Spring 2024 Essentials

A Message from Dr. Calvin J. Watts

Celebrating Achievements and Looking Forward to a Bright Future

     As we wrap up the 2023-24 school year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible work done by our dedicated staff, supportive families, and engaged community members. Together, we have navigated through challenges, celebrated successes, and remained committed to providing the best education possible for each and every student in Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS).

     This year has been particularly remarkable as we witnessed exceptional teaching and learning experiences across our schools. Our educators, instructional leaders, and support staff have gone above and beyond to create engaging classrooms, foster a love for learning, and ensure every student reaches their full potential. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all our teachers, administrators, and staff for their unparalleled dedication and passion. As we reflect on the past year, it’s important to acknowledge the significant support we received through the ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds. These funds played a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic, enhancing safety measures, and providing additional resources to support student learning and well-being. While the ESSER funding period is coming to an end for all school districts across the country in September, the impact of these investments and of the pandemic itself will continue to be revealed for years to come.

     Looking ahead, I am excited about the future of GCPS. We remain steadfast in our commitment to academic excellence, equity, and inclusivity. Our focus on the whole learner will continue to be at the forefront of everything we do. Together, we will create a nurturing and safe learning environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.

     The 2024–25 school year will be year three of our five-year strategic plan, our halfway point in the Blueprint. With the 2024–25 school year data, we will be able to look for trends and identify opportunities to support improved student
outcomes and staff performance. Our focus in the 2024–25 school year will not be new initiatives or concerns. As the pandemic becomes firmly in place in our rearview mirror, we will concentrate our collective efforts and resources on college and career readiness, literacy proficiency, and safe and welcoming schools for each and every GCPS student.

     As we embark on the next chapter, let us carry forward the spirit of collaboration, resilience, and optimism that defines our community. I am confident that by working together, we will achieve our goals and provide our students with
the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world in the college or career that they choose. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we make GCPS a place where each and every child succeeds.

Addressing Concerns at School

GCPS finds that the quickest and most effective way to resolve a concern regarding your child is by addressing it at the most direct level.
In our school district, we care about each and every student. We also believe that open and honest communication between parents and teachers is key to student success. Thank you for partnering with your child’s teacher and school to address any concerns.

1. Teacher First, talk to your child’s teacher or a counselor at school for assistance. Most concerns are resolved at the classroom level.
2. Assistant Principal If the concern is not resolved at the classroom level, please visit with your child’s assistant principal.
3. Principal If working with the assistant principal does not adequately address the issue, please meet with the school
   principal.
4. Cluster Superintendent If the issue persists, please call 678-301-6000, and ask to speak to the cluster superintendent who is assigned to the school your child attends.
5. Chief of Schools If, after following steps one through four, your concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction,
   please contact the Chief of Schools for School Improvement and Operations.

Other Resources

If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 9-1-1. If you have a non-emergency criminal concern, please contact local law enforcement.

You can share safety concerns through the anonymous tip tool.

There are three ways to contact us without disclosing your identity:

• Go to www.p3campus.com/5105 and complete the tip form.
• Download the GCPS Tips app for your Apple or Android device and use it to communicate with school leaders. You do not have to provide your name.
• Call 770-822-6513 or text GCPS to 738477 to help keep our schools safe!

Use the anonymous tip line options
…if you believe someone may be considering self-harm;
…if you think someone may be carrying a weapon, drugs, or alcohol on school property; or
…if you believe that you or someone you know have been the target of violence or threats, or have witnessed violent or threatening conduct by another person.

Spring is the Season to Recognize our Students

Amy Fillippone of North Gwinnett HS is the 2024 Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Student of the Year.

Parv Mahajan, from the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, and Jillian Vacha, of North Gwinnett HS are Gwinnett County’s 2024 STAR (Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition) Student award winners. This honor recognizes seniors ranking in the top 10 percent of their class with the highest SAT score. Student honorees choose a teacher who has significantly impacted their academic journey. Parv selected Julia Rachkovskiy, and Jillian chose Andrea Boyce as her STAR Teacher.

Keep up with spring student honors, scholarship winners, and more under the News section at gcpsk12.org.