The Yuletide Villager
Week of May 7, 2018
The vision of GCS is to inspire success and a lifetime of learning.
From The Principal's Desk
This is the week that I look forward to all year long. It's the time I along with parents and students can share our heartfelt appreciation for what you do as often as we like without appearing dorky or weird.
So, I'd like to take a moment of your day to say that you are one very special staff that cares, and truly shows a love for children. I'd like to thank you for taking this journey with me this year. It has been a year like no other for me and that's in a GREAT WAY! I see where your hearts are individually and why you are you! From personality test to digital responses I've given you who I am and asked for it in return, but this week...and only this week I want you to be you! So Jeans and shorts are all okay; HOWEVER! Remember you are professionals and this too matters to who you are. (Please look neat and professional). Notice that I embedded this little perk into my letter. Please, I ask that you not say a word to anyone about how relaxing you feel in your BEST YOU attire. Let each and every staff figure out where to find this special prize.
Being a singleton(only one admin in the building) it sometimes gets lonely and becomes hard to manage some of the demands, but I want you to know that I always will have your best interest at heart. It's exactly like how you feel about the little ones that you encounter each day in your classroom. I see McAdenville Elementary as my classroom and you...yourself as my number one student. Today and this week you are Teacher's or maybe I should say Principal's Pet.
As you all know, I like games and challenges. So look forward to at least one or two as we go throughout the week.
In appreciation and celebratory fun,
Lucretia Rice
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week
WARNING
Note: Some of the deals listed may not be available at all locations. Check with local retailers. Also, deals require that you verify you are an educator.
2018 Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies & Deals (Discounts, Free Food + More)
hip2save.com/2018/05/04/2018-teacher-appreciation-week-freebies-deals-discounts-free-food-more
May 4, 2018Calling all you special teachers!
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 7th-11th), several businesses are showing their gratitude by offering up some great freebies and special offers just for YOU! Here’s a round-up of nationwide stores and restaurants that offer teachers and homeschooling parents a special discount. Enjoy!
1. A.C. Moore
Teacher’s can get a 15% off entire purchase discount by presenting any one of the following credentials at checkout: State Issued Photo ID, School ID, Home School Affidavit or IHIP approval letter from School District or your state, Home Schooling Certificate, or State Issued Preschool/Daycare Facility Certificate/License. Contact your store for more details about the program.
2. Adobe Creative Cloud for Education
Students and teachers can get over 60% off Creative Cloud All Apps. Creative Cloud is a membership that gives you access to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, Adobe XD, and over 20 more apps designed to help you bring your ideas to life. Go here for more details.
3. Apple
Faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels, as well as current and newly accepted college students and their parents, can get Apple’s Education Pricing on Mac computers and iPads. You can see the full Education Institution Discount Pricelist HERE.
4. Banana Republic
Banana Republic is offering up 15% off your full-priced purchase when you present a valid student or teacher ID. This offer is valid in-store only with ID.
5. Barnes & Noble
Sign up for the Free Barnes & Noble Educator Program and get 20% off the list price of most hardcover and paperback books, toys, games, music, movies and more for use in the classroom! Plus, teachers can save 25% off the publisher’s list price during Educator Appreciation Days.
6. Basecamp
Teachers at a K-12 school or University that agree to use Basecamp only for classroom work can sign up for a Free 30-day trial. Basecamp organizes all of your projects and internal communication in one place, making it easy to see what needs doing, where to find things, and what’s going on.
7. Ben Franklin Crafts & Frame Shop
To show their appreciation, teachers receive a 10% discount off their purchases of classroom materials! Teachers must show proof of certification/school identification to be eligible for the benefit.
8. Books-A-Million
The Books-A-Million Educator’s Discount Program is a discount card program that is Free to all K-12 educators, librarians, and homeschoolers, entitling them to a 20% discount on most items for their classroom (substitute teachers, student teachers, and University Professors are not eligible). The Educator’s Discount Cardcan also be used to receive Free shipping on applicable online purchases.
9. Cell Phone Carriers
Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T all offer discounts for teachers. You may need to check with your school to see if you’re eligible. Call your local store for more details.
10. Chick-fil-A
At participating Chick-fil-A restaurants, teachers may be able to get a Free chicken sandwich. Each restaurant operates independently, so be sure to check with your local store to verify participation.
11. Chipotle
On Tuesday, May 8th from 3PM – close, Chipotle restaurants will be offering up Buy One Get One Free Burritos, Bowls, Salads, or Order of Tacos for teachers, faculty or staff! Just be sure to bring your ID or other documentation from preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, community college, or university identifying you as faculty or staff, OR bring your home school ID card.
Note that there is a limit of one Free menu item per teacher and this offer is valid for in-restaurant orders only – not valid for online, mobile, fax, or catering orders. The offer cannot be combined with other coupons, promotions, or special offers.
12. Cicis
On Wednesday, May 9th, Cicis is offering up a Free Adult Buffet for teachers and administrative staff. Simply present a valid school ID. For more information and participating locations, head here.
13. Cole Haan
Teachers and grad students receive 15% off full-price AND sale items with a valid .edu email address and Cole Haan account. Go here for more details.
14. The Container Store
The Container Store offers educators special discounts throughout the year to help organize your classroom. Their Organized Teacher Program offers educators 10% off every day.
15. Costco
Educators can purchase Costco Membership Activation Certificates to join Costco as a new member and receive over $60 in savings! You must enter your information to validate your status and redeem this special offer. This offer is not valid for renewal of existing Costco membership. Membership Activation Certificates are offered online only and are not available for purchase at Costco locations.
16. Crayola Experience
Teachers receive Free admission to Crayola Experience in Orlando, FL every day and their families receive 25% off general admission through May 31st, 2018.
17. Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s believes strongly in supporting our teachers and other professionals who make it possible to help children learn, develop, and grow. They offer those individuals these special pizza deals with their VIP Educator Cards, allowing great and easy deals for classroom catering.
18. GM Educator Discount Program
Looking for a new car? GM offers a special discount just for educators, but did you know that you can use it in addition to most of their other offers and incentives? Go here for more details.
19. Half Price Books
As part of their commitment to literacy, Half Price Books supports educators, school teachers and librarians in the community with an Educator Discount Card to save 10% in-store all year round. Just bring in a valid ID or proof of current employment such as a pay stub or employee ID card.
20. Hanes & Affiliates
Members of the education community (including retired educators!) can save an additional 10% off at Hanes.com, Champion.com, OneHanesPlace.com and JustMySIze.com. Go here and verify your Teacher ID to get your unique promo code (limit one coupon code per order).
*Cannot be combined with other promotional offers. $10 maximum discount allowed per order.
21. Insurance Companies
Farmers Insurance, Liberty Mutual, esurance, and Horace Mann all offer special pricing for educators. Call your insurance agent today to find out if you’re eligible for any discounts!
22. J. Crew
J. Crew offers a 15% discount to all teachers and college students when they shop in-store and show a valid school ID at checkout. For more information, go here.
23. JoAnn Fabrics
Eligible teachers, home school teachers and childcare providers can sign up for a Free discount card to save 15% off every in-store and online purchase (exclusions apply). Go here for more details.
Eligibility applies to currently state certified, credentialed or licensed teachers at any K-12 public, private or parochial school or higher education learning institution, authorized home school teachers with current documentation or proof of membership in an official home school organization, and current credential, license or certified childcare providers.
24. Lakeshore Learning
Join the Lakeshore Learning Teacher’s Club and receive 15% off on hundreds of classroom items every day. Plus, get special offers every month and low prices on self-serve lamination just for signing up!
25. LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND offers Free admission for California and Florida teachers. LEGOLAND Florida Resort, The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds Orlando and SEA LIFE Orlando are offering Florida teachers for grades PreK-12 one year of Free admission with a Florida Teacher Pass.
Be sure to check the respective websites for details and restrictions as the programs are a little different between states.
26. LOFT
LOFT offers 15% off full-price purchases, as well as special sweepstakes, grants, and teacher appreciation nights whenever you subscribe to the LOFT Loves Teachers email list.
27. Michaels
Teachers can save an additional 15% off your entire in-store purchase every day with valid educator ID – including sale items (some exclusions do apply). See your store associate for more details.
28. Office Depot/OfficeMax
While Office Depot/Office Max doesn’t offer a general discount to teachers, they do offer 5% back to schools on qualifying school supply purchases through their Give Back to Schools program.
Simply make a purchase of qualifying school supplies, provide your school ID at checkout and your designated school will receive 5% back in credits for Free supplies!
29. PDQ
On Tuesday, May 8th at all PDQ locations, teachers and nurses can enjoy 50% off your entire order with a valid ID all day long. Go here to find your favorite PDQ restaurant near you.
30. Saucony
All students, teachers, and military members who sign up for Saucony’s VIP program will get 20% off your first apparel purchase, first access to new products & exclusive offers, a special birthday gift, news about local events, and a chance to win Free shoes every month. Go here to sign up.
31. Sea World
If you are a teacher from a participating school district, you can receive a complimentary pass to SeaWorld Orlando, San Antonio or San Diego to learn how to incorporate marine science education into your curriculum. Click on the location nearest you for registration details and deadlines.
32. Sperry
Join Sperry’s teacher VIP membership program and you’ll get a 15% teacher discount on all orders, a Free $10 e-card after you make your first purchase, Free shipping + returns on all orders, exclusive birthday offers, the chance to win Free shoes every month, Free gifts throughout the year, and more!
33. Tommy Hilfiger
Students and teachers are eligible to receive 15% off their entire purchase. To receive this exclusive discount, simply add your favorite items to the cart and during the checkout process select “student discount” or “teacher discount.” This will then prompt you to verify your status. Once you are approved, your discount will automatically be applied to your cart total. Go here for more details.
34. West Elm
West Elm offers 15% off to all teachers, students, and faculty, year round, with a valid college or university ID. Just go here and fill out the form to receive your discount.
…PLUS, many more!
See What Kids think...sometimes it's much later, but you matter!
To my teacher:
If I had not had you as my teacher in Year 7, my life would be incredibly different. I’m not saying it would be bad – but you opened my eyes to what I could be, what I could do, in a way that I’ve never thought possible. You took a kid from Penrith and made him want to see the world and beyond.
I still remember one lesson where you told us about your hopes for your future when you were our age. I think you were meant to be talking about science, but it changed, and kind of became a life study. You told us about your regrets, and your successes, and for some reason, it all resonated with me, and I started to realize that anything really is possible.
You have changed my whole aspect on my learning, I wouldn't be where I am today without you. Your encouragement and persistence in my junior years has taught me that I am who I am, and to get to the top, it’s all down to me. I am capable, but it will take hard work and lots of dedication.
Thank you,
Student
Dear Friend:
An Inspirer. An Empower. An Engager. These three characteristics are just a short sample of the many you demonstrate with all of your students, including me, every single day.
Too often we progress through the ‘ropes of life,’ and do not invest the time to express our gratitude and authentic value for the support you so eagerly share for our growth, as not only students, but also as global citizens of society.
You make me feel authentically supported when you say, “Please let me know how I can be helpful” and genuinely mean it. Also, the excitement you express to co-learn with me rather than teach me, makes me feel like a partner in my learning experience, when it is so easy to feel like ‘a sponge that can only absorb.’ I know you have so much to share, but I love how you also openly articulate how much I have to share as well and how much you learn by engaging with me!
As an educator, your title can ensure a role of heightening my knowledge in academics. However, you see me not as one of the many students you have, but instead you value me for my uniqueness and strengths. You promote an environment where I feel like I am able to not only share my contribution but also know it is actually considered and appreciated.
Thank you for being genuine. Thank you for seeing me as a partner in learning and sharing. Thank you for being you. Thank you for being one of the few great teachers out there. May you inspire others to achieve the greatness you have.
With gratitude,
Student
Miss,
Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your time. Thank you for helping me with my homework. Thank you for setting me homework. Thank you for staying behind to help me, even when I know there are lots of other places you’d rather be. Thank you for keeping me company on camp when no one else was there. Thank you for not embarrassing me in front of my friends. Thank you for explaining things until I understand. Thank you for making me do my best. Thank you for being my teacher.
Student
For Your Information: School Bonds 2018
On Tuesday, May 8, the citizens of Gaston County will have an opportunity to vote on a $250 million school bond referendum. If approved by voters, the funds will be used to address critical needs in three categories: $110 million for new school construction; $25 million for school additions; and $115 million for school renovations and repairs.
▪ $110 million for new school construction
These funds would make it possible to build three schools: a new elementary school in the southeast Gastonia area to accommodate future growth and alleviate the potential for overcrowding; a new middle school in Belmont to replace the old building; and a new middle school that would replace one of our old middle schools and be built to accommodate growth.
▪ $25 million for school additions
These funds would go toward classroom additions as well as the expansion and renovation of media centers and cafeterias.
▪ $115 million for renovations and repairs
These funds would address the most critical renovations and repairs at schools in all six townships across the county. Schools would receive funds for renovations and repairs in the following areas: life safety (cameras, intercoms, and alarms); electrical/lighting; water/sewer/gas lines; plumbing; roof replacement; structural repairs; athletic facilities; doors/windows; parking lots/driveways; environmental work; elevators; restrooms; and ADA compliance.
For more information, visit the Gaston County Schools website (www.gaston.k12.nc.us) and click the “School Bonds 2018” link. On the website, you can watch a video that gives an overview of the school bonds and you can review charts that show (by townships) the most critical needs for school repairs and renovations.
Most important, mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 8 and remember to vote!
Practice on Tuesday
3:15 - 3:45pm
The Best Show In McAdenville is June 1st
Pierce Group Benefits
The annual enrollment period for our Flexible Benefits Plan will be April 2, 2018
through June 12, 2018. Our school date will be announced as soon as we are contacted.
Benefits
Good Morning,
The Open Enrollment period for our Optional Benefits is quickly approaching. Please take a few moments and review the attached document. The enrollment period runs from April 2, 2018 - June 12, 2018. Benefit Counselors from Pierce Group will be providing individual enrollment sessions at each location and employees will have the option to enroll or make changes to their current plan.
Employees 50% employed or more are eligible to participate in Colonial, FSA, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Group Term Life and Basic Term Life.
Please note: The Basic and Group Term Life Insurance will need to be re-enrolled during this year's open enrollment period. If you do not take action, your current contribution will stop effective September 30, 2018.
Please note: In order to participate in Medical or Dependent care FSA both new and existing participants must enroll. If you do not take action, your current contribution will stop effective September 30, 2018.
Joey Clinton
The Pierce Group Meeting for ALL STAFF 5-21-18 @ 3PM
DUTY WEEK A
School Events Agenda
- Observations are almost complete.
mCLASS is underway! Get your schedules in Today!
- Schedule for your planning needs Staff Appreciation Week May 7 – May 11
- Monday- Panera breakfast from PTO
- Resturant Night - Monday 5/7 @ Chipotle w/Classroom Contest - Encourage participation! 4pm - 8pm
- Tuesday - Breakfast & Sweet Treats
- Teacher Appreciation Day
- Meet up at Talent Show practice @ 3:15 instead of a staff meeting
- ELECTION DAY! GC Residents Please Vote - School Bonds are on the ballot!
- Wednesday - BBQ for lunch sponsored by PTO
- Louie the Litterbug - Kinders
- Thursday - Sub Sandwich tray with pasta salad, chips for lunch sponsored by PTO
- Evening of Excellence Ceremony; wishing Karen the best!
- Friday - Candy Apples from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (Jay McCosh) sponsored by PTO
- AR Celebration F-Trip
- Mother's Day Tea - Kinder @ 12:30pm
Looking Ahead:
Make Referrals Here:
MES Social Worker - Whitney Hill
Please use this referral form for student Social Work Request.
MES School Counselor - Eric Otis
Please use this referral form for student School Counselor Request
If you haven't heard... there is a new local podcast
ARE YOU RENEWING THIS YEAR 2018?
See me if you have questions...
PLEASE, by all means, do not let your teaching license expire!