Former CHHS Principal Passes Away

May Marshbanks, the principal at Chapel Hill HS from 1955-1970 passed away on August 21.  She was 95.

Marshbanks, known to the students as "Mother May," also served as a teacher, school counselor and assistant principal before becoming principal.  As a teacher, Marshbanks taught English, Latin, math and music.

After retiring from CHHS, she started a senior citizens program in Harnett County, retiring from that at the age of 92.

"She was the most kid-oriented principal I've ever known.  She told me, 'Steve, you're going to make something of yourself, just keep it up.'  And I did," said Steve Scroggs, retired CHCCS assistant superintendent for support services and CHHS graduate.

A memorial service will be held for Marshbanks on August 25 in Buies Creek, NC.

May Marshbanks, pictured here in 1959, reading the school announcements

Back to CHCCS website

read more "Former CHHS Principal Passes Away"

Local Businesses Team with BRMA to Raise Money

Thrill City, Sacrificial Poets and the Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate (BRMA) program are teaming up to reinvent the classic back-to-school accessory: the notebook.  They have turned it from something ordinary and unoriginal into something aesthetically different and ethically purposeful, called the Thrill City Book.

Chapel Hill-based clothing and accessories brand Thrill City is producing and selling the books, with spoken word group Sacrificial Poets promoting the release and BRMA representing the cause.  For every notebook sale, Thrill City will donate $1 to the Blue Ribbon scholarship fund; however, the purpose of the campaign reaches far beyond that.

The Thrill City Book campaign also wants to make local university students and residents aware of the underserved public school population in Chapel Hill, as well as encourage and spark a more collaborative, consistent conversation between the University and the community while contributing to BRMA's scholarship fund and providing a useful, durable product.

The 8x10-inch notebook is made from 100 percent recycled sheets of paper with a cardboard outer cover and bound spine and costs $5 each.  The Thrill City logo is screened on the front and inside is an informational insert that elaborates on education and race in Chapel Hill.  To purchase a Thrill City Book, visit http://thrillcitybook.com.

Back to CHCCS website

read more "Local Businesses Team with BRMA to Raise Money"

CHCCS Holds Annual Convocation

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools welcomed its staff back to a new year at the annual Convocation on August 21, at the Chapel Hill Bible Church. Two sessions were held to accommodate the more than 2,000 staff members.

This annual Convocation serves as an introduction to the district's goals and priorities for the up-coming school year, which include: the district's long-range plan goals, Common Core instruction and critical issues, such as bridging the achievement gap, challenging learning environments and professional development.

Superintendent Thomas A. Forcella built on the shared beliefs that came out of the 2012 Greenhouse Project in March. He also introduced the district's partnership with the Institute for Learning (IFL) at the University of Pittsburgh and how it would help with the district's goals of growth mindset, the Principles of Learning and Common Core instruction.

The program also featured remarks from Board Chair Mia Burroughs, Teacher of the Year Kim Mellor and Public School Foundation Representatives Ashley Wilson and Kim Hoke. A special video depicting students from FPG Elementary was shared, as 2012-13 marks the school's 50th anniversary.

members of the Maintenance staff direct traffic as district staff arrive for Convocation

staff members find seats for Convocation

Superintendent Tom Forcella welcomes staff

School Board Chair Mia Burroughs addresses staff

Ashley Wilson, president, and Kim Hoke, executive director, go over upcoming

Public School Foundation Events for 2012-13

a Flash Mob broke out in celebration of PSF events

District Teacher of the Year Kim Mellor addresses staff

Tori Creamer and Amy Rickard introduced new technology and other district news during a CHCCS Weekend Update skit

Back to CHCCS website

read more "CHCCS Holds Annual Convocation"

Board of Education Meets in Closed Session on Aug. 23

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education will meet in closed session regarding student matters on Thursday, August 23, 2012, at 6:15 p.m. at Lincoln Center.

The Board will also go into closed session pursuant to 143-318.11(a)(1) to consider confidential personnel information protected by N.C.G.S. 115C-321 and pursuant to 143-318.11(a)(1) to consider matters related to initial employment.  Following closed session, the board may return to open session for action on personnel items.

Back to CHCCS website

read more "Board of Education Meets in Closed Session on Aug. 23"

District Names Interim Principal of Chapel Hill High School

Melodie Parrish was named interim principal of Chapel Hill High School at the August 16 special meeting of the Board. Parrish, a retired NC school administrator with 37 years of experience, has served in a variety of roles including PE teacher, ISS teacher, Assistant Principal, Test Coordinator, Technology Coordinator, and Director of Accountability and SIMS (now called NC Wise). Following her retirement, she served in several interim administrator roles. Ms. Parrish said “I am excited to begin this new position. I’m looking forward to helping Chapel Hill High School open smoothly next week and move forward in a positive direction.”

Ms. Parrish holds a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education with a minor in Classical Languages from Campbell University and a Master of Arts Degree in Education Administration and Supervision from North Carolina Central University.

"Ms. Parrish has a track record of success as a school administrator and central office leader. We believe Ms. Parrish will greatly assist with the day-to-day operational functioning of Chapel Hill High School, and in building relationships with students, staff, parents, and the larger community. We are excited that she has chosen to serve in this interim capacity while we embark on a national search for a principal,” said Superintendent Thomas A. Forcella.

Ms. Parrish will begin work on August 17.


Back to CHCCS website

read more "District Names Interim Principal of Chapel Hill High School"

Board of Education to Meet in Closed Session on Aug. 16

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 16 at Lincoln Center in the Superintendent's Conference Room.  The board is expected to go into closed session pursuant to 143-318.11(a)(1) to consider confidential personnel information protected by N.C.G.S. 115C-321 and pursuant to 143-318.11(a)(1) to consider matters related to initial employment.  Following closed session, the board may return to open session for action on personnel items. 

Back to CHCCS website

read more "Board of Education to Meet in Closed Session on Aug. 16"

BRMA Receives Second Oak Foundation Grant

The Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate (BRMA) program has been awarded a $250,000 grant by The Oak Foundation. The grant is the second provided to BRMA by The Oak Foundation. It is divided over two years and provides support for BRMA's academic support programming.  BRMA will use the funds to operate tutorials and provide specialized academic assistance to students who face persistent struggles in school. The program will also hire a new staff member to support mentoring relationships as the program expands to serve more students.

Over the last two years, The Oak Foundation has supported BRMA's ongoing academic support work and a project from the UNC School of Education to evaluate the impact of BRMA on the social mobility of its student participants. A full copy of the UNC report will be released in August.

The Oak Foundation is an international organization based in Geneva, Switzerland with their office focused on Learning Differences located here in Chapel Hill.

Back to CHCCS website

read more "BRMA Receives Second Oak Foundation Grant"

CHCCS Hires New Administrators

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools hired several new administrators and approved two administrator transfer at the August 9 Board of Education Meeting.

In order to better serve the needs of the students, the former English/language arts and social studies coordinator was divided into two separate positions.

Nyree Sullivan was named the K-6 English/language arts coordinator.  Sullivan was a teaching coach in Knoxville, TN before coming to the district.  She has also served as an elementary teacher before becoming the director of instruction in Indianapolis.  Sullivan holds both a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s in Reading Education from Ball State University in Indiana.

Marian Dillahunt was named as the 7-12 English/language arts and social studies coordinator.  She was an English/reading teacher at Vance-Granville Community College in Henderson, NC.  She has also served as an English teacher, an education specialist and an English to speakers of other language (ESOL) teacher.  Dillahunt holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from NC A&T University, a master’s of art degree in English Literature from NC Central University and a master’s in Library Science from East Carolina University.

Julie Hennis was transferred to Chapel Hill High School as its new dean of faculty and instruction.  In her new position, Hennis will focus primarily on faculty needs in assisting in maintaining a focus on classroom instruction and in serving as a support person.  Hennis joined the district in 2006 as an assistant principal at CHHS.  She moved to Carrboro HS as its assistant principal when the school opened in 2007.  She had previously been an art and English teacher in NC.  Hennis holds a bachelor’s degree in Art from Meredith College, as well as certification in Art Education and English.  She also holds a master’s degree in School Administration from UNC-Pembroke.  Hennis is also a graduate of CHHS.

Ivry Cheeks has been transferred to Phoenix Academy High School as its new dean of students.  Cheeks was an assistant principal at CHHS.  Cheeks began her career at CHCCS as a counselor at Chapel Hill High in 2008 before becoming an assistant principal in 2010.  Cheeks was a housing and interior design teacher in Nash County and a school counselor in both Forsyth and Stokes Counties.  She holds both a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education and a master’s degree in Student Personnel and Counselor Education from NC A&T University.  She also holds certification in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Corretta Sharpless was named assistant principal at Estes Hills Elementary.  Sharpless had been the administrative intern at Phillips MS, but began her career at CHCCS in 2003 as an elementary teacher at Carrboro Elementary.  She also served CES as an intervention specialist and gifted education specialist before becoming its lead teacher for administration and leadership support.  Sharpless was named the CES Teacher of the Year for 2006-07.  Sharpless holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from NC Central University and is certified in gifted education.  She also holds a master’s degree in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

William Evans, Jr. was named the assistant principal at Culbreth Middle School.  He had been the dean of students for Middle College High School at Durham Technical Community College.  He began career at CHCCS in 1998 as a school counselor at East Chapel Hill High.  Evans holds both a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and a master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He also holds a license in School Administration from NC Central University.

The district is still working to fill the principal position at Chapel Hill HS.  After an extensive search and several interviews, CHCCS did not find a suitable candidate who would match the characteristics and credentials that staff and parents desired.  The district has contracted with a national search firm who will be able to make contacts with an expanded pool of potential candidates.  This fall, CHCCS will place an interim principal at the school and is currently talking with individuals who would be able to fill this role.

Back to CHCCS website

read more "CHCCS Hires New Administrators"

NC Receives Grant to Cover AP Test Fees for Low-Income Students

On August 8, 2012, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) notified school districts across the state that every eligible North Carolina high school student taking an Advanced Placement (AP) exam this year will have his/her test fees covered.

NCDPI will receive more than $800,000 to cover the cost of exams during the 2012-13 school year as part of the Federal AP Test Fee Program, which is authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title I Part G.

Dr. Rodney Trice, associate superintendent for student and school services and equity oversight, stated his office would work to share this information with students, families and high school guidance counselors once the state releases more information about how to apply for the federal funds.

In 2011, 30 percent of the state's high school seniors took at least one AP exam.  A total of 15,496 students or 18.4 percent of the class of 2011 earned a 3 or better on an AP exam.

Students and parents are encouraged to visit the College Board website for more information about the AP program.

Back to CHCCS website

read more "NC Receives Grant to Cover AP Test Fees for Low-Income Students"

Board Committee to Meet on Aug. 14

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education will hold a committee meeting on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at Lincoln Center.  The committee is meeting to discuss electronic communications.

Back to CHCCS website

read more "Board Committee to Meet on Aug. 14"