Friday, July 8, 2011
With a month left to summer vacation, here's a look at key dates during the 2011-12 school year.
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Friday, July 8, 2011
The countdown has begun. Exactly one month from today — Monday, Aug. 8 — the 2011-12 school year begins for Gwinnett County Public Schools. Here are some key dates on the school calendar to help you start planning out the year. Aug. 8: First day of school. Sept. 5: Labor Day (school holiday). Oct. 3-4: Early release for middle and elementary schools. Oct. 7: End of first quarter. Oct. 10: Teacher planning day (student holiday). Nov. 21-25: Thanksgiving break (school holidays). Dec. 14-16: Early release for high school exams. Dec. 16: End of first semester. Dec. 19-Jan. 2: Winter Break (teacher planning day Jan. 2). Jan 3: Beginning of second semester. Jan. 16: MLK Day (school holiday). Feb. 17: Student/teacher holiday (or snow make-up day …
Monday, April 18, 2011
In March, Gov. Nathan Deal signed into law reductions to the HOPE Scholarship program.
In March, Gov. Nathan Deal signed into law changes to the HOPE Scholarship program. The bill reduces the tuition coverage and eliminates payments for books and fees. First approved in November 2002, the HOPE Scholarship program is funded by the Georgia lottery. Since its inception, the program has provided more than $5 billion to more than 1.2 million students. This school year, the Hope Scholarship awarded $725.5 million to nearly 250,000 students. The money funded represents a 13 percent increase over the previous year. In recent years, the lottery has started paying out more money than it takes in, partly due to increased enrollment and tuition over recent years. In the first year it was available, just 21.4 million was awarded. If …
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Gwinnett school superintendent issues open message in anticipation of AJC article
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Sunday, March 6, 2011
Editor's note: The following e-mail message from Gwinnett County CEO/Supt. J. Alvin Wilbanks was sent out in anticipation of an article expected to be published by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday, possibly the start of a series. Patch was among those interested in Gwinnett County Public Schools who received a copy of his message. For more than 15 years I have proudly served as superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools, winner of the 2010 Broad Prize for Urban Education. The Broad Prize distinguishes us as one of the best school districts in America based on our students' academic achievement. We are successful in more than our core business of teaching and learning, however. Gwinnett County Public Schools also is acclaimed …
No teacher cuts, board member says. Also, reaction gauged on redistricting.
The Gwinnett County school system is finalizing its 2012 budget, and dealing with an $85 million revenue shortfall is not easy. But the system says cutting teacher jobs is not an option. Dr. Mary Kay Murphy, a board member, said Monday that a slight increase in class size is among the measures most likely to be used by the system to make up the shortfall. Murphy said a class-size level "two or three students" below state levels is being eyed by the board. Superintendent Alvin Wilbanks is scheduled to make his recommendations to the budget office March 4. Copies of the proposed budget will be made available to the public April 26. Murphy said some part-time teachers might not be re-employed until full-time positions are filled, and that …
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Attendance zones are changing to relieve crowding and balance enrollment.
Gwinnett County Public Schools alerted the public Thursday to previously approved plans to redistrict two clusters, including the Shiloh Cluster. The change will affect elementary attendance zones in the Shiloh Cluster beginning next school year. The changes were approved in a 2009 redistricting plan. Sections of Spain Road, Waterfront Place, Hadley Place and Forest Bend Road will move from Annistown Elementary School to Partee Elementary School. The school district sent letters to parents regarding the changes. There will also be a shift in the Central Gwinnett Cluster beginning next school year. Plans for changes in Peachtree Ridge and Duluth cluster is expected to finalized in April. In a release, school officials said the …
Saturday, February 12, 2011
High schools receives recognition for success on advanced placement exams.
Snellville's three high schools were honored by the state and the Gwinnett County school district for their success in advanced placement tests. The schools -- Brookwood, Shiloh and South Gwinnett high schools -- were among 17 schools in Gwinnett County named “2011 AP (Advanced Placement) Honor Schools.” The number of schools recognized as "AP Honors Schools" grew from 12 in 2010 to 17 in 2011. The list includes 16 traditional high schools and a system charter school. Several schools are recognized in more than one category. On Snellville's schools: Brookwood High School received honors as an "AP Merit School," an "AP STEM School," and as an "AP STEM Achievement School." Shiloh High School received honors as an "AP Access and Support …
