May 19-26, 2017
In This Issue

We've reached the last weekend of the school year. These are the most hectic and exciting days of the year. In the past few days I've attended several fine arts performances and honors programs. The coming week includes several more honors programs, two baccalaureate services and three graduation exercises. I don't mind one bit. Our work as educators culminates in these events. Please attend as many as you can in support of your students.

On a different topic, by now you probably know that a teacher was arrested earlier this week on charges of inappropriate conduct with a student. The charges will be vetted in due course. But, I will say this - the good in our system and our staff far outweighs any negative that might be out there. We have to keep in mind that our actions, even as individuals, impact people's perception of our school system and community. In that regard we are all keepers of the reputation of GSCS. We have a lot in which to take and show pride. Just attend one or two of the honors programs or graduations mentioned above. The coming week should renew our spirits about the work we do. I believe in what we are doing together. Continue to be agents of change where you are.

Have a great week and wonderful last few days of the school year.

Sincerely,
Jim Smith 
Superintendent
ENGLISH NAMED PRINCIPAL AT JORDAN HILL
Ms. Dottie English is a new principal for the Griffin-Spalding County School System. The Board of Education approved her appointment at its May 15 meeting.

Ms. English will become the principal at Jordan Hill Elementary on July 1. She replaces Anthony Aikens who will become Executive Director of Administrative Services. Ms. English is currently the assistant principal at Moreland Road Elementary in Griffin. She holds a Masters of Education, Administration and Supervision from the University of West Georgia. She was a middle school math teacher and an elementary teacher prior to becoming assistant principal.

"We are pleased to find this administrator who can lead a school into the future," said Superintendent Jim Smith. "Ms. English comes to us with experience and expertise that is valuable to our district."
BEARDEN NAMED DISTRICT PRE-K/ESOL COORDINATOR
At the May 15 Board of Education meeting, Dr. LaCriessia (Chris) Bearden was appointed as the new Pre-K/English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) coordinator for the Griffin-Spalding County School System.

Dr. Bearden will begin her position on July 1. She replaces Pearla Hodo who will become the principal of Anne Street Elementary. Ms. Bearden has been a GSCS educator for 25 years. She currently serves as the ESOL Specialist at Beaverbrook Elementary and Carver Road Middle School. She also taught both kindergarten and third grade at Beaverbrook Elementary and was named the Teacher of the Year in 2009.

Dr. Bearden holds a Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership from Argosy University and received her Master's Degree, Education Specialist and Educational Leadership and Supervision from Troy State University.

"Dr. Bearden brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new position. We are excited to have her in this leadership role," said Superintendent Jim Smith.
END OF SCHOOL/GRADUATION PLANS ANNOUNCED
Graduation for Spalding High is May 26, 7 pm at Memorial Stadium while Griffin High students will graduate on May 27, 9 am at Memorial Stadium. AZ Kelsey students will graduate May 26, 9:30 am in the Griffin Auditorium.

Entrance tickets are required for all graduations. GSCS Employees can enter with their employee badge. Students will receive their tickets during graduation practice the week of graduation. Gates open one hour prior to the graduation ceremony. Police and deputies will be on hand to guide and direct you. Handicapped parking and drop off is accessible by using 4th Street. Poplar Street from 3rd to 6th will be pedestrian only. 5th Street will be blocked at College Street. Parking behind the stadium is restricted to those with passes.

There will be an information tent between the two entrance gates to the stadium. School board members will present the diplomas.

Baccalaureate for GHS and AZK is May 24, 7 pm at the First Assembly of God. Spalding High will have their baccalaureate at First Baptist on May 22, 6:30 pm.

Griffin High has 280 seniors, Spalding High 243 seniors and AZK 20 seniors.

The last day of school for GSCS students is May 26

Click HERE to view the map.
SEAMLESS SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM
The Griffin-Spalding County School Nutrition Program will be participating in the federally funded Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Under the program, nutritious meals are provided to all children 18 years and under free of charge at the following sites:
 
Serving Days
Breakfast Serving Time
Lunch Serving Time
Cowan Road Elementary
Monday-Thursday
7:45-9:00
11:30-1:00
Cowan Road Middle 
Monday-Thursday
7:45-9:00
11:30-1:00
Orrs Elementary
Monday-Thursday
7:45-9:00
11:30-1:00
Jordan Hill Elementary
Monday-Thursday
7:45-9:00
11:30-1:00
Kennedy Road Middle 
Monday-Thursday
7:45-9:00
11:30-1:00
Futral Road Elementary 
Monday-Thursday
7:45-9:00
11:30-1:00
Griffin High School
Monday-Thursday
8:45-9:45
11:30-1:00
Spalding High School
Monday-Thursday
8:45-9:45
11:30-1:00
City Park
Monday-Friday
 
11:30-1:00
Fairmont Park
Monday-Friday
8:00-9:00
11:30-1:00
AMBUCS Park
Monday-Friday
 
11:30-1:00
Flint River Regional Library
Monday-Friday
 
11:30-1:00
UGA Kid's Enrichment
Monday-Friday
8:00-9:00
11:30-1:00
Meals will be provided June 5-July 21. No meals will be served the week of July 3-7.

No adult meals will be served.

For more information, contact the GSCS Nutrition Department at
770-229-3700.
2017-18 GSCS SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
Click HERE to view the district's 2017-18 school supply list for elementary students.

Click HERE to view the district's 2017-18 school supply list for middle school students.
"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us ."

-Hal Borland
GOOGLE NINJA UPDATE
Cowan Road Middle has officially taken the lead in the district in the number of belts earned! They are also in the lead for middle schools.

Jackson Road continues to have the lead for the elementary schools with the highest number of belts earned!

Griffin High is in the lead for the high schools!

To see the complete list of Google Ninjas, please click on the following link: https://goo.gl/epIvPK

Are you ready to begin your Google Ninja Academy journey...?
Go to classroom. google.com to join the Google Classroom. Once you access the class, you will see a plus (+) sign in the upper right hand corner. Click the sign and choose to join a class. The class code for the Ninja Academy is ctbid6.

If you have difficulty accessing Google Classroom, please email lonny.harper@gscs.org.
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
This month, Mental Health First Aid USA is taking the opportunity to spread information about how mental illness and addiction affect some key populations - and what we ALL can do to help.

CAMP INVENTION 2017
If you are on the search for a fun, week-long summer program for your rising K-6th grader, you're in luck! GSCS is hosting Camp Invention at The Enrichment Center on Spalding Drive the week of June 5th, 8:30AM-3PM, each day. Spalding residents receive a $100 discount. As the host district, system employees also receive a discount. Contact Barbara King at barbara.king@gscs.org or 770-229-3723 for registration information.
MIDDLE SCHOOL EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
CARVER ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Nutrition Manager Linda Holder
She has served not only Carver Road Middle School for 10 years, but also the Griffin-Spalding County School System for a number of years. This year she will retire. Her dedication and presence will be sorely missed. We thank her and appreciate all of her years of service. #2185Pride

COWAN ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Eighth Grade Teacher Heidi Thompson and Media Specialist Julie Evans
Both of these ladies are fully committed to and vested in our school and demonstrate it daily with positive attitudes. Ms. Evans and Ms. Thompson are strong advocates for our students and look for a variety of ways to engage and inspire them to love learning. They willingly take on additional duties and do whatever it takes for our students. We are proud they are Panthers and are grateful that both of them are a part of our family!

KENNEDY ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Lead Special Education Teacher Mandy Case
Ms. Case works tirelessly to ensure that paperwork is completed on time and that our students are receiving the services they need. She does an awesome job of leading our special education team and is always willing to assist in any area needed. She always has a smile on her face. Ms. Case is a vital part of the positive culture and change taking place at KRMS.

REHOBOTH ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Assistant Principal Carla Walsh
Ms. Walsh is dedicated to improving student performance through professional learning and collaborating with staff to implement the best learning opportunities. Ms. Walsh is an advocate for our students and helps to provide a safe and supportive environment for their schooling. She develops relationships that foster excellence and provides stakeholders with communication related to student learning and needs. Ms. Walsh is a valued employee and respected part of our school community.