the gscs May 5-11, 2013

COMMUNICATOR

system-wide straight talk

It is that time of the year again.

The pollen, sneezing, coughing and hacking...I am really looking forward to the end of allergy season!

However, the time of the year I was really referencing is testing season. This is the time when all of our elementary and middle school students are fully engaged in the CRCT and our high school students are preparing for their end of course tests. Now is the time we see all of the hard work we have put into preparing our students.

We began this school year by giving students some diagnostic assessments and now we get to see the growth that students have experienced. Several factors contribute to student growth. Clearly, students have to take ownership of their learning and goal setting. Parents also play a large role in their growth and how much they support our efforts to educate their child. But I know much of that growth is because of you. I want to congratulate you all on a good year for student learning. Our diagnostic assessments have gone well and our students have responded well. You have learned Formative Instructional Practices and implemented some of those practices in your classroom with learning targets. You are to be commended.

Some educators become concerned and fearful when approaching a big test. Don't be. I learned a long time ago that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. You and your students have worked hard and prepared for this time and now we are about to see the benefits.

Speaking of benefits...

Although we are still very early in the process, I wanted to update you all on the progress of our 2014-2015 budgeting. The Board of Education participated in a budget workshop this week and I think some of the items discussed might interest you. Another year with no furlough days was projected, possibility of adding step increases, and continuing a one percent pay raise for all employees.

Last year was our first year with no furlough days and a one percent pay increase. It feels great to be in a financial situation that we can project no furlough days, adding step increases, and a possible additional one percent pay increase. I hope you agree.

Another item discussed was the class size issue. To address this issue we are anticipating adding approximately 15 new teaching positions for next school year to reduce or maintain our current class sizes.

I think all of this is good news and I hope you agree.

As we continue to work with the Board of Education to finalize the budget I will keep you informed.

Enjoy your weekend!

Curtis

2013 CCRPI RESULTS SHOW INCREASE

The 2013 College & Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) was released and shows the Griffin-Spalding County School System made gains.

The CCRPI scores for 2012 were recalculated to offer a valid comparison between years. However, both scores are more than a year old.

"We first learned of our 2013 test results some time ago and used this data to create our school improvement plans for this school year," said Superintendent Dr. Curtis L. Jones, Jr.

The Griffin-Spalding school board will receive a detailed presentation on the 2013 CCRPI at its regular meeting on May 6.

Overall the school system increased from 63.7 to 67.

GSCS RECEIVES HIGHEST FORM OF RECOGNITION IN FINANCIAL REPORTING

GSCS's comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013 qualifies for a Certificate of Achievment for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment.

Congrats GSCS Finance Department!

2014-2015 EMPLOYEE WORK SCHEDULE

Click HERE to view the approved 2014-15 employee work schedule.

SEVERE WEATHER

This was a week of powerful storms in this region. Thank you for your efforts in keeping our students safe and secure. Each day, district officials participated in the National Weather Service webinar to ensure the latest information was available to make decisions about school.

GSCS SCHOOL LUNCH SUPER
HEROES

The first Friday of May is School Lunch Super Hero Day. This is a day to celebrate and recognize all of the hard work that school nutrition employees do nationwide. One GSCS nutrition employee per school is selected as the Super Hero and is awarded with a special certificate and apron.

Congratulations to...

Carol MIddlebrooks- A.Z. Kelsey Academy

Francine Parks- Anne St. Elementary

Diane Wright- Atkinson Elementary

Becky Griffith- Beaverbrook Elementary

Nancy Smith- Cowan Rd. Elementary

Sherrie May- Crescent Rd. Elementary

Susan Marmon- Futral Rd. Elementary

Catherine Henley- Jackson Rd. Elem.

Angela Sealey- Jordan Hill Elementary

Mattie Clemons- Moore Elementary

Tammy Brown- Moreland Rd. Elem.

Sheena Driver- Orrs Elementary

Stacy Hightower- Cowan Middle

Angela Giddings- Carver Middle

Trenea Howard- Kennedy Middle

Tacy Cole- Rehoboth Middle

Millie Reynolds- GHS

Beaddie Parker- SHS

Trenea Howard, Kennedy Middle

Carol Middlebrooks, A.Z. Kelsey

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

We all know about the importance about taking care of our health-eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising. Healthy habits positively influence how a person feels and how their body functions. But good health involves not only caring for our body but also our mind.

Mental Health America wants to raise awareness during the month of May about mental health conditions and the importance of good mental health for everyone.

Do something each day of May to work on your mental wellness. Click HERE and download the Mind Your Health Calendar with daily tips to boost your mind and body.

GSCS SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR EDUCATOR HALL OF FAME

The Griffin-Spalding County School System is seeking nominations to induct the second class of educators into the Griffin-Spalding County School System Educator Hall of Fame.

The Educator Hall of Fame was created last year in light of the school systems 60th anniversary and is now an annual event.

Dr. Curtis Jones, Superintendent of the Griffin-Spalding County School System said, "Exemplary educators have been associated with the Griffin-Spalding County School System since its founding in 1953. The school system wants to honor those who have gone beyond the call of duty during this time and made outstanding significant educational contributions to students, staff, parents and the community."

2nd ANNUAL GEORGIA STEM DAY IS MAY 9, 2014! 540,000 PARTICIPANTS & CLIMBING!

Getting involved with STEM Day is simple:

Teachers: Incorporate fun and innovative STEM activities into your classroom on May 9, 2014. Encourage your school and fellow teachers to do the same!
Principals: Engage your entire school in celebrating STEM Day. Encourage each teacher in every subject to celebrate science, technology, engineering, and math in a creative way
Students: Get excited about STEM and join in your classroom STEM Day activities! Find out more ways you can get involved in STEM learning outside of school.

Looking for ideas? Visit: http://www.tagedonline.org/event/georgia-stem-day#What_is_GA_STEM_Day for great ideas

In This Issue

2013 CCRPI Results

GSCS Financial Excellence

2014-15 Employee Work Shedule

Severe Weather

GSCS Nutrition Super-Heroes

Mind your Health

2014 Educator Hall of Fame

GSCS Blood Drive

2014 GA STEM Day

GSCS HIGH SCHOOL EMPLOYEE'S OF THE MONTH

GRIFFIN HIGH

Mr. Poole is the April employee of the month. He is always willing to go the extra mile to help his colleagues and students. He is self-driven, takes initiative and supportive of the GHS mission and vision. He is one of

GHS's finest!

SPALDING HIGH

The Employee of the Month for SHS is Crystal McLean. Crystal takes special care of the staff and students each and every day at SHS. She is the secretary for the whole school and keeps things running during our most chaotic times. Without her commitment and dedication we could not function effectively. Thank you for all you do!

SHS JAG JOG

The Key Club of Spalding High is sponsoring the first ever 5k Jag Jog. This trail race will take place at SHS on our cross country course. The registration fee is $15 and we would appreciate your support. We are trying to raise funds for a number of causes, among them are Relay for Life, Ga. Sheriffs' Youth Homes and the Callum Reid Scholarship Fund.

Click HERE for the registration form. Please return to SHS as soon as possible to receive a race day t-shirt.

EIGHT GSCS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WERE AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS FROM THE KIWANIS CLUB OF GRIFFIN.

Students were recognized at the Kiwanis meeting on April 30.

ORRS GETS PUMPED UP FOR TESTING!

Students in third-fifth grades at Orrs Elementary attended a CRCT pep rally. Highlights included a "Twelve Most Powerful Words" rap, a pep talk from Mr. Martin, and a performance by Griffin High School's drum-line. Orrs students are going to do an amazing job on the CRCT!