Atlanta
APS recognized for cheating safeguards
Strict security measures enacted by Atlanta Public Schools have helped restore “a standard of ethics and integrity” to its standardized tests, according to the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.
The school district implemented safeguards over testing procedures after a state investigation indicated widespread cheating on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test.
The precautions include requirements to seal test answer sheets immediately after testing concludes, use video surveillance to monitor the inventory of testing materials, detect anomalous test score gains and audit test administration. Mark Niesse
Cherokee
Environmental projects planned
The Upper Etowah River Alliance environmental group says it’s teaming up with the Lake Allatoona Preservation Authority to do several stormwater infiltration projects, designed to lower the amount of sediment coming into the lake.
The first will involve Boling Park in Canton.
The projects, supported by a $10,000 grant from Home Depot, are expected to finish this spring. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
DeKalb
School chief to hold employee meetings
Interim Superintendent Michael Thurmond will host a series of meet and greet sessions for employees to hear district updates, take part in the budget process and ask questions.
Meeting dates:
Tuesday — 4:15 to 5:45 p.m., Arabia Mountain High School, 6610 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia;
Wednesday — 5:30 to 7 p.m., Dr. Ronald E. McNair High School, 1804 Bouldercrest Road SE, Atlanta;
March 18 — 5:15 to 6:45 p.m., Cross Keys High School, 1626 N. Druid Hills Road, Atlanta;
March 19 — 4:15 to 5:45 p.m., Tucker High School, 5036 Lavista Road, Tucker; and
March 20 — 3:30 to 5 p.m., Stone Mountain High School, 455 Central Drive, Stone Mountain. Veronica Fields Johnson
Gwinnett
Police to host firearms safety seminar
The Gwinnett County Police Department will host a Firearms Safety Seminar 7 to 9 p.m. April 4 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville.
Georgia carry and deadly force laws, how to obtain a carry permit, personal defense, and types of weapons and their use will be covered.
Information: gunsafety@gwinnettcounty.com as seating will be limited. Andria Simmons
Cobb
Kiwanis Club forming in Powder Springs
Members are being sought for a new Powder Springs Kiwanis Club. Information: kiwanis.org or Ash, 770-943-2839. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Henry
State parks offer exercise for pets
Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge is offering Pets RXercise, aimed at preventing obesity in pets and their owners through walks in the woods.
Through the program, veterinarians can give their canine patients a “prescription” to visit a Georgia state park. The prescription is redeemable for free parking. Park admission and hiking on trails are free.
Information: GeorgiaStateParks.org/petsrxercise. Kenneth Musisi
