Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Five CHCCS Staff Named Teacher Voice Fellows

The Hope Street Group recently named 26 North Carolina Teacher Voice Fellows. The Fellowship program consists of teachers and coaches who serve as spokespeople for positive change in their profession through connecting with other teachers, and local and national policymakers.

Five of these Fellows are members of our CHCCS team: Marlow Artis, Tracy Letitia Harrison Bell, Jaclyn Holland, Mary Alicia Lyons, and Elaine Myles.

The North Carolina Teacher Voice Fellows positively inform decisions made by education policymakers by providing feedback from colleagues that represents the collective and diverse opinions of educators throughout the state. By collaborating with partner organizations and engaging peers to learn more about and share their own stories related to policy decisions, Fellows will accelerate a movement of constructive teacher-led conversations around solutions that bring the most benefit to the students of North Carolina.

Congratulations to our Fellows!
read more "Five CHCCS Staff Named Teacher Voice Fellows"

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

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."

read more "2016-17 SNAColades"

Last Day of School, June 9 & 2-Hour Early Release / Último día de escuela, 9 de junio, y salida temprana de 2 horas

Last Day of School Has 2-Hour Early Release for Students
The last day of school for CHCCS students is Friday, June 9.  Students will be released from school two hours early that day.  Have a safe, restful summer!

Los estudiantes salen 2 horas más temprano el último día de escuela
El último día de escuela para los estudiantes de CHCCS es el viernes, 8 de junio. Los estudiantes salen 2 horas más temprano ese día.  ¡Esperamos que tengan un verano seguro y tranquilo!


read more "Last Day of School, June 9 & 2-Hour Early Release / Último día de escuela, 9 de junio, y salida temprana de 2 horas"

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Social Workers and UNC

Pictured left to right: Marne Meredith (Ephesus Elementary),
Wendy Johnston (Glenwood Elementary) and Melissa Breaden
(Pre-K)
The Field Education Program of the UNC School of Social Work recently extended its appreciation to Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools for long standing service and commitment to the field of social work and to the community by serving as a training site for Master-level social work interns.  

Congratulations, CHCCS school social work field instructors!






.
read more "Social Workers and UNC"

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Smith Middle Quiz Bowl Team Represents!

Pictured from left to right:
Ariel Shatz, Benjamin Knight, Benjamin
McAvoy-Bickford, Sam Klosowski
Congratulations are in order for the Smith Middle School Quiz Bowl team which recently returned from the National Championship in Dallas, Texas as one of the top teams in the nation. With 160 teams participating, Smith Middle ended up in a tie for fifth place. 

Members of the team who went to the National Championship include Sam Klosowski, Benjamin Knight, Ariel Shatz and Benjamin McAvoy-Bickford. The team is coached by Bratton Holmes.

A special shout out goes to Benjamin McAvoy-Bickford who finished 10th in total points scored out of 789 competitors. 

Way to go, Cyclones!
read more "Smith Middle Quiz Bowl Team Represents!"

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Memorial Day Holiday, May 29 / Día festivo de Conmemoración, 29 de mayo

School and District Offices Closed for Memorial Day
Monday, May 29, CHCCS schools and district offices are closed in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.  School will resume as usual and district offices will be open on Tuesday, May 30.

Las escuelas y oficinas del distrito están cerradas para el Día de Conmemoración
El lunes, 29 de mayo, las escuelas y oficinas del distrito de CHCCS están cerradas en observancia del Día de Conmemoración.  Las escuelas y oficinas del distrito estarán abiertas en su horario normal el martes, 30 de mayo.


read more "Memorial Day Holiday, May 29 / Día festivo de Conmemoración, 29 de mayo"

State Competition Brings Awards for Technology Student Association

Recently, fifty-five students from the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools competed at the 2017 North Carolina Technology Student Association (TSA) state competition in Greensboro, North Carolina.  TSA chapters from Phillips and McDougle Middle Schools, as well as East Chapel Hill High and Chapel Hill High Schools represented the district. 

The Technology Student Association is a national non-profit student organization which seeks to inspire student members to prepare for careers in a technology-driven economy and culture.

The students garnered a long list of awards (see below) as they competed among nearly 1,300 TSA students from across the state. All the students learned valuable career and technical skills both during the competition and as they prepared throughout the year.

Good luck to all of the students who will next compete at the National TSA Conference in Orlando, Florida, June 21-25.

2017 North Carolina TSA Awards

Phillips Middle School (Mr. Dale Haiducek, Adviser):
1st Place Awards:
- Structural Engineering - Kabir Grewal, Raymond Zhao
- Website Design - Spencer Gordon, Jake Boggs, Tyler Yang, Reilly Galloway, Ayden Xu
- Geospatial Technology - Savannah Xu, Ayden Xu
- Microcontroller Design - Ethan Bartlett, Jake Boggs, Kabir Grewal
2nd Place Awards:
- Forensic Technology - Meilin Weathington, Deegan Albrecht
- VEX Robotics Skills - Alex Abdo, Leo Bergmann, Alice Karakachian
- VEX Robotics Tournament Ranking - Alex Abdo, Leo Bergmann, Alice Karakachian
3rd Place Awards:
- Mass Production - Jon Grabowski, Will Swanson, Finn Harris

McDougle Middle School (Mr. Redmond Grigg, Adviser):
3rd Place Awards:
- Digital Photography - Lucas Gutierrez-Arnold
- Inventions & Innovations - Lars Kahn, Derek Yao
- Problem Solving - Lucas Gutierrez-Arnold & Diogo Gomes
- American Cancer Society Fund Raising - McDougle Middle School

East Chapel Hill High School (Mr. Patrick Pudlo, Adviser):
TSA Chapter of the Year - Small Chapter
1st Place Awards:
   - CAD 3D Engineering - Tarun Goyal
   - Flight - Gabriel Valera
   - Transportation Modeling - Mike Pudlo
   - Coding - Aidan Beggs, Itai Rivkin-Fish, Ben Meadows
2nd Place Awards:
   - Video Game Design - Aidan Beggs, Itai Rivkin-Fish, Ben Meadows
3rd Place Awards:
   - Promotional Design - Lydia Treml
   - On Demand Video - Lydia Treml, Gabriel Valera, Gillian Arleth, Rachel Peters, Sam Sapeta, Zachary Seelbach
read more "State Competition Brings Awards for Technology Student Association"

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

East Chapel Hill High Captures WRAL Brain Game Championship

We are pleased to announce that a team from East Chapel Hill High has been crowned 2017 Brain Game champions.

This WRAL-sponsored contest began with 36 teams. In the opening round, East Chapel Hill High scored 569 points to defeat Northwood (300) and Rolesville (380) to advance to the playoffs, which began in February. East Chapel Hill High won its first playoff game with a score of 525, topping Longleaf School of the Arts (280) and Cape Fear Christian (160). In April, East Chapel Hill High defeated Raleigh Charter 888 to 420, advancing to the Final Four. In May, East Chapel Hill High beat Nash Central 461 to 260, and qualified for the championship game.

On May 13, East Chapel Hill High squared off against Enloe High, and pulled out an impressive 777 to 440 victory.

The team is coached by Brian Link and contains the following members: Daniel Cronin, Nikkhil Niranjan, Nick Parker, Vincent Du, Lindsay Nottingham and Sophie Cronin.

Congratulations to everyone involved...Way to go, Wildcats!
read more "East Chapel Hill High Captures WRAL Brain Game Championship"

Monday, May 15, 2017

All-High School Fiction and Poetry Contest Winners Announced

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools 4th annual All-High School Fiction and Poetry Contest winners were announced at a reading and ceremony last week at Flyleaf Books.

Local resident Chris Kubica is passionate about supporting the art of creative writing in our schools. As President of Application Architects, LLC, Kubica has created an opportunity for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools’ creative writing students to showcase their talents. Students at our local high schools have worked on submissions throughout the school year.

Fiction finalists were judged by local writer and professor in the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program at North Carolina State University, Belle Boggs. Poetry finalists were judged by MFA student at North Carolina State University, and a longtime member of the editorial staff at Raleigh Review, Tyree Daye.

Top contest winners in Fiction and Poetry receive monetary prizes along with the opportunity to read their work to the community. In each category, Fiction and Poetry, first place winners received $500, second place received $250 and third place received $100.

This year’s winners are listed below.

FICTION

1st Li-Anne Wright Chapel Hill High                 ”Exoskeletons”
2nd Dina Rubina         East Chapel Hill High          ”Artificial Rain”
3rd Alie Webb             East Chapel Hill High          ”Where Are You Off To?”
3rd Dina Rubina          East Chapel Hill High           ”Recipe for Disaster?”

POETRY

1st Delaney Tallett Chapel Hill High                ”30mg”
2nd Judah Kalb            Chapel Hill High                ”Dysphoric Incantation of Distress”
3rd Madelyn Good Chapel Hill High                ”Ordinary”
read more "All-High School Fiction and Poetry Contest Winners Announced"

Saturday, May 13, 2017

CHCCS High Schools Top State Rankings

The annual U.S. News & World Report ranking of the nation's best high schools was recently released. In the state of North Carolina, 16 high schools earned gold medals, 36 earned silver medals. and 90 earned bronze medals.

East Chapel Hill High ranked #6 in North Carolina, Chapel Hill High ranked #8, and Carrboro High #9 - all gold medalists. Of the highest ranked high schools in North Carolina that are not magnet, charter or some other type of specialty school, our three high schools finished first, second and third.

Click here to see the full report.
read more "CHCCS High Schools Top State Rankings"

Thursday, May 11, 2017

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.”
read more "CHCCS Honors Staff at Annual Recognition Reception"

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Jonathan Woody - Assistant Principal of the Year

Jonathan Woody of Carrboro Elementary was named Assistant Principal of the Year on Wednesday.

Jonathan has been with the school district since 2012, first as an administrative intern, then as assistant principal at Carrboro Elementary. Prior to joining CHCCS, Jonathan was a very successful and sought-after elementary and middle school teacher.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Montreat College, and has Master’s degrees from both University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University.

Jonathan also co-founded an organization that developed villages in East Africa consisting of orphanages, Churches, schools and medical clinics. He worked with African governments, American businesses and non-profits to secure land and resources for these projects. We are thrilled he is a part of our CHCCS team.

"Jonathan is a great example of leadership done right," said Superintendent Dr. Pam Baldwin. "He challenges his staff and students to continuously strive for excellence."

Congratulations, Jonathan!
read more "Jonathan Woody - Assistant Principal of the Year"

Monday, May 8, 2017

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.
read more "Literacy, Learning and Leadership"

Thursday, May 4, 2017

School Lunch Superheroes

School Nutrition Employee Appreciation Day is Friday, May 5.

Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate. To celebrate their hard work and commitment, the School Nutrition Association (SNA) organizes School Nutrition Employee Day on Friday, May 5.

All across the school district, school nutrition professionals will be honored with thanks, cards, and recognition from students, school staff, parents, and the community. It always means a lot to the cafeteria staff when they receive letters, cards and drawings from the students at their school.

The importance and nutritional value of school meals are well documented. For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day. The role of school nutrition professionals is more important this year than ever before as more families rely on the federal child nutrition programs. Thank you to the school nutrition professionals in our schools for their outstanding work providing healthy, nutritious meals to children every school day.

Please join the school system in taking the time to say thank you to the Child Nutrition superheroes that work in our schools.
read more "School Lunch Superheroes"

CHCCS Honors Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week

A Message from Superintendent Pam Baldwin to CHCCS Staff
This is the week our nation celebrates educators as part of Teacher Appreciation Week. I wanted to take a minute to thank all of our teachers – and the entire CHCCS nation – for the work you do every day on behalf of our children and families.

I have now had an opportunity to visit almost all of our schools, meeting with staff and parents and especially students. I have conducted a handful of public meetings, visited local Churches, and poured through our data. I am diligently trying to soak up the history of this community so I can get a sense of where we need to go next.

Across the board, one common theme continues to surface…and that is the quality of our staff. We have amazing, hard-working, creative, passionate people who are dedicated to the success of our students. I knew of your excellent reputation prior to my arrival, but every meeting, every conversation, every classroom I visit confirms it. I have been so impressed with our collection of educators.

I hope you will take some time to reflect on your personal highlights from this school year. I’m sure there were many. Think back on the laughs you have enjoyed with your students, the quality conversations with colleagues, and those precious “a-ha” moments when the light goes on. Those are the reasons we chose to teach.





read more "CHCCS Honors Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week"

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Skyping with John Kerry


The following was written on Wednesday, May 3 by James Hopkins, assistant principal at Carrboro High.
_____

This afternoon Secretary John Kerry spoke to a room full of students, teachers, parents and other spectators. Teacher Matt Cone spent months emailing Secretary Kerry's office after he agreed to Skype during a conference they both attended. Finally, with the help of letters from his students and some Chapel Hill Toffee, he scored this afternoon's 34-minute Skype session.

After some friendly banter about Duke-Carolina basketball, several fantastic questions from the students and very thoughtful answers by Secretary Kerry, the biggest take away for me, in a room full of high school aged students, was when Secretary Kerry shared these words: 

"There is nothing more rewarding than the political fight...and you really can change peoples minds, I promise you, you can." 

I believe those words to be true - even when they don't feel like it at times. 

Secretary Kerry applauded the letters the students wrote, along with persistence of Mr. Cone. He closed the session by saying: 

"You really are exceptional, and I think you are going to make a terrific difference" 


Just another day at Carrboro High School...
read more "Skyping with John Kerry"

Monday, May 1, 2017

Glenwood Gators Win NC Chinese Speech and Writing Contest

More than 200 students competed in this year's North Carolina Chinese Speech and Writing Contest hosted by the Confucius Institute at North Carolina State University. Glenwood Elementary Dual Language students brought home the hardware. Below is the award list.

Speech Contest

1st Place: Angela Seaman (4th grade)
Stage Charisma: Ava Ramsey (5th grade)
Award of Participation: Chase Copeland, William Dennis and Rory Huseman (all 3rd grade)

Writing Contest

Heritage Group
1st Place: Vivian Zhu (5th grade)
2nd Place: Christopher Liang (3rd grade)
Honorable mention: Julia Jang, Luca Jiang and Duan Wang (all 3rd grade)

Non-Heritage Group
1st Place: Angela Seaman (4th grade)

Glenwood also won the "Excellent Organization of Writing Contest."

Congratulations to all our Glenwood Gators!
read more "Glenwood Gators Win NC Chinese Speech and Writing Contest"