CCS Staff In the Know
Technology Updates:

Using Personal Assistants in the Classroom: Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home
These devices are designed and intended for personal and consumer use. They were not intended to be used in the classroom setting as they pose compliance and privacy issues. With the artificial intelligence built into these devices, using them with students can/will violate FERPA, CIPA, and COPPA.
 
We understand that there is some instructional benefit to having these devices in place but the security and compliance concerns are why we have not approved these devices to be on our network. This is to help keep our students and our staff safe.
Get Ready for the New MacBooks, Classroom Teachers!
Visit https://bit.ly/macbookswap for assistance.
Updated Say Something Anonymous Reporting System
Training for Students 

SS-ARS training through Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) will open on March 28th and remain open until April 15th.  
SHP has updated the training video, emphasizing how to identify indicators from students or community members who may be experiencing problems. They have also added information about establishing a relationship with a trusted adult as a person they can quickly approach when they recognize an issue or a threat.  

The training entails the showing of a 35-minute video to all secondary school students. All secondary school safety coordinators will receive the link with a short set of instructions prior to Monday, March 28th. I will send out a preview link of the video today. This will be identical to the training video that will be shown to students. 
Translated Field Trip Consent Forms Added to CCS Website

The ESOL Team has had the CCS Field Trip Consent Form translated to assist parents in completing the form for our ESL students. Teachers and parents should complete the English form; the translated form should accompany the English form to allow for assistance in understanding the form. These translated forms can be found on the CCS Website in the Field Trip form section under the English version. You may also access here: 
From "English Learner" to "Multilingual Learner"
As part of its asset-based belief system, DPI will now begin using “Multilingual Learner” (ML) when referring to students who use other languages in addition to English. This shift in language takes an asset-based approach to: 1) avoid labeling students in terms of the language they do not yet know; 2) acknowledge that students’ first languages and cultures are a strength; and 3) reiterate the importance of literacy and proficiency in multiple languages.
In the field of K-12 education, various terms are used to describe MLs. For policy & legislation purposes, DPI will maintain the term “English Learners.” For all other purposes, DPI will begin to use the term “Multilingual Learner.”
View the full memo here.
Craven Cyber Smarts

Craven Cyber Smarts are resources for teachers and families to use with students every month from the Digital Learning Department.

to learn more!
Visit bit.ly/ditfspark to view all issues!
AP Teacher Professional Development Opportunity:
AP Best Practices Series
The NC AP Partnership is excited to offer once again FREE AP Teacher Professional Development opportunities for the following AP courses during the Spring of 2022:
Teachers can attend as few or as many sessions as they desire. NCAPP will cover all associated costs. Certificates of Participation will be provided to all participants who complete the survey at the end of each session.
 
Zoom Session Dates: 
Session 4 – March 22 -March 29, 2022
 
Times: 4:00pm to 5:30pm OR 5:00pm to 6:30pm – see catalog link below (90-minute Zoom sessions)
 
Registration: please see all details including the catalog of session descriptions and registration links on this document. Registration is first come, first served until all sessions fill (25 teacher capacity per session).
 
Questions? Please contact Michelle Lourcey, mlourcey@collegeboard.org.
2022 TRANSFER REQUEST PROCESS
The employee transfer list is now open through Tuesday, May 31, 2022. 
 
After speaking with the principal/supervisor, an employee may add his/her name to the transfer list.
 
Principals/Supervisors will have immediate access to the transfer list and will make contact if interested in scheduling an interview. 
 
After May 31, 2022, transfers can only occur with consent of both administrators. Keep in mind, administrative transfers can occur at any point and there is a chance that we may transfer teachers based on changes in allotted positions.
 

Feel free to contact HR with any questions regarding the transfer process.
2022-2023 School Reassignments

The window for parents to request school reassignments for the 2022/2023 school year is from March 1st to March 31st. The forms will be available on the Craven County Schools website under Student Support Services. Families whose student(s) are currently on reassignment this school year will have to submit another form to re-apply for next school year if they want their student(s) to continue to attend a school outside of their attendance zone. 

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