The latest news from Gwinnett County Public Schools

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Early November 2019, Vol. 18, No. 4

GCPS Scenes from...

a SURPRISE for Collins Hill High School

Principal Kerensa Wing!

Kerensa Wing, principal of Collins Hill High School, was named the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) 2020 National Principal of the Year

at a surprise ceremony at the school.

Have you heard...

About the 2020 National Principal of the Year, Kerensa Wing:

"When you talk about servant leadership, Kerensa Wing immediately comes to mind. No matter the job, Mrs. Wing is up to the task. For her, the role of principal is not just a job, it is a true calling. She is a strong instructional leader whose care and concern for her students, her staff members, and her school community is evident in all that she does."

-- CEO/Superintendent

J. Alvin Wilbanks

Board approves 2020-21 school year calendar

At its October meeting, the Gwinnett County Board of Education approved the 2020-21 school year calendar. The school year will begin on Wed., Aug. 5, and students can look forward to a Fall, Winter, and Spring Break, and a full week off for Thanksgiving. The school year will end on Wed., May 26, 2021. Find the 2020-21 calendar online.

GCPS announces 2020 TOTY finalists

Six Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) teachers have been announced as this year's finalists for the Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year (TOTY) title.The finalists for the 2020 honor are (left to right): Vivarine Argilagos of Lovin Elementary School, Ellen Hill of Dyer Elementary School, Anthony Dramis of Hull Middle School, Brad Zickefoose of Radloff Middle School, Rebecca Carlisle of North Gwinnett High School, and Dr. Amber Simmons of Brookwood High School. The county TOTY will be announced Nov. 14.

GCPS Foundation Scholarship catalog is now available

Members of the Class of 2020 can find and apply for scholarships for future studies in STEM/STEAM, Mathematics, and Technology, and support for those seeking a teaching career. These and other scholarships are available in the GCPS Foundation Fund catalog! Apply today and apply for more than one... don't miss out. Learn more about the GCPS Foundation Fund scholarship opportunities. Dec. 6 is the deadline to apply.

Veterinary surgery suite opens

The Grayson High School Technical Education Program, partnering with Gwinnett Technical College's Veterinary Technology Program, opened the school's new veterinary surgical suite. The new facility will serve as a location for elective surgical procedures, such as spaying and neutering for cats and dogs from the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter. Once the furry patients recover from surgery, they will be available for adoption by the public.

Students connect to future career paths

Career Connections 2019 featured companies representing virtual reality, natural resources management, architecture, city planning, aviation, mechanics, transportation, theater performance, and law enforcement, to name a few. More than 5,000 9th graders from the district's seven College and Career Academy high schools-- Berkmar, Central Gwinnett, Discovery, Lanier, Meadowcreek, Shiloh, and South Gwinnett-- connected with Gwinnett County businesses to learn about various career options beyond high school and college.

College Board changes process for

AP exam registration

College Board, which administers the Advanced Placement (AP) program, has moved up the registration date for U.S. students planning to take the optional exams in the spring. AP students in Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) planning to register for exams have a Nov. 10 deadline. Learn more online.

Get your Senior Pass and get involved with GCPS!

Are you 65 or over and a resident of Gwinnett County? Your ticket awaits to GCPS-sponsored Fine Arts and athletics events across the school district! Exciting performances and athletic contests are happening in every cluster, and you won't want to miss out. Learn more about Senior Passes online and call 678-301-7274 for more information.

Calendar notes...

Nov. 18 through Nov. 22, GCPS celebrates American Education Week. Stay tuned for activities happening around the school district.
The Gwinnett County Board of Education will hold its next monthly meeting on Thurs., Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center.
Thanksgiving break is Nov. 25 through Nov. 29 for students. All GCPS offices will be closed Thurs., Nov. 28, and Fri., Nov. 29.
Find the 2019-20 calendar and the 2020-21 calendar online.

Keeping up with GCPS

GCPS Honors and News- Check out the latest headlines about GCPS' award-winning educators, honored leaders, impressive student scholars, and more.
Gwinnett County Board of Education- Read summaries of Board of Education meetings.

Stay Connected to GCPS with social media

Follow @GwinnettSchools on Facebook, Twitter, and new this year, Instagram, and coming soon, Pinterest! With Instagram, we'll go behind-the-scenes with photos, videos, and stories about our schools, students, and staff. And, coming later this fall, we'll be "pinning" information and resources on Pinterest boards you'll want to follow. For now, we'll put a "pin" in that announcement, but we'll let you know when GCPS' Pinterest account is live!