August 30, 2010                                                              ebulletinboard Archive

Welcome back for the 2010-11 school year!  To help keep you informed about events, workshops and other matters of interest, ebulletinboard will be e-mailed on pay dates (August 13, 2010 - May 27, 2011) to all employees.  Principals and other location supervisors should post one copy for employees who do not have e-mail.  Editions are archived for reference.

EVENTS/WORKSHOPS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Leave of Absence Information Session – Employees planning a leave of absence, with questions on FMLA (Family Medical Leave), or other types of leave may sign up on the Portal for an information session scheduled for Thursday, September 30, 4:30 pm, at the Central Office.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Nancy McGreer, Human Resources, 355-3982.

ALL TEACHERS

Lifelong Learning Graduate Classes - Lifelong Learning is offering two Graduate Recertification classes for teachers this fall.  Upon completion of the class you will receive three hours of Graduate credits from The College of Charleston.  Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Terry Culbertson, Lifelong Learning, 355-6095. Classes are listed below:

· EDPD 805-G60: Developing an Understanding of the Impact of Socio-economics on Student Achievement, Sept. 14 through Dec. 7th, Every Tuesday afternoon, 4-7 pm, room 311 at Sullivan Center ($450)

· EDPD 807X: Strategies for Working With At-Risk Boys, Sept. 16 through Dec. 9, Every Thursday, 4-7, room 311 at Sullivan Center ($450)

AWARDS/APPLICATIONS/CONTESTS/GRANTS

All TEACHERS

Kids In Need Foundation Grants - The foundation provides K-12 educators with one-time grants of $100-$500 to fund innovative, creative classroom learning opportunities for students. Online applications are available through the foundation sponsors listed at the site below. All applicants will receive a package of poster making and bulletin board supplies (value: $25). Proposed projects should engage students in hands-on activities that lead to knowledge, awareness, or self-discovery. It is recommended that applicants visit the Award Winning Classroom Projects on the foundation’s website to ensure that proposed projects are new and not a duplication of previous award winning projects.  Click HERE for website. Deadline: September 30, 2010.  Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Development and Evaluation, 355-3113.

Lowe’s Toolbox for Education - Lowe’s will award up to $5,000 in grants to individual schools (K-12) for basic, one-time project needs, the provision of which will create the greatest impact for educators and their classrooms. 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: October 15, 2010 or once 1,500 applications have been received.  To learn more click HERE.  Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Development and Evaluation, 355-3113.

Moss Foundation for Children’s Education - The Moss Foundation will award $1,000 grants to support a new or evolving program that integrates the arts into educational programming.  Teachers who wish to use the arts as an effective learning tool, especially for children who learn differently, should apply before 9/30/10.  Interested applicants should download the application from the funder’s website and mail before the deadline.  Deadline: September 30, 2010.  To learn more click HERE.  Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Development and Evaluation, 355-3113.

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

Touching Lives Through Theatre Grants - Middle and high schools may apply that have a designated faculty sponsor for the theatre program and a drama budget of less than $1,000.  Grant is intended to strengthen or create a sustainable drama experience.  A portion of the $500 grant awards must be used to produce a theatre performance before June 15, 2011.  The remainder of the grant may be used for other productions or supplies purchased from Pioneer Drama Service, Inc.  All funds must be expended by June 15, 2011. Final grant report required before June 30, 2011 to include photo CD of production and a copy of the performance program. To learn more click HERE.  Deadline: Cover letter and three copies of the application postmarked by October 1, 2010.  Audience: Middle and High School Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Development and Evaluation, 355-3113.

Bob Costas Grants for the Teaching of Writing - Six $3,000 grants (one teacher from each U.S. region) will be awarded to honor 6th – 12th grade teachers who are using innovative methods to develop students’ writing skills.  Projects can be in-school, afterschool or a summer project.  Teachers from all academic disciplines are eligible.  Applicants must submit a 2-page, detailed description of their project and an explanation of how the funds will be used to enhance the project going forward.  Applicants must also provide one student testimonial and one professional reference knowledgeable of the teacher’s project.  Application and contest rules are online.  Deadline: November 19, 2010; winners announced in January 2011.  To learn more click HERE.  Audience: Middle and High School Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Development and Evaluation, 355-3113.

PARTNERSHIPS

NONE

NOTICES/REQUESTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Flu Shot Clinics for Employees- Flu Shot clinics for employees will be held at four district locations. (See locations, dates and times listed below.)  These clinics are offered as a service to all school district employees, retirees and families of employees. The cost is $25 per vaccine to be presented when the vaccine is received. Checks should be made out to Passport Health.  Signup sheets will be delivered to each location by courier.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Cathie Storey, Health Services, 355-3171.

· Golden Strip Career Center, Thursday, September 16, 2:30 – 4:30

· J. Harley Bonds Career Center, Tuesday, September 21, 2:30 -4:30

· Central Office (Camperdown) -Thursday, September 30, 2:30 -4:30

· Enoree Career Center, Thursday, October 7, 2:30 -4:30

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Educator Appreciation Day at all Upstate Belk’s Stores – All upstate Belk’s stores are celebrating Educator Appreciation Day on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 from 10 am – 9 pm.  Show your Employee Pass or school ID and mention the coupon code EDUCATOR to receive an extra 20% off (15% off home and shoes) on regular, sale, and clearance price purchases storewide.  Very limited exclusions mean you will receive discounts on brands like Polo, Nautica, Lucky, Ralph Lauren, Waterford, Spode, Dooney & Burke, and many other designer labels.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: John Fiedler, Store Manager.

Sam’s Club Gift Card – Sam’s Club is offering GCS employees a $10 Gift Card when you open or renew a Sam’s Club Advantage Membership ($40) or a $25 Gift Card when you open or renew a Sam’s Club Plus Membership ($100). Click HERE for more information.  This offer is valid through Sunday, October 31, 2010. Audience: All Employees. Contact: Stephanie Graves, Sam’s Club.

Gourmet Pizza and More – Gourmet Pizza and More, located at 2002 Augusta Street, is offering employees a 20% discount on purchases.  Show your Employee Pass to receive the discount. Audience: All Employees. Contact: Gourmet Pizza Manager.

The Views on Pelham Apartment Homes – GCS staff members will pay no application fee and will receive $200 off the first month’s rent.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: The Views on Pelham Management, 288-0421.

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)

2010-11 Calendars (Revised 7-6-10):  Employee, Student, Student (Spanish)

Monday, September 6—Labor Day Holiday

Thursday, September 23, 2010, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. - New Employee Reception at Central Office

Friday, October 15—GCS/Pepsi Scholarship Golf Tournament