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Leaking Boiler Room at Washington Elementary
State of Our Schools: GCS Tries to Keep its Head Above Water as Facilities Needs Flood In

A firefight. That’s how long-time Guilford County Schools (GCS) operations employees describe the work needed to repair the district’s aging facilities. 

Currently, GCS is comprised of 120 schools and more than 300 facilities totaling over 12 million square feet. Many of the buildings were built before Neil Armstrong’s 1969 moon landing. Just like Armstrong, GCS has taken steps forward to address infrastructure challenges, but funding limitations and deferred maintenance have often caused us to lose ground. Why? The short and fast answer is money. But GCS leaders say it will take a little more than cash to get facilities where they need to be. 

  • Budget
  • District Homepage News
  • Facilities
  • Strengthen Health Wellness and Safety in Schools
Read More about State of Our Schools: GCS Tries to Keep its Head Above Water as Facilities Needs Flood In
Students at Brooks Global Studies in their new media center
21st-Century learning: Guilford County Schools Opens Four New Schools

Guilford County Schools (GCS) is ushering in a new era of education with the opening of four new state-of-the-art facilities.  

In the 2024-2025 school year, four new schools welcomed students and staff through their doors: Claxton Elementary, Peck K-8 Expeditionary Learning, Brooks Global Studies and Foust Elementary schools.  

Each building has brought new life into its community. Students, staff and parents alike are all excited about the possibilities for their children. “There is no other elementary school that I would want for my 2nd grade daughter and young son,” Tiffany Estes said.  

  • Beyond the Bond
  • District Homepage News
  • Prepare Students for the World
  • Strengthen Health Wellness and Safety in Schools
Read More about 21st-Century learning: Guilford County Schools Opens Four New Schools

My Plate

New Food Icon MyPlate Replaces MyPyramid:  On June 2, 2011, First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack launched the new food icon, MyPlate. MyPlate replaces the MyPyramid icon as a reminder to choose healthy foods at mealtimes. The easy to understand graphics show portion sizes on a plate that emphasize fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins and dairy. MyPyramid can still be accessed through the new website in the archived section. 

One size doesn't fit all. The Daily Food Plan offers you a personal eating plan with the foods and amounts that are right for you. Click on The Daily Food Plan link to get started. 

MyPlate still offers a detailed assessment of your food intake and physical activity level. Click on the Tracker box for an in-depth look at your food and physical activity choices. Ten Tips Nutrition Education Series offers easy-to-read, printable materials to post in accessible areas to assist in making healthy food offerings. Along with the Physical Activity link, these two tools can provide valuable information to families striving to achieve and maintain healthy lifestyles.

Check out the interactive links designed to make nutrition education fun for kids, as well. These links, and others, can be found In the section called Specific Audiences, on the main page of the MyPlate website.

MyPlate food patterns are designed for the general public ages 2 and over. They are not therapeutic diets for specific health conditions. Those with a chronic health condition should consult with a health care provider to find a dietary plan that is right for them. 

For more information on diet and related topics, try these links to other Federal government and partner websites: