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EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
ANNE STREET ELEMENTARY
Anne Street Employees of the Month are Jennifer Washington and Alicia Best. Ms. Washington is a very calm and caring teacher that loves her students. She is always willing to help her teammates with a positive attitude. Her dedication and passion for teaching is seen every day as her students are always engaged and learning.
Mrs. Best is positive, calm, collected and always there to lend support. She does a great job of making sure that students are recognized for their hard work and good behavior. You can tell she wants to see the students grow by the expectations she sets in her classroom.
BEAVERBROOK ELEMENTARY
Beaverbrook would like to recognize Kindergarten Paraprofessionals Sara Henggeler, Dinette King and Julie Greene as the Employees of the Month. These are three teachers that we could not do without. They are dedicated to their students and flexible enough to handle situations as they occur. We love and appreciate these ladies!
COWAN ROAD ELEMENTARY
Cowan Road's Employees of the Month are our amazing retirees: Andrea Bonner, Harriette Connell and Ketina Greene! These AMAZING ladies have dedicated many years to education and especially GSCS. They continue to work diligently daily with our students and staff. CRE will miss these dedicated educators!
CRESCENT
ELEMENTARY
Lisa Webb, speech teacher and Title I parent involvement liaison, is Crescent's Employee of the Month. She goes above and beyond, seeking solutions to increase effectiveness with efficiency in mind. Ms. Webb organized language interventions by placing recorded interventions on a google file. Teachers can allow kids to work on their specific language deficits as needed throughout the day. She reaches out to parents to gain input and shares workshop information in a variety of ways. Using technology to communicate with parents has been a success this year. Keep up the awesome job!
FUTRAL ROAD ELEMENTARY
Sherrie May is Futral's Employee of the Month. Mrs. May and her staff do an outstanding job serving our students and teachers every day. She always has a smile on her face and makes our cafeteria a warm and inviting place. Thank you Mrs. May for taking care of us all!
JACKSON ROAD ELEMENTARY
Lottie Harris is JRE's Employee of the Month. Lottie helps lead our PBIS Team and has been a true asset. She continues to pump us up and keep us on track with our house system. Her experience with PBIS has been very helpful to a new principal and counselor.
JORDAN HILL ELEMENTARY
The Jordan Hill Employee of the Month is Sandra Whatley. Ms. Whatley has been a part of our custodial staff for four years now. She always has a smile on her face and is a pleasure to be around. She has built a good relationship with staff and students and is always willing to answer a radio call. She works hard to complete any task given to her. Congratulations Ms. Sandra!
MOORE ELEMENTARY
Moore Elementary would like to recognize Alicia Parker as our Employee of the Month. Her dedication to student success is evident in the time and effort she spends researching technology integrated best practices to reach our students. Ms. Parker comes to work with a positive attitude and her passion for teaching is witnessed by administrators and staff.
MORELAND ROAD ELEMENTARY
Moreland Road's Employee of the Month is Amy Word. To accommodate for a sudden teacher absence, MRE is having to adjust and collapse a class. Mrs. Word has been very flexible and understanding of the situation. Her number one priority has been the needs of the students at Moreland Road regardless of the impact on her. Her positive attitude and selfless actions have been admirable. We are grateful to have such a strong role model.
ORRS ELEMENTARY
Quanedra Dickson and Essence Williams are the Employees of the Month for Orrs. Ms. Dickson is an awesome teacher who keeps students motivated to learn. Ms. Williams works hard to engage our students in fine arts. Thank you both for all you do!
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 MR E TAKES THE LEAD IN ATTENDANCE
Congratulations to Moreland Road Elementary for having the highest GSCS attendance rate, to date, for the 2015-16 school year with 96.78%!
*Kudos also go to Futral Road Elementary at 96.42%, Crescent Elementary at 96.33% and Atkinson Elementary at 96.32%.
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CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON S. 8TH STREET
Message from the City
of Griffin
Road construction crews will begin performing milling and paving work on South 8th Street on Friday, March 25, 2016. The first phase of construction will be the milling of the existing street followed by the second phase of paving and resurfacing.
The construction will not require any road closures, however, one-way reversing traffic control with flaggers will be in effect. During this time, motorists can expect slight delays. Roadwork is scheduled to be complete by Saturday, April 2, 2016 if weather permits.
The City of Griffin would like to remind motorists to drive slowly through construction zones for their safety and for the safety of construction workers.
For more information, visit www.cityofgriffin.com.
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GRIFFIN RESA SOUTH METRO AREA SUMMER CONFERENCE
June 6-7, 2016
Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center
The 2016 Conference will feature four general sessions and 24 breakout sessions embedded in four primary strands. General and specialty sessions will address topics of interest to school-level administrators, system-level administrators, university-level administrators, teacher leaders and aspiring leaders.
For more information click HERE to view the brochure.
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 EDUCATOR HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS OPEN APRIL 4
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 to further the education of students in Spalding County by inducting them into the Griffin-Spalding Educator Hall of Fame. This is an opportunity to recognize those who have made outstanding and significant contributions to students, staff, parents and the community through their employment in the Griffin-Spalding County School System. Nominate a former GSCS educator to possibly be a part of the third class inducted into this elite Hall of Fame.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Former Griffin-Spalding County School System employees who worked for a minimum of 10 years with the system are eligible to be nominated for the Hall of Fame.
- Eligible persons would need to be retired or resigned at least five years from the Griffin-Spalding County School System before being nominated.
- Nominations submitted will keep eligibility for three years and would automatically be considered by the selection panel for each of those years.
- Those inducted into the Educator Hall of Fame, if living, are expected to attend and participate in the induction recognition. They will be expected to provide a photograph for installation in the Hall of Fame. If the inductee is unable to attend, a family member or representative will be expected to attend and participate accordingly in the Induction Ceremony.
Visit www.spalding.k12.ga.us on April 4, for the 2016 nomination packet. |
GSCS FACT SHEET
Click HERE to view the updated 2016 GSCS Fact Sheet. |
 STATE HEALTH OFFICER SHARES ZIKA CONCERNS
Dear Educator, As the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health and the State Health Officer, I am writing to share my concerns about Zika virus infection. I am asking you to help disseminate important information to students, faculty, and families about protecting against mosquito bites and preventing the spread of Zika virus in Georgia. Many popular spring break destinations throughout the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Pacific Islands, and Mexico have outbreaks of Zika virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued Zika travel notices with recommendations for travelers to these destinations. Because Zika virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes, travelers to any destination with Zika outbreaks should protect themselves from mosquito bites. As of this date, no locally transmitted Zika cases have been reported in Georgia or anywhere in the United States, but cases have been reported in returning travelers. Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes species mosquitoes, which can be found in Georgia. Sexual transmission of Zika has also be documented. Pregnant women should not travel to areas where there is ongoing Zika virus transmission because of a link between Zika virus and birth defects. Studies are underway to determine if there is a connection between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barr� syndrome (GBS) and other serious neurological disorders. Read more... |
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SHS CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM RECEIVES AGC DONATION
Casey Pollard from industry Partner R.K. Redding Construction delivers a $1,200 donation to the the Construction Technology Program taught by Chad Pruitt at Spalding High School to aid in materials for his third-level coursework. Construction Technology Teacher Chad Pruitt stated, "I can't thank them enough for not only the donation but for what they do for my students and my classroom. "There is an obvious skill gap in the construction industry. Atlanta General Contractors (AGC) are forming partnerships throughout the state with its member companies and local school systems to get the word out that they want our students," added Pruitt. The AGC considers workforce development as a broad umbrella that encompasses activities that encourage students to consider the option of a career in construction and help prepare them for jobs in the industry, either through craft training or a two- or four-year degree.
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STAKEHOLDER INPUT NEEDED: HELP US SPREAD THE WORD
 GSCS is seeking parent and stakeholder input on the school district's improvement plans.
To receive funding from certain state and federal programs, GSCS must revise the district's Strategic Plan, Comprehensive Local Educational Agency (GSCS) Improvement Plan, Parent Involvement Policy, Title II Equity Action Plan and Title II Needs Assessment annually
GSCS would like to share these plans with our stakeholders and gather their input by having them attend one of these sessions. All meetings will be held at the GSCS Parent Services Center (234 E. Taylor St.) in room B112.
March 28, 2016 at 5:30 P.M.
March 29, 2016 at 12:00 P.M.
March 30, 2016 at 8:30 A.M.
Click HERE for the full news release to share with parents and stakeholders.
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"THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO AVOID CRITICISM: DO NOTHING, SAY NOTHING AND BE NOTHING."
~ Aristotle
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 SHS SPANISH IS A HIT
Spalding High School Spanish Teacher Benjamin VerHoef was recently chosen to present at this year's Foreign Language Association of Georgia Conference in Augusta,
GA. The conference was attended by hundreds of foreign language teachers from all over the state. Many attended Mr. VerHoef's presentation titled "�Canta m�s!" which is defined as having students sing the chorus of songs in the target language. Mr. VerHoef's students memorize the chorus of catchy hit Spanish songs and perform them individually every two to four weeks. Mr. VerHoef's passion for teaching Spanish and student achievement was noticed by all. He represented SHS and GSCS very well. Congrats Senor VerHoef!
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 AVOIDING SPRING ALLERGIES
Allergy season is already upon us and unseasonably warm weather is partially at fault. Weather patterns related to El Nino have caused plants to bloom earlier than normal, and the combination of blooming flowers, pollen in the air and warmer temperatures is a nightmare for allergy sufferers.
Keep the following tips in mind if you are affected by seasonal allergies:
- Take off your shoes as soon as you get home and leave them by the door. This will reduce the number of pollutants inside your home.
- Take a shower before you go to bed. This helps you avoid taking mold or pollen to bed with you.
- Avoid going outdoors when the pollen count is high, which is typically during hot, dry and windy days.
- Do some spring cleaning. Dust accumulated indoors over the course of the winter can sometimes be worse
than outdoor allergies.
When Pollen Levels are Highest:
- From Trees - February through July (worst during April)
- From Grass - April through August (worst during June and July)
- From Weeds - June through October (worst during September)
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INTERESTED IN FURTHERING  YOUR EDUCATION?
The Bagwell College of Education at Kennesaw State University is offering the following courses for interested teachers...
M.Ed. in Special Education General Curriculum
(Fully Online) *April 1 Deadline for Summer 2016 Admission
The M.Ed. in Special Education is a fully online program, designed for individuals who have an undergraduate degree in education in a field other than special education. http://bagwell.kennesaw.edu/majors-programs/online-programs/online-special-education/
KSU Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder (Fully Online) *April 1 Deadline for Summer 2016 Admission
This KSU graduate certificate is specifically designed to provide specialized preparation to meet the needs of students on the autism spectrum. It does not lead to a GaPSC certification; however, candidates who complete the certificate program may transfer up to 9 credit hours as part of the electives for the M.Ed. in Special Education or Ed.D. in Special Education.
Ed.S/Ed.D in Special Education
*April 1 Deadline for Summer Admission
The specialist and doctorate in Special Education prepare candidates to be knowledgeable of critical issues within the field of special/education providing them the opportunity to enhance their teaching and expertise in the P-12 classroom.
http://bagwell.kennesaw.edu/majors-programs/doctoral-degrees/edd-special-education-general-curriculum
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 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TRAFFIC BOX ART CONTEST The City of Griffin Downtown Development Authority (DDA) invites artists residing in the region to submit their qualifications for this year's Traffic Control Box Vinyl Wrap Public Art Project. Up to forty (40) artists will be selected to design vinyl wraps for twenty (20) traffic control boxes located throughout Downtown Griffin. "It is our goal that the arts and cultural assets of the Griffin/Spalding region continue to promote economic development, tourism, and sense of place," said Downtown Development Authority Executive Director, Kenwin Hayes. "The traffic box art initiative is a part of a larger vision within GAP (Griffin Arts Project) that will continue to be developed with community partners in the future." Selected artists will be required to submit their final designs at full-scale in a digital format by April 1, 2016 at 11:59pm. The contest is open to all with preference given to those familiar with local arts, music, community events, history, culture, and special attractions. For more information and to apply visit cityofgriffin.com. |
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Click HERE for our non-discrimination statement.
Communicator is edited using the AP Stylebook 2010 edition.
Laura Beaber, Editor
GSCS Communications and Partnerships Department
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