Hall schools, teacher recognized

GAINESVILLE - At the annual fall conference of the Georgia Council for Administrators of Special Education (GCASE), the Hall County School System was recognized as a leader in the state of Georgia for outstanding efforts to improve the performance of students with disabilities.

Specifically, the Georgia Department of Education cited several key areas of performance that were reflected in data from the 2007-08 school-year:

· Meeting the state target for educating young children in the least restrictive environment
· Meeting the state target for reducing the number of students who drop out of school
· Meeting the state target for students who meet or exceed state achievement standards for Reading/English Language Arts

In a letter to Superintendent Will Schofield dated Dec. 11, Deputy State School Superintendent Dr. Martha Reichrath remarked, "Success is not possible without the diligent efforts of many people. We are grateful to you, your special education director, your staff, parents and community members of your Stakeholders Committee. With continued efforts, we will see even greater gains for students with disabilities in the future."

TEACHER HONORED

Rebecca Hartfield, a science teacher at North Hall High School, has been named a 2008 Clases Nobel Educator of Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).

Each year student members of NSHSS have an opportunity to select the teacher who has made the most significant contribution to their academic career. The teacher must be an outstanding role model and positive influence. Hartfield was nominated by Brittany Dial, a senior at NHHS.

For her special recognition, Hartfield received a congratulatory letter from United States Sen. Johnny Isakson, which said, "Teaching is one of the most challenging careers one can pursue, but it is also one of the most rewarding. I admire you and all the others who love the classroom and who know that the bright and eager minds you see each day depend on you for guidance. The young people you work with at North Hall High School are the future leaders of our country, and are so very fortunate to have you as their role model."

Hartfield teaches International Baccalaureate Biology, Advanced Placement Biology and Honors Chemistry.