December 2017
Liza Manuel: Coaching the Voice
It’s obvious when you enter Liza Manuel’s chorus room at Fisher Middle School that her students love her. They’re rehearsing songs for an upcoming winter concert, and they are focused on a pitch-perfect performance. “She’s very positive and believes in everyone and everything they do. She’s always there for everyone,” said Megan, an eighth grade chorus student.
VJ appreciates how his teacher encourages students to do their best. “Ms. Manuel tells me to keep going. I’m in advanced classes and sometimes stressed with a lot of work so when I come to her class it’s like a stress reliever.”
Liza Manuel has taught chorus for 16 years, including 13 years at Woodmont Middle School before joining Fisher three years ago. Two amazing singers were among her most talented Woodmont students – Delvin Choice and Ashland Craft. If you think these names sound familiar, you’re right. Delvin Choice was a finalist in the 2014 season of NBC’s The Voice, and Ashland Craft made it to the Top 10 on this season of The Voice.
Employees Honored by Horace Mann
Ten outstanding Greenville County Schools employees have been selected for recognition as part of the Employee Spotlight Program presented by Horace Mann. The Employee Spotlight Program honors staff members who have made significant contributions or accomplishments on the job at Greenville County Schools. Any GCS employee in good standing may be nominated. The application includes a description of why the nominee is deserving, how the nominee goes above and beyond to exceed expectations, and what is different, better or improved because of the nominee. Recipients were nominated by fellow GCS employees. Horace Mann will provide either a pancake breakfast or ice cream social to each recipient’s school or department. Congratulations to these honorees!
Top to bottom, left to right:
Bernard Sanders, Bus Driver, Taylors Bus Center; Jessica Allen, FANS Manager, AJ Whittenberg Elementary; Kenneth Ashworth, Assistant Principal, Hillcrest High; Kevin Washington, Intervention Specialist, Student Services; Pat Messer, Attendance Clerk, Tigerville Elementary; Ron Gunter, 4th Grade, Skyland Elementary; Stephanie White, 5th Grade, Cherrydale Elementary; Tim Cushman, Director of Instructional Technology; Troy Eisenheimer, Plant Engineer, Woodmont High; and Tyson Wright, Behavior Interventionist, Chandler Creek Elementary.
Five Graduates Inducted into GCS Hall of Fame
Five outstanding graduates of Greenville County Schools were inducted in the GCS Hall of Fame on November 30, 2017 at the TD Convention Center in Greenville. They are Joe Erwin, Eastside High School (1975), John Michael McConnell, Wade Hampton High School (1962), Lorraine Paris, Parker High School (1944 - awarded posthumously), Nick Theodore, Greenville High School (1945), and Travelle Wharton, Hillcrest High School (1999). Read their stories.
L to R: Steve Paris (Lorraine Paris' nephew), Mike McConnell, Nick Theodore, Joe Erwin, and Travelle Wharton.
Looking for a Career Change? Become a Teacher!
Greenville County Schools is seeking career changers who are interested in teaching math, science, French, or Spanish. Called the Greenville Alternative Teacher Education (GATE) program, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or higher with a major or emphasis in the teaching area.
The GATE program is a three-year district-based, job-embedded alternative certification program and is the first of its kind in South Carolina. GATE provides authentic teaching experiences with supportive mentoring and coaching. Applications will be accepted beginning January 5. Click here for more information. Contact: Dr. Debra Lee, GATE Director.
GCS Graduation Rate Continues to Increase
Greenville County Schools’ performance indicators, including graduation rate, continue to increase. The district’s graduation rate increased to 87.3 percent, up from last year's 86.8 percent. Since 2012, the school district’s graduation rate has increased about 21 percent (14.9 percentage points).
Golden Apple Rewards Program
GCS employees can use your district ID to receive discounts from local businesses through the Golden Apple Rewards Employee Discount Program. Access discounts on the go from your Smartphone or tablet by visiting www.goldenapplerewards.com or download the app. If you want to stay informed about new businesses that join the program, be sure to click "Subscribe for Updates."
Upcoming Dates to Remember
Wednesday, December 20 - Half-Day for Students
Thursday, December 21-Tuesday, January 2 - Winter Break
Wednesday, January 3 - Students and Employees Return
Monday, January 15 - Martin Luther King Day (Holiday for Students and 12-Month Employees)