Number 10

Educator STEM Day at Fort Liberty

Join Educators from across the state of North Carolina in learning how Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are integral to the XVIII Airborne Corps. 

• Learn how predictive analysis, AI and machine learning shape XVIII ABC operations
• Immerse yourself in a hands-on experience as the Robotics
• Training Facility displays Army innovation
• Meet & greet with Army Soldiers utilizing S.T.E.M. skills to solve Soldier problems
• Create your very own take home Conditions Awareness Tool utilizing coding, circuitry, and thermodynamics

Educator STEM Day will be February 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Fort Liberty. Registration closes February 14. 

Learn more and register here.

Number 9

Reminder: Quarterly PIO Call February 7

Public Information Officers and Charter School Communications Leaders are invited to join the next quarterly PIO call on February 7. 

Please reach out to communications@dpi.nc.gov if you did not receive the meeting link.

Number 8

NC Teacher Working Conditions (TWC) Teacher Open House

NCDPI has overhauled the NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey (TWC). The two main goals for revising the NC TWC include reducing the data collection burden on schools improving data quality and data use. 

Teachers are invited to join the NC TWC Open House for Teachers to get an overview of the new website, survey updates and process for data collection.

NC TWC Open House for Teachers: Jan. 30, 4-5 p.m.

Please note that registration is not required for the meeting. Just click the link and enter the passcode "NCTWC" to join the webinar.

Number 7

NCDPI Accepting Summer 2024 Internship Applications

NCDPI is excited to offer an internship program designed to invite both undergraduate and graduate-level students pursuing degrees in public policy, public administration, education, communication, business management and related fields into the heart of a state government agency. All internships are paid internships. Interns can expect one-on-one guidance from agency staff, opportunities to meet with agency leaders, and the ability to contribute to the work of advocating for and supporting educators and students across North Carolina.

Internship applicants should specify their personal and professional goals in their application documents in order to best pair successful candidates with relevant projects and teams within the Department. Opportunities exist for internships in various fields and with a number of different work units, including opportunities in research, communication, data analytics, legislative affairs and program management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the list of available 2024 summer internship opportunities prior to submitting an application. Learn more about internships at NCDPI and find the online application here. The deadline to apply is February 26.

Number 6

Next NC Scholarship Available to NC Students

The Next NC Scholarship is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at any community college or more than half, if not all, of tuition and fees to attend any public university in the state.

The Next NC Scholarship combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a simplified and predictable scholarship award that’s easier to understand and makes education more affordable for most North Carolinians.

Students can apply by submitting the FAFSA form. If they are eligible, they will receive the Next NC Scholarship. There are no additional forms to fill out to apply. 

Learn more about the scholarship and eligibility requirements here. 

Number 5

Purple Star Award Submissions Open Through Feb. 1

The submission period for the Purple Star Award is now open and will close February 1. Help honor those schools that go above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment to military students and their families by encouraging them to apply.

Learn more, see previous awardees and find the application here.

Number 4

Macon County Schools Surprised with $62 million from the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund

Earlier this week, Superintendent Catherine Truitt surprised Macon County Schools with the announcement that the district is being awarded $62 million from the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund.

The district will use the money to construct a new facility for Franklin High School, which is currently housed between seven buildings that date back to as early as the 1950s.

Read more from WLOS here.

Number 3

Three High School Teams Vie in 2024 N.C. Jr. Chef Competition

"Three teams of high school students from across the state will cultivate culinary creativity in the 2024 North Carolina Jr. Chef Competition. Based on applications and recipes submitted, teams from First Flight High (Dare County Schools), Garinger High (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools) and Northern High (Durham Public Schools) will compete as finalists in the statewide cook-off."

Congratulations to each of the finalists! Read the full press release here.

Number 2

Center for Safer Schools Awards $35 Million in School Safety Grants

"Two hundred thirty North Carolina school districts and charter schools will benefit from $35 million in safety grants announced today by the Department of Public Instruction’s Center for Safer Schools (CFSS).

The funding will be used for safety equipment, training and services for students in crisis. Safety equipment covered by this grant includes items such as cameras, vape detectors, radios, and weapons detection systems. Training can include professional development for school leaders to assist students who are experiencing anxiety, trauma and/or conduct problems. Services made available through this grant can include school-based mental health services."

Read the full press release here.

Number 1

NC Principal of the Year Finalists Announced

"Nine principals from across North Carolina have been chosen as regional Principals of the Year. On May 24, one will be named the Wells Fargo Principal of the Year at a ceremony hosted at The Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary.

"Principals are challenged with creating a culture of excellence and advocating for both students and teachers,” said State Superintendent Catherine Truitt. “Though these nine regional Principals of the Year are from diverse backgrounds and different areas of the state, what they have in common is an unwavering commitment to improving student outcomes and making an impact on their communities.”

The Wells Fargo Principal of the Year is an ambassador for the state’s approximately 2,500 principals. The individual selected for this honor serves in an advisory capacity to the State Board of Education for a two-year term and on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Public School Forum."

Congratulations to all the finalists! Thank you for your dedication to the students of North Carolina. Read the full press release here.