Lilburn Magazine - School Stories

A Lasting Legacy! How J. Alvin Wilbanks Transformed GCPS

Gwinnett Magazine recently sat down for a long chat with former GCPS superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks about his life in education. Listen to the story in the newest episode of the Gwinnett Podcast, available in English (see player above), Español and 한국어로 (Korean)! It was a snowy day in 1986 and the president of two-year-old […]

Helping Students Shine! GCPS 2021 Teacher of the Year Katie Blum

“I am kind, I am brave, I am intelligent and I am important. Mrs. Blum loves me, my family loves me and I love myself.” Swing by second-grade teacher Katie Blum’s classroom at Sugar Hill Elementary first thing in the morning and you’ll hear tiny voices chorusing this affirmation. Peek in and you’ll catch sight […]

Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures! Free Resources for Your Little Learner

Did you know that babies’ brains grow at a rate of 1 million neurons per second? Or that 90% of your child’s brain is developed before the age of 5? The pre-kindergarten years are a pivotal time for your child that will affect their development for years to come. That’s why learning basic skills—like the […]

Nicole Love Hendrickson: A New Perspective

In a year that’s been an anomaly in more ways than one with a pandemic sweeping the globe, masks becoming a household commodity and a tumultuous election setting the nation on edge, Gwinnett has been busy penning its own firsts into the books. The first Black person. The first woman. The democratic contender who singlehandedly, […]

GCPS 2021 Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Katie Blum, a second-grade teacher at Sugar Hill Elementary School, approaches teaching with the priority of uplifting others and setting them up for a bright future. Her commitment to putting others first not only helps her students grow, but also helps her fellow educators to foster an even more supportive community inside the school. […]

The 5th Annual Red, Blue & You

The 5th Annual Red, Blue & You As we all know, 2020’s challenges have required every member of our community to pitch in and make a difference, especially our healthcare workers and educators. These frontline workers go above and beyond when it comes to putting others first and making sure that everyone gets the care […]

GCPS 2020 Teacher of The Year, Rebecca Carlisle

On a chilly evening in November of 2019 Rebecca Carlisle, a 10th grade AP World History teacher at North Gwinnett, recalls the energy thrumming through the ballroom of the Infinite Energy Center, where fellow teachers, principals, district leaders across Gwinnett convened. Amid the tasteful settings, a projection screen announced the celebratory event of the evening: […]

GCPS Honors Local Educators Selected as Teachers of the Year!

This year has proven to be challenging and unpredictable for both students and teachers across Gwinnett County. But despite these new struggles, educators are more committed than ever to enriching their students’ lives and putting their all into teaching. That’s why Gwinnett County Public Schools is excited to announce that each of their 139 schools […]

Central Gwinnett High School educator named History Teacher of the Year

Our very own Gwinnett County Public Schools educator earned the recognition as the state’s 2020 History Teacher of the Year! Congratulations to Kari Slaten, Central Gwinnett High School History Teacher! Slaten holds a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Temple University and a master’sdegree in secondary social studies education from Nova Southeastern University. This prestigious award is […]

School Crashers Upgrade B.B. Harris Elementary’s Playground

B.B. Harris Elementary School received a complete playground makeover thanks to the generosity of the Georgia United Credit Union Foundation! The Duluth elementary school was chosen by the Foundation’s School Crashers program to receive extensive improvements for their outdoor playground. School Crashers volunteers helped to install new playground equipment specifically designed to focus on sensory […]