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Inside NewsUnion County Public Schools Employee Newsletter March 2007
Proposed state Legislators tour Wesley Chapel
budget considers
5% pay increase
If the General Assembly
approves the governor’s
recent budget request, Union
County teachers are in line
for an across-the-board raise
of $1,240 a year, plus a step
increase.
This would amount to an
average raise of five percent.
In addition, there would be a
bonus for teachers already at
the top of the salary schedule. Sen. Eddie Goodall, at right, and North Carolina Rep. Curtis Blackwood, far left, tour Wesley Chapel El-
The raise is another ementary School during the second annual UCPS Legislative Day. This was an opportunity for legislators
installment in the governor’s to see first-hand some of the successes and challenges that face UCPS, the fastest growing school sys-
plan to bring the average sal- tem in the state. Also pictured, from left, is UCPS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bill Stegall, Union County
ary of North Carolina teachers Board of Education members Kimberly Morrison-Hansley and John Parker, UCPS Superintendent Dr. Ed
up to the national average by Davis and Assistant Principal Brenda Kasell.
the 2008-2009 school year.
Another bill would add UCPS holds second annual Legislative Day
back the five lost teacher Exploding growth contin- technology, construction and strong communications with the
workdays, and eliminate the ues to be high on the legisla- staff. Davis also asked them to legislators. “We have a very
requirement that teachers tive agenda, and was a major support local control regarding active legislative team and they
receive a full paycheck in topic of concern at this year’s the school calendar. understand our challenges. This
August regardless of how UCPS Legislative Day on Deputy Superintendent Dr. also gives us a chance to hear
long they’ve worked that January 12, 2007. Bill Stegall spoke on high them and what their struggles
month. Two North Carolina legisla- priority schools and the need are in Raleigh.”
For more Legislative News tors participated in the second for low wealth funding. Chief Goodall said he felt very
look on Page 6. annual event held this year at Finance Officer Dan Karpin- good about the meeting and the
the system’s most overcrowded ski, Assistant Superintendent information he will take back to
school, Wesley Chapel El- Carrie Gibson, and Assistant Raleigh. “I think we have some
On the Inside ementary School. Superintendent David Clarke special needs in Union County
Part of the day involved a also addressed Legislators on that have to be addressed and
Rock Rest Dedication - Page 2 tour of the elementary school, critical needs of the system. accelerated. I would like for
which was built for a core “The dialog and interaction myself, as well as others who
Professional News - Page 2 capacity of 578 students, but between the legislators, staff represent Union County, to
now has 1,152 students. This and parents was very valuable,” initiate legislation specific to
2007 Spelling Bee - Page 4 makes it the most overcrowded Davis said following the meet- Union County and not wait for
school in the system, at almost ing. “The feedback we received the rest of the state to catch up
Video Results - Page 4 200 percent over-capacity. from them helps us to know in these important issues.”
Sen. Eddie Goodall and how to effectively approach the Blackwood had similar
Teachers of the Year - Page 5 Rep. Curtis Blackwood listened issues, especially with our two comments about the success of
to the challenges facing UCPS, main priorities -- growth and the day. “I thought it was in-
Legislative News - Page 6 first hearing from UCPS Su- high priority schools.” formative, and a great two-way
perintendent Dr. Ed Davis, who Board of Education Chair- dialog. It was especially inter-
Employee News - Page 6 discussed the overall needs of man L. Dean Arp, Jr. said the esting hearing about the needs
the school system in areas of goal of the day was to continue of the high priority schools.”
Rock Rest Elementary holds ribbon-cutting ceremony
Rock Rest Elementary School held its ribbon cutting ceremony February 22, 2007, dedicating not only the school build-
ing, but the John D. Chase Media Center, named for a former school principal. Pictured from left, Rock Rest Principal
Wendy Gravely; Veronica Robinson, assistant principal; Superintendent Dr. Ed Davis; Board of Education members
John Collins, John Crowder and Carolyn Lowder; the Rev. Dr. Osco Gardin; Gladys Kerr; Audrey Bales; Louise Napier
and Carole Williams. The school opened its doors to students January 23, 2007.
Professional News
Lori Cauthen, Director the North Carolina School Region 6 for 2007-2008. She Piedmont Middle School
of Elementary Education, Public Relations Association. was recognized recently at Principal Anne Radke;
received the Luan Ingram, Chief Com- the regional meeting at the teacher and MAPS/Data
NC Blumen- munications Officer, accepted NCMSA state conference in Coordinator Daphne Helms;
thal Perform- the awards at the January 26, Greensboro. Region 6 con- counselor Jill Rockwell, and
ing Center 2007, ceremony in Raleigh. sists of Mecklenburg, Union, teacher Scott Shuler will
Stage Award Ingram received a blue ribbon Cabarrus, Stanley, Gaston, receive finalist plaques in
for Excel- for her 2006 Bond Referendum Lincoln, Anson, Rowan and recognition of the award.
lence in Marketing Campaign, while Cleveland.
Service to the Deb Coates, UCPS Publica- Sun Valley High School’s
Lori Cauthen Grace Stanley from Hem-
Arts. tions Coordinator, received art department was award-
two blue ribbons for feature ar- by Bridge Elementary, will ed a Projects Pool Grant that
Mike Harvey, principal ticles written about the school appear in the 10th edition of will be used for the “Older
of Benton Heights Elemen- system. The Communications Who’s Who Among America’s Than Dirt” project which
tary School, has graduated Office also took a blue ribbon Teacher (2005-2006) after allows students to study the
from the Leadership Pro- for its employee newsletter, being nominated by a former history of ceramics, learn to
gram for Aspiring Principals The Inside News. student who felt she had made use the potter’s wheel, and
(LPAP). Major areas of a difference in his life. then teach the process to area
study included leadership, Chrissy Rose, a Commu- elementary students. This
school law, teacher improve- nication Skills teacher at Porter Piedmont Middle School grant is supported by the
ment and retention, resource Ridge Middle has been selected as a finalist, Union County Community
management, and communi- School, has out of 49 schools statewide, for Arts Council and the Grass-
cation. He was also selected been awarded the NCASA School Trailblazer roots Program of the North
as the Jack McCall Award the North Award. Carolina Arts Council.
winner for his cohort. Carolina Mid- The recognition comes in
dle School honor of the school’s “Eblock” Check out our web site:
The UCPS Communi- Association and “Wild Wednesday” which
cations Office has won four Teacher of
Chrissy Rose
focuses on a common connec- ucps.k12.nc.us
Blue Ribbon Awards from the Year for tion between staff and student.
2
New Directors
Director of Career and Technology
Allen Tate Realtors gift $3,146.14
Lorraine Collins has to Walter Bickett Elementary
been named Director of
Career and Technical Educa-
tion. Prior to being named
to this position, she was a
Career and Technical Educa-
tion Specialist. She replaces
Charles Perry who retired.
She and her husband Da-
vid, an assistant principal Lorraine Collins
with Charlotte Mecklenburg
Schools, and their two children, make their
home in Matthews.
Safety and Security Director
Jarrod McCraw has been named Safety
and Security Direc-
tor replacing Dr. Jerry
Cross who retired.
Prior to being named to Walter Bickett Elementary School principal John Jones, center, accepts a
this position, McCraw $3,146.14 check from Ron Sumrow, area manager of Allen Tate Realtors, this
was a trooper with the year’s contribution to the elementary school. Also pictured are, from left, school
NC Highway Patrol. mascot Walt the Bear, Abrya Rushing, 12, a fifth grader at Walter Bickett; Anna
Originally from Mt. Airy, Barber, 8, a second grader; and Mario Diaz, 10, a fourth grader. Allen Tate Real-
McCraw, his wife Amber tors, a business partner of the school, has donated time and money to the school
and their two children each year for the past six years. The company has donated more than $20,000
have made their home in Jarrod McCraw
and countless man hours.
Monroe since 1997.
Time Warner employees gift supplies
Union Elementary’s 45 Teachers were all smiles
classroom teachers received as they opened their gift
a “job well done” recently boxes of supplies. “It’s nice
from employees at Time to feel appreciated, and it’s
Warner Cable in the form of nice to be recognized,” said
gift boxes filled with teacher Dolores McClain, a third-
supplies. grade teacher at the school.
“I’m thrilled anytime “It really impresses me that a
someone wants to do some- local company takes pride in
thing to help our teachers,” education.”
said Union Elementary The gift boxes, presented
Principal Kevin Plue. as part of Time Warner’s
Roberta Farman, educa- annual Holiday Teacher Re-
tion services coordinator in Union Elementary School teachers were happy to receive school ception, included such items
the Public Affairs Department supplies compliments of Time Warner Cable employees. Teachers as pens, pencils, notebooks,
of Time Warner, explained Barbara Simpson, Dolores McClain, Michelle Johnson and Blair markers, tissues, crayons,
that one school, from each Austin, as well as all teachers at the school, were given the gift pencil sharpeners, pencil
of the counties in which boxes as a ‘thank you’ for a job well done.
cases, glue, rulers, glue sticks,
Time Warner Cable operates, is chosen to spend my own money for supplies for folders, scissors and erasers.
each year. These counties include Union, my classroom, and people didn’t always The event is funded completely by
Anson, Stanly, Charlotte/Mecklenburg, recognize the hard work you did. So this Time Warner employees who make per-
Richmond, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, is our way of recognizing the hard work sonal donations and hold fund-raisers such
Stanly and Rowan/Salisbury. that you do. We’re here to say, ‘Good job. as bake sales, raffles, chili sales, pictures
“We’re very excited to be here today,” Well done. We support you.’ We want to taken with Santa and buy dress-down day
Farman told the Union Elementary teach- recognize you and thank you for all that passes. They also provided refreshments
ers. “I used to be a teacher myself. I had you do for our kids.” for the teachers.
3
Media and Technology offers ‘Video Results’
Media and Technology now offers power our teachers The concept was then approved by
an innovative teaching tool for teachers and provide innova- UCPS Instructional Technology Spe-
called “Video Results” featuring mini tive support,” Walker cialist Linda Helbig who worked with
video movies to explain a multitude of said. “The main link Walker to make sure the content of the
computer questions. will be posted on the videos was effective and easy to under-
This new feature is accessible from Media and Tech- stand.
the UCPS web site. Just go to the Media nology home page. Video Results is designed in “fre-
and Technology home page under the Videos play in the web quently-asked-questions” (FAQ) format,
“Departments” header. Once you’re on browser.” with a list of questions that you click on
the Media and Technology home page, The instructions are very detailed and to watch the video lesson. The site does
click on “Video Results” on the menu user-friendly. There is, however, an e-mail require that Quicktime be installed and
bar on the left. address for requested walkthroughs for you need speakers to hear Walker.
The Video Results page offers infor- those not as computer-savvy. Just send an “It is my voice that walks you through
mative video clips, which actually show e-mail to videoresults@ucps.k12.nc.us the issue so there is familiarity to the
a computer screen as it is being navigat- Walker came up with the idea while instruction,” he said. “We are hoping
ed through the instruction. The demon- copying videos off of the Internet. “I was this will blossom into something bigger,
strations are for both Mac and PC. using Snapz Pro to capture the video and where more people become proactive
The creator/designer, Josh Walker, a sound from my PowerBook G4,” he said. and want to learn the little things about
UCPS computer technician with Media “After I was finished, I was watching it computers to empower themselves.
and Technology, said the clips guide users and I thought, ‘I could use this to help “The whole reason I started this
through various computer tasks, such as teachers.’ I could record myself going was to educate the teachers and help
finding an IP address, connecting a print- through a technical issue and talk it all first responders with troubleshooting,”
er, checking e-mail, or creating a PDF. out. That way someone could watch it and he added. “My goal is to educate people
“We are using these videos to em- follow exactly along with me.” about the computers in their school.”
2007 UCPS top speller named
It took 15 The word
rounds to narrow that Sacripanti
the playing field misspelled was
from 32 UCPS “angstrom,” a unit
elementary and of length equal
middle school to one hundred-
students to the millionth of a
final two, but centimeter, used
finally one student mainly to express
from Weddington wavelengths.
Middle School Jordan, the
walked away with son of Jeff and
the first-place Kathy Jordan
trophy. of Matthews,
Matthew Jor- The 2007 UCPS Spelling Bee boasted of more than 30 elementary and middle school
is no stranger
dan, 13, an eighth- students, but only one could walk away with the first-place trophy. That young man to recognition.
grade student was Matthew Jordan, standing at left, 13, an eighth-grade student at Weddington He received the
at Weddington Middle. The runner-up was Keagan Sacripanti, second from left, 13, an eighth grader National Duke
from Porter Ridge Middle School. TIP award last
year for having
Middle, took the Regional Spelling Bee competition in
high SAT scores.
2007 top speller Charlotte, where he finished third-
Following the spelling bee, Su-
award by correctly place.
perintendent Dr. Ed Davis commented
spelling “terrapin” Last year’s UCPS spelling bee
to the students and parents that all the
and “vernacular.” winner, Keagan Sacripanti, 13, an
students present were winners. “This is
He went on to rep- eight grader from Porter Ridge Middle
a representation of the fine students we
resent UCPS at the School, rose to the top once again this
have in our school system,” he said.
Jordan Charlotte Observer year by taking second place.
4
07 NOMINEES
20 The following teachers were named Teacher of the Year at their schools. The 2007 Teachers of the Year
will be honored at the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet on April 24, at Rolling Hills Country Club.
O
T Kathryn Hayslett
Antioch Elementary
Jessica Blanchard
Benton Heights
Martha Burgess
Central Academy
Linda Blanton
East Elementary
Michael Ferguson
East Union Middle
Shirley Board
Fairview Elementary
F
E
T
A
Sarah Young Paige Warner Bonnie Rice Ingela Whitley Carolyn Park Tracey Fluharty
H
Forest Hills High Hemby Bridge Indian Trail Elementary Kensington Elementary Marshville Elementary Marvin Elementary
C Gary Piggott
Marvin Ridge Middle
Jonathan Harbin
Monroe High
Bonnie Mwanda
Monroe Middle
Starla Williams
New Salem Elementary
Wayne Phaneuf
Parkwood High
E’a Christenson
Parkwood Middle E
H
Y
E
Bethany Walker Janice Meggs Andrew Nicoletti Jennie Yearick Kim Lynch Wendy Reed
E
Piedmont High Piedmont Middle Porter Ridge Elementary Porter Ridge High Porter Ridge Middle Prospect
R Karen DeSantis
Rock Rest Elementary
Kristin Rinebold
Sandy Ridge
Jennifer Stephenson
Sardis Elementary
Susan Rodgers
Shiloh Elementary
Dana Pickens
South Providence
Nicole Clyncke
Sun Valley High
A
Ann Baucom
Sun Valley Middle
Donna Neuberth
Union Elementary
Olivia Skinner
Unionville Elementary
Janet Turner
Walter Bickett Ed Center
Beth Engel
Walter Bickett
Beverly Phillips
Waxhaw Elementary
R
Jenny Slaughter Juan Roldan Bruce Foley Mysti Oakes Marie LeClair Amanda Shrewsbury Alice Massey
Weddington Elementary Weddington High Weddington Middle Wesley Chapel Western Union Wingate Elementary Wolfe School
Employee News
Births Deaths Marriages
Congratulations to the following: Heartfelt sympathies are extended to Congratulations to the following:
Shelly Holland, a teacher at Wax- the friends and families of the following: Angela Adcock, a bookkeeper at Central
haw Elementary, and her husband Cassandra Atkinson, STEMS Opera- Academy of Technology and Arts, in her
Dereck on the birth of their daughter, tor, in the death of her sister, Betty Stewart marriage to Charles Davis on June 24,
Charlotte Anne Holland, born Decem- on January 7, 2007. 2006. Her mother is Wanda Thomas,
ber 25, 2006. Chrissie Maness, a teacher at Shiloh a guidance secretary at Piedmont High
Shawna Paynter, a teacher at Shiloh Elementary, in the death of her father, U.F. School, and her sister is Anna Austin, an
Elementary, on the birth of her son, Dellinger, in December of 2006. accountant in the UCPS Central Office.
Grady Michael Paynter, born January Tammy Sims, a teacher assistant at Michael Boyes, a teacher at Marvin
2, 2007. Marshville Elementary, on the death of her Ridge Middle School, in his marriage to Ju-
Jennifer Aldredge, a teacher at father, David Burleson, on June 12, 2006. lie Teague, a teacher at Weddington Middle
Shiloh Elementary, on the birth of her Jack Bruschi, assistant principal at School, on December 16, 2006.
son, Gavin Jack Aldredge on January Waxhaw Elementary, and his wife Marcia Kelly Williams, a teacher at Prospect
15, 2007. Bruschi, retired from UCPS, in the death of Elementary, in her marriage to Brian Nance
Ken and Jennifer Hoover on the her father, James Wall on November 29, 2006. on June 10, 2006. Kelly is the daughter of
birth of their daughter, Samantha Marie Terry Helms, a teacher assistant at Shi- Marilyn Williams, a retired UCPS sec-
Hoover, born February 1, 2007. Ken is loh Elementary School, in the death of her retary now working part-time for UCPS.
an assistant principal at Porter Ridge sister, Betty Funderburk, on January 1, 2007. Brian’s mother is Sylvia Nance, a bus
Middle School and Jennifer is a teacher Marsha Polk, a secretary at Sun driver for Forest Hills High and Wingate
at Porter Ridge Elementary. Valley High School, in the death of her Elementary schools.
Scott Dobbins, a teacher at Porter mother, Velma P. Helms on January 12, Tammy Sims, a teacher assistant at
Ridge Middle, and his wife, Sonya, on 2007. Helms was the grandmother of Marshville Elementary, on the marriage of
the adoption of their son, Stephen Jo- Ginger Polk, a Spanish teacher at Waxhaw her daughter, Morgan Sims to Richard Burr
siah Dobbins, on November 19, 2006. Elementary School. on October 21, 2006.
Joey Lord, a teacher at Porter
Ridge Middle School, and her husband,
Bradley on the birth of their son, Caleb Legislative News Representatives get their way, it may one day
Asher Lord on January 2, 2007. be possible for teachers and principals, with
By Jim Stegall
Karen Carter, a bookkeeper at Pros- more than 10 years experience, to qualify for a
UCPS Legislative Liaison
pect Elementary, on the birth of her Remember the school calendar law that one-year sabbatical at full salary.
granddaughter, Carter Elaina Wright was passed two years ago? The one that The bill calls on the State Board of Educa-
on December 13, 2006, to her daughter shaved five days off the school calendar and tion to develop a plan for educator sabbaticals
Marlo and son-in-law Chris Wright. set August 25th as the earliest date a school and have it ready for consideration by next
Lane Price, assistant principal at can open? It’s come under a great deal of year’s session of the General Assembly. Full
Shiloh Elementary School, on the birth criticism in the legislature as schools struggle implementation is still a long way off, but a
of her daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Price, to realign programs ranging from athletics to pilot program of up to 150 teachers and prin-
on January 22, 2007. early college with the new restrictions. cipals could be in place as early as next fall.
Heather Compton, a teacher at There are also numerous complaints about One caveat: participants would have to return
Marvin Elementary School, and her the difficulty of making up inclement weather to the school from which they came and serve
husband Jamie Compton on the birth of days under the new rules, and the lack of time at least three years following their sabbatical,
their daughter, Leah Lynn Compton, on available for professional development. or pay back the salary they received during
February 20, 2007. Some lawmakers who supported the change their absence.
Phyllis Medlin, a teacher at Indian two years ago are now
Trail Elementary, and her husband expressing second
thoughts, and legisla- Inside News is published by the Communications Office of
Mike, on the birth of their grandson, Union County Public Schools for all school employees. News
tion is in the works that
Samuel Matthew Medlin, on October items should be submitted to the Communications Office.
would back the date up
20, 2006, born to their son, Matthew and Page 6
to mid-August. Dr. Ed Davis, Superintendent
daughter-in-law Terilyn Medlin.
Julie Horne, a teacher at Indian Trail L. Dean Arp Jr., Chairman, Board of Education
Do you ever wish you
Elementary, and her husband, John, in could take a year off to Luan Ingram - Managing Editor 500 North Main Street Suite 700
the birth of their son, Vance Andrew travel, study, or develop a
Chief Communications Officer Monroe, NC 28112
Deb Coates - Editor 704-283-3733
Horne on February 21, 2007. new idea to be imple- Publications Coordinator Fax: 704-289-1536
Tracy Carbone, a teacher at Indian mented in your school?
Trail Elementary, and her husband, Union County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does
If the authors of a not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability
Mark, in the birth of their son, Joseph bill now being consid- or national origin.
Dylan Carbone, on December 26, 2006. ered in the House of
