JCS Reporter Archives – March 2012

JCS Reporter Archives – March 2012
3/27/12
> Cooper Elementary - Superstar Award
The Education Committee
completed their second Super Star
Award presentation at Cooper
Elementary. Ms. Robin Ruberg was
selected by Principal Maureen
Hanahue for her daily contributions
to the school. Detria Blount led the
presentation with support of Donna
White Johnston County School
Board Martha Stoval of Club Z
Tutoring and Jim Godfrey of the
Clayton Chamber of Commerce.
3/27/12
> Powhatan Elementary – Second Graders Use Wax Museum to Raise Relay for Life Funds
Powhatan Elementary - Second Graders Use Wax Museum
to Raise Relay for Life Funds
Second grade students at Powhatan Elementary donated
$1755.30 to Relay for Life. Students raised the money during
their Famous American Wax Museum where they portrayed
famous Americans and activated themselves when coins were
dropped in their cups.
2nd grade Class:
Mrs. Lisa Ennis' second grade class shows the check they
presented.
3/27/12
> Corinth Holders Elementary – Students Throw Pies for St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser
Corinth Holders Elementary - Students Throw Pies for St. Baldrick's Fundraiser
CHES recently participated in activities geared towards raising money for St. Baldrick's. This amazing foundation raises
money that goes towards childhood cancer research. CHES participated in honor of one of our fourth graders, Ally Himmel,
who is courageously fighting this disease. Students and staff participated in a crazy hair day, crazy hat day, and finally coin
wars - all to raise as much money as we could! During coin wars, classes competed against each other. Students could bring
in pennies or dollars that would go towards their classes total, or they could bring in silver (nickels, dimes, and quarters) to
sabotage other classes and bring their total down! Student Council members stood at the row of buckets each morning and
helped students place their money. On Friday, it was announced that Ms. Pilkington's third grade class had won! Each student
in her class was able to throw a pie at a staff member's face on Friday afternoon at our closing assembly! Students were very
excited and staff were nervous on the front line! Everyone had a blast celebrating this awesome experience.
Throughout this fundraiser, CHES students and staff earned $2,438.94! In addition, a second grade teacher, Ms. Kellie Smith,
shaved her head for St. Baldrick's on March 17 at the FLIPSIDE restaurant in Clayton, NC and earned over $600 from her
family and friends! A group from CHES attended the event on Saturday and proudly presented a check to the foundation and
to Ally and her family.
Pie Day 1 - Mr. Bunn speaking to the pie throwers before we begin
Pie Day 2 - Staff about to get pied (from L to R - Aimee Hutchins, Brian Phillips, Page Gambill (counselor), Laura Hines,
Courtney Lowe, Stacey Phillips, Vanessa Pilkington, Bruce Bunn (principal), Melissa Hubbard (Asst. Principal), Nancy
Kelly, Katie Barefoot (curriculum coach), Alice Ortiz, Heather Lemin, Rachel Henderson, Olivia Lee, Teresa Hart)
Pie Day 3 - Mr. Bunn after his pie (from Brandi - 3rd grader); Vanessa Pilkington is to his right
Pie Day 4 - Savannah Lee (from Student Council) helps a 2nd grader (Antoine Crute) decide who to sabotage!
3/27/12
> Appointment to Office of the Governor Boards and Commissions
Appointment to Office of the Governor Boards and Commissions
Bonnie W. Vause has been appointed to serve as a member of the Governor's Teacher Advisory Committee for the state of
NC. As a member of NC Governor's Teacher Advisory Committee Ms. Vause will serve in a leadership role that is critical to
the Commission in efforts to strengthen our communities and improve the quality of life for our citizens of NC. Ms. Vause
signed the Oath of Office on March 22, 2012 in the presence of the Johnston County Schools Board of Education and Dr.
Edward Croom, JCS Superintendent. The oath was executed by N.C. Representative J. H. Langdon, member of the General
Assembly for NC.
Ms. Vause is a graduate of Barton College where she received B.A. and East Carolina where she received her M.Ed., Masters
of Special Education. Vause is a 2012 graduate of Walden University where she received her doctorate of education, Ed.D.
She is employed by Johnston County Schools where she serves as a special education teacher.
Ms. Vause serves on various educational committees and boards on local, state and national levels:
Curriculum Vitae:
Board of Directors for NC Foundations of
Public School Children
North Carolina Association of Educators
Government Relations and Appropriations
Committees, NCAE
North Carolina Association of Education
Women's Rights and Minorities Committee
North Carolina Center for Advancement of
Teachers (NCCAT) Representative
National Education Association of
Educators Member (NEA)
Past President and Vice President Johnston
County Association of Educators
East Carolina University Alumni
Barton College Alumni
Left to right
NC Representative. J.H. Langdon, Donna White, JCS Board of Education, Bonnie Vause, Robin Little, Chief Personnel
Officer; Dr. Ed Croom, Superintendent
3/27/12
> Benson Middle - ArtAlympic Student’s Win 4th Place in Competition
Benson Middle - ArtAlympic Student's Win 4th Place in Competition
Artalympics is an art competition between surrounding counties where teams are made up of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Each
student participates in two events (art projects) where they have an hour and a half to create their artwork. At the end of the
day there is an award ceremony where 1st place winners of each event are recognized with a trophy, 2nd through 5th place
winners are announced verbally and receive ribbons and then the schools with the most points over all received a trophy for
their school. Benson Middle School's Art teacher Mrs. Magen Pike entered the event with 17 dedicated students, and at the
end of the day they received ribbons covering 1 st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th place! Some students only placed in one event while
others placed in both! Out of 11 participating schools Benson Middle School came in 4th place.
Students practiced diligently for two months leading up to the event. They work in a variety of mediums including graphite
pencil, colored pencil, tempera and watercolor paint, graphic arts, scratch art, pen and ink, wire sculpture and mixed
media. The Benson Middle School student's subject matter varied ranging from imaginary to traditional still life. As a team,
this year new art teacher Mrs. Magen Pike lead her student's through the practice of this competition and received support and
guidance from long time art educator of Benson Middle Mrs. Evelyn Aranda . Also students had the help of Mrs. Amanda
Cruz who had been part of the Benson Middle School Faculty from 2008 until 2011. Students met every morning from 7:50
until 8:20 to practice and on occasion during allowable time during school time and after school.
For the event several local grocery stores provided gift cards for lunch arrangements. These were Food Lion in Benson,
Wal-Mart in Smithfield and Piggly-Wiggly in Princeton, NC. Also McDonalds of Benson donated breakfast to the whole
team. This was a long day and this local support was greatly appreciated.
Winners of the events:
8th grader: Sarah Zavaleta:
1st Place overall 8th grade, Total Points
1st Place Model Drawing,
2nd place CD Cover Design, Graphic Arts
7th grader: Jordan Hines:
1st Place Sculpture, Nevelson
2nd Place Black Ink, Still Life
6th grader: Sophia Pastrana
1st Place Black Ink, Square Design
6th grader: Starling Simmons
1st Place Painting Tropical Fish
3rd place Commercial Art, Cereal Box Design
6th grader: Veronica Chavez
1st place Wire Sculpture, Calder
3rd place, Mixed Media
6th grader: Adriel Rodriguez
2nd place Wire Sculpture, Calder
7th grader: Casey Parker
2nd place Figure Drawing
8th grader: Daniel Rojas
2nd place Model Drawing, American Gothic
5th Place, Black Ink Medieval Sandwich
8th grader: Faith Dudley
3rd place Cut Paper Quilling
5th place scratch art
8th grader: Hunter Blackmon
3rd Place, markers, Comic Strip
5th Place, Cut Paper quilling
7th grader: Matthew Messer
4th place Scratch Art
8th grader: Melanie Hardee
4th place, Creative Pencil
4th place, colored pencil Bottle Creations
left to right
Top row: Sophia Pastrana, Melanie Hardee, Sarah Zavaleta, Matthew Messer, Hunter Blackmon, Matthew Huff, Starling
Simmons,
Middle Row: Damian Williams, Jordan Hines, Adriel Rodriguez, Daniel Rojas, Veronica Chavez, Sindy Gamez, Zoey
Weeks
Bottom row : Magen Pike, Casey Parker, Sandra Luna, Faith Dudley
3/27/12
> Benson Middle – Southern Palette of Paint and 3-D Glasses with Artist Allan Montague
Benson Middle - Southern Palette of Paint and 3-D Glasses with Artist Allan Montague
On Monday, March 5th , Mrs. Megan Pike's class welcomed Allan Montague into class for a day of artistic learning. With
paint in hand students begin to apply colors to their Masonite primed boards. This is the first time for some of these young
art students to have applied paint to a surface that doesn't bend like the common school supplied surplus drawing
paper. Artists in Residence Allan Montague lead the students by demonstrating abstract painting techniques in front of the
class on an easel. The instruction was how to mix colors without making them muddy. This he said is color theory. He
instructed art students all day as part of the Artist in the School Program which is of the Johnston County Arts Council,
Johnston County Schools and local community sponsor program.
He explained to the Benson Middle art students how to add neutral tones like white or black to make colors pop. The wow
factor, the special 3-d art glasses, where passed out to the classes after they completed their work. He explained to the
students the reason behind the effect; they watched him in awe as he explained the color prism and how light bends color. He
allowed the students to put on their 3-d glasses and see their work of art in a different perspective. The reds, greens, blues
and blacks all seem to appear different. The painting takes on a different appearance. The students enjoyed this Artist in the
Schools experience and they have learn so much about the color prism and painting in abstraction.
> Early College Academy Student is Finalist in ‘Poetry Out Loud’ Competition
Early College Academy Student is Finalist in 'Poetry Out Loud' Competition
3/27/12
Thirty one high school students from across the state, including Daisy Marshall a
sophomore at Early College Academy, took center stage on Saturday, March 24, in
Greensboro, to compete in Poetry Out Loud, a poetry recitation program funded by the
National Endowment for the Arts and coordinated by the North Carolina Arts Council.
The program was held at locations around downtown Greensboro and was free and open
to the public. Daisy was number nine uut of 32 semi-finalists, Daisy made it into the top
9! This was her 2nd time in the state semi-finals and the first time in the finals. They
award 1st and 2nd place, but she did very well. These are the poems she recited:
"Alone" by Edgar Allan Poe
"Echo" by Christina Rossetti and "The Empty Dance Shoes" by Cornelius Eady
"Poetry Out Loud invites the dynamic aspects of slam poetry, spoken word and theater into high school classrooms," said
Amanda Rowland of Johnston County Schools. "Through the program, students can master public speaking skills, increase
reading comprehension scores, build self-confidence and learn about their literary heritage."
Poetry Out Loud features readings by students from private and public schools, including schools as far away as Haywood
and Jackson counties in the mountains to Dare and New Hanover on the coast.
"The national program is a partnership between the NEA and the Poetry Foundation, while the statewide competition is a
partnership between the N.C. Arts Council and the Greensboro Public Library," said Banu Valladares, Director of Arts in
Education for the North Carolina Arts Council. "We are grateful to all of our partners for making poetry accessible, and fun,
to students across North Carolina."
For a complete list of participating students, go to http://www.ncarts.org/elements/docs/POL_participants_2012.pdf
Distinguished members of North Carolina's literary community will serve as judges. A special part of this year's event is a
poetry sampler by the judges, who will recite the works of their favorite poets and/or their own work. Semi final judges are
Mark Smith-Soto, Nathan Ross Freeman, Anjail Rashida Ahmad, Preston Lane, Dasan Ahanu, and Malaika King
Albrecht. Judges for the finals are Michael Chitwood, Ansel Elkins, and Mike Wiley. Master of ceremonies for Poetry Out
Loud is Michael Beadle. North Carolina Poet Laureate Cathy Smith Bowers will be there the whole day to provide
inspiration.
Schools participating in the program received supplemental curriculum materials from the NEA including print and online
anthologies, a program guide to help instructors teach recitation and performance, an audio CD featuring distinguished actors
and writers, promotional and media guides and access to a comprehensive website.
Students first participate at the school level. Winners from individual schools advance to the state level competition. The
winner at the state level receives $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the national championship,
which will be held May 13-15, 2012. The North Carolina champion will compete for a $20,000 college scholarship.
The state winner's school receives a $500 stipend to be used for purchasing poetry books. The runner-up at the state level
receives $100, with his or her school receiving a $200 stipend for buying poetry books.
Marty McCarthy of Eugene Ashley High School in Wilmington was the 2011 state finals winner and represented N.C. at the
national finals in Washington, D.C., Friday, April 29, 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzPLejNCazs&feature=player_embedded
For more information, contact Banu
Valladares, North Carolina Arts Council Arts in Education Director, at (919) 807-6502 or [email protected].
3/22/12
> March Employees of the Month
March Employees of the Month
Certified Employees of the Month- Erin Sauer, Clayton Middle School Teacher
For the past several years, Johnston County Schools, administrators have participated in seminars
devoted to understanding, implementing, and enhancing leadership. One of the books read and
discussed is Good to Great by Jim Collins. In this book, Mr. Collins advocates for making sure you
have the right people in the right seats in your organization. He asserts that people are not an
organization's most important asset. The right people are. The Employee of the Month program is a
monthly program that the Human Resources Department uses to recognize employees who
demonstrate the qualities of a caring and dedicated individual.
This month, the award goes to Ms. Erin Sauer, 6th Grade Math Teacher at Clayton Middle School.
The nomination form reads…
"Ms. Sauer has been helping JCS move from Good to Great since the moment she joined us three
years ago. Her passion for educating students with disabilities is evident in the high standards she
sets for her kids. She makes them believe in themselves as she builds them up and works with
them tirelessly. In her resource classes, she creates an environment where students feel free to
participate without fear of failure. In her inclusion classes, she works seamlessly with the reg. ed.
teacher and they ask for her to return the next year. She also volunteers for after-school programs
such as Show Choir. She embraces positive change and leads the way with a smile and an
encouraging word during these times of new curriculum, budget cuts, and no raises. She is a silent
leader, hardworking, positive, and never seeks recognition. She is a keystone! "
Congratulations to Ms. Erin Sauer!
Classified Employee of the Month- Bonita Rhode, Data Manager, Exceptional Children
For the past several years, Johnston County Schools, administrators have participated in seminars
devoted to understanding, implementing, and enhancing leadership. One of the books read and
discussed is Good to Great by Jim Collins. In this book, Mr. Collins advocates for making sure you
have the right people in the right seats in your organization. He asserts that people are not an
organization's most important asset. The right people are. The Employee of the Month program is a
monthly program that the Human Resources Department uses to recognize employees who
demonstrate the qualities of a caring and dedicated individual.
This month, the award goes to Ms. Bonita Rhode, Data Manager in the Exceptional Children's
Department
The nomination form reads…
"Ms. Rhode is a supportive driving force to our Department. She assists school personnel, district
personnel and administration in all aspects of EC data including testing, programming, online IEP's
and corrective actions as needed. She is professional and willing to assist anyone when
requested. Ms. Rhode has excellent communication skills and is extremely organized and
reliable. She is flexible and willing to work on any project given her. During the last academic
year, Ms. Rhode has assisted the Department in making a move from one online data management
system to another with professionalism and a can do attitude. She has taken a leadership role with
training and supporting the teachers and staff. Her high level of commitment and energy level in
addition to her willingness and devotion to master this new program documents her
professionalism and dedication while remembering that all we do is for the children of Johnston
County."
Congratulations to Ms. Rhode and to Ms. Erin Sauer!
3/22/12
> Character Education Students Recognized at Board of Education Meeting- March
Character Education Students Recognized at Board of Education Meeting
Character Education is a priority in the Johnston County Schools. Through a variety of means, schools in the district promote
character education through rewards, bulletin boards, presentations, and
interactive lessons.
The Character Education trait for March is "Integrity" which means being
honest in all things.
Each month, the Board of Education recognizes students who have
demonstrated good character.
PHOTO: left to right
Front: Austin Minacapelli, Garrett Stephens, Dallas Smith, and Abigail
Hernandez
Back: Emerson Lopez-Mejia, and Lauren Garrett
Below is the listing of students who were recognized with introductory comments:
School - Cleveland High
Principal - Anne Meredith
Student - Lauren Garrett
Grade - Junior
Parents - Paul and Linda Garrett
Integrity is defined as the art of being honest and having strong moral principles. Lauren Garrett is the epitome of that
definition.
As the president of the National Honor Society, she has taken it upon herself to lead our chapter in the face of having no
supplies, no reputation, and all new members. She does what she says she's going to do, gives every bit of herself both
academically and socially, and still manages to get everything done that needs to be done. John Wood, her adviser and AP
U.S. History teacher says, "I know that if I gave Lauren a job to do, it would be done to perfection without question."
Integrity may be defined by honesty and morality, but at Cleveland, we define it as Lauren Garrett.
School - Cleveland Middle
Principal - Ken Byrd
Student - Garrett Stephens
Grade - 6th
Parents - Carla Morgan and Luke Stephens
Garrett Stephens exhibits all of the Johnston County Schools character traits, but most especially, he epitomizes
integrity. He is honest in all of his dealings with teachers and fellow classmates. He will tell the truth even when it is to his
own detriment. For example, if Garrett didn't do his homework, he would approach the teacher prior to class, explain why he
didn't do it and then give a solution for how he will get it completed. He is polite, courteous and sincere in his interactions
with his classmates and teachers. Garrett is a student who we can always depend on to do what is right.
School - Cooper Elementary
Principal - Maureen Hanahue
Student - Abigail Hernandez
Grade - 5th
Parents - Jose and Maria Hernandez
Abigail is a top student who is always willing to help students needing a partner or extra help. She is polite and reliable.
Abigail completes everything on time and never complains. She is an asset to the class. She always strives to be the best in
everything she does.
School - Corinth Holders Elementary
Principal - Bruce Bunn
Student - Dallas Smith
Grade - 5th grade
Parents - Jerry and Dawn Smith
Dallas Smith, a 5th grade student from Corinth-Holders Elementary, demonstrates integrity not just in school, but at home and
in the community as well. Dallas always makes the correct decision in class, even if it is not always the easiest. For
example, one time when Dallas had not completed an assignment; even though his teacher had thought he had, he assigned
the same consequence as all the other students to himself and completed the work at home. He informed the teacher when
questioned that he had not done the assignment. Dallas is a role model within the classroom for other students, and they all
look to Dallas for guidance.
School - Corinth Holders High
Principal - Chase Ferrell
Student - Emerson Lopez-Mejia
Grade - 11th
Parents - Claudia Mejia
Emerson Mejia is that student who everyone wants to see. He is always well mannered and pleasant to be around. When
walking down the hall Emerson will stop and speak to adults and shake their hands. Emerson has faced a great deal of
obstacles in his lifetime. He came to the United States while in middle school and has been successful despite facing
language and cultural barriers. His work ethic is amazing and even though he is provided with accommodations due to his
language, he refuses to use these in class because, as he has stated, he will not be able to use these in life. Emerson is one of
the most mature young students we have in school. Although many students and adults do not know about his tremendous
character, Emerson is a role model for all of us at Corinth Holders High School.
School - Dixon Road Elementary
Principal - Dawn Alligood
Student - Austin Minacapelli
Grade - 4th
Parents - Cristian and Valeria Minacapelli
Austin Minacapelli is the Dixon Road Elementary student who best exemplifies the character trait of Integrity. Austin can
always be counted on to do what is right, even when there is no one around to see it. He consistently demonstrates to others
what it means to have integrity. One day during class another student accidentally fell out of his chair. While other students
began to laugh, Austin's immediate response was to go to the student, help him up, and ask if he was alright, (without even
noticing that he was being watched). Another way he demonstrates integrity is by always showing respect for his peers as
well as adults. Austin has a caring heart and always strives to do the right thing even when it isn't popular or cool. He is a
shining example of integrity!
3/22/12
> Benson Elementary – Lions Club Partners with Fourth Graders for Arbor Day
Benson Elementary - Lions Club Partners with Fourth Graders for Arbor Day
Thanks to the Lions Club of Benson, fourth grade students at
Benson Elementary were able to celebrate Arbor Day by
planting a long leaf pine tree seedling to take home. Students
enjoyed taking an active role in improving the environment.
3/22/12
> Corinth Holders Elementary – WRAL Reads Across America
Corinth Holders Elementary - WRAL Reads Across America
During the week of March 5-9, CHES
celebrated Read Across America (RAA)
Week! Students and staff enjoyed a dress up
day each day of the week based on a
different Dr. Seuss book. Classes competed
against each other to see who could read the
most books and pass AR tests! Teachers
competed to see who could read the most
books aloud to their class and also who
could guess Dr. Seuss facts that were read
over the announcements! One of our
favorite activities throughout the week was
our guest readers. We appreciate the time
that was given to us by Dr. Croom, county
leaders and board members, parents, Muddy
the Mudcat, and Debra Morgan from
WRAL. Ms. Morgan was even kind enough
to ask her station to put our pictures on the
air later that night and next morning! We
truly enjoyed all of these readers!
3/22/12
> Micro-Pine Level Elementary – February Characters
Micro-Pine Level Elementary - February Characters
Micro-Pine Level Elementary students chosen for February character trait "Fairness" are
3/22/12
> Four Oaks Middle –Art Stamps 2011 National Presidential Choice Award
Four Oaks Middle -ArtStamps 2011 National Presidential Choice Award
Four Oaks Middle School partners with ArtStamps.com in sharing the artwork of Four Oaks Middle School
students. ArtStamps.com is a web site which receives thousands of pieces of artwork from across the
world. ArtStamps.com's goal is to continually encourage students and help boast their confidence and self-esteem in regards
to their artistic talent.
David Norris, a Four Oaks Middle student, has been selected as one of
ArtStamps 2011 National Presidential Choice Award winners. As a Presidential
winner, David will receive a plated frame to display his artwork and a $15.00
gift certificate to ArtStamps.com. David's artwork will be featured on
ArtStamps.com's website under Presidential winners.
In addition, Kayla Girouard was selected as an Honorable Mention winner for
the 2011 National Artistic Achievement Award. Kayla will receive a plated
frame to proudly display her artwork and a $15 gift certificate to
ArtStamps.com. Kayla's artwork will be featured on ArtStamps.com's main
page.
David Norris, Kayla Girouard, Peggy Westmoreland (art teacher)
3/22/12
> McGee’s Crossroads Elementary School – Community Career Day!
McGee's Crossroads Elementary School - Community Career Day!
McGee's Elementary School had a successful Career Day March 9, 2012 featuring many parents, friends, local agencies and
state agencies. They presented and shared their job and responsibilities. This is an annual event and the students love being
involved and enjoy hearing from participants about their jobs. The goal was to give students ideas and goals to perhaps
plan for their future. Ms. Kara Lillie organized the event and the McGee's school family had a great day hearing from the
professionals.
left to right
Front row: Anna Stephenson,Laura Rogers,Monique Neal,Susan Howell, Nichole Leonard, Samantha Aguina, Oliva Jordan,
Amy Davis, Geoffert Flegel, Nichole Hendren, Laurel Lane
Back row: Donita Courtney, Bryan Barbour, Sherrill, Wilson, Karen Morrow, Cpt. Patrick Brozowski, Ryan Holden,Sammie
Gary, Vickie Hopkins, Phil Haverdink, Gary Phillips
Not pictured: Jeff DeSmet, Terry Sotolongo, David Lama, David Lanning
3/22/12
> North Johnston High - ESPN Triangle & Coastal Federal Credit Union March Scholar Athlete
North Johnston High - ESPN Triangle & Coastal Federal Credit Union March Scholar Athlete
Meredith Johnson is a junior at North
Johnston High School. She is a tri-athlete as
she participates on the Volleyball,
Basketball and Softball teams. Meredith has
been described as having a "servants heart"
as she volunteers and is involved in her
church youth group and mission work. She
is a member of the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes and the Honors Chorus group. She
stays busy and still maintains a 4.12 grade
point average. Congratulations, Meredith!
Coastal Federal Credit Union and ESPN
Triangle proudly honor this month's Scholar
Athletes. On behalf of more than 150,000
members, Coastal's President and CEO
Larry Wilson represents Coastal and its
Senior Management Team in presenting a
$400 check each, in each winner's name to
their respective High Schools.
Each month during the 2011-2012 school
year, two worthy winners will receive on-air
recognition and a commemorative plaque. Additionally, Coastal Federal Credit Union will grant a $400 scholarship to both of
their schools in their honor. There is no cost for participation in this program.
For more information, please contact Brian Maloney at ESPN Triangle.
3/22/12
> RDE celebrated 2012 Read Across America
RDE celebrated 2012 Read Across America by inviting
parents, community and political leaders to our school
as quest readers for K-1st grades.
3/14/12
> Four Oaks Middle – NCDOT Region 2 Bridge Building Champs!
Four Oaks Middle - NCDOT Region 2 Bridge Building Champs!
Students from across the state displayed their best math, critical-thinking and presentation skills today in the quest to become
finalists in the N.C. Department of Transportation's Model Bridge Building Competition.
About 250 students participated in the four regional contests. Each team was judged on a written report, oral presentation,
design drawing and the structural efficiency of the model.
Four Oaks Middle won the competition for our region. Their school sponsor is teacher, Richard Warren.
The 2012 Regional Model Bridge Competition winners are:
Middle School High School
Clarkton School of Discovery
East Bladen High
Clarkton, Bladen County Elizabethtown, Bladen County
Four Oaks Middle School
Franklin Academy
Four Oaks, Johnston County
Wake Forest, Wake County
Highfalls School
Highfalls, Moore County
North Moore High
Robbins, Moore County
Polk Middle School Enka High School
Mill Springs, Polk County Candler, Buncombe County
These winners will compete at the statewide level on Friday, April 20 at the NCDOT Transportation Building Auditorium in
downtown Raleigh.
Winning schools at each level in the statewide competition will receive cash prizes donated by Carolina's Associated General
Contractors.
The competition was designed to create greater awareness of careers in the transportation industry and the services it
provides. While emphasizing mathematics and science skills, the competition also gives students the opportunity to develop
problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, research and oral presentation abilities.
"The contest required students to use a number of skills that are in high demand for good careers," said Moore County career
and technical education teacher Janet Dunn, who coached both a high school and middle school team.
For more information about the competition, please contact Gail Herring in Human Resources at (919) 707-4442 or via email
at [email protected]. To learn more about the program, visit the website at http://www.ncdot.gov/about/kids/BridgeComp/.
Bottom Row- (L to R) Gregory McIntyre, Cameron Kirsch, Carter Beal
2nd row- (L to R) Will Swinyer, Tyra Critchley, Alton Cain, Brandon Selleck
3rd row- (L to R) Elizabeth Evans, Jarred Lee, Ethan Baker
Top Row- (L to R) Richard Warren (teacher), Jonathon Wise, Pablo Alonso, Chris Verreen (student teacher)
3/14/12
> Second Annual JCS ESL/MEP Family Conference
On Saturday, January 28, 2012, Johnston County Schools
ESL/MEP Program sponsored its Second Annual Family
Conference at the A.G.Glenn Building. Ana Sanders,
Director of ESL/MEP, hosted the event organized by
Louise Majeski, JCS Migrant Education Student Advocate.
A welcoming address encouraging parents to be involved in
their children's education was given by Dr. Rodney
Peterson, Executive Director of Support Services. The
keynote speaker was Gladys Madauss. Ms. Madauss is a
teacher in Wake County. She gave an extremely
motivational speech entitled "Finding Your Passion,
Following Your Dream …The story of How a Salvadoran
Became the 2006 Wake County Teacher of the Year." This
speech was all the more inspiring because it is the true story
of Ms. Madauss's life.
In addition, there were several workshops for the
participants to choose from. The workshops varied from
"The New Common Core Standards" to "Ways to Conserve
Energy at Home." Besides the workshops, there were several exhibits set up by community outreach organizations such as
Partnership for Children and Johnston County Health Department. All of the exhibitors provided our Hispanic families
valuable information about their services. During this event CommWell Health offered free dental and health screenings
which many people took advantage of.
All in all, this was a very well attended and worthwhile event.
3/14/12
> Four Oaks Middle – Teacher Receives N&O Newspapers in Education Grant – Pods of News
Four Oaks Middle - Teacher Receives N&O Newspapers in Education Grant - Pods of News
On Friday, March 09, 2012, Richard Warren, social studies teacher
at Four Oaks Middle received a check for $490 to facilitate his project,
"Pods of News". Student will use iPods and a classroom iPad in a
"Current Events" learning station to keep up with events posted in the
news. Mr. Warren received the grant from the "News and Observer"
Newspapers in Education program. NIE is a great program for
teachers and students. NIE supports literacy by providing free access
to the e-edition of The News & Observer to all schools in North
Carolina.
The Newspaper in Education program is a cooperative effort of
newspapers and thousands of schools in the U.S., Canada and other
nations where the newspapers is used as a tool of instruction.
Publishers provide copies of their newspapers to schools, sponsor
teacher education programs, offer instructional resource materials
and generally help schools develop newspaper use for student learning.
Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/nie/#storylink=cpy
3/12/12
> West Johnston High – 2012 Junior Marshalls Announced
West Johnston High - 2012 Junior Marshalls Announced
West Johnston High School is pleased to announce the
2012 Junior Marshalls. The top 30 students in the Junior
class are Justin Coor (Lead Marshal), Savannah Bryant,
Emily Engeman, Shannon Bolyard, Whitney Gulvin, Justin
Harker, Jennifer Jones, Erin Pender, Alexander May, Don
Byrd, Hannah Covey, Jacob Motley, Aaron Turner, Dylan
Gooch, Maria Chavez, Hunter Hudson, Robert List,
Kendall Nelms, Kayla Phillips, Eboni Robinson, Antonio
Ceras-Lucas, Rachel Thomas, Morgan Boyles, Richard
Joyner, Jaimee Judd, Jordan Kirkpatrick, Kevin Smith,
Kaleigh Allen, Scott Freeman, Kendall Gagne.
3/12/12
> Smithfield Selma High - Student-Athletes Lend a Helping Hand
Smithfield Selma High - Student-Athletes Lend a Helping Hand
Smithfield-Selma High School student-athletes from
all athletic teams participated in a fundraiser to raise
money for two local charities: Smithfield Rescue
Mission and the Boys of Girls Club of Selma. To
raise money, students held a pancake breakfast at
Applebee's of Smithfield on January 28th. By
working hard to sell tickets and helping make the
breakfast a success by serving patrons, cleaning
tables, etc., these students were able to raise $1,200,
giving $600 to each organization. Both Smithfield
Rescue Mission and Boys and Girls Club serve such
a great need in our community. The SSS studentathletes were excited to do something to help these
organizations fulfill their mission.
left to right
First Row Zach Taylor, Michael Williams, Erica
Thomas, and Cassie Creech
Second Row: Drew Mustgrave, Montrel Shepherd,
Cannon West, Bennett Johnson, Megan Hurt, TJ Brown, Taylor Hamilton, Josh Harper
3/12/12
> Selma Elementary – First Place in Elementary Battle of the Books!
Selma Elementary - First Place in Elementary Battle of the Books!
Selma Elementary School won the
Elementary Battle of the Books competition
March 2nd. Their team of fourth and fifth
graders read 18 novels from the North
Carolina Elementary Battle of the Books list
and answered questions from all of these
novels. After the day long
competition against other Elementary Teams
from Johnston County Schools, the Selma
Elementary Team earned the most
points and became the Elementary Battle of
the Books champions! The team was
coached by the school's media coordinator,
Leta Woodall, and fifth grade teachers,
Amanda Gosek and Makenzie Manard.
Left to Right: Vanessa Acosta, Sofia TolosaRamirez, Izabella Holland, Alexia
Bojorquez, Gabriela Juarez, Kailey Rea,
Ernesto Salinas, Madie Woodall, Edgar
Blanco, Jeremiah Wallace, Ella Jordan
3/12/12
> Micro Pine Level Elementary – College and Career Day Draws Campbell University Dean
Micro Pine Level Elementary - College and Career Day Draws Campbell University Dean
Micro-Pine Level Elementary School recently hosted its
annual 'Career Day'. Pictured with Campbell University's
Dean of the School of Education, Dr. Karen Nery, are students
from Emily Coggins' third grade class. Dr. Nery is also the
mother of Micro-Pine Level's school counselor, Abby
Stephenson.
3/12/12
> Smithfield Selma High - 2012 Miss Smithfield-Selma High School Crowned
Smithfield Selma High - 2012 Miss Smithfield-Selma High School Crowned
Lily Faulconer, daughter of Lindy and Johna Faulconer of Smithfield, was crowned Miss Smithfield-Selma High School on
February 17. Lily is a sophomore at Smithfield-Selma High where she is a varsity tennis player, varsity cheerleader and
Projects Director of the Class of 2014. Lily also is a member of the Science Club and serves as chair of the environmental
committee. When asked about her win, she said, "I am so blessed and honored to have been chosen Miss Smithfield-Selma
High! I am excited that I will be able to serve as an advocate for all the great things we have going on at Triple S."
The pageant, directed by Smithfield-Selma High School alumnus Heather Daughtry McLamb, was made possible by the
generous donations of area businesses. Artistry in Motion owner and Smithfield-Selma alumnus Brooke Whitfield
choreographed the event. Lily was crowned by Miss North Carolina High School Victoria Baskett assisted by SmithfieldSelma Homecoming Queen Aleiyah Sanders.
As Miss Smithfield-Selma High School, Lily plans to devote her time and energy to promoting and representing the school at
various functions held throughout the community and completing community service projects. She is currently working on a
fundraising project for the school and is interested in speaking with any SSS reunion groups. Those interested are welcome to
contact Lily via email at [email protected]. The faculty and staff of SSHS are confident that Lily will
represent the school well in the coming year.
Lily Faulconer is crowned by Miss NC High
School Victoria Baskett with the assistance of
Smithfield-Selma Homecoming Queen Aleiyah
Sanders.
3/12/12
> Smithfield Middle School – Staff Present Leadership Academy Concept at National Conference
Smithfield Middle School - Staff Present Leadership Academy Concept at National Conference
Amy Jespersen and Kimberly Presutti, Smithfield Selma Middle school counselors, were invited to present at the 24th
Annual At-Risk Youth Conference in South Carolina. The topic of this presentation was Leadership Academy: Empowering
At-Risk Youth with Positive Interventions. Jespersen & Presutti started working on a leadership program in 2010 as a
response to the dropout prevention efforts in Johnston County. The goal of this program was to increase academic
performance, attendance, and positive behavior through leadership opportunities, service-learning, and student accountability.
As a result of the continued effort, Ms. Jespersen & Ms. Presutti have seen tremendous increases in attitude, effort, and
achievement. Dropout Prevention Coordinator, Joe Eno, states, "Smithfield Middle School had no dropouts in 2010-2011;
this is the first time in at least the last five years that Smithfield Middle had no dropouts. He states, "It is because of
leadership, staff teamwork, and programs like this that we reach our struggling students." Eno sat in on the counselors'
conference presentation and remarked on the enthusiastic response they received from participants.
left to right
Kimberly Presutti and Amy Jespersen
3/06/12
> Dixon Road Elementary – Jumping Jumpers!
Dixon Road Elementary - Jumping Jumpers!
Dixon Road Elementary School Physical
Education teacher Tiffany Carroll and
Classroom teacher Ashley Lawson worked with
a group of 23 4th and 5th grades this year to
create the Jumping Dragonflies, and fabulous
jump rope team at our school. This team of
students performed at other schools and also put
on several performances at Dixon Road,
encouraging other students to increase their
physical activity and promoting Heart
Health. Students practiced twice a week after
school to learn complicated skills,
demonstrating character traits like perseverance,
responsibility, and integrity.
3/06/12
> February is Career Technology Education Month (CTE) – JCS Success Stories
February was Career Technology Education Month (CTE) - JCS Success Stories
Princeton High FFA
On Feb. 2 Daniel Kornegay of the
Princeton FFA Chapter won 2nd place
in the State FFA Tractor Operator's
Competition held at the Southern
Farm Show in Raleigh. He also
placed 1st in the East Central Region
FFA and 1st in the Johnston FFA
Federation Tractor Competitions.
3/06/12
> Read Across America Celebrated Across Johnston County
Read Across America Celebrated Across Johnston County
Sheriff Steve Bizzell, JCS Board of
Education member Keith Branch, Chief
Academic Officer Kim Wellons, and
Superintendent Dr. Ed Croom made
their rounds from Princeton
Elementary to other schools to join in
the annual "Read Across America"
celebration. Students enjoyed guest
readers on March 2.
Read Across America is an annual
reading motivation and awareness
program that calls for every child in
every community to celebrate reading
on March 2, the birthday of beloved
children's author Dr. Seuss.
NEA's Read Across America also
provides NEA members, parents,
caregivers, and children the resources
and activities they need to keep
reading on the calendar 365 days a
year.
In cities and towns across the nation, teachers, teenagers, librarians, politicians, actors, athletes, parents,
grandparents, and others develop NEA's Read Across America activities to bring reading excitement to
children of all ages. Governors, mayors, and other elected officials recognize the role reading plays in their
communities with proclamations and floor statements. Athletes and actors issue reading challenges to young
readers. And teachers and principals seem to be more than happy to dye their hair green or be duct-taped
to a wall if it boosts their students' reading.
3/06/12
> Johnston County Celebrates Loves The Bus Month
Love the Bus Month
(from http://www.americanschoolbus
council.org/love-the-bus/love-thebus)
Love the Bus is ASBC's ongoing
campaign to raise awareness and
appreciation for the hundreds of
thousands of school bus drivers who
safely transport children to and from
school.
School bus drivers have made the
Yellow School Bus the largest and
safest transportation system in the
country and are deserving of our thanks. By understanding the value of student transportation to our
education system, Love the Bus promotes the idea that every person involved in our schools is critical to our
children's success.
While Love the Bus in an ongoing campaign, every February ASBC and schools across America take time out
to celebrate Love the Bus month. Students can participate by sharing stories about their favorite bus drivers
and making interactive Valentine's cards to email or print and give to their bus driver. Educators can
download the Love the Bus toolkit, which provides resources for implementing a comprehensive program in
your school. ASBC hopes to make February a month where parents, students, educators, and administrators
all show their appreciation for those responsible for getting our children safely to and from school every
single day.
3/06/12
> South Johnston High – SkillsUSA and FFA Deliver Love!
South Johnston High - SkillsUSA and FFA Deliver Love!
South Johnston FFA and SkillsUSA members
partnered to deliver flowers on Valentine's Day
to the residents of Liberty Commons Nursing
and Rehabilitation Center and McLamb's Rest
Home. The clubs worked together to make
approximately 150 floral arrangements that
were personally delivered to each resident by
chapter members.
3/06/12
> Wilson's Mills Elementary School Staff celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with students!
Wilson's Mills Elementary School Staff celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with students!
3/06/12
> JCS Elementary Spelling Bee
JCS Elementary Spelling Bee
The JCS Junior Spelling Bee was held on March 1, 2012 at
Selma Elementary Auditorium. 23 students from our
elementary schools (including Benson
Middle) participated. This event is held to prepare elementary
students for the experience of the middle school competition
held each year.
Winners (L to R):
1st Place: Olivia Jarvis, Corinth-Holders Elementary, 5th grade
- winning word, rotunda
2nd Place: Peter McNoldy, West View Elementary, 4th grade
3rd Place: Edgar Blanco, Selma Elementary, 5th grade
3/06/12
> Harold McDonald helps PMHS Band Program
News Release: re: Harold McDonald helps
PMHS Band Program.
Harold McDonald: Number One Band
Backer
Once again Harold McDonald has proven that
he is the Princeton Middle High School Band
Program's Number One Band Backer. On
Saturday, March 3, the Bulldog Band Backers
held their annual Bingo Night at Princeton
Middle High School. At Bingo Night, prizes
donated from local businesses and individuals
are given to the winners of each Bingo
game. For the past two years, Mr. McDonald,
has collected many of these prizes from the
local community.
"It is so refreshing to see a community member so involved and deeply concerned with supporting the
school. We love Harold and we know that he loves the Princeton Band and Princeton Middle High
School. If there is an athletic event, Harold is usually there, cheering the Bulldogs on. When I begin
band camp in August, Harold is excited about the band's show for the coming year. Harold is an
example for all members of the community to follow. Our public schools are and should be one of the
main focuses of the community. We really appreciate all of Mr. McDonald's help." Bobby Heller,
Princeton High School Band Director.
3/06/12
> March 4-10 is School Social Work Week 2012
March 4-10 is School Social Work Week 2012
The week of March 4-10 has been
designated as School Social Work Week
2012. This observance serves to recognize
the outstanding contributions made to the
education of our youth by School Social
Workers in Johnston County, in North
Carolina, and across the Nation.
Etta Marett, Lead School Social Worker
said, "School Social Workers are the link
between home, school, and community. As
members of the school's education team,
School Social Workers promote and support
students' academic, emotional, and s ocial
success. School Social Workers act as a key
link between families, schools, and the
community at large."
Johnston County has 13 School Social
Workers ─ 12 in the Student Services
Department and one Title I-funded position,
based at Selma Elementary School ─ who
serve over 32,000 students. The School
Social Workers provide direct services to
families, act as a liaison with community agencies, and provide consultation to administrators, teachers and parents. In
addition, School Social Workers address the needs of students with disabilities to ensure that they have a safe and nurturing
learning environment.
According to Marett, Lead School Social Worker, "School Social Workers play an ever-increasing role in the lives of
children and families in Johnston County Schools. They help address any existing family problems, such as truancy, abuse or
neglect, homelessness, lack of food and clothing, teen pregnancy, or substance abuse." Marett said, "Working with parents,
grandparents, teachers, principals, and other school officials, they strive to foster an environment conducive to student
achievement."
For many families, the School Social Worker is an important link in navigating the numerous departments in the school
district and navigating the service delivery system in the local community agencies. They access needed resources to help
children reach their full potential. Addie Davenport, School Social Worker, with 32 years of experience, said "School Social
Workers are change agents helping students and parents see that every day is a new beginning and a fresh start."
As a result of the intensive work of School Social Workers, the climate of the school is enhanced and academic achievement
shows gains. Children and families are directed to the appropriate services to meet their individual needs and communication
between all stakeholders improves. Davenport said, "Children are likely to feel valued and are more likely to strive to meet
their academic and social goals. In short, the School Social Worker's job is to eliminate barriers to learning so students can be
successful in school."
For more information contact:
Etta Marett, Lead School Social Worker, 934-8979, ext. 176
Dr. Oliver Johnson, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services 934-1017 ext. 779