TO:
NC Public School Principals
FROM: State Superintendent June Atkinson
DATE: April 16, 2015
Many of you have requested information that you can share with students and parents
regarding the new 10-point grade scale scheduled to be implemented statewide in high
schools this fall. The new scale is a local option for students in grades K-8. A letter from
me to high school parents for the fall of 2015 was sent to you earlier this week/WHEN
and a one-page flier describing this new scale and its impact on students is online
WHERE. Although this change was prompted by significant levels of requests from
parents and others in the state, it is always important to make sure that high school
students and parents understand how students are graded and what the performance
expectations include. Thank you for sharing the flier and my letter with students who will
attend high school this fall.
Regards,
June Atkinson
In this Biweekly Principals’ Message:
1. What the Best North Carolina Teachers Do: A Video Series
2. Ashe County High School Teacher is 2015 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Teacher
of the Year
3. New Resource for Parents on 21st Century Learning and Citizenship
4. Save the Date: STEM Conference Scheduled for October
* What the Best North Carolina Teachers Do: A Video Series - Want insight into the
strategies and techniques that award-winning North Carolina teachers use in their
classrooms? The video series, “What the Best North Carolina Teachers Do,” provides
you with these insights, straight from the teachers themselves! District, regional and
state Teachers of the Year were asked about what makes them successful and their
students soar. Among the topics addressed in the series are:
- differentiation;
- classroom organization;
- “hooking” reluctant learners; and
- advice for new teachers and much more!
To find out more about the project and view the interviews, just participate in the minimodule through Home Base or visit the project website at http://rt3nc.org/ncvideo. If you
are interested in sharing your best practices, please contact Educator Effectiveness
Web Manager Andrew Horne at andrew.horne@dpi.nc.gov.
* Ashe County High School Teacher is 2015 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC
Teacher of the Year - Congratulations to Ashe County High School (Ashe County
Schools) English teacher Keana Triplett who last week was named the 2015 Burroughs
Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year.
In announcing this year’s recipient, State Superintendent June Atkinson said Triplett
finds her teaching rewards in the success of her students. “Keana wants to be the
catalyst for her students’ success in life. By getting to know her students individually,
she is able to meet them where they are and lead them to where they want to go.”
In accepting the award, Triplett said she wants her greatest contribution as an
educator to be “showing students they are loved, valued and worthy.” She said,
“Outstanding teachers know their students. They understand how each student learns
and responds appropriately. They set high expectations then provide challenging,
rigorous and relevant learning activities so students are engaged learners – not
apathetic learners.”
Congratulations also to the other regional finalists:
• Region 1: Jami Dickerson, Eastern Elementary (Pitt County Schools);
• Region 2: Joshua Gaskill, Pamlico County High (Pamlico County Schools);
• Region 3: Jeremy Tucker, James B. Hunt High (Wilson County Schools);
• Region 4: Mariel Barker Sellars, East Columbus High (Columbus County Schools);
• Region 5: JoAnna Massoth, Chatham Middle (Chatham County Schools);
• Region 6: Jennifer Whitley, Forest Hills High (Union County Schools);
• Region 8: Randy Pressley, Tuscola High (Haywood County Schools); and
• Charter Schools: Elizabeth Padgett, Lake Norman Charter (Mecklenburg County).
* New Resource for Parents on 21st Century Learning and Citizenship - P21 has
created a free digital toolkit to help parents support their learners in becoming 21st
century leaders and citizens. The three-part toolkit was developed with National PTA as
a family engagement advisor, and provides an overview of 21st century learning and
how citizenship has changed in a digitally and globally connected world, tips and
strategies for families, and real world examples of 21st century learning in action. Find
out more at www.P21.org/Parents
* Save the Date: STEM Conference Scheduled for October - The Fourth Annual
Bridging the Gap Conference will be held Oct. 27-28 at the McKimmon Center, Raleigh.
This K-16 STEM Education Conference will enable participants to share ideas,
resources, and innovative strategies with educators, business leaders, government
officials and others who play a role in STEM education. Presenter and poster
application process is now open. Applications details are online at
bridgingthegapnc.com/presenters.