Number 10

Today, March 2, is Read Across America Day!

Happy Read Across America Day! This week we hope students and families can take time to read together because we know that when students learn to read, they are better prepared to lead and to succeed!

Watch Superintendent Truitt's video message recognizing Read Across America Day here.

Number 9

Center for Safer Schools 10th Anniversary Celebration

In honor of the Center for Safer Schools' 10th anniversary on March 19, students across the state are invited to create a video, flyer, poster or any other creative representation to describe their interpretation of school safety. Prizes will be given to first-, second- and third-place winners.

All submissions are due Wednesday, March 8 by 5 p.m. Submissions can be sent to Michael Wheeler. 

Number 8

P-EBT Update for the 2022-23 School Year

North Carolina received federal approval to continue the P-EBT program this school year. Because most students are back in school and receiving meals in person, many households will not get P-EBT this year or will only receive a small amount for COVID-19 related absences. The program is extended until May 11, 2023 when the federal COVID-19 public health emergency ends.

NCDHHS is preparing to begin issuing benefits to students by mid-March and then to young children by April. Click here for more information.

Number 7

Full "How to Pay for College" CFNC Webinar Series Now Available

NCSEAA and CFNC are pleased to bring you the "How to Pay for College" webinar series. Students and their families are often confused about how to bridge the gap between family funds, financial aid and the total cost of paying for college. Funding a college education shouldn’t be a mystery. Having a better understanding of the funding landscape can help families build a sound plan so students can focus on their studies.

Find the full webinar series here.

Number 6

Sign Up for New Parent Newsletter from Superintendent Truitt

Superintendent Truitt is starting a twice yearly parent newsletter that will help parents and guardians stay in the know on education happenings in our state. 

Sign up for the newsletter here by entering your email address and selecting "Superintendent Truitt's Parent Newsletter" under the "Internal Lists" section and keep an eye out for the first edition this spring!

Number 5

Feedback Requested for Draft 2 of 2023 K-12 Science Standards Draft

Draft 2 of the proposed 2023 K-12 Science Standards is available for public review and comment. Stakeholder input is valuable to the process as it may inform additional revisions to the draft standards.

Review and comment here by March 26.

Number 4

After COVID, NC Report Shows Increase in Student Misconduct in 2021-22 - Reflecting Nationwide Trends

"Reflecting similar trends across the nation, North Carolina public schools reported increases during the 2021-22 school year of incidents involving student misconduct, crime and violence.

Even as schools reopened after the historic disruptions of the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years, many students returned to in-person learning facing academic and social challenges after a year of remote instruction, relative isolation and limited face-to-face interactions with peers and educators. National survey data from schools last year showed that many students struggled to readjust to school culture and expectations, resulting in more misbehavior and violations of school rules and laws."

Read the full press release here.

Number 3

Supporting the Implementation of Modeling Instruction in Rural Schools Professional Development Program

The Science House is offering a professional development program that focuses on Modeling Instruction in High School Biology and High School Chemistry while producing new educational research. This professional development course will take place over multiple weeks. There is no charge. Participating teachers will be eligible for a stipend of up to $4,300 over the course of their involvement in the project.

Learn more and apply here.

Number 2

NCDPI Joins NC Businesses for 13th Annual Students@Work℠ Program

"State Superintendent Catherine Truitt joins employers, educators, and state leaders in recognizing March 2023 as Students@Work℠ Month. This statewide career awareness program is celebrating 13 years of helping public school students connect classroom learning with careers they may choose to explore in the future.

Students@Work℠ is a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE). This year’s program involves 270 businesses throughout the state and is expected to impact approximately 25,500 students."

Read the full press release here.

Number 1

Happy Arts in Our Schools Month!

March is Arts in Our Schools Month! Did you know that NC Superintendent Catherine Truitt attended a performing arts high school and studied classical piano for 16 years?

In her video message celebrating Arts in Our Schools Month and Music in Our Schools, Superintendent Truitt shares that many of the durable skills young artists learn from their experience with arts education are the same competencies outlined in the NC Portrait of a Graduate such as Adaptability, Communications and Personal Responsibility.

Take time this month to thank arts educators for their dedication and commitment to inspiring and encouraging young artists to grow and thrive.