Counselors make virtual connections

In this “Focus Moment” from GCPS TV, see how GCPS counselors are connecting virtually with families and students.

Make a difference as a substitute teacher!

Looking for part-time employment with a flexible schedule? Check out GCPSjobs.org and opportunities for substitute teachers in Gwinnett County Public Schools. Options are available for both digital instruction and in-class instruction. All applicants are required to have at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of college credit from an accredited institution, but teacher certification is not required for substitutes. Compensation ranges from $98 a day up to $108 per day for long-term subs (10 or more consecutive days with the same class). Applicants without teaching experience will complete GCPS’ Substitute Teacher Training Program. If you think substitute teaching may be for you, complete an online application (Posting #66797) today!

Contribute to Foundation’s ‘Chromebooks for Kids We CARE Challenge’

The GCPS Foundation Fund, Inc., is continuing to raise funds for needs in our community, particularly for technology to support digital learning. Your gifts will help ensure that all students have the technology tools that are critical to successful learning from home and in the classroom. Please give today and let’s watch our gifts grow together! To learn more, visit www.gcps-foundation.org, and follow the Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

With mouse and monitor, GCPS goes back to school…

The start of the school year may look different, but GCPS is ready to make it another successful year.  In this “Focus Moment” from GCPS TV, learn about how our schools and teachers are ensuring a strong start for our students.

GCPS parent and student portals offer new features

Updated Parent Portal… We know that families want easy access and one, go-to location for need-to-know information about their student's education— from records to resources. Just as important, they want an easy way to stay in touch with the school. With a new look and feel, and more and better functionality, the updated Parent Portal gives parents access to grades, assignments, and communication with teachers. So, what’s new on the Parent Portal? Families will have access to ParentVue (Student Information) so no more logging into a child’s Student Portal account for key information! With the new calendar view, users can see assignments in one place, including missing assignments. A drop-down menu allows parents to toggle between multiple students in the family. It’s easier to update contact information and there’s no more waiting for overnight updates. Content is real-time. In-portal translation is available in multiple languages for users. And, coming soon, families will be able to message with teachers within the portal.

Updated Student Portal… This year, the MYeCLASS Student Portal is easier than ever to use! Students will find grades and schedules in a new location— My StudentVUE— with easy-to-use tabs, more detail, and a student-friendly format. With their GCPS student ID and a password, students will be able to navigate Messages, Calendar, Attendance, Schedule, Course History, Course Request, Grade Book, Student Info, and Documents. In the Grade Book, students can drill down into any class to see a detailed view of current and future assignments, including missing work. And, new for 2020-21, GCPS students can use their smartphone and the StudentVUE mobile app to access all the great features of the portal, including their Barcode Student ID for contact-free meal payments, book checkout, and more. The StudentVUE mobile app is available in Google Play for Android devices and the App Store for Apple (iOS) devices.

Speed tests measure internet performance

In an effort to assess connectivity options around Georgia, state leaders are encouraging Georgians to test internet connection speed and quality on their web-enabled devices by Aug. 31, using the Ookla Speedtest. The process is quick and easy, and you can participate anywhere and anytime your device is connected to the internet with Wi-Fi or mobile. (Data rates may apply.)

Here’s how to help internet service providers and mobile phone carriers know where Georgians need better connectivity:

For smartphones and tablets, download the Speedtest app:

• Android— Once installed on your device, open and click “GO.” You also can turn on the “Speedtest” function in your Settings if you are using an Android device.

• iOS (Apple)— Once installed on your device, open and click “GO.”

For laptops and computers connected to your home or work internet service, go to https://www.speedtest.net/ and click “GO.

The test measures three elements— ping times, and download and upload speeds. Once the test shows the third and final test result— for upload speed— the process is complete and users can close the web page or app.

The collected data is reported by Ookla to state officials, helping to identify infrastructure upgrades that are needed statewide to improve internet accessibility

Register by Aug. 14 to participate in GEMS Oversight Committee

Staff and citizens are invited to apply for the GEMS Oversight Committee, a group of community and school system representatives charged with the annual review of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) curriculum. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2020. After the review, the committee recommends revisions and additions to CEO/Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks for adoption by the Board. Committee members serve three-year terms. Those interested in serving should complete the online application no later than Aug. 14.

FY2021 Budget: GCPS to hold first of two public budget hearings on July 9

Citizens invited to comment on FY2021 budget at July 9 hearing

Citizens may address the Board regarding the FY2021 Budget in person at the Instructional Support Center, or virtually by telephone. To sign up to speak virtually, notify Melody Williams, Coordinator of Board Services, by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8. Requests to address the Board on the budget must be made in writing and sent to Melody.Williams@gcpsk12.org. Information on accessing the telephone connection will be provided to speakers Thursday morning.

Gwinnett County Public Schools will hold two public hearings about its FY2021 Recommended Budget in the coming weeks. The $2.3 billion dollar Recommended Budget represents a 2.7% decrease from the current budget and accounts for a 11% cut or $118 million from the state, referred to as a “temporary projected decline in state revenues.” The Superintendent’s Recommended Budget calls for no furlough days and no cuts in services. While there are no improvement items included, the district is proposing the funding of a step increase for all eligible employees. (Approximately 95% of teachers will be eligible for the step increase.)

The public hearings on the budget will be held:

• Thursday, July 9, at 7 p.m. - First Public Budget Hearing

• Thursday, July 16, at 6 p.m. - Second Public Budget Hearing; Final Budget Adoption

Both hearings will be conducted at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center, located at 437 Old Peachtree Road N.W. in Suwanee.

The Public Hearing may be viewed live online through the GCPS website at www.gcpsk12.org. The meeting also will be broadcast live on GCPS-TV. Check your cable provider for the channel number.

Find a copy of the proposed budget for review online, or contact the Budget Office at 678-301-6000 on weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment to review the document.