January 7, 2016
This is a year to be paying attention.....
As the old cliché goes  "The only constant is change."    Say Yes to Education is broadening how we think, work and organize ourselves to build the strongest pathway for our students to success beyond high school.   GCS Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green is stepping down after nearly 8 years of outstanding leadership and a process is already underway to identify our next leader.  The Board of Education  -- with new districts, fewer members and their first state mandated partisan elections  -- will undergo a transformation in November.   Teachers and administrators continue to try and do more with even fewer resources, while politicians battle over budgets and policy. And while the adults struggle with, muddle through, and strategize about change,  our kids meanwhile embrace it as the norm.   They go to school day in and day out -- changing and growing by the hour, the day, the week, the year.   GEA is here to help you stay focused on the big and small ways you can bring your time, attention and intention to supporting student and school success.  When we do that -- we all benefit -- in the short-term and over the long haul.   Stay tuned this year and we'll help you stay updated with all the change.   Most importantly, we invite you to stay engaged.   Your time, attention and intention matter.   Thank you for investing some of it in student and schools in Guilford County.   Below are 3 ways you can give a little time, leave a lasting impression and we promise -- get something back in the process.   Here's to a strong 2016!   
 
Alan Parker POY 2015
Community Reader Day
  
It takes just 30 minutes to share a story with students and brighten your day. You can bring one of your favorite books to share OR simply choose one that is provided by the school.

Elementary schools across the county are taking part in Community Reader Days with times in the morning and afternoon.  
Click here to view the schools participating and sign up!

Questions?  
Contact Shelley Ewing, Program Director,  336-841-4332 or sewing@guilfordeducation
alliance.org. 
 
NEW GEA STAFF

Shelley Ewing has joined GEA as Program Director.  She comes to us with 15 years experience in program and event management,
college admissions and academic advising. Most recently she worked at UNCG and prior held posts at HPU and Meredith College.   We're thrilled to have her on board!  Jennifer Reavis left our team in December to take some much deserved time off and explore new opportunities.  Join us in wishing Jennifer well and welcoming Shelley.
 
Principal for a Day

Though really it only takes a morning!  Learn what it's like to have one of the most demanding jobs in the  world serving as 
Principal for a Day, 
Tuesday, February 16.
 
Participants are matched with a principal to spend the morning at school, then come together as a group with the other community leaders and principals for lunch. 
 
Here's what you can expect:
 
7:15 AM: Arrive at school to meet your principal and attend staff meeting.
 
7:30 AM: Greet the buses and supervise breakfast in the cafeteria.
 
8:00 AM: Talk with the principal and administrative team.
 
9:00 AM: Visit classrooms to observe lessons and talk with students and teachers.
 
11:30 - 1:00 PM: Join other participants, principals, and the superintendent for lunch and discussion.
 
Click here for more information about PFAD and email Shelley Ewing to register.

Love Our Teachers and Schools! 
  
We want to Show LOTS of Love to our Teachers and Schools during the month of February! 
 
Please host a school supply drive or make a financial donation to support the Teacher Supply Warehouse. Many students are unable to provide paper, pencils and other supplies they need for school.  Teachers spend hundreds of dollars every year to ensure students have what they need.
 
TSW provides FREE supplies to teachers for use in their classrooms.  Our inventory is stocked with gently used and new donated supplies.  We also receive monetary donations and purchase high-demand supplies.
 
Given cuts in funding and the increases in student enrollment, school supply budgets have been slashed.  New teachers can be particularly hard hit.  They enter a classroom with desks, chairs and a handful of supplies.  But thanks to the active generosity of our community, teachers have a resource.   Thank you for your support and help!

Stay Connected
902 Bonner Drive  |  Jamestown NC 27282  |  336-841-4332  F/336-841-3696