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The Little Black Dress Initiative
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| Students and teachers wear black |
If you visited Centennial Arts Academy during the week of February 15th, you may have noticed that many teachers wore the same black outfit for the entire week. Teachers, staff, and students participated in an awareness campaign with the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County and Habitat for Humanity called "The Little Black Dress Initiative".
This year the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County launched The Little Black Dress Initiative during the week of February 15th - 19th. Members of the league as well as members of the community wore the same black outfit for a week to raise awareness about poverty and its impact on Gainesville-Hall County. Statistics show that 32% of Gainesville residents live in poverty, and in Hall County a staggering 62% of our school-aged children are economically disadvantaged.
The highlight of the campaign was the joint collaboration between the Junior League and Centennial Arts Academy which included a clothing drive and food distribution at the school on February 20th.
Mrs. Randi Moore, a second grade teacher at Centennial, coordinated the Little Black Dress Initiative and CAA Blackout at the school. She also organized the school's clothing drive and food distribution, which turned out to be a huge success!
"I am very happy to announce that we gave away 40 boxes of food and had a good turnout at our clothing drive. Not only did families get a box of food and clothes, but each child received a book!" stated Mrs. Moore.
She was also quite pleased with the donations generated and with the huge support shown by the community, stating "The total amount raised in donations was $540. All proceeds will go directly to the Habitat for Humanity. Thank you to all who participated and volunteered. I greatly appreciate it!"
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Showing support of new initiative
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GHS Air Rifle Team At Its Best
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| Amy Delgado (center) wins Gold Medal |
The Big Red Battalions Air Rifle Team had an outstanding performance at the Navy Nationals in Anniston, Alabama on February 12th - 13th. The all-female team which included Amy Delgado, Claudia Velazquez, Talisa Soto, and Luz Acosta finished second in the nation.
Even more outstanding was the incredible performance by team member Amy Delgado. Amy claimed the title as the "Top Shooter in the Nation", receiving a Gold medal for her high marks.
Although the team members initially had a slow start on the first day of competition, they eventually regained their true competitive spirit and finished strongly.
The team advanced to the next level of competition and will compete in the Joint Service Nationals on March 17th-19th in Anniston, Alabama. The Red Battalions will have the opportunity to compete against the top five schools from every branch of the JROTC program.
Air rifle teams from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force JROTC units will compete to determine which branch will become the National Champion. Good luck to the Big Red Battalions! We wish them much success!
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Enota To Host First Math Bee
On March 2nd, Enota MI Academy will host its first Math Bee. A math bee is similar to a spelling bee except students use their math skills to solve problems generated by judges. Students have no advanced knowledge of the unique math questions they are required to solve at the math competition.
Two students from each homeroom passed the initial qualification assessment to proceed to the school-wide math bee. Teachers created the assessments to ensure that they align to the state standards of excellence. The students are excited about this new level of competition, and the math bee will be a fun way for students to demonstrate their math skills.
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Newest Members of the Red Elephant Family
Please join us in welcoming the two newest members of the Red Elephant family, LTJG Nathan Bourdeau and Mr. Julio Cabanas!
LTJG Bourdeau is the new Senior Naval Science Instructor of the GHS NJROTC program. "
I could not be more excited to be at Gainesville High School, become a Red Elephant, and work with MSgt. Reese," states LTJG Bourdeau. "If I have not met you already then I look forward to meeting you and working with you in the future."
As the new Assistant Principal of Fair Street IB World School for next year, Mr. Cabanas will be replacing Mrs. Kim Davis who will retire at the end of the 2015-2016 school year.
"As an experienced school administrator and parent of two school-age children, I understand the need for a balanced and structured curriculum. I will utilize my infectious energy, enthusiasm for learning and real ability to inspire students and the community," says Mr. Cabanas. "I am fully committed to ensuring that Fair Street is the world-class success that the community deserves."
We are excited to have both LTJG Bourdeau and Mr. Cabanas as part of the Gainesville community!
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District Staff Learns Hands Only CPR
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| Staff members practice new CPR technique |
On February 17th, Central Office staff had a much needed "heart to heart" conversation. The staff met for a "Lunch and Learn" training session to learn about Hands Only CPR as part of the district's initiative to raise awareness about heart disease. Julie Ann Hamilton, Regional Director of the American Heart Association for the Gainesville/Athens region, conducted the training and emphasized the importance of remembering two steps when someone experiences a heart attack. The key steps are "Call 911" and "Push hard and fast at the center of the chest to the beat of the disco song "Stayin' Alive"." Staff members practiced the new technique on dummies and were surprised on how easy it was to learn.
By the end of the session, several staff members felt empowered by what they had learned. Faye Grigg commented that the training was "most informative". She had taken CPR several years ago, and it was important for her to know that the technique has changed since then.
Felicitas Vasquez stated, "
It certainly was helpful. I like the fact that you no longer need to do mouth to mouth and knowing that there's a possibility that you could still save a life."
She added, "Many thanks for setting this training up for us! This could be a lifesaver
!"
With that being said, the goal of the training was accomplished which was for staff to feel confident in utilizing Hands Only CPR if there is ever a need.
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Gainesville City Board of Education Meeting
February 22, 2016
The Gainesville City Board of Education Meeting was held on Monday, February 22nd at the School Board Office. The special guests recognized at the meeting were Gainesville Middle School (Highest Student Attendance), Gainesville Exploration Academy (Highest Employee Attendance), GMS Student Ambassadors, GMS French Cafe/French Fashion Show Participants, Rita Patel (Faculty on Fire Award Recipient), Pramoda Karnati and Pamela Michelsen (2016 STAR Student and STAR Teacher), Ally Kimpling (GA Thespian State Student Officer), GCSS School Counselors, David Presnell and GCSS Grounds Team (Ivey Watson - Field of the Year). Dr. Wanda Creel introduced the two newest members of the GCSS family, LTJG Nathan Bourdeau, GHS NJROTC Senior Naval Science Instructor and Julio Cabanas, Assistant Principal of Fair Street replacing retiring Assistant Principal Kim Davis. The Board reviewed and approved agenda items as submitted by district personnel.
To view the agenda and reports, please click the links below.
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Gainesville City School System Advancing A Tradition of Excellence #OneGainesville |
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- Gainesville City School System - @GCSSK12
- Centennial - @GCSS_CAA
- Enota - @enotamiacademy
- Fair Street - @GCSS_FS
- Gainesville Exploration - @GCSS_GEA
- New Holland - @GCSS_NH
- Gainesville Middle School - @GCSS_GMS
- Gainesville High School - @GCSS_GHS
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Wanda Creel, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Board Members
Delores Diaz, Chair
Brett Mercer, Vice Chair
Willie Mitchell
Sammy Smith
John Filson
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Important Dates
March 7
BOE Work Session
March 9
End of 3rd Grading Period
March 11
Teacher Planning
(Weather Make-Up Day)
March 22
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Upcoming Events
EVENT CALENDAR ELEPHANT TRACKS NEWS
Help us share our story
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Vision
Our students will think critically, act compassionately, work meaningfully, choose wisely, and live joyfully.
Mission
As
ONE GAINESVILLE,
we will
INSPIRE
,
NURTURE,
CHALLENGE &
PREPARE
our students
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Our Schools
Gainesville High
Wood's Mill Academy
Gainesville Middle
Centennial Arts Academy
Enota MI Academy
Fair Street IB School
Gainesville
Exploration Academy
New Holland
Knowledge Academy
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