GCPS CONNECTED

In this episode of Connected, we're keeping you connected with information about Kindergarten registration and Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs for your kindergartener. We'll celebrate the GCPS School Board, Science Fair, Reader's Rally, and the first-ever Bookkeeper of the Year Awards. Plus, help us welcome one of our student correspondents for her first show appearance!

During January, February, and March we are spotlighting how our schools are empowering our students through literacy, specifically highlighting the efforts in GCPS to meet the objectives in our strategic plan:

• GCPS schools celebrate Read Across America
• Overcoming Common Reading Challenges (VIDEO)

Catch up on all our Blueprint in Action: Literacy Proficiency spotlight stories here!

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is actively working to increase awareness among families and staff about the importance of literacy, supporting opportunities to strengthen students' reading skills, and emphasizing the science of reading. Be sure to check out the article, "Creating a Literacy-Rich Environment: Tips for Families and Educators".

One of the most important resources for building literacy is your school's Library Media Specialist. Library Media Specialists build programs emphasizing collaborative partnerships, research skills development, incorporation of technology, and reading promotion. This year's GCPS Library Media Specialist of the Year is DeAnna Espinoza of Partee Elementary School.

Learn more about how the district is supporting Every Student, Every Story: Powering Futures through Literacy.

On Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to noon, GCPS will host the 2025 GCPS Transition Fair for students with disabilities, their families, and educators. The event will be held at Peachtree Ridge High School and will feature local agencies that specialize in the following areas: Supported Employment, Day Programs and Community Living, Recreation and Leisure, Vocational and Career Services for individuals with special needs, and Funding and Community Resources.

Please plan to join us for the Dual Language Immersion Rising Kindergarten Information meetings. During the information sessions, families will learn about the program's expectations and curriculum. The program leaders will also be in attendance to answer any questions the attendees may have. The first webinar is on Tuesday, March 18, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Gwinnett County Public Schools 2025-26 (FY2026) budget is designed to support student success, ensure teacher excellence, and ensure safe learning spaces. A well-funded school system gives students the resources they need to succeed, keeps neighborhoods strong, and supports local businesses by preparing students for future jobs. Learn more about the FY2026 proposed budget and tune in to GCPSTV to view the Board of Education Budget Work Session at 6 p.m. on March 13.

Across the district, our students are actively involved in music programs that expose them to enriching musical experiences and strengthen their academic skills. Please support our student musicians participating in Orchestra, Band, Ensembles, and Choral groups in every cluster!

Pictured above: The Chattahoochee Elementary School Wildcats Modern Band performs and welcomes students during morning arrival in the school's atrium.

Hull Middle School and Jones Middle School students are putting their engineering skills to the test in the Georgia Water Tower Competition.

Gwinnett County Public Schools has been named a recipient of the 2025 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award (for employee engagement. This award recognizes the most engaged workplace cultures in the world.

Each year Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) honors those who make it their mission to safely transport students to and from school. The honors were announced at the district’s 27th annual Bus Manager and Monitor of the Year award banquet. GCPS honored 49 transportation professionals this year for their work, commitment, and service.

On scheduled Digital Learning Days, students access lessons in eCLASS but may not have virtual class time with their teachers.

To ensure that students have a nutritious lunch to fuel their learning, our bus drivers will be on the road and at every bus stop to deliver lunches prepared by the School Nutrition Program staff. Families should expect buses to run their routes from approximately 10:45 a.m. to noon, beginning at the first stops on the route. These delivered meals are provided at no cost to families and are provided to anyone 18 years old and under.

• Board meeting and work session
• Connected (February 27)
• GCPS Links (February 20)
• Coffee with Calvin (March 6)

• News Releases
  
• Student Calendars
  
• And much more at www.gcpsk12.org!
  

• The next regular Board meeting is April 17. (Online, find the link to sign up for the public comment sections of the meeting.)