GCSS Community Update
Greene County School System News & Notes for the Community
In this Issue
- BOE Update: Chairman retires, new Chairman and District 4 Rep appointed
- GCCA students explore careers on National Job Shadow Day
- GCHS senior signs with Cumberland University Football
- STEM Highlight: Drone Competition
- Black History Month Spotlight
- GCCA College & Career Expo
- D.A.R.E. Graduation at CMS
- CMS 6th grader reaches One Million Words milestone
- Career Coach Spotlight
- How to Get Involved
From the Superintendent
The end of February marks 122 days of school, just over two-thirds of the way through the year. Throughout the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to visit each of our schools and attend events and activities that highlight the good work of our students and staff. It is amazing to me how quickly the school year progresses and how our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. The growth I see in our pre-K and kindergarteners since the first day of school, for example, is especially exciting to witness. February is CTAE Month, and I recently attended the College & Career Expo at GCHS that attracted over 25 local businesses, organizations, colleges, and universities to engage with our students. It was great to see our students making professional connections, learning about the breadth of college and career opportunities available to them, and making plans for their next steps.
Coming up in April, we will also celebrate the annual district Spring Fine Arts Festival in downtown Greensboro at Festival Hall in partnership with the Oconee Performing Arts Society, yet another example of our community coming together to support and encourage our students. If you have not had the opportunity to experience this event in years past, I encourage you to attend and observe firsthand the talents of our students under the direction of our excellent fine arts faculty.
Congratulations to our Lady Tigers Basketball team for making it to the Sweet Sixteen Playoffs, securing their first playoff win since 2009, and receiving several all-region awards. We are proud of your achievements and look forward to how the team will continue to grow next year. Looking ahead to spring sports, baseball is already underway, and the Tiger Track season starts next week. Congratulations to all our athletes, not only for their success on the field, court, track, or lanes, but for maintaining a high academic performance. A special thanks to all of our coaches and staff who motivate our scholar athletes and drive the program.
The final 60 days of the 2022-2023 year are already upon us. Let’s finish strong!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris Houston
Chairman Mike Lynch retires from BOE, new Chairman and District 4 Rep Appointed
On February 15th, Greene County Board of Education Chairman Mike Lynch submitted a letter of resignation to Governor Brian Kemp—resigning from his position effective February 28, 2023. In his letter, Mr. Lynch stated “I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and I am getting to a stage of the disease that does not permit me to devote the quality time to the position that it requires. I have enjoyed the six+ years I have had the appointment, and I am very proud of the accomplishments of both our county’s traditional and charter schools during that period. I am also confident that the leadership that remains in place will continue the progress that has been made.”
At the BOE meeting on February 16th, the Board recognized Mr. Lynch for his dedicated and outstanding service and presented him with accolades. Following attorney advice and local Greene County law that calls for the BOE to make appointments to fill vacancies that occur with less than 2 years left in a term instead of holding special elections, the Board then appointed District 4 Representative Dr. Perry Lee to fill the Chairman position for the remainder of the unexpired term, and appointed community member and retired educator Dr. Maggie Kjer to fill the District 4 Representative seat for the remainder of that unexpired term. Dr. Kjer, who holds a Ph.D. in Education from Capella University, brings to the table 35 years combined experience in public education and educational support businesses. Prior to her retirement in 2021, she served as Sales Leader for Pearson, the world's largest education company, where she also served as voting member on Pearson’s Assessment Product Council as the practitioner/sales leader to guide new product development, technology, and resource investment. Prior to her time at Pearson, she worked as a Special Education administrator and teacher in the U.S. and abroad in Korea and Germany. She has also served as a reading specialist, EBD program coordinator, and curriculum committee member.
GCCA students explore careers with businesses across Greene County on National Job Shadow Day
Not only is February 2nd Groundhog Day, but it is also National Job Shadow Day! On this day Greene College & Career Academy students had the opportunity to explore careers through shadowing people who are working in career fields they are interested in pursuing.
Students shadowed at a variety of local businesses across Greene County, including Stair South, Athens Orthopedic (x-ray, physical therapy and surgeon), Metro Water Filter, Atlas Ministry Inc., Russell W. Wall Law Offices, Greene County Primary School, GCSS Finance Department, Reynolds Lake Oconee, ProMotion Physical Therapy, Franks Chiropractic Life Center, Randolph Tax Services, Greensboro Main Street, Zapien’s Salon, and Moore Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.
The students who participated in Job Shadow Day had incredible experiences! Many were able to jump in and actually do the work that is required of the job. Students observed things that they would not get to see otherwise. Students who shadowed at Stair South and Metro Water Filter were treated to lunch sponsored by Lake Oconee Area Builders Association and had the opportunity to talk with several local business owners. Overall, the day was a great learning experience for the students involved and expanded on what they are learning in the classroom in a very authentic way. Thank you to all of the businesses that opened your doors for our students on this day!
GCHS Senior Arkiyus Wright Signs with Cumberland University
STEM Highlight: CMS Students participate in regional drone competition
GCCA hosts College & Career Expo
CMS holds first D.A.R.E. Graduation for 5th grade class
CMS 6th Grader Reads 1 Million Words
Congratulations to CMS 6th grader Kaytlin Williams on reading ONE MILLION words! Kaytlin reached the milestone on February 9th. She said she's always loved to read, and she reads several books per month. Her current word count for the year is 1,067,151. Great job, Kaytlin!
GCHS students tour UGA and State Botanical Gardens
Greene County High School CTI, DECA, and FFA members joined together to explore the University of Georgia earlier this month. Students had the opportunity to tour UGA’s historic North Campus, visit the Tate Student Center, and the nearby State Botanical Gardens. The group ended the day by watching the Georgia Bulldogs Men’s Basketball team play Ole’ Miss.
Career Coach Spotlight: Ron Dedels
Personal: NROTC at UCLA, then 6 years as naval Officer. Served aboard Nuclear submarine, and as Navigator and Combat officer of destroyer. Also served 2 years as tactical warfare instructor with the Canadian Navy in Halifax Nova Scotia.
Career: After Navy, spent 35 years in supply side of healthcare. Positions in sales and marketing management, sales operations, and corporate sales, operations, and business analytics leadership.
Note to students: With planning, hard work, and perseverance, you can achieve anything.
Note to parents: I’m excited and honored to be working with your child over the next 4 years. Together we can help them be even more successful in high school and after.
How YOU Can Get Involved
Volunteer - Reading Buddies (GCPS & CMS)
Help a 2nd grader at Greene County Primary School or a 4th grader at Carson Middle School by becoming a Reading Buddy! You can make a REAL difference with just 1 hour per week by sparking conversations, building relationships and social skills, and helping children foster a love of reading. Interested? Contact Beth Thomas at beth.thomas@greene.k12.ga.us or 706-347-0750.
Volunteer - After School Enrichment (CMS)
Donate - Wraparound Program (GCHS)
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
March 11, 2023
2nd Annual Parent Expo: Connecting Resources One disAbility at a time
This event is open to the parents and families of special education students in Greene County and the surrounding area. We will have a vendor fair, keynote speakers, and family activities. Come out and join us!
March 16, 2023
Board of Education Regular Monthly Meeting
The Greene County Board of Education will hold its March Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Meeting Room located at 101 E. Third St. in Greensboro. To view Board of Education agendas and minutes, please click here.
April 3-7, 2023
District Closed for Spring Break
All schools and the District Office will be closed for Spring Break.
We want to hear from you!
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Keep up with us!
Email: gcsscommunications@greene.k12.ga.us
Website: www.greene.k12.ga.us
Location: 101 3rd Street, Greensboro, GA, USA
Phone: 706-453-7688
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