Latest news with #HenryCountySchools
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Henry County Schools breaks ground on new ‘state-of-the-art' STEM high school
Lining it up with Earth Day, Henry County Schools broke ground on building a new state-of-the-art STEM high school in Stockbridge. The high school will focus on science, technology, engineering and math programs, including specialization on three tracks: aerospace engineering, biotechnology and sustainability and green energy. 'This is a historic moment for Henry County Schools,' Dr. John Pace III, the superintendent, said. 'This STEM high school is one of the greatest examples of our progress and promise as a district. It represents the culmination of years of commitment and investment by our award-winning Board of Education.' [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Pace said the district also worked to choose the curriculum in alignment with regional and global workforce demands to ensure 'students have access to cutting-edge learning experiences' and ways to have high-impact career opportunities in the future. The new school will cost about $73 million and span more than 170,000 square feet. The district said the school should open in fall 2017, starting off with a mix of ninth and 10th grade students as it builds up to 'a capacity of 900 students from across Henry County.' TRENDING STORIES: Cherokee County expands community response team for emergencies Atlanta students learn how to protect the planet on Earth Day Catholic group calls for Marjorie Taylor Greene to be censured over Pope comment At the groundbreaking, officials said students would have to apply for a spot at the school. Pace said he hoped the new school could be a model for other districts in the future. Funding for the project was approved through an E-SPLOST VI effort in August 2024, officials said. In addition to being focused on science and technology education, the facility will also be built to be green-certified an feature technology-integrated classrooms. 'Today, as we break ground on this state-of-the-art STEM school, we celebrate a bold vision brought to life – a vision rooted in our district's Community-Inspired Strategic plan to transform education through opportunities, access, outcomes, and, of course, innovation,' said Chief Learning and Performance Officer Dr. Cleveland Johnson III. 'From expanding hands-on learning programs to strengthening industry partnerships, we have laid a strong foundation to ensure our students have the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Today, we take the next step in that journey.' At the groundbreaking, school district officials were joined by a variety of local dignitaries and members of the Henry County School Board. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
Henry County elementary teacher fired after simple battery arrest
A Stockbridge Elementary School teacher is out of a job after she was arrested. Henry County police have charged Linda Sturdivant with seven counts of simple battery. In a statement to Channel 2 Action News, Henry County School District confirmed that Sturdivant has been fired. 'Upon learning of allegations of inappropriate behavior, investigations were initiated by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, Henry County Police Department, Henry County Schools, and Stockbridge Elementary School. The teacher is no longer employed by Henry County Schools. The safety and security of our students and staff is our utmost priority,' the district said. Channel 2 Action News has requested the warrants for Sturdivant's arrest. TRENDING STORIES: Principal identifies student killed in deadly after-school shooting in DeKalb Man accused of trying to kidnap toddler at Acworth Walmart says he was just trying to help Cafe Momentum offers a second chance to young people caught up in justice system [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
Stockbridge Elementary teacher faces battery charges
The Brief Linda Sturdivant, an educator at Stockbridge Elementary School, is charged with seven counts of simple battery involving five non-verbal students. According to court documents, the incidents are alleged to have happened over the course of two days in early August 2024. A warrant was issued for Sturdivant's arrest in December, but one parent alleges she did not learn about the investigation until February. STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. - A Henry County elementary school teacher has been charged with seven counts of simple battery. Linda Sturdivant, an educator at Stockbridge Elementary School, is accused of injuring at least five students, some of whom are nonverbal. What we know An educator at Stockbridge Elementary School has been charged with seven counts of simple battery. According to court documents, Linda Sturdivant is charged in connection with incidents involving five different students, including Portia Blanco's non-verbal five-year-old son. A warrant indicates the alleged incident occurred in August at the beginning of the school year. Court documents indicate authorities arrested Sturdivant in December. What they're saying "I met the teacher," said Blanco. "I thought she was a really great person. This is so sad." Blanco says she did not learn about the investigation until February and still does not know all the allegations. "It's just heartbreaking," said Blanco. Blanco rejected an offer to move her son, Messiah, to another classroom or school without transportation assistance. Currently, her son is receiving specialized ABA therapy at home. She told FOX 5 Atlanta she is speaking out now because she wants to draw attention to the issues parents of children who are non-verbal or require special education. "We have to speak up," said Blanco. "We have to advocate for our kids." The other side Henry County Schools released the following statement: "Upon learning of allegations of inappropriate behavior, investigations were initiated by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, Henry County Police Department, Henry County Schools, and Stockbridge Elementary School. The teacher is no longer employed by Henry County Schools. The safety and security of our students and staff is our utmost priority." What we don't know It is not immediately clear if Sturdivant has retained legal representation. The Source FOX 5's Kevyn Stewart spoke with the Henry County Sheriff's Office and parent Portia Blanco for this article. Henry County Schools released a statement to FOX 5 concerning this report.
