Number 10

Education Leaders Plead for Extension of Child Nutrition Waivers

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government granted a series of waivers to school nutrition departments that allowed them to serve meals to students during the summer and allowed free meals for all students in schools. At the end of this month, that will end unless legislation in Congress gets approved.

Two prominent education leaders are begging North Carolina’s U.S. senators to do something about it.

In identical letters sent to Republican Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt and State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis discussed hearing at this month’s State Board meeting 'the potentially catastrophic impacts of soaring food, fuel, supply and labor costs on the federally assisted school nutrition programs.'"

Read the full story here.

Number 9

NCBOLD Conference

The division of Digital Teaching and Learning (DTL) is excited to announce its new iteration of NCBOLD for this summer. Learn how to positively impact student learning through implementing the Digital Learning Competencies and Digital Learning Standards for students. Join one of our mini-conferences for fresh ideas to immediately incorporate into your classroom practices!

All sessions will be created and delivered by educators from across North Carolina. Concurrent sessions will support classroom teachers, support personnel, and school-level administrators in developing the capacity to improve instruction and provide digital leadership in classrooms and schools.

Learn more and register here.

Number 8

Promoting and Uplifting Summer Programs

Summer is here, and the Office of Learning Recovery (OLR) loves seeing your interactive programs on social media. Be sure to include #NCSummer2Excel so OLR can lift up your PSU’s great work!

Questions? Email Lynne Barbour at lynne.barbour@dpi.nc.gov.

Number 7

Statewide Blended Instruction PD Course

Want to receive professional development to assist you with best practices and resources for implementing blended instruction in your classroom or school? 

The Getting Started with the North Carolina Blended Instructional Model is a 20-hour self-paced course that opens July 15th and ends January 15th. At the end of the course participants will earn 2 CEUs. Participants will also be connected to the Rethink Education Blended Learning Networks to support them on their blended learning journey.

Learn more and register here. If you have questions about the course, please reach out to the Project Manager, Rachel Wright Junio.

Number 6

Raleigh Special Education Teacher Receives National Recognition for Innovative Teaching

"TIME magazine recently released their list of most innovative teachers and it includes a special education teacher in Raleigh.

Joann Blumfeld helps student with disabilities discover their special abilities in the science, technology, engineering and math fields of study.

'I always say that people with disabilities are the greatest wasted national resource we have in this country,' said Blumenfeld.

She has helped her students achieve beyond expectations. Eight years ago, with grant support, she began a free summer program called CATALYST at North Carolina State University’s Science House.

'We typically want kids three and four years. The longer they are with us, we can build their skill set and get ready for college,' said Blumenfeld."

Congratulations Joann on being named one of our nation's most innovative educators in TIME magazine! Read the full story here.

Number 5

Save the Date: Making Up for Lost Time – Students and School Shutdowns

How do we quantify the impact of Covid-related learning disruption on North Carolina’s students? Where is help needed the most? What is the NC Department of Public Instruction doing to address the impact of the pandemic on students and teachers?

Join Superintendent Truitt and the Office of Learning Recovery and Acceleration's Dr. Jeni Corn on June 20th as they discuss what NCDPI is doing to address the impact of the pandemic on students and teachers.

Learn more and RSVP here.

Number 4

Science Club for Girls Goes Bilingual and International in its Quest to Open Doors

"A national STEM club for girls that got its start in Charlotte is branching out into classes conducted in Spanish, with plans to take the program international.

Project Scientist started small in Charlotte, when founder Sandy Marshall hosted a math/science summer program at her house. Since 2011 it has expanded into summer camps and after-school programs in California, Georgia, Minnesota and Texas.

A new twist took place this spring at Devonshire Elementary School in east Charlotte. Nine girls learned about climate change and icebergs, with discussions and activities conducted in Spanish."

Read the full story here. We are so excited to see this incredible step from Project Scientist! 

Number 3

TeachNC Scholarships for Teacher Prep Programs

If you’re applying to a North Carolina teacher prep program for the fall, TeachNC is giving away more than $50,000 in scholarships to apply to program expenses. The deadline to apply is July 31.

Learn more and apply here. 

Number 2

Perspective Piece: Career Coaches Help Plan Path Forward

"Every student who graduates from high school should have a plan for what’s next. And, if there’s no pathway forward in place, then we — high schools and community colleges, working together — have failed the student. It’s our job to ensure that high school students and graduates are given all the tools they need to transition into a successful career. Career coaches are a good place to start.

Blue Ridge Community College first worked with schools in Transylvania County to get a shared career coach on board. We applied for funding and were approved. After a positive experience, we went on to work with Henderson County Public Schools to hire two more career coaches. Every public high school in our area is now served by one of these three coaches. We value what our career coaches do and how they work with students and parents, alike, to achieve their long-term goals."

Read the full piece here.

Number 1

Truitt Announces Formation of Parent Advisory Commission

"State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt has announced the 48 members of her Parent Advisory Commission, drawn from 3,000 applicants who responded to her invitation earlier this year to apply for the new panel.

With six parents or guardians represented from each of the state’s eight educational regions, members will meet for the first time in September. The group will share aspirations for public education in North Carolina, provide feedback on policy or pertinent matters affecting K-12 education, and share recommendations, insight and perspectives with Superintendent Truitt and others."

Read more and see the list of selected members here.