GCPS LINKS

The Blueprint in Action focus for the months of August, September, and October is College and Career Readiness. During these months we will be spotlighting how we are preparing students for the college and career of their choice, specifically highlighting the efforts in GCPS to meet these objectives in our strategic plan. Learn more about…

• GA Supreme Court Judge visits South Gwinnett HS
  

• Grayson Technical Education Program—Creating Pathways to Careers

• Big Future—Find college, career, and scholarship information

And be sure to catch up on all College and Career Readiness spotlight stories and videos!

The U.S. Presidential Scholar Program is accepting applications to recognize and honor seniors academic achievements. In June 2025, selected students will receive a presidential medallion commemorating their success. Interested? Students can learn more about this program at www.gadoe.org/USPS and apply until November 1, 2024.

Every year, thousands of high school band students from Gwinnett County Public Schools come together to perform, compete, and celebrate the highly specialized art form that is Marching Band.

Community-Based Mentoring and Community Schools on Tuesday, October 22: presented by James Rayford, Academic Support Director, and Soraia Santos-Felgenhauer, Community Schools Director, virtually from 5:30–6:30 p.m.

During this session, GCPS families will learn how you can engage with GCPS as a mentor with the Community-Based Mentoring Program that pairs caring adults with students in grades 4 through 12 to provide guidance, encouragement, and support to help our students become successful young adults.

Families will also learn about The Office of Community Schools and the process for community organizations to partner in providing wraparound extension educational and recreational programs and services for our students to be successful.

Teen driver safety is more important than ever! GCPS Community Schools are committed to raising awareness about the challenges young drivers face. Let’s work together to keep our teens safe on the road. For more information, please visit: www.gcpsk12.org/drivers-education

Parents now have the option to be notified in the ParentVUE mobile app if their student’s grade falls below a preset threshold. Within the app, a parent can choose to enable the notification and will select the grade threshold of when to be notified.

Thresholds can be set on the student’s class average or on assignment grades. The notifications are processed each afternoon starting at 5:30 p.m. Specific directions on enabling Grade Notifications can be found here. Other ParentVUE resources are available on the district website.

Each year, GCPS engages in a 10-month budget process that involves staff, students, and citizens.

The purpose of the FY2026 Budget Development Survey is to inform decisions around funding priorities in School Year 2025-26. Understanding our community’s feedback on the district’s general budget plays an important role in positioning the district optimally for success.

Before the Board of Education adopts the 2025-26 school year budget, GCPS will hold numerous public hearings to engage students, families, staff, and community members; the FY2026 Budget Development Survey is the first opportunity for the community to provide input.

Thank you in advance for responding to the FY2026 Budget Development Survey by Thursday, October 31. Learn more and find a link to respond here: https://bit.ly/gcps_BDS25-26

Congratulations to Arcado, Berkeley Lake, Chattahoochee, Chesney, Harbins, Jackson, Simpson, Starling, and Sugar Hill elementary schools for receiving significant playground enhancements thanks to a collaborative project between the GCPS Office of Community Schools (OCS), the Georgia After School Program (GASP), and the GCPS Grounds Maintenance Team.

The project, funded by a nearly $450,000 Safety and Security Grant from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, involved installing poured-in-place rubber surfacing to improve playground safety and inclusivity.

Looking for a career that combines hands-on skills, great benefits, and a supportive team? Join Team GCPS as a building maintenance craftsman and help maintain over 140 schools and facilities! GCPS is currently hiring for a variety of positions, including electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we provide training on various systems to help you grow in your career.

Learn more about how to join Team GCPS' Building Maintenance Team.

GCPS students, staff, and community members are invited to participate in two opportunities through October 31:

• Review and provide input on proposed instructional resources for select grades and courses in Career & Technical Education (CTAE).
• Review and provide input on proposed instructional resources for select grades in Sex Education.

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

You can learn more about 988 and access resources at 988lifeline.org.

Advance voting for the November 5 election started this week. There are 12 advance voting locations in Gwinnett, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday, November 1. You can also find information about wait times at these locations before you go.

• Board meeting and work session recordings
• GCPS News
  
• Coffee with Calvin (October 3)
• Connected (October 10)
• GCPS Links (September 19)
• Student Calendars

And much more at www.gcpsk12.org!

• Keep Connected with news from GCPS TV… the next episode airs October 24!
• The next regular Board Meeting is October 17. (Online, find links to sign up for the public comment sections of the meeting.)