Week of May 13-17, 2013

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

published by the school & community services department

the gscs
COMMUNICATOR

system-wide straight talk

 

 
Julie Evans - Teacher of the Year - Honored in Atlanta by GA Department of Education

Evans Barge

 Dr. John Barge (left) congratulated GSCS Teacher of the Year Julie Evans at the state Teacher of the Year banquet. Congratulations to Julie for representing us well!

 

Looking for information on the Georgia evaluation process?  Check out these  Department of Education flyers.

These are designed to provide a brief yet thorough overview. The purpose of these guides is to strengthen implementation and provide ready resources to teachers and their evaluators and leaders and their evaluators. 


 


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Griffin-Spalding Virtual Program Moves Ahead

GSCS will partner with K12 Solutions as the provider for our virtual school. K12 has highly-qualified teachers, content and courses for students K-12, however, we will begin with K-9 to better manage the graduation credits and cohort.

 

This virtual program will allow home-schooled and private school students the option of enrolling in GSCS. Enrollment is open June 10-September 15, 2013, for first semester enrollment. 

 

After indicating an interest, families will receive an electronic application form.  They must bring required documents to Central Registration at 234 Taylor Street. There will be a window set for interviewing potential candidates for enrollment.

 

Watch for more information on the Virtual Program.

 

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REMINDER : 2014 Incentive from State Health 

 

Whether you are enrolled in HRA, HMO, HDHP Standard or Wellness Plan, if you want an additional $240 linked to your account in 2014 ($480 if you have an eligible spouse), then you and your spouse must complete the following obligations and submit to State Health by May 31, 2013:

 

  •          Biometric Screening (employees returning to wellness this year DO NOT have to do this)
  •          Health Assessment on line www.mycigna.com or www.myuhc.com
  •          Education Module on line (4 lessons included) www.AHealthierSHBP.com 

 

 


  

May 6-10 is School Nutrition Employee Week

CRMS

CRMS

 

 

Between preparing healthy meals for America's students, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies and offering service with a smile, school nutrition professionals are true superheroes!  The week of May 6-10 is School Nutrition Employee Week.  To kick off this week recognizing the hardworking professionals in our school cafeterias, each school kitchen selected one nutrition worker as their School Lunch Superhero.  These employees were recognized with a certificate and an apron with the School Lunch Superhero logo.  GSCS appreciates all that our Nutrition staff does each day to provide healthy meals and quality customer service to our students and staff.

 

The School Lunch Superheroes are: 

 

Anne Street                                  Belinda Bogan

Atkinson                                       Elaine Williams

Beaverbrook                                  Bobbie White

Carver Road Middle                        Linda Holder

Cowan Road Elementary                Sarah Gay

Cowan Road Middle                       Sherry Griffin

Crescent                                       Toris Matthews

Futral Road                                    Anita Berry

Griffin High                                     Maureen Chuang

Jackson Road                                Lisa Lance

Jordan Hill                                      Pam Barkley

A.Z. Kelsey                                    Mary Ringer

Kennedy Road                                Yolanda Henderson

Moore                                            Ruth Favors

Moreland Road                               Nancy Matthews

Orrs                                               Linda Webb

Rehoboth Road Middle                    Barbara Stansell

Spalding High                                 Beckie Morris 

 

 

orrs

 Orrs

 

BB  

 Beaverbrook

 

 MRE  

Moreland Road

 

Legislative Addresses


Senator Ronnie Chance
770.969.9155
ronnie.chance@senate.ga.gov

Senator Rick Jeffares
770.316.2691
info@rickjeffares.com

Representative John Yates
770.227.1474
john.yates@house.ga.gov

Representative David Knight
678.464.4926
P. O. Box 1486
Griffin, GA 30225

Louise Warren
Orrs retiree Louise Warren received a certificate of appreciation from school board vice chair Pete Graham at the annual retirement fiesta luncheon organized by Human Resources.  Staff from throughout the district came together to celebrate their years of service to GSCS. 

Calling for Input!

 

All system stakeholders, families, community members, and business members are invited to share their input on federal plans that the school system has developed.

 

As part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), our school system administrators have created a Strategic Plan, Comprehensive LEA Improvement Plan (CLIP) and a Parent Involvement (PI) Policy, along with performance indicators and goals to guide us in the continuous process of school improvement. Input is needed on these documents. Input is also needed on topics such as Race to the Top and the Title II Equity Plan.

 

We would appreciate the opportunity to share these plans with you and gain the benefit of your input. 

 

Three meetings have been scheduled for the following dates and times:

May 14, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

May 16, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.

May 20, 2013 at 11:30 a.m.  

 

All meetings will be held in the Board of Education Meeting Room, located in the Superintendent's Office at 216 South Sixth Street.

You are cordially invited to attend one of the sessions and offer your feedback regarding these initiatives. We look forward to seeing you!

For more information, please call Jessica Layfield at (770) 229-3700. 

 

 

 

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Calling All Veterans!

 

When you are making your summer plans this year, consider sharing your military experience with the City of Griffin through an oral history. Commissioner Dick Morrow is heading a project to capture the memories of local veterans.  Interested?  Email dick612@bellsouth.net.

 

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Our non-discrimination statement

 
Judy Parker, APR
Editor, gscs Communicator
Griffin Spalding County School System
PO Drawer N
Griffin, Georgia 30224

 

color logo
Employees of the Month

 

Anne Street

Shavon Beckett 

This is Ms. Beckett's first year at Anne Street and she was instrumental in the implementation of several new initiatives such as the CCGPS and WFTBAB.  Furthermore, her dedication to all of our students via her planning of the PBIS Store and CRCT / Cinco de Mayo Celebrations, and her dedication to our staff via her willingness to always help in any way possible (model teaching, small group instruction, chairing the Sunshine committee) have made her a most welcome addition to the Anne Street Family.  Ms. Beckett makes Anne Street a better place for our students and staff and we are blessed to have her.      

 

  

 

Atkinson  

Antionette Huguley

Atkinson Elementary School would like to recognize Antionette Huguley for her dedication to our school.  She helped organize the first Pre-K prom and it was an awesome experience for parents and students.  Also, she is the mentor and leader of the Pink Ladies organization.  

 

 


Beaverbrook
 Tammy Polk

 Tammy is hard working and dedicated to her children and school. She accepts responsibility and always does exemplary work.

 

 


Cowan Road

Becky Harper

For her ability to focus on the silver lining through it all.

The inevitable challenges PreK faces require a paraprofessional that is flexible and willing to persevere. Mrs. Harper fits that description perfectly. She is a giver and looks out for each and every student at our school. Thanks for your heartfelt help as a mentor. It is truly evident that you have been placed where you are for such a time as this.

 

 

Crescent

Wanda Spear and Nikki Neel

Our two fifth grade teachers go above and beyond in everything they do.  They are involved in so many activities at our school and show great commitment in all they do.  They believe in our students and help their students believe in themselves.  Hats off to them for having such an awesome year!!!

 

 

Futral Road

Donna Danielly 

Mrs. Danielly aspires to educate her first graders to their highest potential. Mrs. Danielly served as Futral Road's Relay for Life Coordinator. She provided opportunities for students and staff to be actively engaged in supporting Relay for Life. We applaud her determination, organization, and zeal!

 

 

 

Jackson Road

Misty Jones 

Kindergarten teacher Ms. Jones has embraced the new curriculum, has successfully created a model classroom for Guided Reading and differentiated instruction, and meets the needs of each of her students daily. She is a leader among her colleagues and supports the school's mission and vision not only being a strong teacher, but by being actively engaged in all school activities.  She is a valuable part of our school family!

 

 

 

Jordan Hill

Suzanne Foster

Mrs. Foster is dependable, enthusiastic and talented. She takes the initiative to identify school needs and  can be counted on to go above and beyond what is expected. She is a team player and a valuable member of the Jordan Hill family. 

 

 

Moore

  LaTanya Reeves Alexander 

Throughout the year, Mrs. Alexander has planned professional development, assisted teachers, and guided students to make the best decisions. Her professionalism has helped to continue to move Moore in the right direction. She truly understands that the students are the core of Moore Elementary and everything we do is for our students. Mrs. Alexander, thank you for being "Committed to the Core." 

 

 

 

Moreland Road

 Relay for Life Team  

 Christy Whitson, Angela Hensler, Sara Johnson, Demetrice Parks, Amy McKemie, Sheila Graham, Myron Jones, Holly Betz, Darcy Dennos, Debbie Harper, Janette Geasley, and Pamela Jackson worked tirelessly this year to raise $5750.00.  Without their dedication and support this would not have been possible.  We are so grateful for what they did this year to enhance our efforts for this wonderful cause.  Thank you all so much.

 

 

 

Orrs
Jonathan McGavin

He is dedicated to his students and all students at Orrs. Jonathan consistently works with his students to motivate them in math and science. He spends time building relationships with struggling students and is dedicated to following the Orrs Initiatives. Jonathan is always there to help with extra activities such as the 5 K Run, The Taste of Orrs, Movie Night, PTO programs, and he planned and implemented Science Night with students and parents this year. Thank you, Jonathan, for all you do each day for Orrs Elementary School.

 

 

 
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Board Briefs

The Board of Education met April 30 and May 7  and recognized students in Math Madness, 4-H, HOSA, Culinary Arts, literacy and essay winners as well as the district Media Specialist of the Year Melanie Lynch from Atkinson.

The board approved:
communications equipment purchases, Title I-A budget, SIG purchases, window replacement bids as well as taking personnel actions and making amendments to the current budget.

The board heard results of the CTAE  End of Pathway assessments.
In Business: GHS 62.9, State 59.8 and Nation 59.8.
In Culinary: GHS 57.9, State 57.0, Nation 57.0.
In Early Childhood Education: SHS 80.2, State 66.5 and Nation 75.5.
In Engineering: GHS 62.2, SHS 52.6, State 53.1, Nation 53.1.

The fifth grade writing assessment was discussed after learning that GSCS has 73% who meet or exceed standards, RESA 81% and state 79%.  Anne Street Principal Evelyn Jones outlined the program and plans being used at the elementary level. Our students score highest in narrative writing.



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Summer Camp
 
Are you looking for a summer camp that is close by and filled with fun, hands-on learning activities? The Griffin-Spalding County School System is sponsoring Camp Invention for rising 1st - 6th graders from Monday, June 10th to Thursday, June 13th, at the Enrichment Center on Spalding Drive. The website, www.campinvention.org, gives the details and how to register. A Spring discount is available and signing up online saves you more. For more information, call or e-mail Barbara King at 770-229-3733 or barbara.king@gscs.org.
 
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Mission: To prepare each student for college and career by providing a quality character and standards-based education.

Vision: Griffin-Spalding County School System is transforming our community through a quality public education.