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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Scroggs Art Teacher Receives Fulbright Award

A huge congratulations goes out to Sarah Cornette, the art teacher at Scroggs Elementary, who has received a Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching grant to Greece from the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Sarah is one of approximately 35 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad through the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program in 2018-2019. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, and is designed to build lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The Fulbright Program is funded through an annual appropriation by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations in foreign countries and the United States also provide direct and indirect support to the program, which operates in over 160 countries worldwide.

Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 380,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, professionals and scientists the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Fulbrighters address critical global challenges in all areas, while building relationships, knowledge, and leadership in support of the long-term interests of the United States. Fulbright alumni have achieved distinction in many fields, including 59 who have been awarded the Nobel Prize, 84 who have received Pulitzer Prizes, and 37 who have served as a head of state or government.

The Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program sends U.S. teachers abroad and brings international teachers to the United States for a semester of independent study and professional development focused on sharing international best practices and developing students’ global competence. Based at university-level schools of education or other educational institutions in the host country, participants complete an inquiry project, take courses, share their expertise with local teachers and students, and engage in action planning to implement what they learn on the program when they return home.

We are so proud to have one of our very own Scroggs Frogs representing our school district - and our nation - in this amazing program. Way to go, Sarah!

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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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2016-17 SNAColades

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 administrator.

Carrboro High School

Melissa Barry

"She is an INCREDIBLE EC teacher. Melissa integrates EC students with school-wide events and networks with colleagues to create inclusive opportunities in electives and academic areas. She developed an effective communication system with parents via blog, text, email, conferences and classroom social opportunities."

Chapel Hill High School

Dominick (Nick) Barone

"Not only is Mr. Barone keeping tabs on my daughter during the day, he has spent many hours after school with her, and time after those meetings, discussing issues with me in addition to the emails and phone calls...And he is always smiling!"

Jennifer Michalenok
Beth Racine 
Rodney Carter 
Melissa Walton

"Miss Jennifer and all the teachers in my son’s class work hard everyday to help him learn and grow. They are invaluable to his life and his education, and have helped him make huge strides in learning to communicate and engage with the world."

Frank Smith

"Mr. Smith went above and beyond in helping our son transition to high school. He scheduled a long meeting to become familiar with our son's disabilities, coached our son through getting organized at the beginning of the year, and advocated on our son's behalf to his teachers. He has continued to support our son through the school year."

Ryan McGraw

"Mr. McGraw, our son's counselor also met with us at various times throughout the school year, counseled and supported our son and us, and was willing to consider and follow-up on plans even when they were outside the box ideas."      

East Chapel Hill High School

Vanessa Diggs

"She demonstrates her care and concern for our children - it is much appreciated!"

Karina Pascht 

"Karina supports my son directly as his Academic Strategies teacher as well as in collaborative English and Science classes. Furthermore, she has guided the transition during a Civics class change and math class. We would have been lost without her this year."

Northside Elementary

Deandra Hill

"Deandra not only provides students with strong academic support in their areas of need, but she also addresses their social/emotional needs. She has a way of making all students feel welcomed, loved and successful. Deandra has been a saving grace for my son this year by tapping into his interests, giving him opportunities to be a leader, and propelling him forward academically. Northside is blessed to have her!"

Ronetta Walker

"She is an amazingly, caring, loving, and patient teacher. She goes above and beyond to make sure that my son has a good day and that his needs are met. She is always willing to try new things to get him where he needs to be."

Pre-K

Sarah Michaels - PreK

"The growth that my son has made since she has worked with him is amazing. I cannot describe and thank her enough for the hard work she has put in."

Morris Grove Elementary

Jordan Lupton

"Jordan has introduced Peer Mediated Instruction and Intervention (PMII) to the school for many of her students and their peers! Here is an article that she wrote about it."

Phillips Middle

Christine Ewing

"Christine has been a quiet force for good at Phillips in her first year here in the school district. She has helped my son have a smooth year and advocated for his appropriate placement in his transition to high school."

Scroggs Elementary

Sandy Scheuermann

"Sandy never complained when I asked for yet another meeting to discuss goals or my concerns. She willingly shared the small milestones that make up seemingly unnoticeable progress for kids like my son. She sent updates and pictures of my son working. She shared pride with me over writing milestones and even the smallest improvements. As my son moves into middle school, I know I have Sandy Scheuermann to thank for pointing out to him each day how capable and smart he really is and for providing excellent EC support."

Jasmine Johnson
Cindy Greenert
James Nohe
Dottie Small

"Thank you for your patience and your perseverance in support of my son. Thank you for your willingness to try new things even when I know you already had many other things to juggle. And thank you for encouraging him, and for giving him something to think about each day that recognized his capability."

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Literacy, Learning and Leadership

The Blue Ribbon Youth Leadership Institute students at Carrboro High and Chapel Hill High became pen pals with students in the Mary Scroggs After School Adventures Program. After School Adventures was created by a Public School Foundation grant awarded to Shelby White and Susan Jullian, designed to assist second grade students with literacy, math and writing.

The pen pal partnership was initiated by After School Adventures to help students with their writing. Second-grade students wrote letters to Blue Ribbon Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) students. The first letter was an introduction in which elementary students shared basic information and their hobbies. The high school students responded to the letters. The exchange experience was a real motivator for the second-graders. One After School Adventurer was quoted as saying ​“I wish I could meet my pen pal Gan.”

The pen pal project concluded, Tuesday, April 18, with a surprise visit from the high school pen pals. The after school celebration provided students an opportunity to meet their pen pals, play games and enjoy pizza. The students were enthusiastic about meeting their pen pals.

The Blue Ribbon Youth Leadership Institute(YLI) seeks to provide high school students with leadership skills in their community and to be advocates for change. This was a great opportunity for students to implement their leadership skills with integrity and compassion. YLI students at all three high schools meet twice a month during lunch, and participate monthly in a local service-learning project.

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Crystal Epps to Lead Scroggs Elementary

Crystal Epps

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is pleased to announce Crystal Epps as the new principal of Scroggs Elementary.

Ms. Epps has served as an assistant principal in our school district at Frank Porter Graham Elementary and Rashkis Elementary. Prior to that she was a classroom teacher at Ephesus Elementary and Morris Grove Elementary. She also taught at Efland Cheeks Elementary in Efland, North Carolina, Newlin Elementary in Burlington, North Carolina, and Public School 153 in the Bronx, New York.

She is very excited to get started and to meet all of her new Scroggs Frogs.


Back to CHCCS website

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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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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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