News You Can Use
Superintendent Woods visits GCPS “Literacy Leaders”
The Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) Superintendent Richard Woods visited eight Gwinnett County elementary schools to congratulate them for their reading achievement on last year's GA Milestones. The schools are among a select group of 155 from around the state recognized as 2022-2023 Literacy Leaders for producing exceptional achievement or growth in 3rd grade reading.
The following schools received the recognition and a visit from Superintendent Woods:
Anderson-Livsey Elementary School (Growth)
Craig Elementary School (Achievement)
Gwin Oaks Elementary School (Achievement)
Ivy Creek Elementary School (Achievement)
Level Creek Elementary School (Achievement)
Roberts Elementary School (Achievement)
Simpson Elementary School (Achievement)
Trip Elementary School (Achievement)
Schools with 90% or more of their 3rd grade students reading at grade level or above were recognized for outstanding achievement, and schools with a 15% or higher increase from 2021-22 to 2022-23 are recognized for outstanding growth.
Seckinger High School student advances in U.S. Senate Youth Program
Seckinger High School senior Muhammad Rizwan was recently selected as a United States Senate Youth Program finalist. The U.S. Senate Youth Program, established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. Two student leaders are chosen from each state. If selected, Muhammad will visit Washington, D.C., to hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense, and directors of other federal agencies, as well as participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship. Muhammad is one of the 49 finalists chosen from more than 200 applicants.
The Seckinger High 2024 Student Body Vice President and Student Council Representative is also the Founder and President of the National Honor Society at Seckinger.
"Paul Duke High School's 'Making: She Kills Monsters' shines in global film circuits
A Paul Duke High School student's film, 'Making: She Kills Monsters,' emerged as a top ten finalist in two categories—the Spark Positive Change Award and Top Emerging Female Producer Award—at the highly competitive All-American High School Film Festival in New York City. The festival, renowned as the most competitive globally, sifted through 2,500+ films worldwide, with Paul Duke ranking among the top 2%. The film enjoyed a packed screening at AMC 25 in Times Square, receiving accolades for Paul Duke film students at the Teen Indie Awards held in Brooklyn's Kings Theatre. Additionally, the students clinched first place for best documentary at the Atlanta Sci-Fi Film Festival.
McConnell Middle claims 2023 Gwinnett volleyball county championship
McConnell Middle School's volleyball team won the 2023 Gwinnett Volleyball County Championship in a thrilling match against Hebron Christian Academy. Facing a tense moment in the first set with a 14-3 deficit, the McConnell team rallied to showcase its determination, securing victory with a 25-23 triumph in the second set. This was a special win, as the 2021 County champions reclaimed their title after being runners-up in 2022. Coach David Thomas, who has shaped the program over six years, emphasizes holistic success. “Our goal is to win not only on the court but in life as well. We strive to teach the girls the importance of being good humans,” says Thomas, who credits the team's success to new Coach Cara Walker's leadership and intensive training sessions.
Sugar Hill ES hosts annual career day
Sugar Hill Elementary School recently hosted its annual Career Day, featuring over 25 presenters representing various career clusters, including technically skilled and traditional college-bound professions. This event, organized by the Sugar Hill Elementary counseling department and aligned with the Georgia Career Clusters for grades K-5, aimed to broaden students' understanding of the world of work and spark their interest in potential future careers. Themed "Today's careers meet tomorrow's employees," the event provided students with valuable insights into the diverse opportunities available to them.
BUICE Center educates students on their transportation, rights and options
The Buice Center partnered with Ride Gwinnett to educate students on public transportation options as part of their curriculum on accessing community resources, arranging transportation, and maintaining safety. The collaboration with Ride Gwinnett started with an informational session and hands-on bus practice, marking the initial step in a series of planned initiatives. Principal Christine Peevy emphasized, "Transportation is one of the main barriers to our students and their families when it comes to employment. We are trying to educate our students on all of the programs and assistance available to them through the partnerships with Gwinnett County Transportation."
Trip ES welcome French children's author and representatives from French Embassy
Trip Elementary School recently hosted a visit by Raphael Martin, a renowned children's book author from France. Martin interacted with French Dual Language Immersion (DLI) students, reading aloud to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders from his "Animaux Super-Héros" book in French. Accompanied by representatives from the French Consulate in Atlanta, the author's visit was part of the French Getaways program, which invites French authors and illustrators to the U.S. for workshops with DLI students.
Harvesting Innovation: Empowering Communities through Sustainable Student Entrepreneurship at Brookwood High School's Aquaponics Fall Market
Brookwood High School’s Aquaponics Team held its annual Fall Market to showcase its eco-friendly creations while connecting with the community. The event, centered around sustainable agriculture and STEM education, empowered students to make a positive impact. The market allowed the students to demonstrate their Trash to Treasure projects sold during the market as part of their micro-enterprise projects. Beyond sales, the market offered feedback for students gearing up for Shark Tank-style pitches to secure production funds. It wasn't just a financial success; it brought together students and locals, raising funds for charities like the Lilburn Food Cooperative. Looking forward, these students are excited to delve into Spring research for new charitable causes, eagerly anticipating their next Spring Market. All funds collected went to serve local charities: the Lilburn Food Cooperative and Gardens for Growing program.
Brookwood Elementary receives visit from Falcons Cheerleading Team
The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleading team members, including Brookwood Elementary kindergarten teacher Taylor Joppich, visited Brookwood Elementary School to inspire students to aim high and work hard toward their goals through community service. Joppich, a Falcons Cheerleader, joined four teammates in spreading cheer by welcoming students during arrival, participating in morning announcements, and visiting classrooms to encourage students in their work. The school's students and staff sported Falcons spirit wear for the occasion.
A different kind of aftercare in your child’s school
In America today, 7.6 million children are alone and unsupervised after school. Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families, and inspire learning. Gwinnett County Public Schools has begun offering on-site afterschool care programs in each elementary school to expand and enrich learning opportunities through the Office of Community Schools.
Recently, Afterschool care partners celebrated a national Lights on Afterschool event to highlight how families benefit from having a program in their school that develops healthy, engaged, supported, and safe students beyond school hours. Contact the Office of Community Schools at (678) 301-7931 to learn more about your child's Afterschool care program.
Former UGA and NFL player reads to students at Norcross
The Share the Magic Foundation, Read with Malcolm, and Booster volunteers joined forces to give every student at Norcross Elementary School a book called The Magician's Hat. During a special event held at the school, a magician entertained the students with magic tricks. Malcolm Mitchell, a former player for the University of Georgia and the New England Patriots, and Booster volunteers read the story out loud. At the same time, the kids followed along with their own books. The goal was to spark a love for reading, which Malcolm Mitchell greatly values.
November is Georgia Apply to College Month
During November’s Georgia Apply to College Month, more than 250 Georgia colleges and universities waive application fees for high school seniors applying for enrollment for Fall 2024. Some schools have automatically waived the fee while others require a code. To see a full list of schools offering application fee waivers, get the discount codes and instructions, visit the GSFC website.
For more information about November application fee waivers, available scholarships, and the application process, please visit GAfutures.org.
The GCPS Foundation Fund, Inc., is accepting scholarship applications from members of the GCPS Class of 2024 through December 4. There are 57 student scholarships available on the Foundation scholarship website.
Don't forget to submit the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Colleges use the FAFSA to determine financial aid packages for admitted students. https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
