By Lisa-Marie Haygood  

If asked to reflect on someone that taught you something in life, memories would vary from person to person. Learning to ride a bike, or bake a cake, or tie your shoes. Teachers come in many shapes and sizes, and life lessons come in a variety of containers as well. We have seen life lessons and history being shaped right in front of us. 

You probably know that the Georgia Lottery donates towards education – specifically for Pre-Kindergarten and college students. However, the real question is this: Is Cherokee County directly affected by the Georgia Lottery? Do our students actually experience the benefits of the lottery? While K-12 public education districts do not directly benefit, the answer is yes! 

As you may have already heard, this year's Chick-fil-A Moo've It 5K has been converted to a virtual Race in Place. We are saddened that this event is unable to occur as it was originally planned, but we're thankful that we're able to move forward with the race in the safest way possible. Though the race isn't quite what we had planned for, our incredible sponsors, such as Carriage Kia of Woodstock, have been so gracious to still offer their support to both the Cherokee County Special Olympics and the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 

by Jenny Miller 

While it's not a formal medical diagnosis, nature-deficit disorder is no less alarming. The term was coined by author Richard Louv in his book, Last Child in the Woods, to describe the physical and psychological costs of the disconnect between humans and nature. This is concerning kids today who are spending less time in nature and more time indoors with their noses in electronic gadgets. This is not only depriving them of nature's innate benefits, but also giving rise to various learning, developmental, and health problems. Needless to say, understanding the disorder is as important as mitigating it. Here's what you need to know. 

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation's (CCEF) Celebration of Education Gala, held on March 9 at the Northside Cherokee Conference Center in Canton, was a grand success. Over 400 guests gathered, setting a new attendance record. This year's gala raised nearly $200,000, with all proceeds going to support students, classrooms, teachers, and staff within the Cherokee County School District. 

Cherokee County boasts not only some of Georgia's finest schools but also a list of remarkable alumni who consistently contribute to their community. Every year, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) honors two alumni for their exceptional service, commitment, and contributions to the Cherokee County School District. For 2024, CCEF is proud to recognize Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison and Ken White as our distinguished Alumni of the Year!

With the first day of Spring taking place last week, now is the perfect time of the school year to take care of some much-needed spring cleaning! Just think about how nice it would be to return to a clean, clutter-free classroom after the Cherokee County School District Spring Break, priming you and your students for a strong finish to the 2023-2024 school year!

It's that time again when February has 29 days instead of 28 days. That's right, 2024 is a Leap year! As we approach the end of the month, let's look at the scientific explanation, the history behind it, and what teaching avenues it provides for the classroom. 

It's that time of year again! We are coming up on another annual 'Celebration of Education' Gala, taking place on March 9th, 2024! Every year, CCEF presents the Gala to benefit the teachers, students, and staff of CCSD. 

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation is proud to announce that Impact Grants are back for the 2023-2024 school year! Applications are currently open for submissions, and CCEF will be accepting applications until the deadline, January 31st, 2024.

Throughout the year CCEF receives many applications for Rapid Grants, and one of the best parts about approving and providing these funds to our great CCSD faculty members is recognizing the spectacular things they are doing in their classrooms with the help of our community! 

CANTON, GEORGIA, August 12, 2023 – On Saturday, the 10th annual Cherokee County Chick-fil-A Five K took place, gathering the Cherokee County community together to raise funds for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) and the Cherokee County Special Olympics (CCSO). 

With the 2023-2024 school year coming right around the corner, that also means that another Chick-Fil-A Cherokee County 5K is upon us! This year's race will be the 10th annual 5K, happening on August 12th, 2023! 

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation was pleased to award 29 teachers in the Cherokee County School District with Classroom Impact Grants, which ended up totaling over $66,000 for the 2022-2023 school year! 

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation was pleased to award 29 teachers in the Cherokee County School District with Classroom Impact Grants, which ended up totaling over $66,000 for the 2022-2023 school year! 

This summer has already been one to remember! Earlier this month, the Cherokee County Education foundation held another amazing golf tournament, sponsored by the Education First Fund Realty Team! CCEF also had the pleasure to introduce the first ever sporting clays tournament, co-sponsored by Batson-Cook Construction & Northside Hospital Cherokee! 

Geiger Legal Group wants to reward one hard-working teacher from EACH Elementary School in Cherokee County with a cart full of classroom goodies. But we need your help!

While the school year may be over next month, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation has some amazing events coming up this summer that you won't want to miss! Check out all of the event details to learn about registration, deadlines, and so much more!

Cherokee County is home to some of the best schools in Georgia, along with some incredible alumni that continue to give back to their community year after year. Each year, CCEF recognizes two alumni that have exhibited exemplary service, dedication, and civic contributions to the Cherokee County School District. This year, CCEF has chosen to recognize Judge Jennifer Davis and Randy Gravley as the 2023 Alumni of the year!