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Residential project to occupy location on Upper Hembree You may have noticed a certain tab on Appen Media’s website titled “Ask a Question.” At Appen, community engagement is essential, and we want to answer your questions. Here are a few recent inquiries we can answer for you.
FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD/PROVIDED
Amy Bartlett, associate superintendent of teaching & learning, addresses Forsyth County School Board members on a policy restricting students’ electronic devices during a June 17 meeting.
Forsyth County Schools prohibits phones in class By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County School Board approved a policy banning students from using electronic devices during school hours. The policy requires phones, smart watches and tablets to be stowed away and turned off during the school day. Students may use devices on buses, at bus stops and on campus before and after school. High school students are allowed to use devices during lunch. School Board Chairman Mike Valdes said the
policy strikes a balance between students’ independence and creating a distraction-free learning environment. “They work. They have lives,” he said. “They are learning to be responsible and be functional adults in society.” At a June 17 meeting, board members unanimously approved the policy, which follows the passage of a state law mandating bans on students’ devices. Staff worked on the policy for months before presenting it to board members for a vote.
What will replace the old Whole Foods on Upper Hembree Road in Alpharetta? A 149-home subdivision is planned at the site that once hosted a Whole Foods office. Empire Communities is developing the project on 19.32 acres at 1180 Upper Hembree Road near Harris Road. Plans call for multilevel homes and recreational amenities. The property was used as a corporate office and distribution center for Whole Foods. It once featured a 145,000-square-foot building and 588-stall parking lot. Until 2014, it was a Harry’s Farmers Market. Offices and neighborhoods now surround the site. What is the location of the proposed Johns Creek Performing Arts Center? The City of Johns Creek plans to build the Performing Arts Center in the Town Center area at 11315 Lakefield Drive. The almost 6-acre property lies between City Hall and a multistory office. The center would be a part of the Town Center area, which is envisioned as a walkable area that will include The Boardwalk community area and Medley mixed-use project. City officials have described the center as a recreational and cultural game changer. It is intended to serve as a home for the arts and a destination for residents.
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