In This Issue4
2009-10 Budget: Making Dollars Into Sense
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Homelessness in gcS, Across Street
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Quick Announcements
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the History of Black History Month
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the
INSIDER
Giving GCS Employees the INside Scoop Every Month
StrAtegIc PlAn QuIck guIDe
Area I - Improving Academic Achievement Area II - Supportive Family & Community Involvement Area III - Strategic Human Resource Management Area IV - Respectful & Responsive Service Area V - Safe Schools & Character Development Area VI - Optimal Operations Area VII - Transformational Technology Area VIII - Clear Baseline & Equitable Standards
February 2009
GCS Strategic Plan: Achieving Education Excellence
Strategic Plan Phrase is Goal for All Employees to Attain
On January 27, Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green unveiled the district’s four-year strategic plan before more than 600 parents, staff and members of the community in an uplifting event that featured students who exude excellence. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s quotation, “intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education,” Green modeled the strategic plan to include ways to improve academic achievement as well as to form good citizens who possess positive character traits. Green’s, and hopefully every parent, employee and community member’s, ultimate goal, is to attain education excellence for every child in every classroom in every school. “We believe that strength of character, combined with the keen analytical skills of a finely tuned mind, can overcome any obstacle and create a limitless future,” said Green. The plan includes strategies designed to boost student achievement, increase parental and community involvement, improve district service, increase the teacher retention rate and improve school safety and discipline. Some of these strategies will be launched in the coming months, while others will be launched over the next two to three years. The plan is based in part on the input of nearly 4,000 parents, students, employees and community members who sent in comments and suggestions through the “Mo Wants to Know” campaign. Information captured through the campaign and the superintendent’s listening and learning tour—along with the Board of Education’s mission and core values—guided the development of the strategic plan. After familiarizing yourself with the strategic plan, you will quickly realize it’s comprehensive.
The AreAs
The GCS Strategic Plan - In the News
MulTiMediA
Listen to a Podcast Get Questions Answered in the FAQ Watch the Media Briefing Event Photos
Plan
Banner of Support - Attendees of the Strategic Plan launch signed a “We Support GCS” banner.
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Click here to read the plan.
GCS Green Tip
In Area VI - Optimal Operations, the District will develop and implement a district-wide strategic energy plan. Begin now and save energy by tucking in your computer before you leave. Turn off your screen saver and cut even more energy that your computer uses by putting it in sleep mode when it isn’t in use. www.gcsnc.com
GCS Begins Budget Planning for 2009-10
Deep Cuts Are Anticipated in State Funding
Guilford County Schools (GCS) is bracing for steep budget cuts as it prepares its budget for the 2009-10 school year. With tax revenues falling short of projections, the Governor has asked state agencies to trim budgets by 3 to 7 percent. For GCS, a 5 percent cut in state funding would result in the loss of nearly $19 million. Although the Governor hasn’t asked school districts to trim funds at this time, the district is taking the current economic climate into account as it begins its budget development process, according to Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. “We are reviewing all expenses, and measuring all activities against the goals and strategies outlined in our new strategic plan,” says Green. Green says GCS plans to redirect existing resources to support the new initiatives outlined in the strategic plan to the greatest extent possible. “This means we are going to have to dig deep and will likely have to make some tough choices,” says Green. The superintendent acknowledged that economic crises and the resulting uncertainty regarding GCS’ budget is unsettling for employees. “I know that the economic crisis is disconcerting and distressing,” says Green. “And I recognize that many of our employees and students may be struggling due to job losses in their families.” Green said he would share additional information as it becomes available. Employees also are encouraged to send cost-saving ideas or suggestions to feedback@gcsnc. com. “If we work together and stay focused on student success, I’m confident we’ll continue to serve our students and our community well,” says Green.
QuIck nOteS
gcS looks to raise Student Performance Guilford County Schools (GCS) is implementing a new initiative to attract high-performing teachers to the district schools that need them the most. The Talent Transfer Initiative will offer high-performing teachers monetary incentives to work for two years in under-achieving schools. The Guilford County Board of Education approved the initiative in December, and implementation is now under way for the 2009-10 school year. To read more about this, click here. Do you love the Bus? As part of the third annual National Love the Bus program, the American School Bus Council (ASBC) encourages parents, students and teachers to thank our bus drivers. Visit the program’s Web site, to share stories and make Valentine’s Day cards to give to their bus driver. GCS will recognize its bus drivers with special events throughout the district. teacher transfer Fair The annual Teacher Transfer Fair is Thursday, Feb. 19 at Smith High from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. All teachers eligible to transfer within GCS are invited to meet with principals and school staff. Information about compensatory time Click here to learn about comp time (see page 44 in PDF). ecolab Visions for learning grants Available Every year, Ecolab, a Guilford County company, offers grants to GCS schools. This year, $70,000 is available to support creativity and innovation in classroom learning. But you cannot qualify if you don’t apply. Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 3. Click here for the application. Adopt a classroom Adopt-A-Classroom invites the community into the classroom in support of teachers and their students. Register your classroom here. We will begin promoting this service to the community, and would love to hear from you when your classroom is adopted. Email your success stories to adamsc4@ gcsnc.com.
Employees Help Make United Way Campaign a Success
Giving in GCS a Priority Despite Tough Times
Despite the difficult economy, GCS employees have generously donated to the United Way campaign. The following ten schools were recognized as having the highest percent increase in giving: aHunter Elementary (+ 48%) aSoutheast Middle (+ 55%) aFerndale Middle (+ 56%) aMiddle College at GTCC- Jamestown (+ 57%) aRankin Elementary (+ 58%) aNorthern Elementary (+ 62%) aAycock Middle (+ 66%) aVandalia Elementary (+ 87%) aEastern Middle (+161%) aAcademy at Smith (+ 285%)
Overall, 32 elementary schools, 13 middle schools and 11 high schools all increased The Academy at Smith also received the second Annual “Uniting the Way” award.
their giving in this year’s campaign. High School Ahead will be recognized as an Employee Spirit Award recipient at an upcoming United Way event in Pinehurst, N.C.
February 2009
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Homelessness Escalates Among Students; GCS Can Help
The District Currently Has More Than 1,000 Students Who Are Considered Homeless
Families already in difficult situations may experience additional hardship as layoffs become more common. With this unfortunate trend, districts across the country re eeing ore tudents xperience a s m s e homelessness than ever before. Already this year, more than 1,000 students in GCS Did You know? are homeless, a number that On any given night, 1.2 is expected to million children are increase as the homeless. year progresses. But the district has resources available to help these families and ensures that students who are homeless are enrolled in school immediately, even if they do not have proof of residence, immunizations or school records. The district also will assist in getting necessary records, providing transportation to and from school and helping students remain in their original school if that is the parent’s choice. “Unfortunately, if this trend continues, we could see a significant increase in the number of students who are homeless by the end of this year compared to last year,” said Richard Tuck, dropout prevention/ intervention/parent outreach supervisor. Economic changes aren’t the only culprit of homelessness. Personal situations and tragedies can also force a family out of their home. “Just today, we had a phone call from a family who needed support after losing their home to fire,” said Tunisia Lumpford, social worker and homeless liaison for the district. When a social worker receives a call about a family in need, they reach out to additional resources at the school level and in the community. “We utilize all our resources to help students,” Lumpford said. “At Shadybrook Elementary, many of our staff gave clothes, household toiletries and even monetary donations when a family was in need.” Many schools already have resources in place, such as a food pantry or clothes closet, and are kept stocked
John Holt’s Cornerstone Keeping Up With Resolutions
It’s not new. I read somewhere that over 4,000 years ago, Babylonians tried to start the New Year “fresh” by repaying debts and returning borrowed items. And it certainly hasn’t stopped. We all do it some time or another – make resolutions, whether it’s at the start of a new year, a new month or just because it seems like a good time. But many times we fail to keep them; 40 to 50 percent of us, in fact. But the good news is resolutions can be set any time of the year, and now more than ever, more of us are keeping them. One reason we fail to keep our resolutions is that we think they’re a good idea, but we don’t think it through and are not really committed to it. Hopefully, your resolution wasn’t last second. But let’s talk about how to really keep our resolutions now that you’ve made them. Here are a few ideas: • Start with a realistic goal. Don’t be too ambitious. Keep it to one or two resolutions. You can always add more as you meet your goals. • Have a strong initial commitment to make a change. • Supplement your annual resolution with near-term goals. In fact, set yourself up for early success with easy to meet near-term goals. This will provide added incentive. • Fail to plan, plan to fail. Have coping strategies to deal with problems that will come up. • You’re going to slip up. Don’t let it undo everything. Don’t beat yourself up. Keep trying. • Keep track of your progress. The more monitoring you do and feedback you get, the better you will do. These are a few simple ideas and strategies that can help you stay focused and meet the goals you are committed to. Many goals fall into the category of lifestyle change, so just keep trying. As they say - learn it, love it, live it. John Holt Cornerstone Psychological Services 378-8806
GCS Helps
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Plan
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But by working together toward a common goal, success can be realized. While difficult economic times are challenging, we can begin to become examples of excellence, if we haven’t already, to our co-workers, our students, our parents and our community as highlighted in Area IV - respectful and responsive Service. Employees ant nd xpect o e reated w a e t b t with dignity, respect and courteousness at all times. They want accurate answers in a timely manner so they, in turn, can provide the kind of thoughtful service our external customers want and deserve. Begin to discuss respectful and responsive communication in your department or school. What can be improved? Are you providing fast and accurate answers to the public, to each other? What are you doing well? By opening the platform of discussion, we can begin to achieve education excellence.
More than 600 people were treated to hors d’oeuvres that were served by Weaver culinary students, student performances by Penn-Griffin School for the Arts, Western High, Southest High and Dudley High.
Improving internal communication among employees is also a goal highlighted in Area IV - responsive & respectful Service. In the next few weeks, look for a readership survey about the Insider.
Have a comment about the strategic plan? E-mail your thoughts to feedback@gcsnc.com.
www.CornerstoneHelps.com
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The History and Significance of Black History Month
February’s Black History Month’s Origin Dates Back Almost 100 Years
In 1915, Dr. Carter G. Woodson and Rev. Jesse E. Moorland co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). Understanding the value of education (Woodson was the second black person to receive a degree from Harvard University), Woodson encouraged fraternity Omega Psi Phi to create Negro History and Literature Week in 1920, which became Negro History Week. He selected the month of February for the celebration as a way to honor the birth of two men whose actions drastically altered the future of black Americans. Abraham Lincoln, the U.S. President who issued the Emancipation Proclamation was born on February 12th and Frederick Douglass, one of the nation’s leading abolitionists was born on February 14th. Despite Woodson’s death in 1950, the
celebration of Negro History Week was adopted by cities and organizations across the country. After the Black Power Movement of the 1970s, ASNLH, now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, changed Negro History Week to Black History Week. In 1976, they extended the week to a month-long observance. A trio of Firsts On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the United States’ 44th president. He is the first African American to hold that office. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is also the first African American to hold his respective office. Maurice “Mo” Green became Guilford County Schools’ first African American superintendent when he began in September 2008.
A statue of the Greensboro four sits on the campus of NC A&T.
What’s your school doing to celebrate Black History Month? E-mail goodnews@gcsnc.com.
greensboro’s role in civil rights
On February 1, 1960, four black students from the Agricultural and Technical College in Greensboro, North Carolina, sat down at the lunch counter in a local branch of Woolworth’s and ordered coffee. After being refused service, the group sat at the counter until the store closed. The next day they returned with other students. Heavily covered by the news media, the Greensboro sit–ins sparked a movement that spread quickly to college towns throughout the South and into the North, as young blacks and whites engaged in various forms of peaceful protest against segregation. Though many protesters were arrested for trespassing, disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace, their actions made an immediate impact, and will never be forgotten.
High Point High School Sit-Ins
The role that the City of High Point played in desegregation of public accommodations in the South is a little known story. On February 11, 1960, the Sit-In Movement in High Point began an eight-year struggle for the integration of public accommodations. It is the only documented sit-in in America conceived, organized and carried out by high school students. Students from William Penn High, High Point Senior High and Ferndale Middle initiated the sit-ins, with students from William Penn High, A.J. Griffin Middle and graduates of Fairview and Leonard Street Elementary fueling the struggle for the next eight years. The February 11th Association dedicates the commemoration of the Sit-In Movement and promotes civil rights and interracial relations. The events are open to the public. Schedule of events February 11 - 3:30 p.m. Prayer Vigil & Unveiling of the February 11th Memorial
Rear Entrance, Radisson Hotel High Point, Wrenn St. February 12, 4 - 5:30 p.m. Conversations with Rev. B. Elton Cox and some participants in the High Point Civil Rights Movement. High Point Museum, 1859 East Lexington Ave. February 13 First Annual Banquet Radisson Hotel High Point, 135 South Main St.; Wine & Cheese Reception, 6 p.m.; Dinner, Program and Entertainment, 7 p.m. Attire: Semi-Formal, Individual Tickets: 75$ per person, Sponsor Table: 8: $1,000 February 14, 8 a.m. Community Breakfast Williams Memorial Church
February One on gcStV 2
February One - the documentary chronicles the story mentioned above in a onehour long program. Tune into GCSTV 2 to watch the program. It runs daily through February at 11:58 a.m.
February 2009
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GCS Helps
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through staff and parent donations. did just the opposite. A few weeks ago, In addition, GCS makes sure that a homeless facility moved into the church students receive the necessary educational located across the street from Erwin support services, and employees work with Montessori. community agencies and service programs “Instead of our school community that are providing support. School social panicking and becoming afraid, we have workers frequently will made an effort to embrace Did You know? follow up with these them,” said Parker. After families to see if there are meeting with facility Most children become homeless other ways the school can because their mothers and fathers workers, students made are unable to find affordable provide support. artwork for the walls and Teachers, social workers housing. traumatic events such as representatives have come unemployment, illness, accidents or and counselors can also violence and abuse further limit their to talk with our staff. shop at the Teacher ability to secure decent housing. The school collected Supply Warehouse to help toiletry items and other students with simple supplies like binders, necessities to help the homeless. On pencils and paper. Friday, Feb 13, staff, parents and students “There’s always a family in need, and will take the items, along with letters of it’s a wonderful sight to see people rally encouragement and hand-deliver them to around this cause,” Lumpford said. the facility. A School of encouragement Want to donate to a family in need, but don’t know While some people may turn the other where to start? Contact Tunisia Lumpford, social way when it comes to homelessness, worker and homeless liaison, at 621-4014 or Dr. Deborah Parker, principal at Erwin lumpfot@gcsnc.com. Montessori and her staff and students,
A success sTory in Gcs
“A family was evicted from their
apartment, and the mother was staying in her car with her two children for a week before she confided in a social worker,” said Corrina Nobis, a social worker at Kernodle Middle. “We were able to talk with the mom and assess her needs. We found an apartment for the family, and a local church provided a charitable donation for a deposit so the family could have a roof of their heads.” The family’s new apartment was unfurnished. So, Nobis relied on the generous Kernodle staff, as well as The Barnabas Network, a local nonprofit organization, which includes a furniture warehouse, to help complete the family’s apartment. “I spoke with her recently, and they are getting back on their feet,” Nobis said.
Nancy Hines Named February Employee of the Month
Washington Montessori Principal Sharon Jacobs Calls Hines a “True Jewel”
In
the
news
Once a month, Nancy Hines decorates the Washington Montessori media center to honor students and parents recognized at the school’s Student of the Month Breakfast. It seems only fitting that this youth development coordinator, who dedicates so much energy, heart and charisma to honoring the achievements of students, is the recipient of an award honoring the same outstanding qualities of employees. According to Principal Sharon Jacobs, GCS has a true jewel in Hines: “She likes to work behind the scenes and is extremely humble. She is a true servant-leader who loves all, cares for all and works well with all to get the job done. We are so very proud to have her as a part of this family.” Whether she’s coordinating Parent Teacher Association events, scheduling staff development, working with students after hours or simply being a friend to all, Hines represents excellence in education.
She was surprised during a full student assembly as this month’s winner. As Employee of the Month, Hines received a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, In addition, the Guilford County Board of Education recognized her at its February 10 meeting.
Know any GCS employees who go above and beyond? Nominate them for Employee of the Month! Nominations may also be submitted online here. Full-time or part-time GCS employees may be nominated. All nominations must be received by the 10th day of each month. Each nomination will be considered once, so please feel free to resubmit each month. For more information, contact Lillian M. Govus, program administrator – communications, at 370-8997.
Peanut Butter recall School Nutrition received notification from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture that none of the peanut butter purchased by USDA for further processing was involved in the peanut butter recall. GCS has eliminated all peanut products within the School Nutrition Program as a result of the adoption of Board Policy JGHB. The only exception was individually wrapped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as decided by the Board. These sandwiches, produced by Smuckers, use USDA commodity peanut butter. Mission Possible Featured in national Publication The Center for American Progress recently published a policy report that features Mission Possible. To view the report, click here. (program feature on page 23).
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february
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
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National School Counseling Week
Rosa Parks’ Birthday
Magnet Fair
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College Tech Prep Showcase
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Board of Education Meeting
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
Valentine’s Day
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President’s Day
PTA Founder’s Day
Early Release Day
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Kickoff to Kindergarten Parent Day
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George Washington’s Birthday
Board of Education Meeting
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Severe Weather Awareness Week
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FebruAry is:
Black History Month National Children’s Dental Health Month Youth Art Month (Feb. 26-March 26)
Resources for February Insider: nationalhomelesss.org; www.biography. com; www.historychannel.com
February 2009