 Be encouraged a message from Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones
As we get ready to go on spring break, thank you for the hard work you've done this year. It's been a tough and trying year, but you have performed in an exceptionally outstanding manner. We're very proud of what has been accomplished. But, most of all, we are proud of you. Thank you for your hard work. I know that quite often we don't say it enough. Our students, schools, and community are better because of you.
As you know, we had a personnel hearing this week. As I reflect on those proceedings, there are some lessons learned that I would like to share.
1) Our system's COLDR values can help us navigate troubled waters. If competency had been used effectively, this situation would have never occurred. Sometimes when we learn about a new idea, strategy, or innovation, we implement it without fully understanding it. Sometimes, it's because we just want to go ahead and get started. More professional learning and conversation is important to ensure a more effective implementation of strategies. Competency is a leadership requirement.
2) In some ways, I believe open communication was blocked because of fear. The only way to overcome fear is to face it. Sometimes you have to use courage to say those things that need to be said. We have procedures and processes in place to help us when we are not sure what to do. Communication is one of those vital skills we have to consistently use in order to ensure that others understand what we mean and what we say. But, what we see is reality. I believe that had open communication transpired this hearing would not have been necessary.
3) Sometimes we're so committed to one another that we let that personal loyalty win over our loyalty to the system. In some ways I go back to my love of the Star Trek series... Mr. Spock had phrase he used quite often, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." In this particular case, the needs of the many were truly important. I believe that loyalty may be the most complicated value we have because we have loyalty to each other, our school, our community, and our profession. Conflict of loyalty can cause problems. When loyalty competes with open communication, it becomes complicated. I believe that a better use of loyalty could have prevented this personnel hearing.
4) I believe that if defined autonomy had been used more effectively, this personnel hearing could have been avoided. It's easy to talk about "we" and "they". Some will say, "Central Office wants to control and know everything, and they just don't understand what is happening here in the school." The same is true when you talk about the front office versus the classroom. But the truth is that each level has its own unique responsibilities, and there is a requirement for monitoring and managing. In this case, while we were trying to have defined autonomy, maybe too much autonomy was given to schools because we didn't want to be seen as dictating and having a one-size-fits-all model - and that was a problem. If you don't monitor or evaluate, then you don't know. That's why we have defined autonomy.
5) Our fifth value is respect. You can begin with a joke that at least one individual did not find funny. If I had been more sensitive to that, then this personnel hearing could have been avoided. But, it also means speaking up if there is an issue, and being respectful of the impact of our actions on others. In many ways, we can go back to the Golden Rule. Respect allows us to know how we want to be treated. It also allows us to sort through this by allowing individuals to talk through the conflict. Again, a better use of respect could have prevented the hearing.
The overall lesson is that our system values are more than an acronym. COLDR is there to guide our behavior. It keeps us from being caught up in that old trap of allowing the end to justify the means. The means are important.
This can be case study for ethics in the Griffin-Spalding County School System. It's one that we can reflect on and grow from. We will be able to move forward and be better if we truly understand how system values can govern our actions.
In closing, I want you to know that there will be no retaliation related to this situation. If you believe you are ever in a situation of retaliation, please speak to your supervisor and/or HR.
I am deeply sorry that this personnel hearing had to occur. I believe if we had practiced the system's values it could have been avoided. I apologize for the embarrassment it caused the Griffin-Spalding County School System, the community, Kennedy Road Middle School, Dr. Ford, and Ms. Ivey. It is now time to move forward.
Have a great spring break, come back refreshed and ready to finish the year.
Remain encouraged,
COLDR |
| GHS students apply math to the real world
 Students in the Griffin High School Fine Arts Academy's Math and Science classes participated in the First Annual Math and Science day around Griffin High School on April 11, 2012. Did you see them out and about in Griffin using large protractors, rulers, measuring tools and calculators analyzing and evaluating real world problems?
Just to give a few examples of the types of problems they had to figure out:
- How much concrete is needed to make the concrete pipe behind the RESA learning center on Tilney Road?
- By changing irons in your golf bag, how does that impact your golf ball path and how does this compare to what you know about quadratics?
- How far off of GMT is the clock on Hill Street, and what is the arc sector the clock is incorrect when compared to the real time?
- How many living plants can you identify using a field guide book, and can you use technology to capture your answers comparing your answer to the field guide book?
Students were really excited about applying their knowledge to real problems in Griffin. It helped students see Griffin in a more scientific and mathematical way.
The students thank the UGA Griffin Campus (Experiment Station) Electrophoresis Labs and the Griffin Country Club for giving them access to those facilities!
submitted by:
Mrs. Monica L. Laird
Mathematics, Griffin High School |
| Dr. Curtis Jones receives 2012 President's Award from Georgia School Superintendents Association
On Wednesday, April 18, at its spring meeting, the Georgia School Superintendents Association awarded the prestigious President's Award to the Griffin -Spalding County School System (GSCS) Superintendent, Dr. Curtis Jones.
In the nomination by Griffin RESA Director, Dr. Stephanie Gordy, she said, "I am fortunate to have been able to work with some of the top superintendents in the state, and the superintendent of the GSCS falls into that category. . . . . Because of his deep roots . . ., he possesses a passion for his work that goes far beyond what is normally expected of most superintendents."
The nomination cited the accomplishments that the system has made under Dr. Jones' leadership since his tenure began in 2009:
- A 6% increase in the graduation rate in two years from 68% to 74%.
- 17 of 18 schools making Adequate Yearly Progress, up from 14 schools in 2009.
- No schools in needs improvement status.
- The Teachers as Learners conference which attracted 175 teachers and national presenters.
- A January 2010 Growth Opportunity Day for professional learning that attracted 750 employees, making it the largest event of its kind in the state.
- The district selected to be among the first 26 school districts (out of 181) as a Race to the Top district.
- The district piloting a student survey of teachers as part of Georgia's revamping the teacher evaluation program
- Building the capacity of staff and developing a structured, aligned, comprehensive system for planning, monitoring, managing, improving and communicating results.
Dr. Gordy said, "Having worked in several large school systems and having the honor to lead a RESA with an FTE of 115,000, I am aware of the leadership qualities needed to maximize students' achievement and to inspire the employees of a school district. Dr. Jones possesses those qualities and many more. . . . He is a tremendous asset to the system." |
Spalding County Launches Emergency Notification System
Spalding County announces the launch of the new Emergency Notification System. The system, managed by FirstCall, provides County Residents with up to 5 different desired methods of weather alert notification of small or large-scale potential dangers. Funding for this service was obtained through a grant from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.
Spalding County is working with FirstCall Emergency Notification System to develop communications that will alert you quickly when time is of the essence. The new system will instantly notify every subscriber through whatever means you tell us you want to be connected, including: home and office phone, cell phone, text messages and email alerts. You choose which notifications you want to receive!
FirstCall will only be activated in an emergency situation where there is risk of significant harm, an urgent threat, or when general notification is needed. When such a threat occurs, a brief message will be sent to those subscribed to the system, updating them or instructing them to seek additional information from other sources. If you have any questions of whether or not a notification is legitimate or you need to replay the message, you can call 678-688-9321.
Participation in this program is voluntary, but highly encouraged.
If you do not have internet access, you can contact FirstCall anytime at 1-866-484-3264 to record your information. Your contact information will remain protected and confidential.
Spalding County Communications Systems Manager Mike Windham noted that the initial database will consist of information from the white pages, but encourages all to register to customize their contact information and choose which notifications you wish to receive.
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 Teacher Scholarships Available
Scholarships for certified teachers seeking additional or higher certifications or degrees will be offered through a competitive process by the Griffin Spalding Partners in Education Board of Directors.
Funds are available because of the Teachers Giving to Teachers campaign and the annual golf tournament.
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Employee of the Month
High Schools
Griffin High School
Mary Brown
She has worked hard as our SIG coordinator to assist the school with various components of implementing the grant. she was on hand recently during our audit. Ms. Brown puts in extra hours to ensure tasks are complete and she is always professional. Thank you, Ms. Brown, for all that you do!
Spalding High School
Paul Hubbard
Paul teaches in our Science Department and is also our Athletic Trainer. The bell rings to end classes for the day and he heads to our sporting event to ensure that athletes are physically prepared for their game. He spends countless hours working to help our students achieve academic and athletic success. Recently Paul had an off night with no sporting event and supported the cast of GODSPELL, JR by attending their performance. Thank you, Paul for your efforts with our students at Spalding High School.
GO JAGS!
Mainstay Academy
David Owen &
Margaret Harris
This team has worked diligently with the students assigned to them - teaching a mixed grade level / broadly varied skill level group of severely emotionally disabled students across the curriculum using a self -contained classroom model. Their students have met with much success academically, socially, emotionally and behaviorally. Students have shown sharp decreases in the number of office referrals received, they have shown improvement in STEEP blitzes, and have grown as a classroom community in which each person feels a real sense of belonging. David and Margaret have also planned and implemented the Mainstay Academy's music group activities throughout the year. They have provided students with instruction and opportunities in music making and musical performance. They have taught several students to play the guitar, and have assembled the self-named musical performance group, "Stone Cold Experience." The group has performed with invited guest musicians at two school-wide events, and plans are in place for two more performances before the end of this school year. Mr. Owen and Mrs. Harris are trail blazers in the building of positive supportive and meaningful relationships with students, co-workers and community members that help develop a positive school community where belonging is a given, interacting respectfully is just the way we do things and educational and therapeutic growth is our common goal.
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