COMMUNICATOR
System-wide Straight Talk for GSCS Employees
 Oct. 20 - 27, 2017
In This Issue


October is National Principals Appreciation Month, a time to recognize and thank our building leaders across the district for the work they do each day providing an environment conducive to teaching and learning for our students and faculty. I want to thank each of our 19 principals for the dedication they bring to their jobs.  We are fortunate to have a group of principals who care about those who work in the schools and the students they educate. The role of principal is complex. The issues that arise on a daily basis seem endless and often take time away from their primary role as instructional leader in the building. However, they find a way to manage the distractions of the day to make students their top priority.  Please join me in showing our appreciation for all that our principals do each and every day.
 
On Tuesday, we held the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the Griffin Region College and Career Academy. Many state and local officials, business leaders, and parents attended the ceremony and enjoyed tours conducted by student ambassadors. We were honored to have representatives from the Technical College System of Georgia and Lt. Governor Cagle's office to share this special day with GSCS. I heard nothing but great comments about the facility and program. In November, Lt. Governor Cagle will facilitate part of his annual Business and Education Summit at the GRCCA. This is quite an honor for us to host this conference so early in our program's existence. We can expect business and educational leaders from across the state to come and see witness what we're doing. We have a lot to be proud of.
 
Finally, I hope everyone enjoyed the break last week and found a way to rest and rejuvenate. Keep in mind that great work goes on each day in Griffin-Spalding. Put the distractions of the day in perspective. You are more than just an employee; you are a key stakeholder in this work and we appreciate everything you do. Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,
James D. Smith
Superintendent
Follow me on Twitter
RIBBON CUTTING "OFFICIALLY" OPENS GRIFFIN REGION COLLEGE & CAREER ACADEMY
First row (L - R): Jenny Williams, Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG); Dr. Randy Peters, former Southern Crescent Technical College president; Dr. Alvetta Thomas, Southern Crescent Technical College president; April Pruitt, GRCCA Board Chair; Barbara Jo Cook, Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) BOE; Katy Arrowood, GRCCA CEO; Jim Smith, Superintendent GSCS; Zachery Holmes, Board Chair GSCS BOE; Dr. Mike Duncan, Superintendent Pike County Schools. Second row (L - R): Mark Peevy, TCSG; Russ Moore; Dr. Laura Ergle, GRCCA Director; Dave Lamb, immediate past GRCCA Board Chair and Todd Simpson, Jackson High School principal. (Not shown): Dr. Curtis Jones, former GSCS Superintendent and current Bibb County Superintendent.

State and local officials gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, October 17, to officially open the newly renovated Griffin Region College and Career Academy (GRCCA), though students have already been using the facility since the start of the school year.

The event was attended by a sizable crowd consisting of Office of the Lt. Governor General Counsel and Director of Policy Irene Munn, Technical College System of Georgia Executive Director of Secondary Education Initiatives Mark Peavy, community leaders, school district leaders, city and county officials, dignitaries from local colleges and universities and more.

"I am so excited and proud to officially show off the newly renovated GRCCA! This culminates four years of planning and preparation by a large group of educators and business partners over a three-county region," stated Griffin-Spalding County School System Superintendent Jim Smith. "The opportunities that the GRCCA is and will continue to offer our students and this community is truly amazing. Thank you to the many state and local officials who helped make this dream a reality."
Read more...
GSCS BUS CROSSES NEW N. HILL ST. INTERSECTION
The City of Griffin and Spalding County officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony October 20 for the construction completion at Hill St. and Northside Drive. Spalding County asked GSCS to be a part of the ceremony by having a school bus be the first vehicle to ceremonially cross the bridge and the new roundabout. Due to state regulations, it has been 12 years since a GSCS bus has been able to cross the bridge. 
OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR STATE HEALTH BENEFITS AND FLEX SPENDING THROUGH NOV. 3, 2017 
Flex Spending WILL NOT roll over, you must re-enroll. If you do not take action for State Health, your current coverage WILL roll over for the 2018 Plan Year. Information can be found at www.mygscsbenefits.com

Watch the SHBP video guide for 2018 at http://www.SHBPVideoGuide.com.
A.Z. KELSEY ACADEMY CELEBRATES 1O YEARS 
On October 5, A.Z. Kelsey Academy had a day-long celebration to honor its  10th anniversary. The event focused on career readiness with many local professionals speaking to the students.

Griffin Mayor Rodney McCord welcomed the students and inspired them with information and stories about our great community. The students then heard from professionals in the areas of entrepreneurship, cosmetology, emergency management and event planning who shared a multitude of information with them. Additionally, Griffin High School Chorus performed several amazing songs for the students.
Read more...
A.Z. Kelsey students with Griffin Mayor Rodney McCord

Emergency management professional speaking with A.Z. Kelsey students
16TH ANNUAL PIE GOLF TOURNAMENT SUCCESS
The 16th Annual Partners In Education Golf Tournament was held on Sept. 29. The tournament was fun and successful raising over $26,000 for teacher grants and scholarships! Thank you to everyone who supported and helped make this fundraiser so amazing!

Special thanks to the GSCS schools that participated this year...Cowan Road Middle, Futral Road Elementary, Jackson Road Elementary, Jordan Hill Elementary, Kennedy Road Middle and Spalding High School. 

Congrats to National Lock & Locker for being the first place team!

Click HERE to view the 2017 PIE Golf Tournament brochure. 
"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest."
~ Benjamin Franklin
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH
FRE & SHS JOIN FORCES FOR FUTURE JAG NIGHT
Students from the Futral Road Elementary music club joined the Spalding High School chorus to sing the national anthem at the SHS football game on Sept. 29 for Future Jag Night.
FEAST ON THE BOUNTIFUL NOVEMBER PL CLASSES AT GRIFFIN RESA

Click HERE for RESA's November 2017 professional learning class list for teachers, administrators & paraprofessionals. 
GRIFFIN BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS GHOST

GSCS ELEMENTARY EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
ANNE STREET ELEMENTARY
Che' Andrews and Kimberly Davis
Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. Davis have worked so diligently to redeliver the Guided Reading training and ensure that teachers have the necessary materials to meet the needs of students. Thank you for the collaboration and excellence!
 
ATKINSON ELEMENTARY
Sandy Phillips, Lynn Butler, Elaine Williams, Tanesa Thorpe, Chad Day, Joni Nichols and Laurel Dorsey
Atkinson's cafeteria staff do an outstanding job every day serving our students breakfast and lunch. They continued the streak of scoring 100 on their kitchen inspection. They are a valuable part of our school community and we appreciate all that they do. Congratulations!
 
BEAVERBROOK ELEMENTARY
Molly Sexton
Molly is a new third grade teacher at Beaverbrook this year. She has done a great job with classroom management, being a team player and helping others. Molly always has a positive attitude and is a good role model.
 
COWAN ROAD ELEMENTARY
Nathan Wilson
Mr. Wilson leads our Science lab and works diligently to support science standards being taught in the classroom for kindergarten through fifth grade.  Mr. Wilson works to build relationships with students and has led a beautification rock project displayed in the front of the building.  We appreciate all of his hard work and dedication to the students at Cowan Road Elementary.
 
CRESCENT ELEMENTARY
Michael Stanford
Michael recognizes the importance of continuous access to technology in the classroom. He collaboratively works with each staff member and supports staff in understanding how technology works (and sometimes doesn't work). We appreciate you Michael. Thanks for keeping us connected!
 
FUTRAL ROAD ELEMENTARY
Jessica Lalumiere
Mrs. Lalumiere continually goes above and beyond the call of duty!  Not only is she stellar in her literacy groups but she also invests in the culture of our school. Whether it's starting a student safety patrol to help out with morning car riders or spending a weekend painting signs for the entrance of the school, she always has the best interest of the students, staff and school at heart!
 
JACKSON ROAD ELEMENTARY
Kadie Archer
Kadie has a positive demeanor and is always willing to help in any capacity needed to make Jackson Road successful. She has also been stepping up as a leader in her grade level. Kadie not only shares great ideas but she is always willing to take on whatever is needed to make them work.  We love having her as part of our JRE family!
 
JORDAN HILL ELEMENTARY
Cathy Williams
Cathy is a first year teacher and has worked very hard, especially considering all of the hard work that goes into preparing the GAA notebook. She always has a smile on her face and it is evident that she loves what she does.  Her students are blessed to have such a loving, patient and caring teacher. 
 
MOORE ELEMENTARY
Carmar Walker, Lynelle Andrews, Angaline Gatling & Dr. Pamela Nutt
Our Specials Department has truly embodied the spirit of collaboration this school year. As we focus on teamwork and moving forward together as one, this team has continued to work diligently to support homeroom teachers by implementing a STEAM project each week that aligns to each grade level's current unit of study. The hard work spent preparing for the projects is a testament to their commitment to our theme "All on Board...We are One!"
 
MORELAND ROAD ELEMENTARY
Jennifer Brantley, Shanika Freeman and Hayley James
These ladies are wonderful teacher leaders!  They exemplify collaboration, professionalism and commitment to improving student achievement.  Recently, they provided professional learning for other teachers and are always open to modeling effective strategies for their colleagues. We appreciate the dedication that these three ladies exhibit!
 
ORRS ELEMENTARY
Katie McKinney and Greg McWell
Katie has worked diligently with the Sunshine Committee planning a variety of fundraisers to ensure plenty of sunshine will be spread around Orrs. We appreciate her and her dedication to our school.
Greg is always there when you need him, constantly supporting teachers and students. He is a positive role model for our young boys and uplifts all who come in contact with him during the school day. Mr. McWell goes above and beyond to support the mission and vision of Orrs.
DOWNTOWN GRIFFIN TRICK OR TREAT


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