Memorandum from Mary Kay Murphy
Mary Kay Murphy, Ph.D. District 3  School Board Member

Town Hall Meeting to Examine 
State of Public Education in District III

   · How do Gwinnett County Public Schools compare to private schools? To other public schools in Georgia and around the country? 
   · What happens to Peachtree Corners, Norcross, and Duluth students after they graduate from high school? Where do they go to college? How well do they compete? 
   · How safe are Gwinnett public schools? How do safe schools promote academic success?
   · What awards and distinctions can area public schools boast-SAT scores, college prep curriculum, HOPE and other scholarships, Advanced Placement courses?
   · Why should you send your children to Gwinnett County Public Schools?
   · What do Gwinnett taxpayers get from their investment in public education?

   On Monday, August 18, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. in the Norcross High School Auditorium, leading educators will discuss "Learning Opportunities in Peachtree Corners Public Schools." A reception and tour of Norcross High School will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Lobby. 
   The United Peachtree Corners Civic Association is sponsoring the program that is open to UPCCA neighborhood associations in Peachtree Corners and to members of the public. 
   "We want our community to know the good news about the public schools in Peachtree Corners, Norcross, and Duluth," said Ms. Pat Bruchini, vice president of UPCCA. "Many in our community know first-hand how excellent our public schools are. We know that good communities and good schools go hand in hand. We are in the business of building both." 
   Come discover for yourself the "State of Public Education in District III." 
   Come hear Dr. Cindy Loe, associate superintendent for Education Programs and former Pinckneyville Middle School Principal, tell us about SAT Scores, HOPE scholarships, AP classes, athletic teams, Science Fair awards, and community service programs available to Gwinnett County public school students.
   Hear Dr. Donald Fielder, associate superintendent for Education Programs, discuss the role that discipline plays in creating classroom environments for academic success. Share in his updates on Gwinnett County's leadership in fostering safe schools and vital learning communities.
   Meet Pinckneyville Middle School Principal, Mrs. Joyce Callahan, and Mr. John Huerta, assistant principal, as they discuss their school's three-year "Assertive Discipline Program" and its impact on student academic success.
   Come hear Mrs. Mary Anne Charron, principal of Norcross High School, tell you about the only International Baccalaureate program in Gwinnett County Public Schools, about the 1050 SAT Scores for the 2002-03 academic year, and other key points of "Blue Devil" pride at Norcross High School.
   Meet Duluth High School Principal Pat Blenke, and hear him speak of Duluth High School's 1060 SAT scores in FY 2002-03, of its strong "Wildcat" athletic teams, and of its renovated facilities set to open in two stages: fall of 2004 and spring of 2005. Be part of the group to preview plans for Duluth High School's renovations and to hear updates of their impact on Historic Downtown Duluth.
   For nearly a decade, Gwinnett County Public Schools have provided state and national leadership in curriculum, testing, media and technology, academic excellence, athletic achievement, budgeting, fiscal operations, physical plant operations, transportation, and student nutrition. These are achievements to celebrate.
   The August 18, 2003 program will present current, positive information about academic excellence, student achievement, and performance results in Gwinnett County Public Schools, with special emphasis on learning opportunities in Peachtree Corners, Norcross, and Duluth. 
   "Community members need to be reminded how good our local public schools are," says UPCCA President Lynette Howard. "The public schools in Peachtree Corners are of great interest to us. We also share many common interests with the communities of Norcross, Berkeley Lake, and Duluth because we are all part of District III. 
   "We invite residents of these communities to join us on August 18 to celebrate excellence in public education in Gwinnett County-and in Peachtree Corners, Norcross, Berkeley Lake, and Duluth."
   As the District III School Board member, it will be my honor to serve as Program Moderator. We will frame the evening's discussion around three of our community's values and public education's respect for those values:
   · Developing distinctive academic programs to close the "achievement gap" among an increasingly diverse body of 129,000 students;
   · Establishing discipline and order as partners in the pursuit of academic
excellence in our public schools;
   · Selecting Local School Principals with expertise in setting and achieving high
academic standards 
   Gwinnett County Public Schools have never been larger than they are in 2003, with 129,000 students. They have never been more diverse, with the most ethnically and economically diverse student body in the State of Georgia. They have never been more academically successful, with the highest scores on local, state and national assessment measures. 
   Come to Norcross High School of August 18, 2003, to hear how the supporters of public education in Gwinnett County and in Peachtree Corners, Norcross, and Duluth set high standards for their schools and how the schools have worked to live up to this community expectation.

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