Positive CCRPI gains highlight student achievement growth
Graduating seniors announce their plans to pursue careers in education
ELIZABETH COX
Learn more about the new leader of Oglethorpe Point Elementary School
The Glynn County School System is the foundation for a dynamic and diverse educational community that serves Brunswick and the Golden Isles of Georgia. As one of the state’s oldest public education systems, originally chartered in 1788, Glynn County Schools blends its tradition-rich history and unique coastal setting with 21st-century innovation to create engaging learning environments for more than 13,000 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12.
We are seeking talented individuals to join our community as we transform the lives of our students while providing highquality teaching and learning opportunities. Glynn County Schools offers cutting-edge technology, growth opportunities, employee perks, and a competitive compensation package.
https://www.teachglynn.com
In addition to numerous job fairs that will be held throughout the year, the Human Resources Department recently unveiled a new recruitment system that has a fresh new look and is mobile-friendly. Our new career opportunities website, which is the latest in a series of efforts started in June 2020, is designed to make the online job application experience easier and empowers Glynn County Schools to attract, engage, hire and advance today's top talent.
Our students have been at the heart of science, literacy and exploration this spring. From the total solar eclipse to our annual STEAMFest and Literacy Fair, our young learners discovered the joy of learning, the power of creativity, and the thrill of discovery.
Here is a recap of some major moments in the second semester of the 2023-2024 school year:
Top photo: Jane Macon Middle eighthgrader Riley Norman was named the 2024 Glynn County Spelling Bee Winner in January. Sponsored by the Glynn County Association of Educators, Riley bested 14 elementary and middle school spellers to advance to the Region 8 Spelling Bee. Jazlin Frierson, a Goodyear Elementary fifth-grader, served as alternate.
Middle photo: Brunswick High students, Thomas Clay, pictured left, and Caleb Corley, are among 177 seniors in Georgia who have been recognized as 2024 Georgia Scholars. Through this program, the Georgia Department of Education honors high school seniors who have achieved excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, leadership and community service.
Bottom photo: Students in the PAES Lab at the Golden Isles College & Career Academy helped renovate Habitat for Humanity‘s newest home build, Century Place. Students painted, swept floors, removed caulk, and landscaped around the homes The partnership between our students with special needs and organizations like Habitat for Humanity has been truly transformative
Glynn County Schools continues to make gains toward academic recovery, outperforming state and First District RESA averages on the recently released 2023 College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI).
So much so, the Georgia Department of Education results reveal that GCSS has achieved its largest margin over the state’s single score since the CCRPI began in 2012, and surpassed the state in the CCRPI indicators. (The CCRPI includes the following main components: Content Mastery, Progress, Closing Gaps, Readiness, and an additional component for high schools, Graduation Rate).
According to the report, the overall district score was 83 and the state’s score was 74. This is the second highest score ever recorded in Glynn County Schools history. (The district score was 83.7 in 2019 and was the last year that all indicators were used to create the score).
Digging deeper into data, system scores at the elementary level exceeded state and First District RESA averages in all areas of the CCRPI, with Top 5 rankings in the following components: Closing Gaps (No. 1), Progress (No. 2), Readiness (No. 4), Student Attendance (No. 4), and Content Mastery (No. 5).
Middle school wise, system scores were above First District RESA averages in all areas of the CCRPI, with rankings including No. 3 in Readiness and No. 4 in Content Mastery. Needwood Middle saw a five-point increase in its CCRPI score from 71.7 in 2019 to 76.7 in 2023. Additionally, both high schools saw gains in their scores, topping both state and regional averages. High school First District RESA rankings include No. 1 in Content Mastery, No. 1 in Progress, No. 2 in Closing Gaps, and No. 2 in Graduation Rate.
“Our teachers have faced many challenges the past few years but they have done a great job. .. Now, we are back above where we were in 2019. We will continue to focus on making gradual progress from academic recovery to continuous improvement.” – Superintendent Scott Spence
As the sun sets on your dedicated service to Glynn County Schools, we gather to celebrate your transition to a new adventure: retirement.
Your tireless commitment has shaped countless lives within our community. The late nights, the unwavering support, and the countless lessons taught –these are the threads that weave your legacy. You’ve inspired students, challenged colleagues, and left an indelible mark on our school system.
Whether in our classrooms, on our buses, in our cafeterias or on our school grounds, you’ve imparted life lessons that textbooks cannot capture. Your resilience has been tested, your creativity sparked, and your heart poured into every student along the way. Now, as you step away from the frontlines, it’s time to embrace a new chapter – one where you give 100 percent to yourself.
May your retirement years be filled with joy, exploration, and the pursuit of passions long deferred. Travel, paint, write, or simply savor the quiet moments – the choice is yours! While we’ll miss you immensely, we celebrate the impact you’ve made and eagerly await the stories you’ll write in this next phase of life.
With heartfelt gratitude, Students, Faculty, and Staff Glynn County Schools
From classic favorites to unique challenges, check out these action-packed photos from Field Day. They can also be found on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Where did you get your degree(s)?
Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Master's in Educational Leadership, both from St. Leo University, St. Leo, Fla.
Educational Specialist,Troy University, Troy, Ala.
Where have you taught?
I have taught in Florida in both private and public schools. In Glynn County:
Altama Elementary - Classroom teacher & Instructional Coach
Burroughs Molette - Instructional Coach
Satilla Marsh - Instructional Coach
Goodyear - Assistant Principal
Oglethorpe Point - Assistant Principal
I am completing my 23rd year in education.
When did you first know you wanted to be an educator?
I was actually in my late 20s when I began teaching. Before that, I had worked in different industries so I could travel and live in different places. When I finally relented and took my first teaching assignment in a 1stgrade classroom, I immediately fell in love and never looked back!
What are your expectations for not only your staff and students but yourself as well?
I hope that we approach each day as a new beginning with infinite possibilities and that we give 100% to the day's work.
What is your own vision/mission for the school under your leadership?
To create a learning environment that empowers academic excellence and inspires students to become lifelong learners, so that they can have a positive impact on our community and the world.
What most impresses you about your students and Glynn County Schools?
I am constantly inspired by our students' bravery when faced with difficult tasks and situations, their ability to critically analyze their performance in school and their joy when they discover new things.
Visit www.glynn.k12.ga.us to learn more about one of our newest principals.
In May, Brunswick High and Glynn Academy held Future Educator Signing ceremonies for their graduating seniors who have completed the “Teaching as a Profession” pathway and announced their plans to pursue careers in education. The students who participated in the ceremonies include:
Brunswick High
Michell Martinez Lopez, College of Coastal Georgia
Daya Alford, Undecided
Gracelynn Ward, College of Coastal Georgia
Molly Forsyth, Kennesaw State University
Layla Hughes, College of Coastal Georgia
Za'Naria Williams, Clark Atlanta University
Blakelee Boatright, Georgia Southern University
Jasmine Gaines, College of Coastal Georgia
Shelby Galuszek, Indian River State College
Brennen Hayes Monroe, Georgia Southern University
Abby Hogan, College of Coastal Georgia
Mayra Lopez, Undecided
Payton Parker, Georgia Southern University
Karol Salazar, Undecided
Kate Shinske, Georgia Southern University
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse crossed North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely blocks the sun, causing the sky to become dark during the daytime.
While Glynn County was not on the path of the total solar eclipse, many of our schools celebrated the rare phenomenon with handson activities. Here, C.B. Greer students conducted an experiment in the school’s courtyard to learn about its workings.
They also discovered why it’s crucial not to look directly at the sun during an eclipse unless you’re wearing special glasses.
Our STEAMFest and Literacy Fair was a HUGE success, thanks in large part to the 30+ booth hosts and more than 1,000 students and families who participated in the event.
Through this annual event, we want to inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and creative thinkers by highlighting just how exciting these subjects can be. It was so awesome seeing our community come together to ignite a passion for learning, and we're confident every student left eager to explore more.
The100thdayofschoolisasignificantmilestone,andstudentsand teachersalikefindcreativewaystocommemoratethisspecialoccasion.
HereishowGCSScelebrated.
The Glynn County Schools’ Book Space is a new initiative that blends literacy and nutrition In collaboration with the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce and GP Cellulose, this mobile library will travel to various locations within our community, allowing students to borrow books each week and receive nutritious meals from our School Nutrition Department, all in one convenient stop. The library will offer books for all ages and grades and is available to all current K12 students in Glynn County Schools.
Tuesdays *Students can check out a book and receive a lunch for the day
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM @ Risley Annex
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM @ Abbott Andrews
Time: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM @ Glynnvilla / Housing Authority
Time: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM @ Hopkins Homes Bay Street
Wednesdays *Students can check out a book and receive 7 days of breakfasts and lunches.
Time: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM @ North Glynn Park
Time: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM @ 1605 Altamaha Park Road, Brunswick
Time: 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM @ Baldwin Park (off Hwy 82)
Thursdays *Students can check out a book and receive a lunch for the day.
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM @ City Recreation Department Parking Lot
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM @ Goodyear Park (on Parkwood Drive)
Time: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM @ Altama Park (in Fairway Oaks)
Time: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM @ Beverly Shores Area
*Visit www.glynn.k12.ga.us to get detailed information about the Book Space initiative.
In May, nineteen Golden Isles College and Career Academy students received scholarships and/or tools and equipment grants totaling $11,500 These funds will empower our students as they pursue their dreams and continue their education
At the May 2024 regular meeting, held on May 14, we had the high honor of recognizing our full-time staff members who have dedicated 35 or more years to Glynn County Schools Their collective service, spanning an impressive 552 years, has left an indelible mark on our students and we wanted to take the opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering commitment, which truly embodies the spirit of “Staying Power”
The School Nutrition Department, The Gude Group and Brookwood Farms hosted a reception in their honor Their pictures are also displayed in the Board of Education lobby. To see the complete list of honorees and their years of service, visit www.glynn.k12.ga.us.
Each year a few, brave teachers take on the mechanical bullriding contest at the Rodeo at the Beach event, which is sponsored by Stambaugh Aviation This year, we had several lucky contestants in the elementary, middle and high school categories After a few rounds of fierce competition, Ian Doering (CB Greer Elementary), Calvin Thigpen (Jane Macon Middle), and Timothy Hatcher (Brunswick High) emerged as first-place winners in their categories, bringing with them a check for $500 for their schools, nice (very large!) trophies, and personalized belt buckle plaques
In February, the second- and fifth-graders at St Simons Elementary paired up to read stories together for an adorable Palentine's Day celebration Watching the big kids guide the little ones while spreading the love of books was the sweetest thing. Moments like these are a reminder that reading opens doors to exploring new worlds...together!
In collaboration with the Cit Academy student conceptualized, developed, and executed the school’s inaugural Golden Isles Government Immersion Day This innovative program allowed students to shadow both city and county officials, providing them with invaluable insights into careers within local government
With support from NOAA Planet Stewards, University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Glynn Middle School’s Eco-Club is on a mission to remove potential marine debris from salt marsh habitats on the school's property and along US Highway 17. They also plan to remove at least 1,000 pieces of marine debris from a 160-acre area of the larger Brunswick community and coastal environment during a community-wide cleanup event in June 2024 To learn more about the school’s ecofriendly initiatives, visit www.glynn.k12.ga.us.
The Golden Rule Character Award Students of the Year were Ella Broomell (Golden Isles Elementary), Alexia Howard (Jane Macon Middle), and Katie Mae Owens (Brunswick High). Each received a $250 cash award for demonstrating outstanding character and integrity Sherman Nixon (Oglethorpe Point Elementary) and Mary Claire Jones (Glynn Academy) were named Staff and Paragon of the Year, respectively To view the names of each winner, visit wwwglynnk12gaus
Brunswick High and Glynn Academy have been named 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools Brunswick High was named an AP Access and Support School, AP STEM School and AP Expansion School
Glynn Academy was recognized as an AP Humanities School, AP Humanities Achievement School, AP School of Distinction, AP STEM School and AP STEM Achievement School
Visit wwwglynnk12gaus to learn more about these distinctions
O U R B A C K P A C K G U I D E
The Back to School Info Center is designed to help students and parents get ready for the upcoming academic year. Whether it’s checking out school supply lists, reviewing transportation information, or accessing other back-to-school resources, we are committed to providing a smooth transition into the new school year.
Plus, this year’s back-to-school packet is paperless, so families can complete it online instead of receiving a bound packet at Open House events. If you have any questions or need additional information, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school principal.
Let’s make this school year a great one!
In April, the College
the groundbreaking ceremony
"The arts are a vital part of a thriving community In Glynn County, we are fortunate that the arts are making a profound impact on the quality of life for our residents As a Board member, I am proud Glynn County Schools values the influence that arts programs and activities have on the education of our students. I am hopeful this facility will expand the arts experience for those in our area. " – ���������� �������������������� ���������� ��������
We can’t wait to see how this new center will enrich the arts and culture in our community! #strongerglynn
# s t r o n g e r g l y n n
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