CATS Challenging All To Succeed Commerce High School Commerce, Georgia

Goal Statement Commerce High School will increase the number of graduates who enroll in a postsecondary education program to 60% by the fall of 2011 as documented by the National Student Clearinghouse report.

BEST PRACTICES Teachers as Advisors Every teacher has an advisement group and meets with their group every three weeks. One week during the year we hold registration and invite all parents to come in and participate in planning their child’s schedule for the next school year.

BEST PRACTICES Peer Support Team A peer mentoring program where upperclassmen at the high school mentor incoming freshmen throughout the school year. Each mentor works with a group of 9 th graders so every freshman has an assigned helper. Additionally, peer mentors will work with 3 rd and 4 th graders during drug awareness week. They will plan and implement activities for students at the elementary school that focus on staying drug free and staying in school.

BEST PRACTICES Credit Recovery We are able to offer credit recovery classes through Apex Learning systems. This credit recovery program has helped students get back on track by earning high school credit and has, ultimately, kept some students from dropping out of high school. It is crucial that we continue to execute this program next year and for many to come.

PAW Progress Achievement Watch Each month a student is selected at each grade level, based on improvement in grades, behavior and/or attendance in school. The students receive a $25.00 gift certificate to a local restaurant, a $25.00 gift card to Wal-Mart (funded through the GACHE grant) and a t- shirt. They also have their pictures displayed at the front of the school, recognizing their achievement. BEST PRACTICES

College Campus Visits The most exciting component of the grant continues to be the college campus visits at each grade level. Every student is given an equal opportunity to participate in a visit to a technical college as well as a 4- year college or university. The students are treated to lunch on campus and are able to immerse themselves in campus life for the day. BEST PRACTICES

Other Supported Activities PSAT, SAT, ACT & ASSET Testing PROBE Fair Monthly Newsletter At-Promise Scholarship

SUSTAINABILITY Spirit sales at each of the local schools Fundraisers Local funding through Partners in Education

CONTACTS Principal: Donnie Drew Assistant Principal: Terry Canup Graduation Coach: LeaAnn Nash Grant Coordinator: LeaAnn Nash Counselor: Stacey Henderson