| Join Our List
|
|
|
|
 a message from our superintendent,
Dr. Curtis Jones This 36th week of school is the one we've all been looking forward to.
-
It's time to celebrate. This is a happy time.
-
We've finished classroom instruction.
-
We've finished standardized testing.
-
We're starting to recognize students for their academic achievements.
-
Banquets are occurring.
-
Field trips are coming to an end.
This is the week of celebration. It's the time when we stop, reflect and celebrate. I encourage all of you to take the time to do so.
-
We should be proud of our efforts this year which made it a success.
-
We should be proud of our students, the growth they have made, and the achievements they have accomplished.
Enjoy this week of graduation. I invite you to attend graduation and see the students with whom you've worked with walk the field.
Many of you are aware of our safety concerns. Rest-assured, we are working hard on our plan to make the baccalaureate service and graduation ceremonies safe for everyone.
These are going to be events we can be proud of.
Please talk with your administrators about the safety measures we are putting into place. I think you'll be comfortable with the decisions we've made together.
If you can join us for any graduation ceremony, you can be a part of making it a safe activity. Wear your badge and represent our school system. Together, let's make this a great event for our students and their families.
Of all my messages to you in the gscs COMMUNICATOR, last week's column received more feedback than any other. I thank those of you who sent me responses.
We all have success stories from this year. This week gives us an opportunity to reflect on those and more. So enjoy the week... I dare you to have fun!
|
| Extra security measures in place for Griffin High and Spalding High graduations | |
Because of recent incidences of violence in the Griffin-Spalding area, the Griffin-Spalding County School System is taking extra precautions to plan a safe and joyous graduation time for seniors and their families at Griffin High School and Spalding High School.
Graduation ceremonies and the Baccalaureate service will be ticketed events this year. Though the events require tickets, there is no charge for them.
Baccalaureate
The first event for graduates and their families will be Baccalaureate on Wednesday, May 26, at 7:00 pm at First Assembly of God Church. The service is a combined one to include both high schools.
- Tickets for family members of graduates will be distributed to graduates at their high school by school personnel.
- Griffin-Spalding County School System employees must wear their school-issued badge in order to attend.
Commencement Exercises
Tickets are required for the graduation ceremonies. The Spalding High School graduation is scheduled for Friday, May 28, 8:00 pm at Memorial Stadium. The Griffin High School graduation is scheduled for Saturday, May 29, at 9:00 am at Memorial Stadium.
- Graduating seniors are to request tickets for the Memorial Stadium graduation from their school for family members and friends.
- Tickets are available at the schools to underclassmen.
- Griffin-Spalding County School System employees must wear their school-issued badge in order to attend.
Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones said, "In addition to tickets, those attending the ceremonies can expect a larger-than normal law enforcement presence in and around Memorial Stadium, more tightly controlled traffic patterns, and wand handheld metal detectors available for use. We are serious with our intent for high school graduation to be a safe school event for our seniors and their families." |
| A. Z. Kelsey Academy commencement to be held in Griffin Auditorium to accommodate largest graduating class ever | | |
A. Z. Kelsey Academy's commencement will be in the Griffin Auditorium to accommodate its largest graduating class and their families.
What: A. Z. Kelsey Academy Spring Commencement
Where: Griffin Auditorium (234 East Taylor Street)
When: Friday, May 28, 2010, 9:30am
"With twelve seniors graduating, this is the largest graduating class in our school's history," said A. Z. Kelsey Academy principal Dr. Quimby Melton. "With twice as many graduates this spring than at previous ceremonies, we needed a larger venue. Having the ceremony in the Griffin Auditorium will take our graduation to a new level. We are proud of each and every graduate!" |
| Graduation videos to be available to Class of 2010 | | |
For only $5 each, graduation videos will be available to members of the Class of 2010. Seniors will be given video order forms during their commencement practice.
Payments must be made by either cash or money order. CLICK HERE for an order form.
"We are pleased that we can provide this value-added service for our graduates," said Anna Burns, Director of School and Community Services.
She continued, "All of our graduates and their families can enjoy a quality video of graduation filmed on the field." |
| Free summer school to be offered to students in grades 3, 5, and 8 | | |
Free summer school, beginning June 7, is being offered to all 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade students scoring a Level 1 on the reading and/or math sections of the CRCT. This academic instruction will follow current end-of-year instructional support and the CRCT retests.
The free summer school will provide children with support in key academic areas to help him/her succeed during the next school year.
Academic information will be collected on participating students to assist with grade placement for the 2010-2011 school year.
Transportation and snacks for participants will be provided during summer school, which starts Monday, June 7 and concludes on Wednesday, June 30 (Monday-Thursday only).
Denise Burrell, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, said, "Even though Level 1 students will have already taken the CRCT retest, it is very important they come for this instructional support so that they are prepared for the next year. It is our hope that current Level 1 students will conclude these sessions with improved academic skills. We are grateful that we have specially designated federal funds to cover the cost."
For more information, parents are encouraged to contact their child's teacher or principal. |
| School system recognized for excellence in financial reporting | | | The International Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) has recognized the Griffin-Spalding County School System for "Excellence in Financial Reporting" for its FY09 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
In a letter to Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones, ASBO's Executive Director John Musso said, "This award represents a very significant achievement and reflects your commitment to the highest standards of school system financial reporting by preparing a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The Griffin-Spalding County School System validated the credibility of the school system's operations and measured the integrity and technical competence of the business staff."
Assistant Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Jim Smith said, "We are pleased that ASBO has recognized us for this 5th year in a row. Financial management and reporting is vital to our operations, and this recognition tells our stakeholders and taxpayers that their money is being properly managed and that the school system's reports are exact."
The school system's report in its entirety can be seen on its website on the Finance page in the Accountability section. |
| Four local middle school students' achievement recognized by Duke University | | |
Through its Talent Identification Program, Duke University has recognized four local middle school students for academic excellence.
-
Kaitlin Chambers - Carver Road Middle School
-
Madison Smith - Carver Road Middle School
-
Jerico Thompson - Kennedy Road Middle School
-
Mary Ellen Cole - Rehoboth Road Middle School
Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Director of Middle School Curriculum for the Griffin-Spalding County School System, said, "The Duke TIP program is a nationally recognized and prestigious program. These students demonstrated a high level of achievement the SAT or ACT. They have worked hard and are achieving. We are very proud of them." |
| Spalding High School student wins big at International Science & Engineering Fair | |  Spalding High School junior Lauren Marie Cook won the $8,000 Tuition Scholarship from the Office of Naval Research during last week's International Science and Engineering Fair in San Jose, California. Her project, Plant Tissue Culture: Screening of Blueberries' Vulnerability to Bacterial Leaf Scorch Disease, had already taken first place at school, regional, and state science fairs. The international competition featured 1,611 high school exhibits.
"We are very proud of Miss Cook," said her principal Derrell Jeffcoat. "She has worked very hard on this project and she deserves this award." |
| Public invited to SHS to see textbooks under review by GDOE | | |
From June 28 to July 15, 2010, the public is invited to Spalding High School to review textbooks, learning resources, and instructional materials currently being considered by the Georgia Department of Education's 2010 Learning Resources Advisory Committee.
These materials cover K-12 Fine Arts, K-12 Social Studies, K-12 Health & Physical Education, and Grades 9-12 Advanced Mathematical Decision Making Courses.
There is one review site for each Congressional District, and Spalding High School is one of 13 throughout the state.
For additional questions, please contact Spalding High School Assistant Principal Teisha Waller at 770-229-3775. |
| Tiffany Campbell named Atkinson Elementary assistant principal for 2010-11 | | |
During their called meeting on Thursday, May 20, 2010, the board of education named Tiffany Campbell as assistant principal for Atkinson Elementary School.
Prior to this appointment, she was the instructional math coach at West Clayton Elementary School in College Park, Georgia. She received her Masters in Educational Leadership at Mercer University and her Bachelor's in Elementary Education at Dillard University in New Orleans, LA. |
|
STAY INFORMED!
a message from Elizabeth Benz, COMMUNICATOR Editor
We will continue to email the gscs COMMUNICATOR to you during the summer.
You may also access our e-newsletter by simply visiting the GSCS website. Look for COMMUNICATOR in Staff Resources.
|
|
|
