D9 Connection

I kicked off my week at Green Hope High for the first day of traditional school. Prior to the school bell ringing, there was a wide variety of activities--a senior parade, the band playing, cheerleaders, dance team, volunteers with sweet treats, and more. I enjoyed seeing so many students excited to be back. On Wednesday, I headed to the WakeMed Cross Country Course in Cary to watch some fantastic Cary, Green Hope, Green Level, Holly Springs, and Willow Spring High student athletes compete. On Friday, I visited Cary Elementary. It was great to see students plotting coordinates to create designs, having a discussion about kindness, and all the amazing student artwork. This week as a Board, we had one meeting: Student Achievement Committee. At the Monday, August 23rd Student Achievement Meeting: Glen Carrozza, Senior Director, Student Assignment, provided background information and data and facilitated a Board discussion about the history, current status, and possible future vision for y...

On Monday, I started the week with a D9 Connection Meeting. On Thursday, I visited Salem Middle and Salem Elementary. It was wonderful to see the amazing staff and students. Later on Thursday, I attended an ASCD webinar: What Matters Most as a New School Year Begins with Carol Ann Tomlinson. To learn more about the webinar, click here . On Saturday, I will close out my week at Green Hope Elementary at a fun Beautification Day.  This week as a Board we had three meetings: Finance Committee, Work Session, and Board Meeting. At the Tuesday, August 17th Finance Committee: Mark Winters, Finance Officer, presented a detailed overview of the WCPSS Employee Benefits. To view the presentation, use this link . David Neter, Chief Business Officer, provided an overview of the currently proposed State Senate and House Budgets. Click here to access the presentation.  Use this link to watch the recording of the August 17th Finance Committee. At the Tuesday, August 17th Work Session: Dr. Co...

On Tuesday, I met with Joey Huot to learn more about the Fayetteville Marksmen's opportunities for our students: College and Career Fair, School Day Game, and various Performance and Spirit Nights. Later on Tuesday, I attended the Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) virtual film screening and community conversation about "To Serve and Protect." To learn more about the event, click here . On Wednesday, I attended the Cary Chamber of Commerce 2021 Leadership Dinner. On Saturday, I will be wrapping up my week at Northwoods Elementary Beautification Day. This week as a Board, we had one meeting: Facilities Committee. At the Wednesday, August 11th Facilities Committee Meeting: Douglas Congdon, Facilities Design and Construction, Program Executive; presented an update that included projects completed in the last two years, projects in progress, and projects specific to the FY22 Appropriation. On Monday, August 16th, this presentation will be provided to the Wake County Bo...

On Sunday, I hosted a D9 Connection Meeting. On Thursday, I attended the Summer Writing Slam! for Session 2 students. The students did an outstanding job sharing their powerful creations. On Friday, I visited Adams Elementary. There were so many great activities happening from acting out a story, reading a story, designing a house, celebrating the achievement of a class goal in math, and more. This week as a Board, we had two meetings: Work Session and Board Meeting. At the Tuesday, August 3rd Work Session: Mr. Koh, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services; Dr. Benjamin, ABC Science Collaborative; and Dr. Mushonga, Wake County Public Health; shared WCPSS priorities being considered, the NC DHHS and CDC guidance, current vaccination data, COVID-19 trends in NC and Wake County, insights from the ABC Science Collaborative and Wake County Public Health, and their recommendation for face coverings for students and staff. During the session, I asked multiple questions seeking clarificat...