GCS News Briefs

September 25, 2009

Special Tdap Vaccine Clinics Offered by Health Department

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is holding two special vaccine clinics for sixth-graders who have not received a Tdap shot for protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). These clinics are on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at both health department locations, 1100 E. Wendover Ave. in Greensboro and 501 E. Green Drive in High Point.

Tdap shots are provided by the health department free of charge and are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents should accompany their children and bring all shot records and an insurance card with them.

By state law, sixth-graders were required to provide documentation of receiving a Tdap vaccination by Thursday. Out of the district’s 5,547 sixth-grade students, 201 were missing up-to-date Tdap vaccination and will be excluded from school until they get the shot. On the first day of suspension last year, 1,150 students still needed to receive the vaccination or provide documentation.

Parents with questions about the special clinics should contact the Guilford County Department of Public Health at 641-7777. More information about the Tdap vaccine is available on the district’s Web site at http://www.gcsnc.com/parents/tdap.htm.

Former Students Can Petition for a Diploma

Former students who earned certificates from GCS can now receive a diploma due to a change in state law. Students who met all state and local graduation requirements except for passing the Computer Skills Test or Competency Test in Reading and Math can petition the district for a diploma.

State legislation eliminated the tests, and they are no longer required for graduation. Current students who have not passed the tests are eligible to receive a diploma if they meet all other requirements.

Petitions for diplomas will be accepted during a five-year window through July 1, 2014.

Previous GCS students who want to petition for a diploma based on this change should contact Samara Johnson, supervisor of high school counseling, at 370-2332. Students who are submitting a petition must fill out a form, which is available on the GCS Web site at http://www.gcsnc.com/parents/petition.htm.

GCS Celebrates Excellence on Monday

GCS, Guilford Education Alliance and Businesses for Excellence in Education are celebrating the many accomplishments of schools, principals and teachers at Celebrating Excellence in Education. The annual event starts at 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28 at War Memorial Auditorium in the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. The evening will include student performances and the announcement of Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year and the 16 most improved schools. For more information, please contact Cecilia Adams, manager of community partnerships, at 370-8355.

GCS College Night 2009

Guilford County Schools’ annual College Night is Tuesday, October 6, from 4-6 p.m. at the Greensboro Coliseum in the Pavilion. Parking is free.  Admissions counselors from more than 120 post-secondary educational institutions such as universities, colleges, community and technical colleges, junior colleges and the military will answer questions and provide informational materials, applications and scholarship information. In addition, students and parents can consult with financial aid experts about how to pay for their education.

A representative from College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) will conduct mini-sessions during the evening on post-secondary financial aid opportunities at 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. The foundation will also have materials on career and academic planning, along with information on scholarships, grants, loan programs and tuition payment plans.

The Greensboro Kiwanis Club sponsors this event each year for students of Guilford County. For more information, contact Gwen Willis, interim chief student services officer, at 370-8397 or Samara Johnson, supervisor of high school counseling, at 370-2332. 

Diabetes Training Provided for School Staff

In accordance with Senate Bill 911-G.S. 115C-47, “Care for School Children with Diabetes,” GCS Health Services recently provided training to school staff members. These staff members will act as their school’s diabetes contacts and will assist staff at their schools in order to appropriately support and assist students with diabetes. Thank you to all school principals and staff for cooperating in this effort to better meet the needs of students with chronic disease and illnesses. For more information, please contact Robin Bergeron-Nolan, director of health services, at 370-8333.

Cafeteria Benefits and Dental Insurance Enrollment

Annual enrollment for Cafeteria Benefits and Dental Insurance began on Sept. 16 and will continue through Oct. 16, 2009. Online enrollment is available for many products, and benefit counselors from the Mark III Company will begin site visits on Sept. 28. Employees should check with supervisors for times and locations regarding site visits. For more information on the enrollment, please contact Patty Kinkade, director of benefits, at 370-8092 or kinkadp@gcsnc.com.

Flu shot Update

Flu shot clinics for the seasonal flu vaccine only begin Oct. 1 and continues through Oct. 30. Click here for time and locations. The flu shot is free for employees and dependents enrolled in the State Health Plan or have BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina (BCBS of NC).

To receive the vaccine, you must bring your health insurance card and photo ID with you. Children between the ages of nine and 17 must have a parent present to receive a flu shot. 

Employees not enrolled in these health insurance plans can receive the shot for a $30.00 fee. The flu vaccine also is available free of charge at doctor offices that accept our insurance plan or BCBS of NC.  Check with your doctor for any co-payments requirements. For questions concerning the decision to take the flu shot, please consult with a medical professional.

More information is available at school offices, or please contact Patty Kinkade, director of benefits, at 370-8092 or kinkadp@gcsnc.com.

The Latest News from GCSTV 2:

GCS Newsbreak
Students at the Early College at Bennett pitch in to make sure Washington Montessori students have the school supplies they need to be successful. 

GCS Newsbreak
In this edition, learn about Grandparents Tea at Allen Jay, “Shoes That Fit” at Jesse Wharton and a Levelor donation to Kirkman Park.

Staying Healthy During Flu Season
Check out the latest information on precautions to prevent the spread of the flu virus and how to handle it if someone has the flu.

GCSTV 2-LIVE
Now streaming online.

GCS Board of Education

Watch an encore presentation of Thursday’s Board of Education meeting tomorrow at 1 p.m. on GCSTV 2. You can also watch board of education meetings at your convenience. The meetings are now archived and available online any time at gcsnc.com.  See them here.

Also on GCSTV 2:
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.