GCPS LINKS

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.

Stay tuned this month as we showcase the Peachtree Ridge, and Parkview Clusters’ work in their support of Collaborative Leadership as they show examples of our #GCPSBlueprintInAction.

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.

How is your school celebrating being 100 days smarter? Here are some ideas to support your creativity. We would love to see your pictures and share them on our social media. Tag us @GwinnettSchools and use the hashtags: #TeamGCPS, #GCPS100Days, and #GCPSBlueprintInAction.

Gwinnett County Public Schools is excited to announce that after a year of planning, a redesigned version of the website, www.gcpsk12.org, is about to launch! Learn more about the new and improved website.

Make a difference in your community! Did you know: 1 out of 3 young people in America are growing up without a mentor. By becoming a mentor, you have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Gwinnett County students.

With a mentor, mentees are 52% less likely to skip school, 78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their community, and 130% more likely to hold a leadership position in a club or sports team. Please visit this link to learn more about the GCPS Mentoring Program and to apply to become a mentor.

Gwinnett County Public Schools will conduct the EES Student Wellness Screener and Survey for students in grades 3-12 to gather confidential feedback on their school experience, learning practices, and school performance. The survey will be open for students in grades 4-12 via the GCPS Student Portal from February 1 to February 29, with only the EES Student Wellness Screener administered to 3rd grade students during the same period. Parents have the option to opt their students out of the survey by completing the online form or submitting a written request to the school by January 26. Use this link to access more information about the EES Wellness Screener and Student Survey.

Are you a passionate educator looking for new opportunities? Look no further than the GCPS Teacher Job Fair on Saturday, February 10 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Gas South Convention Center. Learn about all of the exciting career opportunities available at Gwinnett County Public Schools. Whether you’re just starting your teaching career or seeking a change, this is the perfect chance to connect with school and district leaders from all over the largest school district in Georgia.

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 system. 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 your school spirit and donate today!

Learn more about the work of the Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation and the programs it supports in the Foundation 4ward newsletter.

As highlighted in a recent feature in School Bus Fleet Magazine, GCPS secures its position as the largest bus fleet in the country for the third consecutive year. In the 2023 School Bus Fleet Top District Fleets survey, GCPS claims the top spot among all responding districts, emphasizing its commitment to efficient transportation management. The spotlight is on the accomplishments of the GCPS Fleet Maintenance department, comprised of 70 technicians, over 90% holding Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification. With a fleet of 2,006 buses operating across 1,636 bus routes covering 24.3 million miles annually, the GCPS fleet maintenance team demonstrates expertise and dedication, conducting monthly inspections for the entire fleet to prioritize safety. The proactive approach, including nightly inspections of more than 100 buses, reflects GCPS' commitment to ensuring optimal performance and the highest standards of safety for both students and drivers. The School Bus Fleet Magazine feature celebrates GCPS' achievements and emphasizes its role as a shining example of success in effective fleet management and reliable student transportation services

GCPS is inviting parents and community members to apply for the district’s Instructional Resources Review Committee (IRRC), a group charged with evaluating print and digital instructional resources.

Feedback from the IRRC and teacher reviews will be considered in the selection of resources to pilot in the district. This year’s IRRC will convene on Thursday, February 29, at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center, located at 437 Old Peachtree Road, NW, in Suwanee.

Instructional resources will be reviewed for courses in the areas of Sex Education (grades 5-9) and Career and Technical Education (select courses in grades 9-12). Learn more about the IRRC and complete the application online. The deadline to submit completed applications is Thursday, February 1.

All GCPS families are invited to this Virtual Family Night on January 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Families of students in grades K-5 will receive information about the curriculum being taught in the classroom and learn strategies and activities to support your children at home.

Subjects include: The Science of Reading (Upper Rope); Second Semester Activities to Engage with the New Math AKS; Computer Science for All; and K-5 Character Traits. You can register for the Zoom session here. Interpretation provided in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese.

Have your family members established any New Year's resolutions concerning screen time or new devices acquired during the holidays? The beginning of the year offers an excellent opportunity to set or adjust expectations regarding technology usage. Common Sense Media offers insightful family tech planners to facilitate meaningful conversations. Explore the three planner options tailored to the age of the child(ren) in your household.

GCPS is piloting a new tool, Securly Classroom, to help students focus on learning while using their GCPS-issued student device in class. Learn more about Securly!

Enjoy complimentary lunch, food for your pantry, winter clothes, haircuts, and more to start the second semester. In collaboration with Hope Thru Soap, Sugarhill Church, and other partners, we encourage you to join us and share the joy of the new year with your GCPS community at Berkmar High School on Saturday, January 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Board meeting and work session (December 14)
  
• Connected (January 11)
  
• GCPS Links (December 14)
  
• Coffee with Calvin (January 4)
  
• Board Meeting recordings
  
• News Releases
  
• Student Calendars
  
• Teaching Gwinnett podcast
• En Familia Con GCPS podcast
• News You Can Use
  

And much more at www.gcpsk12.org!

• Keep Connected with news from GCPS TV… the next episode airs January 25!
• The next regular Board Meeting is February 8. (Online, find links to sign up for the public comment sections of the meeting.)