Friday Notes from Guilford County Schools

May 25, 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.

Memorial Day Holiday

Just a reminder that Monday, May 28, all schools and central offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. Please have a safe and restful holiday.

New Assignments

The following administrative appointments will be effective July 1:

For more information, please contact Dr. Peggy Thompson, Chief Human Resources Officer, at 370-8340.

Guilford County High Schools are Among the Best

Newsweek Magazine has named 43 North Carolina high schools in its annual list of Americas Best High Schools. There is approximately 27,000 high schools in America and Newsweek ranks the top 1,253 schools.  Schools from across the state, including those in Guilford, Mecklenburg and Wake counties, were identified as among the top high schools in the U.S. Guilford and Mecklenburg County tied for the most schools in the state on the list with 13 each.  Both districts had two schools in the Top 100.  Grimsley High made the Top 100 list for the third consecutive year.

Newsweek identifies the top public high schools based on the total number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Cambridge tests given at a school, divided by the total number of graduating students. Although test results are a more typical measure of a schools success, Jay Mathews of Newsweek argues that the Newsweek rankings show students access to the quality instruction of AP, IB & Cambridge preparation courses. Click here to read the complete Newsweek article.
North Carolina Schools Making the List: 

For more information, please contact Chad Campbell, Media Relations Manager, at 370-8356.

Alamance Elementary Teacher is the 2007 Martha Sharpless Mentor of the Year

At the May 24 Board of Education meeting, the district awarded the 2007 Martha Sharpless Mentor of the Year award to Cathy Spencer of Alamance Elementary.  Cathy has been a teacher for more than 22 years and has two mentees this year.  Because of her dedication to nurturing the entire person, Cathy was selected among six finalists to receive the award. As the Mentor of the Year, she received a plaque and $1,000 from the Endowment for Excellence in Education of Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro.

The finalists each received $100 and mentees who were nominated as finalists each received a gift certificate for $50 towards educational supplies.  

Additional finalists include:

• Doreatha Amouzou, Parkview A+ Elementary Magnet
•  Tracey Janetta, Guilford Primary
•  Phil Smith, Southeast High
•  Tom Soth, Northwest High
• Jane Williams, Pleasant Garden Elementary.

For more information, please contact Martha Snavely, Executive Director for Induction and Success, at 335-3290.

Northwest High School wins Top Ten in United States

The "We the People” team from Northwest High represented North Carolina recently at the national finals in Washington, D.C.  This marked the first time a North Carolina team has been in the top ten and the first time that rookies were in the top ten.  "We the People" is a national competition on the Constitution in which students engage in a simulated congressional hearing before a panel of judges (attorneys, state Supreme Court judges, college professors, journalists, elected officials and others). The team placed ninth overall and were recognized with a Top Ten Award. For more information, please contact Ray Parrish, at 605-3300.

Guilford County and Community Partners Dedicate Two New Parks

Recently hundreds of students, community leaders and special guests joined together for the official opening of the county’s newest school park at Montlieu Math and Science Academy in High Point. The school park was dedicated to the memory of Garry G. Burnett, former High Point Parks and Recreation Director and GCS board member.

Caroline Burnett and the Burnett family were honored guests at the park opening, where a plaque was unveiled in honor of Mr. Burnett. Students from Montlieu and Wellborn Middle School joined the celebration, which also featured the High Point Central Marine JROTC color guard.

Garry G. Burnett Park at Montlieu will be a shared-use park, used by students during school hours and by the community after school hours and on weekends. The park has shared-use softball and soccer fields, a paved walking track, playground equipment, a field house and a paved connection to the High Point Greenway for all to enjoy. The Montlieu project is a collaborative between Guilford County Government, the High Point Parks and Recreation Department and GCS.  A similar partnership with the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department recently celebrated the dedication of a new joint use park at Hunter Elementary School. For more information on, contact Guilford County Community and Economic Development, at 641-3544 or Sonya Conway, Chief District Relations Officer, at 370-8386. 

Falkener Elementary Receives International Baccalaureate Recognition

Falkener Elementary has successfully completed the final phase of the International Baccalaureate (IB) application process and has earned the designation of IB World School.  Falkener is one of only eight IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) World Schools in North Carolina and the only IB PYP school in Guilford County.  The IB PYP program emphasizes full curriculum integration to build global awareness and internationalism. For more information, please contact Randy Morgan, IB Coordinator, or Principal Amy Holcombe at 370-8150.

Students and Parents Tour Aviation Technology Facilities

Twenty-four Guilford County high school juniors and seniors along with advisors and parents toured both the TIMCO and GTCC Aviation facilities at Piedmont Triad International Airport to learn more about the joint program in Aviation Technology offered through the Huskins Bill for eligible high school students.

The purpose of the Huskins Bill cooperative education program is two-fold: to make college-level technical and advanced courses available to high school juniors and seniors, and to provide a seamless transition for the Huskins Bill student/graduate from the high school into Guilford Technical Community College.

The courses offered in this cooperative education program serve a dual purpose.  The credits meet graduation requirements for electives at high school and also apply toward the student’s Associate in Applied Science degree at GTCC.  If you take one full year if coursework as a Huskins Program student and complete each course with a grade of “C” or higher, you are eligible to apply for a two-year Tech Prep scholarship.

To enroll in the Huskins program you must do the following:

• See your high school counselor
• Complete the GTCC Application for Admission
• Take the Asset or COMPASS placement test
• Ask your high school counselor to submit your GTCC Application, placement test scores, and high school transcripts to Bill Eversole at GTCC

Click here to view the possibilities or for more information, please contact Debra Barham, Instructional Improvement Officer, at 370-8101.

Foreign Language Immersion Camps to be Held for GCS Students

During the week of June 18 - 22, third- through sixth-grade students will have the opportunity to sharpen their language skills by attending foreign language immersion camp in Winston-Salem. Students will take a “South of the Border” trip as they learn about the world’s most populated Spanish speaking country, Mexico. They will also celebrate “Le Carnaval de Quebec,” where they will learn about French-Canadian culture of Quebec.
Toward the end of the week-long session, GCS foreign language teachers will attend the camp at the invitation of Dr. Lynn Redmond, Director of Foreign Language Education at Wake Forest University, where they will observe the classes and discuss the curriculum. This is a great opportunity for our foreign language teachers and students and happens only when we work on establishing good working relationships with other professionals.  For more information, please contact Gisela Hood, World Language Specialist, at 370- 3273.

Students from GCS Receive National Merit Scholarship

GCS has 10 seniors who can call themselves national merit scholars after illustrating a strong combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

These students secured 10 of the college-sponsored merit scholarships, worth anywhere from $500 to $2,000 annually, based on their outstanding academic record, earned SAT scores and an essay describing activities, interests and goals. In addition, a school official endorsed and recommended each scholar. Students are selected by officials of each sponsor college from finalists in the 2007 National Merit Scholarship program who plan to attend their institution.

The 10 winners are among 8,200 distinguished high school seniors who will receive merit scholarship awards worth $34 million for college undergraduate study. For more information, please contact Chad Campbell, Media Relations Manager, at 370-8356.

Congratulations Florence Elementary ACES

We are pleased to announce that the ACES (After-school Care Enrichment Services) program at Florence Elementary is the first GCS afterschool care program to achieve a Five-Star rating. Congratulations to the Florence Elementary ACES team.  For more information, please contact Jean Reese, Director of ACES, at 370-8905.

Who is the Fastest Kid in Guilford County?

On June 14 at 7 p.m., the National Scholastic Sports Foundation (NSSF) in conjunction with the Nike Outdoor Nationals (NON) will hold a race to find the Fastest Kid in Guilford County at the track at North Carolina A&T State University. Each elementary and middle school is encouraged to submit their fastest male and female students in the 100-meter dash to compete. All elementary and middle school students are welcome to join NSSF and the NON for a free track clinic on June 14 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. All entries for the Fastest Kid race must be received by June 1. For more information, please contact Lillian Govus, Program Administrator – Communications, at 370-8997.

World Language Specialist to Recruit Mandarin Chinese Teachers for 2007-08 School Year

Gisela Hood, World Languages Specialist for GCS, was chosen by the College Board to be one of six participants from across the U.S. to go to China to recruit 100 Mandarin Chinese teachers for the 2007-08 school year.  “I feel fortunate to be able to have my ‘pick’ of teachers for our three schools,” said Hood. “I feel very lucky and honored.” For more information, please contact Ms. Hood at 370-3273.

Kernodle Middle Students Receive President’s Volunteer Service Award

In 2002, President Bush called on Americans to dedicate more of their lives to service. Taylor Meredith, Landri Peirce and Geeti Alizada heeded the call. The three students will be recognized by President Bush and receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their commitment to community service and volunteerism. The award will be presented by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. Taylor, a sixth-grade student, earned a Bronze award for 50 plus hours of service, while Landri and Geeti, both eighth graders, earned Gold awards for 100 plus hours. The students will receive this honor during a grade-level award program at the end of the school year. For more information, please contact Michael Moser, Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) advisor, at 545-3717.

High Point Central High Teacher to be an Honored Guest of the Japanese Government

Amanda French, science teacher at High Point Central, will soon learn a great deal about Japanese culture. French departs for Tokyo in June as one of 200 participants in the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund (JFMF) Teacher Program. The program selects distinguished primary and secondary teachers from across the country to travel to Japan for three weeks in an effort to promote cultural understanding between the U.S. and Japan. During her trip, Amanda will spend time learning about Japanese life and will meet with Japanese officials and educators. Amanda was selected from more than 1,700 applicants by a panel of educators. For more information, please contact Ms. French at 819-2825.

Guilford County Schools Continues Quest to Ensure School Safety

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro has awarded a grant to the Guilford County Schools’ Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Initiative for $1,500.  The grant was made in memory of former Community Foundation Board and Grants Committee Member, Dr. David Olin. The AED Initiative was created at the start of the 2004/05 school year in response to a study published by the Pediatric Clinics of North America.  The report states that as many as 7,000 children will die of sudden cardiac arrest each year.  In addition to those with undetected heart abnormalities, a perfectly healthy student athlete can suffer a cardiac arrest after being struck in the chest by an object…soccer ball, baseball, etc.

To date, defibrillators have been placed in all of the traditional high schools.  This contribution will complete the middle school phase of the Initiative as the money will purchase a defibrillator for the new Northern Middle School.  Elementary schools will be supplied as funds become available. 
We appreciate the continued support of the Community Foundation of Greensboro and all community members who have partnered with GCS to make this initiative a success. For more information, please contact Linda Helle, Academic Office Support, at 370-8962.

GCS Receives Funding for Youth Programs

The Board of Directors of the United Way of Greater High Point has approved continued funding for two of the organization’s most successful children’s programs, Bridges to Success and GRAND Pals. The Board, chaired by Kem Ellis with the High Point Public Library, approved $80,000 to fund Bridges to Success and $6,000 for GRAND Pals.

The Bridges to Success program funds an array of after-school enrichment programs, helping ensure that economically disadvantaged children at high risk for school failure have opportunities to achieve their full educational and career potential. Chess club, Girl Scouts, Tae Kwon Do, African drumming, chorus, cooking, flag football and book clubs are examples of the wide variety of activities and clubs offered at Fairview Elementary, Kirkman Park Elementary, Montlieu Elementary and Allen Jay Elementary Schools.   In High Point, the GRAND Pals program is offered at Union Hill Elementary, Montlieu Elementary and Fairview Elementary. For more information, please contact Sonya Conway, Chief District Relations Officer, at 370-8386.

Available Reading Credit

Teachers of grades 3-5, are you in need of reading credit, or are you interested in sharpening your skills in teaching reading?  On June 20 and 25 professional development trainers LaTina Robinson and Janine Bracco Cox are offering grades 3-5 teachers the opportunity to learn about effective reading strategies that will energize teachers and motivate their students in the training “Keys to Unlocking the Successful Reader” Click here to register.  Many of these innovative and useful strategies have been previously shared with Read GCS participants and would be beneficial to all teachers. Presenters will provide tools which will enable teachers to effectively engage students and promote increased academic success.  If you have any questions, please contact the presenter Janine Bracco Cox 317-2392 or LaTina Robinson 317-3096.

Professional Development Training Opportunity

With the June 30 renewal cycle quickly approaching, the professional development division is offering training opportunities to help you meet your course deadline. Trainers Reggie Adkins and Traci Miller will conduct the back to back two-day training, “Unique Strategies to Instruct & Motivate Elementary Boys”, on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 19 and 20, at Claxton Elementary. The training utilizes brain-based research to target strategies designed to capitalize on the learning differences between the male and female brain. The thought-provoking presentation and peer to peer interaction make for a lively and mutually beneficial workshop for all involved. This training is open to all GCS staff and is sure to fill quickly. Click here to register. For more information, please contact professional development trainers Traci Miller at 312-4266 or Reggie Adkins at 317-1534.

GCSTV 2

Building Futures

Join hosts Lillian Govus and Dave Burnett on a video tour of some of the latest updates to GCS facilities.  More than two dozen construction projects are now underway within our school district to provide safe, comfortable, learning environments for our students.  E. P. Pearce Elementary is nearly complete and will open this fall. In addition, Oak View Elementary is preparing to open the doors on its new wing.  Our school construction bond money helps make the improvements possible. Come along as we take a look at the progress in this edition of Building Futures.  The program airs daily at 12:20 a.m., 5:43 a.m, 8:20 a.m., 12:20 p.m., 4 p.m. and 9:20 p.m.

The Home Field Advantage

Changing schools during the year can create a disadvantage for students when it comes to their studies.  Research indicates that children who study at one school throughout the year do better academically than those who change schools one or more times during the year. GCS offers students at select schools the “Home Field Advantage.” The initiative gives children 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 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. 

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

The school year is winding down, and it’s time for end of year testing. Join host Karin Young for this latest edition of our Spanish and English language program “Tus Hijos y GCS.”  Karin provides the latest information on testing and explains just what EOC, EOG and AYP mean to your child’s education.  “Tus Hijos” y GCS airs daily at 1 a.m., 7 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.              

Young Drivers-The High Risk Years

If you have a teenager who is already driving or will be getting their licenses soon, don’t miss this program.  The focus is on ways to reduce injuries and death among our young told from the perspective of teens and parents who know the consequences of a simple mistake made behind the wheel.  This program airs daily at noon, 9 p.m. and midnight.

Middle College of Entertainment Technology

The Middle College of Entertainment Technology at GTCC is just one of the exciting and unique educational choices available to GCS students.  The school offers hands on experience in television production and other aspects of the entertainment industry. This video provides viewers with a sample of how students apply their skills to producing, videotaping, reporting, editing and ultimately creating their own show. This program airs daily at 9 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 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).

Montlieu’s New Park
It has playground equipment, lighted soccer and softball fields and a walking track leading to the High Point Greenway.  It’s also the latest partnership between GCS and local governments in helping to improve physical fitness and the quality of life for all.  Located next to Montlieu Math and Science Academy, this newest park honors the memory of a well-known member of the community.  This newsbreak airs Wednesday, May 30.

The Middle College at North Carolina A&T
With just 110 students, it’s one of a kind among North Carolina’s public educational system. The Middle College at North Carolina A&T strives to provide a learning environment that ensures individual attention as students take high school courses and earn college credits in the process.  This Newsbreak airs Friday, June 1.

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

NON-GCS EDUCATIONAL NEWS

High School Credit Available for Middle School Students

At its May meeting the State Board of Education passed a policy that allows middle school students in grades 6-8 to receive graduation credit for high school mathematics and second language courses taken
while the students are in middle school. To receive credit, students must pass the course and score Level III on any EOC associated with the course, if applicable. The courses must conform to the high school standard course of study. While the courses will count toward graduation requirements, the student’s GPA will be computed with courses taken during the high school years. The policy will become effective in the 2007-2008 school year.

Gang Symposium to be Held

Communities in Schools of North Carolina will hold a symposium on “Addressing Street Gangs” on Friday, June 8, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the Simpson Lecture Hall Auditorium, Thomas W. Simpson Administration Building, Asheville Buncombe Technical College, Asheville.
There is no registration fee, but you must register to attend. Space is limited. To register, please call 919-832-2700 and ask for Katie Carrington. You also can email your name and contact information to kcarrington@cisnc.org. Please place Gang Symposium in the subject line. The registration deadline is June 1.

Study: Top Australian Teachers Twice as Effective

The top 10 percent of Australian teachers are twice as effective, teaching twice as much material to students, as the worst 10 percent of teachers do, according to a new Australian study of 10,000 teachers and 90,000 elementary students. Improved student achievement -- as measured by exam scores -- has almost no correlation with teacher experience or advanced degrees, the study's author says. Click here to read more.  

Educators Seek Ways to Bridge Achievement Gap for Black Males

A report released this week detailing a sizable achievement gap between young black males and other student populations in Maryland public schools has educators searching for ways to bridge the divide. Click here to read more.

Camp Flat World  

Guilford County teens are being offered a unique camping experience this summer by participating in Camp Flat World (August 19-24 at Camp Weaver), geared to giving teens a head start on preparing for a future in the global economy.  Rising seventh through 10th graders are encouraged to visit their school guidance office today to apply for one of just 100 spots for this groundbreaking overnight camping experience. Scholarships are available. Collaborating organizations include Greensboro Parks and Recreation, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Greensboro and the YMCA of Greensboro. For further info email flatworld@campweaver.org or visit http://www.campweaver.org/camp/campflatworld.html

UF study: Teacher Merit Pay Boosts Student Standardized Test Scores  

A carrot for teachers helps students stick to the books, according to a new University of Florida study that finds merit pay for instructors equates to better test scores for their pupils.  Pay incentives for teachers had more positive effects on student test scores than such school improvement methods as smaller class sizes or stricter requirements for classroom attendance, said David Figlio, a UF economics professor. The study, by Figlio and UF economics professor Lawrence Kenny, has been accepted for publication in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Public Economics… http://news.ufl.edu/2007/01/04/teacher-merit-pay/

Pittsburgh Principal Pay Soon to be Tied Only to Performance

Pittsburgh principals next year will see salary increases and bonuses based on their staff and student performance instead of experience and education. Pittsburgh's superintendent said the incentives were a key part of his plan to reform the city's schools, other components include more rigorous evaluations and better support for new principals and for administrators who oversee principals. Click here to read more.

Early-College High School Brings Students Success

An experimental Ohio public school transformed average low-income urban teens into college-bound students through an unorthodox high school curriculum that will this month award some of its first graduates associate degrees along with their high school diplomas. All of Dayton Early College Academy's graduates plan to attend four-year colleges in the fall. "Everything here is geared toward college readiness -- socially, emotionally, academically," said principal Judy Hennessey. Click here to read more.