GCS News Briefs

May 22, 2009

GCS Could Face $3 Million in Capital Outlay Budget Cuts

The Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing this week regarding the County Manager’s proposed budget for 2009-10, which includes a $3 million cut in capital funding for Guilford County Schools (GCS). Capital funds are used to maintain and repair leaking roofs, broken HVAC systems, worn-out floors and carpet, address mobile unit problems, increase disability access, replace windows and doors, among other projects. More than two-thirds of GCS facilities are more than 30 years old, increasing the need for repairs and renovations. Also, when funding is not in place for preventative maintenance, small problems sometimes turn into large ones, potentially requiring more dollars long-term. Information about the capital outlay budget can be found here.

County Commissioners and their contact information can be found here. As citizens, staff members may contact County Commissioners; however, please do not use GCS time or equipment (including e-mail) to do so, and refrain from attaching documents to e-mails as a courtesy to commissioners as such attachments tend to clog individual in-boxes. For more information, contact Lillian M. Govus, program administrator – communications, at 370-8997.

The State’s Flexible Furlough and Pay Reduction Will Affect All GCS Employees

The Guilford County Board of Education approved Tuesday a plan to implement the 0.5 percent pay reduction and flexible furlough issued by Governor Beverly Perdue in an executive order last month. All GCS employees, regardless of the funding source of their pay, will be affected by the pay reduction and furlough.

Last month, the governor issued Executive Order No. 11 mandating a 0.5 percent reduction in pay for all state employees before June 30. The order also stated that all full-time state employees will receive 10 hours of additional flexible time off that must be taken sometime between June 1 and December 31. The state later clarified this to say that teachers should only take leave time when school is not in session for students and changed the start date for the flexible leave days to May 1.

After receiving additional guidance from the state and the board’s legal counsel, GCS will manage the pay reduction and flexible furlough by reducing all employees’ paychecks by 0.5 percent, regardless of the funding source. Since all employees typically benefit by getting the same pay increase as state employees, it is appropriate for all employees to share in any pay reduction.

All full-time GCS employees will receive a 10-hour credit for flexible time off.  Flexible time off will be prorated for part-time employees. School-based employees will be asked to take the flexible time off when school is not in session for students.

Paychecks will be impacted by the 0.5 percent reductions on the following dates:

• Teachers - May 29
• Other 10-month salaried positions (teacher assistants and office support) - June 15
• 10-month semi-monthly positions (school nutrition and custodians) - May 29, June 15
• Bus drivers - May 29, June 29
• ACES - June 15
• 12-month semi-monthly positions (12-month custodians) - May 29, June 15, June 29
• 12-month salaried positions (principals, office support, central office) - May 29, June 29

Payments for salaried employees, including monthly Mission Possible incentives, monthly Twilight school incentives, monthly athletic director supplements, mentor payments, tutor payments, extra duty supplements, longevity payments, staff development stipends, disability payments and authorized extended employment, are excluded from the pay reduction. For hourly employees, longevity, disability, staff development, activity bus driver, substitutes, summer employment and authorized extended employment payments are excluded.

Since the reduction in pay for local employees is not state-mandated, GCS will hold those funds in escrow. These escrowed funds will be used to address budget shortfalls in either 2008-09 or 2009-10.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the appropriate staff member in Payroll as outlined below: 

• Alamance Elementary-Allen Middle, Diane Burr, 370-8344
• Andrews High-Bluford Elementary, Kaye Peeples, 370-8959
• Brightwood Elementary-Florence Elementary, Debbie Roberts, 370-8370
• Foust Elementary-The Academy at Central, Alicia Hendren, 370-8990
• The Middle College at GTCC–High Point-McIver Education Center, Sherry Hayes, 370-8239
• Eastern Middle-Northwest High, Sandy Jarrett, 370-8238
• Pearce Elementary-Reedy Fork Elementary, Linda Fisher, 370-8367
• Rankin Elementary-Southern High, Amy Allen 433-7190
• Southwest Elementary-Wiley Elementary, Kathy Barrino, 370-8345
• Administrative office employees, Steve Friddle 370-8164

New Administrative Assignment

Ralph Kitley, currently the principal at Southeast High, will be the new principal at Northwest High effective July 1, 2009. He was a former principal at The Middle College at GTCC-High Point. He started his education career teaching in middle and high schools in Winston-Salem.

For more information, please contact Dr. Peggy Thompson, chief human resources officer, at 370-8340.

High Point’s Sesquicentennial Celebration

Come celebrate High Point’s Sesquicentennial! Various arts education programs from High Point area schools will be presenting “International Schools for an International City” on Sat., May 23 at 10 a.m. in the High Point Theatre. Admission is free. The program is produced by the International Baccalaureate theater students at High Point Central High. The program will include performances by Penn-Griffin School for the Arts Guitar Ensemble, the Penn-Griffin Orchestra, a mass elementary chorus with student representatives from Florence, Parkview, Northwood, Southwest and Johnson Street elementary schools, as well as the High Point Area Arts Council Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Representative artwork from area students will be on display in the theatre art galleries. After the program, the celebration will continue on the 200-block of East Commerce Avenue with several performances from local artists. For more information, please contact Nathan Street, arts curriculum specialist, at 574-2645 or streetn@gcsnc.com.

Ag-Discovery Outreach Program

Anna Bethel, a freshman at Andrews High, has been selected to attend the Ag-Discovery Outreach Program at Kentucky State University this summer. This two-week program allows students to live on a college campus and learn about agricultural science from university professors, practicing veterinarians and professionals working for the U.S. government. Students will gain experience through hands-on labs, workshops, field trips and other group and team building activities.  Anna, who is currently taking biology with Jessica Graves at Andrews, hopes to pursue a career in veterinarian medicine. For more information, contact Debbie Kraszeski, high school science curriculum specialist, at 370-3274 ext. 5 or kraszed@gcsnc.com.

Summer Seminar in Adapted Physical Education

The Adapted Physical Education (APE) Graduate Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), together with Project P.R.A.P.E. (Professional Preparation of Adapted Physical Educators) and GCS are sponsoring a seminar on “Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Approach to Movement and Physical Activities for Learners K-12” from June 1–5 in the Corbett Sports Center. Project P.R.A.P.E. is a personnel preparation grant (H325K055243) sponsored by the Office of Special Education Programs. The purpose of the seminar is to enhance the knowledge of APE and physical education practitioners regarding the interdisciplinary and collaborative relationship between physical education and related disciplines. The five-day seminar will be offered from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in room 10 at NC A&T’s Corbett Sports Center. The seminar sessions will be a combination of lecture and hands-on activities.

The seminar topics for this year are:
June 1 – Occupational Therapy
June 2 – Early Childhood Activities                   
June 3 – Adapted Aquatics (Bring a swimsuit)
June 4 – Therapeutic Horseback Riding
June 5 – Panel Discussion        

The seminar is free and participants will receive one Continuing Education Unit for full participation through GCS. Interested parties should e-mail snstewa1@ncat.edu to be included in the list of participants.

Grimsley High Senior Earns Prestigious Presidential Scholars Recognition

Elizabeth Rodenbough, a senior at Grimsley High, was named a 2009 Presidential Scholar – one of only three statewide. As a Presidential Scholar, Rodenbough receives an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to receive her Presidential Scholars medallion and attend other recognition events. In addition, Rodenbough will be accompanied by the teacher who she feels has had the greatest impact on her success.

The Presidential Scholars program honors academic achievement by graduating high school seniors as well as students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the arts. For more information, contact Principal Anna Brady at 370-8180.

Grimsley High Student Heading to Annapolis This Fall

Seth Stewart, a Grimsley High honor student and soccer player, has received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He plans to study aeronautical engineering and hopes to become a Navy pilot upon graduation from the academy.

Seth, the second of three children of Aaron and Beth Stewart, has completed eight Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes and has a 4.9 grade point average. Seth is an active member of Young Life, an organization of teen Christians. He also enjoys playing the guitar and a few rounds of golf in his spare time.

“The competition here at Grimsley and the different classes I have taken in my four years have been very helpful,” he said. “There are a lot of teachers that have had a strong influence on me.”

Michael Harrington, Seth’s counselor, described Seth as a well-rounded student: “Seth’s unique, and with all that talent he doesn’t get arrogant.”

Appointments to U.S. military academies are reserved for outstanding students who have been nominated by their congressional representatives. Seth was nominated by U.S. Representative Howard Coble.

Seth comes from a family of great athletes. His father, a psychologist, played quarterback for Duke’s football team. His older brother, Josh, was Grimsley’s quarterback and now for the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

For more information about Seth and other outstanding GCS graduates, contact Lekan Oguntoyinbo, district relations, at 370-8386.

Northwest High Honors Technical Honor Society Inductees

Northwest High inducted 11 students into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) during a ceremony in the school’s media center on May 14. This is the school’s first NTHS chapter. In order to be inducted, students must have a 3.2 unweighted grade point average and a grade of B or better in all Career and Technical Education courses. The inaugural inductees are Karl Abordo, Michael Corum, Heather Fletcher, Emily Gering, Geanna Hardee, Lyndsey Isley, Dillon Lynch, Jordan Pitts, Britney Powers, Stacey Richardson and Asheton Sprague. For more information, please contact Principal Angelo Kidd at 605-3300.

Ferndale Middle Students Win U.S. History Contest, Prizes for School

A team of six students from Ferndale Middle won the ABC-CLIO History Uncovered competition for their middle school U.S. History submission. The students’ challenge was to find the top 10 most important events that shaped U.S. history and explain why while using a database. Bryan Baccus, Brooke Bryson, Krystal Conner, Alex McCarn, Jason Miller and Faith Rosenberg started the project in January and learned last week that they won. Each of the students won $100 and prizes for the school, including an interactive white board, $300 and full use of eight ABC-CLIO databases for a year. ABC-CLIO is a publisher of reference books, CD-ROM products and research publications. For more information, please contact Principal Mark Harris at 819-2855.

Northern High Music Director’s Composition Selected for Publishing

“On the Greenway,” a composition by Ed Kimbrough, band and chorus director at Northern High, has been selected for publication by C. Alan Publications.  “On the Greenway” is a concert march commissioned by Greensboro City Arts for the Greensboro Concert Band, and it premiered in October, 2008 as part of Greensboro’s Bi-Centennial celebration.  The piece has had nearly 20 performances to date and will be performed this summer on the Summer Concert Series at the Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, Ind.  For more information, please contact Nathan Street, arts curriculum specialist, at streetn@gcsnc.com.

Southeast High NJROTC Recognized as Most Improved

The Southeast High NJROTC was recognized as the 2008-09 Most Improved NJROTC unit for Area 6 in North and South Carolina. Each year, one unit per area is selected for the Navy League Most Outstanding Unit and one unit per area for Most Improved Unit. This is a very competitive process, and many NJROTC units are outstanding in different ways.  Becoming a Most Improved Unit is equally important to achieve higher quality and meet the goals of the NJROTC program. For more information, contact Tom Hilliard, First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, retired, at 674-4376.

Northwest High Senior Receives Second Place in Creative Writing Contest

Emily Gering, a senior at Northwest High, won second place and the Magna Cum Laude award in the 2009 National Junior Classical League creative writing contest. Gering’s entry, titled “A Poisoned Dream,” represents the highest placement a Northwest student has ever attained in the national competition. This year’s theme was “Tell the Story of an Olympic Hero.”  For more information, contact Principal Angelo Kidd at 605-3300.

Send Stories of Outstanding High School Graduates

Throughout this graduation season, we will feature outstanding seniors in GCS News Briefs and tell their stories on GCSTV 2 and other media outlets. Do you know any outstanding seniors who are graduating from GCS high schools this year? Do you have a compelling story about a GCS high school program that has transformed the life of a graduating senior? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your story ideas to goodnews@gcsnc.com or call Lekan Oguntoyinbo at 370-8389.

GCS Newcomers School to Host Culture Night on May 29

Students representing GCS Newcomers School’s many cultures and nationalities will host a Culture Night Celebration from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on May 29 at the Western High auditorium. Performances will include:

• An original short play written entirely by high school students in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro based on their experience as a newcomer in the U.S.
• Cultural dances and songs
• Monologues by students sharing their stories of coming to the U.S.
• Original songs written and performed by Newcomer students about their experiences

For more information, please contact Principal Jake Henry at 316-5883.

Frazier Elementary Hosts Family Night

The Frazier Elementary Parent Teacher Association is sponsoring a family night at 6:30 p.m. on June 9 in the Frazier cafeteria and media center. Guests will be treated to free hot dogs, a book fair and a standard mode of dress (SMOD) fashion show. For more information, contact Principal Laverne Bass at 294-7340 or bassl2@gcsnc.com.

Adapted Physical Education Grants Awarded

LuAnn Tatum and Ann Wieser, GCS adapted physical education teachers, received grants to further the physical education curriculum for special education students.  Tatum's grant was awarded from DonorsChoose and will provide specialized bowling equipment for students with special needs. Through a grant from the Autism Society, Wieser acquired equipment that will promote awareness and encourage interaction in students with autism at Sternberger Elementary. For more information, contact Nanette Wood, GCS adapted physical education teacher, at 674-4250 ext. 304.

Western High to Host Junior Class Parent Night

Western High rising seniors and their parents can learn more about the ins and outs of 12th grade by attending Junior Class Parent Night at 6 p.m. on June 2 in the school’s media center. For more information, contact Gwendolyn Atkinson, counselor, at 316-5802.

Frazier Elementary Selected to Receive Grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture

Students at Frazier Elementary will have access to fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day next year thanks to an almost $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Frazier is one of 62 schools statewide to receive the grant, which promotes healthier food choices by introducing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables through daily snacks and incorporating nutrition education in lesson plans.

This is the sixth consecutive year North Carolina has had the opportunity to participate in the USDA's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Elementary schools like Frazier use the funds to purchase and serve a variety of free fruits and vegetables to all enrolled students in participating schools. For more information, contact Principal Laverne Bass at 294-7340 or bassl2@gcsnc.com.

Watch GCSTV 2 and Board of Education Meetings Live on the Internet

Board of Education meetings and GCSTV 2 are now available to watch live on the GCS Web site. To catch your favorite show on GCSTV 2, go to the channel’s web page and click the watch live link or click here. Using the same link, you can watch board meetings live, or watch a previously recorded meeting by visiting the board meeting materials Web page and click on the media player icon.

GCSTV 2

Here’s a sample of what you can see on GCSTV 2 on Time Warner Cable.

NEW!  Watch GCSTV 2 LIVE-Now Streaming on the GCS Web site.
Watch Now:  GCSTV 2-LIVE Streaming

The Latest News from GCS- GCSTV 2 Newsbreak:
GCSTV2 Newsbreak

GCS News Conference on Northern High athletics investigation.
Watch it here:
GCS News Conference-Northern High athletics investigation

Also on GCSTV 2:

Singing Success

Rising country music star Jason Michael Carroll stopped by Stokesdale Elementary recently to treat the students to a concert and to remind them that success is within their reach if they stay in school. This segment runs daily at 6 p.m., 8:04 p.m. and midnight.         

Tdap Alert – Vaccinations Required to Attend School:
GCSTV 2 NEWS ALERT-Tdap  These NEWS ALERTS air at 10 a.m., 11:16 a.m. and 7 p.m.  

New Rules for Kindergarten:
Kindergarten Kickoff Newsbreak Video

New Regional Superintendents:
New Regional Superintendents Named

GCSTV 2 Programming Guide
Find out what else is showing on GCSTV 2 here: GCSTV 2 Programming Guide

NASA 360

NASA explores new frontiers in science, helping to develop and inspire technological innovation.  This program runs daily at 3:35 a.m., 9:02 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

All County Chorus

The All County Chorus performed recently at Western High. See their performance daily Friday through Monday at 6:13 a.m., 5:05 p.m. and 10:05 p.m. 

Showcase Your Talent on GCSTV 2

GCSTV 2 is now accepting student-, faculty-, staff- or parent-produced programming.  See the Details for submissions here or Watch the video.

GCSTV 2 & ABC-45

GCS continues its partnership with ABC-45 television to share current news and feature stories about our district. These Newsbreak segments are broadcast 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, broadcast production manager, at 370-8167.