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Hello, September!
a message from Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones 
We're off to a great start. The month of August was simply outstanding! I am amazed when I think about all the accomplishments you've made during this past month.
Just think about it. In August, you:
- Completed pre-planning and hosted a great open house,
- Welcomed more than 10,500 students,
- Provided schedules,
- Reassigned students and teachers based upon the new students we didn't know about,
- Conducted system-level benchmarks to determine what students knew and what they may have lost over the summer from last year, and you
- Began teaching this year's standards.
In addition:
- Positive behaviors interventions and support continued in all schools.
- Many of you went to Infinite Campus training to learn about FTE and how we can better account for all students.
- We finished the Read 180 upgrade, making it next generation.
- New teachers have been brought on board with System 44.
- Many schools have already had the first PTA/PTO meeting for parents to learn what this school year is going to bring for their students.
That's a lot; but it's what a reliable organization does.
Thinking Maps
As I've visited schools, I've seen Thinking Maps in so many different places and in so many different ways. Teachers have demonstrated how the maps allow students to process information, and students are already using the maps.
When we first heard about Thinking Maps, I was impressed, and I believed that it would be a good initiative for us. You have taken this idea and run with it, and our students are responding in different ways. 
There are two other great "end of August" events I wish to share:
The first was a very successful GHS vs. SHS football game. In the past we've had safety concerns. This year was outstanding - there's no other way of explaining it. The game was very competitive, people attended and enjoyed, and safety was a non-issue. Congratulations to all for making that ballgame and the beginning of school successful. Everyone was excited about that particular game, and I think it has helped set the tone for this year.
Second, we conducted a joint superintendent advisory council where I met with school representatives, students, parents and teachers. There are independent advisory councils for all three groups. We developed topics we'd like to discuss this school year. You should be proud of your representatives on these advisory councils. Please talk to them about we are and where we're going. I'm very excited that they are sharing their perspectives.
And finally, congratulations to Spalding High School Coach Nick Davis for winning his first Spalding High ballgame yesterday.
So all in all, the month of August - Outstanding! Better than both August 2009 and 2010! I hope you enjoy your Labor Day break and come back to make September even better! Let's Dare to Do Better!
Curtis
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The Teacher Keys Evaluation System
a message from Stephanie Dobbins, Director of Human Resources
In last week's Communicator, Dr. Jones gave an update on Race to the Top and told us Class Keys is being re-titled "Teacher Keys." This week, I would like to share more details about the Teacher Keys Evaluation system.
Teacher Keys will be a more comprehensive evaluation system than we have ever used in GSCS or in the state of Georgia. It will include an effectiveness metric called "Teacher Effectiveness Measure" (TEM) that is based on four inputs:
1) Qualitative (observation based - similar to what we are used to) which will count:
- 30% for Teachers of Tested Subjects
- 60% for Teacher of Non-Tested Subjects
2) Class-level Value-Added/Growth core will count:
- 50% for Teachers of Tested Subjects
- 0% for Teachers of Non-Tested Subjects
3) Student Achievement Gap Reduction will count:
- 10% for Teachers of Tested Subjects
- 0% for Teachers of Non-Tested Subjects
4) Other Quantitative Measures (parent and student surveys)
- 10% for Teachers of Tested Subjects
- 40% for Teachers of Non-Tested Subjects
Growth models describe students' progress and the progress of the school and school system. A growth model compares the academic performance of students between two points such as the beginning of the year and the end of the year. A value-added model establishes a relationship between growth and effectiveness.
Our pilot of Teacher Keys will begin in January 2012 and end May 2012 and will include ten (10) percent of our teachers. If you are one of the teachers selected by the GADOE to participate, then your principal will evaluate you using the current GSCS Evaluation and Teacher Keys. Teacher Keys will be implemented for all GSCS teachers in the 2012-2013 school year.
I encourage you to stay informed by reading the Race to the Top updates put out by the GADOE and by our school system. We are on the edge of positive changes that will bring great opportunities for our system to continue closing achievement gaps, increasing test scores and increasing the graduation rate. |
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You're invited to Parent University
September 8, 2011, 6pm, in the GSCS Learning Center
(216 South Sixth Street /Superintendent's Office).
Learn about Literacy and Child Development and After-School Programs.
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Come see exciting local football games
Following a great turnout for the SHS vs. GHS game Friday, August 26, (see comments on the night) spectators who are not season ticket holders may want to purchase single game tickets for the upcoming home football games.
All adult single game tickets are $8.00 whether purchased in advance or at the gate. Griffin-Spalding County School System employees must show their valid identification badge at the gate for free admittance; they do not need a ticket. Gate workers will check ID's.
The next home game for SHS is Drew High School Thursday, September 8, at 7:00 pm. Adult single game tickets will be available at the school from 8-4 Wednesday and 8-1 on Thursday. Those who purchase tickets can keep either the free taco coupon from Taco Bell or $10 off coupon at Dick's Sporting Goods as their ticket stub.
The next home game for GHS is Harris County September 9, at 7:30 pm. Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate only.
"When you purchase your ticket to enjoy the game, remember you are also helping to fund high school athletics," said Donna Parks, Acting Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services.
Other ticket prices are $6.00 for adults 62 years or older.
Griffin High School and Spalding High School students can buy one $5.00 student ticket in advance at their school.
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Employees of the Month
Central Office & Support | |
Nutrition
Marian Dansby
New Kitchen Manager at Anne Street Elementary
"We will make it work!" is her motto. During the summer break the kitchen was renovated, a new floor was one of the updates. With three days to get ready for students, Ms Dansby's "we will make it work" attitude encouraged her staff to" step up to the plate" and have everything ready for the first day of school.
Transportation
Carolyn Thornton Helping out in a pinch!
Central Office
Shelia Mincey
For doing two jobs now...continuing to be SPED director as well as Middle Grades curriculum.
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E-BOARD
Preview the Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Board of Education
meeting | |
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2011-2012
Teeachers of the Year
will be honored at the
September 6, 2011
Board of Education meeting |
Nina Ogletree
Anne Street Elementary
Audra Olukoya
Atkinson Elementary
Laura Love
Beaverbrook Elementary
Christine Ray
Cowan Road Elementary
Lisa Peeples
Crescent Elementary
Sharon Totman
Futral Road Elementary
Heather Fountain
Jackson Road Elementary
Joanna Johnson
Jordan Hill Elementary
Denise Daniels
Moore Elementary
Nicki Gore
Moreland Road Elementary
Dana Jett
Orrs Elementary
Bart Pinckney
Carver Road Middle
Kathy Duke
Cowan Road Middle
Robyn Davis
Kennedy Road Middle
Beverly Blackmon
Rehoboth Road Middle
Dawn Gatlin
Griffin High School
Michelle Purmort
Spalding High School
Autumn Barnes
A. Z. Kelsey Academy
Valeria Gladney
Taylor Street Achievement Center
Julie Neel
Mainstay Academy |
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