Good News
Goal 2008: WCPSS is committed to academic excellence. By 2008, 95 percent of students in grades 3 through 12 will be at or above grade level as measured by the State of North Carolina End-of-Grade or Course tests, and all student groups will demonstrate high growth.March 10, 2006
WCPSS MAGNET SCHOOLS EARN TOP HONORS
Eleven WCPSS magnet schools will be honored with Magnet School of Merit
awards from Magnet Schools of America. The schools will be recognized at
the National Conference in Omaha, Nebraska in April. Combs Elementary, Brooks
Elementary, Broughton High, Bugg Elementary, East Millbrook Middle, Farmington
Woods Elementary, Ligon Middle, Powell Elementary and Washington Elementary
have been recognized by Magnet Schools of America as Schools of Excellence.
Centennial Middle and Lincoln Heights Elementary have been recognized as
Schools of Distinction.
NSBA LOOKS AT WCPSS USE OF TECHNOLOGY
Technology within our schools will be on top of the agenda as WCPSS hosts
educators and policymakers from across the country during a Technology Leadership
Network site visit by the National School Boards Association this March
13-14.
Visitors will see students in action, whether using global positioning systems in a geocaching exercise or tracking their own academic growth with technology. WCPSS will also demonstrate business/community partnerships, instructional management systems, student/parent information systems, and collaborative teaching models.
Schools visited on Monday, March 13, will include Combs Elementary, Carroll Middle, Salem Middle, and Turner Creek Elementary. NSBA visitors will also attend a presentation and dinner sponsored by SAS Institute spotlighting the company's collaboration with WCPSS.
Tour stops on Tuesday, March 14, include Southeast Raleigh High, Timber Drive Elementary, Sanderson High, and Jeffreys Grove Elementary.
WCPSS STUDENTS ACHIEVE HIGH SCORES ON AMC-8 MATH EXAM
Four of the top seven schools taking part in the AMC8 math tests this school
year were from the Wake County Public Schools System. Ligon Middle was tops
for the third year in a row with a team score of 113 and 73 students score
a 15 or better on the 25 point exam. Martin and Lufkin Road middle schools
tied for second place with team scores of 107. Martin had 40 students score
a 15 or better on the 25-point exam. Lufkin had 25. Carnage Middle finished
seventh. Daniels and Davis Drive middle schools finished in a tie for 16th.
A number of WCPSS students were at the top of the AMC 8 Honor Roll recognizing the top seventh- and eighth-grade scorers on the exam. Marshal Lochbaum, a Martin Middle seventh-grader, had a perfect score of 25 on the exam. Lochbaum is the only NC student in the past two years to achieve a perfect score on the exam. Patrick Yang, a Ligon eighth grader, scored a 24. Jesse Duan, a Ligon seventh-grader, scored a 23. Eleven WCPSS students scored a 22 including Anand Kannan and Bradley Vohlers of Lufkin Road; Jeff Kochuk of Carnage; Alex Chin of Daniels; Yinxu He, Akhil Jariwala, Joshua Jenkins, Alex Li, Ryan Terpolilli And Nicholas Tobey of Ligon; And Julie Ma of Martin.
A number of WCPSS students were at the top of the AMC 8 Merit Roll recognizing the top sixth-grade scorers on the exam. Ryan Terpolilli and Nicholas Tobey of Ligon Middle had the state's top scores of 22 points on the exam. Nathaniel Holtzman of Ligon tied for second place with a score of 20.
9,324 NC students from 94 NC schools (65 public, 29 private) submitted results on the AMC 8.
CARNAGE JV TEAM TOPS AT REGIONAL SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
Carnage Middle School JV team took first place and the Varsity team placed
second at the Science Olympiad Regional Competition held Feb. 4 at Wake
Technical Community College. The Varsity team earned an invitation to the
State championships in April. Four JV team members, placing first overall
in their event, will join the Varsity at State. The Regional included 22
teams from four countries competing in 24 different events. Carnage students
in the Varsity Division included Jenna Everly, Denton Baird, Ben Izatt,
Holly Sit, Daniel Piedrahita, Shashank Srinivas, Akash Ganapathi, Audrey
Chang, Ray Belanger, Jenna Everly, Leslie Ho, Andrew Lee, Susan Deans, Nathan
Shephard, Elle Law, Andrew Clark, David Hash and Greg Izatt. Carnage students
in the JV Division included Emily Stallings, Jessie Connor, Melissa Chan,
Emily Facchine, Emily Darst,Mark Greenfeld, Osvaldo Martinex, Jasmin Huang,
Andrew Wu, Charles Cao, Matt Chapman and Joey Pitchford. Coaches: Beth Lucas
and Pat Weber.
MARTIN TAKES TOP HONORS IN WCPSS BATTLE OF THE BOOKS
The Martin Middle School team took top honors in the WCPSS Battle of the
Books competition held March 4 at Southeast Raleigh High. The team includes
Sanaa Bhatti, Megan Brown, Valerie Chiang, Rachel Harris, Julie Ma, Matt
McGoogan, Rachael Rhee, Katia Roze, Julie Sullivan, Madhulika Vulimiri and
Bethany Wilkes. The team is helped by advisor Mark Nettles and media specialists
Janice Edwards and Deborah Pendleton. The Martin team advances to the state
regional competition April 3 in Johnston County.
The second-pace team from Davis Drive Middle included Brianna Davis, Atima Huria, Ranjani Iyer, Patrick Kim, Ji-yeon Koh, Dianwen Li, Krishna Pakuri, Rishi Simha, Kaitlin Sullivan, Travis Tippens, Squeenie Tsang and Soumya Viswanath. The team was helped by advisors Billie Gillespie, Bridget Hayes, Julie Luca, Ginny Paisie, Jen Pitarra and Monica Yllanes.
Teams from 20 WCPSS middle schools participated in the competition, answering questions from a list of 27 books. The competition was sponsored by WCPSS and the News and Observer.
WCPSS TEAMS ADVANCE IN ODYSSEY OF THE MIND COMPETITION
Eleven WCPSS teams competing in the Odyssey of the Mind Regional Competition
held March 4 have advanced to the state finals. The teams were from Apex
Middle, Davis Drive Elementary, Hunter Elementary, Lead Mine Elementary,
Morrisville Elementary, North Ridge Elementary, Partnership Elementary,
Salem Elementary, Salem Middle, Southeast Raleigh High and Wakefield High.
WCPSS elementary teams came in first place in each of the five problem areas.
WCPSS teams finished first in all three divisions for the Egyptian and Jungle
Bloke problems. Students compete by performing a skit and taking part in
problem solving activities. The state finals will be held April 1 at Appalachian
State University. You can find more information at www.ncome.org
MIDDLE CREEK CHEERLEADERS NAMED NATIONAL CHAMPS
The Middle Creek Varsity Cheerleaders were named national champions Feb.
17 at the Cheersport competition in Atlanta, Georgia. The competition is
the largest in the country with Middle Creek competing against almost 800
other schools from across the nation. This is a continuation of a great
season for the Mustang Cheerleaders who have also earned a Tri-Seven Conference
Championship, Wake County Grand Championship, and first place in regional
competition in Greensboro, NC.
The squad is coached by teacher Sonya Ehinger who comments, "This has been the most talented team that I have ever had the opportunity to work with. They are dedicated to the sport and each other. They really are 'champions' and I have enjoyed working with them."
Team captains are seniors Laura Klinedinst and Maggie Poske. The team includes: seniors Danielle Cotton and Nichole Siebach; juniors Holly Long, Kayla Pizer, Stephanie Shores, Megan Smith, and Erin Wetherill; sophomores Danielle Bullock, Sherrena Frazier, Elise McAllister, Parker McComas, Kasi Westerman, and Jessica Wetherill; and freshmen Kristein Athens, Taylor Eckman, Katlin Landis, Caroline Morris, Sarah Siebach, Jenna Strucko, and Kaitlyn Wendehorst.
WCPSS STUDENTS NAMED STATE FINALISTS FOR GEOGRAPHY BEE
WCPSS has 11 middle school students who have qualified to participate in
the NC State Geography Bee on March 31 at Exploris Museum. The students
passed a rigorous written test after winning their school's Geography Bee.
The students are: William Laney from Davis Drive Middle School, Beth Tabor
from Reedy Creek Middle School, Michael Mondou from Wakefield Middle School,
Peter Alfredson from Martin Middle School, Mat Meyer from Holly Ridge Middle
School, Matt Koch from Salem Middle School, Daniel Braden from Apex Middle
School, Sam Carter from Durant Road Middle School, Stephen Zevgolis from
Centennial Campus Middle School, Natan Holtzman from Ligon Middle School
and Thomas Wu from Carnage Middle School.. Last year's North Carolina State
winner was from Daniels Middle School, a first for WCPSS schools. WCPSS
Social Studies Administrators Melinda Stephani and Diane Garland will both
serve as moderators for the March 31 statewide event.
WCPSS SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATORS PRESENT AT CONFERENCE.
Twelve WCPSS social studies educators recently presented in Greensboro at
the annual conference of the NC Council of Social Studies in late February.
The educators included Melinda Stephani, Sr. Administrator for Social Studies
and Jennifer Facciolini (Fuquay-Varina HS) who co-presented a session on
"Incorporating Law-Related Education in the Social Studies Classroom."
Other teachers who presented on a wide variety of subjects include Sharyn
Hemrick (Martin MS), Melissa Hockaday (Carnage MS), Stephanie Dean and Cathleen
Batten (Leesville Road HS), Heather Vinson (Enloe HS), Eddie Gray (Garner
SHS), Bob Matthews (Mt. Vernon MS) Rebecca Wheeler (Southeast Raleigh HS),
Erica Martin (Leesville RMS) and Arlene Badger (Apex MS). Over 1,200 social
studies educators from around the state were present to hear these and other
educators at the annual two-day conference. The President-Elect of the NCCSS
is Edye Morris-Bryant, AP at Carroll Middle School who coordinated the program.
STATE BOARD GETS REPORT ON WCPSS READING MODEL
At the March 1 State Board of Education meeting, WCPSS Director of K-12
Literacy Ruth Steidinger and Senior Administrator for Special Education
Sherri Miller provided State Board of Education members with a presentation
on WCPSS's collaborative approach to supporting literacy instruction for
all teachers (general education, special education and intervention teachers).
Steidinger and Miller talked about the importance of differentiated support
to teachers to maximize literacy for all students and how their collaborative
efforts have paid off in staff development and support to schools. The Board
presented both individuals with a mug in recognition of their outstanding
efforts.
MARTIN, EAST GARNER COMPETE IN 2006 JUNIOR SOLAR SPRINT PROGRAM
Martin and East Garner middle schools will participate in the EV Challenge
2006 Junior Solar Sprint (JSS) Program to design and build model solar race
cars. The competition will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at NC State
University's McKimmon Center, 1101 Gorman St. in Raleigh during the EV Challenge
Final Event weekend for middle and high schools. Model cars are judged on
technical innovation, creativity and speed. The JSS program is based on
a curriculum sponsored by the US Department of Energy and provides each
student team with a standard photovoltaic panel and electric motor to design
and build a car using these components as the sole power train. The vehicle
must also carry a 12-ounce soft drink can as cargo. The classroom-based
program encourages students to apply math, science, solar energy technology,
electrical vehicle construction and creativity in making their cars. The
competition is offered through the EV Challenge, which is the country's
premier alternative fuel education program sponsored by the Carolina Electric
Vehicle Coalition, Inc. (CEVC). The NC Solar Center coordinates the JSS
program and works with participating schools to provide a curriculum, instructional
assistance and competition support. For more information about the EV Challenge,
please visit www.evchallenge.org
WCPSS KIDS ARE FIRST IN FITNESS!
WCPSS's "First in Fitness" competition will celebrate its 24th
anniversary this spring. "First in Fitness" was established by
former elementary physical education teacher, Ben Tench, and is one of the
oldest on-going physical fitness events in the country. Over 50 elementary
schools and 20 middle schools will be sending teams of students to compete
in a variety of fitness events including the mile run, pull-ups, one-minute
jump rope, shuttle run, broad jump, 100-yard dash, a modified triathlon,
and other track and field events. The events will be held at three different
venues during the months of April and May.
· Northern Area Elementary First in Fitness- April 5, 2006 starting
at 9:30 am at Sanderson High School.
· Southern Area Elementary First in Fitness - April 6, 2006 starting
at 9:30 am at Athens Drive High School.
· Middle School First in Fitness - April 7, 2006 starting at 9:30
am at Athens Drive High School.
· Elementary Magnet Schools Track and Field Meet - May 5, 2006 starting
at 9:30 am at Broughton High School.
WAKE PTA COUNCIL PLANS FOR PROJECT GRADUATION
It takes hundreds of volunteers to enable Wake PTA Council, WCPSS, Wake
County Human Services, and the Wake County Sheriff's Department to provide
a safe, alcohol-free, drug-free, tobacco-free night of fun for our high
school seniors. PG 2006 is Saturday, May 20 at Dorton Arena. All Wake county
seniors are invited to participate in Wake County's Project Graduation.
Each senior may invite one guest to enjoy this evening with him or her.
More than 3000 seniors and their guests are expected at this year's super
graduation party. A planning committee is meeting and has begun seeking
volunteers. For more information, visit http://www.wakeptacouncil.org/2006ProjectGraduation.pdf
PIECES OF GOLD SHOWCASES WCPSS SHINING STARS
More than 950 Wake County public school students were part of the 23rd annual
Pieces of Gold, the annual arts extravaganza produced by WCPSS and Wake
Education Partnership. Students and teachers work throughout the year to
produce performances that support the curriculum as well as entertain an
enthusiastic audience. There were 28 schools selected from 70 groups that
auditioned to be a part of the celebration. Participating schools included:
Briarcliff ES, Carroll MS, Combs ES/Centennial MS, Conn ES, Enloe HS, Fuller
ES (2 groups), Fuquay-Varina ES, Green Hope HS, Holly Ridge MS, Hunter ES,
Joyner ES, Knightdale HS, Leesville HS (2 groups), Ligon MS, Lincoln Heights
ES, Martin MS, Millbrook ES, Northwoods ES, Olds ES, Powell ES,
Sanderson HS, Southeast Raleigh HS (2 groups), Underwood ES, Wake Forest-Rolesville
HS, Wake Forest-Rolesville MS, Weatherstone ES, Wendell ES and West Millbrook
MS.
GIFTS OF GOLD WINNERS, ARTISTS HONORED AT RECEPTION
Student artists were honored at a Gifts of Gold reception hosted by Wake
Education Partnership at the Progress Energy Center for Performing Arts
where the artwork of more than 100 students was on display. Each art teacher
in Wake County may submit one piece of student art for the show, which serves
as the visual arts component of Pieces of Gold. Students received the following
awards:
Best in Show and North Carolina Symphony Award:
Athens Drive High - Kelsey Downs - Lora Stager, teacher
This artist will design the cover for the N.C Symphony school materials
for the upcoming season.
First Place
Vandora Springs Elementary - Jessica Shore - Kathleen Robinson, teacher
Salem Middle - Taylor DeMorat - Nancy Icardi, teacher
Southeast Raleigh High - Nicki Ostrishko - Jodi Aker, teacher
Second Place
Olds Elementary - Lily Highsmith - Madelyn Smoak, teacher
Ligon Middle - Morgan Harvey - Rebekah Arrington, teacher
Leesville Road High - Erika Tierney-James - Lin Stevens, teacher
Third Place
Lincoln Heights Elementary - Taylor Weeks - Jim Hunt, teacher
Fred A. Smith Elementary - Jennifer Suazo - Mary Walden, teacher
Ligon Middle - Dah Young Yoon - N.C. Haischer, teacher
Green Hope High - Burleigh Bodart - Melissa Carl, teacher
3-D Art Award
Middle Creek High - Jonathan Lee - Doug Gilliam, teacher
ASME 2006 EGG DROP COMPETITION PLANNED FOR APRIL 23
The annual ASME 2006 Egg Drop contest will be held 2:30 p.m., Sunday April
23 at the Witherspoon Student Center on the campus of NC State University.
The event is designed to promote engineering and science. It is a fun way
to get kids involved and encourage them to go into technical fields. The
winners will receive cash prizes, certificates, and trophies. We give out
fun prizes to other entrants such as the Most Creative and the Biggest Splat.
For more information go to http://competitions.asme.org/eggdrop/
NC STATE UNIVERSITY HOSTS OPEN HOUSE FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS
NC State University will host its first Open House for Pre-College Summer
Youth Opportunities at the McKimmon Center 1:30 p.m., Sunday, March 12.
Opportunities range from aeronautics to wrestling and from basketball to
writing. Talk with program staff about your child's interests and your expectations.
The event is free and open to the public.
TRIANGLE WOMEN IN INFORMATION SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SPONSOR TECHNOLOGY
TEA
Triangle WISE (Women in Information Science and Engineering) is sponsoring
a Technology Tea Sunday March 19 at the Brier Creek Country Club in North
Raleigh to foster young women and girls' interest in pursuing careers in
science, technology, engineering, and math. The Technology Tea is for parents
and their daughters between the ages of 11 and 15. The girls will have the
opportunity to hear from and interact with creative, dynamic, local businesswomen
working in various leadership roles within science and technology businesses.
For more information, contact Marc at MMontoro@nc-tech.org .
WCPSS Good News is published electronically every other week for
everyone interested in the Wake County Public School System. Is what you
read in this edition helpful? What information would you like to see in
future editions? Contact me by calling 850-1829 or e-mailing bposton@wcpss.net.
Bill Poston
Wake County Public School System
Communications Department
3600 Wake Forest Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
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