COMMUNICATOR
System-wide Straight Talk for GSCS Employees
August 25 - Sept. 1, 2017
In This Issue
 
 
The great eclipse has come and gone. I want to thank all
of our GSCS team for making the day special with science lessons, hands-on projects, making pinhole box viewers, etc. I visited a few classes during the afternoon and watched the live NASA feed with students. Teachers used the time to reinforce understanding of various terms and concepts being covered by the commentators. We did have a fairly large number of absentees and early dismissal requests but not out of line with what surrounding counties experienced. Transportation in the afternoon went smoothly with the last buses off the road about an hour later than normal. Eclipse day was an unusual event but you handled it well. Thank you to all.

This weekend we are inducting three educators into the Griffin-Spalding Educator Hall of Fame. Bonnie Ellerbee, Laymon Hattaway and Tom Ison were outstanding teachers and administrators in GSCS for many years and helped form the foundation upon which we operate today. The induction ceremony will honor their excellence in education and dedication to education, both of which should be examples that inspire our work with students today. You can read about each inductee below. With the addition of these new members, the GSCS Educator Hall of Fame will have recognized 11 educators since inception.

Once again, thank you for getting us off to a great start this year. This is truly our year to make a difference as agents of change. Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,
Jim Smith
Superintendent 
@JamesDSmith2 
NEW EDUCATOR HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
A pre-game ceremony was held Friday night at the GHS vs. SHS football game to induct three GSCS educators into the Educator Hall of Fame. The inductees for 2017 are...

BONNIE ELLERBEE
Bonnie Ellerbee served the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) as a teacher, math coordinator, assistant principal and principal for 30 years. During that time, she made tremendous contributions to the school and district, received numerous recognitions and influenced the lives of many. Mrs. Ellerbee received many grants and implemented many new math and science programs that can still be seen in classrooms. She started the county-wide Challenge 24 competition.

Through her hands-on problem-solving teaching methods, Mrs. Ellerbee, created life-long learning opportunities for the students, parents and staff of GSCS. 
 
LAYMON W. HATTAWAY JR.
During his 32 year career at GSCS, Laymon Hattaway, Jr. contributed to the education of students in various capacities. He taught science at Spalding Junior High for five years, served as the principal for Third Ward Elementary School for 10 years, was the principal of Spalding Junior High Unit III from 1970 to 1980, during the integration of Fairmont High School and Kelsey Junior High, and served as the district's Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction until he retired in 1986. Hattaway received numerous awards and recognition for his work in education and his community service.

Laymon Hattaway was a true professional in the field of education and a role model for teachers, parents and students. He was a strong leader with a larger than life personality, huge grin and contagious laughter who demonstrated genuine compassion and concern for all mankind.

TOM J. ISON
In his 36 year career at GSCS, Tom Ison has encompassed many facets of the education profession. He has been a high school history teacher and football coach, guidance counselor, elementary principal and middle school principal. As an administrator, Ison set high expectations for his students and staff but also took the time and provided the support to ensure they excelled. Under his guidance Taylor Street Middle School was selected as a Georgia School of Excellence.

In addition to his degrees in education, Ison is also a licensed attorney. Since he retired, 18 years ago, Ison has served as the Disciplinary Hearing Officer for all school system tribunals.

Tom Ison's dedication has and continues to impact student lives. He has been a leader, positive role model, mentor, colleague, motivator, storyteller and friend to many students, teachers, administrators and parents. GSCS is fortunate to have his influence as part of their legacy. 
SCHOOL BOARD ADOPTS TAX ROLLBACK
At a specially called meeting on August 21, the Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education adopted a millage rate of 18.204 mills for 2017 property taxes. This millage rate is a decrease from last year. The rollback rate removes the impact of reassessment changes to the digest.

During its budgeting process, the Board adopted a proposed rate of 18.57. The final calculation of the property tax digest contains two components that affect the actual final digest values. They are reassessment and other changes such as new construction. The final tax digest numbers allowed the Board to rollback the tax rate to 18.204 mills.

"The financial operation of the Griffin-Spalding County School System continues to be very strong," said Superintendent Jim Smith. "We are pleased to offer our taxpayers a rollback in the millage rate and to express our thanks for your ongoing support."
2017 ECLIPSE EXCITEMENT
GSCS students and staff celebrated this scientific phenomenon with special activities and sweet treats. 

"Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears and never regrets."
~Leonardo De Vinci
SICK BANK OPEN ENROLLMENT
Sick Leave Bank (SLB) open enrollment is
August 28- September 1, 2017.

Click HERE to view the sick bank policy.

If you are a current member, no action is needed unless you would like cancel your membership. To cancel your membership, please complete this SLB Cancellation Form and return it to Kathy Gossett in Human Resources no later than September 1.

If you are interested in becoming a new member, you must complete this SLB Enrollment Form and return it to Kathy Gossett in Human Resources no later than September 1.

*New GSCS employees become eligible for membership in the second year of their employment.
GEORGIA'S NEW ONE-STOP SHOP FOR TEACHERS
GaDOE worked directly with Georgia educators to completely redesign and enhance the Teacher Resource Link available through the State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS). To access these resources, click on the "TRL" tab within the State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS). Click HERE for a printable flyer. 

MARKET BASKET DISCOUNTS FOR EDUCATORS
Sweet Basil Farms, a GSCS Partner in Education, provides affordable, fresh and healthy food to schools, teachers and staff all through Georgia. They are now offering their Market Basket deliveries to all GSCS schools and employees at a discounted price.  Are you, or your school, interested in getting healthy local fruits and vegetables delivered weekly?  Visit www.sweetbasilfarms.com and click on Teacher/Educator Baskets.
FORMER GSCS STUDENT NAMED PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR
Former Spalding High School Student Kazuya Gatlin was recently named a Gordon State College 2017 Presidential Scholar. Congratulations SHS administrators, teachers and staff for laying such a solid foundation for student success.
SEPTEMBER BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
GSCS MIDDLE SCHOOL EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
CARVER ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Jodi Burch, front office secretary
She does an excellent job with keeping the front office running like a well oiled machine. Thanks Ms. Burch for all that you do! #2185Pride

COWAN ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Jessi Conner, 6th grade teacher
Ms. Jessi Conner was instrumental in fundraising within our community for our recent "Backing the Panthers" drive, which enabled us to provide a backpack filled with school supplies to every CRMS student this year.  Additionally, Ms. Conner created the scoreboards and displays for our PBIS and Reading incentives for the school display cases. She is a leader in our school in whatever it takes to make sure our students have what they need to be successful.

KENNEDY ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Amie Chambers, assistant principal
Amie has worked tirelessly scheduling students in their appropriate classes, preparing and monitoring our MAP Assessment process and facilitating our PLC's for the beginning of the school year. Mrs. Chambers has also gone above and beyond to get our media center services started. She wears many hats at KRMS and we are proud to recognize her as our EOTM! Go Cougars! #ItTakesAVillage! 

REHOBOTH ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Suzanne Foster, front office clerk
Ms. Suzanne Foster always provides accurate, efficient and timely assistance to staff, students and stakeholders. She does all of this with a pleasant manner and is always available to help out where needed. Ms. Foster is a top notch employee and a valued part of our RRMS family. Thanks for all you do!