GCS News Briefs

September 12, 2008

Community Foundation of High Point Sets Up Endowment for GCS

The Community Foundation of High Point has announced the establishment of a $100,000 fund dedicated to providing financial resources for certain needs of district schools in High Point.
 
The fund, which is underwritten by an anonymous donor, is the first of its kind in High Point. Foundation officials hope to attract other donors and eventually grow the fund to $1 million.

“This is a wonderful example of business and community leaders teaming up with the local schools in an effort to make them better,” said Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. “I wish to thank the Community Foundation of High Point for facilitating the establishment of this fund and for its generosity to GCS over the years. I wish to thank the donor, who has chosen to remain anonymous. I also wish to thank High Point’s civic, business and community leaders for their unwavering support to the education of all children in this city.”

“High Pointers have always stepped up when there is a need, and this fund certainly reminds all of us that this spirit is still alive and well in our community,” said Joe Rawley, chairman of the High Point Community Foundation.

The establishment of the fund comes at a time when the High Point community continues to experience a dramatic shift in a local economy that was once dominated by furniture and textile manufacturing, said foundation president Paul Lessard.

“The donor wanted to establish a resource for our principals that could be supported by the entire community over the years,” Lessard said. “Our public schools are the single most important factor in the future economic development of High Point, and the remarkable men and women who run our schools and nurture our children absolutely deserve this kind of support.” For more information, contact Haley Miller, program administrator - communications, at 370-3200.

New Administrative Assignments

Assistant Principals –

• Veronica Bryant became the new assistant principal at Rankin Elementary, effective August 29. She is a former teacher at Rankin Elementary.
  

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

Frazier Elementary Teacher Assistant Receives GCS Employee of the Month Honors

At first glance, you might overlook Wanda Rose who works with Frazier Elementary’s third-and fourth-graders. But despite her calm demeanor and quiet voice, teachers know they can count on Rose to do whatever it takes when help is needed. 

According to the nomination made on her behalf, Rose is “a shining example of an employee.  Anyone who knows her will state that she is a team player who will do anything to make a school a better place.” Principal Laverne Bass cited Rose’s positive attitude as one of the teacher assistant’s best qualities. For her subtle but persistent dedication to the students and teachers at Frazier, Rose was named the district’s September Employee of the Month.  

As Employee of the Month, Rose received a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, which has partnered with GCS to support the employee recognition program. Rose’s photo will hang at the district’s central offices and her school, as well as at Sam’s Club. In addition, the Board of Education saluted her at its September 11 meeting.

Know someone like Wanda Rose who goes above and beyond the call of duty? Click here to nominate him or her. For more information, please contact Lillian M. Govus, program administrator – communications, at 370-8997.

Local News Professional Adds GCS Volunteer of the Month to her Award Shelf

Melissa Painter made an impression when she started volunteering with Rebekah Thomas’ class at Allen Jay Elementary. Painter immediately threw herself into the mix with the children – sharing lunch, reading to them and even getting some time in on the playground. Through her enthusiasm for learning, the children she meets with every week have developed a passion for sharing their excitement about books.

Painter doesn’t settle for meeting with the children once a week. She attends class functions like field trips, Mother’s Day teas, celebrations and graduation to show her support for the students who wait so eagerly for her next visit. Painter even brought Thomas’ class to her workplace – WGHP – and gave them a personal tour so they could see how news is shared through television.

As the GCS Volunteer of the Month, Painter received a certificate of appreciation from the Board of Education and Superintendent Mo Green. She also received a $25 gift card from American Express, which has partnered with GCS to support the volunteer recognition program. Melissa’s photo will hang on a plaque at her school during the month of September, as well as at the district’s central offices. Remember to watch for the Volunteer of the Month on GCSTV 2.
Click here to nominate a volunteer who you think goes above and beyond the call of duty.  For more information, please contact Lillian M. Govus, program administrator – communications, at 370-8997.

School Health Nurse Receives State Award

School Health Nurse Susan Hawks received the 2008 North Carolina Public Health Award.  She was selected as one of 12 people from across the state based on her achievement with promoting a healthier and safer community.  The award will be presented to Nurse Hawks on September 2, at the North Carolina Public Health Association’s annual educational conference.  Congratulations for this well deserved and noteworthy recognition!  For more information, please contact Robin Bergeron-Nolan, director of health services, at 370-8333.

Teacher Grants from the Junior League of Greensboro

The Junior League of Greensboro is funding $7,500 worth of classroom projects in Guilford County for the 2008-09 school year.  GCS projects listed on DonorsChoose.org will be considered for funding.  To be eligible for a grant, teachers must place their proposal on DonorsChoose.org by Friday, November 28.  For more information on how to submit a proposal, go to www.donorschoose.org or e-mail JLG.Projects@gmail.com.

Hunter Elementary Receives $3,000 from Target to Purchase Bilingual Books

At Hunter Elementary, approximately 37 percent of students come from homes where the primary language is Spanish. Without bilingual books, many families cannot help children with reading homework.

Through a $3,000 grant from Target, Hunter will purchase bilingual books for students in kindergarten through third grade. In addition, the grant will go toward purchasing food and beverages for four parent programs throughout the 2008-09 school year. The grant is part of an ongoing effort by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. For more information, please contact Suzanne Fray, school social worker, at 294-7345.

Northwest High Student to Serve on National Youth Violence Prevention Board

Cassady Tetsworth, a junior at Northwest High, will serve on the National Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Youth Advisory Board. Recognized as a leader in her school and community, Cassady will join nine other youth leaders to discuss school violence issues and develop action plans for not only her SAVE chapter, but for SAVE chapters across the nation. 

As a member of the board, Cassady will travel to Raleigh in early October to attend a National Youth Leadership Institute. She will help plan and organize activities for America’s Safe Schools Week (October 20-24), National SAVE Day (October 22), National Youth Violence Prevention Week (March 23-27) and prepare for SAVE’s 20th anniversary. For more information, please contact Principal Angelo Kidd at 605-3300.

The Academy at Smith Receives Grant from Ecolab Foundation

Two science teachers from The Academy at Smith received the Visions for Learning Grant, which is designed to reward individual teacher’s creativity and innovation in classroom learning. Sherri Pilson and Daniel Bressler will receive $3,000 to purchase equipment for their chemistry and biology courses collectively.

The Visions for Learning Grant, funded through the Ecolab Foundation, helps seventh- through 12th-grade teachers enrich the classroom experience and engage students by providing funding for curriculum material. For more information, please contact Principal Patrice Faison at 316-5866.

Creative Communications Accepts Writing from Ragsdale High Students

The following students from Ragsdale High had non-fiction essays or poetry accepted for publication by Creative Communications. Their teacher was Ms. Susan Miller.

• Essays: Chris Armwood, Mary Chong, Gretchen Hemm, Bennett Hixson, Trang Nguyen, Luke Sonnricker, Brandon Walker, Daniel Walker, Michael Whited, Ashley Wilt, Eric Womack and Justin James
• Poems: Emily Brown, Kyleigh Garrison, Kim Hoang, Nick Joyner, Sarah Kennell, Kyle McCarty, Ana Mustafa, Danny Nemati, Erin Phelps, Junbe Pimentel, Imani Pressley, John Ritter, Emily Rothermel and Nick Smith

Ragsdale also was awarded Creative Communications’ Poetic Achievement Award, which is given to schools whose students entries to the poetry contest are of exceptionally high merit. Creative Communication is a publication company devoted to the promotion of writing, teaching and appreciation of poetry and writing. Each year the company awards more than $70,000 nationwide through its writing contest. For more information, please contact Principal Kathy Rogers at 819-2960.

Vandalia Elementary Accepted into Oprah’s O Ambassadors Program

Students at Vandalia Elementary will participate in the O Ambassadors Program, a joint project of Oprah's Angel Network and Free the Children. These students will work toward the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, learning about global issues and making a tangible difference in the lives of their peers in the developing world. They are part of a network of O Ambassadors clubs across North America that are working to find solutions to global challenges through active learning, idea sharing and taking action. Through this program, youth in North America have the unique opportunity to develop leadership skills and become active and compassionate global citizens.

Throughout the year, the Vandalia O Ambassadors Club will raise awareness about the importance of a holistic approach to development. Every two months, the club will focus on a different theme (poverty, education, health and sustainable development) in East Africa and organize fundraising and awareness-raising events for their school. For more information, please contact Principal Keisha McMillan at 370-8275.

Teens Vote This Weekend

If you are under 18, you can’t vote for president, but you can let your voice be heard. Four Seasons Towne Center is hosting “Ur Vote Counts,” this Saturday and Sunday from noon – 6 p.m. This is a chance for GCS students to add their voices to those of students across the country and get a chance to win a Four Seasons shopping spree. For more information, please contact Cecilia Adams, manager of community partnerships, at 370-8355.

Building Community through American History Grant

GCS was awarded a second Department of Education Teaching American History Grant.  The Building Bridges Grant will provide an opportunity for GCS teachers to form partnerships to develop, implement and strengthen instruction of American history.  Teachers participate in vertical articulation between fifth-, eighth- and 10th-grade social studies teachers.  The grant provides the following opportunities for 30 participants: 

• three two-day professional development workshops conducted at local museums and historical locations;
• presentations by nationally-known historians/professionals in the field of early U.S. History relating to Colonial America, American Revolution and the U.S. Constitution;
• a 10-day all-expense paid summer travel opportunity to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, and the Gilder-Lehrman Institute in New York; and,
• a wealth of teaching resources including books, DVDs, study prints and stipends, as well as continuing education units. 

More importantly, the grant provides a partnership to help build a stronger teaching and learning community in GCS. For more information, please contact Maureen Robinson, TAH coordinator, at 317-3214 or via e-mail at robinsm2@gcsnc.com.

World Languages Specialist On Board

Juliana Saad will serve as the district’s new K-12 World Languages Curriculum Specialist.  Juliana has been with GCS as a teacher at Jesse Wharton Elementary, and her credentials include a bachelors and a masters in August 2006.  Arriving from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Juliana served as a Visiting International Faculty teacher in North Carolina prior to coming to GCS.  Juliana is fluent in Spanish, French and Latin and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her new position. Her responsibilities include assisting teachers to enhance world languages learning, working with curriculum, modeling and coaching, supporting teachers to acquire instructional materials and resources and much more.  For more information, please contact Ms. Saad at 707-8324 or via e-mail at saadj@gcsnc.com. 

K-2 Literacy: A District Priority

Training  in the administration procedures for the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) measures was provided for 500 K-2 teachers, principals, curriculum facilitators,  exceptional children’s specialists, speech and language pathologists, school psychologists and other support staff in 20 Guilford County elementary schools on August 25. This training represented Phase I of the implementation of the GCS Literacy Framework-Intervention/ Prevention Pilot Project that was begun in January 2008. The initial project goal was to identify a universal screening instrument that would ultimately be implemented across the district to assess the discreet reading skills of all K-2 students. Based upon feedback from principals, curriculum facilitators and lead teachers representing the 13 schools that participated in the pilot, DIBELS was selected as the universal screener.

DIBELS assesses key reading skills that are predictive of reading success. Information obtained from the DIBELS measures will enable regular classroom teachers to identify students in the primary grades who are in need of focused, explicit, differentiated instruction in order to ensure reading success. Assessment data will be collected by teachers on handheld palm devices and downloaded to a central Web site where it can be easily accessed and used as a tool to inform daily classroom instruction. 

DIBELS training for K-2 teachers and staff will be provided to an additional 20 schools on February 20, 2009; the final group of schools will be trained in the fall of 2009.  For more information, please contact Lee Ann Segalla, elementary curriculum officer, at 574-2657 or via e-mail at segalll@gcsnc.com. 

Second Annual Cumulative Effect Seminar Series Launches this Week

Eighty-five Cumulative Effect math teachers, mentors and district personnel gathered at Smith High to launch a year-long seminar series on mathematics.  This monthly seminar delves into the art of teaching and learning mathematics, covering such topics as: structures for learning mathematics, using novelty effects to teach mathematics, data driven decision making, best practices for homework, leveraging technology for learning mathematical concepts, project-based learning and more.  In conjunction with the Summer Math Institute, on-site mentors, 21st century classroom technology packages and district services, our Cumulative Effect Seminar Series supports high school math teachers as they design and deliver mathematics instruction to our students.  For more information about this announcement or the Cumulative Effect Project, please contact Dr. Amy Holcombe, executive director of talent development, at 335-3294 or vie e-mail at holcoma@gcsnc.com.

North Carolina’s Only In-House Licensure Program Continues to Excel

GCS Alternative Certification Track (ACT) successfully launched its first cohort this summer.  This dynamic group of teachers continues to excel as they began the first weekend of their yearlong Frameworks of Teaching and Learning in GCS course.  During their weekend retreat, teachers tackled tough issues including constructing climates for learning, designing engaging learning environments, communication with parents and the school community, the ethics of teaching, professionalism and equitable access to resources.  Throughout the year, this cohort of teachers will spend nine additional weekends exploring topics aligned with the new N.C. Professional Teaching Standards.  Completion of this course and others will lead to a full N.C. Standard Professional teaching license.  For more information about this announcement or GCS ACT, please contact Dr. Amy Holcombe, executive director of talent development, at 335-3294 or vie e-mail at holcoma@gcsnc.com.

Lateral Entry Resource and Advising Center Opens its Doors

For the very first time, GCS is offering a comprehensive lateral entry support center.  Lateral entry, or alternatively licensed teachers, now have access to support in six areas: orientation and preparation for teaching, licensure advising, on-site coaching, professional resources, networking opportunities and communication resources such as a support Web site, newsletter and on-demand support.  Administering this center are two lateral entry specialists, Tina Johnson, M.A., and Pamela Herndon, M.Ed.  Click here for information about the center’s services.  All lateral entry teachers are encourages to utilize this new resource. For more information about this announcement or the Lateral Entry Resource and Advising Center, please contact Dr. Amy Holcombe, executive director of talent development, at 335-3294 or vie e-mail at holcoma@gcsnc.com.

Mission Possible Launches Year Three Kick-Off Events at All Schools

The Mission Possible Office is kicking off its third year by making site visits to each school to talk with faculty.  During these site visits, district faculty will provide information about the Mission Possible online resources, recruitment pay, performance pay, professional development, Value-Added Data and the district data tracking system for Mission Possible.  At this time, we will offer Mission Possible contracts to all eligible faculty.  Having experienced a significant decrease in faculty turnover at our Mission Possible Schools, we are also celebrating our successes and are launching what we know will be a successful third program year.  For more information about this announcement or Mission Possible, please contact Dr. Amy Holcombe, executive director of talent development, at 335-3294 or vie e-mail at holcoma@gcsnc.com.

GCSTV 2

Inside Out

This documentary is a stark reminder of the importance of staying in school.  In this program, inmates ponder the world outside prison walls as they talk about how dropping out of school dramatically changed their lives for the worst.  Produced by the Mattie Stewart Foundation, GCSTV 2 presents this emotionally gripping film with stories told by those who live with the consequences every day.  This program runs daily at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

New Principals

There are 13 new principals in our district.  Some are familiar faces and others are new to the area.  Join us in welcoming them and find out a bit about their philosophies of running a school. This program runs daily at 9:11 a.m., 12:08 p.m., 3:02 p.m. and 10:48 p.m.

Rappers’ Tribute

It’s an original composition and a tribute to the late Civil Rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The rap of Amos Mobley and Kenneth Ledbetter, members of High Point Central High’s class of 2008, is attracting attention within the music industry. GCSTV 2 produced a music video for the song featuring these two members of their school’s Men of Valor Excelling (MOVE) chapter. See this video Tuesday through Thursday at 12:15 p.m. and 8:55 p.m. and Friday through Monday 11:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.  The music video is also available on YouTube.  Search: “Guilford County Schools.”

Driver’s Edge-Driver’s Education Special

Take this in-depth driver’s education course that gives real world examples and advice on how to safely handle a car. Some of the drivers who should know best - Indy Series racers - generously hand out the advice. This program runs Friday through Monday at 5:59 a.m. and 4:59 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday at 4:59 a.m. and 5:59 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 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.

Top Honor for Teacher
She thought it would be a small retirement party with a few colleagues and friends.  Marsha Sarvis was surprised to see the state superintendent there to honor her with North Carolina’s highest civilian honor. This Newsbreak airs Wednesday, September 17.

New Superintendent Tours Schools
Guilford County’s new school superintendent got right down to business his first day on the job.  Maurice Green promised that one of his priorities would be to listen and learn.  He did just that on day-one as he toured schools throughout the county.  This Newsbreak airs Friday, September 19.

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