GCS Addresses the State of Our Schools

Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green challenges the community to get involved, “Be the Change”

Contact: Haley Miller (336) 370-3200
Created: 1/26/2010 6:28:06 PM

One year after the launch of the district’s first-ever strategic plan, Guilford County Schools (GCS) held a State of Our Schools address Tuesday to update the community on the progress of goals and initiatives accomplished so far. The event also covered upcoming initiatives that will be underway by 2012.

GCS exceeded, met or made progress on 19 of the 24 academic goals set forth in the district’s strategic plan. As examples, the percentage of students performing at proficiency increased in end-of-grade (EOG) reading and EOG math in grades three through eight and in EOG science in grades five and eight. The district met or surpassed its goal for students who achieved Level IV, exceeding expectations in EOG reading. To help GCS meet all goals set, many strategic plan initiatives are already in progress.

A new initiative launched Tuesday is the One Million Books campaign, where GCS is challenging all students to collectively read one million books and make reading a part of everyday life at school and at home. With the help of local rotary clubs, the program was piloted at four elementary schools this fall. After Tuesday night’s event, the campaign is being extended across the district. The Greensboro and High Point public libraries also are partnering with GCS to support this initiative. At the event, Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green encouraged more community members to get involved.

“The One Million Books campaign is evidence of the district’s commitment to literacy,” Green said. “Our students all have the capacity to be excellent. What they need is more time reading. They need more mentors and tutors, and they need more community organizations to get involved in their learning.” Tuesday night’s event also marked the official launch of the district’s character development initiative. Various parts of this initiative will start at various times over the course of this school year and next school year. In the classroom, students will be learning about seven character traits that can help them at school and in their daily lives. The district will encourage character development through civic education and service learning.

To provide a strong foundation for the service learning initiative, Housing Opportunities, Inc. presented Habitat for Humanity with a check for $75,000, which will be used to fund a Habitat house built by GCS students and employees district-wide. Also, the National Conference for Community and Justice is partnering with GCS to expand their human relations project to every GCS middle school in the 2010-11 school year thanks to a private donation. “We are very thankful for the support from Housing Opportunities and NCCJ,” Green said. “They both serve as excellent examples of how organizations can partner with the district to teach our students valuable and lifelong lessons.”

Along with the address, the district released the 2009 annual report. The report, which is paperless for the first time, provides an update on the academic progress of GCS. To view the report, visit http://2009annualreport.gcsnc.com/. It includes the district’s report card on academic measures and a dashboard that shows how GCS is doing on every measurable goal and every initiative outlined in the 2012 Strategic Plan. Viewers also can read stories about employees, students and community members who are making a difference. There are multiple ways for families, business leaders and citizens of Guilford County to become involved in the district’s schools. At the event, Green challenged all members of the community to step up and help the children of Guilford County achieve educational excellence. “GCS is changing and growing to meet the changing and diverse needs of our students,” Green said. “We hope you’ll join us because our children are worthy of your honor, your respect and your support.”

For more information on how to get involved with One Million Books, character development, or with any other strategic plan initiatives, visit the district’s Web site, www.gcsnc.com, or send an e-mail to feedback@gcsnc.com.

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 121 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 website at www.gcsnc.com.