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

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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

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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
Teacher of the Year Whitney Leanhart

October 2024 Newsletter

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October 2024 Newsletter

CHS Soccer Sectional and Regional Champs

We are thrilled to announce that our Boys Soccer Team has advanced to the Regional Semifinal, the 2A Elite 8, at Heritage Hills this Saturday! Not only are they moving forward in the tournament, but they are also making history for our school by winning both the Mid-Southern Conference Championship and the 2A Sectional Title.

This marks a significant achievement, as Charlestown High School had never previously won an outright Mid-Southern Conference Championship Title or a 2A Sectional Title!

Stay updated on their journey by following WPMQ Charlestown. Click the button below for the latest news and updates.

Follow WPMQ
Photo Credit to Aiden Stewart with WPMQ Charlestown! 

Teacher Academy -
Supporting Our Educators

As part of our mission to enhance new teacher onboarding and retention, we are proud to offer a Teacher Academy for our new educators. This program is designed to build their skills, boost their confidence in the classroom, and enrich their overall experience as educators.

The Teacher Academy is just one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to supporting our educators and fostering a collaborative environment. Together, we are greater!

School Calendar Reminder

Please note that there will be NO school on November 5th, but school buildings will be open for parent/teacher conferences. As the holidays approach, we also encourage you to review the 2024-2025 school calendar.

Click the button below to view the 2024-2025 School Calendar.
See 2024-2025 School Calendar

The Academies Section

Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing Academy Students Attend 1si's Manufacturing Week

 Upperclassmen from the Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing Academy at each high school participated in 1si’s Manufacturing Week. This event brought together local manufacturers, schools, and community leaders to showcase the diverse career opportunities available in our region’s manufacturing sector. During the event, students enjoyed hands-on activities, including virtual reality experiences and team competitions. Select seniors from each school also had the chance to tour Amatrol, but all students were able to learn about various training and internship opportunities from each of the 18 regional manufacturers at the NOCO Arts and Cultural District in Jeffersonville. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to explore exciting careers in manufacturing while gaining valuable insights and experiences.

The Academy Advocate - October 2024
Q1 Academy Highlight Newsletter

Construction Update

Exciting Updates on Pike Elementary and Charlestown Elementary!

We know you’ve been eagerly awaiting this update, and we’re thrilled to share our progress. We anticipate having both schools fully enclosed with exterior walls and windows by mid to late November. Some windows have already been installed, and Charlestown will begin door installation next week.

Painting has commenced at both buildings and ceiling installations are underway. On average, over 100 contractors are on-site daily, diligently working to bring these schools to life.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making these schools a reality. We can’t wait to open the doors next fall!

Charlestown Elementary Photos

Pike Elementary Photos

Teacher of the Year Whitney Leanhart

September 2024 Newsletter

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September 2024 Newsletter

Parent Information Session: Understanding Article 7 with Insource

Our Special Populations Department is partnering with InSource to host a Parent Information Session on Article 7—a law that protects the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. Join us to learn how you and the school can collaborate to support your child under the protections provided by Indiana’s Article 7.

🗓️ Date: October 17th
🕔 Time: 5-7 PM
📍 Location: Mark Fetter Center, 1613 East 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN

We look forward to seeing you there!

Read More

Fall Break Calendar Reminder

We’re just a few weeks away from the end of the first quarter of the 2024-2025 school year and the upcoming Fall Break. There will be no school from October 7-11. Classes will resume on October 13th as we kick off the second quarter!

Stay on top of important dates—click the red button below to view the 2024-2025 School Calendar.

See School Calendar

Celebrating Our Educators: Coyle Automotive Partners with Greater Clark County Schools

Greater Clark County Schools is excited to partner with Coyle Automotive Group to honor our 2025 Teacher of the Year. The award recipient will receive a one-year lease on a car, generously provided by Coyle Automotive. This collaboration highlights our commitment to celebrating the dedication and hard work of our exceptional educators.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Coyle family to support our amazing educators,” said Mark Laughner, Superintendent of Greater Clark County Schools. “This is a wonderful way to recognize the incredible contributions of our teachers.”

The 2025 Teacher of the Year will be announced next Spring, with the award presentation in May.

2024 Elementary Cross Country Champions: Utica Elementary!

Join us in celebrating the incredible achievement of our Utica Elementary Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country teams. We are so proud of our student-athletes for their hard work and dedication!

Jeffersonville High School AFJROTC Sweeps First PT Competition!

We’re thrilled to announce that our cadets clinched First Place Overall at their first PT competition of the school year!

They dominated in multiple events, securing first place in the 208-yard relay, 1-mile relay, Endurance, and Volleyball. Additionally, they earned impressive second-place finishes in the Football Relay, Basketball, and Silly Games.

We’re so proud of these cadets and can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve next! Keep up the amazing work!

Mark Reilly Tennis Center Awarded 2024 USTA's Outstanding Tennis Facility Award!

We are thrilled to announce that the Mark Reilly Tennis Center at Jeffersonville High School, named after legendary coach Mark Reilly, has been recognized with the 2024 USTA Outstanding Facility Award.

We are incredibly grateful to have one of our newest facilities receive this prestigious honor. Thank you to everyone who contributed to bringing this facility to life.

Join our Team!

We’re still looking for passionate individuals to fill our remaining positions!

Be part of something Greater and enjoy the perks of a flexible schedule with evenings, weekends, summers, and holidays OFF. Plus, benefit from our comprehensive package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, access to the Wellness Center, and more!

Ready to make a difference? Visit our website to learn more and explore our current openings.
Apply Now

Support the Greater Clark Education Foundation & The Arts!

Support the Greater Clark Education Foundation and Greater Clark County Arts by getting a car wash membership at Tommy’s Express Car Wash!

Every Friday in September, 100% of membership proceeds at the Jeffersonville location will go directly to the GCEF, benefiting the arts in Clark County.
This offer applies to both current and new members. Let’s wash some cars and support a great cause!

The Academies Section

High school ambassadors from across the district recently came together to create lesson plans, presentations, and activities to train our district’s elementary and middle school ambassadors. Building on their own training day with community leaders in April, they developed materials specifically tailored to younger students.

The high school ambassadors formed groups based on their strengths, interests, and the age groups they wanted to mentor. It was incredible to witness their teamwork and leadership in action as they prepared to guide the next generation of student ambassadors.
The Academy Advocate - September 2024