September 30, 2011                                                       ebulletinboard Archive

To help keep you informed about events, workshops and other matters of interest, ebulletinboard will be e-mailed on pay dates (August 15, 2011 - May 30, 2012) 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

AWARDS/APPLICATIONS/CONTESTS/GRANTS

ALL TEACHERS

Publix Super Market Educational Grants — Publix Super Market accepts written requests year round for educational grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.  Funding decisions are made monthly.  Publix will consider requests regarding the following educational program areas: afterschool, early childhood, math, reading, science, and social studies programs.  Requests should be sent to P.O. Box 407, Lakeland, FL 33802-0407.  Call 862-686-8754 for questions.  Audience: All Teachers. Contact: Lisa Finley, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

True Gift School Supplies - Through True Gift, classroom teachers can request specific school supplies for use in the classroom.  Donors visit the gift registry and select schools and projects for which they want to make a donation of supplies.  Teachers should click HERE visit for more information and to complete the online donation request.  Audience: All Teachers. Contact: Lisa Finley, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

Mickelson’s ExxonMobil Teachers Academy – Third, fourth and fifth grade teachers can apply for the opportunity to attend a week-long, all expense-paid professional development program that equips them with new ways to inspire their students in math and science.  Applications are due by Monday, October 31.  Click the following link to nominate a teacher or a teacher can apply online.  Audience: Elementary Principals and Teachers.

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest - This contest is open to 6th – 12th grade teachers (all subjects) who have developed a project designed to raise student enthusiasm for STEM education.  Phase one is the application process, after which Samsung will select 25 semi-finalists who will be invited to create a video in collaboration with students that shows how STEM can improve the environment in your community (all technology provided).  Winning videos will be selected through online voting.  Twelve schools will be awarded a minimum of $70,000 in technology.  Click HERE for official rules and a link to the application.  Deadline: Application - October 31, 2011; Video – January 31, 2012; Winner notification – March 13, 2012. Audience: Middle and High Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

2012 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards– This award recognizes middle and high school students for volunteer service in their community. Click on the Prudential web-site link for more information about the application and deadline.  Audience: Middle and High School Principals, Teachers and Students.  Contact: [email-masked], 973-802-4568.

PARTNERSHIPS

NONE

NOTICES/REQUESTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Open Enrollment for Insurance Coverage (October 3 – 31, 2011) – Please click HERE for the Open Enrollment summary document for all employees.  In addition to the summary, employees should read the Insurance Advantage newsletter and attend their mandatory meeting with a Ward Services counselor.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Insurance Services/Benefits Department, 355-1188.

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, (Open to the Public: October 22 and 23) – Click HERE for times, location and more information.  Proceeds help to fund Greenville County Library System programs. Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Friends of the Library, 527-9291.

ALL TEACHERS

Palmetto Heroes Homeownership Program - Please click HERE for information from the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority.  Teachers may be eligible for the Palmetto Heroes homeownership program, which provides a 4.00% interest rate and down payment assistance.  Audience: Teachers.  Contact: Clayton Ingram, SC State Housing, 803-896-9520.

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Sam's Club Open House - Sam's Club on Woodruff Road will host an Open House for district employees on Saturday, October 8 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  Refreshments will be served. GCS employees will receive a gift card of $10 or $25 for either a new or renewal membership ($40 Advantage Membership or $100 Advantage Plus Membership).  Gift card value is dependent upon which level of membership is selected.  Sam's Club will also offer a special $15 for 15 weeks membership offer October 8 ONLY for new member sign-ups (no renewals).  The two offers cannot be combined.  The school or location that has the most employees represented by signing in at the designated area at Sam's will receive a back pack of school supplies.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Linda Chancellor Greer, Sam’s Club, 864-987-7220.

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.

Employee Recognition Weeks –In October we recognize National School Bus Safety Week, October 17-21, with public a service announcement on The Schools Channel, recognition on the District website, and posts on Facebook and Twitter.  Please consider recognizing this employee group in your schools during the designated week.  Audience: All Principals.  Contact: Susan Clarke, Communications, 355-8870.

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

Healthy Living Tips:

· Are you drinking enough water each day?  Remember, water is your body’s principal chemical component and makes up nearly 60% of your body weight.  Every body system depends on water to perform its best.  Water flushes away toxins from organs and carries important nutrients to cells, while providing a moist environment for the ear, nose, and throat.  Staying healthy means avoiding dehydration.  Even mild dehydration drains your energy and leaves you tired.

· You’ve heard, “An apple a day will keep the doctor away.”  While it does take more than a daily apple to keep you healthy, eating an apple each day is a definite step in the right direction.  The fall of the year is a great time to sample a variety of apples and to begin choosing apples as a regular snack.  Also, if you eat the skin of the apple you are getting a higher dose of vitamin C than if you peel the skin away.

CALENDAR (IMPORTANT DATES REMEMBER)

Thursday, October 13 — Professional Development Workday/Schools, Parent/Teacher Conferences and MAP Improvement (Exchange Day #1)

Friday, October 14 — Professional Development Workday, AM District/PM Schools—Flex (Exchange Day #2)

October 17-21 - National School Bus Safety Week

Friday, October 21 — End 1st Quarter (45th Day)

Saturday, October 22 - Education Day at Furman, 2:00 pm (Furman vs. Wofford)

Sunday, October 23 - 2011 Greenville County College Fair, TD Convention Center (formerly the Carolina First Center), 2:30 - 4:30 pm, Workshop Sessions for Parents and Students,1:00 pm - 2:30 pm.

Monday, October 31 — Report Cards