Thanks to parental support and the efforts of teachers, associates, administrators and support personnel, students excelled in all academic areas in 2009-10. 

Twenty-two of 26 schools made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), or 84.6 percent, the highest percentage posted from any school district of comparable size in the Catawba Valley Region. Ninety-two percent, earned the designation of NC highest academic growth or expected academic growth, up from 85 percent the previous year. The percentage of students on grade level and above increased in both reading and math in grades 3-8, averaging a gain of 17 percent in the last two years. Student performance in grades 9-12 climbed from 78.2 percent in 2008-09 to 86.18 percent, the highest composite score for Caldwell County high school students since the beginning of the statewide accountability program.

Parents are encouraged to continue their involvement in their children's education in the 2010-11 school. Last year, more than 71,000 volunteer hours were posted by parents and upstanding citizens volunteering in the Caldwell County Schools. Studies show that a parent's involvement in public education results in higher test scores for students, better discipline in the classroom and fewer days missed in school.

At each school, a volunteer serves as the site's Volunteer Coordinator, whose main responsibility involves coordinating the volunteer activities and assignments at the school level. There are many opportunities to serve from grades K-12, such as volunteering as a tutor, assisting in the administrative office, helping with concessions during athletic events, beautifying the school grounds, chaperoning field trips, and many more. Each parent receives a volunteer application form entitled "A World of Volunteer Opportunities" at the beginning of the school year listing some of the volunteer activities available throughout the school district.

If work or daytime obligations restrict parents from volunteering at school, parents can continue to be involved in other ways that are just as meaningful. Parents glean information from websites and school newsletters; participate in parent organizational meetings, and attend special events, fairs, competitions, carnivals, and other student-centered activities that are held at the school.

As reflected in the number of parent volunteers and the combined academic success experienced in the Caldwell County Schools, parents make a difference in the lives of children. If interested in learning more about ways to volunteer in the Caldwell County School System, contact Libby Brown, Community Services Director at 828.728.8407.

In an ever increasing technology-driven, global society, public education is intricately connected to growing workforce demands for relevant experiences in science, math and technology as recently demonstrated by the involvement of two Caldwell County School teams in the inaugural event of NCFIRST Robotics. 

Teams from South Caldwell High School and a combination team comprised of students from Caldwell Career Center Middle College and Caldwell Early College competed in one of the most prestigious robotics competitions in the nation: FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a competition that celebrates and inspires students as they discover that they can be successful in science and technology and contribute meaningfully to the nation's technological enterprise.

"This unique opportunity for our students to be engaged in the most renowned robotics competition for young people generates an excitement about the endless possibilities in science, math, technology and engineering," said Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone. "It offers more winnings than any experience of its kind."

Even though South Caldwell Coach Michael Bingham, who teaches science, prepped his rookie team before competition saying that they were all winners regardless of the official outcome, the South Caldwell team exceeded all their expectations in their rookie season by placing tenth at the North Carolina regional NCFIRST Competition, which positioned them as winner of the Top Rookie Seed Award.

 "We attribute our success to hours and hours of dedication from our students and the highest level of commitment from our community mentors Chris Aiken and CCS Technology Director Dean Norman; everyone worked tirelessly to ready for the competition and once there the non-stop pace never slowed," said Mike Bingham. "We won recognition, but our students also gained self-confidence, developed people and life skills, made new friends and perhaps discovered an unforeseen career path."

More than 40 teams participated in the North Carolina regional competition, NC teams and school teams ranging from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida to New York and one team from Brazil. The two teams from the Caldwell County Schools were the only school districts represented in western North Carolina. NCFIRST Robotics competition was one of 44 regional competitions held throughout the country.

"It was the most energized, project-based event I've ever seen," said Kim Poole, IT Instructor at the Caldwell Career Center Middle College. "Not only did our two teams work together, but teams from all over the country were helping each other out."

"I was so impressed in watching the students exercise what is referred to as gracious professionalism," said Kathy Jo Eckard, Career Technical Director. "It is one of the unique FIRST qualities practiced during competition; a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others and respects individuals and the community. This is the kind of soft skill that employers want our students to master."

The FIRSTRobotics Competition is designed to challenge high school students to build a robot of their own. Teams receive a common 'kit of parts,' comprised of motors, batteries, a control system, and a mix of automation components - but no instructions. They have six weeks to design and build the robot to meet the engineering challenge. In "Breakaway," (this year's challenge) two alliances of three teams competed on a 27-by-54-foot field with bumps, attempting to earn points by collecting soccer balls in goals. Additional bonus points were earned for each robot suspended in air and not touching the field at the end of the match.

The Caldwell Career Center Middle College and Caldwell Early College team placed 17^th out of 44 teams in the regional competition. "This competition is much more than just winning points. It's about programming, machining, construction, public relations and community involvement," said Freda Parker, Team Captain and Project Lead the Way teacher at the Caldwell Career Center Middle College. "It builds confidence and self assurance in the students and inspires them to dream of becoming science and technology heroes in their future."

"For example, on the way home from the competition, the bus broke down and all the kids thought they could fix it," said Kim Poole. "After competition they felt like they could conquer anything."

Both Caldwell County teams were sponsored by Google and the Education Foundation of Caldwell County, Inc. "FIRST provides these young people with the equipment and the challenge that will get them thinking about technology in new and different ways," said Enoch Moeller, Google Operations Manager.

In addition to sponsoring the teams, Google also sponsored the NCFIRST Regional Competition held in Raleigh. Google employees were not involved in judging the event.

About FIRST®

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. FIRST is a not-for-profit organization. In the 2010 season, 1,809 teams participated in 44 regional competitions nationwide with more than 45,000 high schools from 12 countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Germany, Herzegovina, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, Turkey, U.K., and U.S.A.

FIRST® and FRC® are registered trademarks, and Gracious ProfessionalismTM is a common law trademark, of the United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science (US FIRST).

In a 5-1 vote at the regular May 17 Board of Education meeting, a motion was approved by the Caldwell County Board of Education to fill the vacant seat of the late Dr. Sharon S. Pennell who passed away on May 8 after a year-long battle with cancer.

The vacancy on the seven-member board will be filled through an application and selection process per North Carolina Public School Law prescribing that such Board vacancies "...shall be filled by appointment by the remaining members of the board, of a person to serve until the next election members of such board, at which time the remaining unexpired term of the office in which the vacancy occurs shall be filled by election..." meaning the applicant selected by the remaining six members on the Board of Education will serve until the next scheduled election, which is November 2, 2010. 

Residents of Caldwell County who are interested in the vacant seat on the Board of Education may complete the Caldwell County Board of Education Special Interest Form posted on the Caldwell County Schools website and available at the Education Center. All applications must be completed and returned to the Caldwell County Superintendent's office by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. As part of the application process, applicants must also review School Board Policy 1320 Expectations of Board Members; Policy 1350 School Board Member Ethics; and Policy 1352 Board Member Conflict of Interest, specific policies regarding the membership of the Board of Education. These policies are also available on the school system website at caldwellschools.com and at the receptionist desk at the Education Center.

The Caldwell County Board of Education is a seven-member board, elected at-large on staggered terms, each term being for a period of four years. A non-partisan election is held at the same time as the regular general election.

In compliance with General Statute 115C-37(g), to be eligible to serve as a member of the Caldwell County Board of Education, a candidate must be a qualified voter, at least twenty-one (21) years of age, and a legal resident of Caldwell County. No person while actually engaged in teaching or serving as an employee of the public schools in Caldwell County are eligible to serve as a member of the Board, nor anyone holding another elective office is eligible to serve on the Board of Education.

Dr. Sharon Smith Pennell, the most senior member of the Caldwell County Board of Education, passed away Saturday evening, May 8, 2010, at Caldwell Memorial Hospital in Lenoir after a year-long battle with cancer. Dr. Pennell has served on the Caldwell County Board of Education since 1984, and was currently serving in her fifth, two-year term as Chairman of the Board of Education.

In her 26 years of service to the Caldwell County Board of Education, she has worked effectively in all areas of school board responsibilities including budget, facilities, personnel, policies, curriculum, planning and public relations.

As a distinguished Board member and educator - an Associate Professor at Appalachian State University in the Department of Communication with a concentrated focus in journalism for 24 years - she dedicated her life's work to public education and teaching: "We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Sharon S. Pennell. We mourn with them and feel a grievous loss in the Caldwell County Schools," said Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone. "We can be comforted in the remembrance that Dr. Pennell had a profound impact on the education system in Caldwell County measured by countless students, whose education has opened doors of success and opportunity in building more productive, fulfilling and joyful lives."

Dr. Pennell's tenure and leadership on the School Board facilitated a strong cooperative relationship between the Caldwell County School System and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute resulting in the establishment of the Caldwell Career Center Middle College, the Caldwell Early College High School and an Appalachian State University Center for the preparation of teachers on the Caldwell campus. Her strong leadership also led to many significant accomplishments realized by the Caldwell County Schools, as evidenced by the continuous gains in test scores, significant decreases in the dropout rate and the impressive number of National Board Certified teachers.

Honors and awards that have set Dr. Pennell apart include the Governor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Forensics, North Carolina Speech Teacher of the Year, Lenoir Business and Professional Women's Club Career Woman of the Year, North Carolina Career Woman of the Year, and the Caldwell County Distinguished Woman of the Year. She was one of seven School Board members statewide named to the prestigious All-State School Board for her dedicated service to education and the children of North Carolina. She was also the recipient of the William C. Lassiter First Amendment Award for openness in government, the Diamond Key Coach Award from the National Forensic League and the state award for editorial writing from the N.C. Press Club. She published more than 20 articles on the state and national level, four of those articles published in the North Carolina School Boards Association Journal.

In one of Dr. Pennell's published articles she surmises, "What makes a good board of education member---is making children a priority." True to her own words, "she genuinely cared about decisions that affected students, staff and administration in the Caldwell County Schools," said Dr. Stone. "For this, she will always be highly regarded as an inspirational, community leader, who will be greatly missed by the students, faculty and friends for whom she served."

Dr. Pennell is survived by her husband of 40 years, Darrell Clayton Pennell, who is a retired Caldwell County Schools educator; a son, Steven Walter Pennell and wife Jenna of Hickory, two brothers, W.E. Rozzy Smith (Language Arts and Science teacher at Hudson Middle School) and wife Ann of Hudson; and Barry W. Smith and wife Priscilla of Lenoir; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family of Dr. Sharon S. Pennell will receive friends and family Tuesday, May 11, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Lenoir. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 12, 4:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Lenoir with the Rev. Dr. David Smith and the Rev. Dennis Herman officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The Caldwell County Board of Education members will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the Dr. Sharon Pennell Scholarship for Teachers through the Education Foundation of Caldwell County, Inc., located at 1914 Hickory Blvd., Lenoir, NC 28645.

Teresa Branch, principal of Caldwell Early College High School, accepts an invitation to join the New Schools Project Board of Advisors in an effort to "provide guidance for the organization and its Board of Directors."

In a letter of invitation, a Board of Advisors representative stated that the NC New Schools Project looks to leaders like Branch to ensure that its strategies to grow nimble focused and academically rigorous secondary schools benefit from oversight in the private and public sectors.

Branch, an experienced administrator in the Caldwell County School System and principal who led the Caldwell Early College High School inception 4 years ago and continues in that position today, says that she is excited about the enormous possibilities of serving on the statewide committee: "I look forward to working with a diverse group of committee members dedicated to addressing the emergence of innovation in the secondary schools and identifying priorities as the state transforms its workforce in response to the changing economy."

Members serving on the North Carolina New Schools Project Board of Advisors meet approximately five times each year including an annual planning retreat that has been tentatively scheduled this year on April 22.

The New Schools Project

The North Carolina New Schools Project (NCNSP) works to accelerate systemic, sustainable innovation in secondary schools across the state so that, in time, every high school in North Carolina graduates every student ready for college, careers and life in the society and economy of the 21st century.

NCNSP pursues its work by:

• Demonstrating that high schools capable of graduating all students ready for college, careers and life can succeed in every corner of North Carolina regardless of local constraints.

• Working with like-minded individuals and groups to build an unmistakable demand for innovation in an ever-growing group of North Carolina high schools.

For more information, contact Libby Brown, Community Services Department at 828.728.8407 ext. 120.

The Caldwell County Schools will present the Eighth Annual Hall of Honor awards to five graduates of Caldwell County or Lenoir City Schools who have made significant contributions to their profession and community.

The 2010 inductees are Gill P. Beck, Brigadier General; Brent B. Kincaid; Robert J. Love; and J. Steve Oliver, Ph.D. Posthumous award will be presented to the family of Thomas Marshall "Jack" Robbins.

The Hall of Honor Banquet will be held on April 26, 6:00 pm at the Granite Falls First Baptist Church Family Life Center. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased at the Education Center until April 23. The Caldwell County School System Education Center is located at 1914 Hickory Blvd. in Lenoir.

Each year a 15-member selection committee, representing communities in each high school district will accept nominations for the Hall of Honor. Nominations must be received by December 1, and nomination forms are available year-round at the Education Center.

This event is supported through community sponsorship provided by Ron and Christine Beane, Broyhill Family Foundation, Cajah Mountain Discount Drugs, CBSA Architects, Inc, Education Foundation Inc. of Caldwell County, Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory, and Huffman Hosiery.

For more information, contact Libby Brown, Co-Chairman, at 828.728.8407.

Middle school students in grades 6-8 recite classic poetry in the 5^th Annual Recitation Competition, sponsored by the Caldwell Arts Council and the Caldwell County School System.

Students are expected to memorize and recite a classic or famous poem three to five minutes in length to participate in the countywide event. "I can think of no better method of piquing a student's interest in good literature, than by studying it for expression," said Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone. "Recitation requires more than just memorizing. A true understanding of the literary text is tested in a vocal rendition."

Top finishers this year are 1^st Place Travis St. Brice (Hudson Middle School); 2^nd Place - Daydra Kincaid (Gamewell Middle School); 3^rd Place - Ziggy Adrijavskatie (Hudson Middle School); 4^th Place - Tanner Dellinger (Hudson Middle School); 5^th Place - Tucker Green (William Lenoir Middle School); 6^th Place - Molly Miller (William Lenoir Middle School); and 7^th Place - Nicole Tester (Happy Valley School). Students who place first through seventh in the competition receive cash prizes.  Cash prizes are awarded for first place ($250), second place ($225), third place ($200), fourth place ($175), fifth place ($150), sixth place ($125) and seventh place ($100).

"This was the 5th year for this wonderful event and we have seen great growth in both the talent, the degree of difficulty of the works selected, and the overall presentation by the students," said Lee Carol Giduz, Caldwell Arts Council Executive Director. "I admire every student who tackles this project and respect the time, courage, and dedication that it takes to compete.  I am proud of our students!" Giduz also expressed gratitude to the teachers who coordinate the involvement at the school level and help prepare students for the competition. 

For students who are interested in participating and will be enrolled in grades 6-8 next school year, they may contact the Caldwell Arts Council at 828.754.2486 or request information at any Caldwell County middle school administrative office.

Children who will turn 5 years old on or by Aug. 31, 2010 will be eligible to register for kindergarten in 2010. Parents are encouraged to register their children early for kindergarten by attending Kindergarten Screening scheduled at each elementary school generally held during the month of April.

"The transition from pre-school to elementary school can be an exciting but somewhat anxious time for many students and parents," said Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone.  For this reason, we hold Kindergarten Screening days in all our elementary schools. This day is set aside especially for rising kinders and their parents to help alleviate some of the uncertainty about starting school.

"To save time and reduce stress, parents should contact their home school, get their children's records in order and register their children in school as early as possible," said Stephen Martin, Elementary School Director. "The Kindergarten Screening days are ideal for students and parents to get ahead of the requirements in the fall and greatly assist teachers in preparing for our youngest new learners."

During Kindergarten Screening students and parents meet kindergarten teachers, become more familiar with the school campus, and receive information on curriculum-based programs offered at the school. Families are also invited to visit in-house stations providing information on different education support programs, such as WrapAround (before and after school program), meal choices and transportation services. Entering students also are given a basic screening assessment identifying motor, concepts, language, self help and social development. This positive experience culminates with children receiving a Kindergarten Readiness Kit, sponsored by the Education Foundation Inc. of Caldwell County.  Each child leaves with a kit filled with items such as crayons, scissors, glue sticks, books, play dough, jump rope, summer activity calendar, puzzles, D'Nealian Letter formation, Letterland alphabet, pencil grips, flash cards, cutting sheets for practice and other manipulatives helpful in preparing students for a successful first experience in public school.

For parents to register their child in kindergarten, they must bring the following documents to the Kindergarten Screening:

• Personal and emergency information,
• Verification of birth date --- a certified copy of the child's birth certificate or other satisfactory evidence;
• proof of residence (i.e. current utility bills, property deed or rental lease); and
• the child's updated immunization record.

North Carolina law also requires that every child have a completed Kindergarten Health Assessment form on or before the first day of school. The form must be completed no more than 12 months before the date of school entry. Kindergarten Health Assessment Forms are available at schools and/or health department. 

For additional assistance, contact your child's home school administrative office, call the Education Center at 728-8407 or visit http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/legal/SchoolEntry.html. 

Listed below are the Kindergarten Screening dates scheduled at elementary schools in the Caldwell County School System.

Caldwell County Schools

Kindergarten Screening

2010-2011 School Year

For more information on enrolling your child in kindergarten, contact the Caldwell County School System Education Center at 828.728.8407.

Anna Crooke, eighth grade math teacher at William Lenoir Middle School, has been selected as the North Carolina Middle School Association's Region 7 Teacher of the Year. Crooke was nominated by a colleague and selected among applicants throughout the Northwest Region.

"I didn't even know I was nominated," said Crooke. "It was such a surprise when I received notification from the North Carolina Middle School Association. I am extremely honored to be recognized by my peers. It makes this recognition more meaningful and applicable to what I do every day in the classroom."

Full-time middle school teachers in North Carolina are eligible for the Outstanding Middle Level Teacher Award, sponsored by the North Carolina Middle School Association. The award is presented to a teacher who demonstrates outstanding performance in the following areas:

• Contributions to the middle level program in their school and system
• Effectiveness as a classroom teacher
• Positions of leadership
• Innovative projects
• Communication with the educational environment
• Communication with adolescents

 "Mrs. Crooke is very modest about her accomplishments," said William Lenoir Middle School principal Dr. Pete Yount. "She demonstrates strong leadership in the middle school reform initiatives, while modeling an idyllic team member in relationship building. We are proud of her accomplishments, and she is most deserving of this award."

From 1998 to 2001, Crooke served as a math teacher at West Caldwell High School. She has been teaching math at William Lenoir Middle since 2001.

Anna Crooke will be recognized at the North Carolina Middle School Association Annual Conference scheduled March 14-16 in Greensboro at the Koury Convention Center. The conference is one of the nation's premier middle school events, drawing participants from across NC, a dozen or more states, and other countries. Crooke will also be recognized at the Board of Education meeting on March 8, 7:00 pm at the Education Center in the Board Room.

Public Send-off: February 23, 11:00 am at the Career Center Middle College on the campus of CCC&TI

For the last six weeks, groups of high school students have stayed after school until seven and eight o'clock at night preparing for competition, but not an athletic event, a sporting event of the mind hosted by NCFirst Robotics. This varsity sport of the mind, designed to help young people discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineers and researchers can be, promotes the sustainability and building of a strong future workforce. For the first time, two teams from the Caldwell County School System will be participating in the statewide inaugural event, thanks to funding support through a Google Community Grant of $15,000 from the Google Inc. Charitable Giving Fund at Tides Foundation.

"We extend our appreciation to Google and the business community for partnering with public education to get our youth excited about career fields in science and technology," said Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone. "In preparation for the upcoming competition, our students have learned first-hand how to think outside of the box, how to create and develop a machine, using their instinct, their initiative and their engineering skills based on what they've learned and through the assistance received from community mentors and team leaders."

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), the not-for-profit organization founded twenty years ago by inventor Dean Kamen, continues to attract national and international involvement in the FIRST® Robotics Competition, where teams win recognition, gain self confidence, develop people skills, and potentially discover career paths in science, engineering, technology and math. "This new year represents great opportunities for FIRST®," said Marie Hopper, regional director of NC FIRST. "Working with Google and the Caldwell County Schools, we view this competition as a way to both highlight the importance of science and technology in the school system and to provide young people with fun, challenging educational opportunities that will propel them to be excited and to learn more."

Both teams from the Caldwell County Schools have registered in the robotics competition as rookie teams: the ROBOMonkeys, students from South Caldwell High School and the Knight Riders, Caldwell Career Center Middle College and Caldwell Early College High School students. Team Captain for Knight Riders Freda Parker, Caldwell Career Center Middle College Project Lead the Way teacher, says that everyone involved is excited about the competition: "The kids think that we're going to win and this reflects their attitude and involvement throughout the process---lots of positive energy, creativity, and commitment. Over the course of two months I have seen their interest in engineering and science grow tremendously, and across the board, teachers have commented about their increased levels of participation in other areas of curriculum as well. It has been an all-around great experience."

Team leader for ROBOMonkeys Mike Bingham, Physical Science teacher at South Caldwell High School, says that programming and building a hi-tech robot is not as easy as it may seem: "We received a kit of parts, which contained the basics of the robot. We quickly discovered that we would need engineering skills and assistance in building many new parts to make a functioning robot. The process has been extremely challenging and frustrating at times for everyone involved, but as the FIRST philosophy stresses, it is not all about the robot.  It is also about learning through this experience and working together as a team. "

The FIRST® Robotics Competition is designed to challenge high school students to build a robot of their own. At the kick-off event held in January, 19 teams from across the state received instruction on how to build a chassis from the team of engineers at Penske Racing in Mooresville. The teams also received a common 'kit of parts,' comprised of motors, batteries, a control system, and a mix of automation components - but no instructions. They returned home with their kits and had six weeks to design and build robots to meet this year's engineering challenge, which is the "Breakaway" robotics game. In "Breakaway," two alliances of three teams will compete on a 27-by-54-foot field with bumps, attempting to earn points by collecting soccer balls in goals. Additional bonus points will be earned for each robot suspended in air and not touching the field at the end of the match.

"I am very optimistic about our chances at the competition," said Bingham. "But even if we don't place, this project would have been a success because of the amount that our team has learned and grown through this process.  I am so proud of my team and all the hard work and dedication that they have shown throughout this project."

"By involving our students in the robotics competition, we are exposing them to one of the best hands-on experiences in science and engineering," said Libby Brown, Community Services Director of the Caldwell County School System. "We want to get our youth excited about these subjects in an atmosphere of competition and team building."

Tom Jacobik, Google's former site manager for North Carolina, and Enoch Moeller, Google's operations manager, have been involved in the competition activities and also served as mentors for the Caldwell County School district teams.

 "FIRST® provides these young people with the equipment and the challenge that will get them thinking about technology in new and different ways," said Jacobik. "This is a meaningful way to engage students in science and technology and we have enjoyed serving as mentors for our local teams. We know this will be a great competition in April."

Teams must ship their robots by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, February 23. To show support for the students' efforts and to demonstrate enthusiasm for their involvement in this high profile, exclusive competition, a send-off celebration is scheduled on February 23, 11:00 am at the Caldwell Career Center Middle College located on the campus of CCC&TI. The public is invited to attend.

The public is also invited to the NCFirst Robotics Competition on April 1, 2 and 3 in Raleigh at the Dorton Arena. In addition to sponsoring the teams, Google is also sponsoring FIRST's N.C. Regional. For more information about FIRST®, please visit www.usfirst.org or www.ncfirstrobotics.org.

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. With support from three out of every five Fortune 500 companies and nearly $12 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®) and FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC®) for high-school students, FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®) for 9 to 14-year-olds, (9 to 16-year-olds outside the U.S. and Canada) and Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL) for 6 to 9-year-olds. FIRST® and FRC® are registered trademarks, and Gracious ProfessionalismTM is a common law trademark, of the United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science (US FIRST).

Millions of American children between the ages of ten and fifteen attend middle schools. More than 500 of these students in grades 6 through 8 are attending William Lenoir Middle School, one of Caldwell County Schools recently designated as a national Schools to Watch®. This distinction is acclaimed by less than one percent of middle schools across the nation.

The North Carolina Middle School Association and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform identified William Lenoir Middle as a national Schools to Watch®, meaning that on a national, comparative level, it is a high-performing middle-grades school. William Lenoir was one of only three middle schools selected statewide and joins a nationwide, select group of 79 middle schools recognized previously.

"We are very proud of what the William Lenoir Middle School faculty, staff and administration have accomplished," said Dr. Steve Stone, Superintendent. "They have embedded their vision of middle school concept in the framework of their academics and instruction. William Lenoir Middle serves as a model school within our district, throughout the state and across the United States."

Through the Schools to Watch® initiative, the National Forum identifies schools across the country that are well on their way to meeting the Forum's criteria for high performance. For a school to be awarded Schools to Watch®, it must be considered a high-performing middle-grades school. Some of the criteria are listed below:

• They are academically excellent-these schools challenge all students to use their minds well.
• They are developmentally responsive-these schools are sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence.
• They are socially equitable-these schools are democratic and fair, providing every student with high-quality teachers, resources, and supports.

"To achieve this level of performance, we have focused on the middle school reform initiatives, established norms and restructured organizationally to support and sustain our efforts toward excellence. We have made tremendous strides in implementing the middle school theory, which drives every facet of practice and decision-making," said Dr. Pete Yount, William Lenoir Middle School Principal.

Once the school submitted an eight-to-ten page narrative describing ways in which the school has worked toward high-performance, covering topics such as academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, school characteristics, and organizational structure, a team of evaluators made an on-site visit to rate the school processes and employees in these areas. Sites selected as Schools to Watch®, an initiative that began in 2002, exemplify the National Forum's vision of high expectations for middle schools in all the evaluated areas.

"We are extremely honored to be awarded this distinction," said Dr. Yount. "To have people examine what you do and tell us you're not only doing it right, you're doing it very well, well enough to be a model school throughout the state and the nation, is very rewarding."

After the school day ends, students rummage through boxes of fabric, select colorful pieces and begin cutting quilt squares. A scene that could easily be mistaken from generations ago has become a familiar activity today with students enrolled at Dudley Shoals Elementary in the Caldwell County Schools WrapAround Program, the before and after school daycare program. Students in the Dudley Shoal's WrapAround Program proudly boast of their hand-crafted quilt completed this school year and enthusiastically make plans for upcoming projects.

"It has been so much fun!" says Dudley Shoals WrapAround site director Alicia Chandler. "I've been sewing since I was eight years old, a skill I learned from my mother and grandmother. When I asked the students if they would be interested in learning, they loved the idea." Chandler introduced the quilting project in early fall. Students drew pictures depicting their favorite interests, such as sports, extracurricular activities, etc. From the pictures, the students made a quilt pattern, then selected fabric and cut their own quilt squares.

Chandler explained that before the project began, parents provided written permission for students to participate and use the equipment: "I would lug that sewing machine to work everyday. When it was time to sew with the students, I had my hands on top of their hands." 

"When I unrolled the quilt and the students saw it for the first time, their eyes just lit up," said Chandler. "They were so ecstatic, which became a defining moment for me. I realized it was all worth the extra effort. I knew that we had started a long-term art project that would be beneficial for the school and the students for many years."

Each of the students, including the site assistant directors, contributed artistic renditions that were transformed into brilliantly colored blocks, totaling 45. "There is a story for every single block," says Chandler. The quilt depicts a variety of children's favorite activities and interests from hot air balloons, puppies, teddy bears, sail boats, to birthday parties, Easter eggs and mermaids. As the quilt neared completion, the WrapAround students and instructors decided to sell the quilt as a fundraiser for continued projects. All proceeds have been reinvested into the WrapAround arts program.

Mary Kidder, WrapAround Director for the Caldwell County Schools, says that the after school curriculum incorporates units of art: "We provide students experiences in artistic expression in many different areas, but we are especially proud of the creative approach to the arts introduced at Dudley Shoals Elementary. The talent and experience of the Dudley Shoals WrapAround Director Alicia Chandler allowed her to teach the art form of quilting to the students, and it has been a tremendous success for everyone involved. We're very proud of her for going above and beyond her responsibilities as a director."

The next quilt project is well underway, as students express their thoughts on individual freedom and rights preserved by the US Constitution. These ideas will be transferred to the patriotic quilt being assembled for two WrapAround students' father who is currently serving in the US Army in Iraq. Before being shipped to Iraq, the quilt will be displayed in February at the Education Center Art Gallery, the main hallway of the Education Center located in Lenoir.

About WrapAround

The WrapAround Program, the before and after school program in the Caldwell County School System, offers the best quality of school-age child care available in the state, as declared by the North Carolina Division of Child Development. All 14 elementary WrapAround sites have earned the ranking of a 5-Star School-Age Care Program, the highest level of program excellence. Hudson Middle School also offers WrapAround services for middle school students.

During the holidays the Caldwell County School System received an unexpected gift: an announcement from the North Carolina General Assembly Committee on Dropout Prevention that the Caldwell County Schools has been awarded a grant totaling $175,000, the maximum amount awarded to any given county in North Carolina. Caldwell County Schools joined only two other school systems in the Northwest District in receipt of grant funds and exceeded both Hickory City and Avery County's allotment. The General Assembly earmarked $13 million for dropout prevention grants, selecting 83 organizations in 63 counties for funding.

The grants range in size from $17,710 to $175,000. School districts, schools, nonprofits, organizations and government entities are awarded grant funds to be used to focus attention and resources on innovative programs and initiatives that promote keeping students in school.

"When we received the word that our dropout prevention application had been selected among this highly competitive grant selection process, we were overjoyed," said Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone. "We realize the merit and potential of our submitted program, and we are extremely pleased that the state legislators also recognized its positive impact and far-reaching effects on students and the community. By granting the Caldwell County Schools the maximum amount, it shows us statewide confidence in and support of our program."

The Caldwell County School System grant will be used to implement a dropout prevention program entitled "A Suspension Alternatives Program" or ASAP, modeled after a successful program in the Burke County Schools, which is based on the collaborative community alliance between schools and community agencies. ASAP is an alternative to suspension for students who are suspended from 1-10 days per semester, not to exceed 10 days. Eligible students must complete academic assignments and perform community service in designated worksites during their suspensions. Students and parents (who obligate to provide transportation to and from the worksites) participate on a voluntary basis.

"We already have three community agencies committed to this project: United Way, Caldwell Friends, and the Caldwell Council on Adolescent Health," said Student Support Services Director Jill Duffy. "The students will show up at eight in the morning and stay on-site until three in the afternoon, which is equivalent to a school day. During this time, students will focus on academics first---the completion of school assignments provided by teachers, then provide voluntary service to the community agency, such as filing, sweeping floors, answering the phones, whatever is needed (within reason) at that time to support the operations of the agency."

If students successfully complete the program, they are counted present at school during the period of suspension: "This will help with the student's attendance, but this is not a reward for being suspended," said Duffy. "This is a benefit to the student, who is not sitting at home unattended, but is in a structured, supervised setting completing assignments and hopefully increasing self-worth through community service."

The program is slated for implementation in August of 2010, and grant funds must be used by June, 2011. Two grant supported positions, Program Administrators, will be posted this semester. Experience in counseling or social work will be preferred, since there is a counseling component provided through the grant services. "I do believe we will be able to sustain this program," said Duffy. "I wouldn't have submitted the grant if I didn't think there would be some level of continuation."

ASAP is specifically designed for students in grades 6-12. Students who do not show up for work or display any form of inappropriate behavior or misconduct may be terminated from the program. The suspension alternative program is expected to reduce the number of repeat offenses resulting in suspension, improve attendance, lower the dropout rate and improve the graduation rate in the Caldwell County Schools.

The Caldwell County School System applauds 12 teachers who recently earned certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, bringing the total number of teachers who have earned national certification while teaching in the Caldwell County Schools to 193, or 24 percent of the teaching cadre. From the first two recipients in 1995, the Caldwell County School System has successfully placed an emphasis on educators pursing the highest credential in the teaching profession.

"We strongly support and encourage our teachers to pursue this most prestigious certification in the teaching profession," said Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone, "We are extremely proud of each teacher's accomplishment, which involves hundreds of additional hours of study outside the classroom." 

National Board Certification is a rewarding, yet extremely challenging process that educators undergo: "We regard the certification process as a rigorous and reflective professional study that takes some candidates up to four years to complete," said Dr. Stone. "When teachers work this hard to improve their teaching skills and build their knowledge, our students and schools reap the benefits."

Teachers committed to becoming certified must demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a series of performance-based assessments, teaching portfolios, student work samples, videotapes and analyses of their classroom teaching and student learning. The average time to complete national boards ranges from one to three years.

North Carolina remains the national leader in the total number of teachers who have earned certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, accounting for nearly 19 percent of the nation's certified teachers. The state also ranks first in the nation in the number of newly-certified teachers. The success across North Carolina and in Caldwell County can be attributed largely to the support systems in place and incentives provided to teachers.

For the 12 newly-certified teachers in Caldwell County, the state offers an attractive 12 percent salary increase, good for the 10-year life of the certification. The state also pays the $2,500 assessment fee and provides three paid release days for candidates to work on their portfolios and prepare for the assessments. Once the National Board Certification process is completed, candidates are awarded 15 continuing education units (CEUs).

On the local level, the Caldwell County School System reimburses 50 percent of out-of-pocket portfolio entry fees for advanced candidates making their second attempt.

National Board Certification is issued for a period of 10 years and renewal may begin as early as the eighth year of the original certification cycle. Candidates who successfully renew in North Carolina will continue to receive salary incentives. Recently the following National Board Certified teachers renewed their certification for an additional ten years, valid until 2020: Michelle Capen, Whitnel Elementary; Elizabeth Carswell, South Caldwell; Dolores Cupo, South Caldwell; and Kathryn McRary, West Caldwell; and Susan Morgan, retired.

In recognition of teachers in the Caldwell County School System who recently earned National Board Certification and those who renewed their certification, a special reception will be held in their honor on January 11, prior to the Board of Education meeting from 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm at the Education Center in the Board Room. The Board will make a special presentation at 7:00 pm. The public is invited to attend.

Lower Creek Elementary School wins the 2008-09 National and State Championship for the President's Challenge Physical Fitness and Sports Award, yet again. Not often does an elementary school tout a National Championship title, but Lower Creek Elementary now has earned 12 statewide championships and holds a second National title. The 2008-2009 recognition ranks the school as the most physically fit student body in North Carolina for enrollment of 200 to 500 students based on the highest percentage of students successfully passing the President's Physical Fitness Challenge.

With approximately 360 students enrolled in grades K-5, 89.98 percent met the Presidential Fitness Challenge requirement, a score that topped all the competition in the state and national ranking and surpassed the school's previous rate of 88.71 percent, when Lower Creek also won the state championship and placed second in the nation.

"We've experienced the excitement of being number one in the state for over a decade, but it is still rewarding and exciting to hear the news every single time," said Kathy Terrell, PE teacher. "And to be number one in the nation--a second time--is the ultimate. This is a huge honor, and I attribute our continued success to the dedication and support from our students, faculty, staff and administration." 

The award is presented to an elementary school in North Carolina with the greatest percentage of students passing five areas of fitness criteria in the President's Physical Fitness Test: pull-ups, sit-ups, shuttle run, mile run and the sit-and-reach. For individual students to qualify for the presidential award, a student must score 85 percent or higher on each event.

An elementary school in the Caldwell County School System has held the North Carolina Championship title of the President's Challenge Physical Fitness and Sports Award for the past 15 years. Davenport A+ won the state award in 2003-2004; Valmead Elementary championed the event in 2004-05 and 2005-06. The most recent results mark the twelfth year that Lower Creek Elementary School has been recognized with this distinction. Lower Creek Elementary also placed number one in the state and number one in the nation in 2006-2007.

"We are thrilled that one of our elementary schools in Caldwell County has received national and statewide acclaim," said Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone. "Lower Creek Elementary, like so many of our other schools, promotes and practices the importance and relevance of physical fitness for our young people What an outstanding honor this is for Lower Creek Elementary. We are very proud of their continued success and highest recognition in physical fitness, considering that more than 40 million students participate annually in the Presidential Fitness Challenge."

"We're already working on next year," said Kathy Terrill. "For example, today I had a student who beat the school's record in the shuttle run (a distance of 30 feet), who ran it in 9.2 seconds. A few minutes later, another student in the same class, broke his record and ran it in 9.1 seconds. This is a reflection of the continuous, healthy competition among our student body. For the students, it's fun and that's key to its success, but the larger benefit is that students are developing an early focus on daily physical fitness."

"Now it is an expectation as well as a goal within our school," said Lower Creek Elementary Principal Debbie Indicott. "We strongly encourage physical activity as it enhances the level of enthusiasm in students for academics, attendance and attitudes. Winning the national or state championship is an added bonus!"

When you think of successful Caldwell County people in all different walks of life, these are the individuals' plaques lining the hallway at the Education Center in the Caldwell County Schools Hall of Honor. The Hall of Honor currently distinguishes 39 Caldwell County graduates who have made significant contributions to their profession and/or community and who have maintained exemplary character throughout their experiences and careers beyond high school.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the Caldwell County Schools Hall of Honor and will be accepted until December 1, 2009. The 2009 inductees will be honored at the Seventh Annual Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony scheduled April 26, 2010.

A nominee must meet one of the following criteria to be considered as a candidate for the Hall of Honor: 1) be a graduate of a Caldwell County Schools, 2) while attending Caldwell County Schools was admitted to the NC School of Mathematics and Science or the NC School of the Arts and received a high school diploma from that institution, or 3)ended his/her secondary education as a Caldwell County Schools student, did not receive a high school diploma, but did receive a post-secondary degree from an institution of higher learning.

The public is invited to nominate qualified individuals who meet one of the above criteria. Nomination forms are available at the Education Center, the News Topic, or online at the school system website: www.caldwellschools.com under the Community section.

The Hall of Honor selection committee, consisting of representatives from each high school district, the school system and the community, will select no more than five inductees each year. Once a nomination form is received, the nomination stays on file with the Hall of Honor Committee for reconsideration each year, eliminating the need to resubmit.

For more information, contact Libby Brown, Community Services Director and event organizer, at 728-8407 ext. 120.

• The Crisis Management Team is crafting a newly revised 25-page document to deal with any measures that may occur because of a pandemic.
• The School System works very closely with the Caldwell County Health Department and other health professionals, being advised frequently of any measures that are necessary to ensure the utmost safety and wellbeing of each student.
• The Caldwell County Health Department and the school nurses are providing and administering the seasonal flu vaccine on-site at schools for all students in grades K-5 (parent permission is required).
• Informational pieces, customized with local data and advisement, is available at each school and is posted on the Caldwell County Schools website: www.caldwellschools.com
• Schools are isolating sick students (as much as possible) to prevent the spread of viruses until parents pick them up from school.

• If a student refuses to cooperate with the bus driver, parents will be notified.
• If a student persists in causing trouble on the bus or refuses to cooperate, the student may be barred from riding a school bus for a period of 1-10 school days. The parent or guardian will be notified in advance of this action.
• For serious misconducts or continued misbehavior or lack of cooperation, the principal may recommend a long-term suspension for the remainder of the school year. The Superintendent or his designee will hold an informal hearing on the matter prior to rendering a final decision.
• Not withstanding the above steps, the bus driver, in case of a serious safety emergency, may suspend completion of the assigned route and immediately call for assistance of law enforcement and/or other personnel to deal with the emergency. Such emergencies may include a seriously disruptive or dangerous passenger. In such an event, the principal and the parent should be notified at the earliest opportunity.

• Select the safest route to your bus stop.
• Arrive at the stop at least five minutes before time for the bus to arrive. 
• Stay out of the street and avoid unruliness.
• Stand back away from the curb.
• Wait until the bus and all traffic have stopped before getting on the bus.
• NEVER crawl under the bus.
• Take your seat quickly and remain seated.
• Open windows only if you get the "OK" from the driver.
• Remain seated until the bus reaches the unloading area, has come to a complete stop, and the driver has opened the door.
• Unload from front to back quickly.
• Walk in a single file.
• Do not attempt to ride on a school bus unless assigned by your principal. It is unlawful for a person to ride on a school bus without proper assignment.

• Remain seated at all times and keep the aisles clear.
• Keep your head, arms and feet inside the bus (and to yourself).
• Maintain complete silence at all rail road crossings.

• Throw objects inside the bus or out of the windows.
• Shout to pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles from the bus windows.
• Eat or drink on the school bus.
• Pile books, musical instruments, or other objects in the bus aisles.
• Use profane and indecent language, tobacco, or alcoholic beverages.
• Shout or distract the bus driver.
• Fight or cause a disruption on the bus.
• Tamper with the emergency door.
• Deface the bus in any way.

• Follow school instructions in going to the bus parking area and entering the bus after school.
• Leave your room at the appropriate bell and walk quickly (not run) and quietly to the bus loading area.
• Enter the bus, take your seat, and remain seated.

• Leave your bus only at your designated stop.
• Do not get off the bus at stops to make purchases, visits, or perform errands.
• Remain seated until the bus has completely stopped at your bus stop and the driver has opened the door, then leave the bus in an orderly manner. If a highway must be crossed to leave the bus, cross the highway at least 10 feet in front of the bus.
• Proceed home from the bus stop as soon as possible.

Keeping children safe on the Caldwell County Schools' bus fleet includes the support and assistance from many: bus drivers, parents, students, mechanics and motorists. We are looking forward to another safe year with thousands of bus passengers and hundreds of bus drivers, and we encourage all those involved to obey the school bus safety rules and to act appropriately.

• 83.3 percent of students in grades 3-8 scored on grade level or above in mathematics on End of Grade tests, a 10 percent improvement over last year's scores.

• 72.15 percent of students in grades 3-8 scored on grade level or above in reading on End of Grade tests, a significant gain of 14.35 percent compared to test scores the previous year.

• Twenty-two of 26 schools, approximately 85 percent, made Expected or High Academic Growth status, the highest growth standards established by the state for elementary, middle and high school.

• North Carolina recognized the following schools for academic achievement:  Collettsville School - Honor School of Excellence for making high academic growth, Adequate Yearly Progress and having 90 percent or more students on grade level.  Baton Elementary, Caldwell Early College High School, Davenport A+, Granite Falls Elementary, Granite Falls Middle, Hudson Middle, Kings Creek, Valmead Elementary - North Carolina Schools of Distinction for making expected or high academic growth and having 80 percent or more students on grade level.

• High school student performance on End of Course tests in English, US History, Civics/Economics, Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Chemistry, Biology, Physical Science and Physics jumped from 73 percent in 2007-08 to 78 percent proficiency or above in 2008-09.

• The State Board of Education allowed retesting in grades 3-8 to be included in the End of Grade ABCs results. Levels I and II were retested in the Caldwell County Schools. End of Course retesting will be included in the 2009-10 ABCs report.

• ABCs means Accountability, Basic Skills with high educational standards and Control (at the local level). The state implemented the ABCs Program in 1996-97 for grades K-8 and in 1997-98 for high schools. AYP was added to the accountability model in 2002-03.

Already, the Caldwell County School System has done more with less. The school system reverted $516,268 back to the state in November. Again in May, the system returned $364,930. The state also decreased the budget by $367,717 from lottery funds used for capital outlay projects such as window replacements. Public education in Caldwell County had to make these unexpected reversions to the state out of this year's funding and now the Board of Education is trying to forecast how the Caldwell County School System is going to be impacted next year. As the House Committees unveil their proposed budget packages, no area in government will be spared. It appears that education will carry the weightiest loss. Disturbingly, K-12 education will suffer some of the biggest cuts, reductions totaling more than a billion dollars in the 2009-2010 school year. If the proposed cuts are approved, the Caldwell County School System, its employees and students, will feel the full effects.

With fewer dollars, difficult decisions must be made to operate with an already strapped budget. Based on a proposed House of Representative's plan to increase the class size in North Carolina schools by two students, the number of allocated Caldwell County Schools' state-paid teaching positions would be reduced by up to 54 teachers. The House also proposes to do away with teacher assistants for grade three, which could cost the school system 55 teacher assistant jobs. Other areas slated to be negatively affected by the loss of positions include instructional support employees (counselors, media, social workers), assistant principals and clerical and/or custodians.

The Caldwell County Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools in Caldwell County, Dr. Steve Stone, have said repeatedly that they will do everything within their means to preserve jobs, especially the ones directly impacting the classroom. However, under these extreme and unpredictable budget conditions, job reductions would be unavoidable if the above-mentioned proposals are passed.

Fortunately, the Caldwell County School System has not experienced layoffs up to this point, but employees are aware that the possibility exists. To prepare for the funding shortfalls, the School Board froze all local and federal spending in conjunction with the directive from the Governor to suspend state expenditures for the remainder of the fiscal year. The Board Finance Committee has identified educational programs that may be abbreviated or cut altogether, and the Superintendent has briefed administration on the Board of Education policy addressing the systemwide procedures for reduction in force.

The majority of the Caldwell County School System's funding comes from the state: about 65 percent, which primarily funds salaries, benefits, instructional supplies and materials. Unfortunately, the proposed state funding cuts will directly impact students and the classroom. Besides losing teacher and teacher assistant positions, the school system will receive fewer dollars for technology, bus transportation, staff development, textbooks, remediation and supplies for instruction. Reduced funding may also force a reduction in electives for high school students and enhancement classes like Spanish, art and music for elementary students.

The school system also receives local money as a primary funding source, approximately 21 percent of the system's budget. Generally this source provides funding for operating expenses and capital outlay needs as well as other educational enhancements not possible through state funds, such as lowering class size by hiring additional teachers and providing needed educational materials.

Approximately seven percent of public education funding in Caldwell County comes from the federal level, the third primary source. Federal funds cover the exceptional children's programs and programs for at-risk students. The federal stimulus money is not the saving grace that has been promised. There are too many strings attached and too many parameters on how the money can be spent. It will not fill the holes that are going to be created by the significant loss of state funds.

State officials hope to approve their 2009-10 budget by June 30, 2009, and the public is encouraged to contact local legislators in support of public education in an effort to move forward in public education, not backwards. By partnering together, the students in Caldwell County will continue to move ahead with the necessary resources they need in the classroom to reach a bright and promising future.

For legislative contact information, go to http://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/communications/legislative.php

For more information about state and local budget cuts go to:

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/newsroom/news/

--This article was provided courtesy of the Communications Office of the Caldwell County Schools.