GCS News Briefs

February 13, 2009

GCS Starts Budget Planning for 2009-10; Deep Cuts Anticipated in State Funding

Guilford County Schools (GCS) is bracing for steep budget cuts as it prepares its budget for the 2009-10 school year.

With tax revenues falling short of projections, the Governor has asked state agencies to trim budgets by 3 to 7 percent.  For GCS, a 5 percent cut in state funding would result in the loss of nearly $19 million.

Although the Governor hasn’t asked school districts to trim funds at this time, the district is taking the current economic climate into account as it begins its budget development process, according to Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green.

“We are reviewing all expenses and measuring all activities against the goals and strategies outlined in our new strategic plan,” said Green.

GCS plans to redirect existing resources to support the new initiatives outlined in the strategic plan to the greatest extent possible.

“This means we are going to have to dig deep and will likely have to make some tough choices,” Green said.

The superintendent acknowledged that economic crises and the resulting uncertainty regarding GCS’ budget is unsettling for employees and parents.

“I know that the economic crisis is disconcerting and distressing,” said Green, “and I recognize that many of our employees and students may be struggling due to job losses in their families.”

Green said he would share additional information as it becomes available. Employees and community members also are encouraged to send cost-saving ideas or suggestions to feedback@gcsnc.com. “If we work together and stay focused on student success, I’m confident we’ll continue to serve our students and our community well,” Green said.

Teacher Transfer Fair

The Annual Teacher Transfer Fair, sponsored by the GCS and Guilford County Association of Educators, will be held on Thursday, Feb. 19, 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Smith High. All teachers eligible for transfer within GCS are invited to meet with principals and school staff at the fair. It is an excellent opportunity to learn more about other schools within the district. If you have questions regarding your eligibility, please contact the Staffing Office at 378-8806. For more information, please contact Melissa Harrelson, office of employment, at 370-8055 or harrels2@gcsnc.com. 

GCS Requesting Feedback Regarding Regional Offices

One of the major initiatives outlined in the GCS strategic plan calls for reorganizing the district into regions in order to place resources closer to the schools and improve central administration services and responsiveness to principals, staff members and parents. The plan also calls for increasing staff and community input and engagement in GCS decision-making processes.

As a result, GCS is asking all parents, students and members of the community to participate in a brief online survey by Friday, Feb. 27. The survey results will help GCS reorganize its central office services. Click here to participate. All responses will be anonymous. Residents have free access to the Internet at any public library. For more information, please contact the Greensboro Public Library at 335-5430 or the High Point Public Library at 883-3660.

Author Carole Weatherford to Visit Pearce Elementary

New York Times best-selling author Carole Boston Weatherford will visit Pearce Elementary on February 18 to conduct three workshops that highlight her books.  Ms. Weatherford has authored 32 books celebrating family stories, fading traditions and forgotten struggles.  Her books have won the Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration, the Carter G. Woodson Award from National Council for the Social Studies, the NAACP Image Award and two North Carolina Juvenile Literature Awards. 

Her best-known titles include “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom,” “Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins” and “Remember the Bridge: Poems of a People.”  One of her latest releases, “Becoming Billie Holiday,”recently earned a Coretta Scott King Author Honor Award.  For more information, please contact Principal Pam Misher at 605-5480 or Cathy Morrison, library media specialist, at 605-5408.

Purchasing Department Recognized for Excellence

The Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing (CAGP) recently announced that the GCS Purchasing Department received the 2008 Sustained Professional Purchasing Award (SPPA). This award is presented annually to member agencies that demonstrate excellence in purchasing standards during the calendar year.

The award is based on an agency’s use of technology, minority outreach, staff certification, customer training, vendor training and the use of recycled products. GCS Purchasing is one of only 13 agencies in the association to receive this award. The SPPA Award will be presented at the CAGP spring conference on March 6. For more information, please contact John Mann, purchasing officer, at 370-3238.

American Express Recognizes Oak Ridge Elementary Volunteer

When Monica Frye found out about Oak Ridge Elementary’s community involvement project, she jumped in with both feet. Little did she know the “Coins from Colts” program would raise $15,000 – mostly in change and dollar bills. She didn’t let it sway her, and every day Frye came to the school to collect and sort the donations. Frye tracked each classroom’s donations on a spreadsheet so students could follow along. Undoubtedly, the school’s treasurer was relieved to have Frye’s unwavering commitment.

Through “Coins from Colts,” the school raised more than $15,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. With Frye’s hard work, the students also learned how a little change can go a long way.

According to Judith Jones, the teacher who nominated Frye, this volunteer could be counted on to do anything – from collecting the change in a little wagon to creating flyers and letters to advertise the fundraiser.

As Volunteer of the Month, Frye received a gift basket and $25 gift card from American Express, which has generously partnered with GCS to support the volunteer recognition program. Frye was recognized at the February 10 Board of Education meeting, and her photo hangs at the district’s central offices. Do you know a volunteer who goes above and beyond? Click here to nominate, or for more information, please contact Lillian Govus, program administrator, communications, at 370-8997.

Sam’s Club Recognizes Nancy Hines as Outstanding District Employee

Once a month, Nancy Hines painstakingly decorates the Washington Montessori media center to honor students and parents recognized at the school’s Student of the Month Breakfast. It seems only fitting that this youth development coordinator, who dedicates so much energy, heart and charisma to honoring the achievements of students, is the recipient of an award honoring the same outstanding qualities of employees.

According to Principal Sharon Jacobs, GCS has a true jewel in Hines: “She likes to work behind the scenes and is extremely humble. She inspires many and supports everyone; she gives selflessly, fills in where needed and greets everyone with that special smile and welcoming hug. She is a true servant-leader who loves all, cares for all and works well with all to get the job done. We are so very proud to have her as a part of this family.”

Whether she’s coordinating Parent Teacher Association events, scheduling staff development, working with students after hours or simply being a friend to all, Hines represents excellence in education. GCS and Sam’s Club representatives surprised her during a full student assembly with Employee of the Month honors.

As Employee of the Month, Hines received a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, which has generously partnered with GCS to support the employee recognition program. In addition, the Guilford County Board of Education recognized her at its February 10 meeting. For more information, please contact Lillian Govus, program administrator, communications, at 370-8997.

GCS Magnet Schools Earn National Recognition

Five of the district’s magnet and choice schools are Magnet Schools of Merit for 2009 according to Magnet Schools of America. Erwin Montessori was among a select group named a School of Excellence. Brown Summit Middle Center for Advanced Academics, The Early College at Guilford, Johnson Street Global Studies and Weaver Academy were named Schools of Distinction.

Magnet Schools of America, which provides support and leadership for schools, recognizes the top magnet schools in the country annually. Magnet Schools of Merit show a commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, successful desegregation/diversity efforts and consistent delivery of quality services. For more information, please contact Michelle Ungurait, director of magnet and choice schools, at 378-8832.

2009 District Science Fair

The GCS Science Fair was held on February 11 at Four Seasons Town Center in Greensboro. The judges for the science fair were recruited from local businesses and universities, community members, and GCS personnel. Over 300 student projects from elementary, middle and high schools in the district were displayed and judged during this event.

Every student in the science fair was recognized with a certificate of participation.  During the ceremony, awards were given at two levels in the elementary division:  Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5.  The elementary division awards were divided into five categories:  Winner (K-2), Honorable Mention (K-2), Judges’ Choice (3-5), Winners (3-5) and Honorable Mention (3-5). The “Judges’ Choice” elementary award winners will advance to the regional science fair competition held on February 27 at SciWorks in Winston-Salem.

The middle and high school divisions were divided into five categories:  biological, earth, physical, general, and applied sciences.  First-, second- and third-place awards, as well as honorable mention awards were presented in each category. The first-place winner in each category will compete in the regional competition at SciWorks later this month.
 
Science fair sponsors included Starbucks Coffee on John Gordon Lane and Moe’s of Four Seasons Town Center.  Click here for a list of the winners.   For more information, please contact Robyn Barrett, elementary science curriculum specialist, at 312-4332 or Beth Chappell, middle school science specialist, at 317-2825.

Schools Recognized for Health and Wellness Efforts

“Get Healthy Guilford,” the obesity coalition for Guilford County, recognized four schools at the Annual Summit and Obesity Challenge Kick-off.  Frazier Elementary, Southwest Elementary, Kernodle Middle and Grimsley High were awarded for making contributions to the health and wellness of their students, employees and patrons by making innovative environmental, policy or programmatic changes that reduce or prevent obesity and obesity-related illness. Congratulations to the staff, students and communities at each of these sites. For more information, please contact Robin Bergeron-Nolan, health services director, at 370-8333.

Magnet and Choice School Registration Off to Good Start

More than 5,000 participants gathered for the Magnet and Choice Schools Fair last Saturday at the Greensboro Coliseum Pavilion. Families interested in pre-K through 12th grade learned about each school’s unique theme by speaking to teachers and watching student demonstrations.

Parents have through March 6 at 5 p.m. to submit applications. Applications are available at each of the magnet schools, the Student Assignment Office, 120 Franklin Blvd. in Greensboro, and online at www.gcsnc.com/magnet. For more information, please contact Student Assignment at 370-8303.

Weaver Academy Student Wins District-Level “Poetry Out Loud” Contest

Weaver student Shatahra Jordan performed two complex and lengthy poems to win first place in the district-level “Poetry Out Loud” competition. She represents GCS at the regional competition in Raleigh this spring.

“Poetry Out Loud” is a national contest for youth created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation to encourage poetry as an oral art form. For more information, please contact Principal Pete Kashubara at 370-8282.

Jesse Wharton Elementary Staff Compete in “Biggest Loser” Challenge

Staff members at Jesse Wharton are demonstrating to their students the value of eating smart and exercising through the school’s own “Biggest Loser” challenge. Participants have lost a combined 340 pounds and about 4 percent of their original body fat since winter break.

The contest is facilitated by the school’s physical education instructors as an extension of the “Eat Smart, Move More” initiative. For more information, please contact Principal Valerie Bridges at 545-3700.

Teacher Supply Warehouse – a Resource for Teachers and the Community

Teachers spend hundreds of dollars every year on classroom supplies. They help students whose parents can’t afford supplies, and they buy the things that give their classroom a special touch.

Thanks to the Teacher Supply Warehouse, teachers have a resource for classroom items, and the community has a convenient way to donate new and used supplies.

Due to the economic downturn, the Teacher Supply Warehouse is open temporarily to all GCS teachers, counselors and social workers. All teachers may shop for free supplies until the end of the 2008-09 school year. Help spread the word about the Teacher Supply Warehouse to businesses and organizations that may have items to donate. Click here to learn more, or contact Cecilia Adams, manager of community partnerships, at 370-8355.

GCS Students “Love the Bus” and the Drivers

About 800 bus drivers and safety assistants take more than half of the district’s students to and from school safely each weekday. GCS thanked its transportation professionals for their dedication and reliable service through “Love the Bus” events this week.

This week, Union Hill Elementary staff and students thanked its six bus drivers with lunch and a special presentation. Other schools recognized bus drivers through valentines, breakfasts and special gifts.

“Love the Bus” is an annual program inspired by the American School Bus Council. For more information, please contact Jeff Harris, director of transportation, at 370-8920.

 "Doodle 4 Google" Opportunity for Artistic Students

Once again, Google is inviting students to design a "Doodle 4 Google" that will be featured on the search giant's site this May. Each school can submit six entries, which will be judged in categories based on the designer's age and region. The theme is "What if...?" Click here for the history behind Google's Doodles and find out how your students can enter. But hurry – registration ends March 17, and all entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2009.

Principals Become Experts in Teacher Screening Tool

This week, two-thirds of GCS principals participated in the Interactive Computer Interview System (ICIS) training. ICIS, a teacher screening tool developed by Dr. Howard Ebmeier, University of Kansas, is aligned to the new N.C. Professional Teaching Standards. This new tool will screen teacher candidates in numerous areas including knowledge of content, pedagogy, students and working with others.  Specifically designed to identify candidates who will be successful working with students in urban school settings, ICIS will provide principals with detailed information about each teacher candidate.  For more information, please contact Dr. Amy Holcombe, executive director of talent development, at 335-3294 or holcoma@gcsnc.com. 

GCSTV 2     

GCS Strategic Plan

Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green unveils the strategic plan designed to promote excellence here in one of the state’s top school districts.  Click here to watch the plan’s debut held at GTCC’s Koury Auditorium. The program runs daily at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. 

Strategic Plan Launch Newsbreak

Watch GCSTV 2 coverage and get reactions as Superintendent Green outlines details of the GCS strategic plan.  This Newsbreak runs daily at 4:30 p.m.  See it here. This GCSTV 2 Newsbreak is also available for viewing on YouTube on the Internet.

Media Briefing

Keep up with the latest information within GCS by watching the superintendent’s media briefing.  These meetings are held periodically on Wednesdays.  When they occur, GCSTV 2 will show them on the same day at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

In Honor of Black History Month-February One

This documentary chronicles the story of four N.C. A&T State University students who sat down at the Woolworth Store lunch counter in Greensboro in 1960 and helped change American history.  This hour-long program can be seen daily through February at 11:58 a.m.

Access to Your Board

GCSTV 2 carries all regular Board of Education meetings live and also re-plays the meetings the following day at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the following Saturday at 1 p.m.

Building Futures-Your Construction Update

Find out the latest on what’s being built or upgraded within GCS through this tour of the latest projects.  Executive Director of Facilities Andy LaRowe and host Lillian Govus show how construction bond funds are being spent to help our school district build on its excellence.  This program runs daily at 8 a.m. and 4 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 in Spanish and English daily at 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Inside Out

This documentary is a stark reminder of the importance of staying in school.  It is a series of stories from 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.  See this program daily at 2 p.m. & midnight.

GCS Spotlight

GCSTV 2 puts the spotlight on entertainment and educational events within the district from musical performances, drama, dance, to the spoken word.  Join us throughout each day for GCS Spotlight at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. 

GCS Basketball Highlights

GCSTV 2’s “Friday Night Rivalries” is sure to delight GCS high school basketball fans!  With football season behind us, FNR turns its attention to round ball with highlights of top team matchups and interviews with coaches and players. The program is produced by Mike Crenshaw’s TV group at Weaver Academy.  It runs at 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. 

GCSTV 2 Programming Guide - On TV and on the Web

Want to know when you can see programming on GCSTV 2? Look for the guide to daily programs on the hour throughout the day and evening. Or, go to the GCS Web page for a list of the entire day’s programming and scheduled times.

Showcase Your Talent on GCSTV 2

GCSTV 2 is now accepting student, faculty, staff or parent produced programming.  We’re interested in your complete, compelling productions of school sports, concerts, recitals, plays, debates, academic competitions, school news and more. These projects can be videos you produce at school or on your own time that educate and entertain. See the GCSTV 2 page at for details. Watch the video here.

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.

For more information, please contact Leonard Simpson, GCSTV 2 production manager, at 370-8167.