HEADOF THEHERD

The beginning of a school year brings excitement and anticipation for our students, staff and teachers. We began this year with the Big Red Rally where we heard from GHS Alum, Rev Michael Thurmond, whose message inspired our teachers to be “tag changers ” He shared a story of a nurse during wartime that encountered a wounded soldier who had been tagged red - meaning there was no hope for survival. The nurse refused to give up on the soldier and changed his tag to green marking him as a survivor. Teachers were encouraged to be “tag changers” for their students that others may have given up on The theme has continued through the year and given our teachers renewed purpose.

All of the adults in our district have the unique responsibility everyday to impact the lives of our students. At Gainesville City Schools, we are a family that intentionally works to be sure that impact made is a positive one that leads to success for all of our students.

In this issue we share photos from our completed campus at Gainesville High School. With 2,300 students the new academic building provides ample classroom space and a beautiful art room, audio/visual lab and main office suite. This completes the four-year construction project that included the Advanced Studies Center, Student Activities Center, Media Center and Cafeteria, the Hub and renovation of our existing academic building These additions and renovations dramatically change the overall look and feel of the campus and we are grateful to the board of education for their vision and leadership throughout the project.

We also highlight our fall sports. The Red Elephant football team just completed its second consecutive undefeated regular season locking up the Region 8-6A Championship Both cross country teams also won Region for the second consecutive year with top 10 finishes in State as well.

Tradition at Gainesville High School continues through our hallways everyday with alumni teachers and second and third generation students.

Building on this foundation with new and emerging activities and events is what keeps our students engaged and excited. Our district is a vibrant and involved community of young people that will one day be our leaders and the heartbeat of our community