GCS News Briefs

December 12, 2008

This is What You Said

We asked you to send us your thoughts on how to make GCS the nation’s leading public school system. We are thankful to the thousands of you who responded. Here is what one of you suggested:

“A great idea would be an online forum (or multiple forums) for teachers to discuss strategies for teaching, share resources, provide support, etc. These forums could even be an arena for discussing the state of the school district, sharing thoughts on cutting-edge research in education, and finding better ways to meet the educational needs of our students. This type of forum would build community and spur discussion that could help gain new ground in the effort to educate the students of GCS.”

GCS Takes Steps to Address Budget Issues

On November 17, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) informed all public school districts and charter schools that they would be required to return $58 million, or 0.75 percent of their allotted state funds, due to a drop in anticipated revenues for the state government. This adjustment amounts to $2.8 million for GCS.

In addition, the district is 619 students below state enrollment projections. Initially, we had reported that we would have to give back approximately $2 million as a result. However, after updated student daily enrollments were finalized by NCDPI, the state informed us that we would be required to return only $958,000. That amount represents half of the 619-student enrollment difference. The $958,000 figure combined with the $2.8 million reversion adds up to approximately $3.8 million in adjustments.

Here are the steps we are taking to address this budget adjustment:

• Instituting a hiring freeze for non-instructional positions. Exceptions will be made on rare occasions only with the permission of the following administrators: the Chief of Staff, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Academic Officer
• Eliminating overtime beginning January 1, 2009 and replacing it with compensatory time
• Curtailing travel
• Delaying certain contracted services

Staff is also working on other proposed cuts.

The Guilford County Board of Education will hold a work session to address the budget reduction plan on December 17. The Board will vote on the plan at its regular meeting on Thursday, December 18.

We recognize that this is a difficult situation, but we are confident that by working together, we can and will get through this. As always, our top priority will remain providing a world-class education for all of our students. For more information, please contact Haley Miller, media relations manager, at 370-3200.

Attention Employees: Update Contact Information Online

A new link has been added to the GCS Web site called Employee Self Service. The link is found under “Quick Links for Employees” and is also listed on the right-hand side of the employee page. Current and former GCS employees can update their contact information and access their Continuing Education Unit history. Current employees can login using their last name and social security number or their username and password. Former employees must use their last name and social security number to access the system. Updating your information will assist the Human Resources Department when it sends W-2 forms in January. Updating your phone number will also ensure you receive inclement weather messages. If you experience difficulty in accessing the system, or if you have additional questions, please call HR Operations at 370-8091.

Congratulations to National Board Certified Teachers

Congratulations to the 45 teachers who received the prestigious National Board Certification this year. These teachers are among the 9,600 educators who achieved this certification nationwide.

A symbol of professional teaching excellence, the National Board Certification acknowledges that a teacher was judged by his or her peers as one who is accomplished, makes sound professional judgments about students’ best interests and acts effectively on those judgments.

A total of 517 GCS teachers have achieved this certification. The district ranks third in the state and 11th among all school districts in the nation for its number of National Board Certified teachers. GCS is the 48th largest school district in the nation.

National Board Certification measures a teacher’s practice against high and rigorous standards through an extensive series of performance-based assessments, including teaching portfolios, student work samples, videotapes or DVDs and thorough analyses of the candidate’s teaching methods. Click here to view the list of teachers.

For more information regarding the National Board certification process, please visit the NCDPI’s Web site:  http://www.ncpublicschools.org/recruitment/nationalboardcertification or the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Web site:  http://www.nbpts.org .
For more information, please contact Stephen Foster, executive director-HR operations, at 378-8822.

Central Offices Donate Almost 1,000 Pounds of Food to Urban Ministry

At its holiday luncheon, GCS central office employees donated 868 pounds of non-perishable foods to help feed people in need this holiday season. The donations were collected by Urban Ministry, which provides crisis intervention and emergency services through the basics of food, shelter and clothing. Urban Ministry also helps individuals and families break the cycles of poverty, hunger, addiction and homelessness. Thanks to all who donated. For more information, contact Jennifer Landes, program administrator – communications, at 370-8353. For more information about Urban Ministry, go to www.greensborourbanministry.org .

Jones Elementary Hosts “Kans for Kids 2008”

Each year, Jones Elementary gives back to the community during the holiday months. Students at Jones participate in a school-wide service project during the holiday season. The Thanksgiving food drive was a success, and now they are working on their Christmas holiday drive that ends Thursday, Dec. 18.

Each class is collecting non-perishable items, coins and plastic containers of peanut butter and 100 percent fruit juice. Jones will purchase turkeys with the monetary donations they receive. Jones continues to collect school supplies for students throughout the year. For more information, please contact Crystal Cox, school counselor, at 370-8230.

Eastern Student to Attend Summer Leadership Program

Madison Blythe, a sophomore at Eastern High, was chosen to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program this summer at North Carolina State University.  While at the program, Madison will be honing and improving her leadership abilities.  We know that this will be a motivating experience for her. For more information, please contact Principal Travis Reeves at 375-6307.

Weaver Academy Students Advance to State Competition for Governor’s School

James Ferguson III (drama), Alex Hayes (social science) and Hannah Pope (visual arts) have advanced to the summer 2009 state competition for Governor’s School. In order to compete, each student had to be eligible for the advanced learner program and have test scores at or above the 92nd percentile.

At the state level, each student will audition for the arts program and interview for academic programs to see if they qualify to move on to the next level. For more information, please contact Lisé Timmons, director of advanced learning, at 370-8045.

Smith High Band Wins Greensboro Jaycee’s Battle of the Bands

Eight local high school bands competed in the Greensboro Jaycee’s Battle of the Bands competition before the start of the Greensboro Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 6. Smith High’s “Band of the Millennium” was the judges’ favorite. The $1,000 award will go toward the purchase of a sousaphone, which costs $4,000. For more information, please contact Charles Butler, band director, at 294-7300.

Partner Appreciation Days at Kohls

Kohls is offering all GCS employees an extra discount through Sunday. Click here to download the coupon. For more information, please contact Cecilia Adams, manager of community partnerships, at 370-8355.

Local Company Answers Holiday Wish for Sumner Elementary

A local company that wishes to remain anonymous donated six laptop computers to Sumner Elementary. The laptops will be used in classrooms to help the students gain a better appreciation of technology and to help engage students in the learning atmosphere. The laptops will be accessible for teacher use, as well as for students. For more information, please contact Principal Brian Clarida at 316-5888.

Professional Development Inclement Weather Plan

When the school day schedule is changed due to inclement weather, the following procedures will apply for conducting scheduled professional development activities: 

• When school is delayed, the workshop will be delayed and will be concluded at the regularly scheduled time. (If school is delayed one hour, the workshop will be delayed one hour.  If school is delayed two hours, the workshop will be delayed two hours.)
• When school is closed for students, the workshop is cancelled, and the session will be rescheduled.
• When schools are closed early, workshops will be dismissed at the same time.
• No workshops scheduled to begin after school shall take place when school is closed or dismissed early due to inclement weather.

A separate announcement regarding professional development activities will not be made in the event of inclement weather. For more information, please contact Randy Shiflett, director of professional development, at 370-3279 or shifleh@gcsnc.com . 

Short Plan Year

On December 31, the short plan year for the following products will end: cancer, dental, hospital indemnity, short-term disability, spending accounts (medical and dependent care), Texas life insurance and vision. The new plan year begins January 1, 2009 and will end December 31, 2009.  The enrollment for the new plan year was completed on October 31. All products will continue into the new plan year.  There is an important fact to remember with the medical/dependent care spending accounts. Employees enrolled in the medical/dependent care spending accounts for the short plan year, must spend all of their money by December 31, 2008. If not, the money will be lost.

It is important that employees check the status of these accounts to ensure that all of the money is used.  The accounts are managed by Gilsbar. The customer service number is 1-800-445-7227, ext. 883. For more information, please contact Patty Kinkade, director of benefits, at 370-8092 or kinkadp@gcsnc.com .

GCSTV 2     

Be There

Parental involvement in the academic lives of children plays an important part in how well they do in school.  Parent participation is what the “Be There” campaign is all about. This program airs daily at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Jazzing It Up

Tune in and turn on the cool jazz stylings of the GCS All County Jazz Band. Some of the district’s best musicians showcase their talents at a recent concert, and GCSTV 2 shares the performance with you.  This program airs daily at 1 a.m., noon and 10 p.m.

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 presented in Spanish and English daily at 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7 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 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 Football Highlights

GCSTV 2’s “Friday Night Rivalries” is sure to delight GCS high school football fans! This fast-paced half-hour program highlights top team matchups with interviews with coaches and players. The program is produced by Mike Crenshaw’s TV group at Weaver Academy and can be seen 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.

Syngenta for the Holidays
Employees of this world leader in agri-business team up with GCS to help children and their families during the holidays. This program airs on Wednesday, December 17. 

Applying for College
Students from Dudley High and others across the state get encouragement and help in applying to North Carolina colleges online. This program airs Friday, December 19.

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