Happy Principal Appreciation Month to Mr. Hawkins!

We spent the past week celebrating him with gifts, surprises, and plenty of pranks. You know you have an amazing leader when the whole staff gets in on the pranks—and he takes every single one like an absolute champ!

From radioing him about a major "water flood" in the server room to Officer B calling him in for a "crucial discovery" about pencil sharpeners, his priceless reactions made our week! But don't worry; it wasn't ALL trickery. We made sure to treat him to some "real" goodies too, including delicious wings and gift cards for a well-deserved dinner out. (And just in case it’s not obvious from the photos... he’s actually a proud UGA fan, NOT an Auburn fan!)

Beyond being a great sport, Mr. Hawkins is the heart of our school. He supports our staff, families, and students every single day, works tirelessly to build strong relationships across our community, and is always visible in the hallways. Whether it’s moving a table or stepping in to help a student, he’s willing to lend a hand.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins, for everything you do for our school! We appreciate you! #PrincipalAppreciation #OurHabitsOurFuture #Relationships
about 2 hours ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
Sign reading "reserved for principal" with a new sign added below "Reserved Parking Dawgs Fans Only"
door decorated with Auburn colors and sign
man looks at office decorated in orange and blue
man stares at water bottles on floor
people laughing with man and water bottles on floor
man drinks water bottle
Attention Griffin-Spalding Ladies! It is almost time for our annual GSCS Pearls, Pumps and Books, where women leaders from around the community come and read to our elementary students to promote literacy. If you are interested in participating, please scan the QR code or use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/xGpgXRtowDY9rrv9A
about 5 hours ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
ladies reading
Attention GSCS Families: Tuesday, November 3, is a remote learning day for all GSCS students. Please mark your calendars!
1 day ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
at home learning day Nov. 3
Reminder for GSCS Families: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, will be a Remote Learning Day for all Griffin-Spalding County Schools students!
Quick Info:
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Format: Remote Learning Day for all students
Details: Your child’s specific school will share details regarding learning assignments, teacher office hours, and expectations. Please check your email and school communications for updates. Thank you for your continued partnership!

Visit www.gscs.org for more information.
1 day ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
An official letterhead document from Griffin-Spalding County Schools dated October 29, 2026.   Header: Griffin Spalding County Schools logo   Board Members: R. Syntel Brown, Zachery Holmes, Sue McDonald, Kimberly Register, Cherri Weldon   Superintendent: Dr. Donald Warren   Letter Text: October 29, 2026   Dear GSCS Parents and Guardians,   This is a friendly reminder that Tuesday, November 3, 2026, will be a remote learning day for all Griffin-Spalding County Schools students.   Schools will provide additional information regarding instructional expectations, learning assignments, and teacher office hours for this day. Please be sure to review communications from your child's school to ensure a successful remote learning experience.   Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together to provide meaningful learning opportunities for all students.   Warm regards,   Dr. Tracy Sims   Executive Director of Teacher & Leader Effectiveness   Contact Information: 216 South Sixth Street, P.O. Drawer N, Griffin, GA 30224Phone: 770-229-3700Website: www.gscs.org   Accredited by Cognia
💙📚 November is Parent Engagement Month! 📚💙

This Parent Engagement Month, we celebrate the parents, families, and caregivers who play such an important role in our students’ success.

The GSCS District Title I Office is hosting a series of events during the month of November. Please mark your calendars and scan the QR code to register!

#ParentEngagementMonth
2 days ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
parent engagement events
parent engagement events
Our October Leaders of the Month were recognized last Friday at a special breakfast surrounded by their families. We appreciate everyone who came out to help celebrate these students and their achievements.

A big thank-you to Dunkin’ Donuts for providing donuts for the event. Your generosity helped make the morning extra special.

Congratulations to all of our October honorees—we're very proud of your hard work.

#OurHabitsOurFuture
3 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
A graphic titled "Leaders of the Month - October '26" featuring two group photo collages of elementary school students holding framed award certificates in front of a wall displayed with Cowan Road Elementary School logos.  Top Photo (PK–2nd grades): A group of 14 young students in prekindergarten through 2nd grade standing together in two rows while proudly holding up their award certificates.  Bottom Photo (3rd–5th grades): A group of 10 students in 3rd through 5th grade standing together in two rows, each holding up their award certificates.
🚌🌅 Dark Mornings. Bright Reminders. Student Safety First! 💛

As the mornings get darker, it’s important for everyone to stay alert and watch for students waiting for and boarding school buses before daylight.

Every child deserves to arrive at school safely. Let’s work together to protect our students—especially during those early morning hours when visibility is limited.

💛 Slow down. Stay alert. Help keep our students safe! #SchoolBusSafety
4 days ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
bus
Halloween Gram forms and payments are due Wednesday, October 28th! ​Send a $3 or $5 Boo Bag to a friend, teacher, or someone special! Turn in your order form and money to Ms. Flynt (Room 215). ​Bags will be distributed at school on Friday, October 30th. Check out the flyer below for details.
4 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
A graphic poster with a blue and white zig-zag border and cute ghost graphics titled "Cowan Road Colts Cheer Halloween Gram Bags - Send a sweet Halloween surprise to a friend, teacher, or someone special!"
​The poster outlines two bag options:
​$3 Boo Bag featuring spider rings/mini toys, 3 pieces of assorted candy, a Halloween sticker, and a "You've Been BOOED!" tag.
​$5 Boo Bag featuring glow bracelets, 5 pieces of assorted candy, a Halloween pencil, a Halloween squishy, a Halloween sticker, and a "You've Been BOOED!" tag.
​At the bottom is an order form grid asking for Quantity, Bag Option ($3 or $5), To, and From, followed by the text: "Please turn in all order forms and money to Ms. Flynt, Room 215."
Shining bright in the spotlight!

Our amazing Cowan Colt cheerleaders spent part of their Fall Break showing off their team spirit in the Annual Bulldog Homecoming Parade for Spalding County Leisure Services!

Events like this highlight the true value of youth sports and community recreation, giving our young athletes a platform to celebrate their hard work, build confidence, and create memories that last long after their playing days.

A HUGE thank you to our dedicated staff members who took time out of their Fall Break to meet up with the girls and make sure they didn't miss out on this fun tradition! Our school community is stronger because of your commitment to our students.

#OurHabitsOurFuture #CowanRoadElementary #SpaldingCountyLeisureServices #HomecomingParade #YouthSports #ColtPride #CommunityFirst
8 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
The entire Cowan Colt cheer team lined up in formation in a parking lot, holding silver pom-poms and wearing matching pink hair bows.
A small cheerleader walking hand-in-hand with an adult volunteer down the parade route followed by her team.
Cowan Colt cheerleaders marching and dancing down the parade route with silver pom-poms.
Cowan Colt cheerleaders in matching dark blue shirts and pink hair bows standing together outdoors holding silver pom-poms.
The entire Cowan Colt cheer team lined up in formation in a parking lot, holding silver pom-poms and wearing matching pink hair bows.
The entire Cowan Colt cheer team lined up in formation in a parking lot, holding silver pom-poms and wearing matching pink hair bows.

Congratulations to our Employee of the Month for October 2026, Assistant Principal Ms. Ashley Reid!

Ms. Reid is the steady heart and operational backbone of our school community. She navigates every situation with unwavering grace and calm, making even the most complex days feel manageable. From meticulously organizing MTSS interventions to masterfully coordinating school-wide testing protocols, her exceptional attention to detail ensures that no student falls through the cracks and every educator feels supported.

Ms. Reid’s dedication, kindness, and relentless focus on student success make Cowan Road Elementary a better, brighter place every single day!

Thanks to Cindy's Florist in Zebulon for providing these beautiful flowers and supporting our school and staff.

#EmployeeOfTheMonth #CowanRoadElementary #AssistantPrincipal #ExcellenceInEducation #StaffAppreciation #OurHabitsOurFuture

8 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
Cowan Road Elementary Employee of the Month graphic for October 2026 honoring Ms. Reid.
State School Superintendent Richard Woods visited Cowan Road Elementary to recognize four local schools—Cowan Road Elementary, AZ Kelsey, Crescent, and Moreland Road Elementary—with the John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Proficiency for having at least 90% of students write their full names in cursive. Representatives from all four schools gathered at Cowan to accept their banners.

Cowan Road Elementary also earned the top-tier John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Distinction, honoring schools where 90%+ of students can write both their names and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive!

Special guest State Rep. Karen Mathiak was also on hand to congratulate the staff on this achievement. Superintendent Woods took time to answer questions from attending staff and central office personnel.

Congratulations to all of our students and educators! #OurHabitsOurFuture
#EducationExcellence #JohnHancockAward #CursiveWriting #StudentSuccess #GaDOE
8 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods speaking with open hands in a school library.
A group of educators and officials standing together in a school library, posing with a banner that reads "Student Signature Award" presented by the Georgia Department of Education.
Group of ten attendees posing in a school library with the Georgia Department of Education "Student Signature Award" banner.
A speaker standing in a school library during a presentation to educators seated around tables.
A woman speaking while standing in front of media center bookshelves next to a seated colleague.
Seven educators and officials standing in a school library, holding four separate "Student Signature Award" banners.
🚌💛 It is National School Bus Safety Week 💛🚌

A safe ride to school starts with all of us! Let’s work together to keep our students safe by following these safety tips.

To our bus drivers: Thank you for your patience, dedication, and commitment to student safety. We appreciate all you do to make a difference in the lives of our students!

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s make every ride a safe one! 🚌

#NationalSchoolBusSafetyWeek #ThankYouBusDrivers
11 days ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
kids walking across street
GSCS encourages everyone to WEAR ORANGE on Unity Day, Wednesday, Oct. 21. Let's stand united against bullying in our school communities. We are wearing orange to show our commitment to kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Together, we can create a world without bullying! #UnityEveryDay
16 days ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
wear orange
📣 YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE! JOIN OUR GSCS TEAM! 💙🎓

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us for our upcoming Job Fair on Wednesday, October 21!

GSCS is looking for dedicated, passionate individuals who want to make a positive impact on our students and help shape the future of our community. Whether you’re an experienced educator or interested in supporting our schools in another role, we invite you to discover the opportunities waiting for you!

Scan the QR code to register!
18 days ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
job fair flyer
All GSCS activities for Sat., Oct. 10 & Sun., Oct. 11, are canceled due to anticipated weather. Be weather-aware and stay safe!
21 days ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
rain
Red Ribbon Week is coming!

Cowan Colts, get ready to Make a Difference, Be a Hero, and Stay Drug-Free!

Join us October 26–30 for a fun week of dress-up days as we celebrate making healthy choices and being heroes in our own way!

Please remember that all outfits must follow the school dress code. Friday: no masks or toy weapons.

The Spanish version of our dress-up schedule is included, too!
22 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
Un calendario de días de vestimenta para la Semana del Listón Rojo de Cowan Road Elementary School, del 26 al 30 de octubre de 2026. El tema es “Marca la diferencia – Sé un héroe – ¡Vive libre de drogas!” El lunes es “¡Los héroes sueñan en grande!” y los estudiantes pueden usar pijamas apropiados para la escuela. El martes es “¡Dale una patada a las drogas!” y pueden usar ropa de estilo vaquero. El miércoles es “¡Los héroes no se esconden!” y pueden usar ropa de camuflaje. El jueves es “¡Un futuro brillante!” y pueden usar colores brillantes o neón. El viernes es “¡Sé un héroe de la lectura!” y pueden vestirse como su personaje favorito de un libro. El gráfico recuerda a las familias que toda la ropa debe cumplir con el código de vestimenta escolar y que el viernes no se permiten máscaras ni armas de juguete.
A Red Ribbon Week dress-up day schedule for Cowan Road Elementary School, October 26–30, 2026. The theme is “Make a Difference – Be a Hero – Stay Drug-Free!” Monday is “Heroes Dream Big!” and students may wear school-appropriate pajamas. Tuesday is “Give Drugs the Boot!” and students may wear western attire. Wednesday is “Heroes Don’t Blend In!” and students may wear camouflage. Thursday is “Heroes Have Bright Futures!” and students may wear bright or neon colors. Friday is “Be a Reading Hero!” and students may dress as a favorite book character. The graphic reminds families that all outfits must follow the school dress code and that masks and toy weapons are not permitted on Friday.
Big Cheers for Our Instructional Coaches! It’s Instructional Coach Appreciation Day, and we are shouting out the amazing team (Dr. Searcy, Ms. Colquitt, Dr. Murrah, Dr. Smikle) that keeps our school leveling up every single day! (They also were treated to a yummy lunch from MillTowne Gourmet). Our instructional coaches are the ultimate multi-taskers—working with both students and staff, helping our educators grow, and turning great ideas into meaningful classroom magic. They help develop top-tier teaching staff and shape effective leaders, all while bringing so much heart and energy into our building. We appreciate every bit of guidance, celebration, and late-afternoon brainstorming session you bring to the table. Thank you for helping our entire school family continue to learn, thrive, and shine!
24 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
for women standing in front of bulletin board
HELLO FALL! GSCS Fall Break is October 12-16. All schools and offices will be closed. Have a relaxing, fun and safe break!
24 days ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
fall break
🏆📚 Happy Athletic & Instructional Coach Appreciation Day! 📚🏆

Today, we celebrate the coaches who inspire, challenge, encourage, and empower our students and staff to reach their full potential!

Our athletic coaches teach much more than the game. They build teamwork, discipline, perseverance, leadership, and character.

Our instructional coaches provide guidance, collaboration, and support that help educators grow and create meaningful learning experiences for students.

To all of our coaches: Thank you for investing your time, talent, and heart into helping others succeed. Your impact extends far beyond the field, court, and classroom! 💙

Join us in celebrating and thanking our incredible coaches! 👏🎉
24 days ago, Griffin-Spalding County Schools
coaches
Teamwork makes the dream work! Our 4th graders joined forces for the recent district canned food drive, and their generosity made a BIG impact. We’re proud to share that 4th grade earned Honorable Mention in the district! Their hard work and teamwork also earned them a well-deserved popsicle party. Way to work together, Colts. We’re so proud of you! #OurHabitsOurFuture
25 days ago, Cowan Rd Elementary
group of students with canned goods spelling "Cowan 4th"