Holiday Message
As we prepare to head into winter break and wrap up the second quarter, we’d like to take a moment to wish our incredible Greater Clark community a safe, happy, and memorable holiday season. Thank you to our students, staff, school board, and families for helping make 2025 such an incredible year.
We can’t wait to head into the new year with you, and we’re so excited about the latest and exciting things that await us in 2026!
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, Greater Clark!
Calendar Reminder
As we approach the holiday season, we want to remind our Greater Clark County families of the upcoming Winter Break dates.
Students will be out of school from December 22 through January 5, with classes resuming on January 6 for students.
Please also note that there will be no school on January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Kindergarten Open House
Greater Clark County Schools is excited to welcome our future kindergarten families on January 22, 2026 for Kindergarten Open House. This evening is designed to help families explore their child’s school, meet teachers and staff, and learn more about what to expect in kindergarten.
This is a come-and-go, open-house style event — no registration is required. Families are welcome to visit any school(s) of interest during the designated time and move at their own pace.
Event Schedule
- 5:00–6:00 PM: Families with last names A–M
- 6:00–7:00 PM: Families with last names N–Z
During Your Visit, Families Can:
- Tour the school
- Explore kindergarten classrooms
- Meet dedicated teachers and staff
- Learn about the kindergarten experience and expectations
We look forward to welcoming our newest learners and their families!
Preview Nights
Middle and High School Preview Night is approaching on January 28, 2026. We look forward to welcoming our incoming 6th- and 9th-grade students and their families as they learn more about the next step in their educational journey at Greater Clark County Schools.
This event provides an opportunity to tour our schools, meet teachers and staff, and explore the academic and extracurricular programs that make Greater Clark an excellent place to learn and grow.
Event Details
Date: January 28, 2026
Location: All GCCS Middle and High Schools
Middle School Preview Night
Time: 6:30–7:30 PM
Who’s Invited: Incoming 6th Grade Students and Families
High School Preview Night
Time: 5:00–6:15 PM
Who’s Invited: Incoming 9th Grade Students and Families
Time: 5:00–6:15 PM
Who’s Invited: Incoming 9th Grade Students and Families
We look forward to welcoming you.
Get to Know the Academies of Greater Clark County!
Incoming high school families, discover how Greater Clark County Schools’ Academies are preparing students for college and careers through real-world learning experiences! The academies are designed to link classroom learning with career themes, helping students build both academic and work-ready skills.
Students begin in a Freshman Academy to learn about themselves, careers, pathways, college and university choices, and the four career-themed academies they will apply to join during grades 10-12. The Health Services, Business & Entrepreneurship, Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing, and Public Service Academies have related career & technical education coursework that provides students with the opportunity to engage with local employers, earn industry certifications, participate in internships, job shadowing, field trips, mentorships, and other experiential learning opportunities that support them in achieving their goals after graduation.
Through partnerships with local businesses and post-secondary institutions, students graduate with the skills, credentials, and confidence to succeed in college, career, or technical fields.
Academies
Upperclassmen from across the district in the Business & Entrepreneurship Academy took part in an exciting Entrepreneurship Resource Fair at Maker13 during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Students connected directly with organizations like 1si, Maker13, the Indiana Small Business Development Center, NWSB, Monroe Shine, Indiana Members Credit Union, and the STARTedUP Foundation to learn how each group supports entrepreneurs with resources to launch, grow, and scale new ideas. This experience gave students a firsthand look at our region’s strong entrepreneurial ecosystem while building confidence in their own potential as future innovators. The event also kicked off opportunities for students to participate in major pitch competitions, including IU Southeast’s “Next BIG Thing” and the statewide STARTedUP Challenge.
Greater Clark Education Foundation Awards Classroom and Arts
This year, the Greater Clark Education Foundation (GCEF) proudly awarded nearly $90,000 in Creative Classroom & Arts Grants to support innovative and creative project ideas submitted by our educators. Every school in Greater Clark County Schools received multiple grants, helping bring learning to life in classrooms across the district. Funded projects included hands-on STEM experiences, French and German library resources, scientific electricity kits, Hispanic Heritage explorations, Adulting Day, the I Have a Dream program, and much more. These grants are made possible through GCEF’s annual fundraising efforts, which ensure continued support for creative and impactful learning opportunities.
Natatorium Update
Construction progress continues on the new state-of-the-art Jeffersonville High School Natatorium, with the project on track for completion in Fall 2026.
The roof installation and waterproofing are nearly finished, and the main competition pool has been fully excavated. Concrete placement for the competition pool is scheduled for late January, and pool piping work is ongoing. Three exterior panels have been installed to begin enclosing the facility, and significant structural milestones have been reached, including completion of the first-floor slab-on-grade concrete and the west stair tower steps.
Additional areas of the project continue to advance as well. Masonry work for the track and football locker rooms is complete, while construction in the commons area and swim locker rooms is progressing. The therapy pool has also been excavated and poured.
Interior systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection, are actively being installed and inspected as the project moves into its next phases.
Photos are provided by Skillman and Superintendent Mark Laughner.
Attendance Reminder
As we move through cold and flu season, we encourage families to review our updated attendance policy for the 2025–2026 school year.
Daily attendance for all students enrolled in Greater Clark County Schools is required by state law and district policy. Consistent attendance is essential for student success — when students are present, they experience hands-on learning, participate in classroom discussions, collaborate with peers, and take advantage of the many academic and enrichment opportunities that help them grow. Each day in the classroom builds skills, confidence, and connection, all of which are harder to make up when a student is absent.
The responsibility for regular school attendance rests with both the student and their parent or legal guardian. To support progress and achievement, students are expected to maintain a ninety-five percent (95%) attendance rate. Students who do not meet this requirement may be subject to disciplinary procedures as outlined in the attendance policy.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. Regular attendance helps set the foundation for a successful school year.
Inclement Weather Policy
With the recent winter weather we’ve experienced, we want to take a moment to remind families of Greater Clark County Schools’ Inclement Weather Policy and the steps we take when severe conditions impact school operations.
Our district monitors weather closely and begins evaluating the need for delays or closures when wind chills reach -10° or when road conditions pose safety concerns. Depending on what we find, one of the plans described below will be implemented.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students safe.
Communication regarding delays or closures will be shared as follows:
- School Messenger notifications will be sent by 5:30 a.m. to staff and 6:00 a.m. to parents/guardians.
- If a delay is issued and weather conditions worsen, a closure announcement will be made by 7:30 a.m.
- Updates will also be available on the district website and social media platforms.
To help keep emergency lines open, we ask families not to call school offices for weather updates.
Plan 1: Two-Hour Delay
- School will begin two hours later than the regular start time.
- Buses will operate two hours later on their normal schedules.
- Afternoon dismissal will remain unchanged.
- Morning preschool sessions will be canceled.
Plan 2: Schools Closed – eLearning Day
- All schools will be closed for the day, with students participating in an eLearning Day.
- No make-up day will be required.
- Schools will reopen the next scheduled day unless additional closures are necessary.
When road conditions are hazardous, bus drivers, after receiving approval from the Director of Transportation, may determine that a portion of a route cannot be traveled safely. In these cases:
- Affected families will be notified.
- Attendance will be marked with an excused notation due to lack of transportation.
- Students maintaining perfect attendance will remain eligible for recognition.
Please be prepared for potential delays and allow students extra time at the bus stop during winter weather.
For full details on the district’s Inclement Weather Plan, visit:
https://www.gccschools.com/inclement-weather/
For additional information, please contact your school principal or the Transportation Office at 812-288-4809.
Staff & Student Spotlights
GCCS Girls Elementary Basketball Champions
- New Washington Elementary!
Congratulations to the 2025 GCCS Girls Elementary Basketball Champions, New Washington Elementary!
We also proudly recognize Utica Elementary as this year’s runner-up. Both teams delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing impressive energy, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the game. Their efforts were a true reflection of P.R.I.D.E., and we couldn’t be more proud of these athletes and their schools.
Three Greater Clark County Schools Administrators Named IASP Admin of the Year
We are proud to recognize Franklin Square Elementary Principal Jackie Diaz, Parkview Middle School Principal Heather Gianfagna, and Jeffersonville High School Assistant Principal Matt (Duane) Barker for being named District 12 Administrators of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals.
Their leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success make a meaningful impact across our schools each day. We are grateful for the outstanding administrators who help our students, staff, and community thrive.
Congratulations Chad Gilbert, IBCA 2026 Administrator of the Year
Congratulations to Charlestown High School Athletic Director Chad Gilbert, who has been named a 2026 Administrator of the Year by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA).
Mr. Gilbert is being recognized as the IHSAA District 3 recipient for his exceptional support of Charlestown High School’s basketball programs and his continued efforts to expand opportunities for student-athletes and to enhance the culture of high school athletics across the state.
We are proud to celebrate his leadership and dedication.
Jeffersonville High Alumni to be Inducted into Hall of Fame
Join us in congratulating Jeffersonville High School Class of 1998 alumna Mary Jo Noon, who has been selected for induction into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 Women’s Induction Class.
She will be honored in April 2026 as a member of the Hall of Fame’s 24th women’s class. We are proud to celebrate her outstanding achievements and continued impact on Indiana basketball.
Save the Date - 2026 Elementary MLK Show
Mark your calendars and save the date, the 2026 Elementary MLK Show will take place on January 13th at Charlestown High School. Stay tuned for more information from your student’s school about the performance!
FAFSA - Applications
This is a reminder to complete your FAFSA application by the April 15 deadline. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your student’s school counselor.
Additional FAFSA support workshops will be offered at schools in the coming weeks. Details will be shared on our social media channels and in future newsletters as they become available.
Secure your financial aid by completing your application today.