December 2023 - Our Blueprint in Action: Equity in the Norcross Cluster

Join us as we examine how Equity is achieved in our Norcross Cluster.

Through Equity in education― the conditions under which each and every child receives what they need to develop to their full academic and social potential― we ensure that Team GCPS students, families, and staff have targeted supports and enrichment that increase opportunities to succeed. Each and every student and staff member receive support to match their unique and individual needs through social, emotional, and behavioral systems and processes. The opportunity to engage in and access high-quality, rigorous, and culturally relevant curriculum, advanced coursework, and enrichment activities helps in the removal of barriers to success.

Throughout the Norcross Cluster, Equity means opportunity, access, support, quality, flexibility, inclusion, and understanding.

Jump into the ball pit, knock down a stack of colorful cups, chase balloons, or practice your yoga skills. For our youngest students, there’s plenty of learning opportunities to be found at the Early Learning Field Trip at Lucky Shoals Park.

GCPS’ Early Learning and School Readiness (ELSR) Department recently coordinated and facilitated a Gwinnett Building Babies’ Brains Early Learning Field Trip. As one of the key supports of this early learning initiative, the GCPS ELSR team partnered with Gwinnett County’s B2 Anywhere Initiative, Gwinnett County Public Libraries, and Corner’s Outreach to provide access to high-quality, free learning activities for the Norcross Cluster.

“We’re trying to give [the Norcross] community different options to support kids,” says Paola Aramendiz, a GCPS Outreach Community Liaison. “[Families] can feel that they belong, and they know it's not just [within] their schools. There are other activities, and [the community] is here to support them.”

With more than 900 families registered, the support provided at events like this ensures that families have resources to engage their children from birth through five. They also learn how to connect with their children in a fun and educational way that will help prepare them for kindergarten at Norcross Cluster elementary schools.

“This opportunity for our Norcross community is crucial for [families] to interact with other families that are in the same cluster,” says Carolina Worthington, a GCPS Early Learning Specialist.

Opportunity and support abound in the Norcross Cluster where Equity continues to mean community engagement, collaboration, and enrichment no matter what school you attend.

What better way is there to engage with your community than encouraging physical wellness among your families? Summerour Middle turned its Cross-Country practice into an activity for all. Coach Ken Almon, who has been involved in promoting running in the Norcross cluster at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, suggested to parents attending their child’s practice that they start running or walking to pass the time. Step by step, parents began to join the effort, forming an Adult Running Club that not only allowed them to support their children, but also support themselves through exercise and bonding.

As training became more consistent, Almon had the idea to take the adult running club to the next level. “At one training, I told them I would like for them to train to run a 5K. We signed up for the Donut 5K in Duluth as our first race. The only goal I had for them was to cross the finish line, which they all did,” Almon shared. The club has now completed three races in the Metro-Atlanta area: the Donut 5K, Fast Pace 5K, and the Turkey Trot 5K.

At Norcross High, Equity means access, excellence, and pride. Step into the media center and enter the “Research Challenge Race” to test your information literacy skills by locating credible sources, synthesizing information, and selecting evidence to back up your claim. Or unwind in the maker space with a DIY activity, join fellow students for a book tasting, engage with guest speakers, or join an author meet and greet. In the media center, programs and experiences are tailored to the needs and perspectives of the students at Norcross High.

“We try to intentionally host authors who look like our diverse population. We want our students to identify with an author,” says media specialists Lorraine McCullough and Lauren Salgado. “[With] book selection and collection development, we want students to see themselves in books and have insight into others’ lifestyles, cultures, and perspectives.”

The pair of media specialists recently received their ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certifications, and they work to incorporate ELL (English Language Learners) strategies in lessons with each teacher so students are continually supported. The media center also provides public library services like eBooks, hotspots, and digital resources. New Test Prep materials are purchased every year to ensure all students have access to guides and resources they may not have access to at home.

Picture books, cozy furniture, and story time programming cater to students with special needs in the school. In the Norcross High media center, many subjects and lessons become clear, including the message of Equity― “The media center is for everyone!”

Beaver Ridge Elementary implements equity into its arts, humanities, and extra curricular. It is important that students feel represented in spaces outside of the classroom. Beaver Ridge faculty go the extra mile to support their young artists, athletes, scientists, students with special needs, and more by providing them opportunities that highlight their importance in our community.

Strong partnerships with community organizations support student engagement at the school and provide their diverse student community with equitable and positive personal connections. At the Norcross Branch Public Library, art is in abundance. Serving as a second place to foster community and artistic expression, the local library is bringing many of the Norcross cluster’s students to a shared space. Together, they learn from each other and see each other represented in their creations.

Peachtree Elementary exemplifies excellence in equity through Teaching and Learning. Learning goes beyond the classroom environment as the school encourages participation in field trips and other enriching activities to engage students in instruction that involves community.

Students participate in a wide variety of activities including Careers on Wheels, serving as community helpers, engaging in hands-on science projects, and more. On field trips, students have had the opportunity to visit the Fernbank Museum, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Fox Theater.

At North Metro Academy of Performing Arts, GCPS' first themed elementary school, performing arts are integrated into a rigorous Common Core-based academic curriculum. Each and every student has the opportunity to develop unique abilities, uncover hidden talents, and gain cultural experience while pursuing an education tailored to their unique needs. The school provides opportunities for students to engage in activities of their interest, intentionally developing confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Students participate in active discovery of clubs and fine arts such as Drama, Music, Art, Dance, National BETA Club, Young Men of Leadership, Robotics, and Readers Rally. Families engage in events like the Fall Arts Festival, Curriculum Night, and Grandparents Breakfast to support student achievement and learn about arts and culture integration.

“North Metro Academy of Performing Arts believes all students should have access to high-quality, rigorous, and culturally relevant curriculum that includes culturally relevant immersion activities,” adds Principal Monique Lee.

Are you ready to cast your vote in the class election, or maybe you’d rather collaborate with a team to present your STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) PBL (Project Based Learning) project? At Stripling Elementary, each and every student has access to high quality instruction, and enrichment opportunities that encourage creative and critical thinking, problem solving, and effective communication.

From class elections introducing students with special needs to the voting process to Book Mobile visits ensuring students have access to learning resources at home, family engagement events like holiday lunch and International Night strengthen the school-home bond. Equity at Stripling Elementary means support, access, and success.

At Norcross Elementary, Equity and equitable learning experiences are important aspects of education that involve providing equal access, opportunities, and support for each and every student. Dedicated staff members work in Collaborative Learning Teams to deepen their knowledge of the standards students must know and understand, and to collaborate on differentiated instruction to meet the needs of the school's diverse population. Norcross Elementary serves students from various cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds, and the school partners with families, businesses, and community to provide students with enriching, learning experiences that extend academics beyond the classroom.

Over at Pinckneyville Middle, students are now able to enjoy the feeling of a brand-new artificial turf field. The field has been used by students for soccer games, PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) celebrations, concerts, and more. The facility's addition has heightened school pride and brought the Pinckneyville community together through equitable access to the field and surrounding area. The space is even used by other Norcross Cluster elementary schools for other extracurricular activities.

Principal Todd Marschke says the community response has been amazing, “The students and parents love the field. Pinckneyville is the only middle school with an artificial turf field with stadium lights... We hosted our first movie night on the field this fall and there was a buzz from the community about the new addition of the lights. To host something like that is more difficult without the option to turn on the lights at the end of the show,” he shared.

The field and lights were graciously donated by the city of Peachtree Corners and an anonymous donor. The new field has increased curb appeal for the school and created quite an ambiance for the community. The future of the field— and this learning community— is bright with events like Color Wars scheduled for March 2024.

Throughout the Norcross Cluster, Equity means embracing community and providing options for access and support to each and every individual and family. From birth to kindergarten, and beyond, students are prepared for success through inclusion.