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GSCS ELEMENTARY
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Atkinson Elementary School would like to recognize Lakesha Frechette and Chasidy Barden for Employee of the Month. Mrs. Frechette and Ms. Barden are currently our Parent Involvement Coordinators. They recently invited all the mothers to the school for "Moms and Muffins." We had the best turnout for this event!
BEAVERBROOK ELEMENTARY
Tammy Polk is the
Employee of the Month for Beaverbrook. She is dedicated to her students and our school. Mrs. Polk is a leader in our school and her peers look to her for support and direction. We are fortunate to have such an exemplary educator at our school!
COWAN ROAD ELEMENTARY
Cowan Road Elementary Employee of the Month is Angela Roth. Mrs. Roth has shown staff and students that committing to a healthy lifestyle results in great improvements! She won a large cash prize through our Biggest Loser Challenge at Cowan. Her students have shared that her personality has changed making comments such as, "Mrs. Roth dances more in the class." She inspires others to make time for personal health.
CRESCENT
ELEMENTARY
Crescent's Employees of the Month are our kindergarten teachers and parapros: Fran Stikes and Donna Taylor, Erin Landers and Sheryl Willis and Jocena Avery and Connie Harpe. These ladies are working so hard to provide early language interventions through RTI to their kindergarten students. Earlier in the year, we screened all of our kindergarten students and placed quite a number of students in RTI for language issues. These teachers have had many extra RTI meetings with parents to determine interventions. They are also monitoring their students to determine if they are making progress. Our wonderful kindergarten parapros provide much support for our teachers so they can meet the individual needs of our students. These teachers and parapros are to be commended for their dedication to helping our students be successful.
FUTRAL ROAD ELEMENTARY
Futral Road's Employee of the Month is Andrea Smith, 4th grade teacher. Ms. Smith is a member of our leadership team, the school council, and leads our reading team. Ms. Smith works with staff, students, and families to ensure student success. She has been a valuable and involved part of our school since its beginning and continues to be of benefit to our school system.
JACKSON ROAD ELEMENTARY
Lottie Harris is Jackson Road's Employee of the Month for February. Mrs. Harris works very hard to learn new information, find new and innovative ways to teach Social Studies, and to assess and plan instruction to meet the needs of each student she teaches. She is a valuable and loyal member of the Jackson Road team, and her positive personality and loving smile is encouraging and contagious. She very much deserves to be recognized for all she does for our school and for her willingness to be her best at all times. Mrs. Harris is "all in" every day!
JORDAN HILL ELEMENTARY
Jordan Hill's Employee of the Month is Suzanne Foster. Suzanne does an awesome job giving support to our students. She provides additional help to her struggling students. She never complains about the work that needs to be completed and often voluntarily does more. She is a pleasure to be around and always has a smile on her face.
MOORE ELEMENTARY
Moore Elementary would like to recognize Lamaris Akins as the Employee of the Month. Mr. Akins is a kindergarten paraprofessional. He is constantly brainstorming ways to showcase the talent at Moore. Mr. Akins organized Moore's Elite Step Team. The Elite Step Team did a spectacular job for its debut at Griffin's Got Talent. He spends countless hours preparing our students for future performances. Not only does he teach the students "steps" for performances, he provides "steps" for success in school and life. Thanks Mr. Akins for all you do for the students at Moore!
MORELAND ROAD ELEMENTARY
Moreland Road's Employee of the Month is Debbie Harper. Ms. Harper works with our special needs population. She is dedicated, hard working, and ensures that all documentation is current and accurate. She is part of the Relay for Life team and is always willing to volunteer and go that extra mile for her students as well as her fellow teachers. Thanks for all that you do here at Moreland Road!
MRE would also like to recognize Mrs. Jody Singletary. The following email was sent to her by our school counselor,
Pamela Jackson:
"Mrs. Singletary,
I want to commend you on a job well done! I am so proud of you and our fifth graders. They did an awesome job with their presentations today! The 4-H representatives were also impressed with the presentations and participation. Thank you for being such an awesome teacher! All of your hard work paid off! Thank you for all that you do for our students."
ORRS ELEMENTARY
Orrs would like to recognize Mrs. Pam Thomaston as our Employee of the Month. She takes the initiative to support the vision of Orrs. She volunteers to give her time in many areas around our school. She has a positive attitude and is a pleasure to work with on a daily basis. Thank you Mrs. Thomaston for all you do for the students, faculty and parents at Orrs.
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TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM
WORKSHOP
Feb. 25, 2014
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
GSCS Learning Center
To register for the event, follow these easy steps:
- Visit: www.trsga.com
- Click on "Account Login" link in the
upper navigation bar - Select "Active Member" and
proceed to the Account Login page - Register for and/or
log in to your TRS account - Click on "Register for an event"
- Pick the event and time of your choice
You will receive an automatic e-mail confirmation upon your successful registration
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CONGRATS GSCS
GRIFFIN RESA REGIONAL LITERACY DAYS COMPETITION
WINNERS
(GRADES 3-5)
 | | Mikayla Moody, Crescent Elem., won 1st place for 3rd Grade Poetry Recitation. |
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Crescent Elementary's
5th grade drama group
won 1st place in drama.
Back L-R: Mat Fluker,
Elicia Threatt, &
Thomas Smith
Front L-R: Lorelai Smith, Jonathan Hale, Ryan Gravitt, & Sally Waits
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GSCS KIDS COMMUNICATE
TEACHER:
Okay class, we are going to get ready to practice for a tornado drill.
PRE-K STUDENT:
What? We are having a tomato drill!
Please send your
students humorous communications to laura.beaber@gscs.org. All entries will remain anonymous.
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 STATE-WIDE TORNADO DRILL RESCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, FEB. 10 AT 9 A.M. |
 NO MAKE-UP DAYS FOR STUDENTS & STAFF At the Board of Education meeting on February 4th, Dr. Jones recommended to the Board of Education members that since GSCS has an extra 10 instructional days are built into the school year no make-up days be scheduled. The school board approved his recommendation. While students have missed five days since January 1 due to winter weather, staff members have missed only three days. |
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BOARD BRIEFS
At its regular meetings on February 4, 2014 the board of education....
- Approved all field trip requests
- Approved adoption of Federal Grant budgets
- Approved Board of Education minutes for 1/7/2014 meeting
- Approved all Human Resources action items
- Approved election of principal for Rehoboth Road Middle School - Larry Jones
- Approved election of assistant principal for Moore Elementary School - Dr. Sharon Williams
- Approved election of assistant principal for Griffin High School - Dr. Willis Smith
- Received information on monthly facilities and maintenance report
Heard presentations on:
- Snow day decisions and their impacts - Dr. Curtis Jones
- Financial update for November and December 2013 - Ryan McLemore
- Industrial Development Authority update - Jim Smith
In other business the board recognized...
- First place winners of Literacy Days
- GSCS January District-level Most Valuable Parent - Joe Baldwin, Jordan Hill Elementary
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JONES APPOINTED PRINCIPAL FOR RRMS
The Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education named Larry Jones the principal of Rehoboth Road Middle School beginning July 1, 2014.
For the last seven years Larry Jones has served as the principal of Futral Road Elementary School. Prior to being named principal at Futral Road, Jones was the assistant principal there for two years. Mr. Jones also has assistant principal experience at Lamar County Elementary School and was a foreign language educator for six years in South Georgia.
Mr. Jones received his Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, and L5 certification from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia.
"My goal as Rehoboth Road Middle School's principal is to work with staff, students, and families to ensure high levels of learning for each student. It is my desire to continue the tradition of excellence and student growth at Rehoboth Road Middle," stated Larry Jones.
Dr. Curtis Jones, superintendent of Griffin-Spalding County School System stated, "Mr. Jones is a respectful and supportive administrator dedicated to the success of students, staff, and families. We are confident that Mr. Jones's successful leadership will benefit the middle school level. We look forward to continued success and great achievements for Rehoboth Road Middle School."
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ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCED FOR GHS
The Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education named Dr. Willis Smith as assistant principal of Griffin High School beginning July 1, 2014.
Dr. Smith will join Griffin-Spalding County School System from Jackson Public Schools in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Smith has been employed with Jackson Public Schools for over seven years and has experience as an assistant principal for both middle and high school levels. Prior to becoming an assistant principal he served as a social studies teacher and Freshman Academy coordinator.
Dr. Smith received his Bachelor's and Master's degree from Jackson State University and his Doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi.
In his application Dr. Smith stated, "An excellent administrator must have exemplary character, be able to think analytically, be passionate about their work, and have a relentless drive to increase student achievement."
"Dr. Smith brings a wealth of knowledge about school improvement. I am confident that his experience and commitment to succeed will complement Griffin High's tradition of excellence," stated Dr. Curtis Jones, superintendent of Griffin-Spalding County School System.
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WILLIAMS NAMED ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR MOORE ELEMENTARY
The Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education named
Dr. Sharon Williams as permanent assistant principal of Moore Elementary School. She currently serves as interim assistant principal.
Dr. Williams has been employed at Moore Elementary for the past thirteen years. She began at Moore as a fifth grade teacher in 2001 and in 2012 she became the academic coach.
Dr. Williams earned her Master's degree in Education from Fort Valley State University and her Doctorate of Instructional Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
"I am truly ecstatic to be afforded an opportunity to serve as assistant principal at Moore Elementary and to grow professionally. I look forward to continued collaboration with faculty, staff, students, parents, and stakeholders as we provide quality educational experiences for ALL students through effective formative instructional practices that nourish their love of learning and prepare them for college and career," said Williams.
School Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones stated, "Dr. Williams is committed to educating and empowering both students and staff. Her experience, innovative vision, and passion to enhance learning made her an outstanding
choice for this position. "
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TKES WINDOW OPEN
REMINDER:
Teacher Keys Effectiveness Surveys will be administered February 3-March 14, 2014.
Click HERE to view the Grade 3-5 TKES survey questions
Click HERE to view the Grade 9-12 TKES survey questions |
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2014 INCENTIVES FOR STATE HEALTH
State Health Benefit Plan Incentives for 2014 must be completed in order to earn more money in your HRA account (see chart below). These incentives are not mandatory and you will not be penalized in any way if you choose not to participate. The information can be found on our benefits website at www.mygscsbenefits.com or by clicking on the 2014 Incentive Link provided on the homepage.
REGARDING BIOMETRIC SCREENINGS:
State Health is sponsoring Biometric Screenings. These screenings can be done in Griffin on March 13th. If you are interested in taking advantage of this, you can schedule an appointment on the link provided on our benefits website above. They are scheduled to. The physician screening form can also be obtained on this same link.
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What to DO
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What you EARN
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2.
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Access Your Health
Complete your Healthways Well-Being Assessment questionnaire on-line
Know your Numbers
Complete a biometric screening and submit results to SHBP
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Complete Both to earn $240
HRA funds
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3.
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TAKE Action
Complete the coaching or online pathway or a combination of both:
-Coaching Pathway
-Create your Well-Being Plan
- Actively engage in telephonic coaching
-Online Pathway
-Create your Well-Being Plan
-Record 5 online well-being
activities in a month
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Earn up to $240 HRA funds
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 FEBRUARY MEANS HEART DISEASE AWARENESS!
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The month of February is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and increasing knowledge about prevention. Educate yourself on the dangers of heart disease and get on track to better heart health here!
Heart disease is a major problem. Every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States each year-that's 1 out of every 4 deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
Healthy choices and proper management of health conditions can go a long way to reducing heart disease, as can an informed public dedicated to helping their fellow Americans reach peak heart health.
Don't smoke. Smoking or using smokeless tobacco products are significant risk factors for developing heart disease. Many of the more than 4,800 chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the heart and blood vessels, causing them to constrict and ultimately lead to a heart attack.
Eat healthy. Take extra helpings of fruits, vegetables and whole grains while passing on the deep-fried fast foods, bakery products and packaged snack items. Limit saturated fat - which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Exercise regularly. You can reduce your chances of developing fatal heart disease by participating in moderately vigorous physical activity. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity most days of the week.
Don't drink (too much). Too much alcohol can increase blood pressure and lead to heart failure or stroke. However, light to moderate drinking - which is considered to be one drink per day for women and two or less for men - can help prevent heart attacks.
Watch your weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and insulin resistance, all of which can raise the chances of developing cardiovascular disease.
Get regular health screenings. Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every two years and cholesterol about every five years. High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol do not cause symptoms, but they can damage your heart and blood vessels.
Reduce stress. Being under stress may cause you to overeat, start smoking, or smoke more than you would normally - none of which is good for your heart.
You can reduce the risk of developing heart disease by more than 80 percent by living heart healthy. And it's never too late to adopt sensible health habits. Whether you are 17 or 77, eating right, exercising, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight will help protect your heart.
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JANUARY'S GSCS MOST VALUABLE PARENT
The Griffin-Spalding County School System selected Joe Baldwin from Jordan Hill Elementary as January's district-level Most Valuable Parent (MVP). Mr. Baldwin serves on Jordan Hill's school council (he was chairperson last year) and is an active member of the PTO. He also volunteers to help with popcorn Fridays which benefits Relay for Life, at the book fair and helps monitor the cafeteria when teachers need a break. For the last two years Mr.Baldwin has served on the interview committee for Jordan Hill for the selection of both principal and assistant principal.
Anthony Aikens, JHE principal, said, "Mr. Baldwin is an asset to Jordan Hill. He has yet to say no to any request asked of him. Parent involvement is so important to the success of our students and our school. Mr. Baldwin is an exemplary parent, volunteer, and role model; we are fortunate to have him." 
Mr. Baldwin
was recognized
at the Board of Education meeting
on February 4, 2014
and received a "tailgate package" from Chick-Fil-A.
GSCS is proud to recognize the following volunteers as school-level MVPs for January 2014:
Atkinson Elementary Paula Few
Beaverbrook Elementary Fred Edwards
Crescent Elementary Jennifer Powers
Futral Road Elementary Angela Thacker
Jackson Road Elementary Joyce Villiers
Jordan Hill Elementary Joe Baldwin
Moore Elementary Charles Smith
Orrs Elementary Kathy Peaden
Kennedy Road Middle Angela Ward
Griffin High Enrique Howard
Spalding High Salecia Akins
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"A life without love is like a year without summer."
~ Swedish Proverb
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SHS HONOR CHOIR
Members of the SHS Chorus attended the Georgia Music Educators District VI Honor Choir. These students rehearsed and performed with students from surrounding counties and were conducted by professors from Vanderbilt University. Our participants were chosen based on their musical ability, for being leaders in their classes and for being outstanding Jags.
 | | Top: 9th and 10th graders- Courtney Vaughn, Kira Smith, Savannah Harvil, Jacob Joiner, Ryan Smith, Erin Brooks, Sierra Montgomery and Emily Holcombe Bottom: 11th and 12th graders- Janice Lynch, Natalie Mathis, Beth Kirby, Omar Mullins, Bailey Harvil, Taylor Liles and Mary Owen Howell |
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GSCS EMPLOYEES: THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE 14TH ANNUAL HEART HUSSLE!
Come out for a great day of running/walking and support Futral Road Elementary!
 February 8, 2014
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Futral Rd.Elementary
180 Futral Road
Griffin, GA 30224
Click HERE for the registration form.
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Click HERE for our non-discrimination statement.
Laura Beaber, Editor
GSCS Communications and Partnerships Department
PO Drawer N
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