GCPS LINKS

The Blueprint in Action focus for the months of November and December is Each and Every Student. During these months we will be spotlighting how our schools are taking on the challenge to meet the needs of each and every student.

• GCPS levels up with Esports
• GCPS Recognizes REACH Scholars
  

• Inclusive Care - Supporting Special Olympic Athletes at McClure HS(Video)

• Empowering Tomorrow - Peer Leadership in Action Across GCPS (Video)

• GCPS Foundation’s community partnerships support each and every student

And be sure to catch up on all Each and Every Student spotlight stories here!

Student attendance is a crucial factor in academic success, yet many students face barriers that keep them out of school. Some attendance barriers challenge our most vulnerable students who are negatively impacted from socioeconomic influences like food insecurity, homelessness, lack of access to medical care, and transportation issues.

Learn more about how to support your student's attendance at school.

If you have a senior in the family, it's time to celebrate! The graduation schedule for the Class of 2025 is now available online. Ceremonies will be held from May 14 to May 26.

Do you know or have a high school student at home? 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. Did you know that two of our very own GCPS students were recipients of $40,000 scholarships in January? Your student could be next! Check out Big Future today to begin to create a plan for college, careers, and obtaining scholarships.

The Georgia School Climate Survey is an anonymous, statewide survey that identifies school safety and climate issues that impact student achievement. Revised in 2024, the Georgia School Climate is aligned with Georgia's Systems of Continuous Improvement and is designed to provide actionable data for district and school leaders.

During the school day, The Georgia Department of Education is collecting customized survey information from elementary students in grades 3-5 and middle/high school students.

Grades 3 - 5 Information

The survey for elementary students includes 27 school climate questions and should take no more than 10-15 minutes for students to complete. All student survey data is anonymous and self-reported. Elementary survey questions are available for review by clicking HERE.

Grades 6-12 Information

The survey for middle and high school students takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and covers various topics such as school climate and safety, alcohol and drug use, and mental health. All student survey data is anonymous and self-reported. Middle/high school survey questions are available for review by clicking HERE.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in this important activity, find directions to opt out using ParentVUE on the website, or by notifying your child’s school in writing by Monday, December 2. Parents will also be provided the opportunity to participate in the Georgia School Climate Survey. A link will be sent out via ParentSquare on December 5, 2024.

With temperatures expected to drop below 35 degrees, Gwinnett County will open five Warming Stations tonight, Thursday, November 21 from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. If you or someone you know needs a place to rest and eat a meal, please find a station near you. For more details, visit GwinnettCounty.com/WarmingStations or call 770.822.8850.

More than a dozen Gwinnett County public schools have been named AP® School Honor Roll Schools by the College Board. This distinction celebrates schools nationwide whose Advanced Placement (AP) programs deliver results for students while broadening access to rigorous academic opportunities.

More than 70 Gwinnett County public schools have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) for their Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs for the 2023-2024 school year. PBIS is an evidence-based, data-driven framework proven to reduce disciplinary incidents, increase a school’s sense of safety, and support improved academic outcomes.

A group activity at Osborne MS turned into a unique opportunity for students in Mitch Herman’s eighth-grade Social Studies classes. The students had the chance to interact with State Representative Chuck Efstration, who stopped by to learn about an activity called “Bill to Law.” This hands-on exercise mimics the legislative process of how laws are created.

The Office of Family Engagement's Engage, Equip, Empower Series presents the next Family Night.

The Office of Counseling, College and Career Services, and The Office of Health and Social Services Night will take place virtually on Thursday, December 5, from 5:30-7 p.m.

During this online session, GCPS families of students in grades K-12 will gain valuable insights into counseling, college, and career resources available to students and family support options. Families will also understand the importance of consistent school attendance and its impact on student success.

GCPS will host an informational meeting for families of children with disabilities and/or suspected disabilities on Thursday, December 5. Interested parties can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center at 437 Old Peachtree Road NW, in Suwanee. The meeting will take place in the Berkmar/Parkview Room 2.147 - 2.148 in Building 200. Learn more about attending the Child Find meeting.

Dress in your best winter blues for this all-ages snow-themed dance for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. A hot cocoa bar and light refreshments will be served. The dance takes place at George Pierce Park at 55 Buford Highway in Suwanee on Friday, December 13 from 6-8 p.m. The fee for Gwinnett residents is $7. Contact the George Pierce Park Community Center at 678-277-0910 for more information.

Next summer may feel far away, but it’s never too early for GCPS high school students to start thinking about internships and work experience. The 2025 application for Bank of America’s Student Leaders paid internship program is now open through January 15.

Selected students from metro Atlanta counties will have the opportunity to participate in an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit organization to learn first-hand about the needs of their community and the critical role nonprofits play. They will also attend an all-expense paid leadership summit in Washington, D.C. to learn how government, business, and the nonprofit sector work together to address critical community needs.

Interested students are invited to join this information session on January 7, 2025 at 7 p.m. Please register via this link.

All schools are closed the week of November 25-29 for Thanksgiving Break.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday!

• Board meeting and work session
  
• Connected (November 14)
  
• GCPS Links (October 17)
  
• Coffee with Calvin (November 7)
• News Releases
  
• Student Calendars
  

And much more at www.gcpsk12.org!

• Keep Connected with news from GCPS TV… the next episode airs December 12!
• The next regular Board Meeting is November 21.