This week is the 14th Annual #GAPreKWeek! Let's celebrate because early learning is the foundation for all future success in school, the workforce and life! GSCS serves over 430 pre-k students in 22 classrooms.
Help your child boost their Lexile score and foster a love for reading with our District-Wide Reading Challenge to read 100,000 books! Using AR and Beanstack, we’re making reading an interactive adventure that motivates students to explore, engage and grow their Lexile.
Check out the flyer for all the details. Let’s make reading fun, challenging and rewarding!
October Events and Recognition Days. Mark your calendars!
Today is National Custodial Worker Day and we want to recognize, celebrate and thank all of the amazing individuals who keep GSCS clean, maintained and operating smoothly!
Many Griffin-Spalding County Schools (GSCS) students, staff and partners in education participated in the Camelot Theatre Company production of Diary of A Wimpy Kid The Musical, last weekend in the Griffin Auditorium. We are proud of the many hours of rehearsal that culminated in an amazing show despite the challenging weather. Our local cast members are among the first talented actors and actresses in United States to perform this new musical. Author Jeff Kinney spoke to our cast via Zoom. Visit https://camelottheatre.com/ to see upcoming shows that you might audition for and/or attend and enjoy. Pick up Diary of a Wimpy Kid books at your library because #Readingisfun. GSCS students and staff participants include: Shelby Burrows, Lexi Beard (Chris Hosey), Vada Belleza, Vivi Benefield (Fregley), Logan Fagin (Greg's Dad), Camila Fagundez, Eisley Folds, Lucy Folds, Lucas Rodriguez Gierke (Manny), Alani Lewis, Karlie Mathews, Ophelia Matti (Claire), Bentley Mendez (Chirag Gupta), Lyla Rakestraw, Zane Smith (Lionel James), Chase Thomaston, Isabella Thompson (Yvette), Morgan Wages, Shelby White (Pauline), Arria Williams
October is National Principals Month! Sending a huge thank you to all the incredible principals who lead with dedication and inspire our students every day. Your impact is invaluable! This month, express your gratitude and let your principal know just how much their tireless efforts mean to you! #ThankAPrincipal #NationalPrincipalsMonth
Today, September 30, is Georgia Reads Day. This morning, Governor Kemp held a press conference to express the importance of reading. Griffin Mayor Doug Holberg, issued a proclamation expressing the same. Georgia Reads Day was designed to create awareness about the importance of reading, the need to improve literacy skills in all age groups, and the opportunity to engage in community reading activities including the first-ever virtual read across Georgia with Georgia Reads Coach (former UGA football player and author) Malcolm Mitchell. The state program may be viewed here. https://www.gpb.org/georgiareadsday
The state program was streamed in all GSCS classrooms. Griffin-Spalding County Schools also provided a video that was shown Pre-K through 12th grade. It included the Mayor's proclamation and a Kickoff of our GSCS RISE reading initiative. It promoted the Accelerated Reader and Beanstack reading programs and celebrated some the top readers in the district. View the video at this link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y1hZSJ5lLar2LbY-AvQHhSSVz1bRsLzs/view?usp=drivesdk
From: GEMA/Homeland Security and Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division ...Urgent Statement Pertaining to the Rockdale County Chemical Plant Fire and air quality.
"The EPA is monitoring air quality for chlorine and related compounds. Current data suggests that chemical levels in the air are unlikely to cause harm to most people. This data, along with further updates, will be shared with the public. Please follow guidance from your county EMA. If you have concerns, limit your time outdoors, close windows, and turn off any ventilation systems."
Thank you,
Mike Smith
Chief of Staff
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency
Last week, in a time of great need, Griffin High School Counselor Jocasta Odom graciously volunteered to represent GSCS at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. She joined counselors from around the state to provide needed counseling services as classes resumed after the horrific school shooting. Thank you, Jocasta, for representing GSCS so well!
Due to weather associated with Hurricane Helene and in consideration of the recommendation by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/ Homeland Security (GEMA/HS), all Griffin-Spalding County School District operations will be canceled on Thursday, September 26, and Friday, September 27.
What you should Know:
• Tropical Storm Watch for the next 48 hours.
• Flood Watch for the next 48 hours.
• A State of Emergency has been declared by Governor Kemp.
The safety of our staff and students is our highest priority. During this weather event, we are expecting high flood risk in low lying areas, 10 to fifteen 15 of rain, very high winds and possible widespread damage. The worst wind and weather is anticipated Thursday night into Friday morning. Please stay weather aware.
GSCS Extracurricular activities for middle and high school students are canceled for today, Wednesday September 25, in anticipation of inclement weather this evening. The elementary afterschool program will still provide service today. The elementary school literacy night events scheduled for tomorrow evening, Thursday September 26, will be rescheduled to a later date. GSCS is continuing to work closely with Emergency Management and Weather Experts to monitor potential weather events. Any additional updates will be provided through the GSCS app and other communication channels.
Thank you.
Happy National Tradesman Day! Thank you to the men and women whose skills and hard work keep our schools and buses running strong!
Some rumors and social media posts have been circulating throughout our state regarding efforts to try to coordinate potential school walkouts. We recognize that school safety is a most important and relevant topic, but school walkouts are not safe or appropriate. Our Superintendent does not support this behavior! Educators and students are not legislators (for the most part). If the intent is to share or show interest to legislators, students should do so through the appropriate channels without interrupting or disrupting the same learning environment they are trying to advocate for. Should AZK, GHS, or SHS students participate in disrupting the learning environment, by "walking out", these students will not be allowed to return to campus and disciplinary consequences will be rendered. Parents should also refrain from inundating the schools with calls to release their students during this specific timeframe.
IT professionals rise to the challenge each and every day to navigate monumental and ever-changing technology. They show the world what resilience looks like and that there’s virtually nothing they can’t handle. Thank you GSCS IT Professionals for always finding a way to get IT done!
Thank you GSCS Fine Arts Teachers for inspiring creativity, imagination & expression in our students every day! Your dedication helps shape young minds & brings the joy of art, music & performance to life! #NATIONALARTSINEDUCATIONWEEK
Dear GSCS,
We have been working with local and state law enforcement since early this morning regarding rumors and social media posts. Their investigations have indicated that there is no credible threat in our community based on the information at this time. All schools are safe and operating per normal operating procedures. Parents should expect to see an increased law enforcement presence in and around schools out of an abundance of caution.
Thank you,
Here are some upcoming September dates and recognitions.
Dear GSCS,
In light of the recent tragedy at Apalachee High School, our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. Locally, we want to assure everyone that support is readily available for any student or staff member who needs to talk through their feelings as they relate to today's school shooting. As such, Griffin-Spalding Schools' social workers, mental health clinicians, and school counselors will be on hand tomorrow to provide guidance and comfort. Additionally, a counselor from our Employee Assistance Program will be available to offer support to any employee(s) who needs support. More than ever, we remain diligent in our efforts to maintain safe and supportive learning environments for our students and employees. However we can, as best we can, WE will get through this challenging time together.
Be kind. Be well. Take good care.
Keith L. Simmons. Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Griffin-Spalding County
Attention: GSCS Job Fair Coming Soon! Join Griffin-Spalding County Schools on Sept. 19, 2024, from 3:15 to 5:15 PM, to explore exciting career opportunities, meet school leaders & more!
