September Employee of the Month!

Some people simply show up every day—and some people show up and make a difference. Dr. Lynda Bolton is absolutely one of those people.

Dr. B is the heartbeat of Cowan Road Elementary. Rain, shine, freezing cold, or blistering heat, you can count on her to be out there during arrival car rider duty, greeting our students, keeping things moving, and making sure everyone gets where they need to be. Her dedication and toughness have made her a true car rider legend!

But her impact goes far beyond car rider duty. Dr. Bolton notices the little things, supports our students, jumps in to help her colleagues, and consistently goes above and beyond. Thank you, Dr. B, for the exceptional commitment, strength, and heart you pour into Cowan Road Elementary! We are so lucky to have you on our team!

#OurHabitsOurFuture
1 day ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
Graphic announcing Dr. Bolton as Cowan Road Elementary’s September 2026 Employee of the Month. The graphic has a navy blue background with teal, gold, and white accents. On the right is a photo of Dr. Bolton smiling and holding her Employee of the Month certificate and a bouquet of flowers. The text reads “Employee of the Month,” “Cowan Road Elementary,” “Dr. Bolton,” and “Sept. ’26.” A large gold horseshoe appears in the lower-right corner.
Thanks for making our book fair a success and getting books into the hands of so many students!
#ReadersAreLeaders #ScholasticBookFair
2 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
graphic reading "Thanks for shopping our Book Fair!" with online link if families want to shop the online fair through9/23 at bit.ly/COESbookfair  Graphic includes cute horse sitting on books with blue, turquoise, and red.
August Employees of the Month!

We are kicked off the school year by celebrating the people who help keep Cowan Road running smoothly every single day—our amazing custodial team!

Congratulations to Mrs. Rhonda, Mrs. Rita, Mrs. Ingra, and Mr. John, our August Employees of the Month! They are always willing to jump in, help wherever they are needed, and make a difference in so many ways.

Their impact was especially significant in late July and throughout August as we worked through our building renovations. They helped move, clean, organize, rearrange, and tackle all the unexpected jobs that come with getting a school ready for students. They did so much behind the scenes to help us get our building ready for a new school year, and we are incredibly grateful!

Thank you for everything you do for our Cowan Colts! We appreciate you more than you know!

#OurHabitsOurFuture
2 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
Graphic reading "Employee of the Month: Cowan Road Elementary...August '26. Our custodians: Mrs. Rhonda, Mrs. Rita, Mrs. Ingra, and Mr. John" There is a photo of the 4 holding certificates and flowers. Background is blue, turquoise, and has a horseshoe

Say Something Anonymous Reporting System

Griffin-Spalding Schools are launching the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. Students in 4th and 5th grades will learn how to recognize warning signs when someone may need help and how to report concerns to a trusted adult or through the anonymous reporting system.

Students will receive information about the program in their homeroom classes September 22–30. Please review the attached family letter for additional information and resources.

2 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
page 1 letter about lessons for See Something, Say Something
page 2 letter about lessons for See Something, Say Something
🔨⚙️ Happy Tradesman Appreciation Day! ⚙️🔨

Today, we celebrate the skilled professionals who work behind the scenes to keep our schools safe, functional, and ready for learning. From maintenance and repairs to construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and so much more, your expertise and hard work make a lasting difference every day.

We appreciate everything you do to keep our schools running strong! 💙

Join us in saying THANK YOU to our incredible tradesmen! 👏🔧
5 days ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
hard hat and tools
Last call for the Book Fair! Tomorrow is the LAST DAY to shop our Scholastic Book Fair. If you’re sending money with your child, please make sure they have it tomorrow morning.

The Book Fair closes at 12:00 NOON Friday so we can pack everything up to return to the company. If there’s a book your Colt has had their eye on, tomorrow is the day to grab it!

Thank you for helping us put great books into the hands of our students!

#BookFair #ScholasticBookFair #ReadersAreLeaders
6 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
Graphic with a dark navy background and a teal border. Large white and teal text reads “Book Fair Closes Tomorrow at 12 noon!” A red banner highlights the word “Closes.” On the right side is a cartoon brown colt sitting and reading a teal book. The book says, “Books take you places!” The Scholastic logo appears at the bottom.
Tonight is the night to join us for our annual Curriculum Night! This is a special time to incorporate our families in learning what goes on in your child's classroom everyday! We can not wait to see you there!

Plus it is right after our Title 1 Meeting at 4:30!
6 days ago, Sara Burford
curriculum
TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT, COLTS!

We have a LOT happening at Cowan Road this evening, and we hope you’ll join us! Bring the family and make a night of it!
🐎 Title I Meeting — Starts at 4:30 PM
📖 Literacy Night
📚 Scholastic Book Fair

And the best part? Everything runs until 6:00 PM! 🎉

Come learn, read, shop, and enjoy a fun evening together at Cowan Road! We can’t wait to see our Colt families tonight!

#LiteracyNight #BookFair #TitleIMeeting #CowanRoadColts
6 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
Graphic with a bright pink background and a large white sign bordered in purple. The sign reads: “Reminder: Title I meeting, Literacy Night, and Book Fair tonight!” A yellow banner at the bottom says: “Title I starts at 4:30 – we look forward to seeing you then!” The graphic also includes colorful stars and an illustration of a pink, purple, and teal backpack decorated with stars.
WE’RE MAKING PROGRESS!!

Our students are showing up, and our attendance is moving in the right direction! Cowan Road Elementary’s current chronic absenteeism rate has been reduced to 8.87%!

Every day a student is at school is another day to learn, grow, build relationships, and take advantage of new opportunities. In elementary school, we know this is the effort of families to have our students awake and ready for school. Thank you to our students, families, and staff for working together to make regular attendance a priority.

Let’s keep growing and improving—one school day at a time!

#OurHabitsOurFuture #AttendanceMatters #EveryDayCounts
6 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
Cowan Road Elementary attendance graphic in navy blue, teal, and white. The Cowan Road Elementary logo, featuring a blue colt inside a horseshoe, appears in the upper left. Large text reads, “Chronic Absenteeism Rate Reduced!” A large central graphic displays “8.87% — Current Rate.” On the left, text reads, “Our Students Show Up!” On the right, text reads, “More Attendance. More Opportunities!” The bottom banner says, “Keep Growing and Improving!” Decorative stars, hearts, horseshoes, and brush-stroke accents surround the text.
💻🔧 Happy IT Professional Day! 🔧💻

Today, we celebrate the incredible IT professionals who keep our schools connected, secure & running smoothly every day!

From troubleshooting technology challenges to supporting classrooms, protecting our systems, and helping staff and students stay connected, your expertise and dedication make a tremendous difference across our school district.

Thank you for being the problem-solvers, innovators, and behind-the-scenes heroes who help keep learning moving forward! We appreciate all that you do! 💙

Happy IT Professional Day! 🎉
8 days ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
computer
School safety is a shared responsibility! GSCS September Safety Tips.
9 days ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
SAPT SAFETY TIP
Ready to make a difference in students' lives while building a rewarding career? Join us for our GSCS Recruitment Fair! 🎓💙

We’re looking for passionate, dedicated individuals who want to join a team committed to student success.

Come meet our team, explore career opportunities, learn about our benefits, and discover how you can make an impact in our schools and community!
9 days ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
RECRUITMENT FAIR SEPT. 16
Heart full, tummy full! We had such a wonderful morning yesterday at our Grits with Grands event! Big smiles were all around as our amazing Grand Adults came out to spend quality time with their student leaders. A huge THANK YOU to: • All of the Grand Adults who joined us to make today so special for our student leaders! • Our fantastic volunteers from Carver Road Baptist Church for your hard work and support! • Our dedicated Cowan Road Elementary staff for bringing this event together! Here is a quick sneak peek with a few photos from the morning — stay tuned, because more photos will be added tomorrow. #OurHabitsOurFuture #LeadersAreReaders
10 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
adukt and students browsing the book fair
staff working in the book fair
photographer and assistant with student and adult
families at table in cafeteria
family in cafeteria at table
volunteers from Carver Rd Baptist
We hope to see you in the morning for Grits with Grands! The book fair will be open and Blackshear Photography will be here taking pictures from 8-10am
12 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
Grits with Grands, 9/12 8-10am
Grits with Grands, 9/12 8-10am
Help us put more books into the hands of our Colts!
Our Scholastic Book Fair’s giving program makes it easy for businesses, organizations, alumni, families, and community members to help students who may need a little extra support choosing books at the Fair. Every contribution helps a student discover a book they can call their own—and a new reason to love reading!
Learn more and find out how you can help: bit.ly/COESbookfair

¡Ayúdanos a poner más libros en las manos de nuestros Colts! 📚
El programa de donaciones de nuestra Feria del Libro Scholastic permite que empresas, organizaciones, exalumnos, familias y miembros de nuestra comunidad apoyen fácilmente a los estudiantes que necesitan un poquito de ayuda adicional para elegir libros en la Feria. ¡Cada contribución ayuda a un estudiante a descubrir un libro que puede llamar suyo y una nueva razón para amar la lectura!
Obtenga más información y descubra cómo puede ayudar: bit.ly/COESbookfair
13 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
Share the Fair - anyone can contribute to help our students purchase more books.
Create your child’s Book Fair eWallet so they can shop cash-free, worry-free, and independently! It’s easy to set up and easy for others to contribute funds! Start here: bit.ly/COESbookfair.

Recuerde! Genere una eWallet de la Feria del Libro para su nino o nina YA, para que puedan comprar sin efectivo, sin preocupaciones y de manera independiente! Es facil de configurar y otras personas pueden enviar fondos con facilidad! Comience aqui: bit.ly/COESbookfair. #OurHabitsOurFuture #ScholasticBookFairs
14 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
The Time is Now - create your Book Fair eWallet
The Time is Now - create your Book Fair eWallet

GRITS with GRANDS is THIS SATURDAY!
Join us at Cowan Road Elementary on Saturday, September 12, from 8:00–10:00 AM for a special morning with our grandparents and special family members!
Enjoy grits and breakfast with your favorite people, make some memories, and take advantage of two great extras:
-Blackshear Photography will be here! Photo packages will be available for families who would like to capture the morning together.
-Our Scholastic Book Fair will also be open! Stop by the Media Center and find some great new books to take home.
We can't wait to welcome our families for a fun morning in Colt Country.

¡GRITS con los ABUELOS es ESTE SÁBADO!
¡Acompáñenos en Cowan Road Elementary el sábado 12 de septiembre, de 8:00 a 10:00 a. m., para disfrutar de una mañana especial con nuestros abuelos y familiares especiales!
Disfruten de un desayuno con sus personas favoritas, creen recuerdos juntos y aprovechen estas dos oportunidades especiales:
¡Blackshear Photography estará aquí! Habrá paquetes de fotografías disponibles para las familias que quieran capturar este momento especial.
¡Nuestra Feria del Libro Scholastic también estará abierta! Pasen por el Centro de Medios para encontrar excelentes libros nuevos para llevar a casa.
Estamos deseando recibir a nuestras familias para disfrutar juntos de una mañana especial en Colt Country.

14 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
A colorful school event graphic with a cream background and a decorative navy border. Large text at the top reads, “THIS SATURDAY! GRITS with GRANDS.” A banner underneath gives the date and time: Saturday, September 12, 8–10 AM.  The graphic includes illustrations of a bowl of grits and a juice box. On the left, text reads “Blackshear Photography WILL BE HERE!” with a camera illustration. Additional text says “Photo packages available.” A silhouette illustration shows grandparents or family members with a child.  On the right, the graphic features the Scholastic logo and large text reading “BOOK FAIR WILL ALSO BE HERE!”
Our Fall Scholastic Book Fair will be open September 14–18 in the Media Center, with special opportunities to shop during Grits with Grands and Literacy Night.

Book Fair Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–2:00 PM (Friday, Sept. 18: Closing at 12:30 PM)
Saturday, Sept. 12: 8:00–10:00 AM during Grits with Grands
Thursday, Sept. 17: 5:00–6:30 PM during Literacy Night

Families can shop in person or use our online options. Book Fair eWallet provides a cash-free way for students to shop, and family members and friends can contribute to a student's eWallet.

You can also support Share the Fair, Scholastic's giving program that helps students who need assistance purchasing books. Contributions can be made through our Book Fair homepage.

Shop online, set up an eWallet, or contribute to Share the Fair:
bit.ly/COESbookfair

We can't wait to see our Colts find books they'll be excited to read!

#OurHabitsOurFuture #ScholasticBookFair
14 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
Image description: A square graphic advertising the Scholastic Book Fair at Cowan Road Elementary. The background is light cream. At the top is a cartoon brown animal reading a book beside a stack of colorful books. Large turquoise and brown text reads, “Scholastic Book Fair.”  The event information states: “Dates: September 14–18” and “Location: Media Center.” The regular Book Fair hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM, with Friday closing at 12:30 PM. Additional shopping times are Saturday, September 12, from 8:00–10:00 AM during Grits with Grands and Thursday, September 17, from 5:00–6:30 PM during Literacy Night.  The lower portion of the graphic features a blue Book Fair eWallet promotional graphic, a Share the Fair graphic, a pink cartoon character reading a book, and a QR code.  Text beneath these graphics reads: “eWallet, online shopping, AND Share the Fair: bit.ly/COESbookfair.”  The bottom of the graphic explains that the Scholastic Book Fair's giving program is open to businesses, organizations, alumni, families, friends, and the entire community. It states that anyone can support students at the school who need help buying books.

Families, your students’ Fall Pictures are ready to view - and order ALREADY!!

Check the school story/posts on ClassDojo for information on how to access your child’s pictures from Blackshear Photography.

And even more exciting...Mr. Blackshear is offering a 10% Labor Day discount, so be sure to place your order by Wednesday to take advantage of the savings.

Happy picture viewing - our students looked great that day so we can't wait to see their pics.

18 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
Same info as post - Blackshear Photography has our school pics ready to view. Look on ClassDojo to see how to access your students' pics. Image includes a retro camera and a colt holding a sign reading "10% off Labor Day sale - discount available through Wednesday"
Today, Mr. Hawkins and Jaylen Reid from GSCS Maintenance spent about three hours delivering and setting up our very first Leader of the Month signs for our August students. A huge thank-you to both of them for spending part of the day in this heat getting the signs delivered and set up for our students. We truly appreciate the time and hard work.

If you see one of these signs around our community, know that a GREAT student lives there!

If your student was a Leader of the Month for August and you don’t see your sign, please reach out to the school and let us know. We want to make sure every one of our student leaders is celebrated. #OurHabitsOurFuture
19 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
two men in front of white truck labeled GSCS Schools holding a "Cowan Road Leader of the Month" sign
Leader of the Month sign in front of tree
Leader of the Month sign in front of house