GCS Insider - Making a Difference

 

 

Diversity: Adding the Difference to our Assets
By Monica Walker, Diversity Officer

 

Since October is Diversity Awareness month it seemed appropriate to introduce the GCS diversity office, its programs and plans for the future. Watch for events throughout the month on GCSTV 2 and other venues.

 

If someone had asked me if I was planning to become a diversity officer when I grew up – I probably would have responded, “What is that?” The simple truth is that no such position or profession existed 30 years ago.  Today, in corporate America alone, thousands of individuals serve in some official role of diversity education and leadership; add to that those employed with colleges, universities and school systems, and you have a growing profession.    

 

It is the constantly growing and changing population in North Carolina and Guilford County that justifies and makes possible the diversity officer’s role. We count as diversity, the measure of differences based on race, class, culture, gender, language, disabilities and religion, among others. With these changes, comes challenge.

 

Currently, GCS students speak 70 different languages or dialects and represent 106 ethnic cultures. This makes for a tremendous range of experiences, and it is the differential in these experiences that tend to define our learning curve. 

 

My role as the first GCS diversity officer is to help bridge the gap in these learning curves by helping teachers and administrators acknowledge, respect and prepare for the challenge of different learning styles. My office also provides training, facilitation and mediation to promote more positive relationships between teachers, students and parents in our schools.

 

A tremendous asset to the cause of diversity is the Johnnetta B. Cole Diversity Institute (JBCDI) that was started in 2003 at Bennett College for Women. The JBCDI is spearheaded by the college’s former president, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole. In my first year as diversity officer, I sought the advice and support from some of the leading diversity specialists that I met through the institute.   

 

I am working with the president of the JBCDI, Bea Perdue, to include girls from GCS in the institute’s new PowerGirls program. Additionally, I work closely with Mission Possible schools, the GCS Newcomers School, School Climate Task Force, Guilford County Human Relations Education Committee and any of our individual schools requesting diversity training as a proactive way of increasing teaching abilities. 

 

As part of the Principal’s Leadership Institute, the diversity office distributed posters for every classroom, referencing the Board’s policy of guaranteeing respect and safety for students and teachers. That, indeed, is what my office was established to promote and protect. Training is our number one priority; respect is our number one goal.

 

Our differences have too often been the catalyst for fear and isolation. We fear what we don’t know about each other and seem more afraid to find out. I hope that by introducing and promoting diversity at GCS that we can grow together, for we are stronger together than we are apart.

 

 

 

Do you know GCS employees that should be spotlighted for their efforts on and off the job? Contact Lynne Brandon at 370-8353 or brandol@gcsnc.com to share their stories.

 

 

GCS Insider - Employee of the Month

 

Leigh Hebbard has been a steady presence at Eastern High for more than a decade. Often described as the “strong and silent type,” Hebbard can be found on the campus day or night, weekend or holiday. Saying he goes above and beyond doesn’t even begin to describe all that Hebbard does. After the fire at Eastern High, he served as the lead administrator for the Eastern High campus at GTCC-Greensboro. Not willing to accept that the campus closed on the weekend, Hebbard set up an office in a central administration building so he could work after hours. 

 

Hebbard has come a long way since his start as an athletic trainer not only with professional football, but also at the high school level. Hebbard’s career at Eastern High began as an athletic director. Though he has since moved on, he still continues to work with the North Carolina High School Athletic Association and oversees the state wrestling tournament every winter.

 

 In the nomination submitted on his behalf, the parent referenced how Hebbard performs not only his job duties, but also those duties outside of his title, with excellence. His passion for education is evident through his selfless and unflappable dedication to Eastern High, even in the most trying times. For his overwhelming commitment to academic merit, Hebbard was selected as the October GCS Employee of the Month.  

 

As Employee of the Month, Hebbard received a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, which has partnered with GCS to support the employee recognition program. During the month of October, his photo will hang at all GCS main offices as well as the Wendover Avenue Sam’s Club. In addition, the Guilford County Board of Education will recognize him at its October 9 meeting.

 

Do you know an employee who goes above and beyond the call of duty in his/her job? Let us know! Click on the following link to submit your nomination form online: http://www.gcsnc.com/emp_month/emp_month.htm

 

 

 

 

GCS Insider

 

Native Mandarin Chinese Teachers Expand our Global Village

On August 12, 2007, three women stepped on U.S. soil for the first time. Wu Caixia (Woo Shy Shah), Xia Ouyang (Shah Oh Yung) and Cao Hong (Shah Hung) are from China and came to GCS to teach Mandarin Chinese.

Wu Caixia teaches at Northwood Elementary, Xia Ouyang joins the Ferndale Middle team and Cao Hong teaches at High Point Central High. These three individuals are part of a larger group of guest teachers sponsored by the College Board that arrived in the United States in August.

The Chinese Guest Teacher program seeks to immerse U.S. students in the Chinese language and culture, not only to broaden their horizons, but also to equip students to succeed professionally in a world economy. “It is imperative that our students learn to speak Mandarin Chinese,” said Gisela Hood, GCS world language specialist. “Chinese is the most widely spoken first language in the world, and our students will greatly benefit from study of this world language.”

Their first impressions of North Carolina have run the gamut from, “there is no traffic here,” to “it is like one big, green park.” There is an adjustment for all three, but especially for Cao Hong and Wu Caixia who have each left a child behind in China.

The three women are gradually adapting to their new environment with the help of their mentors and host families, a lifeline for the women for the next two to three years. Overall, the differences in the two cultures are not stark, but ones that require adjustment. Classroom sizes here are smaller than the often 40-50 student classrooms in China. “Smaller classes allow us to communicate better with our students,” said Xia Ouyang. She also commented on the personalities of U.S. students, “Here they are generally more outgoing. They all want to go to the blackboard and are enthusiastic about writing Chinese characters.”

Cao Hong shares an office with her mentor, Maki Kamizato, Japanese instructor, at High Point Central High. The two women crack open one fallacy about Asian languages. “Japanese and Chinese are similar, and while knowing one language helps to understand the other, they are still very different,” said Cao Hong. “People assume we are fluent in other Asian languages, but that is not the case. However, students who have studied Japanese will do better if they take Chinese.”

A less serious myth concerns Asian food.  When asked their favorite Chinese food, students often answer, “sushi.” The teachers smile and pledge to turn that around. Sushi is from Japan they say, not China.

Lastly, learning Chinese is easier than people think because it follows the same grammar structure as English with subject, verb and object in the same order. All three teachers report that students are learning the new language quickly, and within a short time, they are able to speak basic Chinese phrases.

Their reasons for coming to the U.S are the same, if articulated a little differently. “I want to be a better all-around teacher, and the more I teach in my native tongue, the better teacher I will be for my English students, as well as my Chinese students,” said Cao Hong. For Xia Ouyang, teaching Chinese to English speaking students seemed a natural step as she was pursuing her master’s degree in teaching Chinese as a foreign language. Wu Caixia agrees with Cao Hong and adds, “I wanted to experience a different culture.”

Future goals for the teachers include personal and professional achievements. They all agreed that the ability to speak to classrooms in China via teleconferencing would allow for more interaction between the two countries and break down barriers.

A common desire to share their language and culture with American students unites the young women. Benefits such as new friends and new experiences are icing on the cake. Iris summed it up for the group, “We are not only colleagues, but we are also friends.”

 

SIDEBAR:
Though more than 200 million Chinese schoolchildren are studying English—often begun as early as the second grade—experts estimate that no more than 50,000 U.S. students are studying Chinese.

 

  

 

GCS Insider - Quick Notes

 

Quick Notes for October 2007

Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15)
Computer Learning Month
Crime Prevention Month
Diversity Awareness Month

• 7-13     Fire Prevention Week
• 8          Columbus Day
• 15-19  National School Lunch Week
• 21-27   America’s Safe Schools Week
• 21-27   Red Ribbon Week
• Red ribbons worn to show commitment to drug-free America
• 27        Make a Difference Day
• To encourage children, youth and adults to volunteer on behalf of their communities

Diversity Awareness Month
The diversity office is sponsoring several events during October to honor diversity month. Some of the events include guest speaker, Dr. Edwin J. Nichols, who will speak on October 24, from 6 p.m. until 8 pm. at Hairston Middle Amphitheater. The program is open to the community and employees.  Other diversity initiatives include the PowerGirls program with Bennett College for Women and diversity lectures planned for the future.

Look for dates, times and locations on GCSTV 2 regarding future events. For more information, please contact Monica Walker, diversity officer, at 370-3284.

National School Lunch Week - October 15-19
The National School Lunch Program began in 1946 as an effort to improve the health of the nation’s young people reporting to the military. Nationwide, 29 million children are served school lunch every day.  GCS serves approximately 52,000 lunches daily.  To read more about the importance of school meals, click here. For more information, please contact Cynthia Sevier, Director of Nutritional Services, at 370-3257.

 

America’s Safe School Week – Oct. 21-27
School safety has never been more important for GCS.  We have many dedicated folks who are committed to the safety and security of our students. Please make sure to thank your school resource officers and other staff who make a difference at GCS.

For more information, please contact Tony Scales, Program Administrator for School Safety, at 370-8995.

 

Charlotte Bobcats Give Back to Bluford Elementary

Charlotte Bobcats made a surprise visit recently to Bluford Elementary. Not only did the Bobcats spend time with the excited students but they also donated a reading corner to the school.  The Bobcats’ President, Fred Whitfield, is an alumnus of Bluford.

 

Flu Shot Clinic Update
Flu shot clinics for GCS employees will start on Oct. 3 and will continued at various locations until November 15.  For more information and a complete listing of clinic locations, click here or call Patty Kinkade at 370-8092.

 

ORBIT Retirement System Goes “Live”
The Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System has implemented a new computer system called ORBIT (Online Retirement Benefits through Integrated Technology). As of October 1, employees can view personal information, account summary, account history and benefit estimates online.  Go to www.myncretirement.com for more information.  

A retirement seminar will be held on October 18 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The seminar will take place in the PTA Room of the 712 N. Eugene Street central office.

 

2007 Magnet School Showcase
Attend the GCS magnet showcase on October 20 to learn about a world of opportunities available to students from pre-K to grade 12.  Magnet school themes range from communication and language immersion to technology and leadership.  It is important to offer various magnet themes because one size does not fit all when it comes to student learning styles.

At the showcase, GCS representatives will share how each particular theme benefits enrolled students and will respond to questions parents, guardians and students have about the theme.

Some questions that parents might have include:

What are magnet schools? 

• Feature areas of specialization, like a theme or particular philosophy of teaching and learning
• Attract students from across the district, who are transported by GCS
• Eliminate, reduce or prevent minority group isolation

Why are magnet schools important?

• Promote and maintain diversity
• Improve academic achievement (i.e., meet challenging academic content standards and student academic achievement standards)
• Provide a school choice for parents, guardians and students

For more information, please contact Tony Burks, II, Director of Magnet Schools, at 378-8832.

GCS Insider - Cornerstone

The GCS Employee Assistance Program

 

Guilford County Schools offers a tremendous benefit for employees, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Every year, beginning October 1, each employee is allowed up to five sessions for assessment and short-term counseling at Cornerstone Psychological Services. A spouse or dependent (up to age 25 if a full-time student) may also use the employee’s sessions.

During the EAP sessions an assessment of the situation, the development of a plan for resolution and short-term counseling is conducted. The therapists at Cornerstone Psychological Services also offer help in referring you to another community resource for assistance as indicated by treatment concerns. If it is determined that additional sessions beyond your five EAP sessions would be beneficial, you may continue working with your therapist on a private basis, using your health insurance benefits.

 

You may be assured of complete confidentiality. Cornerstone Psychological Services clinicians are bound by ethics and law, and may not release information without your written consent. Of course, if you are referred by your supervisor, documentation, such as proof of attendance, may be required by the appropriate administrator, but this will be discussed with you in advance.

Please visit our Web site at www.CornerstoneHelps.com for more information about our services and clinicians. And don’t wait if you’re feeling out of sort about your life. Give us a call at 540-9400. We’re here to help you.

 John Holt, Cornerstone Psychological Services (CPS). CPS is the district’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers five free counseling sessions per year to eligible employees and/or immediate family members. Call CPS at 540-9400 for information.

 

GCS Insider - Teacher and Principal of the Year

GCS Principal of the Year

 

A unique leadership style put Valerie Akins at the head of her class when she was named principal of the year at the Wachovia Best in Class Awards. She was also named elementary Principal of the Year. The 19-year education veteran is currently the principal of Aycock Middle and was formerly the principal at Vandalia Elementary. 

 

The passionate educator is known for having a unique perspective on leadership. "Despite my administrative positio, I walk through the doors of my school each day as a teacher" said Akins. "The school is my classroom, the teachers are my students and the students are my children. As a leader, I have the ability to empower others and mobilize everyone around a common goal and vision of education and caring for children. By tapping into the strengths of the community and allowing everyone to be involved, students, teachers and parents, I am able to make my vision become reality."

 

Akins was recommended by Sue Villarrubia, former curriculum facilitator at Vandalia Elementary. “Mrs. Akins was a driving force of positive energy with a true vision for student success,” said Villarrubia. “She worked diligently to create an environment where teachers and students felt cared about, supported and motivated to achieve.”

Other principals receiving awards include Revonda Johnson from High Point Central High. She received $500 for being the secondary school Principal of the Year.

Principal of the Year finalists each received $300:

• Darcy Kemp from Morehead Elementary
• Dr. Grenita Lathan from Washington Elementary
• Pam Misher from Pearce Elementary, former principal of Alderman Elementary

Akins won a total of $1,500; $1,000 for winning the overall award and $500 for winning as elementary Principal of the Year. Akins and the finalists will be recognized at the October 9 Board of Education meeting where she will receive a $1,000 gift card to Harris Teeter Neighborhood Markets and $1,000 gift card to Friendly Shopping Center. Each finalist will receive a $500 gift card to Harris Teeter.

 

 

GCS Teacher of the Year

 

Because of her passion for teaching, Carolyn Hiatt was named the 2007-08 GCS Teacher of the Year at the Wachovia Best of Class Awards. Hiatt teaches second grade at Hunter Elementary and has taught for 20 years.

Hiatt knew as a little girl that she wanted to teach. Hiatt comes from a long line of teachers and credits her family for inspiring her to become a teacher. “I believe watching them teach and share the importance of teaching others was a major part of my inspiration for becoming a teacher,” said Hiatt.

Hiatt’s advice to new teachers is simple: “Take on this job if it is your passion and you are willing to give it your all,” said Hiatt. “Teaching is time consuming in so many ways, but the impact is so important. Don’t expect to see the impact with all students but store the memories of the ones you do impact to keep you going strong.”

 

The teacher known for being a great motivator to her students is humble also. “To receive this award has been an overwhelming and humbling experience,” said Hiatt. “I don’t believe what I do is special, it’s just my passion. Working with children and helping them to achieve has been my life-long goal.”

Hiatt won a total of $1,500: $1,000 for winning the overall award and $500 for winning as elementary Teacher of the Year. Teacher of the Year winners each received $500:

• Janice Clark from Aycock Middle – Middle School Teacher of the Year
• Kristal Britton from Dudley High – High School Teacher of the Year

Michael Joncas from Summerfield Elementary and George Eckart from The Middle College of Entertainment Technology at GTCC were the remaining Teacher of the Year finalists and received $300 each.

 

Hiatt and the finalists will be recognized at the October 25 Board of Education meeting where she will be presented additional gift items compliments of Harris Teeter Neighborhood Markets. Each finalist will receive a choice of either $1,000 gift card to Harris Teeter Neighborhood Markets or the Friendly Shopping Center.