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GCS Monday MorningA weekly update for Gaston County Schools employees and parents • May 23-29, 2016"The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. " - Jeff Miller
Weekly Message
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W. Jeffrey BookerSuperintendent of SchoolsGrad-uation is a milestone in life – a rite of passage for high school seniors as they reflect on the past, celebrate their achievements, and anticipate the future.We are extremely proud of our graduates in the Class of 2016. They are an outstanding group of young people who are ready for what’s ahead beyond high school. Today, our seniors are our graduates who have excelled in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and the fine arts. Tomorrow, they are our working professionals, business executives, military commanders, and civic leaders, who will make our community a better place.We often look at graduation as an end, and it is. It is the end of a student’s high school career, and it is a time for sadness, feelings of uncertainty, and goodbyes. But graduation is also the start of a new period in life. It is a time for transition from childhood to adulthood and a beginning for many new and exciting possibilities.As graduation day approaches and we look forward to presenting diplomas to more than 2,000 seniors, we would like to extend our best wishes to all graduates. Whatever they choose to do in life – pursue a college degree, join the military, begin a career, and start a family, we know they will be a success.The Board of Education joins me in congratulating the Class of 2016 and encouraging each student to cherish every moment that comes with high school graduation. This is your time in the spotlight and each graduate deserves to shine.
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Class of 2015
On the Calendar
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May 23Central Office Board Room4:30 p.m.May 24New Teacher and Teacher Assistant of the Year ReceptionSchiele Museum3:45 p.m.May 26School Nutrition BanquetHawks Nest Intermediate School6:00 p.m.May 25 - June 3End-of-Grade Tests for Grades 3-8May 27 - June 8End-of-Course Tests for Grades 9-12May 30Memorial Day HolidayJune 1Ron L. Ensley Grants Reception3:30 - 5:00 p.m.Schiele MuseumJune 48:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.June 6Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Elementary School4:00 p.m.June 8Students' Last Day (Early Dismissal)Webb Street School Graduation12:00 p.m.Warlick Academy Graduation1:30 p.m.June 9Transportation Appreciation BanquetCatawba Heights Baptist Church11:00 a.m.Retirement ReceptionGaston Country Club3:00 - 5:00 p.m.June 9-10Mandated Teacher WorkdaysJune 11Graduation DayClick here for our calendar.
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Twelve years ago …
With the end of school and graduation day just weeks away, we share with you a video from Channel 21 that brings attention to a former Gaston County Teacher of the Year and the students who began their educational journey in her kindergarten classroom. It’s our special salute to the Class of 2016 and all teachers in Gaston County Schools who make a difference every day.
5 to Know
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1. A note about GCS Monday Morning
With the Memorial Day holiday next Monday and the last week of school the following week, this edition of GCS Monday Morning is the last one for the 2015-2016 school year. We have published 31 editions in an effort to provide you with news about Gaston County Schools. We hope you found good and useful information in each edition. GCS Monday Morning will return in September. Until then, make sure to visit the Gaston County Schools website, watch Channel 21, and follow us on social media for the latest school news and happenings. We hope you have a great summer!
2. Graduation schedule for the Class of 2016
Here’s a look at the high school graduation schedule for the Class of 2016:
• Ashbrook: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.
• Bessemer City: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.
• Cherryville: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.
• Stuart W. Cramer: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.
• East Gaston: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.
• Forestview: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.
• Gaston Early College: Held Thursday, May 19
• Highland: Saturday, June 11, 11:00 a.m.
• Hunter Huss: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.
• North Gaston: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.
• South Point: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.
• Warlick Academy: Wednesday, June 8, 1:30 p.m.
• Webb Street School: Wednesday, June 8, 12:00 p.m.
Keep a check on the Gaston County Schools website for more information about the Class of 2016, including senior profiles for each school and a list of the valedictorians and salutatorians.
3. Lottery conducted to select students for STEAM Academy
Congratulations to the 300 students who were selected on Friday to attend the new Hawks Nest STEAM Academy when it opens in August. Click here to see the list of students selected in the lottery. Click here for a slideshow of pictures from the lottery.
4. Watch Channel 21 this summer for special programs
Be sure to tune in to Channel 21 this summer to watch several of our award ceremonies and recognition programs. Airing this week is the Evening of Excellence ceremony that features the announcement of the Gaston County Teacher and Principal of the Year for 2016-2017. The ceremony airs May 23-30 at 9:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. daily. See the broadcast schedule below:
• Week of June 6 - Star Teacher-Student Awards
• Week of June 13 - Business and Community Partners Reception
• Week of June 20 - Elementary School Groundbreaking Ceremony
• Week of June 27 - Mentor Appreciation Luncheon• Week of July 4 - Evening of Excellence Ceremony5. See our special activities in picturesWe’ve taken a lot of pictures at school events over the past few weeks. Have you had an opportunity to look at them? If not, then just click the titles below.
• Gaston County Schools Family Literacy Event
• Sir Purr visits Forest Heights and Pleasant Ridge
• Gaston Early College Graduation
• Forestview “Senior Walk” at W.A. Bess
• Pinnacle Technology Showcase
5 to Remember
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1. Proctors needed for end-of-year testing
There is still time to sign up to serve as a proctor for end-of-year testing -- our schools could really use your help. Proctors are needed for elementary and middle school tests scheduled May 25 through June 3. Proctors are needed for high school tests scheduled May 27 through June 8. Adults who are available to help with testing should contact the school in their neighborhood for more information. Proctors may help with testing as their schedules allow.
2. Groundbreaking ceremony for elementary school
Gaston County Schools will conduct a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday afternoon, June 6 for the new elementary school in west Gastonia. The public is invited. The ceremony will take place at 4:00 p.m. in the Pleasant Ridge Elementary School multipurpose room. The elementary school is a result of the consolidation of three older schools – Rhyne, Forest Heights, and Pleasant Ridge – into a new school, which is expected to open for the 2017-2018 academic year.
3. Don’t forget about Flexible Benefits Plan enrollment
Attention, Employees: Don’t forget about the annual enrollment period for the Flexible Benefits Plan, which runs through June 10. Employees who are currently enrolled in one of the flexible spending accounts must re-enroll online or meet with the Pierce Group representative if they wish to continue contributing to the flexible spending account. If you do not take any action, your current contribution will stop effective September 30, 2016. Click here for more information.
4. Register for Gaston County Police Youth Academy
The Gaston County Police Department will sponsor its Citizens’ Police Academy for Youth the week of July 11-15. The Youth Police Academy is designed to introduce students ages 12-15 to the law enforcement profession and provide them with information about the Gaston County Police Department. A group of 24 students will be selected for the program based on letters of reference from a teacher, principal, and guidance counselor. Click here for information about the application process.
5. Sports Physical Day is Saturday, June 4Mark your calendar for the Gaston County Schools Sports Physical Day. It’s Saturday, June 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at CaroMont Specialty Surgery in Gastonia. Student-athletes can take advantage of the opportunity to complete a physical for the upcoming fall sports season. The cost is $10. We would like to thank CaroMont Health for helping make this program possible.
Points of Pride
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Bessemer City High School students Brianne Davis, Summer Meeks, Shamila Roberts, and Diamond Williams won the 4x200-meter relay at the state 1-A track and field championship.
Ashbrook High School senior Tyson Fortenberry won the discus throw competition at the state 3-A track and field championship.
Cramerton Middle sixth grader Tala Eid won first place in the Cramerton Arbor Day art poster contest. Her poster was used to advertise the Arbor Day celebration at Goat Island Park.Students from Forestview High School had artwork featured in the Eco-Fab fashion show at Discover You in Mount Holly. Lilly Gray, Caroline Cabe and Whitney Marr, who are students in Deborah Hamer’s class, had clothing and jewelry designs on display.Stanley Middle School eighth grade students Leah Carpenter, Lillian Warren, Nate Medici and Collin Robb participated in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.York Chester Middle students have read more than 74 million words since the beginning of school. The 55 students who met their Accelerated Reader goal for the third nine weeks were treated to a reward party, and 16 students joined the Million Word Club.
Click here for Good News.
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Class of 2015
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Class of 2015
Communication Tip
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Keep the school sign updated this summer
When the final bell rings to mark the end of the school year, “Have a great summer” is what teachers often say to their students as they head out the door one last time. It also is a message that appears on school signs and marquees … and sometimes it lingers until back-to-school information goes up in August. Don’t take a break over the summer from using your sign or marquee to promote your school – people still notice the message on your sign even though school is out for the summer.
Source: N.C. School Public Relations Association
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Class of 2015
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This week's GCS Monday Morning is produced by the Communications/Public Information Department for each graduating senior in the Class of 2016 and everyone who cares about Gaston County Schools.Please e-mail information for GCS Monday Morning to Todd Hagans, Chief Communications Officer: tthagans@gaston.k12.nc.usClick here to read past editions of GCS Monday Morning.