November 12, 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

Lifelong Learning Courses Offered - Lifelong Learning will offer State Department Recertification Computer Classes for all teachers holding a valid SC teaching certificate at its newly renovated 206 Wilkins Street location.  New class offerings include: Word 2007, Access 2007, Excel 2007, PowerPoint 2007, Publisher 2007, Intro to Web Page Design, and Intro to Promethean Board.  If teachers have taken our XP computer classes in the past (exception Windows), they can take our new 2007 computer classes and get additional State Recertification credit.  Computers for Educators-Level II, and Windows XP for Educators will also be offered.  For more information visit Lifelong Learning’s website.  Audience: Teachers.  Contact: Debra Ellenburg, 355-6093 or Grace Pascuiti, 355-6059, Lifelong Learning.

AWARDS/APPLICATIONS/CONTESTS/GRANTS

TEACHERS

GEICO Safety Belt Poster and Video Contest (Students ages 6-18) - This contest allows students to be creative and spread the importance of wearing safety belts, while earning cash prizes for themselves and their schools.  Please click HERE to visit the website for contest rules and regulations or you may click HERE for entry form.  The contest deadline is January 15, 2010.  Audience: Teachers, Students.  Contact: Stefanie Hampton, GEICO, Woodruff Rd. Office, (864)272-0246.

ING Unsung Heroes Program - ING will award $2,000 grants to 100 K-12 educators who are utilizing new teaching methods and techniques to improve classroom learning.  Projects (both existing and future) are judged on innovative methods, creativity and ability to positively influence students.  Of the 100 finalists, three will be selected to receive additional financial awards of $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000.  Applicants are required to complete an online application, essay and budget.  Deadline: April 30, 2010.  Applicants notified October 2010.  Click HERE to learn more.  Audience: Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Development and Evaluation, 355-3113.

Lowe’s Toolbox for Education - Lowe’s will award $2,000 - $5,000 grants to individual schools (K-12) who are conducting educational projects that create an Outdoor Classroom.  Previously successful projects included vegetable gardens, physical fitness areas, landscaping projects, nature trails, tutoring centers and playgrounds.  Projects must be completed within one year after grant award.  Applicants are required to complete an online application and successful applicants are notified within 3 months of deadline.  Deadline: February 12, 2010 or once 1,500 applications have been received.  Click HERE to learn more.  Audience: Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Development and Evaluation, 355-3113.

Digital Wish Grants - Monthly grant awards of digital products and services for innovative, technology-based lesson plans.  After registration, teachers can add multiple lesson plans to the school’s profile, each of which will be considered monthly for awards. Lesson plans must be relevant to the curriculum.  Grants are awarded on the 28th of each month and re-application is not necessary to be considered. A calendar of grant themes is available on the web site.  Deadline: Monthly, awards made on the 28th of each month.  Click HERE to learn more.  Audience: Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Development and Evaluation, 355-3113.

PARTNERSHIPS

NONE

NOTICES/REQUESTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

American Education Week, November 15-21 – In addition to the discounts offered through our Employee Discount Program, local businesses - Sam’s Club, Old Navy, Borders Express Haywood Mall, and The Children’s Museum - are offering special discounts during American Education Week.  The discounts are listed below under Employee Discounts.  We will draw names next week for door prizes from entries in the Enlighten e-news quiz.  Winners will be notified by e-mail.  If you travel Woodruff Road, be sure to look for our American Education Week billboard at the corner of Garlington and Woodruff Roads next week.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Susan Clarke, Communications Department, 355-8874.

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

American Education Week Discounts:

Sam’s Club Open House – Sam’s Club on Woodruff Road is hosting a special Open House for all GCS staff on Saturday, November 14 from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm. Come out and enjoy the same savings as members. Show your Employee Pass when you stop by the Registration Table and get a FREE goodie bag. When you join or renew your membership, you’ll also receive a certificate for a $10 Sam’s Club Gift Card. Contact: Stephanie Graves, 987-7220.

Old Navy Private Shopping Event – Old Navy has organized a private shopping event for GCS employees on Sunday, November 15 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. The event will be held at Cherrydale, Woodruff Road, and Spartanburg locations. Show your Employee Pass and save 30% off your entire purchase. Contact: Lindsay Wamsley, 234-5831.

Borders Express, Haywood Mall – Employees will receive 25% off all regular priced items during American Education Week, November 15-21. Be sure to show your Employee Pass for the discount. Contact: Sue Rancourt, 297-1025.

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – The Children’s Museum is offering $2 off the price of an adult admission ticket for GCS employees from November 15-21. Please show your Employee Pass for the discount. Contact: Julie Accetta, 553-7924.

MISCELLANEOUS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Enlighten Video with Superintendent Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher – Please click HERE for the November edition of Enlighten video.  You will hear from school principals and school nurses, as well as building services staff, about how we minimize the transfer of germs and keep our schools clean and healthy.  This video is also available on The Schools Channel (Charter Cable Channels 99 and 14).  Click HERE to learn more about the Schools Channel programs and TV schedule.  Audience: Employees.  Contact: Susan Clarke, Communications Department, 355-8870.

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

CALENDAR (IMPORTANT DATES REMEMBER)

November 15-21—American Education Week: Great Public Schools, Right Here in Greenville County!

Monday, November 23 (REVISED DATE) — 2nd Quarter Interim Progress Reports

Wednesday, November 25 — Schools and Offices Closed.  12-Month Employees: Use Leave

November 25, 26, 27 — Thanksgiving Break (Student Calendar)