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Griffin-Spalding
County Schools
Old password: lamb
New password: boardwalk
This new password is effective August 31, 2010, and is valid until January 4, 2011.
Remember, passwords must be entered in lowercase characters.
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What a week!
 a message from Superintendent
Dr. Curtis Jones Last Sunday, the day before school started, my wife, daughter and I were returning from Virginia where our daughter will begin medical school on Monday, August 9th. As we were returning home, I was thinking not about the first few days of school that were about to come for us, but rather I was thinking about the following weekend. On August 7th, my youngest son is getting married - the first of our children to do so! So, in one case we are getting our daughter prepared for medical school, in the other our son is about to get married, and in between those two weekends are the first days of school. What an exciting week!
Between Open House and the first day of school, I have visited every school. What I have seen has been exciting! I have seen you implementing and living the Griffin-Spalding County School System values.
C - Competency
I visited two math classes - one in high school and one in elementary. I saw the teachers demonstrating math competency that was simply amazing. In one case, I knew the teacher had been to the math endorsement statistics class over the summer. It was good seeing increased math competency based on the math endorsement - which we know is important.
O - Open Communication
Later, I was in another classroom and the teacher was informing students they were going to become a learning community and would have to learn to trust one another. Part of that is being transparent and so this teacher modeled what she meant. She spoke about her life experiences, who she is, how she got into teaching, and why teaching is important to her. What a great example of open communication between the teacher and the students!
L - Loyalty
In another case, I heard a conversation among some classified staff about the upcoming Republican runoff for governor. They were discussing the impact on public education and what it means to us. I am able to associate this with our value of loyalty - loyalty not only to one another and to all GSCS schools, but also loyalty to public education.
D - Defined Autonomy
As I visited classrooms, I looked to see if the GSCS strategy map had been displayed and in some cases I saw it. I heard a couple teachers explaining how they were going to conduct their classrooms as far as classroom management, rules, and structures are concerned. This idea of defined autonomy came through. They were demonstrating they are in charge of their classrooms, but they also realize that they are part of the school. Positive Behavior Interventions and Support is a great example of this, and I saw different schools implementing PBIS this very first week.
R - Respect
I was able to sit in on a couple of teacher meetings where teachers were able to say to one another, "Yeah, we're going to issue lockers and this is how I do it," and others said, "Well, that doesn't quite work". While they disagreed, they were respectful in how they communicated and talked to one another.
We're continuing to work with students enrolling late. We continue to balance classes. And yes, we even had some problems getting district benchmarks conducted this week. But all that is to be expected - things don't always go according as planned. The key is we're working together to solve them.
Our values are in place and are being demonstrated not only by what we say but by what we do. I saw COL DR throughout the system, and it gave me continued optimism about this year.
We're off to a good start.
So, thank you for a great week. I dare you to make next week better.
-- "COL DR" |
Open house day through the eyes of a school board member
A special message from District 5 Board of Education Member
James A. "Pete" Graham |
 As one of your board members, I was very pleased with everything I saw and experienced during Open House on Thursday, July 29. I am convinced that we have the best school system team any community could have. Everyone is dedicated, committed, and willing to do whatever it takes to give all children an excellent education in a safe environment.
I'm thankful to be a part of this learning community. I want to thank everyone in our system for all they do for our children, while continuing to grow themselves in training and knowledge so they to can "Dare to Be Better," and help our children be all they can be!
Here are just a few things I saw during Open House which made me proud to be one of your board of education members:
- Buildings, lawns, and playgrounds were fresh, clean, and easily accessible. All individual classrooms were clean, well lit, completely stocked and ready, inviting students to come in.
- There was excitement through each building and classroom, with a particular focus on academics. Principals, staff, and teachers greeted everyone with smiles, encouragement, and enthusiasm for the new school year.
- Even though it was a hectic time, all GSCS personnel were clearly visible, professional, courteous, congenial, and helpful.
- Schools were set up and organized to make it easy for parents and students to take care of what they needed to take care of.
I heard lots of good comments, and from my perspective, parents and students seemed pleased with their school visits and are looking forward to a great year! |
| A change in your paycheck
a message from Ryan McLemore, Director of Accounting |
As part of the FY11 Adopted Budget, all employees' salaries will reflect decreased number of work days because of the new work schedule adjustment.
The reduction in pay for these days will be spread out over twelve checks. The new rate of pay was reflected in the July check for twelve month employees. The new rate of pay will be reflected in the August check for eleven month employees and the September check for ten month employees. |
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Elizabeth Benz, COMMUNICATOR Editor
Griffin-Spalding County School System
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