GCPS LINKS
August 7, 2025
In this issue...
- Back-to-School Guide
- Where does E-SPLOST funding go?
- Introducing SchooLinks for middle and high school students
- PSAT Offered Free of Charge
- EVOLV Weapons Detection System
- NEW Family Advisory Council, SSAC, and GEMS opportunities
Back-to-School Guide
Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! To help students and families find the information and resources they need to have a successful school year, Gwinnett County Public Schools created the GCPS Back-to-School Guide. Find everything you need for a great year of learning!
Don't forget, the 2025-26 Orientation Form sign-off is linked to the July 21 ParentSquare post. And-new this year- you can now submit information regarding recent absences, such as doctor's notes, in ParentVUE.
Berkmar HS Unveils Upgraded Cafeteria
In this video, get a first look at the newly renovated Berkmar HS cafeteria! Over the summer, this 20,000+ square foot space was redesigned to offer students a fresh new look full of vibrant colors, new seating, new flooring, and technology and facilities upgrades.
Creekland MS Receives HVAC Replacement
Where does E-SPLOST funding go?
Funds from the one-cent sales tax can only be used for capital projects such as new schools and classrooms; roof, HVAC, and safety upgrades; buses, student devices, and AV tools; playground improvements and athletic facilities, and instructional materials. More information on school-specific projects is available on our website.
GCPS Highlights
Introducing... SchooLinks for middle and high school students!
GCPS’ new college and career readiness platform, SchooLinks, provides information about the career and college exploration process. Families can support their students with conversations about their future and the resources to get them there. Watch this video and read this document to learn more about how to create your account.
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.
Safety & Security Updates
Evolv Weapons Detection System Coming to GCPS Middle and High Schools
The health and safety of GCPS students and staff is our highest priority. With the Board of Education's approval at its July 17, 2025, meeting, GCPS will purchase and install Evolv weapons detection systems in all of our middle and high schools.
Transportation Safety Guidelines
Be sure to review our Transportation Safety Guidelines from the Back-to-School Guide, to ensure all students arrive to school and home safely. By following these guidelines, we can work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all GCPS students.
How to Get Involved
There's still time to join the GEMS Committee
GCPS is inviting parents and guardians, community members, and school district employees to apply for the GEMS Oversight Committee, a group of community and school system representatives who perform the annual review of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) curriculum standards. Those interested in serving should complete the online application by tomorrow, August 8.
Student Voices Wanted: Join the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council!
Are you ready to make a difference in your school and across the district? 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.
This is your chance to grow as a leader, connect with students from across the county, and be a voice for your peers.
- Apply through the Student Portal between August 7–26.
- All applications are due by Tuesday, August 26 at 10 p.m.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be heard and make a difference!
August 13 Millage rate hearing
The third Public Hearing on the FY2026 Millage Rate is scheduled for Wednesday, August 13 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room at the Instructional Support Center. Citizens wishing to address the Board may do so in person. A sign-up sheet will be available outside the Board Room from 5:30 p.m. to 5:59 p.m. for the 6 p.m. public hearing. Learn more and view the livestream at 6 p.m. on August 13. You can also view the recordings of the first two public hearings.
How does the proposed reduced millage rate affect homeowners?
- A millage rate is the tax rate used to calculate local property taxes.
- The millage rate represents the amount of tax per every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value.
Based on the property tax information, GCPS is now recommending a total reduction of 0.3 mills from the current M&O rate of 19.10. This would result in a M&O rate of 18.80 mills. Look at an example of a $400K home, and learn more about the millage rate.
Mark your calendar for the Book Mobile 5K
Make plans to... Book It for the Bus on Saturday, October 25! The Book Mobile 5K raises funds to put books in kids' hands.
Register now for the early-bird entry fee until August 21.
GCPS Launches New Family Advisory Council
Gwinnett County Public Schools is proud to announce the launch of its new Districtwide Family Advisory Council (FAC), a group designed to elevate the voices of parents and guardians from across the district. Beginning in September 2025, this council will bring together selected representatives from each Board district, as well as parent leaders from across GCPS, to advise the district on key issues such as academic programs, school safety, family engagement, and budget priorities.
Learn more and view the meeting schedule at www.gcpsk12.org/FAC.
High school students: apply for the State Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
State School Superintendent Richard Woods seeks students in grades 10-12 to serve on his 2025-26 Student Advisory Council. These students will meet with Superintendent Woods to discuss the impact of state policies in the classroom and other education-related issues. They will also serve as the Superintendent’s ambassadors to their respective schools. Students must apply by September 5, 2025 at 5 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted. Learn more and apply here: https://gadoesa.jotform.com/251174501923855
In Case You Missed It...
Classroom Connections and Educator Exchanges
Before the start of each new school year, Gwinnett schools welcome students, their families, and staff for meet-the-teacher experiences and other collaborative events. Building strong relationships between families and teachers starts with a simple introduction.
Open House: Meet, Greet, and Connect
Open house events offer more than just a glimpse into classrooms: they are the foundation of community-building, where relationships are formed, trust is nurtured, and shared goals begin to take shape.
Back-to-School Bash Helps Families Get Ready
In July, the GCPS Foundation, in collaboration with the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department and our community partners, gathered at the Gwinnett Fairgrounds to supply families with backpacks, school supplies, groceries, snacks, and a head start on the school year.
Duncan Creek Elementary students exceed goal in Jared Box Project
Duncan Creek Elementary School's 4th-grade students and teachers recently brought lessons from the classroom to life by engaging in a meaningful, grade-level community service project. Learn more about the students' contributions with the Jared Box project.
- Connected July 31
- GCPS Links July 24
Coming soon in GCPS....
- Keep Connected with news from GCPS TV… the next episode airs August 14!
- 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 August 21!