Monroe Messages
Newsletter of Monroe County Schools
Our Future is Bright in Monroe County Schools!

From Superintendent Dr. Mike Hickman:
As we complete our second full week of school, I just wanted to let you know that this has been a wonderful start to the 2016-2017 school year. We are so glad to have such a talented and dedicated staff committed to motivating and inspiring a passion for learning so all students grow, learn, and succeed.  Please click the video above to see what the start of school this year looks like in Monroe County Schools! Our future is bright in Monroe County Schools!  
Scenes from MP's Debut in Corky Kell Classic









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A Message from Monroe County Schools Nurses:  Celiac Disease Awareness
Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.  It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide.  Approximately 2.5 million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications from this disease.
When people with celiac disease eat gluten, a protein found in rye, wheat, and barley), their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine.  These attacks lead to damage on the villi, the small fingerlike projections in the small intestine, that promote nutrient absorption.  With damaged villi, nutrients can not be absorbed properly in the body.
Celiac disease is hereditary, meaning that it runs in families. People with a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child or sibling) have a 1 in 10 risk of developing the disease.  There are more than 200 symptoms of celiac disease which makes it difficult to diagnose.  A significant amount of people with the disease do not show any or little symptoms. 
A simple blood test is available to screen for celiac disease.  People who eat gluten have higher than normal levels of certain antibodies. Some people experience symptoms found in celiac disease without the actual disease.  They have "foggy mind, depression, ADHD symptoms, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, headaches, and bone/joint paint when they eat gluten. 
Currently the only treatment for celiac disease and related symptoms is to be on a gluten free diet.  Once diagnosed, follow-up with your physician is necessary to monitor nutritional deficiencies and your compliance with a gluten-free diet.  Source:  Celiac Disease Foundation.
GADOE Seeks ESSA Public Feedback
The Georgia Department of Education and State School Superintendent Richard Woods are urging all interested in the future of Georgia's public education system to attend an upcoming public feedback session on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
 
ESSA is the replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act and offers an enormous opportunity for Georgia's students, teachers, parents and communities because it replaces the top-down federal approach required by NCLB. The new law allows states and local schools/districts to make best education decisions for their students, and requires states to develop plans that address standards/assessments, school and district accountability, and special help for struggling schools and students.
 
Each ESSA feedback session will include a welcome and introduction to ESSA. Participants will choose specific topics to discuss in working groups. The public will be informed of next steps and additional opportunities to provide feedback. For those unable to attend an in-person meeting, a survey opportunity will soon be announced and posted at http://www.gadoe.org/essa.  Feedback can also be emailed to [email protected].  
August 24: Columbia County, Columbia County Board of Education, 4781 Hereford Farm Road, Evans, GA  30809
August 29: Habersham County, Piedmont College (Student Commons Building), 375 Georgia Street, Demorest, GA 30535
September 1: Dougherty County, Dougherty Comprehensive High School, 1800 Pearce Ave, Albany, GA 31705
September 14: Fulton County, North Learning Center, 450 Northridge Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30350
September 19: Muscogee County, Northside High School, 2002 American Way, Columbus, GA 31909
October 12: Laurens County, Old West Laurens (OWL) Training Center, 338 West Laurens School Road, Dublin, GA  31021
October 13: Chatham County, Pulaski Elementary School, 1001 Tibet Avenue, Savannah, GA 31419
October 17: Gordon County, Gordon County College & Career Academy, 305 Beamer Road, Calhoun, GA 30701
Learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act and the development of Georgia's state plan at gadoe.org/ESSA.

2016-2017 System Testing Calendar
undefined For a PDF of the 2016-2017 Testing Calendar, please click here.