May 2014

Preparing students for New directors 2015 Teachers of the spotlight join BCS 2 3 6 the Year Nathan Allison Named as Principal of Buncombe Discovery Academy

Dr. Tony Baldwin announced that Mr. Nathan Allison will be the principal for the Buncombe Discovery Academy. Mr. Allison has been an assistant principal at A.C. Reynolds High Erwin Grad Caleb Johnson School for the last eight Rocks years. Caleb Johnson, a 2009 graduate of Erwin High School, Believing that the is moving on to the American Idol Finals. Johnson Buncombe Discovery garnered enough votes to stay in the final two and will face 17-year-old Jena Irene in the finals next week. Academy will provide an inspiring level of academic innovation, Mr. Allison is confident this new school’s focus on STEM curriculum will Johnson has never given up on his dream of a singing lead to highly challenging and empowering learning environments and career, auditioning for the show in 2011 and 2012, but beneficial collaborative partner associations. “I am looking forward could not make it to the all-important Top 20. This to establishing a faculty and staff, who are devoted to promoting season Caleb has not only survived in the competition, an educational environment focused on student engagement and but thrived as he continues to compete for the title of achievement. I am also eager to continue building the partnerships we American Idol. have with our local businesses, industries, colleges and universities, and the community.” He has never been in the bottom three, and has impressed the national audience and judges alike with his rock vocals and dynamic performances. This week Mr. Allison earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from the Caleb was fighting bronchitis, sinusitis, and a vocal cord University of -Asheville and a Master of Arts degree in hemorrhage, prompting the following comment from School Administration from Western Carolina University. Commenting Idol Judge Jennifer Lopez, “You on your worst night are on how he envisions the exciting future of the new school, Mr. Allison better than people on their best night.” said, “The Buncombe Discovery Academy will focus on an environment which is hands-on, promotes critical thinking, collaboration, inquiry, On the results show, Caleb will sing with the rock group and is relevant to the 'real-world'. In my opinion, the STEM philosophy KISS. The competition will have its final sing-off live at is the perfect recipe for student success. I hope in the near future, 8 p.m. May 20 on Fox. The winner will be announced on the two-hour reults show that begins at 8 p.m. May 21. this focus becomes the new tradition.”

Buncombe County Schools...Elevating Young Minds www.buncombe.k12.nc.us Preparing Students for Their Spotlight

'The school is the last expenditure upon which America should be willing to Dear Fellow BCS Employees, economize.' - President Franklin D. Roosevelt

It is amazing to me how critical our jobs impact the immediate and future successes of the students in our community. They leave our campuses and follow their paths toward realizing their version of the American Dream. There are many examples of hometown graduates blazing a path that makes our corner of the world so very proud.

A current example of this pride is our very own Caleb Johnson, a 2009 alumnus of Clyde Erwin High School. His continuing success on American Idol is a testament to the power of talent, strength of will, and finding the right time and place to showcase star quality. We all wish him well in the upcoming final week of competition and beyond. His story serves Letter from as a powerful inspiration to others who are chasing dreams, too. Buncombe County Schools Dr. Baldwin are fortunate to have so many faculty and staff dedicated to preparing our students to achieve their goals. With over 25,000 students in our schools today, there are many, many great tales yet to be told!

President Roosevelt was right when he said that schools are the last expenditure America should be willing to economize. Beyond money, we should freely and willingly expend our energies on positioning students to realize their fullest potential into a career or post-secondary education. While most of our students will likely not be singing before a national audience, their hopes and dreams are no less valid. This belief in the attainably of individual success is powerful and invigorating- for the students AND the teachers!

The truth is I can think of no more important profession upon which we should focus. While the school year is winding down and anticipation of a restful summer break in on the horizon, I encourage each of you to remain focused on the tasks at hand. Our students will follow your lead, so I urge you to remain dedicated to having them prepared and concentrating on performing their best on their assignments, year-end tests, and projects.

I am also honored to announce the 2015 Teachers of the Year for our schools. Their names are located on the last page of this newsletter. Each was chosen for this distinction by their fellow teachers who are well-positioned to recognize and reward excellence in our schools. Without question, these teachers’ dedication and commitment to students serve as an inspirational motivator for us all. Congratulations!

Of course all news coming out from the district has not been cause for celebration. In the weeks and months ahead, we will learn more about teacher pay, tenure, Common Core standards, budgets, technology upgrades, and much more. In the meantime, our district vision remains unchanged as each of us helps our students to reach their full potential and become successful, responsible citizens in a diverse, global society. Their success is largely dependent on our determination to help make this a reality for each student.

Public education is an expensive investment; yet it is one asset that yields far greater returns than a high school diploma. It provides for the type of life our students want to live and deserve to enjoy. Moreover, it affords us the first-hand satisfaction of knowing we played an important part in helping our students shine on whichever stage they choose.

In closing I want to express my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for your dedicated efforts in making our schools the absolute best they can be for our students. The true strength of our school system continues to be found in the quality of our human resources. Whether serving in a role that is classified or certified, school specific or system based, classroom or campus wide; it is the collaborative and coordinated efforts of all that make our system so special.

- Dr. Tony Baldwin, Superintendent

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Buncombe County Schools...Elevating Young Minds www.buncombe.k12.nc.us elcomes hree ew BCS W T N Deborah Frisby is the new Chief Finance Officer. Directors Into Key Positions Ms. Frisby served as Finance Officer for Madison County Schools for 23 years and she worked for Buncombe County Dr. Donald Porter is the new Director Schools from June 1984 through February 1987 in the of Communications. He will oversee Payroll department. She earned a Bachelor's degree In the system’s overall communications Business Administration from Mars Hill College. She holds strategies in the areas of community certification from the State Board of Education as a School engagement, media relations, internal Business Director and is a graduate of the NC Association of and external school communications, School Business Officer's Finance Officers' Academy. marketing, social media, and web content. "I am honored to have been chosen for this position. I look forward to working for Buncombe County Schools Since 1997, Dr. Porter has worked in and working with the people in the school system. I am public education at the local and state excited about the opportunities ahead of me in this new levels of government in various capacities. Most recently he adventure." served as the Director of Communications for the Bibb County School District (Macon, Georgia). Dr. Porter has also worked Ms. Frisby has a daughter who is a Biology teacher in as the Director of Public Information for the Richmond County Madison County Schools. In her spare time she loves to School System (Augusta, Georgia) and as a Public Information cook, cater special events and make jewelry. Specialist at the Georgia Department of Education (Atlanta, Georgia). Prior to beginning his career in education, he was a television reporter and morning news anchor at WRDW TV-12, Middle School Technology Facilitator to the CBS-affiliate in Augusta, Georgia. Attend Prestigious Densi Summer Institute Dr. Porter holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Augusta College, a Master of Public Administration degree from Augusta State University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Curriculum Studies with a concentration in Multicultural Education from Georgia Southern University.

Barry Pace is the new Director of Technology. Mr. Pace will oversee all aspects of the district’s direction when it comes to technology and says, “The responsibility to innovate and cultivate a robust digital learning environment rests with all of us. Communities must think and act in new ways to thrive in the connected age and I see education as the foundation. Cutting edge digital resources and on-demand training must be accessible by all, off-campus as well as on, and teachers and administrators should feel empowered by technology to apply their craft effectively to enrich lives.” Conni Mulligan has been selected through a competitive application process to join 149 other Mr. Pace has a varied work background in the world of educators from across the U.S., Canada and the technology. He worked as a CTE/Business teacher for six years, United Kingdom at the 2014 DEN Summer Institute five of them in McDowell County. From his teaching position (DENSI). he transitioned to the position of Director of Technology for McDowell County Schools for five years. Before joining The DENSI is a prestigious week-long summer Buncombe County Schools he served as Connectivity Services professional development and networking event Manager/State E-Rate coordinator for the North Carolina at Vanderbilt University hosted by Discovery Department of Public Instruction. Education’s Discovery Educator Network. The event provides educators the opportunity to connect and Mr. Pace holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance/ share resources, ideas and strategies for integrating Financial Management from The University of North Carolina digital resources into classroom instruction. Conni at Greensboro, and a Master of Arts in Educational Media/ will participate in a number of seminars and hands- Instructional Technology Specialist from Appalachian State on workshops designed to support educators as University. they use the latest technologies to create authentic 3 learning environments.

In compliance with Federal Law, Buncombe County Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability. Dates To Remember May 26 Memorial Day-2 Hour Early Release June 12 Last Day for Students June 13 Teacher Work Day May 30 First Day of Testing June 16 Summer Office Schedule June 5 June Board Meeting

Grant$ Corner: Little Lab Coats Get Big Assist From Grant

Experts agree that hands-on, experiential learning is key to developing students’ understanding of and excitement for science. Yet in elementary school, the general education classroom is the place most of this learning happens—a scenario that brings certain limitations for hands-on science study.

One solution is now on tap at two BCS elementary schools—Sand Hill Venable and Hominy Valley—thanks to Van Harkness says their science lab has several goals for financial support from the Biltmore Lake Charitable Fund. its second year of operation. The room available was carpeted; during an early lab session, a hot burner was Think of it as “studio science”: a dedicated science lab overturned on the carpet, producing a small melt-down to provide focused opportunities for both the planning where its came to rest on the floor covering. “Live and and delivery of hands-on science learn,” Van Harkness says with a grin. lessons. Sand Hill Venable “Science labs need a hard floor.” Media Specialist, Charles Van Harkness, worked with teachers At Hominy Valley, the PTO chipped in Eric Barks, Lisa Piercy, and to provide for teacher training through Susan Mullin to launch their the Science House, a non-profit science elementary science lab last year; education support initiative located on their school recently received the AB Tech campus. “The professional a second grant for phase two development component is key to of the lab’s development in making the science lab a success,” 2014-15. Meanwhile, Hominy says Nina Veteto, a volunteer who Valley received grant funding to worked with lead teachers Stephanie support its opening a dedicated Stuart and Traci Morgan to develop science lab serving all students the grant proposal to Biltmore Lake beginning in the fall. Charitable Fund. The school allocated additional funds for The lab provides a physical space and the materials to purchasing permanent lab equipment and will also install allow for a deeper level of engagement and problem a SmartBoard. solving, and Van Harkness says the benefits have been obvious. “Over the first year, we have noticed a “The focus is to develop what educator Lucy Calkins calls heightened interest in science among both staff and the wide-awake curiosity of scientists,” says Veteto. students,” he says. “Students look forward to, and ask “With well-trained teachers and a lab at our disposal, about, going to the lab; teachers have noted positive we can engage our students more deeply in hands-on, behavioral changes in students manifested as a higher experiential science learning and ensure a better future degree of focus.” for them and our community.”

For more information on grants available to support programs and projects in your school, visit the grant writing pages on the employee website, or contact BCS Grant Writer Susan Andrew, at [email protected].

Explore Your Student Loan Forgiveness Options

Information on student loan forgiveness options is available on the employee website. While all schools don’t meet requirements, you may find that you qualify for some relief.

More than 30 percent of the school’s enrollment must be made up of children from low-income families. A list of the low income school directory is found at http://www.tcli.ed.gov/ .

4 In compliance with Federal Law, Buncombe County Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability. PLAYHOUSE SHOWDOWN GOOD NEWS! winners for the CTE construction and interior design classes, in Awards and Accolades partnership with the Asheville Homebuilders Association.

BCS Cafeteria Managers who won the Owen High won 'Fan Favorite.' Teacher Assistant Felicia 'Spectacular Spatula' award for the 2013-14 Principal Meg Turner and CTE Buckner receives recognition school year are Darlene McDougal, Donna teacher Lisa Roberts accept at the January Board meeting Farmer, Sandra Hammond, Betty Dillingham, a check from Caroline Sutton for graduating with an Geni Waters, Pam Crain, Sheryl Harris, Pam of the Asheville Homebuilders Teaching degree from ECU. Adams and Gayle Lane (not pictured.) Association.

Reynolds High won 'Best in Show.' Principal Doris Sellers accepts a check from Caoline A large group of BCS bus drivers were recognized at the February Board Sutton of the Asheville meeting durring Bus Driver Appreciation Month for their outstanding Homebuilders Association. service during the polar vortex of the 2014 winter.

- Caption: NWR Principal Danny Fusco and Leah Erwin.

The second round of the state-wide “Bus Roadeo” competition was held at the Buncombe County Schools’ bus garage on May 6th. Leah Erwin, a driver for students at North Windy Ridge finished in third place and is rolling on, while stopping at all railroad crossings, to the state competition on May 29th. 5 Buncombe County Schools...Elevating Young Minds www.buncombe.k12.nc.us Congratulations to the 2015 Teachers of the Year!

Enka District Owen District Enka High Ben Alexander Owen High Karen Jones Enka Middle Chelsea Paige Owen Middle Nicole Phelps Candler Elementary Ryan Hennessee Black Mountain Elementary Jessica Marshall Hominy Valley Elementary Amanda Hollifield Black Mountain Primary Deborah Kubiak Pisgah Elementary Leslie Cox Williams Elementary Jeannette Hampton Sand Hill-Venable Elementary Jennifer Anderson Community High School Summer Kirkpatrick

Erwin District Reynolds District Erwin High Anna Austin Reynolds High Wendy Wheeler Erwin Middle Jeff Baggett Reynolds Middle Andrea Britt Eblen Intermediate Jason Miller Cane Creek Middle Muriel Singer Emma Elementary Toni Lane-Fulp Bell Elementary Lisa Lyles Johnston Elementary Christy Pace Fairview Elementary Will Henry Leicester Elementary Lora Jason Haw Creek Elementary Jonathan Hintz W. Buncombe Elementary Brittany Hensley Oakley Elementary Melanie Curry Woodfin Elementary Amy Clouse Early College Julie Maimes

North Buncombe District Roberson District North Buncombe High Gary Massey Roberson High Aleisa Baker North Buncombe Middle Laura Norris Valley Springs Middle Mike Reardon North Windy Ridge Heather Neal Koontz Intermediate Tom House Barnardsville Elementary Kate Trefzger Avery's Creek Elementary Christy Lusk North Buncombe Elementary Kelly Zumwalt Estes Elementary Paula Dinga Weaverville Elementary Jeremy Aten Glen Arden Elementary Laura Swangim Weaverville Primary Mark Ussery PEP Katy Haughney

Congratulations! 10, 20 & 30 years of service January - April 2014 NAME YEARS SERVED NAME...... YEARS SERVED NAME YEARS SERVED Connie Alberghini...... 10 Jesse Quigley...... 10 Anna Harris...... 20 Margarita Brookins...... 10 Deborah Rhodarmer...... 10 Shirley Humphrey...... 20 Deanna Buchanan...... 10 Angela Sharpe...... 10 Ginger Lynch...... 20 Jennifer Derringer...... 10 Kathryn Titley...... 10 Lisa Mackey...... 20 Louise Dixon...... 10 Amanda Tomblin...... 10 Darlene McDougal...... 20 Vickie Fender...... 10 Leslie Tritle...... 10 Arlene Morgan...... 20 Melissa Fuller...... 10 Cynthia Watkins...... 10 Deborah Patti...... 20 Dawnya Griner...... 10 William Abromitis...... 20 David Rhoney...... 20 Paula Del Greco...... 10 Cynthia Anders...... 20 Jan Sturgis...... 20 Dorothy Hambright...... 10 Elizabeth Apostolopoulos...... 20 Theresa Bartlett...... 30 Kimberly Heflin...... 10 Anita Balicky...... 20 Kenneth Hughes...... 30 Karen Herrick...... 10 Debra Beckman...... 20 Amy Loy...... 30 Matthew Lane...... 10 Mary Bonyun...... 20 Janice McWilliams...... 30 Michael Martin...... 10 Susan Bowen...... 20 Terra Thompson...... 30 Traci Morgan...... 10 Carolyn Dotson...... 20 Gayland Welborn...... 30 William Morgan...... 10 Catherine Gilkeson...... 20 Carrie Nagel...... 10 Kena Grooms...... 20 6

Buncombe County Schools...Elevating Young Minds www.buncombe.k12.nc.us