COMMUNICATOR
System-wide Straight Talk for GSCS Employees
 Dec. 15-22, 2017
In This Issue
WINTER BREAK
GHS STUDENT INDIA BRYANT RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP FROM PENCO ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC.
On December 7, Griffin High School (GHS) Junior India Bryant was presented with a one-year Electrical Apprenticeship Program scholarship from Penco Electrical Contractors. This scholarship includes an electrical apprenticeship with Penco beginning this summer and the possibility of a continued scholarship for the entire course of study.

The apprenticeship will be with Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), a nationally certified and accredited program which provides on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Pictured (L-R): India's Mother Jeannie Mangham, India Bryant and President/CEO of Penco Electrical Contractors Kristen Williams


















Last year, India enrolled in the construction pathway at GHS and began competing in Skills USA competitions. She earned second place in electrical wiring in the Skills Challenge, first place in the Skills USA Regional Competition and competed in the state-level competition. This year, India earned first place in the Skills Challenge and will advance to the Skills Region Competition in February.

Representatives from Penco attend Skills USA competitive events and selected India for the scholarship based on her performance in the Skills USA regional and state-level competitions.
Read more...
PLEASE REVIEW YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE DEDUCTIONS
If you made changes during the recent State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) open enrollment, please check your health insurance deduction on your December pay stub for any errors.  If you feel there is an error with the deduction, you must notify SHBP by calling 1-800-610-1863 before December 31, 2017.
"Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you!"
~ T.A. Barron
PRINCIPAL AND ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL POOL NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS 
GSCS has opened both the principal and assistant principal pool processes for the 2018-2019 school year. We are searching for aspiring and experienced leaders. The application deadline is January 2, 2018.

Any/all qualified employees or external candidates seeking a leadership position as a GSCS principal or assistant principal must apply through the pool process to be considered for 2018-19 opportunities. (Exception: candidates who have already been named to a pool during the 2017 process or those transferring to the same job at a different location.)

Note: Specific principal and/or assistant principal positions will not be advertised on an individual basis. Apply now to be considered for any/all potential 2018-2019 job opportunities. Please see the below memo and process documents for more information.

Click HERE to apply!

Click HERE to view the memo.

Click HERE for more information on the principal and assistant principal pool process.
HELP SPREAD GSCS NEWS TO THE COMMUNITY

This holiday season, ask your family and friends to sign up for the GSCS Community Communicator to receive quarterly district news and updates delivered to their inbox.

 Share this link http://bit.ly/2iXBAXT and encourage them to sign up!
THANK YOU FROM PROJECT AWARE
Dear Colleagues,

As we mark the 5th anniversary of the school shootings at Sandy Hook,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the work you are doing in Griffin-Spalding around mental health. We have come a very long way in a very short time and you are to be commended for your dedication to keeping our students safe. It is an honor to serve beside each of you.

Sincerely,
Jason Byars
GSCS Project AWARE and PBIS Coordinator

I encourage you to click HERE and read this letter from SAMHSA's Chief of Mental Health Promotion Ingrid Donato.
12 WAYS TO HAVE A HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON
The holidays are a great opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends, celebrate life, to be grateful and reflect on what's important. They are also a time to appreciate the gift of health.

Click HERE for some health and safety holiday tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC).
GSCS CENTRAL OFFICE EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
Jason Short - Instructional Technology PC/Network Technician

Jason goes above and beyond with everything he is asked to do. Jason not only takes care of the technology needs at his assigned schools, which includes one of the largest elementary and middle schools in our district, but also assist all schools with their Audio Enhancement needs. He has also been asked to use his talents to work on numerous projects/presentations by several departments which he has been more than happy to help. Jason is a true team player and a stand-out employee! 

Click HERE for our non-discrimination statement.

* 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