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the gscs
COMMUNICATOR
system-wide straight talk |
What a way to start 2011!
a message from Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones
As we finished 2010, we had a lot to be proud of. As we experience 2011, we have many challenges and many great opportunities. I, like you, am looking forward to this year. I can't think of a better way to start 2011 than with the Growth Opportunity Day that we had on Tuesday, January 4.
GSCS employees came together on that day in four different locations to take advantage of unique learning opportunities. Let me share:
Teachers attending the sessions hosted at Griffin High listened to speakers from across the state - in fact, some of the speakers were national presenters. Teachers learned more about differentiated instruction, working with students with disabilities in subjects such as mathematics, reading, language arts, and science. It was a great day!
While certified employees were working hard at GHS, classified employees (custodians, secretaries, clerks, etc.) at the Taylor Street Campus received instruction from community partners. They heard from the Georgia School Boards Association about risk management and from the Spalding Regional Medical Center about how to better take care of ourselves. These topics will help them improve their capacity to better support students.
In the Taylor Street Achievement Center kitchen, our nutrition workers learned new recipes and ways of cooking foods that are nutritious and healthy for our students. A great opportunity and performance there as well!
But what was happening in and around the Taylor Street campus was also equal to what was happening at the Spalding County Health Department where social workers, counselors, intervention specialists, and graduation coaches worked with DFACS and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. To be truthful, I was intending to just stop by the health department for 10 to 15 minutes but got so engrossed into the conversation DFACS was having with our counselors that I lost track of time. The conversation about better working together for students in foster care and helping some of our most at-risk students was engaging!
When more than 750 of our employees voluntarily come together to increase individual capacities to improve student achievement, it's a great day!
It was a great day because of the hard work of individuals throughout our system. They pulled this professional conference together for all of us - and I can't thank them enough!
You did it!
You know it's always easy to say we'll do these things and that we'll continue to dare to do better, but on this growth opportunity day, so many of you took those words "Dare to do Better" and put them into action. Because of that, we are a better organization, and we will continue to grow and improve. Thank you very much, and welcome back!
--Curtis
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The adventure of designing and pulling off Growth Opportunity Day
a message from Valerie Mercer, Director of Teacher Quality |
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Thank you to all who attended the January 4, 2011 Growth Opportunity Day. If you were a participant, I hope that you had a day of learning information and skills that you can use in your professional setting served up with gracious hospitality. If you were not able to join us, please look for a special "wrap up" website of the day's resources that we are compiling and publishing very soon!
What an endeavor!
Professional learning event planning must be a true team endeavor for successful implementation, and there are so many people who went above and beyond their assigned duties for the day to make it a true success. I believe we are blessed to work in this school system, and I am grateful to work under the leadership of Col. Dr. Curtis Jones, who understands that professional learning is paramount to achievement of a school system.
It all started with one person's inspiration.
Thank you to all who did so much - there are too many individuals to name here, but they taught, facilitated, prepared, and cleaned up to make Growth Opportunity Day an accomplishment! Even though there are too many individual names to mention, this is a great opportunity to spotlight Ashley Mauser McLemore, our Federal Programs Director. It was Ashley's idea to pursue January 4, 2011, as a possible daily wage professional learning opportunity, and it was a pleasure to work with her to make that happen. She spent time during her holiday break making name tags, sign in sheets, room signs, and more. She is the consummate professional, and I'm honored to work with her!
Special Credit Thank you to my colleagues in the Division of Teaching and Learning who know how to make events happen by pouring tea, facilitating sessions, choosing and setting up rooms, arranging presenters, and even undertaking bathroom duties when needed. A lot of behind-the-scenes work happened on January 3 to make Growth Opportunity Day on January 4 a reality.
A special thank you to Keith Simmons, Griffin High School's principal for being such an integral part of the day. Connie Gill particularly worked tirelessly behind the scenes - even making trips to Wal-Mart when we ran out of coffee for 450 people at Griffin High School. So many served as facilitators, and they were congenial hostesses and hosts to our presenters - thank you. There were many who served on the Better-Seeking Team to consider the details of the Growth Opportunity Day - thank you to all who served.
A special thank you to Stephanie Dobbins and the staff of Human Resources as they facilitated the classified agenda that we worked to develop. Donna Parks and Mary Ramsaier made special days of learning happen for groups they work with, and I am most appreciative.
Finally, know that Tuesday's lunch was a true coordination of corporate efforts. The two local Chick-Fil-A stores were outstanding in delivering their service and products to 750 people in three different locations. The Truett's and Chick-Fil-A Dwarf House staff members who catered did an outstanding job! Lisa Jones and Connie Gill worked tirelessly to arrange for all of us to have lunch that day. Lunches were courtesy of the very kind corporate generosity of NetPlanners, Inc., the University of Georgia, PAGE, Pieces of Learning, and Scholastic.
Sincerely, Valerie
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Over 750 GSCS employees participate in Growth Opportunity Day
(The official news release.) |
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To kick off the second semester, on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, the Griffin-Spalding County School System hosted "Growth Opportunity Day". Over 750 employees voluntarily attended this first-ever professional learning conference funded by federal grants, corporate sponsors, and designated state funds.
Growth Opportunity Day was organized and hosted by the Griffin-Spalding County School System for employees of all designations. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, from student learning and achievement to professional ethical issues to workplace safety.
Organizations throughout the community, such as the Spalding Regional Medical Center, GEMA, Spalding County Health Department, DFACS, Griffin RESA, and more partnered with the school system to provide additional learning opportunities.
"All employees were invited to participate, and those who did attend received a day's pay. We had bus drivers, custodians, nutrition professionals, secretaries, clerks, paraprofessionals, teachers, principals and district administrators attend the conference. Every job type in the school system was represented," said event coordinator, Valerie Mercer, who is the Director of Teacher Quality for the Griffin-Spalding County School System.
She continued, "It's very exciting that so many employees wanted to take this opportunity to improve themselves so that they could better serve the children of Spalding County."
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For Winter Weather Announcements:
Please listen to local radio stations
WKEU 1450AM, WHIE 1320AM, 88.9FM, or WEKS 92.5FM or watch Atlanta TV news.
You may also get information on the Griffin-Spalding County School System website, www.spalding.k12.ga.us. Preview the January 11, 2011
Board of Education Meeting - Click here!
For Galileo Access:
When accessing GALILEO from within our school system, a password is not necessary. The password should only be needed if accessing GALILEO from home or from outside of the school system. Griffin-Spalding County Schools New password: acting Effective: 01/04/2011 This password will be valid until 03/24/2011. Remember, passwords must be entered in all lowercase characters. GALILEO Homepage: http://www.galileo.usg.edu GALILEO Kids' Page: http://kids.galileo.usg.edu
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Employees of the Month
Chandra Bell, Teacher
Carver Road Middle School
Matthew Parks, Custodian
Griffin High School
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Employees of
the Week
Anne Street
Yvonne Harris &
Kelly Moody
They developed a school wide PBIS lesson for our staff to implement the first week back to school. They also trained the entire staff on how to use the plan and the procedures to make the lesson successful. Thank you for taking the initiative to make our students and school a better place.
Atkinson
Frances Wyche &
Beverly Smith
thanks for your assistance with 1st Semester Student Recognition Awards Day Program.
Beaverbrook
Mary Anne Lusk
She does a great job keeping our school clean.
Cowan Road Elem
Karen Stanfield
EBD Self-Contained Teacher
Takes special care to focus on the educational and emotional needs of each student by promoting achievement and self-esteem
Crescent Road
Connie Harpe
Kindergarten parapro
For stepping in when help was needed at a crucial time. Connie is also very friendly and works well with others. She is caring and loving toward her students.
Futral Road
Christy Fuller
School Nurse
for taking excellent care of our student and staff medical needs as well as maintaining all necessary records for student attendance
Jackson Road
Bobby Stroud, Custodian
a hard-working, dedicated employee whose team-player spirit shines through. He is an employee with a positive attitude and excellent work ethic! Thanks for all you do Bobby!
Jordan Hill
Kathy Goldstein
EIP Teacher
Very supportive and always willing to help both students and teachers; great job with READ 180; genuinely cares about her students
Moore
Kendra Banks
for being an effective teacher and a great leader. She serves in several capacities such as Leadership Chair, Yearbook Advisor Coordinator, 2nd Grade Chair, Literacy Committee, and on the Math committee. She is a former TOTY and has always been "on top" of her game. We appreciate her dedication!
Moreland Road
Elisha Elias
Special Ed Teacher
She works very hard with her children as well as going above and beyond staying after school with our PBIS Student Committee.
Orrs
Charlie McDowell
for being someone you can always count on to get the job done
Carver Road Middle
Dr. Gloria Brown (API) & Pam Davis (instructional coach)
for sharing their knowledge and expertise on rigor and the depth of knowledge during the Growth Opportunity Day
Cowan Road Middle Administrative Support Staff- Karon White, Loria Jester, Patricia Paige, and Tina Clevenger
for maintaining and ensuring accurate reporting of enrollment, attendance, and discipline data need which is essential when addressing strategies needed to improve student achievement.
Kennedy Road Middle
Ms. Yolanda Henderson
If there's anything in the cafeteria that needs to be done, it seems that she can do it. Her invaluable skills have ensured that students move quickly through the line, and she is more than ready to jump in and help out when needed.
Rehoboth Road Middle
Blanche Rossi
for her willingness to work with all students parents, and staff to what is best for children.
Griffin High
Valerie Mercer (and the rest of T & L)
for her efforts to ensure that the GOD was a success. All of my faculty and staff commented that they were pleased and impressed with the event!
Spalding High
Yvonne Reid
for her dedication and tireless work heading up SHS's Relay for Life Campaign as well as the Blood Drive
Mainstay Academy
Scott Samson
Resource Officer
for continuous patience and creativity in assisting with student discipline and Positive Behavior Support
Nutrition
Sebrina Ledford
AZKA, Program Challenge, and the
Taylor Street Achievement Center
She works in all three kitchens each day with a great attitude and a smile. Recently worked with the training kitchen for a catered event that was extremely successful.
Transportation
Pam Hill
Bus 01-67
Runs her route efficiently and effectively every day. Deals with students, faculty, and staff in a professional manner.
Central Office
Connie Gill
for her exceptional work with Growth Opportunity Day, being the backbone of the GSCS Literacy Days, and being the glue that holds the Teaching & Learning Department together.
Kids in Action Elementary After School Program
Debra Thomas
for organizing a Christmas celebration for JH ASP children complete with games to play and gifts that she personally provided for each child.
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