Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s something about experiencing the temperatures dropping and leaves falling that always puts me in a good mood. Also; who doesn’t love Friday night football in the cooler weather?

September was a busy month for our district. We celebrated several important dates throughout our district including National Preparedness Month. This observance raised awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. Led by Safe & Secure Schools Director Robert Marquez, emergency protocols were shared with our families so that they can be prepared in the event another disaster arises. As a community on the Gulf Coast, we have had our fair share of weather-related emergencies and whatever we can do to help lessen the blow of a catastrophic event; we will do.

September 15th marked the beginning of National Hispanic American Heritage Month. This year’s theme “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” ensures that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation. In Goose Creek, our Hispanic students represent the largest percentage of our student population and it is our goal that all of our students and their families feel seen and heard. The Community Engagement department debuted an all-Spanish podcast, “Conversaciones gigantes” or Giant Conversations, in mid-September. This podcast will serve as the gateway to reaching our Spanish-speaking community members by providing them important news they can only get from our district.

Our Board of Trustees was selected as the Region IV Honor Board this year. We, along with the five other 2022 Outstanding School Board finalists, traveled to San Antonio last week for the TASA/TASB conference, and though we did not walk away with the big win, we remain proud of the work our Board has done and continues to do for the 4,000 employees and 25,000 students in this district.

We honored the legacy of famed Sterling High School volleyball coach, Nadine Horne, during a naming ceremony on September 30th. Four of Coach Horne’s former students spoke at the May 2022 Board meeting and urged them to support renaming the girls’ gym after the 30-year GCCISD veteran. Coach Horne retired from the district in 2016, after 25 years as the head volleyball coach at Sterling. Her students excelled on and off the court and though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on.

Goose Creek is known for many things, but what helps us stand apart is our marketing and branding. When people see or hear “Here, We Grow Giants;” they know it’s about Goose Creek. We are so excited to announce the opening of our online district spirit store! That’s right! Now you can dress the part and support your favorite school; all at the same time! Get your GCCISD gear via this link: District Online Store Make sure to take photos in your new gear and tag us at #gcGIANTS.

As always, thank you for your continuous support of our district. We couldn’t do what we do without you.

Best regards, 

Dr. Randal O'Brien

Superintendent of Schools