Coffee With Calvin

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...

• The 2024-25 GCPS Career Guide
• College and Career Readiness: Spotlight on Agriculture pathway
  
• Shaping Future-Ready Students: The GCPS Work-Based Learning Program
• Charting New Pathways to Success: Lanier HS First Generation Club

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

Paul Duke STEM HS and Parkview HS proved they are among the best high schools in the nation at the National Technology Student Association (TSA) competition this summer. Paul Duke STEM HS placed first in the Data Science and Analytics category and third in the Forensic Science category. Parkview HS placed second in both the Board Game Design category and System Control Technology.

GCPS students achieved an average score of 1016 — 21 points higher than the national average of 995, reflecting the district’s commitment to academic excellence. The state’s average student performance came in at 1030, surpassing the national average.

The Class of 2024 marks a significant milestone for GCPS as it was the first time the district offered the SAT to all enrolled students during the school day at no cost through the "SAT for All" initiative. Previously, students had to take the SAT outside of school hours, with families having to cover the cost. GCPS is the only school district in Georgia to offer the SAT during the school day at no cost to families, further demonstrating its commitment to providing equitable opportunities for student success.

A review of the scores from the 2023-24 administration shows GCPS exceeded the state and Metro Regional Education Services Area (RESA*) performance for all math assessments.

Gwinnett County Public Schools was recently interviewed by ABC National News, showcasing the Food Waste Warriors Project at Lovin ES. The project, in partnership with Green and Healthy Schools, highlights the school's innovative approach to reducing food waste while teaching students environmental responsibility. Learn more about Lovin ES' participation in the Food Waste Warriors Project.

Watch the ABC segment featuring Lovin ES, "How teaching kids to compost will create long-lasting environmental action" now.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has recognized five GCPS schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2024. Among the select group of 356 schools nationwide are Brookwood ES, Craig ES, Trip ES, Hull MS, and Twin Rivers MS. This recognition honors schools for outstanding academic performance or significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups. Notably, Gwinnett County Public Schools represent half of Georgia’s total Blue Ribbon Schools this year.

Magill ES is one of three GCPS schools selected to receive a $50,000 donation from the College Football Playoff Foundation, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, and the School Specialty organization. The money was used to transform and update the Magill ES media center. The redesign includes new colorful tables, chairs, decorations, and other interactive stations and furniture. Baggett ES and Lilburn MS are scheduled for the next media center makeovers.

Monday, October 7 is the deadline to register to vote in the November 5 election. You can find information about registering to vote on the Gwinnett County website. Even if you're registered, it's a good idea to check your registration status at the Georgia My Voter Page. Students who are 17 now but will be 18 by November 5 can register to vote.

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. Call services are available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 150 languages. The 988 dialing code is available for call, text, and chat.

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

• Board meeting and work session (September 19)
  
• Coffee with Calvin (September 5)
  
• Connected (September 26)
  
• GCPS Links (September 19)
  
• News Releases
  
• Student Calendars
  

• Keep Connected with news from GCPS TV… the next episode airs October 10!
  
• The next regular Board meeting is October 17. (Online, find links to sign up for the public comment sections of the meeting.)
  
• Watch for the next issue of GCPS Links on October 17!