Fall 2024 Essentials

A Message from Dr. Calvin J. Watts

     Our district’s strategic plan, Our Blueprint for the Future, focuses on four key priorities: empathy, equity, effectiveness, and excellence. We believe working together — students, families, and schools — is essential for student success. As we start this school year, I have continued prioritizing school visits to connect with students, families, teachers, and staff to ensure we’re moving forward with our plan.

     As we move into fall, I’ve been thinking about what makes a school experience successful for every student in Gwinnett County. As a parent and educator, I understand the concerns about safety in our schools. Before we can focus on academics, it’s essential that students, families, and staff feel safe and welcomed in our schools. We are committed to keeping our schools safe. Here are some of the ongoing security measures we have in place in GCPS:

• School Resource Officers (SROs): We have 115 SROs in our schools, with two at each high school, one at each middle school, and several at elementary schools. They work with local law enforcement to enhance school security. We are adding 15 new SRO positions in the 2024–25 school year. 
• Centegix Crisis Alert System: This system lets staff at every school discreetly call for help and gives first responders precise location details within the school.
• Security Cameras: We’ve installed over 11,000 security cameras on our campuses. Law enforcement can access these cameras remotely if needed.
• Security Vestibules and Raptor System: Each school has a vestibule to control entry, and the Raptor system screens visitors against the National Sex Offender Registry.
• Safety Drills: Schools regularly practice safety drills, including lockdowns and fire drills, to prepare for emergencies.
• Mental Health Support: Our counselors, social workers, and psychologists are trained to spot and address potential issues before they escalate.
• GCPS Tips: Our app and website allow anonymous reporting of safety, security, or mental health concerns, and it’s been very successful.

     This publication highlights how we continue to create safe and supportive environments where every student can excel. Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education.  We’re excited about the year ahead and eager to partner with you to help your child learn, grow, and thrive. Together, we can make this a fantastic year for our students!

E-SPLOST Continues to Improve Our Schools

     Gwinnett County Public Schools has been successful in providing new schools, classrooms, and technology for learning, thanks to a one-cent sales tax the voters of Gwinnett have continued to make available
to the school district since 1997. As Gwinnett has grown, voters in our community have made sure that the district has the funds to grow and modernize our schools and keep pace with technological advances. Here are some highlights of the most recent work completed through our current E-SPLOST program:

2024 Summer School Upgrades for Better Learning

     Over the summer, many of our schools received essential updates to create better environments for students and staff. Summer is the best time to make these changes because it doesn’t interrupt learning. A full
list of the almost 50 major projects completed this summer is available online.

GIVE Center West: A New Chapter

     One of the most significant projects in GCPS this year was at GIVE Center West, where we turned an existing warehouse into a cutting-edge learning space. This renovation added 41 new classrooms and replaced 46 portable buildings, creating permanent, high-tech spaces for students to learn. The new labs include specialized  Chemistry, Computer Science, Business, and Engineering rooms. We also added more offices for counselors and assistant principals.

Parkview High School’s New Cafeteria
     Parkview High School’s cafeteria received a big makeover. The old setup caused long lines and delays, but the new design makes it easier for students to get their meals quickly. There’s also a second serving line and a wider range of food options to suit different tastes and diets. This
upgrade ensures students have a smoother, more enjoyable lunch experience.

Mountain View High School’s New AV Tech & Film Lab
     Mountain View High School now has a state-of-the-art Audio, Video, Television, and Film (AVTF) lab. The new lab helps students interested in TV and film careers get hands-on experience with professional equipment. It includes new workstations, an expanded production room, and a glass wall for easy viewing of live filming. The
lab has new iMacs, studio cameras, and a broadcast console, making it an excellent place for students to learn and create.

     GCPS is dedicated to continuing to modernize our schools to ensure students, teachers, and staff have the best possible environment to learn and grow. With these renovations, funded by the E-SPLOST program,
we are able to create supportive and inspiring learning environments where students can pursue their academic and personal goals, setting them up for success in both their educational journeys and
future endeavors.

REPORT Don't Repost

     GCPS urges students, families, and staff to report any threatening or violent messages instead of sharing them. Reposting or sharing threats, even if you’re worried, perpetuates the cycle of violence. You can report any messages or posts by calling 770-822-6513 or texting GCPS to 738477.

 You can also share your concerns through the anonymous tip tool. Go to www.p3campus.com/5105 and complete the tip form.

Download the GCPS Tips app for your Apple or Android device.

GCPS celebrates our local school Teachers of the Year this fall

In September, 141 schools named their local school Teachers of the Year (TOTY). In October 25 semifinalists are chosen, and six finalists are selected from that group in November. The GCPS Teacher of the Year will be named at the school district’s celebration on January 30. Watch the website to learn more about our inspiring teachers.

(Note: This year’s TOTY celebration is designated as 2026 to align the district’s program with the state and national Teacher of the Year programs.)

Make a plan to vote!

 Advance voting for the November 5 election runs from October 15 to November 1. Election day is Tuesday, November 5 (a digital learning day for GCPS students and staff). Citizens can find polling locations and hours at www.gwinnettcounty.com/departments/elections, as well as
information about voter I.D. requirements, absentee ballot request forms, and a sample ballot.