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January 2020, Vol. 18, No. 6
GCPS Scenes from...
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
GCPS students had the opportunity to participate in a number of weekend events in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day— from participants in the United Ebony Society’s annual parade and program to those who volunteered for service projects at their schools and around the community. Check out this Channel 5 video link to see Duluth High School Senior Anu Ramachandiran speaking at the annual MLK Day Commemorative Service hosted by Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.
Board news and updates
--At its January Board meeting, the Gwinnett County Board of Education named Louise Radloff and Carole C. Boyce to serve as Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, for 2020. Additionally, the 2020 meeting schedule was approved. Adopted School Board meeting dates include February 20, March 19, April 16, May 14, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, and December 17.
--Also at January’s meeting, the following leaders were appointed to new roles:
  • Cynthia "Cindy" Kinchen - Principal, Duluth Middle School
  • Chekquita Johnson - Principal, Sweetwater Middle School
  • Dr. Nick Boyers - Principal, Sugar Hill Elementary School
January is National Mentoring Month

In GCPS, we believe in the Power of One… one caring adult can change a child’s life. During National Mentoring Month, we thank the nearly 500 men and women who mentor more than 1,100 students from 67 of our schools through our three initiatives:
So, could you be the one? Learn more about how you can support the school district’s Community-Based Mentoring Program.
27 Gwinnett schools recognized by state

The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) has recognized more than two dozen Gwinnett County public schools for high academic performance and/or high academic growth. Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) led the state with 27 schools named as 2019 Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS) award winners.  Dr. Steve Flynt, associate superintendent for School Improvement and Operations, applauded the work of the honored schools. He said, “These awards are a point of pride for these school communities as they speak to the quality teaching and learning taking place and the achievement of their students.” View the list of recognized schools and learn more online.
Save these dates:
Walk-in Feb. 8 STEM Fair and Screening Event
and March 21 Career Fair

--GCPS is holding a screening event and career fair for prospective STEM teachers on Sat., Feb. 8 at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center in Building 100. The event is open to those who are certified to teach Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics for middle grades (4–8) or high school (9–12) as well as those with an interest in teaching who hold a degree or have work experience in a STEM field. Those interested in a possible interview at the event should complete an online application, and they can learn more about teaching in Gwinnett online.
--GCPS will host its Certified Teacher Career Fair on Sat., March 21, at the Infinite Energy Center, from 8 a.m. to Noon. Registration for the event is required, and interviews will take place for pre-screened applicants in the following fields:
  • Mathematics
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Special Education (All Areas, PreK-12)
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Foreign Language (Spanish, French/6-12)
  • Dual Language Immersion (Spanish, French, Korean)
  • Middle Grades (All Areas)
  • Elementary with Endorsements (ESOL, Reading, Math, Science)
  • Language Arts
  • Career and Technical Specialists (IT Programming, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Occupations)
We're on Pinterest!
Now you can find GCPS on Pinterest! Follow us at pinterest.com/Gwinnett_Schools for tips and resources on various education topics. Our first “boards” feature resources related to early learning and school readiness for children ages birth to 5 and content on digital citizenship. Return often as we build those boards and add others to support GCPS families.

Inclement weather reminder
Just a reminder... we still could experience wintry weather in coming months. Be prepared for inclement weather that could affect Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS). Parents and community members can access information about the school district's winter weather procedures on the GCPS website and through the Teaching Gwinnett podcast.
See how you can support the 2020 Science Fair!
Envisioning the Future... That's the theme of the upcoming 2020 Gwinnett Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair, encouraging students, judges, and partners of the event to look forward to creative and innovative STEM application in our world. And you can be a part of it! District leaders are looking for sponsors and judges for the Feb. 21 event, which also will include breakout sessions and highlight career opportunities in STEM. Need more information? Contact the event's planning team online.
Vulcan Materials Quarry Crusher Run set for Feb. 22

Runners, do you think you have what it takes to descend more than 600 feet to the bottom of a rock quarry before you begin your climb out? The 5th annual Quarry Crusher Run Atlanta , sponsored by the Vulcan Materials Company, is the race for you! The 3.7-mile route descends to the bottom of Vulcan’s Norcross quarry and offers unbelievable views of the quarry with every step. The best part? The Feb. 22 race benefits our students! Vulcan will donate proceeds to the GCPS Foundation to support Meadowcreek High School, McClure Health Science High School, Radloff Middle School, Meadowcreek Elementary School , and Boys and Girls Clubs of Gwinnett County.  
Plan to attend Open House events at Grayson and Maxwell
GCPS high school students interested in exploring careers through hands-on learning can check out two specialized career and technical education programs at upcoming events. Online registration for the Grayson High School Technical Education Program is open, with the Winter Open House set for Thurs., Feb. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. Find program information for Grayson online. An Open House for Maxwell High School of Technology is scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 20, between 5 and 7 p.m. at the school. Online registration is available. Learn more about Maxwell programs online. Eligible students may register for either program from their Student Portal account from anywhere they have internet access. Also, please note that registration for Gwinnett Online Campus will be open in February.
Calendar notes...  
Keeping up with GCPS
Stay Connected to GCPS with social media
Follow @GwinnettSchools on Facebook and Twitter. And, new this year, we ’re on Instagram, the Teaching Gwinnett podcast, and Pinterest! With Instagram, we’re going behind-the-scenes with photos, videos, and stories about our schools, students, and staff. And with Pinterest, we’re “pinning” information and resources on Pinterest boards you'll want to follow.