COMMUNICATOR
System-wide Straight Talk for GSCS Employees
Sept. 29 - Oct. 6, 2017
In This Issue


This week has been one of extremes. No doubt you've heard about the issue at Orrs Elementary where a teacher, properly presenting a social studies lesson focused on the first amendment, improperly interjected personal views into the discussion with students. The debate surrounding the actions of NFL and other sports figures during the playing of the national anthem and the meaning of those actions has gripped the country. While this is an example of the debate over first amendment rights, it is also a current flash-point for emotions. As the teacher and principal confirmed in their letters of apology, interjecting the teacher's personal views into a classroom discussion was inappropriate. We need to be teaching our students how to find and synthesize information upon which they can form their own opinion. We need to teach respect even for those with whom we might disagree. In all cases, we need to deliver instruction objectively. Learning does take place in our classrooms every day. Of that, I am convinced. 
 
We do have a lot to celebrate this week with the release of our 2017 graduation rate moving up to 81.5%!  This is significant and should be the highlight news of the week. Our rate exceeds the state average by almost a point. I don't know when our graduation rate last exceeded the state average, but it did this year. Congratulations to all GSCS staff for the role you played in this accomplishment. Over the past two years decisions have been made to provide more opportunities for students to earn the credit needed to meet state graduation requirements. A focus on the individual educational needs of our students has led to better progress tracking and the development of graduation road maps.  In other words, we are putting the student first which must be our top priority. 
 
Congratulations, GSCS, on the outstanding accomplishment of having a graduation rate of 81.5%!  It has taken work to get here and will take more work to build even higher results. But, I know you are up to the challenge and won't let distractions decrease your commitment. The students are the winners, thanks to you being agents of change. Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,
James D. Smith
Superintendent
Follow me on Twitter
GSCS GRADUATION RATE CONTINUES TO SOAR! 
The 2017 graduation rate for the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) is 81.5% up from 73% last year.

Increases were seen in all three GSCS high school graduation rates. Griffin High School's graduation rate rose significantly from 77.3% in 2016 to 87.4%, A.Z. Kelsey Academy rose from 31.7% to 47.4% and Spalding High School rose from 75.8% to 79.7%. The state graduation rate increased to 80.56%.

High schools have moved to a block scheduling model which allows students more opportunities to gain credits. They have also made a concentrated effort to identify students for credit recovery or repair allowing those students to graduate on time. Individual schools at both middle and high school levels have increased support of students through school improvement grants and with additional teacher training.

"Clearly our focus on graduation is leading us in the right direction," said Superintendent Jim Smith. "The use of a more individualized approach to track student needs, along with the effects of two years using block scheduling, provides our students much better support to graduate within the traditional four-year time frame. I am excited to move forward keeping our focus on empowering our students to graduate college and career ready."
OPEN ENROLLMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS 

2018 OPEN ENROLLMENT BENEFITS MEETINGS

Wednesday, October 4, 2017
GSCS Large Board Room
9:30 am AND 4:30 pm

Information can be found on our benefits website: www.mygscsbenefits.com

2018 STATE HEALTH PLAN OPTIONS
* BCBS - Gold, Silver, Bronze Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Medicare Advantage (MA)
* UHC - High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Medicare Advantage (MA)
* Kaiser Permanente - Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

2018 STATE HEALTH RATES
Plan
You
You + Child(ren)
You + Spouse
You + Family
BCBS Gold
$168.73
$307.13
$418.09
$556.50
BCBS Silver
$110.89
$208.80
$296.62
$394.54
BCBS Bronze
$72.45
$143.46
$215.91
$286.92
BCBS HMO
$135.65
$250.90
$348.63
$463.89
UHC HMO
$172.56
$313.65
$426.14
$567.22
UHC HDHP
$58.03
$118.94
$185.62
$246.54
Kaiser HMO
$142.71
$262.59
$362.49
$482.37

























The 2018 Open Enrollment period begins on Oct. 16 and ends Nov. 3, 2017


An informational email will be sent out Monday, October 2, 2017 from Human Resources Benefits Manager Kathy Gossett.
A LITTLE TECH GOES A LONG WAY
Did you see this week's Tuesday Tech Tips newsletter from the GSCS Instructional Technology Department?
If not, click HERE to view.

Highlights include:
  • It's BACK!...Win a trip to ISTE 2018
  • New Google Classroom Mobile App Features
  • Wow in the World! Podcast for Kids
  • Get Connected with GSCS on Twitter
  • Safari Montage Important Announcement!
  • Google Ninja Updates & Google Ninja FAQ's
  • How Are You Using Technology?
"Education is our passport to the future,
for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today."

~ Malcolm X
GA PRE-K WEEK KICKS OFF MONDAY, OCT. 2

RED RIBBON WEEK 2017
The Red Ribbon Campaign® is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the Nation and a way for people and communities take a visible stand against drugs. This year's theme, "Your Future Is Key, So Stay Drug Free.™", was created by a middle school student in Solon, Ohio. It's a reminder that each of our actions have consequences and living a drug free lifestyle can help us reach our full potential. Want to participate?

Enter The 2017 National Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest


Other Ways To Get Ready:

* Click HERE to download the Planning Guide, fact sheet, infographic, web banners, etc.
* Click HERE to take and share the Pledge.
* Click HERE to find curriculum ideas.
* Click HERE and take a stab at next year's theme.
CELEBRATE NATIONAL PRINCIPAL MONTH!
October is National Principals Month to honor principals nationwide.

We encourage you and your students-along
with parents and the community to join in on
the month-long celebration of the hard work
that principals do to help schools improve and
students succeed. Here are some ways to celebrate:

Send an E-Card to your principal
Pick an e-card, add your message of appreciation, and schedule when you'd like it to be sent.

Post on Social Media
Use #ThankAPrincipal to spread the word about what you're doing to celebrate your principal.
GSCS HIGH SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
A.Z. KELSEY ACADEMY
Anthony Armstrong
Mr. Armstrong has worked hard to bring an extracurricular activity to our students. He is sponsoring a chapter of Future Business Leaders of America.  Mr. Armstrong teaches business courses for both our Academy and Achievement Center students. He is truly a team player who is willing to collaborate on various initiatives. 
 
GRIFFIN HIGH SCHOOL
Language Arts Teacher Allison Messenger and Nutrition Assistant Threase Newton
Mrs. Messenger has juggled the demands of moving to a new system, a new state and a new set of standards. She has met each challenge with cheerfulness and an eagerness to learn and contribute.  She brings a wealth of experience and talent to GHS and she willingly shares her knowledge and skills with staff and students. She is an encourager, innovator and team player. Both inside and outside the classroom, she motivates her students and coworkers to seek excellence. She is a model of excellence for us all!
 
Threase always has a smile on her face and is kind to everyone she comes in contact with. She is one of the hardest working nutrition workers I have met. She always does her job with excellence and integrity!
 
SPALDING HIGH SCHOOL
Slade Walker
Slade is a tireless, team player who is dedicated to keeping the grounds, landscape and athletic fields in top shape here at SHS. He goes above and beyond in order to complete assigned duties, he is helpful and friendly with our staff and a dedicated employee. Congratulations Slade Walker on being selected as Spalding High School's Employee of the Month!