August 15, 2012                                                              ebulletinboard Archive

Welcome back to the new school year and the first edition of ebulletinboard for 2012-13!

To help keep you informed about events, workshops and other matters of interest, ebulletinboard will be e-mailed on pay dates (August 15, 2012 - May 30, 2013) 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

GCS All-Star Employee Night at The Drive, Saturday, September 1 — The Greenville Drive will celebrate GCS All-Star Employee Night on Saturday, September 1, 7:05 p.m.  Employees may purchase discounted tickets ($5—$7) by calling Amanda Lavecchia (240-4507) or dropping by the Flour Field Box Office.  A free ticket will be provided to the first 200 GCS employees requesting a ticket.  School ID or Employee Pass must be presented when picking up tickets.

Also, employees requesting/purchasing tickets will be entered in a drawing to have the option to throw out the first pitch before the game.  The winning employee will be notified Friday afternoon before the game.  GCS accomplishments will be highlighted during the game and the Drive will contribute $2 a ticket to GCS.  Click HERE for more information.  Audience: All Principals.  Contact: Amanda Lavecchia, Greenville Drive, 240-4507.

ALL TEACHERS

Lifelong Learning Teacher Recertification/Graduate Courses Offered - Lifelong Learning at 206 Wilkins Street, Greenville, SC 29605, will offer two Graduate classes for fall:

· Teaching Instructional Strategies Using Technology, (Tuesdays, Sept. 11- Oct. 30, 9 dates meeting at Sullivan Center and the remaining classes completed on-line). Instructor: Fran Mauney.

· Bullying in Schools, (Tuesdays, Sept. 11, 18, and Dec. 11 meeting at Sullivan Center with the remaining classes completed on-line). Instructor: Terry Culbertson.

Both classes are $450 each, recertification, 3-graduate hour credit through College of Charleston. Classes will be held at Lifelong Learning, Tuesdays, 5-8 pm.  For more information visit Lifelong Learning’s website or call Terry Culbertson.  Audience: All Teachers and Principals.  Contact: Terry Culbertson, Lifelong Learning, 355-6095.

AWARDS/APPLICATIONS/CONTESTS/GRANTS

ALL TEACHERS

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation - The foundation will award eligible school music programs with the donation of instruments and instrument repair.  Schools must complete a Pre-Qualification form to be invited to apply by the foundation.  Eligible schools must be Title 1 and/or serve a population in which 50% or more of students qualify for the Free & Reduced Lunch program.  Visit here for a full list of eligibility requirements and to submit a Pre-Qualification form.  Deadline: September 14, 2012.  Audience: All Principals and Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grants - Schools seeking to start school or community-based natural areas are encouraged to apply for this $100-$500 grant award.  Projects supported include wildflower gardens, rainwater gardens, groves of trees, a native plant community, interpretive trails, wetland areas, etc.  To review additional grant criteria, application, and examples of successful grants, click here.  Deadline: October 15, 2012.  Audience: All Principals and Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

Using Music to Teach Mathematics Grants - The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) will award $3,000 grants to Pre-k through 2nd grade classroom teachers who are using music to teach math to students.  Funds can be used to purchase equipment, but should not be the focus of the grant.  Applicant must be an active member of the NCTM and teach mathematics.  For additional information regarding submission requirements, visit this site.  Deadline: November 9, 2012.  Audience: Elementary Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

Westinghouse N-Visioning a Brighter Future Grant Program - $1,000 grants will be awarded to middle and high schools for the facilitation of hands-on science, technology, and/or mathematics projects.  Projects that directly involve students and incorporate community resources, interdisciplinary or team-teaching projects are preferred.  For more information on grant criteria and how to apply, click here.  Deadline: November 16, 2012.  Audience: Middle and High School Principals and Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

PARTNERSHIPS

NONE

NOTICES/REQUESTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Request for Foster Families – Greenville County is in need of additional foster homes.  If you are interested, please contact the SC Youth Advocate Program- Resource (Foster) Family Program at 864- 312-6700.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Betsy Gray-Manning, Recruiter- SC YAP, 864-312-6700.

ALL TEACHERS

Palmetto Heroes Home Loan Fund –There is only $5 million left in the SC Housing Palmetto Heroes home loan fund.  Anyone hoping to purchase a home with these funds needs to move quickly.  Palmetto Heroes funds are available to teachers, nurses, law enforcement officers (including correctional officers), firefighters, veterans and emergency medical services workers.  Rates for Palmetto Heroes have dropped to 3.5% and have $5,000 down payment assistance available to help with closing cost.  Please click HERE for more details.  Audience: All Teachers.  Audience: Teachers.  Contact: Clayton Ingram, SC State Housing, 803-896-9520.

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS

NONE

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.

Healthy Living Tips:

· Fuel up for the year ahead with better nutrition.  The foods you consume provide the fuel you will need to be at your best each day.  Just as you plan lessons for students, plan your nutritional intake each day.  It takes time, but it is always time well spent for a healthier YOU.

· Begin the year charting YOUR exercise!  Consider developing a bulletin board that is all about you and how your physical activity.  When you lead as a physical activity role model, the students in your room are more likely to follow your lead.

CALENDAR (IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER)

2012-13 Employee Calendar

2012-13 Student/Parent Calendar

2012-13 Student Calendar (Spanish)

Thursday, August 16 – Courier Mail Summer Schedule (Thursdays Only) Ends

Thursday, August 16—Professional Development Day, Schools-Flex

Friday, August 17—Professional Development Day, Schools-Flex

Monday, August 20—Professional Development Day, Schools-Flex

Tuesday, August 21—Professional Development Day, Schools-Workday

Wednesday, August 22–4K-12 First Attendance Day (4K Half Days, Aug. 22-24)

Saturday, September 1 - GCS All-Star Employee Night, 7:05 p.m., Greenville Drive Stadium

Monday, September 3—Labor Day Holiday