COMMUNICATOR
System-wide Straight Talk for GSCS Employees
 Dec. 1-8, 2017
In This Issue
GSCS CELEBRATES INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS WEEK DECEMBER 4-8, 2017
The Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) will join school districts and communities around the world to celebrate Inclusive Schools Week (ISW) December 4-8. GSCS will host events and activities in classrooms to raise awareness of educational practices that reach students with disabilities or have diverse backgrounds. This year's theme is "Stand Up, Sit Tall for Inclusion."

This will be the first year GSCS is participating in this international campaign.

In celebration of ISW, the GSCS Department of Special Education will recognize parents, teachers and community members as "Agents of Inclusion" during the Griffin-Spalding Board of Education Meeting on December 5. These individuals will also be highlighted on GSCS social media channels and the district website throughout the week.

Additionally, GSCS has provided Inclusive Schools Week activities and lesson plans to teachers and administrators to use in the classroom such as reading morning announcements about famous people with disabilities, reading books about inclusion, hosting parent chats and resource fairs, and creating art and sensory projects. For more information about inclusive schools week, visit www.inclusiveschools.org.
EIGHT GSCS TEACHERS AWARDED PARTNERS IN EDUCATION TUITION REIMBURSEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
The Griffin-Spalding Partners In Education (PIE) awarded scholarships for up to $1,000 each to eight Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) teachers who are currently seeking additional certification or advanced degrees related to their teaching/educational field. The 2017 winners are:
 
Name
Christopher Garland
Lynn Akin
Dixie Johnston
Kathryn Harris
Ginger Wilson
Tiandria Wright
Meredith Byrd
Robyn Davis
 School
A. Z. Kelsey Academy
Rehoboth Road Middle
Jordan Hill Elementary
Beaverbrook Elementary
Futral Road Elementary
Orrs Elementary
Kennedy Road Middle
Carver Road Middle
                          
Applicants had to have at least one year of service as a GSCS certified employee, provide 2017 grades (with a 3.0 GPA or higher) and tuition receipt. Recipients must agree to serve as a teacher or administrator in the Griffin-Spalding County School System for the upcoming school year if offered a position.
Read more...
GSCS LEARNING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND PARENT WORKSHOP
On Saturday, December 16, 2017, the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Parent Engagement program will host Learning in a Winter Wonderland Parent Workshop for students in grades K-5 and their families. This family event will be held from 9am - noon at the Griffin Region College and Career Academy (GRCCA).

At the workshop, families will rotate through stations engaging in hands-on activities to promote student achievement in English/language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Read more...

UPCOMING TEACHERS RETIREMENT WORKSHOP
The upcoming Teachers Retirement Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, February 13, 2018 in the GSCS Learning Center. The one-on-one sessions will be
held on February 14 and 15. You can register online by following the instructions below. Due to the massive responses in the past, TRS has requested that the one-on-one sessions be open only to those TRS members who are planning on retiring in the next one to three years from now. All who are interested in the workshop are invited to register.

The registration goes live only for Griffin-Spalding County employees on Monday, December 4, 2017. After the first of the year, it will be open to all of Georgia, so do not delay in getting registered.

To register for either event, follow these easy steps:
  • Visit www.trsga.com
  • Click on Account Log-in at the top of the page
  • Click on Active Member Login (If you experience difficulty logging in, you will need to contact TRS directly, as HR does not have access to your personal account. The number is 404-352-6500)
  • Click "VIEW"
  • Look under: "I WANT TO" and click on "Appointment/Event Registration"
  • Click on "Statewide Events/Appts"
  • There is NO event code, just search for our school system
  • Click Register
  • Once you have registered, you should receive a confirmation email. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to Kathy Gossett in Human Resources.
COWAN ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL 8TH ANNUAL JINGLE BELL JOG 
When: Saturday, December 9, 2017

Time:  8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Click HERE to print the registration form.

Click HERE to register using Eventbrite.
DECEMBER BOE MEETING

GSCS MIDDLE SCHOOL EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
CARVER ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sidney Wilson and Siedra Pitts
Eighth Grade English/Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher Sidney Wilson and School Counselor Siedra Pitts continue to exemplify the meaning of #2185Pride by putting students first and helping to meet the priorities of our school. Thank you!
 
COWAN ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Tim Thomas
Mr. Tim goes above and beyond what is expected, pitching in whenever and wherever he is needed. He takes great pride in making sure that our school looks the best it can and works tirelessly to ensure our students have a clean, safe place to learn. Mr. Tim works hard every single day and has a smile and a song for every staff member, student and visitor at our school. He is a truly valuable member of our Panther family!
 
KENNEDY ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Lawanda Campbell
Mrs. Campbell has been a great addition to the 8th grade team at Kennedy Road Middle School. She always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude. Mrs. Campbell has taken the lead with developing our weekly literacy plans. She provides engaging instruction in the classroom and creates a classroom environment that encourages and supports students. KRMS is lucky to have Mrs. Campbell!!!
 
REHOBOTH ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Clint Prewitt
Technology Teacher Clint Prewitt is new to RRMS this year but has fit in like one of the family. He takes part in extracurricular activities and works with our First Lego League. His help on the bus ramp each day is also of great value. However, the most important thing about Mr. Prewitt is his obvious care for his students. He works tirelessly to ensure that they have positive experiences and learn at high levels. Mr. Prewitt is a welcome addition to our school this year.
SHS CHORUS WINTER CONCERT

UGA-GRIFFIN HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER


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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