Gwinnett County Public Schools believes that parents are a child's first and most important teachers. Our goal is to engage every family and community to achieve success for all of our students.

The Office of Family Engagement

Mission- GCPS partners with students and caregivers to engage, equip, and empower families, educators, and community members as co-authors for the development of the whole learner from birth through adulthood. 

2023-2024 Family and Community Engagement Plan

The Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Family and Community Engagement Plan was reviewed and revised with the input of GCPS staff, families, and community members. This plan was adopted July 1, 2023, and will be in effect for a period of one year. This plan was disseminated to all families through the Student/Parent Handbook, which is made available to families through MyPaymentsPlus, via the Parent Portal, and to the community in the Family Engagement Centers and on both the school and district websites. All families have the opportunity to review this plan before October 31, 2023. New students will receive this plan upon enrollment.

• Gwinnett County Public Schools Family and Community Engagement Plan

The Office of Family Engagement Engage, Equip, Empower Series

The Engage, Equip, and Empower series hosted by the Office of Family Engagement provides opportunities for families to participate in instructional sessions, workshops, events, and activities to engage with Gwinnett County Public Schools.  The series will provide opportunities for families to learn how to support their children at home in the core academic content areas, be active participants in their children’s education, and learn about resources, programs, and wraparound services to support their children.

• Engage, Equip. Empower Series

2023-2024 Engage, Equip, Empower Series Calendar 

Month	Topic/Focus
August         August 29, 2023 5:30-6:30 PM Virtual  Session	Teaching Video introductions to each of the 4 content areas explaining what children will learn for the school year.	Division of Teaching and Learning LA- Anna Mary Smith MA- Michelle Bellamy SCI-Kristin Luthi SS- Jeremy Nix
	Universal screener- Assessment- What is it? Purpose? How to read it? Timeline of administration and release of reports?	Accountability and Assessment Miranda McLaren
September 28, 2023 6:00- 7:30 PM Virtual Session	Elementary AKS Spotlight: How to Support Your Students at Home with LA, MA, SCI, and SS   LA: What is the Science of Reading and How to Support at Home? (Lower Rope) Math: First Semester Activities to Engage with the New AKS at Home SCI: Birth - 5 Science Fair Support SS: K-5 Personal Finance	Division of Teaching and Learning LA- Anna Mary Smith MA- Michelle Bellamy SCI-Kristin Luthi SS- Jeremy Nix
October 3, 2023 5:30-6:30 PM Virtual Session	Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education	Academies and Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Tim Hemans Sallie Holloway Kyle Jones
November 9, 2023 5:30-6:30 PM Virtual Session	Post-secondary Readiness: SAT School Day and Gwinnett Writes	Accountability and Assessment Miranda McLaren
December 7, 2023 5:30-6:30 PM Virtual Session	Counseling, College, & Career	Office of Counseling, College & Career Services Demetria Williams
January Date-TBA	LA: Science of Reading (Upper Rope) MA: 2nd Semester Activities to Engage with the New AKS at Home Science: Computer Science for all S.S. K-5 Character Traits	Division of Teaching and Learning LA- Anna Mary Smith MA- Michelle Bellamy SCI-Kristin Luthi SS- Jeremy Nix
February 8, 2024 5:30-6:30 PM Virtual Session	GMAS	Accountability and Assessment Miranda McLaren
March 19, 2024 5:30-6:30 PM Virtual Session	PBIS	Office of Behavior Support and Interventions Grady Caldwell
April
May	Preventing the summer slide... Supporting Family Friendly Summer Learning Activities for all 4 Subject Areas	Division of Teaching and Learning LA- Anna Mary Smith MA- Michelle Bellamy SCI-Kristin Luthi SS- Jeremy Nix

Title I, Part A – Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged

Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, provides funding to school districts to help ensure that all children, particularly those who are most academically at-risk, meet challenging state academic standards. Schools participating in the Title I program receive funds based on the percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price school meals. Title I programs are designed to ensure high standards for all students, increase quality instructional time, improve instruction through professional development, enhance family participation in the educational process, expand educational resources, and strengthen accountability.

Seventy-four schools within Gwinnett County Public Schools receive Title I services. Of these, 49 are elementary schools, 12 are middle schools, 10 are high schools, and three special entities. These schools offer a schoolwide program where all students, teachers, and families benefit from the supplemental resources and support provided by Title I. 

At least one percent of the district's total Title I allocation is reserved to fund family and community engagement programs.  No less than 90% of these funds are used directly by schools to promote family and community engagement activities.  These funds are used based on suggestions and input provided by families and community members to strengthen students' academic achievement during districtwide opportunities for engaging and partnering with families in their children's education.  Additionally, these funds help offset the cost of ensuring that each Title I school has a Parent Center and a staff member trained to support parents and families.

Title I Schools by Level

Title I, Part C – Education of Migratory Children

Title I, Part C of ESSA is designed to support the academic and basic medical needs of children who have been verified by the Georgia Department of Education for the Migrant Education Program. These are children whose families have moved within the last three years due to economic necessity, and who work in seasonal agricultural or fishing jobs. This program serves children ages 3 – 21 by removing barriers to their academic participation and success.

Title II, Part A – Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers, Principals, or other School Leaders

The purpose of Title II, Part A of ESSA is to maintain teacher and leader effectiveness through recruitment, retention, and professional development.

 

Title III, Part A – Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students

Title III, Part A of ESSA ensures that English Learner and Immigrant students receive needed supplemental support to assist in their acquisition of English and their overall academic success.

Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment

Title IV, Part A of ESSA offers students the opportunity for interventions and academic enrichments as well as access to additional technology for digital literacy. In addition, this grant provides funding to improve school conditions for student learning.

Equitable Services

Students, families, and teachers in private schools may be eligible for equitable services in accordance to guidance from U.S. Department of Education as it relates to each individual federal program. 

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act – Education for Homeless Children and Youth

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act provides support for students who are experiencing homelessness. Its purpose is to remove barriers to academic success that students may face as a result of their living situation.