GCS Insider - Making a Difference

Making a Difference: Dr. Richard Thomas

 

He was a university professor who walked away from a job that could lead to tenure. His reason was to teach high school, because he thought he’d have a greater impact on young minds. This is someone who really cares about teaching. This is Dr. Richard Thomas.

Dr. Thomas, or “Dr. T” as his students affectionately call him, came to Northwest High School in 2006 with the intent to impact students of all ages. That’s why he teaches on all four grade levels. Students sense the passion Thomas puts in his work and repay him with respect. “We have discussions that are deeper than surface- level, and he makes what we are studying interesting,” said a student in Thomas’ honors biology class.
Thomas mixes lectures with field trips to get students out of the classroom and in touch with the natural world. His asks his students to keep nature journals.  According to Thomas, “Journaling heightens their awareness and teaches them to look for change in nature.”  Change is a theme that Thomas encourages students to embrace. “I am teaching a class on global climate to address the continuing changes the world is experiencing. This generation is more aware of earth issues, and I try to keep my classes informed. This is a subject I want them to think about.”

His influence goes beyond the classroom. Former students stay in touch, and Thomas is a regular fixture at sporting events. He keeps a bulletin board in his classroom filled with news clippings highlighting students’ achievements in sports. “Dr. Thomas is an outstanding educator,“ said Principal Angelo Kidd. “Not only does he give his students support in the classroom, he also supports them in extra-curricular events.”

Former students say Thomas leaves a lasting impression.  According to Chad Campbell, GCS media manager, “I can honestly say that Dr. Thomas was one of the most influential individuals in my life. As a teacher, he taught me to think. As a coach, he motivated me to win. As a friend, he inspired me to make a difference.”

 

Do you know GCS employees that should be spotlighted for their efforts on and off the job? Contact Lynne Brandon at 370-8353 or brandol@gcsnc.com to share their stories.

 

 

GCS Insider - Employee of the Month

 

Numerous nominations poured in on this dynamic band director’s behalf, many from students and many from parents, but they all credit Charles Butler with the same thing: teaching students at Smith discipline and respect while giving them a sense of value. Many students credit him with keeping them in school and setting them on a path to success.

 

 “Charles Butler is a pillar in our school and community,” Principal Noah Rogers said. “He engages our students in academic and extracurricular activities. He is able to communicate effectively and reach the needs of all learners from all walks of our great community.” 

 

The secret to Butler’s success is in the relationships he builds with his students. He treats them all as if they were his own children, and he shows interest and concern in all aspects of their lives. His wife described a man who cares deeply for the children he teaches, but also spends nights awake wondering how he can do more not only for the students, but also for his coworkers. Because of Butler’s endless dedication and remarkable ability to inspire and guide children, he was selected as the district’s Employee of the Month.  

 

As Employee of the Month, Butler received a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, which has generously partnered with GCS to support the employee recognition program. In addition, the Guilford County Board of Education will recognize Butler at its February 7 meeting. 

 

Do you know someone in the school district’s workforce who goes above and beyond the call of duty? The GCS Employee of the Month program, sponsored by Sam’s Club, recognizes an employee each month who:

 

• Demonstrates excellence in his/her job

• Exhibits a “teamwork” attitude

• Has made a significant contribution to the school district, employees, students and/or the community

• Enthusiastically supports the mission of GCS

 Full-time or part-time GCS employees may be nominated. All nominations must be received by the 10th day of each month. Nomination forms are available at the GCS central office locations and at the district’s schools. Nominations may also be submitted online at http://www.gcsnc.com/employees/emp_month/emp_month.htm.

 

 

 

 

GCS Insider - Three Unique Magnet Themes

They’ve prepared for months, and this Saturday, they get their time to shine. GCS magnet schools and high school options show what they have to offer to prospective students and their parents during the annual Magnet Fair, Saturday, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  at the Koury Convention Center.
GCS offers magnet or high school options at 44 schools across the district. Here is a closer look at the schools participating in this weekend’s fair.

Welborn Middle Science and Technology Academy

The district recently chose Welborn Middle as its newest science and technology magnet school, and Principal Lori Bolds couldn’t be happier. It’s a challenge that she and her staff welcomed. “We needed to know how to effectively implement the magnet theme,” said Bolds. “We had a lot of work to do.” The school began their transition by putting together project teams and visiting other science and technology magnet schools in the state.

“We presented the information we gathered to our leadership team of teachers and parents,” said Bolds. Out of these meetings and staff discussions came suggestions on curriculum and classes. As a result, the school plans to offers studies in forensic science, physics, digital photography and Web design.

Welborn sixth-grade teacher Angela McNeill looks forward to expanding the use of technology in her classes. Already, her students are hooked on high tech learning. According to McNeill, “My students love to use the Smart Board in the classroom. When I pull out my laptop, their faces light up with joy.”

Peeler Open School for the Performing Arts

At the end of this school year, Peeler’s fifth graders graduate as the first class to complete five years of keyboard and violin. That’s a point of pride for the school and for Marta Richardson who teaches violin at Peeler. “After years of working with a child, it is a privilege to stand back and see the accomplishments – especially the growth in self-esteem and engagement. I am constantly in awe.”

Peeler’s staff concentrates on educating the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically and academically – while placing a strong emphasis on creative exploration. According to Principal William Matson, “Peeler is a school that raises questions about its purpose and what we are trying to accomplish. Accountability for all staff is high because at the end of the day, we want parents to be confident that we are teaching and treating their children well.”

Grimsley High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme

Did you know that the only IB Islamic history course offered in a North American high school is taught right here at Grimsley?  Just ask Bud Harrelson, Grimsley’s IB coordinator and IB teacher. Harrelson is equally proud of next year’s IB Astronomy course– Grimsley is the second school in the world to offer this course. 

“Our world-wide curriculum prepares students to be global citizens,” said Harrelson.  Students in the program are motivated to learn, and teachers are eager to meet the students’ expectations. “Our methods are like peeling away the layers of an onion,” Harrelson explained. “We continually ask students ‘why,’ and in the long run, it builds their self-confidence. “

Three schools with three different approaches to education – three of the many GCS choices parents can explore this Saturday during the Magnet Fair.

 

2008 Spring Magnet Fair

• Highlighting more than 40 magnet schools and schools of choice, including six new schools.
• Informed staff on hand to answer questions about magnet schools and high school options.

WHEN:           February 9, 2008
TIME:             10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE:        Koury Convention Center, Greensboro

For more information, please contact Tony Burks, Director of Magnet Schools and High School Options, at 378-8832.

 

Important Magnet Dates:
Magnet Mondays

• February 11, 18 and March 3
• Times and Locations Vary
• Click here to view the schedule for Magnet Mondays

Magnet Open Houses

• Dates, Times and Locations Vary
• Click here to view the schedule

Regional High School Options Nights

• Dates, Times and Locations Vary
• Click here to view the schedule
  

Application Periods and Due Dates
Magnet schools (elementary and middle)

• February 9 to March 7, 2008.  Magnet school applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 7.

High school options

• February 1 to March 21, 2008. High school options applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 21.

 

 

GCS Insider - Quick Notes

 

February 2008

 

Black History Month
National Children’s Dental Health Month

• 4          Rosa Parks' Birthday
• 4-8       National School Counseling Week
• 12        Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
• 17        PTA Founder’s Day
• 18        President’s Day
• 22        George Washington’s Birthday
• 29        Leap Year

 

National School Counseling Week
National School Counseling Week is a time to recognize and honor the tremendous impact our counselors make in the lives of our students.

School counselors are experienced educators specially trained in guidance and counseling. They work tirelessly to help students find their strengths and interests, while working with parents and teachers on behalf of the student – not to mention the immense contribution they make during testing periods.
So, the next time you pass your school counselor in the hall, shout out a big “thank-you” for all these special people do.

 

GCS Transfer Fair

The district hosts its annual Transfer Fair on February 25th from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at Westover Church, 505 Muirs Chapel Road, Greensboro.

For more details, please contact the Office of Employment at work@gcsnc.com.

 

“Get Healthy Guilford” Contest Challenges GCS Employees

The “Get Healthy Guilford” contest challenges citizens of Guilford County and GCS employees to eat smart and move more. GCS employees are accepting the challenge to “eat smart & move more” by eating moderate food portions and engaging in moderate exercise for at least four days each week for 10 consecutive weeks. GCS employees who complete the challenge are eligible for prizes given by the coalition (Guilford County residents only) and GCS.  Employees must work at least 20 hours each week and earned pro-rated benefits to be eligible to participate. The contest is from February 4 - April 13. 

GCS will award a grand prize winner a weekend for two at the Inn at Biltmore Estate in Asheville.  For additional information, contact Patty Kinkade, Director of Benefits, at 370-8092.

 

GCS Insider - Cornerstone

Discipline and Health

By John Holt, Cornerstone Psychological Services

  

Once again, the holiday season is behind us, and spring is fast approaching. And once again, many of us have made New Year’s resolutions to get more exercise, eat a healthier diet and lose weight. But how do we do it? There are many temptations and threats that can derail our efforts such as our own physical and emotional needs, as well as those of spouse and kids. There is the kindness of coworkers who bring food to share, the stress of business meals, having dinner with friends and eating while on vacation. Television snacking, cruise ship spreads and physical illness also affect our appetites.

 

It doesn’t matter what diet or exercise program you choose. Really. It doesn’t. Because the only way to lose weight is to consume less calories than you burn in a day. If you do that, you will lose weight, no matter what you eat. And in a similar vein, the only way to become more physically fit is to exercise. Period.

 

Okay, I know. You know that already. So, how do we hold onto the changes we’ve made and not slip back into old habits? Well, like many things the answer is easy, the application harder. The real challenge is to have and maintain the continual focus and discipline to control your calorie intake balanced with your level of exercise, which also takes discipline. With each and every food and exercise decision, ask yourself if what you are about to do will help you meet your lifestyle goal.

 

If you think about it, success in any activity boils down to having the discipline to make the right choices all day long, every day. If you do, you will be successful, guaranteed. If you don't, you won't.

 

But having that discipline is not easy in the face of our daily challenges. You need to explore your reasons and motivations for change: barriers and benefits, triggers and habits, what you will give up and what you will get. But the bottom line is that you have to do it for yourself. You must make losing weight and being healthier important and thereby a priority in your life. And it will likely be a wholesale change. Dieting is a misnomer because it implies something short term. You should think in terms of a lifestyle change.

 

Making the long-term changes necessary may seem daunting, but don’t forget that you have already faced and overcome personal and professional challenges. You have persevered and met goals. You have the ability. You just need to make it habit and make it happen.

 John Holt, Cornerstone Psychological Services (CPS). CPS is the district’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers five free counseling sessions per year to eligible employees and/or immediate family members. Call CPS at 540-9400 for information.