GCS News Briefs

June 13, 2008

A Year to Remember, Footprints of Success

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of more than 71,000 students and 10,000 employees, the 2007-08 school year was filled with remarkable triumphs and unforgettable events. During the course of one school year, Guilford County Schools (GCS) opened nine new facilities, Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and ABC results were better than ever and Guilford County voters approved $457 million in school construction bonds.

As the school year winds down, GCS celebrates its 2007-08 accomplishments. Click here to follow the pathway on the district’s year-in-review journey. For more information, please contact Haley Miller, program administrator, communications, at 370-3200.

GCS Graduation Rate 2007 vs. 2006

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) used the True Ninth Grade Cohort method for the first time to calculate the 2006-07 graduation rate.  In the table below, NCDPI used the same method to re-calculate the 2005-06 rate which allows for a true comparison.

The official 2005-06 graduation rate, which used a simple method for calculation, is posted on the NCDPI Web site. For more information, please contact Dr. Gongshu Zhang, chief accountability and research officer, at 370-8323.

New Administrative Assignments

The district is pleased to announce the following administrative assignments for the 2008-09 school year:

Central Office

• Barbara Zwadyk becomes the new High School Curriculum Officer, effective July 10, 2008. She is a former assistant superintendent of instructional services with the Winston Salem Forsyth County Schools.
• Phyllis Martin becomes the new High School Instructional Improvement Officer, effective July 1, 2008. She is the former principal at Dudley High.

Principals (effective July 1, 2008)

• Richard Thomae becomes the new principal at Murphey Traditional Academy. He is the former assistant principal at Northwest Middle.
• Mark Harris becomes the new principal at Ferndale Middle. He is the former principal at Murphey Traditional Academy.
• Shelley Nixon-Greene becomes the new principal at Penn-Griffin School for the Arts. She is the former principal at Johnson St. Global Studies.
• Jesse Pratt becomes the new principal at Dudley High. He is the former principal at The Middle College at NC A&T.
• Anna Brady becomes the new principal at Grimsley High. She is the former principal at Weaver Academy.
• Kevin Fleming becomes the new principal at The Middle College at GTCC - Greensboro. He was the former principal at Grimsley High.
• Eric Hines becomes the new principal at The Middle College at NC A&T. He is the former assistant principal at Andrews High.
• Pete Kashubara becomes the new principal at Weaver Academy. He is the former principal at The Middle College at GTCC - Greensboro.

For more information, please contact Dr. Peggy Thompson, chief human resources officer, at 370-8340.

Northwest High Students Present to N.C. Board of Education

On Wednesday, June 4, two Northwest High students, Ashley Pope and Vernon Depee, presented at the N.C. Board of Education meeting, along with Susan Weatherly, Cisco Academy Manager of Atlanta, GA, and Kirsten Weeks, Cisco Public Relations Manager at Research Triangle Park in Raleigh, NC. Their presentation outlined the benefits of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Networking Engineering/Cisco Academy courses in GCS.

Ashley told board members: “I signed up for networking my sophomore year because I knew I wanted to do something with computers.  I had an interest in computers, and I always wanted to learn more about how to use the computer and learn new things.”  Accompanied by her parents, Ashley continued by stating, “I signed up for Networking II my junior year, and I plan to take Networking III my senior year.  Cisco dramatically improved their product from my sophomore year to my junior year with virtual labs in the curriculum and clearer text with actual pictures that described its processes." 

As a former student at Northwest High, Vernon completed Cisco Networking Engineering courses at Weaver Academy. Because of the Cisco training he received while in high school, he is working as an intern at Cisco in Raleigh and completing his degree at North Carolina State University. Vernon told the school board how much he valued the knowledge obtained from these courses along with the support received from his instructor, Reza Mohammadi, at Weaver Academy.

These two students represented GCS and the Cisco Network Engineering program exceptionally well, and we are proud of their accomplishments. They are preparing already for high-skill, high-wage careers.  We appreciate their willingness to share with the N.C. Board of Education the benefits of this CTE course of study available to students in GCS. For more information, please contact Sylvia Anderson, director of college tech prep, at 370-8357.

GCS Career and Technical Education (CTE) Students State Winners

A Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) is an integral part of each program area in CTE.  The courses are designed to develop citizenship, technical, leadership, and teamwork skills essential for students who are preparing for the workforce and further education.

The following CTE students from Southeast High were winners in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State competitions:

• Cera Allred, Bronze Medal, Early Childhood Education
• Krystal Amick, Silver Medal, Focus on Children, Occupational Division
• Aleigh Kubala and Chelsea Dowda, Silver Medal, Illustrated Talk, Occupational Division
• Taylor Cahill and Shanel Walden, Silver Medal, Focus on Children, Senior Division

Congratulations to the students and their CTSO advisors, Valerie Williams and Cathy Garrett, who displayed leadership and initiative by participating in these competitions.  For more information, please contact Sylvia Anderson, director of College Tech Prep, at 370-8357.

Nine Schools Receive National Endowment for the Humanities Grant

Nine of GCS schools will receive a Picturing America Grant, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), conducted in cooperation with the American Library Association.  According to the NEH, the Picturing America initiative is “an innovative program that helps teach American history and provides students with a gateway to the broader world of the humanities.” This fall, recipients will get reproductions of 40 carefully selected works of art spanning several centuries. In addition to the large, high-quality reproductions, each school receives a teacher’s resource book containing lesson plans and materials.  According to NEH Chairman Bruce Cole, the Picturing America resource “provides an innovative way to experience America’s history through our nation’s art.”

The following teachers/media specialists submitted successful grant applications:

• Tonya Monroe and Iris Boyd, Aycock Middle
• Kay Shaver, Claxton Elementary
• Cathy Morrison and Cammie Berrier, Pearce Elementary
• Lynnette Murphy, GCS Newcomers School
• Kate Cummings, Grimsley High
• Wendy Wheeler, Hampton Leadership Academy
• Julie Dimock, Jones Elementary
• Melissa Nelson, Southern Guilford Middle
• Phyllis Parker and Angelia Holt, Sumner Elementary

Detailed instructions for submitting an application are found in the “Apply Now” section of the Picturing America web site at www.PicturingAmerica.neh.gov.  For more information, please contact Jean Howard, program administrator for media services, at 370-2357.

Pre-K Prepares Early Learners

Research shows that a quality pre-k classroom experience sustains growth in literacy and math. GCS serves 1,165 children in 75 classrooms located in 47 elementary schools.  On June 16, the Pre-K department will send offers of placement to parents of children identified as eligible through the spring screening process. Parents must accept placement by July 1.

Currently, there are openings at Allen Jay Elementary, Fairview Elementary and Northwood Elementary in High Point and Hampton Leadership Academy, Bessemer Elementary and Wiley Elementary in Greensboro. The district strives to serve all identified eligible children from the waiting list and accepts applications throughout the year.

Parents interested in enrolling their child in the pre-K program may apply for placement by completing an application and submitting it to the office at the GCS Family Resource Center, 617 W. Market St., Greensboro. Applications are available outside the building where a convenient drop slot is located or on the GCS Web site at www.gcsnc.com/Preschool/prek_registration0809.htm.  For more information, please contact Linda Olinger, pre-k coordinator, at 370-2362.  

Archer Employee of the Month Teaches Students Rites of Passage

When the classes dismiss for the day at Archer Elementary, students in the After-School Care Enrichment Services (ACES) don’t stop learning and developing into productive young citizens. Thanks to the hard work of Kee-sha Pluim, ACES site coordinator, students may become involved in the Rites of Passage and Divine Individuals Visualizing Achievement (DIVAs) programs, which guide, inform and inspire youth in their transition from childhood to adolescence. ACES students are taken through a series of activities and steps that allow them to demonstrate their abilities to be successful both academically and socially.

Nominations on Pluim’s behalf tell of a woman who does whatever it takes to make sure that all Archer students, not just those enrolled in ACES, recognize and value the opportunities that come with a good education. Archer Principal Patrice Brown credited the success of the programs and a betterment of the overall school atmosphere to Pluim’s dedication and love of the children.

As Employee of the Month, Pluim received a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, which has partnered with GCS to support the employee recognition program. In addition, the Guilford County Board of Education recognized her at its June 10 meeting. Pluim’s photo will hang at the district’s central offices and her school, as well as at Sam’s Club.

Know someone who goes above and beyond? Nominate them for Employee of the Month! Nomination forms are available at the GCS central office locations and at the district’s schools. Click here to submit online nominations. Full-time or part-time GCS’ employees may be nominated. All nominations must be received by the 10th day of each month. Each nomination will be considered once, so please feel free to resubmit each month. For more information, please contact Lillian M. Govus, program administrator – communications, at 370-8997 or govusl@gcsnc.com.

NCCJ Adds a Third ANYTOWN Session for 2008   

The National Conference on Community and Justice (NCCJ) is hosting a third session of ANYTOWN July 27 – August 2. ANYTOWN is a community-building experience for a diverse cross section of high school students who are interested in improving human relations and bridging the divides in their schools and community. Interested GCS students are encouraged to contact NCCJ at 272-0359 or download an ANYTOWN application at www.nccjtriad.org. Scholarships are available, and transportation is provided from Guilford County to the Blowing Rock Conference Center. For more information, please contact Cecilia Adams, manager of community partnerships, at 370-8355.

Save with Employee Express

As prices keep going up, we’re proud to offer GCS employees ways to save through our Employee Express program. Several local businesses have partnered with us to offer special discounts. Click here to see a list. For more information, please contact Jennifer Landes, program administrator – communications, at 370-8353.

GCS Calendar of Events

Click here to view the district’s upcoming calendar of events.

Central Office Summer Schedule

GCS central offices will operate on a summer schedule from Monday, June 16 through Friday, August 15. Summer office hours are:

• 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday
• 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Friday
  

Normal office hours (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) resume on Monday, August 18. We will revert to normal office hours during the first week of July (June 30 – July 4) due to the July 4 holiday.

GCSTV2

Washington Elementary   

Recently featured in a statewide television documentary for its progress, Washington Elementary continues to make strides towards academic success. That progress, however, could be undermined if GCS’ proposed 2008-09 budget is not fully funded.  This program runs Tuesday through Thursday at 8:42 a.m. and 2:12 p.m., and Friday through Monday at 8:32 a.m.

Budget Discussion

The proposed 2008-09 budget represents the financial plan for GCS. Our community is keenly aware of the continuing financial challenges the district faces. If you have questions about the budget, our co-interim superintendents Sharon Ozment and Dr. Eric Becoats have the answers you need in this conversation with GCSTV 2’s Leonard Simpson. This program runs Tuesday through Thursday at 8:01 a.m., 2:01 p.m. and 7:47 p.m.  It also runs Friday through Monday at 9:46 a.m., 5:48 p.m. and 10:01 p.m.

“Taking Initiative:  A Look Inside Guilford County Schools”

GCSTV 2 is showing this UNC-TV documentary on the innovative approaches and educational accomplishments of GCS. The program explores how initiatives like GCS’ Mission Possible, Home Field Advantage and Newcomers School are leading the way to better opportunities for our students. This documentary is made possible thanks to the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation, the Cemala Foundation and the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation. The program runs daily at 9:01 a.m. and 10:01 p.m.

Rappers’ Tribute

It’s an original composition and a tribute to the late Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King. High Point Central High seniors Amos Mobley and Kenneth Ledbetter’s rap is attracting attention within the music industry. GCSTV 2 has produced a music video for the song featuring these two members of their school’s Men of Valor Excelling (MOVE) chapter. This video runs Tuesday through 12:15 p.m. and 8:55 p.m. and Friday through Monday 11:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Music Showcase-Middle School All County Band

Music plays a big role in the arts education offered within GCS. The All-County Band Concert gives students a chance to showcase their talents, and GCSTV 2 provides you a seat in the audience. This program runs daily at 9:01 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. 

Music Showcase- High School All County Band

This performance features the best of the best of GCS high school band talent taped at their spring performance at Grimsley High. This program runs daily at 10:01 a.m., 6:01 p.m. and 10:01 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.

Driver’s Edge

Take this in-depth driver’s education course that gives real world examples and advice on how to handle a car safely. Some of the drivers who should know best - Indy Series racecar drivers - hand out the advice generously. This program runs Friday through Monday at 4:59 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.

Music, Art and Budgets
Studies show that participation in music and the arts can improve a student’s overall academic performance. GCS programs that provide our students the opportunity to develop their musical and other artistic talents could be adversely affected if the district’s proposed 2008-09 budget is not fully funded. This program airs Wednesday, June 18.

High School Ahead
GCS’ innovative programs receive national recognition as models for academic success. The High School Ahead program is one of those that could be adversely affected should the proposed GCS 2008-09 budget request not be fully funded. This program airs Friday, June 20.

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