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November 20, 2025

In this issue... In this issue...

  • Teacher of the Year Finalists
  • Learn about special school enrollment opportunities
  • First generation college attendees
  • Engage, Equip, Empower Series
  • Child Find event in December
  • Cellphone policy review goes before the Board of Education

GCPS Highlights GCPS Highlights

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Six Finalists Named for Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year!

Six teachers have been selected as finalists for the 2027 Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year (TOTY) title. The finalists are Tram Nguyen of Bethesda Elementary School, Stephanie Guynn of Burnette Elementary School, Dr. Lisa Babbage of Radloff Middle School, Austin Hannon of Twin Rivers Middle School, Dr. Candice Richardson of GIVE Center East, and Batavia Sumlin of Paul Duke STEM High School. You can learn more about each of the finalists here.


Come with GCPS as we surprise the finalists!

2027 Teacher of the Year Surprise
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Community Engagement shapes Superintendent Search

The Gwinnett County Board of Education received an in-depth update from the Alma Advisory Group on November 12, summarizing the community engagement activities conducted as part of the superintendent search process. Learn more about the next steps.

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Informational meetings for GCPS' Special Schools

GCPS offers students the opportunity to gain unique learning experiences through our Special Schools:

  • Grayson Technical Education Program
  • Gwinnett Online Campus
  • Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology
  • Maxwell High School of Technology
  • New Life Academy of Excellence
  • School of the Arts @ Central Gwinnett High School

Learn more about registration dates and informational meetings for each school, and details about registration and enrollment or lottery processes.

There's more to know about what's happening in our schools:

  • Gwinnett outpaces state on most CCRPI scores

  • GCPS schools named "Literacy Leaders" by GaDOE
  • GCPS schools named "Math Leaders" by GaDOE
  • It's Georgia Apply to College Month!

Student Spotlight & Voices Student Spotlight & Voices

GCPS Students Prepare to Become First Generation College Attendees

Alcova Elementary School Math Day at the Market

Berkmar Middle School hosts Literacy Night

Burnette Elementary School welcomes Roscoe the Rock Snake!

GCPS students selected as REACH Scholars

Peachtree Elementary School students learn in nature’s classroom

Seckinger High School student selected for iCivics Youth Fellowship
Shiloh Cluster hosts "Night of Play"

Woody's Helping Hands partners with Starling Elementary School on turkey donations

Upcoming Events & Important Dates Upcoming Events & Important Dates

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Thanksgiving Break

Schools are closed from Monday, November 24 through Friday, November 28.

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Semester One exams

High school students will take first semester exams December 17, 18, and 19, and will be released early on those days.

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Winter Break

Schools are closed from Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2, 2026.

Engage equip empower, building parent capacity series
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Join us on December 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. for “Unlocking the Future: The Power of Mathematics for Your Child's Success,” a virtual event where you'll learn effective strategies to support your child's growth as a mathematician and problem solver. Discover valuable tips that can help your child excel in mathematics and explore how real-world applications can enhance their learning and unlock their full potential.

Plan to Attend the January GCPS Family Advisory Council Meeting

You’re invited to our next GCPS Family Advisory Council (FAC) meeting on January 6, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church (395 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville). Please register by January 1, 2026, so that the team can provide sufficient resources (interpreters, materials, refreshments, seating). If you do not register, you are still welcome to attend — the registration helps us plan better.

Staff Recognition Staff Recognition

GCPS Bus Manager Earns Hidden Hero Award 2025

Hidden Hero: GCPS bus driver springs into action to extinguish bus fire

GCPS educator recognized among Top 10 School Executive Directors 2026

GCPS’ Communications and Media Relations team earns nine GSPRA awards

Family and Community Resources Family and Community Resources

GCPS to hold annual Child Find event on December 11

GCPS will provide an opportunity for families of children with disabilities and/or suspected disabilities to speak with a District representative on Thursday, December 11. Interested parties may drop in between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Road NW, in Suwanee, Building 200. Learn more about services available to support students with disabilities.

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GCPS and Community Partners unite to help Families in Need

In light of the recent uncertainty about the status of SNAP benefits, Gwinnett County Public Schools is stepping up to support families in need. Learn more about available resources in our community.

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Winter Wonderland Ball

Gwinnett County Parks invites individuals with disabilities and their families and caregivers to celebrate the winter holidays with music, dancing, games, and refreshments. The Winter Wonderland Ball will take place at Rhodes Jordan Community Recreation Center from 4–7 p.m. on Saturday, December 13. More information is available from Gwinnett County Parks.

How to Get Involved How to Get Involved

New Policy for Student Cellphones and Devices under review

At the November 20 Board of Education monthly meeting a new policy, Policy JCDAF - Use of Electronic Devices by Students, is being placed on the table for review until the December 18, 2025, monthly meeting. This policy aims to help students stay focused and safe at school and is aligned with Georgia’s new Distraction-Free Education Act (HB 340) that was signed into law. Learn more about what students and families need to know.

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There's still time... Share your feedback on instructional resources for Personal Safety

GCPS invites families, students, staff, and community members to provide feedback on instructional resources that have been proposed for the new Personal Safety curriculum. The review runs through Friday, November 21. Please visit this link to begin the review.

Engage with the Gwinnett County Board of Education Engage with the Gwinnett County Board of Education

You can email your School Board members, individually or as a group; or contact the Coordinator of Board Services at 678-301-6040 or by email at MySchoolBoard@gcpsk12.org.


The next regular Board meeting is November 20. Attend in person, view the livestream, or watch the recording on GCPS TV.

Follow the Board of Education on social media:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

In Case You Missed It... In Case You Missed It...

  • GCPS Links November 6
  • Connected November 13
What do you think of this newsletter? Share your feedback and help us improve.
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