All GSCS schools & offices will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, in observance of Labor Day.
This year GSCS fall athletes are participating in the Beyond Self Athlete Program, a student development program, led by Community Partner and Mentor David Johnson, meant to grow student leadership skills, build character and improve school culture. To kick off the program, all middle and high school student-athletes attended the Beyond Self Athlete's Assembly today in the Griffin Auditorium. Athletes were told they are all Persons Of Influence (POI) and the importance of the 3 R's: Respect Yourself, Respect Others and Take Responsibility. Key Note Speaker Marlin Lynch III (Pastor Mo) shared the importance of discovering their purpose and making positive life choices. Words of wisdom from Pastor Mo included:
"Learn to say No"
"Your self-worth is not a group decision"
"Some people are not your friends, they are just people you know"
"Don't let your ice cream melt while you are counting someone else's sprinkles"
The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the GSCS to provide new OpenGate weapons detection systems at Memorial Stadium. The devices allow guests to walk through without emptying their pockets and they can detect devices that may be weapons. The new system enables security personnel to move event guests through the security checkpoint much quicker than the previous system.
Read the full news release: https://5il.co/2upv0
Student leaders participated in the first Peer Court session of the school year at the GRCCA courtroom.
This week GSCS Superintendent Dr. Keith Simmons had his first Slices with the Superintendent of the school year with his student advisory councils from Spalding High & Griffin High. Students shared how the school year is going, asked questions, gave excellent feedback and enjoyed pizza thanks to our Partner In Education Slices Pizzeria Griffin.
GSCS CTAE also had a meet & greet with Alex, the new AI-generated talking patient robot, that will be used for students in our healthcare pathways. Because healthcare business partners gave feedback that students needed more experience learning soft skills, these robots were purchased through a grant (1 for GHS & 1 for SHS). Alex has numerous patient scenarios such as an allergic reaction, respiratory issues, insomnia, car accident, etc. for students to practice interacting with patients. Alex records and videos these interactions and students earn points. Alex is the first full-body Patient Communication Simulator that sees, listens, talks and even breathes. This is very exciting for our healthcare students!
It was a big day for GSCS CTAE! A ribbon-cutting was held to show off the new Atlas Greenhouse at GRCCA funded by a grant through the state. Now, our horticulture & animal science pathway students can learn with a hands-on approach. Students will sell the plants they grow to earn money to support the district's FFA Chapter in regional, state & national competitions.
Tonight kicks off the 2024-25 football season with GHS vs. Tift Co. at Memorial Stadium (SHS @ Central). Please remember to arrive early for the security checkpoint. The HOME side is the East (metal) stands and all Bags must be CLEAR plastic, vinyl or PVC and not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. For full stadium guidelines, ticket information & FAQs visit https://www.gscs.org/o/gscss/page/memorial-stadium-guidelines.
GHS Football Coach Fedd and SHS Football Coach Davis spoke today at the Kiwanis Club of Griffin. They talked about their work to prepare and what they are looking forward to for the upcoming football season.
Jordan Hill Elementary School Teacher Whitney Sullivan was named the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) 2024-25 District-Wide Teacher of the Year. Read more: https://5il.co/2tj6w
GSCS Open House for ELEMENTARY families is today, Tuesday, July 30, from 3-7 p.m. and tomorrow, Wednesday, July 31, from 3 – 7 p.m. for MIDDLE & HIGH families. For back-to-school resources & info. visit https://www.gscs.org/page/2024-2025-back-to-school-resources-information or text us at 678-990-9609.
Congratulations to the Griffin High School Class of 2024 Summer Graduates! You did it!
Yesterday, GSCS clerical staff began their learning adventure at the inaugural 2024 GSCS Clerical Academy! GSCS school and department office staff learned, laughed and networked as they prepare for a new school year. They were welcomed by GSCS Superintendent Dr. Keith Simmons and participated in fun activities, a Q&A panel and training classes from technology and human resources. Their adventure continued today with more fun activities, employee wellness with Dr. Ecclesia Savage and professional learning from operations, finance and more. Thank you to the sponsors and everyone who helped make this inaugural academy a success!
Griffin-Spalding Partners In Education is holding its 23rd Annual Partners In Education Golf Tournament on Friday, September 27, at the Griffin City Park Golf Course. All proceeds benefit the students and teachers of GSCS by providing field trip/classroom grants and teacher scholarships. Please consider sponsoring/participating. We would love your support!
Sponsorship Form: https://5il.co/2rv2p
Questions? Email laura.beaber@gscs.org
More info. on PIE visit www.gspie.org
The Griffin Spalding Mentor Program is seeking caring adults to mentor a child! 1 child x 1 hour per week + 1 year commitment = 2 changed lives: Yours and a child’s! No experience is needed. Training, coaching and assistance provided. Download the Mentor Flyer at https://spalding.gafcp.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2023/10/2023-Mentor-Flyer-pg-1-and-2-1.pdf. For information or questions about the program contact Kathy Rhodes at krrhodes27@gmail.com or 404-316-2704.
Training sessions for new mentors will be held on August 12, at 223 S. 6th Street in Griffin. Advance registration is required. You may use the links below to register for the session you wish to attend.
August 12, 2024
10:00 – 11:30 AM Session Registration Link
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mentor-training-tickets-949892954397
6:00 – 7:30 PM Session Registration Link
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mentor-training-tickets-950016564117
Congratulations to New Kennedy Road Middle School Principal Robyn Davis! Read the news release here: https://5il.co/2rqlv
Former Kennedy Road Middle and future 9th Grade Spalding High Student Skye Oduaran has been selected to give a TED Talk at TEDxMemphis on September 28, 2024! TED is a global platform that features talks on ideas worth spreading. Skye's talk will focus on the power of youth journalism and how young voices are shaping the future of media. Congratulations Skye! GSCS is proud of you!
GSCS Student Services Department has the following job vacancies for the 2024-25 school year: School Social Worker, Student Services Department Secretary and Dental Paraprofessional. If you’re interested in these positions, please apply at www.gscs.org. https://www.gscs.org/o/gscss/page/job-opportunities-applications
Brandon Thompson Named 2024-2025 A.Z. Kelsey Academy Principal. Thompson has over 10 years of leadership and teaching experience in high school settings.
Read the full news release at https://5il.co/2r811
