GCCS Enrollment

March 2025 Newsletter

by News

March 2025 Newsletter

2025-2026 Student Registration Opens March 24th!

Attention GCCS Parents & Guardians!

Mark your calendars – registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens on Monday, March 24, 2025!

Families of current preschool through eleventh-grade students will receive Snapcode letters before March 24th, so please keep an eye on your mailbox for this important information. Your Snapcode will be required to complete the registration process. Should you have any problems with your snapcode, we are asking families to please contact: Carolyn Barton (cbarton@gccschools.com) for Elementary and Wendy Gallagher (wgallagher@gccschools.com) for Secondary. 

Secure your student’s spot and get ready for another great year at Greater Clark County Schools!

Preschool Enrollment Coming Soon!

Incoming preschool families – mark your calendars! Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year begins on April 1st at 9 AM.

 
Who Can Enroll?

Children who will be 4 years old by August 1, 2025 are eligible for our preschool program. Designed to support the whole child, our curriculum focuses on early development and ensuring kindergarten readiness.

 
Program Options & Tuition
  • Full-Day Program: $150 per week
  • Half-Day Program: $75 per full week
  • Transportation available
 
Financial Assistance

Families may qualify for a 100% tuition voucher through On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK), an Indiana state-funded program providing access to high-quality preschool for low-income families. Reduced tuition options are also available.

For more information about On My Way Pre-K, contact Kendra Needham at kendra.needham@fssa.IN.gov.
 
Special Tuition Rates for GCCS Staff

Greater Clark County Schools staff members are eligible for reduced tuition rates. For details, contact Sydney Seidl.

Learn More & Enroll

Visit our website for additional details: Preschool Information

 
Contact Us
 
We look forward to welcoming your child into the great world of Preschool!

Calendar Reminder - Spring Break, School Graduations

Happy Spring Break, Greater Clark families! Schools will be closed from March 17-21 as we take a well-deserved break.

As a reminder, adjustments have been made to the 2024-2025 school calendar:

  • May 6th will now be a makeup day due to snow days in January. School will be in session, and there will be no e-learning on this day.
  • The last day of school has been moved to May 22th.
For full details, view the updated 2024-2025 school calendar:
View Calendar

Graduation Dates
  • New Washington High School – May 24th at 10 AM
  • Charlestown High School – May 24th at 1 PM
  • Jeffersonville High School – May 25th at 1 PM

Parkwood Inclusion Fair

Families with autistic children are invited to Parkwood Elementary’s Annual Community Inclusion Fair on April 24 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
This event provides a valuable opportunity for families to connect with local organizations and businesses that embrace neuro-affirming principles and celebrate diversity. Attendees will have access to a variety of resources and enjoy an evening of community engagement and fun.

Event Highlights:
  • Neuro-affirming vendors, businesses, and organizations
  • Games and prizes
  • Food trucks
  • A celebration of neurodiversity

We look forward to welcoming families for an inclusive and supportive event that fosters connection and community.

FAFSA Reminder

The FAFSA application deadline is April 15! If you need assistance or have questions, join us at one of our remaining FAFSA Completion Workshops. Our team is here to support you and make the process as smooth as possible.

 
FAFSA Workshop Schedule

FAFSA Completion Night
📅 April 1 | ⏰ 4:00-7:00 PM
📍 CHS Media Center

FAFSA Completion Workshop
📅 April 3 | ⏰ 5:30-7:30 PM
📍 JHS Media Center

Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered and receive expert guidance. Take the next step toward your educational future! If you or your student have additional questions or need assistance, please contact the counseling department at your student’s school. 

Celebrating our 2025 Administrator, Teacher, and Classified Employee of the Year

Please join us in congratulating our 2025 Greater Clark County Schools honorees:
  • Administrator of the Year: Adrienne Bach, Principal, Charlestown Middle School
  • Classified Employee of the Year: Nicole Grayson, Administrative Assistant, Charlestown High School
  • Teacher of the Year: Crystal Merrifield, River Valley Middle School
At Greater Clark County Schools, we are fortunate to have dedicated educators and staff who make a lasting impact on our students and school communities. Their hard work, commitment, and passion for education help shape the future for generations to come.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Coyle Automotive Group for their support of our educators and for providing Teacher of the Year, Crystal Merrifield, with a one-year, free vehicle lease. We also appreciate the ongoing efforts of the Greater Clark Educational Foundation, whose mission is to uplift and support our educators and school communities.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees, and thank you to all our exceptional staff members for their dedication to education!

Congratulations to the W.E. Wilson Wildcats – GCCS Elementary Boys Basketball Champions!

Join us in celebrating the W.E. Wilson Wildcats’ victory in the Greater Clark County Schools Elementary Boys Basketball Championship! Their hard work, determination, and teamwork led them to an exciting win.

We also want to recognize all the teams for their outstanding sportsmanship, athleticism, and dedication throughout the season. You made your schools proud, and put in great effort this season! 

Congratulations to the Wildcats and to all our student-athletes for a fantastic season!

Jeff High's Poptastic Popcorn Has Officially Launched!

Jeffersonville High School’s Applied Career Class has partnered with Poppin’ Flavors Gourmet Popcorn to launch its own student-created brand – JHS Poptastic Popcorn. This exciting initiative provides students with hands-on experience in marketing, sales, packaging, inventory management, and business operations.

Students are actively involved in every aspect of the brand’s development, from production to promotion. The logo was designed by Pedro Espinales as part of his Marketing Class project, and students will continue refining their entrepreneurial skills by conducting surveys, creating a “Popcorn of the Month” special, and even developing a Jeff High exclusive popcorn mix.

All proceeds from JHS Poptastic Popcorn will directly benefit the class by funding classroom supplies, field trips, and additional learning opportunities.

This initiative would not be possible without the support of Principal Pam Hall, Teacher Donna Vanhook, and Job Coach Lisa Sanders, along with the collaboration of Poppin’ Flavors Gourmet Popcorn. Their guidance has helped transform this project into a valuable real-world learning experience that equips students with essential business and career skills.

A special thank you to the Jeffersonville Mayor and Jeff High alumni for joining us at our ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebrating our incredible students with us.

Stay tuned for more updates as students continue to grow their brand and bring their creative ideas to life!

Parkwood Dual Language Immersion Informational Sessions!

Honoring the Legacy of Our Schools as We Look to the Future

As we enter the final quarter of the 2024-2025 school year, we also begin the bittersweet process of bidding farewell to several long-standing schools that have been home to generations of students.
We invite our school community to join us for special farewell events as we honor the legacy of Pleasant Ridge Elementary, W.E. Wilson Elementary, and Thomas Jefferson Elementary. These schools have played an integral role in shaping the lives of countless students, and we look forward to celebrating their rich history together.

As we eagerly anticipate the next chapter with the openings of Charlestown Elementary and Pike Elementary, we also recognize the significance of honoring the memories created within these beloved halls. As we prepare for this transition, students, families, and staff will have the opportunity to walk through their schools one last time, cherishing the moments and milestones that have defined their educational journeys.

Farewell Event Schedule:
  • Thomas Jefferson Elementary – March 26th, 5:30-7:00 PM
  • W.E. Wilson Elementary – April 2nd, 6:00-7:00 PM
  • Pleasant Ridge Elementary  “Farewell Fiesta” – May 5th, 5:30-7:00 PM
We hope you will join us in commemorating this meaningful milestone as we step forward into a bright future.

Jonathan Jenning's Leave your Mark Night

Please enjoy these photos from Jonathan Jenning’s Leave your Mark Night on March 6th. 

Join Us for Teacher Interview Day on April 3rd

Are you ready to be part of something greater? Greater Clark County Schools invites you to our Teacher Interview Day on April 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at The Fetter Center.

This event will feature multiple informational stations where attendees can learn about the exciting career opportunities available within our district. Whether you are a seasoned educator or just beginning your teaching journey, we encourage you to explore the possibilities at GCCS.

To attend, please RSVP by emailing Tricia Helton, Director of Human Resources, at phelton@gccschools.com.

We look forward to meeting you and sharing what makes Greater Clark County Schools a great place to teach and grow!
Click here to see more photos!

The Academies Section

Upperclassmen from all career academies attended a college and career fair, where they connected with local employers, regional universities & technical schools, workforce training providers, and branches of the armed services. Over 80 different organizations—representing all of the career-themed academies—engaged with students to explore how they could best support their future aspirations. Students valued the opportunity to ask specific questions, have direct interactions, and gather resources that helped prepare them to take their next steps. The organizations in attendance appreciated the chance to showcase their offerings, build relationships with students, and promote their brand. This mutually beneficial experience continues to grow every year and remains as one of the favorite academy-related events for students. Several of the photos below were taken by our talented photographers in the Digital Design pathway. A huge thank you to those students—Tyrone Whitten, Andrew Hampton, Liam Turk-Gagel, Touraj Williams, Nicholas Gaither—and their instructor, Mr. Kevin Daley!
The Academy Advocate - March 2025
GCCS Enrollment

February 2025 Newsletter

by News

February 2025 Newsletter

Parkwood Dual Immersion Program!

Here at Greater Clark County Schools, we’re thrilled to announce Southern Indiana’s FIRST Dual Language Immersion Program for the upcoming 2025-2026 School Year at Parkwood Elementary. This innovative program aims to provide students with a bilingual, bi-literate, and globally competitive education.

Thanks to the Clarksville Council for supporting this ground-breaking initiative.

How It Works
  • 80/20 Model – Kindergarteners begin with 80% instruction in Spanish and 20% in English
  • Gradual Transition – By 3rd grade, students will receive 50/50 instruction in both languages
Why It Matters
  • Enhances Cognitive Development – Stronger problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Improves Memory and Focus – Multilingual minds stay sharp
  • Boosts Multitasking Skills – Better ability to filter distractions
Who Can Apply?
Families with incoming kindergarten students (2025-2026) planning to attend Parkwood Elementary through 5th grade are encouraged to apply.
Apply by March 21, 2025.

Applications will remain open until June, but spots are limited. Apply today: Apply Now!

Student Application
Hiring

Promoting Student Entrepreneurship: Jeffersonville High School's Poptastic Popcorn

Jeffersonville High School’s Applied Career Classes have partnered with Poppin’ Flavor Gourmet Popcorn to launch a new student-run business program. This program will give students experience in a multi-faceted approach to business. Students will be doing inventory management, sales, marketing, and product packaging. 

This program was made possible through a grant from the Greater Clark Education Foundation and the support of Principal Pam Hall, teacher Donna Vanhook, Job Coach Lisa Sanders, and our students. This funding reinforces the school’s commitment to equipping students with real-world business and entrepreneurial skills.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony – March 5
To celebrate the official launch, Jeffersonville Mayor Moore will join students, faculty, and community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:15 AM on Wednesday, March 5, at Jeffersonville High School.
Introducing JHS Poptastic Popcorn
As part of this hands-on learning experience, students have created their own unique popcorn brand – JHS Poptastic Popcorn. The popcorn will be made at Poppin Flavors and sold exclusively within the school. Students will oversee marketing, sales, and distribution, gaining valuable business experience.

The logo for JHS Poptastic Popcorn was designed by Pedro Espinales’ Marketing Class, ensuring student involvement in every aspect of the brand’s development. Profits from sales will directly benefit the class by funding supplies, field trips, and other educational activities.

To engage their peers, students will:
  • Conduct flavor surveys to determine popular choices
  • Introduce a Popcorn of the Month
  • Create an exclusive Jeff High Mix inspired by the school community
A Unique Learning Opportunity
“We are honored to be part of this program and to help equip students with entrepreneurial skills that will serve them beyond the classroom,” said Tracy Brown, Managing Partner at Poppin Flavors Gourmet Popcorn. “This initiative not only teaches students how to run a business but also empowers them to think creatively, develop leadership skills, and gain real-world experience in a supportive learning environment.”

Jeffersonville High School and Poppin Flavors invite the community to join the celebration at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 5.

K-12 Enrollment Coming Soon

It’s officially that time of year, K-12 Registration for the 2025-2026 School Year will open on March 24th. We will send out more communications as we get closer. Make sure that you’re following our social media accounts for the most up-to-date information. We will post once the registration is open. 

PreK Enrollment Coming in April!

Incoming preschool families, mark your calendars! Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year opens on April 1 at 9 AM.

Who Can Enroll?
Our preschool program is open to all children who will be 4 years old by August 1, 2025. Our developmental curriculum is designed to support the whole child and ensure kindergarten readiness.

Program Options & Tuition
  • Full-Day Program: $150 per week
  • Half-Day Program: $75 per full week
  • Transportation available
Financial Assistance

Eligible families may receive a 100% tuition voucher through On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK), an Indiana state-funded program that provides access to high-quality preschool for low-income families. Reduced tuition options are also available.

Special Tuition Rates for GCCS Staff
Greater Clark County Schools staff members are eligible for reduced tuition. For details, contact Sydney Seidl.
 
We look forward to welcoming your child to a fun, engaging, and enriching preschool experience!
To learn more, visit our website!
Contact Sydney Seidl, GCCS Preschool Supervisor
Contact Kellie Fox, GCCS Preschool Secretary

FAFSA Help Nights 2025!

The FAFSA application deadline is April 15! If you need assistance or have questions, join us at one of our upcoming FAFSA Completion Workshops. Our team is here to support you and make the process as smooth as possible.

FAFSA Workshop Schedule
 

College Goal Sunday
📅 February 23 | ⏰ 2:00-4:00 PM
📍 Ivy Tech Sellersburg, Pfau Hall

FAFSA Completion Workshop with Ivy Tech
📅 March 5 | ⏰ 12:00-2:00 PM
📍 JHS Media Center

FAFSA Completion Night
📅 April 1 | ⏰ 4:00-7:00 PM
📍 CHS Media Center

FAFSA Completion Workshop
📅 April 3 | ⏰ 5:30-7:30 PM
📍 JHS Media Center

 
Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered and receive expert guidance. Mark your calendar, attend a workshop, and take the next step toward your educational future! If you or your student have additional questions or need assistance, please contact the counseling department at your student’s school. 

School Calendar Reminder

Last Edit for GCCS Newsletter:Spring Break is almost here! There will be no school from March 17-21.

Reminder: due to previous snow days from January 8-10, adjustments have been made to the 2024-2025 school calendar:

  • School will now be in session on May 6, this is a snow makeup day.
  • There will be no e-learning on these days.
  • The last day of school has been moved to May 22.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to ensure a successful school year!

See 2024-2025 School Calendar

Recent Student Achievements

Recent Student Achievements

River Valley Middle School 7th Grade Girls Basketball!

Congratulations to the River Valley Middle School Girl’s 7th Grade Basketball team for taking home the Clark/Floyd Championship against Highland Hills Middle School. The girls won the game 30-11! 

Jonathan Jennings Elementary and Parkview Middle Named 2025 Robotics Champions!

Congratulations to Jonathan Jennings Elementary School and Parkview Middle School Robotics teams for being named the 2025 Robotics Champions!

Earlier this month, students from across the district participated in a full day of innovative robotics competitions. The event began with a hands-on workshop led by University of Louisville students, who provided coaching on strategies and skills to help students enhance their robotics knowledge.

A special thank you to Mrs. Laura Morris for coordinating this event, as well as to our dedicated coaches, volunteers, and the Greater Clark Education Foundation for their support in making this experience possible for our students.

“These students brought their A-game to the competition floor, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving at its best,” said Dr. Wesely, Director of Elementary Education. “The future of robotics is bright in GCCS!”

Charlestown Cheer Wins Back-to-Back IASP State Cheer Competition!

Congratulations to Charlestown Cheer’s Varsity C team for winning a 2025 IASP Cheerleading State Championship in back-to-back years! The team went on to compete in Disney with an incredible routine! 

Relive the "I Have a Dream" Show!

Did you miss the second-annual “I Have a Dream” performance by our incredible second graders across the district? You’re in luck! You can now watch the full performance and experience the inspiration and talent firsthand.
 
A huge thank you to our amazing community sponsors for making this event possible. Your support helps bring this inspiring performance to life.

Sponsors:
  • Fastsigns
  • Clark County Sheriff’s Office  
  • Southeast Christian Church, Indiana Campus
  • First Savings Bank
  • German American Bank
  • First Harrison Bank
  • Volkswagen of Clarksville
  • Lyon’s Roofing
  • Greater Clark Education Foundation
  • Greater Clark County Schools
  • Elder Advisers, DBA Larry G. Weiss
  • Superior Veneer
  • Charlestown Coffee & Cream

Thank you for supporting the arts and helping our students shine!

The Academies Section

Freshman Academy students from across the district participated in Junior Achievement’s JA Inspire to Hire, an event that directly connected them with local employers and industry professionals. The students engaged in interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and skill-building activities that provided firsthand insights into various career paths, while reinforcing essential concepts in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness. This hands-on exposure to the professional world boosted their confidence and ambition, equipping them with practical tools and insights for future success. Moreover, the experience helped them make more informed decisions about which academy to apply to and which career pathway courses to pursue while in high school.
The Academy Advocate - February 2025

Board of School Trustees Meeting – February 25, 2025

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Board of School Trustees Meeting – February 25, 2025

The Greater Clark County Schools Board of Trustees will hold the following board meeting at the Administration Building, 2112 Utica-Sellersburg Road, Jeffersonville, Indiana, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.  An expanded agenda is available to the public to view at: https://www.gccschools.com/home/our-district/school-board/.  Please click the BoardDocs tab below the Board Members pictures.

  • Executive Session (5:00 PM) – not open to the public

Board of School Trustees Meeting – February 11, 2025

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Board of School Trustees Meeting – February 11, 2025

The Greater Clark County Schools Board of Trustees will hold the following board meetings at the Administration Building, 2112 Utica-Sellersburg Road, Jeffersonville, Indiana, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.  An expanded agenda is available to the public to view at: https://www.gccschools.com/home/our-district/school-board/.  Please click the BoardDocs tab below the Board Members pictures.

  • Regular Meeting (6:00 PM) – open to the public
  • Work Session (6:05 PM) – open to the public

 

Board of School Trustees Meeting – January 28, 2025

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Board of School Trustees Meeting – January 28, 2025

The Greater Clark County Schools Board of Trustees will hold the following board meetings at the Administration Building, 2112 Utica-Sellersburg Road, Jeffersonville, Indiana, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.  An expanded agenda is available to the public to view at: https://www.gccschools.com/home/our-district/school-board/.  Please click the BoardDocs tab below the Board Members pictures. 

  • Regular Meeting (6:00 PM) – open to the public
  • Work Session (6:05 PM) – open to the public
Inclement Weather Plan

January 2025 Newsletter

by News

January 2025 Newsletter

School Calendar Reminder

This is a friendly reminder that school will be closed on January 20th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Additionally, due to inclement weather and snow days from January 8-10, we have made adjustments to the 2024-2025 School Calendar:
  • School will now be in session on February 17th and May 6th.
    • There will be no e-Learning on these days. 
  • The last day of school has been moved to May 22nd.
For details, you can view the updated 2024-2025 School Calendar here: GCCS Schools Calendar
Thank you for your understanding as we work to ensure our students have a successful school year!
See 2024-2025 School Calendar

Kindergarten Open House

Join us on January 23rd from 5-7 p.m. for our Kindergarten Open House! This is the perfect opportunity for you and your soon-to-be Kindergartener to tour the school, visit classrooms, and meet our dedicated staff.
  • 5-6 PM: Last names A-M
  • 6-7 PM: Last names N-Z

For families attending our new Pike & Charlestown schools (opening Fall 2025):

  • Charlestown Elementary Families (Jonathan Jennings + Pleasant Ridge): Please attend Open House Night at Pleasant Ridge Elementary.
  • Pike Elementary Families (Thomas Jefferson + W.E. Wilson): Please attend Open House Night at Wilson Elementary.
Note: Tours of the new Pike and Charlestown elementary schools will not be available during the Open House. However, exciting visuals of the new schools will be displayed at Wilson and Pleasant Ridge Elementary.

Kindergarten registration will open this Spring – stay tuned for more details!

We can’t wait to welcome you and your future Kindergartener to our school community!

I Have a Dream Performance Reminder

We’d like to take a moment to remind families and community members of our upcoming “I Have a Dream” performance featuring our talented second-grade students of Greater Clark County Schools. This meaningful event honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., featuring six inspirational songs and thoughtful spoken introductions that emphasize unity and his lasting legacy.

Catch a glimpse of last year’s program here and see why this event is so meaningful to our community.

Event Details:
Date: January 22, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Charlestown High School

We extend our sincere gratitude to the sponsors whose generosity has made this program possible. Their support plays a vital role in bringing this event to life for our students. We encourage you to show your appreciation by supporting these community partners:

Sponsors:

  • Fastsigns
  • Clark County Sheriff’s Office  
  • Southeast Christian Church, Indiana Campus
  • First Savings Bank
  • German American Bank
  • First Harrison Bank
  • Volkswagen of Clarksville
  • Lyon’s Roofing
  • Greater Clark Education Foundation
  • Greater Clark County Schools
  • Elder Advisers, DBA Larry G. Weiss
  • Superior Veneer
  • Charlestown Coffee & Cream

Middle/High Preview Night

Attention incoming middle and high school families! Please mark your calendars for January 29th and join us for our 6th and 9th Grade Preview Night. This is an excellent opportunity to tour the school, meet the staff, and learn more about what to expect in the upcoming school year.

  • 9th Grade Preview: 5:00 – 6:15 PM
  • 6th Grade Preview: 6:30 – 7:30 PM 
For families unable to attend or those wishing to tour multiple schools but are constrained by time, we encourage you to contact the schools directly to arrange a tour. We look forward to welcoming you and helping your student prepare for their next big step!

Inclement Weather Policy Reminder

Due to the recent weather, we’d like to remind families of our Inclement Weather Plan so you can be prepared should our school schedule change; you can find those plans on our website.

Ensure you are signed up to receive PowerSchool notifications, as that’s one of the main channels we use to communicate delays or eLearning days. If you still need to be signed up and would like to receive notifications, please contact your child’s school directly to be added.

Additionally, we will post information and updates on our social media, so make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). Our social media will always have the most up-to-date information. 

eLearning Day Guidelines:
The Indiana Department of Education allows only three asynchronous eLearning days per school year. Asynchronous eLearning involves virtual learning with a digital sign-in sheet and assignments due by a specific deadline, but students can complete them at their discretion.

As of January 8th, all Greater Clark County Schools have used the allotted three asynchronous eLearning days. For the remainder of the school year, eLearning days will be synchronous, with live classes conducted on Google Meet.

Attendance will be recorded, and students will be marked absent if they do not attend Google Meet sessions. Teachers will communicate assignments and deadlines through Google Classroom.


We recommend that families ensure students have their Google Chromebooks available in case of inclement weather. Should your student not have their Chromebook during an eLearning day, families can access Google Classroom on other devices if needed; we encourage you to communicate with your student’s teacher directly should you have any difficulties accessing your student’s Google Classroom account. 
Thank you for your attention and cooperation as we work together to keep learning on track during inclement weather.

IHSAA Hall of Fame 2025 Silver Team

We are proud to celebrate two exceptional alumni, Sara Nord (Jeffersonville High School, Class of 2000) and Kirsti Holloway (New Washington High School, Class of 2000), on their selection to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2025 Silver Anniversary Team!

This prestigious recognition honors the top basketball players from the Class of 2000 for their outstanding achievements during their high school and college careers.

  • Kirsti Holloway currently serves as the head coach at New Washington High School and has been a part of the Girls’ Basketball coaching staff since 2006.
  • Sara Nord has dedicated her career to developing athletes as a basketball skills trainer and serves her community through her roles at Jeffersonville’s Springhill EnVision Center and Nachand Fieldhouse.

We are inspired by their accomplishments and their ongoing contributions to our community. Congratulations to Sara and Kirsti for this well-deserved honor!

The Academies Section

Students gained valuable experience through mock interviews with local business professionals. Students were expected to dress professionally, bring their resumes, and deliver an elevator speech in preparation for their upcoming career fairs. The professionals provided constructive feedback that emphasized the students’ strengths, while also identifying areas of improvement. Students appreciated the opportunity to learn from their mistakes in these no-risk scenarios, and as a result, left the interviews with a greater sense of confidence. Furthermore, some of the students requested to write personal thank you notes to their interviewer because of their profound impact!
The Academy Advocate - January 2025
Q2 Academy Highlight Newsletter

Board of School Trustees Meeting – January 14, 2025

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Board of School Trustees Meeting – January 14, 2025

The Greater Clark County Schools Board of Trustees will hold the following board meetings at the Administration Building, 2112 Utica-Sellersburg Road, Jeffersonville, Indiana, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.  An expanded agenda is available to the public to view at: https://www.gccschools.com/home/our-district/school-board/.  Please click the BoardDocs tab below the Board Members pictures. 

  • Regular Meeting (6:00 PM) – open to the public
  • Board of Finance (6:05 PM) – open to the public
Happy Holidays

December 2024 Newsletter

by News

December 2024 Newsletter

Happy Holidays from Greater Clark County Schools!

As we prepare for Winter Break, we want to wish the Greater Clark County Schools community a safe, happy, and memorable holiday season. Thank you to our parents, students, dedicated staff, school board, and community members for making 2024 such a special year!

We’re excited to head into 2025 with you and have many exciting things in store for the new year.

On behalf of Greater Clark County Schools, “Happy Holidays to you and your family!”

Calendar Reminder: End of Second Quarter and Winter Break!

We want to remind you of important dates before winter break!

End of 2nd Quarter:
The 2nd quarter wraps up on December 20th.

Winter Break:
There will be no school from December 23rd to January 3rd. Students will return on Monday, January 6th.

We wish everyone a safe and restful holiday season!
See 2024-2025 School Calendar

Kindergarten Open House Save the Date

Join us on January 23rd from 5-7 p.m. for our Kindergarten Open House! This is the perfect opportunity for you and your soon-to-be Kindergartener to tour the school, visit classrooms, and meet our dedicated staff.
  • 5-6 p.m.: Last names A-M
  • 6-7 p.m.: Last names N-Z

For families attending our new Pike & Charlestown schools (opening Fall 2025):

  • Charlestown Elementary Families (Jonathan Jennings + Pleasant Ridge): Please attend Open House at Pleasant Ridge Elementary
  • Pike Elementary Families (Thomas Jefferson + W.E. Wilson): Please attend Open House at Wilson Elementary
Note: Tours of the new Pike and Charlestown elementary schools will not be available during the Open House. However, exciting visuals of the new schools will be displayed at Wilson and Pleasant Ridge Elementary.

Kindergarten registration will open in early April – stay tuned for more details!

We can’t wait to welcome you and your future Kindergartener to our school community!

Save the Date: 6th and 9th Grade Preview Nights!

Attention incoming middle and high school families! Please mark your calendars for January 29th and join us for our 6th and 9th Grade Preview Nights. This is an excellent opportunity to tour the school, meet the staff, and learn more about what to expect in the upcoming school year.

  • 9th Grade Preview: 5:00 – 6:15 p.m.
  • 6th Grade Preview: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

We look forward to welcoming you and helping your student prepare for their next big step!

2025 MLK Show

We are thrilled to invite you to the 2025 “I Have A Dream” performance featuring the talented second-grade students of Greater Clark County Schools. This special event honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a moving program of six inspiring songs and spoken introductions centered on unity and his enduring impact.

Catch a glimpse of last year’s program here and see why this event is so meaningful to our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported this dream and helped make it a reality for our students. Let’s come together to cheer them on as they take the stage for this powerful performance.

Event Details:
Date: January 22, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Charlestown High School

2025 Academy Student Employment and Career Fair

Mark your calendar for the 2025 Student Employment & Career Fair with Greater Clark Academy students! If you’re passionate about discussing career paths, sharing industry insights, or connecting with future professionals, this is the perfect opportunity to inspire the next generation.

Event Details:
  • Jeffersonville High School: February 14th, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Charlestown High School: February 25th, 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Participation is open to all, and you do not need to offer student employment or internships to be involved. Join us in speaking with Academy students about career paths, educational journeys and showcasing your company’s impact.

Do you know someone who would be interested? Have them sign up here.
For questions, contact Academy and CTE Coordinator Bryan Reed at breed@gccschools.com.

For questions, please also see the below FAQ sheet.
See FAQ Sheet

Inclement Weather Plans

Due to the recent weather, we’d like to remind families of our Inclement Weather Plan so you can be prepared should our school schedule change; you can find those plans on our website.

Ensure you are signed up to receive PowerSchool notifications, as that’s one of the main channels we use to communicate delays or eLearning days. If you still need to be signed up and would like to receive notifications, please contact your child’s school directly to be added. 

Additionally, we will post information and updates on our social media, so make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). Our social media will always have the most up-to-date information. 

FAFSA Now Open + Workshop Info!

Attention families: the FAFSA application period is officially open, and it’s time to secure financial aid opportunities for your student. Make sure their FAFSA application is submitted by April 15, 2025, to meet the deadline.

Need Assistance?
We’re here to help! Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming FAFSA Workshops, where our counselors and experts will guide you step-by-step through the process and answer any questions.

Don’t wait and apply TODAY! https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Girls Elementary BBall Champs - Utica

Congratulations to Utica Elementary for becoming the 2024 GCCS Elementary Girls Basketball Champions!

The Jets faced a tough challenge from the runners-up, Riverside Elementary, in a hard-fought game. Both teams showcased incredible sportsmanship and skills on the court, and we are so proud of all the players!

Way to go, Jets and Roadrunners! 

Jeremy Shireman - District 12 Elementary Principal of the Year!

One of the reasons #WeAreGreater is because of the incredible educators and leaders in our district. We are thrilled to share that Dr. Jeremy Shireman, Principal of Parkwood Elementary, has been recognized as the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) 2024 District 12 Elementary Principal of the Year!
Congratulations, Dr. Shireman! Your dedication to our students, staff, and community is truly inspiring. We are so grateful for your leadership and can’t wait to see what amazing accomplishments lie ahead.

The Academies Section

This month, students had the opportunity to participate in two comprehensive, career-focused field trips that took place, including Trades Day at Clark County REMC and the Entrepreneurship Resource Fair hosted at Maker 13. Upperclassmen interested in skilled trades were rotated in groups around REMC’s campus to learn about the different roles that support their operations—from linemen to auto mechanics to surveyors to arborists. This intentional exposure has led to several students completing a job shadow afterward so they could get a deeper understanding of the role they were most interested in pursuing after graduation. 

The Entrepreneurship Resource Fair helped connect upperclassmen with organizations and individuals that help entrepreneurs move their ideas from a dream to a reality. Students also participated in mini-workshops that helped walk them through key entrepreneurship components—from funding the idea to the value of networking. At the conclusion of the event, students practice their public speaking skills by completing a pitch of their business plan. Through experiences such as these, students can truly see what they can be.

The Academy Advocate - December 2024
wishing-you-a-wonderful-holiday-season-1

November 2024 Newsletter

by News

November 2024 Newsletter

Holiday Greetings

As we enter the holiday season, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the entire Greater Clark County community. Your unwavering support—whether as parents, students, dedicated staff, School Board members, or community partners—makes an invaluable impact on our students’ lives.

Your commitment does not go unnoticed, and we deeply appreciate the collaborative spirit that defines our school community. On behalf of the Greater Clark County Schools team, we wish you a warm, joyful, and memorable holiday season. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to our students, staff, and community.

Calendar Reminder: Thanksgiving and Holiday Break

With the holiday season upon us, we want to remind you of a few key dates for the upcoming breaks!

Thanksgiving Break:
There will be no school from November 27th to November 29th. Students will return on Monday, December 2nd.

End of 2nd Quarter:
The 2nd quarter wraps up on December 20th.

Winter Break:
There will be no school from December 23rd to January 3rd. Students will return on Monday, January 6th.

We wish everyone a safe and restful holiday season!
See 2024-2025 School Calendar

Kindergarten Open House Save the Date

Join us on January 23rd from 5-7 p.m. for our Kindergarten Open House! This is the perfect opportunity for you and your soon-to-be Kindergartener to tour the school, visit classrooms, and meet our dedicated staff.
  • 5-6 p.m.: Last names A-M
  • 6-7 p.m.: Last names N-Z
Kindergarten registration will open in early April—stay tuned for more details!

We can’t wait to welcome you and your future Kindergartener to our school community!

Save the Date: 6th and 9th Grade Preview Nights!

Attention incoming middle and high school families! Please mark your calendars for January 29th and join us for our 6th and 9th Grade Preview Nights. This is an excellent opportunity to tour the school, meet the staff, and learn more about what to expect in the upcoming school year.

  • 9th Grade Preview: 5:00–6:15 p.m.
  • 6th Grade Preview: 6:30–7:30 p.m.

We look forward to welcoming you and helping your student prepare for their next big step!

2025 MLK Show

Mark your calendars! On January 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Charlestown High School, we’ll gather all second-grade students for a powerful performance titled “I Have a Dream.” This special event honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through a compilation of six inspiring songs and spoken introductions focused on unity and his enduring legacy. You can catch a glimpse of last year’s program here.

To make this vision a reality, we need your support. Production costs, including a guest conductor, copyright permissions, transportation, and t-shirts for our 800 student performers, can add up quickly. Sponsorships will allow for us to put on this amazing performance without passing any costs onto students’ families.

Sponsorship Levels:
  • Bronze: $100 or less
  • Silver: $101–$500
  • Gold: $501–$999
  • Platinum: $1,000+
All sponsors will be recognized on performance t-shirts, at the event, on social media, and through our Greater Clark County School Board of Trustees meeting.

If you or a business you know would like to support this event, please reach out to Aaron Guernsey at aguernsey@gccschools.com. We would appreciate receiving donations by December 1, 2024.

Join us in making this event unforgettable and honoring Dr. King’s legacy through music and unity!

Jeff High ROTC Unit Rating

We’d like to proudly announce that the Jeffersonville High School Air Force JROTC program has achieved an “Exceeds Standards” rating on its annual unit assessment—the highest rating possible! This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Colonel (Retired) Robert E. Benning, Master Sergeant (Retired) Christopher Manley, and our outstanding cadets.

During their October 28, 2024 evaluation, the Air Force JROTC instructors and cadets demonstrated excellence, earning high praise for their dynamic, supportive learning environment and exceptional community outreach. Under the leadership of Colonel Benning and Master Sergeant Manley, the program has become a cadet-centered hub for leadership and citizenship, making a significant positive impact on the school and the greater community.

Congratulations to the Jeffersonville High School Air Force JROTC for this remarkable achievement!

2025 Academy Student Employment and Career Fair

Mark your calendar for the 2025 Student Employment & Career Fair with Greater Clark Academy students! If you’re passionate about discussing career paths, sharing industry insights, or connecting with future professionals, this is the perfect opportunity to inspire the next generation.

Event Details:
  • Jeffersonville High School: February 14th, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Charlestown High School: February 25th, 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Participation is open to all, and you do not need to offer student employment or internships to be involved. Join us in speaking with Academy students about career paths, educational journeys and showcasing your company’s impact.

Do you know someone who would be interested? Have them sign up here:
For questions, contact Academy and CTE Coordinator Bryan Reed at breed@gccschools.com.

For questions, please also see the below FAQ sheet. 
See FAQ Sheet

The Academies Section

This month, students across multiple grade levels have been connecting with a variety of professionals through our guest speaker series. Ninth graders gain broad exposure to different career fields, helping them make informed choices for their future academy and pathway coursework. As students progress to the next grade level, the guest speakers they meet are more closely aligned to their specific interests, with upperclassmen engaging in targeted conversations that deepen their understanding of potential career paths. These sessions are invaluable, providing students with real-world insights and guidance as they plan for their future careers.

The Academy Advocate - November 2024