On Tuesday, GPS welcomed all staff back and kicked off the new school year with a delicious breakfast and a short program celebrating several amazing members of our team! 👏✨
While many of our staff have been working hard all summer long to prepare for another great year, Tuesday was a chance for everyone to come together, reconnect, and officially kick off the year as a team!
From professional development and classroom prep to orientations, open houses, and all the behind-the-scenes work that makes a school year possible, our staff have been putting in the work to get GPS ready for our students, families & our community! 📚🍎
The countdown is on… OUR STUDENTS ARE COMING BACK MONDAY (August 24)! We can’t wait to see our halls filled with Jackets again! 💜💛 Here’s to a fantastic 2026–27 school year!
LET’S GO, JACKETS!
🎉 Congratulations to our 2026 Elmer Russell School Bell Award Honorees!🎉
We are proud to recognize two exceptional members of the Greenville Public Schools family whose dedication, leadership, and influence have left a lasting mark on our students and community.💜💛
👏 Chris Chapman (Citizen/Organization Honoree)
For 28 years, Chris was a driving force behind the performing arts at Greenville Public Schools. As Auditorium Manager, he helped bring countless concerts, plays, musicals, ceremonies, and community events to life while helping build the Yellow Jacket Theatre program. More importantly, he created a place where students felt welcome, supported, and encouraged to discover what they could accomplish. His influence helped shape the paths of students who went on to study theatre and pursue careers in the field. Now retired, his greatest legacy isn't simply the performances he helped create—it's the generations of students he encouraged, cared for, and inspired.
👏Jen Mahar (Current Employee Honoree)
Jen leads with a servant's heart. At Walnut Hills, she sees what students, staff, and families need and works tirelessly to make it happen. From supporting students and staff to creating a food pantry, securing coats and winter items, connecting families with resources, and building community partnerships, Jen leads by being present. Perhaps her greatest impact is the culture she has created—a place where staff feel supported, students feel safe, and families know they have an advocate. She has created something that can't be forced or mandated: trust.
Congratulations to Chris & Jen, our 2026 Elmer Russell School Bell Award recipients! Thank you for the lasting impact you have made on Greenville Public Schools and the generations of students, staff, and families you have served and continue to serve. 💜💛
We are proud to recognize two exceptional members of the Greenville Public Schools family whose dedication, leadership, and influence have left a lasting mark on our students and community.💜💛
👏 Chris Chapman (Citizen/Organization Honoree)
For 28 years, Chris was a driving force behind the performing arts at Greenville Public Schools. As Auditorium Manager, he helped bring countless concerts, plays, musicals, ceremonies, and community events to life while helping build the Yellow Jacket Theatre program. More importantly, he created a place where students felt welcome, supported, and encouraged to discover what they could accomplish. His influence helped shape the paths of students who went on to study theatre and pursue careers in the field. Now retired, his greatest legacy isn't simply the performances he helped create—it's the generations of students he encouraged, cared for, and inspired.
👏Jen Mahar (Current Employee Honoree)
Jen leads with a servant's heart. At Walnut Hills, she sees what students, staff, and families need and works tirelessly to make it happen. From supporting students and staff to creating a food pantry, securing coats and winter items, connecting families with resources, and building community partnerships, Jen leads by being present. Perhaps her greatest impact is the culture she has created—a place where staff feel supported, students feel safe, and families know they have an advocate. She has created something that can't be forced or mandated: trust.
Congratulations to Chris & Jen, our 2026 Elmer Russell School Bell Award recipients! Thank you for the lasting impact you have made on Greenville Public Schools and the generations of students, staff, and families you have served and continue to serve. 💜💛
🎉 Congratulations to our 2026 District Support Staff & Teacher of the Year Honorees! 🎉
We are proud to celebrate two outstanding members of the Greenville Public Schools team whose dedication and commitment make a difference every day. 💜💛
👏District Support Staff of the Year — Julie VanHoose of Greenville High School!
Julie is the person who keeps things moving, solves problems, supports students, families, and staff, and somehow keeps track of all the things the rest of us have forgotten! As Administrative Assistant to the Principal and Senior Class Advisor, she plays an important role in supporting our school community and creating memorable experiences for our students. Her dedication to GPS is a family tradition, and her commitment to our students and staff has made a lasting impact.
👏 District Teacher of the Year — Ken Mol of Walnut Hills Elementary
Ken demonstrates the powerful impact a teacher can have on a child. His nominations highlighted students who have grown in confidence, made tremendous progress, and—most importantly—learned to love coming to school. His colleagues describe a teacher who goes above and beyond, adapts to challenges, collaborates with others, and creates a classroom where kindergarteners feel safe, valued, and inspired to grow.
Congratulations, Julie & Ken! Thank you for the incredible difference you make for our students and schools! 💛💜
We are proud to celebrate two outstanding members of the Greenville Public Schools team whose dedication and commitment make a difference every day. 💜💛
👏District Support Staff of the Year — Julie VanHoose of Greenville High School!
Julie is the person who keeps things moving, solves problems, supports students, families, and staff, and somehow keeps track of all the things the rest of us have forgotten! As Administrative Assistant to the Principal and Senior Class Advisor, she plays an important role in supporting our school community and creating memorable experiences for our students. Her dedication to GPS is a family tradition, and her commitment to our students and staff has made a lasting impact.
👏 District Teacher of the Year — Ken Mol of Walnut Hills Elementary
Ken demonstrates the powerful impact a teacher can have on a child. His nominations highlighted students who have grown in confidence, made tremendous progress, and—most importantly—learned to love coming to school. His colleagues describe a teacher who goes above and beyond, adapts to challenges, collaborates with others, and creates a classroom where kindergarteners feel safe, valued, and inspired to grow.
Congratulations, Julie & Ken! Thank you for the incredible difference you make for our students and schools! 💛💜
📢 Attention Greenville Elementary School Students & Families: Please take a moment to review important Back-to-School information and mark your calendars!
🏫 OPEN HOUSE DATES
💜 Baldwin Heights Elementary
📅 August 19 | TK–5th Grade
⏰ 5:30 PM — Last Names A–M
⏰ 6:15 PM — Last Names N–Z
💛 Cedar Crest Elementary
📅 August 19 | PreK–5th Grade
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
💜 Lincoln Heights Elementary
📅 August 19 | GSRP (PreK)–5th Grade
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
💛 Walnut Hills Elementary
📅 August 19 | PreK–5th Grade
⏰ 5:30 PM — Last Names A–M
⏰ 6:15 PM — Last Names N–Z
📢 Attention Greenville Middle School Students & Families: Please take a moment to review important Back-to-School information and mark your calendars!
🎒 August 18: 7th & 8th Grade Open House | 4:00–5:30 PM
🏫 August 19: 6th Grade Orientation
👥 Last Name A–K | Welcome at 4:00 PM / Explore at 4:15–4:45 PM
👥 Last Name L–Z | Welcome at 4:45PM / Explore 5:00–5:30 PM
⚠️ First Day of School: Monday, August 24
💻 Chromebooks: Students will receive their Chromebooks within the first few days of school. Reverification MUST be completed prior to Chromebook distribution.
🎒 August 18: 7th & 8th Grade Open House | 4:00–5:30 PM
🏫 August 19: 6th Grade Orientation
👥 Last Name A–K | Welcome at 4:00 PM / Explore at 4:15–4:45 PM
👥 Last Name L–Z | Welcome at 4:45PM / Explore 5:00–5:30 PM
⚠️ First Day of School: Monday, August 24
💻 Chromebooks: Students will receive their Chromebooks within the first few days of school. Reverification MUST be completed prior to Chromebook distribution.
📢 Attention Greenville High School Students & Families: Please take a moment to review important Back-to-School information and mark your calendars!
📅 Freshman Orientation, Photos & Chromebook Pick Up: Tomorrow (Thursday, August 13) from 9:00 - 11:30 AM
📅10th-12th Grade Photos & Chromebook Pick Up: Tomorrow (Thursday, August 13) from 12:30 - 3:00 PM
🏫 Open House Night for 9th-12th Grades: Wednesday, August 19 from 5:00–6:30 PM (including Legacy Learning & Satterlee Students)
⚠️ First Day of School: Monday, August 24
Reverification must be completed prior to Chromebook pick up. If your student cannot attend on August 13, Chromebooks may be picked up at the Open House (August 19) or during the school day once school begins on August 24.
📅 Freshman Orientation, Photos & Chromebook Pick Up: Tomorrow (Thursday, August 13) from 9:00 - 11:30 AM
📅10th-12th Grade Photos & Chromebook Pick Up: Tomorrow (Thursday, August 13) from 12:30 - 3:00 PM
🏫 Open House Night for 9th-12th Grades: Wednesday, August 19 from 5:00–6:30 PM (including Legacy Learning & Satterlee Students)
⚠️ First Day of School: Monday, August 24
Reverification must be completed prior to Chromebook pick up. If your student cannot attend on August 13, Chromebooks may be picked up at the Open House (August 19) or during the school day once school begins on August 24.
📣 ENROLLMENT & REVERIFICATION REMINDER! 📣
🆕 New Students:
Begin the enrollment process here: https://www.gpsjackets.org/page/enrollment
🔄 Returning/Current Students:
Log in to PowerSchool to review and update your student’s information, complete required forms, and access important information for the start of the school year: https://greenville.powerschool.com/public/
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Reverification MUST be completed before your student can receive their schedules and Chromebook!
🔑 Having trouble logging in? PowerSchool requires both a username and password. If you’ve forgotten your login information, you can recover your username first and then request a new password.
Thank you for helping us ensure your student’s information is accurate and up to date!
There will be two Board of Education Meetings on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Central Services Facility (1414 Chase Street, Greenville). The special Board Meeting will begin at 5:00pm, and the regular Board Meeting will begin at 7:00pm.
For more information, please visit https://www.gpsjackets.org/page/board-of-education
For more information, please visit https://www.gpsjackets.org/page/board-of-education
🎉 Once again, GPS proudly congratulates our 2026 Building Teachers and Support Staff of the Year! 🎉
We are incredibly fortunate to have an outstanding team of caring, dedicated, and hardworking individuals who make a difference in the lives of our students every single day. Their passion, commitment, and unwavering support for our students, families, colleagues, and school community are truly appreciated.
From this exceptional group, one teacher and one support staff member will be selected as Greenville Public Schools' 2026 District Teacher of the Year and 2026 District Support Staff of the Year. 🏆 The district winners will be announced in just a few short weeks...stay tuned! 💛💜
We are incredibly fortunate to have an outstanding team of caring, dedicated, and hardworking individuals who make a difference in the lives of our students every single day. Their passion, commitment, and unwavering support for our students, families, colleagues, and school community are truly appreciated.
From this exceptional group, one teacher and one support staff member will be selected as Greenville Public Schools' 2026 District Teacher of the Year and 2026 District Support Staff of the Year. 🏆 The district winners will be announced in just a few short weeks...stay tuned! 💛💜
🚌 Reminder: Bus Transportation Registration Deadline is Friday, August 7!
Don't forget to register your student for bus transportation for the 2026-27 school year by Friday, August 7! If your student received transportation last school year, you do not need to re-register unless there have been changes to your transportation needs or information. If you have any questions, please contact the GPS Transportation Office at 616-754-3850.
🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBuGTxccMV1apDv2pde-W9ozQVQEBfQxl2ivLk4GPgGhT2rw/viewform
Don't forget to register your student for bus transportation for the 2026-27 school year by Friday, August 7! If your student received transportation last school year, you do not need to re-register unless there have been changes to your transportation needs or information. If you have any questions, please contact the GPS Transportation Office at 616-754-3850.
🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBuGTxccMV1apDv2pde-W9ozQVQEBfQxl2ivLk4GPgGhT2rw/viewform
There will be a special Board of Education Meeting on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 4:00-8:00pm at the Central Services Facility (1414 Chase Street, Greenville) for a Board/Administration Workshop and any other necessary business.
For more information, please visit https://www.gpsjackets.org/page/board-of-education
For more information, please visit https://www.gpsjackets.org/page/board-of-education
🍎 2026 Baldwin Heights Teacher of the Year Spotlight
Please join us in congratulating Molly Court, Kindergarten Teacher at Baldwin Heights Elementary, who has dedicated over 10 years to Greenville Public Schools!
A master teacher, respected leader, and positive role model, Molly consistently goes above and beyond for students, colleagues, and our community. Her passion for education, commitment to excellence, and genuine care for others make a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom.
Thank you, Molly Court, for representing the very best of Greenville Public Schools. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Baldwin Heights Teacher of the Year! 💜💛
Please join us in congratulating Molly Court, Kindergarten Teacher at Baldwin Heights Elementary, who has dedicated over 10 years to Greenville Public Schools!
A master teacher, respected leader, and positive role model, Molly consistently goes above and beyond for students, colleagues, and our community. Her passion for education, commitment to excellence, and genuine care for others make a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom.
Thank you, Molly Court, for representing the very best of Greenville Public Schools. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Baldwin Heights Teacher of the Year! 💜💛
👏 2026 Baldwin Heights Support Staff of the Year Spotlight
Please join us in congratulating Stacey Thomas, Special Education Paraprofessional at Baldwin Heights Elementary, who has dedicated almost 3 years to Greenville Public Schools!
Through patience, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to students, Stacey makes a difference every single day. Her positive attitude, caring nature, and ability to build meaningful relationships help students grow, succeed, and feel supported. Whether working directly with students, partnering with families, or encouraging those around her, she exemplifies the heart of Greenville Public Schools.
Thank you, Stacey Thomas, for the incredible impact you make on our students, staff, and school community. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Baldwin Heights Support Staff of the Year! 💜💛
Please join us in congratulating Stacey Thomas, Special Education Paraprofessional at Baldwin Heights Elementary, who has dedicated almost 3 years to Greenville Public Schools!
Through patience, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to students, Stacey makes a difference every single day. Her positive attitude, caring nature, and ability to build meaningful relationships help students grow, succeed, and feel supported. Whether working directly with students, partnering with families, or encouraging those around her, she exemplifies the heart of Greenville Public Schools.
Thank you, Stacey Thomas, for the incredible impact you make on our students, staff, and school community. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Baldwin Heights Support Staff of the Year! 💜💛
👏 2026 Greenville Middle School Support Staff of the Year Spotlight
Please join us in congratulating Stephanie Tahtinen, Special Education Paraprofessional at Greenville Middle School, who has dedicated almost 3 years to Greenville Public Schools!
Known for her kindness, trustworthiness, and positive influence, Stephanie makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students every day. She creates a supportive environment where students feel safe, heard, and valued. Through her guidance, encouragement, and caring approach, she helps students make positive choices and have successful days at school.
Thank you, Stephanie Tahtinen, for the impact you have on our students and school community. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Greenville Middle School Support Staff of the Year! 💜💛
Please join us in congratulating Stephanie Tahtinen, Special Education Paraprofessional at Greenville Middle School, who has dedicated almost 3 years to Greenville Public Schools!
Known for her kindness, trustworthiness, and positive influence, Stephanie makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students every day. She creates a supportive environment where students feel safe, heard, and valued. Through her guidance, encouragement, and caring approach, she helps students make positive choices and have successful days at school.
Thank you, Stephanie Tahtinen, for the impact you have on our students and school community. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Greenville Middle School Support Staff of the Year! 💜💛
🍎 2026 Greenville Middle School Teacher of the Year Spotlight
Please join us in congratulating K Hsieh, Chinese Immersion Teacher at Greenville Middle School, who has dedicated over 12 years to Greenville Public Schools!
A dedicated and inspiring educator, K challenges students to do their best while creating a supportive environment where they can grow and succeed. She is known for her confidence, kindness, and commitment to helping students stay focused and engaged in learning. Whether in the classroom or beyond, she goes above and beyond to encourage, support, and care for her students each day.
Thank you, K Hsieh, for the positive impact you make on students and for your dedication to excellence in education. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Greenville Middle School Teacher of the Year! 💜💛
Please join us in congratulating K Hsieh, Chinese Immersion Teacher at Greenville Middle School, who has dedicated over 12 years to Greenville Public Schools!
A dedicated and inspiring educator, K challenges students to do their best while creating a supportive environment where they can grow and succeed. She is known for her confidence, kindness, and commitment to helping students stay focused and engaged in learning. Whether in the classroom or beyond, she goes above and beyond to encourage, support, and care for her students each day.
Thank you, K Hsieh, for the positive impact you make on students and for your dedication to excellence in education. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Greenville Middle School Teacher of the Year! 💜💛
There will be two Board of Education Meetings on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Central Services Facility (1414 Chase Street, Greenville). The special Board Meeting will begin at 5:00pm, and the regular Board Meeting will begin at 7:00pm. For more information, please visit https://www.gpsjackets.org/page/board-of-education
🍎 2026 Lincoln Heights Teacher of the Year Spotlight
Please join us in congratulating Kristi Norrman, Fourth Grade Teacher at Lincoln Heights Elementary, who has dedicated almost 4 years to Greenville Public Schools!
A valued member of our elementary team, Kristi works hard each day to support student learning and growth. Through dedication, consistency, and care for students, they help create a positive classroom environment where children can learn and succeed.
Thank you, Kristi Norman, for representing the very best of Greenville Public Schools. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Lincoln Heights Teacher of the Year! 💜💛
Please join us in congratulating Kristi Norrman, Fourth Grade Teacher at Lincoln Heights Elementary, who has dedicated almost 4 years to Greenville Public Schools!
A valued member of our elementary team, Kristi works hard each day to support student learning and growth. Through dedication, consistency, and care for students, they help create a positive classroom environment where children can learn and succeed.
Thank you, Kristi Norman, for representing the very best of Greenville Public Schools. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Lincoln Heights Teacher of the Year! 💜💛
Enrollment and Re-Verification are NOW OPEN!
👏 2026 Lincoln Heights Staff of the Year Spotlight
Please join us in congratulating Ellen Batu, GSRP Paraprofessional at Lincoln Heights Elementary, who has dedicated almost 4 years to Greenville Public Schools!
With a warm smile, positive attitude, and unwavering dedication to students, Ellen creates a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, supported, and valued. Her professionalism, teamwork, and ability to build strong relationships with students and families make a lasting impact each day. She brings positivity to everything she does and helps make our school a welcoming place for all.
Thank you, Ellen Batu, for the care, compassion, and enthusiasm you bring to Greenville Public Schools. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Lincoln Heights Support Staff of the Year! 💜💛
Please join us in congratulating Ellen Batu, GSRP Paraprofessional at Lincoln Heights Elementary, who has dedicated almost 4 years to Greenville Public Schools!
With a warm smile, positive attitude, and unwavering dedication to students, Ellen creates a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, supported, and valued. Her professionalism, teamwork, and ability to build strong relationships with students and families make a lasting impact each day. She brings positivity to everything she does and helps make our school a welcoming place for all.
Thank you, Ellen Batu, for the care, compassion, and enthusiasm you bring to Greenville Public Schools. Congratulations on being recognized as the 2026 Lincoln Heights Support Staff of the Year! 💜💛
Welcome Back!
