CHCCS Honors Staff at Annual Recognition Reception

Johnson Named 2018-19 Teacher of the Year
Jasmine Johnson of Scroggs Elementary, was named the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Teacher of the Year at the annual Recognition Reception on May 8 at Carrboro High.

Johnson is a fifth grade teacher with five years of teaching experience.  She holds a bachelor of science degree in Elementary Education from the Appalachian State University.  Johnson received a $1,000 check from Pinnacle Financial Partners, as well as gifts from area businesses.

Two Honor Teachers were also named on Tuesday.  They are Tijuana Goodwin of McDougle Middle and Christen Campbell of Chapel Hill High School.  They each received a $500 check from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation (PSF) and gifts from local businesses.

Jasmine Johnson, 2018-19 CHCCS Teacher of the Year

Tijuana Goodwin, District Honor Teacher

Christen Campbell, District Honor Teacher

Other Teachers of the Year were recognized with $100 checks from PSF and gifts from local businesses.  They are: Susan Murray, Carrboro Elementary; Hannah Murphy, Ephesus Elementary; Corissa Gamble, Estes Hills Elementary; Daniella Buenaventura, FPG Bilingüe Elementary; Suzanee McNulty, Glenwood Elementary; Alison Davis, McDougle Elementary; Kathleen Carswell, Morris Grove Elementary; Alder Keene, Northside Elementary; Gretchen Pegram, Rashkis Elementary; Chelsea Robinette, Seawell Elementary; Molly Caudill, Culbreth Middle; Kaleigh Vogan, Phillips Middle; Beth Kinney, Smith Middle; Stefan Klakovich, Carrboro High; Evon Barnes, East Chapel Hill High; and Clyde McPherson, Phoenix Academy High.

Teacher of the Year gifts were provided by:  A Better Image Printing, Chapel Hill Restaurant Group, Office Depot and University Florist.

The Mary Scroggs Award for Excellence in Providing Support Services recognizes one classified staff member from each school and several Lincoln Center departments.  The award recipient is Laila Bradford, the IT business systems specialist with the Information Technology Department at Lincoln Center, who also received a $1,000 check.  Two Honor Recipients were named.  They are Crystal Brooks, the receptionist at Northside Elementary, and Shaunna Jeffries, a teacher assistant at FPG Billingüe.  They each received $500.

Other Classified Staff of the Year, who each received $100, are:  Raymond Miles, EC teacher assistant, Carrboro Elementary; Jo Ann Hodges, receptionist, Ephesus Elementary; Jody Benedict, EC teacher assistant, Estes Hills Elementary; Karl Pace, teacher assistant, Estes Hills Elementary; Sally Massengale, science specialist, Glenwood Elementary; April Siler, teacher assistant, McDougle Elementary; Mary Mateer, receptionist, Morris Grove Elementary; Mary Battista, receptionist, Rashkis Elementary; Jennifer Elton, teacher assistant, Scroggs Elementary; Sarah Silverstein, data manager, Seawell Elementary; Theresa Collins, data manager, Culbreth Middle; Kathleen Mitchell, receptionist, McDougle Middle; Jeri Wilson, data manager, Phillips Middle; Thomas Scroggs, data manager, Smith Middle; Quiana Phillips, school secretary, Carrboro High; Teresa Dawson, secretary, Chapel Hill High; Sara Adcock, technology assistant, East Chapel Hill High; Thomas Britton, secretary, Instructional Services Division, Lincoln Center; Antonio Salas, grounds foreman, Facilities/Maintenance, Lincoln Center; and Chuck Lockhart, lead bus driver, Transportation.

Stefanie Mazva-Cohen, school social worker at Culbreth Middle, received the Exceptional Children Student Services Staff of the Year Award, as well as a check for $500.  The two Honor Recipients are Emily Burrows, Autism support specialist at McDougle Elementary, and Cynthia Zwiacher, school nurse at Scroggs Elementary.  They each received $250.

The other ECSS Staff of the Year, who each received $50, are: Katie Harrison, school social worker, Carrboro Elementary; Marne Meredith, school social worker, Ephesus Elementary; Ashley Hudson, speech language pathologist, Estes Hills Elementary; Rebecca Fox, speech language pathologist, FPG Bilingüe; Wendy Johnston, school social worker, Glenwood Elementary; Stacey Rader, EC program facilitator, Morris Grove Elementary; Candice Norwood, school social worker, Northside Elementary; Dionne Silvester, school psychologist, Rashkis Elementary; Lisle Pearman, EC program facilitator, Seawell Elementary; Kathy Kauffmann, school counselor, McDougle Middle; Allison Crosetto, school social worker, Phillips Middle; Wendy Lee, speech language pathologist, Smith Middle; Linda Karcher, SAP/504 coordinator, Carrboro High; Stefanie Kotzen, school social worker, Chapel Hill High; Jessica Harris, school counselor, East Chapel Hill High; and Melissa Breaden, school social worker, Pre-K/Head Start.

Classified and EC staff of the Year gifts were provided by FSI Office and University Florist.

Other staff awards were also presented at the event.

John Williams of Phoenix Academy High was recognized as the district's Principal of the Year, while Tiffany Cheshire of Phillips Middle was named the district's Assistant Principal of the Year.  Bill Mullin, facilities management executive director, received the Award for Excellence in District Administration.

Janine Barr of Glenwood Elementary received the CHC Promising New Teacher Award.  Kirsten Gardner Venema of Ephesus Elementary was the recipient of the Jeannette Blackwell Mentor Teacher Award.   Shawna Catlett of Ephesus Elementary was named the recipient of the Elmo's Award for Excellence in Teaching English Language Learners and World Language.  Kate Kennedy of Lincoln Center and Mintzy Paige of Carrboro High received the MSAN (Minority Student Achievement Network) Equity Equals Excellence Award.  Kathryn Edelstein of East Chapel Hill High was awarded The Reckford Teaching Prize (a new award this year).

The Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate (BRMA) program presented two Excellence in Equitable Teaching Awards.  These award recipients are selected by the students in BRMA.  The middle school award went to Jessica Grinnell of Culbreth Middle, and Michael Irwin of Chapel Hill High received the high school award.

Representatives of PSF were on hand to present both new and renewing Teaching Chairs. Michael Sharp of Culbreth Middle is the Neil Pedersen Teachers First Chair for Excellence in Classroom Technology.  Mackenzie Casey of Smith Middle is the Mel and Zora Rashkis Chair for Excellence in Teaching Health and PE (a new award this year).  Amy Brazasky of Morris Grove is the Sockwell Chair for Excellence in Teaching in the Primary Grades (Pre-K-2).  Anthony Swarigen of Carrobor High is the Bernadine Sullivan Chair for Excellence in Teaching High School English or Social Studies.  Molly Caudill of Culbreth Middle is the GlaxoSmithKline Chair for Excellence in Teaching Middle School Science or Math.

Renewing chair recipients were also honored on Tuesday.  Denise Keene of Smith Middle is the Kim Hoke Chair for Excellence in Teaching Exceptional Children.  Ann Daaleman of Phillips Middle is the PTSA Chair for Excellence in Teaching Cultural Arts.  Morgan May of Culbreth Middle is the Burton Stuart Chair for Promising New Teachers of Secondary Math or Science.  Candace Crothers of Glenwood Elementary is the Upper Elementary Chair for Excellence in Teaching Innovation.

Ten teachers were recognized for earning their National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.  They join the more than 300 other CHCCS teachers who have earned their National Boards.  They are:  Melissa Barry, Carrboro High; Edward Baruch, Phillips Middle; Sophia Bauers, East Chapel Hill High; Stephanie Bruce, Morris Grove Elementary; Molly Caudill, Culbreth Middle; Sarah Cornette, Scroggs Elementary; William Giblin, Culbreth Middle; Ashley Sherman, Ephesus Elementary; William Vincent, East Chapel Hill High; and Jessica Wallace, Chapel Hill High.

Nineteen employees (of the more than 45) were recognized for retiring from the district this year.  They include:  Sarita Allen-Medlin, Lincoln Center; Betty Berryhill, Carrboro Elementary; Susan Brandt, Lincoln Center; Marianne Henderson, Smith Middle; Kathleen Kauffmann, McDougle Middle; Alice Lassiter, Carrboro Elementary; Geneva Long, Chapel Hill High; Lavern Manzano, Lincoln Center; Sally Massengale, Glenwood Elementary; Jamilah Moye, Carrboro Elementary; Sandra Murphy, Chapel Hill High; Fay Nourani, Northside Elementary; Teresa Peters, Morris Gove Elementary; Debbie Phelps, McDougle Elementary; Susan Poole, UNC Hospital School; Beverly Roberson, Transportation; Betty Wooten, Carrboro High; John Wykoff, Lincoln Center; and Cynthia Zwiacher, Scroggs Elementary.

Employees were also honored for attaining milestones of service with CHCCS.  Sarita Allen-Medlin, a PAC teacher in Human Resources at Lincoln Center, was honored for her 35 years of service.

Seven employees were honored for having 30 years of service to CHCCS.  They are:  Karla Boreiko, Estes Hills Elementary; Phylis Cook-Mack, Seawell Elementary; Ann Cramer, Seawell Elementary; Natalie Faircloth, McDougle Elementary; Melodie Majette, Rashkis Elementary; Douglas Noell, Lincoln Center; and Carlos Perera, Seawell Elementary.

Employees with 25 years of service included:  Linda Fyle, Scroggs Elementary; Carla Gilchrist, Glenwood Elementary; Carmen Hackney, Rashkis Elementary; Sharon Henley, Morris Grove Elementary; Mary Hill, Seawell Elementary; Wanda King, Morris Grove Elementatry; Sarah Massengale, Glenwood Elementary; Tricia Thompson, Scroggs Elementary; Anglea Short, Phillips Middle; and Suzanne Stokes, Morris Grove Elementary.

Employees with 20 years of service included:  Roberto Aponte, Lincoln Center; Marla Brown, McDougle Elementary; Jinnie Burnette, Chapel Hill High; Holly Clark, Morris Grove Elementary; Jason Curtis, Chapel Hill High; Lisa Decesaris, McDougle Middle; Tracey Farrar, East Chapel Hill High; Anthony George, Lincoln Center; Yikaalo Habte, Phillips Middle; Jerri Humphries, Chapel Hill High; Michael Irwin, Chapel Hill High; Kathleen Kauffmann, McDougle Middle; Barbara Link, Culbreth Middle; Issac Marsh, Chapel Hill High; Magaret Maternowski, McDougle Middle; Janelle Price, Chapel Hill High; Karen Sanders, East Chapel Hill High; Roy Smith, Phillips Middle; John Walker, Transportation Department; and Linda Williford, Seawell Elementary.

The annual Recognition Reception is hosted in collaboration with the Public School Foundation (PSF).

“Taking this evening to honor educators throughout the district is something I look forward to all year.  We don’t just honor teachers - we honor staff members and their accomplishments from all areas of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.  Everyone spotlighted with awards tonight are held up by their peers as being the best at what they do.  All those who spent 20 or more years serving our community are the epitome of dedicated.  And all of our retirees have worked hard, educating generations and have earned our thanks as they start a new journey, ” said Superintendent Pam Baldwin.  “Who wouldn’t want to celebrate these successes?”

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CHCCS Honors Staff at Annual Recognition Reception

Boening Named 2017-18 Teacher of the Year

Lauren Boening of Morris Grove Elementary, was named the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) Teacher of the Year at the annual Recognition Reception on May 11 at Carrboro High.

Boening is a third grade teacher with seven years of teaching experience.  She holds a bachelor of arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Boening received a $1,000 check from BNC Bank, as well as gifts from area businesses.

Two Honor Teachers were also named on Thursday.  They are Terra Hodge of Culbreth Middle and Anna Kohler of the UNC Hospital School.  They each received a $500 check from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation (PSF) and gifts from local businesses.

Lauren Boening, 2017-18 CHCCS Teacher of the Year

Terra Hodge, District Honor Teacher

Anna Kohler, District Honor Teacher

Other Teachers of the Year were recognized with $100 checks from PSF and gifts from local businesses.  They are: Emily Moorman, Carrboro Elementary; Rachel Etheridge, Ephesus Elementary; Ann Partin, Estes Hills Elementary; Flor Ramirez, FPG Bilingüe Elementary; Jianghong “Jenny” Zhao, Glenwood Elementary; Natalie Sayag, McDougle Elementary; Nancy Hilburn, Northside Elementary; Amanda Klinkman, Rashkis Elementary; Rebeka Barringer, Scroggs Elementary; Kevin Swain, Seawell Elementary; Christine Lippy, McDougle Middle; Katherine Whittington, Phillips Middle; Danka Kulikowski, Smith Middle; Melissa Barry, Carrboro High; Isaac Marsh, Chapel Hill High; and Shannon McGinnis, East Chapel Hill High.

Teacher of the Year gifts were provided by:  A Better Image Printing, Chapel Hill Florist, Chapel Hill Restaurant Group and Office Depot.

The Mary Scroggs Award for Excellence in Providing Support Services recognizes one classified staff member from each school and several Lincoln Center departments.  The award recipient is Cedric Bush, a teacher assistant at Morris Grove Elementary, who also received a $1,000 check.  Two Honor Recipients were named.  They are Barry Garrett, an EC teacher assistant at Northside Elementary, and Geoff Gentry, the data manager at McDougle Middle.  They each received $500.

Other Classified Staff of the Year, who each received $100, are:  Natalie Blake, teacher assistant, Carrboro Elementary; Junsie Cotten, teacher assistant, Estes Hills Elementary; Karl Pace, teacher assistant, Estes Hills Elementary; Alexandra Lopez, school secretary/bookkeeper, FPG Bilingüe Elementary; Crystal Jones, data manager and receptionist, Glenwood Elementary; Juan Orozco, teacher assistant, McDougle Elementary; Takeeta Self, EC teacher assistant, Rashkis Elementary; Takita Dowdy, teacher assistant, Scroggs Elementary; Joann Westfall, school secretary, Seawell Elementary; Sharon Smith, EC teacher assistant, Culbreth Middle; Richard Frampton, EC teacher assistant, Phillips Middle; Marie Joe Saunders, school secretary/bookkeeper, Smith Middle; John Street, custodian, Carrboro High; Anthony Little, building technician, Chapel Hill High; Sara Adcock, teacher assistant, East Chapel Hill High; Cinthia Gonzalez, family services liaison, Pre-K/Head Start, Lincoln Center; Scott Latimore, digital media and web services coordinator, Information Technology, Lincoln Center; Lay Po, custodian, Maintenance, Lincoln Center; and Vance Riggsbee, assistant operations manager, Transportation.

Matt Straub, school counselor at Culbreth Middle, received the Exceptional Children Student Services Staff of the Year Award, as well as a check for $500.  The two Honor Recipients are Vivian Quimbaya-Winship, school nurse at Glenwood Elementary, and Jennifer Radzik, occupational therapist with Pre-K/Head Start.  They each received $250.

The other ECSS Staff of the Year, who each received $50, are: Phyllis Norwood, speech language pathologist, Carrboro Elementary; Michele Hawkins, school nurse, Ephesus Elementary; Heidi van Brocklin, school counselor, Estes Hills Elementary; Barbie Garayua-Tudryn, school counselor, FPG Bilingüe Elementary; Kathie Guild, school counselor, McDougle Elementary; Teonaka Daye, school psychologist, Morris Grove Elementary; Lisle Pearman, EC program facilitator, Northside Elementary; Carlie Ewen, school social worker, Rashkis Elementary; Jessica Schaul, school psychologist, Scroggs Elementary; Eileen Stough, school nurse, Seawell Elementary; Keneisha Jones, school counselor, McDougle Middle; Brittany Egan, school counselor, Phillips Middle; Susan Pizzolato, school counselor, Smith Middle; Bari Sholomon, school counselor, Carrboro High; Frank Smith, 504 coordinator, Chapel Hill High; and Jessica Harris, school counselor, East Chapel Hill High.

Classified and EC staff of the Year gifts were provided by FSI Office and University Florist.

Other staff awards were also presented at the event.

Beverly Rudolph of Culbreth Middle was recognized as the district's Principal of the Year, while Jonathan Woody of Carrboro Elementary was named the district's Assistant Principal of the Year.  Elaine Watson-Grant, dual language and world language coordinator, received the Award for Excellence in District Administration.

Claire Gough of Culbreth Middle received the CHC Promising New Teacher Award.  Catherine Molyet of McDougle Middle was the recipient of the Jeannette Blackwell Mentor Teacher Award.   Beth Watson of East Chapel Hill High was named the recipient of the Elmo's Award for Excellence in Teaching English as a Second Language and World Language.  Delia Hudson of McDougle Elementary received the MSAN (Minority Student Achievement Network) Equity Equals Excellence Award.

The Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate (BRMA) program presented two Excellence in Equitable Teaching Awards.  These award recipients are selected by the students in BRMA.  The middle school award went to Tony Carter of Smith Middle, and Dominic Kiplar of East Chapel Hill High received the high school award.

Representatives of PSF were on hand to present both new and renewing Teaching Chairs.  Ann Daaleman of Phillips Middle is the PTSA Chair for Excellence in Teaching Cultural Arts.  Morgan May of Culbreth Middle is the Burton Stuart Chair for Promising New Teachers of Secondary Math or Science.  George Gilmer of Smith Middle is the Zora Rashkis Teaching Chair in Middle School Language Arts.  Candace Crothers of Glenwood Elementary is the Upper Elementary Chair for Excellence in Teaching Innovation.

Renewing chair recipients were also honored on Thursday.  Jay Wilson of East Chapel Hill High is the Elmo's Excellence in Teaching Mathematics or Science Chair.  Denise Keene of Smith Middle is the Kim Hoke Chair for Excellence in Teaching Exceptional Children.  Jessie Grinnell of Culbreth Middle is the Neil Pedersen Teachers First Chair for Excellence in Classroom Technology.  Brian Link of East Chapel Hill High is the Bernadine Sullivan Chair for Excellence in Teaching High School English or Social Studies.  Nicholas Von Hoene of Smith Middle is the GlaxoSmithKline Chair for Excellence in Teaching Middle School Science or Math.

Three teachers were recognized for earning their National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.  They join the almost 300 other CHCCS teachers who have earned their National Boards.  They are:  Toni Lehman, McDougle Elementary; Hope Love, East Chapel Hill High; and Daniel Segal, Smith Middle.

Twenty-two employees (of the more than 40) were recognized for retiring from the district this year.  They include:  Sam Berryhill, Culbreth Middle; Barbara Brunson, Seawell Elementary; Rebecca Daye, East Chapel Hill High; Susan DeWalt Brown, Scroggs Elementary; Melda Dunn, McDougle Middle; Kathie Guild, McDougle Elementary; Bonita Hill, McDougle Elementary; Shelia Holman-Leak, Culbreth Middle; Patricia Hurlman, Lincoln Center; George Ann McCay, Lincoln Center; Kathy Nelson, Lincoln Center; Connie Riddle, McDougle Middle; Maritza Santamaria, McDougle Elementary; Al Soulier, Lincoln Center; Lanny Stanley, Transportation; Barbara Sternowski, Estes Hills Elementary; Eleanor Tierney, Carrboro High; Dale Traugott, East Chapel Hill High; Wanda Weaver, Ephesus Elementary; Sheila Wilkerson, Chapel Hill High; Mark Williams, Lincoln Center; and Edwina Zagami, Phillips Middle.

Employees were also honored for attaining milestones of service with CHCCS.  Vance Riggsbee, the assistant operations manager with Transportation was honored for his 45 years of service and Laurie Maultsby Crabtree, a teacher assistant at Morris Grove Elementary was honored for her 35 years of service.

Four employees were honored for having 30 years of service to CHCCS.  They are:  Kathryn Glosson, FPG Bilingüe Elementary; Patricia Hurlman, Lincoln Center; Kaye Martinez, Culbreth Middle; and Al Soulier, Lincoln Center.

Employees with 25 years of service included:  Janis Basnight, Ephesus Elementary; Jonathan Beyle, Phillips Middle; Wesley Farrar, Lincoln Center; James Latta, Lincoln Center; Bruce Manning, Ephesus Elementary; Kathy Nelson, Lincoln Center; Ben Reed, Chapel Hill High; Sherry Smith, Culbreth Middle; Diane Villwock, Lincoln Center; Karen Weatherly, UNC Hospital School; Michelle Wood, Rashkis Elementary.

Employees with 20 years of service included:  Isabella Alston, Transportation Department; Regina Baratta, Smith Middle; Barbara Brunson, Seawell Elementary; Shawna Catlett, Ephesus Elementary; Barbara Copeland, McDougle Elementary; Lisa Corbett, Ephesus Elementary; Jacquelene Ellison, Carrboro Elementary; Robin Flintall, Rashkis Elementary; Shantina Foster, Morris Grove Elementary; Timmy George, Lincoln Center; Elizabeth Ironside, Lincoln Center; Mary Jones, Chapel Hill High; Susan Kenny, Scroggs Elementary; Paul Kieckbusch, Smith Middle; Mac Link, McDougle Middle; Mary O’Dor, Rashkis Elementary; Sharon Prince, Carrboro Elementary; Maritza Santamaria, McDougle Elementary; Tamra Haley Schuch, Morris Grove Elementary; Susan Stites, Chapel Hill High; Anne Tomalin, Chapel Hill High; Dale Traugott, East Chapel Hill High; and Ava Vanhook, Carrboro Elementary.

The annual Recognition Reception is hosted in collaboration with the Public School Foundation (PSF).

“All of the CHCCS staff members honored tonight have something in common: they put the needs of our students at the top of their to-do list every time they walk into their buildings.  The annual Recognition Reception is an opportunity to put the spotlight on these amazing educators, and show them the thanks and honor they deserve for all their effort, hard-work and accomplishments,” said Superintendent Pam Baldwin.  “I find inspiration in their work.”

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Northside Elementary Media Specialist, Kathryn Cole, Wins National American Library Association Award

The American Library Association (ALA) presented Northside Elementary School’s Media Specialist, Kathryn Cole, with its prestigious 2016 “I Love My Librarian Award” at a ceremony in New York City on November 30.  The award recognizes “the public service of exceptional public, school, college, community college or university librarians who have transformed lives and communities through educational opportunities and lifelong learning.” Kat Cole was nominated by Nancy Zeman, program services manager at the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation.

The ALA selected nine librarians nationwide, from the almost 1,100 nominations, to receive the award in 2016.  Only three recipients represented elementary school libraries – including Ms. Cole.  Each honoree received a $5,000 cash award, a plaque and a travel stipend to attend the “I Love My Librarian Award” ceremony and reception in NYC, hosted by the award sponsor, Carnegie Corporation of New York.

“Kat Cole is a shining example of an extraordinary school librarian,” said Nancy Zeman in her nomination for the award. “She helps all students in this diversely populated school build literate lives by creating opportunities to identify as readers by encouraging curiosity and exploration through literature.  I have been particularly impressed with her work with underserved students within the school community and with her dedication to encouraging those children to build a positive literacy identity. One of the things that sets her apart is that her reach goes beyond her school as she advocates for best practices in library services at not only her school but also at the school district level to ensure all students have equal access to resources and services.”

Principal of Northside Elementary, Coretta Sharpless said, “Ms. Cole’s overall mission is to keep literacy and the library a focal point in the school.  In order to do this, she ensures that staff members know and understand the critical role the library plays to equalize the playing field in education and how important it is that all children across the school have access to the library and its resources at point of need.  She shares school-wide circulation and library usage data with staff to illustrate the importance of library use and academic growth. In addition, she helps cultivate a love of literacy across the school.”

CHCCS congratulates Kat Cole on this prestigious award and thanks the Public School Foundation for nominating this outstanding media specialist.

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PSF Teacher Supply Store Provides Assistance to CHCCS Staff

The 10th Annual Teacher Supply Store Provides $45,000 in School Supplies

Hundreds of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools teachers and staff received $75 vouchers to "shop" at the Public School Foundation's (PSF) Teacher Supply Store on August 23-24.  The store, located at the American Legion Hall, is sponsored by the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club and PSF.

The store is stocked with items teachers have identified as necessities in their classrooms, including pencils, paper, staplers, glue, markers, tissues, hand sanitizer and much more.  The nearly 600 teachers invited include elementary teachers, social workers, visiting international teachers, and novice teachers.  To be fair, teachers and staff are invited on a rotating basis, so middle and high school teachers will be invited in 2017.

"This is an amazing event to be a part of and witness," said Interim Superintendent Jim Causby.  "The happiness shown by all of the staff members while they shopped and picked out their items is truly priceless.  It's so impressive what the Public School Foundation and the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club - with the help of our community - are able to offer our teachers, saving them money from their own pockets to start off a new school year.  I'm glad CHCCS and its staff are able to participate in something that provides so much."

"Teachers spend hundreds of dollars of their own money each year to be sure that students have what they need in the classroom.  We hope that this supply store eases that burden for our teachers and school social workers," said Allison Worthy, co-chair of the planning committee.  "Social workers often need to offer backpacks and basic supplies to identified families who cannot afford to purchase items on the school supply lists.  Novice teachers have not accumulated any supplies for their classrooms, so we want to support them so they don't have to spend money from their own pockets."

Each year, CHCCS hires approximately 35-45 novice teachers.

According to the NC Department of Public Instruction, in 2007-08, the state allocated just over $83 million for classroom materials, instructional supplies and equipment.  During the last school year, the state allocated around $44.3 million.  That reduction is reflected in local school district budgets.

"This project is so meaningful to our club members," said East Chapel Hill Rotary chairperson, Pat Phelan.  "Our rotary members love the smiles on the teachers' faces when they see the tables stocked with supplies that they can get for free with their vouchers.  Our rotary club considers this a favorite among our charity projects.  The teachers are so grateful and some teachers are moved to tears.  It is a wonderful way to kick off the school year."

Over the past 10 years, more than $275,000 in supplies have been given away to CHCCS teachers at the annual Teacher Store.  Funding for the store comes through generous support by the East Chapel Hill Rotary and other area rotary clubs, Staples of Chapel Hill and the Staples Foundation, as well as the Public School Foundation.  Over 50 volunteers help work the checkout stations for the shoppers.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Teacher Supply Store, PSF accepted donations of $10 gift cards to various local businesses to offer teachers as door prizes during the event.

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Schools to “Hit the Road” at Annual Walk for Education

Thousands of students, families, and school staff members will walk from McCorkle Place on the UNC campus to a huge carnival at Lincoln Center, the school district’s central office, on Saturday, October 5, at 2 p.m. 

Organized by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation, the Walk for Education, now in its 17th year, raises funds for all schools in the district.  Each school designates its Walk earnings for specific projects, such as classroom libraries, technology and playground improvements. 

Over 6,000 walkers participated in 2012.  Students raised more than $90,000 for their schools.  The Foundation awards cash prizes to the school with the most walkers and the school demonstrating the most school spirit as they march down Franklin Street. 

“The Walk demonstrates community support for public education, engages participants in physical activity and raises funds for all our schools,” said Ashley Wilson, president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation.

The Carnival at Lincoln Center will feature giant inflatable slides, obstacle courses, face painting, a dunking booth, and other activities organized by school groups to raise funds for their programs.  Families can purchase a wide variety of food and drinks offered by school groups. 

“Schools are working especially hard to raise money at the Carnival because funds have been cut for teams and clubs,” said Kim Hoke, Foundation director.

New to the Carnival this year will be a silent auction, with each school presenting one item or experience for bidding.  Among the many auction items are Carolina-Duke basketball tickets, a week at a Cape Hatteras beach house, and sterling silver jewelry. All proceeds go directly to the schools.

Walk festivities begin at 1:30 p.m. at McCorkle Place on the UNC campus.  Led by the Carrboro High School marching band, walkers will head down Franklin Street at 2 p.m.  There is no registration for the Walk, which will take place rain or shine.  Everyone is welcome.  Dogs, however, are prohibited.

Shuttles from Chapel Hill and Carrboro High Schools to McCorkle Place will begin at 12:30 p.m.  Shuttles from the Carnival at Lincoln Center will return to the two high schools starting at 4 p.m.  Participants are encouraged to ride the shuttles.  There is no parking at Lincoln Center, and parking on Merritt Mill Road will not be permitted.

For information, contact Kim Hoke at khoke@chccs.k12.nc.us or by phone at 919-967-8211 (ext. 28301).

Pictured:  Scenes from 2012 Walk for Education.

Back to CHCCS website

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Harris Named Teacher of the Year at Recognition Reception

Michael Harris of Phillips MS, was named the District Teacher of the Year at the Annual Recognition Reception on May 17 at Carrboro High.

Harris is a social studies teacher with fourteen years of teaching experience.  Harris holds a bachelor's degree in biomechanics from the University of California at Davis, and a teaching certificate from Chapman University in Orange, CA.  Harris received a $1,000 check from Harrington Bank, as well as gifts from area businesses.

Two Honor Teachers were also named on Friday.  They are Sherry Norris of Seawell Elementary and Suzanne Stokes of Frank Porter Graham Elementary.  They each received a $500 check from Harrington Bank and gifts from local businesses.

Other Teachers of the Year were recognized with $100 checks from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation and gifts from local businesses.  They are:  Emily Moorman, Carrboro Elementary; Megen Vesser, Ephesus Elementary; Kris Swanson, Estes Hills Elementary; Candace White, Glenwood Elementary; Pam McAllister, McDougle Elementary; Becky Springer, Morris Grove Elementary; Nidhi Cash, Rashkis Elementary; Hannah Stang, Scroggs Elementary; Mimi Collins, Culbreth Middle School; Nichole Stewart, McDougle Middle School; Mackenzie Casey, Smith Middle School; Mark Kadlecik, Carrboro High School; Stephen Blackwell, Chapel Hill High; and Michelle Michaels, East Chapel Hill High.

Michael Harris, District Teacher of the Year
Phillips Middle

Sherry Norris, District Honor Teacher of the Year
Seawell Elementary

Suzanne Stokes, District Honor Teacher of the Year
Frank Porter Graham Elementary

Teacher of the Year gifts were provided by:  A Better Image Printing, Barnes and Noble at New Hope Commons, Chapel Hill Florist, Chapel Hill Restaurant Group, Office Depot and the Spotted Dog Restaurant.

The Mary Scroggs Award for Excellence in Providing Support Services was changed this year and now recognizes one classified staff member from each school and Lincoln Center.  The award recipient is Kristin Perone, a teacher assistant at Scroggs Elementary, who also received a $1,000 check.  Two Honor Recipients were named.  They are Lin Headen, the receptionist at McDougle Elementary, and Thomas Revelle, a teacher assistant at Ephesus Elementary.  They each received $250.

Other Classified Staff of the Year, who each received $100, are:  Robyn Riffe, data manager, Carrboro Elementary; Michelle Siegling, teacher assistant, Estes Hills Elementary; Sonia Honey, school secretary, FPG Elementary; Darrell Battle, custodian, Glenwood Elementary; Becky Dallke, school secretary, Morris Grove Elementary; Tasha Moore, data manager, Rashkis Elementary; Carolyn Brown, inclusion facilitator, Seawell Elementary; Kay Martinez, media assistant, Culbreth Middle; Angela Wilson-Crocker, inclusion facilitator, McDougle Middle; Phoebe Liles, school secretary, Phillips Middle; Marie Joe Saunders, school bookkeeper, Smith Middle; Leigh Anne Lombardi, administrative assistant, Carrboro High; Scott Walker, administrative assistant, Chapel Hill High; Laura Bowen, administrative assistant, East Chapel Hill High; Crystal Bowe, teacher assistant, Phoenix Academy High; and Cindy Dillehay, facilities management technician, Lincoln Center.

Other staff awards were also presented at the event.  Marny Ruben of Seawell Elementary was recognized as the district's Principal of the Year, while Robert Bales of McDougle Middle was named the district's Assistant Principal of the Year.  Christina Royster of Rashkis Elementary was the recipient of the Jeanette Blackwell Mentor Teacher Award.  Beth Kinney of McDougle Middle was the recipient of the Exceptional Children's Award for Outstanding Contributions as a Teacher.  Kathleen Carswell of Morris Grove Elementary received the CHC Public School Foundation Promising New Teacher Award.

Tina Moore, school social worker at Smith Middle, received the Exceptional Children Student Support Services Staff of the Year Award, as well as a check for $500.  The other nominees for this award are: Casey Marshall, school psychologist, Carrboro Elementary; Shelley Bunting, school nurse, Ephesus Elementary; Betsy Booth, school social worker, Estes Hills Elementery; May Mitchell, school counselor, FPG Elementary; Betty Harris, school counselor, Glenwood Elementary; Robbie Brown, school nurse, McDougle Elementary; Jordan Lupton, speech pathologist, Morris Grove Elementary; Katie Ethridge, school counselor, Rashkis Elementary; Cindy Zwiacher, school nurse, Scroggs Elementary; Becky Riggsbee, speech pathologist, Seawell Elementary; Stephanie Minter, school social worker, Culbreth Middle; Rhonda Hairston, school counselor, McDougle Middle; Jeremy Young, school counselor, Phillips Middle; Alice Bryan, Autism support specialist, Carrboro High; Diana Straghan, school nurse, Chapel Hill High; and Susan Lombardo, transition facilitator, East Chapel Hill High.

The Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate (BRMA) program presented two Excellence in Equitable Teaching Awards.  These award recipients are selected by the students in BRMA.  The middle school award went to Chuck Hennessee of Culbreth Middle, while Brian Link of East Chapel Hill High received the high school award.

Representatives of the Public School Foundation were on hand to present both new and renewing Teaching Chairs.  Tate Little of Carrboro Elementary was named the recipient of the Upper Elementary Chair for Excellence in Teaching Innovation.  Mimi Collins was named the recipient of the Elmo's Award for Excellence in Teaching English as a Second Language and World Language.  Jennifer Scott of Phillips Middle was named the recipient of the Zora Rashkis Chair in Middle School Language Arts.

Renewing chair recipients also were honored on Friday.  Tom Brown of Carrboro High School is the recipient of the Elmo's Excellence in Teaching Mathematics or Science Chair.  Tracey Hartman of Morris Grove is the Neil Pedersen Teachers First Chair.  Suzanne Stokes of FPG is the Sockwell Chair for Excellence in Teaching in the Elementary Classroom.  Mary Beth Braker of Carrboro High is the Bernadine Sullivan Chair for Excellence in Teaching English.  Thomas Drago is the CHHS PTSA Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Humanities.  Kelly Sears of Smith Middle is the Glaxo Award for Excellence in Teaching Middle School Science. Daniel Murphy of East Chapel Hill High is the Burton Stuart Chair for Promising New Teachers in Math or Science.

Forty-five employees are retiring from the district this year.  They include:  Diego Caballero, Carrboro Elementary; Patricia White, Carrboro Elementary; Anne Bradshaw, Ephesus Elementary; Kristin Brameld, Ephesus Elementary; Loretta Hopper, Ephesus Elementary; Karoline Mathewson, Ephesus Elementary; Deborah Gast, Estes Hills Elementary; Teresa Stewart, FPG Elementary; Kathryn Jordan-Pierce, Glenwood Elementary; Suzanne Hamrick, McDougle Elementary; Pamela Peterson, Scroggs Elementary; Carolyn Brown, Seawell Elementary; June Gillikin, Seawell Elementary; Yvonne Lambert, Seawell Elementary; Rebecca Riggsbee, Seawell Elementary; Shirley Scales, Seawell Elementary; Margaret Schmoeller, Seawell Elementary; Bobbie Williams, Seawell Elementary; Letitia Martin, Culbreth Middle; Sherry Lutterloh, McDougle Middle; Ray Martin, McDougle Middle; Joyce Buck, Phillips Middle; Ellen Nisbet, Phillips Middle; Patricia Oldham, Phillips Middle; Deborah Winstead, Smith Middle; Anne Thompson, Carrboro High; Karen Bell, Chapel Hill High; Larken Bell, Chapel Hill High; Michael Birkett, Chapel Hill High; Helen Bowers, Chapel Hill High; Dara Heller, Chapel Hill High; Loren Hintz, Chapel Hill High; Ronald Olsen, Chapel Hill High; Michael Waters, Chapel Hill High; Robert Brogden, East Chapel Hill High; Robert Purdy, East Chapel Hill High; Patricia Farrington, Phoenx Academy High; Ellen Holody, UNC Hospital School; Carolyn Inselmann, UNC Hospital School; Gloria Oldham, Transportation Department; Avery Apple, Lincoln Center; Earl Apple, Lincoln Center; Mary Bushnell, Lincoln Center; Priscilla Dennison, Lincoln Center; and Lori DeTrude, Lincoln Center.

Employees were also honored for attaining milestone years of service.  Vance Riggsbee of the Transportation Department was honored with 40 years of service.  

Employees with 30 years of service included:  Sarita Allen-Medlin, Lincoln Center; Dianne Jackson, Glenwood Elementary; Sandy Sean Rasnake, FPG Elementary; Joan Thompson, Transportation.

Employees with 25 years of service included:  Rosemary Campbell, McDougle Elementary; Ann Collins, Culbreth Middle; Phylis Cook-Mack, Seawell Elementary; Annie Cramer, Seawell Elementary; Mera Galassi, Seawell Elementary; Mildred Gerald, Chapel Hill High; Melodie Majette, Rashkis Elementary; Kay Lawson-Demery, Chapel Hill High; Robbie Nadas, Phillips Middle; Doug Noell, Lincoln Center; Carlos Perera, Seawell Elementary; and Ken Stewart, Chapel Hill High.

Employees with 20 years of service included:  Larry Baldwin, McDougle Middle; Kathie Guild, McDougle Elementary; Ann Harrawood, FPG Elementary; Katy Lipkus, East Chapel Hill High; Sally Massengale, Glenwood Elementary; Angela Short, Phillips Middle; and Suzanne Stokes, FPG Elementary.

The annual Recognition Reception is hosted in collaboration with the Public School Foundation.  A special thanks to the Carrboro High Jazz Band for providing the pre-event music.  Frank Jones is the band's director.

"It's always an inspiring event when you can recognize the outstanding teachers, staff and administrators we have in this district," said Superintendent Thomas A. Forcella.  "The hard work and passion that these individuals represent for both their school and the district is what makes Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools the best around.  I'm honored to have the opportunity to help recognize their efforts," he added.

Pictures from the event posted on Facebook.

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Honor Teachers and Staff With Breakfast and Roses

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation invites parents/guardians to kick off the 2013 Teacher Appreciation Week by honoring their children’s teachers and school staff at the 10^th Annual Teachers First Breakfast.  Let your teachers, administrators, counselors, media specialists, specials teachers, teaching assistants, clerical, custodian, food service, bus drivers and other staff know that they are appreciated by treating them to a fantastic breakfast and/or a rose.  Just fill out the form online or download the form from the website. Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation will take care of everything else. Please submit all orders by April 16.

The breakfast, scheduled May 3, is $20. Each rose is $5, and the roses will be delivered on May 1. Every person that is honored with a breakfast and/or rose will receive a printed invitation and card with the name(s) of the donor honoring them and a brief note. Note: If teachers receive more than one breakfast ticket, they often share them with their colleagues.

But the breakfast and roses are more than that: they are a win-win. The breakfast is sponsored by The Chapel Hill Restaurant Group, the owner of Squid's Restaurant. So proceeds go to The Teachers First Fund to support teachers and staff. The fund provides grants for teachers pursuing national certification, professional development, classroom grants for student enrichment, support for the teacher supply store, grants to first-year novice teachers, materials for a local merchant discount program, and awards for exemplary staff performance.

For questions, or to order by telephone, call 919-968-8819, or fax the order to 919-968-7884. 

Orders can be also placed by completing the 2013 Teachers First Breakfast Order Form and sending it to the foundation office or by going online.

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Schools Raise Money through Walk for Education

Saturday, October 13 was a great day for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and the Public School Foundation. The 16th annual Walk for Education began at McCorkle Place on the UNC campus and included over 5,500 participants. The legendary Steve Scroggs served as emcee. Walkers were led down Franklin Street and Merritt Mill Road by the Frank Porter Graham Roaring Lion Drumline. Frank Porter Graham Elementary is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and also had the largest number of participants (over 400!). McDougle Elementary won a $200 prize for featuring their "super" characteristics. Seawell Elementary was the top fundraising school. In total, the schools raised over $90,000.

The Walk concluded at Lincoln Center, where participants enjoyed 22 major attractions and over 50 booths, including activities, food and even a DJ. Additionally, many raffle prizes were won, including a Kindle, Nook, iPad and many gift cards. 

To see more pictures from the event, be sure to visit our Facebook gallery.

Emcee Steve Scroggs

McCorkle Place

Ashley Wilson, PSF President

McCorkle Place

FPG Elementary Roaring Lions Lead the Walk

Walking down Franklin Street

Lincoln Center

One of the rides at Lincoln Center

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“Super 16” Walk for Education Set for Oct. 13

Thousands of students, parents, staff and community members will walk from McCorkle Place on the UNC campus to Lincoln Center, Merritt Mill Road, the school district’s central office.

Organized by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation, the walk is in its 16th year of supporting the schools in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro district for their top needs this year. Each school has designated specific projects for walk funds.

Students from each school will show in costumes or signs why their school and/or teachers and staff are “super.” The foundation awards a cash prize to the school with the best representation of their super features.

The walk concludes with a carnival on the grounds of Lincoln Center, the district’s offices. The walk and race are designed to demonstrate community support for education, engage participants in physical activity and raise funds for the individual schools, said Ashley Wilson, president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation, organizer of the walk.

Last year, more than 6,000 walkers participated, and students raised more than $100,000 for their schools. Since this is the 16th year of the Walk, special “Super 16” t-shirts are awarded to students who raise $25 or more for their schools.

In addition, carnival activities at Lincoln Center include huge inflatable rides, super slides, an obstacle course, baseball toss, bounce house, bean bag toss, and a range of additional activities organized by school groups to raise funds for their programs. Families can plan to purchase dinner with the
number of ethnic foods that will be available at the carnival.

In fact, school organizations will have booths that will spread out into the main parking lot at Lincoln Center. Recognizing that funds have been cut for teams and clubs, the groups are working especially hard to raise funds to support their operations this year, said Kim Hoke, foundation director.

The walk festivities begin at 1:30 p.m. and the walkers start at 2 p.m. from McCorkle Place on the UNC campus. There is no registration for the walk; everyone is welcome, and the walk continues rain or shine. However, dogs are prohibited on school property.

Shuttles will run from both Chapel Hill High and Carrboro High and then back from Lincoln Center to those schools and McCorkle Place. Parking is not available at Lincoln Center, and participants are encouraged to ride the shuttles. Parking on Merritt Mill Road will be prohibited.

Premiere sponsors of the event are the Wells Fargo Foundation, Wells Fargo Private Bank, Jim Kitchen and UNC Health Care.

Super 16 Logo

2011 Walk: families gather at McCorkle Place

2011 Walk: Superintendent Tom Forcella participates in his first Walk

2011 Walk: families walk down Franklin Street to Merritt Mill

2011 Walk:  families have fun at the carnival at Lincoln Center

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Teacher Supply Store Helps 425 Teachers

The East Chapel Hill Rotary Teacher Supply Store was opened August 22-23 at the Legion Hut in Chapel Hill.  Operated in conjunction with the Public School Foundation, the store served 425 CHCCS teachers.

The store is funded by a $15,000 grant from Staples, a similar amount from East Chapel Hill Rotary and grants from the Public School Foundation and the Sunrise Rotary Club.

This year, the store benefited middle and high school classroom teachers, secondary self-contained and ESL teachers, all first-year, novice classroom teachers throughout the district and all family specialists.  Each teacher received a voucher to select supplies and materials for the classroom.  The store was stocked with pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, book bags, thumb drives, staplers, pencil sharpeners, white boards, dry erase cleaner, calendars, tissues, book gift cards, hand sanitizer and more.

The store served elementary classroom teachers in 2011.

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