News You Can Use
Berkmar MS Social Studies Teacher receives Teacher of Promise Award
Rebekah Blankenship, an 8th grade Social Studies teacher at Berkmar Middle School (BMS), has been named a recipient of the June Bryant Teacher of Promise Award by the Georgia Council for Social Studies during its annual conference in Athens, Ga. The award recognizes a beginning social studies teacher who shows exceptional promise in the field of teaching social studies. Recipients of this prestigious honor must demonstrate efforts toward the improvement of student learning and engagement in social studies and implement activities that demonstrate the beginnings of service and foster the development of democratic values and citizenship in the classroom, school, and community. Additionally, this teacher seeks out and uses multiple sources to enhance social studies instruction while engaging in ongoing professional development.
During her first two years of teaching, Ms. Blankenship has demonstrated the ability to develop and implement engaging lessons for students. Berkmar Middle School Principal Dr. Kaneshia Dorsan shares, "We are so fortunate to have Ms. Blankenship as a teacher at BMS. She has been a great addition to our team and is so deserving of this honor.”
Sugar Hill ES Math Teacher nominated for LifeChanger of the Year Award
Carmen Smith, a Sugar Hill Elementary School Advanced Math Teacher, has been nominated for the 2022-2023 National LifeChanger of the Year Award. Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.
Ms. Smith was nominated by her friend and neighbor, Nikki Soroko, for her humility and work in the classroom. When asked why she nominated Ms. Smith, Ms. Soroko quickly stated, “Carmen is the most generous, thoughtful, kind, and humble person I know. She is selfless in everything she does, always putting others and other’s needs before her own. Everyone needs a 'Carmen Smith' on their team.”
About LifeChanger of the Year
Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year award receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eighteen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2022-2023 school year.
(1) Grand Prize Winner – Awardee will receive $10,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(4) Grand Prize Finalists – Awardees will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(10) LifeChanger Award Winners – Awardees will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(1) Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(1) Capstone Award Winner - This award is given to a nominee retiring at the end of the 2021-22 school year. The winner will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school or district.
(1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.
4 Discovery High School AVTF students named in top 20 finalists in GPB “Buckle up Georgia” Video Contest
Four Discovery High School Audio Video Tech and Film (AVTF) students were named in the top 20 finalists by Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) for the "Buckle Up Georgia" video contest. Leylany Vasquez, Jason Pham & Jaqueline Merkouris, and Yosberth Molero Ocando’s videos have been selected and are in the running for the next round. To support the students’ videos, click the link on their name, then press “like” below each video. The videos with the most likes will move forward in the contest.
The “Buckle Up Georgia” contest is open to Georgia high school students. All entries must be produced as a video public service announcement (PSA) focused on safe driving, and should be exactly 30 seconds in length.
Duncan Creek Elementary School 2nd Grader places in MLB's Pitch Hit & Run
Duncan Creek Elementary School second grader, Rachel Kyranakis, came in 2nd place in this year’s Major League Baseball (MLB) Pitch Hit & Run National Finals at the World Series. The selection process evaluates the baseball and softball skills of kids ages 7 to 14 across the nation. Athletes are tested, their measurements recorded, and based on their scores, they advance from a local event to a Team Championship held in MLB stadiums across the country. Top scores then qualify for an all-expenses-paid trip for two to compete at the National Finals, which is hosted during the World Series. Dayna Alkire, Duncan Creek Elementary School PE Teacher, was elated to share that seven years ago another one of her students, Olivia Shaw, won the entire competition and was featured on Good Day Atlanta. Olivia is now a Senior and is committed to playing softball at Samford.
Fort Daniel ES Welcomed Fox 5 Meteorologist
Fort Daniel Elementary School's 4th grade students and teachers welcomed Fox 5's Meteorologist, Ryan Beesley, to the school recently to learn how weather instruments are used to gather weather data and make forecasts! Dr. Barbara Tucker, Principal of Fort Daniel Elementary, as well as the school's students and staff were appreciative of the visit and the knowledge shared by Mr. Beesley.
Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kciRjHMZfi_T3Mnd7RY_ntOMKxEyLGth
Cedar Hill Elementary School International Night
Recently, Cedar Hill Elementary School hosted an International Night to celebrate the various cultures of the students and staff at the school. Under the direction of Gina Thompson, Cedar Hill Elementary’s Music Teacher, the 4th and 5th grade choir performed for parents and community members. In addition to the vocal performances, the event featured musical and dancing performances involving parents and students as well as a display of flags, food, and artifacts from various countries.The Gwinnett County Public Library also offered Storytime for the students, and a PBIS/SEL workshop for parents. Community partners Super Taco El Guero Food truck and Kona Ice provided food and drinks for the families.
Simpson Elementary School Celebrates New Track
Simpson Elementary School students celebrated the ribbon cutting of their new track alongside staff and Peachtree Corners officials. The four-month project transformed unused space into an inviting recreational space for students and staff. “This was a joyous occasion because we celebrated the renovation of our school’s playground,” said Simpson Elementary Principal Dr. Taffeta Connery. “Not only is it attractive, but it’s also safe and enjoyable for all of our students to run around and play.”
Peachtree Corners Council members Lori Christopher and Phil Sadd, and Mayor Pro Tem Weare Gratwick, along with City Manager Brian Johnson, were on hand and were presented with Community Service Award plaques as well as flowers and thank you cards from the students at the school. “We always say that great schools build great communities, and in turn, great communities build great schools,” Dr. Connery shared.
Image courtesy of PeachTree Corners Magazine
Shiloh High School STEM Academy offers students financial literacy education
Shiloh High School’s STEM Academy has partnered with the Georgia Secretary of State's Office to talk to students about financial literacy and how it affects their future. The series started with a "Money Talks" panel discussion including accountants and consultants from the Atlanta area for junior- and senior-level STEM students. The event also highlighted Funding the Future, a nonprofit organization that teaches teens vital financial principles by organizing live musical performances while encouraging dialogue around financial literacy. Carter Hulsey, an Alternative-Rock/Americana singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee was the featured performer. Terron Johnson, the Lead Teacher in Shiloh High’s STEM Academy, was also interviewed by Chris Stewart, an EW Scripps Co. reporter, about financial literacy and its importance to students.
To learn more about the Financial Literacy program, click here.
Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dvIJmE6T-oDm7POfG6CRLYS41ZFZTBQC?usp=sharing
GCPS Holiday Break
Students stay home December 19 through January 5, 2023, and return to school on Thursday, January 5. Buses will not be distributing meals during this time. Click here if you or someone you know needs help with basic needs (including food, personal care items, clothing, shelter, utilities, etc.). Or visit this website and enter your ZIP code to find free food pantries near you. Then click on the red marker closest to you for more information.
Gwinnett Community Services is joining forces with Goodr to hold two FREE pop-up grocery markets for Gwinnett families facing food security challenges. Goodr will help provide fresh produce, meat, shelf-stable items, milk, and other beverages. Households must pre-register to attend. One registration is allowed per household.
Shorty Howell Park – Register here
December 17 – 10:00 a.m. to noon – 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth
Sweetwater Park – Register here
Saturday, December 17 – 3:00pm to 5:00pm – 800 Bethesda School Road in Lawrenceville
