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November 26

Greensboro Transit Celebrates Rosa Parks Day with Guilford County Schools
On Monday, Dec. 1, a bus from the Greensboro Transit Authority will visit four elementary schools to celebrate and remember Rosa Parks. During the visit, students from each school will board the bus and listen to Public Transportation Manager Elizabeth James read “A Picture Book of Rosa Parks” by David Adler. The bus will go to Erwin Montessori at 9 a.m., Brightwood Elementary at 10 a.m., Brooks Global Studies at 11 a.m. and Archer Elementary at noon. For more information, please contact Kevin Elwood with the Greensboro Transit Authority at 336-412-6309.

The Academy at Lincoln to Recognize World AIDS Day
On Monday, Dec. 1, students from The Academy at Lincoln will present three six-foot tapestries to the school in honor of World AIDS Day. Seventh-grade art majors and seventh-grade life skills classes combined efforts to create the tapestries, which are modeled after the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Through this project, students learned that teamwork and a community effort are the best and only way to make big ideas become big realities. For more information, please contact Angela Baucom, visual arts teacher, at 336-370-3471.

Archer Elementary to Host Various Events
Archer will be working hard next week. On Monday, Dec.1, Archer will host Skate Night from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Archer’s K-2 Literacy Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Dec 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Thursday, Dec. 4 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Archer will host Science Fair Night. The Parent Teacher Association board meeting will be held on Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. For more information, please contact Kimberly Sanchez, technology assistant, at 336-294-7335.

Grimsley High Brings Holiday Cheer to the Elderly
Grimsley DECA and Student Government Association will collect donations for the patients at Golden Living Center nursing home starting Monday, Dec. 1 through Friday, Dec. 12. Personal items such as socks, sweaters, board games and various items that would make the holiday a little brighter are welcomed. The will be delivered during the third week of December. For more information, please contact Atiba Bethea, marketing teacher, at 336-370-8180.

Hunter Elementary to Host Syngenta Holiday Luncheon
Syngenta of Greensboro is having their Holiday Luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 4 at Hunter. This year, Syngenta is making an effort to give back to the community by lunching with Hunter, adopting several Hunter families for the holidays and beginning a new partnership between Syngenta and Hunter, which will increase employee and student interaction. Hunter’s goal with Syngenta is to influence the lives of children in a positive manner. For more information, please contact Michelle Thompson, principal, at 336-294-7345.

Frazier Elementary to Host Scholastic Book Fair
Frazier Elementary will host a Scholastic Book Fair starting Monday, Dec. 8 through Monday, Dec. 15. The Book Fair will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday. Family Nights will be held on Friday, Dec. 12 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Monday, Dec. 15 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the media center.  The Book Fair will close on Monday at 10 a.m. For more information, please contact Marian Lindsay, media specialist, at 336-294-7340.

Peeler Open Elementary Students to Perform in Duke Chapel
At 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16, the fifth-grade students from Peeler Open School for the Performing Arts will perform in Duke Chapel. Students will sing and play the violin and piano. Peeler offers music, violin, keyboard, dance and visual arts for all kindergarten through fifth-grade students. For more information, please contact Marta Richardson, violin teacher, at 336-370-8270.

Two Wiley Elementary Students Inducted into the New Honor Society Chapter
Wiley Elementary has established a chapter of the new National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) to recognize their most outstanding students. The first inductees were initiated on Friday, Nov. 7 at the first quarter honor roll assembly. Two fifth-grade students, Nevada Brooker and Angel Raines, were surprised and congratulated by the whole student body, as well as their parents.

Wiley will be designated as a “Founding Chapter of NEHS,” joining elementary schools around the nation in establishing a program to promote excellence in academic achievement and involvement in leadership and service for the nation’s youngest students. For more information, please contact Dr. LaToy Kennedy, principal, at 336-370-8295.
 
Sternberger Elementary Hosted Second Club Day
Sternberger hosted its second Club Day on Friday, Nov. 21. Club Day is an opportunity for students to build a greater sense of community within the school while enhancing the overall school experience, engaging in student and staff interaction, exploring new activities and most of all, having fun. For more information, please contact Jill Hall, principal, at 336-294-7390.

Ferndale Middle Started a Female Mentoring Program
Ferndale recently created Ladies of Ferndale as a mentoring program for female students. The program guides young, impressionable girls during their middle school years. The initial recommendations were for female students who might be at risk to fall through the cracks socially, academically and behaviorally.

Each girl was paired with an adult female who has volunteered to mentor the student. The adult volunteer monitors success in the classroom, at home and in the community. As a group, they come together for weekly sessions to build self-esteem, character and decision-making strategies. Through mentoring, each student is equipped with vital lessons for life, as well as an improved sense of pride in academics and behavior.

The Ladies of Ferndale held their first pinning ceremony on Nov. 20. The girls were given a pledge to recite and a pin as a keepsake of the ceremony.  For more information, please contact Chiyanna Young, sixth-grade assistant principal, at 336-819-2855.

Sumner Elementary Hosted Family Reading Night
Sumner hosted their first family reading night of the school year at Hemphill Library on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Parents and students listened to Thanksgiving stories while having light refreshments. Afterward, everyone enjoyed creating their own holiday turkey in the arts and crafts room to take home, took a tour of the library and interested parents and students received library cards. The next family reading night will be Tuesday, Feb. 10. For more information, please contact Dr. Brian Clarida, principal, at 336-316-5888.

November 20

Peeler Elementary to Host Community Event
On Thursday, Nov. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Peeler invites the community to come out and enjoy featured student artwork, music, dance, violin and piano performances. For more information, please contact Marshall Matson, principal, at 336-370-8270.

Ragsdale High Students to Perform “Romeo and Juliet”
Ragsdale High students will perform an original version of “Romeo and Juliet” Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. and an abbreviated version for Jamestown Middle eighth-graders on Friday, Nov. 21 during the school day.

All ninth-graders read “Romeo and Juliet” in English class. The play has been an excellent opportunity for the students to delve into the deeper meaning by putting the play into their own words. The production also features an original soundtrack with dance beats composed by Ragsdale student Daniel Flores. For more information, please contact Susan Reinecke, drama teacher, at 336-819-2960.

Grimsley High Participates in “Give a Kid a Coat” Campaign
Grimsley DECA (an association of marketing students) and the Grimsley step team are partnering to participate in the annual “Give a Kid a Coat” campaign sponsored by A Cleaner World dry cleaners. The Grimsley students are collecting well-conditioned used coats through Friday, Nov. 21.

Their goal is to ensure that at least 75 people will receive a nice coat to keep them warm during the winter months. For more information, please contact Atiba Bethea, marketing teacher, at 336-370-8180.

Hairston Middle to Host Coat Drive
This is the season for giving, and Hairston is collecting coats in an attempt to give away 100 coats to those in need. The school is collecting coats through Friday, Nov. 21. For more information, please contact Dennice Robertson, social worker, at 336-378-8280.

Northeast Middle Celebrates Cultures Around the World
Northeast Middle will celebrate cultures of the world starting Monday, Nov. 24 and Tuesday, Nov. 25 in the media center. This is an opportunity for students to become aware and appreciate different cultures around the world. For more information, please contact Tamika Davis, media specialist, at 336-375-2525.

Grimsley High Assists Marines in Collecting “Toys 4 Tots”
Grimsley’s DECA (an association of marketing students), the Student Government Association and JROTC programs will unite to collect a massive amount of toys to assist the Marines in their annual “Toys 4 Tots” campaign. The drive will run from Monday, Nov. 24 until Friday, Dec. 12. The toys collected will be delivered to the Wendover Ave. Walmart on Saturday, Dec. 12. For more information, please contact Atiba Bethea, marketing teacher, at 336-370-8180.

Schools Partner to Help Parents Learn Necessary Skills in a Tough Economy
Sumner Elementary, Frazier Elementary, Southern Elementary, Allen Middle, Southern Middle and Southern High partnered to offer parents an opportunity to learn how to develop a professional resume and learn job-seeking skills. The workshop was held on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in Sumner’s computer lab.

The principals at each school realize the importance of helping parents be successful and the effects that it has on student performance. For more information, please contact Dr. Brian Clarida, Sumner principal, at 336-316-5888.

Grimsley High Students and Cricket Wireless Partner 
Grimsley High Ambassador students and Cricket Wireless are partnering to give the students an opportunity to gain real world experience by volunteering at the Cricket booths during the Central Carolina Fair, football games, the citywide Greensboro Goulash event and holiday parades around the triad.

The students receive free access to the latest and most up-to-date Cricket phones, free monthly service fee, a free Bluetooth headset and money that is added to their phones flex bucket account so they can make online purchases. For more information, please contact Atiba D. Bethea, marketing teacher, at 336-370-8180.

Western High Partners to Host Mix it Up at Lunch Day
Thursday, Nov. 13 was a nationwide campaign called Mix It Up at Lunch Day. The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) worked with student leaders at Western High to hold the event locally. It was an exciting opportunity to help students challenge social boundaries, stereotypes and build a healthy inclusive school environment. For more information, please contact Richard Armstrong, Western principal, at 336- 316-5800.

Weaver Academy Student Earns an Acting Award
Last Friday, Nov. 14, the cast of “I Never Sang for My Father” performed at the North Carolina Theatre Conference. The cast received a standing ovation from the crowd. Jonathan Cobrda earned an award for his acting. The production won a judges award for “best opening sequence.” For more information, please contact Pete Z. Kashubara II, principal, at 336-370-8282.

Brooks Global Studies Teacher Wins National Award
On Wednesday, Nov. 19, Effie Goodman, third-grade teacher at Brooks Global Studies, was selected as the Harris Teeter Teacher of Excellence. Brooks’ Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) linked a number of VIC cards to Harris Teeter, which afforded the school the opportunity to submit six teachers’ names to Harris Teeter. The teachers had to complete an application, submit references and an essay. 

The selection involves all Harris Teeter stores throughout the United States. Out of the schools that participated, Goodman was named Harris Teeter Teacher of Excellence. She received a check for $1,000 and the school received a check for $1,000. Goodman has taught for 11 years in various schools within GCS. For more information, please contact Charles Foust, principal, at 336-370-8228.

November 12

Four Elementary Schools Host Parent Workshop

Archer, Bluford, Falkener and Peck elementary schools will sponsor an “Empowering Parents Workshop” on Thursday, Nov. 13 from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The workshop will be held at the Greensboro Central Library located across from the Children’s Museum in downtown Greensboro.

The workshop will benefit all parents with particular emphasis on the value of education, the communication model of school relationships and the benefits of parental involvement.

The workshop for parents will take place in the Nussbaum Room and activities for children will be provided in the Children’s Room. The speaker for this event is Mr. Herbert Harris, a nationally recognized motivational speaker, facilitator and parent educator. For more information, please contact Patrice W. Brown, Archer principal, at 336-294-7335.

Aycock Middle to Host Parent Workshop

On Thursday, Nov. 13 from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m., Guilford County Schools’ (GCS) Safe and Drug Free Schools will host a parent workshop, “Parenting Adolescents: A Survival Guide,” at Aycock Middle. This workshop will cover the emotional and cognitive changes that adolescents experience, the warning signs for substance abuse as well as how to set appropriate and consistent boundaries. For more information, please contact Vernice Thomas, safe and drug free schools supervisor, at 336-621-4026.

Bessemer Elementary Hosts PTA Meeting and Barbecue Night

Bessemer Elementary is hosting its annual Parent/Teacher Association (PTA) meeting on Thursday, Nov. 13 from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. As a treat for the parents, Bessemer has planned to also host barbecue night along with the PTA meeting. For more information, please contact Carolyn Haley, principal, at 336-375-2585. 

Guilford Elementary Hosts Book Fair

Guilford Elementary will host its Scholastic Book Fair in the media center starting Monday, Nov.17 through Friday, Nov. 21 from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be two special events during the week of the book fair. “Breakfast with Books” will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 7:15 a.m. until 2 p.m. “Family Shopping Event and Reflections Gallery Walk” will be held on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. For more information, please contact Laura Baker, media specialist, at 336-316-5844.

Northwood Elementary to Host Family Volunteer Day

Families from Northwood and Crumley and Associates will join together on Saturday, Nov. 22 to work on a variety of volunteer projects at Northwood. Many of the projects will focus on improving safety and the overall learning environment at Northwood.

Family Volunteer Day is a program of the Hands On Network and Volunteer Center National Network, sponsored by The Walt Disney Company. It is a day of service designed to demonstrate the power of families who choose to volunteer together to support the communities in which they live and serve. For more information, please contact Aaron Hunt, program director, at 336-373-1633.

Two Employees Receive Recognition 

Joan Miller, treasurer of Jesse Wharton Elementary, was named Educational Office Professional of the Year and Joyce Goode, program administrator, was named Administrator of the Year by The North Carolina Association of Educational Office Professionals, District 6. Both will go on to represent GCS at the state level. For more information, please contact Goode at 336-370-8988.

Sternberger Elementary Hosted Club Day

As a part of Sternberger’s student improvement plan, the school hosted its first “Club Day” on Thursday, Nov. 6 as a way to build a greater sense of community.

Sternberger provides 20 clubs for the children to choose from each quarter. Each club meets bi-weekly and every staff member is involved in their club of interest. For more information, please contact Beth Kallam, publicity chair, at 336-294-7390.

Kiser Middle Food Drive: A Complete Success

Kiser Middle collected more than 3,000 cans for the Salvation Army. The student council hosted their annual fundraiser during the months of October and November. Mrs. Rogers’ sixth-grade homeroom will win a pizza party for collecting the most cans this year with 477 cans. For more information, please contact Allison Navarro, teacher, at 336-370-8240.

November 5

Joyner Elementary Hosts Scholastic Book Fair

Joyner will host a Scholastic Book Fair starting Wednesday, Nov. 12 through Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily . For more information, please contact Linda Comerford, media specialist, at 336-545-2020 .

Dudley and Smith High Host Online College Application Day

Dudley and Smith are participating in the statewide College Application Week co-sponsored by College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) and the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (CACRAO) starting Monday, Nov. 10 through Friday, Nov.14. Dudley is hosting their Online College Application Day on Thursday, Nov. 13. Smith will host their Online College Application Day on Friday, Nov. 14.

As part of the CFNC-CACRAO college access initiative, Dudley and Smith will work with high school seniors to submit at least one online college application using the career and college information and planning Web site, CFNC.org. For more information, please contact Camille Cates, site coordinator, at 336-294-7300 (Smith) or 336-370-8130 (Dudley).

Southern Middle Launches its “Read A Book Campaign”

In a school-wide effort to encourage reading and literacy, Southern Middle will launch its “Read A Book Campaign.” The school is asking students, faculty and parents to make a pledge to read a book by Sunday, Nov. 30. Participation in this campaign is easy and free of charge.

Students who read a book by the deadline will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to the school's fall book fair. For each book a parent reads, their child can enter their name in the drawing. A lucky faculty participant will win a $25 gift certificate. For more information, please contact Melissa Nelson, media specialist, at 336-674-4266.

Pearce Elementary Hosted Family Fun Math Night

On Tuesday, Oct. 21, Pearce Elementary hosted its first Second Grade Family Fun Math Night. Pearce welcomed more than 50 families to learn games and strategies that would help with strands of math such as estimation, probability, calculators, number sense and measurement. The focus of the night was “change.” Parents were able to see the new ways that students were thinking and solving problems. The parents left with a packet explaining, “The focus of math of yesterday and the focus of math today.”

Parents and students played several games, left with goody bags filled with manipulatives and game pieces to use at home and a packet of ideas on how to use some of the new game pieces. For more information, please contact Elbert A. Tonkins Jr., technology assistant, at 336-605-5480.

Murphey Traditional Academy Hosted Reading Incentive Kick-Off

The Reading Incentive Program hosted its “Character Come to Life” production at Murphey on Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 a.m. Murphey staff re-created characters from their favorite stories. The Cat in the Hat, Mrs. Frizzle, Fern, Flat Stanley, Lena Horne and Hermione were just a few book characters that came to life.

The program encourages students to read every night, and allows students to take part in various celebrations to track their reading. The characters spent the day visiting various classrooms and reading their stories. For more information, please contact Vanessa Thomas, curriculum facilitator, at 336-294-7380.

Oak View Elementary Food Drive: A Complete Success School-Wide

Friday, Oct. 31 was the last day of Oak View’s food drive, and it was a complete success school-wide. On Monday, Nov. 3, the Salvation Army collected Oak View’s donation boxes filled with 1,500 items of food. For more information, please contact Janice Gerber, teacher, at 336-819-2935.

Current Good News

About Guilford County Schools
Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 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.