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January is National Mentoring Month, a time when we recognize individuals who continue to support and provide guidance to our students. Our Committed Community is making a difference in the lives of our young people, and for that, we are grateful.
In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, CCS will be closed on Monday, January 16 for students and staff.
Dr. Connelly reminded everyone that the Choice Application period for the 2023-24 school year ends on January 31. Families may visit the CCS Choice Programs website to explore all of the options available.
LLS “Thank You”
Dr. Connelly shared that over a period of 60 days, leading up to his 60th birthday on Dec. 14, 2022, he and CCS student Layla Smith were able to raise over $20,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Dr. Connelly stated, “I really appreciate everyone who helped me celebrate a milestone birthday by "paying it forward" and helping an organization that has done so much to help others impacted by cancer. As a district, we've raised nearly $64,000 of our $70,000 LLS Team fundraising goal! We are well on our way to meeting our goal, and I know we will finish strong!
Superintendent's Focus Monthly Video
Dr. Connelly concluded his comments with a short video that highlighted “the tremendous role of our Board of Education and how their efforts help students succeed.”
Administrative Recommendations
Assistant Principal, Pine Forest Middle: Shameka Joyner (Kamina Fitzgerald)
Central Services Recommendations
Executive Director of Academic & Instructional Systems: Dr. Theresa Perry
Exceptional Children Compliance Coordinator: James Banks (New Position)
Recognitions
Recognition of Ex-Officio Members
Student government representatives Jackeline Rivas Echeverria from Westover High School and Genesis Valle-Cordero from South View High School served as the ex-officio members of the Cumberland County Board of Education during the January 10 meeting. Ex-officio members are given the opportunity to make comments, ask questions, and give input on any topic brought before the Board.
Local Students Recognized in National Video Contest
The following Jack Britt High School students, Alexia Glass, Ta’Juan “TJ” Lucas, and Markela Slaughter were recognized by the Board for receiving Honorable Mention for their video titled “Unity Rebuilds” in the recent National School Board Associations 2022 High School Video Contest.
Teacher Assistant Selected as Extra Mile Award Winner
Ms. Barbara McQueen, a teacher assistant at Mary McArthur Elementary School was recognized for being selected as the Extra Mile Award Winner for the Month of December. McQueen received an unprecedented 15 different nominations from her school. One nominator said, “Ms. McQueen’s impact is widespread. She helps create ‘a loving and nurturing environment’ at Mary McArthur Elementary.”
Community Outreach Coordinator Receives Committed Community Support Award
Mrs. Ann Mathis from The Bicycle Man Community Outreach was honored as the December Committed Community Support Award recipient. Mrs. Mathis, wife of the late Moses Mathis aka ‘Bicycle Man’, has kept the program going since his passing in 2013. She has collaborated with school social workers and community volunteers to ensure that hundreds of children received ‘something special under the tree.’ Her passion and commitment to the Bicycle Man Community Outreach will be remembered for years to come.
Local Pastor Recognized for Commitment to Service
Pastor Mark Knight from Epicenter Church in Fayetteville was recognized as October’s Committed Community Support Award Winner. Knight was nominated by J.W. Coon Elementary School’s Principal Tianna O’Brien because of the support he and his church has given the staff, students and families at J.W. Coon to include morale boosters for staff, co-sponsoring school-wide programs, planning community events, and supporting military-connected students and their families. O’Brien stated, “the church and lead pastor continue to show commitment to our school and students. They are always willing to help our school and staff in whatever way they can. They are true examples of servant leaders and committed community members!”
School Board Recognized
In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, members of the CCS Communications Team presented a small token of appreciation to members of the Board for their service to the faculty, staff and students of Cumberland County Schools. The Board members also received gifts of appreciation from students at several schools.
Dr. Queesha Tillman, president of the Cumberland County Association of Principals and Assistant Principals (CCAPAP) also made a presentation to the Board in celebration of School Board Appreciation Month.
2023-2024 and 2024-2025 School Calendars Get a 'Thumbs Up'!
The Board approved the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school year calendars for students and staff at Traditional schools, Year-Round Schools, Early College High Schools and Cumberland Polytechnic High School. The Board-approved documents will be posted on the CCS’ Website in the coming days.
District to Discontinue Uniforms at Select Cumberland County Schools
The Board approved a proposal from CCS’ Student Support Services to discontinue uniforms at Pine Forest Middle School, Howard Hall Elementary School and Sherwood Park Elementary School after receiving stakeholder feedback. The change will take effect beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.
Agreement to Provide Nurses to High-Priority Schools
A bid for Professional Services Agreement with ATC HealthCare Services, LLC to provide nurses services to high-priority high schools was approved. They will provide seven 35-hour registered nurses per week, and the proposed contract will end May 26, 2023. K-12 services include: vision, hearing screening, first aid care, health assessment, coordinating student care, reviewing health records, administering medications as necessary and assisting EC nurses.
Professional Services Agreement with Public Consulting Group, LLC Approved
The nine-member Board approved the services agreement with Professional Services to provide Professional Development to the district’s Special Education personnel as recommended by the Student Support Services Committee.
Board Approves International Partnership Agreements
An agreement was signed with Educational Partners International, LLC and Cumberland County Schools for participation in teacher placements in a J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program. A similar agreement was also signed with The Center for International Education, Inc. dba Participate Learning.
School Board Concludes Business Modernization Contract with CherryRoad Technologies Inc.
The Board approved an amendment to the Business Modernization Contract with CherryRoad Technologies Inc. which will conclude CherryRoad’s systems modernization work on behalf of Cumberland County Schools.
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