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May 2007

May 29, 2007

Upcoming

First Art Works Helps GCS Students Learn Why Art Works

It is a fact that art education contributes to success in schools, and First Art Works of Alpharetta, Georgia has set out to spread the news. Three Guilford County elementary schools will participate in First Art Works’ art show program, which is designed to develop a child’s confidence in education and to improve community involvement. During the program, First Art Works helps teachers and principals plan and execute a student art show by supplying paper for the students, running the art show and providing an opportunity for parents and the community to purchase student art.

Jefferson Elementary will host their art show on Tuesday, May 29 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and from 6:45 p.m. until 8 p.m. Oak Ridge Elementary will host their show on Thursday, May 31 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Murphey Traditional Academy held their show on Friday, May 25. For more information, please contact Tanya Feagins, principal at Jefferson, at 336-316-5870, Ann Kraft, principal at Oak Ridge, at 336-643-8410 or Mark Harris, principal at Murphey Traditional Academy, at 336-294-7380.

Jones Elementary’s Pole Wrapping Signifies Beginning of International Week

As third-grade students at Jones ceremoniously wrapped maypoles for the 20th consecutive year, the student body celebrated the completion of end-of-grade exams and the beginning of the school’s International Week. From May 25 through June 1, each class will visit stations representing a variety of world cultures including: the Amazon, Cuba and Holland. For more information, please contact Bea Jones, principal, at 336-370-8230.

Northern Middle to Host Concert in the Park

For their final concert of the year, the Northern music department will host Concert in the Park on Tuesday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the school. During the concert, the chorus will present an abridged version of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Additionally, the concert band, orchestra and newly formed marching band will perform. For more information, please contact Terry Kay Force, media specialist, at 336-605-3342.

Peck Elementary to Host Brendan’s Book Fair

Brendan Haywood, center for the Washington Wizards, is working with the Greensboro Community Foundation to ensure that every student at Peck has the opportunity to purchase a book at the upcoming book fair. Haywood, his mother and members of the Greensboro Community Foundation will be at the school on Thursday, May 31 at 8:30 a.m. as students pick up their pre-selected books.

The fair will take place May 29 through June 4 from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, please contact Francine Mallory, principal, at 336-370-8235.

Bluford Elementary to Host Carnival and Bike Rodeo

Bluford is reconnecting with the community. The school is hosting a day of activities for students and parents on Saturday, June 2 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The fun-filled day will include a bike rodeo, food and games.

The event is sponsored by Bluford, Bluford PTA, Wal-Mart #1498, BB&T, Fundraiser Pros and Lowes Foods. Waleed Coyote from 102 Jams is hosting. Additionally, the event will feature guest performances by Ricco Barrino, P-Wonda and local jazz artists. For more information, please contact LaToy Kennedy, principal, at 336-370-8120.

Highlights

General Greene Elementary Demonstrates Technology in Action

Students at General Greene learned first-hand where and how technology is being used within the community on Friday, May 25. During a technology fair, representatives from various local businesses showed students how technology is involved in their daily activities and why it is important. For more information, please contact George Boschini, principal, at 336-545-2015.

May 22, 2007

Upcoming

The Drake Naylor Invitational Shoot to Benefit Gateway Education Center
On Saturday, May 26, community members across Guilford County will participate in the Drake Naylor Invitational Shoot, a fundraiser sponsored by Shane’s Sporting Clays and the Greensboro Cerebral Palsy Association’s Infant Toddler Program at Gateway Education Center.
The fundraiser will take place at Shane’s Sporting Clays, 6319-B Highway 158 in Summerfield at 8 a.m. 

Proceeds from the fundraiser will purchase playground equipment for handicapped infants and toddlers that is free of direct sunlight, has even surfaces and is wheelchair accessible. A portion of the profit will also be used to purchase communication devices for non-verbal children. For more information, please contact Linda Lyon, principal, at 336-375-2575.

Year End Programs and Celebrations Scheduled at Frazier Elementary
General PTA Meeting and Spring Program Scheduled
On Tuesday, May 29, Frazier will hold its last general PTA meeting and Spring Program for all parents and students. The event will take place in the Frazier Cafetorium at 6:30 p.m. and will include performances by the Frazier Falcon Singers, the Recorder Troop and students in Kindergarten through second-grade. PTA Officers for the 2007-08 school year will also be inducted.

Pre-K Students Graduate to Kindergarten
Pre-K students at Frazier will be ready to take the next step in their education on Thursday,
May 31 as they receive certificates at their Pre-K graduation. The event will take place in the Frazier Cafetorium at 8:30 a.m.

Holocaust Survivor to Speak to Students
This year, students in third- through fifth-grade read Six Million Paper Clips: The Making of a Children’s Holocaust Memorial by Peter W. Schroeder and Dagmar Schroeder-Hildebrand. To culminate the One Book One School program, Frazier will host a Holocaust survivor speaker on Tuesday, June 5 at 6 p.m. in the Frazier media center.

Students Celebrate Great Leaps
Many third- through fifth-grade students have made leaps and bounds this year and will celebrate their success at a Great Leaps Celebration, honoring all students who participated in the Great Leaps Reading Program. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 6 from Noon until 1 p.m. in the Great Leaps classroom.

Faculty Recognize Outstanding Students
Outstanding third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students will be recognized for their achievements on Thursday, June 7, in the cafetorium. Frazier will host an Academic Celebration and Award ceremony to acknowledge honor roll students and to give special awards. Third-grade recognition will take place at 8:15 a.m., fourth-grade at 9:15 a.m. and fifth-grade at 1:15 p.m.

Fifth Graders to Complete Elementary School
The fifth graders at Frazier will celebrate their completion of elementary school at the Fifth Grade End of Year Celebration on Friday, June 8 at 9 a.m in the cafetorium. Parents and family will look on as students receive certificates for their accomplishments and segue into middle school.

Kindergarten Orientation to Help Parents
As Kindergarten enrollment nears, many parents feel overwhelmed with questions and concerns. To actively involve parents in the enrollment process and help answer questions, the PTA SPICE grant and Title One parent involvement funds will sponsor a Kindergarten Orientation for parents enrolling children in the 2007-08 school year. The orientation will take place on Tuesday, June 12 at 10:30 a.m.

For more information concerning any of the upcoming events, please contact Laverne Bass, principal, at 336-294-7340.

Highlights

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 heard his call. To commemorate their commitment to community service and volunteerism, these three students will be recognized by President Bush and will receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award presented by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Meredith, a sixth-grade student, earned a Bronze award for 50 plus hours of service, while Peirce and Alizada, 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, SAVE advisor, at 336-545-3717.

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 when she departs for Tokyo this 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, French will spend time learning about Japanese life and will meet with Japanese officials and educators. French was selected from more than 1,700 applicants by a panel of educators. For more information, please contact French at 336-819-2825.

Andrews High Student Named to All-State Golf Team
Bryan Colquitt, a senior at Andrews, was named to the All-State Golf Team after competing in the Regional and State Tournaments. Colquitt placed third overall in the Regional Golf Tournament and placed fourth in the State Tournament 3A division. For more information, please contact Zachary Thornburg, golf coach, at 336-819-2800.

Andrews High Chess Team Receives First Place at North Carolina High School Scholastic Chess Championship
Andrews’ chess team was among the ten schools represented at the North Carolina High School Scholastic Chess Championship at the Newton-Conover High School in Conover, NC. After four rounds of Swiss style pairings, Andrews’ chess team received first place for overall points in their division and Rameez Raja was named first place player in the same division. All of the 46 participating students are members of the US Chess Federation (USCF) and all are nationally rated. For more information, please contact Scott Ilkenhons, chess coach and game developer sponsor, at 336-819-2800.

Two Community Members Encourage Excellence at Cone Elementary
On Monday, May 21, television personality Toni Harrison and radio personality Buster Brown visited Cone to encourage students to perform their best on the End of Grade (EOG) exams. Harrison and Brown presented an assembly entitled Expectation for Excellence. For more information, please contact Renee McKinnon, principal, at 336-375-2595.

May 16, 2007

Upcoming

Northern Middle Assembles Only Middle School Marching Band in District

Dr. Jane Van Middlesworth, Northern’s band, orchestra and chorus teacher, has recently assembled The Nighthawks Marching Band, the only middle school marching band in Guilford County.

The marching band consists of 40 students, including: a 10-piece drum line, 23 wind instruments and seven Hawkette Dancers. The Nighthawks invite the community to come join them for their final practice of the year, Thursday May 17 at 4 p.m. For more information, please contact Terry Kay Force, media specialist, at 336-605-3342.

Dudley High to Hold PTSA Full Body Meeting

Dudley parents, students and staff will come together on Thursday, May 17 at 6 p.m. in the Dudley Auditorium for a PTSA Full Body Meeting. Dr. Phyllis Martin, Dudley’s principal, and other staff members will discuss the John Hopkins University Talent Development High School Reform Model and the implementation of this curriculum at Dudley for the 2007-08 school year. For more information, please contact Francine Scott, site coordinator, at 336-370-8130.

Picnic with the Principal for Reedy Fork Area Elementary Community

Reedy Fork area elementary school is inviting parents and students to come out and have a picnic with the principal on Thursday, May 24 at 6 p.m. The picnic will take place at the Reedy Fork Ranch Community Center and lemonade and cookies will be served.

Parents will have the opportunity the meet the Reedy Fork staff including the principal, Denise Schroeder. Additionally, parents will learn about the “green” features of the school and receive PTA information. For more information, please contact Schroeder at schroed@gcsnc.com .

Improved Readers Receive Rewards for Hard Work

Pizza, new books and school supplies are just a few of the rewards available to improved readers. Students at Cone Elementary enrolled in the GREAT LEAPS Reading (GLR) Program, sponsored by Communities In Schools of Greater Greensboro (CISGG), Inc., will receive rewards and recognition at the annual “End of Year Leap Celebration” on Monday, June 4 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. in the school’s cafeteria.

Thirty-five third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students will be on hand along with parents, Principal Renee McKinnon and the CIS Executive Director Jimmi Williams. Local Artist/Author Michael Rhys Scott will present the highly coveted “King and Queen of Leaps” award to the male and female student with the most improved reading. Scott will also present first edition copies of his new book, The Brave Little Bee, to the awardees. 

The “End of Year Leap Celebration” is a way to acknowledge students who have worked hard with their tutors to improve their reading ability. Other “End of Year Leap Celebrations” are scheduled for each of the following GLR schools: Wiley Elementary on June 4 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., Brightwood Elementary on June 5 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. and Frazier Elementary on June 6 from Noon - 1 p.m. For more information, please contact Renee McKinnon, Cone principal, at 336-375-2595 or Sallie Williams, GLR project director, at 336-312-2465.

Highlights

Mendenhall Middle Math-A-Thon a Success

Mendenhall students raised more than $4,500 throughout March for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital while practicing math skills. Math-A-Thon is an educationally based fund raising program in which students obtain sponsors for the number of math problems completed in special workbooks. The program is sponsored nationally by Six Flags Theme Parks, who provide free passes to their parks for every student raising $35 or more.

The students who participate in the program learn to do more than just math problems; they also learn the importance of helping children who are less fortunate than they are. For more information, please contact Melanie Chamberlain, math department chair, at 336-545-2000.

Kernodle Middle Teacher Receives Award from Wake Forest University

Sally Smith, a teacher at Kernodle, has been selected as a recipient of Wake Forest University’s 2007 Marcellus Waddill Excellence in Teaching Award. The award will be presented to Smith during the University’s Opening Convocation in late September. For more information, please contact Charles Burns, principal, at 336-545-3717.

May 9, 2007
Upcoming

Johnson Street Global Studies Completes Playground Installation

For more than three years, Johnson Street has been working hard to make the dream of installing a new playground for exceptional children a reality. On April 28, the school finally accomplished its goal. Community volunteers came together to install the specialized equipment that allows physically and mentally handicapped children to experience the joy of learning through play.

Johnson Street will hold a dedication ceremony for the new playground and outdoor classroom on Monday, May 14 at 8:30 a.m. Invited guests include: Mayor Becky Smothers and the High Point City Council, Superintendent Terry Grier and members of the Guilford County Board of Education, Chief Feely and members of the High Point Police Department, the High Point Chamber of Commerce and members of the High Point Community Foundation. Paul Lessard, director of the High Point Community Foundation, is the guest speaker for the event.   

A grant from the High Point Community Foundation, awarded to the school earlier in the school year, provided the funds to purchase the equipment. For more information, please contact Shelley Nixon-Greene, principal, at 336-819-2900.

Kindergarten Orientation Coming Up at Oak View Elementary

To help parents understand what their child’s school day will be like at Oak View, the school is hosting a Kindergarten Orientation on Monday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the school’s library. Kindergarten teachers will introduce themselves and share information  on how to get children ready for the first day of school. Parents will also be able to register their students. For more information, please contact Heather Bare, principal, at 336-819-2935.

Highlights

GCS Teacher Receives Leah Louise B. Tannenbaum Teacher Award

Eloise Lynch, a teacher at Brooks Global Studies, was selected at the 2007-08 recipient of the Leah Louise B. Tannenbaum Teacher Award for Reading Instruction. Because of her enthusiasm in teaching reading, Brooks will receive $2,000. Lynch will be presented the award at the May 24 Board of Education Meeting.

Lynch received the award for being an “outstanding example of an educator who demonstrates exceptional effort and professional skill in reading instruction and the development of reading competency.” For more information, please contact Charles Burns, principal, at 336-370-8228.

High Point Central High Student Shines at FBLA Leadership Conference

Michael Griffin, a student at High Point Central, won second place in the Public Speaking II category at the State Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Leadership Conference. Griffin will go on to compete in the National Competition in June.

Griffin has also been accepted to the Martha Guy Summer Institute, held at Appalachian State University and New York, New York. For more information, please contact Cynthia Vaughn, media specialist, at 336-819-2825.

Weaver Academy Fares Well at FBLA Leadership Conference

Seven Weaver students placed at the State Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Leadership Conference. The students include: first-place winner Andrew Hall in Programming—C++, first-place winner Buddy Patton in Programming—Java, second-place winners Sam Milstead and Vernon Depee in Network Design and third-place winner Travis Upchurch in Programming—Visual Basic.

Hall, Patton and Upchurch will go on to compete in the National Competition in June. For more information, please contact Anna Brady, principal, at 336-370-8282.

Students Receive a “Passport” to International Education at High Point Central High

More than 100 students participated in High Point Central’s annual Culture Fair, sponsored by the school’s International Club. The fair is a daylong celebration of diversity and culture, which included: an international fashion show, dance performances, Mhendi (henna hand designs) and displays from 18 countries. Countries represented include: Vietnam, China, Pakistan, Mexico, Columbia and Germany. At the fair, students were given a “passport,” which was stamped as they visited each country’s display. For more information, please contact Cynthia Vaughn, media specialist, at 336-819-2825.

May 2, 2007

Upcoming

Penn-Griffin School for the Arts Presents Spring Performances

Penn-Griffin students are busy preparing for a series of final spring performances. Upcoming productions include: Middle School Theatre Production on Thursday, May 3, Middle School Band/Orchestra Concert on Thursday, May 10, Visual Arts Gallery Night on Tuesday, May 15, “A Night of Stage and Screen” on Thursday, May 17, Piano/Chorus Concert on Tuesday, May 29 and Dance Performance on Tuesday, June 5. All concerts and recitals will take place at 7 p.m. in the Burford Auditorium. For more information, please contact Mary Ensley, treasurer, at 336-878-4602.

Welborn Middle to Host Spring Fling Carnival

The Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) club at Welborn plan to help their student body celebrate the beginning of a safe and healthy summer with an End-of-Grade (EOG) Spring Fling carnival on Friday, May 4 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Activities for students will include: music, EOG related games, food and a chance to dunk a teacher in the dunking booth. In addition to the activities, local agencies will be present to give summer safety tips and information about summer programs. The agencies planning to attend include: the Carl Chavis YMCA, the High Point YWCA, the Red Cross, the United Way of Greater High Point and the High Point Fire Department.

The event will be funded by a $1,000 grant from the Teen Grantmaking Council, a youth philanthropy program that is co-sponsored by the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Youth First Program and the National Youth Leadership Institute. For more information, please contact Lori Bolds, principal, at 336-819-2880.

Southwest Elementary Students to Learn Local History from a Local Author

Fifth-graders at Southwest will soon receive a lesson in Guilford County and Quaker history from local Author and Illustrator Linda Willard. Willard will discuss her recent work, “Who? What? Where? When? Quaker Trivia,” during classes on Friday, May 4.

Willard has won several awards from the North Carolina Society of Historians as a writer, publisher and playwright. Her work deals with local religious traditions, various Civil War soldiers and Joseph Hewes, NC signer of the Declaration of Independence. For more information, please contact Bill Hoke, assistant principal, at 336-819-2992.

Northern Middle Student to Participate in the NC Junior All-State Orchestra Concert

Blake Riley, a sixth-grade student at Northern, will be one of the few sixth-graders at the NC Junior All-State Orchestra Concert on Saturday, May 5. Riley will play viola in the concert, which is primarily composed of seventh- and eighth-grade students. The concert will take place at the Grimsley High auditorium at 7 p.m. For more information, please contact Terry Kay Force, media specialist, at 336-605-3342.

Guilford Primary to Host A “Magical Family Night”

Abracadabra and hocus-pocus await students and parents at Guilford Primary, thanks to the PTA and guest storyteller, Mark Daniels. Daniels will present a magical program that aims to inspire children’s love of reading through the use of puppets, magic tricks and storytelling.

On Tuesday, May 8, Daniels will give three presentations for students and parents. During the day, presentations will take place from 12:15 p.m. until 1 p.m. for Pre-K, Kindergarten and first-grade students and from 1:15 p.m. until 2 p.m. for second- and third-grade students. Then, from 6:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. in the school cafeteria, Daniels will present a Magical Family Night program for the entire family. For more information, please contact Laura Baker, media specialist, at 336-316-5844.

Sedalia Elementary to Host Kindergarten Orientation

To help parents and students answer their questions concerning what to expect in Kindergarten and what school services are available, Sedalia is hosting a Kindergarten Orientation on Tuesday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. Parents will have the opportunity to meet the principal, kindergarten teachers and other staff members. For more information, please contact Edwina Monroe, principal, at 336-449-4711.

Highlights

Northwest High Odyssey of the Mind Team Advances to World Finals

With first place victories in the regional and China National competitions, the Northwest Odyssey of the Mind (OM) team will advance to the World Finals at Michigan State University.

In order to raise the necessary funds to attend the competition, the OM team is busy organizing and participating in fundraisers throughout the community. One fundraiser invites the community to become a “shareholder” in the OM team’s journey and to support the team both financially and emotionally. After competing at the World Finals, the team will thank community shareholders by hosting a celebration dinner including: catering from Carrabbas, highlights of the team’s trip to China and the World Finals and a performance of their skit. The celebration dinner will take place on Thursday, June 7 at Calvary Church in Greensboro, from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Angelo Kidd, principal, at 336-605-3300.

Southwest High Dance Team Completes First Competitive Season

Live and let dance was the motto for the Southwest dance team when they competed in the “Live and Let Dance 2007” competition in Gastonia, NC. The team took home the following awards: highest energy award, first place in Top Senior Line and first place overall in Specialized Category.

This was the first competitive season for the dance team under the direction of Natasha Williams, a rookie teacher. Williams plans to incorporate the team into football activities in the fall and to continue competing in the spring. For more information, please contact Williams at 336-819-2970.

GCS’ Middle School Poet Laureate Contest Names Winners

To promote poetry among sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students, GCS conducted the Middle School Poet Laureate Contest and has named seven winners. Area middle schools submitted up to three finalists for the contest and the Poets Laureate were chosen by Independent Judge Matt McNees, former high school teacher and current university English instructor.

The Middle School Poets Laureate include: Savannah Mills from Southeast Middle, Katie Hoover from Southeast Middle, Rachel Hampton from Guilford Middle, Caitlin Annear from Kiser Middle, Darnella Reeder from Jackson Middle, Dayson Ford from Jackson Middle and Pria Thomason from Ferndale Middle. All winners received a medallion, a certificate and a $25 gift certificate from Follett Library Resources for their accomplishments. For more information, please contact Jean Howard, program administrator of Library Media Services, at 336-370-2357.

Penn-Griffin School for the Arts Student Selected to Attend the Legislators’ School for Youth Leadership and Development

Lauren Howard, a ninth-grader at Penn-Griffin, will join 150 students from across eastern North Carolina this summer to participate in the Legislators’ School for Youth Leadership and Development. The Legislators’ School is a residential, week-long summer program funded by the North Carolina General Assembly and held at East Carolina University

The program targets young leaders in the state and aims to teach leadership and community service skills through a curriculum designed to develop critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills. In addition to classroom sessions, the young leaders will participate in field trips, ropes courses, special events, recreational sports and cultural activities. For more information, please contact Bobby Ann Hayes, principal, at 336-819-2870.

Ragsdale High Hosts National Honor Society Inductions

Ragsdale faculty recently inducted 57 students into the Fortuna Chapter of the National Honor Society. The event included an induction ceremony and guest speaker Linda Munns, retired Ragsdale English teacher.

The students inducted into the chapter include: Kelsey Armstrong, Nancy Arphai, Zeliha Arslan, Catherine Batton, Kathryn Bedingfield, Alexander Bowman, Rebecca Brereton, Tiffany Bui, Derek Carr, Joshua Cates, Austin Conklin, Carol Cook, Naadia Crutchfield, Christian Davis, Amy Dean, Linda DeNaples, Laura Drometer, Jeanette Edwards, Carrie Ellis, Andrea Fix, Calin Fletcher, Jasmine Fuentes, Vincent Gaddy, Alicia Gentile, Laura Greeson, Arica Gunter, Erin Hamilton, Matthew Heavner, Jordan Hodge, Meghan Ingram, Ashley Karoly, Benjamin Kennedy, Dana Kouchel, Kristen Kubrick, Dianna Loughlin, Kelsey Lulham, Todd Lundeen, David Lyle, Jessica McCray, Jack McGuinn, Dana McPherson, Samuel Milstead, Mallorie Moore, Martha Pope, Caroline Reynolds, Steven Risi, Katherine Scheffer, Mary Katherine Sharman, Sidney Sikes, Monique Stellenberg, Lauren Swartz, Maryyam Tallat, Madison Thomas, Emily Wetzel, Michael Williams, Chelsea Winkle and Gray Wolfe. For more information, please contact Kathy Rogers, principal, at 336-819-2960.

Current Good News

About Guilford County Schools
Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 70,000 students at 116 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice.

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship. For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.