For the last decade, the school district’s strategic focus for students has emphasized attributes that will prepare young people for college, work, and life in the 21st century. And our students begin developing those attributes at the earliest grades. In classroom activities, schoolwide events, and competitions, our students stretch to reach their potential. Engaged in their learning, they collaborate with their peers, solve problems and think deeply, and explore and analyze.
In events like the Gwinnett Elementary Science Olympiad Regional Tournament, students show what they know about the world around them. Last month, a team from Head ES took 1st place in the tournament, while teams from Brookwood ES and Trip ES rounded out the top finishers in the Science Olympiad. These top three teams will compete in the state’s Elementary Science Olympiad on May 11 at Kennesaw State University in events like Crime Busters, Rock Hound, Weather or Not, Straw Egg Drop, and Water Rockets. Gwinnett students have opportunities like this one at all grade levels (and across disciplines).
Earlier in the school year, Brookwood HS won the state Science Olympiad for the 11th time (9th consecutive), advancing to represent Georgia in the 35th annual Science Olympiad National Tournament to be hosted by Cornell University May 31-June 1. Three other Gwinnett teams competed in the state tournament— Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology finished 4th, Duluth HS placed 13th, and Parkview HS finished 18th.
In these scenes from the Gwinnett Elementary Science Olympiad Regional Tournament, see how our young students are taking their STEM learning to the next level. And, in the Update to the Community, learn more about the evidence that our 2010-2020 Strategic Priorities have made an impact on our students and staff, community, and teaching and learning!
Gallery photos were provided by Phillip Cheng, a former member of the Brookwood HS Science Olympiad team, who returns with a crew of volunteers each year to chronicle the competition held at his alma mater.
2010-2020 Strategic Priority for Students
As engaged learners, our students will reach their full learning potential. They will be critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and effective communicators. What they experience as Gwinnett students will encourage their growth as curious, analytical, imaginative, and adaptable learners. They will take responsibility for their own learning, achievement, and behavior, making the most of opportunities in Gwinnett schools. Students will demonstrate high levels of character, taking pride in their school, community, and country. They will understand that America's greatness is built upon three things... our form of government— a representative democracy; how we do business— our free-enterprise system; and how we educate our people— our system of public education. They will develop leadership and teamwork skills, preparing to be successful American citizens who function effectively in a global economy. Students will graduate with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to succeed in college, work, and life in the 21st century.