Indian Knoll Elementary School

Three Cherokee County School District schools have earned national awards for character education!

Indian Knoll Elementary, Liberty Elementary and Sixes Elementary all have been honored with Promising Practices Awards by Character.org, a national nonprofit organization that promotes developing positive character among students. They are among only 155 schools honored nationwide and three of only five in Georgia.

“We are extremely proud to recognize the schools and organizations that have developed and implemented a Promising Practice,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org. “Each of these programs and initiatives have demonstrated significant impact and strongly align with the principles that help schools and organizations cultivate a culture of character.”

Indian Knoll ES earned the honor for its “Caring Collaboration within the Community” service-learning project. Led by the school’s instructional lead strategist, Lauren Abrams, the Positive Behavior and Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program project focused on supporting local senior citizens. Students are assigned to one of six “Birdhouse” groups for the PBIS program. For this project, each Birdhouse sponsored a holiday and provided special treats for the seniors for that holiday.

“Service learning is part of the IKES school motto, and all stakeholders believe we should intentionally teach our Firebirds good character,” Principal Kim Cerasoli said.

Your IKES administration is excited to plan and prepare for the 2024-25 school year! 💙💛❤️

Way to go FIREBIRDS! Let your kindness shine. ✨

Three Cherokee County School District schools have earned national awards for character education!

Indian Knoll Elementary, Liberty Elementary and Sixes Elementary all have been honored with Promising Practices Awards by Character.org, a national nonprofit organization that promotes developing positive character among students. They are among only 155 schools honored nationwide and three of only five in Georgia.

“We are extremely proud to recognize the schools and organizations that have developed and implemented a Promising Practice,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org. “Each of these programs and initiatives have demonstrated significant impact and strongly align with the principles that help schools and organizations cultivate a culture of character.”

Sixes ES earned two awards: one for its “Five Flights, One Mission: Reach for the STARS!” initiative, and the other for “A Community Circle of Stars.”

The “Five Flights One Mission: Reach for the Stars” initiative incorporates the school’s four STAR Matrix core values -- Safety, Teamwork, Attitude and Respect -- into school operations and activities encouraging positive character. Examples of the ways student positive behavior in these four areas is recognized include “Positive Office Referrals” for students and monthly “Red Wagon” shoutouts.

“A Community Circle of Stars” encompasses Sixes Elementary’s use of “restorative circle” classroom meetings to creating community and promote the STAR Matrix core values. This practice encourages student active listening, empathy and understanding, allowing students to articulate their feelings, resolve conflict and build positive relationships.

“Our whole school community has been impacted by our STAR Matrix positive character recognition,” Principal Dr. Ashley Kennerly said. “We are a family, and because of this intentional, foundational work to make character a part of who we are, our culture is one that is known through the entire school district.”

Indian Knoll ES earned the honor for its “Caring Collaboration within the Community” service-learning project. Led by the school’s instructional lead strategist, Lauren Abrams, the Positive Behavior and Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program project focused on supporting local senior citizens. Students are assigned to one of six “Birdhouse” groups for the PBIS program. For this project, each Birdhouse sponsored a holiday and provided special treats for the seniors for that holiday.

“Service learning is part of the IKES school motto, and all stakeholders believe we should intentionally teach our Firebirds good character,” Principal Kim Cerasoli said.

Liberty ES achieved the award for its “Liberty Elementary Thanksgiving Basket” service-learning project. Led by a parent, Kristie Duncan, in partnership with Liberty’s Student Leadership team led by teacher Stacy Campbell, the project began to provide Thanksgiving meals to Liberty students in need and their families. The initiative since has grown to a collective service project between Liberty ES, Freedom MS and Cherokee HS that has extended beyond the school communities to engage local businesses and individual community donors.

“This year, over 100 families were blessed with overflowing Thanksgiving baskets to bring joy to their holiday season,” Principal Dr. Sandi Harrison said. “We look forward to continuing to bless our community through this promising practice.”

Firebird share kindness within the school building and throughout the community. Congrats Annabelle and Sadie.

Peace out Firebirds! Have a great summer.

Congratulations to our Indian Knoll ES MARCH MADNESS iReady winners!
Mrs. Gantt's class won a pizza party, Charli Overall received a plaque (top 3rd grader in the district), and the school won for top participation in the zone.

Shine on Firebirds!

Congratulations to our last iReady Students and Classes of the Week for the 2023-2024 school year!

Students of the Week

K-1
Oliver Boggs – Mrs.Counts’ 1st Grade – 5 lessons passed!

2-3
Landon Rosenquist – Mrs. Servian’s 3rd grade – 7 lessons passed!

4-5
William Rowe –Mrs. Malecek’s 5th grade – 8 lessons passed!

Classes of the Week

K-1

Mrs. Fouts’ Kindergarten

2-3
Mrs. Staud’s 3rd Grade

4-5
Mrs. Holcombe’s Block 1 – 5th grade

Today our FABULOUS Partner of the Year, Williamson Brothers Bbq, Canton, Ga provided our staff with a DELICIOUS lunch!!! There were lots of happy, smiling people! 😀 We appreciate the kindness and generosity these amazing people have shown IKES! Thank you!!💙💛💙

Our fundraiser for the Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter is going on through Wednesday! Fifth graders Annabelle Watkins and Sadie Schaefer will be selling kindness strips (2 for $1) outside the media center before school from 7:00 to 8:00. Your child can write a kind note and add it to our school chain that will be displayed outside the cafeteria. The class with the most donations will receive ice cream at lunch before the end of the week. Thank you for your participation!

Congratulations to the high school CLASS OF 2024. These boys and girls were kindergarteners when IKES opened in 2011 and their Principal Dr. Ann Adcox Gazell led the parade through the halls of Indian Knoll ES one last time. Once a Firebird, always a Firebird. Good luck to our graduating seniors.

Field Day 2024 is a wrap with two amazing coaches and an original shirt design by Duane Willoughby!!! Through rain & shine, we had an amazing two weeks of tough competition. Memories were made and our Firebirds loved every minute ❤️💙💛. Until 2025- It’s a wrap.

Let's hear it for 4th Grader, MEGAN ROLFES the North Georgia RESA Young Author's Fair winner! Congratulations. We are so proud of you.

Tonight our very own Alyson Ward Counts was recognized as IKES Golden Apple recipient! She was chosen by her peers for this award to honor her as an outstanding educator. We are so proud to have Mrs. Counts as a first grade teacher at IKES!!💙💛💙

Congratulations to our iReady Students and Classes of the Week!

Students of the Week

K-1
Adaline Nguyen – Mrs. Griffin’s Kindergarten – 7 lessons passed!

2-3
Philomina Abskhround – Mrs. Servian’s 3rd Grade – 8 lessons passed!

4-5
Emma Bravo Sanguinetti – Mrs. Malecek’s 5th Grade – 5 lessons passed!

Classes of the Week

K-1

Mrs. Heath’s 1st Grade

2-3
Mrs. Staud’s 3rd Grade

4-5
Mrs. Mullinax’s Block 1 – 4th grade

What a good adjective to describe Terri Harris… LEGEND! She is a teacher leader who’s never to busy to take on additional duties to support our Firebirds! ❤️💛💙 After serving CCSD for 29 years, it’s her turn to pour into her family. We love you Terri and are excited for you to enjoy your retirement. 😃

Congratulations to our iReady Students and Classes of the Week!

Students of the Week

K-1
Jeremy Mugo – Mrs. Fouts’ Kindergarten – 13 lessons passed!

2-3
Lea Thomas – Mrs. Williams’ 2nd grade – 10 lessons passed!

4-5
Jace Krumwiede –Mrs. McNeal 5th grade – 5 lessons passed!

Classes of the Week

K-1

Mrs. Heath’s 1st Grade

2-3
Mrs. Dempsey’s 2nd Grade

4-5
Mrs. Holcombe’s Block 2 – 5th Grade

Nursing is a work of the HEART ❤️. Maria Laney Hicks represents the Sequoyah Innovation Zone as our NURSE OF THE YEAR. This caring individual works tirelessly to comfort for our Firebirds and staff when they need it the most. We love NURSE MARIA and value her contribution to the school. ❤️💛💙
Congratulations!

Kindergarten Here I Come! ❤️💛💙

SAVE THE DATE and join CCSD at the job fair.

The Cherokee County School District will present a job fair to fill remaining openings for next school year from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at 1020 Keeter Road, Canton, GA 30114. We will be meeting with candidates for a variety of positions including bus drivers, paraprofessionals, teachers and School Nutrition workers (for a full list of open positions visit https://www.cherokeek12.net/ and click Jobs@CCSD). We offer competitive compensation, outstanding benefits, a balanced school calendar, a wonderful work environment and caring team and opportunities for professional development and advancement. Questions? Contact [email protected] and 770.704.4256.

Congratulations to our iReady Students and Classes of the Week!

Students of the Week

K-1
Alixandriah Glass – Ms. Croft’s kindergarten - 7 lessons!

2-3
Franco Francisco Lorenzo – Ms. Richard’s second grade – 10 lessons!

4-5 – It’s a tie with 5 lessons each!
Mason Cu***ngs – Ms. Roberts’ 4th grade
Reece Pruett – Ms. Holcombe’s 5th grade

Classes of the Week

K-1
Ms. Heath’s 1st grade

2-3
Ms. Richard’s 2nd grade

4-5
Ms. Holcombe’s 5th grade – second block

Congratulations to 5th graders Evie McGhee and Adian Grummer who were selected for the American Legion award. Their teacher, Chelsea Leming cheered them on 🎉 and celebrated this prestigious honor. These role model students clearly set the example for the entire school. Way to go!

Congratulations to our iReady Students and Classes of the Week!

Students of the Week

K-1
Klaouse Thomas – A. Smith’s 1st Grade – 6 lessons passed!

2-3
Harrison O’Keefe – Mrs. Servian’s 3rd – 9 lessons passed!

4-5
Alan Morales De Leon –Mrs. Schroter’s 4th grade – 7 lessons passed!

Classes of the Week

K-1

Mrs. Heath – 1st Grade

2-3
Mrs. Staud – 3rd Grade

4-5
Mrs. Holcombe Block 2 -5th Grade

Our Firebird students won their division and placed in the top four today at the CCSD ES Academic Bowl. Congratulations to all the students and their amazing coaches, Virginia Allison Latham Eubanks and Tara Costello ❤️💙💛

Fifth Graders Grayson Jones and Adleigh Stokes represented Indian Knoll Elementary School this morning at the Canton Optimist Awards breakfast. We are so proud of these two exemplary students who were selected by the 5th grade teachers. These role model students are shining stars ⭐️ and have a bright future!

Congratulations to our amazing ILS, Lauren Abrams ❤️💛💙

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here. Please join us in congratulating the 2024 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Indian Knoll Elementary School: Lauren Abrams!

Thank you to Julie Bryant for bringing the Kindergarten Moosical to life with the adorable performances by our sweet kinder students!! 🐮🐷🐐🐑The performance was enjoyed by all!! Thank you to all the teachers and families for all your help! 💙💛

Congratulations to our iReady Students and Classes of the Week!

Students of the Week

K-1
Jeremy Mugo – Fouts Kindergarten – 11 lessons passed!

2-3
Adrian Lorenzo Cabrera – Richard 2nd grade – 12 lessons passed!

4-5
Karla Montano –Roberts 4th grade – 4 lessons passed!

Classes of the Week

K-1

Heath – 1st Grade

2-3
Staud – 3rd Grade

4-5
Roberts Block A – 4th grade

Good news: Our 5th graders had a great experience at Ruby Falls and the Tennessee Aquarium 🐟🐠
Bad news: The traffic on 75 South getting home is stop & go 😱
ETA 8:30pm