State seeks feedback on state standards for science, social studies

Parents, educators, and community members have until March 14 to give feedback on the first Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) proposed for science and social studies. If approved, the standards would replace the current Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) and would be implemented in the 2017–18 school year, following a full year of teacher training.  The proposed state standards were developed based on a formal review and evaluation process which included opportunities for teachers, parents and families, students, business and industry, and community members to participate through surveys and committees. During the 60-day review period, the public is encouraged to review the proposed standards and provide feedback prior to a vote later this spring by the State Board of Education.

Newly named Coleman Middle to have STEAM focus

The Duluth Cluster will open the newly named Coleman Middle School in August of 2016. The new school was named for longtime Duluth resident and former educator Dr. Brooks Coleman who now serves the area as a state legislator. The new school will have a STEAM focus, looking to transform student learning through the integration of science, technology, mathematics, and engineering with the arts to encourage deeper content knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Feb. 6 is deadline to submit Foundation scholarship applications

Seniors, it's not too late to apply! Check out the 2016 GCPS Foundation Scholarship Catalogue to learn more about available awards funded by the Foundation. The deadline to apply for one or more of the nearly 30 scholarships is Feb. 6. (Note: Many scholarships are open to applicants districtwide, but some are designated for specific schools or groups of students.) Since its inception in 2006, the Foundation has awarded more than $250,000 to Gwinnett graduates. Employees, community members, and organizations are encouraged to donate to the district’s Foundation to help support scholarship awards.  

2016–17 registration open for charters, tech program

Gwinnett Online Campus (Feb. 1–29 registration, rising 4th–12th graders, info sessions on Feb 11 and Feb 23)

Maxwell High School of Technology (Phase I registration Feb. 1–March 14, information visits to GCPS high schools in February)

North Metro Academy of Performing Arts (Open enrollment for grades K–8 through Feb. 5)

Grayson HS Technical Education Program  (Registration opens Feb. 1, open house Feb. 4, information visits to GCPS high schools in February)

Note: Open enrollment for Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology and New Life Academy of Excellence  are closed.

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. E-mail nominations by Friday, Feb. 5, to Cindy Weaver (Cindy_Weaver@gwinnett.k12.ga.us) in Media Services and Technology Training.

GCPS' Aaa bond rating reaffirmed

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), Georgia’s largest school system, received good news with the start of the new year. Both Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Services assigned the highest level Aaa rating to the district’s Series 2016 General Obligation (GO) Sales Tax Bonds and affirmed its Aaa long-term rating on the district’s outstanding GO debt. GCPS is the only school district in Georgia and in the Southeastern region of the United States that has attained an Aaa bond rating from both Moody’s and S&P. Only 17 school districts nationwide have earned this fiscal stamp of approval from both bond rating agencies.