COMMUNICATOR
SYSTEM-WIDE NEWS FOR GSCS EMPLOYEES
December 9-16, 2016
In This Issue

Earlier this week the Kiwanis Club of Griffin honored our 2016-17 Teachers of the Year at a weekly luncheon. GSCS enjoys the support of many civic organizations, and for that, we are very grateful. The speaker was Casey Bethel, the 2017 Georgia Teacher of the Year. Mr. Bethel is a science teacher at New Manchester High School in Douglas County, but he has a connection with Griffin through the Georgia Experiment Station (now UGA Griffin Campus) while studying plant genetics as an undergraduate student. Small world, isn't it. Among other points made so eloquently, Mr. Bethel reminded listeners, including our 19 Teachers of the Year, to be advocates for public education. Good news rarely dominates the headlines. But, we know that more good goes on in our schools than bad despite what gets into the press and social media. The responsibility falls on us to tell those good news stories that no one else will.
 
Keep that in mind as you view the new College and Career Readiness Performance Index scores (CCRPI) released publicly this week. While our overall scores remain below state average, our trends mirror statewide trends. However, we can't let one set of scores, based heavily on one set of high-stakes tests, define the body of our work. Keep in mind the successes of middle and high school academic teams, great performances by school bands, choruses, and drama departments, numerous students encouraged through relationships built by caring teachers and volunteer mentors and rising graduation rates and SAT scores among so many positives. On the 16th, A.Z. Kelsey Academy will celebrate the high school graduation of several students who will complete requirements at the end of this semester. Many of these students have grown up at great risk of being dropouts, or worse. Yes, we have our issues with attendance, behavior, the occasional weapon, etc. But, so much more good is found in our schools. Be ready to tell the story that reflects the true effect of the work you do. Be proud of the role you play. It is truly important. You are Agents of Change. Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,
Jim Smith
Superintendent
2016 CCRPI RESULTS RELEASED
The 2016 College & Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) scores for the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) varied but overall the school system's average CCRPI score decreased from 67.5 in 2015 to 66.2 in 2016. The state-wide average CCRPI scores decreased by 1.9.
 

GSCS Comparison: ( The 2015 CCRPI scores are being used as baseline data for the first time incorporating the Georgia Milestones)
 
Elementary
Middle
High
District
2015
69.1
61.2
66.2
67.5
2016
65.6
59.5
68.4
66.2
+/-
-3.5
-1.7
+2.2
-1.3
 
At both the state and district-level, a decrease was seen in the elementary school scores. The state elementary score declined 4.3 points while GSCS elementary schools decreased by 3.5 points. GSCS did have four elementary schools make gains. Beaverbrook, Futral Road, Moore and Orrs Elementary all saw increases.
 
Carver Road Middle, Kennedy Road Middle and Spalding High School also saw increases for 2016.
 
"I am pleased that some of our schools are advancing however, these results do show the need for continued focus," School Superintendent Jim Smith said. "We will continue to use this data to assess and develop the instructional needs of our students. I know that great things are happening in our schools of which is not captured in these scores and I am proud of the improvements we have seen on the SAT and in graduation rates.
Read more... 
DECEMBER BOE BRIEFS
Pictured (L-R): JRE Principal Karen Oot, District November MVP Gary Pline and JRE Media Specialist Alicia Stratton
Click HERE to view the briefs from the December 6, 2016, Board of Education meeting.
Pictured (L-R): JRE Principal Karen Oot with JRE Instructional Coach April Kisner. Kisner was recognized for being selected as a member on the GaDOE Math Professional Learning Video Task Force
 
 








Pictured (L-R): CAMS teacher Zacharel Veal with CAMS Principal Dr. Tiffany Taylor. Veal was named a 2016 Teacher of Promise
Fall 2016 MAPPS Sponsors



















CAMS staff was recognized for being honored by the GaDOE as having the greatest progress in improving student attendance

2017-18 EMPLOYEE WORK SCHEDULE 

Click HERE to view the GSCS 2017-18 Employee Work Schedule.

WELL-BEING INCENTIVE ACTIONS
All 2016 well-being incentive actions must be completed by December 15, 2016
  • United Healthcare or Blue Cross Members Only: for details go to www.BeWellSHBP.com or call 888-616-6411
  • Kaiser Permanente Members Only: for details go to www.my.kp.org/shbp or call 855512-5997

Click HERE to view the incentive action charts.

"SUCCESS WITHOUT HONOR IS AN UNSEASONED DISH; IT WILL SATISFY YOUR HUNGER, BUT IT WON'T TASTE GOOD."

~ Joe Paterno
REVIEW HEALTH INSURANCE DEDUCTIONS 
If you made changes during the recent State Health open enrollment, be sure to check your health insurance deduction on your December pay stub for any errors. If you feel there is an error, you must notify SHBP by December 31. Call SHBP at 1-800-610-1863 to confirm your open enrollment changes.  
MAPPS SPRING SESSIONS
This Spring, GSCS families are invited to join Math and Parent Partners (MAPPS) for more fun math activities, food and fellowship with other families! Parents will learn how to help their students with math. Families can attend any, or all, of the sessions. Childcare will be available. To register, please return the registration form to your school, call 770-229-3477 or http://www.ugagriffincontinuinged.com and click on "Community Outreach."

Where: UGA Griffin Stuckey Auditorium (1109 Experiment St., Griffin, GA 30223)
Topic: Fractions, Decimals & Percents (sessions are different from the Fall 2016 sessions)
Who: GSCS K-8 parents, students, teachers, administrators and parapros
When:
Jan 26     5:30-7:30 pm
Feb 2       6:00-8:00 pm
Feb 11     10:00 am -noon
Feb 16     5:30-7:30 pm
March 2     6:00-8:00 pm
March 11   10:00 am-noon
March 16   5:30-7:30 pm
March 30   6:00-8:00 pm.

Questions: Call 770-229-3477 or email vetrece.jefferson@gscs.org
MAPPS Resources: www.mapsfoundation.com

Click HERE for flyer/registration form.
CENTRAL OFFICE EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Beth Butler, Human Resources Technician

 

Beth has served the school system faithfully for 40 years and has given 100% of herself in every position she has held. She goes above and beyond to ensure that not only are her responsibilities met, but also volunteers to help others in HR during their challenging times. Beth is a wonderful colleague who is professional, personable and hardworking.

FIVE BEST APPS TO TRAIN YOUR BRAIN  
Use your mobile device to stay sharp. Give your brain a daily workout with these recommended apps.
  • Lumosity
  • Peak
  • Elevate
  • Fit Brains Trainer
  • Cognito
Click HERE to read full article.
 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