Friday Notes from Guilford County Schools

October 5, 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.

GCS College Night 2007
GCS held its annual College Night on Tuesday, October 2 at the Greensboro Coliseum in the Pavilion. This event drew nearly 4,000 participants. Admissions counselors from more than 150 post-secondary educational institutions such as universities, colleges, community and technical colleges, junior colleges and the military were available to answer questions and provide the participants with informational materials, applications and scholarship information.

A representative from College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) held mini-sessions during the evening on post-secondary financial aid opportunities. CFNC also provided materials to participants on career and academic planning, along with information on scholarships, grants, loan programs, and tuition payment plans.

The Kiwanis Club of Greensboro sponsors this event each year for students of Guilford County. Committed to service, Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. For more information, please contact Gwen Willis in Student Services at 370-8397 or Samara Johnson in Counseling Services at 370-2332. 

October is National Diversity Awareness Month
As October is national Diversity Awareness Month, it seems an opportune time to highlight many of the upcoming initiatives planned by the GCS Diversity Office. Initiatives include training, lecture/workshops, partnering with Bennett College for Women for the launch of its PowerGirls leadership initiative for young women, participating in a nationwide inclusion campaign in November and others.

• Diversity Training at the following GCS locations: Erwin Montessori, Brown Summit Middle, Jamestown Middle, Cone Elementary, Northwest Middle, Weaver Academy, Northeast Middle, Welborn Middle and Southwest High. Several of these schools are receiving diversity training for their faculty, while others are receiving training for their leadership or PBS teams. The training calendar is still open for participation. Contact Mildred Wiggins, Diversity Office Support, at 370-3284 to participate.
• Lecture on October 24 by Dr. Edwin J. Nichols, Clinical Industrial Psychologist, who will present a lecture/workshop addressing Developing Models for Teaching Diverse Student Populations. The program will be held at Hairston Middle’s Amphitheater at 3911 Naco Road, from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Dr. Nichols is recognized nationally and internationally for his work in helping organizations achieve systemic congruence and cultural competence.
• GCS is a network partner with Johnnetta B. Cole’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Institute’s POWERGIRLS Network. The PowerGirls Global Leadership Network connects young women from local communities and expands globally, pushing young women to set a new standard for excellence. Through mentoring, character development and exposure to professional excellence, PowerGirls Network seeks to arm young women with the knowledge and readiness for competition and excellence in the workplace and world place. GCS has been offered an exclusive invitation to have our female (ages nine-12) girls serve as the Home Network to the project. Participation in the project includes: subscription to the PowerGirls magazine, access to an internet based multimedia network, potential scholarships, eligibility to participate in a summer leadership institute and an annual global summit.
• The diversity office encourages GCS high schools and middle schools to consider participating in the nationally sponsored “Mix It Up” Day, November 13, 2007. Mix It Up is a nationwide campaign that supports students who want to identify, question and cross social boundaries that separate them from each other and help build inclusive welcoming and learning environments. In 2006, an estimated four million students from more than 10,000 schools participated in Mix It Up at Lunch Day. To participate, log onto www.mixitup.org, to receive a planner pack and more details.

For more information, please contact Monica Walker, Diversity Officer, at 370-3284.

Advanced Placement Saturday Celebrates the AP Program
On Saturday, September 29, 2007, more than 180 Advanced Placement (AP) teachers, counselors and administrators from across the county came together at Ragsdale High to learn from one another how to raise participation and achievement in Advanced Placement courses and to celebrate our great successes. Dr. Calvin Mackie addressed the group with his motivational message about the importance of a rigorous education for all our students. After starting college in remedial reading because of weak SAT scores, Calvin Mackie earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and a B.S. in Mathematics from Morehouse College in 1990, a M.S. in 1992 and a Ph.D. in 1996 in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech. Mackie was featured prominently on the HBO world premiere of Spike Lee’s Katrina documentary, “When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Parts” and most recently, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco appointed Dr. Mackie to the 33-member board, the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA), the guiding agency to lead the state's rebuilding efforts following the catastrophic Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

After Dr. Mackie’s keynote, teachers attended breakout sessions in 21 different areas representing AP courses offered in the district led by lead GCS teachers. The teachers focused on three different themes: 1) using data to increase achievement, 2) reaching non-traditional AP students and 3) networking in the content areas. Then the group came together for lunch and awards. Sixty one teachers received $150 in instructional supplies for meeting or exceeding the national average; ten teachers received $100 in instructional supplies through a drawing; two teachers won a trip to the national AP Conference this summer in Seattle, Washington and one teacher won a laptop. In addition, each of the following schools was recognized and received $1000 in instructional supplies for their AP classes.

• Northwest Guilford High – greatest increase in duplicated number (+ 329 AP exams) from last year and greatest increase in unduplicated number (+ 136 AP students) from May 2006 – May 2007
• Eastern Guilford High - increase in AP exam pass percentage of 8 percent from May 2006 – May 2007 despite the extraordinary circumstances faced by the students and staff
• Page High – greatest increase in AP exam pass percentage (12 percent) from May 2006 – May 2007

For more information, please contact Dr. Jane Fleming, Executive Director for Advanced Learning, at 370-2316.

Page High School Recognized for AP Success
Page High is recognized as having the highest increase (12 percent) among the county high schools in the number of students earning college credit for their AP exams. Along with this honor, the College Board has recognized 111 Page students as AP Scholars, AP Scholars of Honor or AP Scholars of Distinction.

Page is also proud of having three students earn the recognition of AP national scholars. The recognition requires a student to earn a score of four or better on a minimum of eight AP exams. This honor is earned by only .017 percent of the AP students in America. This is the seventh year in a row that Page students have earned this outstanding national award. For more information, please contact John Meyer, AP/IB Coordinator, at 370-4908.

Accomplished Author Shares Message with Ferndale Middle Students
Ferndale Middle students and staff were mesmerized by the inspirational and motivational life of Walter Aikens. Mr. Aikens is the founder of the program, The Hero Factor, a nonprofit organization designed to provide mentoring for at-risk adolescent males from single parent homes. He uses his life experiences to help shape and mold the lives of young people throughout Guilford County. Additionally, he uses the game of chess to capture the hearts and minds of students and to examine the relationship between the game and real life.

In addition to being an entrepreneur, Mr. Aikens is a published author. As part of his presentation, he gave selected students an autographed copy of his book, “The Purpose of Knowledge, What Every Human Should Know.” Mr. Aikens also shared his motto, “finish what you start” and other valuable keys to accomplishing goals. For more information, please contact Lowana Wade, CIS coordinator, at 819-2855.

2007 Magnet Fair Showcase
Mark your calendar for the fall magnet showcase to be held October 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at High Point Central in the women's gymnasium. Choosing the best school is one of the most important decisions parents must make. The showcase will educate parents about magnet and choice school offerings in GCS. Magnets and schools of choice allow students in K-12 to participate in academic interests in special learning environments.

The 2007 magnet showcase will group schools at tables/booths according to the 17 different available themes:

• Communications
• Leadership
• Traditional
• Newcomers
• Global Studies
• Montessori
• International Baccalaureate
• Science
• Spanish Immersion
• Mandarin Chinese
• Arts – Elementary
• Arts – Secondary
• Advanced Academics
• Career and Technical
• Education and Science
• Single-Gender Middle College
• Middle College
  

GCS is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship. For more information, please contact Tony Burks, Director of Magnet of Choice Schools, at 378-8832.

Irving Park Elementary Launches Lunch and Learn Program with Senator Kay Hagan
Senator Kay Hagan will kick off the Irving Park Elementary Lunch and Learn program on October 9. The program is sponsored by the PTA in support of the Pirate Buck program. The purpose of the Lunch and Learn program is to connect Irving Park students with community leaders and professionals. The program rewards students for good deeds and/or good behavior at school by receiving a Pirate Buck, which is a piece of paper resembling a dollar with a pirate on it. A student can receive a Pirate Buck for performing acts of kindness such as holding the door open for someone or using manners that exceeds staff expectations.

Pirate Buck recipient names will go into a weekly drawing for a chance to win lunch at school with a community leader or professional. Pirate Buck winners are drawn from each class at every grade level. From this group, two students’ names will be drawn, one each from grades K-2 and grades 3-5, to receive lunch in the school cafeteria with a special guest as well as a trophy.

Business positions that will be represented in the “Lunch & Learn” program include:

• ballet dancer
• artist
• judge
• Assistant District Attorney
• firefighter
• international business leaders
• interior designers
• mortgage banker
• news editor/reporter/journalist
• director of National Civil Rights Museum
• police officers
• football coach
• retired NFL football player
• film producer

If you would like to volunteer as a special lunch guest, please E-mail Paige Enochs, at Paige.Mullis@glenraven.com

GCSTV 2

Building Futures - Construction Update
They are among the newer GCS schools. Both feature innovative construction methods and energy efficiency. Come along on this guided tour of Guilford Elementary and Reedy Fork Elementary as we highlight how these facilities serve our growing school district. 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 Wachovia Best in Class Awards ceremony September 26. 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.

Board of Education
The next board meeting airs live beginning at 6 p.m. on October 9. Subsequent showings preempt regular programming beginning at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on October 10 and 1 p.m. on October 13. Scheduled recognitions include: GCS Employee of the Month, GCS Volunteer of the Month and GCS Principal of the Year and finalists.

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).

Celebrate Excellence
Four GCSTV 2 cameras captured GCS’ biggest pep rally, the annual Celebration of Excellence. Watch as the 15 most-improved schools are cheered and honored. This newsbreak airs Wednesday, October 10.

Ribbon Cuttings
Guilford County’s recent school dedications are highlighted. This newsbreak airs Friday, October 12.

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

NON-GCS EDUCATIONAL NEWS

How to Motivate Struggling Students
Children lacking motivation aren't lazy, says special educator and author Richard Lavoie, they just believe that investing in themselves is a waste of time. It's important for educators to develop motivational techniques that balance support and challenge, especially for kids unmotivated by traditional reward systems. Click here to read more.

 
South Carolina Pioneers in Single Gender Classes
Boys and girls are usually seen as different entities requiring different needs, especially when compared to planets (Venus, Mars, etc.). One educator, David Chadwell, believes this extends to learning styles and therefore thinks that the best way to engage and educate students is to do so in classrooms tailored to each gender, reports Seanna Adcox of the Associated Press. Chadwell, the country’s first and only statewide coordinator of single-gender education, wants South Carolina to lead the country in offering single gender programs, and new rules under the No Child Left Behind Act have made it easier to implement same-sex education. Chadwell believes that separating the sexes, especially during the middle school years, can free children of self-doubt and peer pressure and provide lessons geared uniquely to that sex. Boys don't appear to hear as well as girls and thus would be taught through microphones. Boys also tend to have more difficulty paying attention, so teachers would incorporate movement into a lesson, such as throwing a ball to a student who has been called upon. South Carolina teachers in all-girl classrooms have learned to speak more softly, as girls tend to take yelling more personally. In some South Carolina schools, boys learn algebra through skateboard parts and measuring tape, while girls learn fractions by interviewing each other and using their surveys to determine the fraction of girls who have dogs. While same-sex education seems to be an interesting phenomenon, there are detractors. Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization of Women, questions whether single gender programs’ successes are due simply to good teachers and smaller classes, not sex segregation. However, a Columbia, S.C. parent, who was initially hesitant about same-sex education, said his daughter has flourished because she wasn't self-conscious of boys’ opinions of her and consequently became more engaged in school activities and has gained additional confidence. Quinn Martin, an eighth-grade boy, said he started making the honor roll after entering an all-boys program, saying "it’s easier to learn." Still, there is one undeniable benefit to same-sex education: less hair pulling. Click here to read more.

Program Provides Blueprint for Recruiting Minorities to Science and Engineering
An initiative funded by the National Science Foundation and NASA has developed research over the past 11 years detailing successful strategies for increasing the ranks of underrepresented minority students in science and engineering fields, reports Science Daily. The results, based on five minority-serving institutions, show that underrepresented minority enrollment in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) coursework increased at a higher rate than total STEM enrollment. In fact, the total number of bachelor’s STEM degrees increased by 44 percent from 1994-95 to 2004-05. These results are especially noteworthy, as the percentages of bachelor’s science and engineering degrees have remained static for nearly 40 years. The program, called Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE), was effective because it helped bridge the transition from high school to college by training teachers and offering summer orientation programs. In addition, the MIE Program provided mentors and tutors opportunities for group study and advice on financial aid to college students. The institutions offer the minority community and those institutions that serve them a model that could encourage greater enrollment and completion of the STEM disciplines. Click here to read more.

Bonuses to Help Recruit Teachers
Tennessee schools will offer teacher pay incentives under a new state law aimed at attracting educators to tough-to-fill subjects and schools and rewarding top performers. But the measure is being criticized by union officials, who say it's unfair and only masks the state's bigger problem -- Tennessee teachers are not paid a competitive salary. This year, the legislature ordered school districts to develop plans that would offer bonuses for teachers in math, science, special education and other subjects. Guidelines being drafted so districts can develop their own plans say incentives could include student loan forgiveness, signing bonuses and raises. Tennessee joins about 20 other states that have enacted or discussed such a pay plan, said James Guthrie, director of the Peabody Center for Education Policy at Vanderbilt University. Click here to read more.

Competition Opens for Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships
Administered by the National Research Council (NRC), the Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships seek to increase the diversity of U.S. college and university faculties by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity to maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students. To facilitate these goals, NRC awards fellowships at the pre-doctoral, dissertation and postdoctoral levels to students who demonstrate excellence, a commitment to diversity and a desire to enter the professoriate.

The program makes the following annual awards: approximately 60 pre-doctoral awards of $20,000 per year for up to three years (Deadline: November 15, 2007); approximately 35 dissertation awards of $21,000 for one year (Deadline: November 29, 2007) and approximately 20 postdoctoral awards of $40,000 each for one year (Deadline: November 29, 2007). All citizens or nationals of the United States regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation are eligible to apply. Applicants should have evidence of superior academic achievement; be committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level; be enrolled in or plan to enroll in an eligible research-based program leading to a Ph.D. or Sc.D. degree at a U.S. educational institution and have not earned a doctoral degree at any time, in any field. For complete program information and application procedures, visit the Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowship’s Home Page.