Friday Notes from Guilford County Schools

1562 page views

October 27, 2006

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.

Ferebee Named 2006-07 GCS Principal of the Year

In just one year, he was able to turn around one middle school. Hairston Middle, a school where over 90 percent of students qualify for free/reduced lunch, had not made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) since the 2002-03 school year. Because of his vision and leadership ability, Lewis Ferebee was named the 2006-07 GCS Principal of the Year.

In his first year as principal at Hairston, Ferebee led the students and staff to record highs in academic performance. All subgroups at Hairston made 100 percent of their reading targets and made significant growth.

Ferebee credits his success at Hairston to visionary leadership, which means he established a vision for Hairston’s future, communicated his vision to the school and motivated and inspired students and faculty to believe in the vision. He did all of this to develop life-long learners in both teachers and students. “It is my goal as an instructional leader to continuously develop others and myself while facilitating vibrant enthusiasm and excellence for all,” said Ferebee.

Not only was Ferebee named the overall Principal of the Year, but he was also named the Secondary Principal of the Year.  Judy Robbins from Madison Elementary was named the Elementary Principal of the Year.

Ferebee received his choice of a $2,000 Harris Teeter gift card or a free trip to an educational conference of his choice. The remaining five finalists each received their choice of a $1,500 Harris Teeter gift card or a free trip to any educational conference valued at $1,500.

Finalists include: Angelo Kidd from Northwest High, Grenita Lathan from Washington Elementary, Linda Lyon from Gateway Education Center and William Stewart from Northwest Middle.

The other seven nominees for GCS Principal of the Year were:

• Laverne Bass, Frazier Elementary
• Valerie Bridges, Jesse Wharton Elementary
• LaToy Kennedy, Bluford Elementary
• Francine Mallory, Peck Elementary
• Alan Parker, Southwest High
• Jesse Pratt, Allen Middle
• Nola Taylor, Mendenhall Middle

For more information, please contact Carla Alphin, employee relations, at 370-8821 or Sonya Conway, executive director of district relations, at 370-8386.

Dudley High Ensures No Parents are Left Behind

Community organizations, agencies and schools are urging success for the education of Guilford County Schools’ students with a greater understanding of the federal No Child Left Behind program. On Saturday, October 28 at 8:30 a.m., Dudley High will host the ‘No Parent Left Behind/Parent Taking Charge Conference,’ where concerned community leaders will discuss programs and services with parents.  The conference is open to all GCS parents and will include: parenting skills, bullying, SAT Prep, college financial aid assistance and parental involvement in schools. Dudley is located at 1200 Lincoln Street, Greensboro.  For more information, please contact Francine Scott, site coordinator, 370-8130.

Jefferson Elementary Teacher and School Receive Promising Practices Award

Christina McCord, a third grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary and Michelle Bostian, a Jefferson parent, attended the National Character Education Partnership conference in Washington, DC  from October 26-28.  They were the co-chairs of the Character Education committee at the school last year, and were asked to present a workshop on the "Anti-Bullying Program" that they implemented at Jefferson.  During the Awards Luncheon, Jefferson was presented with the Promising Practices Award for Character Education for its bi-monthly "Character Chronicles" newsletter. For more information, please contact Principal Tanya Feagins at 316-5870.

Parent’s Connection to Her Elementary School Provides Needed School Supplies

Elementary Principal of the Year Judy Robbins at Madison Elementary received a phone call from Mrs. Tracey Wilson who stated that she would like to donate school supplies to students at Madison Elementary. Mrs. Wilson stated that she had attended elementary school at Madison and still cherishes many fond memories from her school experience. She stated that she learned the important lessons of sharing and giving as an elementary student and giving to others is something her family is very committed to.  For her daughter Landry’s second birthday, Mrs. Wilson requested that party guests bring school supplies for Madison Elementary in lieu of gifts. Mrs. Wilson and Landry donated two huge storage containers of supplies to the school. The donation was received by the principal and student council representatives, Raven Thompson and Jared Gordon.  Principal Robbins was elated to receive the donated supplies and sees this as a wonderful example of the positive affect that effective schools have on their students’ lives for a lifetime. For more information, please contact Principal Robbins at 375-2555 or Bill Hurt, instructional improvement officer, at 370-2347.

Weaver Academy’s First Annual Service Learning Fair

On Monday, October 23, the faculty, staff and students of Weaver Academy participated in a service learning fair at the Bryan Family YMCA designed to introduce all members of the community to volunteer organizations throughout the larger community of Guilford County.  This year, Weaver is promoting volunteerism by giving students and staff the opportunity to work with many wonderful area organizations.  A kick-off event was held to help match up potential volunteers with the organizations.  Weaver succeeded in those efforts and is now ready to “spring into action” during the month of December, which they have designated at Weaver as Service Learning Month.   During December, Weaver will be busy devoting hours of time to lend a helping hand!!  Weaver hopes to have 100 percent participation from students, faculty and staff as they head out into the community to make a difference. The fair was organized by Janine Griffith, the coordinator for the Volunteer Center of Greensboro. Below are some of the agencies that participated in the Service Learning Fair.            

For more information, please contact Principal Anna Brady at 370-8282 or John Eldridge, instructional improvement officer, at 370-2360.

Jefferson Elementary PTA to Host Internet Safety Program

On Thursday, November 2, Jefferson PTA will sponsor an internet safety program. The FBI Cyber Squad will present safety information from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Jefferson. Parents and students are invited to attend. For more information, please contact Stacey Papier, head of parenting seminar, at 316-5870.

Page High Hosts Mega Voices 2006

On Friday, November 3, the National Talent Network Association and Page’s drama program will sponsor the Page High School Mega Voices 2006 program. The event will begin at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. The 12 students performing were selected through an audition process and have the chance to win a CD recording and live exposure. Tickets will be $10 at the door or can be reserved in advance for $8 by calling 882-6065. Proceeds will go to the United Way of Greensboro and the Page drama program. For more information, please contact Principal Terry Worrell at 370-8200.

Southwest Middle to Host Parent Education Meetings

On November 9, Southwest will hold the first parent education meeting for fifth- through eighth-grade parents. The meeting will be held in the media center from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Teresa Showole, autistic student teacher, Tony Philpott, teacher and Catherine Rose, child advocate, will host sessions to educate parents on school transitions, socialization, organizations and other issues that can contribute to the success of middle school students. For more information, please contact Principal Bill Farkas at 819-2985.

International Grand Chess Master Visiting Guilford County Schools

Maurice Ashley has been called the Tiger Woods of Chess. He made history when he became the first and only African-American to attain the coveted title of International Grand Master of Chess in 1999.  Ashley visited Kiser Middle and Jefferson Elementary this week to speak with students and staff about chess and its benefits.  While at the schools, he spoke with chess club members and all third-, fourth- and fifth-graders at Jefferson.  For more information, please contact Kiser Principal Sharon McCants at 370-8240 or Jefferson Principal Tanya Feagins at 316-5870.

Colonial Pipeline Supports Florence Elementary Physical Education Program

Colonial Pipeline is challenging Florence students by issuing another “Fun Run Challenge” this fall. Colonial Pipeline will donate 40 cents for every mile a student runs in the challenge. The money will go toward the purchase of new physical education equipment. The students’ goal is to run 2,500 miles. For more information, please contact Principal Ed Herring at 819-2120.

Mastering the Three Ring Circus:  The Who, What and How of Differentiation

The training session "Mastering the Three Ring Circus: The Who, What and How of Differentiation" began on Monday, October 20. In this first of four sessions, participants were introduced to the initial elements of the differentiated classroom.  Teachers, ranging from kindergarten through high school, reflected upon their own classroom and student composition.  During this initial training, teachers were asked to act as "researchers" and to survey their students for a week.  The survey will assist these teachers in getting to better know their students' interests and how this relates to their learning styles.  In future sessions, participants will gain additional strategies for working with various levels of students, in order to offer optimal instruction for ALL learners. For more information, please contact Heather Blackmon, professional development trainer, at 312-6518.

Induction and Success

The Induction and Success Department hosted a “Lateral Entry Fair” on Thursday, October 26.  All lateral entry teachers were invited to hear representatives from our area colleges and universities describe the programs at their respective institutions.  Teachers were also given the opportunity to talk with the representatives regarding individual requirements for their programs.  Lateral entry teachers must complete six semester hours this school year to be eligible to return to the district for the 2007-08 school year.  For more information, please contact Martha Snavely, executive director for induction and success, at 370-8098.

GCSTV 2

Tus Hijos y GCS

Tune in for a new installment of our Spanish language video that provides news and information relevant to parents.  Host Karin Young is also a GCS teacher who has invaluable insight when it comes to the needs of Spanish speaking students and their families.  Tus Hijos y GCS airs daily on GCSTV 2 at 1a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., & 7 p.m.  You can also hear Karin discussing issues important to GCS families on Tus Hijos y la Escuela which airs on Que Pasa radio, WWBG 1470 AM, live every other Monday at 6:35 a.m.  Her next appearance is scheduled for Monday, November 6.

GCS United Way Campaign Underway

The United Way helps to provide scores of services that improve the quality of life for families in our community.  The agency is in the midst of its annual fund raising drive that will help to continue those services.  Watch this moving account of how the United Way and one of its affiliated agencies made a big difference in the lives of three GCS employees.  This video airs daily at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

GCS On Assignment

GCSTV 2 launches a new video magazine program featuring the latest in news and information from the district.  Join host Leonard Simpson for “On Assignment” as the GCSTV 2 team highlights activities and events within GCS.  “On Assignment” airs daily at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 3:40 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

GCS/ABC 45 Partnership Continues

GCS continues its partnership with ABC 45 television to share the following 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.

Kids Vote
They’re not eligible yet to officially vote, but that’s not stopping students in GCS from educating themselves about the democratic process.  “Kids Voting” will play a big role on November 7 as the nation casts its ballot for selecting our future leaders.  See how GCS is helping to encourage interest in the election process as a way of producing active citizens.  This Newsbreak airs Wednesday, November 1.

A Foundation of a Good Education
A road trip sounds like fun, but there is a lot more to the Ford Foundation’s annual Black College Road Trip.  Ashley Patton and Derrick Miles have an opportunity to visit homecoming games at historically black colleges passing out gifts.  But perhaps their greatest gift is the time they spend at area middle schools talking with the students.  See how their efforts are paying off by encouraging young people to achieve in education and to pursue higher educational opportunities.  This Newsbreak airs Friday, November 3.

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

NON-GCS EDUCATIONAL NEWS

Record School Construction Spending and Disparity

"Growth and Disparity: A Decade of U.S. Public School Construction 1995-2004," is a new study that finds that the nation's school districts spent more than $300 billion for hard bricks and mortar costs to build and renovate schools, but when counting all costs related to construction -- land, fees, furnishings, and interest payments -- the total for school construction approached $600 billion. But despite this massive investment in public infrastructure, many of the nation's children are still in crowded and substandard buildings. This report shows that the schools with the greatest need, primarily those in high-poverty and predominantly minority school districts, have seen the least investment. Further, the money spent on schools in low-income communities was more likely to go to basic health and safety needs such as asbestos removal or roof replacement rather than educational enhancements. The No Child Left Behind Act, which is silent on school facilities, should identify the quality of school buildings as a critical factor in closing the achievement gap. Greater attention needs to be paid to what is happening and who is benefiting from massive school construction spending. Click here to read more…
 

Billions Spent on California School Construction Still Not Enough

California voters have approved major statewide education bonds in all but one election year during the past decade at a cost of more than $37 billion. Combined with scores of local school bonds passed during the same time, California voters since 1996 have authorized $95 billion in borrowing for school construction -- more than in the previous 50 years combined. As Californians this fall confront another mega education bond issue -- Proposition 1D -- polls show voters are becoming wary of the continued borrowing. If approved, the bond measure would push the total for school construction borrowing in California to well over $100 billion during the past decade, before interest payments. Despite its size, reports Aaron Davis, Prop. 1D would provide only a fraction of the money state officials say is needed to keep pace with California's projected classroom needs. It would account for about a quarter of the state's school construction needs for the next decade, according to long-term bond plans of the Schwarzenegger administration. California does not set aside money in its annual budget to build schools or provide substantive repairs. That forces local districts to rely almost entirely on bond money for everything from air conditioners and leaky roofs to refurbished classrooms. Even some education advocates say logic would dictate there's a better way to fund schools than always going back to the ballot. "It's crazy we have to fund schools like this," said Dennis Kelly, president of the United Educators of San Francisco. Click here to read more…

Rags to Riches in U.S. Largely a Myth, Scholars Write

Among Americans’ most cherished beliefs is the idea that the United States is a land of opportunity, a place where all children have an equal shot at success regardless of the circumstances of their birth. A growing body of research suggests, reports Debra Viadero, that the idea of exceptional economic mobility may be a myth. Going from rags to riches in this country, some studies conducted over the past 10 to 15 years say, may be harder than it used to be. In fact, newer international studies suggest that children born into poor families in the United States have a smaller chance of rising out of poverty than their counterparts in many other industrialized nations. Given those bleak assessments, some analysts say that education -- perhaps now more than ever -- is critical to breaking or perpetuating that intergenerational cycle. There is more consensus around the idea that the United States has no unique claim, among nations, as a land of opportunity. Measured in terms of income, studies over the past two or three years have shown, the nation offers less opportunity for upward or downward mobility than Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and possibly Germany. In terms of occupational mobility, the United States remains around the middle of pack, according to the Brookings report. Click here to read more… 

A Community-Sized Solution to the Dropout Epidemic

Dropping out of high school is motivated by a variety of factors and many of them have little to do with school or homework. The only way at-risk youth will remain in school and earn their diploma is if their communities make a concerted effort to help them. Learning to Finish is a new campaign launched by the Pew Partnership for Civic Change that seeks to address the dropout problem in communities ready to meet this challenge as a community-wide concern. The Pew Partnership for Civic Change has also published a dropout discussion guide titled "Learning to Finish: The School Dropout Crisis." Here the case is made for a community-wide approach to solving the dropout problem and the five elements that should serve as the core of any community-wide dropout effort. According to Dr. Suzanne Morse, "For the one million or so kids who drop out each year, the prospects are dire. For the communities in which they live, the dropout rate is very bad news indeed. Each year, the toll of lost wages, taxes, and productivity that can be attributed to dropouts comes to more than $200 billion for the nation as whole. That does not take into account the fact that more than two-thirds of the inmates in state prisons are school dropouts or that it is a turnkey issue for poverty, poorer health, and more limited prospects for the children of dropouts. It is a vicious cycle that must be broken." Click here to read more…