating senior, in the top 10 percent of the class, and hold the highest SAT score in a single sitting.
Hussion and Frizzell also accepted awards from the Georgia Department of Education for AP Honor School. Union County High School received recognition for three areas: AP Challenge School, AP STEM School, and AP STEM Achievement. 44 schools were included in the AP Challenge School. 200 schools received the AP STEM School. 128 schools earned the AP STEM Achievement. Frizzell teaches the STEM courses.
Harkins and Frizzell are the district’s Star Student and Teacher.
Facilities Manager moving on to a new role
Union County Schools Facilities Manager Chris Crow will be leaving the school system for a “wonderful opportunity” in his hometown.
“Not one time has this gentleman shirked his duty in 23 years of working with our district,” stated Superintendent John Hill. “We’re tremendously appreciative of your service.”
Chairperson Tony Hunter commented, “I believe I can speak for the board when I say thank you for all your dedication. Over the years, you’ve helped us keep this battleship going.”
Images courtesy of Chamber of Commerce Star student banquet.