GAINESVILLE - The past few days have been busy ones for many people - faculty, staff, some students - associated with the Gainesville City School System (GCSS).
With the new school year beginning Wednesday, a number of pre-term activities have been taking place.
INCOMING FRESHMEN
This past week rising freshmen participated in the Gainesville High School Freshman Focus Summer Experience Camp held at Gainesville High School (GHS). Students were able to meet GHS faculty and administrators, tour the high school, and become acquainted with high school procedures and expectations. Students engaged in a number of hands-on activities relating to culinary arts, graphic design, video production, computer technology, and construction.
NEW TEACHER ORIENTATION
Seventy-five of the newest members of the Red Elephant family arrived early on Monday, July 27, at the Gainesville Civic Center for New Teacher Orientation and were welcomed by Superintendent Wanda Creel, school board members, and district and school personnel.
State Senator Butch Miller was also there and joined in welcoming the new teachers to Gainesville. To start off the morning, breakfast was served by Milton Martin Honda staff while the teachers played "Spin the Wheel" for a chance to win a free oil change, breakfast for their school, and various door prizes sponsored by Milton Martin Honda. Teachers also received a gift bag of school supplies from Office Pros.
During the three-day induction, teachers were informed about the school system's policies, procedures, and processes. District personnel also shared information on topics regarding keys to effectiveness, professional learning, instruction & curriculum, and instructional technology. To conclude the orientation, teachers visited their classrooms to prepare for the new school year.
GREAT ELEPHANT TAILGATE PARTY
GCSS faculty and staff kicked off the new school year with the "Great Elephant Tailgate Party" held at the GHS gymnasium on July 30.
At the start of the event, the GHS band and cheerleaders cheered on employees as they arrived by buses from their schools. As part of the festivities, the GHS ROTC cadets led the colors presentation followed by the singing of the National Anthem by GHS alumni Robert Cantrell. Fair Street principal Will Campbell performed our "One Gainesville" song, and DJ Dano got everyone off their feet and dancing with the music and chanting "We are One Gainesville" to show their school spirit. Everyone showed their enthusiasm through cheers led by GHS cheerleaders in hope of winning the coveted spirit stick, which was awarded to Gainesville Exploration Academy.
Each school's Teacher of the Year was recognized, including Diana Drerup (Centennial), Kay Law (Enota), Michelle Garcia (Fair Street), Samantha Cronic (Gainesville Exploration), Jessica Chambers (New Holland), Jean Louis Pondo (GMS), Master Sargent Jack Reese (GHS), and Heather McConnell (Academy of Wood's Mill). Throughout the prep rally, several lucky winners received door prizes sponsored by our local businesses. In conclusion, Superintendent Wanda Creel shared a video featuring students titled "Do You Believe In Me?" and addressed the importance of students to the future and the significance of making a difference in each of student's life.
Corporate sponsors of the event were: Northeast Georgia Physicians Group, which donated gift bags to all of employees,Hobb's Sporting Goods, Milton Martin Honda, Georgia Power, J. Geyer Advertising, Office Pros, Firehouse Subs, Buffalo Wild Wings, Brusters, Starbucks, O'Charley's, Applebee's, and Chili's.
FIRST TEE TRAINING
Several GCSS teachers participated in the First Tee Training held at Gainesville High School as part of the National School Program sponsored by The First Tee organization and Georgia Power. The purpose of the training was to offer guidance on implementing golf skills and techniques within the school district's physical education curriculum. (See earlier story. http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/7/326216/video-gainesville-elementary-schools-to-add-golf-program-to-pe-curriculum )
GHS assistant principal Bryson Worley, who served as the district's coordinator, stated, "[The] training was engaging, motivating, and well-taught. Gainesville City Schools teachers that represented us were enthusiastic and excited to be a part of this initiative.' Mr. Worley added, " Personally, I look forward to visiting schools and observing our teachers implementing not only golf skills, but the Nine Core Values and Healthy Habits."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/8/326808/gainesville-school-system-makes-most-of-final-week-of-summer-break