Weekly Message - State Superintendent June Atkinson

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Superintendents' Weekly Message

Jan. 25, 2016

June Atkinson

Many school districts across North Carolina were forced to cancel or adjust school schedules for Friday and today because of the snow and ice that fell over the past few days.


I hope that all your students, staff and you stayed safe during this time. As a handy reference, information on school closings due to inclement weather is included in the School Attendance and Student Accounting (SASA) Manual, which was updated recently and posted online on Jan. 20.  

 

Although the weather caused us to postpone our Parents and Teachers Advisory Committee meetings, I do have a meeting with the Principals Advisory Committee later this week. If you have staff who serve on these groups, thank you for supporting their participation. Their feedback on a variety of topics is very helpful to NCDPI staff and me. 

June Atkinson's Signature

Low-Performing School/District Plans for Improvement
Due Feb. 15

 

As a reminder, NCDPI District and School Transformation staff’s goal is to have all Final School Plans for Improvement for the 2015-16 school year submitted by Feb. 15. Please continue to use the website for Low-Performing Districts and Schools to submit a Plan for Improvement. 

 

It’s important to confirm successful completion of the Plan for Improvement process by checking the NCDPI website for the school or district plan. For further questions or support, contact District and School Transformation staff at 919.835.6101.


Multi-Tiered System of Support

Multi-Tiered System of Support:
District Leadership Teams

 

Over the last three weeks, 37 District Leadership teams attended the Cohort 2 session of the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) blended professional development.

 

The purpose of this team is to lead by removing barriers for sustainable, district-wide implementation of MTSS. The primary responsibilities in accomplishing this purpose center around:

-  participating with District MTSS team in Overview Session and contributing to the development and installation of implementation plan;

-  facilitating and implementing a communication and visibility plan that addresses internal and external communication to all stakeholders;

-  Utilizing data-based problem solving for district-wide implementation;

-  supporting use of only engaging, research-based practices in both academic and social-emotional/behavioral instruction and intervention; and

-  supporting district and school staff to understand and have access to a comprehensive, balanced assessment system, procedures and protocols for data collection and educational decisions, as well as data on fidelity of MTSS implementation.

 

All districts, charters, and state-operated programs will be invited to participate in the MTSS Cohort Sessions. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Jablonski.


Implementation Science

Implementation Science Correction

 

In last week’s superintendents’ message, an item discussing Implementation Science identified nine districts pioneering this program. That number should actually have identified eight. Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools are not participating at this time. We apologize for the error.


Summer Nutrition Programs Help Bridge Hunger Gap

 

One of top priorities for School Nutrition Services staff at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is to promote students' overall health, well-being and academic success. To achieve this priority, staff partner with parents and communities and other child advocacy organizations throughout the school year and during the summer months when school is not in session. One of the department’s most important summer collaborations is the Summer Nutrition Programs, which provide appealing meals to students in their communities.

 

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) were established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure economically disadvantaged children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.

 

To read more, please visit NCDPI’s Newsroom.


Problem-Solving Network – Host an Issue Session

 

The Problem-Solving Network provides opportunities for educators across the state facing similar issues and challenges to collaborate on solutions.

 

During virtual sessions, participants will:

    listen as a district or charter school representative details an educational dilemma;

    actively engage in a virtual discussion using prompts;

    collaborate on solutions as a network; and

    provide feedback about the process and content.

 

Please consider hosting a session by submitting a dilemma/issue for discussion. Educator Effectiveness staff will assist you with any questions. Just complete the request form and a professional development coordinator will contact you. See the next item and join the conversation!

 

Problem-Solving Network: Small District/Charter School Solutions

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

 

During this online and interactive session, Dr. Kim Morrison, the Chief Academic and Innovation Officer from Mt. Airy City Schools, will describe a few dilemmas facing small districts and charter schools today. These include personnel and how to use personnel most effectively, using funds efficiently, creating PLCs across districts for singleton classes, and innovative ways to deliver more courses for high school.

 

Based on the needs of the participants in attendance, some or all of these topics will be discussed further by participants asking clarifying and probing questions and then exploring possible solutions.

 

Educators from across the state, including central office staff, administrators, and teachers are encouraged to attend this session to help develop and discuss solutions to common problems for small districts and charter schools. Participants should be prepared to speak during the webinar so please be sure your computer has speakers and a microphone.

 

Participants may register for this one-hour webinar online.


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