District Staff Receive SNAColade Awards

SNAColades 2017/18

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

Estes Hills Elementary School

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

Frank Porter Graham Elementary 

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

Northside Elementary

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

Northside Pre-K

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

Scroggs Elementary

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

Seawell Elementary

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

McDougle Middle School

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

Phillips Middle School 

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

Smith Middle School 

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

Carrboro High School

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

Chapel Hill High School

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

TRAC/PATHSS/PATHSS Bridge

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

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Glenwood Claims Battle of the Books Title

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

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

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

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Estes Hills Elementary Students “Shop with a Cop”

While most of their classmates were working on math or reading Tuesday morning, 50 energized Eagles from Estes Hills Elementary boarded activity buses to “shop with a cop.” Led by a pair of Orange County sheriffs on motorcycles, the students were treated to a full motorcade, blue lights flashing, all the way to the Walmart in Hillsborough. As one officer told a student standing in line for the bus, “It’s just like the president in his motorcade.”

When the buses arrived in front of a very busy Walmart, rows of police cruisers and motorcycles brought the nearly 50 officers who were waiting to be transformed into personal shoppers. Eight law enforcement agencies partnered with the initiative this year: Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Mebane, UNC Hospital and UNC Police Departments, as well Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Each officer matched up with a student, or in a few cases, a pair of students, and off they went into the crowded aisles of the store, orange shopping lists in hand. Every student received a $100 gift card.

The Optimist Club of Chapel Hill began organizing the event in 2012 when they selected Carrboro Elementary as a partner. For the first few years, 20 children were chosen to go on the shopping sprees, but last year the number grew to 40, and this year, 50 students in grades K-5 participated. Trish Verne, president of the club, said that the goal for Shop with a Cop reaches beyond the desire to help families experience a brighter holiday season; for many children, this is an important early exposure to law enforcement. “We want to start building bridges now,” Verne said, in hopes that positive associations and trust can form.

Betsy Booth, social worker at Estes Hills Elementary, said she’d been waiting 23 years during her time at the school, in hopes that her students could benefit from a holiday program like Shop with a Cop. She organized the event, writing letters to parents for permission and collaborating on shopping lists, lining up drivers and helpers from the school. “Shop with a Cop was a tremendous event!” she said. “Many children bought gifts for family members in addition to toys and clothes for themselves.  The enthusiasm was overwhelming, and I think the police officers enjoyed the event as much as the kids.”

The officers engaged fully in the shopping process, advising children on purchases, praising their selections. One boy chose poinsettias for his mother and grandmother, another picked out a bracelet for his mother, and many children used part of their $100 to buy gifts for younger siblings. For the students themselves, there was a lot of Slime and Pokemon cards in the shopping carts, Legos and dolls, in addition to socks, shirts and sweaters. One student held his new fishing pole proudly, and he talked about how much he loves to go fishing with his grandfather. 

When the last of the students left the store, alongside officers pushing carts filled with huge plastic bags, the Eagles boarded the buses again for the bells-and-whistles ride back to Estes Hills.

“The children felt so special,” said Booth. “Thank you to the Optimist Club and all the local police departments for sponsoring this once-in-a-lifetime event.”

To learn more about the Optimist Club, visit www.ch-optimists.org/.  Trish Verne is accepting donations for next year’s Shop with a Cop. Checks can be mailed to her at 6803 Turkey Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

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Board Approves Three Administrative Appointments

The CHCCS Board of Education approved three administrative appointments at its July 24 meeting.

Pamela McCann

Pamela McCann was named principal of Estes Hills Elementary. She is currently the assistant principal of the same school, arriving in 2016 from Durham Public Schools. In Durham, McCann served as an assistant principal at both Creekside Elementary and Githens Middle. Additionally, she worked as an academic coach and classroom teacher, with experience in Social Studies, Language Arts and Behavior Intervention. Her teaching career included time in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Durham Public Schools and Orange County Public Schools (Florida). McCann completed her Bachelor of Arts and her Master of School Administration from North Carolina Central University.

Monica Bintz

Monica Bintz was named principal of Culbreth Middle. She is currently assistant principal of Phillips Middle, where she has worked since 2015. Prior to that, Bintz worked as a principal intern and teacher in Durham Public Schools, and as a Language Arts teacher in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her experience also includes serving as a teacher and dean of students in Brooklyn, New York, and as a teacher and basketball coach in Washington, DC. Bintz completed a Master of School Adminstration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Education from the City University of New York, Hunter College, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Mary Washington.




The Board also approved the appointment of Tiffany Cheshire as assistant principal at Phillips Middle.

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Board Approves Seven Administrative Appointments

The CHCCS Board of Education approved seven administrative appointments at its meeting on Tuesday evening.

Beverly Rudolph

Beverly Rudolph was named principal of Carrboro High. Rudolph has been the principal at Culbreth Middle since 2011. Prior to that, she served as assistant principal at East Chapel Hill High from 2007-2011. She also taught English/Language Arts in Edgecombe, Buncombe and Cabarrus County Schools. Rudolph earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina – Asheville, her Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in School Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia.

Drew Ware

Drew Ware was named principal of Phillips Middle. He has been the principal of Estes Hills Elementary since 2013. Prior to that, he served as a principal, assistant principal and classroom teacher in the Wake County Public School System. Ware earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. He is currently working toward his Doctorate of Educational Leadership.

Arrica DuBose

Arrica DuBose was named principal of Seawell Elementary. She has been the principal of Creekside Elementary in Durham Public Schools since 2012. She has also served as a school improvement specialist for Title 1 schools, parent involvement district coordinator, summer school administrator and teacher for Durham Public Schools. She also spent five years as an assistant principal in the Wake County Public School System. DuBose earned her Bachelor of Science from Winston-Salem State University, her Master of Education from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Educational Leadership from East Carolina University.

Two assistant principals were named. Michael Brown will serve at Morris Grove Elementary and Tomeka Ward- Satterfield will serve at Carrboro High.

Dr. Elaine Watson-Grant, currently the school district’s coordinator of dual language and world language, has been named Director of Elementary Education. David Bouldin, currently of Chatham County Schools, has been named Exceptional Children’s Compliance and Educational Programs Coordinator.

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Katie Caggia Named Glenwood Elementary Principal

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education, at its meeting on October 6, approved Katie Caggia as the new principal at Glenwood Elementary.  She replaces Dr. Darlene Ryan, who is now serving as the district's Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

Caggia is currently at Estes Hills Elementary, where she serves as the school's assistant principal.  She is also the district's reigning Assistant Principal of the Year.

"Katie Caggia is an excellent choice to lead Glenwood Elementary," said Senior Executive Director of Human Resources Arasi Adkins.  "She has enjoyed a tremendously successful career as an educator.  Her understanding of quality instruction is only matched by her passion for student success.  She demonstrates superior leadership skills, and is an expert at building relationships with students, staff and parents."

Prior to her arrival at Estes Hills Elementary in 2013, Caggia was a principal intern at Green Hope Elementary in Cary.  She also served as a teacher for 15 years at Olive Chapel Elementary in Apex.

Caggia received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Katie Caggia speaking at the 2016 CHCCS Convocation as the district's Assistant Principal of the Year

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Estes Hills ES Dismisses Early Due to Power Outage

Estes Hills Elementary Dismissing at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 29
Due to a power failure at the school, Estes Hills Elementary is closing at 11 a.m.  Duke Energy is on site and additional testing is required before power can be restored.  Because of the continued high heat forecast for today, the school is being closed.  Please watch for additional updates throughout the day.

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There's a "Buzz" at Estes Hills Elementary

Estes Hills Elementary recently received a beautiful new mural painted on the brick exterior of the gymnasium. Matthew Willey is the artist, and his goal is to paint 50,000 bees on a series of murals throughout the nation and the world. It is truly spectacular.

The story was recently featured in the Chapel Hill News. You can read it here.

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Estes Hills First-Grader Receives Letter from President Obama

Estes Hills Elementary first-grader Sanaa received a special delivery from the White House this week after writing a letter to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama last spring.

As a student in Ms. Claire Ross’ kindergarten class last year, Sanaa wrote an essay about President Obama. The class had been studying opinion writing, and the students were asked to write about a topic of their choice. Sanaa chose to write about why she loved President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and her country.

“I was so blown away with such a young person having such huge ideas and understanding that I told her we would have to mail it to him,” said Ms. Ross. “He needed to read it!”

This week, Ms. Ross received a large envelope from the White House addressed to Sanaa, which contained a signed letter and pictures from the President. Ms. Ross presented the package to Sanaa and spoke with her first-grade class about how important it is to write and read and share your ideas.

“I am so proud of her. She is going to do great things,” Ms. Ross said.

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Duke Energy Foundation Grant

The Duke Energy Foundation has granted the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation $11,000 in 2015 to support initiatives that emphasize science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as programs and scholarships that will contribute to the success of low-income students in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.

District Manager of Government and Community Relations for Duke Energy Indira Everett presented the $11,000 check to CHCCS Superintendent Tom Forcella, and Public School Foundation Program Services Manager Lynn Lehmann at Estes Hills Elementary School on June 10, 2015.

School social worker Betsy Booth and some of the students who have participated in one of the projects funded by the grant were also included in the presentation.

STEM related programs that will benefit from the Duke Energy Foundation grant include “Super Science Saturdays” at Estes Hills Elementary which provides field trips to science-related destinations for lower-income students, parents and/or caregivers to experience hands-on engaging science opportunities.

The funding will also provide materials for Ocean Life units in the Morris Grove Elementary fourth-grade in order for students to conduct research and study text types and develop their ability to reason, question, and hypothesize as a means of making meaning as they read.

The grant will also fund two scholarships for each of the district’s high schools for seniors who will be going to college and are currently in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success.

The focus of the Duke Energy support is to help provide opportunities for children who come from families that struggle economically and expose them to opportunities that will contribute to their future success.

“At Duke Energy, we seek to close the achievement gap and end the cycle of poverty that often separates low-income students from their peers,” said Indira Everett, District Manager of Government Affairs and Community Relations at Duke Energy. “Duke Energy is proud to support the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School’s initiatives to increase all students’ ability to succeed.”

“There are stark differences in opportunity and family resources within our district,” said Public School Foundation Executive Director, Kim Hoke. “One of the top two priorities at the Foundation is to increase the learning opportunities for children within and outside of the school day. The other is teacher support. We appreciate Duke Energy Foundation’s recognition of these similar goals and are grateful for their support.”

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2013-14 SNAColades

The Special Needs Advisory Council (SNAC) created SNAColades to honor CHCCS staff 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.

SNAColade Recipients 2013-14

Tania Treml, Autism Support Specialist, Culbreth Middle School
“I have been very impressed with Ms. Treml's knowledge, expertise and ability to work with students, parents, resource teachers and regular ed teachers.  Ms. Treml goes above and beyond her call of duty. She has been a true partner in my child's education.  We trust her knowledge and expertise in helping children on the autism spectrum.  We find her ability to work collaboratively to be very valuable.  Ms. Treml's skills are not only helping children, but also helping decrease the burden on parents.”

John Hite, Exceptional Children Teacher, Carrboro High School
“John Hite looks at my child as a whole person; he considers not only academic needs, but emotional and social needs as well.  He goes above and beyond to help my child make connections with others both within and outside of the school walls.  John Hite has a passion for curriculum, and sensitivity paired with a sense of humor.  Our high school experience would suffer without his skills and compassion.”

Beth Kinney, Teacher, McDougle Middle School
"Beth Kinney has been a godsend for the EC department at that school.  She gives kids confidence that they can do things and achieve through hard work.  She makes them trust her, and her students adore her!”

Karla Boreiko, Autism Support Specialist, Estes Hills Elementary School
“I would like to recognize Karla Boreiko for her passionate advocacy on behalf of EC students.  I also want to thank her for her exceedingly insightful and sensitive engagement with my son.  Thank you, Karla!”

Dawn Jackson, Exceptional Children Teacher, Culbreth Middle School
“Ms. Jackson has been very helpful and responsive to our requests for modifications to enhance our child's education.  Her knowledge of the system and sound advice have been invaluable to us as parents seeking the best education our child can receive at CHCCS.”

Jordan Lupton, Speech Language Pathologist, Morris Grove Elementary School
“Ms. Lupton consistently challenges her students to do their best.  She is well organized, creative in engaging special needs children in and out of the classroom and a good communicator with parents and fellow teachers.  We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated teacher.”



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Twelve CHCCS Teachers Earn National Board Certification!

North Carolina leads the nation in the number of National Board Certified Teachers. We are pleased to announce the following educators recently earned their national certification.

Susan Azzu - ESL teacher at Rashkis Elementary
Holly Loranger - social studies teacher at Chapel Hill High
Melissa Nicholson-Clark - Intervention Specialist at Morris Grove Elementary
Samantha Howard - classroom teacher at Morris Grove Elementary
Christine Cohn - classroom teacher at Estes Hills Elementary
Jenny Marie Smith - English teacher at East Chapel Hill High
Agnes Bernasconi - classroom teacher at Rashkis Elementary
Ashley Laver - classroom teacher at Rashkis Elementary
Miles Chappell - social studies teacher at Phillips Middle
Jennifer Pedersen - Intervention Specialist at Northside Elementary
Lisa Myles - Gifted Specialist at McDougle Elementary
Beth Kinney - EC Resource teacher at McDougle Middle


Additionally, the following six educators have renewed their national certification. We appreciate their ongoing commitment to excellence.

Susanna Breeden, social studies teacher at Phillips Middle
Annie Cramer, art teacher at Seawell Elementary
Toni DeMarco, classroom teacher at Morris Grove Elementary
Jessica Harris, counselor at East Chapel Hill High
Bradey McDaniel, classroom teacher at Rashkis Elementary
John Montavon, Spanish teacher at McDougle Middle

Congratulations and thank you to all of our nationally certified educators.

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Board Names Two New Assistant Principals

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

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

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


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Kadir Nelson Visits Estes Hills Elementary

Estes Hills Elementary fourth- and fifth-graders were honored to host the award-winning artist and author Kadir Nelson on Monday, January 28. His visit was part of the Random House Teacher of Literacy Award given to Mary Andrews, a teacher at Estes Hills.

Kadir Nelson is an acclaimed author and illustrator who has won Caldecott Honors, Coretta Scott King Honor Awards, and the Sibert Medal. 

Kadir Nelson showed the students the evolution of his work from childhood to today, focusing on one of his more recent books, "I Have a Dream." This book just received the prestigious Coretta Scott King Honor for his extraordinary illustrations.

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Principals Hired for Elementary Schools

The Board of Education approved the hiring of two new principals at its January 17 meeting.  Patrenia McDowell was named the principal for McDougle Elementary and Lewis "Drew" Ware was named the principal for Estes Hills Elementary.

McDowell has served as the McDougle Elementary's interim principal since September and was the school's assistant principal since 2008.  McDowell holds a both bachelor of science degree in Elementary Education and a master of education degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC.  She also holds:  a NC Principals Certificate, Grades K-12; a NC Professional Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education, Grades K-6; a Curriculum Instructional Specialist certification; and Academically Gifted and Talented licensure.  McDowell also earned her National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).  Before joining CHCCS, McDowell was an elementary school teacher in Durham Public Schools and in South Carolina.

"Patrenia McDowell's commitment to creating a rigorous, high functioning learning culture at McDougle Elementary School made her selection an easy one for the interview and selection team," said Superintendent Thomas A. Forcella.  "She has proven during her time as assistant principal and interim principal that she is up to the task of providing the leadership that will bring McDougle Elementary to new levels of student learning," he added.

McDowell begins her tenure as principal at McDougle Elementary immediately.

Ware is currently the principal at Aldert Root STEM Elementary in Wake County, a position he has held since 2009.  He has also been the assistant principal at Vance Year Round Elementary and prior to that a classroom teacher at Underwood Gifted and Talented Elementary from 1999-2007.  Ware earned both a bachelor of arts degree in Elementary Education and a master of education degree in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He also holds:  a NC Principals Certificate, Grades K-12; a NC Professional Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education, Grades K-6.

"The experience that Mr. Ware brings to Estes Hills Elementary will prove to be a significant asset for staff and students.  Specifically, his background in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiative will be a great benefit, for not only the school, but the entire district," said Forcella.  "His excitement for improving learning for all students is contagious!"

Susan Pegg will continue to serve as the interim principal at Estes Hills Elementary until Ware starts in March.  She will be supported by Deshera Mack, another retired CHCCS principal.

Patrenia McDowell
Principal, McDougle Elementary

Drew Ware
Principal, Estes Hills Elementary

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Coretta Sharpless Named Assistant Principal of Northside Elementary

At its December 6 meeting, the Board of Education approved the hiring of Coretta Sharpless as assistant principal of the new Northside Elementary. Sharpless is an experienced educational leader who truly celebrates both the past and the future of Northside – she grew up in the same neighborhood and now has a chance to return in a state of the art school that is sure to be a community hub.

Sharpless has served in multiple roles in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools since 2003 including as an assistant principal, assistant principal intern, teacher, gifted education specialist, intervention specialist, grade level chair and student support team chair. Previously, she worked with Alamance-Burlington City Schools for six years.

“Coretta Sharpless is ideally suited for Northside Elementary,” said Superintendent Tom Forcella. “Her experience in the classroom, in gifted education and as an administrator will be invaluable in creating the standard of excellence we are expecting at Northside.”

Sharpless earned her Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from North Carolina Central University. She also completed a Gifted Education Certification at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Prior to college, Sharpless attended our own Estes Hills Elementary, Phillips Middle and Chapel Hill High. She will remain at Estes Hills Elementary until another administrator is hired.

Coretta Sharpless

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Mary Andrews - National Literacy Teacher of the Year

Mary Andrews is a dynamic teacher at Estes Hills Elementary, but also a cherished community volunteer. Now, she is the recipient of a large grant from the Random House, Inc. Foundation – the largest book publisher in the English-speaking world. Nominated by Nancy Zeman, a Board member for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation, Andrews was the first place winner for the nation and named Literacy Teacher of the Year.

"Both as a teacher in our school district and as a volunteer in conceiving and implementing these programs, Mary Andrews continues to make an impact that goes beyond measure," said Kim Hoke, Executive Director of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation." She continually finds innovative ways to reach out to our students and families."

The $10,000 grant will be divided among four initiatives: READ2ME: Tailgate Stories ($6,000); Family Reading Partners ($1,300); Book Babies ($1,500); and professional development ($1,200).

Additionally, Andrews was invited to attend the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) conference in Las Vegas on November 16 for the breakfast awards announcement at the MGM Grand Hotel.

Way to go, Mary!

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Carnahan Named Principal for Elementary #11

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools has selected Cheryl Carnahan as the principal for Elementary #11.  She is currently the principal at Estes Hills Elementary.

Carnahan has been the principal at Estes Hills Elementary since 2007.  She had served as the school’s assistant principal for a year before that.

Before joining CHCCS, Carnahan was the director of professional and organizational development for the Howard County Public School System in Ellicott City, MD.  She also served as their staff development facilitator, as a resource teacher, speech-language pathologist and as an elementary classroom teacher.

Carnahan holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Towson University in Towson, MD.  She also holds a certification from North Carolina in Administration and Supervision.

“Cheryl brings not only her experience as a successful elementary principal, but her background in district level educational change will benefit the new school and the entire district,” said Superintendent Thomas A. Forcella.  “She will be sorely missed at Estes Hills Elementary, as the school has experienced positive academic and professional growth under her leadership,” he added.

Susan Pegg has been approved as the interim principal at Estes Hills.  Pegg was the former principal at Seawell Elementary and an interim principal at FPG Elementary.

Elementary #11 will open in Fall 2013.  When completed, it will meet gold-level LEED certification as a result of its environmental features and sustainable construction practices.  Architectural elements from the surrounding community have been incorporated into the school’s design, as well as keeping the granite walls.  The new school is being built on the historic Northside site located between Caldwell and McMasters Streets.

Principal Cheryl Carnahan

Elementary #11
Library Entry

Elementary #11
Gym and Classroom Entry

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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.

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Construction project updates from across CHCCS

The CHCCS Maintenance Department has been busy working on multiple construction projects at many district schools over the summer, getting ready for students and staff to return in August.

Work continues on Elementary #11, which is being built to LEED Gold Specifications and will open in August 2013.

At Carrboro HS, construction of the physical education and athletic field's bathroom building is underway.  The building will accomodate restroom facilities, as well as be used during PE classes.

A new mobile unit has been added to Estes Hills Elementary to accomodate its new PreK class.  New HVAC units are also being installed in all of the school's lower nine classrooms to improve energy efficiency, control humidity and improve air quality.

The field lighting at Chapel Hill HS is being replaced at the school's stadium and soccer fields.  The old wood pole fixtures have been removed and new underground electrical service is being installed.  Lights are also being added to the softball field.

Roofs have been replaced at Glenwood Elementary, McDougle MS and Phillips MS.  Paving and parking lot repairs are being made at Seawell Elementary, Phillips MS and Chapel Hill HS.

Carrboro High's new bathroom building

Estes Hills Elementary being prepared for delivery of the mobile unit

Paving work at Phillips Middle School parking lot

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