News You Can Use
Berkley Lake Elementary School Counselor mentioned in ASCA School Counselor Magazine for her trailblazing commitment
Berkeley Lake Elementary School (BLES) Counselor Laura Marantz was featured in the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) Magazine. Ms. Marantz has been a counselor at Berkeley Lake Elementary for 19 years and says that the ASCA model taught her how to channel her passion for counseling into informed, practical, and grounded practice. “This [model] was a game changer … that started me down a 20-year path of being a believer in the power and importance of the model… It has given me the knowledge and tools needed to show that the counseling department at Berkeley Lake makes a difference,” Ms. Marantz shares.
Ms. Marantz was approached by the district’s Office of Counseling, College & Career Services about the ASCA model many years ago to connect her with other counselors in the district who were interested in learning more. Together, they studied, collaborated, and learned more about how to provide counseling services to GCPS students that would ensure success. “Berkeley Lake Elementary School is a very special place,"Ms. Marantz shares. "Our staff truly lives by our motto, 'Where Kids Come First.' I feel that school counselors are seen as an essential part of bringing that motto to fruition. We have an impactful school counseling program, and I credit much of that to my current and past co-counselors, and our shared belief and use of the model.”
Duluth High School Coach named Falcons Coach of the week
Duluth High School varsity Football Coach Cam Jones was named Falcons Coach of the Week. Mr. Jones took over the Duluth High program in 2019 and since has enacted positive change within the team and on the field. The Wildcats started the season off with a 3-0 record, the first time since 1985.
Twin Rivers teacher speaks on Jackson EMC podcast regarding his numerous grants
Twin Rivers Middle School Science Teacher and Bright Ideas grant winner Andrew Cox was invited to appear on Jackson EMC’s “Your Power, Your Community” podcast, hosted by Karen Ewing, to talk about the grants the school has received. Since 2015, Jackson EMC has awarded Twin Rivers Middle more than $40,000 in grants, which have recognized the creative and innovative projects Mr. Cox’s 8th-grade science classes have accomplished, such as launching a weather balloon, measuring radon, and recording infrared images.
Lanier High School student part of Superintendent Richard Woods Student Advisory Council
State School Superintendent Richard Woods has appointed 69 Georgia students, including Lanier High School's Thaden Rumbaugh, to his 2023-2024 Student Advisory Council. This council will engage Mr. Woods in discussions about the impact of state policies within classrooms, tackle education-related issues, serve as school ambassadors, and participate in service projects. Mr. Woods emphasizes the importance of direct student feedback, citing the council's valuable contributions to education decision-making. The inaugural meeting for this council is scheduled for November at the Georgia Department of Education’s offices.
Brookwood High School starts the year off strong
Brookwood High School (BHS) Junior Theater student Ian Lam, has been chosen for All-State Theatre, earning the privilege to perform at the Thespian Conference alongside other talented Georgia students. BHS Senior Belle Burke showcased her vocal talent by delivering a solo rendition of the national anthem at the Gwinnett Stripers game during GCPS Day while Gwinnett County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Calvin J. Watts threw the ceremonial first pitch. The school's Future Farmers of America organization donated 215 cans of food to the Lilburn Food Co-op. BHS also recently hosted the PROBE College Fair, featuring representatives from 70 colleges and universities. It offered students and parents a unique opportunity to explore academic and extra-curricular opportunities, application processes, and potential fits for their educational journey—all under one roof.
GCPS Executive Director of Student Services interviews Dr. Bernice King
Mountain View High School field gets a new name
Mountain View High School and the local community celebrated the renaming of the school's football field to "Chaney Field" in honor of retired principal Keith Chaney's 13 years of dedicated service. The ceremony featured the presentation of a special plaque to Mr. Chaney and the unveiling of an updated scoreboard, marking the occasion.
Hopkins Elementary Kicks of Fall and Hispanic Heritage Month at Plaza Las Americas
Hopkins Elementary School marked the start of Fall and Hispanic Heritage Month with a Fall Festival at Plaza Las Americas. Faculty and staff engaged the community through activities like music, crafts, games, a magic show, soccer matches, a family game of Loteria which is similar to Bingo but uses images, and giveaways featuring school merchandise and vendor tickets. Community partners Los Niños Primero, Building Babies Brains, Subaru of Gwinnett, Ser Familia health screenings, Latino Community Fund, Gwinnett County Public Library, Dental Now 14, Berkmar Middle School and the Hopkins Elementary Family Resource Center provided support and information to families and students. Volunteers from Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. ran the event's stations, games, and soccer activities, emphasizing the spirit of Building Bridges and Celebrating Each Child at Hopkins.
Paul Duke STEM film students receive awards for documentary
Paul Duke STEM High School students have spent the past year and a half crafting a compelling 25-minute documentary about their 2022 Spring play, "She Kills Monsters." The documentary delves into the behind-the-scenes magic, showcasing the cast and crew's creative interpretations, set construction, costume design, and music selection. The film has already garnered acclaim, having been selected for entry in several film festivals, including the Atlanta Sci-Fi Film Festival in Peachtree Corners and the All American High School Film Festival in New York City. The students are also waiting to hear if the film will be accepted in several other film festivals around the country.
SAVE THE DATE: Café con la Familia
Hopkins Elementary School invites our Hispanic families to “Café con la Familia” on Thursday, October 26, at 5:30 p.m. to share in an open community dialogue with our superintendent, Dr. Calvin J. Watts, district leaders, principals, assistant principals, and staff members who play crucial roles in shaping students’ educational journeys.
Give feedback on proposed instructional resources in October
Staff, families, students, and community members are invited to review and provide input on proposed instructional resources for select grades and courses in Mathematics, ESOL, and World Language. This year’s virtual review will run through Oct. 31.
Before adopting instructional resources for classroom use, Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) holds an extensive review. The curriculum content offices and Instructional Resources and Support jointly convened multiple committees involving various stakeholder groups to review resources submitted by publishers for alignment with the school system’s Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) standards. During the ongoing review process, selected resources are piloted in GCPS classrooms. Data from the reviews and pilots will be considered in making adoption recommendations to the Board of Education in early 2024.
For more about the instructional resources review process, contact the Office of Instructional Resources and Support, at 678-301-6828.
