June 30, 2011

The Guilford County Board of Education voted Thursday to apply for a waiver of the 185-day instructional year requirement included in the state budget adopted earlier this month. Under the waiver, student instructional days on the traditional calendar GCS has already developed for 2011-12 will stay the same, but five of the teacher workdays will be adjusted to meet state requirements for the waiver.

If the waiver is approved by the state, the teacher workdays on the traditional calendar for Oct. 28, March 26 and June 7 will be changed from protected to mandated workdays. Schools will use these days for professional development on literacy and the state's common core curriculum. Regional superintendents will work with principals to arrange time for grading and planning.

The workdays scheduled on the calendar for Aug. 24 and Jan. 20 will be changed from protected to optional workdays to allow teachers to use leave days they have accumulated.

The calendars for year-round, early and middle colleges and other alternative schools will be adjusted accordingly. Once approved, all of the district's updated calendars will be posted on the GCS website.

The state budget adds five student days to school calendars by eliminating five protected teacher workdays and using them as instructional days instead. With approval from the State Board of Education, school districts can apply for a waiver to use the five days for professional development on the state's new common core curriculum and Race to the Top.

"While GCS historically has been supportive of providing additional learning time for students through extended school days or school years, we believe adding five days presents a number of challenges at this late date, including transportation costs, adjusting student schedules and other concerns voiced by our parents and staff," said Nora Carr, chief of staff.

With the five instructional days added by the state, the required number of hours students must be in class each year increased from 1,000 to 1,025. GCS already exceeds this requirement, with most schools providing between 1,100 and 1,145 instructional hours per year.

It's nearly three weeks into summer vacation, and parents across Guilford County are no doubt looking for ways to get their children away from the TV screen and on to more productive tasks. Studies show that keeping young minds active can help prevent the "brain drain" that affects students once they leave the classroom, especially students of lower economic status.

Students may lose as much as one grade level in reading and math during the summer months. To combat the dangers of brain drain, Guilford County Schools (GCS) has some helpful advice for parents:

• Through Guilford Parent Academy and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, free educational software is available to appeal to a variety of topics and age levels at https://parentacademy.gcsnc.com .

• When watching television, parents should engage the captioning feature and reduce the volume so that children are encouraged to read words on the television screen.

• Play math games: Monopoly, Mancala, Chess, Trouble, Life or any game that involves counting spaces. Point out printed words on traffic signs, menus and labels.
• Teach science by creating a rain gauge or studying the phases of the moon. A nature hike is another great way to investigate the world around us.

• Take advantage of every opportunity to travel, visit museums or participate in other educational activities such as the historical museum and children's museum, science center and reading programs at the Greensboro Public Library .

• Make sure your children know multiplication facts automatically. Try www.honorpoint.com , a great site for practice.

• Practice geography skills with your child. Some students confuse continents, countries and states. The site www.freerice.com is a fun way to review geography.

Several GCS schools have summer programs that are designed to encourage reading and keep children engaged:

• Murphey Traditional Academy offers its Dive Into Reading program on Wednesdays through July 27 from 9 a.m. to noon, where students can participate in crafts and science experiments, read independently or with assistance, visit educational websites and hear from special guests such as firefighters or historians.
• Union Hill Elementary will begin its summer reading program Thursday, July 7, featuring a vacation theme. Students will be given a suitcase booklet to track their reading progress.
• Florence Elementary and Jesse Wharton Elementary both offered incentives at the end of the school year for students to read during the summer and will reward those efforts in the fall.
• Media centers at several schools are open select hours in the summer, including Monticello-Brown Summit, Alderman, Murphey, Archer and Pilot elementary schools. Many also promoted the active summer reading programs at local public libraries.

"We hope our efforts help our students maintain the reading gains they achieved throughout the regular school year, and that they have a great time doing so," says Murphey media specialist Tracey Patterson.

For more tips and suggestions, visit the GCS Summer Reading page at www.gcsnc.com/summerreading .

Debra McCoy, Exceptional Children's teaching assistant at Kernodle Middle, will be recognized at the July 12 Board of Education meeting as the Guilford County Schools (GCS) Employee of the Month for July 2011.

This "behind the scenes" player is key to her team's achievement at Kernodle Middle, say those who work closest with her. She is quick to assist her fellow teachers and students regardless of their needs, and one first-year teacher claims that without McCoy, her ability to reach a particular group of students would not have been a success.

"Debra McCoy has figured out how to walk the fine line between friend and authoritative figure with her students," says one nomination. "They all have 'special needs' but she makes them see how 'normal' they really are. She is able to be demanding, yet gentle. She is helpful but always enables the students' independence. In the classroom, she is invaluable. As a teacher she has been a wonderful resource and a calming presence."

As Employee of the Month, McCoy will be honored with a $50 gift card from Sam's Club, which continues to provide generous support of the employee recognition program. During the month of July, her photo will hang at the district's central offices and at Kernodle Middle, as well as at the Sam's Club on Wendover Avenue.

Construction continues at Southeast Middle and is on schedule for completion before school begins in August. Work was recently completed on the new auxiliary gym and media center with completion of the cafeteria expansion not too far behind. In addition, work on the new front office was completed several weeks ahead of schedule, allowing for office staff and administrators to move in and other projects to begin ahead of schedule.

"We have great contractors who are doing whatever it takes to ensure that construction is finished before students return on Aug. 25," said Karen Burress, principal of Southeast Middle. "Whether it's working late into the night or over the weekend, these individuals are doing whatever they must to finish the project on time."

Instillation of an updated fire suppression system is still underway, as is construction on the cafeteria. The cramped quarters of the cafeteria only allowed enough space for one serving line to feed a school of more than 1,000 students. When the expansion is complete, the cafeteria will have a larger seating area and an additional serving line that will help to decrease the amount of time students must spend waiting in line.

With 11 schools currently undergoing construction in some form and 30 - 100 workers per construction project, it is clear that the 2008 Bond Referendum has helped provide jobs in Guilford County.

June 30, 2011

The Guilford County Board of Education approved calendars for Wiley Elementary and Andrews High. The calendars are part of the transformation model the schools will be following next school year under the School Improvement Grant.

Andrews will add 10 professional development days for staff members to the calendar for the 2011-12 school year. The school will continue to follow the traditional calendar for student days and the regularly scheduled workdays and holidays.

Important 2011-12 Calendar Dates for Andrews:

• First day for staff - Aug. 5
• First day for students - Aug. 25
• Last day for students - June 6
• Last day for staff - June 12

Wiley will follow an extended year calendar for the 2011-12 school year. Ten days will be added to the calendar and 45 minutes will be added to the instructional day. Students will attend school from 7:40 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. each day.

Important 2011-12 Calendar Dates for Wiley:

• First day for staff - July 27 
• First day for students - Aug. 10
• Last day for students - June 6 
• Last day for staff - June 12

June 30, 2011

The Guilford County Board of Education approved to return to schools approximately $4.7 million in funds previously identified as reductions or redirections for 2011-12.

About $3 million in Weighted Student Formula dollars and about $1.7 million from the teacher allotment formula adjustment to increase class size by 0.25 students in grades K-12 will be restored to schools for next school year. These were previously identified as tier two cuts in the superintendent's budget proposal.

Additionally, the board approved to remove the proposal of a two-day pay reduction for employees earning $35,000 or more from consideration in the final budget. This had been identified as a tier three cut to be used only as a last resort.

GCS had prepared for a potential $35.6 million cut in state funding. After initially reviewing the budget adopted by the state, district staff estimate the impact to be about $14.3 million. Staff also estimate an increase of about $4 million in sustaining operations costs for the 2011-12 school year.

Staff will seek final approval of the 2011-12 budget at the next scheduled board meeting on July 13. In the meantime, the board approved an interim budget resolution that will allow the district to operate in the new fiscal year until a final budget is adopted. The interim budget authorizes the district to pay employee salaries, principal and interest on debt and other ordinary expenses between July 1 and the adoption of the final budget.

June 30, 2011

Guilford County Schools (GCS) announces the appointment of principals for seven schools. Their positions will be effective starting July 1.

Trina Bethea will be the new principal at Madison Elementary. Bethea served as principal at Hairston Middle during the 2010-11 school year. Prior to her service as principal there, she was the principal at Joyner Elementary for three years. She has served as an assistant principal and school counselor in GCS middle and high schools.

Hairston Middle will be served by Rydell Harrison, who has served as principal at Sternberger Elementary for the past two years. He was also an assistant principal at Jackson Middle. Harrison began his education career as a music teacher in New Jersey and New York before teaching in GCS.

Dean LaVere , who has served as the principal at Union Hill Elementary for eight years,will be the new principal at Shadybrook Elementary. LaVere's 29 years of experience include serving as an assistant principal at Pilot Elementary for three years and as a technology teacher at Allen Middle for 17 years.

Angela Graves will serve as principal at Brightwood Elementary. Graves has been serving as an assistant principal at Northern High since 2007. Prior to her service at Northern, she was a curriculum facilitator/specialist for eight years. She has also served schools in the role of teacher assistant, summer school teacher, reading teacher and Saturday academy coordinator.

Nathanael Greene Elementary will be served by Brian McCain, who has served as the student services administrator for the GCS Western Region since July 2009. His experience includes serving as assistant principal at Aycock Middle. He was also an elementary teacher for nine years in Danville, Va.

Anita Stewart will be the new principal of The Academy at Lincoln. Stewart has been an assistant principal at Northwest Middle since August 2006. Prior to her tenure at Northwest, Stewart was a middle school teacher for seven years.

Mark Harris will be the next principal of Peeler Open Elementary. He previously served GCS for more than 13 years as a teacher and assistant principal at High Point Central High and as principal at Murphey Traditional Academy and Ferndale Middle. Recently, Harris spent a brief time working outside of the district.

GCS also announces the appointment of Misti Williams as the executive director of induction and professional development. Williams is returning to the district from a professorship at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she taught in the educational leadership program. During the last four years, Williams has conducted the training for the Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, serving more than 150 assistant principals. Her professional experience also includes serving as the executive director for administration and middle schools curriculum director in Stokes County. She was also a principal at Stokesdale Elementary and Rankin Elementary.

June 28, 2011

Guilford County Schools (GCS) and the Guilford County Department of Social Services are partnering to bring national experts to Greensboro for a discussion on how racial biases affect the experiences of children and families.

Members of the community are invited to attend the program on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the International Civil Rights Museum, 1345 S. Elm St., Greensboro.

The free program will feature opening remarks from John A. Powell, executive director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University. Experts from the fields of education, social services and law will lead the discussion as panelists and presenters.

"The institutions in our community - the school district, social services and the judicial system - are partnering together to look at the disproportional nature of our systems," said Monica Walker, diversity officer for GCS. "We need to understand the implicit biases in our society. By lifting them up, we can examine how our operating policies and the way we do business are creating disparities. Through this discussion, we hope to learn more about how other systems across the country have looked at creating institutional reform."

The Casey Family Foundation and Racial Equality Institute are also supporting the program.

June 28, 2011

The Guilford County Board of Education will meet on Thursday, June 30 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Offices, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC.

During the meeting, the board will hear reports on 185-day instructional year calendar waiver, calendars for Andrews High and Wiley Elementary, a continued discussion of the 2011-12 budget and construction. The board will recognize Alamance Elementary teacher Daniese Smith, Northeast High and Smith High. The meeting will be preceded by a closed session.

Guilford County Board of Education meetings are broadcast live on GCSTV 2 (cable channel 2) and re-air the day after the meeting at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the Saturday following the meeting at 1 p.m. To watch the meeting online, visit http://media.gcsnc.net/gcstv . 

Guilford County Schools (GCS) Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green has been selected to receive the 2011 Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award, given by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

Superintendent Green will receive the award and be honored on July 12 at the NSPRA National Seminar in San Antonio, Texas. The judges noted that Green was chosen because "his commitment to open communication and transparency focused on public engagement and grassroots outreach has helped to drive the district toward a common goal of providing educational excellence for every student."

"Mr. Grossman was an outstanding leader, so to be recognized in his memory is a great honor for me," said Green. "The students and employees in our district continue to achieve great successes, and I accept this award on behalf of them."

The Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award is given annually to a superintendent or CEO of a school district, education agency, service center or intermediate unit for outstanding leadership in school public relations and communications. Robert L. Grossman, APR, was an NSPRA past president known and respected for his creative and strategic public relations practices and for his belief that the support and commitment of education leaders to effective school communications is vital to student and school success. Green was selected from a field of outstanding superintendents from across the nation.

NSPRA, founded in 1935, is a non-profit professional association recognized as "the leader in school communications." The association provides school public relations and communication training and services to education leaders throughout North America and the U.S. Department of Defense Dependent schools worldwide.

Now entering its third year, the GCS All-Stars after-school tutoring program will continue helping tutor students in the areas of reading and math. With the aid of dedicated teachers who serve as tutors, students attending Title I schools in improvement will continue to get the extra attention and instruction that they need to succeed.

GCS All-Stars offers struggling students extra academic help and individual instruction. The program utilizes GCS teachers as tutors and places students in a small classroom setting with a 6-to-1 student to tutor ratio. This ratio ensures that each student gets as much assistance as possible. "We began GCS All-Stars because we felt we could better serve our students with our teachers," said Randy Morgan, Coordinator of Supplemental Educational Services for GCS.

While there are only two tutoring sessions a week, students are able to receive additional instruction at school and at home via the "Learning Village Destination Reading and Math" online computer courses. These online resources are essentially online textbooks that can be accessed by any computer with an Internet connection. Online classes also are available for free through the district's Guilford Parent Academy .

GCS All-Stars is a Supplemental Educational Services provider for second- to eighth-grade students who attend a Title I school in improvement and qualify for free or reduced lunch. These free tutoring services are offered to students who fail to make adequate yearly progress for two years in a row in the same subject.

Adequate Yearly Progress is a measurement defined by the No Child Left Behind Act that allows the U.S. Department of Education to determine how every public school and school district in the country is performing academically according to results on standardized tests. Title I schools have a high percentage of low-income families.

June 23, 2011

The Guilford County Board of Education Construction Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 28 at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will take place in Room 100 at 501 W. Washington St., Greensboro, NC.

June 22, 2011

School is out for the summer, but some Guilford County school cafeterias are still providing free lunch to area children. Starting June 15 through July 29, the meals will be available free to all children 18 and under.

Guilford County Schools (GCS) is participating in the Summer Nutrition Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Children are not required to qualify for free or reduced lunch to benefit from the free meals.

The nation's economic conditions make the program as important as ever. The percentage of GCS students who qualify for free and reduced lunch is up to 53.59 percent. During the school year, GCS provides these students with one or two meals on weekdays. However, when school is out, families on tight budgets may find it more difficult to provide nutritious meals.

"GCS wants to provide school age children with a nourishing lunch during the summer break," said Cynthia Sevier, director of school nutrition services. "We are honored to offer this program to our students during the summer."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will reimburse the district for meals served to eligible children. Meals will be free to any children who visit one of the designated school sites during the scheduled service dates and times.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011 - Friday, July 29, 2011

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

In addition to the school cafeteria locations, the Summer Nutrition Program is providing meals to children who participate in some summer camps and programs in Guilford County. GCS has partnered with dozens of community organizations to provide meals prepared daily by School Nutrition Services.

Local organizations that offer supervised summer activities at parks, community centers and churches will pick up the meals from school cafeterias and serve them at their sites. Parents who are interested in having their children attend the programs at community sites should call the organizations directly in advance.

Parents and guardians with questions about the Summer Nutrition Program should contact GCS School Nutrition Services at 336-370-3266.

June 16, 2011

Betty Hobbs, reading support specialist at Vandalia Elementary, collected 1,100 books for students.

June 16, 2011

When Scott Barnes began attending McIver Education Center in middle school, he was a shy and not very outgoing. Since his arrival, Scott has grown into a remarkable gentleman who is the definition of perseverance.

Through the nurturing and supportive care of teachers and staff at McIver, Scott was able to emerge from his shell and become a shining star. "Scott is our perfect 'all around guy,'" said Sara Nachtrab, principal at McIver. "No student has made greater changes in their time at McIver than Scott. He has worked hard to become the fabulous man he is."

McIver Education Center serves students who have severe to moderate developmental delays and autism and offers them a highly structured, smaller school environment with few distractions and sensory challenges.

During his tenure at McIver, Scott showed off his abilities to be great friend to his peers, a dedicated student, and was known for cutting a rug at school dances. Ultimately, this senior class Homecoming King will be remembered for his dramatic acting ability, his positive impact on fellow students and his ability to persevere.

After graduation, Scott transitioned to a vocational day program, which will teach him a trade so he can find work and be an independent member of society. " We are so proud of Scott's school and personal accomplishments. We will miss Scott every way, every day," added Sara Nachtrab.

To view photos of the McIver graduation ceremony, please click here .

A summary from the Guilford County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, June 14 is now available. To read the summary, click here.

June 14, 2011

Millions in federal funding for school improvement will be available to Wiley Elementary and Andrews High during the next three years. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction selected both schools as recipients of federal School Improvement Grants that assist low-achieving schools with improving their academic performance.

Wiley, identified in the first tier of schools eligible for the grant, will be allocated more than $2.4 million over a three-year period. Andrews, a tier two school, will receive more than $3.8 million.

Of the eligible schools identified by the state, 28 districts applied for the grants and 17, including Guilford County Schools (GCS), were approved for funding. Priority was given to schools that demonstrated the greatest need for the funds and the strongest commitment to ensuring that the funds will raise student achievement.

Both Wiley and Andrews will use a transformation intervention model, which addresses teacher effectiveness, instructional strategies, extended learning time, community involvement and operating flexibility. Last year, Oak Hill Elementary was awarded a $2.9 million School Improvement Grant. The funding has helped provide professional development for staff, get parents and the community more involved in the school and make extended learning time available to students.

"The School Improvement Grants will provide us as a district with an enhanced opportunity to improve the academic performance of our students at Andrews and Wiley," said John Eldridge, Enrichment Region superintendent. "With the funding, we'll be able to put more strategies into place, such as making sure our teachers have the training and support they need, adding more instructional time and introducing new technology into the classroom."

GCS solicited input from employees, parents and community members about the areas of need at each school. District officials will spend the summer in preparation for changes coming in the fall.

June 13, 2011

With seniors at Ragsdale High set to walk across the stage later today, three graduates with diverse backgrounds and stories have come to the conclusion that the key to a better life is through education.

Valedictorian Grace Lempp has been a model student ever since she first entered Ragsdale High. Whether it's tutoring peers, cheering on lacrosse teammates or establishing and running a reading skills program at the Boys and Girls Club, Grace has always found a way to positively impact her school and community. "I felt like the two weeks I spent with these awesome kids [at the Boys and Girls Club] improved their English skills and made me a better leader and teacher," said Grace.

As her high school career concludes, Grace is planning to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall as a pre-medical student. After tackling medical school, Grace plans on taking her newly acquired skills on the road to aid others by going on medical mission trips to different locations around the world.

Hamza Amin lost his hearing as a child and now plans to take the world by storm with a career in computer engineering. Hamza has always had a passion for disassembling and reassembling anything he could get his hands on in order to find out how it truly worked.

By attending Weaver Academy, Hamza was able to fuel his passion by taking Career and Technical Education classes in electrical and computer engineering as well as pre-calculus in addition to his classes at Ragsdale.

He will attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte this fall where he will major in computer engineering but his dreams don't stop at college. He's already planning his post-college future - to work at Google.

Jamie Brooks has had a lot to contend with during her senior year after being evicted by her mother on her 18th birthday. While keeping up with her regular assignments, she had to find a place to live and apply to college. Despite all the personal turmoil Jamie faced, she never missed an assignment or a day of class.

"Jamie is amazing, she's resilient and embodies that never-give-up spirit," said Elgina Manuel, the school's 12th-grade counselor.

With graduation tonight, Jamie has set her sights on the future. Soon, Jamie will take her first steps in her quest to become a veterinarian. "I love animals; being a vet is all I've ever wanted to do," said Jamie.

Her journey will begin this fall, when she will attend Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) and major in biology. After completing her associate's degree at GTCC, Jamie plans on transferring to Fayetteville State University.

These three students and their peers will graduate tonight at 6 p.m. at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center.

June 13, 2011

The Guilford County Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, June 14 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Offices, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC.

During the meeting, the board will a hear report on the continued 2011-12 budget discussion. The board will recognize the Employee of the Month, Volunteer of the Month, spring sports state champions and coaches and the incoming/outgoing officers of the Guilford County Association of Educators.

Guilford County Board of Education meetings are broadcast live on GCSTV 2 (cable channel 2) and re-air the day after the meeting at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the Saturday following the meeting at 1 p.m. To watch the meeting online, visit http://media.gcsnc.net/gcstv . 

June 10, 2011

Thanks to local bookstore Edward McKay, students at Jackson Middle got a head start on their summer reading. This is important considering the facts. According to the National Summer Learning Association, more than half of the achievement gap between lower- and higher-income youth can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities.

More than 100 students and their families attended the school's first Family Reading Night on Tuesday. The family event was sponsored and hosted by Edward Mckay, which is partnering with the school to help put more books into the hands of students who really need them.

"Edward McKay Used Books & More has made it easy for everyone to afford the reading material and entertainment media they want for decades," said Roger Hannah, western regional manager. "So Guilford County Schools' Two Million Books and summer reading programs are appropriate causes for us to get behind, and we invite other businesses to join us in supporting local public education and future Family Reading Night events."

The local bookstore donated more than 200 books and each student that attended the event took one home. The remaining were donated to Jackson's media center. BDaht, local D.J. for 102 Jamz, talked to the students about making positive choices and reminded them that whatever their interest may be, they can find a book about it. Students also participated in Mad Libs, which was led by BDaht, and enjoyed other reading stations to practice vocabulary and comprehension. Some students even took home giveaways providing by Ed McKay, including a Nintendo Wii, a Sony e-reader, iPod Nano and several gift credits to the store.

To view photos, click here.

June 10, 2011

Kaelyn Zynda was lucky enough to receive a second chance, and she's working to help other kids receive the same.

Kaelyn was only 12 years old when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Though her initial diagnosis was positive, complications from the chemotherapy and medications threatened her life and forced her to spend more time hospitalized in Chapel Hill.

"It was very difficult to keep up with all my classes from eighth grade through about sophomore year because I would end up having to teach myself the material that I would have otherwise learned from my teachers at school," she says. "I made it my goal not to fall behind, and the ultimate goal was to be able to graduate with all my friends on time."

She'll do that Sunday with her class from Grimsley High, as one of about 5,100 graduates from Guilford County Schools this year. Kaelyn has been in remission for three years, though she still deals with the daily ramifications of her treatment, but says she's much healthier than when she started at Grimsley.

Now she's able to focus more on her long-term goals - namely helping others deal with the disease and its impact. Kaelyn plans to attend DePaul University in Chicago to double-major in Spanish and biology. "Eventually my aspiration is to become a pediatric oncologist to one day be able to help kids through this terrible disease," she says.

But in the meantime she's working to create a scholarship foundation for children who are surviving cancer. Kaelyn's Second Chance Kids Foundation is designed to honor those who have died with a scholarship in their name specific to their goals. The first scholarship will be named in honor of Kaelyn's friend Ashton Miller, an aspiring artist who passed away last year at the age of 21.

"The idea behind it is to give children who have passed away a second chance at living out their dreams through a child who is still fighting," she says. "This is something I'm very passionate about and I hope it takes off."

Grimsley High's Class of 2011 will graduate Sunday at 8:30 p.m. at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center.

June 10, 2011

Traffic will be heavy around the Greensboro Coliseum starting tonight and through the weekend as Guilford County Schools (GCS) holds graduation ceremonies in the Special Events Center.

For anyone attending the ceremonies, parking is free. Guests should note that for safety and security reasons duffel bags, backpacks, balloons, air horns and noisemakers will not be allowed in the graduation ceremonies.

In total, about 5,100 seniors are graduating in 29 ceremonies throughout a five-week period this year. The graduation season wraps up with the ceremonies for the district's 15 traditional schools today through Monday, June 13. Graduation is organized and supported by 65 GCS staff members and more than 50 staff members from the Greensboro Coliseum.

The graduation schedule for this weekend is as follows:

June 10, 2011

Guilford County Schools (GCS) administrative offices and schools will operate on a four-day schedule from Monday, June 13 through Friday, Aug. 12. 

Administrative office hours will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Schools will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. All offices will be closed on Fridays.

Employees who work throughout the summer will work four 10-hour days each week to keep the work week at 40 hours. The four-day schedule does not apply to year-round and extended year schools.

The district will follow its standard hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week of July 4. Offices will be closed Monday, July 4 for the holiday, and employees will work their normal eight-hour per day schedule Tuesday, July 5 through Friday, July 8.

Normal office hours will resume on Monday, Aug. 15. 

The summer four-day schedule was a recommendation the district received from employees during the budget feedback process. A project team reviewed plans from other districts and developed an estimate of approximately $200,000 in savings. The savings will come from reducing energy use and consumption district-wide on Fridays. For many employees, this could mean savings in gasoline or other transportation costs as well.

When Allison Hassard begins her engineering studies at Virginia's Sweet Briar College this fall, she'll likely have an advantage over her classmates. The soon-to-be Grimsley High graduate will leave Guilford County Schools (GCS) as a College Tech Prep (CTP) completer after studying engineering and information technology at Weaver Academy.

The College Tech Prep program prepares students either for technical careers or for a two- or four-year college to continue their studies. Students can focus on one of 13 program areas, from culinary arts to medical sciences, areas that offer a strong potential for future success.

"It's a great way to figure out what you like and what you don't like," says Allison, who will also receive the district's service-learning exemplary award. "You get to try it on and see how it fits."

Allison's studies at Weaver helped her place first in the state and second in the nation in the SkillsUSA telecommunication cabling competition, as well as a second-place state finish with two of her classmates in the Future Business Leaders of America network design competition.

And while she has earned $24,000 in engineering, robotics and leadership scholarships to Sweet Briar, she could have opted to use the GTCC Tuition Assistance Scholarship, which provides two years of tuition-free education for GCS students who continue at GTCC in an area related to their CTP course of study.

Cameron Jones will be one of those who will take advantage of the scholarship. The Southeast High senior plans to study Architectural Technology at GTCC with the goal of becoming a residential home designer.

He's been preparing for that field with high school classes in drafting, scientific visualization and computer applications, but his inspiration comes closer to home. His father, a general contractor, also draws house plans as part of his work.

"My dad went (to GTCC), and I want to follow in his footsteps," says Cameron, who is already putting his skills to good use. He's been working with a local design firm since last summer to create 3-D renderings of home elevations.

About 520 students have applied for the scholarship this year, says Bill Eversole, director of workforce preparedness at GTCC. Students must have at least a 2.0 GPA and a C average or better in their CTP classes to be accepted.

Eversole estimates the value of the scholarship at about $4,000 and says there's no limit to the number of students who can take advantage of it. He believes GTCC is the only community college in the state to offer such a program.

"For the students, it's a win every way it's possible to win," he says.

CTP completers have a higher graduation rate than the general GCS population, and more than 91 percent of them go on to post-secondary education at universities or community colleges, advanced training, military service or employment.

"The CTP program prepares our students for careers in areas that provide long-term opportunities," says Bob Gantt, director of Career and Technical Education (CTE). "We are proud that so many of our graduates continue on the path they start here at GCS."

Tuesday, June 7

Students Win Bicycles for Test Performance, 1:45 p.m. (Foust Elementary, 2610 Floyd St., Greensboro) - Foust Elementary students will have a chance to win a bicycle for doing well on their End-of-Grade tests. The school will hold a drawing Tuesday for third through fifth-grade students that passed their tests. The students' names will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win one of 22 bikes provided by Recycles Bike Shop in Greensboro. For more information, contact Principal Paul Puryear at 336-370-8155.

Edward McKay Donates Books at Family Reading Night, 6-8 p.m. (Jackson Middle, 2200 Ontario St., Greensboro) - Jackson Middle students and families will be treated to a special Family Reading Night on Tuesday. Edward McKay Used Books and More is partnering with Jackson Middle to help put books in the hands of students who really need them. BDaht, local disc jockey and motivational speaker, will get the crowd going and ensure students know how important reading is to their success. Edward McKay is donating more than 400 books to the students and providing giveaways, including a Nintendo Wii, a Sony e-reader, iPod Nano, store credit and more. Other activities include performances by the school's guitar club and educational games. For more information, contact Principal Lance Stokes at 336-294-7350.

Middle School Orchestra Performs Original Composition, 7 p.m. (Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center, 1921 W. Lee St., Greensboro) - The public is invited to attend a free concert showcasing the talent of the entire music department at Northern Middle. On Tuesday, Northern Middle's orchestra, concert band, drum line, marching band and chorus will perform one large show at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center. More than 500 students are performing in this free concert. The concert includes the world premiere of a three-movement string composition called "Letters from the War" written by Jorge Andres Ballesteros, a 2009 graduate of Southwest High, who now attends Harvard University and is majoring in music. This original piece was inspired by a series of letters written by Civil War soldiers. Its premiere comes just as the 150th anniversary of the Civil War is celebrated across the country. For more information, contact Principal Sam Misher at 336-605-3342.

Wednesday, June 8

Pleasant Garden Principal "Going Up," 7:45 a.m. (Pleasant Garden Elementary, 4833 Pleasant Garden Road, Pleasant Garden) - Pleasant Garden Elementary Principal Sarah Matthews will be going up in a hot air balloon as part of a school assembly to celebrate her students' successful completion of End-of-Grade testing. For more information, contact Principal Sarah Matthews at 336-674-4321.

Media Briefing on Graduation, Time and Location TBA - Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green will speak to members of the media about the achievements of the Class of 2011, as Guilford County Schools prepares for this week's graduation ceremonies. Fifteen traditional high schools will hold commencement ceremonies this weekend at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center. Tony Watlington, strategic planning and project management officer, and Samara Johnson, supervisor of high school counseling, will participate along with three accomplished graduating seniors. The briefing will be followed by Northern High's graduation rehearsal at 11 a.m. For more information, contact Nora Shoptaw, program administrator-communications, at 336-370-8386.

High School Ahead Celebrates Eighth-Grade Graduation, 3-4 p.m. (Trinity Church, 5200 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro) - High School Ahead Academy is holding a graduation ceremony Wednesday to recognize the accomplishments of its students, who will be moving on to high school next year.  High School Ahead Academy is an innovative program for over-aged middle school students. Through immersion in the core academic subject areas of language arts, mathematics, social studies and science, students are able to accelerate their readiness for transition into high school. High School Ahead will recognize the top 10 students this year, along with many other students who will receive recognition for perfect attendance, high growth on their End-of-Grade tests and character education. For more information, contact Principal Michelle Hayes at 336-294-7640.

Thursday, June 9

High School Teacher Sparks Middle School Interest in Science, 11:30 a.m. (Brown Summit Middle, 4720 N.C. Highway 150 East, Brown Summit) - Eastern High science teacher Thomas Hefner will perform a science demonstration for the sixth-grade students at Brown Summit Middle. During his presentation, Hefner will conduct several experiments, including using a Wimhurst machine to generate static electricity, using a vacuum pump to demonstrate air pressure on a marshmallow, and demonstrating Newton's laws of motion and free fall in action. For his big finale, Hefner will lie in between two beds of nails and allow students to pile weight on top of him. For more information, contact Principal Deborah Mott at 336-656-0432.

Monday, June 13

$100 Gift Card Donation Helps School Show Staff Appreciation, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Mitchell's Grove United Methodist Church, 3511 East Kivett Drive High Point) - With the aid of gift cards donated to all 121 schools by Action Greensboro and Business for Excellence in Education, Union Hill Elementary will say "thank you" to staff with a cook out. The school's faith partner, Mitchell's Grove United Methodist Church, will help with the end of the year staff appreciation event. Union Hill Elementary and their faith partner have hosted staff appreciation events throughout the year. A $100 gift card was donated to all GCS schools in May for staff appreciation events as part of the district's Thank a Teacher campaign. In addition to the cook out, Union Hill Elementary will also kick off its summer backpack program. This program provides less fortunate students with nutritious meals throughout the summer. For more information, contact Principal Dean LaVere at 336-819-2130.

Guilford Parent Academy Offers Tips on Planning for College, 6:30 p.m. (Bryan YMCA, 501 W. Market St., Greensboro) - Guilford Parent Academy invites p arents and guardians of high school students to the Bryan YMCA to learn about the college search process. During the meeting, parents will have the opportunity to hear from local college enrollment professionals who will discuss key concepts, challenges and expectations during the admissions process. In addition, information about when to begin planning for college as well as the parent and child role during the college search process will be provided. This is a free event. For more information, contact Guilford Parent Academy at 336-279-4924.

Additional Story Ideas

Southeast High Named Guilford County's "Healthiest School"

The American Heart Association's local chapter has named Southeast High the school with the healthiest staff in Guilford County. Staff members at each school were asked to provide information about their lifestyle, eating and exercise habits, and that data was used to determine the winner. For more information, contact Principal Charles Blanchard at 336-674-4300.

June 7, 2011

Students at Penn-Griffin School for the Arts immerse themselves in orchestra, band, chorus, classical guitar, piano, dance, theatre and visual arts. Each student majors in one of these disciplines putting in long hours of practices, studio time, rehearsals, art shows and performances. At the same time, students take a rigorous course load, including honors and advanced placement classes.

The hard work and dedication of this year's class certainly shows as the 24 graduates earned more than $3.7 million in scholarships. In addition, 90 percent of the class is graduating with academic honors.

"These students are problem solvers who think outside the box," said counselor Christine Albright.

She says that this year's impressive scholarship dollars indicates the students' hard work. "Our students show how dedication can pay off and open new doors of opportunities."

For more than half of Penn-Griffin's graduates, their opportunities will continue with studies that relate to their high school major.

Megan Raisner, a chorus major, and Bradley Egan, a theatre major, will both attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro studying music education and theatre, respectively. Their peer, Monica Briggs, an art major at Penn-Griffin, will attend the North Carolina School for the Arts and will major in filmmaking.

Adeline Heeb, the school's top graduate, will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with plans to double-major in Spanish and Business and minor in music. "I want to become an accountant and teach piano lessons on the side," she says.

Other students like Ryan Le, who was a guitar major, will take with him the time management skills he learned in high school when he attends the Naval Academy next year.

"At Penn-Griffin, each student learns to maintain a challenging academic load and rehearsal schedule. They are adaptive to changes in programs being altered at the last minute or asked to perform on a moment's notice," says Albright.

The Class of 2011 will celebrate their graduation Wednesday, June 8, at 5:30 p.m. in the school's auditorium. State Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson will be the keynote speaker.

The Guilford County Board of Education Legislative Committee scheduled for Wednesday, June 8 at 11:30 a.m. is canceled.

June 3, 2011

The public is invited to attend a free concert showcasing the entire music department at Northern Middle. On Tuesday, June 7, at 7 p.m., the school's orchestra, concert band, drum line, marching band and chorus will perform one large show at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center. More than 500 students, or about half of the school's population, are performing in the free concert.

If amount of student involvement and the venue aren't impressive enough, consider the opportunity to hear the marching band play. They are one of the only middle school bands in the country to play along with high school bands at the Gator Bowl. Also consider the orchestra's world premiere performance of an original composition written by a former Guilford County Schools student.

The orchestra will perform a three-movement string composition called "Letters from the War" by Jorge Andres Ballesteros, a 2009 graduate of Southwest High. He now attends Harvard University and is majoring in music. The original piece was inspired by a series of letters written by Civil War soldiers. Its premiere comes just as the 150th anniversary of the Civil War is celebrated across the country.

"Letters from the War" was commissioned by Northern orchestra director Jesse Suggs, who taught Ballesteros when he was an eighth-grade student at Aycock Middle.

"I had no idea he was a composer at that time," Suggs said. He describes the music as a medium to difficult level for school groups to learn. The composition was written for middle school string orchestras but Suggs says it is sophisticated enough to be played by a high school orchestra. The orchestra's 74 members practice in grade-level classes daily.

The first movement in "Letters from the War" was inspired by a letter from a Southern soldier talking about Bull Run. The letter is laced with bitter humor, and the music reflects this tone. The second movement is a love letter from a soldier to his wife asking her not to mourn for him if he dies. The somber tone turns into a meditation on the Civil War dead. The final movement resolves musically by weaving themes from the previous movements together and ending with a "Yankee Doodle" theme, recognizing the North has won. Familiar tunes such as "Dixie" and "Aura Lee" are included throughout.

"All three movements incorporate extended techniques such as mutes, harmonics, col legno, pizzicato and tremolo, which my students really enjoyed learning and playing," Suggs said.

As a student at Southwest, Ballesteros played violin in the orchestra and wrote compositions for concert band and the string orchestra. He has composed music for the Greensboro Youth Chorus and Harvard University Wind Ensemble as well. His works have been performed in North Carolina, Colorado, Wisconsin and Massachusetts. His awards include the Music Educators National Conference Talent Search, two honorable mentions in the Notion Realize Music Challenge and two mentions in the Pikes Peak Young Composer's Competition.

This is the second year Northern Middle has performed its spring concert at the Greensboro Coliseum. Also featured in the concert are the concert band, directed by Dr. Jane VanMiddlesworth, the marching band and drum line, directed by Brandon Davis and Greg Hester, auxiliary directed by Laverne Davis, and chorus, directed by Stuart Hill.

June 3, 2011

Guilford County Schools' (GCS') seniors logged 33,537 hours of service activities this year. That's nearly 1,398 days, or about 200 weeks, or more than 46 months of service to schools and community groups across the county.

More than 6,100 of those hours came from Dudley High, which received the Service Learning High School of the Year award Wednesday at an event to celebrate the district's character development initiative. Loren Byers was responsible for 290 of them, making her the Enrichment Region student with the most individual service-learning hours. She also received the regional award for most impactful service for her work with students at Hairston and Aycock middle schools as a peer mentor.

Dudley also was recognized for having the most seniors who will be receiving the Service-Learning Exemplary Award, a new designation beginning with the class of 2011. The school earned 87 of the 440 service-learning awards given this year. The Early College at Guilford had the highest percentage of its students, 84 percent, receiving awards.

"We are so proud of these students for embracing the service-learning concept and making a commitment to give back to our community," says Kimberly Fields, student assistant program coach for the Northern and Enrichment regions. "They are an inspiration to their peers and are truly deserving of this honor."

To receive the award, students were required to log a minimum of 50 hours of service-learning experience. That number will be raised to 75 hours in 2012 and 100 hours in 2013. Next year, students will also have the opportunity to earn a service-learning diploma, reflecting 175 hours of commitment.

These designations fulfill part of the district's strategic plan, which calls for an increased emphasis on character development. With 100 percent of schools engaged in character development, GCS has become a nationwide leader in the curriculum. Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green and five GCS students participated in the National Service Learning Conference earlier this year.

June 2, 2011

Guilford County Schools (GCS) is breaking records again with the amount of scholarship dollars received by the class of 2011. This year's total of $119,994,198 tops the previous record from 2010 by more than $9 million.

"I am very proud of our high school counselors' efforts to assist students with finding scholarship opportunities for higher education," says Samara Johnson, supervisor of high school counseling. "This outstanding total reflects the hard work and dedication of all our school employees helping our students to strive, achieve and excel to higher education institutions."

Northwest High received the largest sum, at $12,881,221, followed closely by Grimsley with $11,547,527. Page High earned the most individual scholarships with 406. These numbers include scholarships given based on academics, athletics, military service, band and fine arts.

The class of 2011 includes about 5,100 students who will graduate in 29 ceremonies through the middle of June. For more information about graduation, including a schedule of upcoming ceremonies, visit www.gcsnc.com/graduation2011 .

The following is a list of the current scholarship totals for each of the district's high schools. Information for The Academy at Central is pending.

June 2, 2011

In Guilford County, more than 2,200 children participate in More at Four, better known in our district simply as "pre-k." A state funded pre-kindergarten program that began in 2001, More at Four has years of independently documented success and provides at-risk and other disadvantaged children with an academic pre-kindergarten experience. More at Four gives 40 percent of incoming kindergarteners in Guilford County Schools (GCS) invaluable life skills. This academic pre-k experience is critical to the cognitive development of any child, but is especially important to the development of at-risk children.

As Linda Olinger, Director of Pre-K Programs for GCS, explains: "From a practical standpoint, the kindergarten class is stronger if all the children walk in ready to learn. If a child starts school with gaps [in education], studies demonstrate that interventions will be needed in the early grades for the child to be on equal footing with his peers by third grade. Being prepared for kindergarten helps the child succeed from the first day."

This statement is echoed by the 2010 evaluation of North Carolina's More at Four program conducted by the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It finds that children who have had the experience of being in the More at Four program performed significantly better on their third-grade end-of-grade exams when compared to children from the same background who had not been in the program. The report also showed that the gap in test scores between economically disadvantaged students who attended More at Four and middle class students who did not attend the program was reduced by between 25-40 percent depending on the test and the year.

In addition to working with at-risk and economically disadvantaged children, the More at Four program also works with children from a variety of other backgrounds. Children who have been identified with a disability, children who speak limited English, children whose parent(s) are deployed in the military, as well as children served through the Department of Social Services and children with chronic health conditions all benefit from More at Four.

The dedicated professionals in GCS' Pre-k department are proud to be a part of a state-wide program that has documented success again and again. North Carolina State Rep. Rick Glazier put it best on May 3, when talking to his House colleagues he said, "Where we fail to educate a child the damage to the child is lasting and the social carnage, multiplied by thousands of children takes decades to overcome." Early state budget proposals suggest More at Four could lose funding by at least 20 percent.

June 1, 2011

Thanks to Cone Health Foundation and the YMCA, Title I schools in Guilford County Schools (GCS) have an opportunity to apply for a grant that can be used toward planning health-related educational opportunities for parents and families.

GCS is offering 12 grants worth $1,000 each. The money can be used to fund workshops or a series of workshops that focus on health and wellbeing and target low-income communities. Workshops targeting "winnable" battles identified recently by the Centers for Disease Control- nutrition, physical activity and obesity; teen pregnancy; HIV; motor vehicle injuries and tobacco use-are preferred. Even though health should be the focus, workshops can include other topics as well.  

The workshops will be included in Guilford Parent Academy's calendar of events for the 2011-12 school year.

"We are excited to partner with Cone Health Foundation, the YMCA and Get Healthy Guilford to provide this opportunity for Title I schools," said Tony Watlington, strategic planning and project management officer for GCS. "Providing parents with information on health-related topics is one way we can help them become full partners in their children's education."

To view the grant application, visit www.gcsnc.com/parentacademy/grants . Applications are due on June 22, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. For more information, schools should call the Parent Academy office at 336-279-4924 or e-mail   parentacademy@gcsnc.com .

Cone Health Foundation is a supporting organization to Cone Health. The foundation pledged $10,000 to GCS for the grants. The YMCA and Get Healthy Guilford also contributed $2,000.

Age is definitely just a number for Thurman Haynes, volunteer at Haynes-Inman Education Center. The school is named in part for his late granddaughter, Meredith Leigh Haynes.

"Volunteering is an opportunity for Mr. Haynes to honor her memory and stay active in children's lives," said Principal Kevin Carr. "He treats the children at Haynes-Inman Education Center as though they are his own."

He is a remarkable force at Haynes-Inman volunteering at least 20 hours a week with students. He enthusiastically assists with physical education classes, bus duty, escorting students in the hallway, and cleaning and rearranging the multipurpose room.

"He sets a shining example for so many in his community, and we would be remiss in not honoring his energy and charisma," said Carr.

His volunteering duties do not stop there; he even provided input throughout Haynes-Inman's construction process.

"During construction, he was visibly seen on the construction site providing feedback," stated Carr.  "Mr. Haynes heart is simply golden."

In honor of his unbelievable commitment and caring heart, Thurman Haynes is the GCS Volunteer of the Month. "I enjoy the pleasure of volunteering and enjoy the students, said Haynes. This is my life now, every move and step I make is for this school."

As Volunteer of the Month, American Express officials surprised Haynes with a gift bag and $25 gift card. In addition, the Board of Education will recognize Haynes at its June 14 meeting. Haynes' photo will hang at Haynes-Inman Education Center, as well as the district's central offices.

Know a volunteer who goes above and beyond? Nominate him or her to be the next GCS Volunteer of the Month here.

May 31, 2011

A summary from the Guilford County Board of Education meeting on Thursday, May 26 is now available. To read the summary, click here.

Tuesday, May 31

Women of Smith High Hold Golden Closet Grand Opening, 4:30 p.m. (Smith High, 2407 S. Holden Road, Greensboro) - The Women of Smith High club will have a grand opening today of the Golden Closet, a free food and clothing pantry designed to help Smith students and families in need. The service club is stocking its food and clothing pantry with donations from the community. The event will include presentations and tours of the Golden Closet. The Women of Smith will accept donations on an ongoing basis Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, contact Janet Smith, business teacher, at 336-247-7300 ext. 4525.

Wednesday, June 1

Students and Schools Recognized for Service-Learning Projects, 2-3 p.m. (Board Room, GCS Administrative Office, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro) - Guilford County Schools (GCS) will recognize the students and schools that have completed outstanding service-learning projects throughout the year during a Celebration of Character event on Wednesday. High school seniors who completed the most service-learning hours will be recognized as well as the students who participated in the most impactful service experiences. Students and school leaders will be available to share stories about their service-learning projects, including graduating seniors who can talk about how service is playing a role in their future plans. For more information, contact Brenda Elliott-Johnson, executive director of student services, at 336-370-8397.

Friday, June 3

Gillespie Park Elementary Says "Thanks" to Employees, 11:30 a.m. (Gillespie Park Elementary, 1900 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Greensboro) - On Friday, Gillespie Park Elementary will thank its employees during an appreciation luncheon. The luncheon is for all staff and volunteers, including teachers, tutors, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and custodians. GCS said "thank you" to all of the district's more than 10,000 employees throughout the month of May. For more information, contact Principal Gail Brady at 336-370-8640. 

Summerfield Teacher Wins Vann York Auto Teacher and School Contest, 2:15 p.m. (Summerfield Elementary, 7501 Summerfield Road, Summerfield) - Summerfield Elementary and kindergarten teacher Kim Lolley are winners of the Vann York Auto Teacher and School Contest. Vann York representatives will visit the school Friday to award $500 to Lolley and $1,000 to Summerfield. The public was asked to vote for favorite teacher and favorite school on the Vann York Facebook page. Stokesdale Elementary and teacher Marie Glover came in second place. For more information, contact Principal Jill Walsh at 336-643-8444.

Northern Middle Ends Fuel Up To Play 60 Grant with 5K, 6:30 p.m. (Northern Middle, 616 Simpson-Calhoun Road, Greensboro) - Northern Middle's Fuel Up To Play 60 Club culminates the year's activities with a FunFest 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. There will be healthy snacks, nutritional booths, giveaways and prizes. Students who led the club have had a great impact on their school, leading a wide variety of physical activities, a school-wide food taste test and information sessions about the importance of healthy eating. Chris Scales and C.J. Freeman were two of only 35 students chosen across the country to serve as State Ambassadors for the Fuel Up to Play 60 program. For more information, contact Principal Sam Misher or physical education teacher Russ McHenry at 336-605-3342.

Saturday, June 4

Running Club Raises Money for the American Red Cross, 9 a.m. (Hunter Elementary, 1305 Merritt Drive, Greensboro) - The Hunter Elementary Running Club wants runners and walkers to participate in a 5K race and 1.6-mile walk on Saturday to benefit the American Red Cross. Students in the running club are organizing the race to help with relief efforts for the areas recently devastated by tornadoes and severe storms. Participants are encouraged to arrive at 8:30 a.m. to register for the race. Refreshments and prizes will be available. For more information, contact Principal Michelle Thompson at 336-294-7345.

Monday, June 6

GCS Parents Invited to Get Moving with the YMCA, 6:30 p.m. (Brian Family YMCA Activity Room 1, 501 W. Market Street, Greensboro) - On Monday, parents and guardians are invited to join the YMCA and Guilford Parent Academy for an interactive class to get moving and involved in physical activity. Participant s will learn the importance of being active and how to make exercis e fun and inexpensive. This free event is a part of Guilford Parent Academy. For more information, contact Guilford Parent Academy at 336-279-4924 or Bryan Family YMCA at 336-272-4146.

May 27, 2011

The Guilford County Schools (GCS) administrative offices and schools will operate on a four-day work week from Monday, June 13 through Friday, Aug. 12. This is one way district employees suggested GCS could conserve energy and realize an estimated budget savings of approximately $200,000.   

May 27, 2011

"Learning is a lifelong process," says Judy Mays, a business and marketing education teacher at Mendenhall Middle. And in Mays' case, so is teaching - she has been an educator for more than 40 years, all of which have been spent at Mendenhall.

May 26, 2011

An important deadline is approaching for magnet school students who plan to ride the bus during the 2011-12 school year. Parents and guardians of students who will be attending magnet schools or high school options must submit transportation request forms by Wednesday, June 1, to ensure a bus assignment on the first day of school.

Transportation request forms for magnet schools and high school options were included with each student's acceptance letter to the program. If needed, parents can obtain a duplicate letter and transportation request form at the Student Assignment Office, 120 Franklin Blvd., Greensboro, NC, 27401.

Upon receipt of magnet school transportation request forms, the Transportation Department will mail notification postcards to parents and guardians. The postcards serve as a receipt for submission of the transportation form. If individuals do not receive a postcard within seven business days after submitting a request, they should contact the Transportation Department at 336-370-8920.

The transportation request deadline for students attending traditional schools will be Tuesday, July 12.

May 26, 2011

Amber Williamson, Safiatou Soumana and Quanesha Moore (left to right) graduated summa cum laude from The Middle College at GTCC-Greensboro.

May 24, 2011

Mary Kay Grubb (left), Life Skills teacher at Bessemer Elementary, receives a gift card from Sam's Club.

May 25, 2011

Guilford County Schools (GCS) has designated the month of May as Thank a Teacher in order to recognize teachers and all employees including bus drivers, counselors, custodians, principals, social workers, cafeteria assistants and more, who work together to ensure the success of the district and its 71,000-plus students.

To support this effort, Action Greensboro, Guilford Education Alliance and Businesses for Excellence in Education joined GCS in recognizing the hard work of our educators and staff helping to sponsor the campaign.

In addition to providing Thank a Teacher posters, Action Greensboro also donated a $100 gift card to each of GCS' 121 schools. Many schools are using the gift card as an end-of-year celebration to say thank you to their own teachers and staff.

"Action Greensboro recognizes the importance of public education to economic development and employees of Guilford County Schools are one of our most important assets," said April Harris, executive director of Action Greensboro. "We are pleased to join the community and honor these dedicated individuals." 

The News & Record also got involved in the district's campaign, running Thank a Teacher ads in several Sunday issues this month and will publish special content this Sunday. 

It's not too late to say thank you! For more information about how you can say thank you, please contact Jennifer Landes in District Relations at landesj@gcsnc.com or 370-8353.

May 25, 2011

Six Guilford County Schools (GCS) students are recipients of college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships. The students are among about 2,900 high school seniors from around the country selected to receive scholarships financed by the colleges and universities they plan to attend. The awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study.

More than 1.5 million students entered the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) as high school juniors. In September 2010, about 16,000 of the highest scorers were named semifinalists and 15,000 semifinalists advanced to the finalist level. Scholarship winners were selected from this group of outstanding students.

The recipients of the college-sponsored scholarships join the four GCS students who have already been selected for corporate-sponsored National Merit awards and $2,500 National Merit Scholarships. Additional students may be selected for college-sponsored scholarships throughout the summer. By the conclusion of the 2011 competition, about 8,300 finalists will be selected to receive National Merit Scholarships totaling nearly $35 million.

GCS students awarded college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships are as follows:

• John Cruickshank
  Page High
  National Merit University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Scholarship

• Parker Hendricks
  Western High
  National Merit University of Alabama Scholarship

• Holli McClean
  The Early College at Guilford
  National Merit University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Scholarship

• Erin Padgett
  The Early College at Guilford
  National Merit University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Scholarship

• Melissa Reitz
  The Early College at Guilford
  National Merit Wheaton College Scholarship

• Katelyn Hayworth
  The Early College at Guilford
  National Merit University of South Carolina Scholarship

Tuesday, May 24

Dynamic Quest Donates E-readers to Hairston Middle, 10 a.m. (Hairston Middle, 3911 Naco Road, Greensboro) - Dynamic Quest, a Greensboro-based technology services provider, will donate 15 Amazon Kindle e-readers to Hairston Middle for the school to use in support of its literacy programs. Literacy is a district-wide focus for Guilford County Schools (GCS) and is an integral part of the district's strategic plan. The donation is part of Dynamic Quest's "Quest for Hope" program. For more information, contact Principal Trina Bethea at 336-378-8280 or Kelly Gomez, Dynamic Quest marketing manager, at 336-370-0555.

Guilford Parent Academy Celebrates Successful Launch, 11:30 a.m. (High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave., High Point) - Guilford Parent Academy will hold a luncheon Tuesday to celebrate its successful program launch. Since the program began in January 2011, Guilford Parent Academy has served more than 2,700 parents by offering about 70 free workshops and events to parents, guardians and community members. In addition to free workshops, parents can sign up online at http://www.gcsnc.com/parentacademy and gain access to free online learning tools and on-demand videos. For more information, contact Guilford Parent Academy at 336-279-4924.

Wednesday, May 25

Andrews High Students Go to the Farm, 10 a.m. (Ingram Farms, 6121 Riverdale Drive, High Point) - For students in the Lifeskills class at Andrews High, getting out in the community is an important part of their development and growth. These students will gain first-hand experience in strawberry farming Wednesday when they visit Ingram Farms. During their trip, the students will gather strawberries to take back to the school to share with teachers and staff members. A primary component of the district's Exceptional Children's program is getting students involved in the community and exposing them to different types of experiences. Throughout this year, the students have also participated in activities such as bowling and swimming, fundraisers and crafts. For more information, contact Principal Intern Louis Galiotti or Principal Rodney Wilds at 336-819-2800.

Media Briefing on Student Energy Conservation Programs, 10:30 a.m. (Sedgefield Elementary, 2905 Groometown Road, Greensboro) - Chief Operations Officer Andrew LaRowe will host a media briefing to celebrate the first year of the Energy WISE conservation program and honor three GCS schools that were recognized by the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project. Energy Engineer Alicia Strange and Director of Maintenance Gerald Greeson will speak more about the program, and members of the Sedgefield Energy WISE team will share their winning ideas. For more information, contact Nora Shoptaw, program administrator-communications, at 336-370-8386.

Thursday, May 26

Dudley and Smith Face Off in Charity Basketball Game , 6 p.m., (Dudley High Gym, 1200 Lincoln St., Greensboro) - Teachers from Dudley High and Smith High will play in a charity basketball game Thursday. All proceeds from the game will be used to cover the medical expenses for a Dudley teacher who will be undergoing a double lung transplant procedure. For more information, contact Principal Jesse Pratt at 336-370-8130.

May 23, 2011

Among The Middle College at GTCC-High Point's graduating class are students who have dedicated hours of service to the community, traveled across the globe, inspired young people to set goals and earned both a high school diploma and associate's degree.

TODAY - 7 p.m.

Graduation for The Middle College at GTCC-High Point

GTCC Koury Auditorium

601 High Point Road, Jamestown

This year's Class of 2011 earned 385 college credits saving parents nearly $60,000. In addition, the class earned nearly $1.2 million in scholarships, about 61 percent of the class is earning the district's service-learning exemplary award and nearly 90 percent of the students are attending a two- or four-year college or university.

Two of these students who called this middle college home are Deshawn Adams and Lexx Truss.

Adams, who now consistently earns top grades, was not always a model student. Struggles he faced, including adoption at a young age, caused him trouble in understanding his identity and he eventually began to act out in school. Adams struggled in middle school, but his family and teachers did not give up on him.

He realized strong role models can have a positive impact in a struggling student's life like his own and decided to embark on a self-created speaking tour through Guilford County Schools using his life story to stress to younger students the importance of goal-setting, listening to teachers and keeping a positive attitude.

Adams is involved in student government, and along with three other students, created U-Succeed, a student-run tutoring and mentoring program. Next year, Adams will attend Morehouse College on a full scholarship to the prestigious Atlanta institution. He also received the Horatio Alger National Scholarship.

Along with Adams, Truss traveled to South Africa with an organization called Dustin's GreenHouse. The organization provides travel and mentoring programs to under-served and under-recognized students. Truss and Adams worked with orphans and met Desmond Tutu during their trip.

Truss, an inspiring filmmaker, will continue his studies in film at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Penn. Truss created, directed and produced a documentary about his South African trip called "Hope Grows Here" and released the film in the fall of 2010.  

The Middle College at GTCC-High Point is a magnet school that serves students who are not reaching their full potential in the traditional school environment. The school offers small class sizes and the opportunity for students to earn college credit by enrolling in courses through Guilford Technical Community College.

May 23, 2011

The Guilford County Board of Education will meet on Thursday, May 26 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Offices, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC.

During the meeting, the board will hear reports on value added data, end-of-year instructional strategies, construction and continued 2011-12 budget discussion. The board will recognize the Volunteer of the Month for May, the Northwest High "We the People" team, Energy WISE teams from Sedgefield Elementary, Northern Middle and Southern High, the Rookie Teacher of the Year and finalists, and the outgoing board of the Guilford County Council of PTAs

Guilford County Board of Education meetings are broadcast live on GCSTV 2 (cable channel 2) and re-air the day after the meeting at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the Saturday following the meeting at 1 p.m. To watch the meeting online, visit http://media.gcsnc.net/gcstv . 

May 23, 2011

The School Nutrition Services Department will hold two training sessions tomorrow for any community agencies that would like to participate in the Summer Nutrition Program and have not attended a training session this year. The training sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, May 24. One meeting will take place at 10 a.m. at Carl Chavis YMCA, 2757 Granville St., High Point. The second meeting will take place at 2 p.m. in Room 100 of the Guilford County Schools Washington Street Annex, 501 W. Washington St., Greensboro.

Guilford County Schools offers the Summer Nutrition Program each year to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. School Nutrition Services prepares meals on weekdays, and local organizations that offer summer activities pick up the meals and provide them to children 18 or younger at no charge. In previous years, GCS has served more than 5,000 summer lunches per day. The meals provide one-third of the daily requirements for protein, calories, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C.

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services, which reimburses the district for meals prepared and served to children who meet the federal guidelines. Organizations that sponsor supervised camps or activities in the summer may be eligible to become volunteers for the Summer Nutrition Program. To participate, organization representatives must attend a training session. Please contact School Nutrition Services at 336-370-3266 with questions.

May 20, 2011

Jolanda Ware has experienced more than her share of trials during her 17 years of life. She grew up in a single-parent home and was raised by her mother, who was addicted to drugs. At 13, Ware became a mother herself. She knew she needed to make a better life for her child. People told her she wouldn't make it. They told her she was just a statistic.

May 20, 2011

Energy WISE teams will celebrate their first year of activity at an awards luncheon Saturday, May 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Northern High. Teams will find out who won gold, silver and bronze awards at the elementary, middle and high school levels, as well as four special recognition awards.

The schools being recognized are among the 24 in the district that have been participating in Energy WISE, a program that uses student-led teams to monitor and limit energy usage at the school level. The teams were evaluated based on their level of participation toward reducing energy costs and educating their peers. The schools that showed the greatest achievements will be receiving cash awards for their energy efforts.

"We are all very proud of the Energy WISE teams and all of the success they have accomplished in just the first year of the project," says Alicia D. Strange, the district's energy engineer.

Special guests from the district and community will be on hand to help celebrate the students' accomplishments. GCS Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green will be presenting at the event, as well as Bob Powell of North Carolina A&T State University and Josh Mullins of the City of Greensboro. The City of Greensboro provided financial support to the project. North Carolina A&T's Center of Energy Research & Technology (CERT) contributed instructional technical assistance and provided instrumental support.

Energy WISE, which stands for Wisdom is Saving Energy and the Environment, was inspired by a program at the Kenton County School District in Fort Wright, Ky., where it has reduced that district's energy usage by 18.7 percent over the past five years.  Here in GCS, the district hopes to save about $1 million annually.

Three GCS schools were recognized by the National Energy Education Project (NEED) for their accomplishments this year. Sedgefield Elementary was named National Rookie School of the Year and North Carolina Rookie School of the Year for the elementary level. Northern Middle was named North Carolina School of the Year at the Junior Level and Southern High was North Carolina School of the Year at the Senior Level.

May 20, 2011

After months of preparation and a week of testing, more than 3,000 Guilford County Schools (GCS) sixth-graders will have the chance to enjoy a Greensboro Grasshoppers home game on Monday, free of cost.

GCS is fortunate that it is able to offer this opportunity to its students, especially those students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to see a live sports event. This gift was made possible thanks to the generous contribution of tickets made by Greensboro Grasshoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore.

One of the schools capitalizing on this generous gift is the Doris Henderson Newcomers School. Students at the Newcomers School had a chance to meet and speak with several Grasshopper players when they came to visit at the school earlier this month. The Doris Henderson Newcomers school serves recently arrived immigrants and refugees students in grades three through 12.

Jamestown Middle's Jean Goss, the recipient of this year's Teacher of the Year award, will have the honor of throwing out the first pitch, while students from Hairston Middle will lead the stadium in the singing of the national anthem. This is the district's second GCS Day at the Ballpark. On May 11, more than 4,500 second-graders enjoyed the experience.

To view photos, click here.

May 19, 2011

If you're looking for the future of green automotive technology, look no further than the classrooms of Dudley High and Weaver Academy. Students from these two schools are building electric cars from the ground up.

Dudley High's electric vehicle, made from a gasoline-powered Mazda truck, will compete in the SMARTT Challenge this weekend.

May 19, 2011

Members of the Foust Elementary Friendliest Friendship Team promote kindness and anti-bullying.

May 16, 2011

Twenty-eight Guilford County Schools (GCS) seniors are the newest recipients of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship. They each will receive a total value of $26,000 in scholarships to attend a college or university that participates in the program.

The Teaching Fellows program provides $6,500 each year for four years to 500 outstanding North Carolina high school seniors. Upon acceptance of the scholarship, the student agrees to teach for four years in a public school or U.S. government school in North Carolina.

GCS had the second highest number of recipients in the state. Samara Johnson, supervisor of high school counseling, says she hopes to see some of them in the district's classrooms one day.

"We congratulate all of the recipients and hope that one day they will return to Guilford County Schools to teach upon completion of an education degree," said Johnson. "Thank you to all high school counselors who assisted in the recruiting process for the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program. A special thanks to GCS employees, members of the community and retired employees for participating in the local screening interview process. We appreciate your commitment to helping the students of GCS achieve academic excellence."

The following students are recipients of the 2011 North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship:

Additionally, four students from the Class of 2011 were named Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholars. Adeline Heeb of Penn-Griffin School for the Arts, James Keck of Southwest High, Meghan Patterson of High Point Central High and Ashton Pemberton of The Middle College at GTCC-Jamestown will receive scholarships equaling about half the cost of their undergraduate tuition.

Brooks scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors from a 14-county area of North Carolina. Awards are made annually to 17 graduating seniors who plan to enroll as full-time students at North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The scholarships are based on financial need, merit, leadership, character and the will of the recipient to prepare for a career as a useful and informed citizen.

The maximum award for the 2011-12 academic year is $9,500. Brooks Scholars may also receive funding for summer internships, research or study abroad and a one-time computer allowance up to $2,500. The total value of the scholarship could exceed $50,000. The scholarship is renewable, provided the recipient has continued financial need, remains enrolled full time at an eligible institution and maintains a 2.75 cumulative grade point average and good citizenship.

Tuesday, May 17

Early College Students Donate Books to Teacher Supply Warehouse, Noon - 2 p.m. (Teacher Supply Warehouse, 1601 Yanceyville St. Greensboro) - Students from The Early College at Guilford will deliver books and other school supplies to the Teacher Supply Warehouse on Tuesday. The books and supplies were recently collected during a book drive junior Jacob Rosenberg organized for the entire Guilford College campus. He and some of his classmates got the idea for the book drive after learning about the district's Two Million Books initiative to give students access to more books. The Teacher Supply Warehouse takes new and used donated items from individuals, organizations and business and then allows teachers the opportunity to shop for materials free of charge. For more information, contact Principal Bobby Hayes at 336-316-2860.

Communities In Schools Invites Parents to Free Reading Program, 6 p.m. ( Rankin Elementary, 3301 Summit Ave., Greensboro) - The ability to read is foundational to all other skills. With this in mind, Communities In Schools and Guilford Parent Academy invite parents and community members to a presentation on why reading is important to families. The program will provide useful information about how reading with children yields positive results in their academic success. This event is one of the many free classes offered by Guilford Parent Academy. For more information, contact Guilford Parent Academy at 336-279-4924.

Wednesday, May 18

Dudley Students Demonstrate Electric Car, 2:30 p.m. (Dudley High School, 1200 Lincoln St., Greensboro) - Students from Dudley High's auto technology class will demonstrate the alternative-fuel vehicle they will be using to compete at the SMARTT Challenge this weekend. SMARTT, which stands for Students Making Advancements in Renewable Transportation Technology, encourages students to design and build the best and most efficient vehicle using integrated technologies. A team from Weaver Academy will also compete at the event near Roanoke Rapids, N.C. For more information, contact Cheryl Beeson, assistant principal, at 336-392-6422.

Students Celebrate Launch of Mini-Magazine, 6:30-7:30 p.m., ( African American Atelier, Greensboro Cultural Arts Center, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro) - Students in the afterschool ACES program at Peck Elementary will celebrate the publishing of their new mini-magazine "Funz-I" during a red carpet launch event at the Cultural Arts Center. Funz-I Magazine includes student-written articles about character development, proper pet care, favorite recipes and more. ACES students at Peck developed the mini-magazine over the course of the school year. For more information, contact Bernadette Newsome, ACES site coordinator, at 336-378-8874.

Thursday, May 19

Congressman Howard Coble Presents Award at Northern High, 8:30 a.m., (Northern High, 7101 Spencer Dixon Road, Greensboro) - U.S. Rep. Howard Coble will be at Northern High on Thursday to present a document from the Congressional Record that recognizes Northern High's state football championship. For more information, contact Principal Will Laine at 336-643-8449.

Friday, May 20

Northeast High Students Walk for Cystic Fibrosis, 9 a.m., (Northeast High Track, 6700 McLeansville Road, McLeansville) - The community is invited to join the Northeast High senior class in a fundraising walk for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Northeast seniors have been vigorously collecting money from their families and friends to donate to the foundation as a service-learning project. For more information, contact Principal Garriot Rose or English teacher Monica Gabriel at 336-375-2500.

Monday, May 23

GCS Sixth-Graders Day at Grasshoppers Game, 10:45 a.m., (NewBridge Bank Park, 408 Bellemeade Street, Greensboro) - Thanks to the generous ticket donation from the Greensboro Grasshoppers and President and General Manager Donald Moore, about 3,000 sixth-grade students will attend the Greensboro Grasshoppers home game on Monday at no cost. For many, it may be their first opportunity to attend a professional sporting event. Teacher of the Year Jean Goss will throw out the first pitch. Students from Hairston Middle will sing the national anthem. For more information, contact Lillian Govus, communications manager, at 336-370-8997.

Additional Story Ideas

Four GCS Students Earn Chance to Qualify for International Chemistry Olympiad

Kenan Courtney and Lewis Brown from Grimsley High, along with Steven Sauer and Nicholas Lenze from Northern High, have earned the chance to qualify for the International Chemistry Olympiad that will be held in Turkey this July. To reach this stage of the competition the students had to first participate in a national exam that tested their knowledge of chemistry. Out of the almost 1,000 students nationwide, only 20 will be chosen to undergo intensive training at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. The top four students after the training will move on to represent the nation in the 43^rd International Chemistry Olympiad. The students will find out soon if they will be selected for the training. For more information, contact Feagin Fuqua, science curriculum specialist, at 336-370-3274.

May 13, 2011

It's always difficult to deal with a loss, and parents have the added burden of helping a child through what's often a confusing time. In light of recent losses in our Guilford County Schools family, GCS has prepared information to help parents provide comfort to children who may be going through the grieving process for the first time.

The attached documents use information provided by Kids Path, a service of Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro; the American School Counselor Association; The Institute for Trauma and Stress; and the NYU Child Study Center.

May 13, 2011

The Northwest Middle Groundbreaking Ceremony scheduled for Friday, May 13 is canceled.

May 13, 2011

A summary from the Guilford County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, May 10 is now available. To read the summary, click here.

May 13, 2011

The Guilford County Board of Education Construction Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 17 at 1 p.m. The meeting will take place in Room 100 at 501 W. Washington St., Greensboro, NC.

May 13, 2011

When the Guilford County Board of Education approved sending a local budget request of $186,306,381 to the Guilford County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, it asked for a $5.64 million increase in funding for rising operating costs and $2.3 million more in capital outlay funding.

Despite aging facilities, increases in costs and a larger student population, Guilford County Schools (GCS) has faced a $3.8 million reduction in local capital outlay funding and flat operating dollars over the past two years. The board's request asks county commissioners for $5.5 million in capital outlay, $2.3 million more than was received last year, to address facilities and maintenance needs. The board is also asking for a $5.64 million increase in operating funds to help address the rising cost of sustaining operations and an increase in student enrollment.

"Even though we are requesting an increase in funding, we are limiting the request to what is needed to maintain the current level of services to students and schools and to begin to restore capital outlay funds for maintenance and repairs to previous levels," said Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green.

The request for an operating budget of $180.8 million would help the district cope with an anticipated increase of 692 students for the 2011-12 school year. GCS has already grown by more than 1,000 students since the 2008-09 school year when the district received its last budget increase at the local level. The estimated cost to the district for next year's growth in student enrollment is $1.6 million. GCS is also facing increases in sustaining operations costs due to increases associated with retirement, employee and health benefits, fuel and other costs.

The request for $5.5 million in capital outlay funding would help GCS address concerns associated with its aging school facilities. Capital outlay dollars are used for maintenance projects such as the repair and upkeep of building structures, mechanical equipment, underground utility lines and the school grounds. Schools like Northwest Middle with central air systems 30 to 40 years old, depend on capital outlay funds to provide necessary upgrades. The district also has about 17 schools in critical need of roof replacements, but current funds only allow for two or three roof replacements per year. Limited funds are available to replace carpeting in schools with hard-surface flooring, an effort to improve indoor air quality and make cleaning easier.

"Our duty here is to advocate for what our needs are and be straightforward with our county commissioners," said Alan Duncan, board chairman. "We have clearly articulated very substantial additional costs if we run the exact same school system as this year."

In addition to the local funding concerns, GCS is preparing for cuts at the state level that are equal to or higher than the district has sustained in the past two years. Last week, the state House voted on a budget that would have a $26.7 million impact on GCS. The district expects that the Senate budget will call for even deeper reductions. GCS has prepared for an up to $35.6 million reduction in state funding broken down into three tiers.

The first tier calls for using $13.3 million in federal EduJobs funding. The second tier includes central office reductions and redirections, energy savings, multi-tier transportation, increasing class size by 0.25 students and holding back some weighted student formula funding. The third tier, which would be used only as a last resort is a two-day pay reduction for GCS employees who earn $35,000 or more.

The total budget approved by the board, including local, state and federal funding, is $663.1 million, but the process of getting to a final budget continues. The board is required to present a local budget request to the county by May 15 annually, and the county is obligated to prepare a budget by July 1. About 30 percent of the district's funds come from the county. The state, which provides 59 percent of the district's budget, does not have a deadline for finalizing its budget. The final budget for GCS will be determined once the state completes its process.

GCS parents, staff and community members can participate in the next step of the budget process by attending the upcoming Guilford County Board of Commissioners work session on May 17 at 2 p.m. and its regular meeting on June 2 at 6 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the Guilford County Courthouse, 301 W. Market St., Greensboro. The county commissioners are also seeking feedback on the budget on the county website at http://www.co.guilford.nc.us .

The board's vote on the budget also included an approval for using $18,783 in funding redirected from uncommitted board membership funds to provide bowling as a sport in high schools.

May 13, 2011

The Guilford County Board of Education Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 17 at 11:30 a.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Office, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC 27401.

May 12, 2011

"Pomp and Circumstance" will fill the air Friday as the 2011 graduation season begins for Guilford County Schools (GCS). Between now and June 13, the district will graduate approximately 5,100 students in 29 ceremonies.

The Early College at Guilford will hold this year's first graduation ceremony on Friday, May 13, at 10 a.m. when the school's 45 seniors will march on the Campus

Green at Guilford College (rain location: Dana Auditorium).

"This is an exciting time for our students and their families, and it is also an exciting time for the teachers, principals and staff members who have helped these students grow into intelligent young men and women," said Tony Watlington, strategic planning and project management officer, who coordinates the district's graduations.

The full 2011 graduation schedule is available on the GCS website. Ceremonies for the district's early and middle colleges and other non-traditional high schools will take place throughout May and early June. High schools that follow the traditional academic calendar will hold graduation ceremonies June 10 through June 13 at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center. Some of the district's graduates will participate in the summer graduation ceremony on Aug. 11 in the Smith High auditorium.

To ensure all ceremonies go off without a hitch, GCS asks all graduates, family members and guests to show respect for graduates by applauding politely, limiting cheers so every graduate's name is heard and remaining seated during the ceremonies. For safety and security reasons, guests will not be allowed to bring duffel bags, backpacks, balloons, air horns or noisemakers into graduations.

"We are so proud of our graduates, and we want to make sure each ceremony respectfully focuses on the students and their hard work over the last 13 years," Watlington said. "Our students deserve a graduation ceremony that will be a lasting memory throughout their lives."

GCS will document this year's graduation season on the GCS website at http://www.gcsnc.com/graduation2011 . The site will include photos, videos and stories from the ceremonies and some of the district's outstanding graduates. School staff members and families are invited to share outstanding graduation stories with GCS by e-mailing goodnews@gcsnc.com .

May 12, 2011

Gary Bricker's abilities in the classroom are not unknown to his principal at Northern High. But it was his conduct as a junior varsity softball coach that caught the attention of a parent on the opposing team and inspired his nomination for Employee of the Month.

"I had the opportunity to watch a coach who was inspiring and encouraging beyond

words," said the Western Alamance parent's e-mail to William Laine, principal of Northern. "I saw the coach of these young women, no matter the score, who was a cheerleader for them the entire game." Laine echoed these thoughts in the nomination of the career and technical education teacher, saying, "As a principal, I can't think of another teacher/coach that supports the mission of GCS and Northern High as wholeheartedly as Mr. Bricker."

That nomination was one of hundreds that have been received through Guilford County's Employee of the Month program, which celebrates the everyday achievements of some of the district's outstanding employees. Each month, a selection committee chooses from among nominations like Bricker's to determine one worthy employee to receive Board of Education recognition and a $50 gift card to Sam's Club. But with more than 10,000 employees and only 12 winners per year, employees like Bricker often don't get the accolades they deserve.

GCS has designed May as Thank a Teacher Month, which goes beyond teachers to recognize bus drivers, office workers, custodians and all of the district's employees. You can help GCS honor educators during Thank a Teacher Month and all year long through the Employee of the Month program. To nominate someone, complete this form , or celebrate in other ways by bringing snacks to a classroom or requesting one of our Thank a Teacher posters to hang in your workplace. For more information, contact Jennifer Landes, program administrator, at landesj@gcsnc.com or 370-8353. To read about some of our past winners, click here .

May 10, 2011

Normally, a teacher's lesson plans wouldn't involve sumo wrestling tactics, but for second-grade teachers Angela Dockery and Catherine Cecchini from Hampton Elementary University Partnership Magnet and Southern Elementary, they do. More than 4,500 students will bear witness as these two educators battle it out for sumo supremacy between innings during the Greensboro Grasshoppers home game Wednesday.

This treat for Guilford County Schools (GCS) students was made possible thanks to the incredibly generous donation of tickets made by the Greensboro Grasshoppers and President and General Manager Donald Moore. Southern Elementary Principal John Lawrence noted the impact that a gift this generous makes for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to see a live sporting event.

"It's simply marvelous," he said. "With budgets being as stringent as they are at the moment, this gift from the Greensboro Grasshoppers is truly appreciated."

To prepare to watch the Grasshoppers in person, students have been hitting the books in school, learning about grasshoppers and other insects. The recipient of this year's Rosalyn Tanner Orr Mentor of the Year award, Kristen Sipe of Morehead Elementary, will throw the first pitch, while students from Alderman Elementary will lead the stadium in the singing of the national anthem. Annabelle Jones of McLeansville Elementary will accompany the national anthem with American Sign Language.

To view photos from the game, click here.

May 10, 2011

The construction projects included in the 2008 School Construction Bond for Ragsdale High will be fully underway soon. The Guilford County Board of Education approved a contractual amendment Tuesday with D.H. Griffin/Balfour Beatty for Phase 2 additions and renovations at Ragsdale as well as construction of an autism wing.

Phase 2 construction includes combining the existing Ragsdale and former Jamestown Middle facilities into one school building and constructing a new facility for students with autism. When construction is complete, Ragsdale will have a new media center, main gymnasium and administration area. There will also be a separate autism wing with special classrooms, support facilities and its own entrance.

"We thank the Ragsdale community for its patience as a tremendous amount of work has taken place behind the scenes and for their input in the planning and design efforts," said Andy LaRowe, chief operations officer. "The good news is that finally we are able to move forward with the main construction portions of the project, and we look forward to watching the renovations at Ragsdale and the new autism wing take form."

The total guaranteed maximum price approved with D.H. Griffin/Balfour Beatty for the projects is $32,142,344. The board approved this amount in two parts, $28,493,417 and an additional $3,648,927 contingent upon Guilford County Board of Commissioners approval of fund transfers and an amendment to the existing project ordinance. The total Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise participation for the contract is 35 percent.

The approved contract amendment includes alternates for an HVAC control system, roofing on the middle school building, door hardware and installation of sod for a new soccer field. The board also approved for staff to bring additional alternates for theater lighting and aluminum walkway canopies back at a future meeting.

Phase 1 of the construction project is already underway, including installation of fire protection systems in the former Jamestown Middle facility and the widening of Vickrey Chapel Road.

With Phase 2 starting within the coming weeks, preparations will be made to relocate students into the former Jamestown Middle building next school year. The 87,000-square-foot addition joining the middle school and high school buildings will be scheduled for completion in August 2012. The high school classroom wing will be scheduled for demolition in late 2012, and the new two-story autism wing is projected to open by summer 2013.

May 11, 2011

Today on National School Nurse Day, Guilford County Schools (GCS) says thank you to the 29 registered nurses who serve our traditional schools and the nurses who serve at our schools for students with special needs. School nurses share a unique passion to promote health and provide high-quality care to students and their families. Their work minimizes any health-related barriers to student success that may exist. They help keep children healthy, in school and ready to learn.

In GCS, school nurses serve in about four to five schools each. They take care of the special health needs of students, work with parents on health-related issues, disseminate important information about immunization requirements and other health topics and help with staff training on emergency health procedures.

"We are so fortunate to have dedicated, conscientious nurses who are in our schools and there for our students," said Robin Bergeron-Nolan, director of health services. "Let's join the national recognition efforts and let our school nurses know that we appreciate all they do to improve the health and success of our students."

There is still time to thank a school nurse, teacher, bus driver, school counselor, social worker, support staff, custodian and other employees. GCS has designated the full month of May as Thank a Teacher month in celebration of all employees - on the front lines and behind the scenes - who work together to make GCS a success.

Help us say thank you in May! For more information and about how you can say thank you, contact Jennifer Landes in District Relations at landesj@gcsnc.com or 336-370-8353.

May 10, 2011

Three Guilford County schools have been recognized by the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Youth Awards program for their outstanding commitment to energy conservation.

Sedgefield Elementary was named Elementary Rookie School of the Year at the national and state levels by NEED, a group that works to provide conservation skills and awareness in the school system. Northern Middle was named North Carolina School of the Year at the junior level, and Southern High was selected North Carolina School of the Year at the senior level.

"Throughout the development of our energy conservation program at GCS, we have always believed that our greatest chance at success would rest on the shoulders of the students who attend our schools.  For these schools to receive this kind of recognition is a clear signal that young people in Guilford County Schools can make a huge difference!" says Andrew LaRowe, chief operations officer. "We're very proud of our students and the work that they're doing to help our schools be more Energy WISE."

The schools are among the 24 in the district that have been participating in Energy WISE, a program that uses student-led teams to monitor and limit energy usage at the school level. Energy WISE teams will celebrate their first year of activity at an awards luncheon May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Northern High.

During the ceremony, district officials will announce the schools that will be receiving cash awards for their energy efforts. The program will also recognize the City of Greensboro and North Carolina A&T State University for their financial and logistical contributions.

As NEED Youth Award winners, Sedgefield Elementary, Northern Middle and Southern High will be included in the NEED 2011 annual report to serve as examples to other schools and are invited to attend the national recognition ceremonies  in Washington, D.C., June 24-27.

May 6, 2011

The Guilford County Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, May 10 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Offices, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC.

During the meeting, the board will hear reports on a contractual amendment with D.H. Griffin/Balfour Beatty for Ragsdale High and a continued 2011-12 budget discussion. The board will recognize the Employee of the Month, Volunteer of the Month, Quiz Bowl team from The Early College at Guilford, Greensboro Area Rotary Clubs and Scott Bennett, a teacher from Northwest High.

Guilford County Board of Education meetings are broadcast live on GCSTV 2 (cable channel 2) and re-air the day after the meeting at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the Saturday following the meeting at 1 p.m. To watch the meeting online, visit http://media.gcsnc.net/gcstv.

The Guilford County Board of Education Legislative Committee will meet on Thursday, May 12 at 11:30 a.m. in the Swann Room of the Administrative Offices, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC.

Wednesday, May 11

Media Briefing, 10:30 a.m. (Board Room, GCS Administrative Office, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro) - Guilford County Schools (GCS) will hold a media briefing this week on the 2011-12 budget. Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green and Sharon Ozment, chief financial officer, will be available to answer questions. For more information, contact Nora Shoptaw, program administrator-communications, at 336-370-8386.

GCS Day at the Greensboro Grasshoppers, 10:45 a.m. (NewBridge Bank Park, 408 Bellemeade St., Greensboro) - Thanks to the generous ticket donation from the Greensboro Grasshoppers and President and General Manager Donald Moore, more than 4,500 GCS second-grade students will attend the Greensboro Grasshoppers home game on Wednesday at no cost. For many, it is their first opportunity to attend a professional athletic event. Kristen Sipe, winner of the Rosalyn Tanner Orr Mentor of the Year award, will throw out the first pitch. Students from Alderman Elementary will sing the national anthem. For more information, contact Lillian Govus, communications manager, at 336-370-8997.

Thursday, May 12

Keller Williams Realty Spends Day Off Volunteering at Gateway Education Center, 9 a.m. (Gateway Education Center, 3205 E. Wendover Ave. Greensboro) - Real estate agents from Keller Williams Realty will be out in force at Gateway Education Center this Thursday helping to beautify the campus as part of the company's national day of service. Agents from Keller Williams will help by painting the school, spreading mulch, planting bushes as well as helping to raise money to install an accessible kitchen for the students. For more information, contact Principal Linda Lyon at 336-375-2575.

Northwest Middle Bond Project Begins with Groundbreaking Ceremony, 4:30 p.m. (Northwest Middle, 5300 Northwest School Road, Greensboro) - Northwest Middle will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday to celebrate the beginning of new construction and renovation projects made possible by the 2008 School Construction Bond. When the projects are complete, Northwest Middle will have a new auxiliary gym and classrooms. For more information, contact Principal Misty Walker at 336-605-3333.

Friday, May 13

Boys & Girls Club Helps Fairview Students Relax Before Testing, Noon (Southside Boys & Girls Club, 401 Taylor Avenue, High Point) - A community partner is making it possible for students from Fairview Elementary to have a little fun before End-of-Grade testing begins. The school is holding a pep rally and "Hooping for Knowledge" basketball game at the Boys & Girls Club in High Point to get students excited and ready for testing. For more information, contact Principal Rhonda Copeland at 336-819-2890.

Pleasant Garden Principal "Going Up," 1 p.m. (Pleasant Garden Elementary, 4833 Pleasant Garden Road, Pleasant Garden) - Pleasant Garden Elementary Principal Sarah Matthews will be going up in a hot air balloon as part of a school assembly to help her students get excited and ready for End-of-Grade testing. For more information, contact Principal Matthews at 336-674-4321.

Monday, May 16

Communities In Schools Shares Information on College Preparation, 6:30-8:30 p.m. ( Dudley High, 1200 Lincoln St., Greensboro) - Parents with children of all ages are invited to a presentation on college readiness called "From Cradle to College." The Communities In Schools program will provide parents with helpful tips on how they can start now ensuring that their child will be ready for college. This event is one of the many free classes offered by Guilford Parent Academy. For more information, contact Guilford Parent Academy at 336-279-4924.

Additional Story Ideas

GCS Employee Organizes Memorial Blood Drive

GCS employee Anthony Woodyard and his wife Nancy will hold their annual Baby Tessa Memorial Blood Drive this Wednesday at 3 Centerview Drive, Hickory Building Suite 300, in Greensboro. Woodyard and his wife lost their daughter Tessa when she was only an infant. In remembrance they host an annual blood drive as a way to pay it forward for the blood she received while in the hospital. Appointments can be scheduled online at http://www.redcrossblood.org (enter sponsor code 16706). To learn more of Tessa's story, visit the blog maintained in her honor and memory at http://www.nancyandbaby.com .

May 6, 2011

Annual Enrollment for the State Health Plan begins on May 9th for the new plan year beginning July 1, 2011. Premiums will remain the same unless legislative action requires a change in rates. Enrollment is online and must be completed on or before June 8, 2011.

Enrollment Packets will begin arriving at homes on Monday, May 9, 2011. You may begin online enrollment on Monday, May 9. If you do not enroll by June 8, you will automatically be assigned to the 70/30 Basic Plan. Important links and plan changes are noted below. We encourage you to enroll early! Late enrollment will not be accepted.

To Enroll

Step 1. To enroll in the 80/20 plan, you will need:

• BMI for self and dependents;
• Smoking status for self and dependents; 
• Social security number for covered spouse (not children); 
• Birthdates for covered spouse and dependants; and 
• Insurance and Medicare information, if you or dependents are covered by another health plan or by Medicare.

Step 2. Calculate BMI: BMI Calculator

Step 3. Enroll Online: https://gcsnc.hrintouch.com

Computer Locations

• Ask your principal or supervisor.
• Visit the computer lab or media center at your school or site.
• Visit a local library.

Plan Changes/Considerations Effective July 1

• Premiums | The current premiums remain in effect unless/until legislative action dictates a change.

• 70/30 Basic Plan Auto-Enrollment for 2011-12 | All State Health Plan members are automatically enrolled in the 70/30 plan.

• Weight Management Added | Both weight management and tobacco cessation are in effect with the new plan year.

• Dependent Eligibility Up to Age 26 (see below)

• Pre-existing Conditions | Pre-existing condition waiting periods are eliminated for members/dependents under the age of 19.

• Hearing Aid Coverage | Hearing aid coverage is added for members under age 22. If a member does not take action during Annual Enrollment, he/she will remain in the 70/30 Basic plan for the 2011/2012 benefit year. (For more information on the plans, please review the State Employee Health Plan website.) To Learn about Changes and Rates Plan Information: www.shpnc.org

Rates: State Health Plan Rates

FAQs: http://www.shpnc.org/annual-enrollment-2011-faqs.html

For Help:

• Online Assistance 1-866-239-1055 (Benefit Focus)

• Health Insurance Questions 1-888-234-2416 (State Health Plan)

• General Information 370-8352 or 370-8996 (Benefits Department)

Disclaimer: This summary is intended to provide information about the health plan available to GCS employees. Information contained herein is general in nature. Although GCS has made every effort to ensure that the contents of this summary are correct, GCS cannot be responsible for the accuracy of information contained herein. For the most current and comprehensive information available from the State Health Plan, go to www.shpnc.org.

For more information, click here.

May 5, 2011

Four Guilford County Schools (GCS) students are recipients of prestigious National Merit Scholarships. They are among 7,800 high school seniors who will ultimately be selected for this year's awards.

Samuel Bucior and Christopher Willis from Northwest High and Neha Verma from Grimsley High each received a $2,500 scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Richard Studebaker from The Early College at Guilford received the National Merit Eastman Chemical Company Scholarship.

More than 1.5 million students entered the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) as high school juniors. In September 2010, about 16,000 of the highest scorers were named semifinalists and 15,000 semifinalists advanced to the finalist level. Scholarship winners were selected from this group of outstanding students.

In addition to their performance on the PSAT, the scholarship recipients were evaluated on their abilities, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The recipients of the $2,500 scholarships and corporate-sponsored scholarships will be joined by additional students who will be selected for college-sponsored National Merit awards later this spring.

May 4, 2011

The Guilford County Board of Education approved a resolution Monday opposing House Bill 344, which would provide tax credits for children with disabilities who are not enrolled in public schools.

House Bill 344, Tax Credits for Children with Disabilities, was passed by the House Education Committee on April 26. Through the adoption of the resolution, the board is requesting members of the General Assembly to vote against the bill should it come to a floor vote.

The bill would provide parents of exceptional children enrolled in non-public schools with a refundable tax credit of up to $6,000 per school year for special education and related expenses. Public schools currently pay the cost of placement and education at private schools for exceptional children if they cannot offer services to meet the needs in their Individualized Education Plan. Additionally, private schools are not held accountable for meeting Adequate Yearly Progress goals, employing highly qualified teachers or posting annual report cards of their academic results.

May 4, 2011

Shelby Newton's artwork is a finalist in the Doodle 4 Google contest.

Tuesday, May 3

Flash workout, Tuesday, 1:42 p.m. (Two locations: The Academy at Lincoln, 1016 Lincoln St., Greensboro; and Ferndale Middle, 701 Ferndale Blvd., High Point) - Two Guilford County School (GCS) middle schools - The Academy at Lincoln and Ferndale Middle - will take part in a nationwide flash workout precisely at 1:42 p.m. Tuesday, moving in unison to the sounds and choreography of singer Beyonce Knowles. The event is part of National Physical Education and Sport Week May 1-7 and is sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation in association with First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign.  For more information, contact Sharon Parks, physical education and health curriculum specialist, at 336-370-3274.

Northwood Elementary to Celebrate Chinese Culture, 5:30-7 p.m. (Northwood Elementary, 3801 N.C. Highway 150 Greensboro) - Parents and community members are invited to Northwood Elementary on Tuesday to enjoy a night of culture and understanding. The kindergarten through fourth-grade classes will present to parents what they've learned about China over the course of the school year. Presentations will include a song sung in Chinese, an example of Chinese phrases and games, as well as paper-mache examples of china painted in the blue willow pattern. Fifth-grade students will make a presentation on climate change. For more information, contact Principal Scott Winslow at 336-819-2920.

Central Region Town Hall Meeting, 6 p.m. (Foust Elementary Auditorium, 2610 Floyd St., Greensboro) - Regional Superintendent Dr. Terry Worrell will hold a town hall meeting for the Central Region in the auditorium at Foust Elementary on Tuesday, May 3 at 6 p.m. Parents, staff and community members are invited to attend. For more information, contact the Central Region Office at 336-433-7198.

Thursday, May 5

Guilford County Board of County Commissioners to Hold Public Hearings on Budget, 5:30 -7:30 p.m. (Old County Courthouse; Commissioners' Meeting Room, 2^nd floor, 201 S. Eugene St., Greensboro) - The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on Thursday to discuss the budget of Guilford County. Those citizens who wish to speak should arrive 30-45 minutes early in order to sign up to speak, according to the County Manager's Office.  For more information, contact the Guilford County Commissioners at 336-641-3351 or www.co.guilford.nc.us .

PTA Award Celebration, 6:30 p.m. (Northwest High, 5240 Northwest School Road, Greensboro) - The Guilford County Council of PTAs will host an awards ceremony at Northwest High to show its appreciation toward all of the parent-volunteers who dedicate their valuable time to the district. These awards are presented yearly for outstanding work in GCS. This year's awards celebration will be emceed by Eric Chilton, evening meteorologist at WFMY News 2. For more information, contact Principal Ralph Kitley at 336-605-3300.

Leigh Hebbard Declared NCHSAA Athletic Director of the Year (Smith Center, 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill) - Leigh Hebbard has been declared the recipient of the 2010-2011 North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Athletic Director of the Year award. The NCHSAA presents awards in several categories that are all based on who has done the most for high school athletics as a whole that year. The award presentation will be this Thursday at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill. For more information, contact Program Administrator Laurie Hogan at 336-370-8307.

Additional Story Ideas

Hooping for Knowledge

Motivation is the key word behind Fairview Elementary's newest after-school tutoring program. Coaches Lee Tucker and Weaver Walden wanted to make a difference and have more of an impact on the lives of male students at Fairview. Their after-school tutoring program, "Hooping For Knowledge", combines both End-of-Grade preparation and basketball fundamentals to keep male students motivated to do their "best on the test." With 20 years of coaching combined, Tucker and Walden tutor the young men in reading and math twice a week. Following their academic time, students travel to the gym to work on basketball fundamentals, discipline and being a positive student athlete. For more information, contact Principal Rhonda Copeland at 336-819-2890.

A summary from the Guilford County Board of Education meeting on Thursday, April 28 is now available. To read the summary, click here.

May 3, 2011

Communities In Schools (CIS) of Greater Greensboro will host two workshops for parents in May as part of Guilford Parent Academy.

The first, called "From the Cradle to College," will take place on May 16 at Dudley High School. The workshop will start at 6:30 p.m. and is primarily for parents of high schoolers. It's designed to help parents ensure that their child is ready for the transition to college.   

"Why Reading is Important to Families" will take place on May 17 at Rankin Elementary School. The workshop will begin at 6 p.m. and will give parents practical ways to incorporate reading into daily life.

From the Cradle to College
May 16
6:30 p.m.
Dudley High School
1200 Lincoln St., Greensboro

Why Reading is Important to Families
May 17
6 p.m.
Rankin Elementary School
3301 Summit Ave., Greensboro

"We are excited about these upcoming workshops and our partnership with CIS of Greater Greensboro," said Tony Watlington, strategic planning and project management officer for Guilford County Schools. "Both of these workshops will be excellent opportunities for parents to learn more about how they can help their children be successful in the classroom and beyond."

CIS is the nation's largest dropout prevention organization. In Guilford County, CIS provides mentoring, tutoring and academic support for students. CIS also connects students and their families with much-needed resources, ranging from healthcare to housing and nutrition. 

"Anything we can do to help parents engage more knowledgeably and affirmatively in the success of their children in school, we are happy and delighted to do so," said Jimmi Williams, executive director of CIS of Greater Greensboro. "Parent involvement is one of the best indicators of success in school. And, that is what we are all about."

To register for either event, visit www.gcsnc.com and click on Guilford Parent Academy located under the "Parents" tab. Although registration is encouraged, it's not required in order to attend. Both workshops are free, as are all Parent Academy programs thanks to community partners .

May 3, 2011

Claudia Walker wants to make sure her students never underestimate themselves. It's an expectation a former teacher instilled in her, and now the fifth-grade math teacher at Murphey Traditional Academy makes it her mission to treat her students the same way. Her students learn more than skill with numbers - they learn to achieve greatness.

Walker is just one of nearly 5,000 teachers and 10,000 employees Guilford County Schools will celebrate in honor of Thank a Teacher Month in May. The district is honoring all of its employees, from principals to custodians, bus drivers to social workers, because all of them play a role in shaping our students' future.

Action Greensboro, Guilford Education Alliance and Businesses for Excellence in Education have joined GCS in its mission to recognize these worthy employees. Through their generosity, GCS can provide posters to area organizations who'd like to recognize educators who make a difference in the community. Other ways to help include:

• Putting "Thank You GCS Teachers (or Employees)" on your marquee or electronic sign during May
• Dropping by with snacks at a nearby school
• Donating supplies to a nearby school or to the Teacher Supply Warehouse
• Volunteering to help spring clean and/or plant flowers for spring at a nearby school.

Join GCS in saying thank you during Thank a Teacher Month. To get involved with this campaign, contact Jennifer Landes, program administrator-communications, at landesj@gcsnc.com or 370-8353. For more information, click here .

April 29, 2011

The Guilford County Board of Education will hold a special called meeting on Monday, May 2 at 8 a.m. for the purpose of conducting a line-by-line review of the budget and any other matters that may come before the board. The meeting will take place in the Board Room of the Administrative Offices, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC.

Guilford County Schools (GCS) is reaching out to local organizations for their help in providing students with healthy meals during the summer. The School Nutrition Services department offers the GCS Summer Nutrition Program each year to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.

School Nutrition Services prepares meals on weekdays, and local organizations that offer summer activities pick up the meals and provide them to children 18 or younger at no charge. In previous years, GCS has served more than 5,000 summer lunches per day. The meals provide one-third of the daily requirements for protein, calories, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C.

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services, which reimburses School Nutrition Services for meals prepared and served to children who meet the federal guidelines.

Organizations that sponsor supervised camps or activities in the summer may be eligible to become volunteers for the Summer Nutrition Program. To participate, organization representatives must attend one of the following training workshops:

Organizations that have questions should call 336-370-3266 for more information. Details for parents on the locations of the meals will be provided prior to the last day of school on June 10.

April 28, 2011

Katie Roquemore, teacher at Weaver Academy, is the Rookie Teacher of the Year.

Teachers Katie Roquemore and Kristen Sipe have something in common. They believe forming relationships is important, and they know how to draw out the best in their students and coworkers. Both teachers also received recognition today for serving as examples of excellence in teaching this year.

Guilford County Schools (GCS) and the Guilford Education Alliance named Roquemore, a first-year teacher from Weaver Academy, the Rookie Teacher of the Year. She also was named the Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year.

"Simply put, our students are all the better because Katie Roquemore is their teacher," said Weaver Principal Johncarlos Miller. "In addition to the wonderful learning environment Ms. Roquemore creates in her classroom and the school, she also exemplifies her belief that a child's teacher must be a positive role model."

Roquemore teaches 10th and 11th grade English as well as Speech and Debate classes at Weaver. Miller says she has worked tirelessly this year to bring students out of their shell, getting them to speak and write about their life experiences and what they are feeling. Even though she experienced a resistance to writing and reading among her students at first, she knew building positive, caring relationships was the key to their growth and her own.

"As you build relationships with students, do not be surprised if you end up learning more from your students than you could possibly teach them in your brief time together," she said.

Along with the Rookie Teacher of the Year honor, Roquemore received $500 and a scholarship to pursue a master's degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Roquemore was one of five finalists who were recognized for impressive accomplishments early in their teaching careers. Jessica Cundiff, a teacher at Southwest Elementary, received the Elementary Rookie Teacher of the Year award and $500. Finalists Karen Roseboro from Sternberger Elementary, Miguel Gomez from Northeast Middle and Christal MacLamroc from Welborn Academy of Science and Technology each received $100. The awards were made possible thanks to the generous support of BB&T and UNCG.

Guilford County Schools (GCS) received the final report regarding Oak Ridge Elementary from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

The full report has been shared with Oak Ridge staff members and parents and is available on the GCS website .

The final report is based on NIOSH's review of concerns reported about the facility and contains information on the organization's findings and recommendations. Previously, the district received an interim report in February 2010 that was shared with staff and parents at that time.  A number of the recommendations in the interim and final reports have been implemented.

The school was closed in June 2009 to address concerns and complete remediation work. Students and staff moved back into the school in February 2010 after the work and testing were completed.

"GCS maintains its commitment to monitoring Oak Ridge Elementary for any issues that may arise so efforts can be made to appropriately remedy any problems should they occur," said Angelo Kidd, Western Region superintendent. "The final report from NIOSH will be taken into consideration through our continuing efforts to ensure healthy environments at all of our school facilities."

It's not your typical classroom. But for third-graders at Northwood Elementary, the High Point Swim Club is a place to learn skills that may just save their lives.

About 100 students have been participating in Swim 4 Fun/Swim 4 Life, a four-week program that teaches children basic water safety and healthy habits - absolutely free. Thanks to a grant from the Molly Millis-Hedgecock Foundation and sponsorships from Courtyard by Marriott of High Point, TYR swim products and Pannell Swim Shop, students don't even need to provide a towel to attend.

"We've taken every obstacle away," says Aaron Reeves, head coach at High Point Swim Club and one of the creators of the program. He says it gives him and his fellow coaches a chance to impact kids' lives and satisfy an intrinsic need to give something back.

And for the students at the pool, it's a chance to move forward. Besides learning skills such as diving, floating and blowing bubbles, the students also enjoy a healthy snack and learn the importance of good nutrition and physical fitness.

"This program gives our students the opportunity to build their confidence and self-esteem and equip them with knowledge that will protect them throughout their lives," says Northwood Principal Scott Winslow. According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14.

Northwood, which started the lessons in March, is the first Guilford County school to participate in Swim 4 Fun/Swim 4 Life, but Reeves hopes it won't be the last. He's looking for more grant opportunities to help fund the project, which costs about $3,500 per classroom. Current funding will continue the program through fall 2012.

For more information, contact Reeves at 336-887-4772 or Winslow at 336-819-2920.

Tuesday, April 26
UNCG Middle College to Hold Open House, 6-7 p.m., (School of Health and Human Performance, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 1408 Walker Ave., Greensboro) - The Middle College at UNCG, which will welcome its first class of students this fall, will hold an open house today in Room 400B of the Health and Human Performance building on the UNCG campus. The new middle college will focus on health sciences and include a work-study component. For more information, contact Anitra Walker, Central Region executive director, at 336-574-1642.

Wednesday, April 27
Media Briefing on GCS Summer Nutrition Program, 10:30 a.m. (Jackson Middle, 2200 Ontario Street, Greensboro) - Classes may be coming to an end, but school lunches will still be available throughout the summer at five Guilford County Schools (GCS) locations. The School Nutrition Services department is also seeking community partners to help distribute the free lunches to children under the age of 18, regardless of economic status. Cynthia Sevier and BJ Long of School Nutrition Services will speak about the importance of the federally funded program and its implementation, and pre-K teacher Judy Newlin will share her perspective as a volunteer. Enrichment Region Superintendent John Eldridge and Chief Financial Officer Sharon Ozment will also participate. For more information, contact Nora Shoptaw, program administrator-communications, at 336-370-8386.

Dudley High Seniors Celebrate Post-Graduation Plans, 2:30 p.m. (Dudley High, 1200 Lincoln St., Greensboro) - Dudley High will host a Senior Decision Day on Wednesday to honor students' hard work and celebrate their plans for education after graduation. Students who show evidence of a college admissions letter, military orders or other educational plans will be admitted to the special event, including performances, certificates for each senior and guest speaker, Marques Douglas, star defensive end for the Tennessee Titans. Douglas, who was a Dudley graduate, speaks regularly to students across the country about planning for their future beyond high school. This event comes just before the May 1 enrollment deadline when high school seniors inform colleges of their plans to enroll. For more information, contact Principal Jesse Pratt or Jessica Lynch, College Advising Corps counselor, at 336-370-8130.

Thursday, April 28
GCS Announces Rookie Teacher of the Year and Mentor of the Year, 7:30-9:30 a.m. (Grandover Resort, 1000 Club Road, Greensboro) - GCS will celebrate the amazing talent of its educators as the district announces this year's Rookie Teacher of the Year and Mentor of the Year. The Rookie Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 scholarship to UNCG to use toward earning a master's degree. The Mentor of the Year will receive a cash prize. For more information, contact Martha Snavely, executive director of induction and professional development, at 336-370-8098.

Parents Invited to Program to Help Grieving Teens, 6-7:30 p.m. (Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro) - Parents are invited to join Guilford Parent Academy at Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro on Thursday to learn various ways to help their teenager cope with grief in a healthy manner. The free workshop will include resources for teens, developmental responses to grief and common myths and misconceptions about grief. For more information, contact Guilford Parent Academy at 336-279-4924.

Friday, April 29
Book Author from One School, One Book Project to Visit Cone Elementary, 8:15 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Cone Elementary, 2501 N. Church St. Greensboro) - On Friday, students at Cone Elementary will meet Sharon Wyeth, the author of a book they have been reading for their One School, One Book project. Together with parents and teachers, Cone students read Wyeth's book "Something Beautiful." The Rotary Clubs of Greensboro donated a copy of the book to each student, so they could take it home and participate in reading activities with their families. In class, the book encouraged students to develop service-learning projects they could complete at school and in the community. For more information, contact Media Specialist Nancy Cravey or Principal Renee McKinnon at 336-375-2595.

Student-Organized Festival of Cultures Benefits Southwest Sophomore, 4-10:30 p.m. (Mendenhall Transportation Terminal, High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., High Point) - The High Point Student Human Relations Commission will hold a Festival of Cultures Friday as a fundraiser for one of its student members. The night's events will include live musical, dance and theater performances and a multicultural fashion show all organized by students from High Point-area schools. Admission is $5 and all proceeds go to A Kache for Katy, a fundraiser to help cover medical expenses for Katy Borum, a Student Human Relations Commission member and sophomore from Southwest High. For more information, contact the High Point Human Relations Department at 336-883-3124.

Saturday, April 30
Walk/Run Family Fun Day to Benefit Operation Smile, 9 a.m. (Smith High, 2407 S. Holden Road, Greensboro) - On Saturday, the Vandalia Elementary Student Council and Cougar Care Club will join forces with Smith High as they continue to raise money to provide 10 smiles to children around the world who suffer from cleft lips and palates. During the 5K Walk/Run Family Fun Day, students are asking for a donation of $1 to participate in the walk, with all funds raised going directly to Operation Smile. The walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the Smith High track. Families and community members are invited to walk to promote healthy living while raising money for a worthy cause. For more information, contact Vandalia Principal Keisha McMillan at 336-370-8275 or Smith Principal Noah Rogers at 336-294-7300.

Montlieu Students Dedicate Greenway Project, 11 a.m. (Montlieu Elementary Academy of Technology, 1105 Montlieu Ave., High Point) - Fifth-grade students at Montlieu Elementary Academy of Technology will introduce families and community members to their year-long service-learning project on Saturday when the school holds a dedication ceremony for its greenway project. Throughout the year, the class has worked with a graduate student from UNCG as part of the GK-12 project to study ways it can make the High Point Greenway cleaner and inviting for wildlife and butterflies. The dedication ceremony will include educational activities and a greenway walk. The greenway project was recently named a state-level winner of Disney's Planet Challenge, which asked students to select an environmental issue to research and take action locally. For more information, contact Principal Jill Hall or fifth-grade teacher Erica Rzucidlo at 336-819-2910.

The Kenan Fellows Program for Curriculum and Leadership Development selected two educators from Guilford County Schools (GCS) for the Kenan Fellows Class of 2012. Beginning this summer, Danielle Flores and Ashly Morrison will conduct research and create lesson plans that make the curriculum more relevant for students.

Flores is a math teacher at Ragsdale High. Through the Kenan Fellows program, she will complete a project called, "Building a Workforce in Aerospace and Aviation." She will participate in training at Guilford Technical Community College in the Aviation Systems Technology program and learn about the types of science, technology, engineering and math skills necessary to succeed in the aviation field. She will take those experiences back to her math classroom in the form of lessons and projects for her students.

"The idea is to make the field of aviation exciting to students, as well as getting students to see the importance of mathematics in the real world," she said.

Morrison is a curriculum facilitator at Grimsley High. During her fellowship, she will complete a project titled, "Teachers Training Teachers," along with a mentor from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. She and other Kenan Fellows will work as a team to develop training for teachers from each of the eight educational regions of the state. The online modules and training sessions they create will be used to coach teachers in how to use the Common Core Standards and New Essential Standards into their classrooms.

The GCS educators will join 45 other Fellows from across the state in developing projects, conducting research on inquiry-based instruction, creating lesson plans and training to become teacher leaders. The fellowship includes a five-week summer research experience and two weeks of residential professional development.

The fellowships can also lead to opportunities for participants to present their research and lesson plans at state and national conferences. In March, Gail Holmes, a GCS instructional technology coach and Class of 2011 Kenan Fellow, presented her fellowship project at the International Conference on Technology, Knowledge and Society in Bilboa, Spain.

The Kenan Fellows Program is a part of the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology and Science at North Carolina State University. North Carolina educators are invited annually to apply for the competitive fellowships. Nine GCS educators have been selected for the Kenan Fellows program since it began in 2000.

A summary from the Guilford County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 12 is now available.

To read the summary, click here.

Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green unveiled a proposed operating budget of $619,328,682 for 2011-12 during the Guilford County Board of Education meeting Tuesday. The proposed budget anticipates substantial reductions in state funding, the ending of Title I and Exceptional Children federal stimulus dollars and rising operational costs. The anticipated $35.6 million in cuts build on and continue the $31.14 million in state funding losses Guilford County Schools (GCS) has experienced during the past two school years bringing the total state cuts faced by the district since 2008 to $66.76 million.

The budget proposal includes steps already taken to prepare for the tough budget year as well as additional proposed reductions. The district has already banked all but $1 million in federal EduJobs funding, limited the hiring of non-instructional and non-school based positions, held back 31 percent of weighted student formula funding from the 2010-11 budget, and adopted a multi-tier transportation system that will save between $700,000 and $1.3 million.

Additional proposed cuts will touch almost all areas of the school district, including central offices and schools. Central office administrative cuts total $6.4 million and include a reduction or redirection of approximately 64 full-time equivalent positions. The district also plans to generate $1 million in energy savings through its ongoing energy conservation program. Administrative support services funding accounts for about 18 percent of the district's total operating budget and includes items like transportation and technology that directly support schools. With almost 82 percent of the budget being devoted to schools, the budget cuts also reach the classroom. The budget proposal adjusts staffing allotments at schools by increasing the student-teacher ratio by 0.25 students in grades K-12. This adjustment results in a reduction of approximately 37 school-based positions. Additionally, as in the past two years, the district will hold back half of the weighted student formula dollars, about $5.9 million, from schools until the budget is finalized. Withholding these funds could result in a reduction of approximately eight to 10 positions. The proposed budget does include a salary reduction equivalent to two days for all employees earning $35,000 or more per year to be used as a last resort if it is needed. "Because I believe it provides the best opportunity to reach the goals of the strategic plan and has the best potential for keeping employees focused on serving the needs of our students, the approach I have chosen for the last two years is to try very hard to keep our employees, particularly our full-time employees, on the job," said Green. "We have used the redirection of personnel, the elimination of certain vacant positions and attrition rather than a significant reduction in force to manage position cuts. We plan to continue to use this approach as best we can this coming fiscal year."

District administrators developed the budget proposal without having an approved budget from the state. The state has asked school districts to anticipate up to 10 percent in cuts. The superintendent's proposed budget is based on an estimated 9.6 percent cut in state funding. State funding is expected to account for 59.2 percent of the district's operating budget, while local funding will make up about 30.4 percent and federal funding 10.4 percent. At the local funding level, the superintendent's budget proposal requests an increase of $5.14 million in funding for operations costs and an increase in the capital outlay appropriation from the Guilford County Board of Commissioners from $3.2 million this year to $7 million next year. The district anticipates an increase of 692 students for the 2011-12 school year, which equals an increase of about 1,600 students since the 2008-09 school year when GCS received its last budget increase at the local level. The estimated cost to the district for next year's growth in student enrollment is $1.6 million. Pending state legislation, GCS may also pay more for increases in the employee retirement rate ($967,842) and employee health insurance ($374,045). Increases in other sustaining operations are also anticipated, such as fuel costs ($544,024), workers' compensation ($435,603), maintenance costs ($329,054), computer/printer replacements ($412,236) and charter schools ($112,210). In total, the sustaining operations cost increase is $5.14 million. "Thankfully, our support at the local level has been more stable, with the Board of County Commissioners providing flat funding the past two years," said Green. "Unfortunately, increases in student enrollment and other basic operating costs, as well as growing maintenance and repair needs at aging facilities, are stretching our local resources thin, particularly in regard to capital outlay."

The district's $68 million in Title I and Exceptional Children federal stimulus funding, which supported a total of approximately 750 full-time positions during the past three years, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. While the district has banked about $13.9 million of the federal EduJobs funding to help alleviate the ending of the stimulus funding, the gap between resources and expenses remains wide. GCS received $9.9 million in restricted Race to the Top funding, but it cannot be used to alleviate budget reductions. The district will use it to pay for state mandates and key strategic plan initiatives. Despite the deep reductions in funding, GCS will move forward toward reaching the goals outlined in the district's strategic plan. By the conclusion of 2011, 84 out of the 98 strategies are scheduled to launch while 14 strategies will be on hold. Strategies moving forward include the promotion of K-12 literacy and the opening of a health sciences middle college at UNCG. "Because of the leadership and efforts of dedicated employees, parents, community members, organizations, volunteers and others, our students have made significant progress since the plan began," Green said.

Even though the strategic plan was launched in the midst of the economic downturn, the district has met or made progress on 19 of the 23 academic measures outlined in that plan, including raising the graduation rate, increasing college scholarship totals, decreasing the number of low-performing schools and increasing the number of Schools of Excellence and Honor Schools of Excellence. In addition to making progress on academic goals, several strategic plan initiatives were launched, including character development, One Million Books (becoming Two Million books in 2011-12), Guilford Parent Academy, regionalization and energy management. "When we launched our strategic plan, we committed ourselves to executing the plan to the greatest extent possible, notwithstanding the economic situation, because we collectively agreed that it was the best thing to do for our students," said Green. "While we have made some great strides the last two years, there is much more work to be done. The goals of the strategic plan are not changing. Even during turbulent economic times, the needs of our students must come first."

The school board will review and discuss the superintendent's recommendations during a work session that begins at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26. The meeting will be held in the Board Room of the district administrative office at 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro. The public hearing for the budget is tentatively scheduled to be held during the board meeting on Thursday, April 28. School board meetings begin at 6 p.m. and are held in the Eugene Street Board Room. The school board must adopt a proposed budget and present it to the county by May 15. The county commissioners are holding district meetings to hear comments and questions from the community about the county budget. The meeting for Districts 1 and 2 is scheduled for Thursday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the High Point Social Services Meeting Room, 325 E. Russell Ave., High Point. Districts 4 and 5 will meet on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, 301 W. Market St., Greensboro. To view the complete GCS budget proposal, click on the attachment.

Guilford Parent Academy and the GCS Title I office will host a second set of Parent's Homework Dictionary workshops, "Helping Parents Understand their Child's Homework," this Thursday, April 14. The workshops will take place from 12-1 p.m. and from 6-7 p.m. at Fairview Elementary in High Point.

The Parents' Homework Dictionary is a book designed to help parents understand homework their children bring home from school. The book covers Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies for Grades K-10.

The dictionary is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Cambodian and Chinese.

For more information, click on the link below.

https://parentacademy.gcsnc.com/sites/SSPHDW001/Pages/Default.aspx

Tuesday, April 12: Northwood Elementary Swims for Fun, Swims for Life, 12:30 - 2 p.m. (High Point Swim Club, 1705 Whitehall St., High Point) and General Greene Elementary Goes Green, 6:30 - 8 p.m. (General Greene Elementary, 1501 Benjamin Parkway, Greensboro)

Wednesday, April 13: Media Briefing, 10:30 a.m. (Brooks Global Studies, 1215 Westover Terrace, Greensboro 27408)

Thursday, April 14: Fairview Elementary Helps Parents with Homework, Noon - 1 p.m., 6 -7 p.m. (Fairview Elementary, 608 Fairview St. High Point), School Invites Community to "Sip and See," 6 p.m. (Sternberger Elementary, 518 N. Holden Road, Greensboro) and GCS Students Perform at On Stage!, 7 p.m. (War Memorial Auditorium, 1921 W. Lee St., Greensboro)

Additional Story Ideas: Northeast NJROTC Regains Championship

Jacob Rosenberg got an idea. After hearing that Guilford County Schools (GCS) students read more than one million books in 2010, the high school junior realized he could play an active role in helping them read more.

Rosenberg organized a book drive, not just for his school, the Early College at Guilford, but for the entire Guilford College campus. He and five other students set a goal of collecting 550 books, 50 of which are from a list of books requested by schools.

"I saw a need and I knew that I wanted to be doing more, and I went home and started drawing up plans," said Rosenberg, who is enrolled in a class at Guilford College where he is learning about strategic planning. He drew up a full plan with goals, objectives and strategies and took it to the Center for Principled Problem Solving on the Guilford College campus to turn his idea into a real book drive.

Included in the GCS strategic plan is a goal of students reading one million books within a year. Students exceeded and almost doubled that goal in 2010 by reading almost two million books. Rosenberg was present at the district's State of Our Schools event in January when Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green asked students to meet a new goal of reading two million books and challenged the community to provide students with access to more books through donations.

"A large part of this project for me has been about trying to give a lot of people the chances I have," Rosenberg said. "Working with service-learning as a goal, I have tried to make the project just as much about the administrative procedures of collecting books as the lessons about helping others and striving towards a social goal."

Early College at Guilford students Frederick Ferguson, Mitchel Cole, Whitney Zhou, Elizabeth Marshall and Alexander Vary helped Rosenberg make his idea a reality. They started collecting books on the Guilford College campus on March 14. The students publicized the book drive through e-mail lists, a Facebook page and fliers on campus. Donation boxes are located in buildings across campus and are checked weekly by volunteers.

Rosenberg says the group will collect books through April 20. The community is invited to donate books at one of the donation locations on the Guilford College campus or by e-mailing guilfordbookdrive@gmail.com. For a list of books requested by schools and additional information, visit the Guilford Book Drive Facebook page.

A Sweet Sixteen party made life a little bit sweeter for the residents of Joseph's House, an organization that helps homeless youth. By requesting donations instead of presents for their 16th birthdays, two Northern High students raised about $400 for the program.

Iman Cook and Nadia Winfield, both sophomores, decided that their joint birthday party on March 12 was a chance to make a difference in their community. They chose to raise money for Joseph's House because it serves high school students like them.

"We wanted to give back to people who were not as fortunate," says Iman. "Joseph's House helps people like us, and we wanted to give them some of the opportunities we have."

Rev. Nancy McLean, founder and executive director of Joseph's House, says she was touched by the generosity of the Northern students.

"For these two young girls to not focus on themselves but ask what can we give, to take limelight off themselves and shine it on those who are less fortunate, that's really special," says McLean. "It speaks to their upbringing and the condition of their hearts, and it's an example to other young people."

Joseph's House provides shelter, food, clothing and support to homeless individuals between the ages of 18 and 23. McLean says the money will be used to help pay for graduation expenses for two of the young men in the program.

"I felt really excited that we could do something that could make such a big impact," says Iman. "It gave us a chance to do something to help the community."

Three Guilford County Schools (GCS) students are recipients of the prestigious National Achievement Scholarship. They are among 800 black American high school seniors selected for the awards.

Tyler Johnson from the Academy at Smith, Elena Wong from Grimsley High and Jennell McIntosh from Northern High each received a $2,500 National Achievement Scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. All three of the GCS students are planning to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall and are interested in pursuing health-related careers.

More than 160,000 students entered the 2011 National Achievement Scholarship Program by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) as high school juniors. In September 2010, about 1,600 of the highest scorers were named semifinalists and 1,300 semifinalists advanced to the finalist level. Scholarship winners were selected from this group of outstanding students.

In addition to their performance on the PSAT, the scholarship recipients were evaluated on their abilities, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The Guilford County Board of Education Governance Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 13 at 8:30 a.m. in the Swann Room of the Administrative Office, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC 27401.

The Piedmont Triad Leadership Academy (PTLA), a new alternative licensure program for school administration scheduled to open for the 2011-12 school year, is now accepting applications. The program will provide school principal preparation to exceptionally talented individuals who will lead high-need schools.

The application deadline is April 1, 2011, and GCS employees who wish to apply for the program should submit applications to Martha Snavely, executive director of induction and professional development, at 501 Washington St., Greensboro, NC, 27401. An information session will be held on March 16 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the PTA Room at the Eugene St. building.

The academy will enroll a cohort of at least 20 aspiring principals each year, and participants benefit from a multi-faceted support structure, including university supervision, district mentors and PTLA coaching. Programs will include a full-time, year-long clinical residency and mentoring and coaching by experienced principals. Even after a graduate is placed in a job, the individual will continue to receive support for an additional year. Participants attend full-time and are paid during the 12-month program. Graduates could earn credit toward a Master of School Administration degree.

PTLA is funded by a $6.2 million three-year grant from North Carolina's Race to the Top program. Under the category of great teachers and leaders, the state's Race to the Top application recognized the need for more alternative routes to becoming a principal. The development of Regional Leadership Academies (RLAs) addresses this need. The PTLA will be one of three leadership academies located in the state.

PTLA is a partnership between Guilford County Schools (GCS), the Alamance-Burlington School System, Asheboro City Schools, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. For more information about the program and application process, click the link below.

http://www.uncg.edu/elc/ptla_participant_selection_admission.html

The Guilford County Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, April 12 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Offices, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC.

During the meeting, the board will hear reports on School Improvement Grants for Andrews High and Wiley Elementary, value added data and the superintendent's 2011-12 budget recommendation. The board will recognize the Employee of the Month, Volunteer of the Month, winter sports state champions, Magnet School of Merit award winners and the 2011 Arts Educator of the Year and finalists.

Guilford County Board of Education meetings are broadcast live on GCSTV 2 (cable channel 2) and re-air the day after the meeting at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the Saturday following the meeting at 1 p.m.

Murphey Traditional Academy will receive nearly $240,000 during the next six years to implement a pilot program to teach math using Singapore's successful methods. Murphey is one of six schools in North Carolina to receive this grant, sponsored by the state Department of Public Instruction and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, which supports advances in biomedicine through science education.

The Singapore Method emphasizes strategic thinking processes rather than procedural and was developed to address students' difficulty with word problems. Singapore is consistently ranked near the top in international studies on math and science performance.

Claudia Walker, a fifth-grade math teacher at Murphey, was one of five recipients of the Burroughs Wellcome Career Math and Science Teacher awards last year and had the opportunity to attend a national conference on the Singapore math method.

"Singapore Math will give our students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of numbers and geometry starting in kindergarten," says Walker. "The problem-solving approach is very visual and logical, and it gives the students the opportunity to see and explain the math at a more conceptual level."

The grant is designed to study the impact of these methods on student achievement, and the funds will be used to train all kindergarten and first-grade teachers at a national conference this year, adding a cohort of teachers each year until the entire staff has been trained.

"It is exciting that we will be one of the schools leading the way in innovative math instruction in the state of North Carolina," says Murphey Principal Richard Thomae.

The N.C. Public School Forum's Learning from Other Countries program organized the study on which the pilot is based. For the results of that study, click the attached link. 

Students and staff at Hampton Elementary University Partnership Magnet received a special visit on Tuesday. Chancellor Harold Martin from North Carolina A&T State University and Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green stopped by for an update on the magnet school's special partnership.

This year, Hampton began a new university partnership magnet theme supported by N.C. A&T. The partnership has produced opportunities for students and staff from both the elementary school and university. The purpose of the partnership is to raise student achievement at Hampton, provide students with exposure to a college campus, give teachers professional development opportunities and give college education majors experience working in classrooms.

Hampton teachers participate in professional development classes in a model classroom on the N.C. A&T campus twice a week. Teachers say the classes have helped them strengthen their relationships with their colleagues, sharpened their skills and improved their ability to serve as facilitators and work together across grade levels.

College students are a constant presence at Hampton. About 18 interns from N.C. A&T have worked at Hampton this year to get hands-on experience in the classroom. They work with small groups of students on reading and math, lead lessons in the computer lab, attend field trips and proctor testing, among other responsibilities.

Hampton students also visit the N.C. A&T campus weekly for a special tutoring program. Dozens of university students volunteer to tutor students in reading and math through the SMART PATH Tutorial Program. The university students have developed fun ways for the elementary students to learn, including a large runway students use to actively solve math problems.

The partnership is also encouraging more community and parental involvement at Hampton. A community engagement committee organized several activities, including a parent/student visit to the college campus during University Day, a donation to families of the N.C. African Services Coalition in the Hampton community, a Purpose Built Community visit to Atlanta, Ga., and "Lunch and Learn" programs for Hampton parents. This spring, the committee is planning a community walking tour of Willow Oaks and hopes to begin adult GED classes soon.

During the visit, Hampton and N.C. A&T staff and students gave a presentation on the partnership and led the chancellor and superintendent on a tour of the school. Both groups expressed a strong commitment to the partnership and look forward to additional opportunities for collaboration next school year.

Five Guilford County Schools (GCS) students received awards for their science projects at the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair at Meredith College. Ketch Young, Mary Helen Wood, Timothy Lee Woodard Jr., Nicole Shaw and Thomas Martin represented GCS after winning the district and regional science fairs. More than 300 students in grades 3-12 from throughout the state presented research projects during the event.

Ketch Young, a student from General Greene Elementary, received an elementary honorable mention for his project, "Action Distraction: Can playing a video game distract you from feeling pain?"

Mary Helen Wood, a student at Kiser Middle, won second place in the junior physics division. Her project, "To Green or Not to Green?" also received a Grand Broadcom Masters Award and a Special EPA Award.

Thomas Martin from Northern Middle came in first place in the junior earth/environmental science division. He also received a Divisional Broadcom Masters certificate for his project, "Ice and Rings: Postdating Ice Storms through Dendrochronology."

Nicole Shaw, a student at the Academy at Smith, won a Special US Navy/Marine Award for her project, "The Weeping Well! A Study of Water Remediation with Active Carbon and Solar Pasteurization, Supporting Sustainable, Intergrated and Portable Water Programs."

Timothy Lee Woodard Jr. from Dudley High received several awards for his project, "The Effect of Manipulating a DNA Tile Weave on the Anticoagulant Potential of a Thrombin Inhibiting Aptamer." He won second place in the senior biological science division, a Special Society for In Vitro Biology Award, a Special U.S. Army Award Certificate of Achievement and a $50 savings bond.

Breakfast is proven to be the most important meal of the day, especially for children. Students who eat breakfast pay attention longer, demonstrate better behavior in the classroom, have improved attendance and make fewer trips to the school nurse.

At Guilford County Schools (GCS), school nutrition staff works diligently to ensure that students in schools across the district have access to this first meal each morning.

One of these schools is Montlieu Elementary Academy of Technology, which has had success with its Grab and Go breakfast program, increasing the number of students who eat breakfast by more than 50 percent.

This success story is being recognized at the state level in a video included in a school breakfast promotional toolkit for all North Carolina school districts. The toolkit, titled "Breakfast is Brain Fuel," is being developed by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction's Child Nutrition Services and the N.C. Nutrition Education and Training Program with the North Carolina Division of Public Health - Nutrition Services Branch. The video is expected to be released this summer.

Through an expanding breakfast grant from the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Montlieu administrators and staff worked with GCS' School Nutrition Department to survey students and families about their thoughts on school breakfast and how best they could serve students.

Based on the feedback, staff made changes to the menu and service. Now, breakfast is located in brown bags in the cafeteria and breakfast bags are also brought to the drop-off location for carpool so students can easily pick up a breakfast and take it with them to the classroom to eat. This change has given more students the opportunity to eat breakfast, and menu changes have kids more excited about eating when they first arrive.

Just in time to celebrate National Poetry month in April, students from participating GCS high schools have their 2011 poet laureate.

For the eighth consecutive year, participating high schools held a contest open to all students. Students were invited to submit three original poems, which were judged by faculty members who then narrowed the field down to three poets at each school. These poets, along with their poems, were sent to a final judge who selected the poet laureate for each school. Joellen Craft, a poet and instructor at UNCG, was this year's final judge.

This is a collaborative project between the media specialists and teachers in the schools, the Greensboro Public Library and the Friends of the Greensboro Public Library. The winning poets will participate in various activities around the county culminating in a poetry workshop with Gary Soto and a public reading of their poems on Saturday, April 30 at the main branch of the Greensboro Public Library in downtown Greensboro. The public is invited to the reading, which will be held in the Nussbaum room of the Greensboro Public Library at 2 p.m., April 30.

The 2011 poets laureate and their schools are: Stephanie Ratliff, Andrews High; Jeliyah Callender, Dudley High; Zachary Thomas, The Early College at Guilford; Soroush Shahbazi, Grimsley High; Mahnaz Shujra, High Point Central High; Safiatou Soumana, The Middle College at GTCC - Greensboro; Amanda Kelly, Northeast High; Olivia Fields, Northern High; Audra Stang, Page High; Chelsea Hansen, Penn-Griffin School for the Arts; Adrienne Flippin, Southeast High; Jordan Taylor, Southwest High; Sabrina Byrd, Weaver Academy; Morgan Wagstaff, Western High.

Twenty-seven GCS students were selected to attend the 2011 Governor's School of North Carolina, the nation's oldest statewide summer residential program for academically gifted students.

Located on the campuses of Salem College and Meredith College, the school integrates academic disciplines, the arts and unique courses. Students gain valuable insight by attending classes and lectures where they will learn from their peers through discussions of the latest and most innovative topics and ideas. The curriculum does not include credits, tests or grades.

The program offers 11 academic disciplines for students to explore. The areas of study are art, dance, foreign language, math, music and science. The six-week program begins June 12 and runs until July 23.

Click the attachment.

She's got 600 hours of volunteer service and counting, and now Lillian Zerihun can add presidential recognition to her list of accomplishments. The Early College at Guilford junior recently received the gold-level President's Volunteer Service Award.

Whether she's working as a preschool teacher in her church, supporting art teachers at the Doris Henderson Newcomer's School or serving meals to the homeless through Community Kitchens, Lillian makes volunteerism a way of life, and she's making it easier for others to do the same. Lillian helped strengthen a program at her school to connect students to The Center for Principled Problem Solving, a Guilford College initiative that works for social change and innovation. The partnership helps her peers find projects to complete their service-learning requirements.

"Lillian's compassion, service and accomplishments exemplify excellence in social responsibility," says Bobby Hayes, principal of The Early College at Guilford. "Through her service and leadership, Lillian is making a positive impact and inspiring others to get engaged in service initiatives."

The 16-year-old hopes to enter the medical field and extend her service to impoverished areas in underdeveloped countries, but for now she'll continue to help those close to home. "When I know I've helped a recent immigrant assimilate into American society, nurtured a young child, given a hot meal to a homeless man or worked to bring volunteers to needy organizations, I really feel accomplished," she says.

The President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families and groups who have made a commitment to civic participation as measured by their hours of service. Lillian's award was presented in connection with the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. For more information, contact Principal Bobby Hayes at 336-316-2860.

Parents, bring your kids and join Guilford Parent Academy for a free day of healthy activities and wholesome food. Guilford Parent Academy will hold its first Healthy Family Celebration on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Smith High in Greensboro.

The free event promotes health and wellness for families in a fun way. Family Zumba classes, obstacle courses, healthy snacks and health screenings will be among the offerings available during the celebration. In addition, health experts will provide short information sessions on topics including helping kids develop healthy habits, blending exercise into the daily routine, gardening in small spaces and eating right on a tight budget. The keynote speakers will be Dr. Jose Villalba, associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Dr. Bobby Doolittle, a family medicine physician from Greensboro.

"This event is a fun way for families to spend the day together being active and improving their health," said Tony Watlington, strategic planning and project management officer for Guilford County Schools (GCS). "We know that the health and wellness of our students can affect their learning in school, so we want to provide families with fun and simple ways to improve their overall wellbeing. All families are invited to join us for this free event. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and get ready to move."

GCS, the YMCA of Greensboro and Get Healthy Guilford worked together to support Healthy Family Celebration, which is Guilford Parent Academy's first family learning event. Since its launch in January, Guilford Parent Academy has already served more than 1,200 parents through its free online resources and workshops at schools and other community locations.

Parents can sign up for a free account on the Guilford Parent Academy website to access online learning tools, on-demand videos and a full schedule of events.

Seven Guilford County Schools students showcased their winning imaginations and achieved top honors at Piedmont Parent's 2011 Young Authors Contest. The magazine-sponsored contest, which is open to Triad-area students in grades K-8, judges entries based on story, illustration and collaboration.

GCS student winners include:

• Grades 2-3 - First place story, "A Historical Owlbum" by Ella Noel King, third grade, Pearce Elementary. Third place story, "Love Town" by Leah Brown, third grade, Erwin Montessori. Illustration, "Monkey Magic" by Sofie Patton, third grade, Erwin Montessori.

• Grades 4-5 - First place story, "Toodle and the Bully" by Alexandra Maycock, fifth grade, The Academy at Lincoln. Third place story, "Leyna in the Middle" by Camille Ford, fourth grade, Jesse Wharton Elementary.

• Grades 6-8 - First place story, "Reese and Me" by Murphy Smith, sixth grade, Southern Middle. Third place story, "Jack the Race Car" by Grayson Fisher, sixth grade, Southern Middle.

Winners will be honored at a reception on Sunday, April 10, at the Greensboro Children's Museum, where they will have the opportunity to present their books.

For improving student achievement through sound educational practices, community outreach and collaborative relationships, Northeast High and Smith High shared honors as recipients of the sixth annual Hubert B. Humphrey, Jr. School Improvement Award.

The award, worth $10,000, was presented on March 29 by the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro at its annual luncheon. Northeast and Smith split the award money, and each took $5,000 back to their respective schools. Both schools will have their names inscribed on the Hugh Humphrey cup and will share opportunities to display the cup on their campuses until next year's winner is announced.

"I am happy for the students, faculty and staff at both Smith High and Northeast High for receiving the Hubert B. Humphrey Jr. Award," said Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green. "Both schools have shown tremendous growth in the classroom and great leadership in their respective communities."

"The Humphrey Cup is a prestigious award that any school in our community should be proud to win. We commend both Northeast High and Smith High for their achievements," said Walker Sanders, president of The Community Foundation.

Hubert B. "Hugh" Humphrey was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation from 1981 until he passed away in 2003. Revered by fellow trustees and staff, Humphrey also served as legal counsel to the Foundation. In November 2003, the Trustees created the Hubert B. Humphrey, Jr. School Improvement Award to honor his dedication. The Foundation established a fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, which is used each year to support the cash award.

Tuesday, April 5: Southeastern Region Town Hall Meeting, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. (Bluford Elementary, 1901 Tuscaloosa St., Greensboro)

Wednesday, April 6 Media Briefing, 10:30 a.m. (Ragsdale High, 602 High Point Road, Jamestown)

Thursday, April 7 Johnson Street Global Studies Invites Families to Math Carnival Night, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (Johnson Street Global Studies, 1601 Johnson St., High Point)

Saturday, April 9 Healthy Family Celebration, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Smith High, 2407 S. Holden Road, Greensboro)

Monday, April 12 Northern Region Town Hall Meeting, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. (Page High, 201 Alma Pinnix Drive, Greensboro)

Additional Story Ideas: Ferndale Students Tutor Adults in Computer Literacy

Fifth-graders have just a little more than two months left before they leave elementary school for middle school. Now is the time for parents with rising sixth-graders to plan ahead for the Tdap vaccination requirement.

A state law that went into effect three years ago requires all sixth-grade students to get an updated Tdap vaccination if five or more years have passed since their last dose. Tdap protects children from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (more commonly known as whooping cough). Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person, while tetanus enters the body through scratches, cuts or wounds.

By state law, students must show proof of receiving the Tdap vaccine at the start of their sixth-grade school year or they will be suspended.

"We encourage parents to make plans now to get their children vaccinated before school starts in August," said Robin Bergeron Nolan, director of school health services. "Spring break and summer vacation are great times to schedule an appointment."

Tdap is available at family doctor's offices or by appointment at the Guilford County Department of Public Health offices located at 1100 E. Wendover Ave., Greensboro, and 501 E. Green Drive, High Point. For an appointment at one of the health department locations, call 336-641-3245. Spanish speakers may call 336-641-3245 in Greensboro or 336-845-4591 in High Point. Parents should bring a copy of their child's immunization record with them to the appointment.

Students at The Middle College at Bennett will release their teen driver safety video reaching even more of their peers with the message, "I am NOT Textually Active While Driving."

As one of only 26 schools nationwide to receive State Farm's Project Ignition grant, students at The Middle College at Bennett have been busy raising awareness of the dangers of texting while driving. Their campaign, "I am NOT Textually Active While Driving," earned them $2,000 to implement their service-learning projects, which has included a balloon release, a walk-a-thon and the creation and production of a teen driver safety video to be used in Guilford County Schools' drivers education classes.

"This whole campaign has been led by our girls," said JaMese Black, curriculum facilitator and the team's advisor. "They decided on the theme of the campaign, the slogan, the type of activities. They wrote the grant at the beginning of the project, and they wrote the script for the video. Even the colors that they chose for the campaign - purple signifying devotion and red signifying urgency - has all been thought out by our students."

The Greensboro Police Department will be on site today with its destructive driving simulator. Other local organizations have gotten involved with this important cause as well. WFMY News 2 partnered with students to help produce the video, and a local marketing agency, the Sales Factory, donated printing for the walk-a-thon signs and gave all students thumb rings, which serve as a reminder to not text while driving.

The thumb rings were created for the Remember Alex Brown (RAB) Foundation, started by the Brown family after they lost their teenage daughter, Alex, in a single-car accident in Texas. She was texting while driving. The family created the RAB Foundation to honor their daughter and educate others around the country, especially teenagers, of the dangers of texting while driving. The Middle College at Bennett students are giving back to the organization after raising $300 during their walk-a-thon on March 21. The family is expected to give thanks to the students via a live Internet stream during their video release party today.

Northeast High was also chosen for the Project Ignition grant. Their project titled, "Teen Driving: A Life Skill for Saving Lives," is dedicated to responding through classroom and community events to recent driving fatalities that have affected the Northeast area. Their next event will be on April 7 when the school will hold a community town hall meeting to raise awareness about safe driving. The Highway Patrol will make a presentation, and students will perform a skit. The meeting will take place at Lebanon Baptist Church (4635 Hicone Road, Greensboro).

Students must turn in their completed projects to State Farm by May and both schools hope to continue to the next phase of the Project Ignition grant competition. Up to 10 projects will be chosen as Leader Schools for the next phase of the program, which would earn them an additional $2,500 to support the implementation of their second-year plans, along with $5,000 to support their participation in the National Service-Learning Conference in the spring of 2012.

Greensboro, N.C. - They may not have credit cards yet, but the students in Wanda Dean's Computer Applications class already understand how their spending habits will affect their credit scores. The Page High class is one of several across the district using a financial literacy program that will help students make smarter money decisions as adults.

Through the free program, created by EverFi Inc. and funded by BB&T, Guilford County Schools students will have the opportunity to become certified in nine areas of financial education. Students will learn about savings, budgeting, taxes and insurance, as well as managing loans to finance higher education. Dean's class is one of about 25 across the district that will be implementing the program in the next few weeks to coincide with Financial Literacy Month in April.

The EverFi platform uses the latest in interactive media, 3-D gaming, social networking and other interactive tools in order to simplify the complex financial system for easier comprehension by students. The system tracks students' progress and scores and provides them with a certificate in financial literacy once they complete the course.

"The EverFi program is great," says Dean, a career and technical education teacher at Page. "It teaches students real-life information that they have to know in order to make it in the real world, whether they go to college or straight to work after high school."

For more information about the financial literacy program, contact Joanne Miles, career and technical education specialist, at 336-370-8338.

The images on the news about the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan are horrifying, and a parent's instinct might be to shelter their child from the devastation. But experts say it's important to talk with your child when tragedy strikes.

Information from the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement encourages parents to start a conversation with their child about the event. Doing so makes the child's fear more manageable and helps them deal with their anxiety.

"Often, we as parents think that by shielding a child from a disaster, we're protecting them," says Karen Meadows, supervisor of K-8 counseling for Guilford County Schools. "But by avoiding the subject, it can send a message that the truth is just too scary, which magnifies their fear."

She suggests allowing children to talk about the event as much as they need to, which will vary depending on the child. Parents should temper their own emotions to appear calm, but be truthful and honest as much as possible. It may be helpful for children to express their emotions in private ways, such as through journals or art.

One suggestion from the school crisis center is to encourage your child to take action to help relieve the suffering in Japan. GCS is once again pursuing Operation H.O.P.E., which stands for Helping Other People Everywhere. Students across the district are collecting donations for the American Red Cross and the YMCA World Relief service through April 25.

Kids Path, a division of Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, helps provide counseling to children who are experiencing the loss of a loved one or a life-threatening event of their own. The group is working with Guilford Parent Academy on a series of workshops designed to help parents talk with their kids about grief and loss. The next event, targeted at teens, is planned for April 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Kids Path, 2504 Summit Avenue.

Thursday, March 31: Obstacle Course Raises Safe Teen Driving Awareness, noon - 2 p.m. (Northeast High, 6700 McLeansville Road, McLeansville) and GCS Students Show Off Their Career Skills, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., (Elliott University Center, University of North Carolina at Greensboro)

Friday, April 1: The Middle College at Bennett Launches Safe Driving Video, 5 - 7 p.m. (The Middle College at Bennett, 722 Gorrell St., Greensboro)

Monday, April 4: Parents Get Advice on Healthy Eating on Meatless Monday, 6:30 - 8 p.m. (Weaver Academy, 300 S. Spring St., Greensboro)

Guilford County Schools (GCS) announces the appointment of principals for three schools, including the new Middle College at UNCG.

Angela Polk-Jones will be the principal at the Middle College at UNCG as of April 1. She is currently the assistant principal at Aycock Middle. Polk-Jones has also served within GCS as an assistant principal at Eastern Middle, an exceptional children teacher at Bluford Elementary STEM Academy and a fourth-grade teacher at Millis Road Elementary.

Polk-Jones has close ties to the UNCG campus, having been a student-athlete and inductee into the UNCG Athletics Hall of Fame. She continues her involvement with UNCG by serving on the Board of Visitors. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from UNCG and a learning-disabled certification from High Point University.

Sara Nachtrab, who currently serves as the assistant principal for both Gateway and Haynes-Inman Education Centers, will be the new principal at McIver Education Center effective April 1. Nachtrab was also a curriculum facilitator at Gateway Education Center for five years.

Nachtrab holds a bachelor's degree in education from Heidelberg University and a master's degree and principal licensure from the University of Dayton.

Wayne Mayo will serve as principal at Parkview Village Elementary Expressive Arts Magnet effective June 1. He is completing his 18th year in education as the principal at West Bertie Elementary in Bertie County Schools. Mayo has also held positions as a middle school and high school principal and curriculum specialist in mathematics and science for Bertie County Schools.

Mayo has a bachelor's degree from Elizabeth City State University and a master's degree from East Carolina University. He is certified in secondary mathematics, academically gifted education and as a curriculum instructional specialist.

A summary from the Guilford County Board of Education meeting on Thursday, March 24 is now available.

To read the summary, click here.

The Guilford County Board of Education adopted Policy BH, Guilford County Board of Education Code of Ethics at its meeting Thursday.

Policy BH outlines the guidelines board members will commit to following while carrying out their duties. Revisions were made to the policy to align it with current state law.

To view the policy, click here. 

After receiving feedback from parents and staff, the Guilford County Board of Education approved a new multi-tier bus schedule for the 2011-12 school year. The new schedule will change the school day times and bus pick-up and drop-off times for some students. For most schools, the instructional day schedule will change by five to 15 minutes. For a few schools, the change is 25 to 30 minutes. Under the new schedule, the instructional day for traditional schools will be as follows:

Elementary: 7:45 a.m. - 2:25 p.m.

Middle (5 schools): 8:10 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.

Middle (13 schools)/High: 8:55 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.

Allen, Guilford, Jackson, Kiser and Mendenhall middle schools will be in the second tier from 8:10 a.m. - 3:05 p.m. Aycock, Eastern, Ferndale, Hairston, Jamestown, Kernodle, Northeast, Northern, Northwest, Southeast, Southern, Southwest and Welborn middle schools will be in the third tier from 8:55 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.

Most magnet schools, high school options and alternative schools will continue with the same bus schedule next year. The board requested staff to research multi-tier bus schedules as a way to reduce transportation operating costs and increase efficiency. "The new bus schedules will provide us with flexibility to distribute buses to routes with overcrowding or lengthy ride times," said Jeff Harris, director of transportation. "The district is also able to realize savings without making cuts to staffing."

The potential savings from using the new multi-tier schedule is estimated between $706,000 and $1.3 million, and the Transportation Department will be able to remove about 23 to 43 buses from service and increase the district's efficiency rating by 3.2 to 5 percent. GCS transports 41,231 students on 624 school buses to and from traditional, magnet and alternative schools and operates buses from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily. For a list of the instructional day schedules by school, click on the attachment.

Dudley High's Kevin Littlejohn was the first one to sign up for the Rotary Against Drugs Speech Contest at his school in early February. Now he's the last man standing. The senior, who placed first at the school and district levels of the competition, took home the top prize of $100 at the regional competition in Chapel Hill on March 20. The contest was sponsored by the East Greensboro Rotary Club and coordinated by Communities in Schools.

Kevin trumped competitors from a multi-district field with his speech, which answers the question, "What must be done to prevent drug and alcohol abuse in the U.S.?" His skills as a speaker also earned him invitations to perform in front of the East Greensboro Rotary Club and the Communities in Schools board of directors, where he again won praise.

"Kevin is an exceptional young man and student, and I thoroughly enjoyed coaching and preparing him for both the Rotary District and Multi-District Competition, said Marvette Artis, a Rotary Club member. "Kevin personifies youth excellence and I am certain success is in his foreseeable future."

Kevin is a member of the superintendent's Student Advisory Council and spoke during the 2011 State of Our Schools address.

It's Monday, and students at Sedgefield Elementary are on the hunt for ways to help people save energy. Thirteen Academically Gifted students in grades three through five are patrolling the school, spotting errant lights or electronic devices left on while not in use. They will leave a ticket in places that don't measure up as a gentle reminder, and a thank-you note in places that do. It's a new practice at Guilford County Schools (GCS), and one that district officials hope will save thousands in electricity costs.

Since January, GCS has enacted the Energy WISE program, which stands for Wisdom is Saving Energy and the Environment. Twenty-five schools across the district have implemented the formula, which was inspired by a system at the Kenton County School District in Fort Wright, Ky. In the past five years, the award-winning initiative has been credited with reducing that district's energy usage by 18.7 percent. This caught the attention of Guilford County Schools Energy Engineer Alicia Strange and Chief Operations Officer Andrew LaRowe. The GCS officials hope to replicate that success here, where energy costs top $22 million annually.

"In a district this size, even the smallest change can have a major impact," says LaRowe. "We hope that by implementing Energy WISE, we can be better stewards of both our taxpayer dollars and our environment." In schools like Sedgefield, students are making conservation part of their daily dialogue. There, a different team member gives an energy tip each day during the morning announcements. Power Point presentations created by the students will be viewed by their peers when they use the school's computer lab. An energy game reinforces the message in a playful way. Plans are developing to replace old-fashioned light bulbs with environmentally friendly CFL versions.

For Cheryl Kaufman, who's leading the efforts at Sedgefield, Energy WISE has been an inspiration. "I find that there is so much we can do," says the AG teacher. "The kids keep coming up with more and more ideas that are very logical and practical, like giving each classroom a list of how to conserve."

Those ideas can pay off. As the school year continues, teams will be evaluated on their success in reducing energy costs and educating their peers, and schools that show the greatest success can win money to help continue the program.

The Energy WISE program has already yielded collaboration from local community groups. North Carolina A&T State University is contributing $20,000 in materials and resources to help support the project in Guilford County. The City of Greensboro also recently awarded GCS with a $30,000 grant for environmental impact.

GCS will celebrate its first season of Energy Wise at an awards ceremony in May. For more information about the program, contact Energy Engineer Alicia Strange at (336) 275-2065 or email stranga@gcsnc.com.

Gail Holmes is going to Spain and taking all that she's learned about teaching with technology along with her. Holmes will present on "Teaching Students to Think Outside the Book" at the International Conference on Technology, Knowledge and Society in Bilboa, Spain this weekend.

As an instructional technology coach for Guilford County Schools (GCS), Holmes provides outreach on a daily basis for teachers in the Enrichment Region who want to integrate technology into their lesson plans. Her website and workshops provide examples of how teachers can use tools like GPS devices, podcasting and videocasting with their students.

Holmes is one of three GCS employees currently participating in a fellowship with the Kenan Fellows Program for Curriculum and Leadership Development. After being selected through a competitive application process, Kenan Fellows work closely with mentors in developing a project, participating in research on inquiry-based instruction and training to be teacher leaders. Holmes developed the materials she shares with teachers through the fellowship.

Holmes' workshops encourage teachers from all disciplines not only to use technology in their classrooms but also to work together to share and discuss the best approaches for its use.

"The Kenan Fellows Program has inspired me to challenge teachers to reach outside their classrooms and collaborate with global partners to impact the world," she said. "Closing the classroom door and working in isolation is not an option."

Holmes will represent both GCS and the Kenan Fellows program at the conference in Spain from Thursday, March 24, through Monday, March 28. In addition to her presentation, a white paper co-written with Valerie Brown-Schild, director of the Kenan Fellows program, will be published in the International Journal of Technology, Knowledge and Society.

To view some of Holmes' work, click on the link below.

http://www.wix.com/ghholmes/digitaldozen

Tuesday, March 22: Western High Invites Parents to Anti-Bullying Class, 6 p.m. (Western High, 409 Friendway Road, Greensboro)

Wednesday, March 23: Media Briefing, 10:30 a.m. (Grimsley High, 801 Westover Terrace, Greensboro)

Friday, March 25: McLeansville Elementary Clubs Help with Medical Costs, 6 p.m. (5315 Frieden Church Road, McLeansville) and Vandalia Elementary and Smith High Hold Joint Talent Show, 6:30 p.m. (Smith High, 2407 S. Holden Road, Greensboro)

Saturday, March 26: Elementary Parents Invited to Cone Elementary for Workshop, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Cone Elementary, 2501 N. Church St., Greensboro)

Additional Story Ideas: Murphey Students Send Children to School in Zimbabwe and Weaver Students Take Top Spots at Skills USA Regional

For more information on these items, click on the attachment.

The Guilford County Board of Education will meet on Thursday, March 24 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Offices, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC.

During the meeting, the board will hear reports on multi-tier transportation and construction. The board will recognize Tyler Hardin, a freshman at Weaver Academy, Shelley Nixon-Greene, principal of Penn-Griffin School for the Arts and Janice Butler and Jennifer Klason, camera operators for GCSTV 2 at board meetings.

Guilford County Board of Education meetings are broadcast live on GCSTV 2 (cable channel 2) and re-air the day after the meeting at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the Saturday following the meeting at 1 p.m.

If the Guilford County Schools (GCS) media centers were an orchestra, Jean Howard would be its conductor. In her role as Media Services program administrator, she oversees media specialists at 121 schools with energy, support and inspiration.

Nominations touting her virtues cited Ms. Howard's willingness to help with any problem or concern, no matter how small. From professional development to inventory efforts, she is credited as a patient and encouraging leader who truly helps her staff thrive. Her dedication and love of young readers shines during the annual Battle of the Books competition in March, which requires great organization and planning. Says one nomination: "My job is made richer because of her caring attention."

As Employee of the Month, Ms. Howard was surprised with a $50 gift card from Sam's Club, which has generously partnered with GCS to support the employee recognition program. During the month of April, her photo will hang at the district's central offices, as well as at the Sam's Club on Wendover Avenue.

The Guilford County Board of Education Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 22 at 11:30 a.m. is canceled.

A $5 hot dog supper could bring some much-needed relief to a Guilford County Schools teacher in need. The event, taking place Saturday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Southern High cafeteria, was coordinated by the football and cheerleading programs on behalf of Freda Moseley, a Dudley High teacher who suffers from a debilitating lung condition. Moseley's son is a varsity football player at Southern.

Football players and cheerleaders who have been selling tickets in advance have already raised more than $7,000 and hope to increase that number at the event. The $5 meal includes two hot dogs with toppings, chips and a drink.

"I am extremely proud of how our community has come together to support the Moseley family," says Darryl Brown, head football coach. "Our football players have been highly motivated to help their friend and his family in their time of need."

Teachers and students at Dudley are also organizing fundraisers to help Moseley. The school will be participating in the Human Race on March 26, a 5K charity walk sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Greensboro. On April 16, Dudley's cheerleading coaches will host Cheer for a Cause, which invites area cheerleaders to show off their skills on Moseley's behalf. The event is free for participating teams, who must register by March 25. Tickets are $10 each.

Students from Northwest High recently attended the Southern Interscholastic Press Association (SIPA) convention in Columbia, S.C. Students were recognized for their individual work in the school's newspaper, "Northwest Horizons." In addition, Liz Crampton was the runner-up for North Carolina's Journalist of the Year, and received a $500 scholarship, while Yearbook Editor Rebecca Piner received the Elizabeth B. Dickey scholarship, which will allow her to attend the University of South Carolina's School of Journalism for in-state tuition. Matt Shears was named the new SIPA president for the 2011-12 school year.

The following students received awards: Callie Payne and Jessica Augsburger received honorable mention for best entertainment feature column; Alyssa Paige Miller placed second for best entertainment feature column; Grace King and Morgan Von Steen placed second for best sports feature; Mackenzie Macksood had an honorable mention for best club photo; and Jessie Sharpe won an award of merit special effects in camera.

Guilford County Schools (GCS) and the Community Theatre of Greensboro are looking for volunteers for the district's second annual summer musical performance. This year, GCS students will perform "Beauty and the Beast, Jr." from July 15-24 at Page High. Adult volunteers are needed for key backstage crew, costumes, lighting, props, set design and set construction roles. GCS employees and parents who are interested in volunteering should contact Mitchel Sommers, executive director of the Community Theatre of Greensboro, at 333-7470 ext. 203 or msommers@ctgso.org.

"Beauty and the Beast, Jr." is GCS' second full-scale, district-wide production in partnership with the Community Theatre of Greensboro. It is held in conjunction with the Summer Arts Institute as an additional enrichment activity to promote student involvement in the arts. Last year, more than 100 students, teachers, staff and parent volunteers were involved in all areas of the production of the first district-wide musical, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."

The cast of this year's show will be made up of GCS students from all grade levels, and both experienced students and beginners are invited to audition. Auditions will be held May 23 and May 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro.

For more information, contact Nathan Street, arts curriculum specialist, at 574-2645, or Mitchel Sommers, executive director of the Community Theatre of Greensboro, at 333-7470 ext. 203 or msommers@ctgso.org.

Each year students at several of the district's schools collect loose change through the "Pasta for Pennies" and "Pennies for Patients" programs to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Last year their efforts totaled a donation of more than $38,000 for patients and families who live in North Carolina. Full totals from this year's change drives will be available later this spring.

This year students at 38 elementary, middle and high schools are collecting change again with hopes of raising even more for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The student council at Nathanael Greene Elementary chose "Pennies for Patients" as its service project for February. A representative from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society visited the school to discuss the program with students to kick-off the collection. The students collected pennies on Mondays, nickels on Tuesdays, dimes on Wednesdays, quarters on Thursdays and any extra loose change on Fridays throughout the month. Florence Elementary also collected change for "Pasta for Pennies" and raised $3,282 in just three weeks.

Many schools use "Pasta for Pennies" and "Pennies for Patients" as service-learning projects. In addition to raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, students learn about the diseases and their effects, so they can see that truly every penny counts.

Audience members who attend next week's performance of "Hairspray" at Ragsdale High will likely notice the theatre's new look. Thanks to a grant of $20,000 from VF Jeanswear and the Blue Bell Foundation, the stage will be dressed with a new set of curtains from Stage Decoration and Supplies, a local company.

Ragsdale drama teacher Susan Reinecke, who wrote the grant request, was encouraged by the parent of one of her students to apply for the funding, which covered the cost and installation of the new fireproof draperies as well as functional curtain tracks.

Reinecke is thrilled to replace the previous curtain system, which was torn and malfunctioning, creating a safety hazard for students. "Having these new curtains will give every event and presentation a safer, cleaner and more professional feel," she says.

Sam Tucker, a Ragsdale parent and Blue Bell Foundation administrator, says Reinecke made a convincing case for the grant. "She showed passion for what was clearly a demonstrated and substantial need, and we were glad to be able to help," he says.

Ragsdale's production of "Hairspray" will be performed at 7 p.m. March 24 and 25. For more information, contact Susan Reinecke at 336-819-2960.

Did you know that one in five children (20 percent) in North Carolina is food insecure? Food insecurity means their families cannot afford to feed everyone or that families do not have access to healthy foods.

Many GCS students are faced with this issue of hunger each Friday when they leave school and find that they don't have enough food at home to nourish their growing body and mind. But thanks to the United Way of Greater High Point, more students will receive backpacks full of nutritious, kid-friendly foods to take home each weekend. The organization is expanding its BackPack program through grants from the Walmart Foundation and the Reynolds American Foundation. An additional 110 students at-risk of hunger in High Point will no longer wonder what they will eat on the weekends. The program serves students at the following elementary schools: Allen Jay, Fairview, Oak View, Oak Hill, Parkview, Triangle Lake and Union Hill.

Partnering with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, the United Way launched the BackPack program in April 2010. With help from the High Point Community Foundation (HPCF), the program served about 80 students, but grew to 140 with additional funding from HPCF and a grant from Truliant Federal Credit Union.

Students who are food insecure are more likely to suffer from weaker immune systems. Inadequate nutrition affects physical and cognitive development, and can result in children with lower cognitive function and learning potential, as well as behavioral difficulties.

To learn more about the program, please contact the United Way of Greater High Point at 899-0879. If your faith-based organization or business is interested in partnering with a school to begin a backpack program, contact Cecilia Adams, manager of community relations for GCS, at 370-8355.

How much do you know about "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing"? For the Battle of the Books team at Lindley Elementary, it was enough to take home a first-place finish in the GCS Battle of the Books competition on Thursday.

Second place went to Jones Elementary, and third place to Peck Elementary at the annual event, which took place on the campus of UNCG. Aycock Middle took home the top prize for the middle school competition on Friday, March 11, followed by Northwest and Kiser in second and third, respectively.

Overall, 55 teams representing more than 600 students competed in the GCS event, in which children face questions about the settings, plots and characters of books from a predetermined list. Elementary students were asked to read 12 books, and middle school students were responsible for 27 books.

The competition, sponsored by the North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMA), is designed to encourage reading in the younger grades. Aycock Middle will advance to the regional competition on April 8 in Caswell County. At this time NCSLMA does not sponsor regional competitions for elementary schools.

"All of the teams did a wonderful job and worked hard," said Jean Howard of GCS library media services. For more information, contact Howard at 370-2357.

Tuesday, March 15: Frazier Elementary Invites Fathers to Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m. (Frazier Elementary, 4215 Galway Drive, Greensboro), Fathers Gather at Cone for ALL PRO Dads Meeting, 7:30-8:30 a.m. (Cone Elementary, 2501 N. Church St., Greensboro) and UNCG Middle College to Hold Open House, 6-7 p.m. (Health and Human Performance Building, University of North Carolina at Greensboro)

Thursday, March 17: Award Winning Author to Visit Southern Elementary, 1 p.m. (Southern Elementary, 5720 Drake Road, Greensboro), Reedy Fork Elementary to Welcome Local Authors, 6:15-8 p.m. (Reedy Fork Elementary, 4571 Reedy Fork Parkway, Greensboro) and The Middle College at Bennett Holds Walk-a-Thon for National 'DNT TXT N DRV' Day, 5-6 p.m. (Ida Goode Gymnasium, The Middle College at Bennett, 722 Gorrell St., Greensboro)

Friday, March 18: Penn-Griffin School for the Arts Dedicates Liberty Tree, 2 p.m. (Penn-Griffin School for the Arts, 825 Washington St., High Point)

Saturday, March 19: Southwest High to Hold Parent Empowerment Summit, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Southwest High, 4364 Barrow Road, High Point)

Additional Story Ideas: Weaver Academy Student Takes Top Honors at Regional Shakespeare Contest and Erwin Teacher Named Harris Teeter Teacher of Excellence

For more information on these items, click on the link below:

http://www.gcsnc.com/pdfs/newstips/march1521.pdf

The Guilford County Board of Education has approved a meeting schedule for the 2011-12 school year. The public can view the schedule on the Guilford County Schools (GCS) website at http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/schedule.htm. A printable version is available at http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/11_12_boe_mtg_schedule.pdf.

The new board meeting schedule will follow the same format as the schedule for the current year. Two meetings are scheduled each month, generally the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday. Some meetings have been moved from the normal rotation so meetings will not occur on back-to-back weeks or to avoid conflicts with holidays. The dates for the fall and winter retreats and budget meeting are included in the posted schedule.

All meetings will be held at 6 p.m. at the GCS Administrative Office located at 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro unless otherwise noted.

The Guilford County Board of Education Governance Committee will meet on Thursday, March 17 at 8:30 a.m. in the Swann Room of the Administrative Office, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro NC 27401.

Thanks to the efforts of Western High's Interact Club, residents of a village in Africa may have easier access to clean water. The club launched its 21 Days of Water campaign on March 9, pledging to drink only water through March 30 to raise awareness about the lack of clean water in parts of Africa.

The group hopes to raise at least $750 to fund the cost of repairing one well, which would serve about 200 people. Each student is seeking at least five sponsors committed to giving $1 a day to reach the club's goal.

"Clean water is something we take for granted here, but for many people it's a luxury," says advisor Jennifer Austin. "We hope by making this small commitment, we can make a real impact in people's lives."

Interact is the youth division of Rotary International, serving members between the ages of 14 and 18. Helping provide access to clean water is a major initiative for Rotary International, says Guilford Rotary member Ron Pierce. Guilford Rotary hopes to apply for a matching grant to double the amount of money the club raises.

"By repairing these broken wells or possibly even funding a new well, we can give African families in one village the opportunity to live healthy lives," Pierce says. "We are committed to making a difference in our community and around the world."

For more information about Western's Interact Club, please contact advisor Jennifer Austin at austinj@gcsnc.com.

Guilford County Schools (GCS) announced the appointment of a new principal at Southwest Middle.

Joseph Caraher, currently the assistant principal at Northwest High, was named the new principal at Southwest Middle, taking over for Beverly Wilson who is retiring at the end of the month.

Caraher also served as a guidance counselor at Northwest High for one year before becoming assistant principal of the school in 2008. In addition, he previously worked as a guidance counselor in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Penn State University and holds a Master of Education from Wake Forest University and a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

More than 2,000 applications have been submitted to the Student Assignment office for elementary and middle school students hoping to attend one of the district's magnet schools next year. The deadline for applications is Friday, March 18 at 5 p.m., less than a week away.

Those interested in applying to a magnet school can learn more and download an application at http://www.gcsnc.com/magnet/application_main.htm. Elementary and middle school magnet applications must be submitted to the Student Assignment office at 120 Franklin Blvd., Greensboro. High school options applications must be submitted to the appropriate school.

The district's newest magnet program, The Middle College at UNCG, will be hosting several open houses in the coming weeks as it prepares to enroll its first class of students for this fall. The health sciences school will offer open houses on March 15, April 19 and April 26. Each event will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. in Room 400B of the Health and Human Performance building on the campus of UNCG. Additional information sessions will be held April 5 from 9 to 10 a.m. and April 11 from 3 to 4 p.m. in Room 104 of the GCS Washington Street Annex, 501 W. Washington St. For more information, contact Anitra Walker, Central Region executive director, at 574-1642.

The magnet application period kicked off on Saturday, Feb. 19, with the district's annual Magnet and Choice Schools fair at the Greensboro Coliseum. More than 5,000 people attended the fair to learn about the 51 programs offered by the district from kindergarten to early college. From global studies to aviation, magnet schools are designed to provide a specialized education to serve students with a vast array of interests.

For more information about magnet applications, contact the magnet office at 378-8832 or the student assignment office at 370-8303.

The Guilford County Board of Education Construction Advisory Committee meeting noticed for Tuesday, March 15 is canceled.

After Guilford County Schools students almost doubled the goal of reading one million books in a year, Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green added another layer to the One Million Books initiative by challenging the community to help students gain access to more books. The Rotary Clubs of Greensboro have answered that call by pledging to put a book into the hands of each student at five of the district's elementary schools.

Students from Alderman, Bessemer, Cone, Hampton and Wiley elementary schools will receive a total of 1,846 books from eight Rotary Clubs in Greensboro that are working together to support literacy programs in schools. Students at Cone Elementary were the first to receive their books last week when Emily Hoole and other members of the Gate City Rotary Club spent a day at the school handing out the book "Something Beautiful" by Sharon Dennis Wyeth and reading to classes.

"Superintendent Green's challenge is important to our community," said Hoole. "GCS has increased the literacy rate of students, but there's more work to be done. This is a great way that organizations can pitch in and do something to help students learn to read and learn to love reading."

The Rotary donation is making it possible for all of Cone's students, staff and parents to join together in reading "Something Beautiful" for the school's One School, One Book project. The school is hoping to promote family involvement in literacy and make reading fun and meaningful for students. The book is about a girl who decides to search for all of the beautiful things she can find in her local community. She learns the meaning of the word "beautiful" through the eyes of her neighbors.

Students are taking the book home and reading it with their families. The school is providing parents with a guide they can follow as they read the book that includes questions to ask their children and additional activities they can do together.

At school, the book will be tied to a school-wide service learning project. Cone students will also read "Wangari's Trees of Peace," a book based on the life of Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, while studying Kenya and environmental issues that Maathai's work addressed. Then they will participate in a service project focused on how to improve the school environment. A tree-planting is planned to coincide with Earth Day.

Students representing eight Guilford County schools showed off their best problem-solving skills as they competed for spots in the Odyssey of the Mind state finals.

Competing against schools from 18 surrounding counties, teams from Jesse Wharton Elementary, Millis Road Elementary, Pearce Elementary, Stokesdale Elementary, Northwest Middle and Northwest High scored enough points to compete in their winning "problem" at the state competition in Asheville, N.C. on April 2. Teams that place first and second in each problem category at the state competition move on to the World Finals held at the University of Maryland from May 27-30.

At the regional competition held at Northwest High last weekend, teams competed in five different problems that groups of students were tasked with solving and presenting in a clever way. Each unique problem requires logical thinking, a creative imagination and teamwork.

For example, "Extreme Mousemobiles'' challenged students to create a vehicle that used only a mousetrap for its energy source, while "Le Tour Guide" had students create and script a scene revolving around a classical figure who acts as a tour guide and include specific objects and scenarios.

In competition, teams are scored in three areas: the long-term problem solution, the style component of the long-term problem solution and how well they solve the spontaneous problem given on the day of competition.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students in kindergarten through college. Thousands of teams from throughout the nation and from approximately 25 countries participate in the program.

Did you know that nearly one-third of students nationwide between the ages of 12 and 18 report being bullied during the school year? A White House conference today will focus on bullying prevention, a subject that Guilford County Schools is addressing locally through a series of free Parent Academy classes that equip parents with anti-bullying strategies

Trudy Tobias of Family Life Council will present "Anti-Bullying in Cyberspace and Real Time" on Monday, March 21, at 5 p.m. at Gibsonville Elementary and on Tuesday, March 22, at 6 p.m. at Western High. A forum called "Understanding Bullying," will take place on Monday, March 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the High Point Museum, presented by the GCS Character Development department.

The Family Life Council presentation identifies the three conditions of bullying, how to identify if your child is a bully or is being bullied and ways to help victims. It also examines the newer trend of cyberbullying, with which parents may be less familiar.

"Children may be embarrassed or ashamed to talk to their parents when they've been bullied," Tobias says. "These classes help parents learn how to empower their children and prevent the issue from becoming more serious."

The "Understanding Bullying" forum will offer parents a glimpse of what it feels like to be bullied through students' art and voices captured in a multimedia presentation. The panel discussion will feature representatives from GCS school social work, gay and lesbian advocacy groups PFLAG and GSAFE, GCS diversity office, Guilford Parent Academy and the High Point Museum.

Guilford Parent Academy is a program developed by Guilford County Schools to provide resources to parents and community members to help children succeed at school and in life. These learning events are offered for free through the generosity of our partners: Businesses for Excellence in Education, YMCA of Greater Greensboro, Family Life Council, Guilford Child Development, Guilford Education Alliance, Guilford County PTA Council, News & Record, Ralph Lauren - Polo and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. To register for these classes or for more information, visit http://www.gcsnc.com/parentacademy or call 336-279-4924.

A summary from the Guilford County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, March 8 is now available.

To read the summary, click the link here.

Literary heroes and professional wrestlers may not appear to have much in common, but Southeast Middle's Courtney Brown sees a connection. In her submission to the WrestleMania Reading Challenge, Courtney wrote about how fantasy fiction character Beka Cooper and World Wrestling Entertainment's Diva Eve would have the strength and skill to defeat current WWE champions Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre.

Courtney's piece was one of 20 winners nationwide selected to advance to the WrestleMania Reading Challenge World Finals in Atlanta on April 2. Courtney, an eighth-grader, won a trip for two to Atlanta and tickets to WrestleMania XXVII on Sunday, April 3. Southeast Middle will also receive $2,000 and a set of books from Penguin publishing.

At the world finals event, Courtney will be asked questions by wrestling superstars about the book "Peeled" by Joan Bauer, who is also a judge at the competition. Winners in each age division will win ringside tickets to Sunday's event.

The WrestleMania Reading Challenge is sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Assocation and WWE. For more information, contact Southeast Middle media specialist Betsy Crone at 674-4280.

The percentage of Guilford County Schools (GCS) students supported by federal assistance for school meals has increased. According to February 2011 data, 53.59 percent of GCS students qualify to receive free or reduced priced lunch.

This is the third year more than half of the district's students have been eligible for the federal free or reduced lunch program, which pays full or partial breakfast and lunch costs for students based on their family's level of need. In 2010, 53.03 percent qualified. About 50 percent qualified in 2009.

In addition to supporting meals, free or reduced lunch data is used to distribute federal Title I funding to schools with certain percentages of low-income students. The Guilford County Board of Education approved Tuesday a change to the percentage level required for middle schools to receive Title I funds. In the 2011-12 school year for an elementary school to be considered Title I, 60 percent of students must qualify for free or reduced lunch. For middle schools, 66 percent of students must qualify and for high schools, 75 percent of students must qualify.

Three schools, Andrews High, Eastern Middle and Reedy Fork Elementary, will become Title I schools in the 2011-12 school year. Three schools, The Academy at Smith, SCALE-Greensboro and Lindley Elementary, will no longer meet the required levels and will not receive Title I funds next school year. GCS will have a total of 50 Title I schools with 36 elementary schools, eight middle schools, three traditional high schools and three alternative schools.

"With the condition of the local economy for the past couple of years, it's no surprise that we are seeing more families who need assistance," said Erik Naglee, director of Title I. "The federal funding we receive for Title I is one of the tools we can use to support schools that have higher numbers of low-income students."

Along with the additional funding, GCS Title I schools receive support from the community in the form of volunteers, donations and special programs. One example of this is the Backpack Program, which is provided by community partners in at least 39 of the district's current Title I schools. The program makes it possible for students who receive free or reduced lunch throughout the week to take a backpack full of food items home to share with their families on Friday afternoons.

Thursday, March 8: Aycock Middle Students Taste Test Healthy Foods, 11:15 a.m. - 2:09 p.m. (Aycock Middle, 811 Cypress St., Greensboro)

Additional Story Ideas: Reedy Fork Collects Pennies for Polar Bears, March 14-31, Weaver Student Takes Third Place in International Guitar Competition and Western High Celebrates World Language Week, March 7-11

Construction trade and specialty contractors interested in bidding on projects at Ragsdale High School should plan to attend an information session on Thursday, March 10, from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. in the board room of the district's main office at 712 N. Eugene St. in Greensboro. Refreshments will be provided.

Construction manager DH Griffin Construction/Balfour Beatty Construction and engineer BREE and Associates are seeking to pre-qualify contractors who would contribute labor, materials, equipment and tools to the project. Pre-qualification submittals are due by Monday, March 28.

Construction at Ragsdale will include site and existing building renovations at the old Jamestown Middle building and Ragsdale High School. An 87,000-square-foot addition will adjoin the two buildings, and a new 57,000-square-foot autism building will replace the existing wing at Ragsdale High School.

Guilford County Schools strives to support small businesses and those owned by minorities or women. For a comprehensive list of bid packages and pre-qualification forms, please click on the link below.

http://www.dhgc.com/cmatrisk.php

The Guilford County Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, March 8 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Offices, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC.

During the meeting, the board will hear a report on the designation of 2011-12 Title I schools. The board will recognize the Employee of the Month and Volunteer of the Month.

Guilford County Board of Education meetings are broadcast live on GCSTV 2 (cable channel 2) and re-air the day after the meeting at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the Saturday following the meeting at 1 p.m.

The Guilford County Board of Education School Safety Committee will meet on Tuesday, March 8 at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will be held in the Franklin Boulevard Board Room at 120 Franklin Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27401.

The Guilford County Board of Education approved a name for the north Greensboro area elementary, one of the district's 2008 School Construction Bond projects. The school, which will be located on Yanceyville Road in Greensboro, will be named after Dr. Ronald McNair.

McNair attended North Carolina A&T State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in physics in 1971. He also attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he studied laser physics and received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1976. McNair was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate in 1978. He was a mission specialist on board Space Shuttle Challenger, which exploded after launching from Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 28, 1986.

The board also approved to name the media center in the new school after Dr. Julius A. Fulmore. Recognized as a long-time community leader and mentor, Fulmore provided 36 years of service to Greensboro City Schools starting as a sixth-grade teacher in 1954. He was also a principal, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent and member of the Greensboro City Board of Education. He has been a distinguished civil rights leader and has served on many boards and organizations in the community.

The school's architect, TFF Architects and Planners LLP, is nearing completion of construction documents and a rezoning and annexation petition is moving forward. The school's projected completion date is August 2012.

Data released by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Thursday shows a reduction in the number of short-term suspensions for Guilford County Schools (GCS) and an increase in the number of long-term suspensions and reportable offenses. Following state trends, short-term suspensions lasting up to 10 days decreased by 8.7 percent and totaled 10,881 for the district. Long-term suspensions of more than 10 days for more serious offenses showed a significant increase and were up from 41 in 2008-09 to 88 in 2009-10.

Related to the increase in long-term suspensions is the increase in state-mandated reportable crimes for the 2009-10 school year. The data shows an increase of 63 offenses from 545 acts in 2008-09 to 608 acts in 2009-10. This increase is largely attributed to a rise in non-violent crimes such as possession of a controlled substance.

To address these trends, the district will focus more prevention and intervention resources on schools where these behaviors such as substance abuse have increased. Student Assistance Program coaches provide classroom sessions and parental consultations on student use of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Additionally, Lifestyles, a substance abuse education and intervention program, is available to students who have been found in possession of controlled substances. Student-led S.M.A.R.T. teams in middle and high schools also hold activities and events to help promote a drug-free environment in their school.

GCS promotes school safety through school-based intervention and prevention programs. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is currently used in 50 schools. It is a school-wide program that sets common expectations for behavior. PBIS focuses on creating and sustaining school environments that encourage appropriate conduct from all students and positive staff-to-student interactions. Data is used continuously to evaluate the behavior support systems.

The district is also taking steps in harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention. Recent procedure changes provide a specific process for students and staff to anonymously report incidents of harassment, bullying and discrimination. Additionally, principals, assistant principals, counselors, psychologists, social workers and other staff have been trained in bullying prevention and intervention. Trainings for parents will be offered through Guilford Parent Academy. Many schools also have Student Human Relations Commissions that provide programs for students.

State and federal legislation on school crime requires districts to report certain serious acts of crime to law enforcement, and a state report is released annually. The full report is available on the N.C. Department of Public Instruction website at http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/.

http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/docs/research/discipline/reports/consolidated/2009-10/consolidated-report.pdf

Dropping out of high school seemed like the only option for 17-year-old Tiffany Turner. The young mother of two had experienced her share of challenges and struggles, which made her attendance at school difficult. But there was one thing she wanted - a high school diploma. Turner enrolled at Twilight High School in 2010. She could have given up, but like her classmates at Twilight, she chose to keep reaching for her goal, and she made it. Surrounded by her proud family, counselors and teachers, Turner graduated from high school in January at age 20.

With the help of special programs such as Twilight, Guilford County Schools (GCS) recorded its lowest dropout rate in 12 years during the 2009-10 school year. The district's dropout rate continues to stay below the state average and has been cut by more than half since the 1998-1999 school year when it was 6.4 percent. The GCS dropout rate decreased from 3.13 percent in 2008-09 to 2.81 percent in 2009-10. This rate remained well below the state average of 3.75 percent. The district had the lowest dropout rate of the five largest and most diverse school districts in the state.

The top reason reported at the state level for dropouts was attendance, which accounted for 41.4 percent of dropouts. In 2008, GCS opened Twilight High School to provide classes on a non-traditional schedule for students like Turner who have circumstances that make regular school attendance difficult. Classes are held from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. "At Twilight I felt like I was welcome," Turner said. "I had plenty of support. The teachers were there for me helping me through everything, and the students were cheering me on. We all were there to learn, and we were going to get our diploma."

Enrollment in community college was the second most reported reason for dropouts statewide. As a state and national leader in the middle college movement, GCS provides students with the opportunity to earn credits from community colleges and four-year universities while they are in high school. Six GCS middle college high schools are currently located on college and university campuses and a new middle college is scheduled to open at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for the 2011-12 school year. "As a district, we are pleased with the improvements we have seen in the dropout rate, and continuing to decrease the number of high school dropouts will remain an important goal for GCS," said Brenda Elliott-Johnson, executive director for student services. "Since our students face a variety of challenges, we use a team effort for dropout prevention that includes district prevention designees, graduation coaches, social workers and counselors working with students individually to make sure they are on track to graduate."

The district's dropout prevention programs are focused on providing intensive support to make sure students stay on course to graduate and expose them to college and career options. Strategies include tutoring or online course recovery for students who fall behind and special programs such as Career and Technical Education courses to make learning relevant for students. GCS also makes a concerted effort to re-engage students who do not show up during the first 10 days of school. These efforts often result in encouraging students to re-enroll, either at their home high school or at one of the district's high school options.

One of 15 effective strategies recommended by the National Dropout Prevention Center is family engagement. Guilford Parent Academy provides information and training on a variety of topics for parents, including effective ways to help their children attain academic success. More information about Parent Academy is available at http://www.gcsnc.com/parentacademy.

As a parent herself, it was important for Turner to show her children the importance of not giving up. Now a high school graduate, she is continuing her education by enrolling in Guilford Technical Community College. After completing an associate degree, she plans to enroll in a four-year college or university. "It makes me feel good that I achieved something I worked so hard for," she said. "I hope I can inspire other students to never give up. 'You can make it.' "

The Guilford County Board of Education will hold two additional community forums on Monday, March 14 and Tuesday, March 15 to discuss and receive feedback on a proposed multi-tier bus transportation program for Guilford County Schools (GCS).

The forums are scheduled for the following dates and times:

• Monday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Smith High, 2407 S. Holden Road, Greensboro

• Tuesday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of High Point Central High, 801 Ferndale Blvd., High Point

At its February 24 board meeting, the Board of Education approved to schedule two additional public forums to be held before the March 24 board meeting.

For more information about the multi-tier bus scheduling options, click here.

A mutual interest in science is uniting students from The Middle College at Bennett and their collegiate comrades. A new program called Sisters in Science will pair Bennett College students with students from the Middle College to encourage and develop a passion for the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Under the partnership, 12 Middle College students and 12 mentors from Bennett College will work together during monthly STEM activities, lab experiments and greenhouse research. The program is an extension of the work done by Bennett students through the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), which is designed to support minority involvement in STEM-based careers.

"This is a great opportunity for our students," says Middle College at Bennett Principal Esther Coble. "We're really pleased that the LSAMP scholars are reaching out to our students to help expose them to the world of science."

Middle College students participating in Sisters in Science were selected based on their proclivity for science according to a career inventory, Coble says. The partnership began Feb. 4 at a kickoff lunch. An all-day STEM fair will take place at the school on Friday, April 1.

The Middle College at Bennett is an all-female public high school that accommodates about 100 students. For more information about the school or the Sisters in Science program, contact Principal Esther Coble at 517-1832.

Kirkman Park Elementary was awarded the prestigious statewide "Spirit of North Carolina" award by the United Way for its outstanding campaign. The elementary school was the only public school honored along with five local businesses and High Point University.

The Spirit of North Carolina awards are given by the United Way of North Carolina, the state organization serving more than 60 local United Ways across North Carolina.

Nominations are made based on exceptional support of United Way, and on criteria including employee campaign performance, corporate gifts, management involvement, special events, and incentives.

Kirkman Park had 100 percent employee participation and its total giving was $2,481.86 - up nearly 60 percent from the previous year. To help meet its 100-percent employee participation goal, the school created employee incentives such as the very popular "Dress Casual Day" and "Lunch off Campus." There was also the United Way "Super Job" ice cream sundae social before staff meetings, and other individual contribution goal awards and recognition during staff meetings.

"I was ecstatic when I heard Kirkman Park won the award," said Principal Naquita Brewington-McCormick. "The goal was certainly not to win anything, but to simply 'be the change.' Even with a tough economy, the staff and students at Kirkman Park have learned that we all can do something - even though it may seem minimal to us, it may mean the world to someone else."

The school's theme, "Be the Change You Want to See," helped students better understand how they can make a difference in their community and encouraged them to donate their spare change showing that every donation counts.

Guilford County Schools (GCS) is holding four parent forums this month about the Academically Gifted program as part of Guilford Parent Academy. The forums will give parents an opportunity to learn more about the program and ask any questions. All four sessions are open to parents across the county and will provide the same information about K-12 AG services.

March 7: 6 - 7:30 p.m. The Academy at Lincoln 1016 Lincoln St., Greensboro

March 10: 6 - 7:30 p.m. Jesse Wharton Elementary 5813 Lake Brandt Road, Greensboro

March 15: 6 - 7:30 p.m. Kiser Middle 716 Benjamin Parkway, Greensboro

March 30: 6 - 7:30 p.m. Southwest High 4364 Barrow Road, High Point

To register for any of the forums, visit www.gcsnc.com/parentacademy and click on the Calendar of Events. Although registration is encouraged, it's not required in order to attend. All forums are free. Parents who plan on attending are invited to submit any questions in advance to ensure staff members are prepared to help them. Questions can be submitted to parentacademy@gcsnc.com. Guilford Parent Academy provides information and training on a variety of topics at no charge for parents, grandparents and family members caring for children and young people in Guilford County. Planned by parents and a diverse team of educators and community members, Parent Academy is designed to help parents help their children succeed at school and in life.

Guilford Parent Academy is sponsored by GCS, Businesses for Excellence in Education, YMCA of Greater Greensboro, Family Life Council, Guilford Education Alliance, Guilford Child Development, Guilford County PTA Council, Ralph Lauren - Polo, UNCG and News & Record.

Tuesday, March 1: Pearce Elementary Invites Community Members to Read, 8:30 a.m. (Pearce Elementary, 2006 Pleasant Garden Ridge Road, Greensboro) and Archer Elementary Hosts Literacy Night, 6-7 p.m. (2610 Four Seasons Blvd., Greensboro)

Wednesday, March 2: Media Briefing, 10:30 a.m. (Cone Elementary, 2501 N. Church St., Greensboro), ACC Women's Basketball Team Visits Shadybrook Elementary, 1 p.m. (Shadybrook Elementary, 503 Shadybrook Road, High Point), Florence Elementary Clown Club Brings Joy to Classmates, 2:30-5 p.m. (Florence Elementary, 7605 Florence School Road, High Point) and Guilford County Celebrates Reading and Dr. Seuss' Birthday 6-8 p.m. (Greensboro Public Library Central Branch, 219 N. Church St., Greensboro)

Thursday, March 3: Hunter Students Hit the Ground Running with New Shoes, Noon - 2 p.m. (Hunter Elementary, 1305 Merritt Drive, Greensboro) and Dudley High Dedicates Baseball Field, 6 p.m. (Dudley High, 1200 Lincoln St., Greensboro)

Friday, March 4: Hunter Elementary Serves Green Eggs and Ham for Breakfast, 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., (Hunter Elementary, 1305 Merritt Drive, Greensboro)

Saturday, March 5: Penn-Griffin School for the Arts Holds Parent University, 8:30 a.m. (Penn-Griffin School for the Arts, 825 Washington St., High Point)

Additional Story Ideas: Johnson Street Global Studies to Host International Program, Feb. 28 - March 3 and Erwin Classroom Receives $5,000 to Increase Student Technology

Thanks to the High Point Community Foundation, students at Penn-Griffin School for the Arts and Fairview Elementary will experience educational trips alongside their classmates.

Through the foundation's High Point Principals' Fund Committee, approximately 20 students at Fairview Elementary received funding to travel to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday as part of the fifth-grade field trip. In addition, several seniors at Penn-Griffin School for the Arts will be able to take their senior trip to New York City in April.

"We are grateful to the High Point Community Foundation for all they do to support our schools, students and principals," said Western Region Superintendent Angelo Kidd. "We never want our students to miss out on educational experiences due to financial restrictions, and we are so fortunate that the High Point Community Foundation continues to minimize these barriers."

Established in 1990, The High Point Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to empowering the community for both present and future generations of the High Point community. They achieve this goal by providing multiple financial contributions to schools throughout the school year and by actively seeking new donors.

A state recognition recently received by The Middle College at Bennett shows that when administrators, teachers and parents believe in an educational program and the abilities of students it can positively impact an entire school community.

The school was awarded the Lighthouse School Award by the North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. The award is presented annually to just five schools statewide that have furthered student achievement in innovative and creative ways and have nurtured a positive and supportive school and community climate.

The Middle College at Bennett, one of two single-gender schools in the district, boasts small classes, daily meetings with an advisor and a focus on student mentorship. These unique characteristics and a renewed commitment from staff and students have helped the school make tremendous academic improvements during the 2009-10 school year.

"This award is an honor, and really highlights how our school is preparing our young ladies to be successful in this 21st century world," said Principal Esther Coble. "For us, it's not just academics. We are providing opportunities for our young women to be involved in a school that promotes leadership, character and service."

Since opening in 2003, the school was a Priority School with 50 to 60 percent of students performing at grade level. But through the dedication from the whole school community, it jumped to a School of Distinction, where 80-90 percent of students performed at grade level for the 2009-10 school year. In addition, the school's performance composite went from 54.1 percent to 87.9 percent, students made high growth and their graduation rate was 97 percent.

This significant jump in academic achievement can be contributed to Coble's stronger focus on having high expectations for teachers and students. Along with her staff, Coble focused on powerful teaching and learning, ensuring that a personal piece was intact in the classroom. They worked together to create a more nurturing, open and supportive environment where peer-to-peer collaboration for both teachers and students was welcomed and encouraged.

"For our staff, it feels great that the community is acknowledging the work we are doing," continued Coble. "The success is truly a group effort."

The Guilford County Board of Education will hold a special called meeting on Friday, March 4 at 11:30 a.m. regarding the naming of the North Greensboro Area Elementary School. The meeting will be held in the Board Room of the Administrative Office, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC 27401.

A summary from the Guilford County Board of Education meeting on Thursday, February 24 is now available.

To read the summary, click here. 

Guilford County Schools (GCS) will pursue federal funding to raise student achievement at two schools through School Improvement Grants from the U.S. Department of Education. Wiley Elementary and Andrews High have been identified by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction as potential recipients of grants that could equal $500,000 to $2 million a year for three years.

The Guilford County Board of Education approved Thursday to submit a letter of intent indicating that the district may submit grant applications for Wiley and Andrews. Last year, Oak Hill Elementary was awarded a $2.9 million School Improvement Grant to be used over a three-year period.

The federal government awards the grants to states to assist low-achieving schools with implementing research-based reform models. Priority is given to schools that demonstrate the greatest need for the funds and the strongest commitment to ensuring that the funds will raise student achievement.

The N.C. Department of Public Instruction identified Wiley as a Tier I school for the grant. The school is among the lowest performing five percent of Title I schools in improvement in the state. Andrews was identified as one of the state's Tier II schools, which are equally low-achieving middle and high schools that do not receive Title I funds.

GCS administrators met with parents and school staff at Wiley and Andrews this week to discuss the application process and listen to ideas for improvement. The district must choose one of four intervention models for Wiley and Andrews to be included in the grant application - transformation, turnaround, restart or closure.

Over the next few weeks, staff will work collaboratively with parents and community representatives to discuss the reform options and write an application specific to each school. The applications will be shared with the board for final approval before they are submitted to the state.

The families of Guilford County Schools (GCS) students will continue to receive inclement weather closings and other announcements through the district's Connect-ED phone notification service. The Guilford County Board of Education approved a contract with Blackboard Connect Inc. in the amount of $217,635 for the 2011-12 school year with the option of renewing for two additional years.

GCS uses the Connect-ED phone system throughout the school year to provide important updates to families and district employees. As one of the district's primary means of communicating, Connect-ED has been used to send 13,617 unique phone messages during the past year. Currently, the phone message system has an 82 percent delivery rate, which is typical of large urban school districts. About 86 percent of recipients listen to at least half of each message.

As the start of the second semester gets underway, the district encourages parents to submit updated contact information to schools - especially phone numbers. To submit updated contact information, parents should contact their child's individual school.

"It is extremely important that we have correct contact information for all of our parents, especially during inclement weather and emergencies," said Nora Carr, chief of staff. "Connect-ED phone messages are the best way for us to reach our parents as quickly as possible."

The district started using Connect-ED services in 2004 and has maintained the same rate of $3 per student for unlimited service. Connect-ED allows administrators to record, schedule and send personalized voice messages to the district's contacts. The Web-based service has assisted GCS in improving communications between schools and parents by providing accurate and timely information during crisis situations, inclement weather and for upcoming events, such as end-of-grade testing or report cards being sent home.

The contract for Connect-ED services will be funded with Medicaid Administrative Claim Program funds, which is an area of Medicaid financing that reimburses school systems for outreach services provided to students, including audiologists, diagnosticians, interpreters, occupational/physical/speech therapists, psychologists and social workers.

Students from 11 GCS high schools competed at the North Carolina FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Aggieland Championship on Saturday at North Carolina A&T State University, and the team from Southeast High took second place as well as a top award for team spirit. Southeast was also represented as one of three teams in the Finalist Alliance.

The Southeast team, Art's Legacy, was ranked second after a full day of competition and also received the first-place Motivate award, which recognizes the team that shows the most enthusiasm and encouragement about FTC. Team members demonstrated gracious professionalism, a tenet of the FTC philosophy, by mentoring other teams and helping them strengthen their robotics programs.

Other winners at Saturday's event were The Early College at Guilford's Wannabe Strange team, which placed fourth, and Northern High's Irrational Doorkeepers, which finished eighth. Team Prion from Grimsley High earned the first-place Connect award, given to the team that has been most skillful at outreach and community relations.

FIRST Tech Challenge gives high school students a chance to design, build and program robots to compete against other robots in an alliance format against other teams. The structure is designed to encourage sportsmanship, as teams will be asked to both compete against each other and cooperate with each other, something the organization calls "coopertition."

Other rankings at the championship were: • Southwest High's Super Effective team, 11th place • Weaver Academy's Ninja Pirates, 13th place • Smith High's Golden Eagles, 14th place • Western High's Fighting Hornets, 15th place • The Middle College at A&T's Aggies, 16th place • The Academy at Smith's LOCS, 21st place • Grimsley's Team Prion, 24th place • Eastern High's Sub Zero Robotics, 28th place

For more information, click on the link below.

http://www.usfirst.org/

For Jake Henry, principal of the Doris Henderson Newcomers School, it's all about his students. Telling stories about them, many of whom are recently arrived immigrant and refugees with little understanding of the English language, lights a spark in his eye.

Working tirelessly to ensure that his students have their basic and academic needs met has earned him another community recognition. On Feb. 17, The Business Journal recognized Henry as one of 40 leaders on its annual 40 Leaders Under Forty list. A week earlier, Henry was surprised with the Unsung Hero Award, presented by the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation.

Every year, the Business Journal honors 40 Triad men and women who are leaders in their respective organizations. Honorees, all of whom are between the age of 21 and 40, have shown significant career achievements in 2010 and had substantial community involvement outside their day-to-day job.

Even in his free time, Henry is still actively seeking community resources for his students and their families. Whether it is finding classes for parents to learn English so they can help their child with homework or finding them proper housing in a safe community, Henry feels that his job doesn't end when he leaves school.

On March 5, parents can show children education is a top priority during Penn-Griffin School for the Arts' Parent University. The conference, which is being offered as part of Guilford Parent Academy, will take place from 8:30 a.m. until noon. It's open to all parents.

The day will kick off with a free pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude at 12:30 p.m. Participants will hear from keynote speakers Di-Ann Williams and Terry Aiken from Purpose Plan 4 Life, LLC, and will then have the opportunity to choose three informational sessions. Topics include internet safety, resources for college, teen drama and more.

There will also be sessions for students about teen issues, how to enjoy the internet safely and students will have the opportunity for free gym.

This is the second year Penn-Griffin has hosted a conference for parents at their school. Because of last year's success, they are opening it up to all parents this year in hopes of reaching more people.

"This is a great opportunity for us to form stronger partnerships with our parents and give back to the community," said Michelle Phillips, school social worker at Penn-Griffin. "We want to equip not just our parents, but all parents with tools that can help them help their children."

In order to make this year's conference possible, Penn-Griffin received a Strengthening Parent Involvement in Children's Education (SPICE) grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro and the Guilford County Council of PTAs. The day is also sponsored by Food Lion, Starbucks, Neese's Sausage and Polo.com.

Erwin Montessori and Johnson Street Global Studies have been named Magnet Schools of Merit by Magnet Schools of America (MSA), a nonprofit association that provides support and leadership to magnet programs across the country.

The Magnet Schools of Merit Award recognizes schools that excel in academics and curriculum, diversity efforts, specialized teachers and parent involvement. The awards fall into two categories: Schools of Excellence and Schools of Distinction. Both Erwin and Johnson Street were named Schools of Distinction for 2011.

"Erwin Montessori is a community of dynamic, hard-working staff and parents, so we are glad to be recognized on a national level," said Erwin Principal Deborah Parker. Erwin is considered a School of Distinction according to the 2010 ABCs, North Carolina's accountability system. Johnson Street is considered a School of Progress.

"We're very pleased to have again been selected for recognition by Magnet Schools of America," says Trent Vernon, principal at Johnson Street Global Studies. "Johnson Street is an exciting place to be an educator, and we're proud of the achievements our school has made."

Erwin serves more than 300 students in grades pre-K through five using the Montessori method of instruction, which emphasizes hands-on learning. At Johnson Street, an extended year K-8 magnet program, students study two countries in depth at each grade level and learn to speak Japanese beginning in kindergarten.

The schools will be recognized at the MSA national conference in May. For more about GCS magnet programs, click here. 

For one special student at Southeast High, the March Employee of the Month is not just another friendly face seen throughout the halls. As a personal care assistant, Nancy Cox has been constantly by the side of this exceptional child, acting as his hands and voice since he was in first grade.

The student, who is confined to a wheelchair, is now a graduating senior, and Ms. Cox's dedication and loving manner has allowed him to have a fulfilling high school experience despite his physical limitations. Her colleagues praise her for her compassion and understanding as she has guided him physically, socially and emotionally from childhood to adulthood. Says one nomination, "Guilford County would be greatly blessed if all of our students, exceptional or not, had someone like Nancy Cox in their lives."

As Employee of the Month, Ms. Cox was surprised with a $50 gift card from Sam's Club, which has generously partnered with GCS to support the employee recognition program. During the month of March, her photo will hang at the district's central offices and at Southeast High, as well as at the Sam's Club on Wendover Avenue.

After receiving feedback from parents and staff at community forums last week, the Guilford County Board of Education will discuss multi-tier bus scheduling during its meeting on Thursday.

Staff will present two bus scheduling options to the board for consideration. One of the options has been shared previously during the board's retreat in January and at community forums. The second option was developed by staff to address some of the concerns expressed by the public about the proposal.

The two multi-tier bus scheduling options are being proposed as a way to reduce transportation operating costs and increase efficiency. The potential savings from using a multi-tier schedule for all traditional schools is estimated between $1.1 million and $1.8 million.

Both options would allow the Transportation Department to remove about 40 to 60 buses from service and increase the district's efficiency rating by 3.8 to 5.6 percent. School day start and end times would change for some schools under both proposals.

For more information about the two multi-tier bus scheduling options to be presented to the board, including a side-by-side comparison, click on the link below.

http://www.gcsnc.com/transportation/multitier.htm

Tuesday, Feb. 22: The Middle College at Bennett Receives Project Ignition Grant from State Farm, 6 p.m. (Bennett College Chapel, 722 Gorrell St., Greensboro) and Southeastern Region Town Hall Meeting, 6:30 p.m. (Allen Jay Elementary, 1311 E. Springfield Road, High Point)

Wednesday, Feb. 23: Author Helps Parents Enhance Students' Brain Power, 6-8 p.m. (McLeansville Elementary, 5315 Frieden Church Road, McLeansville)

Saturday, Feb. 26: Archer Elementary Offers Bilingual Parenting Classes, 10:30 a.m. (Shalom Community Christian Church, 2227 Pinecroft Road, Greensboro)

Monday, Feb. 28: Kick-off to Kindergarten Parent Day, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. (Greensboro Children's Museum, 220 N. Church St., Greensboro)

More than 70 GCS students received recognition for their participation in the GCS Science Fair, and this week some of them are advancing to the Region V Science Fair.

The following student winners will move on to the Region V Science Fair at SciWorks Science Center in Winston-Salem on Wednesday, Feb. 23:

Elementary (grades 3-5): Dylan Xayavong, Nathanael Greene Elementary; Abby Griffin, Nathanael Greene Elementary; Riley Bell, Morehead Elementary; Ketch Young, General Greene Elementary; Ethan Savino and Jared Savino, Summerfield Elementary; Micah Lloyd, Jones Elementary

Middle: Biological Science - Claire Hendrickson, Aycock Middle and Max Beesley, Mendenhall Middle; Physical Science - Mary Helen Wood, Kiser Middle; Earth Science - Thomas Martin, Northern Middle; Applied, Technology and Engineering Science - Eppie Miller and Caleb Gosset, Southern Middle; General Science: Noelle Brannock, Aycock Middle

High: Biological Science - Timothy Woodard Jr., Dudley High; Applied, Technology and Engineering Science - Nicole Shaw, The Academy at Smith

The Guilford County Board of Education will meet on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Offices, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC.

During the meeting, the board will hear reports on scheduling, proposed 2011-12 calendar for the middle college at UNCG, 2008 construction bond projects and multi-tier transportation. The board will recognize The Middle College at Bennett, students who participated in the 51st anniversaries of the Greensboro and High Point Sit-ins and Jake Henry, principal of Doris Henderson Newcomers School.

Guilford County Board of Education meetings are broadcast live on GCSTV 2 (cable channel 2) and re-air the day after the meeting at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the Saturday following the meeting at 1 p.m.

The Piedmont Triad Leadership Academy (PTLA), a new alternative licensure program that is scheduled to open for the 2011-12 school year, is requesting applications for an executive director position.

PTLA is a partnership between GCS, the Alamance-Burlington School System, Asheboro City Schools, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The academy will enroll a cohort of at least 20 aspiring principals each year. Programs will include a full-time, year-long clinical residency and mentoring and coaching by experienced principals. Graduates could earn credit toward a Master of School Administration.

The Executive Director of PTLA will be responsible for overseeing all operations of the academy and will have key responsibilities in the areas of advocacy/outreach, relationship building, operations management, leadership and supervision. The Executive Director will report to the PTLA Board of Directors and work collaboratively with the Academy Coordinators, the PTLA Advisory Group and PTLA university- and field-based faculty. The office for the position will be located at UNC-Greensboro.

For more information about PTLA, visit http://www.uncg.edu/elc/ptla.

More than 5,400 people attended the GCS Magnet and Choice Schools Fair on Saturday, kicking off Guilford County Schools' 2011 magnet application period.

A steady crowd filled the Greensboro Coliseum Pavilion, where parents like Jackie Mosley came to investigate the opportunities available to her seventh-grade son Arrendo and fourth-grade daughter Audra, who currently attend Triad Math and Science Academy. Mosley was particularly interested in early colleges and international baccalaureate programs and said, "It's a great time to get a lot of information."

Technology was on the minds of the Kunder family, who brought daughter Elena, 6, and sons Kieler, 8, and Peyton, 14, to the fair. Peyton checked out Andrews Aviation Academy, while his younger siblings enjoyed the computerized dance activities provided by Montlieu Elementary Academy of Technology. Father Ron Kunder said the fair was a good experience and the students will likely submit applications to some of the programs.

Guilford County Schools offers 51 magnet and choice programs at 45 locations across the county. Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 18, at 5 p.m. Elementary and middle school applications must be returned to the Student Assignment office at 120 Franklin Blvd. Applications to high school programs must be submitted to the individual schools. For more information, call 336-378-8832 or visit the link below.

http://www.gcsnc.com/magnet/index.htm

More than 50 representatives from the Guilford County faith community attended Guilford County Schools Faith Partners workshop held at Pleasant Garden Baptist Church on Thursday, Feb. 17. This was the district's second year hosting the event, which provides useful tips and ideas on how to begin and sustain a school-faith partnership.

After a welcome by Board of Education member Carlvena Foster, attendees heard from keynote speaker Anna Brady, Principal of Grimsley High. Brady has helped lead a successful partnership between her school and Daystar Church, and encouraged the faith community to get involved and reach out to schools that are in need of support.

Board of Education attorney Jill Wilson and Chief of Staff Nora Carr kicked off the workshops with a general session addressing faith partnerships and the first amendment. The in-depth discussion provided insight into how faith-based organizations and public schools can work together, while still protecting First Amendment Rights.

Other workshops included character development and service learning, partnership best practices, One Million Books and Guilford Parent Academy. The faith community is an important resource for schools and is able to provide a wide variety of services. To get involved with GCS as a faith partner or for more information, contact Cecilia Adams, community relations manager, at 370-8355.

The Guilford County Board of Education Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 11:30 a.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Office, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC 27401.

Kelly Hales, executive director of federal and special programs for Guilford County Schools (GCS), has been chosen to receive a state leadership award from the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators (NAFEPA).