GCPS CONNECTED

In this episode of Connected, we outline enhanced security measures for GCPS athletic events, celebrate a few state-wide recognitions, and we discuss the rich offerings of the district's CTAE pathways. Segmento para la Participación Familiar en español avance al minuto: 1:10.

Changes to GCPS Student Schedules September 27-28

• On Friday, September 27, 2024, Gwinnett County Public Schools will be closed, and all after-school activities are canceled.

• All GCPS activities and events on Saturday, September 28, are canceled.

Manage your ParentSquare Settings

Families and Staff control how and when you receive updates and information from ParentSquare.

• The default settings in ParentSquare are for email to be sent in a digest (getting emails around 6 p.m.) and texts are turned off. To change this, please follow these simple instructions.
• Urgent Alerts are sent instantly, but character space is limited, so full messages are sent in email, as a ParentSquare post, and on our district website. If you opted out of texts, you can still receive the voice call.
• For even more convenience, we encourage families and staff to download the ParentSquare app (available for free for iOS and Android devices).

Please be sure to update your contact information either through your school (families) or through human resources (staff) when your phone number, address, or email changes.

Resources and Weather Information

• Make your own Ready Kit with the recommended items on the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) Checklist.

• Visit Ready Georgia, supported by GEMA, to access guidance on the three most important steps you can take to protect yourself and those in your care.

• Get up-to-date information from the National Weather Service, which provides weather, climate data, forecasts, and warnings.

Please stay safe as we prepare for the inclement weather.

The Office of Family Engagement's Engage, Equip, Empower Series presentation on the Department of Teaching and Learning, scheduled for Thursday, September 26 at 5:30 p.m., has been canceled and will be rescheduled for another date.

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...

• Crews MS Student Advances to Top 300 in National Science Competition
  

• Shaping Future-Ready Students: The GCPS Work-Based Learning Program

• GCPS students selected for Delta Community's Apprentice Program
  

Josue Martinez, a senior theatre student at the School of the Arts @ Central Gwinnett HS (SOTA), is headed to Los Angeles this August where he is cast in Deaf West Theatre Company's new production of Green Day's rock opera, "American Idiot." Committed to innovation, collaboration, training, and activism, Deaf West is the artistic bridge between the Deaf and hearing worlds.

Students in grades 10-12 should consider creating a Big Future account with College Board to explore careers, plan for college, and learn about scholarship opportunities. College Board has a page dedicated to supporting families as they navigate planning for life beyond high school for their students. Two of our very own GCPS students were recipients of $40,000 scholarships in January. Check out Big Future today to begin to create a plan for college, careers, and scholarships.

And parents, be sure to check out these College Board events and resources for you!

The U.S. Presidential Scholar Program is accepting applications to recognize and honor seniors' academic achievements. In June 2025, selected students will receive a presidential medallion commemorating their success. Interested? Students can learn more about this program at www.gadoe.org/USPS and apply between September 2 – November 1, 2024.

Chronic absenteeism is widely defined as missing 10% or more of the number of school days a student is enrolled. In Gwinnett County Public Schools, where a school year consists of 180 days, 18 missed school days, whether excused or unexcused, would be considered chronically absent. Learn more about excused and unexcused absences.

GCPS is inviting parents and community members to apply for the district’s Sex Education Instructional Resources Review Committee (IRRC), a group charged with evaluating print and digital instructional resources related to sexual and reproductive health. Feedback from the IRRC and teacher reviews will be considered in the selection of resources to pilot in the district. There's still time... Completed applications are due by Sunday, October 6.

GCPS Superintendent Dr. Calvin J. Watts has selected 48 high school and 54 middle school students to join his 2024-25 Student Advisory Council (SSAC). Here's a snapshot of this year's council:

• Representation from 52 middle, high, and specialty schools
• 49% qualify for free or reduced meals
• 32% are male
• 65% are in the gifted program
• Ethnicity breakdown: 23% Asian/Pacific Islander, 45% African American, 19% Hispanic, 12% White
• Our council also includes multilingual students and students receiving special education services.

• Board meeting and work session (September 19)
  
• Connected (September 12)
• GCPS Links (September 19)
  
• Coffee with Calvin (September 5)
  

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

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