Dear Team GCPS,

At Gwinnett County Schools, we believe in partnering with organizations that help save lives. I am passionate about doing all we can to help prepare our students to become the best version of themselves and have healthy minds, bodies, and souls. I am equally passionate about providing our adults with meaningful community engagement, including opportunities to give back to our community through giving their time, resources, and talents.

GCPS students, families, and staff are passionate about where their students attend school and work together to support the needs of their local school. Each year our GCPS principals choose to share giving opportunities with the students, staff, and families that attend their school to support each and every student through contributions that go directly to their school to address their needs.

Here is an overview of our work this year through our Engagement Office to provide all Team GCPS Members (students, families, staff, and partners) opportunities to give back and pay it forward.

American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a valuable partner in our efforts to create and sustain healthy living in our schools, district, and community. When you donate to the American Heart Association, you join the fight against our nation's No. 1 and No. 5 killers - heart disease and stroke. Your donation helps the American Heart Association fund lifesaving research, advocate for healthier communities, improve patient care and work for equitable health for all people. In addition to hands-only CPR, they provide free resources for our teachers/students to utilize year-round.

Action: If you are interested in bringing the Kids Heart Challenge to your school and families, learning hands-only CPR, or just learning more about what programs they offer, contact: Holly Marbut at holly.marbut@heart.org or 678-963-8164. Holly will share a few information highlights at the October 12 LD 1 meeting.

Action: If you are the American Heart Association, coordinator/sponsor at your school, or your department or division, please let us know by October 12.

United Way

United Way of Greater Atlanta is on a mission to help more children and families across Greater Atlanta, including Gwinnett County, reach their full potential—whether teaching them to read, prepping them for higher education, helping them build wealth, or creating opportunities for a better future.

In support of continuing the legacy of giving through United Way and ensuring fundraising has a positive impact on local schools, United Way will provide 50% of dollars raised through student and special events back to the school to use however needed to the schools participating and getting their information in by December 14, 2022.  This can help with school supplies and incidentals. Over $100,000 was raised during the last campaign for student and special events, and the participating schools got back more than $50,000.

Action: As a member of Team GCPS, you have the chance to unite for more and support United Way's Child Well-Being Mission. At GCPS, we want to make a lasting impact in our community, and together, we have the opportunity to empower meaningful change. For those new to Team GCPS, the United Way campaign is a chance to learn more about the challenges people are facing in our community and make an active difference in their lives. This year's United Way Campaign will be held from October 17 – November 30.

Action: The School Campaign Coordinator training session is being held virtually on Friday, October 14, 8-9 am. The session will be recorded for those not able to attend. If you are the United Way coordinator/sponsor at your school, department, or division, please let us know by October 12. Anyone who signs up on or Before October 12 will receive a calendar invite to the

Relay for Life

Relay for Life is a national event presented by the American Cancer Society that works to raise money to fund cancer research, education, advocacy, and services such as providing wigs, transportation for patients to and from treatment, and lodging while in treatments away from home. Join us in our fundraising efforts and consider donating to save lives and fund the future of cancer research and patient support through Relay For Life!

Relay For Life is a community-based walk event. While your event may have opportunities to run the track, we encourage teams to take turns walking the track. Gwinnett County Relay for Life details are coming soon; this event is traditionally held in the spring.

Action: As a member of Team GCPS, you have the chance to unite for more and support Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society's mission.

Action: Team Campaign Coordinator training sessions and information are coming later this year. If you are the Relay for Life coordinator/sponsor at your school, department, or division, please let us know by October 12.

GCPS Foundation

The mission of the Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation Fund, Inc. is to sustain the world-class standards of Gwinnett County Public Schools by strengthening internal and external community relationships and providing resources and support to improve the educational future of all students.

The goals of the GCPS Foundation are to:

1. Provide Gwinnett County Public Schools with a mechanism for systemwide support and resources.
2. Build a structure that will support the world-class standards of Gwinnett County Public Schools.
3. Respond to Gwinnett County Public Schools' current needs for support and resources.
4. Increase support and resources in response to Gwinnett County Public Schools' future growth.

Action: Help us ensure that the schools in Gwinnett County remain among the best in the nation and that our community maintains its reputation for supporting public education. You can give monthly, one-time, or sponsor and attend events. Visit www.gcps-foundation.org to donate directly.

Action: The GCPS Foundation not only cares for and supports students, but the foundation also provides benefits to Team GCPS members. As a current Team GCPS employee or retiree, you can access discounts and benefits through the GCPS Foundation. View the current GCPS Foundation Employee and Retiree perks.

Action: If you want to learn more about partnering with the GCPS foundation to support students and staff in GCPS, please let us know by October 12.

Every child whose life we change will change the lives of countless other children, families, and communities. And when we work together — pooling our resources, time, and energy — our collective community impact grows exponentially to create an equitable future for each and every student in GCPS.

Thank you for all you do for our students, families, community, and each other!

In partnership and service,

Dr. Calvin J. Watts

Superintendent