Happy Thanksgiving! This week's School Helper is full of student learning and activities, a parent survey opportunity, and a holiday ordering form. Be sure to read it all! Have a wonderful, safe holiday!

Download the School Helper here: School Helper Issue 16

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Lots of news in this week's School Helper. Did you know November is Family Engagement Month in Georgia? There is a letter from Georgia's School Superintendent, Richard Woods, in the newsletter. We hope Elementary parents can make it to the Fall Festival and all parents are welcome for our Thanksgiving lunch. Have a great weekend!

Download the School Helper here: School Helper Issue 15

It is that time of year again! Flu, Strep, Stomach Viruses, and all sorts of other nasty bugs are floating around EVERYWHERE! 

There are things you can do to avoid illness:

• Hand washing is number one! Wash your hands often--before and after meals, after using the bathroom, after touching a dirty surface, etc.
• Cover your sneeze in the crook of your elbow--this helps prevent the spread of germs. 
• Don't touch the "T Zone"--this is the eyes, nose, and mouth area of your face. It is a good way to avoid spreading illness-causing germs!
• Stay home when you are sick! Keep your child home from school if he/she is sick! 

Here is a guide to help you decide on staying home if you don't feel well:

Click here to download the flyer:  When To Stay Home

Stay well, everyone!

Georgia Hands and Voices is having 2 more coffeehouses this fall. One in is Woodstock on 11/27 and the other is in Macon on 11/29. Come join other families with Deaf/Hard of Hearing children to learn about services and resources and have fun! See the flyers for more information and how to RSVP. Download the flyers here:Hufflepuff flyer  and  Slytherin flyer

ASL Classes: Lilburn and Stockbridge. Come learn ASL or improve your skills! You need to register (call or mail) by Friday 28 September.

Download Lilburn class forms here: ASL Class Lilburn

Download Stockbridge class forms here: ASL Class Stockbridge

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Your Opinion Matters! Take the Parent Survey!

The Parent School Climate Survey for the 2018-2019 school year is open!

This survey is YOUR opportunity to give your feedback about the school climate at the Georgia School for the Deaf. This survey is not very long—only 24 questions—and is available in both English and Spanish. You can complete the survey using your personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. Parents will also be allowed to complete the Georgia Parent Survey at GSD during any regular school day.

The Georgia Parent Survey is for parents of all students in Georgia. The data collected is used as part of the calculation of the School Climate Star Rating. Survey responses are anonymous and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis. Schools with less than 15 parents participating in the Parent Survey will be designated as Low Participation (LP) and the results will not be calculated. Schools with no parent or low parent participation will see a negative impact on the school’s School Climate Star Rating. So we need your help—GSD doesn’t want to be a Low Participation school!

You can take the survey here at any time:http://gshs.gadoe.org/parents. Once you start the survey, you can choose English or Spanish. Choose "State Schools--799" in the first drop-down menu, then "Georgia School for the Deaf" in the next drop-down menu.

Thank you in advance for your participation and honest feedback. It is greatly appreciated! If you have any questions, please let me know.

Marie Dickinson, GSD Family Engagement Coordinator

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Congratulations to GSD's 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year, Dana Tarter!! Dana is in her 4th year teaching at GSD and teaches Elementary and Middle School Access classes. She is beloved by students and staff for her true devotion to her students, her cheerful attitude and positive outlook. Thank you, Dana, for all you do for the students and the school. Congratulations on an honor well deserved! 

 Dana Tarter, Teacher of the Year, holds her certificate and flowers. 

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The GSD football team was written up in the Rome News-Tribune newspaper this week! The team played at home against the Mississippi School for the Deaf. While we lost 58-24, the team showed progress, having a stronger second half than the first, and played hard the whole game. Good work guys! 

Read the article here: GSD Football in the news

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