GCPS LINKS

August 21, 2025

E-SPLOST in Every School
Transition Plan Update
Family Engagement Centers
Free & Reduced School Meals Application
Online Safety Resource

Don't miss any news you can use!

E-SPLOST Helps Every School

Since 1997, E-SPLOST has helped build 64 new schools and 101 additions across Gwinnett County. It also helps schools get new buses, updated learning materials, and safer buildings.

If voters choose to continue E-SPLOST this November, it will help fund:

Upgrades to old heating and cooling systems
More classrooms in growing areas
Safety improvements like weapons detection systems and security cameras
New student devices and learning tools, and more!

Every school, every student, and every staff member in GCPS benefits from E-SPLOST. Visit our website for more details on our Capital Plan and for more information about how E-SPLOST funds are used in GCPS.

Did you know... The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST) opened 15 years ago in GCPS, thanks to E-SPLOST. Congratulations, GSMST, on being included in U.S. News & World Report's 2025-26 Best U.S. High Schools!

Moving Forward Together: Transition Plan August Update

Gwinnett County Public Schools is moving forward with purpose, determination, and a shared vision for excellence. Over the past several months, the Moving Forward Together Transition Plan has guided our work — helping us listen to our community, strengthen academics, enhance safety, and improve operations.

This August update highlights:

A summary of Phase I progress across five key priorities.
Phase II objectives that sustain stability, build trust, and advance academic and operational strategies.
Long-term recommendations to support the Board of Education as it selects the next superintendent.

Read the full Transition Plan update at www.gcpsk12.org/transition-plan.

student participating in science experiment

Why GCPS Offers High School Physical Science in 8th Grade

In the middle grades, students take part in a three-year sequence of earth science, life science, and physical science.

In high school, students will complete a four-year sequence of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, plus either elective courses and/or AP courses.

Learn more about 6-12 Science and 8th Grade Milestones

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

Department of Federal Programs’ Office of Family Engagement: Supporting families, partnering with the GCPS Foundation

In GCPS, the value of family partnership benefits every school, and strengthening the home-school connection has a positive impact on student achievement. Family Engagement Centers provide a place for families to help their students’ academic growth.

Parent Instructional Coordinators (PICs) and Parent Outreach Liaisons (POLs) are GCPS staff members who support family engagement activities at our local schools, enabling families to be active participants in their student’s education. Thanks to the generosity of the GCPS Foundation, each elementary school received essential supplies, materials, and bookbags to assist families. Each middle school was equipped with supplies, materials, and a hygiene bag to support families in the Family Engagement Center.

Learn more about how Family Engagement Centers support student achievement and partner with the GCPS Foundation.

PSAT Offered Free of Charge

GCPS students in grades 8, 10, and 11 will take the PSAT this October free of charge. Sophomores and Juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT on October 22, while the PSAT 8/9 will take place on October 28 for students in grade 8.

Both PSATs are a part of College Board’s SAT Suite of Assessments and provide an opportunity for students to preview the test and gain insights into areas of strength and growth. The PSAT assessments not only signal college readiness but results will also include information about future careers and readiness for Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Learn more about the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT.

Free and Reduced School Meals Application

It's time for eligible families to apply for the Free and Reduced Price Meal program, even if they were approved last year. The application is valid for one year. The online application is available in English and Spanish, and families can access the Free and Reduced Meals application on the GCPS website.

EES Student Wellness Screener

To help improve your child's school, GCPS students in grades 3-12 will participate in the EES Student Wellness Screener during school in September. This confidential screening will provide school and district staff with valuable data about students' academic, social, and emotional needs. Families may complete the Opt-Out process if they do not wish for their student(s) to participate in the screener.

Too sick for school?

What makes a child too sick to go to school, childcare, or camp? The spread of common illnesses such as flu and colds, gastrointestinal illnesses (diarrhea), pink eye (conjunctivitis), and strep can be limited when children and adults stay home and away from other people when they’re sick. Please visit this link to learn more.

Get Ready for Evolv Weapons Detection Systems

Beginning next week, Evolv weapons detection systems will be in use at four high schools, and will be installed in all GCPS middle and high schools this school year. Signs and video instructions will prepare students, staff, and visitors for a smooth transition.

Empowering Parents with Parent ProTech: A Free Resource for Online Safety

We are excited to share a powerful tool provided by the Georgia Department of Education to help families protect their children online: Parent ProTech, a free resource available to all parents in our school district.

There's still time to apply to be on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council!

The 2025–26 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) is looking for middle and high school students who are ready to lead, listen, and share ideas. As a member of SSAC, you’ll meet with Interim Superintendent Dr. Taylor and other student leaders to discuss real issues, offer feedback, and help shape the future of GCPS. Apply through the Student Portal by 10 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26.

Early bird registration ends today!

Are you ready to Book it for the Bus? Early-bird registration for the 5th annual Book Mobile 5K ends at midnight on Thursday, August 21. Please visit this link to learn more.

School Safety Advisory Council Meetings

The School Safety Advisory Council provides an opportunity for community members, parents, students, staff, and local partners to engage in meaningful dialogue around school safety, share perspectives, and collaborate on strategies that support safe and supportive learning environments for all students.

The School Safety Advisory Council will meet on the following dates:

Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tuesday, May 5, 2026

All meetings will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in Training Room 3.101 at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center, located at 437 Old Peachtree Road NW, Suwanee, GA 30024.

Your voice is a valuable part of this work, and we encourage you to join us in shaping the conversation around school safety in our district.

Connected August 14
GCPS Links August 7

Keep Connected with news from GCPS TV… the next episode airs August 28!
The next regular Board meeting is August 21. (Online, find links to sign up for the public comment sections of the meeting .)
Watch for the next issue of GCPS Links on September 4!

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