October 15, 2009                                                            ebulletinboard Archive

ebulletinboard is sent every other week to all employees and provides information about events, workshops, and other matters of interest. Principals and other location supervisors should post one copy for employees who do not have e-mail.  Editions are archived for reference.

EVENTS/WORKSHOPS

TEACHERS

National Board Awareness Session (Thursday, October 22, 2009, 4:00 pm, University Center) - An awareness session will be held for teachers interested in applying for National Board for this Fall 2009 National Board loan window.  Step by step guides and loan applications will be distributed at the meeting.  Teachers interested in attending should sign up on the portal.  Audience: Teachers.  Contact: Patty Fox, Human Resources, 355-3173.

Educational Administration Informational Meetings: Informational sessions are being held for individuals interested in earning an advanced degree in administration. Registration is not required to attend. Information about the program, the cost, and the location of the classes will be provided at the meeting. Employees interested in a program would need to follow the required steps to apply to the college.

University of South Carolina: Educational Specialist and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees, Monday, October 19, 2009, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. , University Center Room 514, South Pleasantburg Drive

Clemson University: Master’s Degree and Certification in Educational Administration and Supervision, Thursday, October 22, 2009, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., University Center Auditorium, South Pleasantburg Drive

Audience: Employees.  Contact: Patty Fox, Professional Growth and Leadership, 355-3173.

AWARDS/APPLICATIONS/CONTESTS/GRANTS

TEACHERS

Grants to Expand School Libraries Selections of American History Literature (Deadline: January 29, 2010) - The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) will make awards to public school libraries of a 16-book collection of classics for young readers through the We the People Bookshelf program.  Each year, the NEH awards a themed collection.  The 2009-2010 theme is “A More Perfect Union.”  The books will be in English (some available in Spanish) and at the appropriate reading levels (K-12) for the award recipient.  Libraries will also receive supplementary materials for programming, including bookplates, bookmarks, and posters. Libraries awarded will be required to present programs that introduce the books to students.  Programs should take place between May 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011.  Learn more: <http://publicprograms.ala.org/bookshelf/>.  Audience: Media Specialist, Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Development and Evaluation, 355-3113.

Target Field Trip Grants (Deadline: November 3, 2009)- National retailer is offering 5,000 $800 (maximum) grants to education professionals planning a field trip that promotes a demonstrable learning experience for students. Applicant must provide in the online application a description of the field trip, benefits to the students and proposed use of funds. If awarded, applicants must provide verification of the proposed trip by the school superintendent, principal or immediate supervisor. Eligibility: Employees of accredited K-12 public, private or charter schools.  Childcare centers, after-school programs, parents, volunteers and pre-K groups are not eligible.  Learn more: <http://targetfieldtripgrants.target.com/rules.php>.  Audience: Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Development and Evaluation, 355-3113.

Champions of the Environment Grants (Deadline: January 15, 2010) - SCDHEC will award up to ten $2,000 grants for proposed environmental projects that address one of the following: prevention/reduction of air, water or land pollution; waste reduction; restoration, preservation or enhancement of natural areas; water or energy efficiency; projects that educate the community and make a difference to the environment. Eligibility: K-12 students (individual or group), teachers and environmental educators.  Additional information, application, etc. available at: www.scdhec.gov/environment/water/chgrant.htm.  Audience: Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Development and Evaluation, 355-3113.

PARTNERSHIPS

NONE

NOTICES/REQUESTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, (Open to the Public: October 24 & 25, 2009) – Click HERE for times, location and information. Proceeds help to fund Greenville County Library System programs. Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Friends of the Library, 527-9291.

12-MONTH EMPLOYEES

Revised November Work Schedule for 12-Month Employees - As a cost-cutting measure, schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, November 25, 2009.  This date is in addition to the scheduled Thanksgiving Break dates.  Thermostats in all locations will be on holiday setback (55 degrees) and use of lights limited.  Please consider the revised work schedule for maintenance work or cleaning.  12-month employees have the following options to make up the November 25 work day: use a vacation day, personal leave day, or accrued compensatory time.  Audience: 12-Month Employees.  Contact: Payroll Department, ext. 0920.

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Golden Apple Rewards Directories Are Here – 2009-10 Golden Apple Rewards Discount directories are being delivered to your school or location. Every permanent full-time and part-time employee will receive a copy.  Book may also be viewed from your district computer on InfoWeb in Downloadable Resources. Click here for video with more information.  The directory offers discounts from many businesses and services, such as cell phone providers, furniture stores, fitness centers, mortgage services, and local restaurants.  These discounts are exclusively for employees of Greenville County Schools, so don’t miss out on some great savings!  Complete the survey on the first page for a chance to win $50!  Audience: Employees.  Contact: Susan Clarke, Communications Department, ext. 8874.

Kohl’s Shopping Days – Kohl’s is offering GCS employees 15% off purchases from Wednesday, October 21 through Saturday, October 24.  Show your Employee Pass to receive the discount.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Scott Nicholson, Kohl’s, 228-2179.

Lenscrafters Discount – Show your Employee Pass for 30% or more off a pair of glasses. Good at any Greenville area Lenscrafters including Haywood Mall. Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Laura Finley, Lenscrafters, 234-7200.

Sam’s Club – Sam’s Club is offering GCS employees a $10 gift card when you sign up for new membership or renew an existing membership by Sunday, November 8, 2009.  Come to the Member Services Desk to receive your gift card.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Stephanie Graves, Sam’s Club.

MISCELLANEOUS

ALL EMPLOYEES

The Schools Channel (Charter Channel 99, 24 hours a day, and Channel 14, 5:30-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m. daily) –   Click HERE to learn more about the Schools Channel programs and TV schedule.

Employment Opportunities – Click HERE for our web-site link to GCS Employment Opportunities.

CALENDAR (IMPORTANT DATES REMEMBER)

October 1-31 — Insurance Open Enrollment

Thursday, October 15—Professional Dev. Workday/Student Holiday (Schools Parent/Teacher Conferences and MAP Improvement)

Friday, October 16 — Professional Dev. Workday/Student Holiday (AM District/PM Schools—Exchange Day #1)

Friday, October 16 —School District/Pepsi Golf Tournament

Saturday, October 17 (2 p.m.) — Furman University Education Day (Furman vs. Samford)

Friday, October 23 — End of 1st Quarter Grading Period

Thursday, October 29 — Report Cards

Tuesday, November 24 — 2nd Quarter Interim Progress Reports

Wednesday, November 25 — Schools and Offices Closed.  12-Month Employees: Use Personal Leave, Vacation Leave or Accrued Compensatory Time.  November 26 and 27 are 12-Month Employee Holidays.

November 25, 26, 27 — Thanksgiving Break

2009-10 Employee Calendar                            2009-10 Parent/Student Calendar