COMMUNICATOR
System-wide Straight Talk for GSCS Employees
Sept. 22-29, 2017
In This Issue
GSCS 2017 ACT SCORES 
Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) showed level scores on the ACT in 2017.  The ACT assesses students in English, reading, science and mathematics as a means of assessing college readiness. 
 
Griffin High School scores rose from 17.3 to 17.9. Spalding High School's scores showed a slight change from 20 to 19.4.
 
This year, 229 GSCS students took the ACT scoring a total averaging of 18.5.  The state's total score is 21.4 and the national average is 21.
 
"I am confident that we are well on our way to meeting state and national averages. I am pleased with the hard work of our teachers, students and parents," said School Superintendent Jim Smith.
GSCS EMPLOYEE REFERRAL BONUS RECIPIENTS
As a result of the 2017-2018 Griffin-Spalding School System's Referral Program, the following employees qualified to receive a
$500 stipend on September 29, 2017.
  • Angie McDaniel, Beaverbrook Elementary
  • Misty Garvin, Cowan Elementary
  • Beth Layton, Cowan Elementary
  • Nicole Hudson, Futral Road Elementary
  • Cindy Cummins, Jackson Road Elementary
  • Pam Nutt, Moore Elementary
  • Krysten Fail, Orrs Elementary
  • Raye Aragon, RRMS
  • Antonio Andrews, GHS
  • Daniel Stansberry, SHS
  • Linda McCollough-Porter, System-wide
  • Lisa Pearce, System-wide
  • Viki Bozeman, GSCS Substitute
  • Jody Singletary, GSCS Substitute
Thank you to these individuals for helping bring additional talent to GSCS. Let's work together to build a great team and sustain and increase a quality work force!

For more information on the GSCS Employee Referral Program click HERE.
GSCS CELEBRATES GEORGIA PRE-K WEEK

2018 STATE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN OPTIONS









The Board of Community Health voted to approve the 2018 member contribution rates and plan designs for the Georgia Department of Community Health's State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP). 

The following options will be available for the 2018 Plan Year:
  • BCBSGa - statewide Gold, Silver, Bronze Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) (exclusively), statewide Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), and Medicare Advantage (MA) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) standard and premium
  • UHC - statewide High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) (exclusively)statewide HMO, Medicare Advantage (MA) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) standard and premium
  • Kaiser Permanente (KP) - fully-insured HMO for SHBP members who live or work in the 27-county metro Atlanta service area
SHBP has created a new website dedicated to help employees navigate pertinent information about plans, rates and documents. Members can now access all their questions and concerns about SHBP via www.shbp.georgia.gov.


LAST WEEK TO APPLY FOR A PIE GRANT!
The Griffin-Spalding Partners in Education is offering classroom/field trip grants to GSCS teachers. If your classroom, department, grade level or teaching team wants to initiate a program or project requiring up to $1,000 visit the PIE website and complete your application at http://www.gspie.org.

The deadline for applications is Sept. 29.
MERCER UNIVERSITY LUNCH & LEARN 
Mercer University will provide a LUNCH & LEARN to all paraprofessionals, classified staff and other employees who are interested in earning teacher certification and/or earning a college degree for career advancement. The Lunch & Learn opportunity is on October 6, 2017 at the Griffin Region College and Career Academy from 12Noon - 4PM in Room 235. This is a great opportunity to prepare oneself for career advancement!

Register in PD Express ASAP for this session so that the appropriate amount of food can be provided.
SHS HOMECOMING PARADE 

HELP GSCS GET 30 MENTORS IN 30 DAYS


DISCOUNTED HAWKS TICKETS FOR EMPLOYEES


2017-18 individual game tickets are now on sale for October-December games! Discounted tickets can be purchased by clicking HERE or contacting ryan.coller@hawks.com.

Access Code: GSCS

*Please purchase tickets from a computer using Google Chrome. Close out of the pop-up pre-sale ticket offer screen if it appears, as this does not apply the discount.
GSCS MIDDLE SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
CARVER ROAD MIDDLE
Jarshee Jenkins
Ms. Jenkins is off to a great start this school year. She is 6th grade level chair and advisor for Young Ladies of Distinction. She had her first mentoring meeting for these young ladies and has shown great teacher leadership. Thanks Ms. Jenkins! #2185Pride
 
COWAN ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Robin Kennedy, school counselor
With a smile, Ms. Kennedy goes above and beyond to help our students, staff and families with any need.  She spends many hours outside of the school day ensuring that our students are safe, have what they need and have an advocate at both home and school.  We are fortunate to have her as part of our team.
 
REHOBOTH ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Julie Joiner, 7th grade math teacher
In addition to her teaching duties, Julie Joiner is also the chairman and organizer of our biggest fundraiser of the year, the RRMS Jack-o-Lantern Jog!  Mrs. Joiner begins planning and organizing the Jack-o-Lantern Jog in the summer and does a fantastic job of leading a team of teachers, parent volunteers, students and community members in pulling off this phenomenal community event.  Mrs. Joiner is an energetic and tireless member of our staff and we appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that she pours into our school.