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HIGH SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
A.Z. KELSEY
Jessica Sheffield is the teacher of the month for A.Z. Kelsey Academy. Ms. Sheffield works extremely hard to bring science to life for her students. She is always willing to try new strategies to help her students reach their full potential.
GRIFFIN HIGH SCHOOL
Griffin High School would like to congratulate Ms. LaKunis Willis as our Employee of the Month. She is a team player and was more than willing to take on a new challenge by accepting a new position/role. She is always upbeat and supportive to faculty, staff, and students. Thank you for your dedication Ms. Willis.
MAINSTAY ACADEMY
Mainstay Academy's employees of the month are Audra Lester and Cindy Davenport. Mrs. Lester has been diligent in providing assistance with FTE forms and school schedules for each of the counties we serve. Mrs. Davenport goes above and beyond to support each student and staff member. They both have embraced our school-wide PBIS implementation and modeled our school expectations: Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe through their professionalism and positive attitudes.
SPALDING HIGH SCHOOL
We applaud Matthew Ellis and recognize him as Spalding High School Employee of the Month. Matt moved into a new position as Secretary in the Guidance Office. He is working hard to master new tasks such as Infinite Campus, FTE, Scheduling and other duties that accompany his new position. He is a valuable member of the Guidance Office staff! Thanks for all you do, Matt!
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SHS EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT
Spalding High Principal Derrell Jeffcoat presents Daniel Blake with a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program. As a Commended student, Daniel placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the competition by taking the 2012 Preliminary SAT (PSAT).
This award represents educational excellence and outstanding academic success. Daniel will join the ranks of 34,000 other students across the nation that will be recognized by this program for their exceptional academic promise.
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RRMS GRANDPARENTS DAY
 Rehoboth Road Middle School welcomed 252 guests for Grandparent's Day on Friday, September 20th. Guests enjoyed lunch with their grandchildren and shopping at the Book Fair.
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CRESCENT STUDENTS STEP UP AND LEAD
 Crescent Elementary School's counselor, Wendy Whedon, recently took several 4th and 5th graders to the "Step Up and Lead" Conference.
The conference series, which hosted nearly 275 participants statewide, consists of workshops designed to engage and empower youth in future leadership initiatives.
This years sessions focused on Building Communication Skills, Team Building and Cooperation, and Leadership and Personality Styles.
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OCTOBER IS BULLYING AWARENESS MONTH AND ANNE STREET ELEMENTARY IS PREPARED!  
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 WHAT DOES COL DR LOOK LIKE?
Message from Superintendent
Curtis L. Jones, Jr.
The acronym COL DR stands for competency, open communication, loyalty, defined autonomy, and respect. These are the values set for our school system that we should all strive to live up to. This week I was asked to consider giving an "everyday hero" pin to an individual who has gone above and beyond.
A.K. Kelsey Academy teaches some of our most challenging students. Some students are there because of difficulties in behavior and are serving out their long-term suspensions. Others are there because they have struggled academically and fallen behind. But COL DR is alive and well at AZ Kelsey Academy.
During the week of pre-planning, A.Z. Kelsey found itself facing the situation of a vacant teacher position due to a medical condition. A solution was found in Ms. Christina Spear, a veteran educator of over 30 years at GSCS. When she received the call, she responded. On the first day of school, an experienced classroom teacher, counselor, and educator arrived and, right away, began providing quality, standards-based instruction in an alternative school setting.
She also shared the model that Coach Cassidy and Ms. Evans were implementing for instruction with some of the new teachers at A.Z. Kelsey. She helped those teachers see how routines and procedures can work in their setting.
During her last year, Ms. Spears worked with Coach Cassidy at Taylor Street Achievement Center and was familiar with what he was looking for. While we can all talk about the ideal, there is nothing better than showing it. Ms. Spear, since the first day of this school year, has led a model classroom at A.Z. Kelsey. She is an everyday hero that demonstrates competency, open communication with her fellow educators and students; loyalty beyond comparison by not only coming back for the time-frame we asked but also staying when that time-frame had to be extended.
Next Wednesday will be her last day with us and we owe for a great deal of thanks for her loyalty to our school system. She understood autonomy and demonstrated a standards-based classroom in an alternative setting. Ms. Spears taught her way but also understood that what she taught had to be consistent with the other schools because students do go back. Last but not least, she respected her co-workers, her students, her parents, and the mission of A.Z. Kelsey Academy.
Christine Spear is an everyday hero!
I hope you all have a great week,
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Curtis
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DENISE BURRELL 
HONORED WITH DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE AWARD
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The Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors (GACIS) Distinguished Service Award was established in 1971.
The award is presented annually at the GACIS Fall Conference to a supervisor in Georgia public education selected for having made the most significant contribution to the field during the preceding year.
This year's highly coveted award was presented to Denise Burrell, Deputy Superintendent, at the conference this week. Congratulations on this outstanding honor!
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 PIE GRANT PERIOD CLOSES OCT. 4TH!
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Teachers are eligible for two different grant programs sponsored by Partners in Education. Teachers may apply for $1,000 classroom grants and separate $1,000 field trip grants.
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...
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.
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 GOLF TOURNEY
SUCCESS!
The Griffin-Spalding County Partners in Education held its 12th annual golf tournament on Friday, September 20, 2013. Thirty teams, 120 people, played in the tournament which was held at the City Park golf course. The tournament raised over $25,000 to benefit GSCS teachers and students.The tournament proceeds are used for classroom grants, field trip grants and teacher scholarships.
"The golf tournament is our most successful fundraiser which allows us to provide grants for teachers for needed supplies and field trips for students," said Jim Ogletree, PIE fundraising chairman. "These projects are highly requested every year from teachers wanting to improve the learning  process."
"This year's golf tournament was very successful because of the generosity of many local businesses. Many volunteers donated their time and skills to ensure a successful day," said Jeff Hyland, golf tournament chair. "Many thanks to all tournament supporters for taking a vested interest in the education and well being of the children in Spalding County."
The tournament sponsors were Manley, Spangler, Smith Architects and Bickers Consulting Group. Eagle sponsors were H.E. Hodge, Petro South, and Shuttle Furniture. Hole-in-one sponsors included Chillin' Bear's & Little Nicci's Pizza, Cronic Automotive Group, MEJA Construction, Norcom Inc., and Perdue's Paint & Body Shop.
Birdie sponsors were: ARI, BB&T, Brightmoor Hospice, David's Drug & Surgical, First National Bank, Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Gas South, Georgia Banking Company, Georgia Power, Impact Outsourcing Solutions, James R. Westbury, Jr. P.C, Attorneys at Law, Kiwanis Club of Spalding County, New Growth Inc., Rotary Club of Griffin, Spalding Regional Hospital, Southern Federal Credit Union, and United Bank.
Golf Teams were: AH&P, Akins Feed & Seed, Caterpillar Inc., Jackson Road Elementary, Kennedy Road Middle School, Lighthouse Communications, National Lock & Locker, Nix-Fowler Constructors, and Spalding High School
The drink cart was sponsored by Brock Insurance Agency.
Tee sponsors included: Advanced Eye care of Georgia, Designs Created International, The orthopedic & sports Injury Center, General Storage, Griffin OBGYN, Griffith's Drive-In, Melvin, Brooks, & Howell P.C., Paragon, and Stuart Ogletree State Farm.
 | | Congratulations to the winning team, Southern Federal Credit Union |
 | | Second place team was Impact Outsourcing Solutions |
 | | Third place team was David's Drug & Surgical |
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Message from Sheila Mincey, Ed.S, Director of Special Education, Assessment, Data and Program Evaluation | |
In an effort to continually improve academic skills for our students, the Griffin-Spalding County School System is excited to add some new programs to our resources. We have introduced a new reading program for our K-2 students. This program will be piloted in six of the eleven elementary schools. These schools include: Anne Street, Jackson Road, Futral Road, Jordan Hill, Moore and Orrs.
iRead is a software program designed to fit into all K-2 literacy blocks and can significantly boost the effectiveness of any core reading program or curriculum. The program provides teachers with both print and digital tools to simplify instruction and increase the effectiveness of any core reading curriculum or basal program. Additionally, the iRead software equips teachers with resources to differentiate instruction and prepare all children for Common Core. The technology component provides teachers with the ability to monitor progress, group students, access targeted lessons and plan for the week anytime/anywhere. One additional component includes the iRead Family portal in a bilingual format to provide families with access to resources that extend learning at home.
The administrators and teachers of the select schools have been trained and the actual launch day for the program is September 30th, 2013.
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"May my teaching drop like the rain, my speech condense like the dew; like gentle rain on grass, like showers on new growth."
~ Bible: Hebrew, Deuteronomy 32:2 |
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HR HAPPENINGS
Messages from Stephanie Dobbins, Human Resources Director
VeriTime System: 
Central Office, Maintenance and Jackson Road employees will begin a pilot using VeriTime as our employee sign in/sign out process. VeriTime is a time and attendance management system integrated with Aesop. It will take the place of paper time sheets and/or the Ident-a-kid computer sign in for employees.
Before November 1, you will be issued a bar code sticker that must be attached to the back of your school system id badge. We will start signing in and out by scanning this bar code on Friday, November 1. You will receive more detailed information before we begin!
We anticipate system wide implementation of this process by January 1, 2014.
We have an interim VALIC rep:
Cliff England, 678-231-7677, Clifford.England@valic.com
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STUDENT CONTEST
IMAGINE A WORLD
WITHOUT HATE
In honor of ADL's (Anti-Defamation League) Centennial Year, they are partnering with Kennesaw State University Museum of History and Holocaust Education to present the Imagine a World without Hate Student Contest for 2013-2014.
WHAT: The contest asks students in grades 3-12 to imagine a world without hate. What would the world look like, feel like, sound like? What can be done to make the world a place where all people are accepted and appreciated for who they are? Students should also consider what they personally can do-or are already doing-to help create a world without hate.
 HOW: Through original written OR artistic expression, including (but not limited to) essays, poetry, short stories, video, drawing, painting, photography, and computer art.
WHEN: Students create and submit entries to ADL.
Deadline for entries is March 14, 2014.
An awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2014, from 4-6 PM, at the Kennesaw State University Museum of History & Holocaust Education. Cash prizes of up to $100!
WHY: Because we are counting on YOU to make our world no place for hate!
For more information about the contest, and to download the official ENTRY FORM, go to www.adl.org/nohateatlanta or contact ADL Education Director, Holli Levinson, at hlevinson@adl.org or 404-262-3470.
Click HERE for the 2013-2014 student contest flyer
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"Learning is like rowing upstream: not to advance is to drop back."
~ Chinese Proverb |
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AMP-IT-UP NEWS
AMP LEADERSHIP TEAM AT GSCS PRINCIPAL MEETING
Meltem Alemdar, Marion Usselman, and Jeff Rosen joined GSCS principals and discussed AMP-IT-UP's vision for our schools. They spoke about the different resources that AMP brings to our schools such as curriculum development for the middle and high schools, extracurricular programs such as First LEGO League and Junior Makers Clubs, and  professional teacher development opportunities.
Click HERE to view the .PDF document of what the leadership team discussed.
DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER FOR THE PBIL COURSE!
Science, math and special education teachers: Don't forget to sign up for the Introduction to Project-Based Inquiry Learning course that begins on October 2nd. Teachers will receive a $300 stipend from AMP-IT-UP. Also, the first 30 Georgia teachers to complete the course will receive a $150 stipend and a Buck Institute PBL book from the Georgia Department of Education as part of the Georgia Race to the Top program.
The link to register is: https://nasaepdn.gatech.edu/rt3/
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SLO's...ARE ANYTHING BUT!
A message from Alan Barge, RT3 Coordinator
Griffin-Spalding County School System is enjoying the third and final year of the Race to the Top initiative. Though the finale is upon us, programs are not beginning to fade but are picking up steam. This would be the case with our implementation of Student Learning Objectives, more commonly referenced as SLO's.
Georgia's RT3 plan stated that student achievement would be linked to teacher performance in a measurable way. GSCS has agreed with the Georgia Department of Education that each certified teacher in the school system will have student assessment data for at least one course in 2013-2014. One manner in which this will be done is to use results of standardized assessments such as the End of Course Test (EOCT) and the Criterion-Referenced Test (CRCT). But that leaves the majority of the teachers of GSCS without a comparable measure of student achievement. To fill the gap, Student Learning Objectives (SLO's) are being used for courses not assessed in GSCS by a standardized instrument. This means that many teachers are administering SLO's for the first time ever.
Another noticeable change regarding SLO's is this year's early date for data submission. Teachers and administrations have worked diligently to help GSCS meet the October 1 deadline (which was December last year!) set by the GaDOE. Once calculations are complete, teachers will have access to the pre-assessment scores for students and be able to target instruction where indicated.
What's to come? The goal is for GSCS to have an SLO for each course taught in the school system with no standardized measure by July 2014. Teachers will be asked for their input as we work together to make SLO's as effective as possible, true measures of student achievement.
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GSCS MVP PROGRAM
The start of September is a very exciting time. This month, the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Most Valuable Parent (MVP) Program kicks off! The MVP Program started as a way to thank volunteers who dedicate their time and service to our schools. Though it says "parent", this award can be given to any school volunteers-grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and friends. We encourage and appreciate volunteer service from any individual. 
Last May, two outstanding volunteers were chosen by our Superintendent, Dr. Curtis Jones, as the 2012-2013 District MVPs of the year. Ms. Sonya Colquitt was selected due to her hard work at Anne St. Elementary. In addition to working a full time job, Ms. Colquitt went to the school daily to assist in the office, classroom and cafeteria. Ms. Kathy Wells from Jordan Hill Elementary was selected due to her hard work in the classroom helping teachers and students with special projects and on field trips.
Below Kathy Wells shares her thoughts about volunteering in the Griffin-Spalding County School System.
What motivates you to volunteer at school?
Kathy Wells: Teachers have a lot to do and if everyone would volunteer, teachers might have more time to teach our children and grandchildren. Isn't that what everyone wants? I have grandchildren at Jordan Hill and it is good to get to know the teachers there. Volunteering is fun-I really enjoy it!
What would you say to encourage more parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to be more involved in their child's education?
Kathy Wells: Just get in there and do it! The teachers are so encouraging and when they say you can call and ask questions, they really mean it.
What are some things that you do at home to support your grandchildren in their education?
Kathy Wells: We work on homework together. We also play games on the internet, which helps them too.
We cannot thank these ladies enough for their incredible volunteerism. We are so excited to start recognizing a whole new crop of MVPs for the 2013-2014 school year!
 If you would like to fill out a volunteer application, please visit the following link:
http://tinyurl.com/lvwh5kq
If you would like more information on the GSCS MVP program, please contact Jessica Layfield at
(770) 229-3710, ext. 363 or jessica.layfield@gscs.org.
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GSCS KIDS COMMUNICATE
Several teachers and I have been repeatedly telling a student to pull up his pants and obey the dress code.
The other day, the student turned to us and said,
"you are interfering with my religion!"
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Please email funny comments to laura.beaber@gscs.org.
(All comments will remain anonymous)
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