News You Can Use
Berkmar Middle School students create in-house museum dedicated to regions of Georgia
Berkmar Middle School students with Moderate to Severe Intellectual Disabilities (MoID) created an in-house museum dedicated to the regions of Georgia. Along with support from their MoID team, Ms. Leysi Artime and Mrs. Anju Rani, the 6th to 8th graders learned about the state's varied regions and created a display to showcase their knowledge. Afterwards, the students hosted 8th grade social studies classes and staff to visit their “Embracing Differences” museum displays. The exceptional students often face many academic challenges; however, when equipped with effective instructional tools and an adequate support team, extraordinary development tends to blossom into unexpected achievement. The tour was humbly coordinated by the MoID team and the diligent dedication of the participating MoID students.
Ms. Rani states, "This was such a magical experience for our students. It supported their learning and provided a platform to practice social and presentation skills. I am so proud of them and what we have accomplished." Principal Dr. Kaneshia Dorsan expressed the same sentiment. "This was such a good moment for our school. Watching everyone marvel at this stunning display and seeing the smiles on students' faces. There is nothing like it."
For images: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1C7vn9kT5oxVb0Oh6ODFDH81NA98-nk81
Jones Middle School students take on GIRL POWER 2023
Jones Middle School celebrated Girl Power 2023 alongside Womens Source Inc. to provide educational empowered programming to girls and women. Every year, Womens Source Inc. hosts a GIRL POWER event for middle and high school girls to empower, inspire, promote self-acceptance, and encouragement to thrive in their communities and in life. The annual workshop is a free, half-day event that provides education and information around topics relevant in the lives of girls at this stage. This year’s theme, "My Worth, My Power," was designed to empower and educate the girls that their gifts and talents are not defined by the world, especially the world of social media.
Jones Middle School’s Step Squad was part of the 70 girls in attendance that learned about women in careers in law, medicine, and the arts. Additionally, the students had the opportunity to enjoy a theater performance by Director Tyra Wimpye, dedicated to the strength of women. The students participated in a mock jury trial led by female chief justice Alison Toller and district attorneys, and met an all-female surgery team with Dr. Betty Grunch.
Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15V6BuhzOUzS1TMJDjVImgQWPOAOMVzBc?usp=sharing
Farm-to-School Visit to Mason Elementary School
On Thursday, February 23rd, GCPS welcomed Senator Ossoff’s staff to Mason Elementary School in Duluth, to see their farm-to-school program at work. Laila Goharioon and Samantha Lucas were in attendance, as well as Linette Dodson and Kelley Toon, both from the Georgia Department of Education. The purpose of their visit was to see the district’s robust farm-to-school program firsthand and to observe some of the school’s nutrition education activities in the classroom and school gardens. With over 67,000 participating schools across the United States, this is a special honor for GCPS. The Farm-to-School program enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education settings. Students gain access to healthy, local foods as well as education opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons and farm field trips. Farm-to-School empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities.
Black History Month school wrap up
Throughout the month of February, GCPS students, staff, and families celebrated Black History Month. Schools held fireside chats, historical character door decorating contests, step shows, Melanin Mondays, poetry contests, seminars, a Black leaders showcase, soul food potlucks, and so much more to connect students with the rich history and contributions of African Americans. While Black History Month 2023 has come to an end, the work and acknowledgments can continue in a variety of ways. Every day is a new opportunity to speak up and take action in each of the spaces we occupy to recognize systemic racism, build a community where each and every child feels safe and nurtured, and consciously create a more inclusive community that honors the lived experiences of African Americans.
We all have a responsibility to continue recognizing Black history.
Join our amazing team!
Gwinnett County Public Schools will host a Spring Career Fair on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Gas South Convention Center from 8 a.m. to noon! We are hiring all staff, including teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, school nutrition workers, substitute teachers, bus drivers, and others, for the 2023-24 school year.
We will be accepting walk-in candidates. For more information, please visit our website.
Spring Into Health 2023: A new health and community resource celebration for GCPS families
There’s a new opportunity to get outside with your community! On Saturday, March 4, GCPS will host the 2023 Spring Into Health Saturday, a health and community resource celebration at the Central Gwinnett High School Football stadium from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Gwinnett families and students are invited to “come to the castle” for kids yoga on the lawn, parent versus kids races, Building Babies’ Brains games and tipsheets, and opportunities to learn about the details on nutrition labels. The GNR Health Department will also be on site providing vaccines for 7th and 11th graders needing Tdap and MCV4 requirements. They will also have limited Flu and COVID vaccines for interested families.
There will be door prizes, two bike giveaways, and free bike helmets while supplies last. Kona Ice, Let 'Em Eat Food Truck, and Tradewind Coffee Company will be on site. Come connect with health and community resource organizations in our district. See you Saturday at the castle!
Event Agenda:
Welcome
9 a.m. : Babies Time
10 a.m. : Choosing Smart with Live Healthy Gwinnett: learn to read snack labels
11 a.m. : Kids vs. Parent: 100mm Dash
Tar Wars: Learn about Tobacco-free living, Vape Use, and Prevention
12 p.m. : Dance on the Lawn
12:30 p.m. : Kidsfull Yoga
1 p.m. : Door Prizes and Bike Giveaway
Plan to attend the 2023 Transition Fair for families of students with disabilities
Save the date for the in-person 2023 Transition Fair on March 8. The Transition Fair is an opportunity for families and educators of students with disabilities of all ages (elementary, middle, and high) to connect with resources to support the journey to adulthood. The Fair will feature local agencies that specialize in the areas of: Vocational Training & Employment Services, Day Programs & Community Living, Recreation & Leisure, and Funding & Community Resources. It is never too early to start planning for the future! No registration is required. Questions? Email Transition.Fair@gcpsk12.org.
Who: For Educators & Parents of Students with Disabilities
When: Saturday, March 18, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - noon
Where: Peachtree Ridge High School (1555 Old Peachtree Road)
Let’s get Tee’d-Up to Fight Cancer with the 24th Annual Facilities & Operations Classic Golf Tournament to benefit Relay for Life!
Mark your calendars and save the date! The Gwinnett County Public Schools Business Operations Division will host its 24th Annual F&O Classic Golf Tournament on May 8th at the Royal Lakes Golf and Country Club, in Flowery Branch. Golfers of all levels are encouraged to join us for a great time on the golf course, while raising money for a great cause! The tournament format will be a four-person scramble, so everyone will be able to contribute to an exciting round of golf. Registration is $125 per individual and $500 per foursome and includes tournament entry fees, breakfast, entry in both the longest drive contest and closest to the pin, beverages, and an awards luncheon. GCPS employees receive a $25 discount for individuals and $100 discount per foursome registered. Register today using the QR code below, or click on this link, or email John.Hodgson@gcpsk12.org to sign-up. Don’t hesitate, registration closes on April 24th, 2023!
Duluth Middle School is offering Duluth cluster parents English Classes
Duluth Middle School has partnered with Catalyst Coalition, a non-profit focused on serving ethnic communities in cooperation with local schools, to provide Adult English language classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays for parents of students in the Duluth cluster. Classes are offered either in the morning between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. or in the evenings between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a “donation” accountability fee of $25 per month per attendee. The course, led by Catalyst Coalition director, Jin Lee, is designed to help parents develop the skills needed to be career-ready, and to function successfully in their community.
Duluth Middle School Principal Cindy Kinchen says, "Catalyst Coalition has always been committed to serving the needs of Gwinnett County’s entire ethnic community. As an immigrant himself, Mr. Lee understands the challenges, inequities, and inaccessibility of services and resources to help ethnic communities strive for the American Dream. His passion, along with my expressed passion for turning Duluth Middle school into the 'Community's School,' resulted in the creation of this program." Duluth Middle School's Adult English classes have the capacity to assist 100 parents with their English learning goals.
