‘Good start’ important

Kilough Elementary was one of five area schools Georgia first lady Sandra Deal visited Thursday as part of her new state reading initiative. The effort supports Gov. Nathan Deal's goal of increasing the percentage of children reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

Library celebrates Read Across America Day

Dozens of children from Robinson Elementary and area day cares poured into Dawson County Library last Thursday for Read Across America Day. The event is aimed at encouraging reading amongst younger children and hosts numerous activities set around Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, and his March 2 birthday.

Student spotlighted as anti-bullying advocate

A Dawson County High School freshman has decided to speak out against bullying, an issue she has witnessed and experienced. Spearheading her own nonprofit, "Rise and Shine Bullying Organization," Kirsten Hoge's cause has gone regional.

Speaker: War on drugs problematic

Schools seek to raise heart health awareness

Riverview Elementary students bounced, jumped and skipped for donations earlier this month to benefit the American Heart Association. Through Jump Rope for Heart, an annual fundraising event that aims to teach youth the importance of heart health, students participated in various exercises.

Talk covers emerging status of Indonesia

Between the Western and Eastern worlds, Indonesia plays a key role in the relationship of America and China. The fourth-most populous country, Indonesia's economy is developing rapidly, as is its political power, said J.T. Kwon, assistant professor of political science at North Georgia College & State University.

Sailing into the never, never land

For the past week volunteers have been painting, cutting, gluing and stapling decorations all over the interior of the Bowen Center for the Arts in preparation of Saturday morning's "Sail Away to Neverland" children's event. Each of the facilities three main rooms will be decked out with paintings and trimmings inspired by Walt Disney's "Peter Pan" storybook.

Speaker retraces Iraq, Afghanistan wars

Teacher recognized for work with special needs students

Long-term substitute teacher Phil Branson was honored last week for his work with special needs students at Riverview Middle School. Branson was selected by peers to be a district-wide ambassador during the March 2, Philip Wright Award ceremony in Cleveland. Seven other Dawson County teachers and school employees were nominated.

Career day offers buffet of vocational information

Dawson County High juniors and seniors caught a glimpse of various occupational options last week during the high school's annual career day. Hosted by the Dawson County Rotary Club, more than 30 volunteers showed up early Feb. 16 to speak to classes about their jobs and to answer questions.

Fees rise, budget hit hard

In light of rising insurance premiums and increasing stress on budgets, Dawson County school officials met recently with leaders from other districts to discuss the possibility of pulling out of government health care. Other north Georgia school systems including Gwinnett, which took part in the meeting at Dawson County Middle School, are reportedly researching the matter.

DCSO awards junior

Devin Nichols admits he is still a bit nervous behind the wheel of his Mustang. "I always wear my seatbelt," said the Dawson County High School junior.

Students win first place at business competition

Dawson County High School's Future Business Leaders of America chapter was awarded first place for Region 9 last month. While at the FBLA regional competition Jan. 20 students competed in 41 different events including public speaking, marketing, finance and technology.

Grant aims to improve driving safety for teens

A local agency was recently awarded a $62,500 grant to improve young driver safety. Based in Cleveland, the Pioneer Regional Educational Service Agency reports the Students Against Destructive Decisions grant has been awarded to Dawson County as well as Gainesville City Schools and 11 other north Georgia counties. The effort is to "involve Georgia students in reducing injury and death to young drivers."

Waiver helps ease standards

Dawson County school officials applauded the recent federal waiver that frees Georgia from the requirements of the No Child Left Behind act and grants it flexibility in how to prepare and evaluate students. "I'm extremely happy amendments are being made to the original law," said Dawson County School Superintendent Keith Porter.

School board approves budget

The Dawson County Board of Education on Monday approved a $32 million budget for fiscal year 2014.

Cadets LEARN the law

Madison Anglin may only be 10-years-old, but she has a plan for her future.

A new journey

Dawson County High School's class of 2013 said goodbye to their alma mater Saturday morning as they set off on their "journey of a lifetime."

Grads ready to walk

Three days stand between more than 200 students and the next chapter of their lives.

Longtime educator retires

Friends and family gathered Sunday to honor a longtime Dawson County teacher and member of the Georgia Agriculture Education Hall of Fame on his upcoming retirement.

Jr. fire academy seeks cadets

Upcoming sixth- through ninth- graders interested in learning what it takes to be a firefighter are encouraged to sign up for Dawson County Emergency Services' Junior Fire Academy.

Tentative ’14 budget approved

The Dawson County Board of Education on Monday approved a tentative $32.3 million budget for fiscal year 2014, which represents a drop of about $3 million from 2013.

Junior police academy accepting applications

Spaces are quickly filling for Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle's annual junior law enforcement academy.

Fifth-graders graduate as C.H.A.M.P.S.

Fifth graders from across the county graduated as C.H.A.M.P.S. during a ceremony and celebration May 6 at Dawson County Middle School.

Dance raises money for childrens books

The weather may have been chilly on April 27, but the dancing and barbeque helped keep everyone warm.

Local high school seniors honored

It was a night of checks, medals and chords for Dawson County High School seniors as students attended an event in their honor.

Stars head of class

Two Dawson County stars - one on the basketball court and the other on standardized testing - finished a close race for head of the class after three years of competing.

Media center dedicated to late historian

Members of the local education and historic communities gathered last week as Robinson Elementary dedicated its media center to the memory and life's work of a late friend.

Honor given to teacher

Dawson County High School chemistry teacher Laura Hendrix was recently named 2012-2013 Chemistry Teacher of the Year by the Northeast Georgia Section of the American Chemical Society.