GCPS LINKS

Each month of the 2023-24 school year, we will spotlight one of our strategic priorities or Portrait of a Graduate competencies by sharing the stories of two clusters—highlighting their classrooms, notable events, community insights, achievements, community service projects, student organizations, volunteer efforts, and more.

Stay tuned this month as we showcase Student Voice in the Lanier, Shiloh, and South Gwinnett clusters.

During November’s Georgia Apply to College Month, more than 250 Georgia colleges and universities waive application fees for high school seniors applying for enrollment for Fall 2024. Some schools have automatically waived the fee while others require a code. To see a full list of schools offering application fee waivers, get the discount codes and instructions, visit the GSFC website.

For more information about November application fee waivers, available scholarships, and the application process, please visit GAfutures.org.

The GCPS Foundation Fund scholarship window is open

The GCPS Foundation Fund, Inc., is accepting scholarship applications from members of the Class of 2024 through December 4. There are 57 student scholarships available on the Foundation scholarship website.

Don't forget to submit the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Colleges use the FAFSA to determine financial aid packages for admitted students. https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

The purpose of the FY2025 Budget Development Survey is to inform decisions around funding priorities in the School Year 2024-2025, focusing on identifying programs that must be sustained after COVID-19 stimulus funds (ESSER) end in September 2024. The survey is available in multiple languages and consists of four short questions. Thank you in advance for responding to the FY2025 Budget Development Survey by December 11.

GCPS has opportunities for all students from Birth to 12th grade to engage in high-quality Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) experiences through the Gwinnett Regional Science, Engineering+Innovation Fair. Contact your local school for more information on how to get involved or volunteer.

Make a difference in your community! Did you know: 1 out of 3 young people in America is growing up without a mentor. By becoming a mentor, you have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Gwinnett County students. The program's Super Saturday event on October 21 brought current mentor and mentee participants together for activities and workshops.

With a mentor, mentees are 52% less likely to skip school, 78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their community, and 130% more likely to hold a leadership position in a club or sports team. Please visit this link to learn more about the GCPS Mentoring Program and to apply to become a mentor.

Registration for the 2024-25 school year is now underway for some GCPS schools and programs! Each year, a few special GCPS schools, programs, and a local charter school conduct activities during the winter to register students for the upcoming school year. That process has started for one school, with additional events planned through February for the other schools and programs.

This December, the “CharacterDares” for your family involves forgiveness, helping others, taking a walk, and gratitude! Do you have what it takes to be CharacterStrong?

Getting involved in your child’s education is shown to have a dramatic impact on academic success. National Family Week (November 19-25) reminds students and families that learning doesn’t only happen in a classroom.

Ways parents can engage in their children’s schools and education:

• Seek out opportunities to experience new places, people, and ideas, whether that’s going to a museum or spending time talking to a community leader.

• Ask your child’s teacher what they are learning every week so you can support them at home.

• Help your child find a mentor.

• Look for tutoring resources.

• Ask your school if they need volunteers for schoolwide activities or in your child’s classroom.

• Share your skills with your child’s school: Love gardening? Help the garden club. Work as a STEM professional? Support STEM learning with a club or in the classroom. Love to cook? Assist a culinary class.

• Join the PTA or Local School Council.

• Always ask about your student’s academic, social, and behavioral progress.

• If you have time limitations, let the school know and see how you can help from home or if they can accommodate your availability.

• Review learning materials and calendars, and participate in surveys and other feedback opportunities whenever possible.

Enjoy free dinner, food for your pantry, winter clothing, school supplies and more from partners at Hope Through Soap, Sugar Hill Church and The ODP Corporation. The event is happening

Wednesday, November 22, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Lanier High School Parking lot near the Cafeteria.

Students stay home during the week of November 20-24, and return to school on Monday, November 27. Buses will not be distributing meals during this time. Find information here if you or someone you know needs help with basic needs (including food, personal care items, clothing, shelter, utilities, etc.). Or visit this website to receive holiday help or support families in your community,

The December Board of Education meeting will take place on Thursday, December 14 instead of December 21.

• Board meeting and work session (October 19)
  
• Connected (November 9)
  
• GCPS Links (October 19)
  
• Coffee with Calvin (November 2)
  
• Board Meeting recordings
  
• News Releases
  
• Student Calendars
  
• News You Can Use
  

And much more at www.gcpsk12.org!

• Keep Connected with news from GCPS TV… the next episode airs December 7!
• The next regular Board Meeting is December 14. (Online, find links to sign up for the public comment sections of the meeting.)