TEACHERS' MESSAGES 2006
TEACHERS' MESSAGES 2006APRIL 13, 2006
After many months of planning and behind-the-scenes work, the North Carolina Virtual Public School is beginning to offer services to students. North Carolina students taking an Advanced Placement examination this May can now access exam reviews free-of-charge through the NC Virtual Public School. To register for the exam reviews, students go to www.ncvps.org. I am excited about this step forward for North Carolina students. As the NC Virtual Public School grows and expands its offerings, all students will have the opportunity to expand their academic opportunities regardless of geographic location, scheduling issues and other potential obstacles.
Regards,
June Atkinson
In this Biweekly Teachers' Message:
- State Board Meeting Highlights
- Gov. Easley Presents Legislators with 2006 Education Overview
- Additional National Board Information Sessions Scheduled
- Wayne County Elementary School Being Recognized for Hurricane Efforts
- Two North Carolina Schools Receive Technology Cash Award
- UNC-TV Airs Show on Teen Safety and Technology
- Discover NC Targets Eighth Grade Social Studies Teachers
- Professional Development Opportunity for Seventh Grade Social Studies Teachers
- 2006 Meredith Mathematics Institutes for Elementary Teachers
- 2006 State Mathematics Conference
- Mock Trial Competition
- Teacher Leadership Newsletter
- Resources from the N.C. Strawberry Association
- Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award
State Board Meeting Highlights
At last week’s State Board meeting, members approved a recommendation to establish an Advisory Board to consider requests for exceptions from licensure requirements in State Board Policy due to extenuating circumstances and an evaluation instrument that can be used in lieu of testing requirements to evaluate teachers converting from a Standard Professional 1 License to a Standard Professional 2 License. Board members also discussed revising the add-on licensure testing policy. Complete Board Highlights are available online at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/sbehighlights by clicking on the appropriate link.
Gov. Easley Presents Legislators with 2006 Education Overview
Gov. Mike Easley last week presented legislators attending the James B. Hunt Institute’s Annual Legislators Retreat with an overview of his 2006 education agenda and announced plans to improve North Carolina students’ reading and writing skills by placing literacy coaches in middle schools throughout the state. The reading coaches will train teachers on ways to help struggling readers. This reading initiative, which supports the reading strategies plan being developed by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and discussed by the State Board of Education, is part of Easley's education agenda to be included in the budget he will send to the General Assembly in May. In addition to literacy coaches in the middle schools, Easley stressed the importance of continuing to support More at Four, the state's pre-kindergarten program for at-risk four-year-olds; class size reduction in the lower grades; adequate funding for low-wealth schools and disadvantaged students; and improved teacher pay. He highlighted accomplishments of the past year, including the implementation of a plan to improve starting teacher salaries and provide teachers with significant pay raises over the next three years to ensure that the state exceeds the national average in teacher pay.
Additional National Board Information Sessions Scheduled
Three additional National Board Information Sessions have been scheduled to provide information to teachers interested in pursuing certification in 2006-07. These sessions are in addition to the seven sessions already scheduled. The schedule for all sessions, which will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted), is as follows:
- Tuesday, April 25, Horizons School, 1636 Parkview Circle, Salisbury (Rowan County);
- Wednesday, April 26, Ashe County High School, 184 Campus Drive, West Jefferson (Ashe County);
- Thursday, May 4, NCDPI, Education Building, 301 N Wilmington Street, Raleigh (Wake County);
- Wednesday, May 24, Hoke County High School’s Media Center, 505 S. Bethel Road, Raeford (Hoke County);
- Tuesday, May 30, Edgecombe County Schools’ Central Office, Pearl Street, Tarboro (Edgecombe County);
- Thursday, June 1, Haywood County Schools’ Education Center, Clyde (Haywood County);
- Thursday, June 8, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Extended Day School, 2065 E. Holly Grove Road, Lexington (Davidson County);
- Tuesday, June 13, 9 a.m., Penn-Griffin Middle School Auditorium, 825 East Washington Drive, High Point (Guilford County); and
- Tuesday, June 13, 1 p.m., Weaver Academy Auditorium, 300 S. Spring Street, Greensboro (Guilford County).
Wayne County Elementary School Being Recognized for Hurricane Efforts
Meadow Lane Elementary Schools (Wayne County Public Schools) was recently named a finalist for the “Superintendent’s Award for Outstanding Character and Citizenship” by the St. Tammany Parish Public School System (Covington, La.) for its assistance to Folsom Elementary School following Hurricane Katrina. To date, students and staff have at Meadow Lane Elementary have helped raise over $2,500 dollars and also sent books, musical instruments, and other classroom resources. The St. Tammany Parish Public School System has invited Meadow Lane Elementary School administrators to be recognized at a special reception being held on April 25, in Mandeville, La.
Two North Carolina Schools Receive Technology Cash Award
Congratulations to Hall Fletcher Elementary School (Asheville City Schools) and Union Pines High School (Moore County Schools) for their recent receipt of the “FutureReady” $250,000 technology prize. Microsoft/Dell sponsored the award for which 1,500 schools nationwide applied. Hall Fletcher won in the small school category. Union Pines won in the medium school category and Abington Senior High School in Pennsylvania won in the large school category. FutureReady is a collaboration between Dell, Microsoft and Intel designed to help students reach their full potential through technology in the classroom.
UNC-TV Airs Show on Teen Safety and Technology
On Thursday, April 27, at 1 p.m., UNC-TV will broadcast “Let’s Chat,” a live talk show about teen safety in today’s technology climate. As young people are increasingly using communication tools and technologies such as the Internet, cell phones with cameras, chat lines, and blogs, it’s becoming more and more important that they be educated on safety and security issues. This show will address how teens can protect themselves and how parents and educators can have a say in their technology-driven world. The show is part of UNC-TV’s television series, “High School Assembly,” an original production of North Carolina’s statewide PBS network. Schools may want to tune in to this show and participate during the telephone call-in. For more information, please contact Deborah Holt, UNC-TV, 919.549.7166.
Discover NC Targets Eighth Grade Social Studies Teachers
NCDPI’s Middle Grades Education Division is conducting a professional development opportunity for eighth grade social studies teachers entitled, "Discover NC: Examining the Development of the State Through the Coastal Plain." Selected participants will travel across the Coastal Plain to examine historic, geographic and cultural sites that are supported by the "North Carolina Social Studies Standard Course of Study." Professional development will be provided on social studies best practices and use of primary sources in the classroom. Teachers will collaborate on methods and resources that can successfully be utilized in classroom instruction. Discover NC will take place June 18-23. The registration deadline is April 30. Space is very limited so teachers must submit their applications by the deadline. For more information, including an application, please go online to http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/socialstudies/middlegrades/ and click on the Discover North Carolina link or contact Lew Nelson (lnelson@dpi.state.nc.us; 919.807.3831) or Fay Gore (fgore@dpi.state.nc.us; 919.807.3954).
Professional Development Opportunity for Seventh Grade Social Studies Teachers
NCDPI’s Middle Grades Division in conjunction with Exploris Museum is conducting a professional development opportunity for seventh grade social studies teachers, "Africa: Bridges and Barriers," on July 11-12 at Exploris Museum, Raleigh. Participants will examine the strengths and resources (the bridges) and the possible barriers to economic growth and political stability in the African nations of South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan. Participants will experience hands-on, engaging activities that they can take back and implement in their classrooms. The registration fee is $20 and includes lunch and materials. Space is limited to 50 participants. You may go to http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/socialstudies/middlegrades/ to download a registration form and obtain additional information. For questions, please contact Lew Nelson at (lnelson@dpi.state.nc.us; 919.807.3831) or Fay Gore (fgore@dpi.state.nc.us; 919.807.3954).
2006 Meredith Mathematics Institutes for Elementary Teachers
Meredith College is hosting two Mathematics Institutes for elementary school teachers this summer: July 30-Aug.1- kindergarten through fourth grades and Aug. 2-4 * third through fifth grades. Third and fourth grade teachers can attend either workshop. Led by TEAM II project teachers with assistance from Department of Public Instruction mathematics consultants, this residential professional development will provide teachers with an opportunity to:
- Learn more about critical topics in North Carolina’s Standard Course of Study
- Focus on activities and strategies for teaching mathematics in each grade, K-5
- Investigate Web resources and plan mathematics investigations
- Interact with teachers and leaders in similar grades from across North Carolina
- Earn 1.8 CEUs in a 3-day, residential Mathematics Institute
2006 State Mathematics Conference
Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the 2006 State Mathematics Conference scheduled for Oct. 5-6 at the Koury Convention Center, Greensboro. The conference provides a wonderful opportunity to share research, classroom strategies, activities, and resources with colleagues across the state. If you would like to present at this conference, speaker forms are available online at http://community.learnnc.org/dpi/math/archives/2005/06/2006_state_math.php. Conference registration is waived for the primary presenter for any session or workshop. Speaker forms must be returned by April 16. Conference information is available online at www.ncctm.org.
The North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers will provide support and training to high school teachers interested in providing their students with an opportunity to compete in the annual Wade Edwards High School Mock Trial Competition. This statewide educational initiative provides high school students an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the function and importance of the U.S. judicial system and to hone their public speaking and critical thinking skills. Students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses in mock trials. As part of this program, local attorneys volunteer to work alongside teacher coaches, advising student teams as they prepare for competition. The teacher training programs will be conducted in August. The top ranking team will represent North Carolina at a national mock trial competition to be held in May 2007. The regional competition will take place on Saturday, Nov. 18, and the state finals competition will take place Jan. 27-28, 2007. For more information, please go online to http://www.ncatl.org/?p=15288 or contact Liz Avery-Jones, NC Academy of Trial Lawyers at liz@ncatol.org or 919.835.2808.
The Teacher Leaders Network publishes a free resources newsletter with a leadership focus. The biweekly eSource includes Web links to new research, important reports, significant news stories and interesting conversation about advancements in teacher and school leadership. The TLN eSource also includes resources on mentoring, cutting-edge staff development, best instructional practices, and more. To subscribe, please go online to http://www.teacherleaders.org/newsletter.html.
Resources from the N.C. Strawberry Association
The North Carolina Strawberry Association (NCSA) is sponsoring a Kids’ Art & Writing Contest for students in grades K-8 with cash prizes to the winners. Contestants are invited to draw or paint a picture inspired by strawberries or visit a strawberry farm and tell what they liked about eating, picking or just being around strawberries. Detailed contest information and an entry form can be downloaded at www.ncstrawberry.com. All entries must be postmarked by May 15. NCSA also has created a Spanish-language version of its "Strawberry Time" coloring/activity booklet for kids. "Temporada de Fresas" is being distributed free to schools thanks to a grant from the N.C. Agromedicine Institute. "Temporada de fresas" tells how strawberries are produced in North Carolina in clear, simple language. It also includes word and picture puzzles and simple recipes. The booklet is suitable for preschool through 4th grade. Please visit the Educators section of www.ncstrawberry.com to download an order form or email Debby Wechsler (ncstrawberry@mindspring.com) the following information: your name, school, grade level, mailing and shipping addresses, quantity and a brief description of how the booklets will be used. For more information, please contact Debby Wechsler, NC Strawberry Association, 919.542.3687.
Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award
The National Council for the Social Studies’ Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award aims to help social studies teachers make their dreams of innovative social studies a reality. Grants will be given to assist classroom teachers in developing and implementing imaginative, innovative, and illustrative social studies teaching strategies; and supporting student implementation of innovative social studies citizenship projects, field experiences, and community connections. The maximum award is $1,500. National Council for the Social Studies membership is required. The deadline to apply is May 1. For more information, please go online to http://www.socialstudies.org/awards/grants/mcauliffe/