GCS News Briefs

May 9, 2008

Did you know?

The proposed superintendents’ budget request for 2008-09 contains $1,638,441 to provide 32 additional art, music and physical education specialists in elementary schools. Click here for more information.

Jackson Social Worker Leads by Example

Thanks to the efforts of Keith G. Pemberton, impressionable young students at Jackson Middle have the tools they need to strive, achieve and excel. This social worker dedicates his time to mentoring at-risk students with the “Gentlemen of Jackson” and overseeing the Students Against Violence Everywhere club. He obtained funds from local organizations in order to help his students visit colleges and universities during their spring break. Whatever it takes, Pemberton makes sure that his students understand the opportunities ahead of them in their lives. 

“Mr. Pemberton is a true advocate for students,” said Jackson Principal Rodney Wilds. “His dedication and compassion are evident every day, and Jackson Middle School is a better place because of him.”

Richard Tuck, GCS director of social services, agreed: “I would add that he shows commitment to the highest standards and principles that adults must demonstrate to young people. He also shows the fulfillment of the promise that we make to parents who, often without words, entrust their children in our care.”

As Employee of the Month, Pemberton received a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, which has partnered with GCS to support the employee recognition program. In addition, the Guilford County Board of Education recognized him at its May 8 meeting. Pemberton’s photo will hang at the district’s central offices and his school, as well as at Sam’s Club.

Also receiving nominations for Employee of the Month were:

• Susan Boggs, Southern Middle
• Michael Mode, Penn-Griffin School for the Arts
• Johnita Readus, Cone Elementary
• Patricia Scales, Jackson Middle
• Windy Forshee, Joyner Elementary
• Darrell Timmons, Sedalia Elementary
• Cindy Goode, Brooks Global Studies
• Sherry Wilson, High Point Central High
• Shaquila Moss, Morehead Elementary
• Sharon McCants, Kiser Middle
• Cindy Miller, Florence Elementary
• Bland Guthrie, Erwin Montessori
• Pam Early, Alamance Elementary
• Linda Hayes, Jackson Middle
• Janice Person, Brightwood Elementary
• Kevin Saxton, Southeast High
• Jamiss Bostic, Eastern High
• Katherine Seawell, Peeler Open Elementary

Know someone who goes above and beyond? Nominate them for Employee of the Month! Nomination forms are available at the GCS central office locations and at the district’s schools.
Click here to submit your nomination online. Full-time or part-time GCS employees may be nominated. All nominations must be received by the 10th day of each month. Each nomination will be considered once, so please feel free to resubmit each month. For more information, please contact Lillian M. Govus, program administrator – communications, at 370-8997 or govusl@gcsnc.com.

Volunteer of the Month Named at Jefferson Elementary

Vivian Owens is a special volunteer. Not only does she advocate for students who don’t speak English as a first language, but she also inspires others to dedicate their free time helping others. At Jefferson Elementary, she volunteers with first-grade students almost daily. She helps them perfect their English skills while holding them to the highest academic expectations. Vivian sets the standard for volunteerism, and as such, she was selected as the district’s May Volunteer of the Month.

"Ms. Vivian has impacted the lives of many students in our first grade classes,” said Jefferson Teacher Lynn Graham. “She involves herself in their lives, and at times, she has become the advocate these students need to either build on an education which has not yet taken off or to stimulate the learning of an English as a Second Language student until he or she acquires enough of the English language to be successful. She makes every effort to see to it that each child she works with is getting the individualized help and support he or she needs."

As the GCS Volunteer of the Month, Vivian received a certificate of appreciation from the Board of Education and Co-Interim Superintendents Sharon Ozment and Dr. Eric Becoats. She also received a $25 gift card from American Express. Vivian’s photo will hang on a plaque at her school during the month of May, as well as at the district’s central offices. Remember to watch for the Volunteer of the Month on GCSTV 2.

To nominate a volunteer who you think goes above and beyond the call of duty, simply click here. For more information, please contact Lillian M. Govus, program administrator – communications, at 370-8997 or govusl@gcsnc.com.

Teacher at The Academy at Lincoln Named Dr. Martha A. Sharpless Mentor of the Year

Every year,veteran teachers throughout the district serve an important and necessary role. These experienced educators not only work with students, but they also assist first-year teachers with lesson plans, classroom management and teaching strategies. For making sure Angela Carter’s teaching career started off on the right foot, Patty Schram, a math teacher at The Academy at Lincoln, was named the 2008 Dr. Martha A. Sharpless Mentor of the Year. The award is made possible by the Endowment for Excellence in Education of the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. Dr. Martha A. Sharpless, a retired developmental pediatrician, was a tireless advocate for children and their families in Guilford County.

As a mentor, Schram feels privileged to help new teachers. "Every day in classrooms across Guilford County, teachers arrive at their schools filled with the optimism and lesson plans for the day ahead,” said Schram. “We all bring our special gifts and talents to share. Some of us are privileged to be mentors, assisting the next generation of teachers to excel. These mentees hold the future of Guilford County Schools, and their mentors are proud to lend a helping hand."
Schram received $1,000 for winning the award, while the remaining four finalists received $100 each. The finalists included: Robin Hernandez from McIver Education Center, Lori Jones from Alamance Elementary, Michelle Monroe from Welborn Academy of Science and Technology and Anne Morris from Jamestown Elementary. For more information, please contact Lillian M. Govus, program administrator – communications, at 370-8997 or govusl@gcsnc.com.

Jamestown Middle Students Awarded at Annual Model United Nations of the Triad

Despite it being their school’s first time participating in the Model United Nations of the Triad conference, Jamestown student delegates secured the Best Delegation Award during the event on Thursday, May 1 at Guilford College. Students from throughout the county met to negotiate resolutions regarding topics such as nuclear non-proliferation, the situation in Darfur, the rights of multi-national corporations and the rights of migrant workers. The conference required the 21 Jamestown students to acquire a thorough understanding of the topics at hand and the positions held by the six nations they represented. For more information, please contact Social Studies Teacher Joy Combs at 819-2100.

Welborn Middle Recognized at Music Showcase Festival

Welborn band and orchestra students performed at the Music Showcase Festival on Friday, May 2 in Williamsburg, VA. The band received the fourth-place award, and the orchestra received the first-place award in the festival, which hosted schools from across the nation. For more information, please contact Principal Lori Bolds at 819-2880.

Ragsdale High Orchestra Performed with Greensboro Symphony

The Ragsdale Orchestra opened for the Greensboro Symphony on Saturday, May 3. Prior to the event, principal players of the Greensboro Symphony visited with students to discuss how they, as seasoned professionals, approach orchestra challenges. The students performed works by Beethoven, Brahms and a world premiere of “Chords of December” by Ryan Oldham. For more information, please contact Director of Instrumental Music Andrew Oldham at 819-2960.

Sumner Elementary Visited by Carolina Panthers Junior Training Camp

Sumner second-grade through fifth-grade students hosted a Carolina Panthers Junior Training Camp on Wednesday, May 7. A representative from the Carolina Panthers created fun stations to engage the students in physical activities while visiting the school. For more information, please contact Physical Education Teacher Carmyn Glynn at 316-5888.

Northern Middle to Perform for Annual Parade

The Northern Middle Nighthawks Marching Band and Predator Drumline will perform in the annual Summerfield Parade on Saturday, May 17. After four months of preparation, more than 80 students will participate in the event. For more information, please contact Band Director Jane Van Middlesworth at 605-3342.

Right Start Orientation 2008-09

Teachers with less than six months of teaching experience are required to attend the Right Start Orientation 2008-09.  Teachers in schools on the regular school calendar will attend the training August 12-14.  Teachers in year-round schools, middle colleges or The Early College have separate training sessions designed to accommodate the start date at each individual school.  If you are a new teacher to GCS with more than six months of teaching experience, including VIF teachers, your attendance is encouraged but optional at an orientation session on August 19.  Click here to see all the dates and locations of the training and/or to register. For more information, please contact Martha Snavely, executive director of induction and professional development, at 335-3290.

Read GCS

Elementary teachers have received training in reading throughout the school year through a project called Read GCS, which was developed in accordance with Literacy First.  During the five-day Read GCS training, teachers learned effective literacy strategies to improve the process of acquiring meaning from text.  From phonological awareness to comprehension strategies, teachers learned how to implement research based concepts in their classroom.  On April 24, 65 teachers from grades 3-5 completed the five-day training for Read GCS.  On May 1, 70 K-2 teachers completed the training, while 50 K-2 teachers completed a two-day follow up training earlier in the year. 

The final Read GCS training is on June 16-20.  This summer session is limited to 25 people and is open to all elementary teachers.  These best instructional practices are aligned with the Literacy Framework and will be included as part of all the K-5 reading workshops from curriculum and instruction beginning in August.  Click here to visit the professional development Web site to enroll, or for more information, please contact Nancy Durand, curriculum specialist, at durandn@gcsnc.com.

Get Healthy Guilford Update

Eighty-two employees completed the 10-week “Get Healthy Guilford” Challenge.   The challenge was organized by the Get Healthy Guilford Coalition and sponsored by the Moses Cone-Wesley Long Community Health Foundation.  The activity was coordinated by the YMCA of Greensboro.  The challenge promoted “Eat Smart & Move More” by requiring the eating of 5-9 fruits and vegetables daily, and moving at least four days a week for 30 minutes. The district held a drawing for prizes, and the following employees were winners:  Brooke Aukes, Lisa Barefoot, Sandy Clark, Pamela Hodgin, Gina Garrett, Lori Jones, Nancy Miller and Irvan Rankin. Several employees participated in the additional weight loss challenge and this was won by LaGail Williams. For more questions, please contact Patty Kinkade, director of benefits at 370-8092 or kinkadp@gcsnc.com.

Mission Possible Hosts Out-of-State Visitors

This week, a team of visitors from the Special School District of St. Louis, MO, paid a visit to the district to learn more about Mission Possible.  Superintendent John Cary, Assistant Superintendent Don Bohannan, Assistant Superintendent Mary Ann Tietjens and other district representatives visited Smith High and Hairston Middle as a part of their tour.  Visitors spent considerable time in the Mission Possible Office discussing the program structure and benefits as they relate to possible implementation in their own district.  Mission Possible continues to serve as a model program for progressive districts that want to offer alternative pay structures as a means of recruiting and retaining highly-qualified faculty in hard-to-staff positions.  For questions about the Mission Possible program, please contact Dr. Amy Holcombe, senior director of mission possible, at 335-3294 or holcoma@gcsnc.com.

Recruitment and Retention Incentive

GCS will promote the Good Neighbor Next Door (GNND) Program at all recruitment fairs as an incentive for new teachers. It is also an incentive of which current teachers can take full advantage of while working in Guilford County. Pre-Kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers, law enforcement officers and firefighters/emergency medical technicians can contribute to community revitalization while becoming homeowners through Housing and Urban Development's GNND Sales Program. HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50 percent from the list price of the home. In return, you must commit to live in the property for 36 months as your sole residence.
Guilford is one of four counties in the state of North Carolina eligible to participate in the GNND program.  A presentation of the program along with other recruitment and retention incentives such as Mission Possible, First Day Pay and Start Card, will be given at the Friday Mini Fairs held by the district. For more questions, please contact Alan Hooker, director of employment, at 370-8055 or hookera2@gcsnc.com.

DonorsChoose.org Funds District Projects

Guilford Education Alliance is pleased to report that DonorsChoose.org awarded more than $58,000 to 152 distinct projects in GCS in the 2007-08 school year. DonorsChoose.org is a nonprofit Web site that provides a way for individuals, businesses and civic organizations to make direct tax-deductible contributions to classrooms. At www.DonorsChoose.org, individuals can search project requests from teachers for classroom supplies and resources, and choose which projects they would like to support, in part or in full. Click here to participate in the DonorsChoose.org program for GCS. For more information, please contact the Guilford Education Alliance at 841-3696.

GCSTV2

The Economic Impact of GCS

As one of the major employers in the Piedmont Triad, GCS has a tremendous impact on our economy.  See how the numbers stack up in this special presentation by a noted UNCG economist. This program runs Friday through Monday at 12:01 p.m., 6:01 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:01 p.m. and 9:40 p.m. 

Eat Smart-Move More

The right nutrition is important to maintain good health.  GCS offers some healthy advice on choosing the right foods and portion sizes to cut down on the extra fat and calories that may be lurking in our diets.  Join Registered Dietitian Amanda Hester and Ashley Mathis for our series: Eat Smart. Your guide to healthier eating runs daily at 6:57 a.m., 7:56 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday at 9:52 p.m. and Friday through Monday at 9:55 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 air on ABC-45 (Cable Channel 7) during Good Morning America each Wednesday and Friday at 7:25 a.m. and 8:25 a.m.

Science Carnival
Wiley Elementary teams with North Carolina A&T State University to inspire students to get involved in science through “hands on” experimentation.  This Newsbreak airs Friday, May 9.

Powergirls
 While they may not be the latest cartoon super heroines, the “Powergirls” are equipped with the knowledge, the strength and the courage to conquer the world around them.  See how the graduates of this leadership-training program are empowered to carry success throughout their lives. This Newsbreak airs Friday, May 16.

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