WCPSS+and+NCDPI+Newsletters+and+Updates

TO: NC Public School Teachers

FROM: State Superintendent June Atkinson

DATE: Nov. 22, 2011

A few weeks ago, I invited you to email back to this message with your thoughts and ideas about how I could be helpful to you. Many of you shared your frustrations and ideas, and I thank you for taking the time to do so. Please know that I carry these messages with me as I interact with legislators and other state leaders. This week, especially, I am thankful for you and for all that you do in the classrooms of North Carolina to prepare young people for a future that is both exciting and uncertain. When the pilgrims arrived in America, I am sure they could not have dreamed of the opportunities that this country would offer to so many people. Public schools are one of the superb ways that the United States gives hope to millions of people. Thank you for choosing to teach and to make a difference. I hope your Thanksgiving Holiday is peaceful and filled with the love of friends and family.

Regards,

June Atkinson

In this Biweekly Teachers’ Message:

1. State Board Meets Next Week

2. Update on Renewal Credits for a Standard Professional 2 License

3. IIS Webinar Scheduled

4. Common Core Mathematics Webinars Scheduled

5. Dec. 31 is the Deadline to Apply for National Board Certification

6. **Measures of Student Learning Groups Meet in Chapel Hill **

7. NC Selected to Participate in National Teacher Effectiveness Policy Effort

8. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Commemorate Pearl Harbor <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Remembrance <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Day with Verizon Thinkfinity Classroom Resources

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">9. Proposals Sought for Second Annual Collaborative Conference on Student Achievement

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">10. Spring Online Professional Development Courses Open for Enrollment


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">1. State Board Meets Next Week - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"> The State Board of Education will hold its December meeting next Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, in the 7th Floor Board Room, Education Building, Raleigh. Action items include the North Carolina Extended Content Standards for K-8 Social Studies, Future-Ready STEM High School/Program of Achievement, and Standards for Approval of Online Courses. Discussion items include Career and Technical Education Credentialing Reporting, Editing Career and Technical Education Essential Standards, and Teacher Effectiveness Design Groups Progress Report. The agenda and executive materials are available online at www.ncpublicschools.org/stateboard/meetings . The State Board’s committee meetings and full Board meeting are audio streamed for those who can’t attend. To listen to the sessions, use the Live Audio Stream links at www.ncpublicschools.org/stateboard/meetings/.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">2. Update on Renewal Credits for a Standard Professional 2 License - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"> During the 2011 session, the General Assembly reduced the number of renewal credits required for a teacher to renew a Standard Professional 2 license from 15 to 7.5. At the August State Board, members requested a task force be created to consider options for renewal credits. The State Board approved the following Task Force recommendations at its November meeting:

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">- 1 renewal credit for literacy

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">- 1 renewal credit in the specific academic subject area and

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">- 5.5 general credits (as determined by the LEA).

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Credit is no longer given for teaching experience. In addition, teachers who complete National Board Certification may earn the 7.5 credits. Those who are in the 10-year National Board renewal cycle may earn 2 credits (1 for content and 1 for literacy).

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Principals and assistant principals earn 3 credits focused on the school executives as instructional, human resources and managerial leader. The remaining 4.5 credits may be general credits.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">The Board’s policy (TCP-A-005) addressing renewal requirements is available online at http://sbepolicy.dpi.state.nc.us (click on NCSBE Policy Manual Table of Contents then the link for TCP series). Questions may be directed to Eliz Colbert at eliz.colbert@dpi.nc.gov or Lynne Johnson at lynne.johnson@dpi.nc.gov.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">3. IIS Webinar Scheduled - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and NCAE are hosting a webinar on how the envisioned Instructional Improvement System (IIS) will enhance teachers’ work. IIS will provide a suite of technology tools designed to help teachers efficiently assess their students on an ongoing basis and target curricular resources to meet individual students’ needs. The Webinar is being held on two separate dates (only need to attend one): Dec. 13 from 5-6 p.m., register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/172253816 or Feb. 21 from 4:30-5:30 p.m., register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/141480104 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Questions may be directed to Sarah McManus (Sarah.Mcmanus@dpi.nc.gov/919/807-3776) or Angela Farthing (Angela.Farthing@NCAE.org/800/662-7924).


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">4. Common Core Mathematics Webinars Scheduled - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Information for implementing the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics is the focus of three webinars scheduled in the New Year. We hope your schedule will allow you to participate in one of the following (the webinar material is the same for each) webinars. Each will be held from 3-5 p.m.:

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">- Jan. 10: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/137465529

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">- Feb. 9: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/762931233

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">- March 8: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/380992544

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Once you register, an email will be sent to you with participation instructions.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">5. Dec. 31 is the Deadline to Apply for National Board Certification – **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"> Teachers are reminded that Dec. 31 is the deadline to apply for National Board Certification. A low interest loan program is available for every candidate as are the three days of release time and the 12 percent pay increase for those who achieve certification. Teachers may apply for National Board Certification by visiting www.nbpts.org.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">6. Measures of Student Learning Groups Meet in Chapel Hill //-// **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">On Oct. 24-27, over 700 teachers came together in Chapel Hill to discuss meaningful assessment in currently non-tested grades and subjects. Educators met together in content groups ranging from the arts to world languages to science. Teachers first received training on assessment design, including reliability and validity of measures of student growth. They then completed various rounds of feedback in which they reflected on content standards, recommended the best method for assessment for their standards, and provided qualitative feedback on assessment for their content area. The teachers’ feedback will be used to generate items (including performance-based questions) that the teachers will vet when they meet again in the spring. For more information about the Measures of Student Learning work, please contact Jennifer Preston, Race to the Top Project Coordinator for Teacher and Leader Effectiveness, at Jennifer.Preston@dpi.nc.gov or 919/807-4187.

==<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">7. NC Selected to Participate in National Teacher Effectiveness Policy Effort - North Carolina is one of three states and one territory to be selected to participate in a national teacher effectiveness policy effort. The National Governors Association (NGA) has announced that North Carolina – along with Colorado, Nevada and Guam – will be a contributor to the “//<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">State Strategies to Evaluate Teacher Effectiveness Policy Academy ////.//” To learn more about why NC was chosen and our future involvement in this national effort, visit www.ncpublicschools.org and look under News. ==


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">8. Commemorate Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day with Verizon Thinkfinity Classroom Resources **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> **-** The Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor took place on Dec. 7, 1941. Share this important historical event with your students through the use of primary sources and interactives from Thinkfinity that are available online at http://thinkfinity.org/pearl-harbor . For example, in a lesson on World War II, students will use an interactive timeline and primary resources from the Smithsonian’s History Explorer to understand the act that defined a generation and led to the U.S. involvement in World War II. Other resources allow you to share the image of an actual World War II poster, listen to the stories of the men and women who built the Liberty Ships that supported the efforts of World War II, and use an interactive Venn Diagram to compare the Pearl Harbor attack to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">9. Proposals Sought for Second Annual Collaborative Conference on Student Achievement - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> The **<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Second Annual Collaborative Conference on Student Achievement, “Engaging NC in Transforming 21st Century Teaching and Learning,” ** will be held March 19-21 at the Sheraton Four Seasons at Greensboro/Joseph S. Koury Convention Center, Greensboro. Conference organizers are currently seeking proposals for the concurrent sessions, which will be held March 20-21. Information on proposal submission and conference registration is available online at http://ccsa.edreg.com . Dec. 1 is the deadline to submit a proposal.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">10. Spring Online Professional Development Courses Open for Enrollment - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"> Teachers can hone their instructional skills by taking a professional development course from North Carolina E-Learning for Educators. All online courses for spring are open for enrollment. Offerings include the Carolina On-line Teacher (COLT) program as well as Moodle training, content-area courses, and courses designed to help teachers work with special populations. As always, each course was created using a researched model of effective professional development and the online format allows participants to work at a time and place most convenient to them. All courses are aligned to the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards. For more information, including registration, please visit www.learnnc.org/courses/.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">If you'd like to review past Teachers’ Biweekly Messages, please visit www.ncpublicschools.org/teachersarchive/.

Visit us on the web at www.ncpublicschools.org. All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement.

TO: NC Public School Teachers FROM: State Superintendent June Atkinson DATE: Oct. 27, 2011

The 15th Annual NC School Report Cards launched today provides information for parents and all North Carolinians regarding basic facts and performance indicators for traditional public schools and charter schools (see second item below). This project is an important way for parents, educators and others in our state to have a one-stop shop for school data. To that end, we continue to review the data that are included each year to determine if new information is important to include and to ensure that the technical notes included in the School Report Card are as clear, accurate and useful as possible.

Thank you for all your hard work, which has resulted in more North Carolina public school students scoring proficient or better on end-of-grade and end-of-course assessments and graduating from high school in ever-increasing numbers. Regards, June Atkinson

In this Biweekly Teachers’ Message: 1. State Board of Education Meets Next Week 2. 2011 North Carolina School Report Cards Available Online 3. Next Generation of Assessments: Computer Adaptive Testing 4. Still Time to Apply for National Board Certification 5. Nov. 14-18 is International Education Week 6. “Turnaround” High Schools Recognized for High Student Performance 7. Thinkfinity Opportunity for October: New and Improved Science NetLinks 8. LEARN NC Schedules Annual Conference Online 9. Nominations Being Accepted for the NC Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching 10.“We Can Change the World” Challenge


 * 1. State Board of Education Holds November Meeting Next Week - ** The State Board of Education will hold its November meeting next Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 2-3, in the 7th Floor Board Room, Education Building, Raleigh. Action items include Credits Required for the Renewal of a Standard Professional 2 License, Race to the Top Bonus Payments to Certified Personnel in Persistently Low-Performing Schools and a list of STEM attributes and student achievement measures to be used to identify Future-Ready STEM High Schools/Programs of Achievement. Discussion items include the North Carolina Extended Content Standards for Social Studies for grades K-8 and Standards for Approval of Online Courses. At Thursday’s Board meeting, members will recognize the 2010 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching recipients and the 2011 PAEMST finalists. The agenda and executive materials are available online at www.ncpublicschools.org/stateboard/meetings . The State Board’s committee meetings and full Board meeting are audio streamed for those who can’t attend. To listen to the sessions, use the Live Audio Stream links at www.ncpublicschools.org/stateboard/meetings/.


 * 2. 2011 North Carolina School Report Cards Available Online - ** While most public school students receive final report cards in June, schools and districts can review their annual progress each October when the North Carolina School Report Cards are released. The Report Cards, which are in the 10th year of publication, feature a collection of information about student performance and attendance, class size, school safety, teacher quality and classroom technology. The School Report Cards website features data from the school, district and state levels for the 2010-11 school year and is now available at www.ncreportcards.org.


 * 3. Next Generation of Assessments: Computer Adaptive Testing - ** What is computer adaptive testing? Computer adaptive tests are computerized tests that adapt to the skill level of the person taking the test. As a member of the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium, North Carolina is committed to the development of next generation assessments that include the utilization of computer adaptive testing. There are several advantages to computer adaptive testing over the traditional paper and pencil form, including a more accurate evaluation of student achievement and a more efficient delivery method for the assessment and the results. SMARTER Balanced has a fact sheet available about computer adaptive testing available online at www.k12.wa.us/SMARTER/pubdocs/SMARTER_CAT_Factsheet.pdf.
 * 4. Still time to Apply for National Board Certification -** It’s not too late to apply for National Board Certification. The low interest loan program is available for every candidate as are the three days of release time and the 12 percent pay increase for National Board Certified Teachers. To apply for National Board Certification, please visit www.nbpts.org . December 31 is the deadline to apply.


 * 5. Nov. 14-18 is International Education Week - ** Public schools are encouraged to partner with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State for International Education Week, Nov. 14-18, as a way to highlight the importance of international education and exchange. This year’s theme is “International Education: Inspiring Students Locally to Succeed Globally.” Schools can visit http://iew.state.gov for ideas on ways to celebrate International Education including cultural fairs, classroom-to-classroom videoconferencing and online exchanges of information.

Come explore the redesigned Science NetLinks website with an experienced Thinkfinity Trainer! This webinar showcases new site features, including an extensive collection of tools, lesson plans, podcasts, an enhanced search engine and more! So bring your excitement and questions, and sign up today at http://community.thinkfinity.org/community/ (click on Professional Development then follow links for Science NetLinks for webinar registration). The Webinar will only be offered for a limited period of time so sign up today!
 * 6. “Turnaround” High Schools Recognized for High Student Performance - ** Fourteen North Carolina high schools were recently recognized Tuesday for having at least 80 percent of students’ end-of-course test scores at or above proficient. What makes these schools’ student performance so special is that five years ago they were among the state’s 66 lowest-performing high schools. Congratulations to staff and students at the following schools for their outstanding performance: Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools), Harding University High (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools), Middle College at Bennett (Guilford County Schools), Jones Senior High Jones (County Schools), North Gaston High (Gaston County Schools), Middle College at NC A&T (Guilford County Schools), Beddingfield High (Wilson County Schools), Pine Forest High (Cumberland County Schools), North Brunswick High (Brunswick County Schools), Bunn High (Franklin County Schools), E.E. Smith High (Cumberland County Schools), Franklinton High (Franklin County Schools), Richmond Senior High (Richmond County Schools), and South Creek High (Martin County Schools).
 * 7. Thinkfinity Opportunity for October: New and Improved Science NetLinks ** - The new and improved Science NetLinks (www.thinkfinity.org/new-science-netlinks) just launched with an updated look and expanded resources. Science NetLinks is still the place to find quality science and engineering resources for the classroom, including lesson plans, interactives and podcasts. A new search tool and enhanced navigation make finding resources even easier, so click around the site and explore the new resources, including the Science News area for current science events, blog posts and community discussions.

www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/fall-conf-2011-registration/contents.
 * 8. LEARN NC Schedules Annual Conference Online - ** On Monday, Nov. 7, LEARN NC will host its annual fall conference for the first time entirely online. Participants will be able to listen to the presenters, pose questions, and interact with other participants from any Internet-connected computer. And, as always, the conference is entirely free! Topics up for discussion include how to reach struggling readers, teaching about North Carolina American Indians, modeling-based science instruction, and the state’s adoption of new curriculum standards and professional teaching standards. The conference will consist of eight sessions, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All sessions will be archived for future viewing. For more details and to register, please visit

=== 9. Nominations Being Accepted for the NC Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching - The 2012 Awards Cycle for Elementary Teachers (grades K-6) for the North Carolina Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is now open. One mathematics teacher and one science teacher will be selected. Each will receive a $10,000 award and a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the National Awards Recognition Program. Nominations will be accepted through May 1, 2012. Nominations details are available online at www.paemst.org. ===


 * 10. “We Can Change the World” Challenge ** - Siemens Foundation and Discovery Education Launch is once again requesting applications for its “We Can Change the World Challenge” for K-12 students. Through this Challenge, Siemens invites students to team up with classmates under teacher/mentors to solve environmental problems in their school, community and world. Teams and mentors can share in over $250,000 in scholarships and prizes. Responses are due by March 15, 2012. For contest details, please visit www.wecanchange.com

If you'd like to review past Teachers’ Biweekly Messages, please visit www.ncpublicschools.org/teachersarchive/.

Visit us on the web at www.ncpublicschools.org. All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement.

--- You are currently subscribed to ncprincipals as: jsmith7@wcpss.net To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-650074-284755.5bcbd30e8685a5dd38410f1ebcc5345b@lists.dpi.state.nc.us

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">TO: NC Public School Teachers

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">FROM: State Superintendent June Atkinson

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">DATE: Sept. 22, 2011

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">As the new school year settles down and you dig in to your curriculum, I hope that your school district has already begun to engage you in professional development related to the Common Core and Essential Standards that will go into effect in the fall of 2012. These new standards, under development for several years, will replace the current Standard Course of Study in every subject and grade. This is the first time that North Carolina will implement new standards - a new Standard Course of Study - from K-12 and in every subject in the same school year. Teams of curriculum leaders and professional development leaders from every school district participated in summer institutes to prepare to roll out the professional development needed at each school district. Throughout this school year, NCDPI staff will be checking in with your local teams to see how we can assist you further in this process. Thanks to North Carolina's federal Race to the Top grant, we are able to do these things even during tight economic times, and I am grateful for that. The end goal is to provide learning opportunities for students that are on-target with 21st century needs and expectations. All of the new standards are online at www.ncpublicschools.org/acre/standards/.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">On another note, as State Superintendent, I try to visit in the schools of our state as much as possible, but I don't always have the opportunity to observe as much as I would like to. I'd love to hear from you about how your school year is going so far. What are your perceptions of this year? What is going well? What is still a challenge? If you have details that you would like to share, please reply to this email and share your experiences. That will help me know more about what is happening in our state's public school classrooms so that I can effectively advocate on your behalf.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Regards,

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">June Atkinson

<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">In this Biweekly Teachers’ Message:

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">1. NCDPI Seeks Comments on Closure of Residential School

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">2. Exceptional Children Conference Scheduled for November

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">3. Thinkfinity Opportunity for September

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">4. Read and Ride

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">5. Elementary School Conference Reminder

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">6. Annual State Math Conference Scheduled for Late October

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">7. Hop on the BUS! Business Plan Competition

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">8. Emerging Issues Prize for Innovation Challenge

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">9. North Carolina Glee Club Competition

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">10. “What’s Super About Public Schools?” Contest for High School Students

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">11. National Teachers Hall of Fame


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">1. NCDPI Seeks Comments on Closure of Residential School - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">The NC Department of Public Instruction was directed by the 2011 General Assembly to make recommendations to close one residential school and consolidate services at the remaining two residential schools for students with visual impairments or who are deaf and hard of hearing. In order to help in the decision-making process, NCDPI leaders are seeking input from the public through a brief online survey. To access the link to the survey, please visit www.ncpublicschools.org and look under “Highlights.” The survey will be available through Sept. 30.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">2. Exceptional Children Conference Scheduled for November - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> The 61st Conference on Exceptional Children will be held Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at the Koury Convention Center, Sheraton Greensboro Hotel at Four Seasons, Greensboro. Nearly 3,000 conferees are expected to attend the largest and longest-running exceptional children conference to learn of new and exciting innovations, remind ourselves of what already works, make new connections and renew our commitment to improving outcomes for students with disabilities in North Carolina public schools. Conference details, including registration and hotel reservations, are available online at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/ec/conference/.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">3. Thinkfinity Opportunity for September - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Have you ever tried to use poetry when working in the STEM subjects? Poetry can be a great way to kick-off or wrap up a science, technology, engineering and/or math project. Elementary school teachers may want to have their students listen to poems from Science Verse at www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/earth-verse-using-science-1141.html then ask students to write an acrostic poem. Seventh through 10th grade teachers may want to have their students engineer the perfect poem by using STEM vocabulary through this lesson plan available online at www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/engineering-perfect-poem-using-30763.html . Early grades teachers (K-4) can have students experience the oceans through a sensory Haiku by checking out the lesson plan available at http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/educators/lessons/grade-3-4/Oceans.aspx . Or, teachers can chat with their peers on the topic of how literacy teachers can contribute to the STEM initiative at http://community.thinkfinity.org/message/21110#21110.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">4. Read and Ride - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> The following initiative is being shared by Marvin Ward Elementary School Counselor Scott Ertl. If you have an innovative program or classroom activity you would like to share with your fellow teaches, please reply to this email with a brief description and contact information for complete details.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Interested in boosting student interest in reading and reading comprehension scores while also preventing childhood obesity? How about if the program is 100 percent free, too? Ward Elementary School (Winston-Salem/Forsyth Schools) started the nation's first "Read and Ride" program two years ago by collecting used exercise bikes for students to ride while reading fun magazines and books. Students love the opportunity for extra movement during the day and many have started to enjoy reading for the very first time. For more information on how to start your own "Read and Ride" program, visit www.KidsReadAndRide.com.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">5. Elementary School Conference Reminder - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">As a reminder, the North Carolina Association of Elementary Educators’ 8th Annual Elementary School Conference, “Leading the Way: Anchored in Excellence, Focused on Success,” will be held Oct. 9-11 at the Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh. Conference strands include Teacher as Leader, Supporting Diversity, Depth of Content Understanding, Teacher as Facilitator and Reflective Practice. Today, Sept. 22, is the deadline for early registration. Conference information, including registration, is available online at www.ncelementary.org.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">6. Annual State Math Conference Scheduled for Late October - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">The North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ 41st Annual State Math Conference, “Strengthen Your Core Understanding: Mathematical Practices and Mathematical Content,” will be held Oct. 27-28 at the Koury Convention Center, Greensboro. A Leadership Seminar will be held on Oct. 26. With implementation of the Common Core State Standards and Essential Standards less than a year away, the program will include many information sessions on content and ideas for implementing the Standards for Mathematical Practice. Full details, including registration for the conference and leadership seminar, are available online at www.ncctm.org.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">7. Hop on the BUS! Business Plan Competition - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> High school students may be interested in participating in the 6th annual Hop on the BUS! Business Plan Competition. The North Carolina Council for Economic Education, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, North Carolina REAL Enterprises and The Rural Center sponsor the competition. The competition consists of three rounds that end Oct. 28. The top ten teams are selected to progress to the semi-final round to complete a video pitch of their business plan to a panel of judges. The top three finalists are recognized for their business plan and video pitch. To date, over 400 teams of aspiring entrepreneurs have submitted plans for medical practices, dance studios, rental boats, equine services, fashion, culinary arts, and much more. High school individuals or teams may register for the competition through Sept. 23 at www.hoponthebus.org . Questions may be directed to Delores Ali at Delores.Ali@dpi.nc.gov.


 * <span style="color: #141413; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">8. Emerging Issues Prize for Innovation Challenge - **<span style="color: #141413; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> NCSU’s Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) is sponsoring its second annual Emerging Issues Prize for Innovation, which challenges students across the state to unleash their creativity and work collaboratively to come up with an innovative way to increase North Carolina’s high school graduation rate. This year’s prize competition will have two age categories for interested student teams - high school and college. Finalist teams in each age group will receive $1,000. For the most innovative and viable idea in each age group, IEI will award $5,000 to help make that idea a reality. Winners will be announced at IEI’s 27th Emerging Issues Forum. Contest details, including the application, is available online at www.ncsu.edu/iei/?page_id=207 . The deadline to submit the application is Nov. 11.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">9. North Carolina Glee Club Competition - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">The North Carolina Association for Scholastic Activities will present the first statewide North Carolina Glee Club Competition. This competition is open to all NCASA member schools and has no entrance fee. For more information on NCASA and the NC Glee Club Competition, visit www.ncscholastic.org or contact NCASA Executive Director Leon Pfeiffer at leon@ncscholastic.org.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">10. “What’s Super About Public Schools?” Contest for High School Students - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> The North Carolina School Boards Association is sponsoring a student video contest and invites high school students to submit a 30-second video that addresses the contest theme, “What’s Super About Public Schools?” Media and education professionals will judge videos based on creativity, quality and how the video addresses the theme. The top three winners, as determined by the judges, will receive awards for their respective school as follows: 1st Place - $5,000, 2nd Place - $2,500, and 3rd Place - $1,000. The deadline to submit a video is Oct. 12. Representatives from the top three winning schools will be invited to the Association’s Annual Conference Awards Ceremony in Greensboro on Nov. 15 to find out how they placed and receive their prize. Contest guidelines and entry forms are available online at www.ncsba.org by clicking on the contest link.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">11. National Teachers Hall of Fame - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Every year, the National Teachers Hall of Fame recognizes five teachers who have demonstrated commitment and dedication to the teaching profession. Candidates must be certified teachers with at least 20 years experience teaching in grades preK-12. Anyone may nominate a teacher by completing a nomination packet. The nomination packet, which is available online at www.nthf.org, must be submitted by Jan. 3.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">If you'd like to review past Teachers’ Biweekly Messages, please visit www.ncpublicschools.org/teachersarchive/.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Visit us on the web at www.ncpublicschools.org. All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">TO: NC Public School Principals <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">FROM: State Superintendent June Atkinson <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">DATE: Sept. 16, 2011

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">This week's SAT results illustrated that more than two-thirds of North Carolina's Class of 2011 took the SAT, demonstrating their desire to pursue college or university study. Scores in our state - along with the scores for the nation - dropped somewhat in 2011, so the news was mixed and we continue to see a gap between what students //aspire// to do and what students //prepare// to do. Our job is to help students connect the two - aspirations and preparation - earlier in their middle school and high school years so that they have a better foundation for success. I know that this is easier said than done, but I pledge to you that I will do all that I can to encourage and remind our students and their families that preparation begins early for high school and post-high school success. It is never too late to improve and change, but earlier is better! Thank you for all that you do for our students to help them prepare for the future. I know your calendars are packed, but your efforts make a tremendous difference. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">Regards, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">June Atkinson

<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">In this Biweekly Principals’ Message: <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">1. The American Jobs Act Proposal and North Carolina <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">2. NCDPI Schedules Public Hearings on Residential School Closure <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">3. NCDPI Seeks Comments on Residential Schools for Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Blind Students <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">4. NCVPS Peer Tutoring Program <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">5. Hop on the Bus! Business Plan Competition <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">6. Emerging Issues Prize for Innovation Challenge <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">7. North Carolina Glee Club Competition <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">8. “What’s Super About Public Schools?” Contest for High School Students <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">9. Spring 2012 Safe Routes to School Mini-grants <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">10.National Teachers Hall of Fame

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/THE_AMERICAN_JOBS_ACT_Impact_NC.pdf. From our calculations, approximately 85 percent of the funds would be earmarked for K-12, including an investment of approximately $675 million for classroom and school infrastructure to upgrade to meet 21st century needs.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">1. The American Jobs Act Proposal and North Carolina - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> The American Jobs Act recently proposed by President Obama would provide resources to public schools for K-12 employment and also school facilities. While we are a long way from having a finalized bill or federal approval for such a bill, here is a link to what the White House has published related to the bill’s potential impact on North Carolina:


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">2. NCDPI Schedules Public Hearings on Residential School Closure - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction will hold three public hearings over the next two weeks to receive comment on the closure of one of the state’s three residential schools for students with visual impairments or those who are deaf/hard of hearing. For more information, including the dates, time and locations for these hearings, please visit www.ncpublicschools.org and click on the appropriate link under “News.”


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">3. NCDPI Seeks Comments on Residential Schools for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing and Blind Students - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">The NC Department of Public Instruction was directed by the 2011 General Assembly to make recommendations to close one residential school and consolidate services at the remaining two residential schools. In order to help in the decision-making process, NCDPI leaders are seeking input from the public through a brief online survey. To access the link to the survey, please visit www.ncpublicschools.org and look under “Highlights.”


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">4. NCVPS Peer Tutoring Program - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;"> The NCVPS Peer Tutoring Program has been approved as an Official Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Awards program. Through this program, NCVPS is now authorized to issue certificates to those tutors who meet the hourly specification for the various levels of this presidential award. For more information on the NCVPS Peer Tutoring Program, contact Karen Creech at karen_creech@ncpublicschools.gov.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">5. Hop on the BUS! Business Plan Competition - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> High school students may be interested in participating in the 6th annual Hop on the BUS! Business Plan Competition. The North Carolina Council for Economic Education, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, North Carolina REAL Enterprises and The Rural Center sponsor the competition. The competition consists of three rounds that end Oct. 28. The top ten teams are selected to progress to the semi-final round to complete a video pitch of their business plan to a panel of judges. The top three finalists are recognized for their business plan and video pitch. To date, over 400 teams of aspiring entrepreneurs have submitted plans for medical practices, dance studios, rental boats, equine services, fashion, culinary arts, and much more. High school individuals or teams may register for the competition through Sept. 23 at www.hoponthebus.org . Questions may be directed to Delores Ali at Delores.Ali@dpi.nc.gov.


 * <span style="color: #141413; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">6. Emerging Issues Prize for Innovation Challenge - **<span style="color: #141413; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> NCSU’s Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) is sponsoring its second annual Emerging Issues Prize for Innovation, which challenges students across the state to unleash their creativity and work collaboratively to come up with an innovative way to increase North Carolina’s high school graduation rate. This year’s prize competition will have two age categories for interested student teams — high school and college. Finalist teams in each age group will receive $1,000. For the most innovative and viable idea in each age group, IEI will award $5,000 to help make that idea a reality. Winners will be announced at IEI’s 27th Emerging Issues Forum. Contest details, including the application, is available online at www.ncsu.edu/iei/?page_id=207 . The deadline to submit the application is Nov. 11.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">7. North Carolina Glee Club Competition - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">The North Carolina Association for Scholastic Activities will present the first statewide North Carolina Glee Club Competition. This competition is open to all NCASA member schools and has no entrance fee. For more information on NCASA and the NC Glee Club Competition, visit www.ncscholastic.org or contact NCASA Executive Director Leon Pfeiffer at leon@ncscholastic.org.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">8. “What’s Super About Public Schools?” Contest for High School Students - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;"> The NCSBA is sponsoring a student video contest and invites high school students to submit a 30-second video that addresses the contest theme, “What’s Super About Public Schools?” Media and education professionals will judge videos based on creativity, quality and how the video addresses the theme. The top three winners, as determined by the judges, will receive awards for their respective school as follows: 1st Place - $5,000, 2nd Place - $2,500, and 3rd Place - $1,000. The deadline to submit a video is Oct. 12. Representatives from the top three winning schools will be invited to the Association’s Annual Conference Awards Ceremony in Greensboro on Nov. 15 to find out how they placed and receive their prize. Contest guidelines and entry forms are available online at www.ncsba.org by clicking on the contest link.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">9. Spring 2012 Safe Routes to School Mini-grants **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> **-** The National Center for Safe Routes to School is now accepting applications for 25 mini-grants of $1,000 each. These mini-grants support the goal of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs, which is to enable and encourage children to safely walk and bicycle to school. SRTS programs are implemented nationwide by parents, students, schools, community leaders, and local, state, and tribal governments. Mini-grants fund activities that range from the nuts and bolts that help start or sustain a program to new ideas that explore the range of benefits of safe walking and bicycling. Selected mini-grant proposals will fit a school's identified needs and interests around safe walking and bicycling. The mini-grant activities should occur between Jan. 1, 2012 and the end of the Spring 2012 semester. Applications are due Wednesday, Oct. 19. For more information about the National Center's mini-grant program, visit www.saferoutesinfo.org/funding-portal/mini-grants.


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">10. National Teachers Hall of Fame - **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Every year, the National Teachers Hall of Fame recognizes five teachers who have demonstrated commitment and dedication to the teaching profession. Candidates must be certified teachers with at least 20 years experience teaching in grades preK-12. Anyone may nominate a teacher by completing a nomination packet. The nomination packet, which is available online at www.nthf.org, must be submitted by Jan. 3.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Previous Principals’ Biweekly Messages are posted online at www.ncpublicschools.org/principalsarchive/

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Visit us on the web at www.ncpublicschools.org. All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement.

---