GCS News Briefs

April 18, 2008

Did You Know?

The 2008 bond referendum includes $34 million in new special needs facilities. Click here for more information on 2008 bond projects.

Board of Education Seeks Input for New Superintendent

The Guilford County Board of Education continues to seek input from the community on characteristics needed for its educational leader. The last three public forums are next week: 

Monday, April 21 at 7 p.m., public forum, Northeast High (auditorium)
Tuesday, April 22 at 7 p.m., public forum, Southeast Middle (media center)
Wednesday, April 23 at 7 p.m., public forum, Northwest High (media center)

The forums are supported by the following organizations: Guilford Education Alliance, Guilford County Council of PTAs, Guilford County Association of Educators, Black Child Development, Inc. and the men’s ministries of Mt. Zion and New Light Baptist Churches. For more information, please contact Cecilia Adams, manager of community partnerships, at 370-8355.

Teacher Working Conditions Survey Available

The 2008 Teacher Working Conditions Survey is available for educators to complete at www.ncteachingconditions.org through April 21. The survey gathers feedback from the state’s teaching professionals to help shape state education policy, strengthen classroom working conditions and enhance the learning environment for students. To date, 69% of GCS teachers have completed the survey.

The survey includes several new features in order to ensure all educators have the opportunity to participate in creating supportive environments for all North Carolina educators. All schools with 100 percent participation are eligible for a weekly drawing of a $1,000 grant to improve teaching conditions. Additionally, educators from those schools are eligible for a weekly cash prize of $1,000 and are eligible for a grand prize: a $2,500 plasma TV from AT&T at the end of the survey. Survey results will be ready for release on June 1, 2008.

For survey assistance, call the toll-free help desk at 877-NCTWC08 or 877-628-9208.  The help desk is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the administration of the survey. For more information, please contact Haley Miller, program administrator – communications, at 370-3200.

State ABCs and AYP Models for 2007-08

The North Carolina State Board of Education (NCSBE) approved a change in the 2007-08 ABCs growth model which takes into consideration the new end-of-grade (EOG) Reading Test being administered this year to Grades 3-8. For this school year only, the NCSBE has decided not to include the EOG reading test scores in the ABCs growth calculations. However, the EOG reading score will still be included in the performance composite (PC) for schools. All other components of performance composite and growth calculations should remain the same for this year. Click here to view table one (ABC).

Currently, NCSBE and the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) are working to adjust NC AYP models for the 2007-08 school year. NCSBE has asked to exclude EOG Reading (Grades 3-8) in AYP this year. The changes, if approved (It may not be), would reduce the hurdle number of AYP by half for elementary and middle schools.  Additionally, the NCSBE is awaiting approval for an adjustment of the High School Annual Measurable Objectives (AMOs) – Percentage Proficiency AYP targets. The changes, if approved, would serve to lower the subgroup AYP bar under a higher proficiency standard. This may result in more high schools being able to reach AYP in comparing to the result under the current targets. Click here to view table two (AYP). For more information, please contact Dr. Gongshu Zhang, chief accountability and research officer, at 370-8323.

Upcoming AP and IB Exams

On May 3, high school students will begin taking their Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.  Recently, over 100 AP and IB teachers gathered at Western High and shared strategies and materials to help students with their exam review efforts.

Also, letters were mailed to 542 seniors reminding them of their potentially eligibility for the Crown Automotive Cool to Be Smart event on August 3.  Students must earn a total of five qualifying scores on AP and IB exams (3 or higher for AP exams, 4 or higher for IB exams) to receive an invitation, recognition as a GCS Distinguished Scholar and have a chance to win prizes, including a new car from Crown Automotive.  If you have questions, please contact Ashly Morrison, AP/IB coordinator, at 370-8244 or by e-mail at morrisa@gcsnc.com.

Four Seasons Town Centre to Host Character Education Night

Four Seasons Town Centre is teaming up with GCS to honor students who are making a positive social and ethical impact in the community.  In conjunction with the GCS Character Education Grant Schools, the mall will host the first “Character Education Parent Night” on Thursday, April 24, from 6 -7:30 p.m. at the center court amphitheater.

The parent night event is a culmination of a weeklong celebration of character education in the schools, from April 21 through April 25.  Each day during the week, schools will recognize a different character trait – respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, caring and citizenship. During parent night festivities, students and staff will receive awards for student essay and poster contests, a staff bulletin board contest, a student of character and a staff member of character. Meanwhile, student essays and artwork will be on display at the mall throughout the week of the April 21. For more information, please contact Samara Johnson, supervisor of secondary counseling, at 370-2331.

Summer School Applications Now Accepted

The staffing department is accepting applications from employees interested in summer school employment.  Those interested should submit the on-line application accessible on the GCS Web site under “Employees” and “Summer School Application.”  Deadline for submitting a summer school application is Wednesday, April 23 at 5 p.m.  Principals/Supervisors will select summer school staff by May 14.  Summer school begins on July 1 for employees and July 2 for students and will run through July 30 for students and July 31 for employees. Hours of operation for summer school are 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. for elementary schools and 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for middle and high schools.  For more information, please contact Alison Yates, director of staffing, at 370-8094.   

GCS Asks Students To Be The Influence

On Saturday, April 19 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Students Mentoring Awareness Resource Teams (S.M.A.R.T.) from across the district will come together for the third annual S.M.A.R.T. Summit, part of GCS’ ongoing efforts to encourage students to remain free of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. The summit will take place at the North Carolina A&T State University Alumni-Foundation Event Center, 200 N. Benbow Road, Greensboro, NC.

As part of this year’s theme, “Be the influence…reading between the lines,” S.M.A.R.T. students will perform skits designed to motivate and educate other students and parents on how to address trends in substance use. In addition, Keith Davis, a former NFL player for the New York Giants, will inspire students to see their potential and live for the future, not just for the moment.

The S.M.A.R.T. program is a comprehensive substance abuse prevention, intervention and tobacco cessation and referral program funded by the Moses Cone-Wesley Long Community Health Foundation. For more information, please contact Vernice Thomas, safe & drug free schools program supervisor, at 621-4026.

Local Teens Work to Reduce Disproportionate Suspension Rates

Six Guilford County high school students were chosen to work as Youth Ambassadors as a part of a grant awarded to the Center for Youth, Family and Community Partnerships at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) from the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission (NC GCC).

Students Christa Fairbanks from Eastern High, James Lamar Gibson from The Middle College at NC A & T, Arlicia Lindsey from Andrews High, Darrell Palmer and Austin Smith from Dudley High, and Deante Tyler from Grimsley High were chosen to be in the class of Ambassadors based on their extraordinary leadership qualities and ability to raise awareness among their peers.

This is the third year of student involvement in this initiative, which features projects such as a series of youth-led “Study Circles” to bring peers together to discuss current issues facing youth in Guilford County.  UNCG will collect information from these “Study Circles,” present the data to various groups in Guilford County and give a report to the NC Governor’s Crime Commission.

For more information, contact Kelly Graves, UNCG Center for Youth, Family and Community Partnerships, at 217-9713, kngrave3@uncg.edu or Cecilia Adams, manager of community partnerships, at 370-8355.

Western High Band Competes in All-Star Festival

The Western High Band competed in the national All-Star Festival in Orlando, FL the weekend of April 12.  The band won first place in their class with a superior rating, the highest rating possible. They then went on to win the grand championship for the instrumental division. Students were exceptional in performance as well as attitude and behavior.  For more information, please contact Principal Richard Armstrong at 316-5800 or Kendra March, instructional improvement officer, at 370-8107.

Northwest High Students and Faculty Honored for Unity Day

The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) of the Piedmont Triad today honored students and faculty leaders at Northwest High for their work with Unity Day.

Forty teens from the school acted as peer facilitators last month for discussions on racism and school climate with Northwest’s 600+ freshmen.  The student facilitators were members of the Leadership Class and ANYTOWN graduates, NCCJ’s flagship summer program. Unity Day showcased Northwest students as leaders and positive role models.  The program targeted the entire freshman class, exposing all students to ideas of respect and understanding. 

Freshmen spent approximately 90 minutes in discussions and games with their student leaders.  Unity Day provided raw data that the Leadership Class will use to assess NWHS’s human relations school climate and to devise a plan of action to address human relations issues of concern.  For more information, please contact Principal Angelo Kidd at 605-3300.

Lindley Elementary to Celebrate 80th Anniversary

Students, faculty and the Parent Teacher Association will celebrate Lindley’s 80th anniversary on Friday, April 25 at 1:30 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheater. In conjunction with Earth Day, the event will feature a tree planting ceremony. All former principals and teachers are encouraged to attend and will be honored for their contributions to Lindley. For more information, please contact Principal Merrie Conaway at 294-7360.

Grimsley High Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Awarded

The Grimsley Army Junior ROTC program was reviewed during the annual formal inspection on Thursday, April 8. The cadets received the Honor Unit with Distinction, the highest rating awarded by the United States Army Cadet Command for their scores in academics, special areas, military marching, appearance and attendance. For more information, please contact Lieutenant Colonel James Davis, senior Army instructor, at 370-8180.

Jackson Middle Student Recognized for Volunteer Work and Efforts

Darnella Reeder, an eighth-grade student at Jackson Middle, was recognized by the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) for her volunteer work and efforts in preventing school violence. Reeder received the 2007-08 National SAVE “Student of the Year” Award for outstanding performance and lasting contributions to the school, community and students and for exemplifying the ideals of SAVE. 

Reeder’s award was announced at the 12th Annual SAVE Summit, and Dr. Pamela Riley, executive director of SAVE, presented the award to Reeder this morning in Jackson’s media center.

“Darnella takes pride in her position as president of the Jackson SAVE Club,” said Keith G. Pemberton, Jackson school social worker and one of the SAVE advisors. “She is passionate and genuine when learning and sharing the SAVE message with the student body.”

For more information, contact Haley Miller, program administer – communications, at 370-3200.

Robotics Team Competes on TV and the Web

The Early College at Guilford (ECG) FIRST Robotics team, comprised of students from 10 different GCS high schools, will participate in the “Superbowl of Smarts,” the FIRST Championship, this weekend at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.  The team qualified for the Championship by receiving the Engineering Inspiration Award at the Peachtree Regional in March. Viewers can watch the competition on NASA TV or on NASA’s Web site.  The Webcast runs from approximately 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.  Look for the ECG team (Team 1533) on the Curie field. For more information, please contact Principal Charles Blanchard at 316-2860.

Teaching American History Project Explores the History of the American West

The Teaching American History Project will hold its fourth seminar on April 25-26.  GCS and the Charlotte Hawkins Museum will host high school U.S. history teachers and historical professionals from across the county for presentations and discussions addressing “The Great West and the Rise of the Debtor, 1860-1896.”  Presenters include professors of history from North Carolina A&T, Guilford College, High Point University, Winston-Salem State University and Elon University.  The Teaching American History Project is a three-year program made possible by a Teaching American History Grant.  The project helps participating teachers expand their understanding of U.S. History and learn strategies to improve student achievement. For more information, contact Morris Johnson, TAH project coordinator, at 317-1199 or johnsom@gcsnc.com.

Elementary Math Team Works with ESL Teachers to Bridge the Vocabulary Gap

Recently, the elementary math team from Curriculum & Instruction met with the elementary English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers from across the county. Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) developed a flexible schedule that allowed participants a chance to work with multiple math concepts in an interactive and engaging way.  This workshop provided the teachers an opportunity to work with math manipulatives to strengthen their understanding of math curriculum and vocabulary.

Curriculum specialists Julie Gordon, Natalie Stewart, Randy Morgan and Meredith Chandler provided the teachers with multiple vocabulary words and strategies that supported the Standard Course of Study for grades 3-5. They also demonstrated various math manipulatives and how to incorporate them easily. Math manipulatives are highly engaging and are excellent tools in providing concrete instruction in vocabulary development.  

Collaborating with the ESL department to improve student achievement is an exciting component of the mission in C&I. Ensuring that students receive excellent math instruction with an emphasis on manipulatives, vocabulary and cooperative learning will lessen the anxiety that ESL children encounter when faced with mathematics. For more information, please contact Meredith Candler, curriculum specialist, at 336-370-2364.

2008 Piedmont Young Writers’ Conference

On Saturday, April 12, more than 165 Guilford County elementary and middle school students participated in the 2008 Piedmont Young Writers’ Conference. The conference is hosted annually by UNC-G and included five Piedmont school districts; including Guilford, Alamance-Burlington, Asheboro City, Davidson County and Randolph County and several private schools. The conference brought together children from grades three through eight for a series of workshops related to reading, writing and art facilitated by guest experts in the field. Student representatives from each school worked in teams of three to seven members, along with a project coordinator, to write and illustrate their own books using the guidelines of Scholastic’s Kids Are Authors contest. These books were incorporated as a presentation by the team in a workshop session.  For more information, please contact Cheryl Lynch, curriculum specialist, at 370-3272.

Employee Self Service Link  

A new link has been added to the district’s Web site under the “Employee” page.  Employees can click on the “Employee Self Service” link to access their continuing education unit history (CEU).  Employees must enter their last name and the last five digits of their social security number in order to view the information.  Please note that this link can only be accessed within the GCS firewall.  Those employees at Middle College sites and other satellite locations will not be able to access the link unless you use a computer within the firewall.  The link is not accessible from your home computer. If you experience difficulty in accessing this information, please call the Staffing Office at 378-8806.  For more information, please contact Alison Yates, director of staffing, at 370-8094.   

GCSTV 2

2008 Bond Presentation

GCS faces significant enrollment growth with a pressing need to upgrade or replace aging facilities and build new schools. This presentation outlines some of those needs included in a proposed school bond referendum for 2008. This program runs five times daily:  Tuesday through Thursday at 1:10 a.m., 7:16 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 7:47 p.m. and 9:17 p.m., and Friday through Monday at 1:10 a.m., 7:16 a.m., 11:38 a.m., 7:51 p.m. and 9:17 p.m.  

Planning the Best Schools

While GCS is in need of new schools and upgrades at existing schools, planning for those improvements is no small task. District facilities managers are gathering with the community as well as construction industry representatives to discuss what to include to provide the best schools possible.  This program runs daily at 5:57 p.m.

Building Futures-Your Construction Update

See how our community has provided for the education of our children in this latest edition of Building Futures. In this program see the finished product of three new GCS schools built with funds from the 2003 Bond. This is telecast daily at 8:01a.m., 4:01p.m. and 8:01 p.m.

The Economic Impact of GCS 

As one of the major employers in the Piedmont Triad, GCS has a tremendous impact on our economy.  See how the numbers stack up in this special presentation by a noted UNCG economist. This program runs Friday through Monday at 12:01 p.m., 6:01 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:01 p.m. and 9:40 p.m. 

Eat Smart-Move More

The right nutrition is important to maintain good health.  GCS offers some healthy advice on choosing the right foods and portion sizes to cut down on the extra fat and calories that may be lurking in our diets.  Join Registered Dietitian Amanda Hester and Ashley Mathis for our series: Eat Smart. Your guide to healthier eating runs daily at 6:57 a.m., 7:56 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday at 9:52 p.m. and Friday through Monday at 9:55 p.m.

Employee of the Month-Tom Anderson

He gives a lot and gets a lot in return. Tom Anderson is recognized as the GCS Employee of the Month for April 2008.  With infinite patience and a special knowledge of how to help children overcome obstacles, Anderson works to improve not only the lives of his students at McIver Education Center and their parents.  This program runs daily at 7:27 a.m., 12:56 p.m. and 7:10 p.m.

GCSTV 2 & ABC-45

GCS continues its partnership with ABC-45 television to share the following current news and feature stories about our district. The segments air on ABC-45 (Cable Channel 7) during Good Morning America each Wednesday and Friday at 7:25 a.m. and 8:25 a.m.

Aviation Academy Preview
GCS’ Magnet/Choice schools selection gets bigger as the Andrews Aviation Academy begins classes later this year. Take a tour and see what’s offered students interested in broadening their career choices where the sky is literally the limit. This Newsbreak airs Wednesday, April 23.

Students “On Stage”   
GCS students show their talents as they take the stage at Greensboro’s War Memorial Auditorium for “On Stage.” The talent showcase sponsored by the Guilford Education Alliance and GCS provides our community with an opportunity to see a showcase of the talented students in our schools. This Newsbreak airs Friday, April 25.

For more information, please contact Leonard Simpson, broadcast production manager, at 370-8167.