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Your connection to all things GCPS. | February 15, 2024
Winter Break
GCPS students and 180-, 181-, 185-, 190-, 193, and 200-day staff are on Winter Break from Thursday, February 15 through Monday, February 19.
Each month of the 2023-24 school year, we will spotlight one of our strategic priorities or Portrait of a Graduate competencies by sharing the stories of two clusters—highlighting their classrooms, notable events, community insights, achievements, community service projects, student organizations, volunteer efforts, and more.
GCPS students and staff make a point to reflect deeply about their own thinking, integrating diverse perspectives to understand the "bigger picture." They consider the benefits and barriers of evolving technologies as they learn to use those technologies to achieve their goals, and are critical consumers of information.
In February, we'll focus on Critical Thinking in the Brookwood and Dacula clusters.
Fill out the EES Family Survey this month!
The Educational Effectiveness Survey (EES) isn’t just for students. Families, we need your input to improve your student’s experience and your school’s performance. Parents can fill out the 2023-24 Educational Effectiveness Family Survey here. It will take about 10 minutes, and provide valuable information that informs the leaders at your child’s school and at the district level.
CTAE’s updated Career Guide is now available!
Building a bright future for your children starts with giving them the best possible education. CTAE (Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education) is here to help! These programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in rewarding careers after high school or college, figure out their future careers or just stay connected and engaged in school.
Think of CTAE like a treasure chest overflowing with possibilities. Inside, you'll find exciting pathways leading to a variety of fields, from healthcare and technology to welding and cosmetology. No matter your child's interests or talents, there's something in CTAE for them! The best part, this program is completely FREE and students participate while still attending their regular high school. The Career Guide is also available in Spanish.
GCPS Parent Mentors present: Preparing for the Annual GCPS Transition Fair
On Tuesday, February 27, Gwinnett County Parent Mentors, in collaboration with Gwinnett County Public Schools’ (GCPS) Special Education Department, will host “Preparing for the Annual GCPS Transition Fair.” This session is highly recommended for parents of students in the special education program at all levels (elementary, middle, and high school). Parents will learn how to navigate the upcoming GCPS Transition Fair being held Saturday, March 16, to maximize access to resources that are appropriate for their child. Parents can choose to register for the in-person session at 10 a.m. at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Road, NW, Suwanee, GA 30024, Building 200, Central Gwinnett Room 2.111 or register for the virtual session 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Session via Zoom.
Questions? Contact Parent Mentor Dawn Albanese by phone at 678-301-7212 or by email at dawn.albanese@gcpsk12.org.
2024 Area Board Meetings this Spring
The Gwinnett County Board of Education (BOE) is going on the road this spring. You can attend the meeting for your BOE district, or whichever meeting is most convenient for you. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. in the school theatre, and are preceded by a Meet and Greet with the Board and school and district leaders at 6:30 p.m.
- March 12 – District III, Dr. Mary Kay Murphy, at Duluth HS
- March 14 – District IV, Dr. Adrienne Simmons, at Shiloh HS
- March 19 – District V, Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan, at Meadowcreek HS
- March 26 – District I, Karen Watkins, 2024 Vice Chair, at Grayson HS
- April 8 – District II, Steven B. Knudsen, 2024 Chair, at Mill Creek HS
Reminders for GCPS Seniors and Families
Prepare for your student’s next steps with scholarships! The GCPS Foundation still has more than 20 scholarships open for applications. There are opportunities for various specialties and interests. Browse the list of scholarships and see if there is a fit for you and your student.
Looking for another academic honor to list on your applications? Check out the Georgia Scholar Program! Honorees receive a Georgia Scholar seal on their diploma but please note, this is a recognition only program and no scholarship funds are associated with the program.
For more scholarships, events, and news follow the GCPS Foundation on our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Make a difference close to home. Donate to the GCPS Foundation!
This year, let's positively impact Gwinnett's next generation. Donate to the GCPS Foundation and invest in brighter futures for our students! Your generosity fuels innovation, resources, and support across the school district. Imagine equipping classrooms with modern technology, providing scholarships for deserving students, and enriching learning experiences for all. Every gift, big or small, makes a world of difference. Show our schools your generous spirit and donate today!
Creation Tools Inside the GCPS Student Portal
The GCPS student portal is full of resources that can take your learning to the next level! This episode from GCPS Tech Tips reviews three creation platforms and/or tools that students can use to show their understanding. Students are shown how to access Microsoft 365, Google Workspace for Education, and Adobe Express and Creative Cloud through their GCPS Student Portal.
Student Career Expo
GCPS School Counselors invite students in grades 9-12 to attend a Student Career Expo on March 2 from 10 a.m. to noon at Peachtree Ridge High School. Students can explore more than 30 different career options, learn about Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) at Grayson Technical Education Program and Maxwell High School of Technology, and participate in a FAFSA Support Workshop. Register today!
Batter Up! GCPS Grounds Maintenance Prepares for a Successful Season of High School Spring Sports
The GCPS Grounds Maintenance department has been working behind the scenes this winter to prepare for spring sports at our schools. During their time working they added fertilizer, irrigation systems, and a series of notable enhancements to fields across the county. Dacula, Meadowcreek, Norcross, Parkview and Peachtree Ridge high schools all received improvements to their facilities. All work performed goes through a thorough inspection to ensure that the projects are considered “complete” and in top-quality shape for our students and families. Come on out this spring to enjoy the facilities and cheer for one of our Gwinnett County Public Schools sports teams!
Community Resources
Spring into Health Saturday is Coming Up
Make plans to attend Spring Into Health Saturday on March 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Norcross High School football stadium. All Gwinnett students and families are invited to get out, have fun, and get connected to resources and vendors in our community. There will be games, giveaways, food trucks, and more!
Hope Thru Soap event in the Norcross community
Let’s Talk Sports
Did you miss the latest episode of Teaching Gwinnett?
Join us on your favorite streaming platform to hear coaches Josh Lovelady, Mill Creek Football, and Casey Parham, Brookwood Softball, talk about their outstanding teams. Athletes from both teams also had the chance to talk with us about their experience in successfully balancing academics and leadership on the field. Start Listening!
In Case You Missed It....
- Board meeting and work session (February 8)
- Connected (February 8)
- GCPS Links (January 18)
- Coffee with Calvin (February 1)
- Board Meeting recordings
- News Releases
- Student Calendars
- Teaching Gwinnett podcast
- En Familia Con GCPS podcast
And much more at www.gcpsk12.org!
Coming soon in GCPS....
- Keep Connected with news from GCPS TV… the next episode airs February 22!
- The next regular Board Meeting is March 21. (Online, find links to sign up for the public comment sections of the meeting.)