GCS News Briefs

November 14, 2008

This is What You Said

We asked you to send us your thoughts for formulating a plan that would make GCS the nation’s leading public school system. We are thankful to the thousands of you who responded. Over the next two months, we will be posting a variety of your suggestions in this newsletter.  In today’s edition, we are publishing one of the suggestions:

“Please do all that you can to allow our high school students to know that they are much more than just a composite of test scores and numbers, EOC, SAT, AP exam scores, etc. High school can be four years of stress, which is not a healthy way for anyone to live. I know they need to prepare for college, but they need to know that no matter what their class standing may be, they are all important individuals. Volunteer work could act as a way to let them all know they can have a positive impact.”

Two Key Administrative Appointments Announced

Dr. Eric J. Becoats, who recently served GCS as co-interim superintendent and currently works as chief of staff, has been named Chief Administrative Officer.  Nora K. Carr, a highly regarded public relations practitioner and management and organizational development expert, has been appointed the district’s Chief of Staff.

The GCS Board of Education approved Carr’s appointment at its November 13 meeting. Carr currently serves as Chief Communications Officer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Both appointments will become effective on Monday, December 1. They are part of changes to the district’s organizational structure. Under this new structure, Carr and Becoats will be two of four top administrators who report directly to the superintendent.

These changes are a series of organizational structure adjustments designed to enhance operations, support schools and improve academic achievement.

Carr’s many responsibilities will include legislative affairs, expanding business partnerships, implementation of the district’s core values, facilitating change management, parental involvement, community relations, volunteerism, fundraising and overseeing the District Relations department. She will also play a key role in the rollout and implementation of the district’s strategic plan. She comes to GCS with extensive experience in change management, organizational development and fundraising for nonprofits.

In his new role as Chief Administrative Officer, Becoats will oversee three major divisions (Human Resources, Information Technology and Accountability & Research) with responsibilities for recruitment, retention, development, compensation, instructional and operational technology, testing accountability, research and formative assessment. He will also continue to lead the district’s efforts to develop and implement the district’s strategic plan.

Susan Jenkins Named NewBridge Bank Outstanding Teacher

Susan Jenkins is a natural fit for NewBridge Bank’s award for “Outstanding Teacher” from Guilford County.  Jenkins has spent 32 years teaching and inspiring youngsters at Guilford Elementary, elevating her professional credentials and giving back to youth and her community through service projects. As NewBridge Bank’s Outstanding Teacher, Jenkins, a National Board Certified Teacher, received an award of $1,000.

Guilford Elementary Principal Eunice Isley said: “Susan is a great teacher who really knows how to get results. She has grown into a professional educator who readily shares her knowledge and training for the benefit of all students. She spends what little free time she has helping other teachers learn and grow.”

NewBridge Bank launched the monthly Teacher Recognition Award earlier this year to reward and recognize outstanding public-school teachers in select city and county school systems in NewBridge Bank’s areas of operations. For more information, contact Lillian M. Govus, program administrator – communications, at 370-8997 or govusl@gcsnc.com.

Smith High Receives the Hubert B. Humphrey, Jr. School Improvement Award

For improving student achievement through sound educational practices, community outreach and collaborative relationships, Smith High has been named the recipient of the fourth annual Hubert B. Humphrey, Jr. School Improvement Award.

The $10,000 award was presented this week by the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. Smith will have its name inscribed on the Hugh Humphrey cup and will display the cup on its campus until next year’s winner is announced.

The school plans to use the $10,000 cash award to fund three professional development workshops in Data-Driven Decision-Making, Making Standards Work and Effective Teaching Strategies offered through the Center for Performance Development.

A selection committee representing the Community Foundation, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, the Board of Education, GCS and Ms. Jacqueline Humphrey (widow of Hugh Humphrey) selected Smith based on a comprehensive review of data indicating the amount of progress the school has made compared to last year. Specifically, Smith was selected for its improvement in student achievement, attendance and parent/community involvement. 

Hubert B. “Hugh” Humphrey was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation from 1981 until he passed away in 2003. Revered by fellow trustees and staff, Humphrey also served as legal counsel to the Foundation. In November 2003, the Trustees created the Hubert B. Humphrey, Jr. School Improvement Award to honor his dedication. The Foundation established a fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, which is used each year to support the cash award. For more information, contact Principal Noah Rogers at 294-7300.

Two Employees Receive Recognition 

Congratulations to Joan Miller, treasurer of Jesse Wharton Elementary, and Joyce Goode, program administrator for budgets, telecommunications and school accounting, for receiving top recognition from The North Carolina Association of Educational Office Professionals, District 6. Miller was named Educational Office Professional of the Year, and Goode was named Administrator of the Year. Both will represent GCS at the state level. For more information, contact Haley Miller, media relations manager, at 370-3200.

Teacher Assistant Chris Fox Named Employee of the Month

The remarkable job of being an educator is neverending – it takes true dedication, patience and hard work. According to the Sumner Elementary family, Chris Fox is the epitome of what’s right in our schools. A parent of a child attending Sumner credits Fox as the reason her son was able to keep his grades up and remain positive while their family was going through difficult times. 

Fox has been described as “a man of many hats.” Fox tutors and encourages struggling students, takes pictures of school events, maintains the school Web site, creates charts to display student data, provides a listening ear and is a positive male role model.

“Mr. Fox is a great asset to Sumner,” said Principal Brian Clarida. “He works to bring out the best in each student he works with during small group sessions.”  Fox utilizes every part of the day to promote learning and excellence, including his lunch time when he tutors students who need extra help.   

As Employee of the Month, Fox received a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, which has generously partnered with GCS to support the employee recognition program. His photo will hang at the district’s central offices, as well as at the Wendover Avenue Sam’s Club. In addition, the Guilford County Board of Education recognized him at its November 13 meeting.

Know someone like Fox who makes a difference? Click here to nominate him or her. For more information, contact Lillian M. Govus, program administrator – communications, at 370-8997.

American Express Recognizes Alvin Connell for 18 Years of Service

There are many tasks for volunteers in our schools. They can help children with special needs get to therapy sessions and classes. They can fix items in need of repair around the school. Volunteers often help office staff with paperwork. Some even plan special events for the students. Alvin Connell does all of that and more.

As a volunteer, Connell has been dedicating his time, energy and care at McIver and Gateway Education Centers for 18 years. He is affectionately known as “Mr. C” to the students and staff, and Linda Lyon, Gateway principal, tenderly refers to him as a “grandfather-in-residence.” Connell plans holiday concerts for the students featuring his senior choir, puts together therapy equipment for students and, through his constant presence and caring demeanor, has greatly enhanced the lives of all Gateway and McIver students. In the nomination on his behalf, a Gateway counselor said: “His encouraging spirit is contagious. We are all better for knowing him.”

GCS and American Express representatives teamed up to surprise Connell with Volunteer of the Month honors. As Volunteer of the Month, he received a gift bag and $25 gift card from American Express, which has generously partnered with GCS to support the volunteer recognition program. His photo will hang at the district’s central offices during the month of November, and the Guilford County Board of Education recognized him at its November 13 meeting.
  
Do you know a volunteer like Connell who selflessly works for the betterment of students, educators and schools? Click here to nominate him or her to be the next GCS Volunteer of the Month. For more information, contact Lillian M. Govus, program administrator – communications, at 370-8997.

Alamance Elementary Wins Can Contest

For the second year in a row, Alamance Elementary achieved first place in the Kids, Cans and Cash challenge for schools with more than 600 students. This challenge is sponsored by Guilford County, Greensboro and High Point. Students collected over 400 pounds of aluminum cans for recycling. For more information, contact Assistant Principal Andy Gann at 697-3177.

Graduation Project Judges Needed at Northwest High

Judges are needed for the annual Northwest High’s graduation project speech nights on March 16 and 17. Judges will receive information regarding rubrics and procedures, while enjoying dinner prior to presentations. Snacks will also be provided. This is a great opportunity to be a part of the Viking community and learn more about this outstanding program. Sign up by December 15. For more information, please contact Jade Nix, curriculum facilitator, at 605-2083.

Frazier Elementary Teacher Receives Local Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award

GCS is proud to announce that Frazier Elementary teacher Janet Glenn has been selected as Teacher of the Year by Wal-Mart located at Elm-Eugene Street in Greensboro. Frazier Elementary will receive a cash prize of $1,000, and Mrs. Glenn will receive a $100 gift card for her classroom.  Thank you to Wal-Mart for recognizing outstanding teachers for their hard work and dedication to the district. Congratulations to Mrs. Glenn and Frazier Elementary.  For more information, please contact Principal Laverne Bass at 294-7340 or Bill Hurt, instructional improvement officer, at 370-2347.

School Improvement Plans Can Now Be Viewed Online

North Carolina legislation requires School Improvement Plans (SIPs) to be developed on a three-year cycle with annual updates in the interim two years.  A SIP includes strategies for improving student performance, how and when improvements will be implemented, use of state funds, requests for waivers, etc.  To view individual school SIPs, Click here.  For more information, please contact Dr. Beth Folger, chief academic officer, at 370-2313 or folgere@gcsnc.com.

GCSTV 2     

Experience “MetamorphaSEUSS”

The Northwest High Viking Marching Band takes you on a journey of the band’s metamorphosis as they travel into a magical land inspired from stories written by Dr. Seuss.
This performance was awarded first place at the Scotland High Highlands Competition in Laurinburg. The band also swept the awards at the Albemarle competition, coming home the Sweepstakes Champion. See this performance daily at noon.

Tus Hijos y GCS (Your Children and GCS)

The district’s Spanish language program is designed to help parents and guardians with their children’s education and school experience.  Hosted by ESOL teacher Karin Young, this program is in both Spanish and English daily at 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

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 which partners 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 honors its educators and names Rodney Morgan Teacher of the Year and LaToy Kennedy Principal of the year.  All of the 10 finalists are profiled at 10:01 a.m. daily.

Inside Out

This documentary is a stark reminder of the importance of staying in school.  A series of stories features inmates who ponder the world outside prison walls as they talk about how dropping out of school dramatically changed their lives for the worst. 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.

Friday Night Rivalries

GCSTV 2’s new show, Friday Night Rivalries, is a fast-paced half hour highlighting top GCS high school team matchups. It’s produced by students at Weaver Academy and runs at 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. 

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 some of the drivers who should know best Indy Series racers.  This program runs 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 and 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.

Award Winning Author Visits
He mixes real life stories with humor and his personal insight.  It’s a combination that has made Robert Little’s speeches and his books hits nationwide.  Meet this award-winning author as he pays a visit to a Guilford County school.  This Newsbreak airs Wednesday, November 19.

Hooked On Books
A trip to a local book store to shop for some favorites is part of the program designed to help develop life-long readers.  Students from Archer Elementary get to enjoy a field trip and build a personal library.  This Newsbreak airs Friday, November 21.

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