We Love Our Volunteers!

April 23-29 has been designated as National Volunteer Week. This is a special week in which we celebrate those amazing members of our community who donate their time and energy for the benefit of our students, families and staff. Under the leadership of Julie Hennis, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Volunteer Office relies on 881 registered district volunteers, with an in-kind value of approximately $900,000. Some of the programs that rely on our volunteers include School Writing Partners, School Reading Partners and First Day Friends (these folks are always on call for our students and they collectively speak 25 languages). One school, Culbreth Middle, currently has eight future educators serving as volunteers.

Our volunteers bring a fresh perspective, expertise, professionalism and immeasurable energy to our classrooms. Thank you to all who volunteer...and thank you to our Volunteer Office staff who recruit, train and place our volunteers.

If you would like to be a volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Office at 919-967-8211 (ext. 28281).

We hope to see you soon!

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Delayed Opening, May 18 / Fechas para apertura demorada de las escuelas, 18 de mayo

Delayed Opening Scheduled for May 18
The district has approved a plan for schools to operate on a Delayed Opening schedule eight Thursdays during the 2016-17 school year.  Schools will open two hours late, allowing teachers to use the time for collaborative planning or professional development.

On these days, buses will run two hours later than the normal schedule and schools will open to students two hours later than usual. Schools will dismiss at their normally scheduled time.

• Elementary Schools begin at 9:50 a.m.
• Middle Schools begin at 10:20 a.m.
• High Schools begin at 10:45 a.m.

Fechas para apertura demorada de las escuelas, 18 de mayo
Las escuelas públicas de Chapel Hill-Carrboro han aprobado las fechas para apertura demorada de las escuelas, correspondientes a ocho (8) jueves durante el año escolar 2016-2017.  Las escuelas abrirán 2 horas más tarde, para darle a los maestros tiempo para preparar y planificar las clases, así como tiempo para educación continuada.

Esos días los buses recogerán a los niños 2 horas más tarde de lo acostumbrado y las escuelas abrirán sus puertas a los estudiantes 2 horas más tarde de lo acostumbrado. Las clases terminarán a la hora regular.

• Escuelas de Primaria empezarán a las 9:50 de la mañana
• Escuelas de Secundaria Media empezarán a las 10:20 de la mañana
• Escuelas de Secundarias Superior empezarán a las 10:45 de la mañana

read more "Delayed Opening, May 18 / Fechas para apertura demorada de las escuelas, 18 de mayo"

Local Textile Artist Works With Morris Grove Students

Local textile artist Elaine O'Neil recently worked with art teacher Becky Springer and the fifth-grade art club at Morris Grove Elementary to create a series of beautiful collages. She asked each child to draw his or her favorite place, then guided them through the process of recreating it with layered fabric. The students, along with Ms. Springer, were extremely grateful for the opportunity.

Thanks to Ms. O'Neil for sharing her expertise!

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The 2016-17 North Carolina PTA Diversity and Inclusion Award Goes To...

The Frank Porter Graham Bilingue Elementary School PTA has been selected as the recipient of the 2016-17 North Carolina PTA Diversity and Inclusion Award.

The purpose of this award is to recognize and pay tribute to a PTA that is dedicated to serving the needs of all families and individuals in their school, that supports practices and sponsors programs that are inclusive, supports the under-represented, and results in positive changes at its school.

Awards winners will be recognized during the Annual State Convention that will be held on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro on May 20.

Congratulations to the Frank Porter Graham Bilingue Elementary PTA on a well-deserved honor.

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Model United Nations

The Eighth Annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Middle School Model United Nations Conference took place on Friday, April 7, 2017, at Smith Middle School and the Carolina Center for Educational Excellence (CCEE).

Approximately 120 students from the four Chapel Hill-Carrboro middle schools came together to participate in a Model UN conference. They spent a school day at the CCEE, researching, learning, and debating together with their peers. The conference simulated debates at the United Nations Security Council. The committees were chaired by officers of the Model UN clubs at Carrboro High, Chapel Hill High and East Chapel Hill High.

The participating schools and the teachers preparing the students include:

Culbreth Middle School, William Giblin and Jose Roncancio
McDougle Middle School, Penny Martin and Nicole Walker
Phillips Middle School, Stacey Walker & Benna Haas
Smith Middle School, Erin White

Students were assigned one of the countries in the UN Security Council. They researched their country’s geography, history, culture, economy, and politics, especially its position towards the topic of sustainable development with a focus on both natural resource extraction and population growth. Each participant took on the role of a diplomat representing this country in the United Nations Security Council, attempting to get as much as possible of their country’s view on the topic into a resolution to be adopted by the Council.

Click here to see the story from CBS North Carolina (WNCN).

2017 CHCCS Model UN Awards
United Nations Development Programme A – Room C100
	Country	Student Names	School
Best Delegation	Saudi Arabia	Andrew Sadowsky, Taylor Wiedmann	Smith
Outstanding Delegation	Indonesia	Kevin Higgins, Victoria Schmidt	Smith
Honorable Mention	China	Susanna Su, Ranan Scheer	Phillips
Verbal Commendation	Russian Federation	Hayley Guerry, Daphne Munn	Culbreth
Verbal Commendation	United Kingdom	Charlotte Welsby, Zoe Colloredo-Mansfield	Phillips
United Nations Development Programme B – Room C103
	Country	Student Names	School
Best Delegation	Brazil	Benjamin Knight, Claire Thananopavarn	Smith
Outstanding Delegation	Costa Rica	Daniel Klein, Zachary Dodd	Culbreth
Honorable Mention	Russia	Sophia Su, Megan Talikoff	Phillips
Verbal Commendation	France	Eli Elk, Calvin Hinkle	Smith
Verbal Commendation	Philippines	Ethan Dadolf, Samuel Hileman	McDougle
United Nations Development Programme C – Room C105
	Country	Student Names	School
Best Delegation	Russian Federation	Dennis Perumov, Luke Henriquez	McDougle
Outstanding Delegation	France	Adonijah Crowell, Jenny Blass	Culbreth
Honorable Mention	China	Yutong Yang, Sophie Van Duin	Smith
Verbal Commendation	Germany	Annie Qin, Gayle Krest	Smith
Verbal Commendation	Saudi Arabia	Clara Merry Caroline Chen	Smith
United Nations Development Programme D – Room C106
	Country	Student Names	School
Best Delegation	Congo	Archit Kalra, Daniel Zhang	Smith
Outstanding Delegation	U.S	Katie Clark, Nicole Zhang	Smith
Honorable Mention	Brazil	Elle Freedman, Emma Culley	Phillips
Verbal Commendation	India	Benjamin McAvoy-Bickford, Jai Narayan	Smith
Verbal Commendation	China	Callan Baruch, Warren Kinnaman	Culbreth

read more "Model United Nations"

Delayed Opening, April 20 / Fechas para apertura demorada de las escuelas, 20 de abril

Delayed Opening Scheduled for April 20
The district has approved a plan for schools to operate on a Delayed Opening schedule eight Thursdays during the 2016-17 school year.  Schools will open two hours late, allowing teachers to use the time for collaborative planning or professional development.

On these days, buses will run two hours later than the normal schedule and schools will open to students two hours later than usual. Schools will dismiss at their normally scheduled time.

• Elementary Schools begin at 9:50 a.m.
• Middle Schools begin at 10:20 a.m.
• High Schools begin at 10:45 a.m.

Fechas para apertura demorada de las escuelas, 20 de abril
Las escuelas públicas de Chapel Hill-Carrboro han aprobado las fechas para apertura demorada de las escuelas, correspondientes a ocho (8) jueves durante el año escolar 2016-2017.  Las escuelas abrirán 2 horas más tarde, para darle a los maestros tiempo para preparar y planificar las clases, así como tiempo para educación continuada.

Esos días los buses recogerán a los niños 2 horas más tarde de lo acostumbrado y las escuelas abrirán sus puertas a los estudiantes 2 horas más tarde de lo acostumbrado. Las clases terminarán a la hora regular.

• Escuelas de Primaria empezarán a las 9:50 de la mañana
• Escuelas de Secundaria Media empezarán a las 10:20 de la mañana
• Escuelas de Secundarias Superior empezarán a las 10:45 de la mañana

read more "Delayed Opening, April 20 / Fechas para apertura demorada de las escuelas, 20 de abril"

East Chapel Hill High's Yoshimi Aoyagi Wins Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award

Yoshimi Aoyagi

Congratulations to East Chapel Hill High teacher Yoshimi Aoyagi, winner of this year's Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award in the Japanese Language category.

The Elgin Heinz Teacher Award was authorized by the United States-Japan Foundation’s Board of Trustees in September 2001 and recognizes exceptional teachers who further mutual understanding between Americans and Japanese. The award is presented annually to two pre-college teachers in two categories, Humanities and Japanese Language, and consists of a certificate of recognition, a $2,500 monetary award, and $5,000 in project funds. Ms. Aoyagi is planning to purchase computers with Japanese font. 

The award is named in honor of Elgin Heinz for his commitment to educating students about Asia as well as for the inspiration he has provided to the field of pre-college education.

"We are so privileged to have Ms. Aoyagi on our team," said Principal Eileen Tully. "She is a true professional who knows her craft, demonstrates expertise on a daily basis, and, most importantly, is committed to the success of her students."

Yoshimi has worked with Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools since 2007. She also received the Outstanding Achievement Award at Southeastern Association of Teachers of Japanese this March. 

Way to go, Ms. Aoyagi...a well-deserved honor!

read more "East Chapel Hill High's Yoshimi Aoyagi Wins Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award"

High School Students Selected for 2017 Governor's School

CHCCS had 19 students selected to attend the 2017 NC Governor's School this summer.

The student selected from Carrboro High and her subject is:  Leanne Joyce, Social Science.

Students selected from Chapel Hill High and their subjects are:  Maria Henriquez, Instrumental Music (Trombone); Yijian Huang, Instrumental Music (Violin); Eri Kakoki, Instrumental Music (Flute/Piccolo); Claire Mink, Spanish; Emily Soll, French; Caitlin Su, Instrumental Music (Violin); Belinda Wang, Instrumental Music (Violin); Demi Wang, Instrumental Music (Violin); and Eric Xu, Natural Science.

Students selected from East Chapel Hill High and their subjects are: Isabel Green, Art; Jocelyn Kim, Instrumental Music (Cello); Laura Meshnick, French; Frances O’Grady, English; Dora Pekec, Social Science; Justin Takamiya, Instrumental Music (Clarinet); John Welsby, Instrumental Music (Bass); Romy Whitesell, English; and Zixuan Yang, Instrumental Music (Clarinet).

The Governor's School is the oldest statewide summer residential program for academically or intellectually gifted high school students in the nation.  The program, open to rising seniors only (with some exception made for rising juniors in the performing/visual arts area), is located on two college campuses, Salem College in Winston-Salem and Meredith College in Raleigh.  The sessions will run June 18 to July 26.

Over 800 students are selected to attend.  The Governor's School is administered by the State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction through the Exceptional Children Division.  A Board of Governors is appointed by the State Board of Education to act as an advisory body.

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CHCCS Announces Teachers of the Year for 2017-18

Faculties across the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district have selected their 2017-18 Teachers of the Year to represent the best in teaching at each school.

Elementary teachers who have been elected to the honor are: Emily Moorman, K-2 coaching specialist, Carrboro Elem.; Rachel Etheridge, Kindergarten teacher, Ephesus Elem.; Ann Partin, fourth grade teacher, Estes Hills Elem.; Flor Ramirez, PE/healthful living teacher, FPG Billingüe; Jianghong “Jenny” Zhao, fifth grade Dual Language teacher, Glenwood Elem.; Natalie Sayag, third grade teacher, McDougle Elem.; Lauren Boening, third grade teacher, Morris Grove Elem.; Nancy Hilburn, English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, Northside Elem.; Amanda Klinkman, EC resource teacher, Rashkis Elem.; Rebeka Hall Barringer, third grade teacher, Scroggs Elem.; and Kevin Swain, fourth grade teacher, Seawell Elem.

At the middle school level, these teachers were selected:  Terra Hodge, drama teacher, Culbreth MS; Christine Lippy, eighth grade science teacher, McDougle MS; Katherine Whittington, math teacher, Phillips MS; and Danka Kulikowski, drama teacher, Smith MS.

From the high schools, these teachers have been chosen:  Melissa Barry, EC system level teacher, Carrboro HS; Isaac Marsh, EC resource teacher teacher, Chapel Hill HS; and Shannon McGinnis, math teacher, East Chapel Hill HS.

This year, CHCCS is also honoring a teacher from the UNC Hospital School, Anna Kohler, EC resource teacher.

All of the schools' Teachers of the Year will be honored on Thursday, May 11 at Carrboro High School at the district's annual Recognition Reception where they will be presented with items donated by local businesses.  The District Teacher of the Year and two honor teachers will be announced that evening.  The district will also recognize Classified Employees of the Year, Exceptional Children & Student Services Employees of the Year, staff members who are retiring, as well as staff awards which include Teaching Chairs and Years of Service.  Tickets to the event must be purchased by April 14 from the Human Resources Department at Lincoln Center.  Tickets are $5 per person.

Pictured: 2016-17 Teachers of the Year at the
2016 Recognition Reception

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Lisa DeCesaris - Teal Ribbon Award Winner

Congratulations to Lisa DeCesaris, Social Worker at McDougle Middle School. She is this year’s recipient of the Teal Ribbon Award sponsored by Orange County Rape Crisis Center (OCRCC). 

The Teal Ribbon Award recognizes significant contributions to the mission of ending sexual violence and its impact by a community partner outside the OCRCC family. 

Lisa is being recognized for her efforts and years of active support for prevention programs like the Standing Side by Side parent workshop series, Stop the Drama peer influencers club and the McDougle Middle School QSA.  Lisa was also instrumental in the development of a sexual violence response protocol.  

Lisa was honored at this year's Teal Ribbon banquet and ceremony on April 5, 2017.

Congratulations Lisa!

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District Holiday, April 14 / Festivo del distrito, 14 de abril

District Holiday on April 14
CHCCS schools and offices are closed on Friday, April 14.  School will resume as usual and district offices will be open on Monday, April 17.

Festivo del distrito el 14 de abril
Las escuelas y oficinas de CHCCS están cerradas el viernes, 14 de abril. Las escuelas y oficinas del distrito resumen actividades  el lunes, 17 de abril.

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