Dear Staff:
The Board of Education would like to take this time to express our gratitude to each of you for your amazing work this year. You have truly risen to the occasion and we would like to applaud you for your determination during these times of uncertainty.
Like our students and parents have had to consider new ways to work remotely, our educators and school leaders have also had to learn new ways to teach our students. Many of you have been thrust into a world of remote teaching and learning which requires all of our employees to successfully learn unfamiliar ways of doing their work to connect with our families. All of this was extremely sudden and unexpected, yet you have managed to greet your students, parents, and community members daily with a smile. We cannot thank you enough for being a wonderful example of our mission and vision in action. Your dedication is a constant reminder to all of our stakeholders on the importance of our schools in the community no matter the age of the child.
In closing, the Board of Education extends a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season to you and your loved ones. Please take this time to rest and relax as we say goodbye to 2020 and welcome the new year. We are happy you are part of the Craven County Schools Family and admire your love, commitment, and dedication to the children of Craven County.
Sincerely,
The Craven County Schools Board of Education
Frances Boomer-Chairman
Kim R. Smith-VIce Chairman
Naomi Clark
Carr Ipock
Stefanie King
Kelli Muse
Beatrice Smith
Dr. Meghan S. Doyle, Superintendent
Myra Flowers, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
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On behalf of the Board of Education, it is with great pleasure that we extend our congratulations to Justice Williams, 7th-grade student at HJ MacDonald Middles School for her beautiful artwork being selected as the image for the 2020 Craven County Schools Holiday Card. There were 41 very worthy images submitted for the holiday card contest so it was not an easy decision for the Board of Education to select just one winner. Many of the other images will be used throughout the holidays to showcase our students' talents. Thank you to our art teachers for taking the time to submit the amazing entries from the first semester.
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2020-2021 Traditional School Calendar Update
At the December Board of Education Meeting, the Board of Education approved a revision to the traditional school calendar for the 2nd semester. The Remote Learning day designation has been removed from February 15 (Presidents' Day) and March 15 since every Wednesday in the remainder of the 2020-21 school calendar is designated for remote learning.
- February 15 will remain an Optional Workday for staff.
- March 15 will remain a Required Workday for staff
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Early Colleges Students will return for In-person and Craven LIVE instruction on Tuesday, January 5th.
Please ensure that students are aware of their schedules, particularly those who may have changed from one setting to the other. Wednesday, January 6th will be an asynchronous/remote learning day.
Planning for January 6 – Asynchronous/Remote School Day for Schools on Traditional Calendar
School leaders and teachers are strongly encouraged to make plans on Wednesday, January 6 to engage in some form of interactive communication with students and families. Some are changing classes, teachers, maybe even schools, so welcoming them into the second half of the school year and providing helpful information will benefit everyone. Virtual class meetings, small group sessions, introductions, and/or “how to” navigation sessions and resources are just a few ideas. Collaborate with your colleagues around the district to share creative and innovative ideas and resources. #MakingItBetterTogether
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Wrap Up Your Semester Canvas Resources
Grades 6-12 teachers, please use these resources at http://bit.ly/ccswrapitup to help you to move your Canvas content into your new semester courses. If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Williamson.
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On September 15, 2020, the Board of Education approved an update to the communication process for positive COVID-19 cases. In an effort to be as transparent as possible with families and community members, this communication process was established with the following, multiple steps to include:
- The School Nurse will personally notify all close contacts to make them aware of their status as a close contact and share the next steps.
- The principal will notify staff and parents via text and email that a student and/or staff member has tested positive.
- The District Lead Nurse will work with Public Relations to share the number of new positive cases so the district dashboard can be updated three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).
- Public Relations will issue a press release to inform the media of the number of positive cases.
Currently, due to the increase in the number of positive students and employees, multiple letters are being distributed by our school principals on a daily basis. Based on continued study of this process as well as feedback from our principals, this communication process is no longer effective. Families have become immune to the notifications and are not always reading the information sent home by the school leader. We are receiving reports from some families that the rate of sharing of new positive case(s) as soon as the school is aware is also adding to fears which are not warranted since many of the positive cases are by individuals who have already been quarantined because of a positive family member or because of community contact.
For these reasons, it is was approved by the Board of Education that our school leaders will send staff and parents one letter, if necessary, on Friday afternoon to report the number of positive cases on campus. Close contacts (staff and parents of students) will continue to be contacted personally by the school nurse if they happen to be impacted. This revision will reduce the number of letters being sent home on a daily basis and staff/parents will become accustomed to receiving this information once a week.
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Reporting Abuse During COVID-19 Crisis
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N.C. Wildlife Loaner Boxes
This announcement is being sent on behalf of Tanya Poole. If you have any questions please contact Tanya at email: tanya.poole@ncwildlife.org
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is happy to offer loaner boxes for educators within the state of North Carolina. These loaner boxes will allow you to bring a little bit of the wild into your teaching space with no associated cost for teachers. Please see loaner box options below:
Magnificent Mammals - Grades 4-8
Materials included:
3 carnivore, 3 herbivore, & 3 omnivore skulls
Laminated lesson plan
PowerPoint
Laminated skull diagrams
Laminated species profiles for skulls included
Return shipping label
All materials for lesson plan included in loaner box
Dove Decoy – Middle & High School Sciences
Materials included:
28 dove decoys
Return shipping label
Most materials for lesson plan included in loaner box
If you wish to request a loaner box, or would just like more information please email wrceducation@ncwildlife.org with your requests.
Please also see attached file.
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We want to make sure you are aware of key information for North Carolina educators pursuing National Board certification. While there is still funding available, we want to provide you with all the necessary dates and resources for you to begin the National Board process.
Loans available
If you are considering pursuing certification for the first time, you have until December 31, 2020, to apply for a loan that covers the cost ($1,900) of the certification process, with the exception of the $75 registration fee.
Automatic 12% salary increase
Did you know that as a Board-certified teacher in North Carolina, you automatically receive a 12% salary increase? You will also receive 8.0 CEUs for completing all components.
Questions?
If you would like to hear first-hand from National Board-certified Teachers in North Carolina, check out our video on the benefits and support available to teachers pursuing certification in North Carolina here.
Warm regards,
Catrina Parker
Educator Advancement Coordinator
NC Department of Public Instruction | District & Regional Support
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New Bern High Bear Boutique is having a T-shirt sale.
The T-shirts are $12.00
Long sleeve shirts are $15.00
There will be an additional charge of $1.00 if you would like your name or your school name on the back of the shirt.
Suggested colors are white and red, but other colors are available.
All proceeds go to the OCS program to help support our students. For more information please contact Evelyn Edwards 252-514-6400 ext.363 evelyn.edwards@cravenk12.org
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