Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS, GA. – Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) celebrates the return of Parent Academy in person for its 21st semester on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Thefree, half-day event for parents and teens, held 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Rockdale Career Academy, offers free classes and resources on a wide variety of topics to help families find success. To register, please visit www.rockdaleschools.org/parentacademy. RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts opens the day as the keynote speaker with the “State of the School System” overview. Afterwards, attendees attend two breakout sessions and can choose from dozens of classes. Class topics range from mental health and wellness to reading strategies, school and…

CONYERS, GA—The Rotary Club of Conyers honored the 2023 STAR Students and their chosen STAR Teachers during an awards luncheon held at the Conyers-Rockdale Nancy Guinn Memorial Library. The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) STAR Program recognizes high school seniors who have the highest SAT score in their graduating class and are in the top 10 percent or top 10 students in their graduating class. The 2023 Rockdale County STAR Students and their selected STAR Teachers are: Chace Cleveland (Heritage High School) and teacher Kimberley Donaldson (Rockdale Career Academy) Justin Sterlin (Rockdale County High School) and teacher Keri Wagstaff…

ATLANTA–Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday(March 16) that all Georgia Regional Commissions recorded a rise in the unemployment rate in January. Due to seasonal factors from December to January, data that is not seasonally adjusted typically shows an increase in unemployment – a seasonal trend that happens each year. “Despite a nationwide pandemic and challenging economic times, continued investments in Georgia’s labor force and thriving business community have kept our economy strong,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “As labor commissioner, it is my No. 1 priority to help more Georgians get back to work and fill the jobs that our businesses…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Hills Academy, an all-male private, college-prep Christian school, flexed its academic excellence and walked away as the first-place winner of the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl in Rockdale County. The competition was held at Rockdale Career Academy among students in grades 6-8. Hills Academy, the only private school competing, was followed by Rockdale County Public Schools: Davis Middle School, which placed second, and Conyers Middle School, which placed third. Hills’ team was comprised of black males. The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl is a state competition that quizzes students on books from the current list of Georgia Children’s Book Award…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County and faith leaders are partnering to distribute food and Girl Scout cookies on Saturday, March 18, during its monthly food distribution. “Not only does this food distribution help those facing food insecurity, but by purchasing and distributing Girls Scout cookies, we are also investing in the future of our young girls,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. The funding from the county’s purchase of 5,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies will be used to champion girls in underserved DeKalb communities. This partnership will provide additional financial support for programs designed to promote academic success, leadership, financial…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett County is hosting its second annual job fair on Friday, March 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Gas South Convention Cente, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. Job seekers will have the opportunity to network with departments and agencies that operate within Gwinnett, have their resume reviewed and apply for open positions in fields such as public safety, court and legal services, finance and more. “It takes a diverse and talented workforce to provide the services that keep our county running,” said Human Resources Director Adrienne McAllister. “We’re excited to meet with candidates and discuss how the…

CONYERS, GA—The city of Conyers’ “World’s Fastest Growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade” scheduled for Friday, March 17, in Olde Town Conyers is canceled due to forecasted rain and the threat of potentially severe weather. “We’re very disappointed to cancel this homegrown celebration, but in monitoring the forecast and out of an abundance of caution for those who usually participate and attend, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the parade,” said Director of Public Relations and Tourism Jennifer Edwards. The World’s Shortest Endurance Run, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Rockdale County, following the parade has also been canceled, as well…

ATLANTA—Sen. Emanuel Jones (D – Decatur) released the following statement today (March 14) in response to the recent resignations of the DeKalb County Board of Ethics members, urging the remaining members to resign: “As the original author of the legislation that reestablished the DeKalb County Board of Ethics in 2020, I am extremely disappointed in the events that transpired which led to the resignation of the majority of their board members,” said Sen. Jones. “The actions of a few rogue members of the Ethics Board have cast a shadow on the board’s purpose. DeKalb is better than this. I call…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–   The Rockdale County Board of Assessor’s office will open on Saturday, April 1, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 981 Milstead Ave., Conyers.  The Board of Assessors will use the extended office hours to assist residents with questions on filing their Homestead Exemption. April 1 is the last day to file. A homestead exemption reduces the property taxes homeowners owe on their legal residence. Residents are urged to determine eligibility, gather the necessary documents, then file their exemption. For more information, contact the Board of Assessors office at 770-278-7676 or visit the Homestead Exemption page here: https://www.rockdalecountyga.gov/homestead-exemption  

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – DeKalb County will open warming centers for residents to use in the following locations for two nights, Monday, March 13, and Tuesday, March 14, beginning at 8 p.m.: Fire Station 3, 100 N. Clarendon Avenue, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 Fire Station 4, 4540 Flakes Mill Road, Ellenwood, GA 30294 Fire Station 6, 2342 Flat Shoals Road, Atlanta, GA 30316 North DeKalb Senior Center, 3393 Malone Drive, Chamblee, GA 3034 Anyone staying in the warming centers must follow the county’s COVID-19 protocols that include wearing a mask, social distancing and undergoing a temperature check. For more information…