Lovin Elementary School

Lovin Elementary School is named in memory of Edwin Lovin, a well-respected educator whose career with Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) spanned 34 years. In 1949, Mr. Lovin began his career with GCPS at Dacula High School where he was a teacher in the Veteran's Farm Training Program. He later taught history, science, biology, and vocational agriculture, before moving to the county office in 1963.  In 1972, Mr. Lovin was named director of the Personnel Department and was later the first Assistant Superintendent of Personnel for the system.  Mr. Lovin is credited with conducting a constant talent search for the best teachers in the Southeast. 

Hard work, love for children, and respect for all people are just a few of the characteristics of Mr. Lovin so many people admired. His success in life is attributed to a consistency in beliefs, actions, and lifestyle. Mr. Lovin was a devoted father, husband, and professional educator. Upon Mr. Lovin's retirement in 1983, former superintendent Dr. Alton C. Crews shared these remarks: "Thank you Edwin Lovin; you have given more than you have received in this life. If all who pass this way contribute as much as Ed Lovin, this old world would be a better place in which to live."

Students describe Mr. Lovin as an excellent and enthusiastic instructor. One former pupil stated, "The quality that I best remember about Mr. Lovin is that he expressed concern to each student and to everyone with whom he came in contact."  Mr. Lovin's wisdom, genuine concern for others, and loyalty in his personal and professional life are just a few reasons why Lovin Elementary School was named in his honor. 

Lovin Elementary School was officially dedicated on October 21, 2007. The 146,680 square foot facility cost $13,385,000 to build, contained 53 classrooms, and opened with 77 founding staff members.  Originally part of the Grayson Cluster, Lovin joined the Archer Cluster when Archer High School opened in 2009. Our mascot is the Tiger and our school colors are red, silver, and white.

Lovin focuses on providing a rigorous instructional program. Its success in this area is evident in the achievements of its students and staff along with accolades earned by the school. Lovin Elementary earned recognition three consecutive years from the Georgia Department of Education as a “High Progress Reward School”. The award honors schools among the top 10% of Title I schools in the state making the most progress in improving performance of all students.

The school has earned multiple recognitions through the Governor’s SHAPE Honor Roll. The award recognizes school-level efforts in the areas of physical activity, nutrition, and wellness. Students also have stretched their higher-level thinking skills through school programs and clubs, including the Eco-Heroes Environmental Club, First Lego League,  Girls on the Run, Tiger P.E. Club, Yearbook Club, and Readers Rally. In addition, students participate in leadership opportunities such as Safety Patrol, Jr. Beta Club, and Lovin Leaders.

Our journey toward STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) certification began in 2014, with the purpose of preparing students for success in college and careers. By using an innovative mindset, and STEM-focused lessons and projects, we provide ALL students with an integrated approach to learning that is hands-on, relevant, challenging, and engaging. Our students have become critical thinkers, problem solvers, creators, and collaborators, enabling them to establish connections between our school and the global community.

In May of 2018, Lovin was named an official state-certified STEM School by the Georgia Department of Education and was the first Title 1 school in Gwinnett County to earn this honor. Today, our students are involved in STEM-related community service projects, and we have recently added our AgSTEM Aquaponics program with Mercer University. AgSTEM is an educational resource that engages aquaponics technology to effectively teach STEM content through the lens of natural resource conservation. We continue to collaborate with schools in our cluster, our district, and across the state of Georgia. The integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math is part of our culture and is evident in our classrooms, hallways, and our professional learning.

Through our STEM program, Archer High School students designed and built a coop to house our 8 chickens. Our students are tasked with caring for the chickens each day. We grow fresh vegetables in our outdoor STEAM garden and harvest a variety of vegetables in aeroponic garden towers located in several classrooms. The produce and eggs are donated to families in our community.

Lovin places a strong emphasis on family involvement through PTA events, Career Day, a variety of parent educational opportunities, International Night, Book Fair, Book Mobile Visits, STEAM Showcase, and partnerships with Archer High School and area businesses.

Each year, Lovin contributes to our local community by assisting families in need, holding canned food drives, donating to the United Way campaign, and raising funds for the American Heart Association. Our Relay for Life team, established in our inaugural year, has raised over $75,000 for the American Cancer Society. Lovin is also part of the global community through its multi-year international partnership with a school in Haiti. Lovin students and staff donated enough books to stock the school’s first library and they honored our contribution by naming it the Lovin Bibliotèchque. It is through these efforts that our students learn the importance of serving others and becoming world-class citizens.