Friday Notes from Guilford County Schools

December 21, 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.

Happy Holidays

I wish you a safe holiday season filled with peace and happiness as you spend time with loved ones. I look forward to the New Year with all of its hopes and promises for success! Please be reminded that GCS central offices will be closed from December 24 through January 1, reopening on Tuesday, January 2, 2008.  See you in the New Year!

Learn and Earn Online

Governor Mike Easley asked that we share the following information with you.  This year, North Carolina high school students have the opportunity to get a jumpstart on college while they are still in high school. Learn and Earn Online is North Carolina’s new program that allows high school students who have completed the prerequisite courses to take online college level classes at no charge. The General Assembly has provided the funds to make this possible. These classes count toward high school graduation requirements and also earn college credit.

The goal of Learn and Earn is to allow students to actually get an Associate Degree or two years of college credit with just one additional year of study at high school. Learn and Earn Online is a partnership of the governor’s office, the state Department of Public Instruction, the University of North Carolina and the Department of Community Colleges. This innovative partnership provides access to courses during the regular school day. Students can take courses online through the community colleges or the University of North Carolina-Greensboro’s UNCG-i program.

Nearly 300 high schools are now participating in Learn and Earn Online, and all high schools are expected to take part by next year. There is a broad range of course offerings, from computer programming, psychology and criminology, to physical fitness, instructor pilot flight theory and business law. You can view the list of participating schools and the available online courses at: www.ncpublicschools.org/learnandearnonline.

The guidance counselor at your high school can help you find out more about Learn and Earn Online and how to get your child registered for next semester’s classes. Deadlines for class registration vary by school.

Mission Possible High School Math Teachers Upgraded to 21st Century Classrooms

Math teachers at all Mission Possible high schools have been upgraded to 21st Century classrooms.  The 78 Mission Possible high school math teachers will utilize interactive technologies to increase student achievement.  Technology additions in each classroom include an interactive Promethean whiteboard, LCD projector, interactive student response system, a Bluetooth slate, document camera and online curriculum resources.  Teachers will participate in hands-on training with Promethean Consultants during the first week of January.  Click here to register. For more information about these 21st Century Classrooms or the Mission Possible program, please contact Dr. Amy Holcombe at 335-3294, or  holcoma@gcsnc.com. 

Igniting Creative Energy Challenge

Johnson Controls, in partnership with the National Energy Foundation, invites students to participate in the annual Igniting Creative Energy Challenge. Students must use their creative talents to communicate their energy ideas and actions to win. The winner will have their work published and win a prize package valued at $1,000. Additionally, three students and one teacher will win a trip to Hawaii. Winners will also participate in the national Energy Efficient Forum in Washington, D.C.
For more information about how to enter the completion go to www.ignitingcreativeenergy.org. Submissions must be marked on or before January 31, 2008.

Read Across America

The Literacy Empowerment Foundation (LEF), a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, invites your schools to apply for free books for Read Across America Day. During the past year, LEF has distributed over three million books to schools all across the country for Read Across America Day and other literacy projects. Please share this important information with your fellow educators. Orders must be received by February 10, 2008. To order go to http://literacyhelp.org.

Support our Schools through DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose.org is an organization pioneered by teachers who saw first-hand the scarcity of materials in public schools and the impact on students’ education. To address the problem, DonorsChoose.org was started. DonorsChoose.org is a simple way to provide teachers and students with the resources they need that will expand their minds and level of learning by connecting classrooms in need with individuals who want to help. Local businesses such as the Summit Rotary Club and the Junior League of Greensboro are funding multiple classroom projects, and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro has generously set aside matching funds. For more information, go to guilfordeducationalliance.org and click on the Donors Choose link to make your contribution. You may also call the Guilford Education Alliance at 841-4332 or email info@guilfordeducationalliance.org

All-Terrain Vehicles

Our friends at NC State University have asked that I remind everyone of North Carolina’s new ATV safety bill, SB 189.  The law requires that North Carolina ATV operators born on or after January 1, 1990 possess a safety course certificate that indicates they have successfully completed an ATV safety course sponsored or approved by the ATV Safety Institute. 

According to NC State, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data show that 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned-against behaviors.  These behaviors include: not wearing a helmet, riding on public roads, carrying a passenger on a single-rider ATV, youth riding unsupervised, riding with no formal ATV training and riding the wrong size ATV.  Approximately 90 percent of youth ATV-related injuries occur when a child under the age of 16 is operating an adult sized ATV, meaning that the engine size is greater than 90 cubic centimeters. Those interested in learning more about the ATV Safety Institute’s ATV RiderCourse, please call 800-887-2887.

Southeast High Hosts Key Communicator Meeting

I recently met with teachers at Southeast High to hear and discuss their thoughts, ideas and issues. This brainstorming session lasted about 90 minutes and was an excellent opportunity for teachers to share with me topics that are of concern. Many thanks to Principal Ralph Kitley for his help in hosting this productive session. Please call me at 370-8992 should you have any questions.

Kernodle Teacher Wins Marcellus E. Waddill Teaching Award

Sally Smith is the recipient of the Marcellus E. Waddill Excellence in Teaching Award given to Wake Forest alumni who are making a difference in education. She also received $20,000 from the university. Smith is a sixth-grade teacher at Kernodle Middle and uses games, interactive activities and demonstrations to teach concepts to her students and also makes home visits to parents to ensure academic success. Smith received the award in October, named for a retired Wake Forest University professor. The Board of Education recognized Smith for her contribution to education at its December 20 meeting.

GCS Educators Receive National Board Certification 

GCS is proud to announce that 61 teachers from our district are recipients of the National Board certification. To earn certification, teachers must demonstrate teaching practice, content knowledge and professional growth through an extensive series of performance-based assessments. 
 
Guilford County had the third-largest number of teachers in the state to earn certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards this year. National Board certification is the most accepted symbol of teaching excellence in the US. The Board of Education recognized the teachers at its December 20 meeting. The GCS Class of 2007 National Board Certified Teachers are as follows:

For more information, please contact Karen Boyd, Induction and Success office, at boydk@gcsnc.com. 

Northern Middle Teacher is North Carolina Middle School PE Teacher of the Year

Russ McHenry, physical education (PE) teacher at Northern Middle, was named the North Carolina Middle School PE Teacher of the Year by the Physical Education Association. Russ was selected for conducting a quality physical education program, using various teaching methods and planning innovative experiences to meet the needs of all students. He was also cited for serving as a positive role model for physical education, participating in professional development opportunities and providing service to the profession through leadership, presentations and/or writing. He received the award at the North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance state conference in November. Additionally, McHenry was recognized at the December 20 board of education meeting. For more information, please contact Haley Miller, Program Administrator-Communications, at 370-3200.

GCSTV 2 

New Teacher Supply Warehouse

The district’s new Teacher Supply Warehouse is now open providing traditional school supplies and more to teachers at Title 1 schools. Through the generosity of contributions from businesses and individuals, GCS has a more efficient way to link donated school supplies to the children who need them. The goal is to open the warehouse to more schools as donations increase. This program airs Friday through Monday at 9:30 a.m.         

Employee of the Month

Duane Lewis has the respect of his students and his peers. His hard work as a social worker at the Middle College at North Carolina A&T earns him the honor of December Employee of the Month. This program airs daily at 6 a.m., 9:58 a.m., 12:50 p.m., 3:58 p.m., 6:57 p.m. and 9:58 p.m.   

Education Matters

The significance of an education in our society is undeniable. That is why support for our schools is so important. This presentation outlines how GCS schools are funded relative to other districts in the state and how important it is to understand the educational issues we face.  This program airs Friday through Monday at 8:44 p.m. 

Building on Our Strengths     

Our schools outperform the state average on ABC rankings and surpass the state’s largest school district on Average Yearly Performance. Watch Building on Our Strengths to learn what is right with our schools and our community, as well as areas that need improvement. This program airs daily at 9:02 a.m. and 9:34 p.m.

Tus Hijos y Guilford County Schools

Join host Karin Young for this latest edition of our program that addresses the issues important to our newest students. This edition of Tus Hijos y GCS (Your Children and Guilford County Schools) highlights how parents and students alike can get more involved with their schools.  The program is broadcast in Spanish and English daily at: 1 a.m., 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.  

All County Festival Chorus

Join us for this sample of the musical talent of GCS students. The 2007-08 High School All- County Festival Chorus performs in a fall concert at Grimsley High. This program airs daily at noon.

The Performance of Our Students

This Power Point presentation analyzes the results of GCS test performance with a breakdown on how individual schools scored on Average Yearly Performance and ABC tests. The presentation airs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:32 a.m. 

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).

Children Helping Children
It has become a tradition of the season at Lindley Elementary. Pre-k students plan their trip, follow their budget and walk to a local grocer to buy food for children who otherwise may have to go without during the holidays. This newsbreak airs Wednesday, December 26.

Celebrating Together
Facing a health threat is a bit easier when one has the love and support of family and friends.  This brave young student has both as she nears the completion of her treatment. She is joined by scores of fellow students who help her celebrate.  This newsbreak airs Friday, December 28.
For more information, please contact Leonard Simpson, Broadcast Production Manager, at 370-8167.  

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

NON-GCS EDUCATIONAL NEWS

Scholarship Opportunity

The North Carolina Association for Educational Communications & Technology (NCAECT) is offering two, $2,000 scholarships. One will be awarded to a student pursuing a graduate degree/certification in Instructional Technology and the other will be awarded to a student pursuing a graduate degree/certification in School Library Media. The deadline to apply is January 10. Application details are available online at http://www.ncaect.org/scholarship.html.

Nomination Period for the Class of 2010 Kenan Fellows Now Open

The Kenan Fellows Program is an innovative model that promotes teacher leadership, addresses teacher retention and advances K-12 science, technology and mathematics education. Kenan Fellows are public school teachers selected through a competitive process to participate in a prestigious two-year fellowship - all while remaining active in the classroom. During these two years, Kenan Fellows work in partnership with distinguished scientists, university faculty, and the NC Department of Public Instruction, developing curriculum and teaching resources that bring cutting-edge research into the hands of students. School administrators, community leaders, parents of students, and former Kenan Fellows may nominate candidates by visiting the Kenan Fellows Program Web site at http://www.ncsu.edu/kenanfellows/join/apply.htm and clicking on the nomination form link. Nominees will be notified by email and subsequently invited to complete an online application. Teachers, if you wish to be nominated, please contact an eligible nominator now so that they can begin the process. Check the Nomination FAQs at http://www.ncsu.edu/kenanfellows/join/apply.htm#nomination for information your nominator will need to complete the online form. Fellowships will be tied to regions of the state and, in some cases, only residents of certain counties may apply. Over the two-year fellowship period, Kenan Fellows will receive a $10,000 stipend, use of a laptop, and graduate credit for completing their research project. Applications are due January 24.

North Carolina Parents Challenge District's Diversity Policy

A North Carolina parent group along with three area mayors are calling for an end to policy that would introduce more low-income students and English-language learners to their schools. The student-reassignment policy in Wake County is meant to diversify schools, school board leaders said, but parent group leaders said the money would be better spent on reducing class size in high-poverty schools as a way to bolster academic achievement there. Click here to read more.

New Policy Pays Off for Prince George's Schools

Prince George's County high schools gave a record 5,589 college-level tests this year, as part of school Superintendent John E. Deasy's effort to strengthen Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs in every school in the district. The new exam total, part of The Washington Post's annual Challenge Index survey, reflected in part Prince George's new policy of paying the testing fees for all AP and IB courses. The only other district in Washington's Maryland suburbs to do that is St. Mary's County, although it also requires that AP and IB students take the tests. Prince George's follows the more common practice of strongly encouraging students to take the tests. Click here to read more.

Bonuses Attract Few Veteran Teachers to Tough Dallas Posts

Only 65 veteran Dallas teachers accepted $6,000 annual bonuses this year to transfer to the district's 16 most struggling schools. The bonuses helped the schools fill vacant teaching jobs, administrators say, but researchers says such bonuses would need to equal roughly 45% of base pay before most experienced teachers would seriously consider moving to a failing school. Click here to read more.

Virtual Symposium on Differentiated Instruction

ASCD's Virtual Symposium features the session "Action Planning for Differentiated Instruction and Understanding by Design: Implementing What You've Learned at the Classroom Level." During this session, Carol Ann Tomlinson shares her insights and expertise as she guides educators in planning their next steps in implementing differentiated instruction and Understanding by Design in their classroom. Click here to read more.

Differentiated Instruction Professional Development Opportunity

NCDPI’s middle and high school English Language Arts staff are sponsoring a Focus on Literacy Institute, “A Different Take ­ Improving Instruction Through Differentiated Instruction,” on February 14-15, from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., at the Pinehurst Inn, Pinehurst. Institute topics include: learning teaching theories and discovering what research says about differentiated instruction, learning how formative assessment can lead to and support differentiated instruction, and learning essential elements for implementing effective differentiated instruction with some attention given to reading and writing instruction. There is a $300 per person, non-refundable registration fee. The registration deadline is January 20. For hotel reservations, contact the Pinehurst Inn at 910-295-6811 by January 14 and ask for the NCDPI Workshop room block ($63.75 plus tax). For more information, including a registration form, please go online to http://community.learnnc.org/dpi/ela and click on the appropriate download link.

Poor Neighborhoods Hurt Students More Than Low Income, Study Finds

The isolation and limitations imposed by a poor neighborhood do more damage to a child's verbal and cognitive skills than does a family's low income, according to a new study.  Researchers found that children in Chicago who spent most of their lives in segregated, low-income communities posted lower verbal scores than did children who lived in better communities. This was true whether the children's families were low- or middle-income.  And youngsters who moved into these segregated, troubled communities saw their progress slip suggesting that the neighborhood social problems -- violence, segregation and lack of good schools -- are the roots of the problem. Click here to read more.

A Fifth of U.S. School Dropouts May be Gifted Students

Bored and frustrated, some gifted students may earn poor grades because they have grown apathetic about their school work or because they lack the study skills they never needed to acquire to keep up as younger learners, advocates of gifted students say. "Clearly there's a problem there," said Jill Adrian of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, a nonprofit founded to serve neglected and underserved gifted and talented children. "If we don't meet the needs in the classrooms, they often tune out." Click here to read more.