American Education Week - District Staff Appreciation Day
- District-level staff members play important roles in the support of students and schools. Areas of responsibility include accounting and budget services, payroll, benefits, guidance, human resources, academics, accountability, technology services, communication, construction, special education services, planning, and student services.
Leisa Artus – Social Media/Creative Services Specialist
Leisa Artus develops graphics for newsletters, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, and digital media. “A large part of my job is developing content, and managing and moderating the GCS Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts,” she explained.
Leisa never misses an opportunity to go to district schools to photograph and interview staff and students. She says the most rewarding part of her job is the chance to offer a glimpse inside the classroom, into a teacher’s life, a student’s day, or to highlight individuals who sometimes go unnoticed.
Brittany Oglesby, PAS-T Secretary, Human Resources
“My job is to help perform multiple tasks, including coordinating Family Medical Leave and Leave of Absence for hourly employees, professional development for teachers, and new hire orientations,” said Brittany. She said the most rewarding part of her job is helping employees during a medical situation, which is often one of the most stressful times of their lives. “I make things a little easier with a smiling face and taking time to listen. I feel proud of the job I do when I help an employee with questions and make their day better,” said Brittany.
Lynn Mann Program Director, A J Whittenberg Elementary
Lynn Mann is the Executive Director of the GCS Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides students and employees with programs, support, and services that are above and beyond that which is provided by the education funding system. She coordinated the 2014 scholarship golf tournament, raising funds to provide seniors with scholarships next spring. She also serves as AJ Whittenberg Elementary's Director of Programs and Lego Robotics coach. “Our team was invited to compete internationally in Germany, and it was amazing to see through their eyes. That was a life-changing event,” she said. Lynn also conducts neighborhood visits during the summer. When she pulled up to one child’s house, she heard, ‘It’s Miss Mann! Mama, Miss Mann is at our house!’ Lynn said, “To be so welcomed, to have such a simple gesture so appreciated by a child, that would melt anyone’s heart. It did mine.”
Dennis Amory, Lawson Security Administrator
Dennis Amory was hired in 2009 by Education Technology Services as a Lawson Security Administrator. He joined the ETS department when the District was making the change from the JD Edwards system to Lawson. Lawson Security was implemented as part of that system. “I make sure that every employee who needs access to Lawson as part of their jobs has a valid ID and can access the appropriate areas of Lawson,” he explained.
“I work with employees at the school level that have issues with the HEAT system. I also get calls from district office employees requesting security changes,” he said. “My job is always a challenge, but I enjoy it when I have the opportunity to implement new strategies that allow me to interact with users on a one-on-one basis. I like getting to know the folks I work along with,” he said.
Monday - School Support Staff Appreciation Day
Tuesday - Bus Transportation Appreciation Day
Wednesday - - Educator Appreciation Day
Thursday - - Operations/Maintenance Staff Appreciation Day
Greenville County Schools Celebrates American Education Week
November 17-21 Recognizes Public School Employees
Greenville County Schools will celebrate American Education Week with other schools and districts across the nation during the week of November 17-21. The theme, Raise Your Hand for Student Success! reinforces the fact that all employees, from teachers to food service to custodians, are actively involved in provide a quality education for our students.
Greenville County Schools, the nation’s 45th largest school district, understands and encourages the active involvement of parents, volunteers, and the community as our more than 5,000 teachers inspire young people to reach for the stars and build plans for their futures.
Schools will host special events during the week to spotlight teachers and other staff. Parents and other community members are invited to visit a local school to observe the outstanding students, staff and programs of Greenville County Schools.
About Greenville County Schools
Nationally Accredited School District
- Greenville County Schools received National Accreditation from the AdvancED Accreditation Commission, recognizing the school system as a high quality school district and granting full accreditation to the school district and all of its schools.
- Largest District in SC; 45th Largest in Nation
- More than 72,000 Students in Grades K-12
Student Facts
- The GCS Class of 2014 received $113.9 million in college scholarships.
- About 10,000 students (15%) attend school on choice, making GCS the state leader.
- GCS students consistently outperform the state and nation on the ACT college entrance test.
Employee Facts
- About 9,500 Employees; About 5,000 Teachers
- 99% of teachers are highly qualified content experts.
- GCS boasts more National Board Certified Teachers (659) than 24 states, and we rank 14th of 14,000 school districts in the nation for total number of NBCTs.
Schools - 100
- Elementary - 51
- Middle - 20
- High - 14
- Centers - 17 (Career, Child Development, Special)