Polk School District

📢 Important Message for Parents & Guardians📢

We want to keep you informed and reassured as we begin another school year. A letter has been sent home regarding this year’s school safety drills. These include drills for fire, severe weather, intruders, and hazardous materials.

The purpose of these drills is to ensure that our students and staff know exactly what to do in the event of an emergency. We approach each drill with care, age-appropriate guidance, and a focus on creating a calm and safe learning environment.

Please take a moment to review the letter and talk with your child about the importance of these drills. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school community safe!

PRESS RELEASE: 2024-2025 GEORGIA MILESTONES ASSESSMENT SCORES

The Georgia Department of Education has released the results of the Georgia Milestones Assessment from 2024-2025, and Polk School District is proud of the efforts of their teachers and students and of the gains that have been made in many areas. "We believe PSD students are capable of being as successful as their peers in our region, state, and country, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all students are ready for the path they choose after graduation. Our work to close the achievement gap, not only for each student but also for our district as a whole, is ongoing, and we are proud of the areas of success reflected in our test scores. We know we have more work to do. Still, we believe the academic focus on the science of reading in the early grades, the implementation of the Georgia math curriculum, and the addition of opportunities for high school students in Career and Technical (CTAE) programs and Advanced Placement will allow Polk students to shine in their future careers and as members of our community,” said Superintendent Mark Lumpkin.

Among the highlights of this year’s test results are:

1. Exceeded the State of Georgia in the percentage of students scoring above the beginning level (students who need significant support to be ready for the next grade):
4th Grade Math
7th Grade Math
8th Grade Math
High School Algebra
5th Grade Science
8th Grade Science

2. Improving from 2023-2024:
3rd Grade ELA
4th Grade ELA
6th Grade ELA
7th Grade ELA
High School American Literature
8th Grade Social Studies
High School US History

“While we celebrate these achievements, we understand there is still work to be done,” district Assessment and Accountability Specialist Holly Amerman explained. “These data points are merely one measure we use to guide the direction of our teaching and learning in Polk School District. For instance, in the 2024-2025 school year, we funded a district math and science coordinator to assist teachers in these subjects. These coordinators worked in classrooms, delivered professional learning, and worked side-by-side with teachers to ensure the instruction matched the expected level for the content and grade level. The number of areas in which we, for the first time since Covid, outscored the State of Georgia in math and science can, in part, be attributed to this intervention. This year, the program is being expanded to add a district ELA coordinator.”

These results are just one example of how Polk School District can use Georgia Milestones and other data sources to implement changes that allow our teachers to feel supported and our students to shine. We are excited about the possibilities for the 2025-2026 school year and look forward to future success.

About Georgia Milestones (from the GADOE)
Students take Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EOG) tests in grades 3-8, and Georgia Milestones End of Course (EOC) tests in identified high school courses. The Georgia Milestones Assessment System meets the federal requirement that states test students in math and ELA in grades 3-8 and once in high school, and in science once per grade band (3-5, 6-9, 10-12).

Georgia Milestones assesses student learning along four levels of achievement: Beginning Learners, Developing Learners, Proficient Learners, and Distinguished Learners.


See the attached link for the GaDOE Press Release.


https://gadoe.org/press-releases/test-scores-continue-to-rise-with-abandonment-of-common-core-math/

🚌 MEET YOUR DRIVER AT OPEN HOUSE 🚌

If your student plans to ride a bus during the 2025-2026 school year, please plan to visit with a member of the transportation department at Open House:

🚌 Meet your driver
📋 Complete bus rider registration forms
📍 Get your pick-up/drop-off times & locations

Drivers and staff will be available during the following times at Open House on August 5, 2025:

Elementary Schools
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Middle Schools
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.