A.Z. Kelsey Academy

This month, all GSCS schools will help fight hunger in our community by participating in the Manna From Above Food Drive. You can help by sending canned goods to school with your students this month.

GSCS is excited to share that our Fall Fling 5K and Bazaar will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025! Register to participate in the 5K or just plan to come shop from our employee vendors. The event proceeds will benefit staff and teacher appreciation initiatives throughout the district.

All GSCS schools & offices will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in celebration of Labor Day.

Reminder that our CTAE England 2027 Student Trip info meeting is this week on Thursday! RSVP now: https://rsvp.eftours.com/yk64mw4

GSCS Recruitment Fair - August 20, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Southern Crescent. Register today!

Don't miss out on our England 2027 Trip info meeting on Aug 21 at 6PM! Get the details by RSVPing here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/yk64mw4

Attention GSCS Families: Check out these important student health reminders and resources.
2025-26 GSCS Immunization Non-Compliant Letter: https://5il.co/3nn8k
2025-26 GSCS Student Health Guidelines Letter: https://5il.co/3nn8w

Don't miss out on our England 2027 Trip info meeting on Aug 21 at 6PM! Get the details by RSVPing here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/yk64mw4

GSCS is producing its first-ever district-wide musical! Auditions are open to all GSCS students in grades K–12. Auditions will be held this Saturday, August 16th. For more information, contact jennifer.wilson@gscs.org.

GSCS is excited to announce the District Literacy Kickoff, launching a new year of learning with a strong focus on reading! As part of our RISE (Read Inspire Succeed Everyday) reading initiative, student-athletes from across the district have showcased books to inspire younger readers and promote the importance of literacy both on and off the field. Join us as we celebrate a community-wide commitment to building strong readers and lifelong learners!

GSCS is planning an unforgettable student trip to England in Spring 2027! Come learn more at our info session on Aug 21 @ 5PM at Griffin Region CCA. RSVP now: https://rsvp.eftours.com/yk64mw4

On July 28 & 29, GSCS teamed up with Wellstar EMS, Spalding County Fire, Spalding EMA, and Griffin-Fire Rescue to provide Cardiac Emergency Response training for teams from every school/campus in the district. Each team member received their CPR/AED certification and an invaluable experience in scenario-based drills. We aim to equip staff with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond decisively in emergency situations. Special thanks to Adam Marat, Glenn Polk, and Matthew Perry for their instrumental roles in these sessions.

2026 GSCS Fall Parent Survey - Your voice is needed! Help us make it a great year!

English Survey Link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NDQ9B3R

Spanish Survey Link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MM76X6F

Today is Day One in the District! Thank you to all of the Partners In Education, volunteers and community members who welcomed back our students and staff this morning. We had over 260 volunteer greeters representing over 55 businesses, organizations, civic groups, municipalities and churches! We are off to a successful 2025-2026 school year! Thank you for supporting GSCS! #GSCSDayOne2025

Tomorrow is GSCS Day One in the District! Use this link https://boothpics.com/booth/0coy8l tomorrow to show us your Day One smiles with our virtual Day One in the District photo booth!

For the 2025-2026 school year, all GSCS middle and high schools will continue implementing a clear bookbag policy. The entire bookbag should be transparent, clear plastic or see-through mesh, allowing the contents inside the bookbag to be known. Small purses (that are not clear) are allowed but should be smaller than 5 inches by 9 inches. Lunch boxes that are not clear are also allowed but should only be used to transport lunch.

As we prepare to begin the 2025-2026 school year, the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. The Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) is committed to creating a secure and supportive environment in all of our schools. We are implementing several important safety enhancements across our district.

Classroom Emergency Bags:
All classrooms in GSCS will be equipped with a standard emergency Go-Kit to help ensure staff are prepared in case of an emergency.

Security Monitors in Elementary Schools:
Beginning this school year, all elementary schools will have Security Monitors provided by Synergy Security Services. They will work closely with our staff to maintain a safe school environment.

Open Gate Metal Detectors in Middle and High Schools:
To enhance school safety, we will be using Open Gate Metal Detectors in all our middle and high schools. These devices will replace the previous Evolv system and are designed to improve efficiency. All students will be screened using the Open Gate system upon arrival on campus.

Increased School Resource Officer Presence:
Each high school in our district will now be staffed with two School Resource Officers (SROs). These officers play a critical role in promoting safety, building relationships with students and responding swiftly to any security concerns that may occur.

We appreciate your support and cooperation as we take these steps to ensure a safe learning environment for every student.

On July 24, the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Back to School Celebration brought all 1400+ staff together for a motivational kick-off to the 2025-26 school year at Oak Hill Church. Read the news release at https://5il.co/3mkym

Reminder: AZ Kelsey Academy and Achievement Center Open House

Date: Tuesday, July 29th, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Important for Achievement Students Only:

This Open House is crucial for all Achievement Students as it serves as your mandatory Orientation. Completing this orientation is a required step before you can begin school. Please make every effort to attend during the designated time. #AZKStrong