GCS News Briefs

August 28, 2009

GCS Welcomes New and Returning Students on the First Day of School

GCS opened doors to students on Tuesday. They arrived in buses and cars at each of the district’s 120 schools and were greeted by teachers and principals who were happy to see them return.

To help ease the transition back into the classroom, GCS has created a Back-to-School section on the Web site with everything parents, students and teachers need to know, including information on transportation, school nutrition, student assignment and plans for H1N1 (swine flu).

Click here to see photos from the first day.

Yellow School Buses Return to the Roads

With the return of students to schools, hundreds of yellow school buses also returned to the roads this week. GCS is reminding motorists to watch out for students at bus stops and help get students to school safely.

School buses are on the roads heavily each morning from about 5:45 a.m. until about 8:30 a.m. After the school day ends, buses travel mostly between the hours of 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Every day, 629 GCS buses travel approximately 50,000 miles transporting about 40,000 students to and from the district’s traditional, magnet and alternative schools.

Please remember the following:

• Please be aware of students waiting along roadways at bus stops in the mornings. While the district tries to ensure that stop placements are in reasonably safe locations, drivers can help make sure students remain safe at their stops. Also, watch for school buses stopping to pick up or drop off students.

• Keep in mind that the roads around schools are congested with traffic, especially during the mornings and afternoons. Remember that school zone speed limits are in effect again and will be enforced.

• School buses back on the roads bring additional traffic. Motorists may need to allow additional time for their morning commute.

For more information, please contact Jeff Harris, director of transportation, at 370-8920.

GCS Announces “Fair Play” Athletic Campaign

In GCS, we play by the rules. That’s why the district has begun a new initiative called “Fair Play,” which aims to encourage sportsmanship and help educate student-athletes and their parents and coaches to the requirements surrounding athletic eligibility. This initiative is just one piece of GCS’ goal to educate the whole child.

Beginning this fall, all student-athletes and their parents and coaches must sign honor codes before participating in any athletic contest. In the honor codes, student-athletes, parents and coaches pledge to abide by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s (NCHSAA’s) eligibility requirements.

As a part of the campaign, the district has met with all middle school and high school athletic directors and coaches to review eligibility requirements. Prior to each GCS athletic contest, public address announcers will read a short statement reminding athletic teams to promote fair play, both on and off the field.

In addition, GCS has set up an e-mail address and direct phone line to report suspected athletic-eligibility violations. To report suspected athletic-eligibility violations, e-mail fairplay@gcsnc.com or call 574-2994.

To strengthen the district’s commitment to athletic integrity, the Board of Education recently approved a new policy on interscholastic athletic coaches. The policy provides guidance on who can coach interscholastic athletic teams within the district. It states that coaches should be faculty members at the school where they coach a team. Also, if a faculty member is not able to coach, the school can seek other qualified GCS employees for coaching positions, and non-faculty coaches should only be used when no faculty coach is available.

At last night’s Board of Education meeting, the board approved a policy outlining district-wide eligibility requirements for student-athletes. Requirements include:

• Students must provide documentation each year proving they live in the district.
• A part-time residence cannot be used for athletics eligibility.
• Students who are found to have lied about living in a school district to play a sport will be banned from playing sports or participating in extracurricular activities for 365 days.
• After ninth grade, students must earn a weighted 2.0 grade-point average each semester. This rule would be phased in, and students will be required to maintain a 1.5 GPA each semester during this school year.
• Summer school credit can be used to recover eligibility.

In addition, the policy establishes an athletic eligibility committee to investigate cases and hear appeals.

With support and buy-in from student-athletes, their parents and coaches, as well as local athletic organizations, the district hopes to increase awareness and prevent future violations. At the campaign’s kick-off at Southwest High, representatives from the North Carolina Coaches Association, High Point University, Greensboro Parks and Recreation, Greensboro Sports Council and other athletic organizations were present to show their support.

For more information about Fair Play, visit www.gcsnc.com/fairplay.

GCS SAT Scores Follow State and National Trends

SAT Reasoning Test scores released by the College Board show a slight decrease among 2009 GCS graduates, but scores for 11 of the district’s schools improved. Following state and national trends, the district’s mean score on the combined Critical Reading, Math and Writing sections decreased six points from 1471 in 2008 to 1465 in 2009. The North Carolina mean decreased three points and the national mean decreased two points. The combined mean score on the traditional Critical Reading and Math sections fell to 988, a three-point decrease from 2008.

The mean Critical Reading score for GCS held steady at 488 while the averages decreased by one point on the state and national levels. The mean Math score decreased by three points to 500, while state and national math performance was unchanged. The mean Writing score decreased by three points to 477, while the state and national scores decreased by two points and one point, respectively.

SAT performance among select schools and students remained outstanding. Three GCS students earned perfect scores of 1600 on the combined Critical Reading and Math sections. Thirteen students scored a perfect 800 in Critical Reading, nine had perfect scores in Math, and four had perfect scores in Writing.

Seven schools – Grimsley High, The Early College at Guilford, The Middle College at GTCC-Jamestown, The Middle College at GTCC-High Point, Northwest High, Page High and Weaver Academy – had higher total scores than the national average of 1509. These schools, along with Ragsdale High, outpaced the state’s total score of 1486.

Three schools – The Middle College at Bennett, The Middle College at GTCC-Jamestown and Southern High – improved both their mean scores and their student participation rates. The Middle College at Bennett’s participation increased by 20.1 percentage points and The Middle College at GTCC-Jamestown’s mean score on the combined Critical Reading, Math and Writing sections went up by 142 points.

While participation increased at six district schools, the participation rate among GCS students was lower overall. With 316 fewer test takers, participation decreased 7.1 percent, down from 65.6 percent in 2008 to 58.5 percent.

For more information on SAT Scores, view this PowerPoint presentation and list of school-by-school results.

Changes to Advanced Placement Tests

There are two major changes in place for students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses this school year. Due to state budget cuts experienced by GCS, changes to the AP exam payment policy for the 2009-10 school year are necessary. This year, the cost of the exams will be shared between the district, students and Businesses for Excellence in Education.

For each AP exam taken, GCS and Businesses for Excellence in Education will cover 75 percent of the cost. Students will be responsible for paying the remaining $21.50 for each exam taken. Students who receive free or reduced-price lunch will continue to take the exams at no cost, as their exams are paid for by the College Board and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

The second change addresses quality points earned and testing.  All students who complete AP courses in GCS, regardless of taking the exam, will receive the additional quality points (6.0 for an A, 5.0 for a B, 4.0 for a C, etc.). Beginning this year, all AP students (those taking the exam and those who are not) will take a teacher-created final assessment that will count for 25 percent of the final grade in the class. All students are encouraged to take the College Board AP exam in order to earn potential credit for college.  For more information, please contact Guy Ferguson at fergusl@gcsnc.com or 370-8244.                                  

American Express Recognizes Page High Volunteer

Although Susan Tysinger’s children no longer attend Page High, she hasn’t given up on her quest to help Page High achieve greatness. She helped to establish an alumni association – one of only a handful in the state. In addition, under her leadership, contributions to the Master Athletic Capital Plan have exceeded $35,000. She supports four annual student scholarships, as well as two annual staff development scholarships.

According to Principal Marilyn Foley, Tysinger, a former elementary teacher, is a key player in helping Page achieve educational excellence. In the first two years of the Alumni and Friends Association’s existence, the group put $50,000 back into the school.

As Volunteer of the Month, Tysinger received a gift bag and $25 gift card courtesy of American Express at the Board of Education’s August 27 meeting. In addition, you can see her photo hanging at Page, as well as the district’s central offices. For more information about the GCS Volunteer of the Month program, please contact Lillian M. Govus at govusl@gcsnc.com or 370-8997.

Know a volunteer who goes above and beyond? Nominate him or her to be the next GCS Volunteer of the Month here: http://www.gcsnc.com/depts/community/vom_form.htm.

First Enrichment Fund Deadline Approaches

September 18 is the deadline for schools to apply for Enrichment Fund scholarships for student field trip. This deadline covers events taking place or requiring deposits between October 1 and November 6, 2009.

Click here for an application form. Please read carefully, as the rules have been revised for this school year.

The Enrichment Fund for GCS purpose provides financial support to enhance the educational programs of GCS, to aid students needing financial assistance with enrichment opportunities and to encourage and reward creativity, innovation and outstanding teaching.

The fund is a private, not-for-profit organization, which is administered by a volunteer board of directors and provides financial support to the schools in two main areas:

• Teacher Mini-Grants - funding classroom projects that nourish and enrich learning
• Scholarships - giving low-income student the opportunity to participate in educational enrichment and enhanced learning activities, such as field trips, that would otherwise be too costly for them

For more information about the Enrichment Fund, visit the Web site, or contact Cecilia Adams, manager of community partnerships, at 370-8355.

2059 Essay Contest for Students

Inventors Digest, an international magazine for independent inventors, is celebrating National Inventors Month in August with the “2059 Essay Contest.” It’s open to middle and high school students ages 12 to 17. Essays should say in 500 words or less what technology, tool, product or service will shape our lives in 50 years and why.

The deadline to submit entries is Wednesday, Sept. 30. The grand prize includes a laptop computer, the essay published in Inventors Digest, a possible television appearance and more. Official rules and entry forms are available at www.inventorsdigest.com.

Right Start Orientation for New Teachers

On August 11, 87 excited first-year teachers were welcomed into the GCS professional learning community by the Smith High School Drum Line, Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green, Board of Education Chairman Alan Duncan and the Induction and Success Staff. 

The three-day orientation at Kernodle Middle began with an informative morning of policies, procedures, diversity and the GCS Strategic Plan. After networking with their induction support coaches, the new teachers explored model classrooms in grades or content levels. The following day, curriculum specialists and master teachers introduced the GCS pacing guides, the N.C. Standard Course of Study and assisted the teachers in developing lesson plans. 

Classroom management was the focus of the morning session on day three.  A much-anticipated visit to the new teachers’ home school ended the session. In his evaluation, one participant wrote, “Compliments to the Induction and Success Team. They are a huge help and are very accessible. Knowing that I have people like them helps! I also want to thank the Curriculum and Instruction Department. After talking to them, I have the right idea about what I need to teach.” 

For more information, please contact Martha Snavely, executive director of induction and professional development, at snavelm@gcsnc.com or 335-3290.

N.C. A&T State University Energy Summer Camps for Teachers and Students

North Carolina A&T State University (N.C. A&T) hosted energy camps for GCS middle and high school teachers and students this summer. Professors from N.C A&T and leaders from Duke Energy, Piedmont Gas and Appalachian State University presented information on water energy, conservation and energy audits. Sixteen teachers attended the weeklong Siemens Energy Educators workshop, which included field trips, lectures and labs exploring different energy sources. Teachers also received lab equipment to use in their classrooms. 

Thirty-two students participated in a two-week Energy Engineers Starters Program featuring alternative energy sources. Students experienced learning through hands-on activities and field trips, including a trip to the largest wind turbines and solar panels in North Carolina, located at Appalachian State University. 

For more information, please contact Debbie Kraszeski, secondary science curriculum specialist, at kraszed@gcsnc.com or 370-3274, ext. 5.

Curriculum and Instruction Hold District-Wide Professional Development

Before the start of school, K-8 and 9-12 curriculum and instruction specialists participated in professional development workshops.

Training for K-8 curriculum and instruction specialists included topics such as accessing and utilizing curriculum documents, mastery/assessment for learning, technology, and instructional resources for teachers.

High school teachers attended professional development in socials studies, English, arts, science, math, world languages and physical education, and could select to attend classes that covered topics such as fostering active engagement, incorporating technology into the classroom, bridging the academic gap and current innovations in public education. The format for this professional development was a train-the-trainer model with the expectation for teachers to return to their schools to share the information with their staff.

For more information about K-8 professional development, please contact Jocelyn B. Becoats, K-8 curriculum and instruction officer, at becoatj@gcsnc.com or 370-2311. For more information about 9-12 professional development, please contact Dr. Wanda Legrand, curriculum officer for high schools, at legranw@gcsnc.com or 370-8107.

Advanced Learning Teachers Participate in Professional Development

More than 45 Advanced Learning (AL) teachers provided input on strategies from the GCS strategic plan, reviewed annual procedures and learned about the new grade 3 lessons. The workshop also examined targeted grade-level objectives and outlined expectations for AL teachers. Beginning-of-the-year procedures were reviewed to foster consistency across schools for all AL students. This year, a new set of lessons will be used with all grade 3 students prior to taking the CogAT and activities that focus on building thinking skills will be provided by the AL teacher following that test.

Advanced learning middle school teachers discussed how to strengthen AL instruction in middle schools, agreeing that content- and grade-specific professional development was a missing component to ensure appropriate rigor. For more information, please contact Lee Ann Segalla, executive director of advanced learning, at segalll@gcsnc.com or 574-2657.

GCS Launches New Math Licensure Cohort

Twenty-two elementary teachers from across the district participated in the official launch of the Math Add-On Licensure Cohort this week. Each teacher met with University of North Carolina General Administration faculty who provided an in-depth overview of the program curriculum.  Teachers learned how this add-on licensure program will lead into a master’s degree upon completion of additional classes.  All 22 teachers left with a full-year membership to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, fully paid tuition, fees and selected textbooks. This licensure program is scheduled to run for two years and is one of only two in the state of North Carolina. For more information, please contact Dr. Amy Holcombe, executive director for talent development at holcoma@gcsnc.com or 335-3294.

The Latest News for the New School Year from GCSTV 2

GCS Newsbreak
Fair Play
See more about the district’s initiative to encourage sportsmanship and raise awareness of the rules of eligibility in athletics.

Back to School
Follow this link to news and information specific to back to school for the 2009-10 school year.

Teachers Shop for Free!
Here’s more about this year’s opening of the Teacher Supply Warehouse and how former pro football players are encouraging GCS students to stick with their studies.

Honoring GCS Employees

GCS pays tribute to 184 retirees with a luncheon and a special video.  You can catch this program daily at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

GCS Board of Education

Watch an encore presentation of Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting on Saturday at 1 p.m. You also can watch these meetings at your convenience online. See them here.

Two More Ways to watch GCSTV 2 Online

GCS Newsbreaks-Media Center

GCSTV 2 live stream

Also on GCSTV 2:

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.  

GCSTV 2 Programming Guide

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

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, GCSTV 2 production manager, at 370-8167.