Number 10

EdNC: "Nominations are Open for the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award "

"The 2024-25 application period for the North Carolina Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award is open through Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. The award, passed by Congress in 2019 and administered by the U.S. Department of Education, honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service, according to this press release.

The website of the U.S. Department of Education says, 'Public and private school employees are both eligible for nomination by their states,' including preschools, local public schools, charter schools, and private schools. ...

Classified school employees include these occupational specialties: paraprofessional, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades.

Those nominated can be a part-time or full-time employee who works in any grade from pre-K through high school."

Read more and learn how to nominate someone here. 

Number 9

AIM Conference Breakout Sessions Schedule Now Available

The sessions at this year's AIM Conference will touch on an array of timely and informative subjects. With topics as diverse as artificial intelligence and instructional leadership, learning differences and free speech, the 2024 conference is a can't-miss event for educators across our state!

Explore the sessions at go.ncdpi.gov/AIM. Classroom teachers can attend for free by filling out this form. 

Number 8

Writing Professional Development Series

Educators, check out this year’s Writing PD Series for 2024-25. The four webinars, hosted by NCDPI's K-12 English Language Arts team, are scheduled for September 12, November 7, March 20 and April 20, and will show participants how to support their students’ writing development.

Learn more and register here.

Number 7

Resource: Office of Academic Standards External Implementation Guide

Check out the Office of Academic Standards' new External Implementation Guide. This repository is a one-stop shop for each content area related to the NC Standard Course of Study and includes standards and support resources.

Office of Academic Standards External Implementation Guide

Number 6

Webinar: NCSPRA Election Survival Guide for School Communicators

On September 13, NCSPRA will host a free, virtual PR check-in webinar to provide resources in advance of the 2024 election. The webinar will cover important "Dos & Don'ts" to keep your district away from election-related controversy and will include election rules, classroom resources for teachers, voter registration tips and more.

The PR check-in will feature Mebane Rash, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of EdNC. It will be a one-hour Zoom webinar beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13. The webinar is open to all NCSPRA members. In addition, NCSPRA is making the webinar available to all NC school PIOs on a one-time basis.

Register for the webinar here.

Number 5

Superintendent Truitt's Parent Newsletter

The August edition of Superintendent Truitt's parent newsletter, Coffee with Catherine, went out last week. Check out the most recent newsletter here!

To sign up for the newsletter, click here and enter your email address. When prompted, select "Superintendent Truitt's Parent Newsletter."

Number 4

Governor Cooper Announces $4 Million Grant for North Carolina Apprenticeship Expansion

"Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced the North Carolina Business Committee of Education (NCBCE) has been awarded $4 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand the use of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in high-demand fields. This grant is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s $195 million investment through the Apprenticeship Building America program.

NCBCE’s NC Career Launch will create a statewide youth apprenticeship system, developing and scaling programs for high school students that lead to RAPs in critical sectors. These programs will provide a seamless pathway to post-secondary education and a career with family-sustaining wages.

Apprenticeship is a proven workforce training model that combines paid on-the-job training with formal classroom instruction, helping workers gain the necessary skills for career success. NC Career Launch will focus on youth apprenticeships which are specifically designed for high school students, offering paid work-based learning, classroom instruction, and mentorship. This initiative allows students to gain experience, build skills, and pursue postsecondary education without incurring debt."

Read the full press release and learn more here. 

Number 3

Training Available for New NCSIS

A variety of virtual trainings are available for district- and school-level staff who are part of the Phase I implementation of our new student information system, NCSIS Powered by Infinite Campus. The implementation team has worked with each PSU’s NCSIS Admin to convert the past 10 years of data and provide support for third-party integrations with the new system.

• View pages 8-13 of the professional development plan to find a training that’s right for you!
• Visit NCSIS.gov for additional resources.
• Questions? Contact your PSU’s NCSIS Admin.

Number 2

WECT: "Teacher Donates Kidney to Stranger to Help Former Student in Need of Transplant"

"When Laura Eakins first met Kaleek Beatty in 2016, he was waiting on a kidney. Eakins, a teacher at Pender High School and Beatty, a student there developed a bond almost immediately.

'I was coaching Kaleek’s brother so I knew the family and their struggles,' the physical education teacher said.

Beatty was able to get a kidney eight years ago but he recently found out that his kidney has run its course.

'In the fall he got some bad news and he was like I’m going to be on the transplant list again. And I just felt a call,' Eakins said."

What an incredible story that showcases Pender County Schools teacher Laura Eakins' care towards her students! Read the full story here. 

Number 1

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt Welcomes Staff and Students to 2024-25 School Year

"The beginning of the school year is one of my favorite times. There's something incredibly special about the collective excitement and the new beginnings it brings!"

Watch Superintendent Truitt's welcome back to school video here.