D9 Connection

On Tuesday, I visited Adams Elementary and was able to observe a fantastic Artist in Schools event- Number Drummer. Troy Kryzalka did an amazing job motivating the students and showing the connections between math and music in ways that had students (and Principal Hegedus) rocking out with cowbells, trash cans, and drum sticks! On Thursday, I visited Cary High School for the S.H.E.D. (student hands-on experience day) competition. The students' work did not stop even in the rain.  Thursday evening, I attended the Celebration of Teaching Excellence for WCPSS' new and renewed National Board Certified Teachers. I was also able to cheer on the Cary High Women's Lacrosse Team during their game against Middle Creek. At the Tuesday, March 22nd Joint Board of Education and County Commissioners Meeting: David Neter, Chief Business Officer, provided an update on WCPSS' use of pandemic relief funds. To access the presentation, click here . David Ellis, County Manager, provided an ...

 On Sunday, I hosted a D9 Connection Meeting.  This week as a Board, we had four meetings: Finance Committee, Work Session, Swearing-In Ceremony for the new District 4 Representative, and Board Meeting. At the Tuesday, March 15th Finance Committee Meeting: David Neter, Chief Business Officer, provided an update on the District's use of COVID funding. To access the presentation, click here . Please note that on slide 24, there are links to the six previous updates on the District's use of COVID Funding. To watch the recording of the March 15th Finance Committee Meeting, use this link . At the Tuesday, March 15th Work Session: Drew Cook, Assistant Superintendent for Academics; and Lauren Acome, Director, Online Learning; provided an update on the Virtual Academy including the implications of SB 654 and other key factors to be considered in the development of any long-range plans for virtual programming for the 2023-2024 school year and beyond. Click here to view their pr...

On Monday, I visited Ms. Wilcox's class at Leesville Road Middle School. I had a wonderful time answering the students' questions. On Thursday, I attended the Summer Writing Institute Book Release Party at So & So Books in Raleigh. Congratulations to the writers and artists! On Friday, I will be attending Cary High School's Musical: Little Shop of Horrors. On Saturday, I will be attending the Cary Classic hosted by Cary High's NJROTC. Saturday night, I will be attending Salem Middle School's Spring Musical: Beauty and the Beast Jr. This week as a Board, we had two meetings: Facilities Committee and Special Called Board Meeting. At the Wednesday, March 9th Facilities Committee Meeting: Marcella Rorie, Senior Director, Long Range Planning; presented the 2022-23 Facility Utilization Report (FUR). To view the presentation, click here . Douglas Congdon, Program Executive; Facilities Design and Construction; provided an update on the 2022 Existing School Renovation/Re...

On Monday, I hosted a D9 Connection Meeting. On Wednesday, I attended Pieces of Gold and visited the gallery showcasing the Gifts of Gold. Congratulations to all the student performers and students whose artwork was selected for the gallery. The dancing, singing, music, and artwork were all amazing! Thank you to all the teachers, school staff, families, and volunteers for making these events possible and for supporting the arts! On Friday, I participated in the Read Across America Event at Combs Elementary. I was also able to visit the garden area and the chicken coop. Thank you to Mrs. McDowell-Ponce's terrific third grade class! This week as a Board, we had five meetings: Student Achievement Committee, Finance Committee, Work Session, Board Meeting, and Special Called Board Meeting. At the Monday, February 28th Student Achievement Committee Meeting: Eric Fitts, Senior Director, Middle School Programs; and Freddie-Lee Heath, Director, Arts; provided an update on the District's...

On Wednesday, I attended the Virtual Public Information Session for the Board of Education Redistricting (voting districts). On Friday, I visited Apex Elementary and participated in their 3rd Annual African-American Read-In Event. I enjoyed reading to Ms. Bornes' wonderful 5th grade class. Later on Friday, I attended Middle Creek High School's awesome Big Fish Performance. What a fantastic job by the students, volunteers, and director-Ms. Garrett. This week as a Board, we had two meetings: Policy Committee and Special Called Meeting. At the Tuesday, February 22nd Policy Committee Meeting: Paul Koh, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services, presented Board Policy 4125: Students Experiencing Homelessness (Students in Transition) as a revised policy. Revisions reflect updates made by the North Carolina School Boards Association and by the WCPSS attorney review. This revised policy will be presented for first reading at a future Board Meeting. To review the revised po...

On Sunday, I hosted a D9 Connection Meeting. On Wednesday, I attended the NCDHHS COVID-19 Fireside Chat & Tele-town Hall: Vaccines, Boosters, Health Equity and more with Dr. Brian Shackleford, Victor Armstrong, NCDHHS; Dr. Dawn Gibson, Peletah Ministries; and Secretary Kody Kinsley, NCDHHS. On Thursday, I attended the first round of the 4A NCHSAA Wrestling State Championships in Greensboro. Congratulations to all the wrestlers for qualifying for the event. This week as a Board, we had two meetings: Work Session and Board Meeting. At the Tuesday, February 15th Work Session: Dr. Lloyd Gardner, Chief of Staff and Strategic Planning; Michael Martin, Educational Consultant, RTI Education Services; and Fredrica Nash, Educational Consultant, RTI Education Services; led the Board in small group and whole group discussions related to the strategic plan (mission statement, vision, core beliefs) and next steps. To view the presentation, click here . Drew Cook, Assistant Superintendent, Academ...

On Thursday, I visited Cary Elementary School and was able to observe students participating in an United Arts Artists in Schools Event-Mosaic Math Workshop led by Artist Jeannette Brossart . The students learned and shared information about mosaics, arrays, tesserae, tessellation, fractions, area, perimeter and more! They were able to create their own mosaics on a computer. A huge thank you to Mrs. Schmitt for providing such a welcoming classroom environment. Later on Thursday, I attended the Finals of the 4A NCHSAA States Swim Meet. It was exciting to see all the fast swimming, cheering, and swimmers breaking records. Congratulations to the 4A Runner-Ups for Women's Swimming and Diving-Green Hope High School and the 4A State Champions for Men's Swimming and Diving-Green Hope High School! On Saturday, I will be attending the Kingswood Elementary School Beautification Day. This week as a Board, we had one meeting: Facilities Committee Meeting. At the Wednesday, February 9th Fac...