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GSCS Middle School Employees of the Month
Carver Road Middle
Kudos goes to the entire CAMS family. Thanks to the outstanding custodians our building was clean and welcoming. Our nutrition staff boasted with an A+/100 rating and well prepared meals. Our faculty met students with smiles and high expectations and our support staff managed to keep our offices up and running. Dedication to student achievement is everyone's goal. It was a great beginning!
Cowan Road Middle School
CRMS commends veteran staff members for fostering support, teamwork, and success for our new staff members. Kudos!!! We are Cowan Road Middle School!
Kennedy Road Middle School
KRMS would like to recognize Mrs. Kathy White as the Employee of the Month. Mrs. White, the Executive Assistant /Bookkeeper, has gone above and beyond by working countless hours to ensure a smooth start to the school year. In addition, she stayed as late as needed during the school bus crisis to ensure that all students were picked up from school. She exemplifies what it truly means to be a team player. Go Cougars!
Rehoboth Road Middle School
Marty Shiver is RRMS's Employee of the Month for working to do what's best for our organization. Driving the buses every morning and every afternoon without hesitation just to make sure kids made it to school.
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GSCS Elementary School Employees of the Month
Moore Elementary
Dr. Sharon Williams, Academic Coach
Dr. Williams spent this summer analyzing data and preparing for the next year. As the academic coach, she is steadily making suggestions on various assessments, helping teachers to interpret the data, and preparing to design instruction from the information gained.
Dr. Williams has already started the year providing effective professional development for our teachers and creating assessments to guide instruction. In addition, she is helping teachers to understand that our Assessment Action Plan is designed to help teachers monitor students' progress and differentiate instruction for individuals or groups of students. Her colleagues and administrators see her as an ideal academic coach, always willing and ready to help teachers create challenging lessons.
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THE 12th ANNUAL
PARTNERS IN ED. GOLF TOURNAMENT
SEPT. 20, 2013
7:30 AM
THE CITY OF GRIFFIN GOLF COURSE
Thank you to the 2013 sponsors that have already committed!
(as of 8/23/13)
Tournament Sponsor
Scoreboard Sponsor
Hole-In-One Sponsors
Eagle Sponsors
Chillin' Bears
H.E. Hodge
Little Nicci's Pizza
Petro South
Birdie Sponsors
Kiwanis
FNB
Florida Rock & Tank Liner
Gas South
Georgia Banking Company
Griffin Rotary Club
SFCU
United Bank
ARI
BB&T
Brightmoor Hospice
David's Drug & Surgical
Georgia Power
Impact Outsourcing Solutions
Spalding Regional Hospital
Teams
Akins Feed Seed
JRE
SHS
Westbury Team
Griffiths Drive In
Drink Cart Sponsor
Brock Insurance
Tee Box Sponsor
Advanced Eye Care of GA
General Storage
Griffin OBGYN
State Farm
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 LEARN, ASSESS,
& IMPROVE!
a message from Superintendent, Dr. Curtis Jones
Although our year got off to a less than perfect start, this week was much better and we continued to improve in all aspects. Thank you for not letting the distractions get in your way. Our students are better for it. These first two weeks our students learned our expectations, reviewed what they knew, and are now eager to learn and create. To continue that excitement, we have started the process of assessments to better understand how we can improve instruction so that our students learn even more this year.
We are also beginning our professional learning with Formative Instructional Practices (FIP). Last year, I shared with you my belief that learning targets would transform what we do and how we instruct in the classroom. Well, I am happy to say that FIP is going to begin that process. Your principals will be sharing with you, very soon, the FIP information. I am confident that through this practice you will enjoy the professional dialogue, the information, and the ability to share with fellow educators. I truly believe FIP will be the key for us to improve as a system and for you to become even better in your craft.
This is really an exciting time! Once you begin FIP, please share with me. I am eager to hear your thoughts.
Thank you all for your hard work during these first two weeks of school and let's continue to make each week better than the last!
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Curtis
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HR HAPPENINGS
Message from Kathy C. Gossett, Human Resources
Wellness Appeals - The deadline for submitting your initial 2013 Wellness Appeal forms has ended. If you or your covered spouse's initial appeal was denied, and you disagree with this decision, beginning September 9, 2013, you may appeal this decision to SHBP. The process for submitting these appeals will be provided by September 9, 2013.
 The Open Enrollment/Retiree
Option Change Period for 2014
is slated for October 21 - November 8, 2013. More information to come regarding the changes for the 2014 plan year. |
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PIE Kroger Program 
Partners in Education is a part of the Kroger Community Rewards Program. PIE will receive a percentage of sales based on Kroger Plus card holders registering for support. This money will go toward scholarships and classroom and field trip grants.
If you have a Kroger Plus card log in at www.krogercommunityrewards.com and register for PIE.
The PIE number is 107370. Partners in Education is a fundraising organization that provides additional dollars to teachers and students.
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"THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. BE A BETTER VERSION OF YOURSELF EVERY SINGLE DAY."
- @coachkwisdom
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GSCS KIDS COMMUNICATE
With the first week of school came some humorous comments from our students:
Teacher: How do you get home...are you a bus rider?
Student: No
Teacher: Are you a car rider?
Student: No
Teacher: Do you stay for the after-school program?
Student: No
Teacher: Do you ride a day-care bus/van?
Student: No
Teacher: Well, those are all of the options...
Student: I ride in a TRUCK! 
Teacher: Do you know what bus you ride?
Student: Yes
Teacher: Ok, well which one?
Student: The yellow one!
If you want to share some humorous comments made by your students, email them to laura.beaber@gscs.org.
(All names will remain anonymous)
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2013-14 PIE GRANTS
The Griffin-Spalding Partners in Education Board of Directors offers grants to teachers in the Griffin-Spalding County School System. It is soliciting grant proposals from individual classrooms, subject area departments, grade levels or teaching teams who wish to initiate programs or projects requiring up to $1,000 in funding.
Timeline:
The grant application period opens on September 3, 2013, and closes on October 4, 2013.
Funding:
Total amount of funds available is $40,000. The grants will be awarded in two categories: $20,000 for grants in school and $20,000 for grants for field trips (Separate grant applications must be submitted for each).Projects can request a maximum of $1,000.
Application Process:
Applicants submit grants online on the PIE website, http://www.gspie.org.
At the close of the grant submission period, volunteer reviewers will rank the proposals for funding. After this team of reviewers has approved grants, the applicant will be notified. Checks are expected to be delivered by the end of October. | |
Other information:
- Resources such as tips to writing a successful proposal and rubrics with specific criteria on how the proposals will be evaluated are included on the website.
- Do not identify your name or your school name in the body of the proposal (reviewers will not see your identifying information on the application).
- The board is seeking to fund projects that are innovative and instructional, that support the goals of the school system and the individual school, and that have realistic objectives and budgets.
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ORRS ANNUAL 5K:
CHARACTER IS CONTAGIOUS...RUN WITH IT!!!
Where: Orrs Elementary School
When: Saturday, Sept. 28th at 8:30am (registration at 7:00am)
Why: To benefit the Orrs Character Education Program
Entry Fees:
All Adults (over 18): $15.00 before Sept 20th.
All Children (under 18): $10.00 before Sept. 20th
All late and walk-up: $15.00
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Awards will be given to the top 3 finishers in each age group for both male and female. The top over all male and female finishers will also be awarded.
Click HERE for the registration form.
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ANNOUNCEMENT: DR. JONES IS THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE 2013 GRIFFIN-SPALDING CO. UNITED WAY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Griffin-Spalding United Way is helping to create stronger families, happier children, and a healthier community. Watch for your campaign materials.
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PASS IT ON!
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60TH ANNIVERSARY UPDATES
Parade: Set for October 30, each school will have units in the parade. School will dismiss early and the parade will move down Taylor Street beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Reunion: The reunion will be for adults only on Saturday evening, Nov. 2, 2013, at the GSCS Stadium. The reunion plans are coming together.
The planning committee has confirmed a DJ, stage, a
big-screen to watch the UGA vs. Florida football game, and the emcee. The committee is working hard to ensure a fun-filled celebration with lots of activities and entertainment!
GSCS Archives: Do you have special historical GSCS items that you would be willing to share (yearbooks, pictures, scrapbooks, letter-man jackets, etc.)? If so, please contact Donna Parks at extension 349. Help preserve the history of GSCS!
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"I HAVE NOT FAILED.
I'VE JUST FOUND 10,000 WAYS THAT WON'T WORK."
- Thomas Edison
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2013 National Fire Prevention Week: "Prevent Kitchen Fires!"
Message from Martha R. Reichrath, Ph.D., Deputy State Superintendent, Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
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2010 calendar winner - Nadia, 2nd grade at C.L. Gideons Elementary
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The Georgia Department of Education is working with the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner to promote National Fire Prevention Week which is October 6 - 12, 2013. The National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) theme is: "Prevent Kitchen Fires!" State sponsored activities include:
Statewide Poster Contest (must reflect NFPA Theme) - "Prevent Kitchen Fires!" (Grades K through 5)- First place prize - All first place winners will receive a $50 cash prize, among other prizes.
- A 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner will be selected from each grade level.
Statewide "Fire Safety House" Essay Contest - "What I want to Learn and Know about the Fire Safety House" (Grades K through 3) - only one 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner chosen among grades K - 3, as a whole.) - First place prize - All first place winners will receive a $50 cash prize, among other prizes.
Statewide Fire Safety Essay Contest - "Prevent Kitchen Fires!"(Grades 6 through 12)- First place prize - All first place winners will receive a $50 cash prize, among other prizes.
- A 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner will be selected from each grade level.
Statewide Fire Safety Tips Calendar Poster Contest (must reflect on the fire safety tips as outlined in criteria (Grades k through 5)- 13 winning posters' artwork will be chosen for each month and the cover page to display in the 2014 calendar.
- To view the calendar, go to www.georgiafiresprinkler.org/calendars.php.
Statewide Fire Drill, Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.; if inclement weather, the alternate date is Wednesday, October 16 at 10:00 a.m.
The annual "Excellence in Fire Safety Awards Luncheon" recognizes all poster and essay contests winners and recognizes individuals and organizations that excel in fire safety areas of education, fire prevention, fire protection services, fire official, and citizen's courage. The 21st Annual Life, Fire & Safety Awards Luncheon will be held at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 28, 2013. The luncheon cost is $20.00 per adult and $10.00 per child ages 12 and under.
All contests deadline for submitting is Friday, September 27, 2013, at 4:30 p.m.
Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association Essay Contest - Topic forthcoming; watch for more details at the GFSA link below (This contest is for 12th graders/high school seniors, class of 2014).Scholarships in the amounts of: $1,500 for 1st place; $1,000 for 2nd place; $750 for 3rd place. Details for this essay may be obtained at www.georgiafiresprinkler.org.
Poster, essay, and the life, fire and safety awards contests criteria and entry forms, as well as the school fire drill information, can be obtained by visiting the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's website at www.oci.ga.gov (scroll down to "Other Links;" open Public Education; open Fire Prevention Week).
Please encourage your students to participate. Invite your local fire department to assist students with fire safety lessons to use toward preparing the posters and essays. If you have further questions, contact the Public Education Division at the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner at
(404) 657-0831 or email Wanda Butler at wbutler@sfm.ga.gov.
 | | 2010 Calendar winner - Jarriah, 2nd grader at C.L. Gideons Elementary |
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