GCSS Community Update

As we approach the midpoint of the semester, I want to take this time to highlight the hard work and commitment of our teachers and our students, who are demonstrating remarkable proficiency and growth in their learning journeys. A recent article from the Georgia Public Policy Foundation compared the most recent overall CCRPI results to pre-COVID 2019 scores, and it shows that our schools grew between 7% and 28% at every grade band. These significant gains on the total score from 2019 to 2023 are in stark contrast to the state, which showed significant decreases during the same period, when state averages declined overall by 5-8% at every level. This is yet another indicator that we have completely recovered academically from any effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our schools are not only improving, but dramatically out-performing most other schools in the state in growth!

I also want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of our volunteers who generously give their time, talents, and resources to support our students and schools. Your dedication is evident in the positive impact you have on our school community every day. Whether you serve as Career Coaches at the Greene College & Career Academy, Reading Buddies at Greene County Primary School, donors to the Wraparound Program, or partners in various other capacities, your unwavering commitment to our students' success is both inspiring and invaluable.

The guidance and mentorship provided by our Career Coaches empower our students to explore career pathways, develop essential skills, and pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. Your dedication to fostering a culture of career readiness and academic achievement is instrumental in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.

To our Reading Buddies, your passion for literacy and your willingness to support our youngest learners in developing crucial reading skills are truly commendable. Your presence in our schools not only enhances academic outcomes but also fosters a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the donors who generously contribute to our Wraparound Program, ensuring that our students have access to essential resources and support services that promote their overall well-being and academic success. Your kindness and generosity make a profound difference in the lives of our students and families, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.

Furthermore, I want to recognize all individuals and organizations who partner with us in various capacities, whether through mentorship programs, extracurricular activities, or community engagement initiatives. Your collaborative efforts enrich the educational experience of our students and strengthen the bonds that unite our school district and the broader community.

Thank you once again for your unwavering dedication to our students and their success. Together, we can continue to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all.

Warm regards,

Dr. Chris Houston

Superintendent

Greene County High School (GCHS) has been named a 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor School by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).

The GaDOE names 2024 AP Honor Schools in eight categories, based on the results of 2023 AP courses and exams. GCHS was recognized as an AP Expansion School, a designation which recognizes schools with 25% growth in AP student participation from May 2022 to May 2023 and a minimum of 25 students testing in May 2022. This distinction is a testament to GCHS’s dedication to providing academic opportunities for students to prepare them for college and career after graduation.

"Greene County High School is grateful to receive this recognition," said GCHS Principal Eddie Hood. “Our students, AP teachers, and Dr. James Meneguzzo, our AP Testing Coordinator, have worked very hard to increase student participation and testing in AP courses, and this recognition further validates their efforts.”

AP exams are administered by the College Board, which also administers the SAT. AP courses are one of several ways Georgia students can access college-level learning at the high school level; students who receive a 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam may receive college credit. GaDOE began recognizing AP Honor Schools in 2008.

“I congratulate Mr. Hood and the team at GCHS for continuing to grow the school’s AP program over the past two years,” said Dr. Chris Houston, GCSS Superintendent. “Their dedication to academic excellence not only enriches students' lives but also paves the way for a brighter future. AP coursework is rigorous and challenging for teachers and students alike, and we applaud them both for their hard work.”

Over 50 students participated in Greene County’s first USTA Adapted Tennis Clinic on Tuesday, March 5th. Students from Greene, Morgan, and Clarke County were accompanied by 25 student volunteers and 3 USTA tennis pros, as they rotated through multiple tennis skill stations. After a fun round of tennis skill stations, athletes enjoyed a special award ceremony and pizza party with their peers!

Last week the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) completed its Accreditation Review Process for the Greene College and Career Academy (GCCA) and awarded a perfect score with no findings. TCSG highly recommends the renewal of GCCA's accreditation for another five years. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire GCCA community, including students, faculty, staff, parents, and partners. Thank you to all of the stakeholders who contribute to making GCCA such a special place. Your support and commitment are invaluable, and we are grateful for each and every one of you.

Thank you to all of the local businesses and community members who hosted our GCCA students for Job Shadow Day this year! Students explored a wide variety of fields such as dentistry, veterinary, orthopedics, performing arts, construction, mechanics, medical, legislative, emergency response, early childhood education, and many more. This first-hand opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge of the skills and qualifications required for specific roles and to begin building their professional networks by connecting with professionals already in the field are invaluable as these students prepare to choose a career.

Special thanks to:

- Moore Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

- Athens Orthopedic Clinic

- Durham Veterinary Clinic

- Oconee Performing Arts Society

- Rep. Houston Gaines & Rep. Trey Rhodes

- The National Tavern at Reynolds Lake Oconee

- Greensboro Herald-Journal

- a2b Fulfillment

- Greene County Primary School

- Stair South

- Greensboro Tire Pros

- Coldwell Banker Lake Oconee Realty

- Lake Oconee Area Builders Association

- St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital

- Greensboro Police Department

- Greene County EMS

- Greene County Fire Rescue

The Greene County community was invited to each of our schools throughout the month of March for a STEM Expo at each school and a chance to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in an interactive and engagement environment. The expos featured showcases of student projects as well as hands-on STEM career experiences provided by vendors and community partners, such as Rayle EMC demonstrating how electricity is conducted, UGA Extension staff allowing students to pet snakes and turtles, egg drop engineering challenges, and much more. Each Expo also featured local food trucks such as Jeremy's Wing Shack, Chick-fil-A, Bonnie's Coffeeshop and More, Kona Ice, and others. Thank you to all of our community partners who participated in these exciting events and helped our students and their families explore careers and experience exciting learning opportunities in STEM fields!

Click on each photo below to visit a gallery of photos from each school's Expo.

On Friday, March 29th, Greene County Primary School will participate in a practice school evacuation and family reunification drill. There is no emergency situation involved. This drill allows the school to practice evacuation and reunification procedures involving students, families, and school district employees, and provides the Greene County School System and emergency responders with an opportunity to evaluate our emergency operations plan and improve our response skills. This drill is a joint exercise of the Greene County Board of Education, Greensboro Police Department, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Greene County Emergency Management Agency, and the Greene County 911 Office.

The drill will begin at 10:45 a.m., with all GCPS students being transported by bus to the Greene County School System Transportation Department facility located at 1170 Kevin Roberts Way in Greensboro. All GCPS parents will be required to pick up their students at the family reunification site at the Transportation Department. Student pickup will begin at 11:30 a.m. Please view the map attached below explaining the student pickup car lineup directions. Anyone picking up students must bring photo identification. School staff will check the ID against a list of individuals approved to sign out each student.

We are excited to announce that our schools will be participating in viewing the Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024 offering a unique educational experience for our students. This event will include outdoor viewing of the solar eclipse between 1:45-2:45pm, with appropriate safety measures in place. Students will receive lessons and viewing instructions prior to the eclipse.

To ensure safe viewing of the solar eclipse, we will provide all students and staff with NASA-certified approved solar eclipse glasses. Teachers and staff will also be supervising students during the viewing.

Eclipse Begins: Monday, April 8, 2024, at 1:45 pm

- Maximum: Monday, April 8, 2024, at 3:04 pm

- Ends: Monday, April 8, 2024, at 4:21 pm

- Duration: 2 hours, 35 minutes

Solar Eclipse Phases

Please take a moment to review the safety tips below from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Astronomical Society.

CBJ Preschool, GCPS, and CMS celebrated Read Across America Week at the beginning of March with library visits, themed dress-up days, and special menus such as green eggs and ham! Special thanks to all of the guest readers who visited classrooms, including Ms. Ringer's Early Childhood Education class from the Greene College & Career Academy who stopped by CBJ Preschool as guest readers! GCPS also celebrated Career Exploration Week by learning about many different professions and having guest visits from community members who shared about their careers.

The Greene College & Career Academy has launched a brand-new state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program! Nursing aide jobs are a high-demand and growing entry-level health care occupation, and there is a growth expectation of 19% in our state through 2024 for new nursing aide jobs. Thanks to GCCA CEO John Ellenberg, CTAE Director Mariana Mansfield, and Healthcare Instructor Candy Melissa Arwood for their dedication and hard work in making this program a reality. We are confident that this program will be a huge success. Congratulations to all involved in this new venture!

March 29, 2024

GCPS Evacuation Drill/Early Release for All Other Schools/PL Half-Day

All GCPS students and staff will participate in the full evacuation drill with family reunification at the GCSS Transportation Department as described in the map above. All other schools will have early release according to the normal schedule. The afternoon will be a half-day of professional learning for staff.

April 1-5, 2024

Spring Break

All schools and the district office will be closed for Spring Break.

April 13, 2024

GCHS Plant Sale

Come out and explore plants cultivated by the CMS and GCHS agriculture science and general horticulture students. Geraniums, coleus, begonias, petunias, marigolds, and wandering yew will be sold at $5 for a 1-gallon pot, $2.50 for 3-inch pot, $10 hanging baskets, and $20 flats. The sale will take place from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the GCHS Greenhouse located behind the school.

April 18, 2024

Board of Education Regular Monthly Meeting

The Greene County Board of Education will hold its April Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Meeting Room located at 101 E. Third St. in Greensboro. To view Board of Education agendas and minutes, please click here.

April 19, 2024

Exceptional Children's Day

Exceptional Children's Day (formerly known as Special Olympics) will be April 19, 2024 (make up date is April 26th if there is rain) from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Tiger Stadium. All students who receive special education services in academic areas are invited to attend.

The mission of the Greene County School System is to educate, inspire, challenge, and support our students to become college and career ready. Our motto is: "Start Here and Go Far."

Email: gcsscommunications@greene.k12.ga.us
Website: www.greene.k12.ga.us
Location: Greene County Board Education, 101 E 3rd Street, Greensboro, GA, USA
Phone: 706-453-7688
Facebook: facebook.com/greenecountyschools
Twitter: @gcsstigers