As the doors to Cobb County and Marietta City Schools opened on February 10, over 90 of Cobb’s business leaders became Principals for a Day. They quickly found out that walking in a principal’s shoes is no easy task as they welcomed thousands of students to their first lessons of the day. This marks the eighth year of the Cobb Chamber’s program bringing forth the challenges and rewards of the public school system to the business community.
   Participants were eager to jump in and experience a day-in-the-life of a principal. They walked the halls assuming the role, absorbing each task and multi-tasking. They participated in classroom walk-throughs, administrative meetings, and much more.
   The half-day program allowed school and business leaders to acknowledge the similarities between their job responsibilities, share strategies about reaching common goals, and gain insight into each others’ perspectives on planning and programming. The experience also increased awareness of the need for cooperation between the business community and the school systems. The Principals for a Day were able to interact with educators and students in a unique, enriching environment while strengthening their relationships.
   Click here to see more pictures from Principal for a Day and a big thank you to all who participated in the program.
   (above) Sam Kelly of Cobb EMC engages in a conversation with Lovinggood Elementary School students about the layers of the Earth.

Welcome New Partners!

   Involvement of businesses like yours in our schools is key to their success. We are proud to have more than 900 Partners in Education (PIE) helping in Cobb and Marietta, and the list just keeps on growing. Click here to view the new businesses that are now part of the PIE Program.
   For a full list of Partners in Education Click here. 

Activity Spotlight

  The Earl Smith Strand Theatre on Marietta Square reopened its doors this year after new renovations. This historic stage was once graced by a variety of performers who dazzled audiences night after night. After its thirty-year hiatus, the stage again welcomed performers of the highest caliber and dedication to Theatre and Performing Arts, including some of Cobb County’s Performing Arts students. As a Partner in Education, The Earl Smith Strand Theatre offered a special learning opportunity to students at Pebblebrook High School to experience the operation of a theatrical performance first hand, from start to finish.
   The Cobb County Centre for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High School through its partnership with The Earl Smith Strand Theatre challenged its students to be directly involved with the developmental process of their performance. Their dedication to their craft and hard work allowed for the execution of a flawless performance at the theatre’s Grand Opening Gala. Pebblebrook students performed music from movies and movie theme songs in a segment called “Reel Good Hollywood,” to a sold-out crowd. The students’ performance was the hit of the evening.

Partners in Action

  Businesses and schools come together to hold numerous events and fundraisers every year to provide for the school and promote community spirit. Click here to see the creative ways they have partnered together.
  Photo courtesy of John Rossino

School Needs

   Norton Park Elementary School’s 5th graders are fundraising to attend an interactive, academic field trip in Washington DC. This dream trip is a first for the students at Norton Park. They are looking to reach their fundraising goal and need $10,500. Contact Doug Daugherty at doug.daugherty@cobbk12.org for more information on the field trip and donations.
   Did you know? Norton Park Elementary School follows the America's Choice Design for school reform. There are literacy coaches in each room to help implement Readers and Writers Workshops to help meet student needs during the daily literacy block and a 30 Book Campaign that functions as a school wide incentive to motivate students to read and respond to 30 books on their independent level.

   Hawthorne and Fitzhugh Lee Schools of the H.A.V.E.N. Academy (Hope, Achievement, Victory, Encouragement, Nobility) are in need of landscaping and property clean-up assistance and supplies. If you would like more information on how you can help, contact Marilyn Mitchell-Wilson at marilyn.mitchell-wilson@cobb12.org.
   Did you know? H.A.V.E.N. Academy provides comprehensive special education and support for students with Severe Emotional Behavior Disorders and Autism. The program serves students from Cobb County, Douglas County and the City of Marietta.

   To help or submit your schools’ needs, contact the Cobb Chamber Education Department at partners@cobbchamber.org or 770-859-2366.

Partners in Education E-Newsletter Sponsorship

There is a new way to put your company in the spotlight! Place an electronic ad in the quarterly Partners in Education E-newsletter, A Slice of Pie, showcasing your company.    The Audience: The E-newsletter reaches an audience of more than 900 educators and community partners and also is posted as a link on the Cobb Chamber Partners in Education Web page.      Interior Page Sponsorship: $75 per issue for Partners in Education, $100 for non-partners. 600 x 86 pixels (width x height) ad on the top of one interior page of the E-newsletter (2 available per issue).   We are currently sold out of Main Page Sponsorships for 2009.    For more information on how your company can be in the spotlight contact the Chamber Education Department at 770-859-2366 or partners@cobbchamber.org. Attention Prospective Partners!

Do you want to join the small and large businesses, civic groups and non-profits that are instrumental in providing Cobb schools with volunteers, equipment, supplies, scholarships, in-kind services and cash donations? Click here for a list of opportunities for your business.