|
MIDDLE SCHOOL
EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
CARVER ROAD
MIDDLE
Ms. Pitts and Dr. Gardner are CAMS Employees of the Month. Both of these individuals are invaluable to the school. Ms. Pitts always works diligently for the betterment of our students and school. She has partnered with the GHS JROTC to develop a Cadet program for our students. Likewise, Dr. Gardner has started the Young Gents program for our young men to teach leadership and character. Both individuals are well deserved of this recognition.
COWAN ROAD
MIDDLE
Cowan Middle's Employee of the Month is Tony Hall for providing administrative support to two schools. Great job Mr. Hall! We are glad you are part of our team!!
KENNEDY ROAD MIDDLE
Kennedy Road Middle School selects Mario Gilbert as the Employee of the Month. Mr. Gilbert is a phenomenal role model to the students here at KRMS. He is one of the sponsors of our Brotherhood Club which promotes the need for education and citizenship in the community to our male students. He goes above and beyond to assist where needed and always graciously accepts any tasks provided to him. Mr. Gilbert is a dedicated employee and it is with great pleasure that we recognize his efforts!
REHOBOTH ROAD MIDDLE
Rehoboth Road's Employee of the Month is our chorus teacher, Blair Thompson. Mrs. Thompson has worked with our students in honors chorus and theater. She is often at the school late working with students to rehearse and is a vital part of our school. Mrs. Thompson is dedicated to the success of our students and goes above and beyond to enrich the lives of our students through music and theater.
|
|
Beth Miller, Jackson Road Elementary STEM lab teacher, for being awarded a $2995 Ecolab Vision for Learning Grant to
build a Hoop House (greenhouse).
|
|
SHS SCARECROW FESTIVAL
Register to participate...
It's free! Sign up and help make this a great community event!
|
|
RRMS JACK-O-
LANTERN JOG
OCT. 23
6:30PM
Jack-O-Lantern Jog Flyer
|
|
SHS FRUIT FUNDRAISER
SHS is selling fruit from Florida Indian River Groves to raise money for their student's international trip to China.
Click HERE for the flyer.
Contact Amanda Breland at amanda.breland@gscs.org
ORDERS & MONEY DUE NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 23rd
|
|
GRIFFIN RESA ANNOUNCES
*All sessions are on Saturdays or online so no subs are needed
Griffin RESA is pleased to offer this new endorsement program for classroom teachers who wish to deepen their
understanding of:
- Teaching and learning and research-based best practices
- Supporting school improvement
- Promoting collaboration and professional learning communities within their schools and districts.
This program meets the PSC endorsement criterion for the Lead Professional certification tier for Georgia educators. The program consists of three, five-credit courses (face-to-face meetings & online modules). Our first cohort will begin in January 2015, with an expected completion date of September 2015. The total cost of the endorsement is $675.00, payable in installments of $225.00 at the start of each course, for Griffin RESA member systems.
Griffin RESA is currently accepting applications for this upcoming cohort. Visit the "Endorsement" link on the Griffin RESA website at www.griffinresa.net.
|
|
UPCOMING DATES FROM GADOE:
Oct. 11-19:
Barnes & Noble Educator Appreciation Days. Pre-K-12 educators receive 25 percent off classroom and personal purchases. Other perks: Enter to win a NOOK or $500 B&N gift card; various receptions and giveaways at individual stores.
Oct. 20:
Parent Engagement Month Kick-Off Celebration, Georgia State Capitol North Wing, 11 a.m.
|
|
On Tuesday the Board of Education had its scheduled monthly meeting. During the public comment section of the meeting several parents chose to speak about bullying in our schools. As you know, we have a policy against bullying and our schools are well marked with anti-bullying signs, posters, etc. These parents felt that their students were bullied at school and wanted to share this with the BOE.
While listening to the parents, I was reminded of something that I shared with you all at our faculty meetings this past month. I shared that students look to you as adults and believe that you know, understand and see everything that is going on with them. In some cases they expect you to read their minds. While we know that is not possible, it is refreshing to think that our students have that much confidence and trust in you.
In the situations commented on this week I found several things in common that I wanted to share with you and ask for your help.
- We have to continue to be aware of what our students are saying and doing to one another. Words hurt. In the cases this week students felt bullied because of name-calling and negative things being said to them. I know that we can't hear everything. I know when you are at lunch it's nice to be able to sit with your colleagues but we still need to be aware of what our students are doing and who they are sitting with. Recognize that when one student is being picked on it will most likely be at lunch, recess, during class changes, getting on or off the bus, etc. Just keep your eyes open and I guarantee if you look into your students eyes you will be able to tell if something is going on. Eye-contact can be a very powerful tool.
- Another point that was made clear to me was that some parents believe that you have ample time to return emails and make phone calls. I know how busy you are and that you cannot make yourself available 24/7. I also know that it is easy to forget to return an email or phone call but if it happens, apologize.
- The last point I learned was that all parents believe school is a place where their children can and should be safe. And I know we all agree. In my Communicator message a few weeks ago I talked about how it was important to have fun at work and that having great co-workers made work fun. I think we can endeavor to make it a fun place for our students with great friends. Let's encourage friendship and encourage our students to look out for one another. Also, let them know that if they are ever in a bullying situation that they should talk to you. For a great experience in school it is important that each of our students know and believe that there is at lease one caring adult in the building.
Let's work together to make sure all GSCS schools remain no-bullying zones! Thank you for all you do to ensure school is a safe and positive place for our students.
Have a great weekend and fall break!
COLDR
|
|
|
 2014 TEM BROCHURE
Click HERE to view the GaDOE 2014 TEM brochure.
"The information referenced in the brochure was based on current processes and timelines that were available at the time of printing. Since the printing of the brochures, Georgia requested to revise the ESEA waiver under which we currently operate. This request included delaying for one year the use of student growth data in teacher/leader evaluations due to the fact that Georgia Milestones will be implemented this year for the first time. If the waiver is approved, the timeline information in the brochure will change. The waiver request will not impact the Race to the Top Districts' obligation to fully implement TKES and LKES this school year.
It is important to note that while high stake decisions based on a TEM and LEM may be delayed by the waiver, Georgia will continue to move forward with the implementation of each component in order to be well-prepared for the time when student growth data will be required as a part of teacher/leader evaluation."
- Avis King, Georgia Department of Education, statement...
|
 GSCS STUDENTS INCREASE SCORES IN ALL DOMAINS OF THE SAT In 2014, the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) had significant increases in all three domains of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The SAT assesses students in Critical Reading, Math and Writing as a means of predicting college success. GSCS students increased Critical Reading from 452 in 2013 to 466 in 2014. Math scores rose from 444 to 461 in 2014. Writing scores grew from 435 to 445. Read more... |
 2014 SCHOOL UNIFORM SURVEY - LAST CHANCE!
The BOE has had requests to consider school uniforms. They need your input! Click HERE and complete the survey. |
 BOARD BRIEFS
Click HERE for October 7th Board of Education Briefs |
|
NEWS AND INFORMATION
OCT. 27 - NOV. 14, 2014
SHBP Decision Guides & Educational Videos Now Available! These great resources can be found by visiting www.mygscsbenefits.com. These resources contain valuable information on each plan's respective benefits, out-of-pocket costs and an explanation on how each plan option works. You are encouraged to to take time to review these before Open Enrollment.
If you have not been through the portal since last open enrollment, we encourage you to activate your account now so that if you experience log in issues, you will have time to get those resolved. If problems occur, contact State Health directly at 1-800-610-1863.
Open Enrollment Meetings:
When: October 21
Time: 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Where: GSCS Learning Center.
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
*Important Notices and Updates regarding Open Enrollment will be posted in the Communicator as well as on our benefits website.
*Pay attention to emails entitled "Open Enrollment Information"
*Call Centers are available for assistance with questions and enrollment procedures:
Flex Spending Accounts- 1-877-422-3312
State Health Benefits- 1-800-610-1863
|
|
 TUITION REIMBURSEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS NOW OPEN!
Griffin Spalding Partners In Education is offering scholarships for up to $1,000 each to Griffin-Spalding County School System teachers who are currently seeking additional certification or advanced degrees related to their teaching/educational field.
To qualify, applicants should:
- Have at least one year of service as a certified employee in the Griffin-Spalding County School System.
- Complete the online application at www.gspie.org between October 6, 2014 - October 31, 2014.
Recipients must:
- Provide 2014 grades and a tuition receipt (or loan statement) for reimbursement up to $1,000 (Must scan and attach with application).
- Agree, upon completion of certification or degree, to serve as a teacher or administrator in the
- Griffin-Spalding County School System for at least one year if offered a position.
- Remain in good academic standing while receiving scholarship funding by maintaining passing grades and a 3.0 GPA or higher.
*The tuition reimbursement scholarships may be used for tuition, books or lab fees.
|
|
GSCS NAMED THE FIRST MVP FOR THE 2014-15 SCHOOL YEAR
 The Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) announces Ed Reynolds from Jordan Hill Elementary as the district's Most Valuable Parent (MVP) for September. Mr. Reynolds has been a consistent volunteer at Jordan Hill for over seven years. He and his wife come to Jordan Hill once a week for about three hours and tutor 4th and 5th grade students. He is also an advocate for Jordan Hill by serving on the school council and being a Partner in Education. He assists with the school's annual Veteran's Day program and is always willing to serve as a proctor during testing time.
Jordan Hill principal, Anthony Aikens, stated, "Mr. Reynolds is not just a seasonal volunteer, he has been a mainstay here on "The Hill" for as long as I have been principal. We are truly blessed to have his support."
Read more...
|
|
 NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION UPDATE FROM WASHINGTON D.C.
 | |
Donnell Cox with Congressman Lewis
|
Cowan Road Middle School teacher Donnell Cox represents GSCS as well as Georgia educators on the National Education Association Board of Directors. While attending the September board meeting in Washington, D.C. Donnell spokewith Georgia Congressmen concerning education topics and bills. These are the topics that were discussed:
- Revisiting the Higher Education Act: Make college more affordable and improve teacher preparation programs.
- House Bill 4172: Reducing the federal role in testing: This is a bipartisan bill to improve student testing and accountability. This bill would restore the pre-No Child Left Behind approach known as grade-span testing (one test administered in elementary, middle, and high school).
- Child Refugees and Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Most people that I spoke with in Congress are on the fence on possible solutions. I did share the challenge of teaching students who do not speak English. Even when teachers are bilingual, we are expected to deliver instruction in English. Yes, we have an ESOL program but that is usually one hour per day and some students come in immediately after entering the country.
|
|
 Bill Glisson from Georgia Power visited Jackson Road Elementary on October 10, to read a book to Pre-K students as part of Georgia's Pre-K Week. Across the state, Pre-K centers and schools welcomed state, business and community leaders to visit and learn about the value of early education. Georgia's official Pre-K Week was celebrated Oct. 6-10, hosted by Voices for Georgia's Children and supported by Georgia Power, Synovus and Scholastic Corporation.
DO YOU KNOW THE BASICS OF GEORGIA
PRE-K?
Click HERE to see the 2014 Georgia Pre-K Fact Sheet.
|
|
|
|
Click HERE for our non-discrimination statement.
Laura Beaber, Editor
GSCS Communications and Partnerships Department
PO Drawer N
|
|
|
|
