Superintendent's Blog

February 24, 2009 – Kindergarten Registration

Believe it or not, it’s almost time for kindergarten registration. While our newest students won’t be in their classrooms until August, we are preparing the way for them already. This year, it is particularly important for both GCS and parents to be prepared due to some changes in the process. Starting with the 2009-10 school year, children must turn 5 by August 31 to enroll in kindergarten. This is a change in state law, and it moves the age cut-off date up a month and a half from previous years.

For our parents with children who turn 5 by August 31, registration for kindergarten begins March 2. These parents need to take their child’s birth certificate, a completed health assessment form, a record of their child’s shots and proof of residence to the child’s assigned school. We have made a School Locator available on our Web site to help parents find their assigned school. Also, parents can call the Student Assignment office at 336-370-8303 for assistance.

Each year, about 5,000 young children enter GCS as kindergartners. This makes it very important for both the school district and parents to plan ahead. We need to be prepared for the number of kindergartners enrolling this fall so we can serve them best.

If you are a parent and you have questions about kindergarten or the registration process, the staff at any of our elementary schools will be glad to lend a hand. Also, please help us get the word out about the importance of registering early for kindergarten. Parents play a large role in the academic success of their children, and we want our new kindergartners to be prepared. It is an exciting time in their lives, and from the first day of school, GCS wants to be equipped to help them succeed.

February 18, 2009 – Making Dollars into Sense

It's important for me to keep you all aware of the economic news, or any other news item, that may affect Guilford County Schools.

We are beginning the budget development process for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, and are taking the current economic climate into consideration in our planning.

This week, I've asked our employees for their input and ideas, and I want to do the same for parents, community members and students. The nation's finances are worrisome, but we must
continue to build upon the success we've established.

Our employees have responded with more than 150 ideas, and I look forward to reading more.
So far, many ideas concern GCS "going green." Ideas such as turning off computers, copiers and, of course, lights are simple ways to save money, and it can go a long way. Printers, scanners and other peripherals that aren’t used every day can be unplugged until they're needed.

"Make a practical list of money-saving actions and tips, that students teachers and administration can follow," said one person. This is a great idea and something we will make available on our Web site.

Other suggestions include using less paper and moving towards a digitized workplace, while one parent simply suggested we go "back to basics – kids just need someone who cares and who wants them to succeed."

Many of your ideas are found throughout the strategic plan, and I look forward to working together to see them realized.  

Let’s take this time to dig deep within ourselves, learn what we’re made of and join together for the common purpose of educating our children and providing a positive environment for all of those involved with GCS.    

If you have ideas or suggestions for saving money or reducing expenses in GCS, please send them to feedback@gcsnc.com.

February 6, 2009 - Magnet and Choice Schools Fair

Tomorrow we expect thousands of students and family members will join us at our annual Magnet and Choice Schools Fair. It is at the Greensboro Coliseum Pavilion, and representatives from all of the magnet programs will be there to answer questions and talk about the unique opportunities at their schools.

Our district is recognized nationally for its 44 magnet/choice schools, which offer 50 programs and 17 themes. Montessori education, performing arts, science, technology, Spanish immersion and leadership are among the options available. Magnet schools are interesting, because students follow the standard course of study, but their learning is connected through a specific theme that excites them. For example, students at General Greene Elementary, one of our science and technology magnets, learned recently about voice pitch in music class and afterward applied it to their study of voice recording while creating podcasts.

When it comes to educating students today, a one-size-fits-all philosophy will not work. GCS students have diverse interests and needs. By giving them options, we keep them engaged in learning and help them achieve excellence. Providing parents and students with options is a priority for GCS. We’ve devoted strategies in our new strategic plan to the expansion of our choice programs throughout the next three years.

I encourage each one of you, whether you are currently a magnet parent/student or just curious, to stop by the fair. It is tomorrow, Saturday, February 7 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parking is free until 11 a.m., and after 11 we’ll refund your parking fee inside the fair if you pay at the gate.

If you can’t attend the fair, it won’t be too late to get information or apply to the schools. We will accept applications through March 6. Also, we hope you’ll attend some of the upcoming open houses and events. You can get more information on the magnet and choice schools Web page at www.gcsnc.com/magnet.  

February 3, 2009: Inclement Weather

This morning, some Guilford County residents woke up to a blanket of snow and ice across the ground and roads. Because of serious concerns of black ice (especially in the western part of Greensboro), we decided to cancel school today. When dealing with inclement weather, the safety of our students and staff will always be our top priority.

We realize that when students are out of school, it can be an inconvenience for parents, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. Please know that we will never make any decision that may compromise safety.

To view the make-up days, please visit the calendar section of the district’s Web site, http://www.gcsnc.com/information/allcalendars.htm.

Each year, potential make-up days are designated when school calendars are approved by the Board of Education. The potential make-up days assist families and school officials in planning for anticipated days missed due to inclement weather. In case more inclement weather comes our way, please make a note of the days referenced.

February 2, 2009

We are exploring the possibility of using some of the balance remaining from the 2000 and 2003 bonds for capital improvements at many of our schools throughout the county. Addressing these capital needs is in line with several goals in our strategic plan, which we presented to the public last Tuesday. The improvements are an important part of our efforts to continue to provide safe and healthy learning environments for all students.

To this end, we have identified several capital improvement needs.  They include HVAC, roofing and the installation of security camera systems. Others include storm water and sidewalk/paving improvements. The schools identified for this round of improvements include:

• Andrews High – replacement of carpet in auditorium
• Brightwood Elementary – HVAC
• Brown Summit Middle – installation of camera system and flooring
• Florence Elementary – roofing and HVAC
• Gibsonville Elementary – lighting and sound remediation
• Guilford Elementary – storm water  
• Guilford Middle – roofing
• Madison Elementary – HVAC  
• McLeansville Elementary – HVAC
• Northeast High – water filtration system, roofing and air conditioning in kitchen
• Northeast Middle – roofing and installation of camera system
• Northwest High – widening of sidewalks
• Oak View Elementary – kitchen air conditioning  
• Penn Griffin – installation of camera system
• Pleasant Garden Elementary – fire alarm, flooring , HVAC , fencing  and accessibility
• Reedy Fork Elementary – storm water
• Southern High – roofing and HVAC 
• Dudley High – paving improvements
• Irving Park Elementary – HVAC improvements
• Lincoln Middle – intercom system and installation of camera system and canopies at student busing area
• Morehead Elementary – roofing and electrical
• Peck Elementary – HVAC, doors, hardware , flooring, accessibility
• Peeler Elementary – plumbing

This proposal is pending board approval. Staff presented this information to the board last Thursday.  The board plans to consider and vote on it at its next meeting. 

Improvements for some of the schools that are not on the list will be addressed through capital budget appropriations, while some will be paid for by the 2008 bond. In the meantime, we will continue working to identify additional funding sources for other capital needs in our schools.