Focusing On Our Rising Freshman

  

This past week rising freshman participated in the GHS Freshman Focus Summer Experience camp held at Gainesville High School.  Students were able to meet GHS faculty and administrators, tour the high school, and become acquainted with high school procedures and expectations.  Students engaged in fun, hands-on activities relating to culinary arts, graphic design, video production, computer technology, and construction.  Overall the camp was a huge success as participants gained a better understanding of the dynamics of high school.  Through this experience, the first day of school will be a little smoother for these freshman as they enter into the doors of the new GHS Ninth Grade Center.

 

Inducting our Newest Members of the Herd

  

Seventy five of our newest members of the Red Elephant family arrived early on Monday, July 27, to the Gainesville Civic Center for the district's New Teacher Orientation and were welcomed by Superintendent Wanda Creel, school board members, and district and school personnel.   Senator Butch Miller was also in attendance and joined in welcoming the new teachers to Gainesville.  To start off the morning, breakfast was served by Milton Martin Honda staff while new teachers played "Spin the Wheel" for a chance to win a free oil change, breakfast for their school, and various door prizes sponsored by Milton Martin Honda.  Teachers also received a gift bag of school supplies from Office Pros. 

 

During the three day induction, teachers were informed about the school system's policies, procedures, and processes.  District personnel also shared information  on topics regarding teacher keys effectiveness, professional learning, instruction & curriculum, and instructional technology.    To conclude the orientation, teachers visited their classrooms to prepare for the new school year.

Showing our "One Gainesville" Spirit

    

GCSS faculty and staff  kicked off the new school year with the "Great Elephant Tailgate Party" held at the GHS gymnasium on July 30.  At the start of the event, the GHS band and cheerleaders cheered on employees as they arrived by buses from their schools.  As part of the festivities, the GHS ROTC cadets led the colors presentation followed by the singing of the National Anthem by GHS alumni Robert Cantrell.  Fair Street principal Will Campbell performed our "One Gainesville" song, and DJ Dano got everyone off their feet and dancing with the music and chanting "We are One Gainesville" to show their school spirit.  Everyone showed their enthusiasm through cheers led by GHS cheerleaders in hope of winning the coveted spirit stick which was awarded to Gainesville Exploration Academy. 

 

Each school's Teacher of the Year was recognized which included Diana Drerup (Centennial), Kay Law (Enota), Michelle Garcia (Fair  Street), Samantha Cronic (Gainesville Exploration), Jessica Chambers (New Holland), Jean Louis Pondo (GMS), Master Sargent Jack Reese (GHS), and Heather McConnell (Academy of Wood's Mill).  Throughout the prep rally, several lucky winners received door prizes sponsored by our local businesses.  In conclusion, Superintendent Wanda Creel shared a video featuring our students titled "Do You Believe In Me?" and addressed the importance of our students to our future and the significance of making a difference in each of our students' lives. 

 

A special thanks to our partner Northeast Georgia Physicians Group for donating gift bags to all of our employees and to Hobb's Sporting Goods, Milton Martin Honda, Georgia Power, J. Geyer Advertising, Office Pros, Firehouse Subs, Buffalo Wild Wings, Brusters, Starbucks, O'Charley's, Applebee's, and Chili's for their donations and support. 

GCSS Teachers "Ace" Tee Training Program