Friday Notes from Guilford County Schools

February 16, 2007

Our Vision, Mission/Thematic Goals and Core Values

Our vision – what we will become, Our mission/thematic goals- how we will get there -- Our
core values - what we believe -- solidify the underlying foundation for all Guilford County Schools’ decisions and actions.

Phase II Mission Possible School Presentations Completed

Over the last two weeks, the Mission Possible Coordinator along with Human Resources representatives have continued to present the scope and vision of the Mission Possible initiative to Phase II Schools.  Schools recently visited include: Allen Middle, Aycock Middle, Cone Elementary and Falkener Elementary.  Representatives from Human Resources have now met with all the Mission Possible Phase II schools and the two additional High Schools (Southern and Eastern) included in the UNC/GCS Math Pilot.

The US Department of Education provided an $8,000,000 Grant in September to expand Guilford County Schools’ Mission Possible initiative to include an additional seven schools (Phase II).  Mission Possible is a comprehensive initiative that combines multiple components to keep and attract highly effective teachers for the ultimate goal of increasing student achievement in schools with critical needs.  Some of the key components of the Mission Possible initiative include:  Ongoing Specialized Training, Extensive Teacher Support and Collaboration, Recruitment Pay and Performance Based Compensation Rewards. For more information on Mission Possible, please contact Dr. Peggy Thompson, Chief Human Resources Officer, at 370-8340 or Tim Moose, Mission Possible Coordinator, at 370-8340.

Extension of the Time

State Board of Education Policy HSP-C-003 (16 NCAC 6D.0305), delineating the use of end-of-course tests for accountability, states that students may drop a course with an end-of-course assessment within the first 10 days of a block schedule.  The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) recognizes that the recent release of the fall 2006 test scores for Algebra I, English I, Geometry, and Algebra II may impact some student placement decisions made prior to the receipt of these scores.

In order to ensure that schools can make the best instructional decisions for their students, the NCDPI is extending the time allowable for dropping students who the schools determine, when considering the delayed test scores, are now inappropriately placed.  The new deadline to drop students who are inappropriately enrolled in spring 2007 Algebra I, English I, Geometry, or Algebra II courses is February 28.  This extension does not affect students who are appropriately enrolled in the aforementioned courses or enrolled in other courses.  Please contact Sarah McManus at msmcmanus@dpi.state.nc.us if you have any questions regarding this extension.

New Principal for Reedy Fork Elementary

Denise Schroeder, Principal of Grove Park Elementary in the Alamance-Burlington School System, will be the new Reedy Fork Elementary principal.  Ms. Schroeder brings 24 years of experience to the role.  She has been a teacher in Oklahoma, Kansas, and in North Carolina, as well as an assistant principal at Western Middle School in Elon, N.C. She has served in her current role since 2000. She has received training in Positive Behavior Support, Literacy First, Guided Reading, and TESA, among many staff development offerings. Ms. Schroeder will be working with the GCS in the coming months to staff Reedy Fork and ensure a smooth opening.  We welcome Ms. Schroeder to GCS!  For more information, please contact Dr. Peggy Thompson, Chief Human Resources Officer, at 370-8340.

Finalists Named in the National Merit and National Achievement Scholarship Programs

High Point Central and Weaver Academy proudly announce students as finalists in National Scholarship Competitions. Brittany A. Ervin, a High Point Central senior and Whitney Brynn Plummer, a senior Weaver music major, have been named finalists in the National Achievement Scholarship Program. Margaret A. Ralston-Asumendi, a senior Weaver dance major, has been selected as a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. These students have been named finalists among 800 applicants. For more information, please contact Weaver Principal Anna Brady at 370-8282, or HP Central Principal Revonda Johnson, at 819-2825.

Narrowing Gaps for Special-Needs Students

The February 2007 edition of Educational Leadership contains an article that highlights a longitudinal study in Rhode Island which shows many schools are raising the achievement of students with special needs.  The article, “Narrowing Gaps for Special-Needs Students,” considered data from 2001-2004 to determine which schools closed the achievement gap for special-needs students.  The article specifically sights an elementary, middle, and high school that made significant progress. 

The elementary school, West Broadway, reported practices and intervention including implementing a balanced literacy program, which included teacher read-alouds; self-selected reading; home dreading; and teacher –directed reading, writing, and vocabulary building.  In math, teachers engaged all students in consistent, in-depth problem solving through focused, small-group instruction and provided manipulatives that helped students learn mathematical concepts. 

The middle school, Gilbert Stuart Middle, implemented a double block of English language arts instruction and regularly scheduled common planning time for teacher teams.  In math, special education teachers used the same scope and sequence as the regular teachers did.  They also implemented the same strategies and techniques for differentiating instruction.  Special education teachers were included in the English, math, and science departments.

The high school, Davies Career and Technical Regional High, received professional development in differentiated instruction, inclusive practices, and literacy across the content areas.  Davies also offered ramp-up and remedial assistance in language arts in mathematics.  Students in grade 9 who were at least three years behind in reading are required to take a daily 90 minute instructional block taught by an English teacher and reading specialist.   

The article is a must read for educators interested in meeting the needs of all students.  Please call me at 370-8992, should you have questions.

GCS Magnet/Choice Fairs

GCS will host its 2007 Magnet/Choice Fairs on February 17 from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Koury Convention Center in Greensboro and on February 22 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Oak Hollow Mall in High Point. The fairs offer an opportunity for parents to gather specific information about the various programs/schools available, apply onsite and receive other valuable information including transportation, immunization and enrollment requirements.

Applications for elementary and middle magnets will be accepted from February 17 through March 16.  Applications for high school options will be accepted from February 1 through March 23.

Parents can also visit a Magnet/Choice School; click here to view the Open House schedule of events and don’t miss a video presentation of the GCS magnet/choice schools each day on GCSTV 2 at: 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.  For more information, please contact Tony Burks, Director of Magnet/Choice Schools, at 378-8832 or Haley Henderson, Program Administrator – Communications, at 370-3200.

Reminder: Guilford County Schools Inclement Weather Make-up Days 

Make-up days for student instruction missed due to inclement weather on Thursday, February 1 are as follows:

• Friday, February 16 for The Middle College at GTCC Jamestown
• Friday, February 16 for The Middle College at GTCC Greensboro
• Friday, February 16 for The Middle College of Entertainment Technology at GTCC
• Monday, February 19 for Greensboro College Middle College
• Monday, February 19 for The Middle College at Bennett
• Monday, February 19 for The Middle College at NC A&T
• Monday, February 26 for schools on the traditional calendar
• Monday, February 26 for Oak Hill Year-Round Elementary
• Monday, February 26 for Hampton Leadership Academy
• Tuesday, March 6 for The Early College at Guilford
• Monday, June 11 for Eastern Guilford High School Ninth and Tenth Grade Students 

Each year, potential make-up days are designated when school calendars are approved by the Board of Education. The potential make-up days assist families and school officials to plan their schedules in anticipation of days missed for inclement weather.  School calendars may be accessed on the district Web site – http://www.gcsnc.com/information/allcalendars.htm

The College Board and Guilford County Schools to Host PSAT Night

As local high school students begin to prepare for college entrance exams, the College Board is ready to help. Representatives from the College Board, along with GCS, will host two information sessions to give parents and students an opportunity to ask and receive answers to their questions.

The first session will take place at Western Guilford High on February 28 at 6:30 p.m. The second session will be at Andrews High on March 12 at 6:30 p.m.

The College Board advises parents and students to bring a copy of the 2006 PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Plus. The report, which provides the student’s score and other important information, was mailed home after taking the PSAT.  PSAT Night is designed to help students and parents interpret the PSAT/NMSQT, the recent score report and its meaning and to inform them about the free student resources available.

The PSAT, a preliminary version of the well-known SAT®, is a standardized test that measures critical reading, math problem-solving and writing skills. The test is sponsored by the College Board to provide students with firsthand practice for the SAT®.  For more information, please contact your school’s counseling office.

GCS Students Recognize Local Bus Driver’s Dedication by Celebrating “Love the Bus”

One local elementary school celebrated “Love the Bus” in a big way. To recognize the dedication of area bus drivers, Guilford County Schools and the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI) hosted a celebration at Jesse Wharton Elementary on February 14.

Students presented bus drivers with homemade valentines and drivers enjoyed a pizza party. In addition to the celebration, a representative from Thomas Built Buses introduced the Thomas C2, a state-of-the-art school bus which will be coming soon to GCS. The Thomas C2 includes new safety features that provide: greater visibility, durability, improved driver ergonomics and better handling. Bus drivers, administrators and the media toured the bus to see the features first-hand.

With transportation safety issues in the forefront of the minds of parents and the general public, DPI addressed policy and training related to the use of cell phones and other communication devices by North Carolina school bus drivers.

The celebration was inspired by the American School Bus Council’s initiative, “Love the Bus.” The program is a national education effort designed to inform parents, students, school districts, legislators and the public about the special role that the yellow school bus plays in our communities.  For more information, please contact Jeff Harris, Director of Transportation, at 370-8920 or Haley Henderson, Program Administrator – Communications, at 370-3200.

Northwest High Wins We the People State Competition

For the 11th consecutive year, the Northwest We the People team won the North Carolina state championship. The competition was held at the School of Government in Chapel Hill, N.C. During the competition, students from the team testified about constitutional issues during a simulated congressional hearing held before a panel of judges. The Northwest team and their coach, Ray Parrish, will advance to the national finals in Washington DC in April. For more information, please contact Jonathan McRae, Social Studies Specialist, at 370-3273, ext. 1.

Local Engineers Recognized for Mentoring The Early College at Guilford’s Robotics Team

The hard work and dedication of local men and women will not go unnoticed by WFMY News 2. They are preparing to highlight local engineers during their Volunteer of the Week spot. The piece will focus on the time and effort put forth by the engineers to help students advance their knowledge and enthusiasm for science. The Early College at Guilford’s Robotics Team is in its third year of existence with approximately 45 students. Each year, the team works to design and build a unique robot, which will compete at various competitions. For more information, please contact Principal Charles Blanchard at 316-2860.

Local Fifth-Grader Featured on "Good Morning America"

Nicole Shaw, a fifth-grader at Jones Elementary, was featured on ABC’s “Good Morning America” (GMA) last week. This national media outlet was doing a story on shopping cart germs and interviewed Nicole during the GCS Science Fair.

For her project, she tested shopping carts to find out what kind of germs could be found on them. She was quoted on “Good Morning America” saying, “When I found the E. coli, I thought it was pretty nasty." She also says she has plans to patent a shopping cart cleaning system. Her project won a spot in the North Carolina Regional Science Fair to take place later this month. Click here for the complete story on GMA’s Web site. For more information, please contact Principal Bea Jones at 370-8230.

Early College at Guilford Student is Recognized for Outstanding Community Service

Mark Draelos, 11th grade student at The Early College at Guilford, has been recognized for his outstanding service to our community by being named as a top runner-up for The 2007 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in North Carolina.  Mark will receive an engraved bronze Distinguished Finalist medallion to commemorate this accomplishment.  This has also qualified Mark for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.  This award recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of time to serve their communities and country.  Mark will receive an award certificate and a letter from President Bush for this achievement. Mark developed a Web site for the Ward Street Mission to connect interested volunteers with the needs of the mission. The project required Mark to learn interactive Web site design.  He now hopes to include an online method of making donations and an electronic community newspaper.  For more information, please contact Principal Charles Blanchard at 316-2860 or Barry Williams, Instructional Improvement Officer, at 574-1687.

The Early College at Guilford is Recognized by The College Board

The College Board has recognized The Early College at Guilford for leading the nation in both participation and performance in AP Environmental Science and AP Psychology for schools with less than 300 students in grades 10 through 12.  The recognition is a result of a school “enabling the broadest segment of its overall student body to earn a score of three or higher” on the AP exam for that subject.  AP Environmental Science is taught by Beverly Cea and AP Psychology is taught by Dr. Karen Carroll.  The Early College at Guilford and these teachers have been recognized for this achievement in the 2007 Advanced Placement Report to the Nation, which was officially released on February 7. 
For more information, please contact Principal Charles Blanchard at 316-2860 or Barry Williams, Instructional Improvement Officer at 574-1687.

Save the Date

The Guilford County Council of PTAs will host its annual awards banquet on Tuesday, April 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Koury Convention Center.  Information regarding reservations and ticket sales will be provided at a later date.  For more information, please contact your school’s PTA President.

2007 Crystal Apple Teacher Award Nominations Needed

For the 18th year, Time Warner will honor teachers or teacher teams who have developed innovative classroom projects that include cable television programming and/or technology in their design and application.  Winners receive $2,000 cash prize, $3,000 for the advancement of classroom technology, a Crystal Apple sculpture and an all-expense-paid trip for two to Washington, D.C. for the awards banquet.

A new award has been initiated this year to acknowledge the important role a principal plays in supporting the use of technology as an effective learning tool.  In addition to a trip for two to Washington for the awards gala, the champion principal’s school will receive $5,000 for classroom technology enhancement.

Nominations will be accepted online at www.timewarnercable.com/nationalteacherawards until April 13.  For more information, please visit the Time Warner Web site or contact Sonya Conway, Chief District Relations Officer, at 370-8386.

HR Exit Survey

On February 15, the Human Resources Department launched an exit survey for licensed employees who have resigned from the district. This confidential on-line survey was developed through ZARCA and seeks to obtain current information about licensed personnel who leave the district for any reason.  We believe this information is of vital importance and will assist us in analyzing the factors contributing to turnover.  For more information, please contact Carla Alphin, Program Administrator Employee Relations, at 378-8821.

Annual Enrollment for Health Insurance

The State Health Plan has announced that annual enrollment for health insurance will be held March 1-30. This enrollment includes the three PPO Plans and the Indemnity Plan (comprehensive major medical).  This is the time employees can make changes or choose different plans. Eligible employees who previously declined health insurance may enroll at this time. All changes and enrollments will become effective July 1.  Employees currently enrolled will receive packets of information at their home addresses.  Packets are being mailed on a rotation basis by zip code and the mailing started Monday, February 12.  Packets are being sent from the State Benefits Office.  Employees who previously declined health insurance will receive information at their work sites.  Enrollment packets for these employees are available online at www.shpnc.org; a limited number of packets will be available from the Benefits Office.  The rates for the 2007-2008 year have not been established and will be determined during this year’s legislative session.  It is very likely that there will be rate increases.  Unfortunately, the actual rates for both the PPO plans and the Indemnity plan will not be made available until after annual enrollment.  If there is a rate change, the State Benefits Office will evaluate the rates to see if changes can be made at a later time.  For more information contact Patty Kinkade, Director of Benefits, at 370-8092.

Community Announcement

The City of Greensboro will host a Community Emergency Preparedness Workshop to discuss tips for family and community members to properly handle a natural disaster, chemical spill or other dangerous emergency. Join experts on March 10 from 10 a.m. until noon at the J. Edward Kitchen Operations Center; 2602 S. Elm-Eugene St; Lake Townsend Rm.; Greensboro.  For more information, please call 373-2723.

GCSTV 2

Special February Broadcast -- “February One:” the Story of the Greensboro Four

In a simple act of defiance, four Greensboro men took a stand on February 1, 1960 that allowed others throughout the nation to sit down.  When these courageous N.C. A & T University students walked into Greensboro’s Woolworth’s store 47 years ago, they also walked into the history books.  The story of Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair, Jr. and David Richmond, the men who changed the face of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, is expertly told in “February One,” produced by California Reel, the behind-the-scenes story of the Greensboro Sit-Ins.  The one-hour documentary chronicles a significant event in local history that quickly turned the eyes of a nation toward Greensboro.  GCS advises viewer discretion as the program contains some graphic language and images that may not be suitable for younger audiences.  The documentary airs throughout February three times daily at Noon, 8 p.m. and Midnight. 

On Assignment

For the latest in news and information that chronicles programs and events throughout the school district, join host Leonard Simpson for “On Assignment.”  The video airs daily at: 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Home Field Advantage

Research indicates that students who change schools often don’t perform as well in their studies as those who remain at one school throughout the year.  That’s why GCS offers the “Home Field Advantage.”  The initiative gives children in schools with high mobility rates a chance to stay at their original school if their family moves during the academic year.  Get the latest information on this program that helps students to stay in the game.  Home Field Advantage airs five times daily at: 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Building the Future

Our growing school district makes it necessary to add schools and make renovations to existing campuses.  Construction bond money helps make that possible.  Join us for an update on the building of new schools and improvement projects at others as Host Lillian Govus and Dave Burnett, Executive Director of Facilities and Construction; take us on a guided tour.  The program airs daily at: 7:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tus Hijos y GCS (Your Children and Guilford County Schools)

The State Writing Test is a crucial component for students in the fourth, seventh and tenth grades.  Passing the test in high school is a determining factor as to whether a student will graduate and receive a diploma.  Join Host Karin Young for the newest edition of our Spanish and English language program: “Tus Hijos y GCS.”  Karin provides ideas and suggestions on how parents can help their children sharpen their English grammar and vocabulary skills to improve test scores.  Tus Hijos y GCS airs daily at 1 a.m., 7 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Magnet Schools

GCS is a leader in providing students and parents significant choices when it comes to education. Our magnet school program is among the best in the nation in helping to link a child with his or her strengths, stimulating their educational interests and fostering academic achievement. The magnet video provides insight into what’s available and helps parents make decisions that best serve the needs of their children. This program airs daily at: 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

GCS/ABC 45 Partnership Continues

GCS continues its partnership with ABC 45 television to share the current news and feature stories about our district. The segments run on ABC 45 (Cable Channel 7) during “Good Morning America” each Wednesday and Friday at 7:25 a.m. and 8:25 a.m. You can also learn more about GCS by tuning in to GCSTV 2 (Cable Channel 2.)

Grimsley/High Point Central IB Programs
Highly motivated students enroll in a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the requirements of national educational systems.  For more than a decade, GCS has offered an International Baccalaureate program that pairs a rigorous curriculum with smaller class size and a nurturing environment for students who are eager to learn.  GCS is one of only a small number of North Carolina school systems authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the prestigious diploma program.  This Newsbreak airs Friday, February 23.

For more information, please contact Leonard Simpson, Broadcast Production Manager, at 370-8167.

NON-GCS EDUCATIONAL NEWS

Beyond the Bakesale: The Essential Guide to Family-School Partnerships

This innovative guide reveals how to build strong collaborative relationships and offers practical advice for improving interactions between parents and teachers, from insuring that PTA groups are constructive and inclusive to navigating the complex issues surrounding diversity in the classroom. Written for educators as well as parent and community leaders, this book is packed with tools to engage families in ways that will improve student achievement. Anne Henderson, Karen Mapp, Vivian Johnson and Don Davies pack this one-of-a-kind volume with tips from principals and teachers, checklists, and an invaluable resource section. Click here to read excerpts.

School Uniforms: There is No Free Lunch

The basic argument for adopting school uniforms is that merely a change of clothes will bring about desired behavioral and academic student outcomes. That a uniform transforms individuals appears to be at the heart of the argument. But, does just wearing a uniform bring about changes in behavior? Student behavioral change, school cultural change, and higher achievement, all for little to no cost, must be the holy grail of school remedies, writes Todd A. DeMitchell in Teachers College Record. But, will the bromide of only a change of clothes bring about these desired outcomes? Are school uniforms a real remedy for the thorny problems that beset our public schools or are they just a placebo that masks the heavy lifting that real achievement and school cultural change require?  If wearing a school uniform brings about behavioral changes and enhanced academic achievement, should we require that teachers and principals also wear the same uniform? Or, does the magic of a uniform only work for students? Click here to read more.

NCLB Commission Report

The Commission on No Child Left Behind released its final recommendations for the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).  The 75 recommendations in the report focus on making sure teachers and principals are effective, improving accountability measures, effective school improvement and student options, rigorous standards, and strengthening high schools.  The commission’s charge was to identify the successes of NCLB as well as its challenges and problems and to develop solutions that will improve the law’s impact on raising student achievement and closing these achievement gaps.  These recommendations were produced through a bipartisan independent process that included 12 public hearings and roundtables around the country and over 10,000 emails, submissions of written testimony, meetings and letters from those with thoughts on how to improve the law. Most of the commission’s recommendations can be grouped into five broad categories: (1) Ensuring Teachers and Principals are Effective at Improving Student Achievement; (2) Accelerating Progress through Accurate and Fair Accountability Measures; (3) Effective School Improvement and Quality Student Options; (4) Rigorous Standards Tied to College and Workplace Readiness; and (5) Strengthening and Reforming High Schools. Click here to read more.

Promise Meeting Draws 200

The school cafeteria, in one of Kalamazoo's poorer neighborhoods, was packed by some 200 people for what was billed as a town meeting. They ate pizza and listened to a performance by choir students before settling in to ask questions about The Kalamazoo Promise, the district's new college-scholarship program.  Parents asked what colleges are eligible, what costs are covered and about grade-point requirements. One asked in Spanish whether recipients have to be legal immigrants.  Immigration status "is not my concern," responded Janice Brown, superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools. "The Promise is for children who graduate from KPS." Changes [in attitude at the school] have included increased support from community groups and individual volunteers, "which has been hugely beneficial in helping struggling students and struggling families," principal Chuck Tansey said. Click here to read more.