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Welcome Back Message
The 2026-2027 school year is back in session, and we’d like to welcome you to another fantastic school year! We hope you enjoyed your summer break and are ready for another year of learning and milestones.
We have had a great start to the new school year and hope you take a few moments to enjoy our first-day-of-school photo gallery and video, and to see some familiar faces that make our community so great.
Free and Reduced Lunch Application Reminder
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.
If you submitted a Free and Reduced Lunch application before the July 1 application deadline, you will need to resubmit it for the 2026-2027 school year.
Please note our team is actively working through applications as quickly as possible.
PowerSchool Contact Info Update Reminder
Have you verified that your contact information is up to date for the 2026-2027 school year? If not, please log in to PowerSchool. Please ensure your address, email, and phone number are correct.
To update your information, families can do so in PowerSchool or by contacting their student’s school.
Calendar Reminder
With the new school year in full swing, we want to remind families that the 2026-2027 School Calendar is available online. This calendar includes important dates, holidays, and breaks to help you plan ahead.
Please note the following upcoming days off:
- September 7th - Labor Day
- September 8th - Teachers Only Day/ Professional Development, no school for students
Parkwood Ribbon Cutting
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the opening of the new Parkwood Elementary!
It was an incredible day as we marked this exciting milestone with our students, families, staff, and community. We are so glad our students and staff will have a fantastic learning and working environment that will serve generations of students to come.
This project was a true community effort from start to finish, and we are grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the Town of Clarksville for proclaiming July 22 as Parkwood Elementary Day and for their continued support of this project. We also thank our community for its unwavering support throughout this process.
A special thank you also goes to our project partners who helped make this new school possible:
Hagerman
Dan Cristiani Excavating Co., Inc. & Gotta Go, Inc.
Ratio Architects
J. Lake Architecture & Design
Perfection Group
Academy Spotlight: Real Experience, Real Impact
When Charlestown High School junior Jolie Pearson steps behind the counter at NWSB, she isn’t just working a student job—she is building a career foundation. Through the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP) Retail Banker program, Jolie is gaining valuable hands-on experience, getting paid, and earning school credits.
“I have gained so much confidence… I can complete deposits and withdrawals by myself without even flinching now,” shares Jolie. “It benefits me in my career options and in my personal life with my own finances.”
For local businesses, hosting student apprentices is a smart, direct investment in workforce development.
“This experience provided value by allowing us to engage with younger community members and increase awareness of career opportunities,” says Courtney Wills, NWSB Training Coordinator. “Other employers should consider participating to invest in the future workforce!”
Without requiring extra high school coursework, Jolie will graduate with an Employment Honors Plus Seal and a statewide INCAP Retail Banking Certificate—qualifying her for immediate roles ranging from credit analyst to assistant branch manager.
How Can I Get Involved with Work-Based Learning?
- Students: Pursue internships to build confidence, earn income, and discover your passions before graduation.
- Parents: Encourage your child to seek employment opportunities
- Employers: Partner with GCCS to host apprentices, interns, or job shadows and cultivate your future talent pipeline.
- Staff: Connect students’ unique skill sets with hands-on workforce opportunities.
Youth Leadership Summit
There’s still time to register for the 2026 Youth Leadership Summit, presented by Align Southern Indiana!
High school juniors and seniors are invited to take part in this exciting leadership development opportunity on Thursday, September 10, from 8:15 AM to 2:30 PM at Indiana University Southeast in the Hoosier Room.
Students will participate in sessions focused on rapport building, growth mindset, perseverance, financial literacy, and more.
As an added bonus, every student who attends will receive a $500 scholarship to Indiana University Southeast.
Registration is $20 per student.
Don’t miss this opportunity to build valuable leadership skills, connect with others, and invest in your future!
Attendance Policy Reminder
Regular attendance is essential for student growth, socialization, and achieving educational milestones. While we understand each family’s circumstances may vary, we want to highlight the following important change enacted in the 2025-2026 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.
Indiana Phone Ban Law
Beginning July 1, 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.
Late Registration Reminder
We’d like to remind you that it’s not too late to register for the 2026-2027 school year. All students must be enrolled for the school year in order to attend school. Families are encouraged to complete enrollment as soon as possible to secure their child’s spot.
Families of students previously enrolled in preschool through 11th grade should have already received their Snapcode letters in the mail. Please keep this important information, as the Snapcode is required to register your student.
Families who are new to Greater Clark County Schools do not need a Snapcode to register.
For assistance with Snapcodes or registration, please contact:
Follow Your School & PTO on Social Media
It’s another great year at Greater Clark County Schools! Families can stay connected and informed by following their student’s school and PTO pages for the latest academic updates, extracurricular opportunities, reminders, and important announcements.
While the GCCS page serves as a central hub for district-wide news, each school page and PTO group provides school-specific updates, events, and opportunities to get involved. Some groups may be private and require a request to join.
- Charlestown Elementary School Pirates
- Charlestown Elementary School PTO
- Franklin Square Elementary
- New Washington Elementary
- Northaven Elementary School
- Northaven Elementary PTO
- Parkwood Elementary
- Parkwood PTO
- Pike Elementary
- Pike Elementary PTO
- Riverside Elementary PTO
- Utica Elementary School
- Utica Elementary School PTO
Many sports teams, clubs, and extracurricular activities may also have their own social media pages or groups. Families are encouraged to check with their student’s school, coach, or sponsor to learn more about additional ways to stay connected throughout the school year.
Greater Clark County Schools is Hiring
Greater Clark County Schools is hiring for multiple positions across the district for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
We offer competitive benefits, including:
- Flexible scheduling
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Those participating in our health plan receive free access to our Health and Wellness Center
- PERF/TRF (Indiana State Retirement), paid by GCCS
Greater Clark County Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace.
Aramark is Hiring
Aramark and Greater Clark County Schools are now hiring for several food service positions, including Food Service Workers, Kitchen Managers, and Supervisors.
These positions offer a Monday–Friday schedule with no nights, weekends, or holidays. Meals are provided during shifts, and positions follow the GCCS school calendar. No experience is necessary.
To apply or learn more, contact Shannon Ottersbach at (812) 283-0701 ext. 50182 or shottersbach@gccschools.com.
Education Solution Services (ESS) is Hiring
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.
Service Management Systems (SMS) is Hiring
Service Management Systems is now hiring day, evening, and weekend custodians to help keep Greater Clark County Schools clean, safe, and ready for learning.
Positions Available:
• Full-time positions, Monday–Friday
• Part-time weekend and event positions
• Flexible scheduling for event staff
Starting Pay: $15/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.