District Staff Receive SNAColade Awards

SNAColades 2017/18

Note from SNAC: The Special Needs Advisory Council (SNAC) created SNAColades to honor Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools' teachers, staff and administrators who, through their hard work and creativity, make our children's school experience more meaningful.  The following have been selected for this recognition based on the testimonials of the Exceptional Children community.  Below each name is a quote from an appreciative parent or CHCCS administrator.

Estes Hills Elementary School

• Ryan Grimm - Mr. Grimm has great insight into his students' needs and motivations.  He challenges them to reach their potential while recognizing the supports needed to get them to that point.  He is also a diligent communicator with parents and responsive to their concerns.

Frank Porter Graham Elementary 

• Emily Bivens - Although a Principal’s job entails a range of tasks, Dr. Bivens has gone above and beyond by supporting my daughter and our family through a rough transition into Kindergarten.  She’s met with her regularly to work on developing better friendships and social skills.  She’s given us a glimmer of hope for the future grades.
• June Pacheco - Ms. Pacheco recently relocated to CHCCS, and hit the ground running. She brought decades of experience to the EC department at FPG, and the results I've seen in my child are stunning. And I don't just mean grades or test scores.  Ms. Pacheco handles the children in the EC department with respect and holds them accountable for their actions by rewarding them with accolades.  The children are learning to deal with their emotions better through a recently adopted second-step program and Ms. Pacheco is implementing this program in the EC department.  The children have fewer outbursts and emotional meltdowns as a result.  It's a pleasure to have Ms. Pacheco at FPG, and I highly recommend her for a SNAColade. 

Northside Elementary

• Mary Naylor - Mary has been involved with my son since second grade, either as his EC teacher directly or facilitating with another EC teacher.  My son is now in 5th grade.  I can not say enough good things about her dedication and hard work.  She has gone above and beyond in so many ways and made a such a positive difference in our lives.  A huge thank you from our whole family.

Northside Pre-K

• Sarah Michels - Sarah has been working with my son for three years and the language that he has acquired over this time has been extraordinary.  He went in not speaking but only having about 15 words total and now he is one of the most talkative kids in the class.  Her hard work with him has really made a huge difference and I thank her for that.
• Ronetta Walker - She is amazingly patient.  She pushes my child to his fullest potential so that he can succeed.  She is in constant communication with me and lets me know if something is going on, if something needs to be changed.  She has been a lifesaver and making sure that he is fully ready for kindergarten this upcoming year.
• Pre-K Intervention Team - Thankful for this entire team.  They have helped me and explained everything in detail if needed.  Thanks to Ms. Wilson, Ms. Moore, and all others that have played a part in my son's educational experience.  He had made so much growth in being in the Pre-K class.  Thank you all.

Scroggs Elementary

• Crystal Epps - Ms. Epps is a world- class principal who strives to include children and families with special needs.  She listens to families, students and teachers and helps to resolve problems in a warm, logical and timely manner.  It is critical for students with special needs to have such a professional and caring leader.  She is intelligent, warm, empathetic, fun, and we are grateful each and every day that our children and others with special needs benefit from her leadership.  She listens and problem-solves and educates herself on matters big and small.  With regard to the special needs population, I've seen her attend SNAC meetings after-hours (non-mandatory and clearly indicative of her commitment).  I see her call the names of our children and others with special needs,  on a daily basis.  She greets them with warmth as they enter the building.  She knows them well and supports the teachers when they face challenges.  We are inspired by Ms. Epps and would like her to receive the recognition she deserves.  Lastly,  and importantly Ms. Epps doesn't shy away from difficult moments.  We as parents of SN children will sometimes be anxious or "freak out" about particular situations.  Ms. Epps picks up the phone and calls and reassures us in such situations and we are forever grateful for this.  Thank you Ms. Epps!!!
• Gina Pellegrini - I am giving Gina a SNAColade for her time, patience and understanding she has given my child this year.  His continued growth throughout this grade level wouldn't be possible without Ms. Pellegrini's guidance.  Thank YOU!
• Dottie Small - Ms. Small has been exemplary in the practice of inclusion, when it comes to teaching our son (who has autism) in a mainstream classroom.  She sees his progress and praises him for social improvements, which may go unrecognized by others.  We are deeply grateful for her structured teaching approach and importantly warmth and acceptance of our son.  Our son's fifth grade year has been wonderful both academically as well as socially and we believe Ms. Small plays a major role.  Ms. Small helps him to engage with his peers and to provide him positive reinforcement needed for improvement.  She recognizes his abilities and judges his success based on where he started (not where others are currently at!).  She additionally helps other children to understand our son and to provide him with needed social support.  In this age group,  it is important to also help a special needs child when they struggle with classmates or challenging peer situations.  Ms. Small has demonstrated a clear ability to go above and beyond to support such children.  We feel very lucky to have you as a teacher and appreciate all of the hard work. 

Seawell Elementary

• Julie Halpert - Ms. Halpert has several Twice Exceptional children in her classroom, and she teaches, supports, and encourages them with incredible skill, kindness, and patience.  She seems to care deeply for each individual child, and she ensures that they are thriving!

McDougle Middle School

• Kate Major - As a TA In the AC classroom Ms. Major stepped up to provide leadership and stability while the teacher is away on maternity leave.  She has worked hard to keep up communication with us and continued to provide continuity in our daughter's experience at school.  Losing a teacher is a stressful event for a special needs student, but Ms. Major has gone over and above to keep things as stable as possible.

Phillips Middle School 

• Danielle Riley - Ms. Riley is the "kid whisperer."  She has a magical touch with children in crisis, which stems from her great empathy and patience.  She is entirely non-judgemental with students and puts them at ease, which allows her to get to heart of an issue and start working on solutions.  I am forever grateful to her for the times she has helped my son work through a difficult time.  Yay, Ms. Riley!
• Sydney Ryals - Ms. Ryals is steadfast in her kindness and patience and is the rock that my son has relied upon all year.  In IEP meetings, she looks at challenges from a variety of perspectives and is a creative problem-solver.  Many of her ideas on how to help my son cope and engage have been helpful this year, and we are tremendously grateful to her for being so dedicated to his success.  Yay, Ms. Ryals!
• Kaleigh Vogan - Moving from elementary school to middle school is a big transition for any child, but can be even more difficult for a child with special needs.  From the moment Ms. Vogan reached out to us last summer for a school tour, I had a good feeling about 6th grade.  Having Ms. Vogan as part of my son’s team  has made such a positive impact.  When he needs her, she is there for him.  For our son, knowing that he has her support has been a huge comfort for him and for us.  Thank you. 

Smith Middle School 

• Gina Chapman - Ms. Chapman started at Smith in Jan 2018.  She is very patient, caring and kind to all the students and staff in the AC classroom.  She communicates well with parents and makes herself accessible.
• Danka Kulikowski - Thank you Ms. Kulikowski for encouraging our granddaughter this year. She has blossomed under your direction.  She can be shy, but to see her on stage with a speaking part, brought such joy to my heart.  Thank you!
• Chris Glasco - Mr. Glasco joined the Smith EC team in Sept 2017.  He cares deeply about the students' well being and participation in the classroom, as well as in their specials outside of the AC classroom.  His youthful demeanor and winning smile are a hit as he navigates the hallways and cafeteria with our students.
• Fred Feely - We don’t know what we would have done without your daily support of Violet.  You helped to keep her and us on track.  You are a dedicated professional! Thank you.
• Margaret Maternowski - Ms. Maternowski, we appreciate your understanding and flexibility in designing a program for our granddaughter.  We couldn’t have done it without your support!  Thank you.
• Irene Slydel - Thank you for all your help with our granddaughter this year.  It has been a stressful year, and your assistance really helped.

Carrboro High School

• Brittany Deeds - We are thankful for Ms. Deeds for providing us with the opportunity to complete real, valuable work within our school.  We are grateful that she relinquished control of the school supply closet to our students so they can gain skills with reading, counting and vocational work endurance while filling teacher supply orders.  Ms. Deeds is flexible, cheerful and gives us opportunities to be valued members of the community.
• Kelly Furr - We are grateful that Ms. Furr joined the CHS team!  She volunteered as a chaperone on multiple occasions to make our Community Based Instructional opportunities possible.  We are thankful for her positivity and interest in our activities.
• Lorrie Marro
• Ms. Marro, the transition facilitator at CHS, made a point to connect with my son from the beginning of his freshman year as an OCS student at Carrboro High.  She spent time getting to know him, beyond the assessments and evaluations. Ms. Marro identified him as a good candidate for Appalachian State University's Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program (SDAP).  By his junior year Ms. Marro had made sure we (his parents) understood the requirements of the application process, and the goals he needed to meet in order to be a competitive candidate.  She, along with the whole EC department, helped him work on self-advocacy, self-management, independence, and a raft of academic goals.  During this, his senior year, Ms. Marro worked closely with him and us to get all the pieces in place for his application to SDAP - many, many documents, assessments, evaluations, interviews, work samples, transcripts... We all were glad to have that submitted in November!  By January we knew that he was on the short list. And in late March we learned that he had gotten a spot in the program--one of five students to be accepted, as we understand it.  He is the first CHS student to achieve place in the SDAP. He and we are thrilled!  He has worked very hard - and of all his excellent school support, it is the support of Lorrie Marro that made the biggest difference.  Our son has attended CHCCS schools from K-12 grade.  We are happy that he is ready to move on - and we are profoundly grateful to Ms. Marro, and to the dozens of other teachers and staff that have been part of his education!
• Ms. Marro is a phenomenal Transition Facilitator and going above and beyond for every student regardless of what type of transition needs they have.  Ms. Marro is incredibly creative has unbelievable energy and does not stop until she thinks the student is on the right path for a successful exit from high school.  Thanks, Ms. Marro!
• Donna McMillan - Ms. McMillan has a never ending supply of patience for our students.  She extends herself after school and on weekends to support our students' interests and activities.  Her warm smile, gentle style, and attentiveness help our students express their interests and increase their confidence with interactions.
• Katie Moorehead - Ms. Moorehead goes above and beyond to make sure that our students are embraced by their community.  She volunteers her time, makes materials for us, supports us in activities and continually brightens our day!
• Brett Stegall - Ms. Stegall creates an inclusive class environment and structures activities and lessons so students of all abilities experience success.  Because of her structures and positive attitude, students are comfortable to try new things and find true friendships in our school.
• Quianna Phillips - We appreciate Ms. Phillips for her energy, enthusiasm and support of our skills and interests.  We are thankful that Ms. Phillips volunteered her time to serve as a chaperone this year to make our Community Based Instructional opportunities possible.
• Martha Phipps - Ms. Phipps serves as our CHS bookkeeper and is one of the ultimate "Yes, and..." supporters of our students.  Always behind the scenes, Ms. Phipps helps manage funds from our grants, orders supplies, and makes it possible for magic to happen in the classroom.
• April Ross - Ms. Ross serves as the Athletic Director at Carrboro HS.  She is unwavering in her support of our students and their rights to be on the fields, courts, track and true members of our teams. 

Chapel Hill High School

• Kate Kennedy - I am so thankful that the school has supported the role of a twice exceptional expert, and I couldn't think of anyone better for the position than Kate Kennedy.  She is fantastic at bringing the perspective of both giftedness and disabilities to the table, and she has provided much guidance for our son over the years.
• Ryan McGraw - Mr. McGraw has gone out of his way to help guide our son in choosing appropriate courses each year taking his disabilities into consideration.  He truly goes above and beyond.  Thank you!

TRAC/PATHSS/PATHSS Bridge

• Su Wanamaker - For persevering with coordinating the TRAC, PATHSS and PATHSS Bridge program.  We are looking forward to her leadership next year and hope that she will stick with it!

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Glenwood Claims Battle of the Books Title

Battle of the Books is a reading competition that takes students on a reading adventure with award-winning books. The goal is to make reading fun and exciting! 

On April 4, six elementary schools, including Carrboro Elementary, Estes Hills, Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe, Glenwood, Scroggs, and Seawell, participated in the district competition. The books were selected by the librarians in the participating schools. 

This year, we congratulate the All-Stars of Glenwood Elementary School for winning the 2018 Battle of the Books competition. Way to go, Glenwood Gators and all of the participating students and schools for their hard work, dedication to reading, and participation in this annual reading program.

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NCCU Football Players Visit FPG Third Graders

When the third grade students arrived at Frank Porter Graham Bilingue (FPGB) Elementary on Wednesday, March 7, they found a large banner hanging in their hallway: FPGB (loves) the Eagles. A mystery, to be sure. Several young football fans thought maybe the Super Bowl winners were being celebrated, and one student asked why the Patriots weren’t included. But a little past 10:30 that morning, the mystery cleared when 10 football players from North Carolina Central University - the Eagles!- showed up in their jerseys, wearing big smiles. As they divided up in small groups and entered each classroom, many of the astonished third-graders squealed and clapped, while others stared in disbelief.
     
During these long weeks before spring break, teachers welcome all the creative measures they can use to keep their students engaged. Kelsey Mackay, a teacher on the team, approached social worker Kerry Sherrill, seeking strategies for the extra encouragement and motivation some of her students really needed. What better way to get their attention than to invite a group of conference-winning football players over to spend part of the morning?
     
MacKay grew up in football-rich South Carolina, and she attended Clemson. She already had a strong sense of how much impact can come from athletes in the classroom. She and Sherrill brainstormed ideas. “We decided to try Central, because of the reputation of their tight community among alumni and current staff and players,” Sherrill said, “and to expose our small population of Black American students to positive messaging and role models who look like them.”
     
Sherrill reached out to her social work colleagues in the district and very quickly, a couple of NCCU alumni were able to arrange a contact in the football office. In the email invitation to Travis Taylor, director of football operations, Sherrill and MacKay wrote, “Third-grade is a tough year with the End-of-Grade exams starting and more pressure on the students.  We would like to have players come to each of our four third-grade classrooms and talk about what character traits have helped them as they developed into adults, if they have faced and overcome challenges and barriers, and what advice they would give the children about not giving up.”
   
The carloads of players and athletic support staff drove up to FPGB a few days later.
   
After the Eagles’ surprise entrance, and once the students had settled down and taken their seats on the floor, the pairs and trios of athletes answered questions about ways to strengthen team unity and how to manage conflict and frustration. When one student asked, “What do you do when you’re frustrated?” the players’ responses ranged from, “Try to step away and get myself together,” to “Go and call my mom and talk it through.”
   
The children listened intently, faces upturned toward the tall young men, and often they nodded solemnly. Sherrill reported that the very next day, “One student was getting frustrated and he pulled out his autographs to motivate him and was able to re-engage in his assignment.”
   
“What are some values that have helped you?” asked a student.
   
“My mom always got me to school on time and she made sure I ate my vegetables and fruit-- no junk food!”
   
“Mom always made me do my homework and then go to sleep by 9:00,” said another Eagle, to which a teacher called out to her students, “Did you hear that ? 9:00!”
   
“I always try to do my best and stay ahead of the game," said one player. "It’s hard to be successful without doing well in school - and always support your friends!”
   
One athlete said, “No matter what people say about you, don’t let them tell you what to think about yourself.”
   
"Knowledge is the only thing that cannot be taken away from you,” an athlete told the children, and Sherrill reported that a week later, the teachers were still sharing that quote.
   
When a student asked, “What does it take to win a championship?” the football players became even more animated.
   
“You’ve got to be a family, from the coaches down.”
   
“Gaining knowledge everyday - trust in what your teachers and coaches tell you. They really care about you!”
     
The players all talked about their very hectic schedules, but they emphasized that they’re students first, and they’re always working hard to balance classwork with being student-athletes.
     
Then came Part Two of the Eagles’ visit - board games in each classroom! Sherrill and MacKay had hoped to organize outdoor activities, but with the cold rain, they had to devise a Plan B. The laughter and hooting that came from each table of game-players filled the rooms.
     
Over and over, the students said, "BEST DAY EVER!!!!"
     
As athletes finished signing autographs and began to say goodbyes, one child asked, "When are they coming back?"
     
Over and over, the teachers talked about how amazing it was to see all the smiles on children's faces, and the excitement and joy they expressed.
     
Travis Taylor shared his own message once the football players had returned to the NCCU campus.

“Thank you for reaching out. The players absolutely loved their time at your school. I think this is a new partnership that’s going to be wonderful for both parties. It’s moments like this that make you realize you’re doing something right, to know that we inspired and made those kids’ day special. We love you guys - you are a part of our team. One family, one team!”

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Dibujando Nuestro Pueblo (Drawing Our Village) at Frank Porter Graham Bilingue

Dibujando Nuestro Pueblo (Drawing Our Village) is a collaborative, school-based art project that took place at Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe (FPGB) throughout the 2016-2017 school year. The project focuses on ideas related to culture, home, identity, and unity. It culminated in a permanent, student/family-generated mural in FPGB’s courtyard. The project was completed through a partnership between the school’s assistant principal, José Nambo, the school counselor, Barbie Garayúa-Tudryn , and two local artists, Mary Carter Taub and Amy Keenan Amago, who are also parents of students at FPBG. The project was funded with generous support from the FPGB PTA, the Orange County Arts Commission, and the Grassroots Program of the NC Arts Council.

There were two phases of the Dibujando Nuestro Pueblo project. The Fall portion consisted of a series of four interactive sessions in which FPGB families (half Spanish-speaking, half English-speaking) participated by sharing their origin stories, discussing what their cultures and identities meant to them, and then making art related to those ideas. The artwork created during the Fall sessions was displayed in the school’s lobby, and it also informed sketches and ideas for the mural design. Throughout the Spring, Ms. Carter Taub and Ms. Keenan Amago collaborated with students, families, and faculty members to create the Dibujando Nuestro Pueblo mural. The mural illustrates the ideas, experiences, and symbols of the school community’s interwoven and varied cultural histories as well as FPGB’s focus on unity and cross-cultural understanding.

“The new mural is a wonderful addition to our campus,” said Principal Emily Bivins. “The collaborative planning on the front end served to capture the unique blend of cultures that makes our school a great place to learn.”

The permanent, large-scale mural is the first of its kind in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. A dedication ceremony celebrating the mural’s completion was held on Thursday, June 1 in FPGB’s courtyard.

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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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Mix It Up!

It’s a simple call to action: take a new seat in the cafeteria. By taking a risk, this one day, students can cross the lines of division in a safe, controlled environment, meet new people, and help build an inclusive and welcoming school community. Mix It Up is a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance program, which aims to reduce prejudice and improve intergroup relations in the nation’s classrooms and communities.

Recently, two CHCCS schools were named Mix It Up Model Schools. They were among only 76 schools nationwide to be recognized for this accomplishment. Below are the write ups detailing how each school promoted the event.


Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe

Organizers compiled lessons and resources from Teaching Tolerance and shared them with all grade-level teachers, who then integrated the material into classes a week before Mix It Up at Lunch Day. Preparing fourth- and fifth-grade student leaders - including those classified as academically or intellectually gifted, those receiving special education and pairs of students who’d previously struggled to get along - was another important element of getting ready for the event. On the big day, “Would you rather?” questions created by the student leaders were a huge hit!


Morris Grove Elementary School

Mixed-up seating and clothing weren’t enough for Morris Grove Elementary. The cafeteria staff joined in the fun by mixing up students’ lunch trays, serving the food backward and mixing fruits and veggies together! With this fun spirit and conversation starters at every table, students were able to find common ground with new friends. After the Mix event, Morris Grove devoted a whole month to showing gratitude toward one another.

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Team Welcomes Chilean Teacher

This week Frank Porter Graham-Bilingue's International Teacher Support Team (ITST) welcomed a new first-grade teacher and her husband from Chile!  Parents, teachers, PTA Thrift Shop, Sweeps, and the team at Visiting International Faculty (VIF) came together to help them. They were able to assist with finding an apartment, connecting utilities, and moving enough donated furniture and household items to furnish the apartment. And it all happened before the snow came! 

#teamwork

 

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FPG Named One of Nation's Most Active Schools

Earlier this month, Let’s Move! Active Schools, part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, announced its 2016 National Award recipients. Five hundred and forty-four U.S. schools, representing 41 states plus the District of Columbia, were recognized for their outstanding efforts in creating an Active School environment.

Frank Porter Graham Elementary was among the national award recipients.

The Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award is the nation’s top physical education and physical activity distinction for K-12 schools. The award celebrates a school’s commitment to providing students with at least 60 minutes of physical activity before, during and after school each day.

“I applaud these schools for creating Active School environments that are inspiring students to be more engaged learners and ensuring that physical education and physical activity continue to be an important part of every child's educational experience,” said First Lady Michelle Obama.

Studies show that Active Kids Do Better. Physical activity not only helps kids stay healthy and strong, but it can also contribute to higher test scores, improved attendance, better behavior in class, enhanced leadership skills and a lifetime of healthy habits.

Powered by a national collaborative of health, education and private sector organizations, Let’s Move! Active Schools is dedicated to ensuring at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day is the norm in K-12 schools across the country. All partners work together through the collective impact framework to equip schools with physical education and physical activity resources, programs, professional development and activation grants that help create Active School environments.

To earn a Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award, a school must have met significant benchmarks in five areas: physical education; physical activity before and after school; physical activity during school; staff involvement; and family and community engagement.

This year, honorees will receive a large display banner, certificate and congratulatory letter from the First Lady.

Since its February 28, 2013 launch, more than 20,000 schools in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia have enrolled in Let’s Move! Active Schools, reaching more than 11 million students.

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Science Comes Alive at FPG!

Students at Frank Porter Graham Bilingue Elementary enjoyed a thought-inducing presentation on forces, motion and space by UNC Physics Department students Jessie Barrick, Ana Doblas, and Dr. Weinberg-Wolf. The students experienced demonstrations of static electricity, impact of meteors, magnetism and more. 

The UNC students were able to use their knowledge to discuss real world applications of science. It was especially exciting to have amazing bilingual women in science come to the school and share their expertise.

  

Both work in this lab (should any students be interested)...http://user.physics.unc.edu/~aold/index.html

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FPG Live!

Frank Porter Graham Elementary had a problem...until now. Students who eat breakfast in the school cafeteria were missing the morning meeting program that takes place in the gym. However, with the help of their PTA, who paid for 90% of the needed infrastructure, the morning meeting is now streamed into the cafeteria. All students are now included in this important part of the school day.

Click here to see students dancing along with the show while in the breakfast line. Click here to see a sample morning meeting.

Many thanks to the school staff and to the FPG PTA for making this solution a reality!

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Hanging Out With Ricky Martin!

The Mariposas group at Frank Porter Graham Bilingue was founded last year with 15 girls. This year it has doubled in size to 30 girls and now includes middle schoolers from Culbreth and McDougle Middle Schools. The goal of the group is to use Latino culture, traditions and identity to teach academic motivation, social/emotional health, leadership and civic engagement. The group meets every Monday evening. Parents are a huge component of the group activities and they join the girls two Mondays a month for paired activities.

Another mission of the group is to expose the girls to as many professional Latinos as possible. To that end, last May the group traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet privately with Justice Sonia Sotomayor at the Supreme Court. The judge spoke to the girls about overcoming economic, racial and social barriers to succeed. It was a memorable experience for the girls and the chaperones!

Last week, the group had an opportunity to meet Ricky Martin when he was in town for a show a the Durham Performing Arts Center. For the Ricky Martin activity, the girls had to commit additional time in the evening to come to school and learn about Ricky Martin's life as a performer, a humanitarian and the struggles related to his sexuality.

The Ricky Martin foundation in Puerto Rico deserves a shout out for making this opportunity a reality for our girls.

Amazing things are happening at Frank Porter Graham Bilingue!

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Two CHCCS Teachers Selected as Kenan Fellows

Allison Stewart of Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe is supported by the NC Space Grant and will partner with Marissa Hartzler and Jonathan Frederick of the Moreheard Planetarium on a project entitled 'The First in Flight Challenge."

The 2014-15 Fellows will spend five weeks of their summer shadowing and learning from local experts in renewable energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and other science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. Kenan Fellows use this experience to create and implement cutting-edge classroom resources designed to elevate student learning.

“Through our partnerships with industries, institutes of higher education and community organizations, the Kenan Fellows Program provides a remarkable opportunity for teachers to enrich their profession and connect students to real-world practices,” said Elaine Franklin, director.

Kenan Fellowships are made possible through the support of the program’s partners. A multi-year grant from the National Science Foundation's Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is helping fund eight Kenan Master Teaching Fellows in the Fort Bragg region. The new Kenan Master Teachers join part of an ongoing effort to engage in a variety of leadership activities in their home districts including assisting in the preparation of new teachers.

The 2014-15 Kenan Fellows were selected after a competitive application and interview process. Fellows receive a tablet donated by Lenovo, leadership training, professional development and a stipend. They join an elite statewide network of more than 300 Kenan Fellows whom have a track-record of achievement and excellence in education.

The Kenan Fellows Program is an initiative of the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science at NC State University. Program supporters are the National Science Foundation, the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, the Biogen Idec Foundation, CommScope, GlaxoSmithKlein, the Goodnight Educational Foundation, Lenovo, Dr. Brian Strahl of UNC Chapel-Hill, Dr. David Muddiman of NC State University, Dr. Fred Gould of NC State University, FREEDM Systems Center, NC A&T University, Halifax Helps Inc., Iredell County Farm Bureau, NC Space Grant, Ply Gem, SAMSI, NISS and the NC Electric Membership Corporation.

Visit kenanfellows.org to learn more.


Back to CHCCS website

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Board Names Two New Assistant Principals

The Board of Education approved the hiring of two assistant principals at its April 11 meeting. José Nambo was named Assistant Principal of Frank Porter Graham Dual Language Magnet School and Kathryn Caggia was hired as Assistant Principal at Estes Hills Elementary.

Jose Nambo is currently serving as the district’s ESL Coordinator and is very familiar with the
dual language program, as he spent six years as the district’s Dual Language Coordinator.  Nambo also served as an ESL teacher in Wake County and a classroom teacher in Chicago. He earned his master’s degree from Columbia College in Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. Nambo begins his new role on July 1.

Kathryn Caggia comes to CHCCS from the Wake County Public School System where she serves
as a Principal Intern at Green Hope Elementary.  Previously, she was as a teacher of physical education and health at Olive Chapel Elementary in Apex for 15 years. Caggia will earn her master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May and she earned her bachelor’s degree from the same university. Caggia starts at Estes Hills Elementary later this spring.


Back to CHCCS website

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Dual Language Magnet School Launches Website

The Frank Porter Graham Dual Language Magnet School has launched its new website.

Some of the website's features include news, how to apply to the dual language program, frequently asked questions, and an overview of the district's first magnet school.

The website also has videos from Bivins and all of the school's Planning Team and includes the numerous community events set up for families who are interested in applying to the dual language magnet school.  The website also has information for students currently enrolled at FPG Elementary who will be attending the school next year.

Opening in August 2013, the school will operate on the same traditional schedule as all of the other elementary schools in CHCCS.

Students attending the Dual Language Magnet School learn literacy and academic content in both English and Spanish.  The school's goal is for students to develop proficiency in being bilingual, bi-literate and cross-cultural.

"As the principal at Carrboro Elementary, I have become a huge advocate for dual language education in the past eight years, and I have seen first-hand the tremendous impact it has on preparing our students for success in our global society," said Emily Bivins, in-coming principal of the Frank Porter Graham Dual Language Magnet School.

Dual Language class at Carrboro Elementary

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District Teachers Earn National Board Certification

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools had 12 teachers from seven district schools achieve their National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification in their fields during the 2011-12 certification cycle.  The recipients were announced last week.

The teachers for the 2012 Class are: Nicole Bolden, Mathematics/Early Adolescence McDougle MS; Karen Eisner, Exceptional Needs Specialist, District; Tijuana Goodwin, Mathematics/Early Adolescence, McDougle MS; Katherine Gulledge, Social Studies-History/Early Adolescence, McDougle MS; Mary Catherine Hunt, English-Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Carrboro HS; Kimberly Manning, Science, Adolescence and Young Adulthood, East Chapel Hill HS; Abigail Martin, Early Childhood Generalist, FPG Elementary; Mary Grace Miller, Early Childhood Generalist, Morris Grove Elementary; Sandra Scheuermann, Exceptional Needs Specialist, Scroggs Elementary; Danae Shipp, Science/Early Adolescence, McDougle MS; Larisa Smith-Cortes, Middle Childhood Generalist, FPG Elementary; and Candace White, Middle Childhood Generalist, Glenwood Elementary.

In North Carolina, NBPTS certified teachers receive a 12 percent salary increase.  The state of North Carolina loans eligible teachers the $2,500 assessment fee and provides three days of paid release time and renewal credit for completing the portfolio portion of the process.  The loan is to be repaid over three years.  CHCCS teachers can also apply for $1,000 scholarships from the Public School Foundation for the fee.

The district offers a support group each year for teachers who embark on the national certification process.

Since the state process began in 1996, the district teachers has 277 teachers who hold national certification.

North Carolina leads the country with 18 percent of the teachers being certified, due in large part to the support provided by the General Assembly.  There were 636 who achieved their National Boards across the state in 2012.  There are now more than 100,000 National Board certified teachers across the nation since starting 24 years ago.  For more information, visit www.nbpts.org.


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Bivins Named Principal of Dual Language Magnet School

Dr. Emily Bivins, currently the principal of Carrboro Elementary, will be the principal of Frank Porter Graham Dual Language Magnet School beginning July 1, 2013.  The magnet school will be the first ever for CHCCS.  The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education approved the hire at its November 15 meeting.

Bivins has been the principal of Carrboro Elementary since 2006 and was the district's 2009-10 Principal of the Year.  She has also served as the Carrboro Elementary assistant principal, the district's director of elementary instruction and staff development and the coordinator of elementary education for Cherokee County Schools.  She has also been a teacher in three elementary schools.

"Dr. Bivins is a proven and effective educator and we have full confidence in her ability to lead this exciting new educational journey," said Superintendent Tom Forcella.  "Her track record and her passion for student learning will drive that school's pursuit of sustained excellence."

Bivins holds a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University, a master's degree from Elon University and another master's degree and a doctorate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Emily Bivins

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FPG Meets Field Hockey!

Seven Atlantic Coast Conference field hockey team representatives from three different schools took part in an ACC Community Connections outreach event Thursday morning before the start of the 2012 ACC Field Hockey Championship.

“I think the outreach program is important because in a region like the south where field hockey isn’t as prominent, it’s good to introduce kids to it at a young age,” said Duke junior Ashley Camano. “I didn’t know what field hockey was in third grade, and I can imagine that being introduced to it and influenced by it early enough can open doors for the future for these kids.”

The student-athletes visited Frank Porter Graham Elementary School to lead a clinic on the sport of field hockey. They met with third graders and introduced the basics of the rules, game format, and equipment used. In addition, they discussed life as an ACC student-athlete and answered questions form the 60 students in attendance.

“My favorite part about this outreach program was seeing the kid’s smiles on their faces and seeing how excited they were to learn a new sport,” said Maryland freshman Shari Jones.

The ACC Community Connections Program, now in its third full year, takes place at all of the conference's Olympic sport championships. The program aims to get local elementary students the chance to talk with ACC student-athletes, learn about the sport, and to donate books to the schools' libraries."

UPDATED NOVEMBER 15, 2012
Please click see the Flickr slideshow below from the event.

Slideshow

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Mack named interim administrator for Dual Language

Deshera Mack has been named the interim transition administrator for the Dual Language transition process.  In overseeing the transition process, Mack will help implement the transition plan, develop and lead a transition team, and support FPG Elementary.  She will also help develop and provide leadership for internal and external communications, as well as staff planning.

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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Dual Language Meeting Reminder

On June 7, 2012, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education approved a plan to convert Frank Porter Graham (FPG) Elementary into a Spanish/English Dual Language Magnet School.

The first phase of the plan will begin in the 2012-13 school year. During the 2012-13 school year, FPG will enroll two Dual Language kindergarten classrooms and two first grade Dual Language classrooms.  Selection into the kindergarten and first grade Dual Language classrooms will give preference to students currently assigned to FPG.  For 2012-13, limited spaces will remain after preference is given to rising kindergarten and rising first grade FPG students.  The remaining spaces will be opened to all rising kindergarten and rising first grade Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools students.

Applications for the Dual Language magnet school are due by 1:30 p.m. on July 13, 2012.  Applications are available by visiting the district website, the Dual Language office or Registration office located at Lincoln Center, 750 South Merritt Mill Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

During the 2012-13 school year, FPG will continue to have one Dual Language classroom in second through fifth grades. The district will maintain the Spanish Dual Language program at Carrboro Elementary. The Spanish Dual Language program at Carrboro Elementary will be converted to a magnet model in 2013-14.  For the 2012-13 school year, the district will maintain the Spanish Dual Language program at Scroggs Elementary.

FPG will be converted into a full district magnet school beginning with the 2013-14 school year.  For the 2013-14 school year, all rising kindergarten students from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools will be able to apply for the Spanish/English Dual Language Magnet School at FPG.

During the 2013-14 school year, all students from the Dual Language program at Scroggs Elementary and some Dual Language students from Carrboro Elementary will transition to FPG.

Information sessions will be held to provide additional information to parents as listed below.  

  

Mary Scroggs Elementary School             Monday July 16, 2012 at 6 p.m.

Carrboro Elementary School                     Wednesday July 11, 2012 at 5 p.m.

For more information or questions, please contact José Antonio Nambo at 919-967-8211 ext. 28353 or at jnambo@chccs.k12.nc.us.

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