the gscs COMMUNICATOR

Week of January 24-28, 2011
the Griffin-Spalding County School System staff e-newsletter
published by the school & community services department

the gscs

COMMUNICATOR

system-wide straight talk

Positive Behavior Support...

a message from Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones

Dr. Curtis Jones Is it working here?

Truthfully, I don't know. I don't know if Positive Behavior Support is working as well as we hoped it would. I do know that it's being implemented differently throughout the system and achieving different levels of success.

Preliminary data is starting to show that it is having a positive effect. One indicator recently brought to my attention was the decline of number of students who have gone through a tribunal this year. At this point, we've had 25 fewer tribunals than we had at this time last year. That's a significant reduction! It's statistically significant no matter how you look at it. As I look at the number of students referred to the office, that number is down too. The number of office referrals is a leading indicator of how many students might go to a tribunal.

Could it be argued that schools are not reporting students to the office and that discipline problems are being covered up?
I hope not.

I hope that no one is attempting to make their school look better by not referring students for disciplinary reasons. Truthfully, that won't work in the long run. If students know they can get away with disciplinary issues, they'll go farther and farther because boundaries have not been established.

Rather, I hope we are taking advantage of Positive Behavior Support to teach students the proper behavior. After all, if we're here to see students graduate, we need them in school and not at tribunals. If we want to increase our graduation rate, we need to have fewer students expelled.

I'd like your input.

How do you think Positive Behavior Support is being implemented at your school?

We're all equally a part of Positive Behavior Support. Have a conversation with your colleagues and your principals, and if you would like, send me an email. I'd be interested in knowing your thoughts. I thank you in advance for your response, and have a good weekend!

Curtis

Daring to do Better!

In December, Kennedy Road Middle School students had lunch with their principal, Dr. Brenda Ford, for exhibiting good behavior.

Parent University

Thursday, January 27, 2011
GSCS Learning Center (Central Office) 5:30pm

G-S parents can view their child's grades online

With student report cards just released for first semester, Griffin-Spalding County School System staff wants parents to know they can view not only the paper copy of grades but also see their child's grades that have been posted online.

Josh Griffis, Director of Administrative Technology which includes the student information system, Infinite Campus, said, "Parents can create an account to view their child's grades online. The Infinite Campus Parent Portal gives each parent the opportunity to have a single login to view confidential information about their child. This information includes not only grades but also attendance, teacher contacts, school notices and standardized test scores.

"Parents of middle and high school students can see their child's class schedule and view grades that have been posted for daily grades, tests, and homework in addition to semester grades."

Almost 40% of parents already have accounts to view their child's grades.

Griffis continued, "Parents can create their own username and password by accessing the school system website, www.spalding.k12.ga.us.

If parents need assistance or access to a computer, they can find resources at their child's school through the office staff or the parent liaison who serves the school."

Preview the Board of Education

Please click here to preview the Board of Education meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 25, 2011.

Partner in Education hosts field trip

MRE Vulcan Materials

Moreland Road Elementary School's Partner in Education Vulcan Materials hosted the school's entire 3rd grade on Tuesday, December 7, 2010, for a field trip to the Griffin Quarry.

Students were able to expand their knowledge of rocks and minerals by visiting an actual quarry. They learned about the many uses of granite, and were able to take granite samples as souvenirs. Students were also able to observe the process that granite goes through before it is sold.

Click here for our non-discrimination statement

Elizabeth Benz, Editor
Griffin-Spalding County School System

In This Issue

Positive Behavior Support

Parent University

View grades online

Preview the Board of Education Meeting

Employees

of the Week

Anne Street

Kim Giddens

She is dedicated to her students and works hard to fulfill the mission and vision of our school.

Atkinson

LaTesa Parker

for creating a basketball challenge for 5th grade students using Science standards - Awesome!

Beaverbrook

Anne Clark

She organizes so many things that are vital to our school. Her hard work and love is children is easily seen and appreciated by all.

Cowan Road

Joan Hobbs

Christine Ray

For leading our school through the STEEP process. For cooperatively working with all staff members as we meet the needs of our students. Committed to seeking out what works for students.

Crescent

Betsy Walker

1st grade teacher
For being a leader and implementing effective "no excuses" instruction in her classroom. Her excitement about learning new things and implementing new ideas is infectious. We all love Mrs. Walker!!!!

Futral Road

Shelley Wilborn

MOID Teacher
She is always dependable and caring and helps her students achieve at their highest level.

Jackson Road

Amy Brown

5th grade teacher
for coordinating Student Treasures Hardback Published Books for our school. What a wonderful experience for students, parents and school! Thanks for all of your hard work Amy!!

Jordan Hill

Dashia Josey

5th Grade Math
She is a dedicated, hardworking teacher who is an active participant in Professional Learning activities, does an outstanding job with ALEKS, and is always willing to step up as a leader.

Moore

Dr. Melissa Johnson

School Social Worker
Dr. "J" is effective, dependable, assertive, knowledgeable, nurturing and most importantly, a super teacher. Dr. Johnson is an integral part of our staff as she assists us in problem solving, securing needed resources for our students and parents, and helping to bridge the home school connection. Because of her support and expertise, Moore continues to be a high performing school

Moreland Road

Dottie Huckaby

5th Grade Math Teacher
Dottie is a very successful math teacher here at Moreland Road. Her hard work and dedication to her children is greatly appreciated.

Orrs

Colleen Passmore
Tammie Williams
Karen Grobbelaar
Paige Samples
Regina Hendricks

for their dedication to good planning and having high expectations for all their students.

Carver Road

Kristine Flake

Special ed teacher & cheerleading coach
for her continued selfless acts of giving her time and energy to our cheerleaders without ever asking for anything in return. A heartfelt thank you for your dedication over the years!

Cowan Road

Terri Sherrard

Transition coach
for tracking progress of students to ensure they are on track for promotion/graduation

Kennedy Road

Meredith Byrd

for her commitment and flexibility in regard to student achievement. Her team work has helped us to better prepare 6th grade for receiving math instruction.

Rehoboth Road

Christine Spear for her organization and work for effective implementation of Bridge Bill 411

Griffin High

Kelly Bohannon

for her outstanding leadership, loyalty, and service to the GHS students and staff

Spalding High

Kristen Ahrens

for her dedication to the science department and the teachers in it by providing resources for their classes. Also, Mrs. Ahrens heads up the GHP program for SHS which provides recognition and a venue for our most talented students to display their skills.

Mainstay Academy

Fiesta Kagler

Shicola Thomas

Shirley Stephens

for coming into work over the Christmas holidays to distribute donated gifts for students

Nutrition

Marcus Burks

Nutrition Worker
Orrs Outstanding team player willing to work beyond regular schedule. Recently worked at GHS on the floor improvement project

Transportation

Larry Eady

Bus 06-77
Excellent driver with over 25 years of experience. Larry's consistency and dependability make him a valuable asset to the transportation department.

Central Office

Ashley Crawford

Dr. Cynthia Anderson
Laura Youmans

Curriculum Directors
for assisting with the PIE and Education Foundation grant process