District Hosts Focused Dialogue Night on 12/2

Focused parent dialogue is meant to invite a more representative parent voice in the decision-making process and not keep people out. Because of its importance, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) administration is hosting a Focused Dialogue Night on Monday, December 2 at 6 p.m. in the East Chapel Hill High Commons, where select representatives from each school's School Improvement Teams (SIT), PTA and the school community will have focused dialogues on the pilot topic, "Enrollment Levels at Glenwood Elementary School."  These parent dialogues add another layer to the conversation and a way to improve communications with parents and the community.  

This particular topic generated significant input from parents at the November 7, 2013 Board of Education meeting and is not slated to come back to the Board until January. The December 2 focused dialogues should provide sufficient time for the administration to combine the input from this session with other available information in order to make a recommendation to the Board of Education. 

In order to keep the dialogue focused, the PTA Council suggested to keep the number of representatives selected from each school small, with at least one representative from the SIT and one from the PTA. Depending on the issue, a faculty representative may also be included, with other parent representatives selected from the general school community. All parents and community members are welcome to observe and there will be an opportunity for those who are not at the discussion tables to share their input electronically. 

The goals, vision and strategies of the new CHCCS Long Range Plan are rooted in a set of guiding principles which were crafted after significant input from staff, parents, the community and students. One of those principles reads, “We believe in a culture that promotes collaboration, civility, mutual trust and community partnerships.” 

Focused dialogues are in support of that belief and help to engage parents in meaningful conversations on important issues that impact CHCCS schools. The district's intent is to provide parent representatives with accurate information about current initiatives. 

“The focused dialogue model has been used in other school districts with tremendous success,” said Superintendent Tom Forcella. “Parents and community members have an opportunity to discuss issues in greater depth and collaborate on recommendations.”

After this first CHCCS focused dialogue, the district plans to hold more throughout the Long Range Plan that runs through 2018. Parents can still utilize all the existing communication avenues such as email and public comment to voice their opinion. 

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Board Approves School Calendars for 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17

At the November 21 Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education meeting, the Board approved school year calendars for 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Assistant Superintendent for Support Services Todd LoFrese was able to put forward these calendars because the legislative session did not make any changes to the calendar law, which it has done for the past several years.

Under the current calendar laws, schools can start no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26 and end no later than the Friday closest to June 11.  Schools must also have either a minimum of 185 days of instruction or 1,025 hours of instruction.  CHCCS has 180 days and meets the 1,025 hours of instruction requirement.  Each school year still includes eight delayed opening dates.

The 2014-15 highlights include:

• First day of school for grades 1-12, August 25;
• Winter Break, December 22 through January 2;
• Spring Break, March 30 through April 3;
• Last day of school for all grades, June 10, which is also a two-hour early dismissal day.

The 2015-16 highlights include:

• First day of school for grades 1-12, August 24;
• Winter Break, December 21 through January 1;
• Spring Break, March 28 through April 1;
• Last day of school for all grades, June 8, which is also a two-hour early dismissal day.

The 2016-17 highlights include:

• First day of school for grades 1-12, August 29;
• Winter Break, December 23 through January 2, with a two-hour early dismissal on December 22;
• Spring Break, March 27 through March 31;
• Last day of school for all grades, June 9, which is also a two-hour early dismissal day.

To see the entire Board Item and all of the calendars, click here.

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Wildcats Field Hockey - Champs Again!!!

Congratulations to East Chapel Hill High on its sixth consecutive N.C. Field Hockey Association state title and tenth overall in the history in the school.

The Wildcats beat Carrboro High 2-1 in overtime to claim the championship. Congratulations also to Carroboro High for making its first appearance in a state final in the sport. Forsyth Country Day School hosted the state final four.

Chapel Hill High lost 3-2 in the consolation finals to Charlotte Catholic and finished fourth in the state.

Field hockey is certainly thriving in Chapel Hill-Carrboro, with all three of our high schools finishing in North Carolina's top four!

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Letter from the Superintendent Regarding Test Results for 2012-13

The State released test results earlier today that may have appeared to be lower than you were anticipating, but please do not be alarmed.  The drop in test proficiency scores throughout North Carolina was expected.  This does not mean that the students have fallen behind.  It simply means the demands of the assessments have changed . . . in fact, they have been raised to a much more demanding level.

I want to assure you that our students did not lose ground in their learning last year.  Students continued to grow academically, however, the tougher achievement standards will show fewer students meeting the proficiency level.  Also, I want to emphasize that in this transition year, these scores will not affect students' grades or current placement.

Change is never easy, but these new assessments, and the increase in rigor, will be advantageous to our students and will give us a clearer picture of how well they are prepared to enter college and the work force.  We are pleased with the progress of our students and expect continued success in the coming months and years.

Please click here for a link to the 2012-13 results by school.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Tom Forcella, Superintendent

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Board of Education Meeting Location Has Changed and Agenda Revised

The Board of Education's scheduled meeting on Thursday, November 7 at 7 p.m. has been moved to Smith Middle School (9201 Seawell School Road) in the school's auditorium.  Also, please note, the agenda has also been revised so that the Work Session will now be held prior to Discussion and Action.

The meeting's agenda can be viewed here.

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Board to Meet with Chapel Hill Town Council

The Town of Chapel Hill is hosting a Town Council Meeting with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education on Wednesday, October 23 at 6 p.m. at the Chapel Hill Public Library (Room B) located at 100 Liberty Dr.

Click here to see the agenda.

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PTA Thrift Shop Ribbon Cutting

A community redevelopment project three years in the making is one step closer to having built its future. The PTA Thrift Shop, in conjunction with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, held the ribbon cutting for the redeveloped Carrboro store complex on Thursday, October 17.

PTA Thrift Shop Board and Campaign Team members, donors, volunteers, town officials, and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District officials were in attendance at the event, which was emceed by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Aaron Nelson.
   
“Our ribbon cutting was a huge milestone in our redevelopment journey. It gave us an opportunity to thank everyone for their support. This community has truly built our future---and we are so grateful for their time and donations.” shared Barbara Jessie-Black, PTA Thrift Shop executive director.

The new store complex, which is slated for a December 2 grand re-opening, will enable the PTA Thrift Shop to increase its already substantial 61 years of community impact on education, human services, and economic development. The redeveloped site consists of 14,000 square feet of retail space, donation drop-off site, processing and administrative offices with an additional 8,000 square feet dedicated to lease space, 100 percent of which is currently leased by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Head Start Administrative Offices.

Gill Hare and Dawn Ruston, community building campaign co-chairs and school district parents, continue to encourage Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents, school parents, local businesses, and foundations to invest in an organization whose mission has been to give back to the community.

“The new store is one step closer to opening—but the PTA Thrift Shop still needs our support—now more than ever. When you drive by the new building, remember that this is an organization that employs people in our community, donates $265,000 to our school system annually, and provides nearly $100,000 worth of coats and clothes for community members in need. Now, that is a high-impact mission!” explained Hare, who in conjunction with Ruston, has spent over two years raising funds for this project.
   
The PTA Thrift Shop is continuing to offer a variety of giving options to support the project, including on-site naming opportunities, $500 brick pavers that will be placed at the front entrance, and a $12x12 campaign (a donation of $12 for 12 months). The organization will hold its annual Birthday Bash fundraiser on January 31, 2014 at Top of the Hill Great Room. Tickets will go on sale via the website in mid-November. For more information on how to help, visit www.ptathriftshop.org/donate

The PTA Thrift Shop has two resale stores in Chapel Hill and Carrboro that sell a range of donated goods and treasures from clothing to furniture. Started in 1952, the nonprofit donates its profits—more than $5 million over the last 15 years—to local public schools through the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for each school. The organization also provides in-kind donations to help clothe clients of local social service organizations and partners with the community in supplying gift cards to its stores for families in need. Known as an environmental leader for its recycling and other eco-focused efforts, the PTA Thrift Shop was named the 2010 Progress Energy Sustainable Business of the Year and has received “Green Plus Certification” through the Institute for Sustainable Development.

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Board to Meet in Closed Session on Tuesday, October 22 at 7 p.m.

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters this Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Center - 750 S. Merritt Mill Road; Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

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2013 Principal of the Year - Amy Rickard!

The votes are in and Amy Rickard, principal of Morris Grove Elementary, has been selected by her peers as the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools 2013 Principal of the Year.

The Morris Grove team gathered after school on Wednesday for their weekly staff meeting. What they did not know is that shortly after the meeting began they would be interrupted by a group of visitors carrying flowers.

Superintendent Tom Forcella and members of the Cabinet surprised the principal by entering the meeting and making the announcement in view of Ms. Rickard’s team. The staff offered a rousing ovation for their leader. It was a memorable experience for all in attendance.

“I am honored to represent the district and my colleagues,” said Rickard. “It is a pleasure to work in such an outstanding school district and I truly love my job!”

“Amy Rickard is a great example of what is right about public schools,” said Forcella. “She advocates for children and families on a daily basis and sets high expectations for the learning outcomes at her school. We are privileged to have her in our district.”

Amy Rickard is a career educator who began as a language arts teacher in Kannapolis City Schools. She signed on with Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools in 1999 as an administrative intern. After time spent as an assistant principal at both McDougle Elementary and Rashkis Elementary, Rickard served as principal of Glenwood Elementary from 2004-2007. When Morris Grove Elementary opened in 2007, she was named as the school’s first principal. Rickard earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Rickard will now be entered into the Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year competition along with a principal from each district in the state. Following portfolio reviews and personal interviews, eight regional finalists will be named to participate in the state selection process. 

Since 1984, Wells Fargo Bank has financially supported the Principal of the Year program in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in an effort to recognize outstanding principals from the North Carolina public schools.

Amy Rickard is presented with flowers from Superintendent Forcella

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Board of Education's Closed Session Canceled for Oct. 16

The Board of Education's Closed Session scheduled for Wednesday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Lincoln Center has been canceled.  The Closed Session had been called for the Board to meet on a personnel matter.

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