COMMUNICATOR
System-wide Straight Talk for GSCS Employees
August 18-25, 2017
In This Issue
 
  
As we look toward changes in our school system, certainly the expansion of opportunities for advancement and preparation for our students ranks very high. The types of jobs our current students will seek in the future may or may not be ones we recognize today. Our education program must change to meet the needs of a changing economy, one that is more global in nature. On Monday, we witnessed a special ceremony at the State Capitol when 21 students from six counties signed apprenticeship commitments with local manufacturing firms under the Georgia Consortium for Advanced Technical Training Program. One of those students was Nick Mainiero of Spalding High School. Nick signed an agreement to work in the apprenticeship program with Norcom, a local manufacturer of school supplies and paper products. At the end of his three-year commitment, Nick will receive an internationally recognized work-ready certificate under the German apprenticeship model. This is a new opportunity made available to local students through the Griffin Region College and Career Academy (GRCCA). Four other students from Butts and Pike counties who attend GRCCA, signed their commitments with Hoshizaki, American Woodmark and Norcom. Congratulations to GRCCA Katy Arrowood on this major milestone, and hopefully more GCSC students will take advantage of this state-wide program in the future.
 
In the next few weeks we will watch the implementation of our balanced literacy plan spanning kindergarten through grade 12. We will begin the process of reviewing and developing curriculum guides for courses and programs. Schools have been digging deep into data from the recent Georgia Milestones Assessment and are modifying school improvement plans accordingly. Time was set aside at the monthly administrator meeting this week for a collaborative look into grade band data. While expanding opportunities for our students, we must ensure that the foundation of our educational program is solid. All of us play a role in this process. Add your thoughts when participating in grade level or department meetings, focused on improving the curriculum content placed in front of our students. Your perspective is needed. We can all be agents of change!

Sincerely,
Jim Smith
Superintendent
 @JamesDSmith2
SOLAR ECLIPSE 8-21-17 DELAYED RELEASE
Click HERE for the GSCS Solar Eclipse Staff FAQ.

Click  HERE  for useful information regarding the upcoming eclipse from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA).
GSCS SUICIDE PREVENTION PROTOCOL
GSCS has recently updated the system's Suicide Prevention Protocol. Changes to the protocol reflect current best practices for keeping students, faculty and staff safe. System employees will be trained to use the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
(C-SSRS) as a the brief assessment tool to determine a student's level of risk. In addition, system employees will receive additional training on writing student safety plans to assist students with proactive ways to address emotions that may negatively impact their behavior.

GSCS Project AWARE offers free training to all employees and community members on how to recognize warning signs in youth and adolescents. Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is an 8-hour certification course that trains adults on how to assist a young person in crisis. GSCS employees can sign up to take the course on PDExpress.  
GA CATT APPRENTICE SIGNING CEREMONY
Congratulations to Spalding High School sophomore Nicholas Mainiero for signing with Norcom during the GA Consortium for Advances Technical Training Apprentice Signing Day held Aug. 14 at the Georgia State Capitol. Nicholas will take courses at the Griffin Region College and Career Academy (GRCCA).
Pictured (L-R): Superintendent Jim Smith, SHS Student Nicholas Mainiero and GRCCA CEO Katy Arrowood




















GRADUATION RATE EXCELS FOR GSCS SCHOLAR ATHLETES
During the 2016-2017 school year, the graduation rate for student athletes was 98% at Griffin High School (GHS) and 100% at Spalding High School (SHS).

Last year, GSCS had scholar athletes that excelled both academically in the classroom and competitively on the field. This hard work is proven in the team's grade point averages.

Sports Team
GPA
 
 
GHS
SHS
Football
2.95
2.91
Softball
3.38
3.41
Volleyball
3.49
3.73
Cheerleading
3.59
3.7
Cross Country
3.1
3.85
Tennis
3.25
3.77
Golf
3.52
3.7
Rifle
3.69
3.81
Wrestling
3.025
3.1
Girls Basketball
3.25
2.93
Boys Basketball
2.9
3.04
Swimming
3.36
3.67
Baseball
2.975
3.26
Girls Soccer
3.32
3.88
Boys Soccer
2.95
3.58
Girls Track
3.24
3.37
Boys Track
2.89
2.99
Read more...
2017-18 UNITED WAY KICK-OFF
On behalf of GSCS,Superintendent Jim Smith pledged $15K towards the 2017-2018 Griffin-Spalding United Way Campaign during the annual kick-off breakfast this week. #BeHeroic
Superintendent Jim Smith and GSCS Charity Coordinator Stacy Wilson pose with superheros from the Griffin-Spalding County United Way Executive Committee.
MILESTONES 2017 RESULTS NOW IN SLDS
SLDS is glad to announce 2017 Milestones results can be found inside of SLDS. Educators across the state can see the previous year's Milestones earlier than ever before. District and school administrators can see the results in the historical dashboard and the operational dashboard. Teachers can see their current students' results from last year on the teacher's dashboard. In addition, parents are able to see results for their child on the SLDS Parent Portal.

*Other 2017 Assessments that have already been imported into SLDS - ACCESS, GKIDS, Pre-K and Headstart results.

GSCS STAFF SHOUT OUT
Instructional Technology Coach Leslie Fagin was selected to attend the Google Innovator Academy in Washington, DC on Aug. 2-4. The process to become a Certified Google Innovator is extremely competitive with only 37 applicants out of nearly 850 for the North American cohort chosen to spend three days at the Google offices in DC. Based on her application, video and project idea, Leslie was chosen to be one of the 37 to attend. The Google for Education Certified Innovators Program is a yearlong professional development program in which participants identify a problem in education they would like to solve. Participants attended numerous training sessions and were given the opportunity to design a prototype of their solution. They are then paired with a mentor and have access to the network of global Google Innovators to help them complete their project. Post academy time is spent bringing their vision to life to create positive change in their community and around the world.

Leslie Fagin was also recognized as the 2017 Ed Tech Coaches PLN Award Winner at the International Society for Technology in Education Conference, recently held in San Antonio. The Educational Technology Coaches Network promotes the development and collaboration of educational technology coaches who support the professional growth of teachers as they use technology to enhance learning. The PLN is comprised of nearly 4,000 educators around the globe.
JEFF & JENN'S $10,000 GIVE BACK GIVEAWAY WITH DELTA COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
Jeff and Jenn from Star 94.1 have $10,000 to award to YOUR school organization! How can you win? Simply by giving back to your own community.

Organize a service project in your school's community to give back to young people. Think "Kids Helping Kids" for your service initiative! The very BEST will be rewarded with $10,000 for their school organization.

For more information click HERE:
http://www.star941atlanta.com/contest/jeff-jenn%E2%80%99s-10000-give-back-giveaway-delta-community-credit-union#/
GRIFFIN RESA ANNOUNCES NEW REGIONAL RECRUITMENT BROCHURE
Griffin RESA is proud to offer regional recruitment services encouraging teachers to Teach in the South Metro Suburbs. Due to the extremely high demand for teachers in the "fastest growing region" in Georgia, RESA is unveiling a brand new regional recruitment brochure. Click HERE to view.
GSCS ELEMENTARY EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
ANNE STREET ELEMENTARY
John Berry
 
ATKINSON ELEMENTARY
Custodians Roger Alford and George Dallas
These two top notch custodians worked with commitment and dedication throughout the summer to prepare the building for the first day of school. They both take great pride in their work and beam with pride anytime someone remarks about how bright and clean the building looks. Even when their team of three unexpectedly became a team of two, they pushed forward to make sure Atkinson Elementary students returned to a building that was as good as new. The staff of Atkinson appreciates their hard work and is blessed to have them on staff. Mr. Dallas and Mr. Alford, "Keep Working!"
 
COWAN ROAD ELEMENTARY
Special Education Lead Teacher Ebone Lawson
Ms. Lawson has worked tirelessly to ensure that Cowan is meeting the needs of all students. Thank you for fighting for students' rights!!! #wearecowan
 
CRESCENT ELEMENTARY
Wendy Whedon
Wendy exhibits courage, strength and compassion even when it gets tough. Thank you for caring for Crescent! You always help us to literally "MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!"
  
FUTRAL ROAD ELEMENTARY
Wendy Turner
Mrs. Turner spends endless hours organizing, overseeing and providing tier four support for students. Thank you Mrs. Turner for supporting Futral Road students with enthusiasm and passion!
 
JACKSON ROAD ELEMENTARY
Custodians Stacey Barber, Mike Nichols and Bobby Stroud
The JRE custodial staff has really worked hard this summer. They did an awesome job of getting the building ready for our teachers and students to return. They have a great system down and work together as a team. 
  
JORDAN HILL ELEMENTARY
Media Specialist Dixie Johnston
Mrs. Johnston has worked tirelessly on inventorying all Title I technology. She has worked late into the evenings getting everything ready for students to be able to use technology right from the start. Mrs. Johnston has also made sure that all academic software is up and running for the students. In addition, she is always available to help teachers with their own technology/software questions and concerns. Thank you Mrs. Johnston for all you do for the staff and students of Jordan Hill!
  
MOORE ELEMENTARY
Custodians Ira Washington and Victor Richards
Moore's custodial team worked tirelessly to ensure that the building was clean, attractive and safe for students, parents, staff and visitors for the opening of the school year. They continue to take pride in maintaining a sanitary environment that is conducive for learning.
 
MORELAND ROAD ELEMENTARY
Katrina Boggs
Katrina has worked tirelessly to get the school ready for another year. With only three custodians on staff, Katrina never complained or stayed out of work because her workload was so high. She received assistance from a sub and another school over the summer, organizing everyone's schedules to ensure that the building was complete and ready for Open House. All of MRE's staff have their names on wooden horses hanging outside their rooms. Katrina took the old horses' home, sanded them and stained them to ensure they were ready for the names of new staff. She is a hardworking, dedicated employee of the school system and Moreland Road. We are grateful for all that Katrina does to keep our school clean and safe for our students and staff. Thank you Katrina!
  
ORRS ELEMENTARY
Kela Jones, Katie McKinney, Trayon Henderson and Candice Moore
These ladies serve as PLC facilitators and have helped the school get off to a great start with professional learning.

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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