GCPS mask guidance for 2nd semester

For 2nd semester, Gwinnett County Public Schools is following updated mask guidance based on community transmission as determined by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH)—https://dph.georgia.gov/county-indicator-reports.

• Masks are required for students, staff, and visitors to all GCPS schools and facilities during periods of SUBSTANTIAL or HIGH community transmission.

• When community transmission has been maintained at the MODERATE or LOW level for two consecutive weeks, GCPS will transition to strongly recommending masks in all of its facilities.

• Masks are required on buses in compliance with federal mandates, regardless of current GCPS mask status.     

Through the end of the 2021-22 school year, families and staff will be notified via School Messenger each Monday afternoon about the status of community transmission and mask guidance for the rest of the week. Families also can find the current mask status on the GCPS website. In addition, families can monitor conditions at their school and within the district by reviewing GCPS’ COVID dashboard, which is updated daily on school days.

Experts tell us no single tool is going to stop the pandemic. However, we can all do our part to slow COVID-19 transmission. The best protection from COVID-19—for yourself and others—will be a combination of strategies, including getting a COVID-19 vaccine if eligible, wearing a mask, maintaining distance when you can, staying home when ill, and washing your hands often. GCPS will continue to employ these and other established mitigation efforts, including continued use of enhanced ventilation practices, our Health Response Team process, and recommended cleaning and disinfecting practices in schools and on buses.

Stay home from school or work if you…

• are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms;

• have tested positive or been diagnosed with COVID;

• are awaiting test results; or

• have been in close contact in the last 14 days with someone diagnosed with COVID or someone with COVID symptoms who is waiting for test results.

Lovin ES students perform ‘reading surgery’

A group of 4th grade Lovin ES students made the cut when it comes to reading! Recently, the students dressed up as doctors and nurses as they participated in an exercise called Reading Surgery. The students analyzed passages using scalpels (pencils) to make inferences, determined the main idea of passages, and inferred the meaning of words.

Tuesday, Jan. 25, is at-home learning day for GCPS students, planning day for teachers

A reminder for GCPS families… Tuesday, Jan. 25, is a scheduled Digital Learning Day (DLD) for all students. This is the second at-home asynchronous learning day of the school year, providing additional planning time for teachers. On scheduled DLDs, students access lessons in eCLASS but do not have virtual class time with their teachers.

To ensure that students have a nutritious breakfast and lunch to fuel their learning, our bus drivers will be on the road and at every bus stop to deliver meals prepared by School Nutrition Program staff. Families should expect buses to run their routes from approximately 10:45 a.m. to noon, beginning at the first stops on the route. Like meals served at school, these delivered meals are provided at no cost to the student under a federal waiver.

Remember… While breakfast and lunch will be provided at no charge for all GCPS in-person and digital students this school year, it still pays to complete the Free and Reduced-price Meal Application as confirmed eligibility establishes additional benefits for the student and provides additional federal funds for the school.

Schools and offices closed Jan. 17 for MLK Day

A calendar reminder… GCPS schools and offices will be closed on MLK Day— Monday, Jan. 17— with students and staff returning to class on Tuesday, Jan. 18.

GCPS invites parents, community members to apply for in resource review committee

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) invites parents and community members to apply for the district’s Instructional Resources Review Committee (IRRC), a group charged with evaluating print and digital instructional resources. Feedback from the IRRC and teacher reviews will be considered in the selection of resources to pilot in the district. This year’s IRRC will convene on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center, located at 437 Old Peachtree Road, NW, in Suwanee. Instructional resources will be reviewed for courses in the areas of Health (grades K-9), Mathematics (grades K-5 and select high school courses), Career and Technical Education (select courses in grades 6-12), and Social Studies (select elective courses in grades 9-12). Learn more about the IRRC and complete the application online. The deadline to submit completed applications is Monday, Jan. 24.

Computer Science Education Week 2021

Students at every level around the district celebrated Computer Science Education the week of December 6-10, 2021.

Start the new year right with a job as a GCPS bus driver!

Want to Be Notified of GCPS Driver Job Fairs?
Text @drive4gcps to 81010.

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is now hiring drivers! If you are looking for a new job for the new year, consider a spot behind the wheel of a GCPS school bus! Our drivers enjoy competitive wages—from $17.98 to $25.48 per hour and between six and eight daily work hours for morning and afternoon routes—as well as excellent benefits, fully paid training, and a great work schedule. They follow the student calendar and enjoy the benefit of time off on student holidays as well as summers off with full pay! Prospective drivers don’t need to hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Our Transportation Department trains and supports new drivers through the process! New drivers receive full pay throughout our award-winning and professional CDL training program.

Interested in joining the team?

Apply today for posting #72988! Drivers must be 21 or older, have a good driving record, and have a high school diploma or GED. The Transportation Department will contact qualified applicants to schedule an interview. Check out this video to hear from a current driver. For additional information call 678-225-7670.

Behind the Scenes: A TOTY takeover of the ‘Teaching Gwinnett’ podcast

It’s a Teacher of the Year (TOTY) takeover in Episode 4 of GCPS' "Teaching Gwinnett" podcast! Tune in to hear from former GCPS TOTYs Rebecca Carlisle and Katie Blum about their experiences and from current TOTYs who share some of their innovative teaching techniques. Find the podcast on Anchor, Spotify, Google Play Music, Google Podcasts, Castbox, Overcast, Pocket Casts, iTunes, the Apple Podcast app, and the district website.

Parent Mentors serve families of students who receive special education services

GCPS Parent Mentors Dawn Albanese and Jackie McNair help to provide information, guidance, and resources to families of children receiving special education services so that they can support their student at home, at school, and in the community. They have first-hand knowledge of raising a child with special needs as they both have a child who has been served or is being served in GCPS.

Ms. Albanese and Ms. McNair support success and better outcomes for students with disabilities by helping to build a bridge between parents, administrators, and teachers. They work with families to find positive solutions and help to connect families to needed community resources. The district’s Parent Mentors provide families with information about achieving educational and postsecondary goals, transition planning, agencies that support individuals with disabilities, Medicaid waivers, special education issues, support groups, disability funding resources, community resources, and other information related to disabilities and special education.

Throughout the year, Ms. Albanese and Ms. McNair present a monthly learning series in collaboration with GCPS’ Special Education Department staff and community leaders and organizations. Spanish interpretation services are available.

For more information regarding the Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership, go to www.parentmentors.org.

Parent Mentor Contact Information

Dawn Albanese: (678) 301-7212, dawn.albanese@gcpsk12.org

Jackie McNair: (678) 301-7149, jackie.mcnair@gcpsk12.org

Nov. 19 is National Substitute Educators Day!

We appreciate the important work of substitute teachers!

Gwinnett’s pool of substitute educators ensures that our schools can continue a productive day of learning for our students, even when their regular classroom teacher is away from school. Following the regular teacher’s direction, substitutes ensure that students keep learning in their teacher’s absence. Substitutes may step in on short notice after a last-minute call, or they may take over a classroom for weeks or months when a teacher is ill or on leave. In Gwinnett, some substitute educators—called Stellar Subs—are on permanent staff at the school, familiar to the children and part of the education team. And, many GCPS retirees return to the classroom as substitutes, bringing their experience and expertise to the classroom wherever and whenever they are needed.

If you’re looking for employment with a flexible schedule, become a GCPS substitute teacher!

Working as a substitute can provide valuable experience for college students considering an education major, workers thinking of a career change, or those looking for the opportunity to teach when and where they want to work. As a substitute, you can work in our schools on daily or longer assignments. You choose the assignments you want to accept and determine your own schedule! Compensation ranges from $130 a day up to $150 per day for extended assignments (10 or more consecutive days in the same classroom). Substitutes who work 45 days or more between Aug. 4, 2021, and Dec. 17, 2021, qualify for a one-time incentive payment of $500. Substitutes who are fully vaccinated AND work 45 days or more throughout the 2021-22 school year qualify for a one-time incentive payment of $500 with proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Applicants must complete an online application, provide references, and complete training.

The district also employs substitutes for other important roles, including paraprofessionals, clerical staff, clinic workers, and custodians.

If you think substitute teaching may be for you, complete an online application (Posting #72684) today! Learn more at GCPSjobs.org. Email substitutes@gcpsk12.org for assistance.

#ThankASub

Hats off to those who support student learning!

It’s National Education Support Professionals Day (Nov. 17)! 

The team supporting our students is a big one, and teachers couldn’t do their important work in the classroom without the hard work of a lot of caring and committed support staff who go above and beyond for our school communities, particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

GCPS’ support staff members—paraprofessionals and technical support personnel, school nutrition workers and transportation staff, custodians and maintenance workers, nurses and social workers, safety and security staff and clerical support at schools and central office—are essential members of the school success team. They work together with teachers and administrators to ensure each and every student in a Gwinnett school benefits from an effective, high-quality public school education. Our support staff members perform a variety of jobs that promote quality education, foster positive learning environments, fuel learning with nutritious meals, provide reliable transportation, and maintain safe and clean schools for our students.

Please take a moment to say “thank you’ for the important work they do to support your student’s success.

#WeLoveOurESPs

Families, community gather for SOTA dedication

On Nov. 14, students, their families, school and district staff, and community leaders gathered to dedicate the School of the Arts @ Central Gwinnett HS. Known as SOTA, this “school within a school” opened in August, offering an arts-centric learning experience for Gwinnett County high school students with a passion for the arts. That artistic passion was in evidence at the dedication ceremony where students from SOTA’s Musical Theatre Conservatory, Dance Conservatory, and Voice Conservatory performed. SOTA’s Conservatory Program includes students from across the district who were selected through a rigorous process of auditions, interviews, juried presentations, and performances. SOTA also offers a Fellows Program with expanded elective course offerings in the arts for Central Gwinnett and transfer students. The arts school is the result of a partnership between Gwinnett County Public Schools and the City of Lawrenceville and the arts community. At SOTA, students combine academic coursework with expanded fine arts classes and arts-related internships and work experiences at the pre-professional and professional level. Check out these scenes from the dedication event.

SHINE as a GCPS paraprofessional!

Do you have what it takes to SHINE as a paraprofessional in a special education classroom in Gwinnett? GCPS has partnered with ESS to manage the recruitment and hiring of paraprofessionals. Prospective applicants for paraprofessional positions should complete an online application on the ESS website. An ESS recruiter works with GCPS principals to interview and place qualified applicants in open positions. ESS offers employee perks, health benefits, training, support, weekly pay, and a 401(k), plus bonus opportunities and award programs. Paraprofessionals provide support within an assigned classroom with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of students with special needs… in the regular education classroom, the special education classroom, or the community. Our paraprofessionals assist in implementing plans for instruction, monitor student behavior during non-classroom time, and attend individual Education Program (IEP) meetings.

Giving...the GCPS Way

Students and teachers from the School of the Arts at Central Gwinnett High School collaborated to customize Jacob's wheelchair for the ultimate Halloween experience.

ICYMI: GCPS ACT scores outpace Ga., U.S.

Gwinnett test-takers in the Class of 2021 continued to outperform their peers on the ACT, a popular college-admissions exam. Scores were released last week. Gwinnett posted an average composite ACT score of 23.7 out of a possible 36, compared to 22.6 for the state and 20.3 for the nation. In addition to an overall high composite score, the averages for Gwinnett students increased for each of the four skill areas— English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science. Twelve schools saw higher composite scores compared to 2020, with scores for two schools unchanged. GCPS also had strong results on the SAT, reported in September.

GCPS seeks fleet technicians

The school district is hiring auto/diesel technicians! This full-time position offers excellent health and retirement benefits as well as opportunities for growth. Hourly rates range from $17.90 to $29.90, based on work experience, college credit, or military service. Qualified applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED, and hold a Commercial Driver’s License or CDL permit before hiring. GCPS provides training for required endorsements. Interested technicians should complete an application online, including required work history and a reference from a supervisor. GCPS’ Fleet Maintenance Department will contact qualified applicants to schedule an interview. Questions? Call 678-226-7686. Apply today at bit.ly/GCPSA-DTech!

Think safety and #ThankADriver!

This week marks several celebrations for GCPS employees in our Transportation Department, including state and national School Bus Safety Week and Georgia School Bus Driver Appreciation Day.

Our bus drivers are well-trained and dedicated professionals charged with the safe delivery of students between home and school.

GCPS is hiring bus drivers!

Our drivers enjoy competitive wages—from $17.98 to $25.48 per hour and between six and eight daily work hours for morning and afternoon routes—as well as excellent benefits, fully paid training, and a great work schedule. Drivers must be 21 or older, have a good driving record, and have a high school diploma or GED. Online find upcoming career fairs. For additional information call 678-225-7670.

Apply today for posting #72988!

Gwinnett is the third-largest transporter of students in the country. And we do that job well! We're proud (and not surprised) that GCPS' Transportation Department is considered one of the five best in the country by the Pupil Transportation Safety Institute.

Researchers say that a school bus is 13 times safer than any other form of transportation. Our transportation professionals are committed to a safe ride for our students. Armed with a commercial driver’s license, our drivers participate in more than 120 hours of initial training and more than 20 hours throughout the school year. In addition, each driver performs an Annual Driver Proficiency Test (ADPT) on the driving range to ensure that he or she is proficient at driving their school bus. From the nuts and bolts of handling a bus in all kinds of weather and traffic situations to behavior management and safe evacuations and first aid, our drivers learn it all.

“Our drivers and monitors, and those who support them, are the backbone of the service we provide,” says Charley Humble, executive director for transportation. “There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not thankful for the commitment they show in making a difference in a child’s life every day.”

We hope you'll take a moment to #ThankADriver (and the other transportation folks who provide support… from bus monitors and dispatchers to mechanics and trainers.) Through their dedication and professionalism, these professionals live up to their workplace motto… they make a difference in the life of a child every day. 

Check out the website to learn more about Transportation in Gwinnett and find a guide to the district’s bus camera program and bus safety tips for students.  

#ThankADriver
#GCPSSafeRide

Looking for a ‘family first’ job that’s rewarding?

Use your skills in the kitchen to help support your family! If you need a job but want to be home when your kids are home from school, join the Spur Team in GCPS’ School Nutrition Program (SNP)! School Nutrition Program (SNP) workers have summers and student holidays off and don’t work nights or weekends. Most positions are 4 to 5 hours per day in a fast-paced kitchen, though SNP workers can pick up additional shifts up to 40 hours a week. As contract workers with Spur, cafeteria workers are paid weekly by direct deposit or paycard, and are eligible for benefits. Training is fully paid and Spur staff members have a path to GCPS employment once they’ve worked their first year with Spur. Pay is $12.50 to $17.96 per hour, plus benefits. Spur employees are eligible for GCPS’ $500 incentive for proof of COVID-19 vaccination. So, join us to help “energize the future” as a school nutrition worker, serving healthy, nutritious, and tasty meals to fuel learning! If you think you may be the missing ingredient on our School Nutrition team, apply online today!

#ThankACustodian!

Oct. 2 is National Custodial Workers Recognition Day, and a great time to say “thank you” to GCPS staff members who ensure that our schools provide a safe and clean learning environment for our students and the district’s employees. This has never been more important than during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

GCPS is hiring school custodians!

The full-time position includes excellent health benefits, retirement benefits, and fully paid training. Hourly rates range from $9.45 to $19.48, based on experience. Daytime, evening, and mid-day shifts are available, so you can work around your busy schedule. Questions? Call 678-226-7199. Apply online today!

GCPS custodians serve on the frontlines to minimize the potential transmission of the virus in our buildings. They follow established protocols to clean, sanitize, and disinfect buildings, and high-touch surfaces and objects, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, toilets, sinks, and handrails.

Custodial trainers work with our custodians on implementing these protocols on a daily basis in our schools, offices, and athletic facilities and employing enhanced processes after a known or potential COVID-19 exposure. In addition, trainers have prepared modules to demonstrate to teachers how and when to use cleaning and disinfecting products provided for every classroom

“The ongoing pandemic has put the Facilities and Operations motto—We Make It Happen!—to the test,” says Stephen Hatcher, director of Environmental and Supply Services for GCPS. “However, our custodial staff members have a ‘can do’ spirit that helps us pull together as a team and do what is necessary to serve the greater good for our students and fellow staff.”

Take a moment this week to thank a custodian for their important work in our schools!

#ThankACustodian

GCPS is hiring school custodians!

Join the GCPS team as a school custodian! Our custodians help to ensure that our schools provide a safe and clean learning environment for our students and the district’s employees. This full-time position includes excellent health benefits, retirement benefits, and fully paid training. Hourly rates range from $9.45 to $19.48, based on experience. Daytime, evening, and mid-day shifts are available so you can work around your busy schedule. Custodial staff are eligible for a $500 incentive with proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Qualified applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by custodial hiring staff. Questions? Call 678-226-7200. Apply online today!