August 12 - 19, 2016
In This Issue


Last week I began a discussion of the curriculum audit performed last spring. We commissioned the audit as a tool in the district improvement process. The resulting report is known as a gap report highlighting areas for improvement rather than listing areas of strength (and there are many areas in which we do well). The audit team, composed of instructional experts from across the nation, spent five days in GSCS conducting interviews and surveys, observing classroom practices and reviewing mountains of documentation. Data from all three sources were needed in order to validate a finding (a gap in our processes or documentation) through a process known as triangulation of data. From the findings, a series of ten primary recommendations were prepared. Our job is to work through the report to understand the findings and develop action plans to address the recommendations made by the audit team.
 
In discussions with others who have gone through this process, one piece of advice that was consistently offered was to take the process of developing a response slowly and deliberately. Though a sense of urgency is attached to the report, care must be taken to coordinate improvement efforts given the complexity of some recommendations. This doesn't mean we will stop the process of making changes to our instructional program or defer professional learning opportunities. Steps to bring consistency to our instructional and operational programs will continue especially in instances where the report validated existing perceptions. Therefore, you will see work continue on our early learner initiative, PBIS and RTI implementation process, literacy improvement plan, among others. Many pieces of our new strategic plan tailor well with recommendations in the audit report. I am encouraged when I think of the resources we already have in place ready for use in the improvement process.
 
I will talk about specific recommendations in the weeks to come. I want to conclude highlighting the opening of the Griffin Region College and Career Academy. The first formal classes will be held on August 15, 2016. At last count, over 175 students from three counties have signed up to take one or more classes. Some will be taking college core classes while others will be working on career pathway courses. This is an exciting time in GSCS as we work as agents of change.

To view the curriculum audit report click HERE.

Sincerely,
Jim Smith
School Superintendent
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GSCS 2017 GRADUATION DATES
Spalding High Graduation
May 26, 2017 at 7 p.m.
Memorial Stadium
 
Griffin High Graduation
May 27, 2017 at 9 a.m.
Memorial Stadium
 
A.Z. Kelsey Academy Graduation
May 26, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.
Griffin Auditorium
DISCUSSING VIOLENCE AND TERRORISM WITH YOUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Message from the National School Public Relations Association

School is already back in session for some and others will soon follow suit. The recent series of mass shootings and news of terrorist attacks have put safety and security on all our minds. This type of violence has left some students and parents worried, fearful and struggling to cope as they head back to school.
 
Consequently, we have curated the top resources that offer school administrators and staff tips on how to respond and talk to students, families, and other educators about this concern. Thanks to our colleagues at the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), National Education Association (NEA), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), we have a few tips that you may want to follow:
  • Discuss the topic with children - don't worry about saying the perfect thing. Instead, ask them what they understand, encourage questions, listen to concerns and validate their feelings.
  • Tell the truth but give age and developmentally appropriate explanations. Gently correct inaccurate information in a clear and simple way.
  • Reassure students - especially young children - about their safety. Let them know that police, fire departments, and our government will protect us. Parents and caregivers are there for them.
    • Principals and superintendents should be a visible presence, visiting classrooms and greeting students and parents.
  • Address blame by letting children know feeling angry is normal but that terrorists are not from one particular race or ethnicity.
  • Stick to a normal routine as students thrive from consistency. Doing familiar things they enjoy with friends and family will help them feel better and stop worrying.
  • Be aware of signs that show emotional distress in students (e.g. anxiety, behavior change, or acting out) and monitor your own stress levels.
Resources for Discussing Violence and Terrorism
SEE A DOCTOR 24/7 ON YOUR COMPUTER OR MOBILE DEVICE
Recently, the State Health Benefit Plan added a new enhancement to their plans called Telemedicine.

Telemedicine is a way to access doctors and healthcare 24 hours a day through a computer, tablet or mobile device (with a webcam). Imagine... no emergency rooms, waiting in lines or hassles. This enhancement to their plans can save you time, frustration and money.

Click HERE to watch a short video to see how the plan works.
"Take every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people."
 
~ Jim Rohn
KEEPING PARENTS IN THE KNOW
During the 2015-16 school year, Kennedy Road Middle School sent out the most ParentLink calls with 66 messages. Griffin High came in second place with 63 messages and A.Z. Kelsey Academy came in third with 46 messages.
 
Click HERE to view the full list of schools.
Kennedy Road Middle School Teacher Tianna Fowler received $1,000 from Bridgestone Bandag LLC for a classroom grant.
7 REASONS LOVE IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART
  1. Spending Time with a Loved One Lowers Blood Pressure
  2. Your Heart Gets a Workout When it Goes
    Pitter-Patter
  3. Hugs Are Good for the Heart
  4. Laughter Makes Your Blood Flow More Freely
  5. Love Letters Can Lower Cholesterol
  6. A Positive Attitude Reduces Heart Attack Risk
  7. Holding Hands Calms Nerves
Click HERE to read full article.
GRIFFIN RESA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CATALOG FOR 2016-2017

Click HERE to view the 2016-17 Griffin RESA Professional Learning Catalog. This catalog includes courses to enhance instructional practices, development and use of assessments, classroom management and behavior supports, as well as many other areas of teaching, learning and leadership.
FROGSLIB BOOK SALE
ELEMENTARY EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
ANNE STREET ELEMENTARY
Custodial Staff.
For all their hard work and efforts to get the building ready for the opening of school after summer renovations. They are AWESOME!!!
 
ATKINSON ELEMENTARY
Frances Wyche.
Ms. Wyche was instrumental in keeping the office running smoothly during the first week of school.  She connected with our parents and students and made sure that each person who walked through the office doors had a positive experience. Ms. Wyche wore many hats during the first week of school and did it with a smile. We appreciate her commitment to Atkinson!
 
BEAVERBROOK ELEMENTARY
Darius Graves.
Darius has connected, reconnected and moved computers all over our school. He has never said a negative word but just gets the job done in a professional manner.  We appreciate all his hard work for our school!
 
COWAN ROAD ELEMENTARY
Antonio Ellis and Karen Stanfield.
Antonio has served as an amazing leader for our Science Lab and will now be a 5th grade teacher.  Karen Stanfield just returned from presenting at the National Science Teachers' STEM Conference in Denver, Colorado.
CRESCENT ELEMENTARY
Erin Landers.
She consistently seeks to gain a deep understanding of challenging students.
Her passion to figure out what makes kids tick is inspiring. Her growth mindset truly helps students succeed!

FUTRAL ROAD ELEMENTARY
Sara Bachman.
Whether it's mopping up spilled milk during morning cafeteria duty or standing in the rain during afternoon bus duty, she always has a smile on her face and never complains. Ms. Bachmann is hardworking, faithful and loyal to our students. Thank you Ms. Bachman for being awesome!
 
JACKSON ROAD ELEMENTARY
Kytha Dockins.
She has stepped up in a big way to help us transition a new secretary while making sure all of our students are registered correctly, getting parents signed in to Raptor and juggling all of the back to school needs. She has kept a great attitude and has worked hard this month. Thank you!

JORDAN HILL ELEMENTARY
Kim Holden.
Kim is one of our first grade teachers and also is our co-parent involvement liaison. Kim worked hard over the month of July to not only get her room ready for the start of school but also one of her grade level colleagues who was medically unable to do so. Kim exemplifies our family commitment here at Jordan Hill.
MOORE ELEMENTARY
Custodian Team: Joseph Berry, Victor Richards, and Ira Washington. They worked tirelessly to ensure that the building was clean, attractive, and safe for students, parents, staff, and visitors for the opening of the school year. They continue to take pride in maintaining a sanitary environment that is conducive for learning.
 
MORELAND ROAD ELEMENTARY
Custodians: Robert Brown, Katrina Boggs, Tommie Joe Coleman and Genie Stansell.  They worked very hard all Summer dismantling the entire school, cleaning it, shining it up and putting it back together. The school was in great shape when the staff and students returned. They do this every year and don't fuss or complain, they understand what needs to be done and just do it. Thanks for all of your hard work together as a team to make sure our school is nice and clean and ready for instruction. 
 
ORRS ELEMENTARY
Melanie Lockett.
As the academic coach at Orrs, she is always willing to go the extra mile. She is resourceful and has a variety of instructional strategies to increase academic achievement. Miss Lockett is a hard worker who is dedicated to the profession. She is definitely an asset to Orrs Elementary School.
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* The Communicator is edited using the AP Stylebook 2010 edition.

Laura Beaber, Editor
GSCS Communications and Partnerships Department
770-229-3700
www.spalding.k12.ga.us