L4GA Grant activities on highlight at BOE

Community, News

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Highlighting the L4GA Grant (The Literacy for Learning, Living and Leading in Georgia Grant) in January, Gilmer Schools have been talking about the fruits of the grant, Literacy Nights and Book Donations. These events are a part of Gilmer’s usage of the grant and their attempt to “get the message out that Reading Matters!”

According to Katrina Kingsley, GCCSS Pre-K Director and PBIS District Coordinator, all of Gilmer County Schools were awarded the L4GA Grant this school year in order to promote literacy and language development for children in the community. Kingsley made an official release stating “On January 11th, a total of 250 books were given to the following community members: Gilmer County DFCS, Gilmer County Health Department, Piedmont Urgent Care, East Ellijay Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, and Lifetime Medical Center.”

That’s not all as the school is already planning additional book donations to the community for the spring of 2019.

Lottie Mitchell, Gilmer County Schools Chief Academic Officer, right, giving books to Piedmont Urgent Care receptionist.

Lottie Mitchell, Gilmer County Schools Chief Academic Officer, right, giving books to
Piedmont Urgent Care receptionist.

Additionally, Lottie Mitchell, Chief Academic Officer of the Gilmer County Charter School System, took time during January’s meeting to highlight the points of Literacy Nights, an event that each school in the system has already hosted once this year. A family night of fun and books, the events showcases the importance of reading and its effects on students.

Kingsley also noted that a child who reads 20 minutes per day is exposed to 1.8 million words per year and scores in the 90th percentile on standardized tests. A child who reads 5 minutes per day is exposed to 282,000 words per year and scores in the 50th percentile on standardized tests. A child who reads one minute per day is exposed to 8,000 words per year and scores in the 10th percentile on standardized tests.

The school system’s goal is to encourage parents to read to their children and to encourage their children to read at home in order for students to experience higher levels of academic success. Taking the time to highlight these Literacy Nights and the Book Donations is the next step in accomplishing that goal.

Left to right, Katrina Kingsley, Gillmer County Pre-K Director, Jennifer Farmer, Gilmer County Department of Children and Family Services Director, and Lottie Mitchell, Gilmer County Schools Chief Academic Officer.

Left to right, Katrina Kingsley, Gillmer County Pre-K Director, Jennifer Farmer, Gilmer County Department of Children and Family Services Director, and Lottie Mitchell, Gilmer County Schools Chief Academic Officer.

Katrina Kingsley, Gillmer County Pre-K Director, Tiffany Baker, East Ellijay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, and Lottie Mitchell, Gilmer County Schools Chief Academic Officer.

Katrina Kingsley, Gillmer County Pre-K Director, Tiffany Baker, East Ellijay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, and Lottie Mitchell, Gilmer County Schools Chief Academic Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left to right, Katrina Kingsley, Gillmer County Pre-K Director, Dr. Alana Kent, Lifetime Medical Center and Lottie Mitchell, Gilmer County Schools Chief Academic Officer.

Left to right, Katrina Kingsley, Gillmer County Pre-K Director, Dr. Alana Kent, Lifetime Medical Center and Lottie Mitchell, Gilmer County Schools Chief Academic Officer.

Left to right, Katrina Kingsley, Gillmer County Pre-K Director, Krystal Sumner, Gilmer County Health Department Nurse Manager, and Lottie Mitchell, Gilmer County Schools Chief Academic Officer.

Left to right, Katrina Kingsley, Gillmer County Pre-K Director, Krystal Sumner, Gilmer County Health Department Nurse Manager, and Lottie Mitchell, Gilmer County Schools Chief Academic Officer.

Georgia grant sees high scores for Gilmer

Bobcat's Corner
Gilmer Bobcats

ELLIJAY, Ga. – May 3 saw exciting news for Gilmer county as State School Superintendent Richard Woods made the announcement of Gilmer County Charter School System as the second highest score in the Literacy for Learning, Living, and Leading in Georgia (L4GA) grant by the Georgia Department of Education.

Over sixty districts applied for funding and a panel of trained reviewers scored the applications.  The districts with the highest scores received the grant.

Chief Academic Officer of the Gilmer County Charter School System Lottie Mitchell said, “We are so very proud of the hard work and dedication of our site facilitators, district, community and school literacy teams.”

According to Mitchell, Georgia was awarded a total of $61,579,800 over three years through the federal Striving Readers grant competition. Ninety-five percent of the funds are sub-granted to 38 districts.  The funds are distributed on per-pupil allocations to achieve the goal of the L4GA initiative, to improve student literacy learning.

With this grant in our county, Gilmer will receive approximately $1.46 million dollars over the next three years. These funds are allocated for students in schools within a feeder system (including birth-age 5 childcare providers and elementary, middle, and high schools).

Gilmer County Charter Schools Superintendent Dr. Shanna Wilkes expanded on the excitement saying,  “As your superintendent, I could not be any prouder of this team! The dedication and commitment to the students and teachers in our district is overwhelmingly outstanding!  I am so proud to work alongside of all of you every day!”

Though the school system does not have specific details yet on exactly how the money will be spent, Mitchell states it is to be dedicated specifically to the improvement of literacy in the schools.

“It’s a great day for literacy in Georgia,” said Woods. “I am confident the $61 million Georgia is now able to invest in local schools and communities to support literacy will impact the lives of thousands of students. I commend each L4GA grant recipient – the competition was fierce as we received an unprecedented number of applications. Making sure Georgia students are reading on grade level remains mission-critical, top-priority work for us and I have no doubt these districts – who submitted clear, focused, student-centered plans to improve literacy outcomes – are going to use these funds to make a tremendous difference for kids.”

Additionally, the $61,579,800 Georgia received through the federal Striving Readers grant competition, the “parent grant” Georgia received from the federal government and is subgranting to 38 of its districts, was the highest award received by any state. Georgia was one of three states to receive the funding a second time after the initial grant cycle (2011-2016).

Check It Out @ Gilmer Library

Community

This Week @ Gilmer County Library: October 4, 2017 – October 11, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager

All Ages Programs

Bingo for Books
Tuesday, October 10 @ 6:00 PM
BINGO! Multiple ways to win and you pick out your prize from our collection of all ages books and puzzles. Light refreshments served.


Youth Programs

Family Story Times
Wednesday, October 4 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, October 4 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child


Adult Programs

Lunch & Learn Knitting
Wednesday, October 4 @ 12:00 PM
Got a pattern that is “Needling” you? Looking for something new to get “Hooked” on? Join us on Wednesdays from 12-2 and let us try to “Unravel” your problem! Or come and learn how to knit or crochet.

Nuisance Wildlife – Walter Reeves
Thursday, October 5 @ 1:00 PM
Gilmer County Master Gardeners present an afternoon with Walter Reeves, The Georgia Gardener. Mr. Reeves is a regular columnist with the AJC, radio talk show host, author of 9 books, former television host, and considered the garden guru of the Southeast. Books for signing will be available and refreshments will be served.

The Friends of the Library Bookshelf
Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library.  Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.  

Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:00 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays

Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528.  Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.

Check It Out @ Gilmer County Library

Community

This Week @ Gilmer County Library: October 18, 2017 – October 25, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager

All Ages Programs
Pumpkin Palooza
Wednesday, October 18 @ 4:00 PM
Come see all the decorated pumpkins and enjoy simple activities, story time, & light refreshments. You do not need to have decorated a pumpkin to attend. Vote for your favorite pumpkin starting October 14 thru 4:00 October 18. This event is open to ALL ages!

Youth Programs
Family Story Times
Wednesday, October 18 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, October 18 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child

Math Club
Thursday, October 19 @ 4:00 PM
We are joining Crazy 8s Math Club, which is an over-the-top after-school club that is designed to get kids fired up about math. It’s 8 sessions of math gone wild! For grades 3-5, kids 9 and under with adult supervision please.

Teen Programs
Coding Club
Tuesday, October 24 @ 4:00 PM
Learn the basics of computer coding. Each meeting will build on the previous, but you can work at your own pace. Join anytime! Ages 10-18.

Adult Programs
Lunch & Learn Knitting
Wednesday, October 18 @ 12:00 PM
Got a pattern that is “Needling” you? Looking for something new to get “Hooked” on? Join us on Wednesdays from 12-2 and let us try to “Unravel” your problem! Or come and learn how to knit or crochet.

Author Talk: Johnathon Scott Barrett
Thursday, October 19 @ 6:00 PM
Multiple author Johnathon Scott Barrett will discuss his most recent book Cook and Tell: Recipes and Stories from the Southern Kitchen. Book Sale and signing to follow. Refreshments will be served

Haunted Georgia
Monday, October 23 @ 6:00 PM
Join the Paranormal Georgia Investigator lead us on a trip down the highways of the Deep South and visit Georgia’s most haunted locations. Refreshments will be served

The Friends of the Library Bookshelf
Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library.  Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.  

Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:00 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays

Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528.  Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.

Check It Out @ Gilmer County Library

Community

This Week @ Gilmer County Library: October 11, 2017 – October 18, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager


Youth Programs
Family Story Times
Wednesday, October 11 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, October 11 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child

Lego+ Club
Saturday, October 14 @ 2:00 PM
The Lego Club has a different theme each month. Children can work alone or in teams to make their special creation, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. All ages, under 9 years of age with an adult please.

Teen Programs
Teen Advisory Board
Monday, October 16 @ 6:00PM
If you are between the ages of 12-18 and want to make a difference in your library, please attend our TAB meeting. Come prepared to share your ideas and enjoy some refreshments (like pizza).

Kendama Club
Tuesday, October 17 @ 4:00 PM
A Kendama is a Japanese skill toy that has become popular all over the world. Use one of our Kendamas or bring your own and share your tips and tricks with others. All levels welcome! Ages 9+, 9 and under with adult supervision

Adult Programs
Lunch & Learn Knitting
Wednesday, October 11 @ 12:00 PM
Got a pattern that is “Needling” you? Looking for something new to get “Hooked” on? Join us on Wednesdays from 12-2 and let us try to “Unravel” your problem! Or come and learn how to knit or crochet.

TechBytes – Using Libby
Wednesday, October 11 @ 2:30 PM
Learn to download free eBooks and audiobooks to your tablets and phones. Make sure you library card and PIN are active before attending. Pre-Registration Recommended.

GCGSI Monthly Program
Thursday, October 12 @ 2:00 PM
Authors Ben and Helen Davis will talk about their most recent work, Our Mark on This Land: A Guide to the Legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps in America’s Parks. Book signing/purchase will follow. Refreshments served at 1:30

Master Gardener’s – Pumpkin Arrangements
Saturday, October 14 @ 10:00 AM
This is no ordinary centerpiece! Join the Gilmer County Master gardeners and create living displays with the use of a unique and beautiful pumpkins and a variety of succulents. Care and propagation of succulents will be discussed. $20 to attend with all materials provided, but the class attendance is Free. Pre-Registration Required: Pick up registration form at Ellijay’s Farmer’s Market, County Extension Office, or Gilmer County Library.

The Friends of the Library Bookshelf

Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library.  Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.  

Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:00 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays

Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528.  Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.

Check It Out @ Gilmer County Library

Community

This Week @ Gilmer County Library: October 25, 2017 – November 1, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager

GCL will be on The Square for the huge Halloween Trick-r-Treat event on 10/31/17. Be sure to stop by our table!

Youth Programs
Family Story Times
Wednesday, October 25 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, October 25 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child

Teen Programs
Teen Fandom Party & Game Night
Monday, October 30 @ 6:00 PM
We are celebrating Halloween and International Games Week at the same time! Join us for some Fandom fun with trivia and activities and play some new games. Come dressed as your favorite character and enter the costume contest. Grades 6-12.

Adult Programs
Lunch & Learn Knitting
Wednesday, October 25 @ 12:00 PM
Got a pattern that is “Needling” you? Looking for something new to get “Hooked” on? Join us on Wednesdays from 12-2 and let us try to “Unravel” your problem! Or come and learn how to knit or crochet.

Morning Creatives
Friday, October 27 @ 9:00 AM
Let’s Make Something Dreadful: Join us for creativity and conversation. This month build your creative toolkit with Bad Art. Choose your supplies and styles, mix as needed, and don’t hold back. All materials provided.

The Friends of the Library Bookshelf
Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library.  Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.  

Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:30 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays

Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528.  Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.

Check It Out @ Gilmer Library

Community

 

Check It Out @ Gilmer Library

Community

This Week @ Gilmer County Library: September 27, 2017 – October 4, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager

Youth Programs
None

Adult Programs
Lunch & Learn Knitting
Wednesday, September 27 @ 12:00 PM
Got a pattern that is “Needling” you? Looking for something new to get “Hooked” on? Join us on Wednesdays from 12-2 and let us try to “Unravel” your problem! Or come and learn how to knit or crochet.

Morning Creatives
Friday, September 29 @ 9:00 AM
Join us for creativity and conversation. This month build your creative toolkit with mixed media altered tins. All materials provided.

GCGSI: Genealogy Meets DNA
Saturday, September 30 @ 2:00 PM
Kenneth H. Thomas Jr., noted genealogist and columnist for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution’s Living Section, will explain the tools to find links to your ancestors using DNA. Refreshments will be served at 1:30 PM.

The Friends of the Library Bookshelf
Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library.  Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.  

Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:00 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays

Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528.  Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.

Check It Out @ Gilmer Library

Community

Sandra Deal reads to the Kindergarten Classes

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MVE Learning About a Solar Eclipse

Mountain View Elem

Meet Your Local: Learning Center

Community

Gilmer County Learning Center

CONTACT
30 Southside Church St.
Ellijay, GA 30540
706-276-1110

The Gilmer County Learning Center is a non-profit center open ten hours a week, four days a week, whose primary function is to “provide basic reading, math, and language skill development for applicants over the age of 18, to include skills in the education ranges if first grade through GED and beyond.” All of the services are provided for free to students.
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