September 2026 Newsletter

Calendar Reminder - Fall Break

As we head into the fall season, we want to remind families of a few upcoming breaks and no-school days.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

We encourage families to mark their calendars and plan ahead.

iRead Scores Update

Greater Clark County Schools is proud to celebrate a 3.2 percentage-point increase in Spring 2026 IREAD scores.

This growth reflects the impact of a three-year, districtwide commitment to the Science of Reading, data-driven decision-making, and Explicit Instruction. Intensive professional development, strong school-based intervention systems, and the dedication of educators across the district have supported these efforts.

GCCS also saw an 8.1 percentage point increase across minority student subgroups, representing encouraging progress toward greater student achievement and opportunity for all students.

We would also like to recognize several schools for their impressive gains:

Utica Elementary also stands out for already meeting the state’s 2027 goal of 95% proficiency.

These results reflect the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this important achievement.

Academy Spotlight:
Flying High with UPS Career Exploration

Jeffersonville High School seniors Lennox Kittrell and Tyler Braitling recently took their aviation ambitions to new heights during an immersive workplace tour with UPS. From exploring the Global Operations Center and stepping into the cockpit of a 747-800 to taking the controls of a 767 flight simulator, these future pilots received a behind-the-scenes look at running one of the world’s largest airlines.

“Talking with pilots who moved into leadership positions helped me see all my options,” shared Lennox. Tyler added, “It reinforced my desire to fly for UPS. Seeing how tight-knit the pilot community is makes me super excited to join it one day.”

For local industry leaders like UPS, hosting workplace tours is a powerful way to inspire the next generation and cultivate talent early.

“We are always happy to showcase our operation and encourage future pilots to follow their dreams,” said Bobby Mudd, UPS. “Work-based learning is a valuable way to develop a future workforce while supporting student success.”

Whether through workplace tours, job shadows, or internships, work-based learning bridges classroom curiosity with real-world career pathways.

Get Involved with Work-Based Learning:

  • Students: Explore workplace tours and career experiences to see what is possible and ignite your future goals.
  • Parents: Encourage your student to participate in industry tours that reveal rewarding post-secondary career options.
  • Employers: Partner with GCCS to host workplace tours, mentor eager students, and build your future talent pipeline.
  • Staff: Connect students with industry partners and hands-on experiences aligned with their career passions.

Free and Reduced Lunch Application Reminder

We are still accepting Free and Reduced Lunch applications for the 2026-2027 school year.

Families who may qualify are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Please note that you must submit a new application each school year.

Please note that the 30-day benefit extension for students who received free or reduced meals has expired. If a student received this benefit last year, but the parent or guardian has not filled out an application for this school year, they will have to pay for meals beginning this week.

Indiana Phone Ban Law

This is a reminder that beginning July 1st, Senate Bill 78, also known as the bell-to-bell cell phone ban, went into effect.

This law supports a distraction-free learning environment for students. In accordance with state law, the following changes have been made:

  • All devices must be powered off and inaccessible for the entire school day. Teachers do not have the authority to provide exceptions.
  • The ban includes cell phones, smartwatches, headphones, earbuds, tablets, personal laptops, smart glasses, gaming devices, and any other electronic device not issued by the school.

Exceptions will be made for students with documented medical needs or requirements explicitly stated in an IEP or 504 plan.

Students who do not comply with this law will be subject to school discipline procedures as outlined in the student handbook.

Thank you for your partnership and support in fostering a safe and focused learning environment for all students.

Attendance Reminder

With cold and flu season sneaking up on us, we wanted to remind families of the district’s attendance policy for the 2026-2027 school year.

A parent or guardian must contact the school within 24 hours of the absence in order for it to be excused.

If you have any questions regarding student absences or the updated policy, please contact your student’s school for more information.

Please note that schools will continue to excuse absences in accordance with the 2026-2027 Student Handbooks. To comply with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), the district must collect more detailed data on the types of absences schools excuse. As a result, your student’s school may contact you for additional details regarding an absence.

Regular attendance is essential for students’ growth in achieving educational milestones and more!

Staff & Student Spotlights

Elementary Cross-Country Champions reel

Join us in congratulating the 2026 Elementary Cross-Country Champions, Utica Elementary!

Both the Utica Elementary girls’ and boys’ teams brought home the title this year. This annual competition brings together all eight GCCS elementary schools, with each school sending its top eight boys and girls runners to compete.

Thank you to Jeffersonville High School for supporting our student runners and helping make this event a success.

Hear more about the competition from Elementary Athletic Director Lori Gavin, and congratulations again to Utica Elementary!

Pike Elementary's Successful Book Drive With Books-A-Million

Pike Elementary celebrated an incredible book drive in partnership with Books-A-Million!

Thanks to our community’s generosity, approximately 600 books were donated, reaching 130% of the original goal.

Pike Library Specialist Christa Thompson began processing the new books so they could be added to the school library for students to enjoy.

Thank you to Christa Thompson, Books-A-Million, General Manager Ashley Lamb, and everyone who helped make this book drive such a success!

Aramark - Hiring

Make a difference every day by joining the Greater Clark County Schools team!

Aramark is hiring Cafe Workers for GCCS schools.

Why join us?
• Monday–Friday schedule
• No nights, weekends, or holidays
• Meals provided during your shift
• Work around the GCCS school calendar
• No experience necessary

Interested or have questions? Contact:

Shannon Ottersbach
(812) 283-0701 ext. 50182
shottersbach@gccschools.com

Help nourish our students while enjoying a schedule that works for you. We look forward to welcoming you to the team!

ESS is hiring substitute staff to support GCCS classrooms and schools.

ESS hires and manages all of the substitutes for Greater Clark County Schools, including: 
Substitute Teachers, Para Educators, and Food Service Workers.

Requirements:

  • Substitute Teachers: High school diploma or GED
  • Para-Educators: High school diploma or GED
  • All substitutes must complete a background check, online GCN training, and attend an applicant meeting.

Substitute positions are a great way to make a difference, support students, and enjoy a flexible schedule.

Service Management Systems is hiring custodians for GCCS schools.

Positions are available for day, evening, and weekend custodians to help keep our schools clean, safe, and ready for learning.

Positions include:
• Full-time, Monday–Friday
• Part-time weekends and events
• Flexible scheduling for event staff

Starting pay is $16/hour.

Perks include:
• Opportunities for advancement
• Performance bonuses
• Benefits for full-time employees

Ready to get started? Apply today and choose an open position with the Greater Clark County School District.

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