October 15, 2012                                  ebulletinboard Archive

To help keep you informed about events, workshops and other matters of interest, ebulletinboard is 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

NONE

AWARDS/APPLICATIONS/CONTESTS/GRANTS

ALL TEACHERS

Home Depot Youth Garden Grants - The Home Depot Garden Club is awarding five $1,000 gift cards and ninety-five $500 Home Depot gift cards for use in the planning, development, and implementation of child-centered garden programs.  Priority will be given to applicants who integrate content standards, nutrition connections, environmental awareness, entrepreneurship, and the social aspects of gardening.  For more information and to register to apply, click here.  Deadline: December 3, 2012.  Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

Science and Math Program Grants - The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is awarding $250 grants for K-12 teachers who develop or apply science, mathematics, and technology in their curriculum.  Applicant must join AIAA as an educator associate. Grants may be used to purchase classroom demonstration kits, science supplies, supplies for making flying objects, robotics programs, and other projects that bring science, math, and technology to life in the classroom.  For more information on the criteria, to register, or to apply, click here.  Deadline: rolling; grants considered in November, January, and April. .  Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS

Christopher Columbus Award - The Christopher Columbus Award is a national, community-based STEM program for teams of three to four middle school students.  Under the guidance of an adult team coach, the team will identify a community problem and apply scientific method to create an innovative solution.  Eight finalist teams will receive an all-expense paid trip to Walt Disney World to participate in a final presentation/competition.  The winning team will receive $25,000 with semi-finalists receiving smaller awards.  Click here for more information or to access the online application.  Deadline: February 4, 2013. Audience: Middle School Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

Bob Costas Grants for the Teaching of Writing - The College Board is awarding six Bob Costas Grants of $3,000 to 6th – 12th grade teachers (all academic disciplines) who use innovative methods to inspire their students to write.  Grant funds should be used to enhance an existing project.  The online application requires a 2-page description of the project, one student or student-group testimonial, and one professional reference.  Visit the foundation’s website to access the application and view samples of winning projects.  Deadline: November 21, 2012; Notification – January, 2013.  Audience: Middle and High School Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

PARTNERSHIPS

NONE

NOTICES/REQUESTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

National School Lunch Week (October 15-19, 2012) - Greenville County Schools is celebrating National School Lunch Week October 15-19 to recognize the more than 700 food service operators serving breakfast and lunch to students in nearly 100 locations across Greenville County.

National School Bus Safety Week (October 22 – 26, 2012) - Did you know...School bus transportation is one of the safest ways to travel? In Greenville County, 358 school buses transport 25,000 children every day.  That’s more than a trip around the world – every day!  Greenville County Schools is celebrating the outstanding performance of our 358 school bus drivers, October 22-26, during National School Bus Safety Week.

REMINDER: Annual Enrollment for Insurance Coverage Ends October 31, 2012 – Please click HERE for the Annual Enrollment summary document. In addition to the summary, employees should read the Insurance Advantage newsletter and attend their mandatory meeting with a Ward Services counselor.  The electronic version of the Insurance Advantage can be accessed by clicking on the following link: http://www.eip.sc.gov/publications/IA_Active.pdf?ts=-534192932.  Audience: All Employees. Contact: Insurance Services/Benefits Department, 355-0960.

Shred Day - The Upstate Better Business Bureau is hosting a free Shred Day on Saturday, October 20th from 10 am-2 pm.  Consumers can bring up to 10 small banker boxes of items for shredding at 408 N. Church Street.  They are also taking old cell phones for Verizon HopeLine.  Goodwill will be collecting old computer equipment.  Contact: Tammy Dankovich, 864-242-6905.

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, (Open to the Public: October 27-28) – 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.

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:

Who is in control of the mouse? Don’t move the computer mouse with just your wrist, instead use your entire arm and shoulder.  Don’t rest your arm on the edge of the desk while manipulating the mouse. Hold the mouse loosely while keeping your wrist relaxed.  Don’t hold it up or down; instead, hold it in a neutral (straight) position.  Disconnect from the mouse at times and move the arms, wrists, and shoulders.

Healthy Halloween Treats!  For many folks, Halloween begins a long season of small candy bars living in the home.  Consider not buying the candy you will give on Halloween until the last minute.  Give more nutritious treats such as popcorn or boxes of raisins because if these are leftover you won't compromise your nutritional needs.

CALENDAR (IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER)

2012-13 Employee Calendar

2012-13 Student/Parent Calendar

2012-13 Student Calendar (Spanish)

September 17 – October 31 - Annual Enrollment for Insurance Coverage

October 15-19 - National School Lunch Week

Thursday, October 18—Professional Development Workday/District—Full Day

Friday, October 19—Professional Development Workday/Schools—Parent Teacher Conferences and MAP Improvement (Exchange Day #1)

October 22-26 – National School Bus Safety Week

Friday, October 26—End 1st Quarter Grading Period

Sunday, November 4—Daylight Savings Time Ends (1st Sunday in November)

Monday, November 5—Report Cards

Tuesday, November 6 - Election Day (Holiday, Including 12-Month Employees)

Wednesday, November 21 — Schools and Offices Closed; 12-Month Employee Required Leave

November 21, 22, 23 — Thanksgiving Break (Nov. 21 is required leave for 12-month employees.)