As we move toward winter and the days get shorter, please help us keep our children safe on dark mornings. Many of our students walk to school and stand at bus stops. Please drive slowly and use these safety tips to help protect our students. Thank You.
The Griffin High School Bears Football team has been in some close games, but has not won a football contest on the scoreboard yet this season. However, a recent letter from a referee stated that these young men from GHS are "winning everyday". Please take a moment to read the words of this football official and join us in being proud of the way our Griffin Bears are representing our school and our community.
The letter reads, "My name is James Brown and I currently serve as the President of the Columbus Football Association. I most recently served as your referee (white hat), in last night's football game against Northside of Columbus. Even though you did not come away from last night's game with a victory on the field, it appears that the student athletes (young men) that you coach are winning everyday.
I have been officiating for about 19 years now in high school and about 4 years in college (SIAC), and I don't believe I have ever officiated a football game where the student-athletes were so respectful and displayed such great sportsmanship for the entire contest. Before the game began, while your team was heading back to the locker room, I believe it was #11, that had the courtesy to ask myself and my umpire if we were having a good day. He appeared to also display a heart symbol with his hands as he ran past us. All night your players continued to show great sportsmanship by helping the opposing team up off the ground, patting them on the back/ head and verbally congratulating them on good plays. None of your young men addressed myself or the officiating crew in a disrespectful manner, to my knowledge, the entire night. I have officiated in close to a thousand games in my career, thus far, and I have never walked away from a game being more proud of a team in my life. Sometimes messages are sent when there is something negative to talk about, but I wanted to acknowledge the positivity that your football team displayed! It appears that you and your staff are a making great impact on these young men's lives for their future."
GHS Principal Naja Douglas said, "We are all very proud of our football team, coaching staff and partners. This letter from a referee is wonderful and I appreciate him taking the time to share these encouraging and affirming words, but this is not surprising. I see these student athletes every day and they model the strong character, referenced in this letter, in school. They lead by example."
Griffin High Athletic Director Travis Smith said "We have a very young team but they are very dedicated. About 80% of our team are freshman and sophomores. The wins will come as they continue to grow but they've got the most important part, strong character and appropriate priorities. I am thankful for Coach Fedd's leadership along with the coaching staff. He is dedicated to discipline and accountability but he also loves those young men and tells them daily. The coaches set expectations for the classroom, the football field and the community, and share with the players that they believe in them. We are rebuilding this program brick by brick and we have a strong foundation. We are also thankful for strong partners like David Johnson and his Beyond Self mentors and Daryle Smith of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)."
District athletic director Bill Stikes said, " Sportsmanship and character are focuses of GSCS athletics. Sports is a tool to build young men a women of character with strong work ethic that will become successful adults. We are proud to be building winners for life. I am proud of GHS football for modeling the positive behavior that we expect of all student athletes from all GSCS schools."
GSCS High School Advisory Board also had Slice's with Superintendent Simmons
this week. Great conversations on student scheduling. These🧠scholars are going places! 🎓 Thank you Slice's Pizzeria of Griffin!
GSCS Middle School Advisory Board had Slice's with Superintendent Simmons this week. Food, fun & feedback! 🎉 Great discussion on student cell phones📱. Thank you to our Partner In Education Slice's Pizzeria of Griffin!
We want your thoughts! Attend the GSCS Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m. in the Griffin Auditorium to discuss cell phones in schools.
Spalding High School Freshman Skye Oduaran will give her second TEDx Talk in Davenport, Iowa, tomorrow, October 10. Be sure to check it out! Congratulations, Skye!
Happy #GAPreKWeek! Quality early learning for young children improves third-grade reading
proficiency and increases high school graduation rates!
Student Leadership Opportunity
The Griffin-Spalding Board of Education values the input and perspectives of students and is accepting application for scholar representation to the board. If selected, a scholar representative would serve for one quarter. Application packets may be obtained from your high school principal and applications must be turned in to the principal's office by noon on November 4, 2024. The Board of Education believes that this opportunity will
● Amplify scholar voices
● Enhance communication between the Board and the scholars it serves
● Enhance collaboration between the Board and the scholars it serves
● Teach scholars the importance of civic involvement
● Expose scholars to Board of Education functions, preparing them for possible future civic service
● Report to scholars about the work of the school system and the Board of Education
Please consider this opportunity,
Thank you.
All GSCS schools will be closed October 14-18, 2024, for Fall Break. Central Office will be closed on Monday, October 14 & Tuesday, October 15. Relax and recharge...Happy Fall!
October 6th was #NationalCoachesDay. Coaches are mentors, leaders, and role models! GSCS wants to shine a light on the significant influence coaches have both on the field and in the classroom. Thank you to all GSCS Instructional and Athletic Coaches!
"FREE IS GOOD… and the GRCCA Fall Festival is right around the corner. Is your plan to attend college after high school? Would you like to earn up to 30 hours of free college tuition while in high school? If you answered yes to these questions, come to the GRCCA Fall Festival on Tuesday, October 29 to learn more. Southern Crescent, Gordon State College, Middle Georgia State and the University of Georgia will be present to discuss dual enrollment opportunities.
Not in high school yet, no problem? We’ll also have our Business Partners, Food Trucks, Games, Music and Candy so come by and begin to envision your future. Bring your eagerness, and a friend or two, to learn about all of the opportunities offered to Butts, Pike and Spalding families at the GRCCA. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgPt0IDVNxJ9bA2O8vlRYEZKmbbULbEnQLDNCIShPz-UsOyA/viewform
This week is the 14th Annual #GAPreKWeek! Let's celebrate because early learning is the foundation for all future success in school, the workforce and life! GSCS serves over 430 pre-k students in 22 classrooms.
Help your child boost their Lexile score and foster a love for reading with our District-Wide Reading Challenge to read 100,000 books! Using AR and Beanstack, we’re making reading an interactive adventure that motivates students to explore, engage and grow their Lexile.
Check out the flyer for all the details. Let’s make reading fun, challenging and rewarding!
October Events and Recognition Days. Mark your calendars!
Today is National Custodial Worker Day and we want to recognize, celebrate and thank all of the amazing individuals who keep GSCS clean, maintained and operating smoothly!
Many Griffin-Spalding County Schools (GSCS) students, staff and partners in education participated in the Camelot Theatre Company production of Diary of A Wimpy Kid The Musical, last weekend in the Griffin Auditorium. We are proud of the many hours of rehearsal that culminated in an amazing show despite the challenging weather. Our local cast members are among the first talented actors and actresses in United States to perform this new musical. Author Jeff Kinney spoke to our cast via Zoom. Visit https://camelottheatre.com/ to see upcoming shows that you might audition for and/or attend and enjoy. Pick up Diary of a Wimpy Kid books at your library because #Readingisfun. GSCS students and staff participants include: Shelby Burrows, Lexi Beard (Chris Hosey), Vada Belleza, Vivi Benefield (Fregley), Logan Fagin (Greg's Dad), Camila Fagundez, Eisley Folds, Lucy Folds, Lucas Rodriguez Gierke (Manny), Alani Lewis, Karlie Mathews, Ophelia Matti (Claire), Bentley Mendez (Chirag Gupta), Lyla Rakestraw, Zane Smith (Lionel James), Chase Thomaston, Isabella Thompson (Yvette), Morgan Wages, Shelby White (Pauline), Arria Williams
October is National Principals Month! Sending a huge thank you to all the incredible principals who lead with dedication and inspire our students every day. Your impact is invaluable! This month, express your gratitude and let your principal know just how much their tireless efforts mean to you! #ThankAPrincipal #NationalPrincipalsMonth
Today, September 30, is Georgia Reads Day. This morning, Governor Kemp held a press conference to express the importance of reading. Griffin Mayor Doug Holberg, issued a proclamation expressing the same. Georgia Reads Day was designed to create awareness about the importance of reading, the need to improve literacy skills in all age groups, and the opportunity to engage in community reading activities including the first-ever virtual read across Georgia with Georgia Reads Coach (former UGA football player and author) Malcolm Mitchell. The state program may be viewed here. https://www.gpb.org/georgiareadsday
The state program was streamed in all GSCS classrooms. Griffin-Spalding County Schools also provided a video that was shown Pre-K through 12th grade. It included the Mayor's proclamation and a Kickoff of our GSCS RISE reading initiative. It promoted the Accelerated Reader and Beanstack reading programs and celebrated some the top readers in the district. View the video at this link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y1hZSJ5lLar2LbY-AvQHhSSVz1bRsLzs/view?usp=drivesdk
From: GEMA/Homeland Security and Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division ...Urgent Statement Pertaining to the Rockdale County Chemical Plant Fire and air quality.
"The EPA is monitoring air quality for chlorine and related compounds. Current data suggests that chemical levels in the air are unlikely to cause harm to most people. This data, along with further updates, will be shared with the public. Please follow guidance from your county EMA. If you have concerns, limit your time outdoors, close windows, and turn off any ventilation systems."
Thank you,
Mike Smith
Chief of Staff
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency
Last week, in a time of great need, Griffin High School Counselor Jocasta Odom graciously volunteered to represent GSCS at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. She joined counselors from around the state to provide needed counseling services as classes resumed after the horrific school shooting. Thank you, Jocasta, for representing GSCS so well!
