In this GCPS TV video, see how this caring administrator, a state award winner, supports the work of counselors and the children they serve.
Full STEAM ahead with hands-on learning at Minor ES
Minor ES families recently used their STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) know-how to put pantry items to work in classroom “construction” projects.
At the school’s 2nd annual STEAM Night on Jan. 19, students and their parents constructed bridges with popsicle sticks, built structures using spaghetti and marshmallows, made paper cup parachutes, and crafted catapults from spoons. They competed to see who could create the longest paper chain from one piece of paper. And, in the computer lab, students practiced the basics of computer coding with online games.
More than 250 parents and guardians gathered with their students for the hands-on learning activities, displays of STEAM in action, a showcase of Science Fair projects, and an awards presentation for Science Fair winners.
Dr. Scott Frandsen, the school’s principal, notes that the event offered a “warm and friendly environment” with plenty of hands-on activities so that all parents, including those with limited English, felt comfortable as active participants in their child’s education.
Responses from both students and family members underscored that the learning event hit the mark. “Thanks for doing these workshops,” said one parent. “They really help to give us ideas.” “Excellent night! Very organized and fun!,” said another. And students enjoyed the evening as well, with one student especially keen on engineering feats accomplished with his family, “I think making a bridge with my parents made it more fun.”
Community partners and older students also supported the fun learning event. Popadoodle, a local “children’s imagination center,” provided several STEM and art stations, including visual and hands-on examples of the water cycle. Students from Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology also provided math- and science-related activities for the younger students. One activity allowed the students to experiment with chromatography, a scientific technique for studying and separating complex mixtures. Kimberlee Jones of the Von.Lea Creative Group made a donation of $500 to the art program at Minor. (In November, Ms. Jones served as the school’s Principal for a Day, an initiative of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and GCPS.)
“I love nights like these because they provide the opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to engage in learning together,” says Dr. Frandsen. “The support we have from local businesses was wonderful...we have a great community!”
Schools celebrate decades in the community
GCPS TV was there as students, staff, and administrators of years gone by joined current school communities for special anniversaries at Harris ES and Norton ES.
Attend upcoming open house events
High school students interested in exploring careers through hands-on learning can check out two specialized career and technical education programs at upcoming events. Online registration for the Grayson HS Technical Education Program is open, with the Winter Open House set for Jan. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. (Students can apply from any GCPS computer, and must be in the GCPS network to apply.) An Open House for Maxwell HS of Technology is scheduled for Feb. 2 between 5 and 7 p.m. at the school. Online registration is open.
Vote to help Head ES earn $60K grant
Help Head ES as the school competes for a $60K grant to foster literacy and promote critical thinking through its media center.
Gwinnett schools strive to be ‘No Place for Hate’
A schoolwide commitment to combating prejudice and creating an inclusive and supportive community will allow Duluth MS to join more than a dozen Gwinnett schools as a certified No Place For Hate® School.
Give feedback on proposed financial literacy course
The Georgia DOE welcomes comments from parents, students, educators, community members, and business professionals regarding the creation of a proposed social studies course entitled “Personal Financial Literacy.”
Nominate innovative media specialist for honor
Each year, the Gwinnett County Public Schools recognizes a school media specialist whose service has resulted in an exemplary media program. Does your student love visits to the media center? Have your participated in fun and engaging literacy activities at your child's school? If you know an innovative and enthusiastic media specialist who plans collaboratively, promotes literacy, and integrates technology, please nominate him or her for GCPS Media Specialist of the Year. Email nominations by Friday, Jan. 27, to Cindy Weaver (Cindy_Weaver@gwinnett.k12.ga.us) in Media Services and Technology Training.
Come on in… the water's fine!
Watch a visiting “shark” share her entrepreneurial experience with Crews MS 6th graders in this GCPS TV video.
January is National Mentoring Month
Did you know kids in quality mentoring relationships are more likely to do better in school and have aspirations to go to college?
Café Gwinnett puts trusted names on lunchtrays
Did you know that many of the brands served in GCPS school cafeterias can be found in your cupboard, fridge, and freezer?
Register by 4 p.m. on Jan. 20 for next GSMST freshman class
The deadline to register for Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST) for next school year is Jan. 20 at 4 p.m. The registration lottery will be held at 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 30 at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center. The school will accept 375 students for its 2017-18 freshman class.
Explore the Promise of Gwinnett!
Throughout the school year, join GCPS in exploring The Promise of Gwinnett. Throughout the school year, join GCPS in exploring The Promise of Gwinnett.
GCPS driver runs away with gold at international meet
GCPS bus driver Emma McGowan ran away with the gold in the 100-meter and 200-meter races in her age bracket at the World Masters Track & Field Championships.
Positive behavior 'on a roll' in Gwinnett schools
Educators from across Georgia recently toured Gwinnett County schools to see how a focus on positive behavior supports learning.
Celebrate Dr. King's legacy
GCPS is partnering with the United Ebony Society for the county's 17th annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Mon., Jan 16.
Be prepared!
Brush-up on school system procedures when weather conditions have an impact on the school day.
Y'all rock!
The students became the teachers recently during a project-based learning unit completed by Coleman MS students.
Watch for Essentials newsletter!
Coming soon to your elementary student's backpack or your mailbox… The winter issue of Essentials.
Revisit Sounds of the Season
Revisit the Sounds of the Season with holiday performances of music, dance, and drama from around Gwinnett County. GCPS TV made stops at Duncan Creek ES, Riverside ES, Collins Hill HS, Parson ES, Jones MS, Grayson HS, Brookwood HS, Crew MS, Five Forks MS, Sugar Hill ES, Cooper ES, Sweetwater MS, Peachtree Ridge HS, Lanier HS, Kanoheda ES, Mill Creek HS, Suwanee ES, Burnette ES, Roberts ES, and North Gwinnett MS.