Number 10

Truitt Calls for Sharper Focus on Workforce Development in NC Schools

"To address North Carolina’s growing need for a skilled and competent workforce, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt today called for new steps to ensure that all students graduate well prepared for postsecondary opportunities. Truitt stressed during a webinar today with NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido that education is in service to a student’s post-secondary preparation – be it college, career, or military."

Read the full press release here.

Read the superintendent's workforce goals here.

Check out the new workforce website that launched here.

Number 9

Water Education Pen Pals

If you are interested in having your students partner with another classroom and exchange letters with their very own pen-pals to share and learn about water resources, apply by January 31, 2022. 

Learn more and register here.

Number 8

Public School Laws of NC Annotated Available for Purchase

Public School Laws of NC Annotated (Through the 2021 Session) is now available for sale through NCDPI's Publication Sales team. The catalog number is SL121 and sells for $50.00, plus shipping and tax. Quantities are limited. 

Learn more here.

Number 7

Feminine Hygiene Products Grant Program

Funding for the Feminine Hygiene Products Grant Program is now open. Per the End Menstrual Poverty Act, applications are being accepted for grants of up to $5,000 per PSU to purchase feminine hygiene products. To receive this funding, your PSU will need to complete the following application in its entirety. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have questions about the application or grant award process, please reach out to Lillian Pinto, Reproductive Health Consultant.

Number 6

Monthly NCDHHS-DPI Joint COVID Webinar

Tuesday, February 1, 2022 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Topics include: Latest Trends and Metrics, Vaccines, K-12 Testing Program, N95 Mask Distribution

If you need the Zoom link to be emailed again, please reach out to communications@dpi.nc.gov.

Number 5

OLR Coffee Chats: Making the Most of Summer Career Accelerators

Join the OLR to discuss ideas for PRC 177: Summer Career Accelerator! Attendees will hear from community partners EverFi & Momentum. Both developed workforce-aligned programs that support the outcomes of the Career Accelerator program. There will also be time to share ideas with fellow PSUs. The webinar is intended for CTE Directors, CAOs, Assistant Superintendents, and any PSU staff developing the program plan for PRC 177.

Both webinars will cover the same content, so join the one that best fits your schedule! 

Friday, February 4th
Coffee Chat #1, 11:00am-12:00pm

Coffee Chat #2, 12:30pm-1:30pm

Number 4

2021-22 Purple Star Award Applications Due - February 1

Applications for the 2021-22 Purple Star Award are due Tuesday, February 1. 

North Carolina will award the Purple Star Award Designation to those schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.

Learn more and apply here.

Number 3

Living LETRS: Teaching and Coaching Perspectives Webinar

Join the Office of Early Learning, coaches and teachers from different districts for a panel discussion about experiences with LETRS. The webinar will be February 23, 4-5pm.

Register here.

Number 2

Holocaust Remembrance Day

Today commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp.

We pay tribute to the memory of the millions who lost their lives and pledge our steadfast commitment to countering antisemitism.

Number 1

NC and Wake Lead US in Nationally Certified Teachers

"North Carolina and the Wake County school system continue to lead the nation with the most educators receiving what’s called the “gold standard for teacher excellence.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards announced this week that North Carolina leads the country with 23,418 teachers who’ve completed the group’s rigorous certification process. For the 16th year in a row, Wake County leads the nation with the most nationally certified teachers of any school district at 3,113."

Read the full article here.

We are so grateful for all of our educators, and are so proud that North Carolina continues to lead the nation in National Board Certified teachers!