School systems boast high graduation rates
Both local school systems recently released their most recent graduation rates.
Gordon County Schools four-year graduation rate has improved to 97% in 2021, 13.3 percentage points higher than the state of Georgia’s average score of 83.7%, according to the system.
Calhoun’s graduation rate has risen significantly from 67.1% in 2005 to 85.28% in 2011 to its most recent rate of 100%. In 2010, CCS cast the vision to have a 100% graduation rate by 2020, according to school officials.
“We are extremely proud of our graduates and commend our teachers and staff who work tirelessly to meet the needs of all of our students,” said Superintendent Michele Taylor.” Dr. Coombe and his staff went above and beyond to connect with students to make sure that they all were successful ... Calhoun High School is committed to continuing their efforts to ensure all students graduate. With the focus on our students, our people, our organization and our community, we can make that happen.”
The Gordon County Schools graduation rate is an increase from 93.5% achieved by the Class of 2020, according to new reports released today from the Georgia Department of Education.
“I continue to be proud of the standard of excellence provided in the classroom by our administrators, teachers, and support staff,” said county Superintendent Kimberly Fraker. “As a system, we remain dedicated to providing quality instruction to all Gordon County Schools students and striving towards individualized academic progress and overall success.”
the disease, such as hospitalization and death,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. “The available data suggest waning immunity in some populations who are fully vaccinated. The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”
At the same time, the FDA has also approved the usage of heterologous or “mix-andmatch” booster shots. This means that those who are eligible may receive a booster dose of any of the three vaccines authorized for use in the United States, regardless of the brand of their first dose.
“We are also taking action today to include the use of mix and match boosters to address this public health need,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “We will work to accrue additional
data as quickly as possible to further assess the benefits and risks of the use of booster doses in additional populations and plan to update the healthcare community and public with our determination in the coming weeks.”
Booster shots for the Johnson and Johnson vaccine are approved for those 18 and older, and can be administered two months after the initial vaccination. Booster shots for Pfizer and Moderna are given to individuals in a few authorized categories beginning six months after their original vaccination.
A new study from the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shows the efficacy of vaccination in children aged 12-18. The study focused on children in that age group who were admitted to hospitals with COVID-19 infections.
The study indicated that 97% of children that were hospitalized were unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. Of the vaccinated children in the study, none were admitted to the ICU or placed on life support.
Overall, the result of the study showed that vaccination decreased the likelihood of an individual aged 12-18 being admitted to the hospital for a COVID-19 infection by 93%.
Data from the Georgia Department of Public Health shows that 41% of Gordon County residents have had at least one dose of the vaccine, while 37% are fully vaccinated. Statewide, 55% of residents have had at least one dose while 49% are fully vaccinated.
Countrywide, 66% of the population have had at least one dose and around 57% have been fully vaccinated. Of the eligible population 12 and older, those numbers rise to 77% and 67%, respectively.
To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine or booster appointment, log on to dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine or call 888-457-0186 for the Health Department Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line. The Gordon County Health Department, 310 N. River Street, Calhoun, is now offering flu shots on a walk-in basis.