The busy holiday season is in full swing, and we all have a lot to do, from preparing meals to last-minute shopping to attending endless parties. However, before you get too busy with your holiday commitments, we want to remind you that this time of the year is also an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and spending time with family.

Many people use this time to teach their children the importance of sharing with those less fortunate and supporting charitable causes. There are several ways to do this during the holidays, and often, you don't have to go too far to meet your charitable goals.

Remember that giving is not always about money. Consider finding time to create memorable moments by volunteering at your local community locations, such as the local boys and girls club or recreation centers.

As the Chief of Staff prepares for the winter break to recharge, we thought it would be a good idea to spread some cheer by adopting a GCS family to support this holiday season. Remember to continue to spread joy, not just during this season, but every day.

LaSheka

Boxing day is a holiday celebrated on the second day of what is called Christmistine. The holiday is in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It started as a day for people to give gifts to the poor and lower social class. Some believe its name came from gifting the items in boxes. The boxes would be in churches for the collection of donations. This tradition has become a holiday associated with shopping, sports, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Randi Howard is the head of the GCS Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Department. Her team does a great job of providing SEL and character-building resources to our students and their families throughout our school district. The SEL Team is currently preparing for our upcoming districtwide SEL Day, and Guilford Parent Academy is excited to support them in their efforts to celebrate SEL. Please mark your calendars for March 9, 2024 and stay tuned for more information. 

If you're looking for SEL resources to use at home, please click here.

Greensboro Housing Authority is Greensboro’s largest provider of affordable housing, housing over 12,000 individuals through the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs. Together with its community partners, the GHA team members implement and maintain programs that promote education, homeownership, youth achievement, wellness and self-sufficiency.

The Guilford County Board of Education moved forward with plans to adjust student assignment boundaries to allow more students to attend new buildings opening in January 2025.

The school board approved plans first presented in November to close Wiley Elementary, Murphey Traditional Academy and Archer Elementary, in keeping with the recommendations of the 2019 Facilities Master Plan.

Students in the Murphey and Wiley boundaries will be reassigned to Peck Elementary, which is currently under construction and will become a K-8 expeditionary learning school. Students in the Archer boundary will be reassigned to Foust Elementary, which is also currently under construction and will become a K-5 gaming and robotics school. These new buildings will be ready to open in January 2025, but the reassignments will take effect in August 2024 to bring students and staff together as one school community for the entire year.

SAVE THE DATE for the 2024 GCS Choice Showcase, coming up on Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center.

Conscious and eco-conscious ideas for a joyful holiday season:

The festive season is a time for celebration, joy, and giving. Here are some mindful tips for enjoying the holidays without harming the planet:

1. Mindful shopping: Consider shopping for locally made, handcrafted items or giving experiences that will be appreciated and create memories.
2. Wrapping sustainably: Ditch the traditional paper which is usually made from non-renewable resources and instead use reusable gift bags, fabric scraps, or even wrapping paper made from recycled materials. 
3. Spread the joy of giving: Consider donating either to your favorite charity or volunteering your time to help others.
4. Create your own traditions: Create holiday traditions that are meaningful to you and your family, either baking holiday treats, playing games, practicing gratitude, or volunteering together.
5. Gift yourself: Take care and make time for yourself for your mental or physical health and emotional well-being.

Learn about the 66+ theme-based learning options to select a path that will truly inspire your child's passion and unlock their potential. The GCS Choice Office will guide you through the application process.

Thursday, Jan. 4, 5:30 pm. - 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Transition to Middle School

Tuesday, Jan. 9, 6-7:30 p.m.

Join us virtually to learn about advanced and accelerated coursework, magnet options, potential social/emotional challenges, and extracurricular activities for advanced learners in middle school.

Transition to High School

Thursday, Jan. 11, 6-7:30 p.m.

Join us virtually to learn about how AIG service looks in high school. Families will learn about Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Early College, and dual enrollment options.

Join staff from the Academically Gifted (AG) Department virtually as they share details on the VS Program’s eligibility, application, and enrollment process.

Thursday, Jan. 18, 6-7 p.m.