Believe in our students’ future: Step up to support the Gwinnett science fair!

As the 2018 Gwinnett Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair approaches, learn how you can participate in the Feb. 23 event. District leaders are looking for sponsors, judges, career exhibitors, and volunteers. Check out this GCPS TV video of last year’s fair to see what you can expect! Need more information? Contact the event’s planning team online.

Are you the exhibitor we’re looking for?

GCPS still has openings for community members from across the career spectrum to serve as exhibitors for the district's 4th annual Career Connections Exhibition, set for Nov. 16. Exhibitors have the opportunity to share their professions with “employees of the future”… that is, GCPS 8th graders from the 11 middle schools that feed into our seven College and Career Academy high schools: Berkmar, Central Gwinnett, Discovery, Lanier, Meadowcreek, Shiloh, and South Gwinnett.

Through “show and tell” interviews and activities, students will learn about various careers— from healthcare and public service jobs to careers in hands-on trades and the arts— and what it takes to pursue a successful career in their field. There's no cost for exhibitors to participate in the event, which supports college- and career-readiness for our students. Prospective exhibitors can find information about the event and a sign-up form online. To learn more, contact Billy Sayers in the Office of Academies and Career and Technical Education at 678-301-7050, or email william_sayers@gwinnett.k12.ga.us.

$35K donation from Iconex supports Wildcat STEM learning

A $35,000 donation from Iconex, a Duluth-based company, gives a boost to the engineering and robotics programs at Duluth HS. In this video from GCPS TV, see how this generous gift will support professional development, purchase needed equipment, and expand STEM opportunities for Wildcats as they prepare for college and careers.

Once a Comet, always a Comet

Past and present students, staff, and community members are invited to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of South Gwinnett HS. Alums will take part in special activities on Nov. 10 and 11, with a community celebration set for Sunday, Nov. 12. A reception starts at 2 p.m., followed by a formal program in the school's Performing Arts Center. Online, find details on the Alumni Event, including an email address for RSVPs. Alumni also can lend school memorabilia and share their Comet stories for the celebration. Learn more on the school website.

GCPS now hiring drivers

GCPS is now accepting applications for school bus drivers! The hourly wage for drivers is competitive, and bus drivers have excellent benefits and paid training as well as summer vacation and holidays off. Qualifying candidates can earn credit for past commercial driving experience (CDL). Applicants are required to hold a good driving record and a high school diploma or GED. Learn more and apply today at GCPSjobs.org. Call 678-225-7670 with questions. 

Surprise! GCPS ‘drops in’ to announce six TOTY finalists

For six Gwinnett teachers, the day started like any other… students arrived, the bell rang, and lessons commenced. But then, the visitors arrived. And by visitors, we mean folks with cameras, balloons, and congratulatory signs like you might see with the “sweepstakes prize patrol.”

On Oct. 12, the selected teachers were surprised with the news that they had been named one of half a dozen finalists for GCPS Teacher of the Year (TOTY).

Congratulations to these honored teachers:

• Ebony Flott, Camp Creek ES, 4th Grade Teacher
• Dr. Doug Doblar, Head ES, Mathematics and Science Teacher (Gr. 4 and 5)
• Cheri Nations, North Gwinnett MS, STEM Teacher (Gr. 6–8)
• John Chvatal, Brookwood HS, AP and Gifted Biology Teacher (Gr. 9-12)
• Michelle E. Jones, Gwinnett Online Campus, Mathematics Teacher (Gr. 9-12)
• Amy Crisp, Norcross HS, English to Speakers of Other Languages Teacher – Language Arts (Gr. 9–12)

The finalists were selected from a group of 25 semifinalists honored last month. The TOTY contest began with a field of 138 local school TOTYs named earlier in September.

For the six finalists, the next step includes interviews and classroom observations by a selection committee made up of former TOTYs, administrators, and central office staff. On Nov. 9, at a gala banquet, the district will announce the county TOTY and level winners. Stay tuned!

Gwinnett Great Days of Service supports community, schools

Gwinnett Great Days of Service (GDOS) is one of the largest community volunteer events in the nation. And you can be a part of it!

Here’s how you can help to support of our community and our schools:

• Donate to the You Can Do It Drive: Between Oct. 16 and Oct. 19, drop off your donation at a school or the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center. Requested items include canned proteins (tuna, ham, ravioli, etc.); canned soups and fruits; boxed macaroni and cheese; peanut butter and jelly; personal care items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and soap; toilet paper; and laundry detergent pods. The donations will be delivered to Gwinnett shelters, group homes, and food pantries.
• Sign Up for a Service Project: As part of GDOS, volunteers are fanning out across the county to help with community- and school-based service projects on Oct. 20 and 21. Volunteers are still needed for projects. You can volunteer with a group or as an individual, even with your family. (Look for age requirements and specifics on what type of work the project entails.) Register to volunteer today! GDOS is coordinated by the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services.

We’re looking for a few great subs!

Are you interested in gaining valuable teaching experience while getting paid? Join the Substitute Teaching Program!  

GCPS is seeking qualified substitutes for the 2017-18 school year. Serving as a substitute is a great way to make connections for future, full-time employment and to gain experience in a variety of educational settings. Subs can determine the days and hours they’ll be available for assignments as well as the locations where they’re interested in serving. Substitute teaching can be an especially good fit for someone who is working toward a teaching certificate.

Substitute teachers do not have to be certified to teach. However, they must have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours from a college approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Candidates also must complete the GCPS Substitute Teacher Training Program (if they do not possess a valid or expired professional teaching certificate). 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the school year, and substitute teacher orientation sessions are conducted weekly at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center in Suwanee.

Pay rates for substitute teachers have increased for the 2017–18 school year to $89 per day for regular substitute teaching and $99 per day for long-term substitute teaching.

Learn more by calling 678-301-6140 or visiting www.gcpsjobs.org for information and an application.