GCS News Briefs

October 17, 2008

GCS English Teacher Wins NC Poet Laureate Contest

John York, an English teacher at Penn-Griffin School for the Arts, recently won the Poet Laureate Contest sponsored by the North Carolina Poetry Society.  Current Poet Laureate Kathryn Stripling Byer judged the contest and awarded Mr. York the award for his poem “Naming the Constellations.” According to York, “I am tickled to see the poem in print. I worked on that thing for a long time—years!” Click here to view the Poetry Society Web page. You can also find the poem on Kathryn Stripling Byer’s blog at http://ncpoetlaureate.blogspot.com.  For more information, please contact High School Curriculum Specialists Angie Kratzer at kratzea@gcsnc.com, or Fannie Bratcher at bratchf@gcsnc.com or 370-3272.

Advanced Placement Scholar Awards

Sixty-seven students at The Early College at Guilford have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the 2008 Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. The College Board’s AP program provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both. About 18 percent of the 1.6 million students worldwide who took AP exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award. The Early College at Guilford student, Mark Draelos, qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average grade of four or higher on a Five-point scale on all AP exams taken and grades of four or higher on eight or more of these exams.

Forty-eight students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of three or higher on five or more of these exams. Nine students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of three or higher on four or more of these exams. Ten students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP exams with grades of three or higher. Click here for the list of students. Congratulations to all!  For more information, please contact Principal Charles Blanchard at 316-2860, or Dr. Mack McCary, instructional improvement officer, at 370-8101.

GCS Board Member Receives Her Own Special Day

Mark your calendar! The Guilford County Board of Commissioners named November 6 as “Dorothy Kendall Kearns Day’ in Guilford County. This proclamation was read at Thursday night’s commissioners meeting. Members praised the former county commissioner and current school board member for her service to Guilford County, holding public office for 34 of the past 36 years.

Kearns was the first woman elected to the High Point Board of Education (others had been appointed before her), the first woman to serve as a county commissioner and the first woman to chair the board of commissioners. Congratulations to GCS Board Member Dot Kearns.

Alamance Elementary Teacher Named GCS Employee of the Month

The greatest accomplishment for any teacher is to make a connection with a student. That’s what happened in Dana Carpenter’s Alamance Elementary math class. When a student of this dazzling teacher realized he was going to graduate from her class at the end of the year, he said, “Asking me to leave her fifth-grade class was like asking me to give up air.”

Carpenter went beyond teaching her students the math curriculum. According to the student who nominated her, “She would teach you to believe in yourself and have courage. Not only was her attitude impeccable, her teaching skills were wonderful.”

Principal Pam Early echoed the student’s sentiments: “Mrs. Carpenter is an outstanding teacher who provides leadership not only to her students, but to other staff members as well. She serves as chairman of our School Improvement Team. Her positive attitude is a catalyst for all who work around her. It is an honor to have her as part of our team.”

As Employee of the Month, Carpenter received a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, which has generously partnered with GCS to support the employee recognition program. Her photo will hang at the district’s central offices, as well as at the Wendover Avenue Sam’s Club. To nominate someone for Employee of the Month, click here or contact Lillian Govus, program administrator – communications, at 370-8353.

Volunteer of the Month Helps Teachers Focus on Students

At Reedy Fork Elementary, students shop at a school store using tickets they earned for positive behavior. Almost every day, Heather Jones is there at the school, making sure the school store is stocked and organized.

This volunteer’s presence also allows teachers to focus on their students, rather than splitting time managing the store. Jones helps guide the students through their purchases, and in turn, students learn the value of their good behavior.

As Volunteer of the Month, Jones received a gift basket and $25 gift card from American Express, which has graciously partnered with Guilford County Schools to support the volunteer recognition program. Her photo will hang at the district’s central offices. In addition, the Guilford County Board of Education recognized Jones at its October 14 meeting. Know a volunteer who goes above and beyond? Nominate him or her here or contact Lillian Govus, program administrator – communications, at 370-8353.

GCS Principal Recognized as “Friend of the Arts”

Ralph Kitley, principal at Southeast High, can now add the title of “Friend of the Arts” to his resume. The North Carolina Art Education Association (NCAEA) presented him with the award for his recognition of the significant role the arts plays in the lives of students. He was nominated for the award by Southeast art teacher Lisa Sterling. NCAEA will honor Kitley at a luncheon on Friday, November 7 at 11:30 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville, N.C. For more information, please contact Mr. Kitley at 674-4300.

Nationally Known Speaker Visits Southern Middle

On October 2, students at Southern Middle learned a lesson of struggle, perseverance and love. Two-time author and speaker, Dr. Joseph Jennings, shared his life story of growing up on Chicago’s Southside, falling into alcohol, drugs and gangs, and making the tough decision to turn his life around. Once a gang leader, Jennings learned the hard way that the only way to have real power in his life was through education and right choices. He took control of his life, went to college and earned his doctorate. Now Jennings’ story serves as inspiration to millions of students, inmates and former gang members worldwide. Many thanks to Project Lighthouse, a character education program that brings nationally known speakers to NC schools, for sponsoring Jennings’ visit. For more information, contact Principal Kevin Wheat at 674-4266 or Bobby Hayes, instructional improvement officer, at 370-8000.

Fifth-Grade Teachers Participate in Science Kit Training

This week, 55 fifth-grade science teachers from across the district participated in a workshop on effective implementation of the Motion and Design science kits. These kits will be delivered to 24 elementary schools throughout Guilford County next week to help provide teachers with the resources necessary to teach the concepts of forces and motion to fifth-graders during the upcoming quarter. Remaining elementary schools will have access to these materials during the third and fourth quarters of the school year.  These kits build on concepts taught in earlier grades such as balance, weight and motion and will provide a foundation for future science courses such as physics.  For more information, please contact Robyn Barrett, elementary science curriculum specialist, at 312-4332.

GCS Science Curriculum Specialists Present to State Park Rangers

GCS Curriculum Science Specialists Robyn Barrett, Feagin Fuqua and Debbie Kraszeski recently had the opportunity to present to state park rangers from the central region of North Carolina. The presentation focused on the alignment of the NC Science Standard Course of Study with state park field trips. The participants were enthusiastic about providing opportunities for students that enhance science instruction. Field trips to our state parks support a national initiative known as "No Child Left Inside" and afford our students opportunities for hands-on experiences. For more information, please contact the GCS science curriculum specialists at 370-3274.

Sales Tax Information

The ¼ cent sales tax on the November ballot may have many of you asking how this money will be used. Guilford Education Alliance is providing information that can help you make an informed decision. Click here for more information.

Enrichment Fund Scholarship Deadline Nears

Next Wednesday is the deadline for schools to submit applications for the Enrichment Fund Scholarship’s second round. These scholarships are for events taking place November 5 – January 20. Click here for more information or call Cecilia Adams, manager of community partnerships, at 370-8355.

GCSTV 2

Celebration of Excellence

Sixteen GCS schools are honored as most improved at the Celebration of Excellence.  War Memorial Auditorium in Greensboro is the site of the festivities that teams up the business community with our public schools in rewarding hard work with kudos and cash.  This program runs daily at 3:01 p.m. and 11:01 p.m.

Wachovia Best in Class Awards

GCS educators were honored for their dedication to students at the annual Wachovia Best in Class Awards. Rodney Morgan was named Teacher of the Year and LaToy Kennedy was named Principal of the year.  See profiles of all 10 finalists at 10:01 a.m. daily.

Employee of the Month

Math teacher Dana Carpenter gets a surprise from her colleagues and her family as she is honored at Alamance Elementary as GCS Employee of the Month for October 2008.  This program runs daily at 7:27 a.m., 9:39 a.m.,12:57 p.m., 3:58 p.m., 7:58 p.m. and 9:58 p.m.

Volunteer of the Month

Heather Jones devotes a lot of time helping out at Reedy Fork Elementary.  Her latest assignment is as store keeper at “Rudymart.”  See this dedicated parent surprised and rewarded for giving of her time.  This program runs daily at 8:58 a.m., 1:58 p.m. and 8:58 p.m.  

Inside Out

This documentary is a stark reminder of the importance of staying in school. Inmates ponder the world outside prison walls as they talk about how dropping out of school dramatically changed their lives for the worst.  Produced by the Mattie Stewart Foundation, GCSTV 2 presents this emotionally gripping film with stories told by those who live with the consequences every day.  This program runs daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Driver’s Edge-Driver’s Education Special

Take this in-depth driver’s education course that gives real world examples and advice on how to safely handle a car.  The advice is handed out generously by drivers who should know best - Indy Series racers.  See this program Friday through Monday at 5:59 a.m. and 4:59 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday at 4:59 a.m. and 5:59 p.m.

GCSTV 2 & ABC-45

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.

Dell Gives To Aycock
The computer giant Dell joins with Aycock Middle to provide school supplies and plan for the science and technology magnet’s future technology needs.  This Newsbreak airs on Wednesday, October 22.

Summerfield Fire Safety
When the weather turns cooler and the furnace is fired up, it’s definitely the season to increase awareness of fire safety at home and at school.  Summerfield Elementary students get some important lessons from the local fire department.  This Newsbreak airs on Friday, October 24.

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