Marietta City Schools Launches Podcast Service

1. The Marietta City Schools recently launched a new podcasting service—MCaSts—as part of the district’s ongoing effort to promote and market the teaching and learning going on in the city schools. Thomas Algarin, director of communication and information, said the district hopes to produce at least two new podcasts each semester.

In addition to the MCaSts Podcast Service, Marietta City Schools has an MCS Facebook fan page and an interactive online school tour. MCaSts podcasts can be accessed via iTunes, Zune, My Yahoo, Google and at ipodder.org. The district Web site at www.marietta-city.org offers a treaming video, widgets, direct access to the district's weekly @Home e-newsletter, and RSS news feeds.

2. The is amid a national reaccreditation process, which includes on-site assessments and public comments. As part of the process, Cobb residents can submit comments from 1 to 3 p.m. today by calling 770-590-5581. Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the department's ability to comply with Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (CALEA) standards.

A copy of the standards is available at headquarters. If you would like to submit written comments, send them to: Program Manager Steve Mitchell, Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (CALEA) 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, VA 20155. For information, contact Cobb 911 accreditation manager, Kathy Strickland, at 770-528-3829.

3. Kristin Hanfland, a social worker for , , , the Performance Learning Center at Woods-Wilkins and to the school district at large is the Marietta City School District's employee of the month. Hanfland was recently named the 2011 Georgia School Social Worker of the Year, the highest statewide honor awarded school social workers in this state.

4.  The Community Relations Council meets at 6 p.m. today at the Cobb County Central Library.

5. Passover begins at sundown today. To keep track of the days of this Jewish celebration, go here.