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Tuesday, July 31, 2012
ECHHS Alumni Participate in 2012 Olympics
Michelle Kasold, Class of 2005, is competing on the Field Hockey Team. Kasold led the ECHHS Field Hockey Team to four state championships between 2001 and 2004.
Nick McCrory, Class of 2009, is a member of the Swim and Dive Team and is competing in the Men's 10 Meter Platform and the Men's Synchronized 10 Meter Platform.
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Thursday, July 26, 2012
Board of Education Meets in Closed Session
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Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Superintendent releases letter regarding staff transfers
The recent transfer of teachers from one school to another school within the Chapel Hill- Carrboro City Schools has been a source of concern for a number of individuals including former students, parents, and staff members. The transfers imposed at Chapel Hill High School are two of thirteen involuntary transfers that have occurred throughout the district for the coming school year. Because of the public debate about these two transfers, I feel it is important to clarify my decision to the extent I am able to do so without violating personnel confidentiality law.
Since my arrival as Superintendent, I have spent much time in all of the schools in the district. I have seen outstanding teaching as well as students and parents who value education. That being said, public education is in a time of change. With the advent of the Common Core and NC Essential Standards, teachers will be required to deliver instruction in a new and exciting way. Our classroom and school environments will need to become places where the conversations among teachers and administrators are about instructional improvement. An atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is critical to our success.
In listening to teachers, parents, school administrators, and others over the past year, I found that many stakeholders at Chapel Hill High School were frustrated with the culture of the school. I heard concerns about how the school administration worked with teachers and concerns about how teachers worked together. It was clear to me from the depth of these concerns that in order for Chapel Hill High School to realize achievement growth for all students a culture change was necessary.
Chapel Hill High School is blessed with hard working and talented teachers. Many are receptive to the changes that are evolving in public education and desire to learn and grow as professionals. Others are seen as resistant to change. As the Superintendent who is charged with leading this shift in how schools approach teaching and learning, I felt I needed to implement staff changes that would provide the best chance for success as Chapel Hill High School moves forward under a new principal.
It is important to note that the decision to transfer some individuals was based on a year of observing, listening, and talking with students, district staff, former staff members, parents, and School Improvement Team members. The decision was not about punishing individuals who “speak their minds about school or district policies.” In all cases the individuals to be transferred were notified in a face to face meeting.
It is a goal of the district to create collaborative cultures in our schools where everyone feels safe to voice their opinions without fear of reprisal from administration or from their peers. The staff changes will provide opportunities for those transferred and for those who were not transferred to contribute in a positive way in their current or new environment to assist the school’s desire to move to even higher levels of achievement for all.
Obviously, I am not at liberty to disclose specifics with regard to each individual transfer situation. Personnel issues are confidential, but in every case School Board policy has been followed.
Finally, it is my firm belief that with new leadership at the school and with all staff pulling together with a shared vision, what is a very good school can become one of the rare truly great learning organizations. I am confident that the positive programs and initiatives that staff members currently lead will expand and grow as we move forward.
Sincerely,Thomas A. Forcella
Superintendent of Schools
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Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Meyer takes on new role for CHCCS
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Friday, July 20, 2012
CHCCS hires new principals
Jonathan Enns was named principal of Phillips MS. Enns has served as an assistant principal at Fuquay-Varina HS for the last four years. He has also been a physics teacher at Green Hope HS in Cary and an Algebra teacher at East Lee MS in Sanford. Enns holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and Education from the University of Windsor in Windsor, Canada and a master’s degree in School Administration from North Carolina State University.
"Mr. Enns has been a highly regarded leader in his current role and brings with him a clear focus on school culture and instruction," said Superintendent Thomas A. Forcella.
Sherron Leplin has been named the principal for the UNC Hospital School. Leplin was the principal at E.K. Powe Elementary in Durham for 2011-12 and was also a principal at Grady A. Brown Elementary School in Hillsborough for six years. She previously worked in CHCCS for seven years. She served as the exceptional education coordinator for the district from 1997-2000 and then as the assistant principal for Carrboro Elementary from 1997-2000. She has also been a school counselor, an EC teacher and a language arts/science teacher. She also worked as a therapist. Leplin holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Exceptional Children Education from Appalachian State University. She also holds three master’s degrees: one in Elementary Education from North Carolina A&T State University, two from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with one in Educational Administration and one in Counseling. Leplin also holds a doctorate in Cultural Foundations: Curriculum Development, Instruction and Educational Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
John Williams was named the principal at Phoenix Academy HS. Williams was the principal of Chewning MS in Durham for the 2011-12 school year. He has also been an assistant principal at both Riverside HS and Chewning MS. Before working in education, Williams was a Senior Master Sergeant in the US Air Force. He was also a professional counselor in Florida. Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Maryland. He also has a master’s degree in Science from Troy State University in Troy, Alabama and a master’s degree in School Administration from East Carolina University.
Gregory Mitchell has been hired as a new assistant principal at East Chapel Hill HS. Mitchell was the assistant principal at Cedar Ridge HS in Hillsborough from 2010-12. He has also been a science teacher in North Carolina and Massachusetts. Mitchell holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Duke University. He also holds two master's degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: one is in Science and a second in School Administration.
Robert Bales has been named the assistant principal at McDougle MS. He was an assistant principal at Chapel Hill HS.
The district is still working to fill the principal position at Chapel Hill HS.
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Board of Education approves 2012-13 calendar
The calendar that appeared on the Board's agenda had one revision suggested by Todd LoFrese, assistant superintendent for support services, to change the Optional Teacher Workday on June 10, 2013 with the Mandatory Workday on November 21, 2012. This change was suggested by one of the district's teacher organizations and would give teachers the opportunity for time to finish end-of-year reports, etc.
The first day of school for Grades 1-12 is on Monday, August 27 and the last day of school, with a two-hour early dismissal is on Friday, June 7, 2013. Other notable dates are: Winter Break, December 24-January 1; Spring Break, April 1-5; and High School Graduation, June 8. To see the complete calendar, click here.
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Thursday, July 19, 2012
Mack named interim administrator for Dual Language
Mack will work closely with FPG Elementary's administration, school staff, district staff and parents to help provide the best possible support for everyone as the district moves forward.
Mack retired from CHCCS in 2011 after 19 years of service to the district. Most recently, she was the principal of Rashkis Elementary from its planning phase in 2002, until she retired last year. She began her career at CHCCS as an assistant principal at Seawell Elementary before becoming its principal in 1994 through 2002. She was named Principal of the Year for CHCCS twice.
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Construction project updates from across CHCCS
Work continues on Elementary #11, which is being built to LEED Gold Specifications and will open in August 2013.
At Carrboro HS, construction of the physical education and athletic field's bathroom building is underway. The building will accomodate restroom facilities, as well as be used during PE classes.
A new mobile unit has been added to Estes Hills Elementary to accomodate its new PreK class. New HVAC units are also being installed in all of the school's lower nine classrooms to improve energy efficiency, control humidity and improve air quality.
The field lighting at Chapel Hill HS is being replaced at the school's stadium and soccer fields. The old wood pole fixtures have been removed and new underground electrical service is being installed. Lights are also being added to the softball field.
Roofs have been replaced at Glenwood Elementary, McDougle MS and Phillips MS. Paving and parking lot repairs are being made at Seawell Elementary, Phillips MS and Chapel Hill HS.
Carrboro High's new bathroom building |
Estes Hills Elementary being prepared for delivery of the mobile unit |
Paving work at Phillips Middle School parking lot |
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Monday, July 16, 2012
Smith MS teacher Creates EU Website
Smith's tradition of Global Connection has been enhanced by McMahon's three EU grants. Each year, the grant allows McMahon to travel to France and Belgium with students to help learn more about international education. While abroad, students have met virtually with students back at Smith MS and community members.
In February 2012, members of the EU toured Smith MS and made a presentation.
For more information visit the sites above or contact Robin McMahon at rmcmahon@chccs.K12.nc.us.
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Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Dual Language Meeting Reminder
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