PRINCIPALS' MESSAGES 2006

NOVEMBER 16, 2006 - Principals' Biweekly Message

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the Philadelphia Education Fund have verified that by at least sixth grade, it is possible to accurately predict future dropouts by looking at four specific factors: less than 80 percent attendance, a poor final behavior grade or mark, failing math or failing English. You and your teachers already know which students are in significant trouble, even at the half-way mark of our K-12 education system, if not before. How can your school address the impact of poverty, the need for strong instruction and the need to intervene in students’ lives at the first sign of trouble? The full research report is available at http://www.philaedfund.org/ by scrolling down to the Dropout Prevention Research link.

Regards,
June Atkinson

In this Biweekly Principals' Message:

1. International Education Week is Nov. 13-17
2. Teachers Needed for NCVPS Course Review Process
3. North Carolina Teacher to Lead National Middle Education Association
4. Students Win Top Honors in State and National School Bus Safety Poster Contest
5. December Fitness Calendar Activities

International Education Week is Nov. 13-17

The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State would like educators to join them in celebrating International Education Week on Nov. 13-17. This year’s theme is "International Education: Engaging in Global Partnerships and Opportunities." The USED is working closely with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to highlight international space exploration and the importance of a rigorous math, science and foreign language education. Educators are encouraged to go online to http://iew.state.gov for further information about how students and schools can get involved.

Teachers Needed for NCVPS Course Review Process

North Carolina Virtual Public Schools (NCVPS) is set to begin its course review process and is currently recruiting active classroom teachers who are content area experts to serve as course reviewers. NCVPS anticipates a need for content experts in all subject areas in high school, including Advanced Placement offerings. In selecting content experts for the course review process, reviewers must meet the following qualifications:

• Exemplary master teacher with more than 10 years teaching experience in grades 9-12.
• Strong understanding of subject area content with a minimum of five years experience in teaching a specific content area.
• National Board Certification or other educational attainment exhibiting mastery of instructional delivery.
• Strong understanding of learning theory and teaching strategies with emphasis on student-centered approaches to learning.
• Student work exemplifies use of critical thinking, problem-solving and content application.
• Commitment to career, professional development and student learning.
• Professional recommendations to include peer professional organizations and current administrator.
• Computer with Internet access outside of school environment.
• Prior experience with distance education and online pedagogy is helpful, but not required.

In addition to the above criteria, NCVPS also is looking for master teachers with at least four years teaching experience in AP course content areas. At present, we are collecting the contact information of those teachers meeting the above qualifications. Beginning next week, NCVPS will be forwarding further information regarding the review process directly to these individuals. Please forward the names and contact information of recommended teachers to Linda Austin, Curriculum Contact, NCVPS, at laustin@dpi.state.nc.us.

North Carolina Teacher to Lead National Middle Education Association

Congratulations to Kernodle Middle School (Guilford County Schools) teacher Theresa Hinkle who was recently elected president-elect of the National Middle School Association (NMSA) at its annual conference held earlier this month in Tennessee. Hinkle will assume presidency at the NMSA’s annual conference in November 2007. She has been a member of NMSA Board of Trustees from 1999-2005, has served on the U.S. Department of Education’s Regional Advisory Committee for two years and has been president of the North Carolina Middle School Association.

Students Win Top Honors in State and National School Bus Safety Poster Contest

Congratulations to the following students who received top honors in the state’s School Bus Safety Poster contest (please note that schools and grade levels reflect the 2005-06 school year):

• Division 1 (K-2): Samantha Hope Burchett, grade 2, District 7 Elementary (Cumberland County Schools)
• Division 2 (3-5): Rebecca Lowder, grade 5, Spring Creek Elementary (Wayne County Schools)
• Division 3 (6-8): Kayla Norris, grade 6, Tar Heel Middle (Bladen County Schools)

Each will receive a $50 savings bond sponsored by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. In addition, North Carolina’s Division 1 winning poster by Samantha Hope Burchett received first place national honors among all entries from across the country in Division 1. She will receive a $500 savings bond as the first place winner. North Carolina’s Division 3 winning poster by Kayla Norris received second place national honors among all entries from across the country in Division 3. Norris will receive a $250 savings bond as the second place winner. Winning posters are featured, along with other category winners, on the School Bus Safety Web site at www.ncbussafety.org.

December Fitness Calendar Activities

"Safe Toys and Kids Month" is the theme of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education's (NASPE) December Teacher's Toolbox. Teachers are encouraged to share with parents and students the fitness activity calendar, coloring page, puzzle and much more. Perfect for the holiday season, NASPE has created a sample letter about the importance of safety and helmets for teachers to send to parents. For all of these great resources, visit http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/template.cfm?template=teachers_toolbox_dec06.html.