the gscs COMMUNICATOR

Weeks of April 18 - 29, 2011

the Griffin-Spalding County School System's employee e-newsletter

published by the school & community services department

COMMUNICATOR

a message from Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones

Students, teachers and parents are all well aware that the CRCT has been given throughout the system. "In some ways", as I was told by a parent, "it feels good. First of all, there's no homework. Most importantly, we get to see what we've been able to accomplish this school year. The life lesson is some things that are worth having, like success on the CRCT, are worth waiting for." Some things you have to prepare for. CRCT is one of those. From August to March we have been preparing and students are learning the lesson that consistent hard work and effort leads to success on the CRCT.

Some students are learning another lesson. In some cases, students have had what I'd call "a meltdown". They didn't prepare themselves, or they just couldn't deal with the pressure. In every instance, I observed teachers, principals, assistant principals, and proctors demonstrating love and care for them. You've helped them regroup and return to finish the test.

Many people say what you need in a school is a caring adult for every child. From my observations this past week, we have that in you, and I thank you.

We will continue with testing after the break with end-of-course tests at the high school level. I'm confident that the students will do well.

But in between we are going to have spring break. I hope you planned what it is you want to do, I hope you do what you've planned, and that you enjoy your break.

A Dare to Do Better for the Superintendent
Before I sign off this week, I do want to tell you that I need your help. As you know our school system is the largest employer in Spalding County and one of our strategic objectives is to partner with the community. You are doing that in many ways by helping with and contributing to Relay for Life, United Way, and other charities. Many of you have given internally to the Griffin-Spalding Education Foundation's Teachers Giving to Teachers which provided for the scholarships awarded this week.

I have been asked to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association this year, and I've agreed by "going to jail" and attempting to raise $2,000 for this worthwhile campaign. I'd like for you to help me.

This is a unique and rewarding event. I'll be "put in jail" (in the Opera House here in Griffin) at 1pm on Wednesday, May 18th . Between now and then, I've been asked to raise $2,000 "in bail".

I'm asking every school and system-level department to put together a collection jar, and let's see if we can come up with that amount. I'd appreciate your support.

Think of it this way.

$30 provides an annual flu shot for a student,
$74 provides for one minute of research,
$100 provides one support group session,
$150 provides for one physical, occupational or respiratory therapy session,
$300 provides the professional fees related to initial diagnostic work up at an MDA clinic,
$500 provides maintenance on a wheelchair or leg braces, and
$800 sends one child to MDA Summer Camp for a week at Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia.

We can make a difference! While I've always asked you to dare to do better, I'm asking that you help me to dare to do better in helping our community in this effort. Thanks much, and enjoy your break!

Griffin Spalding Education Foundation awards scholarships to teachers