Welcome to the 2025-2026 Gaston County Schools Secretaries’ Conference!
We are thrilled to welcome you to the 20th Annual Gaston County Schools Secretaries’ Conference, taking place on July 10, 2025, at the Highland School of Technology! This special milestone year celebrates two decades of honoring the dedication, professionalism, and impact of our school secretaries and administrative staff.
Join us for a day filled with inspiration, learning, and celebration!
Conference Highlights:
🎓 Engaging Workshops: Learn about the latest tools, strategies, and best practices to support your important role.
🤝 Networking Opportunities: Build connections with other colleagues from across our district.
🎁 Door Prizes: Be entered to win exciting giveaways!
📚 Resource Sharing: Take home valuable materials to support your ongoing success.
Your hard work keeps our schools running smoothly, and this conference is a way to recognize and support you. Whether this is your first or your twentieth time attending, we can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you!
Please complete the registration form below to reserve your spot. Let’s make the 20th conference the best one yet!
Learn how to make the most of Travel Tracker. In this session, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process of using Travel Tracker and how to stay compliant with district or organizational policies. Whether you're new to the system or looking to sharpen your skills, this class will help you navigate Travel Tracker with confidence and efficiency.
Gaston County Schools Partners with ESS to Manage Its Substitute Program.
We are excited to announce a training session specifically for financial secretaries to learn all about our new partnership with ESS—the company that will now be managing our district’s substitute teacher program.
What You Need to Know: ESS will handle the recruitment, training, hiring, placement, and management of substitute teachers for Gaston County Schools. This change is intended to streamline our processes and ensure schools have access to well-prepared substitute personnel when needed.
Training Session Details: In this class, we will cover:
An overview of the partnership and what it means for your role How substitutes will now be processed and managed How to report an Incident & Workers' Comp with ESS. Will Sub+ (Substitute new Time Tracking System Overview) What you can expect during this transition Key contacts and communication protocols How to navigate the new workflow with ESS Refer a Substitute Incentives A Q&A session to address your specific questions
Gaston County Schools Partners with ESS to Manage Its Substitute ProgramWe are excited to announce a training session specifically for financial secretaries to learn all about our new partnership with ESS—the company that will now be managing our district’s substitute teacher... Read More →
Blair Hall will discuss safety and security topics such as the new Opengate weapons detections systems, parent/visitor ID requirements, high profile events and more. Bring your security questions!
Join Sonya McGraw, Attorney for Gaston County Schools Legal Department for an informative session designed to increase your awareness of legal considerations within the school setting. This class will provide general guidance and help clarify how legal processes intersect with daily responsibilities in schools.
Procurement - It's a Thriller!! Full of Suspense & Intrigue!! Join us for this three-act play starring budgeting, procurement and Title I highlights. Critics Claim: "It will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered... Ready to conquer the world of Oracle..."
Join US! Step into the Spotlight to learn all the knowledge you need to make processing invoices a Breeze! When to scan.. What to scan.. What to include on invoices.. All this and more.
Learn how to make the most of Travel Tracker. In this session, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process of using Travel Tracker and how to stay compliant with district or organizational policies. Whether you're new to the system or looking to sharpen your skills, this class will help you navigate Travel Tracker with confidence and efficiency.
Creating with Canva! You will learn the basics of Canva and how to create fliers, checklists, calendars, graphics and more. No prior knowledge of Canva required.
Digital Learning Facilitator, Gaston County Schools
Stephanie Nash Witten an Elementary Digital Learning Facilitator for Gaston County Schools. During her 16 years with Gaston County, she has taught at Lingerfeldt Elementary, Woodhill Elementary, and Hawks Nest STEAM Academy. She also was the media specialist for 7 years at Hawks Nest... Read More →
Blair Hall will discuss safety and security topics such as the new Opengate weapons detections systems, parent/visitor ID requirements, high profile events and more. Bring your security questions!
This beginner-level session walks support staff through a straightforward introduction to the most-used Infinite Campus functions — no scripts, no drama, just the essential tools you need to support students and schools with confidence.
Join Sonya McGraw, Attorney for Gaston County Schools Legal Department for an informative session designed to increase your awareness of legal considerations within the school setting. This class will provide general guidance and help clarify how legal processes intersect with daily responsibilities in schools.
Get ready to dive deep into the exciting world of payroll filled with challenges, triumphs, dramas, comedies, and even a few scares! We'll take a closer look at Oracle and explore the ins and outs of your roles and responsibilities in a fun and informative way. From discussing important topics to honing your skills, this course is designed to help Financial Secretaries of all levels succeed. So, get excited to show off your expertise and learn more about this fascinating subject!
Sometimes, work may seem like a scene straight from the movies! Join us as we delve into the real picture of our work and how we can rediscover joy in the workplace.
In every blockbuster production, it’s the behind-the-scenes talent that keeps things running smoothly — and the same is true in our schools! This session will spotlight how artificial intelligence (AI) tools can empower administrative professionals to work smarter, not harder. Whether you're organizing calendars, drafting communications, managing records, or creating engaging visuals, AI can be your time-saving co-star. You’ll get hands-on ideas for using tools like ChatGPT to boost productivity, simplify repetitive tasks, and support student and staff success. Walk away with practical tips and ready-to-use examples designed to make your workday more efficient.
Gaston County Schools Partners with ESS to Manage Its Substitute Program.
We are excited to announce a training session specifically for financial secretaries to learn all about our new partnership with ESS—the company that will now be managing our district’s substitute teacher program.
What You Need to Know: ESS will handle the recruitment, training, hiring, placement, and management of substitute teachers for Gaston County Schools. This change is intended to streamline our processes and ensure schools have access to well-prepared substitute personnel when needed.
Training Session Details: In this class, we will cover:
An overview of the partnership and what it means for your role How substitutes will now be processed and managed How to report an Incident & Workers' Comp with ESS. Will Sub+ (Substitute new Time Tracking System Overview) What you can expect during this transition Key contacts and communication protocols How to navigate the new workflow with ESS Refer a Substitute Incentives A Q&A session to address your specific questions
Gaston County Schools Partners with ESS to Manage Its Substitute ProgramWe are excited to announce a training session specifically for financial secretaries to learn all about our new partnership with ESS—the company that will now be managing our district’s substitute teacher... Read More →
This beginner-level session walks support staff through a straightforward introduction to the most-used Infinite Campus functions — no scripts, no drama, just the essential tools you need to support students and schools with confidence.
School Funds Online is better than ever! Come join us as we discuss how to upload backup documents into SFO and answer any question you may have concerning setting up fees in SchoolCash Online for the 2025/2026 school year.
- This session is geared especially for School Financial Secretaries, as the content is tailored to their responsibilities. Space is limited, so we want to ensure that those who need this class most have first priority. If you're in a different role and would like to attend, please reach out to Benita Cooper or Jodi Brookshire. Final participation decisions will be at the speaker's discretion.
Sometimes, work may seem like a scene straight from the movies! Join us as we delve into the real picture of our work and how we can rediscover joy in the workplace.
Gaston County Schools Partners with ESS to Manage Its Substitute Program.
We are excited to announce a training session specifically for financial secretaries to learn all about our new partnership with ESS—the company that will now be managing our district’s substitute teacher program.
What You Need to Know: ESS will handle the recruitment, training, hiring, placement, and management of substitute teachers for Gaston County Schools. This change is intended to streamline our processes and ensure schools have access to well-prepared substitute personnel when needed.
Training Session Details: In this class, we will cover:
An overview of the partnership and what it means for your role How substitutes will now be processed and managed How to report an Incident & Workers' Comp with ESS. Will Sub+ (Substitute new Time Tracking System Overview) What you can expect during this transition Key contacts and communication protocols How to navigate the new workflow with ESS Refer a Substitute Incentives A Q&A session to address your specific questions
Gaston County Schools Partners with ESS to Manage Its Substitute ProgramWe are excited to announce a training session specifically for financial secretaries to learn all about our new partnership with ESS—the company that will now be managing our district’s substitute teacher... Read More →
Creating with Canva! You will learn the basics of Canva and how to create fliers, checklists, calendars, graphics and more. No prior knowledge of Canva required.
Digital Learning Facilitator, Gaston County Schools
Stephanie Nash Witten an Elementary Digital Learning Facilitator for Gaston County Schools. During her 16 years with Gaston County, she has taught at Lingerfeldt Elementary, Woodhill Elementary, and Hawks Nest STEAM Academy. She also was the media specialist for 7 years at Hawks Nest... Read More →
Join US Step into the Spotlight to learn all the knowledge you need to make processing invoices a Breeze! When to scan.. What to scan.. What to include on invoices.. All this and more.
Get ready to dive deep into the exciting world of payroll filled with challenges, triumphs, dramas, comedies, and even a few scares! We'll take a closer look at Oracle and explore the ins and outs of your roles and responsibilities in a fun and informative way. From discussing important topics to honing your skills, this course is designed to help Financial Secretaries of all levels succeed. So, get excited to show off your expertise and learn more about this fascinating subject!
In every blockbuster production, it’s the behind-the-scenes talent that keeps things running smoothly — and the same is true in our schools! This session will spotlight how artificial intelligence (AI) tools can empower administrative professionals to work smarter, not harder. Whether you're organizing calendars, drafting communications, managing records, or creating engaging visuals, AI can be your time-saving co-star. You’ll get hands-on ideas for using tools like ChatGPT to boost productivity, simplify repetitive tasks, and support student and staff success. Walk away with practical tips and ready-to-use examples designed to make your workday more efficient.
Gaston County Schools Partners with ESS to Manage Its Substitute Program.
We are excited to announce a training session specifically for financial secretaries to learn all about our new partnership with ESS—the company that will now be managing our district’s substitute teacher program.
What You Need to Know: ESS will handle the recruitment, training, hiring, placement, and management of substitute teachers for Gaston County Schools. This change is intended to streamline our processes and ensure schools have access to well-prepared substitute personnel when needed.
Training Session Details: In this class, we will cover:
An overview of the partnership and what it means for your role How substitutes will now be processed and managed How to report an Incident & Workers' Comp with ESS. Will Sub+ (Substitute new Time Tracking System Overview) What you can expect during this transition Key contacts and communication protocols How to navigate the new workflow with ESS Refer a Substitute Incentives A Q&A session to address your specific questions
Gaston County Schools Partners with ESS to Manage Its Substitute ProgramWe are excited to announce a training session specifically for financial secretaries to learn all about our new partnership with ESS—the company that will now be managing our district’s substitute teacher... Read More →
Procurement - It's a Thriller!! Full of Suspense & Intrigue!! Join us for this three-act play starring budgeting, procurement and Title I highlights. Critics Claim: "It will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered... Ready to conquer the world of Oracle..."
School Funds Online is better than ever! Come join us as we discuss how to upload backup documents into SFO and answer any question you may have concerning setting up fees in SchoolCash Online for the 2025/2026 school year.
- This session is geared especially for School Financial Secretaries, as the content is tailored to their responsibilities. Space is limited, so we want to ensure that those who need this class most have first priority. If you're in a different role and would like to attend, please reach out to Benita Cooper or Jodi Brookshire. Final participation decisions will be at the speaker's discretion.
