Rock
Springs
School
Information
- General Information - Please be patient while we update this page.
Welcome Vision & Mission Statement GCPS Goals GCPS - AKS Promotion Requirements RSE Beliefs DOE Report Card on Rock Springs Governor's Office of Student Achievement (School Report Cards) Cluster Schools Student Internet Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Teacher Of The Year
- Specific Information
Top of PageSchool Hours School Calendar Entrance Requirements Curriculum Homework Support Services Gifted Art, Music, Math, & Physical Education Counseling ESOL Media Center Reading Intervention Special Education SST Safety and Security Hot Line Visits to Classrooms School Clinic Cafeteria Menu Ice Cream Pictures Business Partners PTA Officers PTA Website Meetings & Activity Calendar Parties
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The Rock Springs Elementary staff would like to welcome you to our 2010-2011school year. We have worked very hard to plan and prepare for a successful year which will include concentrated emphasis on reading, writing, mathematics, technology, and building a school climate that is comfortable, motivating, safe and secure. We are prepared to successfully guide our students toward mastery of the Academic Knowledge and Skills, and we are committed to providing opportunities for students to practice respect and responsibility. We feel so very fortunate to be continuing in such a beautiful facility filled with state of the art resources. We eagerly await a long and successful parent / school partnership!
Vision
Gwinnett County Public Schools
will become a system of world-class schools where students acquire the
knowledge and skills to be successful as they continue their education
at the postsecondary level and/or enter the workforce.
Mission
The mission of Gwinnett
County Public Schools is to pursue excellence in academic knowledge, skills,
and behavior for each student, resulting in measured improvement against
local, national, and world-class standards.
GWINNETT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION GOALS
Strategic Goals to Support
the Mission (Adopted 4/11/02)
Goal 1: Gwinnett County
Public Schools will ensure a world-class education for all students by
focusing on teaching and learning the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS)
curriculum.
Goal 2: Gwinnett County
Public Schools will ensure a safe, secure, and orderly environment for
all.
Goal 3: Gwinnett County
Public Schools will optimize student achievement through responsible stewardship
of its financial resources and the proactive pursuit of all resources necessary
to meet current and future demands.
Goal 4: Gwinnett County
Public Schools will recruit, employ, develop, and retain a workforce that
achieves the mission and goals of the organization.
Goal 5: Gwinnett County
Public Schools will meet the continuing and changing demand for essential
information through technological systems and processes that support effective
performance and desired results.
Goal 6: Gwinnett County
Public Schools will provide and manage the system's facilities and operations
in an exemplary manner as determined by programmatic needs and best management
practices.
Goal 7: Gwinnett County
Public Schools will apply continuous quality improvement strategies and
principles as the way the organization does business.
A Strategic Vision for Results
“A Strategic Vision for Results”
is intended to communicate, internally and externally, Gwinnett County
Public Schools’ strategic direction. As such, it provides the foundation
for the strategic goals that guide the school system’s work now and seven-to-ten
years forward.
The document is divided
into ten major components of the organization. It lists for each of them
the desired qualities and characteristics we believe are essential in a
system of world-class schools. The document captures the desired state
toward which we continuously strive. It also reflects our ongoing commitment
to excellence, instructionally and operationally, through continuous quality
improvement and accountability for results.
Vision for GCPS. .
.
As a highly regarded school
system that is committed to being world class, Gwinnett County Public Schools
will strive to become:
a. A system that is acknowledged,
accepted, admired, and emulated by customers, stakeholders, professional
peers, and competitors alike as a school system that is the best in its
class.
b. A system of world-class
schools where students demonstrate the knowledge and skills to be successful
as they continue their education at the postsecondary level and/or enter
the work force.
c. A system that is the
school system of choice, worthy of the public’s support and confidence.
Vision for Leadership…
As internal stakeholders
in a system of world-class schools, leaders in Gwinnett County Public Schools,
regardless of position or job area:
a. Are passionate about
the vision, mission and goals of the school system.
b. Effectively and consistently
communicate to those they supervise how their work links and contributes
to excellence in teaching and learning in the GCPS.
c. Lead by example and model
the principles of “quality leadership” by being focused on the customer,
the team, data, and results.
d. Exhibit high energy,
energize others, and execute plans that turn vision into reality.
e. Are committed to being
lifelong learners.
f. Accept that leadership
is responsibility, not position, titles, or money.
g. Believe that every employee
in every area of the school system has the capacity to be a leader.
h. Continually improve their
own job performance so that the organization will continually improve.
(continued)
i. Clearly understand what
constitutes effective performance in the organization in order to achieve
the desired results.
j. Nurture and promote a
performance culture within their areas of the organization.
k. Understand that communication
is an indispensable, primary responsibility of leadership.
Vision for Employees. . .
As key players in our quest
to become a system of world-class schools, GCPS employees will be:
a. Committed to high expectations
for student learning and willingly accountable for the results achieved.
b. Respectful of the cultural
differences among groups of students and employees.
c. Caring, competent, and
passionate in carrying out their responsibilities in an ethical manner.
d. Committed to continuous
improvement-- customer focused, internally and externally; results oriented,
and accountability driven.
e. Effective communicators
within the organization and with the community.
f. Loyal to Gwinnett County
Public Schools and supportive of its vision, mission, and goals.
g. Proficient users of technology.
h. Role models for all students,
the community, and those in the education profession.
i. Lifelong learners committed
to high standards of personal and professional growth.
j. Recognized for superior
skills and overall job performance.
Vision for Students. . .
As customers of a system
of world-class schools, our students will:
a. Perform on or above grade
level as measured by the standards set in our essential curriculum, the
Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS), and evidenced through various local,
state, national, and international assessments.
b. Take responsibility for
their own learning and achievement.
c. Be successful after high
school, whether they continue their formal education or immediately enter
the workforce.
d. Learn in classrooms that
are safe, orderly, and free from violence or disruption of any kind.
e. Demonstrate traditional
values and good work habits.
f. Value and appreciate
their school experience.
g. Develop and exhibit leadership
and teamwork skills through their daily studies and participation in extracurricular
activities.
h. Become effective problem
solvers and communicators through the proficient use of technology.
Vision for Parents/Guardians. . .
As the child’s first and
foremost teachers, and essential partners in a system of world-class schools,
the parents/guardians of our students will be:
a. Involved in appropriate
and meaningful ways at the local school and system levels.
b. Engaged with the child
and the teacher(s) in the process of teaching and learning in the school,
home, and community.
c. Proponents of setting
high academic and behavioral expectations for their child, and active participants
in helping the child meet or exceed them.
d. Partners in accountability
for their child’s achievement.
e. Comfortable in all interactions
with school personnel on behalf of the child.
f. Supportive of the school’s
goals and initiatives in order to contribute to the school’s effectiveness
and the child’s academic success.
g. Diligent in communicating
with the teacher and the school on a regular, ongoing basis, making use
of oral, written, and electronic means of sharing information, concerns,
and ideas regarding the child’s learning.
h. Well-informed advocates
for the school system’s direction and initiatives.
Vision for Curriculum and Instruction. . .
As the essential product
and the core process of our system of world-class schools, curriculum and
instruction in the GCPS will be distinguished by:
a. Clear alignment of the
curriculum with instruction and assessment.
b. The continual review
and revision of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) based on input
from faculty, staff, parents, and the community.
c. Widespread knowledge,
understanding, and acceptance of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS)
as a world-class curriculum.
d. A clear focus on desired
results.
e. Teachers’ ability to
access within and beyond the classroom the student data necessary for planning
instruction.
f. Assessments that are
used as teaching and learning tools as well as measures of performance,
including Gateway tests that are used in making promotion decisions.
g. Instructional strategies
that are relevant, challenging, and engaging to the learner.
h. Teachers’ ability to
teach and assess reading as a first priority and a foundation for learning
across the curriculum.
i. A commitment to providing
both academic extensions to challenge students and appropriate interventions
to help students who need more time and opportunity to learn.
Vision for Information Management and Technology. . .
As indispensable parts of
the instructional and administrative infrastructure of any system of world-class
schools, information management and technology in the GCPS will:
a. Advance teaching and
learning, with an emphasis on learning and problem-solving.
b. Provide learning opportunities
through which students and staff receive, gather, analyze, and/or present
information.
c. Provide all users the
information, skills, and tools they need to perform their jobs effectively
and make data-driven decisions.
d. Help teachers facilitate
and evaluate student learning through a variety of methods with anytime,
anywhere access.
e. Facilitate communication
between the system and its internal and external customers.
f. Enable the system to
achieve operational and analytical excellence through the use of progressive
technology solutions.
Vision for Facilities. . .
As a system of world-class
schools, GCPS’ facilities will include:
a. Classrooms within a standard
school building for all students.
b. Continual improvement
of schools so they conform to systemwide specifications and standards.
c. Schools that are designed,
organized, and managed to ensure flexibility so that small learning communities
may be created within large schools.
d. Appropriate spaces for
alternative, nontraditional, or specialized programs that are necessary
in order to meet our students’ varying instructional needs at all school
levels.
e. Learning arenas beyond
the classroom that contribute to increased student achievement, including
system-level performing arts centers, an adult/teacher learning facility,
and a community stadium for each school cluster.
f. Schools and central support
facilities that are equipped for the system’s standard technology applications.
g. A central office facility
to house all administrative and instructional personnel.
h. Attractive, well-maintained
buildings and grounds.
Vision for Communication…
As a vital component of a
system of world-class schools, a communication culture will be embraced
throughout the organization that:
a. Acknowledges that communication
is the responsibility of every internal and external stakeholder.
b. Promotes honest, reliable,
two-way communication that builds trust and meets the highest standards
of candor, openness, and accuracy.
c. Is grounded in a commitment
to share accurate, timely, meaningful information with and by stakeholders.
d. Is driven by the needs
and wants of the intended audience and involves the use of multiple communication
channels.
e. Empowers stakeholders
to be knowledgeable participants in the decision-making processes of the
school system.
Vision for Public Image and Community Pride . . .
As a major factor in the
economic vitality of the community at large, Gwinnett County Public Schools
will constantly strive to be a system of world-class schools that:
a. Continually earns the
trust of taxpayers and citizens through effective management of its resources--
financial, human, and physical.
b. Encourages the involvement
of business partners in integrating instruction with workplace experiences
for students and teachers.
c. Actively engages parents
and community leaders in the work of the school and the system for the
benefit of students.
d. Contributes to the county’s
success and well-being through the leadership and contributions of its
employees in the community.
e. Attracts residents, as
well as employers, to Gwinnett County because of the system’s reputation
for excellence in teaching and learning for all students.
f. Is regarded by the public
as a school system of choice, worthy of the public’s support and confidence.
g. Effectively communicates
with all audiences, both internal and external.
What are the Academic Knowledge and Skills?
Gwinnett's curriculum for grades K–12 is called the Academic Knowledge
and Skills (AKS). The AKS for each grade level (or subject area at the
high school level) spell out the essential things students are expected
to know and be able to do in that particular grade or subject. They offer
a solid base on which teachers build rich curricular experiences. Teachers
use curriculum guides, textbooks, technology, and other materials to teach
the AKS and to make sure every student is learning to his or her potential.
Because the AKS detail exactly what a child is expected to learn, teachers
can tailor the classroom experience to meet a child's individual needs.
Please click on the link below to view the Academic Knowledge and Skills
database for all grades in Gwinnett County Public Schools.
The listing is subdivided by grade, discipline, and objective type.
What are the Promotion Requirements?
Visit the link below for more information on promotion requirements
for students in these grades.
2010 - 2011 Promotion Requirements
Please click on the link below to view a "question and answer" page for AKS and Gateway Test from Gwinnett County Public Schools.
AKS/Gateway "Question and Answer" Page
ROCK SPRINGS ELEMENTARY BELIEFS
-
· We believe instruction will be varied to meet individual needs and to facilitate life long learning
· We believe every child will be motivated to learn by actively participating in meaningful experiences based on his/her unique qualities.
· We believe teachers are facilitators of learning and need the support of administrators, staff, family members, students and community to ensure a positive learning environment for all individuals.
· We believe the school, staff, family members, students and community are partners in providing opportunities for student success.
· We believe our school will foster an environment that enables students to develop a positive self-image which empowers them to be respectful, responsible citizens who are motivated to learn.
· We believe every child will be afforded a safe learning environment.
· We believe teachers will enhance instruction with the use of technology to enable students to be successful in a technology-driven world.
· We believe staff and students will embrace our diversity.
Department Of Education Report Card on Rock Springs
Click here
to open/download PDF file that contains Rock Spring's 2004-2005 Accountability
Report
Click here
to open/download PDF file that contains Rock Spring's 2005-2006 Accountability
Report
Click here
to open/download PDF file that contains Rock Spring's 2006-2007 Accountability
Report
Click here
to open/download PDF file that contains Rock Spring's 2007-2008 Accountability
Report
Click
here
to open/download PDF file that contains Rock Spring's 2008-2009 Accountability
Report
Click here to open/download PDF file that contains Rock Spring's 2009-2010 Accountability Report
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 
to view this application. Download it here
Governor's
Office of Student Achievement (School
Report Cards)
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Cluster
Schools
Rock Springs is part of the Collins Hill Cluster. Our Students attend Creekland Middle School and Collins Hill High School. Other Elementary Schools In our cluster include: Dyer Elementary, McKendree Elementary, Taylor Elementary, and Walnut Grove Elementary .
Teacher Of The Year at Rock Springs for the 2009-2010 school year is...Ms. Madden!
School hours are from 8:15 am - 2:45 pm for students. Students may begin entering the building no earlier than 7:45 am. Car riders are dismissed at 2:40 pm. Bus call begins at 2:45 pm. Students who arrive late must be signed in at the office by a parent. A tardy pass will be issued at this time.
Staff hours are: Monday, Thursday,
Friday (7:30 am - 3:15 pm)
Tuesday, Wednesday
(7:30 am - 4:00 pm)
| Click here to download a printable copy! |
This is a .PDF file and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader
Click here for FREE download
STATE OF GEORGIA ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
- 1) Birth Certificate: All students entering school for the first time must present an official copy of the birth certificate at the time of registration. Children must be 5 years old on or before September 1 to enroll in the Kindergarten program. Students must be 6 years old on or before September 1 to participate in the First Grade program.
- 2) Immunization and 3) Vision, Hearing and Dental Certificates: All students enrolling in a Georgia school must have on file an official Georgia Department of Human Resources Certificate of Immunization and Certificate of Vision, Hearing and Dental. These certificates can be secured from the County Health Department or from a private physician and/or dentist.
- 4) Proof of Residency: The parent must provide proof of residency in the district and attendance zone at the time a student is initially enrolled in a school. The proof must be a house contract, lease/rental agreement or utility bill that includes your address.
5) Social Security Card (Student's): The state requests that schools ask for a social security number for all students; however, this is voluntary.
The Gwinnett County Public Schools' Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) for each grade level serve as the foundation for Rock Springs' instructional program.
Homework is an extension of the learning process meant to reinforce, enhance, or continue learning that has begun at school. Homework is a way to keep parents informed about and involved with the child's school work. It is a method of helping students establish self-discipline and study skills. The role of the parent is to provide support and encouragement. The role of the school is to assign meaningful homework. Through a strong home-school partnership, homework has the potential to increase learning time and student achievement.
Rock Springs Elementary has instructional programs which support the classroom teacher. The services provided are:
Gifted Education in the Gwinnett County
Public Schools is a part of the system's Center for Educational Programs.
The procedures for identifying and placing students in the gifted program,
which is funded by the state, are governed by the rules and regulations
approved by the State Department of Education. Referrals to the gifted
program may come from teachers, parents, peers, or as the result of system
wide testing scores.
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ART, MUSIC, MATH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION SPECIALISTS:
Students in grades K-5 will receive a combination
of these services.
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Services include classroom guidance, small
group counseling, and individual conferences. Individual and small
group service can be initiated by a student, staff member, or parent.
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ESOL: (English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Designated students for whom English is
a second language will receive support in learning the English language.
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Books, magazines, software, reference materials,
audio-visual materials and computers are available for student use during
the entire school day. A certified Media Specialist is available
for assistance to students and staff. Students are encouraged to
check out a wide variety of media materials for assigned study and for
recreational use.
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Programs in Reading Intervention will be
offered to designated students by a Reading Specialist.
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Services include speech and language therapy;
and services for the learning disabled, intellectually disabled, emotionally
handicapped, emotional / behavior disorders, and Other Health Impaired.
It is the practice of the Gwinnett County Public Schools to provide instructional
and related services appropriate to provide a free appropriate public education
for individuals with documented disabilities. Individuals may contact
their local school for information regarding such services
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This team, made up of administrators, teachers,
and support personnel helps determine alternative strategies for students
having difficulty in the classroom.
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All school doors are locked during instructional hours except for the front entrance, which is manned by a security volunteer.
Confidential GCPS Hot Line - HELP KEEP YOUR SCHOOL SAFE! If you think or know that someone is carrying a weapon, drugs or alcohol on school property, please call 770-822-6513. You do not have to give your name.
Parents are encouraged to visit the classrooms; however, arrangements need to be made in advance. All visitors will be cleared with the teacher, and will need to sign in at the office and secure a visitor's tag.
The school clinic is staffed by a medically trained clinic worker.
The school cafeteria is an important part of the health and wellness program of the school. Food and milk choices are offered to encourage participation and good nutrition. A well balanced, hot lunch is offered to students for $1.75 daily. Adult meals cost $3.00. Reduced student lunch is $0.40. Extra milk can be purchased for an additional $0.40 and an additional entree can be purchased for $1.50. A menu will be sent home monthly. It will include breakfast and lunch choices.
Breakfast is available between 7:45 - 8:10 am at a cost of $1.00 daily. Reduced breakfast will be $0.40.
Your child may pay cash daily or purchase a cafeteria "Debit Card." Please include your student's account number when writing checks for pre-payment.
You may pay for your child's
account using check or credit card using the On-Line Prepay from Mealpay.com.
Just click on this link to get started. 
Menus - Click here to view the current menu.
Students have the option to purchase a variety of ice cream snacks. These will be sold daily for $0.50 each. The students can eat ice cream during the last 10 minutes of their lunch. The profits from these ice cream sales will be used toward school purchases.
Individual student pictures are taken in the fall (September). Group and individual pictures are taken in the spring (February). These are offered as an option to students, and will be done by Jimmy Riley Photography.
Publix Facilities Services Department has been extremely generous to our school this year. They have donated much of their time and many items to our school. Extremely nice signs greet you when entering our buildings, the front hall proudly displays the birdhouse scenery, the hallways are easy to navigate due to the teacher classroom labels and directional arrows, many rooms are enjoying lofts for student use, and plants now brighten many areas in our building. Publix has spent many hours at our location, and will continue as the Rock Springs Mentor Program continues to help our students.
The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is the formal partnership between the school and its parents. A wide range of committees oversee projects, activities, and regular assistance with instructional programs at Rock Springs. Your membership and active participation are invited, encouraged, and greatly appreciated. You will receive regular communication throughout the year regarding PTA programs and events. Feel free to contact any one of the following PTA officers / committee chairpersons for information about how to get involved! We need you!
Officers
Co-Presidents Tracy Solet 770-831-1532 solett@bellsouth.net Amy Carter 678-765-2787 beluvvedamy@aol.com Co-Vice Presidents Heidi Sexton & Roxanne Seymore
Secretary
Treasurer
Elizabeth Searing 770-904-4697 esearing@decisiontheory.org
Visit the "Brand New" Rock Springs Elementary PTA
Website
It is requested that all Rock Springs staff
members join our PTA.
The Rock Springs PTA will sponsor two classroom parties this year. Room parents will coordinate these parties.
