Friday Notes from Guilford County Schools

October 12, 2007

Our Vision, Mission/Thematic Goals and Core Values

Our vision – what we will become, Our mission/thematic goals- how we will get there -- Our
core values - what we believe -- solidify the underlying foundation for all Guilford County Schools’ decisions and actions.

New Administrative Assignments

Effective October 15, the following administrative assignments will be made:

• Ralph Kitley, current principal at The Middle College of Entertainment and Technology at GTCC since 2005, is being assigned as principal at Southeast High.  Mr. Kitley came to GCS in 1998 as an assistant principal at Northwest High School.

• Jennifer Topper, former principal at Sedalia Elementary as well as the founding principal of The Middle College at GTCC - Greensboro, will be assigned as principal of The Middle College of Entertainment and Technology at GTCC.  Mrs. Topper was the principal at Six Mile Charter Academy in Ft. Myers, Florida over the past 16 months.

• Patrice Faison, current assistant principal at Ragsdale High, is the new Academy at Smith principal.  Ms. Faison has been a teacher in GCS, and worked at NC A&T State University as a clinical professor prior to rejoining the organization as an assistant principal.

For more information, please call Dr. Peggy Thompson, Chief Human Resource Officer at 370-8340. 

National School Lunch Week is October 15-19

Next week starts a week-long recognition of the National School Lunch Program that began in 1946 as an effort to improve the health of the nation’s young people reporting to the military. Studies show that healthy foods go hand in hand with the ability of students to perform well in school.

GCS is proud of its many employees who work hard each day to ensure students have quality nutrition. GCS serves approximately 52,000 lunches daily. Nationwide, 29 million children are served school lunch every day.

Click here to read more about the importance of school meals. For more information, please contact Cynthia Sevier, Director of Nutritional Services, at 370-3257.

Student Communicator Meeting

Last week, I met with student communicators at Southwest High. The idea behind these meetings is for me to hear and discuss students’ thoughts, ideas and issues. The brainstorming sessions last about 90 minutes and are excellent opportunities for students to speak directly to me on issues that are of concern. Many thanks to Principal Alan Parker for his help in hosting this event. Please contact me at 370-8992, if you have any questions.

Alderman Superhero is October Volunteer of the Month

Alderman Elementary would not be the same without the smiling face and helping hand of Wanda Cornwell.  The longtime volunteer is considered a superhero by staff, students and parents. Each day during the school week, she helps students in class and makes sure they have supplies they need.  In the evening, you might find her cheering on her students at a game or birthday party, attending a book fair, fall festival or PTA meeting.

For her commitment and dedication to the Alderman family, Wanda is the October Volunteer of the Month. As Volunteer of the Month, Cornwell received a $25 gift card from American Express, which has partnered with GCS to support the volunteer recognition program. Her photo will hang at the district’s three main offices during the month of October. In addition, the Guilford County Board of Education recognized her at its October 9 meeting.

Click here to nominate a person for Volunteer of the Month. For more information, please contact Lynne Brandon, Program Administrator – Communications, at 370-8353.

Assistant Principal at Eastern High is Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Leigh Hebbard, assistant principal at Eastern High! A GCS employee for more than a decade and a key figure in reuniting the school after the fire, Leigh was named the district’s Employee of the Month for October 2007. As Employee of the Month, he was awarded a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club and was recognized by the Board of Education at its October 9 meeting. His photo will hang at the district’s central offices and at the Wendover Avenue Sam’s Club in the month of October. Watch for coverage of the Employee of the Month on GCSTV2!

We want to hear about employees who are extraordinary in their jobs! To nominate a GCS employee who goes above and beyond the call of duty, click here to submit your nomination form online. For more information, please contact Lillian M. Govus, Program Administrator – Communications, at 370-8997.

Exceptional Children’s Teacher of Excellence

The Department of Exceptional Children is pleased to announce that Betty Tarantelli of Gateway Education Center is the recipient of the 2007-08 Teacher of Excellence Award.  Betty is a 31-year veteran teacher of special education in both New York and North Carolina.  Though she has taught all areas across the EC spectrum, she currently teaches elementary students who have multiple disabilities. 

Betty’s classroom is noted for the organized fun and focus on instruction.  Parents and families consistently remark that having  “Miss Betty” in their lives has given them opportunities to see their child involved in activities that they never thought their child would be able to accomplish.

The Exceptional Children Division of the State Department of Public Instruction will pay tribute to the EC Teachers of Excellence from across the state at the 57th Annual Conference on Exceptional Children held on November 12-13 at Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.  For more information, please contact Betty Anne Chandler, Executive Director for Exceptional Children, at chandlb@gcsnc.com or 370-2323.  

Campaign Promoting GCS Receives Communicator Award of Distinction

Action Greensboro’s Businesses for Excellence in Education received an Award of Distinction from the 13th Annual Communicator Awards for its “Striving. Achieving. Excelling.”  campaign that called attention to the improving performance of GCS. Businesses for Excellence in Education is an Action Greensboro initiative comprised of area companies dedicated to fostering achievement and excellence in GCS.

The “Striving. Achieving. Excelling.”  campaign was a year-long effort conceived and implemented by Greensboro marketing communications agency Bouvier Kelly, Inc. to promote the successes and increase positive perceptions of GCS. The campaign targeted local business leaders and decision makers and featured snapshots of students, teachers and innovations that demonstrate how children and schools strive, achieve and excel.

The Award of Distinction is given to campaigns that go above and beyond the industry standards of excellence for marketing communications.  For more information, please contact Sonya Conway, Chief District Relations Officer, at 370-8386.

Mission Possible Half-Day Professional Development

This week, teachers from NC A&T Middle College and Bennett Middle College participated in a Cumulative Effect Seminar Series session on Cooperative Learning.  Next week, all other Mission Possible and Cumulative Effect School teachers will engage in a repeat of this same session hosted by the GCS Professional Development department.  The purpose of the seminar series is to provide teachers with pedagogical approaches to learning that utilize research-based strategies to improve student achievement.  Click here to view all Mission Possible training sessions.  For more information about Mission Possible or this announcement, please contact Dr. Amy Holcombe, Director of Mission Possible, at 335-3294 or by e-mail at holcoma@gcsnc.com.

Flu Shots

BlueCross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and the State Health Plan are once again offering free flu shots to active employees, spouses and children who are enrolled in the state health insurance. GCS has established 21 flu shot clinics.  Information and schedules have been sent via e-mail to all employees. GCS employees who prefer to receive their free flu shots from their doctors’ offices may do so if the shots are given by the nurses.  For more information, please contact Patty Kinkade, Director of Benefits, at 370-8092.

Retirement Seminar

The first retirement seminar of the 2007-08 school year will be held on October 18, from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the PTA Room at the Eugene Street Central Office.  For more information, please contact Patty Kinkade, Director of Benefits, at 370-8092.

Eastern Guilford High Groundbreaking Ceremony

Although construction has been well underway, Eastern Guilford High students were given an opportunity to participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking on Thursday, October 11.  With construction equipment and an army of construction workers in the background, Dr. Travis Reeves, Principal, honored local government officials, school administrators, design and construction crews, and members of the Facilities Construction staff.  Students equipped with band instruments, poems, and speeches marked this special occasion.  The EGHS Vocal Ensemble delivered a captivating performance of “One Moment in Time.”  Everyone was excited and look forward to the day they can walk into the new Eastern Guilford High. For more information, please contact Dr. Reeves at 449-6311.

UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor to Speak at Smith High

Chancellor James Moeser from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will visit Smith High from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on October 15. He will talk to students about the importance of attending college and promote the National College Advising Corps, which was launched this year. Through this program, recent Carolina graduates help high school students plan college searches, complete admissions and financial-aid applications and overcome obstacles that might discourage them from continuing their education.

The program has advisers in eight schools in Alamance, Chatham, Durham and Guilford counties. Each adviser serves two schools in each county. Camille Cates is the adviser in Guilford County, and she serves Smith High and Dudley High. The program seeks to increase the number of low-income and first-generation-college students enrolling in two- and four-year colleges and universities. For more information, please contact Dr. Noah Rogers, Principal, at 294-7300 or Haley Miller, Program Administrator-Communications, at 370-3200.

National Lecturer Speaks to Teaching Diverse Student Populations 

Join GCS for a lecture on October 24 by Dr. Edwin J. Nichols, Clinical Industrial Psychologist, for a lecture/workshop, entitled Developing Models for Teaching Diverse Student Populations. Dr. Nichols is recognized nationally and internationally for his work in helping organizations achieve systemic congruence and cultural competence. 
The program will be held in Hairston Middle’s Amphitheater at 3911 Naco Road, Greensboro, from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.  It is free and open to the public. The lecture kicks off a month-long series of events in recognition of Diversity Awareness Month. For more information, please contact Monica Walker, Diversity Officer, at 370-3284.

GCS Staff to Participate in Teaching American History Project Seminar

On October 12 and 13, the Teaching American History Project will present its first seminar hosted by the High Point Museum entitled “The New Nation: 1789-1820.” Presenters include Dr. Michelle Ungurait, GCS Office of Curriculum, among others.

The Teaching American History Project is a three-year program made possible by a Teaching American History grant.  The program is designed to help participating teachers from across the country expand their content knowledge of U.S. history and learn strategies to improve student achievement. The second seminar, hosted by Guilford College, is scheduled for November 2 and 3.  For more information, please contact Morris Johnson, Project Coordinator, at 317-1199 or johnsom@gcsnc.com.

Target Corporation Offers Student Field Trip Grant Program

The Target Field Trip Grant program awards grants to schools across the United States for field trips in the spring of 2008. Grant-funded field trips may involve museum, environmental or science projects as well as artistic and cultural experiences; and civics or community service projects. Grants may not be used for salaries or equipment. The application deadline is November 1, 2007. Click here to apply. For more information, please contact Cecilia Adams, Manager of Community Partnerships, at 370-8355.

High School Student Video Contest

Crumley and Associates and the Crib to College Foundation are seeking high school students to enter the “My PSA Contest.” Students will create their own video public service announcement on the dangers of teen drinking and driving. Winners will receive a cash prize and see their video air on local television stations. You must submit your letter of intent by October 29. Click here for more information or contact Cecilia Adams, Manager of Community Partnerships, at 370-8355.

Junior League to Fund GCS DonorsChoose Projects

The Junior League of Greensboro is supporting education this year by funding $7,500 in Guilford County teachers’ projects through www.DonorsChoose.org.  DonorsChoose.org is a nonprofit Web site that allows teachers to post requests for needed classroom materials - from books and art supplies to microscopes and technology. If you have any questions, please e-mail Melanie Duppins, Teacher Engagement Manager, at northcarolina@donorschoose.org.

Click here to submit a proposal.  The submission deadline is October 31. For more information, please contact Cecilia Adams, Manager of Community Partnerships, at 370-8355.

Board Vice Chair Participates in Leadership Symposium

The second One Guilford: A Leadership Symposium is scheduled for October 17 from 9 a.m. to noon in Dana Auditorium at Guilford College. The community forum will focus on education and the local economy and provide an opportunity to interact with local business leaders and educators. Amos Quick, Vice Chairman of the Board of Education, will discuss what it will take to educate Guilford County's young people to meet challenges and reap rewards in the future.  

Breakout sessions will allow participants to explore this issue as well as the new Millennium Campus, Aerotropolis and the High Point International Home Furnishing Market. Dr. Julianne Malveaux, president of Bennett College for Women, will discuss conclusions from the breakouts at the closing session. The event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the News & Record and Guilford College. For more information about the event, go to  www.news-record.com.

Enrichment Fund Scholarship Bonus Round

The Enrichment Fund is extending another opportunity to apply for classroom fieldtrip scholarships. If your school has any fieldtrip scheduled from November 5 through December 31, please make sure teachers know that money is available to help low income students. Click here for an application form and instructions. The application deadline is October 26. For more information, please contact Cecilia Adams, Manager of Community Partnerships, at 370-8355.

Licensure Link Added to GCS Website

A link to licensure information has been added to the GCS Web site.  Please visit the new site at http://www.gcsnc.com/HR/licensure.htm to obtain useful information regarding PRAXIS II testing, Regional Alternative Licensing Centers and licensure renewal.  For more information, please contact Alison Yates, Director of Staffing, at 370-8094.

GCS Adds Vietnamese Component to its Web Site

In GCS, there are more than 70 languages spoken in classrooms throughout the district. Besides English, the top five languages include: Spanish, Vietnamese, Urdu, Arabic and French. Reaching this diverse population is essential to the continued success of our students. As such, vital pages of the Web site are now translated into Vietnamese. Spanish translations were added in September.

Within the coming months, major components of the Web site will also be translated into Urdu, Arabic and French. The new, multi-lingual site is just part of the many efforts within GCS to expand communication efforts to non-English speakers. For more information, please contact Haley Miller, Program Administrator-Communications, at 370-3200.

GCS to Provide Wireless Access to Secondary Schools

By the end of the 2007-08 academic year, all middle and high schools in Guilford County will have campus-wide wireless access. Currently, all high schools have wireless “hot spots.” The “hot spots” provide students, teachers and vendors wireless access in various areas in the schools, including: media centers, administrative areas and cafeterias.

Campus-wide wireless access will include all classrooms. Northern High will be first to acquire a campus-wide wireless network this fall. Teachers will also benefit from technology advancements. GCS and Cisco Learning Institute will provide 20 math teachers in elementary and middle schools a laptop, Web cam and data projector to integrate technology into their curriculum. Cisco has agreed to provide all 140 laptops for this project.

In addition to enhancing wireless capabilities, over the next three years, the district will provide an additional computer lab in each middle and high school. Within the district, there are approximately 24,000 computers, and more than 99 percent of all classrooms have access to the Internet, e-mail and other software applications. For more information, please contact Dr. Terrence Young, Chief Information and Special Projects Officer, at 370-2308 or Haley Miller, Program Administrator-Communications, at 370-3200.

GCSTV 2

Building Futures—Your Construction Update with Lillian Govus

Tour Guilford County’s newest schools, Guilford Elementary and Reedy Fork Elementary. This show airs daily at 8 a.m., noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

2007-08 Teacher of the Year / Principal of the Year

Take a look at the videos presented at the recent Wachovia Best in Class Award. Each video features vignettes of the five finalists.  Also shown are Principal of the Year nominees and individual schools’ Teacher of the Year winners. These videos run daily beginning at 8:30 a.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Live Early Morning Telecast of Board of Education Meeting

GCSTV 2 will broadcast a special called meeting of the GCS Board of Education scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 17.  Encore presentations of the telecast will be broadcast on Thursday, October 18 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Saturday, October 20 at 1 p.m.

GTCC Telecourse

Watch TV for college credit!  Six nights a week, GCS partners with Guilford Technical Community College’s distance learning program. The programs air Sunday through Friday at 10 p.m. until midnight.

GCS/ABC 45 Partnership Continues

GCS continues its partnership with ABC 45 television to share the current news and feature stories about our district. The segments run on ABC 45 (Cable Channel 7) during “Good Morning America” each Wednesday and Friday at 7:25 a.m. and 8:25 a.m. Also, learn more about GCS by tuning in to GCSTV 2 (Cable Channel 2).

Energy Saving Schools
The recent dedication of the new Reedy Fork Elementary School continues to usher in a new era in energy conservation within GCS. See how environmentally friendly building techniques and features within this school enhance the learning environment and saves money. This newsbreak airs Wednesday, October 17.

Bobcats and Bluford
Professional athletics comes to GCS via the Charlotte Bobcats basketball team. It just so happens that the team’s Chief Operating Officer attended Bluford Elementary while growing up in Greensboro.  He returned recently with some members of the team to give back to the school that gave him so much as a child. This newsbreak airs Friday, October 19.

For more information, please contact Leonard Simpson, Broadcast Production Manager, at 370-8167.

NON-GCS EDUCATIONAL NEWS

NYC to Build Subsidized Apartments for Educators

New York City is building 234 low-cost Bronx apartments for educators to help entice math, science and special-education teachers to work in New York. Starting salaries are now $42,512, which has forced many teachers to move outside of the city -- or to other districts -- in search of affordable housing. Click here to read more.

North Carolina to Spearhead Online Early-College Program

North Carolina will soon launch a Web site that will allow high schoolers to take online college classes with their teachers on hand to help. The program allows students to earn their high school diploma and an associate degree in five years. Click here to read more.

Study: Parents Make the Difference in Performance

Poor students who attend private and parochial schools scored about the same as their peers at urban public schools, according to a Center on Education Policy study released today. This study suggests that parental participation and other family characteristics account for differences in performance among poor students. Click here to read more.

 Challenges to School-Integration Efforts Grow Stronger

White parents are increasingly resistant to school integration plans, and many are citing the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on the use of race in school assignments. Parent Kevin Keating is considering suing his suburban Boston district over its plan to reassign Keating's son to a historically black school he calls inferior. Click here to read more.

Lotteries Account for Less than 1% of K-12 Revenue...NC is No Different

North Carolina found itself on the front page of the New York Times on Sunday, and not in a good way. Governor Mike Easley and our state's lottery starred in a story on how lotteries nationwide are not generating the kind of money it was believed they would. Being the most recent state to implement a statewide lottery, North Carolina seemed a logical target.

Based on the New York Times article, 23 of the 42 states that have lotteries have earmarked all or some of the money for education. A New York Times examination of lottery documents, as well as interviews with lottery administrators and analysts, reports that state lotteries account for less than 1 percent or less of the total revenue for K-12 education in these states that use this money for schools.

Some state lotteries have fallen short of projections. In North Carolina, where officials projected the lottery to generate up to $500 million a year for education, revenue reached a mere $300 million in its first full year of operation.

To make up for the shortfalls, the Times review of the 42 states with lotteries found that nearly all have increased payouts and lowered the percentage going to school programs. North Carolina has followed suit this year by agreeing to increase lottery prizes while reducing the percentage of lottery dollars going to education. The premise behind the decision was by raising payouts, the state would see an increase in customer traffic.

As in the other 41 states, North Carolina now faces the battle in proving that the lottery will be a winner for voters. Click here to read more.