SPOTLIGHT
Shiloh Middle School students and community leaders made the schools first Impact Day a tremendous success. Keene Walker, of Dare 2 Care, LLC, led groups of boys in an engaging presentation that touched on knowing your audience, goal setting, and respect. The girl’s breakout sessions focused on unleashing your greatness, healthy relationships, social media, and self-image. Impact Day is part of Shiloh’s 3-Pillars of Impact which are Empowerment, Impact Videos, and Mentoring. The next Impact Day is scheduled for the spring of 2017.
Bethesda Elementary School held its first Patriot Day Program recently. The schools Chorus Club sang patriotic songs, its Cheer team performed several routines that included stunts and the Bethesda Dance Sparkle team entertained the crowd with dance moves. The Patriot Day program also featured a display of art work created by students.
Fostering a love of reading isn’t just a Monday through Friday occurrence at Bethesda Elementary School. Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. the school hosts Reading is Fun Again with Finnegan, a reading workshop where students read books and then write about what they read. Mickey Finnegan, a mentor who volunteers at Bethesda, spearheaded the program that started September 24, and ends December 3. Mr. Finnegan starts the program by leading a group read aloud, a session where the entire group reads a book out loud. The students then form small groups where they read their selected book silently or aloud with the group. The small group will then engage in a book discussion and write a short summary before all the groups come together to share. Reading is Fun Again with Finnegan has been so successful there is a waiting list for students who want to attend. To accommodate all interested students, the school rotates teachers and students so everyone who wants to attend has an opportunity.
Students at Corley Elementary School used 21st-century technology to engage in a live conversation with Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson. Using Polycom Mobile Teleconference Cart technology, the students were able to ask Mr. Johnson questions about how he was appointed, his role as a cabinet officer, and the general responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security. He in turn asked the students questions about the United States Constitution.
Five Forks Middle School students are preparing for the future. More than 330 students at the school recently practiced their interview skills in preparation for their visit to Junior Achievement BizTown in December. The 6th grade students completed a job application, reflecting upon their strengths and skillsets. Then, on the day of the interviews, they met with one of 60 adult volunteers to learn how to present themselves in a professional setting. Students were allotted five minutes to interview as they articulated how they exemplified teamwork, responsibility, and leadership. During the interviews, students practiced how to maintain appropriate eye contact, speak clearly, shake hands, and present themselves in a positive manner. At the conclusion of the mock interview, students were given feedback on their responses and soft skills. When the students visit JA BizTown, they will be assigned jobs, make business decisions, and act as consumers in order to give them an early look at how the real world works. Entrepreneurship is an important focus in the Brookwood Cluster, and BizTown allows students hands-on opportunities to learn more about it.
Rockbridge Elementary School celebrated its 50th anniversary with a carnival party. The celebration featured face painting, inflatable bounce houses, games, and plenty of food for students, parents, and teachers and volunteers.
FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Wednesday, November 30, students at Collins Hill High School will present their 1st semester STEM projects. The theme of the projects is “Think Globally, Act Locally.” Throughout the semester, students tackled projects such as improving air pollution, generating green energy, and assisting individuals with mental illness. The presentations will take place between 7:10 a.m. and 10:07 a.m. (1st through 3rd period). The school has invited parents, faculty, Gwinnett County government, and community representatives to the event.
Friday, December 2, is Special Education Day. GCPS will salute special education teachers and support staff.
GCPS TV
Tune in to Gwinnett County Public Schools educational access channel for education programs and information. TV cable channels and providers include: Charter on Channel 180, Comcast on Channel 24 and 26, and for AT&T check under local government listings. For more information, call the GCPS Broadcast and Distance Learning Department at 678-301-7800, or e-mail gcpstv@gwinnett.k12.ga.us. GCPS TV is now available via live video streaming on the GCPS TV web site www.gcpstv.org.
Below is a schedule of School Council meetings to be held at local schools in the coming weeks. Contact your local school for additional information about a specific meeting.
Archer High School 11/28/16
Benefield Elementary 11/30/16
Cedar Hill Elementary 11/30/16
Duluth Middle 11/29/16
Freeman’s Mill Elementary 12/2/16
Graves Elementary 12/1/16
Meadowcreek Elementary 11/30/16
North Gwinnett Middle 12/2/16
Trip Elementary 12/2/16
