Building a Strong Foundation: Summer THRIVE’s Approach to Freshman Success and School Engagement

Format

Individual Presentation

Format

Individual Presentation

First Presenter's Institution

Cherokee County School District

First Presenter’s Email Address

carey.blalock@cherokeek12.net

First Presenter's Brief Biography

Carey Blalock has dedicated over two decades to education, specializing in secondary mathematics and leadership. She holds a degree in Mathematical Secondary Education from the University of Georgia, a Master's in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University, and a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University. Carey began her teaching career at Starr’s Mill High School and later spent three years at Pope High School before finding her long-term home at Sequoyah High School, where she started her 21st year in August 2024. She is also a National Dropout Prevention Specialist, underscoring her commitment to helping students succeed. At Sequoyah High School, Carey has held key leadership roles, serving as RTI Chairperson from 2005-2009 and 2015 to present. As Graduation Coordinator since 2011, she has helped students transition successfully after high school. Nominated five times for Teacher of the Year, she earned the award in 2009. She has also been a member of Sequoyah’s leadership team since 2015. For the past three years, Carey has been Sequoyah’s Student Success Coach, focusing on improving student achievement and growth. In this role, she works closely with teachers, students, and parents to develop and implement targeted intervention strategies. By analyzing student data, creating personalized learning plans, and fostering social-emotional development, Carey ensures that each student has the resources and support needed to thrive both academically and personally.

Second Presenter's Institution

Cherokee County School District

Second Presenter’s Email Address

helen.lane@cherokeek12.net

Second Presenter's Brief Biography

Helen Lane is a dedicated educator with over 21 years of experience in education. She earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics in Secondary Education from Georgia Southern University, followed by a master's degree in Math Education from Kennesaw State University. Helen further advanced her expertise by obtaining an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership from Mercer University. She is also a National Dropout Prevention Specialist. Helen began her teaching career at South Cobb High School, where she taught for six years before transitioning to Woodstock High School. For the past three years, she has served as the Student Success Coach at WHS. In this role, Helen works closely with credit-deficient students, those seeking alternative paths to a diploma, and individuals struggling with motivation. Her focus is on helping students overcome obstacles and achieve success in their high school journey. Helen takes great pride in being a positive influence in each student’s educational experience, and she values the opportunity to contribute to their growth and development.

Third Presenter's Institution

Cherokee County School District

Third Presenter’s Email Address

jeremy.Law@cherokeek12.net

Third Presenter's Brief Biography

Jeremy Law's journey to education took a unique path. For 13 years, he worked in the mortgage and finance industry, starting his career at a mortgage brokerage firm before transitioning to roles at two community banks in the north metro Atlanta area. During his successful banking career, Jeremy was promoted to branch manager. However, feeling a deeper calling, he chose to shift careers to focus on mentoring and investing in the youth of his community. In 2010, Jeremy joined the Cherokee County School District with a provisional certificate. He later earned his teaching certification and a master's degree in special education with a focus on general curriculum from Valdosta State University. He also went on to acquire a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. Jeremy is also a National Dropout Prevention Specialist. Since 2010, Jeremy has taught at both the middle and high school levels. He started as a middle school self-contained EBD teacher and has since taught a variety of subjects, including high school math. In 2021, he became the Success Coach at Cherokee High School. Coach Law is also a dedicated coach, currently in his 15th year coaching football and his 7th year coaching girls' golf.

Fourth Presenter's Institution

Cherokee County School District

Fourth Presenter’s Email Address

amanda.ruiz@cherokeek12.net

Fourth Presenter's Brief Biography

With a career spanning over two decades in education, Dr. Amanda Ruiz has made significant contributions to the Cherokee County School District. Previously, Dr. Ruiz served as an Assistant Principal and Teacher at Etowah High School in Woodstock, Georgia. Before that, Dr. Ruiz was part of the North Springs Charter School of Arts and Sciences in Atlanta. Dr. Ruiz began her teaching career at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, Georgia. Dr. Ruiz holds a PhD in Reading, Language, and Literacy from Georgia State University, a Master's degree from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education from the University of Georgia. She currently serves Cherokee County School district as the District Coordinator of Academics & Accountability and is also a National Dropout Prevention Specialist.

Submitter

I am submitting this proposal as one of the presenter(s)

Location

Scarbrough 1

Strand #1

Head: Academic Achievement & Leadership

Strand #2

Home: Family & Community Engagement

Relevance

The Summer THRIVE program is crucial for reducing achievement gaps and preventing dropouts by focusing on identifying rising 9th graders with academic, behavioral, and attendance challenges. We offer a tailored STEM-focused curriculum to address these gaps and preview cross curricular skills in ELA, Math, and Science, ensuring that targeted students receive the necessary support for high school success. Our data-driven approach effectively targets students in need, while our differentiated and engaging instructional methods and incorporation of technology keep them motivated. A key aspect of THRIVE is integrating students and their families into the school culture both academically and socially. Additionally, our strong partnerships with local businesses enhance our support network, facilitating a smooth transition and reinforcing the community's commitment to student achievement.

Brief Program Description

Join us to explore the evolution of Cherokee County Georgia's Summer THRIVE program, a week-long initiative supporting the transition from 8th to 9th grade. Led by National Dropout Prevention Specialists who also serve as Student Success Coaches, the program emphasizes STEM curriculum and school culture. Discover how we aid students through academic skill previews, school familiarization, and engaging activities. Learn about our student selection process and gain insights into fostering a strong sense of belonging, which we believe enhances academic success.

Summary

We identify participants collaboratively with middle schools, targeting students with academic challenges, moderate attendance issues, and positive teacher recommendations. By focusing on 8th grade students with grades ranging from 63-75 and no more than 13 absences, we aim to bridge gaps and prepare them for a successful freshman year.

Our session will offer participants practical models and strategies for implementing similar programs in their districts. Attendees will learn about our identification process, the importance of a focused curriculum, and methods for fostering school engagement and culture. The THRIVE program is implemented across six high schools in our district, with some schools incorporating student mentors to enhance the experience. We’ll also share our experiences from the pilot phase to the current implementation, highlighting challenges and solutions that contributed to the program's positive reputation within the community.

This hands-on approach ensures a well-rounded, supportive environment for our rising 9th graders, which we believe will lead to improved academic success and, ultimately, higher graduation rates. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to adapt and implement in their own schools.

Evidence

The THRIVE program has demonstrated strong field-tested effectiveness in helping at-risk students improve their academic performance during the 2022-2023 school year. Specific data reflects the program's success across multiple high schools in Cherokee County:

Participants passing at least 4 out of 6 classes for Semester 1

  • Cherokee High School: 13/15

  • Creekview High School: 13/14

  • Etowah High School: 11/13

  • River Ridge High School: 10/10

  • Sequoyah High School: 16/16

  • Woodstock High School: 9/9

  • District Total: 72/77 (93.5%)

Participants with no failures for Semester 1:

  • Cherokee High School: 80%

  • Creekview High School: 78.6%

  • Etowah High School: 84.6%

  • River Ridge High School: 80%

  • Sequoyah High School: 75%

  • Woodstock High School: 66.7%

  • District Total: 77.9%

Participants passing at least 4 out of 6 classes for Semester 2:

  • Cherokee High School: 13/14

  • Creekview High School: 14/14

  • Etowah High School: 10/12

  • River Ridge High School: 10/10

  • Sequoyah High School: 16/16

  • Woodstock High School: 10/10

  • District Total: 73/76 (96.1%)

Participants with no failures for Semester 2:

  • Cherokee High School: 64.3%

  • Creekview High School: 92.8%

  • Etowah High School: 75%

  • River Ridge High School: 90%

  • Sequoyah High School: 100%

  • Woodstock High School: 66.7%

  • District Total: 81.6%

These numbers underscore the effectiveness of THRIVE in reducing academic failure. For example, 93.5% of participants across the district passed at least four out of six classes in Semester 1, and this rose to 96.1% in Semester 2. Additionally, 77.9% of participants had no failures in Semester 1, with an improvement to 81.6% in Semester 2.

The program’s success aligns with key research on supporting at-risk students. The American Federation of Teachers (2014) emphasizes the importance of structured support to guide students from high school to college, while Dropout Prevention (2023) highlights mentoring and academic assistance as effective strategies for reducing dropout rates. Moreover, the Georgia Office of Student Achievement (n.d.) reports on the effectiveness of the state's Graduation Coach Initiative, which supports at-risk students with dedicated coaching.

References:

American Federation of Teachers. (2014). Across the stage: A manual for supporting students from high school to college. Retrieved from https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/media/2014/if_acrossthestagegradsupportmanualace.pdf

Dropout Prevention. (2023). Effective strategies for dropout prevention. Retrieved from https://dropoutprevention.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Effective-Strategies-.pdf

Georgia Office of Student Achievement. (n.d.). Georgia graduation coach initiative report. Retrieved from https://gosa.georgia.gov/georgia-graduation-coach-initiative-report

Learning Objective 1

Participants will be able to identify and describe the key components of the Summer THRIVE program, including its curriculum focus, orientation activities, and the support structures designed to facilitate a successful transition from 8th to 9th grade.

Learning Objective 2

Participants will be able to explain the criteria used for selecting students for the THRIVE program, including academic performance, attendance, and behavioral factors, and discuss how these criteria contribute to the program's effectiveness in supporting at-risk students.

Learning Objective 3

Participants will be able to evaluate the outcomes and impact of the Summer THRIVE program on student engagement and academic success, and analyze the adjustments made during the program's revisions to improve its effectiveness in enhancing students' sense of belonging and readiness for high school.

Keyword Descriptors

8th to 9th grade transition, Academic readiness, Student engagement, STEM curriculum, Dropout prevention, Peer mentoring, High school sense of belonging, Academic Skills Preview, High School Orientation, School culture

Presentation Year

2025

Start Date

3-4-2025 2:45 PM

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Mar 4th, 2:45 PM

Building a Strong Foundation: Summer THRIVE’s Approach to Freshman Success and School Engagement

Scarbrough 1

Join us to explore the evolution of Cherokee County Georgia's Summer THRIVE program, a week-long initiative supporting the transition from 8th to 9th grade. Led by National Dropout Prevention Specialists who also serve as Student Success Coaches, the program emphasizes STEM curriculum and school culture. Discover how we aid students through academic skill previews, school familiarization, and engaging activities. Learn about our student selection process and gain insights into fostering a strong sense of belonging, which we believe enhances academic success.