GCS News Briefs

March 19, 2010

Annual Enrollment for Health Insurance

Annual Enrollment for Health Insurance for GCS is going on now through April 16. All employees and their covered dependents will be moved to the 70/30 Basic plan effective July 1. During Annual Enrollment, employees have the opportunity to elect the 80/20 Standard plan for the 2010-11 benefit year if they attest that:
1. They and any family member who will be covered on July 1, 2010 do not use tobacco products, or
2. They and/or their family member(s) who will be covered on July 1, 2010, do use tobacco products, but are participating in a tobacco cessation program.

To enroll, visit http://www.gcsnc.com/HR/enrollment.html.

Employees are reminded that the Attestation Form (completed electronically) is a legally binding document that all employees must complete each year to enroll in the 80/20 Standard plan. Participation in a tobacco cessation program requires a completed Physician Certification Form and should be kept by the employee until requested by the State Health Plan. For more information, please contact Patty Kinkade, director of benefits, at 370-8092 or kinkadp@gcsnc.com.

GCS Encourages Rising Sixth-Graders to Get Tdap Vaccine

GCS is encouraging parents of rising sixth-graders to go ahead and get the Tdap vaccine for their children. The Tdap vaccination is a requirement to enter sixth grade. 

The vaccination protects children from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (more commonly known as whooping cough). All three are spread by bacteria. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person, while tetanus enters the body through scratches, cuts or wounds.

A state law that went into effect two years ago requires rising sixth-graders who have not received a Tdap vaccine since July 2005 to receive the shot before the next school year begins. The 2010-11 school year begins Aug. 25. State law also requires schools to exclude students who have not received the shots. Parents of rising sixth-graders are encouraged to get their children vaccinated before the deadline.

Tdap booster vaccinations are available by appointment each day at the Guilford County Department of Public Health’s offices located at 1100 E. Wendover Ave. in Greensboro and 501 E. Green Drive in High Point. Call 641-5563 for a Greensboro appointment. Call 845-7655 for an appointment in High Point. Parents should bring a copy of their child’s shot record with them.

For more information about the Tdap vaccine, please visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com or go to www.immunizenc.com.

Kindergarten Registration Opens

GCS encourages families of 4 and 5-year-olds to register their children for kindergarten early. Children who turn 5 by Aug. 31 are eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the 2010-11 school year. In order to register a child for kindergarten, parents need to provide the following items to their child’s assigned elementary school:

• Certified copy of their child’s birth certificate
• Fully completed Kindergarten Health Assessment Report
• Immunization (shots) record from their child’s health care provider
• Proof of residence showing name and address of parent(s) or court-appointed guardian/custodian

Parents can find their child’s school assignment by using the GCS School Locator at http://www.gcsnc.com/locator0809/streetsearch.aspx.

For children who turn 5 after Aug. 31, there are a number of free pre-kindergarten programs within GCS and the community. Applications for GCS pre-K programs will be accepted through April 23. In addition, gifted 4 1/2-year-olds who are functioning two to three years beyond their age may be eligible to enroll in kindergarten early. Parents with questions about qualifications for early kindergarten should contact the principal at their child’s assigned school.

More information about kindergarten registration is available on the GCS Web site at http://www.gcsnc.com/kindergarten/index.htm or by calling the pre-K office at 370-2362.

N.C. Teacher Working Conditions Survey Has Begun

All licensed employees are encouraged to go online and complete the North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey. The anonymous survey is for all public school educators across North Carolina. It will be available through April 16.

Every other year, The North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards Commission administers this survey to gather information about school conditions directly from educators. The survey provides the state with data on what teachers experience every day that can drive conversation and inform decisions about improving schools.

To take the survey, go to www.ncteachingconditions.org and enter the access code given to you by your school. If you have not been given an access code, please check with your school’s NCAE representative or (if your school doesn’t have a representative) the Teacher of the Year. For more information, please contact Tijuana Hayes, GCAE president, at 299-6131.

$1,500 Debby Reynolds Award Deadline March 26

The Enrichment Fund’s Debby Reynolds Award recognizes an educator, counselor or other GCS staff member who actively and resolutely advocates for children in need. Although this person will be the recipient of the actual award, a monetary donation of $700 will go to the school that nominates the winner. Use of the $700 award is at the discretion of the school and the teacher receiving the award. In addition, an award of $500 goes directly to the winner to be used as he or she chooses. The nomination deadline is March 26. Click here for the nomination form.

Doris Henderson Newcomers School Hosts International Celebration Tonight

The Doris Henderson Newcomers School will showcase its rich diversity tonight during the school’s International Celebration. From 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., students will show displays representing their cultures and heritages. The evening will continue with cultural performances of songs, dances and monologues from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Newcomers School serves students who have recently arrived in the United States and need additional support in accelerating their English language skills. The school helps prepare these students to enroll in their assigned school after a year. For more information, please contact Principal Jake Henry at 316-5883.

2010 High School Exam Schedule Available Online

The 2010 high school exam schedule for GCS is now available on the district’s Web site at http://www.gcsnc.com/information/pdfs/Examschedule.pdf.

At high schools on the traditional academic calendar, underclassmen will take exams June 1-9. Seniors will take exams May 20-27. For students who need to retest, the window will be June 10-14.

Exams for middle/early college students will take place during the last two weeks of May.

GCS Students Excel in N.C. Virtual Public School

GCS students are taking advantage of the North Carolina Virtual Public School, and recent data is showing positive results. In the fall of 2009, GCS students outperformed their peers across the state with an 87.62 percent pass rate on the online courses. The average pass rate in North Carolina was 85.84 percent. In fact, GCS had the highest average pass rate of the state’s largest school districts, performing better than Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Wake, Forsyth and Cumberland students.

Approximately 99.14 percent of GCS students completed the courses. The average completion rate statewide was 98.47 percent. Of the more than 10,000 students across North Carolina who participated in the N.C. Virtual Public School, 232 of them were GCS students.

The N.C. Virtual Public School offers 72 online courses that may not be available at students’ local schools. The classes augment local programs of study and give students across the state additional educational opportunities. Currently, classes offered include Advanced Placement, world language and credit recovery courses.

Certified North Carolina educators teach all courses using video, interactive whiteboards, wikis, active worlds and online discussion tools. Once the online course is complete, students receive credit on their home school’s transcript. For more information, visit www.ncvps.org.

GCS Teacher Receives Burroughs Wellcome Fund Award

Claudia Walker, fifth-grade math teacher at Murphey Traditional Academy, is one of five recipients of the Career Award for Science and Mathematics from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and N.C. Department of Public Instruction. The $175,000 award provides career support for outstanding science and math teachers in North Carolina.

Walker received the award for demonstrating exceptional skill and professionalism as a math teacher. She has been a teacher in GCS for 12 years, including teaching at Murphey for the past five years. She is National Board Certified, has received teacher of the year recognitions at the school and community level and is one of 25 GCS teachers participating in the Cisco Learning Initiative, which provides specialized training in cutting-edge math instruction to a core group of teachers.

The award will be disbursed over a five year period. Murphey will use the funding to enhance professional development for math and science teachers and purchase classroom technology. Part of the funding will be used for interactive whiteboards, laptops, digital projectors and document cameras. As part of the award, Walker also will receive salary support and a 12-month contract from the State Board of Education.

During the past four years, Murphey has made significant gains on its End-of-Grade math scores. Last year, 71.6 percent of students scored proficient in math, up from 49.2 percent in the 2005-06 school year. Principal Richard Thomae says the school’s math gains are the result of hard work by a dedicated staff, including Walker. Most of Walker’s work in education has been devoted to students from low income families. Each of the three schools she has served in GCS are Title I schools where more than 60 percent of students are considered economically disadvantaged. For more information, please contact Principal Thomae at 294-7380.

Northwest High Teacher Wins Math Coach Award

Jill Tetsworth, math teacher at Northwest High, is the recipient of the 2010 Outstanding Coach/Sponsor Award from the State Mathematics Contest. The criteria for the selection includes impact upon students served, length of service provided and devotion to coaching or sponsoring students in math. Tetsworth will accept the award during the State Comprehensive Math Contest at the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics on April 15. For more information, please contact Principal Ralph Kitley at 605-3300.

2009-10 Rookie Teacher of the Year Finalists Named

Forty-five teachers nominated for Rookie Teacher of the Year submitted portfolios for consideration. A committee of current and retired administrators, curriculum facilitators, central office personnel and community representatives reviewed and scored portfolios and selected five finalists. The finalists are:

• Stacy Brady – Oak Hill Elementary
• Stacy Corne – Northern High
• Courtnie James – Welborn Middle
• Samuel Mattison – Washington Elementary
• Paul Sexton – Guilford Middle

The Guilford Education Alliance, in partnership with BB&T, is hosting a breakfast on Friday, May 28 to recognize the finalists and announce the winner of the 2010 Rookie Teacher of the Year Award. The recipient of this award will receive a scholarship to earn a master’s degree at UNC-Greensboro. For more information, please contact Martha Snavely, executive director for induction and professional development, at 335-3290 or snavelm@gcsnc.com.

Grimsley High Hosts Benefit Concert for Haiti

At 7 p.m. on March 23, Grimsley High students and staff will hold a concert to benefit victims of the Haitian earthquake. Performers include the ROTC Color Guard, step team, break-dancers, Grimsley combined choirs, Grimsley staff and even a special performance by Principal Anna Brady. Tickets are $5, and all proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross. To date, Grimsley has raised more than $2,370. For more information, please contact Principal Brady at 370-8180.

Southeast Middle Students Raise $4,236.87 to Help Children with Leukemia and Lymphoma

Southeast Middle’s Students Against Violence Everywhere (S.A.V.E.) organization recently sponsored a Pasta for Pennies fundraiser to benefit children with leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma. In just one week’s time, students raised a total of $4,236.87. Donations help improve the lives of both patients and their families, and support research to investigate new forms of treatment for blood cancers. The Olive Garden restaurant will provide lunch for the classroom that raised the most money. This year, that honor goes to Mary Chance’s sixth-grade class. For more information, please contact Principal Karen Burress at 674-4280.

GCS Sends 12 to All-State Honors Band

Students recently competed for a spot on the All-State Honor Bands at the middle school and high school levels. The competition is high as students compete against their peers from across the state. The students chosen represent the top performers in their instrument and will perform on May 2 at UNC-Chapel Hill. This year, GCS has the largest number represented. For more information, please contact Nathan Street, arts curriculum specialist, at 574-2645.

All-State Middle School Honor Band:

• Mitchell Li from The Academy at Lincoln – Timpani
• Rebecca Dou from The Academy at Lincoln – Clarinet
• Eugene Siegel from The Academy at Lincoln – Flute

All-State 9th-10th Honor Band:

• Allison Baker from Page High – Flute
• Andrea Lane from Northern High – Mallets
• Rick Ralston-Asumendi from The Early College at Guilford – Euphonium
• Jaime Espinola from The Early College at Guilford – Bass Clarinet
• Erina Fujino from The Early College at Guilford – Flute

All-State 11th-12th Wind Ensemble:

• John Parker from Southwest High – Trumpet
• Caroline Webster from Southwest High –Oboe
• Seth Trump from Southeast High – Snare
• Whitney Zhou from The Early College at Guilford – Flute

Pearce Elementary Collects Clean Water for Haiti

Pearce Elementary partnered with The Volunteer Center to be a drop-off point for water to be donated to Haiti. The school collected 378 gallons of water, which will be shipped to Haiti along with students’ handmade cards. The water and cards will be hand-delivered by a missionary group this month, who will give the cards to Haiti’s orphaned and hospitalized children. For more information, please contact Principal Pam Misher at 605-5480.    

Lincoln Student Wins National Poster Contest

Erica Perine, a student at The Academy at Lincoln, is the middle school winner of the National Magnet Schools of America Poster Contest. Erica will receive $100 and will be recognized at the national conference in Tampa, FL.

Erica is in the eighth grade at Lincoln where she is active in music, visual art and literature. She has participated in many contests in different areas of the arts, becoming the first chair viola in the All-State Orchestra, winning the Kids Voting T-Shirt Design Competition and placing second statewide in the 2009 Elks Club Americanism Essay Contest. Currently, she is participating in the Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra and plans to tour Austria and Germany over Spring Break. She is also pursuing her interests in composing music for the piano and participating in numerous art and literature related contests.

The annual poster contest is sponsored by Magnet Schools of America as part of National Magnet Schools Month. The contest highlights and promotes magnet schools across the country and takes place every January. This year’s theme was “Magnet Schools Promote Creativity, Innovation and Choice.” For more information, please contact Principal Rodney Boone at 370-3471.

Southwest High Student Named Kenan Scholar

John C. Parker, a senior at Southwest High, has been named a Kenan Music Scholar to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The award is a full scholarship for four years covering tuition, student fees, room and board, as well as support for summer research. Students also benefit from a coherent program of special activities uniting work on the concert platform and in the classroom with faculty in the Music Department and distinguished visiting artists. Only four scholars are selected each year on the basis of an established record of excellence in practice of music, significant academic strengths and a strong commitment to majoring in music at UNC-Chapel Hill.

GCS Students Perform National Anthem at State High School Wrestling Championships

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association held its 2010 Individual State Wrestling Championships at the Greensboro Coliseum Feb. 26 and 27. The tournament consists of four sessions, each of which starts with the national anthem. This year, GCS students performed for each of the four sessions. On Friday morning, the national anthem was performed by the Weaver Academy Chorale, led by Donna Brotherton. The Ragsdale High Air Force – JROTC, under the direction of Lt. Colonel Kelvin Kearney, was also present for the morning performance and presented the colors. The Page High Honors Vocal Ensemble, lead by Richard Hodges, performed the anthem for the Friday evening session. Alexis Solomon, a student at Smith High, opened the tournament Saturday morning and Adrian Fullerwinder, a student at Southern High, performed the anthem during the opening ceremonies for the championship round Saturday evening. For more information, please contact Leigh Hebbard, director of athletics and drivers education, at 370-8950.

Penn-Griffin Encourages Families to Read

Penn-Griffin School for the Arts encouraged its students and families to read more by introducing them to services available at the library. Through a partnership with High Point Public Library, more than 20 students and their families were treated to a pizza party donated by the school’s PTA before attending an information session and tour at the library on Thursday. They also received library cards so they can check out books on a continuous basis. The partnership is part of the school’s Read 180 program and also aligns with the district’s One Million Books initiative, which encourages students to set reading goals. For more information, please contact Principal Shelley Nixon-Greene 819-2870.

Page High Helps Haitian Earthquake Victims

Students at Page High helped raise $1,484.68 to donate to the American Red Cross to support the victims of the Haitian earthquake. For more information, please contact Mary Jude Neal, teacher at 370-8200 ext. 4401.

Parkview Elementary Students Support Haiti Relief Efforts

Parkview Elementary recently completed two projects supporting Haitian earthquake victims. In one project, led by art teacher Susan Williams, students created HAITI HOUSES. Students made beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces of art that were made into small HAITI HOUSES, which could be worn as a pin or used as a magnet. These items were sold and all proceeds went toward the Parkview Haiti Fund. 

Another project, led by kindergarten teacher Eddi Johnson and first-grade teacher LaToya Brooks, distributed milk jugs to each classroom, and students were asked to being in all their loose change to donate toward the fund.

Together these two projects raised a total of $1,164.35. For more information, please contact Principal Bryan Johnson at 819-2945.

Lindley Elementary Breaks Ground on New School Garden

More than 40 volunteers from Lindley Elementary and Home Depot will break ground on a new school garden on Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon. The garden, designed by Dale Mitchell of Mitchell Landscapes, encloses a 60’ x 65’ area and includes raised beds for each grade level and a bean/pea teepee in the middle, with tree stumps as seats in an outdoor classroom area, and a tool shed. On the workday, volunteers will be preparing the beds with compost, mulching garden pathways and building the teepee with donated materials from Home Depot.

Home Depot is sponsoring Lindley’s garden through its Team Depot Program, donating materials, seeds, plants and volunteers. Lindley PTA also received a grant from Syngenta’s Community Grant Program, which has enabled Lindley to purchase teacher-training materials, compost and cover other costs.

In addition, Allen Tate Realtors is sponsoring a hospitality tent for the workday with water and snacks donated by Bestway, Lindley Park Filling Station and Harris Teeter. Members of Hope Chapel, which meets in Lindley’s auditorium on Sunday mornings, will assist with summer stewardship of the garden. For more information, please contact Principal Merrie Conaway at 294-7360.

GCSTV 2

The district’s television channel broadcasts throughout Guilford County on Time Warner Cable channel 2 and LIVE on the GCS Web site.

The Latest News from GCS:

GCS Newsbreak:

GCS and the United Way

GCS Newsbreak:

GCS and the ACC Women’s Tournament; Tornado Drill at Sumner Elementary; Youth Art Exhibit at the Greensboro Cultural Center and Read Across America at Gillespie Park and McIver

GCS Newsbreaks and other GCS video productions are also available on YouTube. 

Service Learning

Across America, service learning is helping students perform better in school while improving their communities through service. See this informative and inspiring program featuring the connection between the classroom and students serving their communities. The program is broadcast at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Bond Projects Update

See the status of two major GCS construction projects funded by the 2008 School Bonds. This program, featuring the Meredith Leigh Haynes- Bennie Lee Inman Education Center and Jamestown Middle, is televised daily at 12:01 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on GCSTV 2 and is also available for viewing on-demand on the GCS Web site and on YouTube.

Alamance Chorus Performs for National Broadcast

For the second year in a row, the Alamance Elementary Chorus has been chosen to appear in the “World’s Largest Concert.” This program, consisting of a sing-along of multiple school choruses in the U.S. and abroad, is broadcast on television stations nationwide. See it now on GCSTV 2 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.  

Falcon Monthly with Tyler Hardin

See this student-produced program that provides all the latest news from Southeast Middle. This program is broadcast daily at 4:30 p.m.

Superintendent’s Media Briefings

See Superintendent Maurice Green’s Media Briefings, during which he addresses topics important to GCS and answers reporters’ questions on a variety of topics.

GCSTV 2-LIVE

Watch our live broadcast now streaming on the World Wide Web.

Guilford County Board of Education

Watch Board of Education meetings live when they occur. Encore presentations of board meetings are telecast the day follow the meeting at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the following Saturday at 1 p.m. You can also watch Board of Education meetings at your convenience. The meetings are now archived and available online anytime at gcsnc.com. See them here.

Also on GCSTV 2:
GCSTV 2 Programming Guide

Find out what else is showing on GCSTV 2 here: GCSTV 2 Programming Guide

Showcase Your Talent on GCSTV 2

GCSTV 2 is now accepting student-, faculty-, staff- or parent-produced programming. See the details for submissions here or watch the video.

GCSTV 2 & ABC-45

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

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