Cowan Road Elementary- October 2025

When children are absent from school, they miss out on consistent instruction that is needed to develop basic skills. Children in early grades are particularly susceptible to falling behind in fundamental reading skills, which can have a snowball effect that impacts future learning. Here are some key tips for helping support your child's attendance.

• Avoid scheduling vacations when school is in session.
• Build regular routines for bedtimes and the mornings.
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
• Talk about the importance of regular attendance and about how your child feels about school.
• Don’t permit missing school unless your child is sick.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or your school principal for advice on how to help your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• Develop back up plans for getting your child to school if something comes up. Ask a family member, neighbor or another family for help.

We will be having a Math Night in October! Please keep an eye on out on our Social Media and websites for more updated information!

Griffin Spalding School System will have Fall Break October 13-17. School breaks are a time that our scholars look forward to all year round. Breaks are a time when scholars can relax, recuperate, and take time to enjoy their families. These breaks also give our scholars a chance to academically reset.

We had a wonderful turn out at our Annual Title 1 Meeting for the 25-26 school year. We had a valuable presentation, got parent feedback for upcoming events, and even got to have our Literacy Night all in one! Thank you so much for everyone who took the time to come see us and especially our students, who certainly did show off their Literacy skills!

In compliance with the requirements of Every Student Succeeds Act, the Griffin-Spalding County School System would like to inform you that you may request information about the professional qualifications of your student’s teacher(s) and/or paraprofessional(s).

The following information may be requested:

Whether your child's teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction

Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived

Whether the teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.

Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

We are making so much progress with our Fall Surveys! I am so proud of each family for taking the time to complete it. If you still have not taken our survey, you still have plenty of time! Unfortunately, our survey closes this month, so please make sure to put your feedback in!
English Survey Link
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NDQ9B3R


Spanish Survey Link
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MM76X6F

9/29-10/3: Book Fair

10/2: School Custodian Day

10/7: Picture Day

10/9: Report Cards go home

10/23: CRES Fall Festival

10/27-10/31: Red Ribbon Week

10/28: Kona Ice Day

TBD: Math Night

Mr. Jermany Hawkins-Principal
Mr. Hawkin's (Right) is in his 27th year in education, with 17 years in Lamar County Schools, serving as both principal and assistant principal. He started his career as a health/PE teacher and coach in 1999 and hold degrees from Georgia College and State University, The University of Alabama, and Lincoln Memorial University. Now serving as principal of Cowan Road Elementary, Mr.Hawkin's is dedicated to fostering a supportive and challenging environment for students through strong partnerships with families.

Ms.Ashley Reid- Assistant Principal
Ms.Reid (Left) has 17 years of experience in education. She has taught Pre-K through 5th grade and most recently spent three years supporting teachers as an instructional coach. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child can succeed and reach their highest potential. What is she excited for this year? To work alongside our staff, families and community to support our students as they learn, grow, and discover new possibilities.

Ms.Patrice Whaley- Counselor

Ms. Whaley (Middle) holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling from Paine College in Augusta, and earned her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Walden University. Before joining Cowan Road Elementary, she worked as a school counselor at a charter school, where she gained valuable experience in supporting students and their families. She has a deep passion for helping children reach their fullest potential and for partnering with families to ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed.

Did you know that the Griffin-Spalding County School System also has a Parent Resource Center? Find hands on activities, books and brochures for your student in our District Parent Resource Center. The center is designed to provide educational resources for parents to help your student succeed academically. Parents can also find computers with internet access at the center. The best part is resources are FREE! You can find the Parent Resource Center located in the Parent Services Building, Room 121 on 234 E. Taylor Street, Griffin, GA 30224. If you would like more information or want to make an appointment, please contact LaJuana Love at 770-229-3700, ext 10321 or at Lajuana.love@gscs.org.

We are so excited to welcome our Parent Resource Center. It is all ready for our parents and guardians to use. Whether its to print an application, a bill, or anything else that would need. It is located in our Library with Ms.Baker! Please make sure to stop by the front office before coming to see us!

-GSCS Title I, Part A Parent & Family Engagement Handbook

-Receipt of Guidebook Google FORM

-Fall 2024 Parent Survey Link

If there is anything I can further assist you with, please let me know!
Contact me:
sara.burford@gscs.org

770-229-3790