Teacher of the Year Whitney Leanhart

July 2024 Newsletter

July 2024 Newsletter

Calendar Reminder

Mark your calendars! We’ve got less than 10 days until the first day of school!

School will begin for All Prek-12 students on August 1st, 2024!

We hope you’ve had a great summer and are ready for a fantastic school year ahead!

Registration Reminder

Have you registered your student(s) yet? It’s not too late, there’s still time to register for the 2024-2025 School Year! 

Families of current students (Prek-11th grade) should have received a letter with the Snapcode needed to enroll.

Families interested in transferring their student to another school must request a School Transfer Form from their current school to initiate the transfer process.

For assistance with registration, please contact Carolyn Barton at Cbarton@gccschools.com for Elementary Registration and Wendy Gallagher at Wgallagher@gccschools.com for Middle and High School Registration. 

Supply Lists

It’s back to school season – we hope you had a fantastic summer and can’t wait to see you soon!

For Elementary and Middle School supply lists, click the button below!

*Please note that High School supplies will be included in the syllabus provided by their teachers.

Back to School Nights!

Our 2024-2025 Back to School Nights are just around the corner! 

Join us on the following dates and times to get to know your teachers and kick off an amazing new school year! 

  • 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: July 29th from 5-7 p.m.
  • 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: July 30th from 5-7 p.m.
  • 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: July 30th from 5-7 p.m.
 
This is a great opportunity to meet your student’s teachers, see their schedules, set up lockers, drop off supplies, and take self-guided tours of the schools. These are all open house style at your student’s school. 

You may be recieving more specific information from your Principal soon. 

Camp Kindergarten

We are just a few days away from Camp Kindergarten! 

Camp Kindergarten is an excellent opportunity for your child to learn routines, practice activities, and get familiar with their school building before the first day when all students are present. This special event is specifically for students already enrolled for the upcoming school year. Main offices will send detailed information directly to enrolled Kindergarten families. Please ensure your child is registered to receive these important updates.

Date: July 25th FOR ALL SCHOOLS (times vary by location)
Registration: Ensure your student is registered for the upcoming school year.

Camp Kindergarten Schedule:
𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐉𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
𝐔𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

6th and 9th Grade Orientation

For families with incoming 6th and 9th graders, we’ve got orientation coming up in a few days, too!

  • 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Thursday, July 25th from 12-3 p.m.
  • 𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Tuesday, July 30th from 2-4 p.m.

Your student’s school will send more specific information as the date approaches.

Free/Reduced Meal Application

Reminder: Free and Reduced Meal applications are OPEN!

Apply NOW for your students’ free or reduced-priced meals for the upcoming 2024-2025 School Year! Remember, you must apply yearly to continue to qualify.

If you previously submitted an application for the upcoming school year prior to July 1st, you will need to reapply.

Click the link below to apply today! 

Transportation Information

With the new school year approaching, please ensure your student’s information in PowerSchool is accurate after the upcoming update. Please also download our My Ride K-12 app to check your student’s bus assignment, view their route, and live track the school bus.

We recommend arriving early at the bus stop during the first few days of school to accommodate any potential delays as we settle into the routine.

For more information and how to sign your student up for transportation, please click the button below.

Power School Update Reminder will be back on July 24th.

In preparation for the 2024-2025 School Year, PowerSchool is down for its annual rollover period until July 24th. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding. 

Hiring Info

Be part of something Greater! 

We’re looking for Para Educators, Bus Drivers, and more! Enjoy a flexible schedule with evenings, weekends, summers, and holidays OFF! We offer several benefits, including: health, dental, vision, life insurance, access to the Wellness Center, and more!

For more information on position openings and to apply, visit our website by clicking the button below!

Craft Fair Vendor Application

Attention all craft vendors! Reserve your spot now for the GCCS Holiday Craft Fair. 

This year’s Holiday Craft Fair will be held September 21st at River Valley Middle School from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

To register, click the button below.

Teacher of the Year Whitney Leanhart

June 2024 Newsletter

June 2024 Newsletter

Hello Summer

Thank you for another incredible school year! We hope you have a fun and safe summer break. We can’t wait to see you back at school in August. Please enjoy your time off, relax, and use this opportunity to make wonderful memories. 

Year in Review: 2023-2024 School Year

As we reflect on these achievements, we look forward to another year of excellence and growth in Greater Clark County Schools. Thank you to our students, staff, and community for making the 2023-2024 school year a remarkable success!
Groundbreakings and Ribbon Cuttings

During the 2023-2024 school year, Greater Clark County Schools celebrated several significant milestones. We officially broke ground for three new elementary schools: Charlestown Elementary, Pike Elementary, and Parkwood Elementary. Additionally, we initiated the construction of a new natatorium for Jeff High and made several other facility upgrades across the district. These developments reflect our commitment to providing the best possible educational environment for our students.

In a much-anticipated event, we held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mark Reilly Tennis Center. This facility has already hosted multiple professional and junior tournaments, several clinics, and more, becoming a hub of activity and athletic excellence in our community.

Notable Recognitions

Greater Clark County Schools received numerous accolades throughout the year. Utica Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School, a prestigious honor we celebrated enthusiastically. Furthermore, five of our preschools—Riverside Elementary, Parkwood Elementary, Pleasant Ridge Elementary, New Washington Elementary, and Northaven Elementary—received financial recognition for participating in the Paths to QUALITY™ rating system for five consecutive years. This recognition stems from a partnership between the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) and the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children (INAEYC).

Several of our students were honored by the College Board National Recognition Program. To qualify, students needed to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, achieve PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 scores in the top 10%, score 3 or higher on two or more AP exams during their 9th and 10th-grade years, attend schools in rural areas or small towns, and self-identify as African American/Black, Hispanic American/Latino, or Indigenous/Native.

Staff Achievements

Our staff members also garnered significant recognition. Michelle Dyer, Principal of River Valley Middle School, was awarded the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) 2023 Principal of the Year and recognized as the District 12 Middle School Principal of the Year. Kathy Gilland, Principal of Utica Elementary, was named District 12 Elementary Principal of the Year. Principal Beth Kimmel of Riverside Elementary was featured in the Indianagram by the Indiana Association of School Principals for her article on student behavior.

Chef Kristine Abbey-Muneke and her team earned a Gold Medal from the American Culinary Federation (ACF) in the Aramark Culinary Excellence Competition (ACE). Additionally, Tammy Lewis, the Administrative Assistant at Wilson Elementary, was named the 2024 Secretary of the Year by IASP.

Last but certainly not least, we announced our 2024 Teacher of the Year, Whitney Leanhart of Parkview Middle School, Admin of the Year, Josh Emily, Principal of New Washington Elementary School, and our Classified winner, Amanda Stumler from the Administration Building!  

Music in our Schools

Our students showcased their talents across various platforms, with outstanding performances in theater, choir, band, and orchestra. Many were invited to participate in All-State Honor Choirs and All-State Orchestra. We also hosted a fantastic Elementary Art Fair at the NoCo Arts Center.

Jeffersonville High School’s Winter Percussion Ensemble won a Silver Medal at the Indiana Percussion Association 2024 State Finals. The school’s choirs were recognized as Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Qualifiers, bringing home gold and achieving the highest composite score of the Broady era. The Jeffersonville High School Music Department was named the ISSMA All-Music Award winner for the 2023-2024 school year.

We had our first annual Martin Luther King Jr. Music Program with all Greater Clark County School’s 2nd graders.

Walking Through History

Charlestown Middle School 8th Grade students got the opportunity to explore historical sites with a trip to Washington DC! Students were able to marvel at places like George Washington’s mansion, The Pentagon, The Lincoln Memorial, The Whitehouse and more! Students also had the opportunity to visit the site of one of the largest battles in Kentucky during the Civil War at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, where they got a tour and a demonstration. 

Athletic Achievements

Our athletes excelled at local, regional, state, and national levels. Jeffersonville, Charlestown, and New Washington schools all competed in state competitions. Jeff High’s Small GameDay squad and New Washington Middle earned bids to UCA Nationals in Disney. The Charlestown Bowling Team won the 2024 Southern Hills Sectional Championship, and Jeffersonville High School’s Boys’ Basketball team won sectional and regional championships before competing in the state tournament. The New Washington Archery team qualified for the NASP Nationals.

Jeffersonville High School’s Air Force Jr. ROTC program received several recognitions, including three cadets being selected as delegates to Hoosier Boys State this summer. The program also received the Distinguished Unit recognition for the eighth year in a row and set a new record for community service.

Greater Clark County Schools Elementary District Champions
  1. 2023 Greater Clark County Schools Cross Country Champions: Utica Elementary for both boys and girls.
  2. Greater Clark County Schools Elementary Basketball Champions: Utica Elementary Girls Basketball team.
  3. 2024 Elementary Wrestling League Champions: Franklin Square Elementary, winning first place for the third consecutive year. Northaven Elementary was the runner-up, and Riverside and Parkwood Elementary tied for third place.
  4. 2024 Greater Clark County Elementary Regional Track Champions: Northaven and Utica Elementary School Boys’ and Girls’ track teams.
  5. 2024 Elementary Academic Team Competition: Co-Champions Thomas Jefferson and Utica Elementary, marking our first-ever tie in this event.
  6. 2024 Rube Goldberg Champions: Utica Elementary with the 2nd and 3rd Place teams from Jonathan Jennings! 
  7. 2024 Robotics Champions: Riverside Elementary! 

Registration Reminder

Friendly reminder that registration is currently being taken for the 2024-2025 School Year. Families of current students (Prek-11th grade) should have received a Snapcode letter with the Snapcode needed to enroll.

Families interested in transferring their student to another school must request a School Transfer Form from their current school to initiate the transfer process.

Click the button below to find more information & to register.

School Calendar Reminder for 2024-2025 School Year

The first day of school for the 2024-2025 School Year will be August 1st, 2024!

We hope you have a great summer and can’t wait to see you back and ready to learn in August!

To view the 2024-2025 School Calendar, click the button below.

Craft Fair Vendor Registration

Attention all craft vendors! Reserve your spot now for the GCCS Holiday Craft Fair.

This year’s Holiday Craft Fair will be held September 21st at River Valley Middle School from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

To register, click the button below.

Hiring Information

Be part of something Greater!

We’re actively hiring for a number of positions, including Teachers, Para Educators, and Bus Drivers. Make a difference in the community’s future, impact our youth, and find a passionate career with us.

Benefits include a flexible schedule, Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance, access to the Wellness Center, and PERF (Indiana State Retirement) paid by GCCS.

Click the button to see our job postings.

SunBucks Summer Program

If your student qualifies for free or reduced meals in school, they can receive $120 (per child) on a Summer EBT card. To receive this benefit, families must have a free or reduced lunch application for the current 2023-2024 School Year. Families can complete the application here.

You do not need to reapply if your child already receives free or reduced meals. 

Free & Reduced Lunch for 2024-2025 School Year

Please note that applications for free/reduced lunch benefits for the 2024-2025 School Year will be open on July 1st. If you’ve previously submitted an application for the upcoming school year during student registration, you must reapply once the application opens in July.

If you require assistance, please don’t hesitate to apply!

We appreciate your patience and understanding regarding this matter.

However, applications for benefits for the current school year (2023-2024) are still being accepted until the last day of classes. If you require assistance, please don’t hesitate to apply!

We appreciate your patience and understanding regarding this matter.

The Academies Section

Over 25% of seniors were awarded the Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate upon graduating this year. This prestigious award recognizes students for exemplary dedication, responsibility, and perseverance. Celebrating attributes such as punctuality, reliability, and a strong commitment to their education and community, the certificate distinguishes students who consistently demonstrate outstanding work habits. This honor not only highlights individual achievements, but also prepares recipients for future, professional success by underscoring the value of a strong work ethic. Students earning this certification can receive numerous benefits from participating employer partners, which often include automatic job interviews and higher rates of pay upon entry into the workforce.
Teacher of the Year Whitney Leanhart

May 2024 Newsletter

May 2024 Newsletter

Congratulations, Class of 2024.

We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024! This remarkable group of students has reached an important milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder of their hard work, perseverance, and achievements.

Throughout their years with us, these graduates have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies, outstanding participation in extracurricular activities, and a solid commitment to their communities. They have grown into resilient, compassionate, and capable young adults, ready to embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives.

Graduation ceremonies will be held at 7 p.m. on the following dates:

  • June 4th: New Washington High School
  • June 5th: Charlestown High School
  • June 6th: Jeffersonville High School
 
As we honor our graduates, we also want to acknowledge the incredible support from their families, teachers, and staff who have been instrumental in their journey. Thank you for your unwavering encouragement and guidance.

Class of 2024, as you move forward, remember that you are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to positively impact the world. We are confident you will continue to achieve great things and make us proud.

Congratulations once again, and best wishes for a bright and successful future!

JHS Hoosier Boys State - AFJROTC Cadets

Join us in congratulating Cadet Evan Cooper, the Corps Commander, Cadet Dylan Wibbels, Vice-Corps Commander, and Cadet Lucas Romero from our Jeffersonville High School’s Air Force JRTOC Program, who were selected to be delegates to the 2024 Hoosier Boys State! 

All three cadets are Juniors at Jeff High, and each plays a pivotal role within the program and the school community including members of the National Honor Society. The three are heavily involved in the program with a combined total of over 140 hours of community service. Cadet Evans is also a member of the school’s archery program. Cadets Wibbels and Evans both compete on the award-winning Drill team, while Cadet Romero plays a pivotal role in the successful Physical Training (PT) Team. 
 
The students will be hosted by American Legion Post 35 as they attend this week-long program aimed at educating Indiana’s young men. The mission is to “actively collaborate to establish platforms and participate in elections, propose laws, negotiate bills and enforce the established legislation from local to state level.” We can’t wait to see what these three learn this summer! 

2024 Elementary Academic Team Champions

This school year has been filled with many firsts, and we are excited to announce a historic moment for Greater Clark County Schools. For the first time in our history, we have Co-Champions for the 2024 Elementary Academic Team Competition!

Join us in congratulating the Thomas Jefferson and Utica Elementary Academic Teams for their outstanding performance and remarkable achievement!

Jeff High Wrestling Wins 2024 IHSWCA Academic Team Challenge!

We are thrilled to announce that Jeffersonville High School’s Wrestling Team has won the 2024 Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association (IHSWCA) Academic Team Challenge. 

Not only did they secure the top spot among 32 IHSAA Sectional Championship Teams, but they also set a new record with a team GPA of 3.704 out of 4.0! These wrestlers and their coaches are truly champions on and off the mat, and we are so proud of their hard work and dedication. 

Entry-Level Teacher Pay Increased!

We’re thrilled to announce a significant increase in entry-level teacher pay, reaffirming our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent in education. Starting immediately, entry-level educators will enjoy a starting salary of $50,000, with the top of the pay scale raised to $87,000. This marks a $2,000 base increase, building upon the $2,500 raise announced in September 2023 for the upcoming school year.

We deeply value our teachers’ contributions and recognize their pivotal role in shaping our students’ future. This action invests in our educators’ success and ensures our entire school community receives the highest quality instruction.

Thank you to our incredible teachers for all that you do! 

Craft Fair Registration

Attention all craft vendors! Reserve your spot now for the GCCS Holiday Craft Fair. 

This year’s Holiday Craft Fair will be held September 21st at River Valley Middle School from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

2024 Greater Clark County Education Foundation Mega Grant Recipients

We are delighted to announce that three of our schools have been awarded $5,000 Mega Grants by the Greater Clark County Education Foundation. These grants will support innovative projects aimed at enhancing student learning experiences. Congratulations to the following recipients:

Charlestown Middle School
Mrs. Joann Talley received $5,000 for their Piano Lab project. This initiative will create stations for students to perform solo or in groups, learn to read music, and compose new pieces. The lab will facilitate a new related arts class available to students in grades 6 through 8.

New Washington Elementary

Thanks to Principal Josh Emily, the school will now have its own Book/STEM Vending Machine. This innovative project will provide students with access to books and STEM materials. Each student will have the opportunity to select either a book or a STEM kit from the vending machine every year.

Charlestown High School
Ms. Erin Cassidy’s culinary program received a grant for a Healthy Choice Mobile. This program will design healthy menus and prepare foods for distribution through a small mobile food trailer, serving both students and community members.

We are incredibly proud of these educators and their commitment to enhancing our students’ educational experiences. Thank you to the Greater Clark County Education Foundation for making these projects possible! We can’t wait to see these projects come to life.

Photo Credit: Extol Media

Meta's Jeffersonville Data Center Supports STEM Labs in Our Schools!

We are thrilled to announce that Meta’s Jeffersonville Data Center has generously committed $50,000 to support the development of STEM labs in three of our schools: Pike Elementary, Charlestown Elementary, and River Valley Middle School.


Each of these schools will soon benefit from a state-of-the-art STEM lab, equipped with:

  • 3D Printers
  • A Glowforge Laser Engraver
  • Whiteboard Maker Tables
  • Tower Garden FLX Growing Systems
  • A Teacher Geek Maker Cart with over 40 STEM projects
  • And much more!

This incredible contribution from Meta will greatly enhance our students’ educational experiences, providing them with hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. We are deeply grateful for Meta’s support and dedication to our community.

Thank you, Meta, for your unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in our schools!

Photo Credit: Extol Media

Regina Oglesby scholarship for minorities in education

Join us in congratulating the inaugural Regina Oglesby Scholarship recipients, Nashiea Edminston and Terrance Thomas! 

The Regina Oglesby Scholarship Fund was established to support the recruitment, development, and retention of minorities within the Greater Clark County Schools teaching staff. Thanks to the generous funding from the Bales Foundation, each recipient received $5,000 to continue or pursue their education.

We are incredibly proud of Nashiea and Terrance and look forward to their future contributions to our community.

Photo Credit: Extol Media

Registration Reminder

Reminder: registration for the 2024-2025 School Year is now open. Families of current students from Prek-11th grades should have received a Snapcode letter with the Snapcode needed to enroll.

Families interested in transferring their student to another school must request a School Transfer Form from their current school to initiate the transfer process.

Happy Summer, Greater Clark!

Happy Summer, Greater Clark County Schools! 

Thank you for another incredible school year! We hope you have a fun and safe summer break. Enjoy your time off, relax, and make wonderful memories. We can’t wait to see you back in August, ready for another fantastic year!

2024-2025 Calendar + First Day of School

Friendly reminder, the first day of school for the 2024-2025 School Year will be August 1st, 2024! 

We hope you have a great summer and can’t wait to see you back and ready to learn in August! 

SunBucks Summer Program

If your student qualifies for free or reduced meals in school, they can receive $120 (per child) on a Summer EBT card. To receive this benefit, families must have a free or reduced lunch application for the current 2023-2024 School Year. Families can complete the application here.

You do not need to reapply if your child already receives free or reduced meals. 

Free/Reduced Lunch for the 2024-2025 School Year

Please note that applications for free/reduced lunch benefits for the 2024-2025 School Year will be open on July 1st. If you’ve previously submitted an application for the upcoming school year during student registration, you must reapply once the application opens in July.

However, applications for benefits for the current school year (2023-2024) are still being accepted until the last day of classes. If you require assistance, please don’t hesitate to apply!

We appreciate your patience and understanding regarding this matter.

We're Hiring

Be part of something Greater!

We’re actively hiring for a number of positions, including Teachers, Para Educators, and Bus Drivers. Make a difference in the community’s future, impact our youth, and find a passionate career with us.

Benefits include a flexible schedule, Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance, access to the Wellness Center, and TRF/PERF (Indiana State Retirement) paid by GCCS.

The Academies Section

Seniors at Jeffersonville High School in Zach Anderson’s Engineering Design & Development course hosted parents, community members, and business partners at the Marshall Center to showcase the innovative products they designed. These Red Devils spent the bulk of the semester applying the engineering design process to develop a product that would solve a problem for them and their peers. Through this process, students were required to conduct market research to validate the problem they initially defined. After accomplishing that, students conducted further research on intellectual property that was similar to their product idea so they would not infringe on a patent already existing. From there, students built and iterated prototypes that demonstrated a proof of concept. Lastly, students presented their ideas, concepts, and products to an authentic audience. Among this audience was Sunender Mann, who is the Regional Director of Operations at Amazon in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He delivered an inspiring message to kick off this showcase and encouraged students to always keep an engineering and entrepreneurial mindset in their future endeavors.