GCS News Briefs

December 5, 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:

“Please do all that you can to let our high school students know that they are much more than just a composite of test scores and numbers. 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 GCS Schools Listed Among America’s Best High Schools

Congratulations to The Early College at Guilford and Weaver Academy for ranking among the nation’s best high schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. The Early College at Guilford ranked 17th on the magazine’s list of America’s top 100 high schools and received gold medal status while Weaver was granted honorable mention.

The Early College at Guilford was one of only two North Carolina high schools in the top 100.  The rankings are based in part on the magazine’s college readiness index, a measure of the degree to which students master some college-level materials. Earlier this year, Newsweek magazine also named The Early College at Guilford one of America’s best high schools.

The magazine awards honorable mentions to schools that have achieved high levels of college readiness, but only partially met state test performance criteria. For more information, please contact Haley Miller, media relations manager, at 370-3200.

Rankin Elementary and The Middle College at GTCC - Greensboro Receive Signature Schools Award

For experiencing significant improvement in the last year, Rankin Elementary and The Middle College at GTCC - Greensboro each received the Signature Schools Award from the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium. The Piedmont Triad Education Consortium is a collaboration of 15 school districts and 17 higher education agencies.

The award is presented based on the following initiatives: innovative practices to increase student achievement, systematic positive changes, overall improvement in quality of teaching and learning and engaged support of parents and the community. For more information, please contact Rankin Principal Geraldine Cox at 375-2545 or The Middle College at GTCC – Greensboro Principal Kevin Fleming at 375-2466.

GCS Students Earn AP Scholar Awards

GCS is pleased to announce that more than 800 of the district’s Advanced Placement (AP) students have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. Click here for a complete list of students by school.

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 and to earn college credit, advanced placement or both. AP is accepted by more than 3,600 colleges and universities worldwide, which includes more than 90 percent of four-year institutions in the United States.

Research consistently shows that students who score a three or higher on AP Exams’ one-to-five scale typically experience greater academic success in college and higher graduation rates than students who do not participate in AP.

For more information, please contact Jane Fleming, executive director for advanced learners, at 370-2316 or Guy Ferguson, AP/IB program coordinator, at 370-8244.

Two Eastern High Students Earn Student Improvement Awards

Olga Salinas and Johnathon Marion, two seniors at Eastern High, were the November winners of the Summit Rotary Club and Youth First’s Student Improvement Award. This award recognizes middle and high school students in Guilford County who show improved progress in work ethic, attendance and academics. These students and their families were honored with a luncheon during the Summit Rotary Club’s weekly meeting. They are now eligible for the Student of the Year Award, given in May 2009. For more information, contact Principal Travis Reeves at 375-6307.

Pamela Rudd Named December Employee of the Month

Educators are not the only ones who play an important role in the delicate journey of educating students in Guilford County. Office support personnel handle the “behind the scenes” work that is so important to the efficient running of any department. According to her curriculum and instruction colleagues, Pamela Rudd is not only a key member of their department’s support system, but the district as a whole.

Gracious, kind and helpful are just a few words that her co-workers use to describe her. Rudd is recognized for always extending a helping hand to both new and veteran employees. Her colleagues have witnessed her "jumping directly into support mode" to help two recently hired employees. She answers questions, fulfills all requests and is still able to help veteran employees needing assistance.  

“She models how best to treat people,” said colleague Maureen Robinson. “Her ever-so-positive attitude serves to provide a style and tone that enriches not only our work place, but also impacts each of us as we relate beyond the work environment.”

To Rudd, no task is too small or menial. She helps with document design, word software instruction, technology and in many more areas around the office. 

As Employee of the Month, Rudd 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. In addition, the Guilford County Board of Education recognized her at its December 2 meeting.

Know someone like Rudd who approaches each workday with a smile? Nominate him or her to be the next GCS Employee of the Month here: http://www.gcsnc.com/employees/emp_month/index.aspx . For more information, contact Lillian Govus, program administrator-communications, at 370-8997.

Abby Russell Named December Volunteer of the Month

Helping hands are always welcomed, and at Pilot Elementary, Abby Russell is always willing to lend a hand in any situation. Not only is she president of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), but she is also a whirlwind of ideas and activities. Russell is at the school nearly every day, raising funds for the PTA, organizing newcomer nights, scheduling the book fair and working with local restaurants to promote family nights. In addition, she motivates and inspires those around her to donate their time.

Last year, volunteers logged more than 342,000 hours at GCS, and Russell’s daily presence represents a fraction of those hours. American Express, which generously sponsors the volunteer recognition program, understands that a little help goes a long way. Last year, 1,747 American Express volunteers logged more than 6,000 hours in our community.

District and American Express representatives surprised Russell with Volunteer of the Month honors. As Volunteer of the Month, she received a gift basket and a $25 gift card from American Express. Her photo will hang at the district’s central offices and Pilot Elementary during the month of December. In addition, the Guilford County Board of Education recognized her at its December 2 meeting.

Know someone like Russell who plays a part in helping our students, schools and staff strive, achieve and excel? Nominate that person to be the next Volunteer of the Month here: http://www.gcsnc.com/depts/community/vom_form.htm . For more information, contact Lillian Govus, program administrator-communications, at 370-8997.

Free and Reduced Lunch Applications Accepted Year-Round

GCS will accept applications for free and reduced meal benefits any time during the school year. If economic situations occur, such as a job loss, a family may be approved for benefits. Income eligibility guidelines are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service and are based on income and household size. Currently, approximately 48 percent of students district-wide receive free and reduced lunch benefits. For more information, please contact Cynthia Sevier, director of school nutrition services, at 370-3266.

Students Join Four Seasons Town Centre to Spread the Spirit of Giving

Four Seasons Town Centre is enlisting the help of GCS students to spread the spirit of giving throughout the Triad this holiday season. Using its character education partnership as a platform to teach students the principles of giving, kindness and compassion, the mall donated more than $4,000 to aid in the formation of “Giving Teams” in schools throughout the district. 

Each team submitted an application to Four Seasons Town Centre and was selected based on the creativity, community impact, spirit of giving and timing of the proposed project. In all, 21 teams were selected, representing 15 schools in the district. The teams received $200 in seed money from Four Seasons Town Centre during a presentation Monday night. Click here for the list of giving teams and projects. For more information, contact Cecilia Adams, manager of community partnerships, at 370-8355.

Teacher Supply Warehouse Opens Doors to All Teachers

Getting low on classroom supplies? Beginning Tuesday, December 11, the Teacher Supply Warehouse will open temporarily to all GCS teachers, counselors and social workers! Next Tuesday through the end of the 2008-09 school year, all teachers may shop the Teacher Supply Warehouse for free supplies. You may shop four times until the end of the school year. The only thing we ask is for you or your students to write a thank-you note to one or more of the companies that make donations. You may shop any Tuesday or Thursday from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., but you must first register to shop. There is a limit of 75 shoppers per day. Click here for more information and to register.

We are grateful to our partners, The Guilford Education Alliance, Welfare Reform Liaison Project and Leadership Greensboro, for making this possible during these hard economic times. Please take advantage of this great offer and encourage people you know at local companies to make donations. The Teacher Supply Warehouse can only operate through the donations it receives. To donate, please contact Cecilia Adams, manager of community partnerships, at 370-8355 or by e-mail at adamsc4@gcsnc.com .

Give Education for the Holidays

As holiday shoppers struggle to find the perfect gift for friends, family and colleagues, Guilford Education Alliance and DonorsChoose.org recommend giving the gift of education.  Public school teachers with classroom resource needs are connected to individuals that want to help through www.DonorsChoose.org .  The nonprofit organization offers GivingCards that allow the recipients to go online and fund the GCS project of their choice.

Giving a DonorsChoose.org GivingCard for the holidays has a three-fold return: recipients get to choose the school project they want to fund and see the lasting impact for students, givers can deduct the cost of the GivingCard on their taxes and our schools receive much needed resources. 

Click here and choose the “Gifts” tab to purchase DonorsChoose.org GivingCards in time for the holidays. To give to a GCS project, click here .  For more information, please contact the Guilford Education Alliance at 841-4332.

New Books-A-Million Store Offers Educator Discounts

This Saturday during Books-A-Million Grand Opening, all GCS educators are invited to receive a 25 percent discount on purchases. While you’re there, sign up for a free Educator Card, which entitles you to a 20 percent discount off school-related purchases. The store is located at 1570-C Highwoods Blvd., Greensboro. For more information, contact the store at 291-0090.

Educator Appreciation Weekend at Starbucks

Starbucks Coffee Company is saying thank you to GCS faculty and staff for the incredible job each and every one of you do in educating today’s youth and the integral role you play in developing tomorrow’s leaders. Today through Sunday, Starbucks is giving teachers, faculty and staff a 10 percent discount on all retail purchases and a complimentary holiday beverage of your choice.  To take advantage of this opportunity, simply show your School ID card.  If you have any questions, please contact a store manager at any Starbucks store in the Triad or contact Cecilia Adams, manager of community partnerships, at 370-8355.

Career and Technical Education and Counseling Services to Host Career Fair

The GCS Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Counseling Services Departments will hold the first county-wide “Career Exploration Fair 2009: Your Connection to the Future - An Interactive Experience.” The event is Tuesday, January 6 at the Coliseum Special Events Center – West Wing B1, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

This inaugural event aims at connecting local businesses with a potential workforce for middle and high school students, parents and the community at large. For more information, please contact Judy Harrington in the CTE Department at 370-8338.

Washington Montessori’s PTA to Host Yard Sale

Washington Montessori’s PTA is hosting a community yard sale in the school’s cafeteria this Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. The school is located at 1110 E. Washington St. Children’s clothes, toys, shoes, accessories and some adult clothes will be sold at reasonable prices. Hot chocolate and doughnuts will be on sale as well. For more information, please contact Principal Sharon Jacobs at 370-8290.

Workshop for Parents at Sumner Elementary

Sumner Elementary parents have the opportunity to learn about Title I at a workshop on December 10 at 8 a.m. The purpose of the workshop is to focus on what it means to be a Title I school and to help parents understand the components of Adequate Yearly Progress and the ABCs Accountability Model.  The workshop will provide parents with additional knowledge and information to assist them as they work with their children at home. Sumner Elementary supports this initiative to foster its partnership between the school and its families. For more information, please contact Principal Brian Clarida at 316-5888.

GGSMA Writing Contest

The Greater Greensboro Society of Medicine Alliance (GGSMA) recognized three students from Jackson Middle on November 25 for their participation in the GGSMA Writing Contest. Teacher Vivian McKnight also was recognized for her efforts in challenging students to engage in the creative process by contributing their work to this contest.  Placing second in the contest was Destiny Andrews who received a $75 gift card to Target, along with a commemorative plaque and certificate.  Receiving honorable mention certificates were Dennzel Elcock and Leslie Juarez. For more information, contact Principal Rodney Wilds at 294-7350.

Bennett College Hosts Day of Exploration

Recently, Bennett College hosted a day of exploration in science and scientific careers for 100 girls in seventh and eighth grades.  Dr. Marilyn Mobley, provost and principal investigator of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Programs (HBCU-UP) at Bennett College, welcomed the girls and challenged them to prepare for the 21st century by choosing a career in science.  Other activities included workshops for GCS teachers presented by professors from the biology, chemistry, psychology and computational science departments. Participating schools included Allen Middle, Aycock Middle, Jackson Middle, Northern Middle and Welborn Middle. The Destiny Traveling Science Learning Program of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was also on-site and provided students an opportunity to extract DNA in a lab exploration. Dr. Margaret Curtis, executive director of the HBCUP-UP project, coordinated the day with assistance from Beth Chappell, GCS middle school science curriculum specialist.  For more information, please contact Beth Chappell at 370-3274 or e-mail chappee@gcsnc.com.

Northwest High School Marching Band Wins $1,000

The Northwest High marching band keeps its winning streak alive. The Viking band will soon receive a First Prize award of $1,000 from Harris Teeter Neighborhood Market for collecting the most plastic bags in the region through its Together in Education “We Think Green” contest.  Band parents and students collected the plastic bags before and after school and during a home football game. For more information, please contact Band Director Brian McMath at mcmathb@gcsnc.com or Principal Angelo Kidd at 605-3300 or e-mail kidda@gcsnc.com.

Value Added Data Demystified

Almost 300 teachers, principals and senior staff members participated in one of four Value Added Data training sessions offered this week.  Value Added Data is a statistical method whereby an estimate of the value each individual teacher adds to a student’s academic growth is measured. Through an examination of the difference between each student’s predicted and actual test scores, the Value Added Data model can provide a strong indicator of each teacher’s strengths and weaknesses. 

Dr. Mary Reel, Milan special school district superintendent and former Tennessee department of public instruction assessment, testing and evaluation executive director, spent two days with GCS faculty helping them understand how to interpret Value Added Data reports and apply the information in the school improvement process. During these training sessions, faculty interpreted data, examined student achievement trends, analyzed the difference between mastery and growth within the context of student achievement and learned how to have rich data discussions with their colleagues. For more information, please contact Dr. Amy Holcombe, executive director of talent development, at 335-3294 or e-mail holcoma@gcsnc.com.

Retirement Seminar

The next GCS Retirement Seminar is at Kernodle Middle on Thursday, December 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the multi-purpose room.  No registration is necessary.

The schedule for the remainder of the year is:

1. January 29, 2009 from 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.  at Johnson Street Global Studies
2. February 26, 2009 from 4:30 p.m.- 6 p.m. at Brightwood Elementary
3. March 19, 2009 from 9:30 a.m.- 11 a.m. at Eugene Street Central Office
4. March 19, 2009 from 4:30 p.m.- 6 p.m. at Eugene Street Central Office 

For more information, please contact Patty Kinkade, director of benefits, at 370-8092 or e-mail kinkadp@gcsnc.com.

GCSTV 2     

Be There

A parent’s participation in their child’s academic life plays an important part in how well they do in school. Parent participation is what the “Be There” campaign is all about. This program runs daily at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Experience “MetamorphaSEUSS”

The members of the Northwest High Viking Marching Band take 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.

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.

Driver’s Edge

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.

Celebration of Excellence

Sixteen schools are honored as most improved at the Celebration of Excellence. War Memorial Auditorium in Greensboro is the site of the festivities that 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.

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.

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.

Good Work Rewarded
The students accepted the challenge, and were rewarded for their good work. See why it pays to study hard at Wiley Elementary. This Newsbreak airs Wednesday, December 10. 

A Presidential Performance
With a new President of the United States comes a new opportunity for the Dudley Marching Band of Thunder. The band is invited to deliver yet another high-profile performance. Band members are on a fundraising drive now to pay their expenses for a trip to Washington to perform at the Presidential Inaugural Heritage Music Festival. This Newsbreak airs Friday, December 12.

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