Friday Notes from Guilford County Schools
December 7, 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.
GCS 2008-09 Academic Calendar Available Online
The GCS Board of Education approved the 2008-09 academic calendar at the December 4 meeting. To view the calendar, please visit http://www.gcsnc.com/information/allcalendars.htm.
Highlights include:
- The first day of school for students is August 26
- Winter Break is December 22 – January 2
- Spring Break is April 13 – 17
- The last day of school for students is June 10
For more information, please contact Haley Miller, Program Administrator-Communications, at 370-3200.
Islamic Holiday Observance
GCS respects the diversity of its students and the right of students and staff to observe religious practices of their chosen faith. We ask that staff be sensitive to Muslim students and fellow staff members who are participating in the upcoming lslamic holiday, Eid Al Adha, on December 19 or December 20. And, like all religious holidays, these absences will be excused and students given the opportunity to make up missed work following the completion of the holiday. Staff who wish to observe a religious holiday should refer to the GCS Personnel Handbook. Click here for guidelines surrounding religious observances. Please call me at 370-8992 should you have questions.
Students from The Early College at Guilford are National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
Five students from The Early College at Guilford are National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. Each year, the National Merit Scholarship program honors approximately 50,000 academically talented high school students, and only 16,000 of them are named semifinalists. Approximately half of the finalists will be chosen as Merit Scholarship winners in the 2008 competition.
Congratulations to the following semifinalists:
- Nikolas Antolin
- Mark Draelos
- Ellis Driver
- Diya Jost
- Tyler Loft
For more information, please contact Sonya Conway, Chief District Relations Officer, at 370-8386.
GCS Green Schools Win Award
The current issue of ASHRAE High Performing Buildings magazine features a case study about GCS and its environmental efforts in the district. GCS is noted as the first school district in North Carolina to develop its own set of detailed green design specifications, the G3-Guilford Green Guide. The article cites two schools, Northern Middle and Reedy Fork Elementary, as among the best examples of sustainable design in the country.
Both schools incorporate extensive green strategies, some used in school designs for the first time. Sustainable features include daylighting, energy-efficient building shell, indirect lighting, solar water heating and photovoltaic systems, computer-based real-time monitoring of sustainable systems, interpretive eco-learning centers, recycled materials, indoor environmental quality management, native planting and use of local products.
The schools prove that sustainable design is viable for every school system for the same budget as traditionally constructed schools. Click here to read the article in its entirety.
GCS Seeking Teachers for Twilight High School
GCS is seeking enthusiastic, relationship-oriented teachers who are skilled in their content to teach at the GCS Twilight High School, a school designed to help students who are at risk for dropping out. Teachers certified in secondary English, math, science, social studies, exceptional children, as well as social workers and counselors are eligible. Selected individuals can earn a bonus of up to $5,000.
The innovative pilot program will serve students who were in the ninth grade during the 2006-07 school year with documented evidence of significant ongoing behavior issues. The school will also serve rising fourth-year juniors who are considerably behind in credits needed to graduate in June 2008.
Teachers on staff during the regular school day, retired staff as well as other part-time teachers are urged to apply for this unique opportunity and to make a difference in the lives of students. Tentative hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
For more information, please contact Dr. David Roper, Executive Director of Saturn, at 370-8191. To apply, please contact Cheryl Lowe or Terrik Higgins in the Office of Employment, at lowec2@gcsnc.com or higgint2@gcsnc.com or 370-8318.
IMPACT Greensboro
IMPACT Greensboro is a new initiative launched by the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, the City of Greensboro Human Relations Commission and the UNC-Greensboro Center for Youth, Family and Community Partnerships. The initiative will engage 90 participants in a unique dialogue process designed to increase levels of trust and mutual understanding. Participants will learn to address mutual community interests and build bridges of trust among citizens of all races and cultures. The program culminates with a community-wide summit designed by the participants to provide facts, realities and recommendations about the future of our city. IMPACT Greensboro is an 11-month process. The deadline for applications has been extended to December 10, 2007. Click the following links for the application and fact sheet. For more information, please contact Sonya Conway, Chief District Relations Officer, at 370-8386.
Miss North Carolina Visits GCS
Jessica Jacobs, Miss North Carolina, visited Frazier Elementary and Cone Elementary where she read to students as part of her Read to Me literacy campaign. Miss North Carolina also delivered an inspirational speech about perseverance and determination to students who asked thought-provoking questions about her education and childhood dreams. Afterwards she distributed books to the students.
Community in Schools for Greater Greensboro and GREAT LEAPS will also deliver additional books from the First Books National Book Bank. For more information, please call Sallie Williams, Great Leaps Reading Project Director for Community in Schools of Greater Greensboro, at 312-2465.
Kiser Student selected as designer in Holiday Card Contest
For the past 17 years, the Autism Society of North Carolina has solicited holiday themed artwork from people on the Autism Spectrum for its annual Holiday Card Contest. This year, the art work of Kevin Fraher, an eighth-grader at Kiser Middle, was one of two designs selected in North Carolina. Kevin’s holiday card featuring three elves may be purchased from the Autism Society Web site and also on the Kiser Web site. Proceeds from the sale of these cards benefit the programs and services of the Autism Society of North Carolina. For more information, please contact Principal Sharon McCants at 370-8240 or Jocelyn Becoats, Instructional Improvement Officer, at 370-2311.
Northwest Middle Vikings Choir Students Make NC Honors Chorus
Congratulations to the following Northwest Middle students who earned a spot in the North Carolina Middle School Honors Chorus: Annabel Brunk, Hannah Davidson, J.D. Myers and Kenny Peters. These students, under the direction of their teacher, Dena C. Adams, completed a blind audition in front of a panel of judges to win this prestigious award. The North Carolina All State Honors Chorus is sponsored by the North Carolina Music Educators Association in association with the Music Educators National Convention.
In addition, Northwest Middle salutes the advanced eight grade Vikings chorus for being selected to perform for the North Carolina Music Educators Association Conference in Winston-Salem. There were only two middle school choirs chosen from across the state for these performances. For more information, please contact Principal Bill Stewart at 605-3333 or Lewis Ferebee, Instructional Improvement Officer, at 370-8301.
Introducing Place Value – A Second Grade Journey through Number Sense!
Starting January 2, 2008, second grade teachers throughout the county will have the opportunity to receive training on how to better teach the concept of number sense. Using the book, Lessons for Introducing Place Value, teachers will be prompted to use a variety of manipulatives, literature and engaging techniques to facilitate thoughtful conversations regarding place value. These lessons, written by Marilyn Burns, involve counting 0-99, recognition of numbers, various representations of numbers and an algebraic web of thought and conversation.
Teachers attending this training will meet for one full day of training and content elaboration, with two follow up sessions to monitor their progress. Teachers will receive manipulatives, the book of lessons, as well as invaluable input from teachers who are currently using the lessons in their classroom. Registration is currently available through December 15, 2007 on the GCS professional development Web site at: http://www.solutionwhere.com/guilford/cw/showcourse.asp?1949
This series of lessons is designed to meet the goal of place value instruction and give students a rich understanding of number sense. This will help bridge the gap that may exist between second and third grade in relation to Goal 1 of the NC Standard Course of Study. For more information, please contact Meredith Chandler, Elementary Curriculum Specialists, at 370-2364.
Classroom Management
GCS, through professional development, is offering a multi-leveled workshop on classroom management. This workshop provides teachers with specific information to help reduce conflict, build relationships, increase engagement and maximize achievement.
The 10-hour training is designed to help improve instructional and behavioral classroom management skills by:
- enhancing communication style
- creating effective classroom environment
- strengthening student-centered lesson plans
- recognizing the ramifications of rules, procedures and routines
Click here to register for Managing a Kid-Friendly K-2 Classroom. For more information regarding this session, contact Janine Bracco Cox, Professional Development Trainer at 317-2392 or braccoj@gcsnc.com.
Click here to register for Managing a Kid-Friendly 3-5 Classroom. For more information regarding this session, contact Reggie Adkins, Professional Development Trainer at 317-1534 or adkinsr@gcsnc.com.
Click here to register for Proactive Practices for Today’s Classroom (middle and high school.) For more information regarding this session, contact Fannie Bratcher, Professional Development Trainer at 312-0311 or bratchf@gcsnc.com.
GCS Announce Social Worker as Employee of the Month
The job of a school social worker is never easy, but at The Middle College at NC A&T, Duane Lewis’ passion for what he does makes it all worth it. So many students face great hardships, but Lewis uses whatever means necessary give his students the tools needed to grow into responsible and successful young men.
Lewis is an advocate, a role model and an inspiration. Whether he’s checking on absent students or helping others who don’t have permanent homes, Lewis deserves credit not only for keeping young men in school, but also engaged in learning. For his remarkable enthusiasm in the face of adversity, he was chosen as the district’s December Employee of the Month.
As Employee of the Month, Lewis 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 him at its December 4 meeting.
To nominate someone you think goes above and beyond the call of duty, simply click on the following link to submit your nomination form online: http://www.gcsnc.com/emp_month/index.aspx . For more information, please contact Lillian M. Govus, Program Administrator -Communications, at 370-8997.
December Volunteer of the Month Shows Wildcat Spirit at Eastern High
The Wildcat spirit was badly needed in the days after the fire at Eastern High, and Pam Dawson jumped into action. Dawson, Eastern’s Parent Teacher Student Association President, went the extra mile by setting up donation sites for school supplies, organizing volunteers to staff back-to-school activities and setting up accounts to collect donations for the school. She reached out to Sportsplex to donate its facility, free of charge, in the days immediately following the fire so students would have a place to go during the day. According to Principal Travis Reeves, who nominated her, Dawson always asks, “How can I help?”
Dawson didn’t stop her efforts after the tragedy. She is behind the success of the school’s open house this year and even worked lemonade stands for thirsty parents at the event.
As Volunteer of the Month, Dawson received a $25 gift card from American Express, which has partnered with GCS to support the volunteer recognition program. Her photo will hang on a plaque at her school during the month of December and at central offices. In addition, the GCS Board of Education recognized her at its December 4 meeting.
Click here to nominate a volunteer who you think goes above and beyond the call of duty. Remember to watch for the Volunteer of the Month on GCSTV. For more information, please contact, Lynne Brandon, Program Administrator-Communications, at 370-8353.
Doris T. Davis Hall Dedicated at Oak View Elementary
GCS recently dedicated the Doris T. Davis Hall, a new wing of Oak View Elementary. Davis, a former principal at Oak View, was recognized by both professional and civic organizations for excellent leadership skills, implementation of school improvement strategies and community involvement. GCS Board of Education members, staff, project team members and PTA members attended the ribbon-cutting event on December 2. For more information, please contact Haley Miller, Program Administrator-Communications, at 370-3200.
Students Gaining a Competitive Edge by Studying Mandarin Chinese
This school year, approximately 420 GCS middle and high school students are taking advantage of the new Mandarin Chinese programs offered at Ferndale Middle, Hairston Middle, High Point Central High and Northwest High. Mandarin Chinese classes are also a success at Northwood Elementary.
Chinese is the most widely spoken first language in the world. It is the national language of the more than 1.3 billion inhabitants of China and millions more ethnic Chinese around the globe. By learning Chinese, students are embracing its unique culture as well as becoming competitive in a global economy. Though more than 200 million Chinese schoolchildren are studying English—often begun as early as the second grade—experts estimate that no more than 50,000 U.S. students are studying Chinese.
Northwood, Ferndale, High Point Central and Northwest are all participating in the Chinese Guest Teacher program co-sponsored by the College Board and Hanban (China’s Office of Chinese Language Council International). Hairston is offering Mandarin Chinese because of a Visiting International Faculty member who is fluent in the language. For more information, please contact Haley Miller, Program Administrator-Communications, at 370-3200.
CHESS Tournament Contributes to Student Success
Aycock Middle recently hosted 140 chess players from 18 different Guilford County (GCS) middle schools recently in a five-round chess tournament sponsored by GCS CHESS (Chess Helps Every Student Succeed). The GCS CHESS program currently supports active chess clubs in all middle schools and most high schools. Two county-wide tournaments are held each year – a fall and spring tournament in which all middle school chess clubs are invited to play.
Grade level winners of the tournament were:
- Sixth grade – Yimo Chen (The Academy at Lincoln)
- Seventh grade - Eli Chandler, Chace Spillman and Joshua Rickard (Eastern Middle – three-way tie)
- Eighth Grade - Drew Adams (Southwestern Middle) and Eugene Siegel (The Academy at Lincoln) – tie
Eastern Middle is the overall chess club winning team, and they will compete in the state scholastic chess tournament in February. For more information, please contact Kent Boyles, CHESS Program Coordinator, at 545-3717 ext. 5609.
Local Student Competes in Principal Leadership Award Scholarship Program
Anna Eucebio, a Grimsley High senior, will compete in the national Principal’s Leadership Award (PLA) scholarship program, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Herff Jones, Inc., funds the PLA program.
Kevin F. Fleming, principal of Grimsley High, announced the nomination which places Eucebio in the national competition. One hundred national PLA winners will be chosen next spring to receive a college scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $12,000. Nominees are selected based on leadership skills, participation in service organizations and clubs, achievements in the arts and sciences, employment experience and academic record.
Eucebio is a leader in not only academics, but also extracurricular activities. She is a member of the North Carolina All-State Honors orchestra and a captain of Grimsley’s cross country and track teams. For more information, please contact Alana Neal, Administrative Assistant-Grimsley High, at 370-8180, ext. 2008.
GCSTV 2
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.
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 beginning next week and 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).
For Sarah
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 Wednesday, December 12.
In Support of Teachers
The generosity of our community has always been evident when it comes to supporting teachers. Now our teachers have a spacious warehouse that allows the district to store donated supplies and better distribute them to our classrooms. See how this partnership works to help enrich the lives of children. This newsbreak airs Friday, December 14.
For more information, please contact Leonard Simpson, Broadcast Production Manager, at 370-8167.
NON-GCS EDUCATIONAL NEWS
District Launching Saturday Program
In January, the Rock Hill school district plans to launch a Saturday school for about 130 students, with the aim of helping more perform well on state standardized tests. ... The school will target fourth- and fifth-grade students who came very close to scoring "basic" on the state's Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests but didn't quite make it, said Superintendent Lynn Moody. "We think if they were given some extended time and additional help, we could push them over the bubble," Moody said. "Maybe this would be all it takes to keep them on grade level." Click here to read more.
Falling Between Two Worlds
The debate over immigration often dwells on keeping illegal immigrants from slipping into the country, but when it comes to Hispanic youths who are already here, an opposite concern arises -- too many are slipping away. Hispanic youths, some born here, some who entered the country illegally but are growing up here, are at increasing risk of drifting into self-destructive and criminal behavior as they try to find their place in a culture that is at turns ambivalent and resistant about accepting them, according to those who have studied trends among Hispanic immigrants. ... "These kids are more likely than ever before in the history of the United States to go to Harvard University. And they're also more likely to get involved in gangs and be involved in the criminal justice system," New York University professor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco said. Click here to read more.
Student Success Tied to Teacher Mentoring
All across the nation, school districts are under pressure to raise the quality of their teachers by training them better or monitoring them more closely. They might be better off just giving them a chance to talk to each other, says Carrie Leana, the Gordon H. Love professor of organizations and management at the University of Pittsburgh's Katz Graduate School of Business. In an award-winning study of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, Dr. Leana found that in the schools where teachers talked to each other the most about their jobs, and where the principals did the best job of staying in touch with the community, students had noticeably higher reading and math test scores. Click here to read more.
Here's the Problem: Produce a Plan to Raise Math Scores
In the city's middle schools this year, it's all about math. ... Since seven of Norfolk's nine middle schools failed to meet state benchmarks on the math Standards of Learning tests this year, stakes are high. ... Blair, Lafayette-Winona, Northside, Norview and Ruffner middle schools will be one year away from possibly losing state accreditation if they fall short this spring. ... To avoid that fate, administrators compiled improvement plans for schools. ... "They're research-based, and they have the endorsement of the state," said Superintendent Stephen C. Jones. "They reflect some of the best thinking on improvement of mathematics instruction." Click here to read more.
Study: Oral Reading Tests May Result in Inappropriate Placements
Oral reading tests fail to distinguish children who have trouble understanding words from those with language-based disorders, according to a new study published in the November issue of Reading Psychology. The use of such screening tests can result in students being inappropriately placed or delay treatment for learning disorders, researchers say. The study suggests the use of silent reading tests and limited use of oral screenings. Click here to read more.
|
