This week included multiple meetings and school visits. I want to thank the administration and staff at Briarcliff Elementary, Kingswood Elementary, Reedy Creek Middle, Northwoods Elementary, Cary Elementary, and Adams Elementary. It was an honor to see these schools, staff, and students in action. From robotics, snakes, gingerbread houses, hand painting, and movement breaks to creative writing, these schools are doing amazing things. The positive impact on students is powerful. I appreciate all the work being done. Thank you!
I'm thrilled to announce a new signup! I spoke with WCPSS staff about a way for families to receive notification of upcoming board meetings. I'm very appreciative as they responded quickly. Here is the link to sign up. This is a great way to stay informed and encourage more communication and collaboration.
On Monday, December 14th, we had two meetings: the Student Achievement Committee Meeting and the Special Called Work Session.
Student Achievement Committee Meeting 12/14
- You can watch the entire meeting here.
- Staff provided an overview of School Improvement Plans. To view the presentation, visit this link and to view some additional notes on the presentation click here.
Special Called Work Session 12/14
- The video of the meeting can be viewed at this link.
- Staff presented an update and proposal to the Board including a review of the established consideration that are informing district decisions: New and/or additional information or Executive Orders from the Governor, collaboration with and learnings from state/local health officials and the ABC Science Collaborative, and monitoring implementation of our district's current plan and programming. Dr. Benjamin from the ABC Science Collaborative also presented information. The presentation can be found here.
- There was discussion about staffing concerns and ways to address those concerns including the following: reaching out to current substitute teachers, collaborating with community members wanting to help, and considering if we need a creative sub recruitment plan.
- EOCs and CTE Assessments were addressed as well. Families may submit a request for a medical exemption. They can also delay taking the exams until 2nd semester (by the end of June). The scores count for 20% of grade; however, the scores will be curved, if needed, so the student's class grade is not harmed by the score.
On Tuesday, December 15th, we had two meetings: the Work Session and Board Meeting.
Work Session 12/15
- The meeting can be viewed here.
- The Office of Student Assignment presented an additional year-round application school for families assigned to a portion of the Wakefield Middle School base attendance area. To view the presentation, click here.
- Superintendent Moore and staff presented information related to WCPSS return to in-person instruction. Please note: WCPSS will be hiring 13 additional contracted staff to assist with contract tracing, confirming positive cases, call center, and data assistance. In addition, staff provided information about the Virtual Academy registration numbers for the second semester. The presentation can be viewed here.
Board Meeting 12/15
- Video of the meeting is here.
- Policy 1610 Professional Learning was approved. Revisions reflect changes in WCPSS practice and philosophy regarding professional learning as well as updates made by the NC School Boards Association. The policy can be viewed at this link
- Policy 1710 Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying was approved. Revisions reflect recent major court decisions regarding the rights of transgender employees and students. The policy can be viewed here.
- Policy 7100 Selection and Recruitment of Personnel was approved. Revisions reflect recent major court decisions regarding the rights of transgender employees and students. The policy can be read here.
- A revised Single Track 4 Calendar for 2nd Semester was approved. The revised calendar allows for a short summer vacation prior to the start of the 2021-2022 multi-track year-round school year. The calendar can be found at this link.
- A pause to in-person instruction between January 4-15th was approved based on widespread staffing concerns. The Board was informed that, since Thanksgiving, it's been increasingly difficult to operate schools because of the increase in staff absences due to quarantine and not having enough substitutes accept the jobs. The intent of the two-week pause is to support a strong beginning to 2nd semester as planned. The presentation can be viewed here.
On Wednesday, December 16th, we had a Safety and Security Committee Meeting.
Safety and Security Committee Meeting 12/16
- You can watch the meeting at this link.
- Staff provided a summary of the Fall 2020 School Resource Officer/Bike Patrol Officer Survey results from parents, staff, students, and community members. This presentation can be viewed here.
- Staff provided a high-level overview of Restorative Practices and Peacebuilders. To view the presentation click here.
As we begin our winter break soon, I want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays. I hope you all take time to relax and stay safe.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at kcarter3@wcpss.net.
